USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Bedford County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Franklin County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 50
USA > Pennsylvania > Perry County > The history and topography of Dauphin, Cumberland, Franklin, Bedford, Adams, and Perry counties [Pennsylvania] > Part 50
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Or thus : 1 quart of water being evaporated, left a sediment of 31. grains, and consisted of the following ingredients, viz :
20 grains.
Sulphate of magnesia
32
Sulphate of lime
2}
Muriate of soda
Muriate of lime
14
Carbonate of iron
2
Carbonate of lime
&
Loss-or substances not detected
31. grains.
P. S. I strongly suspect the presence of the nitrate of copper in the ¿, of loss.
Here then we have this valuable medicine mixed in nature's great laboratory, to an extent of refinement that art and science can never approximate. From the composition held in solution by this water, it must be of immense importance to the afflicted.
Taken in moderate quantities, it must be one of the finest aperient or deobstruent medicines in the whole Materia Medica; and taken in large quantities it must be a powerful cathartic. As a deobstruent, it must also have a powerful diuretic effect : hence its utility in obstrue. tions ; and especially in liver complaint and greater debility of the sys- tem. In addition to the spring just described, there are 6 or 7 other medicinal springs in the neighborhood. Nature has done much for this beautiful and romantic spot. There is perhaps no other place in the United States where nature in her grandeur and sublimity is so closely connected with the embellishments of art. Here you can stand by the fountain of health, as it gushes from your mother earth, and gaze upon just so much of the blue heavens, as two mountains of nearly 500 feet high will permit. 'The base of those mountains nearly come together in Shovers' run, and slope off at angles of ahout 50 degrees. Here, too, you can see some of the finest forest trees in the world. Clise by the spring stands a beautiful Sireodendron Tulipefera. Close by that the Libia Americana ; and near it the gloomy Pine, and the beautiful Kalmia Satifolia, covers the mountain above you. Here is a field for the Botanist, the Entomologist, and the Ornithologist. The Geologist, too, can find plenty of employment ; for near the Bedford Springs are some of the finest fossil localities in the country. Here are found the
43*
510
HISTORY OF BEDFORD COUNTY.
Nautilus Pseudo Pompilius, the Ammonites, the Encrim, the Serelra- tula, the Spirefer, the Producta, &c.
The improvements made by the present enterprizing proprietor, are in every respect commensurate with the place.
The buildings are, 1 large centre building, 162 feet long, 3 stories high and 70 deep ; 2 other large 3 story buildings, 130 feet in front, each ; and 1 other building, 120 feet in front-giving a front of 557 feet-besides 4 or 5 other buildings.
In front of the buildings there is a fine yard and on the mountains there are graded walks. There are cold and warm plunge and shower baths, and in short every comfort and convenience that could be wished. This is a palace in the wilderness-here you have the "urbs in rure "-the city in the woods.
Just below the yard is a large mill dam with a beautiful artificial Island. Dr. H. Heyden, in a letter written for Silliman's Journal in 1832 says-in relation to the Bedford Springs, " In fine the beautious and wonderful supply of water which flows from no less than seven highly medicinal springs, all within the radius of a stoney cast; the beauty of the valley and its susceptibility of the highest state of im- provement, the lofty adjoining hills ; and the extensive and beautifully romantic view from their summits to the north and east, present a combination of attractions hardly surpassed in this or in any other country on the globe .- Add to this the facility of obtaining all the de- licacies and comforts of life, including wild and tame animals, and vegetables of almost every kind and quality, and move over the high value of the perennial and other medicinal waters, which are not ex- celled in certain complaints by any in the word. All these circum- stances combine to recommend the Bedford Springs as a place of un- rivalled attraction.
This is the general opinion of all who visit the Bedford Springs.
Every thing about the Bedford Springs, nature as well as art is on a large and magnificent scale. Let those who are afflicted come to this beautiful and romantic spot, and have their debilitated constitutions ·strengthened and invigorated-let them inhale our pure, bracing and salubrious air, and drink from our gushing fountain of health, and 'the trembling limbs will soon become firm, and the pallid cheek will soon be turned to the roseate hue of health .- R. Weiser.
CHAPTER XXXVII.
MARTINSBURG, &c.
Martinsburg-Waynesburgh,or Bloody Run-McConnellstown -- Were- fordsburg-Licking creek-Fairview-Rainsburg-St. Clairsville -- -- Shellsburg -- Stonerstown -- Freedom -- Woodberry -- Fort Littleton.
