Union County History Annals of the Buffalo Valley by John Blair Lynn Pages 322 thru 368 Contributed for use in USGenWeb by Tony Rebuck USGENWEB NOTICE: Printing this file by non-commercial individuals and libraries is Encouraged, as long as all notices and submitter information is included. Any other use, including copying files to other sites requires permission from the submitter PRIOR to uploading to any other sites. We encourage links to state and county table of contents. 1800 INHABITANTS OF NEW BERLIN AND LEWISBURG - SKETCHES OF THE NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY BAR - DANIEL SMITH, EVAN RICE EVANS, CHARLES HALL, &c. GOVERNOR, Thomas McKean. Members, Simon Snyder, Jacob Fulmer. September 24, Daniel Levy, Esquire, commissioned Prothonotary, &c., vice Jasper Ewing, deceased. October 23, Henry Vanderslice commissioned sheriff. Brigade Inspector, Frederick Lazarus. List of Inhabitants of New Berlin in 1800. Beatty, William; Beatty, Hugh; Berger, Philip, potter; Clark, John; Cook, James; Gill, Isaac; Grove, George, saddler; Herman, Philip, carpenter; Myer, George, weaver; Myer, George, tailor; Overmyer, Philip; Parks, James, Esquire, store-keeper; Rearick, William; Rothrow, Jacob; Seebold, Christopher; Smith, Peter, sailor; Spaight, Adam; Trester, Martin, carpenter; Wagoner, Andrew, inn-keeper. List of Inhabitants of Lewisburg in 1800. Albright, Andrew, inn-keeper; Beatty, John; Black, James; Bole, Samuel, weaver; Byers, Charles; Clark, George, store-keeper; Dreisbach Jacob; Endsworth, Andrew, saddler; Evans, Joseph, 1800.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 323 joiner; Fairchild, Caleb, blacksmith; Grove, Adam; Kemmel, Lawrence, tinsmith; Knox, George, tanner; Lawshe, John, tavern; Leisenring, John, potter; McLaughlin, Hugh, tailor; Metzgar, Daniel, saddler; Metzgar, George, hatter; Metzgar, John, storekeeper; Miller, Valentine; Park, Thomas, tanner; Pollock, John, store-keeper; Pollock, William, tailor; Reed, Christian, joiner; Shaffer, Mathias, carpenter; Shearer, Richard, store-keeper; Spyker, Henry, store-keeper; Stedman, William, inn-keeper, Strickland, Timothy, carpenter; Troxel, Abraham; Wilson, Hugh, store-keeper. List of Single Freemen in East Buffalo, in 1800. Anderson, Samuel; Baker, Jacob, fuller; Betzer, Peter, weaver; Bolender, George; Bracken, James; Callahan, Patrick; Callahan, Philip; Dale, Samuel; Deratt, Daniel; Dreisbach, Martin; Finess, John; Forster John; Forster, William; Frantz, John, cordwainer; Frantz, Jacob, weaver; Frederick, George; Hafer, Lewis; Hartley, Thomas, carpenter; Hays, Philip, junior; Hayes, William; Hayes, Patrick; Keeth, Andrew; MaClay, William; McClosky, William; McQuhae, William; Markle, John, blacksmith; Morton, John; Nickle, John; Pollock, Edward; Price, John, store-keeper; Reedy, Conrad; Russell, Alexander; Slater, Peter; Smith, Benjamin; Spyker, Peter; Stahl, John, wheelwright; Thompson, James; Ward, Thomas; Ward, William; Wise, John; Wise, Daniel; Wolf, John; Yentzer, Christian. Sketches of the Northumberland Bar, by Charles Miner. "Daniel Smith, Esquire, a tall, delicate looking gentleman, always elegantly dressed. He turns pale and actually trembles as he rises to speak. You are interested by such exceeding modesty, and half fear he will not be able to go on. His voice breaks sweetly on the ear, and words of persuasive wisdom begin to flow, and now pour along in a rapid torrent. Ah! that is eloquence." He graduated at Princeton in 1787. "Evan Rice Evans, a heavy, stout gentleman, with a large head and florid complexion. His delivery rapid; his words crowd upon each other as sometimes to choke utterance. He talks good sense. Why should he not? His head has more law in it than half a mod- 322 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1800. ern library. He is a powerful advocate, with a good fee and an intricate case." He died in 1811. His daughter married Hugh Brady, Esquire, son of William P., of Indiana county. "Charles Hall, Esquire. A very handsome man. His dress is rich, ruffles neatly plaited. Slow, distinct, and very pleasant in speaking. He prepares with care, and argues his cause