Notes and queries historical, biographical, and genealogical, Vol. I, Part 51

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: s.n.
Number of Pages: 618

USA > Pennsylvania > Notes and queries historical, biographical, and genealogical, Vol. I > Part 51

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By order of the chamber, JOSEPH Fox, Speaker.

Bouquet was nominated brigadier gen. eral and died in the same year 1765.

The writer says, that about the career in America of our compatriote he would not know where to find a more accurate and more detailed information in his native country, than the one he has cited.

Bouquet left a pamphlet, "A historical record of the expedition against the In . dians of the Ohio, commanded by Sir Henry Bouquet," which was translated into French and published at Amsterdam in 1769, which, however, could not be found up in the libraries at Rolle or Lau- sanne.

The writer expresses his regrets, that he had not sufficient time to find out and

call on such persons, who might be in possession yet of documents concerning the family Bouquet, of which several members have served with distinction in foreign countries, particularly in Holland, where among others one of his uncles was engineer officer. (I suppose the party mentioned here is Louis Bouquet, named before, who expatriated himself on ac- count of his attachment to the service of Holland and perhaps the same party, who is named in the General's Will, in case his father should be dead),

NOTES AND QUERIES.

Historical, Biographical and Genealogical.

XCVI.

"FEDERAL SPRING."-This was the usual place in the early history of the town, to hold the Fourth of July celebra- tions. "Federal Hill" was another local- ity. Where were these places ?

EARLY SCHOOLS AND TEACHERS.

In 1801 Joseph Cogley proposes to open school on the 1st of April next "at the house of John Brook, formerly occupied by Alexander Power, in River alley, be- tween Walnut and Locust streets."

Lewis Kreiter, interpreter of the German and English Languages, conveyancer and accomptant. at his dwelling house on the south side of Walnut st., nearly opposite Bombach's store and Doctor Albrecht's, between Second and Front street, and a little below Mr. Daniel Stine's tavern, Hbg., in October, 1802, continues his day and night school.

There will be an examination of the Grammar Schools under the direction of the Rev. Mr. Snowden on Wednesday next [Feb. 16, 1803] at x o'clock, at which the parents and guardians of the youth and other literary gentlemen are invited to attend. And in the evening there will be orations delivered in the court house by candle light; notice will be given by ringing of the bell.

On Wednesday morning next [ March 16, 1803] at 8o'clock, there will be an ex- amination of the scholars under the tui- tion of Mr. Lewis Kreider in the German

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Church in this town, and on the follow ing evening, there will be orations deliv- ered in different languages. Parents and guardians wishing to witness their youth- ful attempts are invited to attend.

THE FAMILY OF STEELE.

WILLIAM STEELE, SR., settled along "Puddle Dock" run, a small branch ot Conawingo creek, in Drumore township, Lancaster county, about one mile and a half east of Chestnut Level, and along a public road laid out in 1737, which led from Caleb Pennel's turning mill, on the north side of Peters' creek, via

James King's mill, on Cona ·

wingo creek, to a public road leading from Mt. Pleasant to Lancaster. Prior to this date, as the road is described as running by "William Steele's farm," he took up two hundred acres and estab- lished a tannery, probably as early as 1730 5 Mr. Steele was a st: Iwart Pres- byterian and patriot. In 1756 be com- manded a company of Associators, John Evans being his lieutenant and James McNeely his ensign.

The revolut onary war found the old man full of military ardor, although by reason of his advanced years, and the in- firmities of old age, he was incapable of enduring the fatigues and hardships of an active campaign. When the first battle- cry was heard, he sent four stalwart sons in defence of the colonies to fight for their Independence and release the people from the thraldom of a tyrannical King and his corrupt Parliament Some of his sons were maimed for life, and carried British bullets in their bodies to their graves. He did not live to see his coun- try free, nor were his stalwartsons, whom he sent to battle and were in the tented field, with their armor buckled on ready for the bugle's blast, which was to call them into action, present when he died in 1780. His wife Rachel and his two daughters, and some friends were the only persons with him in his last hours. His children were :

