USA > Pennsylvania > Pennsylvania, colonial and federal : a history, 1608-1903, Volume Three > Part 39
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42
Waynesburg, in Greene county, was laid out in 1796, and be- came a borough in 1816. The town was named in honor of Gen. Anthony Wayne, the hero of Stony Point, one of the most famous Indian fighters of his time. For many years it has been known as the seat of learning and comfort, and the founding of Waynesburg College in 1851 was only a deserved recognition of the refined quality of its citizenship. The population in 1900 was 2,544.
Honesdale, so named in honor of Philip Hone, who was one of the chief promoters of the Delaware and Hudson canal in this part of the State, was laid out in 1826, and was the direct result of the enterprise just mentioned. Previous to that time the town site was a swampy wilderness, but the operations of the company
564
Planting of the Cities
stimulated action to such an extent that the little hamlet became a borough in 1831, and a county seat in 1842, when the Wayne county public officials were removed there from Bethany. Since that time the history of Honesdale has been a record of constant progress in the pursuits of trade and manufacture. In 1840 the population was 1,086; in 1880 was 2,620, and in 1900 was 2,864.
Wreck of Day Express
Above Johnstown after the flood, 1889. En- graved especially for this work from a nega- tive by E. D. Bonine, taken the day after the water subsided
Kittanning, on the east bank of Allegheny river, in the cen- ter of the rich iron and coal producing fields of Armstrong county, of which it is the county seat, was laid out in 1804, and was incorporated in 1821. It is known as one of the most pleas- antly located boroughs in the Allegheny valley contiguous, to Pittsburg, being distant from that city about fifty miles. In 1840 Kittanning contained 700 inhabitants, and in 1900 the num-
565
2
Pennsylvania Colonial and Federal
ber had increased to 3,902, from which it is seen that its growth has been slow and steady during the last sixty years.
Gettysburg, the county seat of Adams county, is described by an early writer as "a neat and well built town, situated on elevated ground, at the intersection of several important turnpike roads, and surrounded by a delightful and well-cultivated country." This description applied to Gettysburg of the first half of the Nineteenth Century, when it was not more than a well ordered and comfortable county seat, with two noteworthy institutions of learning-the Southern Theological seminary and Pennsylvania college, the former founded in 1825 and the latter in 1832. In the early part of the last half of the century just mentioned Get- tysburg became the scene of one of the most remarkable events in American history ; an event which caused the name of the quiet inland town to be known throughout the world, and one which has been made the subject of numerous publications in this country and in Europe. The "Battle of Gettysburg" July 1-3, 1863, had the effect to dwarf into insignificance all the interesting his- tory of the town in earlier years and to open a new era in its civil and domestic life. In fact, in the magnitude of one great event it seems to have been forgotten that Gettysburg once formed a part of the original district known as "the Manor of Mask," es- tablished by the proprietary government in 1740, and that pre- vious thereto settlements had been made in the locality. The town itself was founded and laid out in 1787 by James Gettys, from whom its name is derived. It became a county seat in 1800, and was incorporated as a borough in 1807. Its earliest institutions of note were the Theological seminary, and the Penn- sylvania college, while the turnpikes to York, Chambersburg, Baltimore, Hagerstown and elsewhere added to its early impor- tance and gave the town considerable prominence in the region many years before Lee's confederate army invaded Pennsylvania territory. In 1840 the town's population was 1,908, and in 1900 was 3,495.
566
Planting of the Cities
Butler, shire town of Butler county, located in the rich oil fields of western Pennsylvania, was laid out in 1803 on lands donated for public purposes by John and Samuel Cunningham. A few log houses were on the site when the commissioners located the county buildings, but the growth of the little hamlet was so rapid in the next few years that in 1817 Butler was incorporated as a borough. Both before and after this time the inhabitants were chiefly devoted to lumbering and agricultural pursuits. About 1870 certain interested persons made a discovery of oil in the vicinity, and the little county seat at once became noted as a center of oil production and operations, and its growth in subse- quent years was remarkable. The increased population and business importance so quickly acquired were made permanent by the construction of three lines of railroad, which centered in But- ler and which have been factors for good in its history. In 1830 the borough population was 580, and in 1900 had increased to 10,853.