with excellent skill." He came from Lancaster county. His wife was a Coleman, owning a great estate, still called the Hall farms, above Muncy. "Honorable Thomas Cooper. Short round figure, stooping forward; has a florid, high, English countenance and complexion. His forte is to seize two or three strong points, and present them forcibly to the court and jury. He never wearies by long speeches; never uses a word, or an illustration, or an argument that is not to the purpose; a man of extraordinary endowments and of most distinguished genius." From John Binns' Autobiography I take some notices: When I came first to Northumberland, September 1, 1802, there then resided Doctor Joseph Priestly, son, and family, and Thomas Cooper, Esquire, afterwards president judge in that district, and also president of the State College of South Carolina. He was fined and imprisoned for libel on President John Adams. The fine, with interest, was, on a petition of Doctor Cooper, refunded by a vote or Congress, many years afterwards, I think when General Jackson was President. The doctor wielded a powerful pen in favor of the general's election, and he was a man who rarely forgot to repay both partisans and opponents. Before Judge Cooper came to this country, he accompanied Mr. Watt, of steam engine memory, to Paris, and they took their seats in the French convention as representatives of the Manchester Philosophical Society. In 1820, Doctor Cooper resided in Philadelphia, as professor of chemistry in the University of Pennsylvania, and was a member of a club, with John Binns, which met every Monday evening at each other's houses. While here, he published his "Jurisprudence," and his edition of the "Institutes of Justinian." Binns says the first breach in their club was made by the removal of Doctor Cooper to South Carolina. His extensive knowledge, wit, and good humor were sufficient to instruct and enliven any society. His literary and scientific knowledge were of world-wide fame. His reply to "Burke's Invective" was inferior to no answer that was published. 1800.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 325 It took rank with those of Paine and Mackintosh. At the time he was printing that book, William V. Birch was apprentice to the publisher. He said, when Cooper stepped in to correct the proof, the printer would say, "We want more copy, sir," and Cooper would set down and write two or three sheets, and hand it to the printer without reading, much less correcting. He had a heart as warm and capacious as his mind was richly stored. He was my ardent and faithful friend for a period of nearly half a century. I have his portrait, taken when ninety years of age. He was a chemist of no common caliber; admirable in compounding sauces and gravies, and enjoyed them very much. He was somewhat of a gourmand, yet he was never idle, and lived to the very advanced age of ninety-eight or ninety-nine, cheerful and polite to his last days. Miner mentions Daniel Levy, Thomas Duncan, and Charles Huston, but makes no particular note of them. Daniel Levy was the survivor of these old-style lawyers, who always dressed in broadcloth, wore queues, gold watch seals, and were eminently dignified and respectful. October 14. Bishop Newcomer again visits the Valley. "Crossed the West Branch at Northumberland with a great deal of trouble, and reached the house of Abraham Eyerly after dark. Next day be went to Brother Aurand's, where a great many people had collected and he and Brother David Snyder addressed them. On 16th, preached at John Rank's, in White Deer. 17th, at John Baer's. 18th, sacrament at Martin Dreisbach's; rode twenty miles through the rain to get there. Held class meeting, and had a happy time. Text on Sunday, 19th, "For the time is come when judgment must begin at the house of God." Preached at Mr. Dreisbach's in the evening; next day, at Mr. Walter's, and at night at a poor man's house, on Middle creek." At the presidential election in 1800, parties were clearly defined under the names of Federalists and Democrats. Kimber Barton, who lived at Mifflinburg, was assessor of United States taxes. The tax on window glass was very unpopular. The assessor had to go to each house and count the panes. Before he arrived, some people went to the trouble of taking out their glass and putting in paper. John Bower, father of Thomas Bower, of Middleburg, was married to a sister of Kimber Barton. 