USA > Pennsylvania > The Register of Pennsylvania : devoted to the preservation of facts and documents and every other kind of useful information respecting the state of Pennsylvania, Vol. IX > Part 109
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solicitous to provide, by an organized force, for the pro. tection of his province; but the logic he resorted to was not well adapted to the purposes of persuasion. The recreant assembly, instead of concurring in his bill, sent him a remonstrance denouncing the authors of the alarm, and requiring their surrender to the legal anthority for punishment.
But the extract below is not intended to give a histo- ry of this amusing though shameful affair; it is to defend the memory of the excellent Logan from all imputed participation in it, especially from such an aspersion as the following: "The conduct of secretary Logan, on this occasion, as represented by the assembly, was extraor- dinary and indefensible. A Quaker of high and good moral character, learned and enlightened, he submitted to play a puerile and subordiate part in this shameful farce." [Gordon's Ilistory of Pennsylvania, p. 139.] It will be seen that Logan knew nothing of the artifice until afterwards, when it received his decided repre- hension. J. R. T.
"'Twas this, (the imprisonment of William Biles, ) however that first caused people to look about them, but however this ended, the disgust at one time was high, and what followed in causing the alarm completed it, upon which he (Evans) seems to have been very in- tent in his thoughts, as appears now from the steps he took, and it is strange that he could not foresee the , many ill consequences that needs must ensue upon it, but that was a length it seems he never extended his thoughts to: To bring it about he first framed a letter, as from Col. Seymour,* counterfeiting his hand to it, and sent it to the Sheriff of New Castle, with orders to send it hither in great haste by an express, informing of a French fleet upon the coast, and the next day se- conded this, with another report from Burlington, said to come from east Jersey to the same purpose, But before this, I should have informed thee, that being that day to dine two miles out of town at Captain Roche's on Schuylkill, he left word with Thomas Grey, that if any letter was brought to town directed to him from New Castle, they should be dispatched to him immediately, (which, when it appeared what the ex- press was, gave me the first suspicion that it was a sham, and so I suspiciously told him-but he denied it positive- ly,) this order was obeyed, and hurrying to town with the members who were there, he caused a council im- mediately to be called, and with all due formality caused the letter to be read, and the matter considered. The result of all was, that a proclamation should be forth- with issued, requiring all persons to furnish themselves with arms and ammunition; and for two nights the mi- litia kept regular guard of about forty men each night. Which might have been well enough-the counterfeit letter excepted. The Sheriff of New Castle had orders, the night before the alarm here, to raise out theirs through the whole county, and then come in all haste to give it here; which the unhappy man, being a dili- gent and obedient offier, was obliged with reluctancy to do. Another letter was also framed as sent from the Sheriff of Sussex to New Castle, informing that Lewis was burnt, all which being in pursuance of what was first corrected here, shows the thought long but not deep, unless purposely designed for the mischievous effects it is likely to have, which I yet cannot believe. Nor was there one person in the world made privy to a syl- lable of all this, besides those who were to act a part in it, as far as I can understand. He himself in the time of the alarm rode about the town with his sword drawn, forcing all that could be induced to arms to Society
* Governor of Maryland,
1832.]
CHAMBERSBURG.
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hill. Powder was dealt out among the people to the loss of several apprentices, now so many scores of . pounds in value. The people threw their goods into wells, and all manner of holes, greatly to their damage; women were taken ill-and the distress very great. Friends were gencrally the quietest, yet many of them fled, but were miserably insulted and menaced by those who bore arms. Our fair, which has become a gene- ral time for payments, was utterly discomposed, and many private damages will be long remembered. The militia, which gave us some reputation before, has never mustered since the 10th of January, and then but in part, and 'tis believed it will be utterly in vain to call them out, they are so disgusted with being so miserably imposed upon. In short, the whole is looked on to be a most mischievous boyishi trick, and has given many a hearty well wisher to the government, occasion to re- member William Biles's words with much more char- ity. But it is unaccountable that he should thus ven- ture hardily of himself, without consulting or commu- nicating it to any person in the least fit to advise him. This instance of the alarm, and the business of William Biles, are specimens of his private way of management, and the latter is evidently convincing, how much he can be proof against all council and persuasion."
From the Crawford Messenger. OBITUARY OF HION. JOSEPHI HACKNEY.
