USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > Popular history of Erie county, Pennsylvania > Part 3
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The Penn Estate .- Gov. John Penn, who by the new order of things, consequent upon revolution had been deposed from his office, was by inheritance from his father Richard Penn, a one third proprietor in the Pro- vince. He submitted gracefully to the progress of events and was a quiet specta- tor to the changes of revolution, continuing in Bucks county Pa. until his death, Feb. 1795, at the age of 67. The Legislature of Pennsylvania, Nov. 27, 1779, dis- solved all proprietary rights, and voted £130,000 to be paid to the estate, "in re- membrance of the enterprising spirit of the Founder and of the expectations and dependence of his descendants." Parliament also granted an annuity of £4,000 "in consideration of meritorious services of the said William Penn and of the losses which his family have sustained." This annuity continued to be paid to the
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legal hiers of Penn, until 1884, when it was commuted by the British Government for the sum of £67,000.
Council of Safety .- The Provincial Convention, which assembled July 15, 1776, on the 24th of that month elected 25 members as a "Council of Safety" to have executive control of the Colony, until a new Constitution could be adopted. Thomas Wharton Jr. was president of this, from Mar. 5, 1777, to May 23, 1778, when he died suddenly of tonsilitis. He was a bold and ardent ad- mirer of liberty, risking his life and fortune in the cause. The Executive Coun- cil had remained in session, during the winter of 1777-8, co-operating with Con- gress, at York, Pa. and Washington in winter quarters at Valley Forge. Legis- lation was principally in the interest of the American cause.
George Bryan by the deceased of Wharton, became president of the Council, continuing to December following. Congress upon the withdrawal of the British from Philadelphia, returned to the Quaker City, June 24, 1778, and the Pennsyl- vania Council convened the following day. Philadelphia had been wantonly be- spoiled by the British. They found it a beautiful city of elegant homes, and fine shrubbery; leaving it reeking with filth, ruin and desolation.
Joseph Reed, succeeded to the presidency of the Council, Dec. 1, 1778, continu- ing to Oct. 8, 1781. He was impressed with the injustice of slavery, and in a mes- sage to the Assembly recommended its gradual abolition, in this Commonwealth, closing with the following: "Honored will that State be in the annals of history, which shall first abolish this violation of the rights of mankind, and the memories; of those will be held in grateful and everlasting remembrance, who shall pass the; law to restore and establish the rights of human nature in Pennsylvania." This act to abolish slavery, was passed before the close of Reed's administration. At the urgent request of Washington, Reed was empowered with special charge of the State militia, and by kind words, with deep interest expressed in the cause,, returned to Gon. Wayne, a portion of his men who had made a revolt and were, marching to Philadelphia to demand redress from Congress for unpaid' wages, scant supplies and being held beyond the three years for which they/ h_J enlisted.
William Moore succeeded as president of the Council, Nov. 14, 1781. It is re- corded that the prior year, as vice president, his salary was £600, or 1,200 bushels. of wheat and that this was paid in Continental Script at the rate of 40 to one mak- iLg £24.000.
ROBERT MORRIS .- We can hardly omit the mention of Robert Morris in con- Lection with the history of this State. A leading merchant in Philadelphia, he was a delegate to the Continental Congress of '76, and in the winter following, upon a days notice from Washington, sent $50,000 in cash for the payment of bounties to soldiers, and throughout the war his financial service to the, govern- ment was incalculable. He was made Financial Agent, and in 1781 established the "Bank of North America." Morris was subsequently a member of the legislature, of the covention that framed the Federal Constitution, and was U. S. Senator. He became involved in land speculations, and to the disgrace of Pennsylvania be it said, that his last years were spent in prison for debt. IIe died May 8, 1806, age 72.
John Dickinson succeeded as president of the Council, Nov. 7, 1782, continuing for three years, during which period, but little of special note occured. Dickinson was a native of Maryland and possessed of liberal views. He had been a previous member of the Pennsylvania Assembly and of the Continental Congress, and was
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active in the interests of the Colonies: but was opposed to the adoption of the "Declaration of Independence"and for this opposition was dropped from the public councils of the nation. He however soon afterward enlisted in the army rising by meritorious conduct to the rank of brigadier general. In the Federal Conven- tion of 1787, Dickinson was a member from the State of Delaware.