1. Archibald.

2. Ann, married to Thomas Jordon.

3. William.

4. Rachel, married Jacob Bailey, son of Robert B., of Sadsbury township.

5. John.

6. James.

During the war an incident occurred, which came very near causing a tragedy. After the death of Mr. Steele his widow Rachel lived alone, or without any male protector about the house, when she was visited by a neighbor, probably a Quaker, who was opposed to all wars,

and especially to the

war of

the Revolution, who commenced

to upbraid her ior allowing her sons to go to war instead of following the quiet pursuits of a country life. Mrs. Steele replied with great spirit, and ordered her unwelcome guest from the house, and it is said that the craven struck her with his fist. Whether the last was true or not, it was so reported in the neighborhood. When her sons came from the army they heard what was said in the neighborhood, that a tory had gone into their mother's house and struck her. One of these sons, James or John, immediately took down his rifle from its resting place, and started to wreak condign punishment upon him. He went to the man's residence or met him on his way thither, and accu ed h m of the offense of which the neighbors re ported to him. Whether he refused to apologize or added another insult to the indignity offered his mother, was never known, for he shot him down. The tradition is that he died from the wound received; but it is more than probable that he left the neighborhood and was lost sight of.

Their son William resided and owned the old homestead, and his son William Washington Steele, who was a justice for many years, came to own it.

Capt. John Long, of Drumore, married a daughter of Mr. Steele, probably the second husband of his daughter Ann.

SAMUEL EVANS.

THE KELLYS OF LONDONDERRY.

I. PATRICK KELLY, b. 1709, in the North of Ireland; d. June 27, 1769, in Londonderry township, then Lancaster co., Penna ; came to America in 1734, and took up a large tract of land in the Swatara region, where he lived and died; his wife RACHEL, b in 1708, in Province

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Historical and Genealogical.

of Ulster, Ireland; d. August 5, 1782, in Londonderry, and with her husband buried in old Derry Church grave yard. They left issue :

i. Rachel, b. 1735; m. William Forster. 2. ii. George, b. 1737; m. and had issue.

iii. Anne, b. 1739; d. prior to 1806; m. Patrick; and left Mary m. Thomas Nicholson.

3 iv. John, b. February, 1741; m. i aralı Poak.

v. Patrick, b. April 28, 1743; d. Octo- ber 28. 1826, in Londonderry; unm.

vi. Thomas, b. 1747; of him we have no further record.

4. vii. James, b. 1749; m Elizabeth Forster.

5. viii. Mary, b. 1751; m. John Dun- can.

II. GEORGE KELLY (Patrick), b. 1737, in Londonderry township; d. prior to 1806 and left issue:

i. Andrew.

ii. Thomas.

iii. Rachel; d. prior to 1806; m. James Snodgrass; and left, Sarah, Mary, Mar- garet, Rosina, Rachel, Elizabeth, Wil liam, George, James and Thomas.

III. JOHN KELLY (Patrick), b. Feb ruary, 1741, in Londonderry township, Lancaster, now Dauphin county, Penn'a; d. February 8, 1832, in Buffalo Valley. After the Indian purchase of 1768, he settled in the Buffalo Valley, enduring all the hardships of pioneer life. At the age of twenty-seven he was a captain and major on the frontiers, and at the outset of the Revolution was ready or the con flict; he was a member of the Convention of July 15, 1776, and subsequently en- tered the army, having previously as- sisted in organizing the Associators, be ing appointed major in Col. James Pot- ter's battalion. After the battle of Prince- ton, when Cornwallis by a f rced march arrived at Stony Brook, Gen Washing- tou sent an order to Col. Potter to de- stroy the bridge at Worth's Mills in sight of the advancing British. Col. Potter or- dered Major Kelly to make a detail for that purpose, but the latter said he would not order another to do what some might say he was afraid to do himself; he took a de- tachment and went to work. The enemy opened upon him a heavy fire of round

shot; before all the logs were cut off, several balls struck the log on which he stood, and it breaking down sooner than he expected, he was precipitated into the stream; his party moved off, not expect- ing him to escape. By great exertions ha reached the shore, through the high water and floating timbers, and followed the troops. Encumbered as he was with his wet and frozen clothes, he succeeded in making prisoner an armed British scout, and took him into camp. During the summer of 1777, Col. Kelly com- manded on the frontier, and continued in that service almost to the close of the Revolution. The record of his adven- tures during those troublesome times reads like a romance. Col. Kelly was appointed agent for confiscated estates May 6, 1778, and in 1780 was chosen to the Assembly. He was one of the mag- istrates of Northumberland county from August 2, 1785, for upwards of twenty years. He married SARAH POAK, daugh- ter of James Poak, of the Valley, d. Jan. 2, 1831. They had issue:

i. James; removed to Penn's Valley, and died there; was father of James K. Kelly, U. S. Senator from Oregon, 1872- 1878.