The Hon. JOSEPH HACKNEY, departed this like at Warren, Pa. on the 20th of May, at the age of sixty- nine years,
" An honest man 's the noblest work of God."
The writer of this notice regrets that imperious cir- cumstances, utterly beyond his control, preclude him the possibility of giving such a biographical sketch, as is due to the memory of the Hon. Judge Hackney, who was distinguished for staunch integrity, uprightness and generosity in his intercourse with the world, modest, in- obtrusive and amiable character, exemplary moral de- portment, from carly life, and a decided, firm, cheer- ful, and soul comforting reliance, through the special operations of the Holy Ghost, for at least the last ycar of his pilgrimage, on the perfect righteousness and glo- rious atonement of the blessed Redecmer.
A development of the murderous outrage upon the happiness of his paternal roof from the reckless hands of a savage foe woukl harrow up the feelings of sensi- bility; but there is no time with the writer to enter into a detail of such interest. He simply states that the sub- ject of this article was a soldier under Col. Josiah Har- mer, who had the cominand of the first regiment under the United States' peace establishment. He was with that brave, but afterwards unfortunate officer, at the building of Fort Harmer, at the mouth of the Musking- um, in 1785.
In 1789, he went with Major, aftewards General Doughty, of New Jersey, and Lieutenant Suydam, up the Tennessee river, to conciliate the Indians in that region by a liberal distribution of presents from the Government of the United States. Troubles, however, were allotted him by an all-wise Providence. The par- ty, consisting of fifteen, landed at the encampment of the first Indian village. The tawny natives scemed to manifest great friendship, but the discerning Maior Doughty discried something which forebodcd treach- ery. Ile put his men on their guard-and having be- stowed the presents designed, the Indians all gave them their hands in token of their pretended amicable fecl- ings, but Doughty and his men had scarcely wheeled their boat in order to proceed to another village, when the savages all, seemingly with one accord, levelled their muskets and killed eleven at the first fire. Mr. Hackney escaped with his life, as did the two officers and one more; but one of his arms was broken by a
ball, and hung useless to his side. With the other he managed the boat. The enemy pursued, to the amount of sixty, yet by the well directed fire of the three unin- jured warriors, using the loaded guns of their fallen brethren, they killed many of their pursuers, beat off the residue-and defeated them!
Mr. Hackney then repaired to a Spanish fort on the Mississippi, where with surgical aid and the blessing of Heaven, his limb was fully restored.
He was afterwards with Harmer on his compaign in 1790. During this memorable period, hc was sent out under Major Willis and Licut. Ebenezer Frothingham, on what may with propriety be called a forlorn hope, as one of a battalion entrusted with a duty, to which they were imperiously called, as the savages were like the leaves of autum for numher-this was in the region of the Sandusky. The Indians killed every member of the battalion, except eleven,of which Mr. Hackney was one-a remarkable preservation-and pointing as with a sun beam to the protecting care of an over-ruling Pro- vidence!
In 1793, the subject of these notices settled in Mead- ville, diligent in his lawful pursuits, happy in his domes- tic relations, and beloved by all his acquaintence. Hle was elected colonel of the first regiment in Crawford county, and without disparagement to his worthy suc- cessors, none have ever shown themselves more worthy of military office.
Ile removed to the banks of the Konnewonggo, in the year 1817, and gained by his urbanity, hospitality and correct conduct, the csteem and applause of his fel- low citizens, and their suffrages for various offices of honor and trust. He was appointed an associate judge, on the organization of Warren county, for judicial pur- poses, and discharged the duties of the office with dig- nity, establishing his character as an upright and useful judge, till the close of his life. T. A.
CHAMBERSBURG.
Correspondence of the New York Advocate.
CHAMBERSBURG, Penn. June 6.