Benjamin Franklin .- We now come to an illustrious name. Born in Boston Jan. 17, 1706, when but 17 he straggled off to Philadelphia. He was deceived by Gov. Keith, who sent him to London to purchase a printing outfit, as the Governor's letters of credit were useless in that great city. In London, Franklin continued for 18 months, the printer's trade, which he had previously commenced in Phila- delphia. He returned to the Quaker City and in 1729, purchased the Pennsylva- nia Gazette, which became the leading paper of the Province. Franklin's publica- tions have been quoted far and wide; but perhaps none more frequently than the sayings found in "Poor Richard's Almanac" first printed by him in 1732. He was appointed Postmaster of Philadelphia in 1748, and five years later was made Dep- uty Postmaster General of the Colonies. At the opening of hostilities, Franklin was removed by the British Government, but was first Postmaster General, under the Colonial Government, in 1775. Other mentions of his former public acts have been made in prior pages. He continued as acting governor of Pennsylvania, for three years from Oct. 1785, during which the Commonwealth prospered greatly. Franklin died April 17, 1790, after a long and active life, greatly revered by all who knew him.
U. S. Constitution .- Articles of Confederation were first introduced by the Continental Congress, Nov. 15, 1777, and finally adopted July 7, 1778. These were found to have but weak powers, being rather a league of friendship, providing for the common defence, security of liberty and the mutual and general welfare of the people. These Articles were ratified by all the States, but before ten years had passed, their inefficiency had been discovered and it was feared the compact would go to pieces. Congress at this juncture issued a call for a Federal Convention, which convened May 14, 1787, at Philadelphia, with George Washington as presi- ding officer. After four months of successive sessions, with closed doors, the present Consitution of the United States of America was completed, all of the States excepting Rhode Island having been represented. Congress promptly ap- proved of the document and it was submitted to the States for ratification. Be- fore the close of 1788, it had been adopted by eleven States and went into effect; North Carolina and Rhode Island subsequently ratifying it.
In writing on political history, Lord Brougham says of this wonderful docu- ment: "The formation of a system of government and legislature in which the different subjects shall be, not individuals, but States, and the devising means for keeping its integrity as a federacy, while the rights and powers of these States are maintained entire, is the very greatest refinment in social policy, to which, any state of circumstances has ever given rise, or to which any age has ever given birth."
As this constitution can be found in every library, we will not take space to repeat it here, but it should be read by every student, and, consulted by every politician, as it has withstood the changes and encroachments of over 100 years, and still remains the basis of our fundamental law. The original document com- prised but eight articles, to which ten amendments were added by the Congress of 1789; Amendment XL in 1793, XII in 1803, and XIII, XIV, and XV subsequent to the late war, relative to slavery, the rights of negroes &c.
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ERIE COUNTY HISTORY. COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA.
Thos. Mifflin succeeded Franklin as president of the Council, from Nov. 5, 1788, until the permanent State Constitution was adopted. Dec. 20, 1790, when he be- came the first Governor, proper. of this free State. He had served as a brigadier general, in command of Pennsylvania troops, in the Revolution, having been prominent in the work of recruiting in 1777. when Washington's forces had been decimated. In the following winter, with Congress and the Assembly driven from Philadelphia, a Board of War was established by Congress, as advisory to the Commander-in-chief and Mifflin was one of the generals placed on this, with Gates as chairman. In 1783, he was elected to Congress and was speaker of the House, when Washington delivered up his commission. Mifflin's reply was in the following happy strain regarding
Washington's Resignation: "The United States, in Congress assembled, receive with emotions too affecting for utterance. the solemn resignation of the authorities under which you have led their troops with success through a peril- ous and a double war. Called upon by your country to defend its invaded rights you accepted the sacred charge, before it had formed alliances, and while it was without funds or a Government to support you. You have conducted the great military contest, with wisdom and fortitude, invariably regarding the rights of the civil power through all disasters and changes. You have, by the love and confidence of your fellow-citizens, enabled them to display their martial genius, and transmit their fame to posterity. You have persevered until these United States, aided by a magnanimous king and nation, have been enabled, under a just Providence, to close the war in freedom, safety and independence; in which happy event we sincerely join you in congratulations. Having defended the standard of liberty in this new world, having taught a lesson useful to those who inflict and to those who feel oppression. you retire from the great theatre of action with the blessings of your fellow-citizens. But the glory of your virtues will not terminate with your military command: it will continue to animate remotest ages. We feel. with you our obligations to the army in general, and will particularly charge our- selves with the interests of those confidential officers who have attended your person to this affecting moment. We join you in commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, beseeching him to dispose the hearts and minds of its citizens to improve the opportunity afforded them of becoming a happy and respectable nation. And for you we address to Him our earnest prayers that a life so beloved may be fostered with all his care: that your days may be as happy as they have been illustrious; and that He will finally give you that reward which this world cannot giye."