ii. John; removed to Penn's Valley.

iii. William; m. a daughter of' Archibald Allison, of Centre county, and died there January 27, 1830.

iv. Andrew; b. 1783; d. September 24, 1786; unm.

v. Samuel; removed to Armstrong county, Pa.

vi. Elizabeth; m. Simeon Howe.

vii. Maria; d.Jan. 1861; m. John Camp- bell, of Lewisburg.

viii. Robert; b. 1798; d. April 12, 1865.

xi. Joseph; b. 1793; d. March 2, 1860.

x. David H .; b. 1803; d. Feb. 11, 1875; was county commissioner of Union county.

IV. JAMES KELLY (Patrick) b. 1781, in Londonderry twp., Lancaster, now Dauphin co., Penn'a, d. February 10, 1813; m. ELIZABETH FORSTER, daughter of James Forster and Elizabeth Moore, b. 1759, in Londonderry twp .; d. Sep- tember 7, 1822, in Londonderry, and with her husband buried in old Derry Church grave-yard. They had issue, but we have not been able to secure their names.

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Historical and Genealogical.

V. MARY KELLY (Patrick), b. 1751; d. prior to 1816; m. JOHN DUNCAN. They had issue:

i. Samuel.

ii. William.

iii. Battana.

iv. Marv.

v. Rachel, dec'd; m William Smith and left Mary and Rachel.

vi. Margaret m. Hugh Dempsey. vii. James; m. and left James, John, Andrew and Elizabeth.

viii. Thomas.

ix. David.

x. Rebecca; m. William Elliott.

NOTES AND QUERIES.

Historical, Biographical and Genealogical.

XOVII.

NAIL MANUFACTORY -In 1793, Benja- min Duncan of Middle Paxtang township, manufactured nails-his residence being six miles from Harrisburg and four miles from Hummelstown Where was this ?

DUNLOP .- John Dunlap or Dunlop, a soldier of the Revolution, was killed in service during the campaign of 1777. His widow resided in Harrisburg in 1795. What is known concerning this family.

HENRY .- Captain Matthias Henry for- merly in the United States service died at Michilimakinac in May 1804. What relation, if any, was he to Judge Henry, then presiding over the Dauphin County courts ?

A CASE OFOFFENSIVEPARTISANSHIP EIGHTY YEARS AGO.

[The following is worth reproducing at this time. Jobn Wyeth, Editor of the Oracle of Dauphin, was postmaster at Harrisburg, having filled that office about ten years. The course pursued by his paper was no doubt considered offensive by the postmaster general, and that official sent Mr. Wyeth the following remarkable notice: ]

GENERAL POST OFFICE, Jan 27, 1802. SIR :- Believing that the printer of a newspaper is not the most proper person

to discharge the duties of a postmaster, owing to jealousies which will exist, and believe also that the public interest will be promoted by the appointment of a new postmaster at Harrisburg, I have ap. pointed Mr. John Wright, of Harrisburgh postmaster at that place, to whom on re- ceipt of this, you will please to deliver all the Post office property in your pos- session. It is necessary for you to close your accounts with the generalPost office. Accept sir, my thanks for all the faithful services you have rendered while in office. With esteem and respect,

GIDEON GRANGER.

John Wyeth, Esq, Harrisburgh, in Penna

To this, in his issue of March 1st, Mr. Wyeth took occasion to say :

[7" The public are informed that the Post Office which has been held for a number of years past by the Editor of this paper is now transferred into the hands of Mr. Wright, Mr. Jefferson's Postmaster General, Gideon Granger, hav- ing in the plenitude of his sagacity, dis- covered that a "printer of a newspaper is more susceptible to perjury and mal- conduct in transacting the duties required in that department, than any other pro- fession, notwithstanding a difference of opinion hitherto held by predecessors as experienced and nearly as respectable as citizen Gidcon. But whether this dis- giaccful stigma fixed on all newspaper printers by the Postmaster General, arises from his intimacy with Duane and other printers belonging to his sect, must remain a secret in the breast of the ex- alted man. Be this as it will, the ex- postmaster is happy to inform his cus- tomers and friends that he has ANOTHER office at present not at the disposal of Mr. Granger, in which he will be happy to receive their commands.