·Martinsburg, a post town and borough, in North Woodberry town- ship, on a branch of the Juniata, 23 miles north of Bedford, is a flour- ishing place, situated in a fertile, limestone valley, in Morrison's cove, bounded by Tussey's Mountain on the east and Dunn's Mountain on the west. It contains about 100 dwellings, 4 churches, viz : German Reformed and Methodist ; Lutheran, Methodist and a Winebrennerian, two Schoolhouses and 4 stores and one tavern.
The town was originally laid out by William Entriken ; but derives its name from Mr. John Martin, who was an early settler here from the Conococheague settlements. The Cove was first settled by a Mr. Mor- rison from Washington county Maryland. Immediately after the In- dian war, says the Revd. Rupley the Cove was resorted to by those de- sirous of seeking their fortunes in the " far west ;" for by this term was the section known to the inhabitants of the eastern counties-it being immediately upon the out-skirts of civilization. The early set- ilers were compelled to undergo difficulties and privations, well nigh calculated to overcome the stoutest heart. Even now an aged pioneer is occasionally met with, narrating the wonderful adventures, the haz- ardous exploits performed, and extreme sufferings endured in days of yore, the attentive listner is sometimes led to inquire: "Can these things be ?"
Hagerstown in Maryland (and afterwards Mercersburg, in Pennsyl- vania) was the nearest place of resort, where the products of the soil could be exchanged for other necessaries of life ; such as salt, sugar, iron, &c. &c. No continuous roads then, as now, chequered the coun- ty, affording facilities to convey produce, goods, &c. all transporting was then done by means of pack horses, along narrow and sinuous paths, over hills, through valleys, till the last mountain was surmount- ed, Times and circumstances, with their concomitants have changed. The Cove is no longer in the wilderness. It is a place of plenty, even to all the luxuries of life, surrounded by forges, furnaces, mills, &c.
The first mill built in the Cove was erected by Mr. Jacob Neff orig- inally from Lancaster county. It is said that while Mr. Neff was work- ing at his mill, two Indians lay in ambush bent on taking his life. When he espied them, he pointed his gun at them, and they theirs at him. Neff sped a bullet through the heart of the older one, and re- treated ; the younger pursued him, but Neff soon despatched him also. Their bodies, he cast into the creek, and hastened to Holliday's Fort
512
HISTORY OF BEDFORD COUNTY.
to take shelter. To avenge their disaster, the Indians the next day. reduced Neff's mill to ashes.
Waynesboro' usually called " Bloody Run," is a post village in West Providence township, on the turnpike road eight miles from Bedford. It is pleasantly situated on the left bank of the Juniata river, contains rising of twenty-five dwellings ; two churches, German Reformed and Lutheran, and Methodist, three stores and three taverns.
The town was laid out by Michael Barndollar, June 15, 1795, then called in honor of George Wayne, Waynesburgh. Bloody Run passes through the town.
'The affair, mentioned on page 576-'7, may have given rise to this name. The account of Smith's assault upon the reckless traders, was published in London. The following is a literal extract from a London paper :
" Robbery and Murder."
" Council Chambers, Loudon, June 21, 1765.
" By advices from Philadelphia we learn that the convoy of eighty horses loaded with goods, chiefly on his Majesty's account, as presents to the Indians, and part on account of Indian traders, were surprised in a narrow and dangerous defile in the mountains by a body of armed men. A number of horses were killed, some lives were lost, and the whole of the goods were carried away by the plunderers. The rivu- let was dyed with blood, and run into the settlement below, carrying with it the stain of crime upon its surface. This convoy was intended for Pittsburg ; as there can be no long continuance of peace, without such strong demonstrations of friendship towards the Indians.
" The King's troops from Fort Loudon marched against the depre- dators, seized them, but they were again rescued by superior force. Some soldiers carried some straglers, whom they apprehended, into the Fort ; but their friends came to their rescue and compelled the garrison to give up the prisoners. We understrnd, however, that ma- ny of the rioters are bound over for their appearance at coart."
Tradition has " varied tales" as to the origin of the name of Bloody Run.
McConnellstown, a post town and borough in Air township, on the turnpike road leading from Chambersburg to Bedford; twenty-two miles west of Chambersburg and thirty-four east of Bedford, contains upwards of one hundred dwellings, four churches, viz : a Presbyterian German Reformed, Lutheran and Methodist; four taverns, six stores, 2 schools, 2 tanneries, 2 wagon maker shops, 7 shoe makers, 2 weavers, 4 cabinet makers. Population in 1840, 486 ; at present 575, of which 24 are colored persons.
