PREFACE


	No county of interior Pennsylvania possesses a greater degree of 
historic interest than Northumberland.  Shamokin, one of the most 
important Indian towns in the State, was situated within its present 
limits, and here, at the confluence of the North and West Branches of 
the Susquehanna, Fort Augusta was erected for the defense of the 
Province in the French and Indian war. This region was constantly 
harassed by hostile savages during the Revolutionary period; no part 
of the Pennsylvania frontier suffered more from their incursions, as 
"The Great Runaway," the fall of Fort Freeland, and numerous lesser 
calamities abundantly testify. Organized in 1772, the county once 
extended from the Lehigh river to the Allegheny, with the New York 
line as its northern boundary, embracing more than one third the area 
of the State, and with eminent propriety it has been called "The 
Mother of Counties."
	The physical features of the county - its aboriginal history, and 
the con-test for possession of its soil - the military movements upon 
its territory in the Colonial and Revolutionary periods - the gradual 
progress of its early settlement, with the customs and characteristics 
of pioneer life - its civil organization and administration - its 
material resources in soil and mineral treasures, and industrial 
activity in the past and present - the part taken by its citizens in 
the Revolution, the war of 1812, and the civil war - the educational 
and religious interests of the community, with biographical mention of 
many of its citizens, are included in the plan of this work, and have 
been treated with such fairness as its comprehensive character would 
permit.
	Herbert C. Bell, of Leitersburg, Maryland, is the author of the 
general history (Chapters X and XI excepted). The editorial 
supervision of the work was intrusted to Mr. Bell, whose thoroughness 
and accuracy in historical research and narration have been acquired 
by a varied experience in this department of literary effort. In this 
responsible position he received the assistance and co-operation of 
the publishers, whose long connection with the business has made them 
familiar with all the details of local historical work.
	The Shamokin coal field and its development (Chapters X and XI) 
have been treated by Dr. J. J. John, of Shamokin. In these chapters 
the history of the mining industry in Northumberland county is 
presented to the public in a connected narrative for the first time. 
Doctor John's long residence in the coal region and intimate 
acquaintance with the subject of which he writes are ample guaranty 
of the thorough execution of his works.
	An important feature of the publication is its several chapters 
of personal and family biography, the data for which were obtained 
from those to whom they relate or their descendants; and in order to 
insure accuracy, the matter was afterward submitted to them for 
correction.
	It would be impossible to mention here every one who has rendered 
valuable aid in the preparation of this volume. The assistance given 
by Dr. R. H. Awl, John B. Packer, W. L. Greenough, S. P. Wolverton, 
and H. B. Masser, of Sunbury, Dr. J. J. John, of Shamokin, and the 
late John F. Wolfinger, of Milton, is, however, worthy of special 
notice. Appropriate acknowledgments are due and gladly tendered to the 
public press of the county for access to newspaper files, and words of 
encouragement; to county and borough officials for courtesies shown; 
to the descendants of the pioneers in every locality for information 
furnished; to attorneys, physicians, and other professional men; to 
the pastors of churches; to the leading spirits in various societies; 
to the owners and managers of manufacturing and other business 
establishments; to those enterprising citizens who gave us their 
patronage, and without whose support we could not have succeeded; and 
in general to every one who has contributed in any manner to the 
success of the work.
	Neither time nor money nor labor has been spared to make this 
volume an authentic and reliable source of information concerning the 
early history and material development of the county, and the various 
commercial, social, and religious activities of its people. We take 
pride in the knowledge that we have redeemed our promises, and 
furnished our patrons a work which every intelligent citizen can 
justly appreciate.
                                            Brown, Runk & Co.