USA > Pennsylvania > Notes and queries historical, biographical, and genealogical, Vol. II > Part 2
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Columbia, Pa.
NOTES AND QUERIES.
Historical, Biographical and Genealogical.
CXCII.
THE ADAMS COUNTY HISTORICAL SO- CIETY are going to work in earnest. And why should they not-with such mnen as Mc- Pherson, Demarest, McConaughy, Stahle, Sheely and others, who have done yeoman service in other fields of literary labor. The Society should have been organized twenty years ago, but
it is not too late to glean the harvest fields of history in that locality. Apart from its location of the decisive battle-field of the great civil conflict, Adams county has a history rich in material, which has never been developed, and they who are looking to this end are de-
serving of all praise. A hundred years hence those who come after them will bless- their memory.
INTERESTING NOTES
From the Records of the Land Department.
II.
George Basehair, w. for 150 a. "adjoining; Christopher Stump, in Swetawra twp.," Lancaster co., August 30, 1738.
Benjamin Brightbecl, w. for 100 a. "ad- joyning land of Richard Hart, on Swaha- tawro," June 25, 1741.
Jolin Penn, by w. dated Feb. 22, 1765,. granted the use of 20 acres of land in the- twp. of Lebanon, co. of Lancaster, to Philip, Boyer, Matthias Steyer and Daniel Engst, "in trust for erecting thereon a School and. Master's House for the public use of the Inhabitants of the said Township."
Andrew Berryhill settled in Paxtang in 1756, built a house and other improvements.
William Brown in 1765 took out a w. for- a tract of land "including the improvement he bought of his brother Matthew Brown."
Thomas Harris took up a tract of land "at. foot of Peter's Mountain" in 1765.
Alexander Kennedy and John Kennedy, brothers, took np adjoining tracts of land "at foot of Peter's Mountain, " in 1765.
Barefoot Brunson resided in 1765, on the- north side of Peter's Mountain.
Abraham Deene, w. for 200 a. of land "situate on a north branch of Marsh creek, next the "Indian Town, " October 6, 1738.
Hans Peter Enders, w. for 300 a. in Earle township, Lancaster county, Feb 21, 1737.
John Eyster, w. for 50 a. "adjoining. Martin Miller, on a Branch of Codorus, over Sasqnahanna River, " May 12, 1748.
flugh Hall, of Derry twp., Lancaster co., d. prior to February 1748-9, leaving a som William.
David Foster, "on Connewaga creek, " left. a son John Foster.
"Goshen Hill in Heidelberg twp."
"Old Town in Wickanisko Valley."
"Indian Path in Paxtang twp., Lancaster Co."
John Henry Geiger settled in Earle twp., Lancaster co., prior to 1737.
George Gordon took up 140 a. in Antrim twp., "on the Branches of Antietam on the
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West side of Sasquahanna River, " Feb. 28, 1743-4.
Joseph Heald of Chester co. took up 400 a. of land on the west side of Sasquahanna, ""'at an annual g. r. of 2 shillings" Nov. 1, 7735. By will he devised 200 a. to his slaughters;
i. Elizabeth. ii. Phoebe.
iii. Martha. iv. Mary.
and 200 a. to his son John. John Heald by deed Oct. 8, 1740, 200 a. to James Frazier. James Frazier, 10th June, 1741, to Eraneis Fineber. Francis Fineher, 21st Sept., 1742, to William Craig. William Craig, 14th Nov. 1754, to John Rankin. John Rankin d. intestate; his widow, Ann, intermarried with Abram Noblet, who sold to James Todd.
"On Deer Lick Run, to inelude a Deer Lick & three streams of water emptying into Powel's creek about 4 miles from Sasqua- hanna," June 23, 1774.
Andrew Scott, of Paxtang, w. for land in Paxtang Jan. 6, 1737. His brother Joseph wvilled to John Scott, son of Andrew, prior to 1758.
