USA > Wyoming > A sketch of the history of Wyoming > Part 12
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In the eastern division of this township, are the eastern branch of the Nanticoke, and Solomon's creek, which are pretty good mill streams. In this latter stream, about mid-way up the moun- . tain, and two miles from Wilkes-Barre, in which is called Solomon's Gap, is a beautiful cascade," which has long been visited as a great natural curi- osity. Its wild and romantic aspect, and the de- lightful natural scenery around it, have, within a few years, been considerably injured by the erec- tion of a very superior merchant mill immediately below the falls, by General William Ross, of Wilkes-Barre, who is the proprietor of this valuable water power. But the lovers of nature and of art, are still highly gratified with a visit to this roman- tic spot.
In its eastern division are Pine, Wright's, Ter- rapin ponds, and Sandy creek ; which empty into the Lehigh, and the sources of the Nescopeck and the big and little Wapwallopen, which flow into the Susquehanna.
Penobscot Nob, the highest peak of the moun- tain in this township, affords an extensive and sublime prospect. Standing upon its apex, you look down upon the surrounding country as upon a map. To the west and south-west, the vallies of the west branch, Penn, Buffalo and Bald Eagle
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creeks, and the majestic Allegheny, in Centre county, are plainly seen, whilst the intervening mountains dwindle in the view into gentle undu- lations. Here, whilst he contemplates the vast prospect around him, man feels his own littleness, and, instinctively turning to the great Author of all, exclaims, "what is man, that thou art mind- ful of him !"
Hanover was originally settled by emigrants from Paxton and Hanover, then Lancaster, now Dau- phin and Lebanon counties, who came on under the Connecticut title in 1769, among whom was the late Judge HOLLENBACK.
Judge Hollenback took an early and active part in the revolutionary war; was honored with a commission in the army, by the Continental Con- gress ; participated in the conflict relative to the right of soil and jurisdiction to this part of the country ; was complimented with various ap- pointments, civil and military, by his fellow-citi- zens and the Government; enjoyed the abundant fruits of an active and temperate life, and died at the advanced age of 77, on the 18th of Feb. 1829.
The original settlers in this township have given place to the Germans, who now compose the prin- cipal part of the population. They are an honest, industrious and punctual people.
Hanover furnishes annually large surplus quan- tities of wheat, rye, Indian corn and pork, which has hitherto been transported by waggons to Easton, and laterly to Mauch Chunk, to market. The great stage route from Wilkes-Barre to Harrisburg, passes through it. Nanticoke falls is near its western angle, which will be more particularly noticed in the description of Newport. It contains about 1000 inhabitants.
HUNTINGTON, is bounded N. E. by Union and Sa- lem ; S. E. by Salem ; S. W. and W. by Colum- bia county ; and N. W. by Lycoming county.
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Its timber is pine, oak, chesnut and hickory, and in its north-western angle, some beech, maple and hemlock. Its surplus products are pork, whiskey, and the various kinds of grain, which it produces in considerable quantities. Huntington and Green creeks flow through this township, and furnish good mill sites. Anthracite coal has been discov- ered in this township, and it is not known that it has been found in any considerable quantities on the west of the Susquehanna, south of this. It is a populous and thriving township. It has three post-offices, and contains 1500 inhabitants.
KINGSTON, is bounded N. E. by Exeter ; S. E. by the Susquehanna river, which separates it from Pittston and Wilkes-Barre ; S. W. by Plymouth and Dallas.
This township has a large portion of first rate timber. The mountain is of gentle declivity, and · its soil is good, and produces abundantly. It yields annually, large surplus quantities of wheat, rye, Indian corn, pork and whiskey, which are either floated down the Susquehanna, or trans- ported by waggons across the mountains to Easton, to market.
It contains two villages-Kingston, quite upon its southern boundary, and New Troy near its northern ; each of which has a post-office, and contains several stores and mechanics' shops. Kingston village is at present most flourishing. School houses are erected in every neighborhood, in which schools are kept up during the greater part of the year. They are partly supported by the annual income from lands, which were originally appropriated to that purpose by the Connecticut settlers. Had the government of Pennsylvania made similar provision for each town- ship in the Commonwealth, its advantages, judg- ing from all experience, and particularly from the practical effect of the Connecticut system of Com-
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mon School support, from which the original set- tlers in Kingston took the hint, would have been incalculable. The day is past for this species of provision ; but it is believed if Pennsylvania pros- ecutes and completes her system of internal im- provement, the time is not distant, when its income will be abundantly sufficient to extinguish the debt incurred, and make ample provision for the Com- mon School education of every child in this Com- monwealth.
