USA > Pennsylvania > Allegheny County > Allegheny in Allegheny County > Recollections of seventy years and historical gleanings of Allegheny, Pennsylvania > Part 6
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Many of the events which have rendered Western Pennsyl- vania conspicuous in the history of the past, leave their im- press on the mind of every American citizen. They pass before us as a mighty vision, making us feel the poverty of language, and weakness of eloquence, when startling realities are to be described.
Old Westmoreland, whose vast boundary at an early day ex- tended so as to embrace nearly all the territory lying westward from the foot-hills of the Alleghenies to the Virginia borders, may be justly styled the Mother of the Western Counties ; and her soil was among the first points selected by the hardy pioneer and venturesome scout, on which to commence the work of civilization.
Here all the embarrassments of a new settlement were en- countered. The terrible conflicts with the cruel and treach- erous red men, isolation from society, cut off from aid and intercourse with the Atlantic seaboard, were evils of no ordi- nary magnitude.
The rugged passes of the Alleghenies then presented a for- midable barrier ; and the traveller who passed them found him- self, as it were, in a new world, where he was compelled to defend himself or perish. A continual conflict was waged between the sturdy pioneer and his implacable Indian foeman. These conflicts were for life, and all that made life dear, and were, however, only marked by individual acts of heroism, which produced none of those events affecting national great- ness, which it is the province of the historian to record. They will, therefore, find no place in the annals of our country ; yet it is to be hoped, nevertheless, that the indomitable reporter will start out in quest of traditionary lore, listen patiently to the reminiscences of hoary-headed men, and laboriously glean the frail and fragmentary memorials of other days.
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Then will the hardy pioneer and gallant conqueror of the country of which we are so proud, find a place, if not with heroes of history, at least with heroes of romance.
The exploits of the explorers of Westmoreland County, of which there is no authentic record, are well calculated to excite an interest in the breast of every American citizen.
The memorable struggle between the legions of France and the battalions of England for supremacy in the great North- West, during which time the gorgeous fleur-de-lis and the royal banner of St. George waved successively over the battle- ments of old Fort Duquesne, was happily terminated by the peace of 1763. Negotiations with this view were entered into during 1762, and were finally consummated early in the following year. By the condition of the treaty, France agreed to surrender absolutely all her possessions in North America to England. Anticipating an early peace, the former made a secret covenant with Spain, ceding to that nation the territory of Louisiana (in the year 1800 it was re-ceded to France, and in 1803 was purchased by the United States for fifteen million dollars), which at the time embraced a large por- tion of the South-West. The object of this secret covenant was evidently to keep from under the control of their hereditary enemy, the free navigation of the waters flowing through the Mississippi and Ohio valleys within the ceded territory. This deception was not apparent during the negotiation : it was only discovered at the time of the execution of the treaty. This covert disposition of the territory which they failed to maintain by the prestige of arms, was a diplomatic trick, seriously in- volving their national honor, and which came near defeating the object. In view of the prostration of the country by the recent war, England resolved to accept the situation, trusting in her ability to acquire in the future the peaceful possession of the disputed territory.
The restoration of peace, it was confidently hoped, would for- ever end the troubles and difficulties with the Indians, who were, with a few exceptions, the allies of France.
This, however, was a fatal mistake ; as it proved the prelude to a most cruel and devastating war, destructive alike to life
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and property throughout the entire Western frontier. The contemplated and simultaneous uprising of the several hostile tribes was so unexpected, that the outposts were in a great measure unprepared to repel successfully their murderous on- slaughts, except in the instances of the attacks on Forts Pitt, Detroit, and Ligonier.
Hitherto, the Indians, who had been held in subjection by the French, had been won over by a doubtful diplomacy and ap- parent kindness, so that the relations existing between them were of the most friendly character.
When, however, they discovered that they were to be handed over, under the treaty, to their foe, they indignantly re- fused to consent thereto. The onward and steady progress of civilization carried forward by the indomitable Anglo-Saxon race, assured them that submission on their part would end in extermination : to prevent such a calamity, then was the time to act, while the forts were feeble and wide apart, and the set- tlements scattered and thinly populated.