Jacob Grove, Benjamin Boyd, and others, "on the Cranberry Swamp" in Londonderry twp., Laneaster eo., in 1776.
THE LEGISLATURE OF 1828-9.
The Famous Anne Royall's Description.
[Early in January, 1829, the notorions Anne Royall again stopped at Harrisburg on her return trip from Western Pennsylvania. Her account recalls to mind many of the men arho were at one time prominent and influen- tial in the State and we are sure the readers of Notes and Queries will be entertained by this once dreaded woman's description. ]
I stopped at Mr. Bueller's, and was waited . on that evening by a number of the members -also by my old friend Gen. Swift. This being Saturday, I was invited to go to church . the next day; a carriage and eseort was at my service, after the arrangements, to which I consented, and the gentlemen withdrew.
Next morning Gen. Ogle, the old 76, at- tended with a baronch and five or six ontrid- .ers, and thus honored, I was led to the front pew, which had been reserved for the pur- pose. Next day I was escorted to the Sen- ate, where I found matter enough for my men.
The first thing I did, was to seleet those members who voted for chartering the Sun- duy School Union. These were pointed out to me by a friend; and I candidly believe they sincerely repent of the infamous trans- action. The Speaker of the Senate, Mr. Sturgeon, one of the voters, is a stont young looking man, with rather coarse features; his face is round and complexion dark, but his countenance is open and artless; his manners are plain and displays great inde- pendence and self possession; though a farmer-like man, was perfectly unembar- rassed; spoke andibly, and never appeared to miss his duties.
They go on very rapidly with business in both houses, sit after dinner, and even until bed time, in committees. But go with the blue-skins.
llon. Brown, is the hardest cut of the whole, he drinks - water. Oh ! the sin- ner. He is of good size, neither old nor yonng, with a broad, red face-he turns all Iris hair upon the top of his head in narrow braids to hide his bald pate, has a gander eye and sly countenance.
Hon. (this distinction is only due to Sena- tors) King I have mentioned in my Ist vol. He has a very heavy brow and a piercing blace eye; he voted for the charter.
Hon. Duncan, same corps. is not a bad looking man, and a good speaker. The Presbyterian hardness was there. Ile and the Hon. Sullivan resemble very much. and the flint does not look harder. They have triangular red faees, high cheek bones and blue eyes. They are cold blooded men.
Hon. Fullerton, same, is an elderly stout man, a little gray, with a large pale face, and the finest eye in mortal head; large, full, soft and black-his countenance is mild and benevolent. and his actions accord there- with. He supports a fair reputation, and nothing but the most besotted bigotry conld have led him into the snare of Dr. Ely.
Hon. Hav, is mentioned in Ist Vol. under the head of Philadelphia. IIe has a keen intelligent face, and could swing off an hun- dred heretics to the hour.
Hon Logan (Sunday school too) is keen for uniting church and state; heopenly avows it, and is a warm friend of Dr. Ely's. May both their HEADS be severed from their shoulders, before we see the day. The others do not deserve a place in the history of their country.
The liberal men form a great contrast to
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these-there was the towering Gen. Ogle, grown gray in the Senate; reminded one of the Roman Senators. He is a very hold animated speaker-the tear watered his benevolent cheek as he spoke in favor of the revolutionary soldiers.
Hon. Hare Powell, is also a very inde- pendent, manly speaker, and a fine orator. The United States and the world at large, owe much to this patriot. Had it not been for him and Dr. Burden, most probably American blood would now be running in our streets. Pennsylvania has rendered her name immortal, in being the first to oppose those ferocious handitti.
Hon. E. S. Kelly, was rather of a blueish cast, but is a very amiable, worthy man. He is an attorney, of good height and figure, rather light, and young looking, with an oval thin face, dark complexion, and dark hair and eyes-his countenance is keen, at once expressive of shrewdness and good sense. He is affable in his manners, and is said to be one of the most efficient members of the Senate.
