USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Memoirs of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, personal and genealogical with portraits, Volume I > Part 32
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On Feb. 1, 1785, he was married to Amelia, only daughter of Gen. John Neville, then living at Bower Hill, on the Chartiers creek, and became the father of a numerous family, some of whom followed the military instinct of their father: Percy Craig was senior surgeon of the United States army, and medical director under Gen. Zachary Taylor in Mexico; Henry Knox Craig was general and chief of ordnance, United States army, and Isaac
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Eugene Craig was lieutenant in the engineer corps of the United States. Some lived until a very recent period.
Oldham Craig, a well-known Pittsburger, died Oct. 4, 1874, on his way to Florence, Italy, to visit a son.
Amelia Neville Craig died Oct. 27, 1879.
Maj. Isaac Craig died on Montour's (now Neville) island, May 4, 1825, and was buried in Trinity churchyard, Pittsburg.
Maj. Isaac Craig's eldest son was Neville B. Craig, who was prominent in the early trials of the country, and was born in the Colonel Bouquet redoubt on March 29, 1787. He studied at the Pittsburg academy, graduated at Princeton college, and was admitted to the Allegheny county bar on Aug. 13, 1810. He was a successful lawyer, but in 1829 became the owner and editor of the Pittsburg Gazette, which he converted into the first daily in Pitts- burg, continuing until 1841, when he disposed of his interest. As an editor he was bold and successful, devoting his vigorous powers to the best interests of the city of his birth and his country. He was the author of several historical works, one of them a history of Pittsburg. He was solicitor of the city of Pittsburg from 1821 until 1829. In 1822 he formed a partnership with Hon. Walter Forward, lasting several years.
JOHN HUNTINGDON CHAPLIN.
From an Address to the Allegheny County Bar Association, Dec. I, 1888, by Chief Justice Daniel Agnew.
This time the Green Mountain State contributed her gift to Pittsburg's noted lawyers. John Huntingdon Chaplin, of Royal- ton, Vt., was born there in 1782. His parents were William Chaplin and Judith (Huntingdon) Chaplin. Mrs. Chaplin's brother, Samuel Huntingdon, was a signer of the Declaration of Independence. John H. Chaplin was graduated at Yale college, Connecticut, and came to Pittsburg in 1805, where he studied law with Henry Baldwin, and was admitted to practice Nov. 15, 1808. On June 28, 1809, he was married to Harriet Craig, eldest daughter of Maj. Isaac Craig, of the United States army, and Amelia (Neville) Craig, only daughter of Gen. John Neville, then of Bower Hill, on Chartiers creek, near Pittsburg. By this marriage Mr. Chaplin became connected with two of the most distinguished families in western Pennsylvania. On July 25, 1809, William Chaplin, his father, wrote to Mr. and Mrs. Craig a very kind and flattering letter of congratulation, dated at Bethel, near Royalton,
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.
Windsor Co., Vt., and bore testimony to the high character of his son. His only regret was the great distance intervening, which made strangers of both families. The date of this letter and that of the marriage show that letters must have taken a month to go and a month to come. This fact reminds us of the advance in our time of all that relates to convenience in travel, and to the unity and greatness of our country. The news by telegraph would have taken less than an hour to find its way over this widespread land, and by mail only a few days. A portrait of John. Huntingdon Chaplin, painted in Boston, is said to have been on exhibition recently in Gillespie's art room, on Wood street, Pittsburg, the queue and powdered hair denoting the fashion of the early time. Mr. Chaplin was at one time worshipful master of Lodge No. 45, of Pittsburg, an order of Masons chartered by the provincial grand lodge of England, Dec. 27, 1785. This lodge (No. 45) celebrated its centennial in Pittsburg, Dec. 27, 1885.