The war familiarly known as the Pontiac war, was so called because this great war-chief was the genius who devised, inau- gurated it, and carried it on with that relentless cruelty so characteristic of the North-American Indian. Pontiac's per- sonal efforts, however, were confined chiefly to the neighbor- hood around Detroit and the lakes ; while the operations on the borders of the Ohio were intrusted to warriors equally fierce and unrelenting.
As far as the English and colonists were concerned, the contests were principally confined to Forts Pitt, Detroit, and Ligonier. All the frontier forts, except these three and Niagara, fell without an effort at defence : the latter was con- sidered too well fortified to be molested, so that the three former were the only ones that successfully resisted the ad- vancing tide of savage vengeance : whilst there was nothing left of the unfortunate garrisons and the settlements around them but a mass of smouldering ruins. Immured within the gloomy depths of a mighty wilderness, isolated from all inter- course with civilization, these gallant defenders not only main- tained their posts, but actually carried the war into the heart
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of the enemy's country, and, at the point of the bayonet, wrung from them an unwilling peace.
The movements, therefore, on these three forts, and the ex- pedition that subsequently went out from them against the savages, comprise the entire history of the war as far as it relates to our own military movements. The sparse frontier defences scattered through the vast wilderness lying between the great northern lakes and the Ohio and Mississippi valleys, were but rude log enclosures, principally located on the lines of water communication, but occasionally met with in the heart of the forests, garrisoned by a mere handful of soldiers ; and the emblem of sovereignty floating above them seemed more of a burlesque than the distinguishing mark of a mighty nation. These forts, situated so distant from each other, were but mere dots in the interminable wilderness.
The presence and maintenance of these isolated outposts inflamed the spirits of the haughty chiefs, who had the sagacity to believe, that, if the struggle for the supremacy was main- tained and accomplished by their foes, it would be the fore- shadowing of the red man's coming fate.
To resist this encroachment on their rights, the head chiefs of the various tribes who inhabited the country, then only known and travelled by their own hunting and war parties, de- termined to crush out at once the power of their foes.
The Shawnees, Delawares, Senecas, Wyandots, and Miamis, who considered themselves the exclusive masters of the terri- tory, being moved by their hatred and fear of their Anglo- Saxon foemen, joined together in a common cause, in order to wipe out at once, by a simultaneous movement, the further progress of civilization.
Although rumors of this confederation occasionally reached the military authorities, they did not wholly ignore them, but rather treated them with a cool indifference highly discredit. able to their military education ; for, if prompt measures had been carried out on the first intimation of alarm, the sacrifice of life and the destruction of the outposts might have been prevented.
It was in consequence of this fatal indifference, that, when
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the storm burst upon the forts and defenceless settlements, it came like the mighty tornado, carrying terror and destruction as it sweeps its irresistible course.
The period of time selected by the tribes to carry into effect their purposes, evinced their profound knowledge and sagacity Operations were delayed until the harvests were safely gar- nered, so that their foes, with the provisions provided for their sustenance, might be destroyed at the same time.
Fort Le Bœuf, on French Creek; Venango, on the Allegheny ; Presque Isle, on Lake Erie; La Bay, on Lake Michigan ; St. Joseph, Miami, Sandusky, and Michilimackinac, - went down in gloom one after another, with scarcely any resistance. Many of them fell by stratagem, and their garrisons were cruelly massacred ; others capitulated, and shared the same fate ; out of all, only one, Le Bœuf, escaped. The defence of the latter proved futile, the Indians having succeeded in firing the adja- cent buildings. The garrison took refuge in the woods, and ultimately escaped.
The royal banner of St. George, wherever it floated over mountain, prairie, and stream, within these vast domains, was stricken down. Forts Pitt, Niagara, Ligonier, and Detroit still remained intact; and the hardy settlers who had escaped the murderous tomahawk and scalping-knife, fled for safety within their protecting walls. The intrepid trapper and venturesome trader were followed up with untiring zeal, and, when taken, were horribly tortured and ruthlessly butchered in cold blood in a manner only known to and practised by these human sleuth-hounds.