Hon. John Ryan, is one of my favorite Germans. He is a gentleman of young ap- pearance, middling height, and well made- his face is round, full and fair, with hand- some regular features, fair hair, and soft blue eyes. his countenance open and manly, and his manners candid and generous.
Hon. J. Miller, (of Perry, ) is also a young man, tall, slender and finely shaped, with an oval, fair, smooth face, and mild, dark eve, and his countenance mild and placid; his manners are peculiarly dignified and en- gaging.
Hon. Jackson was a poor apology.
Hon. Matthias Morris is a Yankee from N. H. He represents Bucks-is a tall, fine looking man, keen and actively made, with a good face, dark complexion, and piercing black eye. Ile is an attorney.
Hon. Krebs, is a middle aged man, rather intelligent and genteel in his appearance.
Hon. Kerling, of Delaware, is also of middle age, and mniddling height, oval face, with deep blue eyes, and genteel appearance.
Hon. MeClure, of Lycoming, is a hand- some light figure, middle aged, redish hair and eyebrows, pleasing countenance, and. easy manners.
Hon. Ringland, of Washington, is a keen, fine figure, with fair face and very engaging
. appearance.
Hon. Seltzer, one of my Germans, and a
good sonnd man; is middle aged, and re- spectable appearance.
Hon. John Ray, one of the best men im Pennsylvania, German descent. He and Mr. Ryan, were sitting together; I liked their- honest generous faces, and drew my chair, and leaned over the bar, against which they sat, and chatted with them some time. Mr. Ray is of middle age, dark visage, black hair, and a keen sensible black eye-I was. much pleased with his generous countenance and frank manners.
J. Hunt, Esq., another Senator, is from. Chester county, the land of promise-he is a good honest farmer, of middle age, and gen -- teel manly figure, with honesty and inde- pendence depicted in his countenance-his. complexion is middling, his face round,. with good features, and a soft gray eye; his- manners familiar and friendly.
Hons. Dr. Burden, of Philadelphia county, and Wise, of Westmoreland, were absent at Philadelphia.
Hon. Leech, of Mercer county, is also of middle age; a tall man; round, fair, small face, sharp nose, and very pleasing counte- nance.
Of Hon. Houston, I find nothing in my notes but chin and spectacles.
Hon. Frederick Hambright is another of my favorites, as generous as a prince, he is from Lancaster No more may be said of him. Mr. Houston is also from Lancaster, but he did not happen to strike me.
Hons. Drumheller, Reif, Bertolet, Scott, Hawkins, and Herbert, are all that remain of the Senate.
As it is the first time, the body has at- tracted the pen of the historian, it would have given me pleasure to have described them particularly. But from what cause I know not, they have been overlooked in my haste, or the notes lost. Must wait till next. time. It is painful to close the description of this noble body of freemen, with the much lamented J. De Pui, Esq. the life, soul and pride, as well as clerk of the Senate. He is no more! Cruel death always culls the fair- est flowers. Mr. De Pui was of Greene- county, and the handsomest man in the chamber; a fine towering figure, noble mein, and the Chesterfield of the Senate. Peace to. his slade.
When I last saw him, he received from my hand. a set of my works, a present for the- State. I shall never forget his modest bow, as he took the hook from my hand, and the-
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sweet smile which accompanied his thanks.
Col. W. S. Franklin, assistant clerk, was also an interesting young man, nor must I forget the door-keeper, who is also sergeant- at-arms, Mr. Robert Dickey, a most worthy and kind man, and a perfeet gentleman. I never look at the exterior of a man, I al- ways attend to his actions.
For the honor of this great State; all pos- sible honor was paid to me by the Senate, from the speaker down. They know how to appreciate strangers, and by paying proper respeet to their own rights, they know how to respect the rights of others.
If I was honored in the Senate, I was much more so in the House. These noble warm hearted people received me as though I were a dear parent. It was quite a moving scene. Pennsylvania had heard of me-I was for some time cherished in her bosom, when a child. They had heard it-they had heard I was a brave man's widow-they had heard of my adverse fortune-they had heard of my independence - and the respect paid to me every where.