Dear Sir-This town is situate on the eastern branch of the Conecocheague, twenty miles north of Ilagers- town, and contains about three thousand five hundred inhabitants. It is the shire town of Franklin county, and has a Court House, Jail, a Bank, and as good credit as any in the state, and seven places of public worship, viz :- 2 Presbyterian, I German Lutheran, 1 Reformed, I Roman Catholic, I Methodist, and I United Brethren. It is one of the prettiest towns in the state. The river bisects it on the western side, over which are neat stone bridges, answering to several of the streets that cross it, and on its banks are mills for manufacturing. Among those in the town, that of Dunlop and Madeira, for ma- nufacturing edge tools, deserves special notice and com- mendation. It was commenced a few years ago on a small scale by one of the partners, and has by judicious ma- nagement, arrived at a state of excellence unsurpassed in the country. They make broad, felling and ship- wright's axes, cooper's adzes, hatches, drawing knives, chisels, &c. and give employment constantly to fify-three hands, all able bodied men, nearly the whole of whom are men with families. There are, therefore, between three and four hundred people maintained by this one establishment. Besides giving direct support to so ma- ny, they necessarily use up large quantities of iron, steel, coals, paper, twine, boxes and casks for packing, &c. The leading articles manufactured by them are axes, hatchets, and drawing knives-of these they make annually, 18,000 axes, 600 dozen of knives, and 3,000 dozen of hatchets.
It is worthy of a particular notice, that they have one man in their employment who makes, with ease to himself, 45 hatchets within the usual working hours, which is equal to the labor of three common hands.
381
REPORT ON GIRARD BANK.
[JUNE
G. A. Shyrock & Co. manufacture straw paper. They are now erecting in the town, on the east side of the Conecocheague, a mill, for the purpose of extending their business, 150 feet long by 50 wide, and five stories high. Their present establishment is 23 miles below, on the river. When the new works get in complete operation, which will soon be the case, they estimate their daily production above 12,000 lbs. or 53 tonsa day.
Half a mile below the town, Noel and Snider have a small woollen factory, of one hundred and thirty spin- dles, three looms, and several carding machines and pickers.
George Faber has a small card factory. He is the in- ventor of several useful machines and improvements. In the manufacture of machine cards, he has successfully adapted sheet lead to thin leather, such for instance as sheep skin. Indeed, any thin or common leather an- swers the purpose when backed by sheet lead. He has a patent for a machine for shelling and cleaning clover seed, a useful and valuable discovery.
W. and S. Siebert have a foundry, where all kinds of castings are done,and where many hands are steadi- ly employed.
Tuttle and Schneider manufacture tin ware and sheet iron stoves. They work up nearly 100 boxes of tin and about 10,000 lbs. of sheet iron. They have already made and disposed of near 200 stoves this year. They employ 10 hands constantly.
There are many other establishments of interest and usefulness, giving employment to a great many hands- among them are, merchant or flour mills, another woollen factory, 4 tanneries and 2 breweries.
The first white settler in Franklin county, and the founder of Chambersburg, was Col. Joseph Chambers- he died in 1788, at the age of 80.
GIRARD BANK. MESSAGE OF THE GOVERNOR.
GENTLEMEN-Memorials signed by a number of the citizens of the city and county of Philadelphia, com- plaining of the manner in which the proceedings of the commissioners, appointed to open books for the stock of the Girard Bank, were conducted, and requesting the executive to enforce the authority with which he is by law invested, of refusing the letters patent, were re- ceived on the second instant, accompanied by the de- positions of individuals in support of the allegations contained in the memorials.
The first section of the "act to incorporate the Girard Bank in the city of Philadelphia," contains a proviso, "that neither of the commissioners nor any subscriber to the stock, either in his own name, or as agent of an- other, or through the agency of any one, shall be al- lowed to take more than five shares the first day, ten shares the second day, and fifty shares the third; but if all the capital stock shall not be subscribed for on or before the third day, then a subscription for any number of shares remaining unsubscribed for, shall be allowed; and in case of a violation of the foregoing provision, and complaint made thereof to the Governor of the Common- wealth, the Governor shall forthwith inquire into the truth of said complaint, and if he find the same duly supported, it shall be his duty to withhold the charter of incorporation," &c.
The authority vested in the Governor by the act is, according to my construction of it, limited exclusively to the act of subscription for the stock, and unless it shall appear that the commissioners, or others subscri- bing for the stock, did each for himself, or as agent for others, subscribe for more than five shares on the first day, ten shares on the second day, and fifty shares on the third day, the power of the executive to interfere by withholding the charter, is at an end. The deposi- tions accompanying the memorials contain no allega- tions, nor do they disclose a single fact from which it can be inferred that the commissioners or either of them,
or any individual, exceeded the number of shares, on either of the days, for which by law they were entitled to subscribe-THERE HAS THEREFORE BEEN NO CASE MADE OUT UNDER THE ACT FOR EXECUTIVE INTERFERENCE.