The purchase of Florida was made of Spain in 1819. That country was supposed by many to be-as it was called by Ponce de Leon when in search of the fountain of health and beauty-the "land of flowers," and many Americans, on its cession to the United States, emigrated thither, hoping to find wealth and fortune, as well as health and pleasure, within its orange groves and ever-blooming plants. Among these aspirants of hope was John H. Chaplin, who moved to Pensacola in the year 1820. He there practiced his profession successfully, and was in a fair way to redeem the promises of his aspirations, when cut off by yellow fever, Aug. 24, 1822, just as he was about to bring his long exile from home to an end and to return to his loved ones, whose sepa- ration from him had been a constant sorrow. Mr. Chaplin left a wife and two children-one a son, William Craig Chaplin, who became a lieutenant in the United States navy, and married Sarah J., a daughter of James Crossan; the other a daughter, Amelia Neville Chaplin (now a widow), who married Thomas S. Shields, Esq., attorney-at-law and a large landholder, of Sewickley, Pa., Oct. 8, 1832.
LIEUT. WILLIAM CRAIG CHAPLIN.
The only son of Harriet Craig and John Huntingdon Chaplin was born in Pittsburg, April 11, 1810. He was a lieutenant in the United States navy, in sea, shore or special service, from 1826 to 1851, and died in the officers' quarters, at the Charlestown navy yard,
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Boston, Mass., April 25, 1856. The following is an order to Lieut. William Craig Chaplin to take charge of a boat expedition on the River Sambas, west coast of Borneo, March 18, 1845:
[Copy] U. S. FRIGATE CONSTITUTION, Off the Island of Borneo, March 18th, 1845.
Sir :- I have to direct that you proceed with the boats placed under your charge and command, into and up the Sambas River. On entering, should you find a Dutch establishment there, you will stop at the same and make enquiry of the officer or person in charge thereof, whether such establishment is of the Government of Holland or belongs to a private or incorporated company of Merchants.
In either case it is desirable to ascertain if they have authority to prevent Americans from trading with the Rajahs and Natives on the Coast or in the River. This enquiry is one to which I respectfully call your attention, as involving great delicacy, pro- priety and prudence on your part.
You will endeavor to ascertain how far up the River the Rajah resides, and where the first Native village is situated. You will proceed thither with great caution and prudence, ever bearing in mind the treachery attributed to the Malay character, and more particularly to the inhabitants of the Island of Borneo.
The object of this visit is to ascertain as far as practicable, the disposition of the Rajah and his subjects to have Commerce with the people of the United States, and the cause heretofore of its interruption, -the articles they have to dispose of, and those they are desirous of obtaining in exchange.
You will be furnished with three boats-one, the gig, in which you will hold your communication with the Natives :- the others will take a position by your direction to cover your retreat, should treachery or murder be attempted. Let no offence be offered to the Natives by any under your command, and should wrong be committed on their part do not attempt to correct it by letting a greater wrong be done by those under you.
The First Lieutenant, Mr. Paine, will furnish every thing necessary for the expedition. As I am entirely ignorant of the geography of the place ("Sambas"), or even its location on the River, your own mind will point out the prudence of not passing by villages of such importance, that bodies of men collected therein . might cut off your retreat.
If you can induce the Rajahs or any of the chief men to visit the ship. you are authorized by nie to assure them of a kind recep- tion, and a guarantee to them of a safe return to their own village unharmed. If they ask for presents they will receive them from the ship on making their visits
To give minute directions for every step proper for you to take
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is impossible. Much is therefore left to your judgment and pru- dence, in which I have entire confidence, and am
LT. WILLIAM C. CHAPLIN, - U. S. Frigate Constitution. S
Very Respectfully, Your obedient Servant, PERCIVAL, Captain.
From imperfect information obtained since the above was written, I infer that this River is in possession of the Dutch and that there is a Dutch establishment thereon. If you find such to be the case it will not be necessary to proceed higher up the River than such establishment, where you will get all the information that can probably be obtained. You will therefore return as soon as convenient. It is not my wish to have the crews of your boats exposed more than the circumstances make necessary.