Beaver, in Beaver county, at the point where Beaver river empties into the Ohio, dates its history from the year 1791, when, under authority of the legislature, the town was directed to be laid out "on or near the ground where the old French town stood," and where, also, in 1778 Fort McIntosh was built. Thus it is seen that the pretty little county seat occupies historic ground, a strategic point for early military operations, although the peace- ful arts of agriculture, manufacture and trade have been the pur- suits of its people since the days of the Revolution. The borough was incorporated in 1802 and attracted but little attention until an enterprising company began the work of utilizing the waters of Beaver river for manufacturing purposes. The construction of a canal, and still later a railroad, stimulated still greater efforts in the same direction, and soon the region on both sides of the river for several miles was resolved into a manufacturing dis- trict. All these enterprises contributed to the prosperity of Beaver proper, but in addition to its commercial advantages, it
567
Pennsylvania Colonial and Federal
has long been known as a borough of fine homes, of wealth and refinement, and the seat of notable institutions of learning. In 1840 its population was 550, and in 1900 was 2,348.
Bellefonte, seat of justice of Centre county, one of the most healthful inland boroughs of the State, was laid out as a town in 1795 and became a county seat five years later. It is situated on
the eastern slope of Bald Eagle mountains, on elevated rolling lands, and long has been noted for healthful surroundings and picturesque landscapes. The production of iron ore and the es- tablishment of various mills for iron manufactures have given the town and county an especial prominence in the industrial world and contributed materially to local prosperity. The borough was incorporated in 1806, and was reincorporated with enlarged boundaries in 1814. Its population in 1840 was 1,032, and in 1900 was 4,216. The Pennsylvania State college, incorporated in 1854 as "The Agricultural College of Pennsylvania," is located in College township, twelve miles southwest of Bellefonte.
Mercer, the pretty little county seat of Mercer county, was laid out in 1803 on lands donated for that purpose by John Hoge. In the central portion of a productive agricultural region, the bor- ough has gained some prominence as a convenient trading place, and while not without industries its people make no especial claim in that direction. In 1890 the borough's population was 1,804.
Warren, the county seat of Warren county, one of the most interesting and beautifully situated towns in Western Pennsyl- vania, was laid out in 1795 in connection with the operations of the Holland land company, although the questionable policy of the company with regard to land sales delayed settlement until about 1800, when the county was created. For many years afterward Warren was a center of extensive lumbering opera- tions in the region bordering on Conewango creek and the Alle- gheny river. This was the principal industry until the heavy timber growths were cut away and fine farm lands were opened for successful cultivation. In the meantime the county
568
Planting of the Cities
town had enjoyed a continuous growth and became an incorpo- rated borough in 1832. Its history, however, was uneventful until the discovery of oil in the locality, which suddenly trans- formed the quiet borough into a bustling city with a mixed popu-
P.R.R.
Johnstown
by Rau residence scene. From a negative Another
lation of speculators, operators and drillers. This period of ex- citement continued twenty or more years and contributed largely to local progress ; and when it was passed the drifting elements sought other fields, leaving that which was most desirable in municipal life-increased wealth and substantial business inter- ests. In 1840 the borough population was 737, and in 1880
569
Pennsylvania Colonial and Federal
was 2,810. The greatest growth in population, due to the estab- lishment of new interests, came between 1890 and 1900, the num- ber of inhabitants having increased from 4,332 in the former year to 8,043 in the latter.
Indiana, the county seat of Indiana county, was laid out in 1805, and became a borough in 1816, soon after the region had begun to attract attention on account of its salt producing quali- ties. The growth of the county seat in later years was quite slow until the construction of a branch railroad in 1854 and the still later erection of the State Normal school building, which at the time was the largest structure of its kind in Pennsylvania. In 1840 the population was 674, and in 1900 was 4,142.
