History: The States; Wyoming County, New York

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Source: 
Gazetteer and Business Directory of Wyoming County, New York for 1870-1871
Compiled and Published by Hamilton Child. Published Syracuse, NY

THE STATES,
THEIR SETTLEMENT, ADMITTANCE TO THE UNION, POPULATION,

SUFFRAGE LAWS, ETC.

ALABAMA was settled near Mobile, in 1702, by the French; was
formed Into a Territory by act of Congress, approved March 8, 1817 from the
eastern portion of the Territory of Mississippi framed a Constitution August
2, 1819, and was admitted into the Union December 14 of the same year. Area
50,722 square miles, or 32,462,080 acres.— Population in 1860, 964,801, of
whom 435,080 were slaves. It is the chief cotton growing State of the Union.
White male citizens who have resided one year in the State and three months in
the county, are entitled to vote. An election for a Convention was held
December 24, 1860, and a majority of over 50,000 votes cast for secession; the
Convention met January 7, 1861, and on the 11th passed the ordinance of
secession, by a vote of 61 to 89, which was followed on the 21st by the
resignation of its members of Congress.

ARKANSAS was settled at Arkansas Post in 1685, by the French and was part of
the Louisiana purchase ceded by France to the United Stetes, April 30, 1803.
It was formed into a Territory by act of Congress, March 2, 1819. from the
southern part of the Territory of Missouri; Its western boundary was settled
May 26, 1824, and its southern, May 19, 1828. Having adopted a Constitution, a
memorial was presented in Congress, March 1, 1836, and an act for its
admission into the Union passed June 15 of the same year. Area 52,198 square
miles, or 33,406,720 acres. In 1860 its popolatlon was 435,450, of whom
111,115 were slaves. It is an agricultural State, Its staples being corn and
cotton. Citizenship and residence In the State for six months, qualify voters
In the county and district where they reside. January 16, 1861, its
Legislature ordered a State Convention, which assembled and on May 6, voted to
secede, 69 to 1. January 4, 1864, a Convention assembled In Little Rock, which
adopted a new Constitution, the principle feature of which consisted in a
clause abolishing slavery. The Convention adjourned January 22. This body also
inaugurated a Provisional Government. The Constitution was submitted to the
people, and 12,177 votes cast for it, to 226 against it. The State was
re-organized under the plan contained in the Amnesty Proclamation of President
Lincoln, in pursuance of which an election was held March 14, 1864. The vote
required under the Proclamation was 5,405. About 16,000 votes were cast.

CALIFORNIA was settled at Diego in 1768, by Spaniards, and was part of the
territory ceded to the United States by Mexico, by the treaty concluded at
Guadaloupe Hidalgo, February 22, 1848. after several ineffectual attempts to
organize it as a Territory or admit it as a State, a law was passed by
Congress for the latter purpose, which was approved September 9, 1850. Area
188,981 square mites, or 120,947,784 acres. Population in 1860, 305,439. It is
the most productive gold mining region on the continent, and also abounds in
many otber minerals. White male citizens of the United States, and those of
Mexico who may choose to comply with the provisions of the treaty of
Queretaro, of May 30, 1848, who have resided in the State six months and in
the county or district thirty days, are entitled to vote.   

CONNECTICUT was settled at Windsor, in 1633, by English Pailtans from
Massachusetts, and continued under the jurisdiction of that Provinee until
April 23,1062, when a separate charter was grunted, whiels entinued in force
until a Constitution was formed, September 15, 1818. It was one of the
original thirteen States, and ratified the United States Constitution, January
9, 1788. Area 4,674 square miles, or 2,991,360 acres. Population in 1860,
460,147. It is one of the most densely populated and principal manufacturing
States in the Union. Residence for six months, or military duty for a year, or
payment of State tax, or a freehold of the yearly value of seven dollars,
gives the right to vote.

DELAWARE was settled at Wilmington, early in 1638, by Swesles and Finns; was
granted to William Penn, tn 1682, and continued under the government of
Pennsylvania until the adoption of a Constitution, September 20, 1776; a new
one was formed June 12, 1792. It was one of the original thirteen States, and
ratified the United States Constitution, December 7, 1787. Area 2,120 square
miles, or 1,356,800 acres. Population, in 1860, 112,216, of whom 1,798 were
slaves. It is a grain and fruit growing State, with some extensive
manufactories. Residence in the State one year, and ten days in the election
district, with payment of a State or county tax assessed ten days prior to an
election, gives the right to vote, except that citizens between twenty-one and
twenty-two years of age need not have paid the tax.

