USA > Pennsylvania > The Historical journal : a quarterly record of local history and genealogy devoted principally to Northwestern Pennsylvania > Part 13
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"The maiden name of this estimable lady was Masters. She was born on the 10th day of May, 1790, at some point on the Susquehanna River below Harrisburg, but her parents having re- moved when she was quite young, she was not able to recollect the exact place of her birth. Her father was a miller and she re- membered of the family living at Clear Spring, Md., and after- ward at Green Castle, Pa. At the latter place she met John Africa, to whom she was married when at the age of 28 years, then went with her husband to Huntingdon, where she spent the remainder of her life. Her husband, John Africa, was born in York County, but when two years old was taken by his parents to Huntingdon. On reaching manhood he became employed as a wagoner in conveying the products of the Juniata region to Balti- more and Philadelphia and merchandise on return trips. He died on the 18th day of April, 1876, in his 86th year.
"Both husband and wife united with the Reformed church and re- mained consistent members during the remainder of their sojourn on earth. Five children were born to them, viz., Henry, now de- ceased ; William, a well-known baggage master on the Pennsyl- vania Railroad; Mary Ann, Jacob S., a merchant, and Catharine, wife of Henry Snare."
JAMES JOHNSON died at his home in Greenwood Township, Clearfield County, June 28, 1887, aged 80 years, 11 months and 18 days. The Clearfield Republican says he was the eldest of five sons of Samuel Johnson, who was born in York County in 1781, and who became a resident of Centre and later of Clearfield County along about 1812. Nine children were born to him-five sons, James, Elah, John, William F., and Garretson ; and four daughters-Elizabeth, Thirza, Nancy and Hannah. John, Han- nah and Mr. Johnson's wife died in 1824, leaving him with seven children to mourn the loss of his wife and children. In 1851 he removed to the State of Indiana, where he and his son Garretson died. the latter in 1861 and the former in 1863, aged 82 years. Two of his daughters, Elizabeth and Thirza. removed to the State of Illinois, while the third one remains in DuBois, Clearfield County, the wife of Mr. Patrick Dailey.
James was married to Miss Sarah Stugart, daughter of John Stugart, on the 21st day of April, 1835, and was the father of nine
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children-six sons and three daughters-William P., John S., David H., Matthew W., James A., Francis D., Hannah, Eliza and Elizabeth, all of whom are now living with the exception of Eliza, who died in 1848. His aged wife survives him. The body of the deceased was laid to rest on the farm formerly owned by him, but at present by one of his sons, a place he selected many years ago, and his wish was carried out to the last. But one son remains of this family-Elah Johnson-who lives in Greenwood Township.
RICHARD O'CONNOR, of Ridgebury Township, Bradford County, died June 1, 1887, aged 103 years. Deceased had lived in that township 45 years. When he settled there the neighborhood was nothing more than a wilderness, there being very few settlers ahead of him. He and his wife and children pushed forward with industrious and willing hands, and within a few years carved out of the forest a fine and productive farm.
REUBEN DERBY, mention of whom was made on page 29 of the May number, joined the great majority on the morning of July 3, 1887, aged 93 years, 3 months and 11 days. He retained his faculties up to the close. Mr. Derby was the oldest known resi- dent of Williamsport.
MAJOR ISAAC CRAIG, quartermaster at Fort Pitt, in a letter to Lieutenant John Polhemus, commandant of Fort Franklin, dated Pittsburg, May 10, 1794, writes : "Doct. Belfour has sent a keg of oysters to my care for you, which shall be sent you by the first conveyance." These were the first oysters received at Franklin.
PHILADELPHIA has the smallest area of any county in the Com- monwealth. It only has 130 square miles, but then it has the largest population.
THE Indian village known to the English as Kittanning, was destroyed by Colonel John Armstrong, September 8, 1756.
THE HISTORICAL JOURNAL will soon publish a transcript of the first assessment of the Borough of Williamsport.
