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. XII, Part 37

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 438

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. XII > Part 37

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Blairsville stands on the western bank of the Cone- maugh river, a stream flowing into the Alleghany river, about thirty miles from Pittsburg, and is distant from that city by land forty miles, by the course of the river seventy. This river is one of most beautiful and ro- mantic streams in the west. I have passed along its banks for some distance, and been strongly reminded of our favorite Schuylkill, which in some respects, it strongly resembles. Its course is meandering and irre- gular. Along this river a canal has been made, east of Johnstown, and west to Pittsburg, forming the western division of the Pennsylvania canal. That portion be- tween Blairsville and Johnstown is but little used, and will not be, until the completion of the Portage rail road; but the section leading to Pittsburg is in constant and successful operation. Blairsville derives importance from being the depot of merchandize brought from the east and west, That from Pittsburg is here landed from the canal boats, and conveyed in teams to Hollidaysburg, where it is again placed in boats and taken on to Phila- delphia. That from the east is landed here from wagons, and passed down the canal to the western metropolis. A boat starts daily from each place, at five o'clock in · the evening. The passage consumes about thirty hours.

From Hollidaysburg to Johnstown, you will recollect, a rail road is now being made, designed to connect the two canals. This is an important work, but it is to be regretted that the plan was not arranged so as to con- nect Hollidaysburg with Blairsville, instead of Johns- town. The necessity of this continuation seems to be now generally conceded, and it is probable it will, in time, be made. This completed, the means of inland transportation between Philadelphia and Pittsburg will be perfected.

A dam in the Conemangh, at this place, has been made to feed the canal. There is also a dam about nine miles below, where the canal passes through a tunnel of eight hundred feet in length. The scenery at this place is peculiarly romantic. Between Johnstown and Blairs- ville there are three dams. The Conemaugh, which is here about one hundred yards wide, is cross- ed by a bridge, of single span, which connects Blairs ville, with a small village on the western shore, called Bairdstown, containing a store, two taverns, and a num- ber of neat dwellings and farm houses.

The society at Blairsville is remarkable for its intelli- gence. I say this not to deteriorate from the respecta-

bility of other western towns, but because from person- al intercourse and observation, I have had abundant opportunities to ascertain this fact: We of the east do not properly estimate the worth of character which ex- ists in the west. We are too apt to fancy that the well- informed-the statesman-the philosopher-the man of breeding, is only to be found in large cities. This is a great mistake as applied to western Pennsylvania. With the most of those to whom I have been introduced across the mountains, my acquaintance has been ex- tremely pleasant, and the kindness and attentions of the Blairsville people I shall never forget. The Record, published at this place, is an ably conducted newspaper and well supported.

Manufactures of several kinds, are carried on in this place, to some extent. Bituminous coal of excellent quality is found in great abundance, in all the adjacent hills. On the Kiskeminetas, below this place, there are several extensive salt works. The land in the vicinity, is fertile and capable of producing all our staple articles of agriculture.

Blairsville is a port of entry. The collector, Major Thomas Johnston, is a gentleman of free and sociable manners, worth and intelligence, with whose conversation and society the visiter will be delighted.

From the Commercial Herald. HUNTINGDON COUNTY, PA.

Gentlemen,-Before we leave the borough of Hunting- don it may be well to remark, that except the usual trades carried on in villages, there is nothing in or about the place which deserves the name of a manufacturing es- tablishment. There is adequate waterpower, great fa- cilities of transportation, abundance of materiel, and sufficient capital; but those who have the cash are gene- rally advanced in years-fond of a quiet life, and suffer it to remain unemployed, except occasionally in some usurious or petty speculation. The groups of chubby urchins met at every corner of the streets indicate a due deference on the part of the inhabitants to the injunc- tion laid on our first parents "crescete et multiplicamine." They may also be denominated a religious, at least a church going-people, if we may judge from the number of houses of public worship-with a population little exceeding twelve hundred, they have no less than six churches. But to proceed ---