FLORIDA was settled at St. Augustine, in 1565, by Spaniards; was formed from
part of the territory ceded by Spain to the United States by treaty of
February 22, 1819; an act to authorized the President to establish a temporary
government was passed March 3 1819; articles of surrender of East Florida were
framed July 10, and of West Florida, July 17, 1821, and it was then taken
possession of by General Jackson as Governor. An act for the establishment of
a Territorial Government was passed March 30, 1822, and by act of March 3,
1823, East and West Flonda were constituted one Territory. Acts to establish
its boundary line between Georgia and Alabama were passed May 4, 1826, and
March 2, 1831 After several ineffectual attempts to organize it into two
Territories, or into a State and Territory, an act for its admission into the
Union was passed March 3, 1845. Area 59,268 square miles, or 37,930,520 acres.
Population, in 1860, 140,425, of whom 61,745 were slaves. It is an
agricultural State, tropical in its climate and products. Every free white
male citizen, who has resided in the State two years and in the county six
months, and has been enrolled in the militia (unless exempt by law,) in
qualified to vote but no soldier, seaman or marine can vote unless qualified
before enlistment. Its Legislature called a Convention, December 1, 1860,
which met January 8, 1861, and passed a secession ordinance on the 10th by a
vote of 62 to 7.

GEORGIA was settled at Savannah, in 1738, by the English under General
Oglethorpe. It was chartered June 9, 1732; formed a Constitotloo February 5,
1777; a second In 1788 and a third May 80, 1798.— It was one ol the original
thirteen States, and ratified the United Slates Constitution January 2, 1788.
Area 88,000 oqoare miles, or 37,120, 000 acres. Population, to 1860,
1,057,286, of whom 462,198 were slaves, it is a large cotton and rice growing
State. Citizens of the State, six months resident of the county where voting,
who have paid taxes the year preceding the election, are entitled to vote.
November 18, 1860, its Legislature ordered an election for a State Convention,
which assembled and passed a secession ordinance January 19, 1861, by a vote
of 208 to 89, and on the 23d of the same month its members of Congress
resigned.

ILLINOIS was settled at Kaskaskia, in 1683, by the French, and formed part of
the northwestern territory ceded by Virginia to the United States. An act for
dividing the Indiana Territory and organizing the Territory of Illinois, was
passed by Congress, February 3, 1809; an an act to enable it to form a State
Constitution, Government, &c., was passed April 18, 1818; a Constitution was
framed August 26, and it was admitted into the Union December 23 of the same
year. Area 54,405 square miles, or 64,819,200 acres Population, in 1860,
3,711,931. It is the chief “prairie” State, and the largest grain growing and
second largest cattle raising State in the Union. All white male inhabitants,
who have resided in tise State one year and election district sixty days, can
vote in the district where actually residing.

INDIANA was setiled at Vincennes, in 1690 by the French and formed part of the
northwestern territory ceded by Virginia to the United States. It was
organized into a Territory May 7, 1800, from which the Territory of Michigan
was set off in 1805, and Illinois in 1809. An act was paased to empower it to
form a State Constitution, Government, &c., April 19, 1816, and it was
admitted into the Union December 11 of the same year. Area 83,809 square
miles, or 21,637,760 acres. Population, in 1860, 1,350,428. It is an
agricultural State, chiefly devoted to grain growing and cattle raising. A
residence of one year in the State entitles males of 21 years of age to vote
in the county of their residence.

IOWA was first settled at Burlington by emigrants from the Northern and
Eastern States. It was part of the region purchased from France; was set off
from the Territory of Wisconsin and organized as a separate Territory June 12,
1838; an act for its admission as a Slate was passed and approved March 8,
1845, to which the assent of Its inhabitants was to be given to be announced
by Proclamation of the President, and on DeDecember 28, 1846, another act for
its admission was passed. Area 50,914 square miles or 32,584,960 acres.
Population, In 1860, 674,913. It is an agricultural State, resembllng
Illinois, and contains important lead mines. White male citizens of the United
States, having resided in the State six months and county twenty days, are
entitled to vote.

KANSAS was formed out of the original Louisiana purchase, and organized into a
Territory by act of Congress, May 30, t854, and after several ineffectual
attempts was finally admitted into the Union in January, 1861. Area 78,418
square miles, or 50,187,520 acres. Population, in 1860, 107,206. It is an
agricultural State, with a soil of rich and deep black loam, except the
central portion, which is partly a desert. The western portion is a fine
grazing country, well wooded. Residence in the State six months, and in the
township or ward thirty days, confers the right of suffrage on white male
citizens. It also abounds in minerals.

KENTUCKY was settled In 1771, by Virginians; formed into a Territory by act of
the Virginia Legislature, December 18, 1789, and admitted Into the Union Jnne
1, 1792, by virtue of an act of Congress passed February 4, 1791. Area 37,680
square mites, or 24,115,200 acres. Population in 1860, 1,155,684 of whom
225,483 were slaves. It is an agricultural State, raising more flax and hemp
than any other. Loyalty, a residence of two years in the State and one in the
county are the requirements to vote. “Any citizen of this State who shall
enter the service of the so-called Confederate States, in either a civil or
military capacity; or into the service of the so-called Provisional Government
of Kentucky, in either a civil or military capacity; or having heretofore
entered such service of either the Confederate States or Provisional
Government, shall continue in such service after this act takes effect, (March
11, 1862,) or shall take up or continue in arms against the military forces of
the United States or State of Kentucky, or shall give voluntary aid and
assistance to those in arms against said forces, shall be deemed to have
expatriated himself, and shall no longer be a citizen, except by permission of
the Legislature by a general or special statute.”