THE French word " Presqu' Isle," used when referring to where Erie now stands, simply means a peninsula.
Appearance of the Central Part of Williamsport 45 Years Ago.
THE HISTORICAL JOURNAL.
A MONTHLY RECORD.
"Out of monuments, names. wordes, proverbs, traditions, private records, and evi- dences, fragments of stories, passages of bookes, and the like, we doe save and recover somewhat from the deluge of time."-BACON.
Vol. I. SEPTEMBER, 1887. No. 5.
JOURNAL OF SAMUEL MACLAY, 1790.
[On April 9, 1790, Samuel Maclay, Timothy Matlack and John Adlum were commissioned by the Supreme Executive Council of Pennsylvania to examine the head waters of the Susquehanna, explore the streams of the New Purchase, i. e. the Northwestern section of the State lately purchased from the Indians, and to dis- cover if possible a route for a road to connect the waters of the Allegheny with the West Branch of the Susquehanna. Samuel Maclay was born June 17, 1741, in Lurgan Township, Franklin County. Little is known of his early life. In 1767-8 he was employed as a deputy surveyor for his brother, Hon. William Maclay. In 1769 he appears as an assistant to his brother on the surveys of the officer's tract in Buffalo Valley. He surveyed largely in what is now Mintlin County, and took up a good deal of land there. Mr. Maclay was Lieutenant Colonel of a Battalion of Associators, and as such was a delegate, with MeLanachan, Geddes and Brady, to the convention at Lancaster, July 4, 1776, which elected two brigadiers and organized the Associators, the then militia of the State. In 1792" he was appointed one of the associate judges of Northumberland County, and resigned December 17, 1795. In October, 1794, he was a candidate for Con- gress and carried the county by 1,100 majority. The vote was only 2,850. In Buffalo he had 464, to 14 for his opponent, John Andre Hanna. He served for the years 1795-6. On the 2d of December, 1801, Mr. Maclay was elected Speaker of the Senate, and re-elected December 7, 1802. On the 14th he was elected United States Senator, and, being Speaker, had to sign his own certificate. In January, 1803. he presided at the impeachment trial of Judge Addison, and con- tinued acting as Speaker-against the protest of the opposition, however, atter March-until March 18th, when he resigned that position, and on the. 2d of Sep- tember his position as State Senator. He resigned his seat in the United States Senate on the 4th of January, 1809. Mr. Maclay was very popular in his manners, a good seholar and writer. He had an extensive library containing many valuable books. He was always of the people and for the people, plain and simple in his
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manner, disliking ostentation. It is related of him that on one occasion he brought a handsome coach home from Lancaster, and the family took it to Buffalo Church next Sabbath. He noticed the impression it made on the people, and that coach never left the carriage house again. It rotted down where it was put away that Sunday evening. He was a large man, resembling Henry Clay very much. though much stouter in later years. Mr. Maclay's wife was Elizabeth Plunkett. born in 1755, whose lineage is traceable to John Harris, senior. Mrs. Maclay died in 1823. Mr. Maclay died at his residence in Buffalo Valley October 5, 1811, aged 70 years, 3 months and 18 days, and was buried on his farm. The brick wall en- closing the grave is within sight from the turnpike, after passing the New Berlin road, a short distance West of Lewisburg. A handsome monument marks his last resting place .- Linn's Annals of Buffalo Valley, pp. 401-2-3-4.
Mr. Maclay's diary begins with his departure from Buffalo Valley down the Susquehanna. After reaching the Swatara, he was to ascend that stream to Lebanon and there meet the other commissioners.]
Memoran'm. April, 1790 .- The * 20th, 21st, 22d, 23d. 24th spent in providing for the Expedition, enquiring for hands, Boat, &c.
On the 26th .- Started with James McLaughlin's Boat: he and Edward Sweney and Matthew Gray taken into pay.
TUESDAY 27th .- Expences at Herold's for four Breakfasts and one quart whiskey £0, 5s, 2d.