On leaving Huntingdon, the traveller has a choice of routes to Alexandria by the turnpike road over the Warrior ridge, or by the way of Petersburg. On the former nothing is to be seen worthy of notice, except the Pulpit rocks, so called from their resemblance to a preacher's desk. They are composed of huge detached masses of sand stone, piled one upon another, and bear the appearance of having been, at some remote period, embedded in earth, their summit ranging pretty much with the surface of the adjoining hills. The stone is va- luable for furnace hearths. By the other route along the canal and slack water, the road is highly pic- turesque. Five miles from Huntingdon you pass Juniata Forge, belonging to Dr. Shænberger. Here the pro- prietor laid the foundation of his immense estate in iron works. Immediately beyond is Petersburg at the mouth of Sharen's creek, which gives name to a rich valley through which it runs. The Little Juniata, or Lit- tle river, as it is sometimes called, unites with the main branch about a mile above Petersburg and the same dis- tance from Alexandria. At or near this junction the county town should have been located. In pursuing the route up the Little river, the first object of interest is Barre Forge-the first erected in the county. It be- longs to the Dorsey family, and is still in successful ope- ration. Passing on through a craggy defile about four miles, you reach the mouth of Spruce creek, On this small stream are six Forges in the space of about as many miles, and a little further up the valley is Penn- sylvania Furnace on Centre county line. The mine

125

DISEASE AMONG THE CATTLE.

1833.]

banks in this region are reputed the richest in the state and the best adapted to the manufacture of bar iron. On a branch of the creek, called Warrior Mark run, stands Huntingdon Furnace, esteemed, in connexion with the other works attached to it, the most produc- tive Iron establishment in the county. It is owned by Lyon, Shænberger and others. Up the Little river, a short distance above its junction with Spruce creek, you reach Union Furnace at the mouth of Sinking valley. This is confessedly the best valley of land in Hunting- don county. It derives its name from a considerable stream of water which sinks near the centre of it and suddenly disappears-where it re-issues from the earth has not been satisfactorily ascertained. About four or five miles further up the Little river are the Tyrone Works, consisting of two Forges, Rolling and Slitting Mills, Nail Factory, &c. These belong to the proprie- tors, or some of them, of Huntingdon Furnace. Still further up, in Logan's valley, commonly called Tucka- hoe, are a Forge and Furnace; and a short distance north on Bald Eagle are two Furnaces. The "Phillipsburg and Juniata Rail Road" now being located from the for- mer to the mouth of the Little river where it meets the Pennsylvania Canal, passes through this region of coun- try, and will doubtless be highly beneficial, by increas- ing the facilities of transportation. The road opens a passage to the richest beds of bituminous coal perhaps in the United States, most admirably adapted to manu- facturing uses. The stock in this Company can scarce- ly fail to become valubale.

Having partially explored the upper part of the coun- ty, we now return to Alexandria, a handsome village on the main branch of the river, but like Huntingdon, its trade is cut off by the diffuse avenues of commerce afforded by the Canal. Two miles above is Water street, so called, from the circumstance of the road pass- ing through a gap in the mountain, literally in a stream of water, in early days. The iron works in this quarter are not so numerous, but are highly valuable-Etna Furnace and Forge, belonging to Mr. Spang, are situate off the main road, near the river, some four or five miles above Water street. Next above on the river, is Cove Forge, the property of Royer and Schmucker; two miles below the village of Williamsburg, and about the same distance, at the mouth of Piney creek is Franklin Forge. All these works are favorably situated, on or near the Canal, and have the additional advantage of the trade of Morrison's Cove, an extremely fertile val- ley which extends southward into Bedford county. In this quarter ore and timber are abundant, and there are three or four Furnaces in the Cove; the net profits of one of them "last blast," was something like fifteen thousand dollars. I omitted to mention, that south of Huntingdom on the Raystown branch, there is abun- dance of stone coal, and a Furnace which has produced a large quantity of metal, but not of so good a quality either for castings or iron.

Returning to the Juniata, and pursuing our tour west- ward through some "rugged ways," we soon reach Frankstown, a small village on the canal, containing three or four stores, as many taverns, a smith shop or two, with the usual appurtenances of a little town. Here again the first object that meets the eye is a large them into all the beautiful forms required for agricul- tural, architectural, and culinary purposes. Two miles beyond is Hollidaysburg, at the termination of the ca- nal, east of the mountains-a beautiful situation, and should not the water fail to supply the basin, as is fear- ed by many, it will doubtless " float down the tide of time" with considerable eclat.