This town is pleasantly situated in a Cove 15 miles long and 3 broad, bound by Tuscarora or Cove mountian and Scrub Ridge, Cove creek a fine mill stream passes through it. Lime stone country around the town. It was laid out by Daniel McConnell, April 20, 1786.
Werefordsburg, a post village in Bethel township, near the Maryland line, on Conalloway creek, contains about fifteen dwellings, a store and tavern. It is 23 miles south of Bedford. There is some lime stone land in the township in which the village is situated.
Licking Creek, a post village on the turnpike road from McConnels- town to Bedford, and upon Licking creek, after which the village is named, consists of fourteen dwellings, two taverns, a store and several
513
HISTORY OF BEDFORD COUNTY.
mechanic's shops and a mill. It is six miles and a half from McCon- nelstown.
Fairview, hard by Ray's hill, is a pleasant post village on the turnpike nine miles east of the Bloody Run, and consists of a cluster of houses -nine dwellings, store, tavern, a blacksmiths' shop, tinner shop, an extensive tannery, and a wagon maker's shop. The whole is owned by Mr. John Nycum, a gentleman of wealth, and who, for many years past, kept a public house at this place,
Rainsburg, a post village, in Colerain township, consists of about 20 dwellings, two stores and tavern. The township is limestone soil.
St. Clairsville, or Buckstown, in St. Clair township, ten miles north of Bedford, on the main road leading to Hollidaysburg, contains some 20 or more dwellings, a store and tavern. The surrounding country is hilly.
Shellsburg, a post town and borough in Napier township on the turn- pike road leading from Bedford to Greensburg, nine miles west of Bed- ford, contains between 50 and 60 dwellings, several stores and taverns, one school with rising of 120 scholars. It is in a mountainous region of country, of which the soil is principally clay and loam. The town has not improved much within the last ten years. Population about 450.
Stonerstown, a post village in Hopewell township, on the Raystown Branch of Juniata river, consists of ten or 'a dozen of houses. It is nineteen miles north of Bedford. It is near the north east boundary of the township and the county.
Besides these villages there are others of less note, Freedom and Claysville, in Greenfield township ; Loysburg, in South Woodberry ; and Millerstown in North Woodberry.
Woodberry, is a small post town in Middle Woodberry township, on the Meadow Branch of Yellow creek, contains between 20 and 30 dwellings, 2 stores and 2 taverns. It is 15 miles north of Bedford.
Fort Littleton, in Dauphin township, was during the French and In- dian war a conspicuous frontier post ; and occasionally a strong gar- rison stationed here to protect the settlers and prevent the hostile in- cursions of the Indians to the interior. In April 1756, the people had all fled from this neighborhood. Elisha Salter, an officer, wrote Gov. Morris from Carlisle April 5, 1756-Upon my arrival here (Carlisle) I found the people in the greatest confusion, the troops abandoning the forts, and the country people gathering in the greatest consternation. * * I have prevailed on the people that left the Forts to escort me to Fort Littleton, &c.
Captain Hance Hamilton was here at the time, when Salter was at Carlisle, wiih a company of men (see p. 105). On his return from the Kittaning expedition in Sept. 1756, Col. Armstrong stopped several days here. In June 1757, several murders were committed near this Fort.
In a letter from George Croghan to Col. Armstrong, dated Fort Lou- don, June 28, 1757, he says, " On Friday evening there was a man kill- ed near Henry Paulin's and two of his children taken. The same eve- ning there was a young lad fired on by seven Indians, from whom he made his escape, wounded in three places. The same day a daughter of Gerrard Pendegrass, was killed and scalped in sight of Fort Lit- tleton.
Croghan adds, that the troops were to march from Fort Littleton,
514
HISTORY OF BEDFORD COUNTY.
this evening, &c. In February 1758, a force of 110 men were stationed here.
CHAPTER XXXVIII.
FIRST SETTLERS, &c.
First settlers-Intruders upon Indian lands at Path Valley and Angb- wick ; their cabins or log houses burnt. In Big Cove, similar fate --- Petition sent to the Governor-Incidents in the early history of this county-Education-Support of the poor.
The first traders in this county were some Indian traders, and ad- venturers from the Conococheague and Conodoguinette settlements. Some of the more daring acted as pioneers and settled at Path Valley, some at Aughwick, and others in the Big Cove, within the present lim- irs of the county. These settled between 1740 and 1750. The princi- pal pioneers in Path Valley, or Tuscarora Valley, were Abraham Slach, James Blair, Moses Moore, Arthur Dunlap, Alexander McCar- tie, David Lewis, Adam McCartie, Felix Doyle, Andrew Dunlap, Rob- ert Wilson, Jacob Pyatt, Jacob Pyatt, jr. William Ramage, Reynolds Alexander, Samuel Patterson, Robert Baker, John Armstrong, John Potts. Those at Aughwick, Peter Falconer, Nicholas De Long, Sam- uel Perry, John Charleton and others.