Anthracite coal abounds in this township, and it is not known that it has been found further to the north on the west side of the Susquehanna river. Abraham's, and Toby's creeks are pretty good mill streams.
In this township are to be seen some remains of an ancient fortification, similar to those found up- on the western waters. They bear the impress of an advanced knowledge in the art of war. Here also are the remains of Forty fort, to which Col. Denison, with a feeble remnant of his corps, reti- red after the battle of the 3d of July, 1778. It was from this fort that the Colonel was compelled to negociate for the safety of the aged and infirm -- and for the widows and orphans which that disas- trous battle had made. It was here that articles of capitulation were agreed upon, and the pledge of safety given by Butler, the British commander. The preceding history tells how soon that pledge was violated.
Part of the battle ground lies in the north-eastern angle of this township. The remains of those who fell, were here collected, and hastily and " sadly" interred. The wealthy, intelligent and liberal citizens of Kingston, and of the valley, can hardly permit so interesting a spot to remain long without a "raised stone, " and a " carved line, " as a me- morial of their fallen kindred and friends.
The great stage route from Wilkes-Barre to
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Montrose, passes through this township. It has three post-offices, and contains about 1500 inhab- itants.
LEHMAN, is bounded N. E. by Windham and Northmoreland; S. E. by Plymouth ; S. W. by Union ; and N. W. by Lycoming county.
This township was organized in November, 1829 ; its name was intended as a tribute of respect to the late Doctor William Lehman, of the city of Philadelphia, for many years a member of the House of Representatives, chairman of the com- mittee of internal improvement and inland naviga- tion, and a distinguished and active friend and advocate of the great system of canal and rail road improvement, adopted in Pennsylvania, and which promises incalculable advantages to the Common- wealth. He had visited the great public works in Europe ; had witnessed their operations, and re- turned with a mind well stored with useful infor- mation upon the subject. He died at Harrisburg during the session of the Legislature of 1828-9, whilst attending to his duties as a member. His fellow members of the House of Representatives, decreed him a tomb-stone, to be erected at the public expense.
This township is very uneven ; the great range of the Allegheny passes through its north-western division ; yet much of it may be cultivated. The timber is pine, oak, hickory, chesnut, with some veech, maple and hemlock. It contains several small lakes, one of which at the head of the wes- tern tributary of Harvey's creek, is here called Lehman's lake ; and the tributary itself, of which the lake is the source, is called Lehman's creek. Harvey's, Bowman's and Maboopeny creeks flow through it, and afford numerous mill sites.
It has a post-office, and contains about 400 inhab- itants.
NESCOPECE, is bounded! N. E. by Newport ; Ss
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E. by Sugarloaf ; W. by Columbia county ; and N. W. by the Susquehanna river, which separates it from Salem and Union. It has some very good river bottom, but its surface is generally uneven. Big and little Wapwallopen, and the Nescopeck creek, flow through it. Nescopeck village, hand- somely situated on the bank of the river, has a post- office, and several well built houses. A bridge is thrown across the Susquehanna at this place, con- necting it with Berwick, a thriving village upon the west bank of the river. The Berwick and Eas- ton turnpike road and great stage route passes through this township. Its exports consist in the various kinds of grain and timber. Its population is principally German, and amounts probably to 1300.
NEWPORT, is bounded N. E. by Hanover ; S. E. by Sugarloaf ; S. W. by Nescopeck ; and N. IV. by the Susquehanna river, which separates it from Union and Plymouth. Its timber the same as in Hanover and Nescopeck. Some part of it is thickly settled, and well cultivated ; but a consid- erable portion of it will not admit of culture. An- thracite coal is found here in abundance. It con- tains bog iron ore, which has been worked to a considerable extent at a forge upon the Nanticoke, which has been long in operation.