March 1, 1802. THE EDITOR.

OUR EARLY SETTLERS.

West End of Derry-1759.

Jacob Albracht, William McCo mer,

Christly Allman, Lewis Murray,

Robert Armstrong, Robert Nelson,

William Britan, Francis Newcomb,

Robert Bratsha,

Thomas Parks,

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· Historical and Genealogical.

George Bombaugh, Pbilip Parthemer,

George Beaver, Petter Bentz,

Anthony Blessing,

Jobn Por: erfield,

Widow Black,

Samuel Reed,

Martin Brown,

James Russell,

Adam Baum,

James Russell, Jr.,

Widow Blackburn, John Rutherford,

John Crocket,

Ann Semple, William Sterrett, Peter Spangler,

Captain Woods bought of Patrick Campbell, 36 sq's of mourning goods 3s, £5.2s.0d. 8 " red cloth 3s.9d 1.10s.0d .

18 pounds of cheese 7s. 10s 6d.

James Clark.

William Dreanon,

James Shaw,

Adam Dalker,

John Tice,

David Ettou,

Robert Taylor,

George Fry,

John Vanlear,

John Fleming,

John Vanee,

Petter Groselos,

Widow Wiley,

Jebel Hall,

John Willson,

David Hunter,

Robert Walker,

Michael Hover,

Matthew Willson, Adam Waggener,

James Ireland, John Kerr,

Geo. Wetsenberger,

Peter Kender,

Conrad Wolflv,

Anthony Weirick,

Jonn Lighter, John Laird,

Moses Willson,

Matthew Laird,

Samuel McCormick, Samuel Parker,

Robert McKee,

Samuel Murray,

Thomas Kerr,

Archibald Mont-

Samuel Clarke,

gomery,

Philip Shaker,

Edward. McConnell, John Bowman.

FREEMEN.

Henry Taylor, Edward Queen,

James Vanlear,

Cornelius Queen.

JOSEPH CANDER, Collector.

DEATH OF GEN. JAMES POTTER, 1789.

The exact date of the death of General James Potter, who was a prominent offi- cer in the Revolutionary war, could not heretofore be ascertained after diligent inquiry. He was injured at the raising of a barn on one of his farms in Penn's Valley (now Centre county), in the au- tumn of 1789, and on the 27th of October, 1789, no doubt soon after the accident, executed his will. - Soon after he was taken in a bed on a wagon to Franklin county for medical . treatment, and died at the residence of nis son in-law, Captain James Poe, near tbe present village of Marion. He was buried in Brown's Mill

graveyard, near by, in Antrim township, Franklin county, and no head or foot stone marks his grave.

A number of receipts have turned up lately, but the only one indicating tbe proximate date of his death, is one signed by Patrick Campbell, as follows:

November 28tb, 1789.

Moses Campbell,

Widow Chambers,

Mark Spangler,

James Carothers, Robert Carotbers, Joseph Cander,

William Spencer,

Matthias Stall, Stople Shoop,

£7.28 6d.

This bill is receipted to Captain James Poe "being for funeral expenses for Ger l. James Potter, deceased"-Patrick Camp. bell was a Chambersburg merchant (McCauley's Hist., page 76 )

Another receipt for five pounds eight shillings and two pence, "for General Potter's funeral expenses," is signed by Samuel Purviance who, according to Mr. McCauley, was a merchant in Chambers- burg as early as 1786 A receipt for "the sum of two pounds five shillings, it being for making a coffin for the eorpse of James Potter, deceased," is signe l by Alexander Dunlap and Joseph Keys- Reduced to Pennsylvania currency this would be six dollars. Another receipt for one pound eight shillings and ten pence "funeral charges for James Potter, dee'd," is signed by Robert McCulloh.