326 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1801. Deaths. Jasper Ewing, attorney-at-law, and late prothonotary of the county, died. He was from Lancaster county. His library he left to his four nieces, daughters of General Edward Hand, of Lancaster; his fees to his nephews, John and Jesse Hand, together with his gun, fishing rod and gold watch; his cane to Charles Hall, Esquire. He was adjutant of the first Pennsylvania, Colonel Hand, in July, 1776. In April, 1777, when Hand was promoted brigadier, and appointed to the command of the Western department, Ewing went with him to Fort Pitt, as brigade major, and served as such during the years 1777-1778. 1801. REJOICING AT JEFFERSON'S ELECTION - CONDITION OF THE REFORMED CHURCH IN THE VALLEY. MEMBERS or Congress, Andrew Gregg and John A. Hanna. Senators, Samuel Maclay and James Harris. Act of February 27, reduced the number to one. Members, Jacob Fulmer, Jesse Moore, Samuel Dale, and Simon Snyder. July 18, William Montgomery appointed Associate, vice Thomas Strawbridge, resigned. County Commissioners, John Metzgar, John Frick, and Abram McKinney. February 27, Apportionment bill allows Northumberland one Senator and four members. Taxables, four thousand seven hundred and forty-four. Additional Residents of East Buffalo - Robinson, William, John Lawshe, keeping the "Pennsylvania Arms," at Lewisburg. Additions to White Deer Township - Clingan, William, Esquire; 1801.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 327 Cornelius, James; Espy, John, shoe-maker; Hafer, Lewis; Iredell, Seth, miller at White Deer mills; Linn, David; Long, Joseph; Lutz, Jacob; Lutz, Samuel; McGinnes, John; McGinnes, James; Marr, David; Sarvey, Christian; Shuck, Andrew; Stillwell, Joseph; Weikel, George. George Wilt, of Cumberland county, bought the Narrows property of Michael Shirtz. His sons, Adam and George, came up and built a new mill, and jointly kept the hotel, afterwards kept by Roushs, Stitzers, &c. Adam Wilt and John Fisher, who formerly lived on Esquire Lincoln's place, ran arks out of Penn's creek, from 1810 to 1818. Adam was the first man that ran Conewago falls with an ark, successfully. Products of the Valley then went down in the shape of whisky, linseed oil, &c. March 4, a meeting was held at Bethuel Vincent's, in Milton, to celebrate the inauguration of Thomas Jefferson. Colonel Kelly's toast was: "May this be the happy day to unite the hearts of all true Americans in their duty to God and our illustrious President." This year the road from Jenkins' mill to where it joins the Mifflinburg and Lewisburg road, was laid out by Abraham Eyerly and Daniel Rees. Richard Sherer, postmaster at Lewisburg, advertises that the Phila- delphia mail arrived at Northumberland every Saturday at two, P. M., and returned on Sunday at six, A. M. The following sketch, taken from Doctor Harbaugh's Fathers, relates, of course, to the Reformed portion of Dreisbach church: The Buffalo church, now called Dreisbach, had, for some time, been in a very distracted condition, having the irregular attention of the irregular Pfruemer, called Frömmer, but was, for the most part, closed entirely. The young men were growing up without adequate spiritual instruction, and the old members having passed through scenes of strife, had grown, to a great degree, indifferent. Seeing, however, at length, that religious matters were tending in a bad way, they awoke and saw that something must be done. Reformed ministers being at that time few, and difficult to be secured, they thought they saw in Deitrich Aurand, who was still on his farm, a man who could be useful among them as a Reformed minister. About the beginning of the year 1801 they came together, and unanimously and very cordially agreed to call upon him to 328 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1801. preach a sermon in that church, which he