HARRISBURG, April 29th .- Cash paid for one-half pint Gin (£)0, 1s, 0d.
MIDDLETOWN, April 27th .- At night. Supper, Lodgings and Breakfast for three men, paid Wolfley 9s, 11d.
The 28th .- Attempted to go up the Suatara with the Boat. Got the Boat over Mr. Fry's Mill Dam; the day grew so stormey that I was obliged to return to Middletown. Bought a Gammon of Bacon from Mr. Fry but were unable to Eat it; the hog must have had the measels. Paid at Fry's and Wolfley's 4s.
APRIL 29th .- Set off from Middletown early in the morning ; found the Suatara in Good Boatable order. and in General Good Boatable water from George Fry's Dam. The only inconvenience is the Bottom, Rocky and smooth ; the men often missed their set.
* Mr. Maclay paid little regard to punctuation and was careless in spelling. The first word in many of his sentences begins with a small letter. For the sake of appearance and connection this defect and that of punctuation have been · remedied in copying. Otherwise the text strictly follows the original in orthogra- phy.
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We stopped at a house about three o'clock and got a hasty Dinner of Bacon & Egs for which I paid 2s, 6d.
We reached the mouth of the Quitapahela* a little Before sun- set ; took our Boat about a fourth of a mile up it and stoped for the night.
APRIL 30th .- Took an early Breakfast for which I paid 3s. 9d. Left our boat and Baggage. Started on foot, took nearly an East corse, came to the Quitapahela in about one mile; its corse then Nearly N. W. It appeared to be sufficient in depth to carry a Boat of about 5 ton Burden ; the current appeared to be Brisk in general all the way up to John Myer's mill dam. This dam is Raised about 6 feet and dams the water up as high as the foording at the west end of Millerstown which foording is about 20 perches Below the dam of Old's Ironworks; there we took the Road. There is another Mill dam opposite Millers town which Belongs to Abraham Regile. Nine o'clock. Stoped at the Sign of the Boar in Millers Town at James Long's. Drank 2 quarts of Syder for which I paid 1s, 9d. Started again and came to Lebanon at one o'clock. Got dinner but heard nothing from the commissioner (s).
MAY 1st .- Waited until after Dinner, then walked Down the Reading Road but could neither hear from or see the commis- sioners. Returned, waited, and kept looking out but to no effect. About sunset Capt'n Moore arrived from Philadelphia. Sent the Landlord Grenawalt to inquire at Capt'n Moore ; he returned and informed me that Capt'n Moore had seen Col'n Matlackt in Phila-
* The Quitapahilla is a branch of the Big Swatara in Lebanon County. Ac- cording to Heckewelder it is corrupted from Cuitpehella, or Cuwitpehella, signifying, in the Delaware Indian dialect, a spring that flows from the ground among pines.
+ Timothy Matlack was born of Quaker parentage at Haddonfield, New Jersey, in 1730. At an early period he settled in Philadelphia. After the Revolution we find him a prominent member of the Society of Free Quakers, and chiefly in- strumental in building the meeting house, southwest corner of Fifth and Arch Streets, in that city. He was a member of the Provincial Conference held at Carpenters' Hall, June 18, 1775; and of the Convention of July 15, 1776. Un- der the Constitution framed by the latter body, he was appointed Secretary of the State, which office he held most of the time until March 25, 1783. In 1776 he was in command of one of the Philadelphia Battalions of Associators, and in active service. He was a member of the Council of Safety from July 24, 1776, to March 13, 1777 ; and secretary of the same during the close of the latter wear. At the end of the Revolution Colonel Matlack was presented with a silver urn,
.
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delphia. that Col. Matlack had Either told him he would start from Philadelphia on Thursday next or that he intended to be at this place on that day but was uncertain which, & told him that the weather had been so unfavorable that he Expected the other com- missioner would not attend agreeable to the appointment. This Intelligence with the circumstances attending it Embrasses me much. Here I am with three hands at Expenses, 12 miles from our Boat, without any Instrument proper for the Business I came on ; among a number of People not overly Polite to strangers, near one Hundred miles from home; to return home, shameful ; to stay disagreeable and altogether uncertain. Not a single line from my Coleagues either to apologize, or to assign a reason why they did not attend or to appoint another day.