Five physicians attended General Pot- ter in his last illness. Of the reputation and eminence of four of them history and tradition has preserved a record. The fifth, whose bill is made out in elegant script, I have never beard of.

"General James Potter to Richard Pin- dell. To medicine, consultation and at- tendance 8£. 12s. 9d. Errors excepted. R. PINDELL.

To this bill, which would be in the currency of Penna. $23, is appended a receipt signed by Dr. Robert Johnston, which would indicate that Dr. Pindell was not a resident of the neighborhood.

There was a prominent Virginia family of that name, and Dr. Pindell may have been a Hagerstown or Maryland physi- cian.

Dr. William Magaw's bill reads: Nov. 1789. To a visit 10 shillings; 2oz. extract

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Historical and Genealogical.

Saturn. 4 shillings = 14 shillings. This preseription being two ounees of lead water, diseloses the nature of Gen. Pot ter's ailment-a sprain-which eorres ponds with the traditionary accounts of his injury. Dr. William Magaw was a Surgeon of the 1st Penna. Regiment (Col. James Chambers) of the continental line. When Gen. Lafayette was wounded in the Battle of Brandywine Sept. 11th, 1777) Dr. Magaw dressed his leg. At the time of Gen. Potter's death, Dr. Magaw resided at Mercersburg. He built and resided in the large stone man- sion in Mercersburg, which, when I was at College, th re in 1846-8, was owned and occupied by the late Dr. McDowell. Dr. Magaw had a son, Colonel William Magaw, mentioned by the late Mr. Me Cauley in his history of Franklin Coun- ty, page 97, as the inventor of straw pa- per. Col. Wm. Magaw went to Mead- ville, Pa, in the employ of his unele, Samuel B. M-gaw, as early as 1808, and from thence was transferred to Detroit where he volunteered in the ranks at the time of Hull's surrender, August 16, 1812; but returned to Meadville where he established manufactures of potash, &c.

The old surgeon went from Mercers- burg to Meadville to spend the remainder of his days with his son. In the latter part of May, 1825, Gen'l Lafayette, when making his famous tour through the United States, passed through Meadville. Dr. Magaw, who was then in his 81st year ealled upon the General and taking him by the hand, said: General, do you know me?" "I cannot reeall your name," said Lafayette, "but you are the Surgeon who dresed my wound at the battle of Brandywine." The old surgeon felt very happy over the reeogni- tion. Dr. Magaw died at Meadville, May 21, 1829, aged 85 years. Another son, Dr. Jesse Magaw, married a sister of President James Buchanan. Dr. Jesse Magaw was a graduate of Diekinson Col lege, and died young. I onee came aeross his tombstone in some graveyard near Mereersburg. Col. Wm. Magaw has two sons and a daughter still living at Meadville. To the eldest, Leon C. Magaw, I am indebted for information in relation to his father and grandfather. Another physician who attended Gen-

eral Potter was Dr. Robert Johnston. Mr. McCauley gives a short notice of him on page 121, too short for that of so remarkable a man. He served as a Surgeon and Surgeon in chief all through the Revolutionary war, from the St. Lawrence river to Savannah, Georgia. It was he that volunteered and was sent in by Gen. Greene to the suffering Ameri- ean prisoners at Charleston. In examin . ing Gen. Wm. Irvine's papers some time sinee, I noticed that when war with the Freneh Directory beeame imminent in 1798, and Gen. Irvine was selected to command the Pennsylvania quota, he ehose Dr. Robert Johnston for his Sur- geon General Dr. Johnston was Major General of the 7th Division of Pennsyl- vania Militia in 1807, and died Nov. 28th, 1808, and is buried in the Johnston grave. yard on the Witmer farm near Green- castle.

Dr. J. "McClellen's bill for medieal at- tendance on Gen. Potter was £9. Dr. MeClellen's reputation was very great, and the tradition in the Potter family in Centre eounty is that Gen. Potter went. to Franklin county especially to seeure Dr. MeClellen's serviees. Dr. MeClel - len was the father of the late Wm. Mc- Clellen, Esq , of Chambersburg.