Nanticoke falls, where a feeder dam is now being built for the North Branch canal, is at the extreme northern angle of this township. The immense amount of surplus water which this dam will furnish, and which may be applied to hydrau- lic purposes, its location at the outlet of the extensive valley of Wyoming -- the coal and iron ore in its vicinity, with the facilities of canal transportation, are calculated to invite capitalists, and at no very distant day, to produce in its immediate neighbour- hood, a populous and busy manufacturing village. It is situate about 8 miles from Wilkes-Barre ; has
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a post-office, and contains about 1000 inhabitants?
NICHOLSON, (so named, from John Nicholson, Esq. formerly Treasurer of Pennsylvania, who early formed a settlement in the neighbourhood,) is bounded N. by Susquehanna county ; E. by Greenfield ; S. by Abington ; and W. by Tunk- hannock.
Its timber along the Tunkhannock, which flows through it, is principally pine, but its greater por- tion is covered with beech, maple, ash and hemlock. The soil, except upon the creek, is similar to that of Abington and Greenfield. Its exports are prin- cipally lumber. The Philadelphia and Great Bend turnpike, passes through it from north to south, dividing it into nearly two equal parts.
It is situate about 35 miles N, from Wilkes- Barre ; has a post-office, and contains about 800 inhabitants.
NORTHMORELAND, is bounded N. by Eaton and the Susquehanna river, which separates it from Falls ; E. by Exeter ; S. by Dallas and Lehman ; and W. by Windham. Its surface is very uneven -- indeed mountainous ; yet it contains a consider- able quantity of land which will admit of culture. Its timber is similar to that of Dallas. Its princi- pal exports at present, are lumber, It has three post-offices, and contains 800 inhabitants.
PITTSTON, is bounded N. by Exeter and Provi- dence ; N. E. by Providence ; S. E. by Covington; S. W. by Wilkes-Barre ; and ~W. and N. W. by the Susquehanna, which separates it from Kings- ton and Exeter.
The soil of that portion of Pittston which lies in the valley is good, and some part of it of a supe- rior quality. A great portion of it is mountainous, but much of it may be cultivated. It includes the' mouth, and lower section of the Lackawannock river, a strong and never failing stream, which fur- nishes numerous mill sites.
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Falling Spring, a great natural curiosity, near the north-western angle of this township, is precipitated from a high elevation over an almost perpendicular ledge. Its frothy track, of a snow white appearance, is seen by the traveller, as he advances to the north, at the distance of several miles. At this point the Susquehanna breaks into the valley of Wyoming.
Anthracite coal is found here in great abundance. The mouth of the Lackawanna, in Pittston, is about 10 miles N. E. from Wilkes-Barre ; 23 miles.S. W. from Carbondale ; and 50 miles N. W. from the Delaware water gap. The con- struction of a canal along the Lackawannock river, and a canal or rail road from the Delaware water gap, have been authorized by law. If these
improvements should be executed, and the North Branch canal extended, of which there can be little doubt, Pittston, with its immense water power, and rich coal mines, will possess advantages calculated to attract capitalists, and at no very distant period, a populous manufacturing village may be expected to grow up within its limits.
It has three post offices, and contains about 1000 inhabitants.
PLYMOUTH, is bounded N. E. by Kingston and Dallas ; S. E. by. the Susquehanna, which sepa- rates it from Wilkes-Barre, Hanover and Newport; S. W. by Union ; and N. W. by Lehman and Dallas.
That part of Plymouth which lies in the valley of Wyoming, consists mainly, of the richest allu- vial soil. A great part of its surface is moun- tainous ; but its mountains are generally of gentle acclivity, and will admit of cultivation.
The Plymouth coal mines have been worked to a `greater extent, and with more judgment and skill, than any other in the valley.
The Connecticut settlers, originally appropriate
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ted lands in this township, for the support of schools, from which very considerable aid to that object, is now derived. Its citizens have estab- lished an academy, or high school, in which the languages, and the higher branches of an English education, are taught.
The exports of Plymouth are coal and grain.
It has two post-offices, and contains about 1200 inhabitants.
PROVIDENCE, is bounded N. E. by Blakeley ; S. E. by Covington ; S. W. and S. by Pitts- ton ; W. by Exeter, and N. W. by Falls.
There is much good, and well cultivated land along the Lackawannock, in this township. Most of its surface is mountainous, but much of it may be cultivated.
Anthracite coal is found here in abundance, and is easily mined; the Lackawannock and the Roaring brook, furnish mill power to an indefinite extent.
