USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > Popular history of Erie county, Pennsylvania > Part 7
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THE FIRST FOURTH celebrated in this County was held at Colt's Station in the centre of Greenfield. Mr. Colt left the following record: "Tuesday being the 22d anniversary of the Independence of America, at the expense of the Pennsyl- vania Population Co. we gave an entertainment to about 75 people, settlers of the said company. A bower was erected under two large maple trees, and when the hearts of the people were cheered with good fare, sundry toasts were drank suit- able to the occasion. After I had withdrawn. one James Crawford offered the fol- lowing: 'May Judah Colt, agent of the Population Co. drive the intrduers before him, as Samson did the Phillistines! Three cheers" and the woods rang with a roar of laughter."
Other Land Matters .- During the dark days of the Revolution; Robert Morris as Financial Agent for the Government, secured extensive loans from German capitalists and these creditors formed the Holland Land Company, which accepted warrants for vast tracts of land in New York and Pennsylvania in pay- ment of obligations due. Several of these warrants were entered upon lands of Northwestern Penn'a, and Maj. Alden with headquarters at Meadville was first sales-agent. He was succeeded by Wm. Miles of Union, and Miles in 1815, by Harm Jan Huidekoper, one of the twelve original members of the company, who made a permanent residence at Meadville.
HARRISBURG & PRESQUE ISLE LAND CO. was organized, Aug. 13, 1796, for the purchase of lots in Erie and lands in this vicinity. Fairview was platted by Thos. Forster, a member of the company, in 1797 and considerable lands were taken up in Erie County.
DONATION LANDS were surveyed by David Watts, Wm. Miles and others in 1785, in accordance with a legislative act passed five years previous, granting "to the officers and privates belong to this State, in the Federal army, of certain do- nations and quantities of land according to their several ranks," ranging from 200 to 500 acres each. These warrants were largely sold to speculators.
THE MORATIANS, in recognition of their services, in keeping peace along the frontiers were granted 5,000 acres to be located in two tracts. One on "the River Connought near the northwestern part of the State" and the other "on the heads of French creek." Win. Miles was also agent, for leasing these lands, as no title in fee was given, until 1850, when they were purchased entire by N. Blickens- derfer and James Miles.
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ERIE COUNTY HISTORY.
quartered upon the Garrison grounds, now occupied by the Soldiers Home. Col. Reed at once erected a one story log cabin, near the mouth of Mill Creek, which was called the Presque Isle Hotel, where to the best of his ability, accommoda- tions were accorded to strangers. Rufus S. and George Reed, sons of the Colonel, came later, via Pittsburg. accompanied by Mrs. Thos. Rees, and Mrs. J. Fair- banks. In 1796, a more commodious inn was erected by the Reeds. This was put in charge of Rufus S. Reed, while the Colonel removed to a farm at Walnut creek where he died Mar. 19, 1797, aged 53. Hannah, his wife died Dec, 8, 1821, aged 74. Charles J. Reed, occupied the f m after his father's death, having been married December following to Rac el Miller, at Erie. by Thos. Rees, J. P .- the first wedding in this County. He died in 1830; and his widow in 1851. Geo. W. Reed located in Summit twp., 1797, later moving to Waterford, where in 1810 he commenced keeping tavern and in 1826 opening the hotel business in Erie. He returned to Waterford in 1844 and died there 3 years later. Rufus S. Reed con- tinued at this place until his death and was one of the prime movers in the prin- cipal developments here. He started a store and fur trade in 1796, and soon had boats running regularly on the lakes, carrying supplies to the west and returning with furs. He secured Government contracts, for supplies to western posts, and, in the War of 1812 made large profits, later accepting Giles Sanford as a partner in mercantile trade. Mr. Reed erected a grist mill and distilleries, kept numer- ous cattle and became one of the most extensive owners of vessels on the lake. He married in 1798, Dolly Oaks of Palmyra, N. Y. who died the same year. In 1801, he married Agnes, daughter of Gen. Wm. Irvine, who was the mother of the well known Gen. Chas. M. Reed. Rufus S. Reed, died June, 1846, aged 70, leav- ing one of the largest fortunes, then known in the lake shore region. The only son, Charles M. inherited his father's business sagacity and fortune. He was born in Erie 1803, attended college at Washington, Pa., was admitted to the bar at Philadelphia in 1821,and returning to Erie engaged in business with his father. He was early in the steamboat trade, building the finest boats on the lake, in his day. Canals and railroads were also among his developements. He became a Brigadier General of militia, served a year in the State Legislature and a term in Congress. Gen. Reed died in the mansion. corner of Sixth and Peach streets, Dec. 18, 1871, leaving a fortune above six millions of dollars. He was married in 1836, to Harriet Gilson, of Watertown, N. Y. who is still surviving. They had two sons, both still living in Erie, the present Hon. Chas. M. Reed and Lloyd G. Reed. A daughter Hattie, was married to Hon. Henry Rawle, and died in 1869.