LOUISIANA was settled at Iberville, in 1699, by the French, and comprised a
part of the territory ceded by France to the United States, by treaty of April
30, 1803, which purchase was erected into two Territories by act of Congress
March 26, 1804, one celled the Territory of Orleans, the other the District of
Louisiana, afterwards changed to that of Missouri. — Congress, March 2, 1808
authorized the inhabitants of Orleans Territory to form a State Constitution
and Government when their population should amount to 60,000; a Constitution
was adopted January 22, 1812, and the State admitted into the Union April 8 of
the same year, under the name of LouIsiana. Area 41,255 square mites, or
26,403,200 acres. Population in 1860, 708,002, of whom 331,726 were slaves. It
is the chief sugar producing State of the Union. Two years' residence in the
State and one in the parish are the qualifications of voters. December 10,
1860, the Legislature ordered a State Convention to be held, which assembled
and passed an ordinance of secession January 26, 1861, by a vote of 113 to 17.
The people voted on the question, and on March 28 the following was announced
as the result: For, 20,448; against, 17,296; a majority of 3,152. The
Convention ratified the ‘Confederate’ Constitution March 11, 1861, by a vote
of 107 to 7, and refused to submit it to the people by 94 to 10. On the 11th
day of January, 1864, Maj. Gen. Banks issued a Proclamation for an election of
State officers and delegates to a Constitutional Convention, fur the purpose
of affecting a reconstruction of the State Government under the plan suggested
in the Amnesty Proclamation of President Lincoln. The election was held on the
22d day of Febnary, 1861 The officers thus elected were installed March 4. The
total vote cast was 10,725. The vote requisite under the Proclamation was
5051. The Convention amended the Constitution so as to abolish slavery. The
new Constitution was adopted by the people by a vote of 6,835 for, to 1,566
against.

MAINE was settled at York, in 1623, by the English, and was formerly under the
jurisdiction of Massachusetts. October 29, 1819, the inhabitants of the
District of Maine framed a Constitution; applied for admission December 8,
1819. Congress passed an act March 3, 1820, and it was admitted as a State
March 11, of the same year. Area 31,766 sqnare miles, or 20,330,240 acres.
Population, in 1860, 628,279. It is largely engaged in the lumber trade and
ship building. Citizens of the United States, except paupers and persons under
guardianship, who have resided in the State for three months next preceding
the election, are entitled to vote.

MARYLAND was settled at St. Mary, in 1634, by Irish Roman Catholics, having
been chartered June 20, 1632. It was one of the original thirteen States;
formed a Constitution August 14, 1776, and ratified the Constitution of the
United Slates April 28, 1788. Area 11,124 square miles, or 7,119,260 acres.
Population in 1860, 687,049; of whom 87, 189 were slaves. It is mainly an
agricultural State producing grain and tobacco. A residence of one year in the
State, and six months in the county, gives the right to vote to every white
male citizen who takes the oath of allegiance prescribed in the Constitution.
January 28, 1864, a bill passed the Legislature submitting to the people the
question of a Convention to revise the Constitution of the State. The popular
vote on the question was so follows: For Convention, 32,203, against 18,337.
The Convention assembled and adopted a Constitution abolishing slavery, which
was submitted to and adopted by the people; and in accordance with its
provisions, on the 29th of October, 1864, the Governor issued his Proclamation
declaring the slaves in that State free from the 1st day of November.

MASSACHUSETTS was settled at Plymouth, November 8, 1620, by English Puritans,
and Charters were granted March 4, 1629, January 13, 1630, August 20, 1726 and
October 7, 1731. It was one of the original
13 States; adopted a Constitution March 2, 1780, which was amended November 3,
3, 1820, and ratified the Constitution of the United States February 6, 1788.
Area 7,800 square miles, or 4,992,000 acres. Population in 1860, 1,231,066. It
is a largely commercial, the chief manufacturing and most densely populated
State is the Union. A residence of one year in the Stale, and payment of State
or county tax, gives ths right to vote to male citizens of 21 years aud
upward, except paupers and persons under guardianship.

MICHIGAN was settled at Detroit in 1670, by the French and was part of the
territory ceded to the United States by Virginia It was set off from the
territory of Indiana, and erected into a separate Territory January 11, 1805;
an act to attach to it all the territory of the United States west of the
Misotesippi river, and north of the State of Missouri, was passed June 28,
1834. Wisconsin was organized from it April 30, 1836. In June of the same year
an act was passed to provide for the admission of the State of Michigan into
the Union and a Constitution having been adopted, it was admitted January 26,
1887. Area 56,243 square miles, or 35,995,552 acres. Population in 1860,
749,113. It is a grain growing and cattle rearing State, with rich and
extensive mines of copper and iron in the Northern Peninsula. A residence in
the State of six months preceding the election, entitles white male citizens
to vote.