But the depositions do contain allegations, which, if true, would seem to present a case proper for legislative inquiry; and being desirous that those who feel them- selves aggrieved should have an opportunity afforded them to have the subject of their complaints investiga- ted by the only authority possessing the power to do justice to all parties, I have considered it my duty to transmit to the General Assembly the documents ex. hibiting the causes of complaint in order that, if in- justice has been done to individuals or to the public, the proper remedy may be applied. In the mean time, the granting of the letters patent will abide the deter- mination of the legislature.
Harrisburg, June 6, 1832. [GEO. WOLF.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Friday, June 8. The committee to whom was referred the message of the Governor, relative to the Girard Bank, reported:
That, after a careful examination of the documents transmitted by the Governor with his message, the committee are of opinion, that the legislature would not be justified in interfering to prevent the charter of the bank. The depositions are ex-parte merely, but if their contents be taken to be fully proved, in the opi- nion of your committee, there would be no case made out for legislative interposition. The law, as the Go- vernor correctly states, contemplated one contingency upon which he would be authorized to withhold the let- ters patent. He has decided that the testimony did not prove a case, for his interference. He is quoad hoc the judge, and his decision is conclusive upon all the par- ties upon the subject. - The law providing for the sub- scriptions to the Girard Bank, does not expressly state any other contingency than that mentioned by the Go- vernor, in which the letters patent may be withheld. The committee do not know any general principal of law, that authorizes the legislature to defeat any of their own grants, on account of the misconduct of agents ap- pointed by themselves, and thus violate the rights of individuals bona fide acquired.
By the law providing for the chartering of this bank, the subscribers are required to pay five dollars on each share subscribed. Any individual who may have sub- scribed to the Girard Bank, and paid the first instal- ment, has a vested right in the stock. It is a contract substantially complete. It would be therefore, uncon- > stitutional, as well as unjust, for the legislature to im- pair its obligation. If there should have been fraud in all parties, the proper remedy would be judicial investi- gation. The committee would therefore recommend the adoption of the following resolution.
Resolved, That the committee be discharged from the further consideration of the subject.
TRADE OF THE SCHUYLKILL .- We are informed that on Monday, the 4th instant, 117 vessels passed through Gray's Ferry Bridge, 40 of which were brig's and large schooners, and a few days before 104 passed through, exclusive of boats that passed under the bridge. We are also informed, that formerly only 3 or 4 passed through in a week.
A day or two since, a gentleman counted sixty mast- ed vessels within sight, and between South street wharf and the Market street Permanent Bridge-Poul. Adv ..
Printed every SATURDAY MORNING by WILLIAM F. GED- DES, No. 9 Library Street. Philadelphia; where, and at the PUB- LICATION OFFICE, IN FRANKLIN PLACE, second door back of the Post Office,(front room) subscriptions will be thankfully re- ceived. Price FIVE DOLLARS per annum, payable annually by subscribers residing in or near the city, or where there is an agent. Other subscribers pay in advance.
1
HAZARD'S REGISTER OF PENNSYLVANIA.
DEVOTED TO THE PRESERVATION OF EVERY KIND OF USEFUL INFORMATION RESPECTING THE STATE.
EDITED BY SAMUEL HAZARD.
VOL. IX .- NO. 25.
PHILADELPHIA, JUNE 23, 1832. NO. 234.
Communicated for the Register of Pennsylvania. SKETCHES OF BUTLER COUNTY.
Butler county was first settled, mostly by inhabitants from the counties west of the mountains. Westmore- land and Allegheny contributed the greatest portion; Washington and Fayette a part; and some came from east of the mountains. A few emigrated from other states. Pennsylvanians, of Irish and German extraction-native Irish, some Scotch, and some few Germans, were amongst her first settlers. The first settlement com- menced in 1792; immediately subsequent to the act of the 3d of April, of that year, which provided for the settlement of all that part of western Pennsylvania, ly- ing north and west of the Ohio and Allegheny rivers, and Conewango creek. No considerable settlement was made until '96, and up to 1800-3; at which time the county of Butler was formed, and the county town laid out. This era gave a new stimulous to the settle- ment and improvement of the country.