The Philadelphia and Great Bend turnpike 'passes through its northern division, and the Luzerne and Wayne county turnpike, has its commencement here. A village called Centre- ville has been recently laid out upon the river, which is fast improving.
The local position of Providence, in relation to the great projected improvements in this quarter, · its immense water power, extensive coal mines, and valuable timber, all combine to render its prospects of increased population and improve- ment, highly flattering.
Lumber, grain and whiskey, are its principal exports.
It is situate about 17 miles N. E. from Wilkes- Barre ; has a post-office, and contains about 1000 inhabitants.
SALEM, is bounded N. E. and S. E. by the Susquehanna, which separates it from Nescopeck ;
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S. W. by the county of Columbia ; and N. W. by Huntington.
The greater part of its soil will admit of culti- vation. The river side of this township is well settled, and pretty well cultivated. The North Branch canal passes through it. Anthracite coal has been found in its hills, but its extent has not been ascertained. The Shickshinny, Beach's, and several other streams, furnish pretty good mill power.
A post-office is established at Beach Grove, in this township, the residence of Nathan Beach, Esq. who emigrated with his family when an infant, and settled in this township in 1769. After having served his country during the revolutionary struggle, he returned and settled near the spot where his family was first located, and is believed to be the only man living who resided in the valley in 1769. He long acted as a magistrate, and repre- sented the county for several years in the Legisla- ture. He is now enjoying the abundant fruits of a temperate and active life.
Salem produces a considerable quantity of surplus agricultural products for market ; is situ- ate about 20 miles S. W. from Wilkes-Barre, and contains about 900 inhabitants.
SUGARLOAF, (so named from a mountain which at a distance appears shaped like the sugar loaf, ) is bounded N. E. by Hanover ; S. E. by North- ampton county ; S. by Schuylkill county ; S. W. by Columbia county ; and N. W. by Nescopeck and Newport.
Itis very mountainous. The vallies of Nesco- peck and Black creek, contain some excellent land, which is pretty generally settled, and well culti- vated. Its streams afford excellent mill sites.
The Berwick and Easton turnpike and great stage road passes through it; and a canal is in contemplation across the Nescopeck summit, to
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unite the waters of the Lehigh and Susquehanna;
Its population is German ; Exports, the various kinds of grain. Conyngham, in this township, is a thriving and prosperous village, where there is a post-office.
Sugarloaf contains 1200 inhabitants.
TUNKHANNOCK, is bounded N. by Susquehanna county ; E. by Nicholson and Abington ; S. E. by Falls; S. W. by the Susquehanna, which separates it from Eaton and Windham ; and N. W. by Braintrim.
The soil along the Susquehanna, and the valley of the Tunkhannock creek, is productive ; and the high lands, a considerable portion of which may be cultivated, are covered with valuable timber, con- sisting of white pine, oak, chesnut, &c. A village, advantageously situated near the mouth of the Tunkhannock, contains a post-office, several stores and mechanics' shops ; and from its local position, promises to be a place of considerable importance.
It produces large quantities of lumber, and some of the products of agriculture, for market ..
It is situate about 28 miles N. of Wilkes-Barre, and contains about 1200 inhabitants.
UNION, is bounded N. E. by Lehman and Ply- mouth ; S. E. by the Susquehanna, which sepa- rates it from Newport and Nescopeck ; S. W. by Salem and Huntington ; and N. W. by Ly- coming county. Surface very uneven. Much of it may be cultivated. Henlock's, Shickshinny and Huntington creeks, head in, or flow through this township, which afford sufficient mill power. The North Branch canal passes through it. Its timber and agricultural products are similar to those in Huntington. It contains about 800 inhab- itants.
WINDHAM, is bounded N. E. by the Susque- hanna, which separates it from Braintrim and Tunkhannock ; S. E. by Eaton and Northmore:
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land ; S. W. by Lehman; and N. W. by the county of Bradford.
Its surface is mountainous ; yet it contains some excellent land. Most ofits soil will admit of cul- tivation.
The big and little Mahoopeny, are strong and never failing mill streams, and its forests contain the finest of timber.
It produces large quantities of lumber for market; and within a few years, considerable attention has been paid to grazing, and several dairies have pro- duced excellent cheese.
It is situate about 40 miles N. W. from Wilkes- Barre, contains a post-office, and about 1000 inhabitants.