Foundry, which gathers up the " spare pigs" and casts i ture fields seem spontaneously to abound in many poi-

In conclusion, according to a statement furnished by a very intelligent iron master, it appears that the differ- ent establishments in the county employ over 2,500 hands, who support families amounting in the whole to more than ten thousand persons and about 20,000 horses. The annual consumption of produce furnish-

ed to "the works," by the farming interest, exceed one hundred thousand dollars, and the value of the ore yearly extracted from the earth, when manufactured and car- ried to market, is over half a million of dollars. This calculation is predicated on an average statement of three years preceding the 1st December, 1831, and is at present no doubt greatly below the mark.

Yours, &c. VIATOR.

From the Pennsylvania Inquirer. DISEASE AMONG THE CATTLE. EXTRACT TO THE EDITOR, DATED Holmesburg, Aug. 5, 1833.

Within eight years past, complaints have been made in different quarters of the neighborhood of Philadel- phia, of diseases among horses, and horned cattle par- ticularly, which, upon several farms, proved speedily fatal, in the manner described by your correspondent near Frankford. In almost all the instances I am ac- quainted with, this occurred on farms where cattle had been pastured for many years upon the same field. Cleanliness, pure air, and varieties of wholesome food, are required by animals of an active character, and are instinctively sought by them in a wild state, as is exhi- bited by their frequent extensive migrations.

Among domestic cattle, an inattention to the natural laws or principles, which are apparent and control their condition, will lead to a less perfect state of health; the continuance of the neglect of these causes may induce epidemics.

Cattle sometimes are very much restrained, until af- ter harvest, in the use of green food; their natural in- stincts become perverted; and they are known not to select with sufficient discrimination, but often greedily consume poisonous weeds, which attain their noxious qualities in mid-summer. 'The free use of salt will as- sist to correct the depravation, or control the effects of nauseous plants, and regulate the condition of the sto- mach to excite selections. It often happens that cattle choose litter in a barn yard, instead of clean fodder, for the saline qualities which the former contains; and, in some instances, drink the barn yard water, in prefer- ence to a purer fluid, on the same account. We know one instance, in which a healthy young cow died from this indulgence; and a pig who ate some portion of the dung which came from the cow, also died very prompt- ly although in perfect health previously. In their case, death was attributed to the-infusion of some rank poi- sonous plants, which had been carted into a barn yard with potato tops, and adulterated the water with their deadly juices.

Upon examination after death, very little appearance of disease was noticed; and it is supposed the action was principally communicated through the nervous sys- tem, and the brains; but a very slight inflammatory ap- pearance in the stomach was apparent in the instances I mention. The desire for salt is almost universal among grass and grain eating animals; and their instigations of the stomach should always be attended to. The wa- ter, at this season, should also be pure; for although vegetable poisons may not affect it, various animal and insect deposits may prove equally injurious. Old pas-

sonous plants, which horses and cows cannot devour with impunity; although they do not prove prejudicial to some other cattle, as sheep and goats, for instance, who can eat and digest articles which kill other ani- mals.

These old pasture grounds also become very foul, from the constant droppings of the cattle, and delete- rious exhalations may arise, which are injurious to ani- mal life, particularly at this season, when the activity of vegetation upon such fields is feeble; for vegetables live by imbibing gases which are deleterious to animal existence. If such old pastures as cannot conveniently be ploughed up and limed, had lime scattered over

126

PHILADELPHIA SAVING INSTITUTION.

[AUGUST

them-say 25 bushels per acre-during the winter, or were sown with 1, 2, or 3 bushels of salt per acre, in the spring or summer, they would, I think, be rendered more healthful. If the cattle were taken from them, until the grass grew up a few inches, the action of the leaves of the grass would purify then somewhat. One of the celebrated surgeons, Larrey, who accompanied Bonaparte into Italy in 1793, mentions an epidemic among the cattle near the Adriatic, which made great ravages, and finally attacked the inhabitants of the dis- trict. He had a hospital established for the catile, to try various plans of relief-but lost all the animals on which the disease had made much progress. He caus- ed many of them to be opened in his presence, and generally found their stomachs filled with indigested herbs. The disease became finally contagious, and he observed upon some farms, that oxen, cows, sheep,and fowls, were all infected.