The adventurers at Big Cove were Andrew Donaldson, John Mac- Clelland, Charles Stewart, James Downy, John Macmean, Robert " Kendell, Samuel Brown, William Shepperd, Roger Murphy, Robert Smith, William Dickey, William Millican, William MacConnell, Alex- ander MacConnell, James MacConnell, William Carrel, John Martin, John Jamison, Hans Patter, John Macollin, Adam MacConnell, James Wilson, John Wilson, and others.
All the above named had settled on lands not then purchased from the Indians, and were warned by government to leave the settlements. In May, 1750, Richard Peters, Secretary, accompanied by the sheriff of the county and others. proceeded to Path Valley, and burned 11 cab-
* In January 1758, two companies, each consisting of upwards of one hundred men, were stationed at Littleton, Loudon, Shippens- burg and Carlisle ; the officers west of the Susquehanna were Lieut. Col. John Armstrong, Maj. Hugh Mercer ; Captains Hance Hamilton, George Armstrong, Edward Ward, Robert Callender, Wm. Armstrong; Lieutenants James Potter, Thos. Smallman, Jacob Sneider, John Pren- tice, Henry Geiger, Thos. Hutchins, Wm. Blyth ; Ensigns Frederick Van Hamback, Robert Anderson, Hugh Crawford, John Builer, James Pollock, John Philip De Haas, John Conrad Bucher, (see pa. 233.
-
515
HISTORY OF BEDFORD COUNTY.
ins ; at Aughwick they burnt 1, and in Big Cove 3, and required the settlers to enter into recognizance to appear at the following court.
The settlers in the Little Cove & Conalloways were Joseph Coombe, John Herrod, William James, Thomas Yates, Lewis Williams, Elias Stillwell, John Meeser, John Newhouse, Rees Shelby, William Lofton, Charles Wood, Henry Pierson, George Rees, William Morgan, John Lloyd, Levi Moore, John Graham, William Linn, Andrew Coombe, John Polk, Thomas Haston.
The next day, after Mr. Peters had left, and while yet at the house of Mr. Philip Davies, a number of the inhabitants of Little Cove met, hand- ed him the following petition with the request to present it to Governor Hamilton.
We are exceedingly sorry, as well we may, that any part of that let- ter sent from the Great Cove to the magistrate of this county should have given your Honor any umbrage to suspect we should desire to get rid of being under the government of this Province, and forcibly to maintain the possession of these lands on which we at presentlive ; in opposition to your authority. It is, and always has been our strong inclination to enjoy the privileges of the Government of Pennsylvania, above these of any other of his Majesty's colonies in America. We never did directly or indirectly apply to Maryland for a right to said Land, and should anything in said letter seem to insinuate as if we had a mind to do so, or should any of our inconsiderate or even guilty ex- pressions be reported to you, we hope you will not interpret these things to our ruin ; but in mercy forgive them ; for your Honor may know, what extremes, people of weak policy, when they see their all in dan- ger, may be guilty of.
Yet suffer us to inform your Honor, notwithstanding of what was done by us before, when perplexed and confounded, that the most of os did not take up said land, in opposition to the authority of a Governor's proclamation, but after we were informed some in power did permit, if not grant liberty to settle said land with honest men ; yet by this we would not be understood, as if we would oppose what proceedings your Honor might judge necessary for the safety or interest of the Province with regard to us. No, in this we resolve to be entirely at your dispo- sal, or that of any whom you may appoint.
We humbly and earnestly beg, if consistent with the great designs of your government, you would permit us yet longer to cultivate these lands for the support of our families. But if this cannot be granted, that you would interpose with the Proprietors, for our obtaining a right to these plantations, on which we at present live, when said land shall be purchased from the Indians, we paying what is due to the Proprie- tor, and recommend it to the Secretary to be active for us : on whose mercy we would notwithstanding all our folly depend much.
And the blessing of many, who will otherwise be reduced to pinching, distressing difficulties, shall come upon your Honor, Sept. 27, 1750.
Robert Smith, Roger Murphy, John Jamison, Samuel Brown, Robert Kendall, William McConnell, John McClellan, Andrew Donallson, William McClarell, James Downey, Alexander McConnell, Charles Stewart, William Dickey, William Mulligan, John McCollom, John McMeans, John Martin.
To Gov. Hamilton.
.