The stout pioneer in the clearing, and the loved ones in the log cabin, fell alike before the rifle and tomahawk.
The sound of the woodman's axe and the boom of the morn- ing and evening gun of the lonely forts went down in silence together ; and the fires of civilization, whose smoke gracefully ascended above the tree-tops, were extinguished with blood. Those who escaped the murderous raid, left their rude homes to the torch of the foe, and sought safety in flight, carrying with them a tale of blood and cruelty, the bare recital of which filled the border settlements with terror and dismay. In the
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midst of these scenes of gloom and desolation, the indomitable defenders of Forts Pitt, Detroit, and Ligonier watched with vigilance the movements of their treacherous assailants, thus assuring the safety of the forts, their flag gallantly spread to the breeze, the only emblems of Anglo-Saxon power and civili- zation in a land now covered with teeming cities, girdled by the wires of the electric telegraph, and traversed by a mighty network of railroads.
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STRUGGLING AGAINST MISFORTUNE.
IN gathering up the threads of the history of departed days, many of the incidents interwoven therewith are of a sad and melancholy nature, the truth of which is strongly exemplified in the following narrative of David Morgan and his wife Hannah, whose exemplary life and Christian character en- deared them to all their acquaintances. In writing the me- moirs of this excellent family, my intention will be to record such events as may be considered of interest to the general reader.
" Nothing extenuate, or aught set down in malice."
With this object in view, I will endeavor, to the best of my ability, to give a faithful record of those friends of my early youth, whose many acts of kindness and affectionate regard still remains a bright spot, "to memory dear."
There are many citizens of Allegheny, now living, who will doubtless remember this family and the sad calamity that befell them.
On a pleasant evening in the year 1817, returning from a visit to Pittsburg, in company with my mother, and being detained in crossing the river, we did not reach the landing at Federal Street until the dusky shades of night began to appear. It must be remembered that this was long before the era of bridges and street-railways, and also anterior to the opening of streets from Federal through to what was then called the " Bottoms," situate south of the base of Seminary Hill to the Allegheny River. The facility for getting to and from Pitts- burg was quite a different matter from what it is to-day.
STRUGGLING AGAINST MISFORTUNE. 71
The only highway (if it may be called such) leading west from Federal Street to the Bottoms at that early day, was the erratic Bank Lane, which owing to the natural uneven- ness of the ground upon which it was located, and total neglect of the authorities of Ross township to put it in a condition for travel, it was for many years only accessible for foot-passengers.
The usual and most convenient route for pedestrians was along the bank of the Allegheny River to the bank of a slough bordering the lands formerly belonging to the estate of the late William Robinson, jun., thence northerly along the bank to its junction with the water of a stream having its source in what was called Snyder's Hollow, now known by the more euphonious name of Pleasant Valley. Over this stream, near the junction above referred to, a giant sycamore had fallen, forming a narrow bridge convenient and easy of access. Over it the road led to Bank Lane, now South Avenue. At this point the slough took a westerly direction. The onward march of improvements, however, and the busy stream of dump-carts, will soon obliterate the few remaining landmarks so dear to the memory of those who in early youth sported upon its banks under the shade of its magnificent sycamores. Where now arethese mighty giants of the forest ? Echo takes up the melancholy refrain, and answers where? The woodman's axe and the corroding elements of decay have done their work; but one remains, a monument of the past and fostering care of the late Neil McIlwain. It stands in front of the family residence on South Avenue.
On the borders of the slough referred to, a narrow path led through a dense thicket of bushes, impervious to vision on each side: whilst yet within its gloomy depths, we were sud- denly started by a wailing cry, the sound of which, to my inex- perienced mind, indicated the presence of some wild animal ; not so with my mother. Her maternal instincts told her the nature of the cry. She forthwith determined to investigate matters, plunging into the chaparral. I followed her hasty foot- . steps with fear and trembling. There, within its deep recesses, we found the Morgan family, who had just arrived from their
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far-off native land (Wales), seeking a more congenial home in the Western world.