Streams Etc .- Erie Co. has no rivers and few large creeks. It is however the only county of this State. touching Lake Erie and from the water shed or main ridge which is some ten miles away from the lake, numerous small streams arise and every section is well watered. The streams on the north side of the ridge flow into Lake Erie and thence to the Atlantic through the St. Lawrence, while those on the south side are tributaries to the Allegheny and find their way to the Gulf of Mexico. Among the most important of these are the head waters of French creek, Brokenstraw, Oil and Spring creeks. On the lake side the princi- pal streams are Conneaut, Crooked, Elk, Trout, Walnut, Mill, Four, Six, Twelve, Sixteen and Twenty Mile creeks. The last five are named in accordance with their distance from Erie. Some of the smaller streams are mentioned in town- ship history.
The early settlements were usually located "upon a stream of sufficient size to run a mill." The most striking feature of the lake shore streams is the deep
ERIE AND WATERFORD PLATTED
The early settlers in this section secured their lands from the State direct or from one of the above companies, and as patents often overlaped each other, or were ambiguous in their wording, frequent cause for litigation arose. Like- wise many who took up lands left it in a short time, thereby forfeiting their rights. These claims were "jumped" by others, and bad feelings were often aroused among the pioneers. The early settlers were largely from Eastern Penn- sylvania, New York and the New England States, bringing a great diversity in blood and antecedents. The descendants from these carly pioneers have largely remained in this section and are extremely "(" developed both physically and mentally, so that it may be truthfully said that you seldom find a hardier more in- telleccual or, more thrifty people, than those who inhabit Northwestern Pennsylvania.
Erie Surveyed .- The Legislature passed an act Apr. 8, 1793, to lay out a town at Presque Isle and Feb. 1794, an act was passed to protect the settlers and surveyors in this vicinity by a garrison of soldiers. Wayne's decisive victory in the following season, with the final treaty of peace at Greenville, Aug. 3, 1795, ended all present danger of Indian hostility. As late however as May, 1795, Ralph Rutledge and his son were murdered by Indians, at a place near State and Fifteenth streets, Erie. The act of 1793, was displaced by one adopted Apr. 18, 1795, which also included provisions for towns at Waterford, Warren and Frank- lin. The Governor was authorized to appoint commissioners to survey 1,600 acres of land for town lots and 3,400 acres adjoining thereto for outlots at or near Presque Isle on Lake Erie, * *
* with streets not more than 100, nor less than 60 feet wide and such lanes, alleys and reservations for public use as the said com- missioners shall direct; but no town lot shall contain more than one-third of an acre, no outlot more than five acres, nor shall the reservation for public use, ex- ceed 20 acres, in the whole; and the town hereby directed to be laid out, shall be called 'ERIE' and all the streets, lanes and alleys therof, and of the adjoining outlots, shall be and forever remain common highways."
The commissioners were authorized to sell to the highest bidder one-third of these lots, the purchasers to erect on each lot secured, a house 16 feet square, with stone or brick chimney before the sale was made valid. Reservations of 60 acres, (garrison grounds, ) 30 acres on the peninsula adjoining, and another 100 on the pen- insula for use of the U. S. in erecting forts, magazines, arsenals, dock yards, etc. were made. An act passed Feb. 19, 1800, repealed the part of the former act making building obligatory, and allowed former purchasers to recover their forfeited property.
The streets were made 20 rods apart, from the lake southward and 40 rods distant from eastward to westward; the original survey extending from East Avenue, three miles along the bay front, back to Twelfth street, for small lots, and above Twelfth the five acre lots, which have since been divided into the smaller size.