[Copy]
PERCIVAL. U. S. SHIP CONSTITUTION, Coast of Borneo, March 21, 1845.
Sir :- In compliance with your orders of the 18th inst., I pro- ceeded with the boats under my charge to the entrance of the "Sambas" River, where I found a small native village called Ramon-Kat and a guard boat of the Dutch Government. To the officer in charge I reported the name and character of the ship and my wish to ascend the River to the town of "Sambas"; to this no objections being offered, we entered the main branch of the Sambas at noon of the 19th. This river we found to be a trifle over a mile in width and preserving a uniformity, not only in its dimensions, but in its soundings and the character of its borders; the latter are formed by a thick undergrowth of Mangroves, through which the water penetrates to some distance, affording no landing except upon the thickly interwoven roots of this tree, and those of the Yzer wood. (We had occasion to cook two meals for the boats' crews upon these remarkable banks.)
In consequence of the great disparity between the ebb and flood tides (the former running eight hours and the other but four and a half), we did not reach the mouth of the South branch until mid- night of the 19th; this branch of the Sambas is 22 or 23 miles from the sea, and varies in width from 30 to 45 yards, and its borders are similar to those of the main stream, affording no foundation for towns or villages. Being detained at the entrance of this branch by the ebb tide, I despatched Dr. Reinhardt to a village situated on a narrow stream a few miles from our anchorage; he was fortu- nate in obtaining a few specimens of plants,-a small Sampan which had accompanied us from the guard boat gave him a better opportunity to examine the banks of this shallow stream, than one of our own boats could have done.
At daylight on the 20th, after a night of incessant rain, we arrived at the town of "Sambas," twenty miles from the main stream. I called at once upon the Governor and made the report
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usual in such cases; with unlooked for hospitality he offered me a house and cooking establishment for the men, and invited the officers to domesticate themselves in his own house; this kindness on his part was further increased in the course of the day by accompanying me to the Chinese and Malay Towns, and the frank- ness of his replies to all my enquiries.
From the information which follows, obtained from Governor Baumgardt, I felt satisfied that your order of the 18th did not require me to proceed any higher up the River.
This part of Borneo embracing the Sambas and all its branches, extending from 32' of South latitude to 2º 40' of North and from 108º 40' East to 110º 57' of East longitude, comprising an area of 26,304 square miles, contains a population of 50,000 Malays, 50, 000 Dyaks and 50,000 Chinese, and is entirely under the control of the Dutch Government to whom it was ceded in 1817, and has been held by it without interruption since that period.
Its commerce though limited is entirely unrestricted, excepting the articles of Salt and Gunpowder; these are monopolies of the Dutch Government and are contraband in vessels of other nations. There is also a small duty upon Tobacco, which is brought from China and the island of Java, but with the exception of these articles, all the Dutch possessions in the Island of Borneo are free to the traders of all nations. There is however an inconsiderable Port duty of one rupee per ton levied upon all vessels that ascend the River.
It is matter of surprise that this large territory affords no articles of commerce,-completely inundated at high water, communication with the few mountains observable from the coast is only to be had by means of boats, and two of these mountains afford to the Dutch Government its only source of revenue and to the natives their only article of trade. (I should except however a close grained wood called the Yzer, principally used by the Chinese for furniture.)
The trade of the Sambas, consisting chiefly of plain bleached, unbleached and printed cottons and calicoes, has been monopolized by the English for many years-the Dutch do not even attempt to compete with them; the natives pay in gold; this metal is brought from the mountains before spoken of and becomes their only article of commerce, as soon as freed from the earth in which it is found, by the simple process of washing, and is worth eight hundred rupees or three hundred and twenty dollars to the pound. It is to be regretted that the demand on the part of the Natives for cotton fabrics should be so inconsiderable, as the navigation of the River and the access to it is extremely simple and uniform, and the char- acter of the Natives, if not naturally docile, are rendered incapable of aggression by the close surveillance of the Dutch authorities, and vessels drawing 12 or 13 feet may ascend with perfect ease and safety to the town of Sambas.