consented to do. The appointment was made. The day arrived. The people assembled in great numbers. The pews, the galleries, the isles, the doors, the lower windows, and even the grove in front of the church were crowded with listeners, anxious to hear the new preacher. Some, no doubt, came from motives of curiosity, but the greater portion were there with a true desire to hear the Gospel. "Never," says an eye witness, "have I seen a multitude so eager to hear the words of life." The sermon ended, he came down from the pulpit, and standing in the altar, he was soon surrounded by the "ancient men" of the church, who earnestly desired him to make another appointment. The congregation, having, in the meantime, stood still, he announced that he would preach again as desired, appointing the time. The second sermon was attended by a still greater multitude of people, some coming from a distance of ten and fifteen miles. The day was pleasant. The organ, long silent, had been repaired by the skillful hands of Mr. John Betz, the school-master, and was made to accompany the hymns by Stophel Aupel. The theme of the preacher was the astonishing love of Jesus Christ, in condescending to come info the world to save sinners. The absolute necessity of timely preparation to meet death was earnestly and pathetically urged upon all present. Towards the conclusion, different classes were separately addressed and exhorted. The young were asked how the hope for a blissful eternity stood with them ? and they were entreated to seek the Lord early, and remember their Creator in the days of their youth. Then the preacher turned to those in middle life, and in words of melting tenderness and burning zeal, were they warned against delay, and urged to flee from the wrath to come. Finally he turned to the aged, among whom sat his own venerable father, crying with the deepest feeling, Oh you who are hoary-headed, how stands the matter between you and your God? You stand already with one foot in the grave, and in a few more days will sink into it, and have no more any portion forever in all that is done under the sun You have, through a long life, enjoyed the mercies and favors of your kind Heavenly Father. Have you served Him with full sub-mission to His will, and loved Him supremely? and have you the assurance that you are reconciled to Him, through His dear Son 1801.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 329 Jesus Christ? If so, oh then it will be well with you. But, if this has not been done, oh! then, I now entreat you, as you value the ever- lasting rest and peace of your souls, do not delay, but accept the offers of mercy in Christ, our dear Redeemer. "Such," says one who was present, "was the spirit and substance, and such, as near as I can recollect, even the closing words of this never-to-be-forgotten sermon. It made a deep impression upon me as a youth, and I remember distinctly of having seen his own father, and such men as the Dreisbachs, the Dunkels, the Barnharts, the Betzs, the Goodmans, and others, bathed in tears." He was unanimously elected pastor, and the congregation of New Berlin joined with them in the call, which he agreed to accept. He had been licensed by the "Brethren," but was not yet ordained or even licensed by the Synod. He began, however, to catechise in the Dreisbach church, and large numbers attended, whom he confirmed, baptizing such as had not been. "Never since that day," says an aged eye-witness, "have I witnessed such solemnity and strong feeling as on that day of the consecration of those youth, and the next day at communion." On the 3d of May the Synod met at York, and a request was made by the congregations of Buffalo Valley and New Berlin for the examination and ordination of Mr. Aurand. The matter, however, was deferred, principally at his own request, until he might improve himself. He, however, continued to preach to the congregations of Buffalo Valley and New Berlin, until his removal to Huntingdon county, in October, 1804, where he founded the congregation of Water street. He died near there, on the 24th of April, 1831, aged seventy years five months and sixteen