MINNESOTA was settled about 1846, chiefly by emigrants from the Northern and
Western States. It was organized as a Territory by act of Congress approved
March 8, 1849, and admitted Into the Union February 26, 1857. Area 95,274
square miles, or 60,975,536 acres. Population In 1860, 172,123 whites, and
about 25,000 Indians, many of the tribes being of a warlike character. It is
an agricultural State, chiefly devoted to Northern grains. The right to vote
is extended to male persons of 21 years of age, of the following classes, if
they have reside in the United States one year, the State four months, and the
election district ten days; White citizens of the United States, and those of
foreign birth who have declared their intention to become citizens; persons of
mixed white and Indian blood who have adopted the customs of civilization, and
those ot pure Indian blood who have been pronounced capable by any district
court of the State.

MISSISSIPPI was settled Natchez, in 1716, by the French, and was formed out of
part of the territory ceded to the United States by South Carolina in 1787,
and Georgia in 1802. It was organized as a Territory by act of Congress, April
7, 1789, and enlarged on the north March 27, 1804, and on the south May 14,
1812. After several unsuccessful attempts to enter the Union, Congress finally
passed an act March 1, 1817, enabling the people of the western part of the
Territory to form a State Constitution and Government, which being complied
with August 15, it was admitted December 10 of the same year. Area 47,156
square miles, or 30,179,840 acres. Population in 1860, 791,305, of whom
436,631 were slaves. It is the second cotton growing State of the Union.
Citizens who have resided one year in the State, and four months in the
county, and having performed military duty or paid taxes, are entitled to
vote. A Convention met January 7, 1861, and on the 9th pmsed an ordinance of
secession by a vote of 84 to 15.

MISSOURI was settled at Genevieve in 1763, by the French, and was part of the
territory ceded by France by treaty of April 30, 1803. It was created under
the name of the District of Louisiana, by an act approved March 26, 1804, and
placed under the direction of the officers of the Indiana Territory, and was
organized into a separate Territory June 4, 1812, its name being changed to
that of Missouri; and was divided March 2, 1819, the Territory of Arkansas
being then created. An act authorizing it to form a State Constitution and
Government was passed March 6, 1820, and it was admittbd into the Union
December 14, 1821. Area 67,380 square miles, or 43,123,200 acres. Population
in 1860, 1,182,012, of whom 114,931 were slaves. An act of gradual
emancipation was passed July 1, 1863, by a vote of 51 to 30. On the 6th of
January, 1865, a Constitutional Convention assembled tn St. Louis, and on the
8th of April adopted a new Constitution, declaring the State free, prohibiting
compensation for slaves, and adopting many other radical changes. On the 6th
of June the Constitution was adopted by the people by a vote of 48,670 to
41,808, and pursuant to a Proclamation issued on the 1st of July, the
Constitution went into effect July 4 1865. It is an agricultural and mining
State. Citizens of the United States who have resided in the State one year,
and county three months, are entitled to vote. By an act passed by the
Legislature of 1863, voting by ballot was adopted, and the viva voce system
abolished.

NEBRASKA was settled by emigrants from the Northern and Westem States, and was
formed out of a part of the territory ceded by France, April 30, 1803.
Attempts to organize it were made in 1844 and 1848, but it was not
accomplished until May 30, 1854. Area 75,955 square miles, or 44,796,160
acres. Population 28,841, besides a few roving tribes of Indians. A Convention
adopted a State Constitution February 9, 1866, which was submitted to the
people on the 22d of June, and adopted by a vote of 3,938 for, to 3,838
against and State officers were elected. A bill was passed by Congress, July
27th, admitting the State, but the President withheld his signature. to
February, 1867; Congress passed an act imposing certain conditions to
admission, which were promptly accepted, and the territory became a State. It
is an agricultural region, tto prairies affording boundless pasture lands.

NEVADA was organized as a Territory March 2, 1861. Its name signifies snowy,
and is derived from the Spanish word nieve (snow.) It comprises 81,539 square
miles, or 52,184,960 acres, lying mostly within the Great Basin of the Pacific
coast. Congress, at its session in 1864, passed an act which was approved
March 21, to enable the people of the Territory to form a Constitution and
State Government, in pursuance of which a Government was organized and the
Territory admitted as a State by Proclamation of the President, October 31,
1864. At the time of its organization the Territory possessed a population of
6,857 whIte settlers. The development of her mineral resources was rapid and
almost without parallel, aud attracted a constant stream of immigration to the
Territory. As the population has not been subject to the fluctuations from
which other Territories have suffered, the growth of Nevada has been rapid and
steady. At the general convention election of 1863, 10,934 votes were cast.
During 1864 great accessions to the population were made. It is probably the
richest State in the Union iu respect to mineral resources. No region in the
world in richer in argentiferous leads. It also contains an immeoae basin of
salt, five miles square. Quartz mills are a very important feature in mining
operations. The State is barren for agricultural purposes, and is remarkably
healthy.

NEW HAMPSHIRE was settled at Dover, in 1623, by English Puritans, and
continued under the jurisdiction of Massachusetts until September 18, 1679,
when a separate charter was granted. It was one of the original thirteen
States, and ratified the United States Constitution June 21, 1788; its State
Constitution was framed January 5, 1776, and amended in 1784 and 1792. Area
9,280 square miles, or 5,939,200 acres. Population in 1860, 326,073. It is a
grazing and manufacturing State. All male citizens, except paupers, are
allowed to vote.