The Reed Family .- Col. Seth Reed who commanded a regiment at the battle of Bunker Hill, was formerly a physician at Uxbridge Mass., removing to Ontario, Co. N. Y., where he conducted a prosperous business, until his removal to Erie in 1795. Col. Reed arranged at Buffalo, with James Talmadge, to bring him- self and wife, sons Charles, John and Manning together with a small amount of household effects to Presque Isle. They reached Erie July 1, 1795, finding Thos. Rees, Capt. John Grubb, a company of State militia, and some friendly Indians,
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ERIE COUNTY HISTORY.
gulches or channels, which they have made in crossing the ridges. These ravines are especially picturesque along all the larger streams flowing into the lake. A peculiar feature deserving of note, is the fact that those eastward of Presque Isle bay, flow directly to the lake in a north westerly course; while those west of the bay entrance run in a westerly direction, until nearing the lake when they curve sharply to the north. This is particularly noticeable with Mill creek, which rises in Greene tp., and empties into the bay; Walnut creek also rises in Greene, and terminates at Manchester; Elk creek rises in Waterford tp. entering the lake near Miles Grove. This peculiarity is due to the successive ridges, making distinct in- tervening valleys, in which the water has been confined at some geological time, until it burst through its barrier, creating the deep gulches near the mouth of these streams. The streams of the northern division, with a direct flow are rapid and abound in waterfalls; while those south of the ridge have a gentle current and are usually bordered by broad meadows. French creek, was in the early his- tory of the County navigable for rafts and flat boats, up to LeBœuf lake at Water- ford and was much utilized for transportation of freight, prior to the advent of turnpikes and railroads. The clearing of a large area of the County and absorp- tion by the soil, has had effect to make the streams generally smaller, with floods from rapidly melting snow in the winter and spring time.
French Creek, from its size and historic connection, deserves a separate mention. In the Indian tongue it was known as Toranadakin, but by the French was called River Aux Bœufs: later being known by them as Venango river. The east branch of this stream, heads near Corry, and the north branch at Findley's lake, Chautauqua county, N. Y .; another division arising near Sherman in the same county and these uniting near Wattsburg. The north and east branches unite below Union City, and the LeBœuf branch, also quite an important stream, joins the main creek three or four miles south of Waterford. In former years the north branch was navigable for rafts etc., as far north as the New York line. Watering the eastern haif of the county it passes from LeBœuf tp. across the whole breadth of Crawford, from north to south, and across Venango county until it unites with the Allegheny at Franklin. From the head waters to Franklin, by the meanderings of the stream, is about 125 miles. After leaving this County it may properly be called Venango river.
Pre-Historic Remains .- Ancient skeletons, have been unearthed at sever- al places within this County, that can hardly be accounted for as belonging to any of the known Indian tribes. While excavating for the spur of the E. &. P. R. R. near the old rolling mill west of Erie, some thirty years ago, the workmen ex- humed a large number of skeletons which had been promiscuously thrown together. The foreheads were less than two inches in width, giving the appearance of artifi- cial pressure in infancy. No traces of garments, weapons or ornaments accompan- ied these grim reminders of ancient humanity. None of these specimens were pre- served. Another deposit of bones was found in putting in P. & E. side tracks on the Warfel farm, among which was a skeleton, that must have stood above eight feet when alive. Another of similar dimensions was dug up in Conneaut, from which township numbers of specimens have been secured. An ancient graveyard was discovered in 1820, on the lands formerly owned by Drs. Carter and Dickinson, of Erie. These were all unusually large skeletons. Between Corry and Elgin is a large circular mound, covering about three acres, which gives unmistakable evi- dence of artificial make, and there are numerous other earthworks in the County made by "Mound Builders." When the pioneers came here, upon somne of
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PIONEER DEVELOPMENT
these mounds immense trees were found, the rings indicating 400 to 500 or more years of growth. In fact these mounds and circles were formerly quite distinct in nearly every township of this county. Portions of a mastodon skeleton from an animal, believed by investigators to have been 15 feet long and more than twelve feet high, were discovered near Girard in May, '80. One of the teeth weighed 3} pounds. There have been many other remarkable evidences of pre-historic times, found in this County. Prior to the advent of the early pion- eers, there had been Indian villages at LeBœuf lake, Massassauga point, on Eik creek and at various other points in the County. Extensive openings where corn and fruits had been raised, were found near these places.
"Cornplanter," a celebrated Indian chief of this section, born about 1732, was the son of John Abeel, a fur trader of the Mohawk valley from an Indian mother. His Indian name was Garianwachia. He was with the Indians at Brad- dock's defeat, and subsequent battles with the French, but after the Revolution, realizing the strength of the Union, he became a fast friend of the Americans and was prominent in several treaties. He was supplanted by Red Jacket. For his good offices, to this State, Pennsylvania granted him a large reservation above Warren on the Allegheny, where he died Feb. 18, 1836. By an act of the Legis- lature, passed 1866, a monument was erected the following year at a cost of $500 over his grave at Jennesedaga, Warren Co., Pa.