SUNDAY, May 2d .- Breakfasted at Grenewalts and then walked back as far as the Sign of the Bear at Millers Town. Drank some cyder ; felt Fatigued. Sent James Sweney and Matthew Gray on to the Boat and concluded to stay with Long's for the day, and kept MeLaughlin with me as he complained much of the Rheuma- tick pains in his knees. Went to Bed, Slept 2 hours, Got up but felt no appetite for Dinner. Longed about until 5 o'clock ; spoke for a Dish of Coffee; with the Coffee the landlady brought a Dish of Bacon and Egs. The sight of this gave Edge to my appetite. After Coffee smoked a pipe ; was much diverted with the observa- tions made by James MeLaughlin on various subjects, in particular on the Germany manners.
Paid at Lebanon for self and the 3 hands £1, 4s, 0d.
Paid at Millers Town for self and James McLaughlin, supper & Breakfast 5s, Od.
MONDAY, May 3d .- Set out after Breakfast from Millers Town ; by the "Committee of Safety of the City," for his patriotic devotion to the cause of freedom. He was one of the commissioners appointed to form the Flying Camp, and in 1785, was directed to carry on the prosecution against the traitor Arnold; was a member of the Old Congress of 1780-1, and on the 14th of April. 1800, appointed Master of the Rolls, an office he held until its abolishment by the aet of Assembly, March 29, 1809. He subsequently received the appointment of prothonotary of one of the courts of the city of Philadelphia. Colonel Matlack died near Holmesburg, on the 15th of April, 1829, at the very advanced age of ninety-nine years; and his remains are interred in the Free Quaker burial ground, on Fifth Street, north of Spruce, Philadelphia .- Sketches of members of the Constitutional. Convention, in Pennsylvania Magazine of History, by Dr. Egle.
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walked about three milles. Stopped at a House near the Quita- pahela Branch. Got a Drink of water. Rested about an hour then walked on and came to our Boat at 12 o'clock; found the Boys, Edw. Swency and Mathew Gray. Got our Dinner, then Proposed walking to Mr. McKnights; was informed that he lived about two miles from our Boat; but the Evening began to be stormy and threatened rain which determined me to continue for the Night where I was.
TUESDAY, May 4th .- The morning Cloudy and cold but no Great appearance of Rain. Felt more at a loss what to do than I ever did. The hands all impatient and on the freet. MeLaughlin said he was as bad as if confined in Jail. Had not a book of any kind. my almanack excepted, which I read more than onest over in order to drive the time. The people where we were descovered a dis- position to oblige but were ill Provided to accomodate Strangers. , About 10 o'clock it began to rain which made it still more disa- greeable as I was then deprived of the Exercise of walking and felt Indisposed with a headache. Day continued cloudy but rained little ; a kind of Disagreeable, raw, cold weather. About 3 o'clock my headache Got worse: our landlady Brought me a Vial with Camphoir with which I rubbed my Temples and found Immediate Relief; Drank a dish of Coffee after which I felt Pretty well.
WEDNESDAY, May 5th .- The morning cloudy and no word from the Commissioners : the afternoon cleared. Spent it Looking at Edw. making and setting traps for the musk rats of which there appeared to be plenty in the Creek.
THURSDAY, May 6th .- The weather Still continued cloudy. though there was but little rain. Spent the morning in Preparing our landlords corn for planting with Tar; after it was tared I found that the fouls would not eat it and found that a small Quantity of Tar is sufficient, 3 Quarts I think plenty for a Bushel. and by dusting it with ashes after the Tar is put on it, it may be handled without any inconvenience from the Tar. Had some hopes that the commissioners had arrived at Lebanon yesterday : kept a look out for an Express but to no Effect. Afternoon rain began and continued until night; went to bed Extremely Fatigued with waiting.