days, and is buried in front of Zion's church, at Water street. November 11, Reverend Hugh Morrison regularly dismissed from the Presbyterian congregation at Buffalo Cross-Roads. Marriages. September 27, by William Irwin, Esquire, Jacob D. Breyvogel, printer, of Sunbury, to Susanna Baldy, daughter of Colonel Christopher Baldy, of Buffalo. November 19, by Reverend Bryson, William Kirk, of Turbut, to 330 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1801. Miss Jane Knox, of Lewisburg, and Daniel Dreisbach, merchant, to Katy Dreisbach, both of Lewisburg. "Whosoever findeth a good wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favor of the Lord." Deaths. Sunday, September 20, Colonel Frederick Antes, of Northumberland died at Lancaster, buried in the German Reformed churchyard. John Thompson, of Buffalo, died. His children, James, Benjamin, Rachel Lincoln, Susanna Patterson, and Sarah Piper. John Reznor, West Buffalo, leaving a widow, Rebecca, and children, John, George, Agnes, &c. November 4, Mrs. Jean McClure, buried on the 5th, in the Pres- byterian yard, Lewisburg. She left fourteen children, one hundred and ten grandchildren, one hundred and forty-eight great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren total, two hundred and seventy-six. Thirty-six of them attended the funeral. She was of an amiable, benevolent, and friendly disposition, and might be called a true christian. - Kennedy's Gazette. [End of page 330.] RESIDENTS IN FREEBURG, MIDDLEBURG, &c. - ST. PETER'S CHURCH, IN KELLY, AND RAY'S CHURCH BUILT - TABULAR STATEMENT OF ELECTION RETURNS - DEATH OF JOSEPH GREEN. SENATOR, SAMUEL MACLAY; elected Speaker of the Senate, December 7. On the 14th of December he was elected United States Senator. Members, Jesse Moore, Jacob Fulmer, Daniel Montgomery, and Simon Snyder. County Treasurer, Christopher Dering. County Commissioner elect, Flavel Roan. Andrew Albright, Postmaster, Lewisburg. Hotels: Adam Wilt, Narrows; Richard Van Buskirk, Youngmanstown; C. Baldy, Cross-Roads; Isaac Latshaw, Lewisburg; John Metzgar, Andrew Albright, at the ferry. Residents in Straubstown, or Freeburg. Alspice, Doctor Henry; Felmly, Jacob; Hackenberg, Michael, joiner; Long, Peter; Moore, Andrew; Moore, Philip; Myer, Michael; Myer, Jacob, son of Stephen; Myer, George; Nagle, John; Reigert, Paul; Roush, John, tan-yard; Rupert, John; Schock, Jacob; Smith, John, weaver; Straub, George, son of Peter; Stump, Abraham; Weaver, Michael. Swinefordstown - Aurand, John, joiner; Epler, John; Fry, David, shoe-maker; Fry, Jacob, senior; Kennel, Mark; Lechner, Jacob, inn-keeper; Leist, David; Mertz, Isaac; Mussina Zacharias; Nelson, John; Smith, Martin, cooper; Smith, Robert; Spade, 332 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1802. George; Spade, David; Swineford, George; Weller, John; Wiant, Michael; Wittemyer, Michael, clock-maker. Selinsgrove and Weisertown - Clymer, Isaac; Drum, Charles; Dusing. John; Etzweiler, George; Fisher, Peter; Four, Joseph, weaver; Gaughler, Nicholas; Gemberling, Charles; Gettig, Frederick; Good, Adam; Hegins, Charles, tavern; Hughes, Widow; Kemerer, Christian; Krider, Isaac; Laudenslager, Valentine, tavern; Meyer, Widow; Mewhorter, Henry, tanner; Myer, Jacob; Newmauer, Michael; Oberdorf, Henry; Price, Thomas; Rhoads, Francis; Rhoads, Henry; Rhoads, Daniel; Reim, Nicholas; Robins, Alexander, tailor; Roop, George; Silverwood, James; Snyder, Simon; Tryon, Frederick; Ulrick, George. Mahantango Township - Bergstresser, John, millwright; Christ, Valentine; Derstein, Michael; Gordon, Willis; Hagerty, Robert; Heimback, George and Jacob; Holtzapple, Widow; Light, Adam; Richter, Widow; Richter, John; Stees, Frederick, adds fulling- mill and smith shop; Walter, Conrad. Additional Residents in East Buffalo - Barbin, Joseph; Bellman, Henry; Benner, John; Bickle, Leonard; Billmyer, Jacob; Billmyer, George; Brouse, Peter; Cummings, James; Coser, Andrew; Dale, James; Dale, Samuel, junior; Dreisbach, John, gunsmith; Dreisbach, John, carpenter; Elder, Robert, on John Kelly's place; Freeman, Widow, on John Wiggin's place; Hull, Thomas, on Conrad Reedy's place; Irwin, Andrew; Jodon, James, on