In the open air this little family were gathered in their lonely camp, the great round harvest moon sailing through the heavens, looking down in silent majesty upon the scene. The monotonous hum of insects, the melancholy cry of the loon sporting in the waters of the Allegheny, the dismal hoot of the owl, and doleful sound of the katydid, added to the gen- eral loneliness of the place. It was a scene well calculated to arouse the sympathetic feelings of our nature. I saw by my mother's dewy cheek and glistening eye, that her generous heart was touched. She at once tendered to them a shelter under her own roof, until one more suitable to their wants could be provided. The night having now advanced, and there being no practicable way of removing them at the time, it had to be abandoned until the following morning. After a further examination of the surroundings, with a view to their comfort, and perfect understanding in regard to removal in the morning, we took our leave, and hastened home to put matters in shape to meet the contemplated addition to the family.
Early on the following morning, in accordance with the previous understanding, they were again visited. After get- ting things in order, they were conducted to the quarters prepared for them.
You may well imagine the condition of this family, when I tell you that all their worldly possessions were transported from the city of New York to Allegheny on a hand-cart drawn by the husband, the wife carrying one of the children. All those weary miles were traversed with a trust in their heav- enly Father well worthy the consideration and imitation of us all.
Some time during the year 1818, Mr. Morgan obtained employment as a stone-mason, on the Western Penitentiary, then in course of erection. His ability as an expert mechanic was considered of the highest order. The population at this early period being sparse, and dwellings scarce, in order to secure a home for his family, he determined to erect a rude shanty out of the material obtained from the numerous drift-
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piles lodged on the head of Smoky Island and adjacent tow heads. On the neutral or disputed territory known as Smoky or Killbuck. Island, - the title to which has so long occupied the attention of our courts, the question of ownership having been recently settled by a decree of the Supreme Court, -he erected his humble dwelling. Here he lived in comparative peace and contentment in the midst of his happy family until the occurrence of the distressing calamity I am now about to relate.
If my memory serves me right, it was in the autumn of 1820. Their nearest neighbors, Mr. Jacob Cupps and wife, invited them to spend a social evening with them, the distance inter- vening being about one hundred and fifty yards. Prior to leaving home, they carefully put their four children in bed, and made such other arrangements as the necessity of the case required. The respective ages of the children were about seven, five, three, and one years. There was but one mode of exit, the door of which was securely fastened on the outside, thus unfortunately defeating the main object they had in view, - the safety of their little ones. If it had not been for the latter circumstance, the destruction of life might not have been so general.
During their absence, a fire occurred in their home. The theory of the cause that led to it was never satisfactorily explained : it remains a mystery to this day. The first knowl- edge they had of the disaster, which rendered them childless, was the reflection of the light of the burning building. On making the woful discovery, they and the Cupps family rushed in frantic haste, hoping to save their little ones, but alas ! too late : the devouring elements had done their work. They were the first on the ground : up to this time, there had been no alarm given. Silent had been the work of destruction. Many of the neighbors knew nothing of what had occurred until the following morning.
In a part of the house not yet thoroughly enveloped in the flames, the cradle of the babe was known to be. Tearing off some of the slabs used in its construction, the father pene- trated the burning building, and rescued the babe, so horribly
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burned, that death in a very short time put an end to its life and sufferings. He was badly burned himself, barely escaping with life.
As the burning building fell, a clear sheet of flame shot upwards, rendering surrounding objects clear and distinct ; and then all was total darkness, except when a flickering gleam was emitted from the smouldering débris that marked the spot of the conflagration. Under these cruel circumstances the neighbors found these unfortunate parents, mourning over the ashes of their lost ones. Notwithstanding this sad bereave- ment, their Christian fortitude never forsook them: relying upon the Divine promise to bless them that mourn, they lifted up their crushed and suffering souls to Heaven, and with lips all alive and tremulous with the love of a parent's heart, came forth the touching declaration of Job, "The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away: blessed be the name of the Lord !"