I transmit herewith a chart of the River, which the Governor offered to allow us to copy, and in closing my report I cannot avoid
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again referring to the kindness of Governor Baumgardt, the frank- ness of his communications, his cordially expressed desire that our commerce with this colony should again be renewed, and his regret that business and the preparations he is making to leave for Batavia prevented him from visiting you on board the "Consti- tution."
I am very respectfully, Your obedient Servant,
CAPTAIN JOHN PERCIVAL, (S) W. C. CHAPLIN,
Commander U. S. Ship Constitution. Lieut.
J. CROSSAN CHAPLIN, Lieutenant-Commander United States Navy, Eldest son of
Sarah J. Crossan,
Born in Pittsburg May 14, 1836.
William Craig Chaplin, Lieutenant U. S. Navy, 1826 to 1851. Died at sea Sept. 23. 1866; buried in Saint Leonard's church-yard, Sept. 24, 1866, Bridgetown, Barbadoes, West Indies. Entered the United States navy Oct. 4, 1850.
Lieutenant-Commander Chaplin was among the first to dis- tinguish himself at the beginning of the Rebellion, having an envi- able reputation for ability and pluck. At the time of his decease he was the executive officer of the steam-sloop "Monocacy, " ten guns and 1,030 tons. Commander Carter pays a tribute to the character of the deceased, "whose record," he says, "for daring and cool courage in the performance of his duty is not surpassed by that of any other in the service." His whole naval service covered sixteen years, of which twelve were spent at sea.
NAVY DEPARTMENT, June 29, 1861. Lieut. J. Crossan Chaplin, United States Steamer Pawnee.
Sir :- Annexed is an extract from Commander S. C. Rowan, in relation to your gallant conduct at Mathias Point, on the 27th inst .. when you had command of a detachment from the U. S. Steamer Pawnee. The Department highly appreciate your brave and heroic bearing on the trying occasion, and is happy to communi- cate to you the complimentary extract from the report of your commanding officer. I am respectfully, etc., GIDEON WELLES, Sec'y of the Navy.
EXTRACT.
I beg leave to call the attention of the Department to the gal- lantry, coolness and presence of mind of Lieut. Chaplin, of the
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Pawnee, commanding the party on shore. He remained steady and cool amongst a perfect hail of musketry from hundreds of men, while he collected his own people and made good his retreat without leaving the enemy a trophy beyond a few sand bags and some axes, and, so far as I can ascertain, the muskets of the wounded men. The last man left the shore with him, and not being able to swim to the boat with his musket, Lieut. Chaplin took on his shoulders musket and all and safely reached the boat with- out a scratch, save a musket-hole through the top of his cap. Four days later he was tendered the command of the privateer Savannah. In October, 1864, while in command of the United States Steamer Commodore McDonough, he was highly complimented by Rear- Admiral Dahlgreen for the efficient condition of his ship and the good order of his crew. In the hour of danger his presence of mind never forsook him. Cool, calm and courageous, he was of such stuff as heroes are made. In the social side his many virtues shone to equal advantage. He was one of nature's noblemen, and not one of the large circle who shared his friendship will ever forget his genial ways and warm heart.
IN MEMORY OF THE GALLANT CHAPLIN. By the Hon. Jonas R. McClintock.
LATROBE, PA., Oct. 26, 1866.