The Pennsylvania Constitution, limited the governor's elligibility to three terms, of three years: but so well did Gov. Mifflin despense the office. that he was elected to the Legislature succeeding the expiration of his term as governor. Dec. 1799, and died Jan. 21, 1800. In the mean time Washington became President of the United States Mar. 4, 1789, serving for eight years and dying Dec. 14. 1799, two months before attaining the age of 68.
Thomas MeKean, succeeded to the governorship, Dec. 17, 1799, continuing the full extent allowed, nine years. McKein was born Mar. 19, 1734 in Chester coun- ty Pa. and later acquired a residence in Delaware. He had been active in the devolopement of both Provinces, as the mutual relationship between
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Pennsylvania and Delaware was almost inseparable. By reference to prior pages it will be seen that both were formerly owned and governed by Penn, and that after their legal severance, the political relations between them were intimate. Gov. Dickinson represented both Colonies at successive periods, in the Continental Congress, and although a citizen of Wilmington Del., in later years he was for a time acting as governor of both states. Gov. McKean was accorded a common citizenship, holding high offices in both States at the same time. In the "Stamp Act Convention," which met in New York 1765, Mckean was a delagate from Delaware and raised the issue of equality in statehood, re- gardless of population, which still governs in the high branch of Congress. He insisted in that convention, that each Colony should have one vote, which was finally agreed to and the same principle governing to-day, gives to the smallest state two Senators; the same as to the largest, while the number of members in the House is regulated by proportionate population. The framers of the Consti- tution for the Union, believed that upon any other basis, it would have been diffi- cult to have obtained the consent of the smaller States and hence this was finally agreed upon, thereby partially acknowledging the sovereignty of States.
When the president of the Colonial Congress, upon a plea of conscientious scruples, refused to sign the "Declaration of Independence" it is related that he received a scathing rebuke from Mckean and the boldness displayed by him at this memorable crisis, procured the warm approval of his constituents and insured his rapid rise in public preferment. Mckean was at this time a member from Delaware although having early in 1774, taken up his residence in Philadelphia, he having apparently been accorded a common citizenship.
Mckean, in 1777, was appointed Chief Justice of Pennsylvania, which office he reluctantly accepted; although having been, not only a member of Congress from Delaware at that time but president of the Delaware Assembly as well. He served as Chief Justice, for 22 years, with signal ability. He assisted in framing the Constitution of the United States and the permanent Constitution of Pennsylvania, adopted in 1790.
The Free Schools .- Gov. Mckean was an earnest advocate of educating the masses and in his message of Nov. 1800, said: "Considering the diffusion of use- ful knowledge among the people to be the best auxiliary to the administration of a free government, allow me gentlemen, to remind you of a constitutional injun- tion, "That the Legislature shall, as soon as conveniently may be, provide by law for the establishment of schools through the State, in such manner, that the poor may be taught gratis." Gov. Mckean died June 23; 1817, at the age of 83, having during the prime of life, had public offices beaped upon him in profusion, and for which he invariably rendered a good account of his stewardship.