516
HISTORY OF BEDFORD COUNTY.
The sufferings of the first settlers of this county during the French and Indian war, and at a much later period, were almost intolerable. They were exposed for more than 25 years to hostile incursions and the depredations of savages. Hundreds fell victims to the relentless fury of the Indians. Numerous instances of massacres that happened have been related in a preceding part of this compilation.
From the Provincial Records at Harrisburg, it appears that in the upper part of Cumberland county, 27 plantations were burned, and a great quantity of cattle killed ; that a woman 93 years of age was found lying killed with a stake run through her body. That of 93 families which were settled in the Coves and Conollaways, 47 were either kill- ed or taken, and the rest fled, besides numerous of whom no account has been preserved, except in the traditions handed down in the mas- sacres.
The following incidents in the history of this county were collected by the Hon. George Burd and John Mower, Esq. of Bedford, and ap- peared originally in a work on a similar subject :
The county contained within its present limits, at a very early day, a number of forts, erected by the inhabitants for their protection. The first, and principal, was Fort Bedford, although that name was only given to it when it began to assume the appearance of a settlement. The others were Fort Littleton, Martin's fort, Piper's fort, and Wing- am's, with several other unimportant ones. Bedford was the only one ever occupied by British troops ; and about 1770, the earliest period of which we have any traditionary account, the walls of it were nearly demolished, so that it must have been erected many years before.
The first settlement, it is conjectured, must have been made prior to the year 1750, how long before, cannot be stated with any thing like accuracy; but I not long since conversed with a very old man, named John Lane, who told me that he was born within the present limits of the county. His age fixed his birth about 1751, and from the account he gave, settlements must have been made several years previous to that. It was also before that time that the Indians had made complaints of the encroachment of the whites upon their hunting grounds, and particularly in the neighborhood of the Juniata.
As early as 1770, the whites had made considerable settlements at a distance from the fort at Bedford, as far as twelve and fifteen miles, particularly on Dunning's cr., and on the Shawanee run, near the Allegheny mountains, where the tribe of Indians of that name once had a town.
The principal building at Bedford, at that day, of which there is any account, was a two story log house, called the " King's House." It was occupied by the officers of the fort until the marching of the English troops at the breaking out of the revolution. It is still standing, and is now, with two additions, one of stone, the other brick, occupied as a public house. At the time Bedford county was erected, the only build- ing in which the court could sit was a one-storied rough log house. II was for some time also occupied as a jail. It stood until a few years since.
The town of Bedford was laid out, by order of the governor, in June, 1766, by the surveyor general, John Lukens. The settlement was or- iginally called Raystown, but at the time of laying it out, it was called Bedford. This, Mr. Vickroy says, was in consequence of some simil-
517
HISTORY OF BEDFORD COUNTY.
arity in its location to a place of the same name in England. [But more probably derived from the name of the fort, which was supposed to be named in honor of the Duke of Bedford.]
-For a considerable time after the town was laid out, the inhabitants had to go upwards of 40 miles to mill. It was then an undertaking that occupied sometimes two weeks, those taking grain having to wait until others before them were accommodated. The first mill was built near the town by an enterprising man named Frederick Naugle, a merchant, doing what was, at that day, called a large business.
For many years Bedford was the principal stopping-place for all per- sons, and particularly packers going from the east to Fort Pitt. All government stores, as well as groceries and goods of ever description, were for a long time carried west on pack-horses. One man would sometimes have under his control-as many as a hundred horses. For the protection of these, guards had always to be supplied, who accom- panied them from one fort to another. Bedford always furnished its guards out of that class of the militia in service at the time they were required. These guards travelled with the packers, guarded their en- campment at night, and conducted them safely across the Alleghenies to Fort Ligonier, west of Laurel hill.
At the commencement of the revolution, the county of Bedford fur- nished two companies, who marched to Boston ; and although but a frontier county, at a distance from the principal scenes of excitement and points of information, contained as much of the patriotic spirit of the day as could be found anywhere. A meeting was held, composed of farmers and the most substantial citizens, who, entering fully into the spirit of the revolution, passed a number of resolutions, prohibiting the introduction and use of every article of foreign manufacture.
The prominent men of that day who lived at and about Bedford, were Thomas Smith, who held several appointments under the government, and was afterwards a judge of the supreme court, Gen. Arthur St. Clair, ho was the first prothonotary of the county, George Woods, county surveyor, under whose instructions the city of Pittsburg was laid out, Thomas Coulter, Col. Davidson, and Thomas Vickroy, who afterwards, in 1783, laid out the city of Pittsburg. He is still living.
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