To the Editors Pittsburg Chronicle:
The announcement of the death of your lamented young towns- man, Lieut. - Commander J. Crossan Chaplin, of the United States Navy, at the Island of Barbadoes, W. I., has not failed to fill with deepest sorrow the hearts of more than one fireside in this beauti- ful valley. His lamented father, who was an ornament to the pro- fession of the sailor-springing from the best blood of the Revolution-was known and cherished in private life as one of nature's noblemen. The gallant son did not fail to catch the inspiration that distinguished the father in less perilous times, preparing himself on the first blast of the bugle of insurrection, to assume a glorious prominence, and do honor to the arm of the serv- ice to which he was so closely wedded. His daring and chivalry were the first to shed lustre on our little navy after the breaking out of rebellion. Off Mathias Point he served with gallant con- duct. A shell entered the Valley City, and, passing through the magazine, exploded on the berth-deck, setting it on fire. James Crossan Chaplin, the commander, jumped down into the magazine himself, and, while giving directions to the men who were dashing water on the fire, passed up loose cylinders of powder. The fire- works on board ignited, and rockets whizzed and shot off, blue lights blazed up amid the ammunition, while the vessel reeled to the heavy broadsides that never slackened. The shell room caught fire, and for a few moments it seemed as if the vessel must be blown out of the water. But Lieut. - Commander Chaplin kept the men steady, working himself like a common sailor to extinguish
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the fire. John Davis, the gunner's mate, seeing the flames break- ing up on every side, jumped on an open barrel of powder, and sat down on the head to cover it with his person. Lieut .- Commander Chaplin seeing him quietly seated there, ordered him in a peremp- tory tone to get down and help put out the fire. The brave fellow replied : "Don't you see, sir, I can't, for if I do, the sparks will fall on the powder. If I get down, Captain, we shall all go up." Though the danger was imminent and the scene terrific, Lieut .- Commander Chaplin could not refrain from smiling at the imper- turbable coolness of the man. A more daring act cannot be conceived, and he was promoted for it, as he ought to have been. The fight was so quickly over, that Rear-Admiral S. C. Rowan did not fire even his twenty-four rounds. When the master's mate planted the stars and stripes on the fort, one long, loud cheer went up from the whole flotilla. The Daiching in the meantime grounded in the Combahee, right under the guns of a rebel battery. Lieut. - Commander Chaplin fought her bravely to the last, and, when he found her a wreck, set her on fire, and escaped with his crew.
NOTE .- From the Hon. J. T. Headley's "Farragut and Our Naval Com- manders," pages 410, 411 and 490; printed 1867.
JOHN MONTOUR CHAPLIN.
John Montour Chaplin was born Jan. 5, 1849, at officers' quar- ters, navy yard, Memphis, Tenn., the fourth son of Sarah J. Crossan and Lieut. William Craig Chaplin, of the United States navy. He received his education under private tutors in Pittsburg and at the academy at Tuscarora, Academia, Pa., graduating in 1866. He then became confidential clerk to his uncle, Col. James M. Cooper, and, resigning his position, became discount and bills of exchange clerk in the Bank of Pittsburg. After ten years of successful work there, he became manager of the Pittsburg clearing-house, where he remained for twenty-one years and retired as assistant manager. He was treasurer of the Bankers' and Bank Clerks' mutual benefit association in 1891, and became president in 1894. He was an active participant in the organization of both the Duquesne and the Pittsburg clubs. He was secretary and treasurer and a member of the board of governors of the latter in 1879-80. Mr. Chaplin is an Episcopalian, and in politics a republican.
The most beautiful place on Neville island is that owned by John M. Chaplin. He lives in a beautiful colonial house, sur- rounded by spacious grounds, winding drives and walks, and many beautiful floral beds, resembling a park. There are 160 trees, standard and ornamental, some of which are very rare, the entire
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grounds being snugly inclosed by a well-trimmed hedge. Mr. Chaplin is a great dog fancier; he is the possessor of a splendid "Great Dane" and numerous fox terriers, and, withal, an historic homestead. Mr. Chaplin is a member of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the American Revolution, and also a member of the Pittsburg chapter of the Society of the Sons of the American Revo- lution.
ANCESTRY OF JOHN MONTOUR CHAPLIN.