Simon Snyder, governor of Pa., for nine years from Dec. 20, 1808, was of German descent, born at Lancaster Nov. 5, 1759. He was chosen a member of the House of Representatives in 1797, of which he was Speaker for six years from 1802. His period of governorship was an important and exciting one in political history. Napoleon I, who had made himself Emperor of France in 1804, by his brilliant mil- itary exploits had upturned and changed the whole political aspect of the Conti- nent. By the sword, he seated his brothers on the thrones of Spain, Holland, and Italy. In violation of the neutrality rights of the U. S. the British had in 1806 declared the whole European cost from Elbe to Brest in a state of blockade. Na- poleon in retaliation, also declaring the entire coast of the British Islands in
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blockade. American vessels were consequently seized by both French and En- glish and our foreign commercial relations were almost destroyed. Under cover of rights to search American vessels. for British deserters, the English had im- pressed American seamen and President Jefferson in retaliation had, July 1807, or dered all British armed vessels to leave the waters of the U. S. These matters continued to be agitated with increase of bitterness and the commencement of the
War of 1812 was inaugurated by the British sloop Little Belt, May 16, 1811, when hostilities were opened by firing on the U.S. frigate President, off the coast of Virginia. Commodore Rogers, in command of the latter, replied with a broadside and the English were defeated with 32 killed and wounded. An extra session of Congress was called by President Madison, Nov. 4. following, to discuss the situa- tion. Three days later the Indians in the Northwest, supposed to have been incited to deeds of violence by the English came to battle with Gen. Wm. H. Harrison in Indiana under command of Tecumseh. Large numbers of the In- dians were slain. while the whites had 62 killed and 126 wounded. The U. S. at that time had but 3,000 regular troops and Congress voted to increase the number to 35.000. The President was also authorized to call for 50,000 volunteers and a large increase in the navy was provided for. War was formally declared with Great Britain. June 17, 1812. Gen. Wm. Hull, Governor of Michigan, delivered Detroit to the British. Aug. 16, following and three days later Capt. Isaac Hull, in command of the U. S. frigate Constitution, met with a brilliant victory near the Gulf of St. Lawrence: having but 14 killed and wounded, while 114 lay pros- trate upon the British Man-of-War Guerriere, which had given him battle; and the English ship was totally disabled. About the same time, Capt. Porter of the U. S. Essex, met and defeated the British sloop Alert. Further details regarding the war, and pertaining directly to this vicinity, will be found in subsequent pages.
Woliam Findlay became governor Dec. 16, 1817, serving for three years and in Mar. 1822, entered U. S. Senate for a six years term. Nothing of particular moment occured in State matters during his years as governor, although his ad- ministration was generally well received.
Joseph Hiester succeeded to the governorship, Dec. 19, 1820, serving but one term, in which no matter of special significance appears.
John Andrew Shulze became governor Dec. 16, 1823 and continued two terms. His second election was secured by a vote of over 72,000, while his opponent, John Sergeant, received about 1,000 votes. The governor at that time had an un- warranted appointing power, but Gov. Shulze is said to have called only the best men.
George Wolf, seventh governor of Pa. was inaugurated, Dec. 15, 1829, also ser- ving two terms. It was within his second term and through his earnest solicita- tion, that the foundation for the excellent system of free schools was laid in this State.
Joseph Ritner accepted the governorship Dec. 15, 1835 and preserved the system of free schools, introduced under Gov. Wolf. The bill which had been passed with general unanimity in 1834, was so exaet and systematic in its details that it had left but little chance for difference of circumstances, and in many places had brought a feeling of revulsion. The senate abolished the new law, substitu- ting the system of 1809 by which, the poor only were educated in free schools. In the House, che eloquent appeals of
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THADDENS STEPHENS, turned the tide. Among other things of importance he said: "Why shall Pennsylvania now repudiate a system, which is calculated to elevate her to that rank in the intellectual, which, by the blessings of Provi- dence, she holds in the natural world? To be the keystone of the arch, the very first among her equals. * * * We are told that this law is unpopular; that the people desire its repeal. Has it not always been so with every new improvement which has been gradually leading man from the savage. through the eivilized. up to the highly cultivated state, has required the most strenuous, and often peri- lous. exertions of the wise and the good." The bill was revised in 1836. under di- rection of Gov. Ritner, embodying the present excellent system, giving to both rich and poor the advantage of a common education. Ritner was the nominee of the Anti-Masonic party in 1838 and was defeated. That year was noted for the adoption of another State Constitution, which continued in force until the present fundamental law of the state was created in 1873.