Owing to the severe injuries received, Mr. Morgan was com- pelled to cease work on the Penitentiary. Subsequently he obtained a lease of twenty acres of land for the term of seven years, belonging to our estate, on very favorable terms; the conditions being the payment of taxes, and make such im- provements as he might deem necessary for his own conven- ience. It was then an open common : it is now bounded by Beaver and Pennsylvania Avenues, Fulton and Fayette Streets, Fifth Ward, this city, and is densely populated. From the proceeds realized from the operations under this lease, he was enabled to purchase a farm of one hundred acres in Brighton township, Beaver County, to which he removed. To the in- domitable energy and business management of Mrs. Morgan, may be attributed in a great measure the prosperous condition of affairs. Every thing connected with the operation of the farm, and support of the family, was left entirely to her judg- ment ; and well did she perform the duties of the trust. In early life they espoused the cause of religion, and were con- nected with the regular Baptist church. After their advent in Allegheny, they joined the Methodist-Episcopal church, and have always proved themselves humble and devoted Christians.
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He died some years ago, surrounded by his family, full of years, and hopes of a blessed immortality.
He leaves behind, a wife and seven children (four sons and three daughters) to mourn his loss. Two of his daughters are widows, their husbands having lost their lives in defence of the Union in the late war.
ALLEGHENY, Jan. 15, 1879.
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RIOT AT THE TEMPERANCE ARK, ALLEGHENY, MAY 16, 1843.
FRANK JOHNSTON and his celebrated brass band, having per- formed successfully for several evenings before a Pittsburg audience, were invited by some of the leading "Washing- tonians " of Allegheny to give a series of concerts in the "Ark." With their accustomed generosity, they readily com- plied. These concerts were to inure to the benefit of the temperance cause. On Tuesday evening they gave their first concert ; and on this occasion a large crowd of men and boys gathered about the doors and windows, and by their riotous conduct did all in their power to mar the entertainment of the evening, and convert the "harmony of sweet sounds " into ter- rible discords. Notwithstanding these outside demonstrations, the music went on, failing, however, by its soothing influence to calm the savages without.
Although the authorities did every thing in their power to suppress the tumult, yet the ringleaders of the atrocious out- rage upon these peaceful and unoffending colored citizens were permitted to escape the penalty of a broken law.
After the close of the entertainment, and while the members of the band were on their way to their lodgings, they were set upon by the mob, and ruthlessly assaulted with such missiles as the assailants could lay their hands on, together with rotten eggs previously provided for the occasion.
Frank Johnston, the leader, was slightly wounded, and three or four of his band seriously hurt about the head, so much so that they were confined to their rooms for several days on ac- count of the injuries received.
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It was a happy thing for all, especially for the ringleaders of the mob, that there were no lives taken; for they hurled their missiles with murderous recklessness, if not with murderous intent. And when the fact is taken into consideration, that this gentlemanly band gave no provocation for the assault, but on the contrary were devoting their time and talents for the promotion of a good cause, the outrage appears all the more aggravating, and it was regarded by all law-abiding citizens with indignation.
Frank Johnston was then considered one of the best cornet- players in the United States : he and his company having made the tour of Europe, performed before crowned heads, and hav- ing given concerts in all the principal cities of the South and South-West, were highly appreciated, wherever they performed, for their gentlemanly manners, and artistic delineation of char- acter of the Southern negro ; and the first insult received was on the occasion of their visit to Allegheny.
Active measures were immediately adopted to bring the authors of the outrage to justice. There were two arrests made, who proved, during the trial of the case, that they were culpable only in being present among the rioters, apparently taking no active part in the assault.
In consideration of this fact, a verdict of not guilty was rendered, and that the defendants pay the costs of prosecu- tion. In view of the latter, a motion was made for a new trial, which never came up for argument.
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