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FRIDAY, May 7th .- Rose carly ; felt Extremely Fatigued : head much out of order, Sholders and Legs sore and altogether unwell. Got our Breakfast, then walked about three Quarters of a mile up the Creck. Borrowed a Razor, Shaved my self and returned ; a kind of Dizzyness still continued in my head & the aching in my Bones; althow in opinion I felt some Better. Yet no word from the commissioners ; the mens patience Quite Exausted for want of something to do. I have now a full proof that having nothing to do is the most disagreeable Situation in this life; the mind for want of something to keep its powers Exerted, turns on itself and Destroys everything that has even the appearance of Injoyment.
After dinner set off with James MeLaughlin and walked as far as Millerstown, to try what Exercise would do; after I stopped at Millers Town found the pain in my Bones, particularly in my shoulders increased and found myself altogether unsound. Was obliged to go to bed. Slept almost all night but in the morning Still felt that soreness continue.
SATURDAY, May 8th .- No account yet from the Commissioners. Still Quite unwell. Shoulders, Back and Right Side as sore as if Brused ; walked to the Quitaphela at Regiles' dam in order to de- ceive the time that was Exceedingly heavy. Rode out of town in a chase with my landlord ; felt something better after my Return: about 8 o'clock at night heard by a. Capt. Crain that the commis- sioners were arrived at Lebanon.
Expences at Millers town for self and James Mclaughlin, £0, 1s, 9d.
Cash Lent Col. Matlack at Christopher Long's, 2s, 4d.
Cash paid at Crab's in Harrisburg, 28, 4d. * *
*
(No entries for a week.)
MONDAY, May 17th .- This morning we set off early with our Boat. Passed Erwin's Boats at Herrold's Landing but were Im- mediately pursned by one of Erwin's Boats with Seven of their Boat hands on Board. The Chase continued for one hour at least; they did not exert themselves to such a degree as Toatally to Ex- aust themselves but Regulated their Exertions Just as they were necessary to keep ahead of the other boat. We arrived opposite
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Sunbury about 12 o'clock. Mr. Adlum* Left the Boat and Crossed to Sunbury but informed Colonel Matlack and myself that he would see us next morning by Breakfast time in Northumberland. We arrived at the main point at one o'clock. Iimmediately waited on Colonel Wilson and Dined with him. He informed me that Council in consequence of the application of the Indians Settled on the heads of the Alegina (Allegheny) River and within the Boundareys of Pennsylvania had wrote a letter of Instructions to us of the opinion of Council on the subject of the Indians applica- tion ; that he expected that the Letter of Instructions would be Brought to hand from Council by Mr. Black ; that he thought it would Be improper for us to Proceed without knowing the opinion of Council on these subjects.
This opinion of Mr. Wilson's, I for my own part, intirely agree with. Colonel Matlack spent part of the after noon in cleaning and shooting his gun.
TUESDAY, May 18th .- Mr. Adlum met us in the morning : we agreed to the number of hands necessary for the Expedition : as to the people who were to go with us. Agreed also to purchase some Blankets and other necessarys for the hands. I then In- quired whether Colonel Matlack would wait for the Instructions of Council on the subject of the Indian affairs; he Replyd he would not wait a moment; that they, meaning Council as I apprehended.