The Pioneers here were mostly people of moderate means and content to live in plain style. Corn and potatoes, fish and game, were the principal food, while flour and other luxuries were very high and often impossible to procure. The pioner buildings, were low cabins of unhewn logs, chinked and daubed with mud. These subsequently gave place to hewn timber, of larger proportions, while framed and brick houses came later. Saw and grist mills were among the early manufactories, and the old whiskey still was quite common. In fact the "Whis- key Insurrection" in the nineties, was occasioned by "Moonshiners" and the illicit use of the still in western Pennsylvania.
Roads Etc .- The only road in Erie Co. for 40 years from 1753 was the Le- Bœuf and Presque Isle portage. This was cut and grubbed 30 feet wide and cor- duroyed in all the swampy places with logs, making a solid but very uneven sur- face. When the pioneers came, it was easily traceable, but much grown to trees. The Susquehanna and Waterford Turnpike was located by Andrew Ellicott, under State direction, in 1796, via Meadville and Franklin. Its purpose was to give a continuous road from Erie to Philadelphia. Among the earliest pioneer roads, one was made by the Population Co. in 1797, from North East to Colt's Station and thence extending to Wattsburg in '98. Roads from Waterford to Edinboro and Cranesville were cut through in 1802, and from Waterford to North East via Phil- lipsville in 1804.
THE BUFFALO AND ERIE stage route, following the ridge about two miles from the lake, was opened in 1805, passing a mile south of Erie, on what is now Eighteenth street, and making the main street of Northville, North East, Moor- headville, Harbor Creek, and Wesleyville. Continuing westward, it is known as the Ridge road, passing through Swanville, Fairview, Girard, East and West Spring- field and thence through Ohio to Cleveland. The Lake road made a year later, along the brink of the lake bluff, is usually about 60 feet above the water.
THE ERIE AND WATERFORD TURNPIKE was built as a toll road, 1806-9. con- tinuing till 1845 when it was relinquished to the County. The pike was cut and
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ERIE COUNTY HISTORY.
grubbed 100 feet wide. A toll gate was kept near the old Densmore Mills site, another on the summit of the Main Ridge and a third near Waterford. This was a regular incorporated company and the first officers were Thos. Forster, Pres .; Judah Colt, Treas, ; Henry Baldwin, John Vincent, Ralph Marlin, J. E. Herron, J. C. Wallace, Wm. Miles, Jas. Brotherton, and Joseph Hackney, Managers. To ac- commodate some of the stockholders this road was run to Walnut creek, west of south from Erie and thence over the hills nearly in a direct southeastern course. to Waterford. » The French portage road was cut through on almost an air line from Parade street Erie to Waterford, and was about a mile shorter than the Turnpike, but the later was kept in good repair in its early days and was very much used for hauling salt from Erie to the head waters of French creek; from whence it was taken on flatboats down the Allegheny and Ohio. Products from below were brought up the streams on bateaux or keel-boats to Waterford thence overland to Erie, which was then one of the most important ports on the lakes. After a few years the road was seldom kept in the best of repair, and from heavy. teaming, was sometimes in the wet season, almost impassable.
THE SHUNPIKE .- In the winter of 1827-8 the Erie and Waterford Stage Co., on account of the bad condition in which the turnpike was allowed to go, refused' to pay the exorbitant tolls, and cut out a new road which was known as the "Shunpike." A portion of this was over the old French road and the route is very direet. Some of this road is still in use as a township high way
Plank Roads .- About the middle of this century, considerablo enthusiam was manifested regarding plank roads and companies that could secure the proper franchise were supposed to have a bonanza; but sufficient account had not been taken of the rapid decay of plank, when one side is constantly exposed to mois- ture, and the expense of repair was found to overcome the profits, so that most of these were abandoned within 20 years.
ERIE AND WATERFORD PLANK road was constructed 1850-1, over a very even grade, and is somewhat more circuitous than the old turnpike. The franchise was given up in 1868, but the road bed is still very much used. The Erie and Edinboro Flank was completed a year later and the Wattsburg Plank in 1853. These all had substantially the same history and were abandoned about the same time.