A particular farm in the neighborhood of some sul- phuro-feruginous springs, escaped contagion-and per- haps the pasture was better there, Larrey observes. He also remarks: " The principal causes of this epidemic were the bad quality of the forage-the swampy state of the pasture grounds-and excessive and long continued heats, succeeding to a cold, rainy spring." Larrey re- commended that the skins should not be taken off, nor the flesh permitted to be eaten by other domestic ani- mals, of such as were affected by the disease-but that they should be speedily buried and covered with quicklime.

Bleeding and scarification of the gums and palate, and purges were recommended in the early stages; and that the whole body should be washed with warm water and vinegar, and the horns to be bored near their base; a seton was also passed through the dewlap. If a mark- ed crisis appeared before the ninth day, the animal was saved; after that period mild nourishment, bruised corn, barley, &c parboiled, mixed with a little salt, and softened with warm water-good forage and tonic decoctions were employed to assist recovery.

It was strongly recommended to cleanse and purify the stables and sheep folds. The account of this disease will be found in the first volume of Larrey's Memoirs of Military surgery, &c. translated by Dr. Hall, page 84. I have not recently seen any of the cases of disease mentioned by your correspondent, and know not the peculiar causes or symptoms, but [ refer your correspon- dent to the eminent French surgeon, from whom he may derive some satisfactory assistance.

EXTRACT TO THE EDITOR, DATED Near Holmesburg, Philad. co. 2 August 10, 1833. S

Dear Sir: Several years ago, the well known bota- nist, Mr. Nuttall, pointed out to me, upon my farm, a plant, which usually blossoms about this season of the year, which he referred to as the cause of what is commonly called the " Slobbers" in horses; a continual discharge from the salivary glands, which exhausts their strength very rapidly. This plant grows upon old and poor pasture fields, and is known by the name of " The De- vil's Tobacco." (Lobelia Inflata.) It is highly fra- grant, spicy, and active as an emetic-even danger. ously so-and exercises a very powerful and dangerous influence over the animal system. I have seen a pair of horses turned out to pasture at night in the heat of sum- mer, so weak in the morning, with the water running in streams from their mouths, that they could not be used for a week. Salt and dry ground food appear to be the best remedies.

the development of the plant, or that its influences were solely through the stomachs of the animals, 1 am not prepared to explain-but the fact was stated by one upon whom I have full reliance.

When I innæus visited Tornea, the inhabitants com- plained of a distemper which killed multitudes of their cattle, especially during spring, when first turned out into a meadow in the neighborhood. He soon traced the disorder to the water hemlock, which grew plenti- fully in the place, and which the cattle in the spring did not know how to avoid, having been closely confined during winter.

Dr. Flemming, in his Philosophy of Zoology, men - tions that in Orkney many goslins die when first turned out into the hills to pasture, in consequence of eating the leaves of fox glove.

The sudden death of the cattle, described as taking place recently in Philadelphia and Montgomery coun- ties, appears something like the effect of a violent veg- etable poison-and the mystery may be solved by some of the intelligent medical gentlemen who are acquaint- ed with botany.

Peculiar seasons seem to induce the growth of pecu- liar plants. Almost every year we notice that certain grain or root crops exceeds others. This summer it was remarked that cherries and blackberries were unu. sually abundant. So, the character of the preceding or present season may increase the especial growth of some noxious plants, which are not commonally abun- dant, or so active, in their properties. *

Sometimes the second crop of hay is found to " slob- ber" horses-but at other seasons it has not this effect- probably because the plants which cause the " slob- bers" (for I do not attribute the effects to clover alone) do not arrive at maturity before the second crop grasses are cut.

Whatever may be the mystery in the sudden deaths of the cattle, it will be found connected with some na- tural cause, to discover which, exertions of a character likely to succeed should be made. The peculiarities of food, drink, or air, are those most likely to affect animals, and it would be well to guard against them by appropriate precautions.

PHILADELPHIA SAVING INSTITUTION.

Statement of the affairs of the Philadelphia Saving In- stitution, located at No. 100 Walnut street, between Fourth and Fifth streets, from its commencement, June 24, 1833, to the present time, August 19, 1833.

To the Public.