NEW JERSEY was settled at Bergen, in 1624, by the Dutch and Danes; was
conquered by the Dutch in 1655, and submitted to the English in 1664, being
held thereafter under the same grants as New York, until it was surrendered to
the Crown in 1702. It was one of the original thirteen States, adopted a State
Constitution July 2, 1776, and ratified the United States Constitution
December 18, 1787. Area 8,320 square miles, or 5, 324,800 acres. Population in
1860, 672,035. It is a grain and fruit growing region, its orchard and market
products being relatively greater than those of any other State. A residence
of one year in the State gives the right to vote, except to paupers, &c.

NEW YORK was settled at Manhattan, in 1614, by the Dutch; was ceded to the
English by grants to the Duke of York, March 20, April 28, and June 24, 1664;
was retaken by the Dutch in 1678, and surrendered again by them to the
English, February 9, 1674. It was one of the original thirteen States;
ratified the United States Constitution Jetty 26, 1788; framed a Constitution
April 20, 1777, which was amended October 27, 1801, and November 10, 1821; a
new one was adopted November 8, 1846. Area 47,000 square miles, or 30,080,000
acres. Population in 1860 8,831,777. It is the most populous, wealthy and
commercial of the States. White male citizens of the United States, who have
resided in the State one year, in the county four months, and election
district thirty days, are entitled to vote; and all men of color who have
resided in the State three years, and own and pay taxes on a freehold assessed
at $250.

NORTH CAROLINA was settled at Albemarle, in 1650, by the English, and was
chartered March 20, 1668. It was one of the original thirteen States, and
ratified the United States Constitution, November 21, 1789; ite State
Constitution was adopted December 18, 1776 and amended in 1880. Area 50,704
square miles, or 32,450,560 acres. Population in 1860, 992,622, of whom
331,059 were slaves. It is an agricultural State, with some mines and
extensive pine forests. Every freeman of 21 years of age, having resided one
year in any county in the State, may vote for a member of the House of
Commons, but must own fifty acres of land to vote for a Senator. A State
Convention passed an ordinance of secession May 21, 1861. An election for
delegates to a State Convention took place September 21, 1865. The Convention
assembled October 2. On the 2d of October it passed an ordinance forever
prohibiting alavery. The Legislature ratified the Constitutional amendment
December 1. An election was held on the first Thursday of November, for
Governor, Members of Congress and the Legislators.

OHIO was settled at Marietta, in 1788, by emigrants from Virginia and New
England; was ceded by Virginia to the United States October 20, 1788; accepted
by the latter March 1, 1784, and admitted into the Union April 80, 1802. Area
19,964 square miles, or 21,576,960 acres. Population in 1860, 2,339,511. It is
the must populous and wealthy of the agricultural States, devoted principally
to wool growing, grain and live stock. A male of 21 years of age, who has
resided in the State one year, and has paid or been charged with a State or
county tax, is eligible to vote.

OREGON, although it had previously been seen by various navigators, was first
taken possession of by Capt Robert Gray who entered the mouth of its principal
river May 7, 1792, naming it after his vessel, the Columbia, of Boston.
Exploring expeditious soon followed, and fur companies sent their trappers and
traders into the region. In 1811 a trading post was established at the mouth
of the Columbia river by the American Fur Company, who named it Astoria. For
some time a Provisional Territorial Government existed, but the boundary
remained unsettled until the treaty with Great Britain in 1848, when the 49th
parallel was adopted. It was formally organized as a Territery August 14,
1848; was divided March 2, 1858, on the 46th parallel, the northern portion
being called Washington and the southern Oregon. November 9, 1837, a State
Constitution waa adopted, under which it was admitted February 14, 1859, about
one-third of IT on the east being added to Washington Territory, its northern
boundary following the Colombia river until its intersection with latitude 46
degree north. Area 102,606 square miles, or 65,667,840 acres. Population in
1860, 52,465. Ii is an agricultural State, possessed of a fertile soil,
extensive pastures, genial climate, and is well wooded. Gold and other
precious metals are found in considerable abundance.

PENNSYLVANIA was settled at Philadelphia, in 1681, by English Quakers, and was
chartered February 28 of the same year. It was one of the original thirteen
States, ratifying the United States Constitution December 12 1787; adopted a
State Constitution September 28, 1776, and amended it September 2, 1780. Area
46,000 square miles, or 29,440,000 acres. Population In 1860, 2,906,115. It is
the second State in wealth and population, and the principal coal and iron
mining region in the Union. Residence in the State one year, and ten days in
the election district, with payment of a State or county tax assessed ten days
prior to an election, gives the right to vote; except that citizem between 21
and 22 years of age need not have paid the tax.