Brookville, the seat of justice of Jefferson county, was laid out in 1830, by commissioners appointed by the governor for the purpose of locating the county buildings. The site was chosen because of its pleasant situation at the junction of Sandy Lick and North Fork creeks, on the line of the old Susquehanna and Waterford turnpike. The town was planted in a heavily tim- bered section and soon became a center of trade. Its growth was slow, the total population being less than three hundred in 1840. Later on, however, the opening of the "low grade" division of the Allegheny railroad through the town resulted in increased business and population. Now Brookville is an at- tractive borough of 2,472 (census of 1900) inhabitants, and has gained some prominence as an industrial center. It became an incorporated borough in 1843.
Smethport, in Mckean county, was laid out in 1807, but owing to adverse conditions no permanent settlement was made until 1822, and the county itself was not organized until 1826. Even then the public buildings were erected in a densely wooded region where lumbering and litigation are said to have been the chief pursuits of the people for several years. But at length this formative period passed away and Smethport became a flour- ishing town in a lumber district, with a good academic school and
570
Planting of the Cities
a printing office among its most prominent institutions. Its sub- sequent growth in population has been moderate, the number of inhabitants in 1900 being 1,704. Naturally, the larger enterprises of this region have been attracted to Bradford, both on account of its size and better transportation facilities.
Coudersport, the seat of justice of Potter county, an attractive borough with good public buildings, diversified business interests and comfortable homes, is located on the upper waters of Alle- gheny river in a portion of the State which previous to about fifty years ago was thickly covered with heavy timber growths. The town was planted in 1807, and for many years was noted for its lumber trade, but with the gradual clearing away of the forests excellent farms were opened and the people devoted their ener- gies to agricultural pursuits, and also to manufacturing, as the resources of the locality would permit. The town was laid out in 1807, and during the early years of its history received many favors from John Keating, an extensive land owner. The sub- sequent life of the borough has been accompanied with few vicissi- tudes, and to-day it is regarded as one of the flourishing munici- palities on the northern border of the State. The population in 18So was 667, and in 1900 was 3,217.
Wellsboro, by some writers of early Tioga county history called Wellsborough, was laid out as a county town in 1806 and began its civil history with assurance of future prosperity. How- ever, soon afterward there arose a clamor for the removal of the county buildings, with the townships of Tioga and Cowanesque engaged in a contest for the coveted designation and in conse- quence Wellsboro was suffered to decline in interests and popula- tion. In 1835 the controversy was ended, the county seat re- mained in its original township, and new public buildings were authorized to be erected. It is said that the original name of the township from which Wellsboro was incorporated as a borough was Vir-Del-Mar, and was so called in allusion to the States of Virginia, Delaware and Maryland and that in 1808 the name
57I
Pennsylvania Colonial and Federal
was changed to Delmar township. Wellsboro was named in honor of Mary Wells, wife of Benjamin W. Morris and sister of Gideon Wells, who were among the first settlers in that vicinity. The more recent history of Wellsboro has been uneventful. The borough was incorporated in 1830. In 1840 the population was less than 400, and in 1900 was 2,954.
Ebensburg, the seat of justice of Cambria county, was laid out in 1804 on lands owned by Rev. Lees Lloyd, who named the town after his son Eben, and gave to the commissioners the site on which the county buildings were erected. The early settlers in this locality were largely Welsh, noted for thrift, sobriety, and industry. They had previously laid out a town about two miles southwest of the site of Ebensburg, and when the latter was plot- ted they abandoned their own settlement in favor of the new one. The borough was incorporated in 1825. The population in 1840 was 353, and in 1900 was 1,574.
Clearfield, on the site of the old Indian town of Chinclaca- moose, was laid out as the county seat of Clearfield county in 1805, and derives its name, as does the county, from the cleared fields found in the vicinity by the earliest settlers. The pioneers here were largely of Scotch-Irish descent, with a small contingent of Germans, and a few New England Yankees who were attract- ed to the locality by the splendid timber lands for which the upper West Branch valley was noted. From the time the town was founded down to about 1855 lumbering was the principal occupa- tion of the people, and after the vast forest growths had been removed the lands were developed into excellent farms. Still later, the discovery of bituminous coal gave rise to a new industry, and contributed far more to the town's advancement than its former lumbering interests. Thus has Clearfield been benefited by the development of the natural resources of the region. For more than half a century it has been known as a prosperous town, and one which has furnished several strong characters in the civil and political history of the State. The borough was incorpo-
572
-
131
New State Capitol
Reproduced especially for this work from plans of Joseph M. Huston
Planting of the Cities
rated in 1840, at which time its population was 300. In 1900 the inhabitants numbered 5,081 (including West Clearfield which was annexed in 1890).