The first settlers had many difficulties and privations to surmount, before they could comfortably sit down under their own vine and fig tree. The want of pro- visions, and limited means they had to purchase them, was the lot of almost every one who first emigrated. The greatest hardships and privations, are often sub- mitted to patiently, so long as the pleasing prospect of liberty and independence is held in view. The act of the 3d of April, '92, opened a wide field for fraud and speculation. Whilst it seemed to promise a home to the honest, and industrious, and adventurous pioneer, it at the same time time afforded the most ample source of imposition, to those who have generally been denomi- nated land jobbers.
To the several conditions introduced into this law, may justly be attributed all the afflicting scenes of liti- gation to which the first settlers were made subject. Some were obliged to abandon the country of their own choice, and seek a home elsewhere, or remain, to un- dergo new scenes of penury and want.
Those who remained, either compromised, or had their rights determined by a due course of law. 1
The most prominent speculators were of two descrip- tions; the one by survey and warrant; the other by new survey and article with the settler. One of the condi- tions of these warrants, under the act of '92, was, that of settlement within two years from the date of the war- rant, unless prevented by the enemies of the United States. This clause unquestionably gave rise to much contention. The construction given to it by the su- preme court not having taken place, in due time, to ar- rest the progress of litigation in its commencement. Such as articled with the warrantee, were to receive for settlement, a gratuity from 100, 150, to 200 acres, as soon as they would complete such settlement-heing five years. Many difficulties arising out of those contracts, which produced much misunderstanding between the parties; and various decisions being had on them, that operated much to protract litigation, and the injury of those who may truly be called the bone and sinew of the country. The other description of land jobber should not be overlooked; whether he is entitled to a. niche in the temple of fame or infamy, is with an honest public to judge. In mercy we ought to pass orer them Vor. IX. 49
with a sparing hand, for few there are, ifany, remaining to receive rebuke. They have all been consigned to the silent tomb. Those who had only survey's made and returned without any warrants. In pursuance of those wrongs, they entered into articles of agreement with settlers, to perform one of the most laborious and essential parts of the law, the settlement-for which they were to receive as a gratuity, as they modestly called it, some 100, 150 and 200 acres, as they could agree, in five years from the commencement of such settlement. The contract on the part of this description of land jobbers, in almost every instance has been vio- lated and forfeited. The settlers in some instances hought out; others have taken out patents themselves, and this description of land may now be considered as out of dispute. The surest kind of land titles, north and west of the Ohio and Allegheny rivers, and Connewan- go creek, are the donations which were laid out in 1785, in lots of 200, 250, 300 and 500 acres, as a gratuity to soldiers, who had been in the service of their country in the most perilous times. Part of district No. 1, is in Muddycreek township, Butler county; and district No. 2, is in Parker, Mercer and Slipperyrock townships. Those lands are generally good; particularly, such tracts as are situated on the waters of Muddy creek and Slipperyrock.
The titles are indisputable. The original owners of the donations were generally of that description of citi- zens who were least calculated, and desirous, to improve or advance the settlement of the country; having tasted the honors of war, and contracted habits and feelings adverse to the quiet and peaceful situation of a farmer, they generally sold them, and they are now generally occupied and improved.
Detman Bahn Muller, a native of Germany, made a considerable purchase in Nicholson's district of depre- ciation land in Butler county, and Alexander's district, part of which is situated in Beaver county. Ilis im- provements were mostly in Butler county. In 1803, he sold considerable part of this land, in Butler county, to George Rapp and associates, who laid out the village of ITarmony, and made other extensive improvements, in which they displayed much skill and taste. Indus- try and economy were their peculiar characteristics. They soon made the wilderness blossom as the rose. In a few years they got rich. Their town was built up with cabins of round logs, covered with straw, for a season or two, until they put up better buildings; generally built ofbrick, and some frame, for store, tavern, and dwelling houses for the principals. A society constituted as this one was; settling in a new country, which, but a few years before was the common haunt of the beasts of prey, it is natural to suppose that it excited much curi- osity and speculation. Their customs and manners dif- fering so much from those who had previously settled in the country, their indefatigable industry in agricul- ture, in manufactures, and almost in every kind of me- chanism, attracted the attention of many visitors from the most distant parts of the United States. But the greatest peculiarity of those people, was the prohibi- tion of marriage in the society; and even intercourse be- tween man and wife was forbidden. In 1914, the se- I ciety sold out, for $100,000. The quantity of land from 6 to 8,050 acres, of which they had cleared probably
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