Andrew Strubles place; Maclay, William P.; Maclay, Charles; Markley, John, junior; Messinger, John; Reedy, Andrew; Shoemaker, Jacob; Slough Christian; Tietsworth, Jacob, on Simington's place; Wolfe, George Wendell; Winegarden, Peter; Young, Abraham. Lewisburg - Brice, John; Donachy, John, weaver; Franklin, Daniel; Hartley, Thomas, carpenter; McKinty, Barney; Russell, David, mason. New Berlin - Himmelreich, Peter; Mussina, Zacharias; Reminger, Peter, shoe-maker; Speddy, Jeremiah, shoe-maker. White Deer - Armstrong, John, on Margaret Blythe's place; Bayard, Benjamin; Blackeney, John; Bowers, John; Bowers, Barbara, widow; Criswell, Joseph; Espy, John, shoe-maker; Lawshe, John, still-house, on George Derr's place; Marr, David, on Riddle's place; Servey, Christian; Weikel, George. 1802.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 333 Improvements - John Hoffman, saw-mill; Seth Iredell, three-story stone grist-mill, Anthony Morris having recovered the property of the Widow Smith. The mill had two pair of overshot wheels. A new saw-mill was added, stone dwelling-house and barn were on the premises, and an excellent shad fishery. West Buffalo - Baxter, Robert; Blunbaum, Conrad; Boop, John; Boop, Davidson, George; William; Deal, Henry; Deering, Christopher; Englehart, George; Gill, Isaac, on Robert Barber's place; Gutelius, Frederick, cooper; Heise, Solomon; Imhoof, John; Leberick, George, tanner; Shultz, Daniel; Smith, Melchior, saw and hemp-mill on Laurel run; Spigelmoyer, John. The stone house on Mather's place, in Limestone township, built. St. Peter's Church. The church known as St. Peter's Lutheran church, in Kelly, was built upon land donated by Philip Stahl. Jacob Lotz, his executor, by deed, dated August 13, 1802, recorded at Sunbury, in deed book L, pages 712-713, conveys to Christian Zerbe and George Reininger seven acres and ninety-one perches, in Kelly township, in trust to and for the use of building or erecting a school-house and a German Lutheran church on the same, and for a burying-ground, by the following bounds and measures: beginning at a line of Henry Neese; thence S. 88º W. 78, to a post; thence S. 2º E. 22, to a post; thence N. 80º W. 80 perches, to a post; thence N. 20 W. 11, to beginning. Ray's Church. Ray's church, in Lewis, was founded by a gift of one acre of land by Mr. Ray. The first church was never finished. The timbers furnished seats in the gallery up to the time of the building of the new church. September 24, Bishop Newcomer again visits the Valley, preached in Youngmanstown and at Aurand's. 25th, quarterly meeting commenced at Martin Dreisbach's. Brother Kempt preached the first discourse, and Brother Farley, a Methodist, spoke in English. Republican standing committee, General William Montgomery, 334 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1802. Henry Vanderslice, Simon Snyder, Robert Giffen, and Christopher Baldy. April 2, Northumberland, Lycoming, and Centre made a congressional district. September 16, meeting of delegates at John Metzgar's, in Lewisburg, John Barber, chairman. Nominated Andrew Gregg for Congress. Saturday, 18th. The following delegates met in convention at Lewisburg, at Metzgar's hotel: Augusta, Charles Maus; Shamokin, Jesse Simpson; Point, Robert Irwin; Chillisquaque, James Strawbridge; Mahoning, Mathew Collum; Penn's, Charles Drum; Derry, George Langs; Turbut, Bethuel Vincent; West Buffalo, John Dreisbach; East Buffalo, Andrew Albright; White Deer, Andrew McLanachan. Thomas McKean nominated for Governor; Samuel Maclay, for Senator; Jesse Moore, Jacob Fulmer, John Bull, and Daniel Montgomery, junior, for Assembly; Solomon Markley and John Wilson for Commissioners. ELECTION RETURNS, 1802. GOV'NR. Thomas McKean | James Ross CON | | Andrew Gregg SEN | | | Samuel Maclay ASSEMBLY | | | | Jesse Moore | | | | | Jacob Fulmer | | | | | | D. Montgomery DISTRICTS | | | | | | | Simon Snyder | | | | | | | | Samuel Dale | | | | | | | | | John Bull Sunbury 180 26 189 194 200 199 180 133 12 87 Northumberland, 133 35 152 153 140 138 65 32 36 112 Buffalo 201 14 211 209 205 150 97 143 191 5 West Buffalo 194 17 210 210 206 203 11 74 79 9 Berlin 136 1 136 139 137 137 1 136 138 1 Swineford 119 121 129 112 121 1 111 118 Bloom and Brier, 95 20 114 112 112 20 108 102 111 Milton, 347 21 356 352 366 323 356 53 36 175 Selinsgrove, 231 91 232 234 234 227 59 217 152 41 Mahanoy, 139 21 140 140 134 140 74 45 101 52 Washington 340 8 337 342 341 335 343 164 20 159 Catawissa 66 63 100 111 118 125 125 4 121 Mifflinburg 63 65 65 65 65 65 3 62 Beaver, 130 130 130 130 130 130 129 Shamokin 173 9 150 159 172 127 179 134 72 Fishing Creek and 96 4 99 96 106 101 106 55 42 Greenwood Total 2674 221 2746 2766 2778 2556 1749 1536 1054 1007 [End of page 334.] 