Towanda, the shire town of Bradford county, is second in point of population among the three busy little municipalities (Sayre, Athens, and Towanda) which through their diversity of interests have added so much to the wealth and prominence of the upper Susquehanna valley in this State. It was laid out as a town in 1812, but whether it should be called Williamstown, Meansville (after its founder, William Means), or by its present name, was for several years a subject of warm discussion. How- ever, in 1828, the act of borough incorporation declared in favor of Towanda. Throughout the period of its history Towanda has been a growing town, the results of a succession of important local interests ; first, lumbering ; second, hard and soft coal min- ing; and third, manufacturing and railroad enterprise. In 1840 the town's population was less than one thousand; in 1900 the inhabitants numbered 4,663.
Montrose, in Susquehanna county, was laid out and became a county town in 18II. It is a delightfully located borough, and enjoys prominence as a center of trade in one of the most produc- tive agricultural counties of Pennsylvania. The borough was incorporated in 1824. In 1830 its population was 450, and in 1890 was 1,827.
Pottsville, in Schuylkill county, was laid out as a county town in 1816, but its early history dates back to the colonial period. Soon after the Revolution the region became well settled through the energetic efforts of land speculators, and while Pottsville was planted in connection with these operations, its real growth did not begin until about 1825. Within the next ten years it became an important point for coal mining and shipping and naturally developed into a manufacturing town. Its early growth was re- markable, the inhabitants numbering 2,424 in 1830, and 4,345 in 1840. The town enjoys the distinction of having been one of the
575
Pennsylvania Colonial and Federal
first places (if not the first) to use anthracite coal in making iron, and it is also claimed that the first T rails made in this State were the product of the Haywood & Snyder mills in Pottsville. In 1900 the borough had attained a population of 15,710, and ranks fourth among the municipalities of its class in the State.
Bloomsburg, on Fishing creek, about one mile distant from the Susquehanna river, was laid out as a town in 1802 by Ludwig Eyer. Between the town and the river is the site of an old Shaw- anese village, whose occupants were still there when pioneer James McClure made his settlement in 1772. In 1781 a fort was built on the land. In 1840 Bloomsburg had acquired considerable pop- ulation and was described by a writer of that period as a "large, well-built, and growing town," on the North Branch canal, with a number of factories and other business interests. About this time an attempt was made to secure the removal of the county buildings from Danville to Bloomsburg, which was unsuccessful, but which was finally accomplished in 1846. In 1869 the town became an educational center by the completion of the State Nor- mal school buildings. The population in 1900 was 6, 170.
Lewisburg, the county seat of Union county, was laid out in 1785 by Ludwig Derr, the pioneer, who set up a trading post and furnished the Indians with powder and tobacco and rum in ex- change for peltries. Here, too, in earlier years was the temporary abode of Capt. John Brady during the period of Indian troubles. However, under the developing hand of the white man, the town made its best history. It continued to grow, and the original name of Derrstown was changed to Lewisburg. About this time the settlement took from New Berlin the county buildings and became the county seat. Then followed the public improvement that gave the town water communication between the river and the West Branch canal and made it a shipping point of consider- able note. In 1848 a movement was begun which resulted in the founding of the University of Lewisburg, a notable institution and an important factor in the subsequent life of the town. In
576
Planting of the Cities
1840 the population of Lewisburg was 1,220, and in 1900 had increased to 3,457.
Milford, on Delaware river in Pike county, was settled in 1779, laid out as a town in 1800, became a county seat in 1814, and an incorporated borough in 1874. The population in 1880 was 983, and in 1900 was 884.
New Bloomfield, in the Mahanoy valley in Perry county, was laid out in 1822, its site being in a field of clover in full bloom; hence the name of the town-Bloomfield. The postoffice name, which is most frequently used, is New Bloomfield. The town became a county seat in 1824, and began its history as such upon the removal of the public offices and documents from Landisfield in 1827. In 1900 the population was 772.