RHODE ISLAND was settled at Providence in 1636, by the English from
Massachusetts, under Roger Williams. 11 was under the jurisdiction of
Massachusetts until July 8, 1662, when a separate charter was granted, which
continued in force until the formation of a Constitution in September, 1842.
It was one of the original thirteen States, ratifying the United States
Constitution May 29, 1790. Area 1,306 square miles, or 835,840 acres.
Population in 1860, 174,620. Ii is largely engaged in manufactures. A freehold
possession of $13; or, if in reversion, renting for $7, togetber with a
residence of one year In the State and six mouths in the town; or, if no
freehold, then a residence of two years in the State and six months in the
town, and payment of $1 tax or military service instead, are the
qualifications of voters.

SOUTH CAROLINA was settled at Port Royal, in 1670, by the English, and
continued under the charter of Carolina, or North Carolina, uuttl they were
separated in 1720. It was one of the original thirteen States, ratifying the
United States Constitution May 28, 1798; it framed a State Constitution March
26, 1776, which was amended March 10, 1778, and June 8, 1790. Ares 29,385
square miles, or 18,806,400 acres. Population in 1860, 708,708, of whom
402,406 were slaves, an exceas of 101,270 over the whites. It is the principal
rice-growing State. Whites, who have resided in the State two years and
district six mouths, and have a freehold of fifty acres of land, or have paid
a State tax, are entitled to vote. December 17, 1860, a Convention assembled
in Columbia, adjourned to Charleston, and on the 24th unanimously adopted an
ordinance of secession, which was followed the next day by a Declaration of
Causes claimed to be sufficient to justify the act. An election for delegates
to a State Convention was held September 4, 1865. The Convention assembled
September 18, and adjourned on the 28th. It repealed the ordinance of
secession, abolished slavery, equalized the representation of the Senate and
taxation throughout the State, giving the election of Governor and
Presidential electors to the people, ordered voting In the Legislature by viva
voce, endorsed the Administration unanimously, and directed a commission to
submit a code to the Legislature for the protection of the colored population.
The Legislature ratified the Constitutional Amendment November 18, 1868.

     TENNESSEE wae settled at Fort Donelson, in 1756, by emigrants from
Virginia and North Carolina; was ceded to the United States by North Carolina,
December, 1780, conveyed by the Senators of that State February 25, 1790, and
accepted by act of Congress AprIl 2 of the same year; it adopted a
Constitution Feb. 6, 1796, and was admitted into the Union the 1st of June
following. Area 45,600 square miles, or 29,184,000 acres. Population in 1860,
1,109,601, of whom 275,179 were slaves. It is a mining and agricultural State,
and is largely productive of live stock. Citizens of the United States who
have resided six months in the county are entitled in vote. A military league
was formed between the Governor, Isham G. Harris, and the rebel States, May 7,
1861, ratified the same day by the Senate by a vote of 14 to 6, and a
Declaration of Independence sumitted to the people, the election in be held
Jone 8, the result of which was declared by the Governor, June 24, in be
104,913 for, and 47,238 against This movement not being acceptable to the
people of East Tennessee, which had declared against separation by a vote of
32,923 to 14,780 they, in a Convention held at Greenville, Jone 18—21,
repudiated it. Andrew Johnson, Provisional Governor of the State, called a
State Couven tion to be held in Nashville the second Monday in January.
Delegates were elected, the Convention met, declared slavery forever
abvolished, prohibited compensation to owners of slaves, and abrogated the
secession ordinances. These amendments of the Constitution were submitted to
the people 22d of February, 1865, with the following result; For ratification,
22,297; rejection, 63. The United States Constitutional Amendment was ratified
April 5, 1865.

TEXAS was first settled at Bexar, in 1694, by Spaniards; formed e part of
Mexico until 1836, when she revolted from that Republic and instituted a
separate Governnnent, under which she existed until admitted into the Union by
a joint resolution approved March 1st, 1845, imposing certain conditions,
which were accepted, and a Constitution formed July 4 of the same year, and
another joint resolution adopted by Congress, consummating the annexation, was
approved December 29, 1845. Area 237,504 square miles, or 152,002,500 acres.
Population in 1860, 604,215, of whom 182,566 were slaves. It in an
agricultural region, principally devoted to grain, cotton and tropical fruits.
Free white male citizens of, 21 years of age, who have resided in the State
one year and district six months are entitled to vote. A Convention assembled
al Galveston Jannary 28, 1861, and on February 1 passed an ordinance of
secession, by a vote of 166 to 7, to be submitted to the people Febnnary 23,
and on March 4 they declared the State out of the Union, and Gov. Houston
issued Proclamation to that effect.

VERMONT wan settled in 1724, by Engishmen from Connecticut, chiefly under
grants from New Hampshire; was formed from a part of the territory of New
York, by act of its Legislature March 6, 1769; framed a Constitution December
25, 1777, and was admitted into the Union March 4, 1791, by virtue of an act
of Congress passed February 18 of tite same year. Area 10,212 square miles, or
6,535,680 acres. Population in 1860, 315,098. It in a grazing region,
prndncing more wool, live stock, maple sugar, butter, cheese and hay, in
proportion in its population, than any other State. Any citizen of the United
States who has resided in the State one year, and will take the oath of
allegiance, in entitled to vote.