In coming forward thus early with a statement of the affairs of our Institution, it is more with a view to give a correct knowledge of the manner in which it is go- verned, and the advantages to be derived from it, than to make an ostentatious show of business: though we feel perfectly satisfied that more lias been done than was expected by the most sanguine, at this short stage of our progress. The Institution is composed of Fifty members, who have created a capital stock amounting to $42,250; which is increased every week by the week- ly deposites of members. The capital is also increased by the weekly deposites of those who are not members, but who have the privilege, at the expiration of the first year, of converting the amount deposited by them into the Stock of the Institution,and participate in its profits.

The principal object in establishing an Institution of this kind, was to give facilities to those who can afford

A gentleman who had a farm on the banks of the * There are certain plants which require a peculiar preparation for the germination of their seeds; thus " the soil in which alone the healthful little plant called Monilia Glauca makes its appearance, in the surface of putrid fruit; while the small animal termed Vibrio Aceti, requires for its growth vinegar which has been some- Schuylkill, told me that he sowed a pasture field with two or three bushels of salt to the acre, which corrected this evil, although horses turned into the next field " slobbered," and had previously been so affected in the one sown with salt. Whether this salt acted as a preventive of the nauseating effects, or interrupted | time exposed to the air."-Philosophy of Zoology, 1. 25.

1833.]

MISCELLANEOUS.

127

to put by a small sum every week for the purpose of ac- cumulating, while at the same time they receive an in- terest of five per cent. per annum.

When we take into consideration the flourishing con- dition of a number of similar institutions in Baltimore and other cities, we feel confident that, in a very short time, we will be able to make such an exhibit, as will give entire satisfaction to all who may favour us with their confidence, and establish the Institution upon a permanent and salutary basis.

The Institution receives deposites from individuals, as follows, viz :- weekly deposites, not less than one dol lar nor more than ten, at an interest of 5 per cent. per annum. These deposites must be made regularly every week, or may be paid several weeks in advance.

Deposites are received, for which certificates are is sued, payable at ninety days. Upon these deposites an interest of four and a half per cent. per annum is al- lowed.

Deposites,payable at sixty days, for which certificates are issued, bearing an interest of four per cent. per an- num.

Deposites, payable at thirty days, for which certifi- cates are issued, bearing an interest of three per cent. per annum.

Deposites, subject to be drawn out at any time. Upon deposites of this kind no interest can be allowed, be- cause the money, being liable to be called for at any time, cannot be used.

Regular weekly depositors, who commenced their deposites at the time the Institution went into opera- tion-or those who will, within four weeks from this date, pay from the commencement, will be allowed to convert the amount deposited by them, at the expira- tion of the year, into the capital stock of the Institution, and participate in its profits, instead of getting 5 per cent interest.

Certificates are not issued for a less sum than Fifty Dollars; but less sums will be received bearing an inter- est of 43 per cent.

A Weekly depositor may, at any time, when he shall have deposited Thirty dollars, or upwards, darw out two-thirds of the amount deposited by him upon his own note.

STATEMENT.

Stock, $42,250 00

Transient Deposites,

6,240 25

4} per cent. Certificates,

3,161 00

4 per cent. Certificates,

500 00

Weekly Deposites,

2,384 00

$54,535 25

Nearly all of which is loaned upon stocks, mortgages, and'other securities, at 6 per cent.

A list of the members' names may be seen at the of- fice, where any further information relative to the Insti- tution will be given.

PETER FRITZ, President. CHARLES ROBB, Treasurer.

Attest-J. BARRINGTON, Secretary.

WESTCHESTER.

THE WILLS HOSPITAL, FOR THE LAME AND BLIND.

Some years since a munificent bequest from the late James Wills, was left in the charge of the corporation of the city of Philadelphia, for the purpose of founding and supporting an Institution for the reception of the Lame and Blind.

On the 27th of April, 1831, the executors of the estate of James Wills paid over to the City Treasurer the following amounts, viz:

Cash, $6,789 C6

Stocks, par value, 98,907 29 Real Estate, first cost, 2,700 00

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

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. XII, Part 37

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870 Publication date: 1828 Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ; Number of Pages: 438

Author: Hazard, Samuel, 1784-1870
Publication date: 1828
Publisher: Philadelphia : Printed by W.F. Geddes ;
Number of Pages: 438