Mifflintown, the pretty little county seat of Juniata county, was laid out by John Harris in 1791, and was named Mifflin in honor of Thomas Mifflin, the president of the Supreme Executive Council of the Commonwealth. . The town is centrally located on Juniata river, about midway between the mountain ranges that form the east and west boundaries of the county .: It became a seat of justice on the creation of Juniata county in 1831, and in 1833 was incorporated as a borough. In 1871 the place was almost wholly destroyed by fire, but was soon rebuilt. The pop- ulation in 1900 was 953.
Stroudsburg, the county seat of Monroe county, was laid out in 1806 by Daniel Stroud, whose father, Colonel Jacob Stroud, settled there soon after the close of the last French and Indian war. The town is pleasantly situated near where several streams unite, and by reason of its attractive appearance and surroundings has frequently been likened to a "pretty New England village." Stroudsburg became a county seat in 1836, and in later years, with the acquisition of three lines of railroad, became a center of considerable traffic and trade, while its natural beauty has brought it many summer tourists. Its population in 1840 was 407, and in 1900 had increased to 3,450.
3-37
577
Pennsylvania Colonial and Federal
Clarion, in Clarion county, was laid out in 1839 for the ex- press purpose of becoming a county seat. Previous to that year the site was covered with pine timber and a dense undergrowth of brush, but at the end of two years the town's population was 800, and an act of borough incorporation was passed by the legisla- ture. During the sixty years of its history Clarion has shown a healthful growth, and now, with its county properties, business interests, fine houses, the noted Carrier seminary, and more than two thousand inhabitants, is regarded as a prosperous inland town.
Tunkhannock was laid out as a town under the name of Put- nam in 1790, and was so called in allusion to General Israel Put- nam, the Revolutionary hero, who owned lands in this locality at an early day. The town is planted on the east bank of Susque- hanna river, in a region rich in events of early history. Later on it became noted for extensive lumber interests, and still later as a productive farming town. Tunkhannock became a county seat in 1842 and an incorporated borough in 1872. The popula- tion in 1900 was 1,305.
Mauch Chunk (Mok-Chunk), the county seat of Carbon county, was laid out in 1815, became a seat of justice in 1843, and a borough in 1853. In this locality the refugee Mohegan Indians made their home after they had been driven from New England territory, and here they were found by the Moravian missionaries about 1746. Permanent white occupancy, however, did not be- gin until many years later, and the town owes its founding to the construction of the Lehigh Navigation company's canal, and the mining and shipping of coal which followed its completion. Later on it became an important railroad point. The borough is pleas- antly situated on Lehigh river, and contained 4,029 inhabitants in 1900.
Ridgway, county seat of Elk county and its oldest town, was laid out in 1843, and was named for John Jacob Ridgway, a large land owner and lumberman, and one of the colony of New York-
578
-
Planting of the Cities
ers and New Englanders who began operations in the locality about 1835. The town was founded for county seat purposes, and now is noted as a center of lumber trade. The population in 1900 was 3,515.
Hollidaysburg, seat of justice of Blair county, was laid out in 1820, and was named for William and Adam Holliday, who set- tled there in 1768. For several years this place was the head of canal navigation in the region, and thereby gained early promi- nence. It became a county seat in 1846. The population in 1900 was 2,998.
Laporte, county seat of Sullivan county, one of the smallest municipalities in the State, was laid out in 1850, and was incor- porated in 1853. Its location in the county is central, and on elevated land, the altitude above tide water being nearly nineteen hundred feet. The population in 1900 was 442.
Tionesta as laid out and incorporated as a borough of Venan- go county in 1852, and in 1866 the seat of justice of Forest coun- ty, the latter originally having been a lumbering region and afterward an oil and gas producing district of considerable note. The borough population in 1900 was 815.
McConnellsburg, county seat of Fulton county, was laid out in 1786 on lands then owned by William and Daniel McConnell. It became a borough in 1814, and then was known as McConnells- town. It became a county seat in 1850. The population in 1840 was 486, and in 1900 was 576.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.