I was escorted to the house, and met at the door by two representatives ; these led me up the front aisle-when the speaker descended from his chair and received me with great condeseension and kindness. He led me to a seat near the fire and seated himself by my side. The speaker, Mr. Middleswaith, is not a handsome man, but his politeness made him shine like diamonds-I shall ever re- member him with gratitude and esteem-he is a middle aged man. and middling height, heavily made, with a round full face, dark complexion, and open benevolent eounte- nance; he is a plain and friendly man.
Mr. J. A. Caldwell, of Lancaster county, was every thing to me-he is of middle age and stoutly built, of fine appearance, and warm easy manners.
Robert Miller, of Chester county, is like- wise a middle aged sound German, of good size, round face, fair complexion and mild gray eyes, his countenance steady and unas- suming, and a modest independence marks his unsophisticated manners.
I was no less pleased with Mr. Peter Shindel, a good, staunch, firm German. I wish all our citizens were as honest and sound as Mr. Shindel. He is low and square built, and seeing the other members sub- seribing, he "did not care about reading or buying a book, but he vood kif a vidow somdings," and pulled out fiifty eents; more
than I would have received from a missionary in an hundred years, unless it was in the priee of a halter.
H. Petrikin, Esq., is a fine merry soul; he despises the blues, traets and priesteraft. Had seen and read my Black Book, and was delighted to hear I had dispersed the black- coats, and put the colleges to a stand-he was one of the school committee; he and two or three more soon made arrangements to intre- dnee a new and liberal mode of teaching, which we in the goodness of our hearts, and wisdom of our heads, declared and deereed, should be general in Pennsylvania, and should not contain a single priest or missionary. We were to pull down all the colleges and ereet them anew. I showed them the ob- seene letters I received from these godly peo- ple, with the rules of the colleges. The lib- eral members are for a general school sys- tem.
Mr. P. is a young small man, with a keen eye, and no small share of intelligence: he is an independent and spirited speaker, and guards against innovations with the eye of an cagle.
N. P. Fetterman, Esq, is mentioned in the 1st Vol. IIe is from Bedford, and is also awake and on guard. Both he and Mr. P. are attorneys. Mr. F. is a man of more mildness, but eminent in virtue.
Mr. Roberts, is a young spare man, with rather a clownish look-he speaks well; I do not know what county he is from; as a mis- sionary stole (I wish this was all they stole) the paper with the names of the counties.
Mr. A. D. Kerr, of Washington county, is a large middle aged man, with an intelli- gent countenance, fair complexion, and wears speetaeles-he is a elose attentive member.
Gen. Krepps is a stout, portly young man, with a round, full, ruddy faee-good natured open countenancee, very jovial and friendly.
Peter Lobaeh, Esq., of Cumberland, is middle aged, and a fine noble figure, fair full face, and open manly countenance, and the pure eream of human kindness-he is quite a plain farmer looking man, little touched with the blues.
Rev. John Driesbach, a Methodist priest, I think, is a slender thin visaged man, sallow complexion, and soft blue eyes; his countenance is mild, staid, and has mueh sweetness-his manners are easy and amiable. He is from East Buffalo, Union county.
Win. Alexander, one of the stars, is from
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Newville. He is a middling sized man, of very fine appearanee; his figure light, and his features of the best Grecian model; his countenance is mildness and intelligence itself, and his manners are equally winning.
Gen. Frick, is quite a rustic, with a stout figure, round face and wan countecance; he effects great singularity, and is full of horse play and horse laugh. I should think his heart or his head is unsound.
Mr. B. Champneys, is from Lancaster; he is an an attorney, of middling height, and rather light make, with a handsome persou; his features are regular and striking, and visage round and fair; his countenance is prepossessing, and he speaks with mnch fluency and grace; he is quite young, and very promising; his manners are truly en- gaging.