Sarah J. Crossan. M. William Craig Chaplin, Feb. 8, 1833. B. Pittsburg, Jan. 14, 1813.
D. Jan. 24, 1901. Buried in Allegheny Cemetery.
-Son of
Harriet Craig. M. John Huntingdon Chaplin, July 5, 1809. B. Fort Pitt, Dec. 25, 1785. D. on Neville Island, Allegheny Co., Pa., May 6, 1867. Daughter of
Major Isaac Craig. M. Feb. 1, 1785. Amelia Neville.
B. 1741 in Ireland. B. Winchester, Va., 1763. Came 1765 to Philadelphia. D. Pittsburg.
Lieut. in U. S. Navy, Capt. & Maj. in U. S. A.
Commander Fort Pitt in 1785.
D. Pittsburg, May 14, 1826.
Buried in Trinity Churchyard. Daughter of-
General John Neville. M. Aug. 24, 1754, at Winchester, Va.
B. Occoquan, Va., July 24, 1731.
Colonel 4th Virginia Rgt. during Revolution.
Member Penna. "Board of Property."
Member Penna. "Supreme Executive Council."
Member convention to ratify Federal constitution.
Revenue Officer U. S. during Whiskey Insurrection.
Built at his cost the first Episcopal Church
west of the Allegheny Mountains. Prominent in Business.
D. Pittsburg, July 29, 1803. Buried in Trinity Churchyard. Son of Richard Neville of Va. and Anna Burroughs, Cousin to Lord Fairfax. See Pages 478-9 of "Egle's Penna. Genealogy."
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ANCESTRY OF JOHN MONTOUR CHAPLIN.
Fourth Son of
Lieut. Wm. Craig Chaplin, U. S. Navy, in sea, shore or special. B. Pittsburg, April 11, 1810.
D. April 25. 1856, at the Charlestown Navy Yard, Boston, Mass.
John Huntingdon Chaplin, atty. at Law. B.
D. at Pensacola, Fla., 18 -. Son of Benjamin Chaplin. B. D. Royalton, Vermont.
M.
Winifred Oldham.
B. Winchester, 1736.
D. Pittsburg, 1787.
Buried in Trinity Churchyard.
Daughter of
Anna Conway and John Oldham. of Virginia. B. in Virginia, 1705. Son of
Colonel Samuel Oldham.
M. Elizabeth Newton.
B. Westmoreland Co., 1680. B. Wilmington, Va., 1687.
D. Westmoreland Co., 1762. D. 1759.
Son of
Thomas Oldham of Va.
Daughter of John Newton. Son of Willoughby Newton.
Son of John Oldham who came to Virginia in March, 1635. See Penna. Genealogy, page 479.
Son of Christopher Huntingdon. B. in England. Came to Rockberry, Mass., 163 -. Came to Norwich, Conn., 1660. D. Norwich, Conn., June 28, 1706.
Son of
Simon Huntingdon. B. in England. D. in ship off coast of Massachusetts, 1633.
M. Margt. Baret of Norwich, England.
Service from 1826 to 1851.
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MEMOIRS OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY
Amanda Sarah Huntingdon. B Windham, Conn., June 26, 1761. D. Allegheny, Pa. Daughter of
Colonel Jabez Huntingdon. M. Aug. 6, 1760.
B. Windham, Conn., 1738.
Graduated at Yale, 1758.
Member Conn. Council, 1764-81.
High Sheriff, 1782.
D. Nov. 24, 1782. Son of
General Jabez Huntingdon. V
B. Norwich, Conn., Jan. 26, 1691.
D. Norwich, Sept. 25, 1752.
Very prominent in civil and military life. Married May 21, 1725.
Mrs. Sarah Wetmore. B. 1700.
D. Norwich, Conn., March 21, 1783.
General Jabez Huntingdon. -Son of
<-
Christopher Huntingdon. M. May 26, 1681,
B. Nov. 1, 1660.
D. April 24, 1735,
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