VIRGINIA was settled at Jamestown, in 1607, by the English, and wae chartered
April 10, 1606, May 28, 1609, and March 12, 1612. It was one of the original
thirteen States, ratifying the United States Constitution June 25, 1788; it
framed a State Constitution July 5, 1776, whIch was
amended January 15, 1830. The State was divided in 1863. Present area 37,352
square miles. Population in 1860, 1,314,582, of whom 481,410 were slaves. It
Is a large corn producing, and the chief tobacco growing State. Every white
male citizen of the age of 21 years, who has been a resident of the State for
one year, and of the county, city or town where he offers to vote for six
months next preceding an election, and has paid   all taxes assessed to him,
after the adoption of the Constitution, under the laws of the Commonwealth
after the re-organization of the county, city or town where he offers to vote,
is qualified to vote for members of the General Assembly and all officers
elective by the people. A Convention sitting in Richmond on the 17th of April,
1861, passed an ordinance of secession, by a vote of 88 to 55, which was
submitted to the people at an election held May 23, the result of which was
announced June 25 to be 128,824 for, and 32,134 against. The State Government
was re-organized by a Convention which met at Wheeling, May 11, 1861. Upon the
division of the State in 1863, the seat of Government was removed to
Alexandria. A State Constitutional Convention, March 10, 1864, adopted a
oretion abolishing slavery.

WEST VIRGINIA. - On the passage of the ordinance of secession by the Virginia
Convention, a Convention of the western and other loyal counties of the State
was held at Wheeling, whIch assembled May 11, 1861, and on the 17th
unanimously deposed the then State officers and organized a Provisional
Government. On the 26th of November, 1861, a Convention representing the
western counties assembled in Wheeling and framed a Constitution for West
Virginia, which was submitted to the people on the 3d of May, 1862, and
adopted by them by a nearly unanimous vote. The division of the State was
sanctioned by the Legislature May 13, 1862, and ratified by Congress by an act
approved December 31, bill, conditioned on the adoption of an amendment to the
Constitution providing for the gradual abolition of slavery, which was done on
the 24th of March, 1863, by a vote of the qualified electors of the proposed
State, 28,318 voting in favor of the amendment, and 372 against it. In
pursuance of the act ef Congress, the President issued a Proclamation, April
28, 1863, admitting the State sixty days from the date thereof, and on the
20th of June the new State Government was formally inaugurated. Area
24,000 square mitea Population in 1860, 350,599, of whom 12,754 were slaves.
It is a large corn producing State, and abounds in coal and other minerals.
The Alexandria Legislature adopted the United States Constitutional Amendment
February 9, 1865. White male citizens, residents of the State one year and
county thirty days, unless disqualified by rebellion, arc entitled to vote.

WISCONSIN was settled at Green Bay, In 1669, by the French; was a part of the
territory ceded by Virginia, and was set off from Michigan December 24, 1884,
and was organized into a Territory April 30, 1836. Iowa was set off from it
June 12, 1838 and acts were passed at various times setting its boundaries.
March 3, 1847, an act for its admission into the Union was passed, to take
effect on the issuing of a Proclamation by the President, and by act of May
29, 1848, in was admitted into the Union. Area 53,924 square miles, or
34,511,360 acres. Population in 1860, 775,881. It is an agricultural State,
chiefly engaged in grain raising and wool growing. Both white and colored
citizens of the United States, or white foreigners who have declared their
intention to become citizens, are entitled to vote. Colored citizens were
admitted to the franchise, by a decision of the Supreme Court, rendered the
27th day of March, 1866, holding that, whereas an election was held in 1849,
under the provisions of chapter 137, of that year, at which election 5,265
votes were cast in favor of the extension of the right of suffrage to colored
men, and 4,075 against such extension, therefore, the section of said law
conferring such right had been constitutionally adopted and is the law of the
land.

THE TERRITORIES,
THEIR BOUNDARtES, AREA, PHYSICAL FEATURES, ETC.

ALASKA, our new territory, recently purchased of Russia, comprehends all the
north-west coast on the Pacific, and the adjacent islands north of the
parallel of 50 degrees 40 minutes north, and the portion of the mainland west
of the meridian (about 140° west) of Mount St. Elias. The area is computed at
481,276 square miles, The climate, although warmer than in the same latitude
on the eastern coast, is too rigorous to admit of successful agricultural
operations, and the chief value of the country and adjacent seas is derived
from their fisheries and hunting grounds. The southern and central portions
are mountainous; the northern portion along the Arctic ocean is quite flat,
nowhere rising more than fifteen or twenty feet ahove the sea. The population
is estimated at about 80,000, mostly EsquiARIZONA was organized by the
Thirty-Seventh Congress, in the winter of 1863, out of the western half of New
Mexico, the boundary between the two Territories heing the 109th meridian (32d
west from Washington,) and includes the greater portions of the valleys of
Colorado and Gila, which two rivers drain its entire surface, with parts of
Utah, New Mexico and Nevada, and yet convey, it is reported, a less volume of
water to the sea than the Hudson at Albany. The fertile Messilla Valley was
left with New Mexico. The Territory forms a block nearly square, and contains
126,141 square miles, or 80,730,240 acres. Its white population is probably
considerably less than 10,000. For agricultural purposes It is probably the
most worthless on the Continent, owing to the absence of rains, but it is
reputed to abound in silver mines.