* Very little is known about the history of John Adlum. He was born in the town of York, Pa. His father was one of the earliest settlers at that place. and served as sheriff as early as 1749; and later as coroner of the county. He was a man of some prominence. Was one of the trustees for the erection of St John's Episcopal Church, and died shortly after its dedication, on the 30th of No- vember, 1773, in his 74th year. The son ( John Adlum ) learned surveying, and in 1789 he was directed by Surveyor General Lukens to survey the reserved tracts of land at Presqu' Isle ( Erie ), Le Boeuf, &c. The same year he was appointed by the Government, on the recommendation of William Maclay, Benjamin Rush. John Nicholson and Colonel Thomas Hartley, a commissioner for examining the navigation of the Susquehanna River, and subsequently with Benjamin Ritten- house to examine the river Schuylkill. He was also on several occasions called on to serve as commissioner to make treaties with the Indians. On the 27th of June, 1791, he wrote to Governor MitHlin from New Town (now Elmira) that he was there with Colonel Timothy Pickering to meet the Oneida and Onondaga tribes. They were on their way to Painted Post, where the meeting was to be held. About 200 Indians were present to accompany them, but owing to the low water in the river they had given up holding the treaty at Painted Post, and
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might send an Express after us with their despatches, if they thought Proper. As I much wanted to see my family I then In- quired when the Boat would leave Northumberland. Mr. Adlum said that he could not go that day, but that the Boat might Pro- ceed as soon as Colonel Matlack Pleased, that he could follow. I then asked Colonel Matlack when he would start from Northum- berland ; he replied. he thought that afternoon ; that they would go up the West Branch five or six miles. I then said that I he- lieved there was nothing further that I could do at that time, that I wished much to see my family .* Colonel Matlack Inquired whether I had got a horse to ride; I informed him that I had and that I wished to go. He agreed and I set off; and him and the Boat Remained at Northumberland for the night.
WEDNESDAY, May 19th .- It appears that Colonel Matlack (was) Detained Last Night in Town in order to Carry Josiah Haner's Goods up to "Darr's" Townt ( Lewisburg) where him and one Thornburgh are Erecting a New Store; those goods were on Board and the hands ready to Start by 11 o'clock. As the hands informed me they proceeded with the Boat, came to Mr. T. Rees's where I had Desired that some things for the use of my family might be Landed, and had spoke to Mr. Rees to Receive them, but Colonel Matlack would not suffer them to be Landed, said I might send to Darrs town for them. Mr. Rees told him that he would send his Boy for Mr. Maclay & that he would come down
concluded to hold it at New Town. He also said in the same letter that he was informed that 682 Indians in a body were on their way to meet them. In August, of the same year, he wrote a long letter from Fort Franklin, where he met Corn- planter and other chiefs on public business. From this time we lose sight of him. He took up much land and at one time possessed many acres. He was a relative of the wife of General Abbot Greene, of Lewisburg. Upon the removal of the National Government to the Potomac he went to Washington City, and after- wards died there.
* Mr. Maclay lived on a farm in Buffalo Valley a short distance West of Lewisburg.
+ Originally called Derr's Town, after Ludwig Derr, who lived there as early as 1770. The first survey was made by William Maclay, brother of Samuel, in 1769. The tract was patented on the 11th of August, 1772, to Rev. Richard Peters, who conveyed it to Derr September 17, 1773. It contained 320 acres. Derr laid out the town. March 21, 1812, it was incorporated as a Borough and calted Lewisburg.
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Immediately, but he said he would not wait. At Darrs Town Capt. Lowdon Told Colonel Matlack that Mr. Rees had sent up his son for Mr. Maclay, that he would be Down in a Short time ; that Mr. Maclay had waited a week for him in Lebanon. He Re- plyd that he had not, that the time Mr. Maclay waited in Lebanon he had waited on Council and not on him, and that he would not wait one hour on any man and set off with the Boat and hands.
In the mean time I came to Darr's Town Expecting to meet the Boat and Get my Baggage on Board; but it was Gone, and the only account left for me was that they would push as farr as Pos- sible. No alternative was Left ; I was obliged to take my Baggage on my Back and follow the Boat, which I did and to ad to the Disagreeable situation in which the Boat left me to shift for my self it Began to Rain, and night came on before I could hear any certain acc't where the Boat had stopped. However, I continued to follow until about 10 o'clock at night, althow the Road was verry Bad and the Night wet and Dark, and found them at James MeLaughlin's nearly opposite the mouth of Warrior Run .*
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