Dr. Lehman, is from Philadelphia, also a very engaging man; he is tall and keenly made, with a small lynx eye; his face is oval, thin and handsome, and his counte- nance cool, staid, and contemplative; he is a sensible, shrewd, business-going man, and a very handsome speaker-he is a perfect gen- tleman in his manners and does honor to those who elected him.
B. S. Bonsall. Esq., is from Philadelphia; he is a tall fine figure, and handsomely featured, with a soft full black eye, ruddy complexion, benevolent countenance, and very genteel interesting manners. He was one of our committee to fix the school plan.
Mr. Fisher, from York, is also a genteel good looking inan.
J. R. Shannon is from Beaver all the way ; he is one of the finest men on the floor-one of your right down warm hearted men-gets acquainted in a moment, and nses no cere- mony. This is, however, peculiar to Penn- sylvania, excepting Philadelphia; you cannot find a fop in the State. Mr. S. is quite a young man, stoutly made, with a round, full, handsome face, and ruddy complexion. His countenance is humanity itself, and his man- ners fascinating, in the highest degree, and is the idol of all who know him.
Mr. Blodget is a young looking man, of good appearance, blue eyes and easy manners.
Mr. Rehrer is likewise a fine looking young man, good figure. handsome features and open benevolent countenacce,
Mr. Bastress, is a portly, elderly man, with a eoarse visage, rather blueish, but ap- pears of good sound sense.
Mr. Martin, of Philadelphia, is a good- looking man, and fine appearance.
Mr. John Galbraith, of Franklin, is a tall fine figure, with a thin oval fair face, and mild engaging countenance, and pleasant manners, and a young looking mau.
Mr. D. Lawson, is a rough farmer look- ing man, of middling age and and good per- son; his face is rather dark, with a fine keen intelligent eye, and benevolent countenance. I was much surprised to find him a man of reading, and general knowledge, and one of the most active members of the house.
Mr. Geo. Farrell, is an amiable man, of very pleasant manners and feeling heart, middle-aged, and very intelligent. I can- not say whether Mr. F. is a member or not. But this I can say, he is a most valuable man to society. Alas! there is no society. But I mean virtue, innocence, and liberty. It is astonishing that the very few friends of virtue and humanity, do not unite for the common safety. Masonry. the last prop of society, is attacked by these savages-never was a better bait to take the unwary, and were it not that what little learning, honesty and common sense is left from the revages of these Tartar hordes, is found amongst the Masons, the curtain of liberty would soon drop forever.
I received a complimentary note from Mr. Farrell, in approbation of the favorable opinions I expressed of Masonry in my writing. The note does honor to the Union; that if all the people in the world were Ma- sons, no such thing as war and blood shed or cruelty, wonld disgrace the human race. Rut this is impossible while ignorance and slav- ery abounds.
Gen. J. Ash, of York, is also amongst the respectable members. Likewise, Messrs. Isaac Trimble, of Chester county, Arthur McGill, of Pittsburg, Ezra Cope, of West Chester, John Cox, of Shippensburg, and Samuel White of Petersburg, Adams coun- ty-these are all very amiable and independ- ent men.
Messrs. Livingston and Boyd, deserve the fag end of the house: both hot blue-skins of the first water, and are from Philadelphia; very little to its credit to send men to make laws, who bored their tongues and hung them-I could take a piece of maple and make better men if I had a Yankee earpen- ter. I heard Livingston say, "we have beggars enough." Very true: but if his traet-ship, applied the epitaph to me, I throw
..
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it back in his face. Boyd had an old maid with him trying to trade her off.
Mr. Miller, of Philadelphia, is a very fine man, but a little touched with the blues.
These are the principal members, a firm generons independent body of men as America can boast.
It would seem the taste of the assembly entered in the person of its clerk. The elerk of the house is the pride of the Sus- quehanna, and beyond question, the most perfect model of manliness in the State, or perhaps in America. He is about six feet, five or six inches high, with clear made limbs, perfect symmetry. young, pleasing in his manners, handsomely featured, and his gate easy aud groeeful; his name is F. R. Shunk, Esq.