Dr. William Crawford charges Nov. 12th, 1789, to a visit £1.15s. 'Consulta- tion on your case with Dr. Pindell and Magaw £1.15s. Total £3 10s. Dr. Craw- ford lived on Marsh ereek, Adams eounty, and was a member of Congress from 1809 to 1817, and died in 1823 Poore's Congressional Directory has a short biographieal sketeh of Dr. Craw- ford. JOHN BLAIR LINN.

NOTES AND QUERIES,

Historical, Biographical and Genealogical.

XCVIII.

MANOR OF ANTOLHOUGH -In the list of manors given with the "Historical Map of Pennsylvania," published by the Historieal Society, the manor of An- tolhough, or Antolhea, as oceasionally written, was thought to be the same as the manor of Little Swatara, now em- braced in Schuylkill county. I find

377

Historical and Genealogical.

that the former manor was included in what is now Bethel and Tulpehocken townships, Lebanon county, and ad- joined Freame's manor, both being south of the "North Mountain.'

AN OLD TIME LETTEK.

[The following letter was written by James Trotter, to afterwards Col. James Burd. Who was James Trotter ? Tbe Luna was probably a club with which both were associated. The letter is ins teresting:]

Philad'd., 22 May, 1753.

Dear Jamie: Tho' I have not had the pleasure of bearing in particular from you, yet it gives me pleasure to hear of your & family's welfare. It's true, I have been to blame in not writing you long e'er now, which I hope you will not im. pute to di-regard or neglect; it has wholly proceeded from hurry or absence from Town, which has been pretty much my case for sometime past. I need not tell you the difficulty in finishing affairs in my way. I shall be obliged at last to leave more debts than I choose. My de. parture for Europe will be determined by the arrival of Cap Ritchie who I look for every hour & don't think I shall stay many days after, as I intend for Scotia. Should be glad of your command to your friends as no doubt they will be anxious to hear from you.

If I come out here I propose remaining until next spring, as I shall scarcely go home for some time Our Luna society is now reduced to a small number. Brey, Swift and Wallace gone to London; Smith to Janiaica; Lardner to his Iron Works. Few as we are, when Cynthia calls together we pass our moments agreeably, wishing health and prosperity to all our members that can't he with us. Pray, if the hurry of a country life will permit, write me how you are recon ciled to it, with any observations you have made since settling there. There's no news in town worth remarking. The Lunas increase in town, as well with you, of which we wish you and sister Sally joy. My kind love to her, and I shall be glad on my return to find you and her settled here. I must now beg leave to

retire, as I am going about an important business, viz: dunning. the most dis- agreeable of all employments. So wish- ing you all happiness and prosperity,

I am, with great regard, Your af't Luna & friend,

JAMES TROTTER. To James Burd at Shippensburg, per favor of Mr. Magraw.

IN THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR.

[For the following roll of the Com- pany of Captain James Patterson, we are indebted to our friend, 'Squire Evans, of Columbia, who found it among the Patterson papers. I is one of the few muster rolls of the ranging companies on the frontiers during the French and Indian war of which we have any knowledge. Of the names (some of which, however, are not distinguishable), we recognize early settlers in this locality :}

A Roll of Captain Patterson's Company at Fort. Hunter the 3d way ot February, 1758.

Men's Names.

listm nt ....

Times of En-

listment ....

Terms of En-

1 James Furge-on, serg. . March 3, 1757.1 yr.

2 John Furgeson. serg .. . . March 3, 17 7 1 vr.

3 David Kidd, corporal . . June 11, 1757 .. 3 yrs

4 Edward . eats .. N'Ab. 21, 1757 .. 1 yr.

Feb. 26, 1757. . 1 yr.

6 Abel Pearson ..

.. Ma . 23, 1757. . 1 yr.

8 Fargus Highlands

9 Charles MeNeely .. ... . July 28, 1757 .. 3 yrs

10 John Sturgis, drummer. July 23, 17 7. 3 yis 11 Robert Mack

Nov. 2, 1757. .. 3 yrs

14 John Shields*

Nov. 27. 1757. 3 yı s

15 Richard H igans

. Dec. 1, 1757. . . 3 yrs

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Notes and queries historical, biographical, and genealogical, Vol. I, Part 51

Author: Publication date: 1884 Publisher: s.n. Number of Pages: 618

Author:
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: s.n.
Number of Pages: 618