COLORADO was organized March 2, 1861, from parts of Kansas, Nebraska and Utah,
and is situated on each side of the Rocky Mountains, between latitude 37
degree and 41 degree, and longitude 25 degree and 32 degree west from
Washington. Area 104,500 aquare miles, or 66,880,000 acres. Population 10,
000, besides numerous tribes of Indians. By an enabling act passed March
21, 1864, the people of the Territory were authorized to frame a State
Constitution and organize a State Government, and a Convention accordingly met
in 1866, and on the 12th of August adopted a Constitution, which was submitted
to and adopted by the people September 6, and State officers elected November
14. A bill to admit the Territory as a State passed Congress, but was vetoed
May 25, 1866. It is said to be a superior grazing and cattle producing region,
with a healthy climate and rich soil An extensive coal bed, and also gold,
iron and other minerals abound.

DAKOTA was first settled by emyloyees of the Hudson Bsy Compaoy but is now
being peopled by emigrants from the Northern and Western States It wso set off
from the western portion of Minnesota when that Territory became a State in
1857, and was organized March 2, 2, 1861. Area 148,932 square miles, or
95,316,480 acres. Population 2,576 whites, and 2,261 Indians, besides the
roving tribes.

IDAHO was organized by the Thirty-Seventh Congress, at its second session, in
the wioter of 1863. Its name means ‘Bead of the Mountains,’ and it embraces
the whole breadth of the Rocky Mountain region and has within its bounds the
head waters of nearly all the great rivers that flow down its either slope,
but the greater portion lies east of the mountains. Its southern bonndsry Is
the 41st, Its northern the 46th parallel of latitude. It extends from the
104th meridian on the east to the 110th on the west Area 326,373 square mites,
or 208,870,720 acres. For agricultural purposes it is comparatively worthless,
but abounds in gold and other valuable mines

MONTANA was settled by emigrants from the Northern snd Western States.
Organized in 1864, with the following boundaries Commencing at a potnt formed
by the Intersection of the 27 degree L. W. from Washington with the 45 degree
N. L.; thence due west on said 45th degree to a point formed by its
intersection with the 34th degree W. from Washington; thence due south along
said 34th degree of longitude to its intersection with the 44th degree and 30
minutes to N. L.; thence due west along said 44th degree and 30 minutes of N.
L. to a point formed by its intersection with the crest of the Rocky
Mountains; thence following the crest of the Rocky Mountains northward till
its intersection with the Bitter Root Mountains; thence northward along the
crest of said Bitter Root Mountains to its intersection with the 39th degree
of longitude W. from Washington; thence along said 39th degres of longitude
northward to the boundary line of the British possessions; thence eastward
along said boundary to the 27th degree of longitude W. from Washington; thence
southward along esid 27th degree to the place of beginning.. This makes it the
northernmost Territory next the States east of the Missouri Valley. It is a
good mining and agricultural region. The total population is put down at
15,822. Large accessions have been made since the census was taken.

NEW MEXICO was formed from s part of the territory ceded to the United States
by Mexico, by the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo, February 2, 1848, and was
organized into a Territory September 9, 1850. Area 121,201 square mles, or
77,568,640 acres. Population 83,000, besides large tribes of warlike Indians.
The principal resource of the country is its minerals.

UTAH was settled by the Mormons, and was formed from a part of the territory
ceded to the United Ststes by Mexico, by the treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo,
February 2, 1848, and wss organized into a Territory, September 9, 1850, Area,
106,382 square miles, or 68,084,480 acres. Populaton, 40,273, of whom 29 were
slaves. Brine, sulphureous and chalybeate springs abound; limestone, granite,
sandstone and marble are found in large quantities; iron is abundant, and
gold, sliver copper, lead and zinc have been found, Not one-fiftieth part of
the soil is fit for tillage, but on that which is, abundant crops of grain end
considerable cotton are raised. A Convention wee held at Great Salt Lake City,
January 22, 1862, and a State Constitution formed, but it has nst been acted
on by Congress.

WASHINGTON was settled by emigrants from the Northern and Western States, and
was organized into a Territory, March 2, 1853, from the northern portion of
Oregon, to which was added another portion from the eastern part when the
latter Territory was admitted as a State February 14, 1859. Area 69,994 square
miles or 48,636,800 acres. Population 11,168 besides numerous tribes of
Indians.

WYOMING was organized in July 1868. It lies between the 27th and 84th
meridians of longitude west from Washington, and between the 41st and 45th
parallels of latitude. The Territory is rich in mineral wealtb, having large
quantities of iron, coal, gypsum and building stone, besides vast quantities
of gold, silver and copper. Salt springs of great value are found within its
limits. The western portion of the Territory embraces what is generally known
as the “Sweet Water Mines." The climate is healthy, and the Territory is
rapidly filling up with en enterprising sod hardy population. The act of
Congress organizing the Territory, provides that "There shall he no denial of
the elective franchise or any other right, on account of color or race, and
all persons shall be equal before the law."