Lake Navigation .- Subsequent to LaSalle's explorations with the "Griffin" in 1678, we have no record of sailing vessels upon Lake Erie until about 1754, when the French built a boat of perhaps 60 tons burthen; but which foundered on an early trip with the loss of 50 lives. Communication with Detroit had been kept up, by flat bottomed, oared boats, called bateaux, or overland through Canada. After the British obtained possession of both shores they erected sailing craft and in 1766 launched four, which were chiefly used for carrying troops and army sup- plies: the bateaux still serving for commercial business. The British did not re- linquish Presque Isle and its surroundings, to the States, until 1785, and then with reluctance. In 1794, armed British vessels were anchored near the Peninsu- la point for some time; as an encouragement to the hostile Indians, and menance to the advance pioneers. When settlement commenced here in 1795, Capt. Lee of Bnf- falo, fitted up a sail-boat, for the Presque Isle trade. The Washington was built. in Erie two years later, and in 1798, the Pennsylvania Population Co., un der sup- erintendence of Eliphalet Beebe. built a sloop of 30 tons burthen, at the mouth of Four Mile creek; which continued in service until 1810. Rufus S. Reed and Capt.
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ERIE IN THE WAR OF 1812
Lee built the Good Intend, in 1799, at the month of Mill creek. She sank at Point Albino, 1806, and the crew was lost. The Harlequin, built in 1800 by Mr. Bebe; lost the first season. In 1801, Erie parties purch ised the Wilkinson, of 65 tons: and in 1805 Capt. Dobbins became her master. The Schooner Mary, 100 tons, was built in Erie that year and a number of other small sailing craft entered the trade on Lake Erie. The British had not submitted peacefully to their loss of the Colonies. By the impressing of seamen and other overt acts they sought to bring on a second struggle, and the discreet American capitalists believed it un- wise to venture much in establishing a merchant marine until there was some adequate defense against British armed vessels. The Detroit, a 50 ton sloop and three smaller vessels, were owned by the U. S. Government, but the former was lost in 1809. About that time R. S. Reed and Capt. Dobbins purchased the Schooner Charlotte from Canadian parties, for the lake trade.
Unprepared for War. Upon the opening of hostilities between the British and Americans, only one Government vessel, the Adams, 150 tons, was in com- mission on Lake Erie and it was captured by the English without the firing of a gun. The entire merchant marine of Lake Erie would not aggregate 1000 tons, and the south shore of the lake was without naval defense. About July 1, 1812, Capt. Dobbins, with R. S. & W. W. Reed on board, sailed the Charlotte to Mack- inaw, on commercial business, where the schooner was captured by the English, July 17 and the ownersreleased on parole. On its way to Ft. Malden, (a small post, opposite to Detroit, in Canada) the Charlotte was recaptured by the Americans; but was included in Hull's surrender of Detroit, Aug. 16, and the second time became a prey for the British. Capt. Dobbins and the Reeds, made their way from Do- troit to Cleveland in an open boat where another small sloop was secured for the Erie trade.
The formal declaration of war with Great Britian was past in Congress, June 18, 1812; but so averse were many of the Americans, for this second conflict, that the Madison administration was severely censured by the opposing political party, and the Governors of several New England States, at first not only neglected to give the service of their militia, but refused to allow the U. S. troops inside their territory. No proper preparations for the advent of war had been made and within the first year our forces on land almost invariably met with defeat.
Situation at Erie .- From its central position, and excellent natural harbor; Erie was regarded as a most important military post, although the villiage had but 300 inhabitants. Detroit was the chief town of the West, while, a, garrison was maintained at Ft. Dearborn, where now stands the city of Chicago; others at Tole. do. Sandusky and Cleveland. Buffalo was the nearest villiage on the east, having 1,500 inhabitants, and Black Rock adjoining, half as many more. So utterly de- fenseless was both Buffalo and Erie, that the British might havo struck a fatal blow at once, but they seemed disposed to wait and the border people soon rallied to a realizing sense of the need of self-defense. Erie County had a population of about 4,000 and the State held an organized militia of which Cen. Kelso of Erie, was commander of the Northwestern Division, and his brigado was immediately ordered out. The regiment of this County, was in command of Col. J. C. Wallace with Captains Andrew Cochran, Zelotus Lee, James Barr, Wm, Dickson, Robt. Davison, Warren Foote, John Morris, - Smith and - Donaldson. Capt. Barr's company was at once ordered to Sandusky and Capt. Cochran's Springfield militia were to patrol the lake beach, above the Peninsula, on the look-out for the ene- my's boats. Capt. Forster of Erie, commanded an independent militia company.
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