The officers of the state government, are also worthy respectable men-of them, the principal are Gabriel Hiester, Esq., surveyor- general, and A. Mahon, Esq .. treasurer, and the anditor-general, Gen. Hiester, is a rela- tion of ex-Governor Hiester, and a stout, young looking man, with a large, round fair face, dark full eyes, and very easy plain manners. His eonntenance is very interest- ing.
Mr. Samuel Brenizer, his chief clerk, is one of the finest looking men in the state- he is a tall elegant figure, (these Susqne- hanna people are giants, ) quite a young man, with one of the handsomest faees in the world-his complexion is fair, his eyes full and blue, and the graces revel in his eounte- nauce.
Mr. I. D. Rupp, in the secretary's office, is rather a small man, but finely shaped, with a round fair face, and mild blue eyes- he very politely waited on me through the building, and showed me some interesting relies of antiquity, viz: the signature of James the 2d, King of Eng- land-this was written in a plain hand, while he was duke of York ; signed James, to a deed to Penn. Also the original charter of Charles 2d, to Penn. The colors taken from the Ilessians at Princeton- several deeds from the Indians to Penn. The first of these charters was dated in 1692, the other in 1732. I did not see the secre- tary of State, but found a great boar sitting in his chair.
The auditor-general, David Mann, is a very tall middle-aged man, of pleasing man- ners.
David Mahon, the treasurer, is a stout
man, middle aged, full face, with a fine blue eye, and gentlemanly manners. Every thing was in place in his office, and the busi- ness nppeared to be well conducted.
Gen. David Mann, was, however, the flower of the flock.
Amongst the relies of old time, I met- with a number of chairs used by the old congress at Philadelphia, from 35 to 40. years ago. They were very large, and newly covered with red moroceo.
NOTES AND QUERIES.
Historical, Biographical and Genealogical,
CXCIII.
"THE HISTORY OF THE WEST BRANCH VALLEY OF THE SUSQUEHANNA, " No. 1, has made its appearance. This is a revised edi- tion of the author's (John F. Meginness, of Williamsport) Otzinachson, published in 1857, and which has beeome so rare, that the demand was for a fresh revision of that very interesting work. The pains-taking author has done a good thing, and the limited edi- tion of this volume should be seenred at once by all lovers of Pennsylvania history.
A CURIOUS TAX RECEIPT. - "John Sar- gint 1 and 3 in full for Andrew Stuart House- for the 1804, 1 cent for himself.
OBED FAHNESTOCK, Colector,
The above exaet copy of a receipt for taxes- is written upon a small slip of strong, old- fashioned paper, and was given to Sergeant, sexton of the Presbyterian congregation, which had no church then, meeting in the court house. Hle occupied a frame house on the north side of Walnut, midway between Front street and River alley. Stewart lived in Beaver county. "1 and 3" stands for abont 17 eents, that being the borough tax in the good old days of our fathers. H.
MILLER .- Matthew Miller, of Middleton township, Cumberland county, Penn'a, made his will September 11, 1784, which was pro- bated at Carlisle March 29, 1797. Ile be- queaths his estate to his children as follows : i. Mary; m. Samuel Irwin, and had Matthew.
ii. Sarah; m. Samuel Williamson, and had Matthew.
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iii. John; m. and had Ann and Eliza- beth. iv. Jenny; m. James Gillespie, and had Matthew Miller.
v. Elizabeth.
vi. Ruth.
vii. Catharine.
viii. Matthew; "a tract of land in West- moreland eounty."
Information is desired concerning this family. MILLER.
STEPHEN HILLS,
The Architect of the State Capitol of Penn- sylvania.
[For the material for this sketch, we are indebted to Thomas ITills, Esq., of Boston, son of Joseph ITills, a brother of the archi- tect. ]
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