David R. Porter, became governor under the new constitution, Jan. 15, 1839. continuing for six years which was made the limit of elligibility. For some years prior to this, extensive devolopements had been made in canals, the first boat from the east having arrived at Pittsburg in 1834, while the Erie Canal was not regularly opened until the spring of 1845. In the mean time the agitation for railroads had increased and Gov. Porter in his first message alludes to the pro- ject for "the construction of a continous railroad from the city of Pittsburg, through or near the capitals of Ohio, Indiana and Illinois to some point on the Mississippi River, at or near St. Louis," This was then considered visionary, but the writer lived to see continuous connections from the Atlantie to St. Louis. Gov. Porter was assiduous in preserving the State credit and one of the last official acts was the suppression of riots which occured in Philadelphia in 1844, in which he displayed remarkable decission and courage by assuming command of the militia in person.
Francis Rawn Shunk, became governor Jan. 21, 1845, and was re-elected, but resigned July 9, 1848, on account of hemorrhages from the lungs, from which he died three weeks later. Gov. Shunk was emphatically a self-made man and his state papers show him to have studied deeply all questions involving impor- tant interests of this Commonwealth. He placed a cheek upon the licentious dis- regard for the sanctity of the marriage relations, which had at that time become alarmingly lax in Pennsylvania and threatened serious evils to the purity of do- mestic institutions. Gov. Shunk was not favorable to many laws and said. "It is not by looking to special legislation for privileges which are denied by others, but by a just and manly self-reliance, that men secure their own progress and the well-being of the State. His steady advancement, from a poor laboring boy, with German parentage, to the exalted position of Governor of this State, is evidence of mental worth, and presents a good example of the opportunity which our free institutions opens, for those who have exalted ambition, to excel regardless of their parentage or position in early life.
Win. Freame Johnston was Speaker of the Senate, upon the resignation of Gov. Shunk, and by virtue of that position became the acting executive officer and was elected in October for a three years term. Regarding the tariff agitation of that time, Gov. Johnston was found on the side of protection. He says: "The price of labor is regulated by its demand, and the value of the article produced. Hence, whatever increases profitable labor, is substantially beneficial to the work-
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ing classes, and affords them the means of comtort, the delights of rational enjoyment and the opportunity of bettering their positions. * *
* Let it be remembered also, that his daily bread, the wants of his family, the education of his children, all depends upon the success of the establishment at which he is em- ployed. The manufacturer uses the product of the farmer who is thereby relieved of the hazard and expense of conveyance to distant markets. Whatever may be said to the contrary, no national antipathy exists between capital and labor. They are dependent on, supported by, and receive vitality from each other. The manufacturer who, under the fostering care of the government invests his capital in profitable industry, opens a new source of increase to the farmer, the artisan and the laborer. When on the other hand the manufacturer is compelled to dis- continue his business, not only the laborer, the artisan and the agriculturalist, but the State is seriously injured, in the general depression of business."
The State and Colonial official papers had not been published, until by Gov. Johnston's recommendation, 28 volumes were compiled by Samuel Hazard, entitled Colonial Records and Pennsylvania Archives, which have since proven of invalu- able worth for reference by historians.
William Bigler, became governor Jan. 20, 1852, continuing for only one term. Simultaneously with the election of Bigler in this State, his brother John was elected governor of the new state of California. The rendition of fugitive slaves, under laws of the U. S. and the question of slavery in the territories was at this time hotly debated in all the border states between the North and the South, Gov. Bigler maintained the prompt return of slaves according to governmental laws in force. His administration was characterized by rigid economy and proper use of public moneys. He discountenanced the growing evils consequent upon "riders" or "log rolling bills," and in his message for 1854 says; "Bills containing a variety of subjects of legislation dissimilar in their character and purposes cannot receive the sanction of the present executive."
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