WILKES-BARRE township, is bounded N. E. by Pittston ; E. by Bear creek, which separates it. from Covington ; S. W. by Hanover ; and N. W. by the Susquehanna, which separates it from Plymouth and Kingston.
Its name is derived from the celebrated John Wilkes and Colonel Barre, who were members of the British Parliament during the revolutionary struggle, and took a decided part in favour of America, against the measures of the British ministry.
Wilkes-Barre is situated in the midst of the an- thracite coal formation, and contains an inexhaust- ible quantity of this valuable mineral. It is believed that no portion of the valley affords great- er facilities for the transportation of coal to the Susquehanna, or offers stronger inducements to capitalists to engage in the coal trade, than the coal lands in Wilkes-Barre. They extend from the river back to near the top of the mountain, a distance of about two miles. The strata are from six to twenty-four feet in thickness, and are every where exposed where intersected by the streams and rivulets from the mountain. The coal is of a
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brilliancy and richness rarely equalled, and no where excelled, in the whole anthracite coal formation.
The Borough of Wilkes-Barre, in this township, is on the east bank of the Susquehanna, and is the seat of Justice for Luzerne county .. It contains a court-house, jail, public offices, an academy, € meeting-house, an Episcopal church, eight or ten stores, a. number of mechanics' shops, and about one hundred dwelling houses. " The Wyo- ming Bank of Wilkes-Barre," chartered by an act of the legislature in 1829, has now(February 1830,) commenced its operations. From the general in- terest felt for its success, and from the known character of its officers, it is believed it will contribute largely towards the improvement and prosperity of the country. The number of inhab- itants within the borough is probably about 1200, and about the same number in the township.
The Wilkes-Barre academy, incorporated in 1806, has deservedly acquired a high reputation, It generally contains from twenty-five to fifty students, of both sexes, pursuing the higher branch- es of learning. The Latin and Greek languages, are here taught, together with the mathematics, and all the various branches of an English education. This institution has produced some respectable scholars, and has prepared numerous young men to enter the northern colleges.
The Wyoming Seminary, for the education of young ladies, recently established at Wilkes-Barre, promises as extensive usefulness, as any institution of the kind in our country. Under the care of Mrs. Chapman, (the widow of the author of the preceding history,) its principal, and Miss Trott, her assistant, both highly accomplished, and well qualified instructors, this Seminary has excited an interest, and is acquiring a reputation, not usual in the infancy of institutions of the kind.
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From the general healthiness of the valley, and the delightful scenery, and natural charms which it affords-from the excellent society of the village -the cheapness of living, and the competency of the instructors, the schools of Wilkes-Barre deser- vedly merit extensive patronage and support.
In conclusion it is proposed to take a summary, and more connected view of the anthracite coal formation, and of the improvements in progress, and in contemplation, in this interesting region of country.
The origin of the anthracite coal formation, has. been a fruitful subject of speculation, It is gen- erally believed to be of vegetable origin, and there. are certainly many facts which naturally lead to this conclusion. Its component parts, properties, and localities, and the various vegetable impressions which are every where plainly to be seen in this mineral, and also in the slate rock, which generally covers it, are regarded as conclusive evidences, that its first existence depended upon vegetable matter .. It is supposed too, that its first formation was in horizontal strata, and that by some great convul- sion of nature, they have been broken up, and the fragments thrown into the situations in which they are now found, inclining to every point of the com- pass, and in every position from horizontal to verti- cal. This opinion is as strongly supported by appearances in every part of the anthracite coal formation, as is the fact of its vegetable origin.
But at what period, and by what means such immense masses of vegetable matter were col- lected, and by what great convulsion of nature they were broken up after their formation, are problems, the solutions of which, are left entirely to conjecture. No history which has come down to us, furnishes any satisfactory data by which these enquiries can be answered. Indeed, it would seem very difficult to gustain this theory,
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without intrenching upon the Mosaic account of the creation, and the unbroken chain of history since that period.
To suppose this mineral a primitive material in the formation of the earth ; that it has undergone some mutations in the lapse of ages ; and that its original situation was materially changed-its strata divided, and thrown into different positions, when " the fountains of the great deep were broken up," would certainly relieve the subject from most of the difficulties in which science involves it, without impeaching the integrity of the sacred history, or detracting from the wisdom and good- ness of the great Author and Maker of all things.
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