1802.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 335 For this schedule, and other political statistics, I am indebted to the papers of Flavel Roan, carefully preserved by the late Flavel Clingan, of Kelly, his nephew. Flavel Roan was general scribe for the Valley, clerked at the election meetings of return judges, wrote the obituary and marriage notices, &c. On settlement, Frederick Antes, late treasurer, allowed a credit of $15.36, paid for hanging Edward Jones. December 22, Samuel Maclay presides at the trial of Judge Alexander Addison. 23d-24th, a fire in the night occurred at Nesbit's, on the east side of the river. It was noticed by Andrew Albright. The night was fearfully cold, and, observing no one stirring at the house, he mounted his horse and swam him, through the floating ice, across the river, awakened the family, and thus saved them from destruction. Barnaby McMaster, the weaver, lost his loom and all he had, barely escaping with his life and family. In November, Reverends Messrs. Graham and Moody preached as supplies at Buffalo Cross-Roads church. At November sessions, a road was laid out from Milton, by way of the ferry at Orr's or John Boal's, (Miller's place now;) thence through Boal's and Heckle's land, crossing Little Buffalo at William ClLngan's, Buffalo creek, near Chamberlin's mill; thence to the Derrstown and Mifflinburg road. Death's. George Frederick. His daughter, Catherine, was Tobias Sheckler's wife. George Ray, of West Buffalo. Children: the late John Ray, first sheriff of Union county, George, William, Barbara, Margaret, Sarah. Nancy, and Catherine. Phoebe Jenkins, widow of James, the elder. William Jordon, White Deer. Left widow, Jane, and twelve children: Thomas, Mary, married to James Hill, Margaret, Daniel, Andrew, William, Samuel, James, John, Elizabeth, George, Jane. Edward Tate, of West Buffalo. Children: Edward and Thomas. Hugh Beatty took the land at the appraisement. Joseph Green died in the spring of this year. He was a promi- 336 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1802. nent citizen of the Valley, and one of its first settlers. He resided first where Benjamin Thompson, junior, lives, east of Mifflinburg, then built the mill of late known as Bellas', which was sold from him. He then removed some distance up Penn's creek, and built a saw-mill, where he died. He was buried in the Lewis grave-yard. His first wife's name was Margaret, and his second, Mary. He was a surveyor, and dealt largely in lands. Was prominent in the revolutionary struggle. His first wife died in 1783, and in 1784 he married a widow, Mary Irvin. His children were: Elizabeth, married to Henry Shively; her daughters, Margaret, married Jesse Matchews; Elizabeth, Ephraim McMullan; Sarah, Eli Landis; and one was married to Robert Barber. Alice Green married James McCoy. Joseph Green's sons were John, Timothy, Joseph, William, Thomas, George, and General Abbot. The sons all went West, except General Abbot. John went to Louisiana, and one of his sons was in Congress from that State, some years ago. Joseph Green's widow had a son, James Irvin. [End of page 336.] 1803 JENKINS' MILL ROAD - ADDITIONAL RESIDENTS - FLAVEL ROAN'S JOURNAL. SAMUEL MACLAY, Speaker of the Senate. Simon Snyder, of the House. March 16, Honorable Samuel Maclay resigned the office of Speaker of the Senate. County Commissioners, Flavel Roan, David Taggert, and Solomon Markley. John Frick, Clerk. Sheriff, Andrew Albright, commissioned October 24. Thomas Youngman, Postmaster, Mifflinburg. January 8. Andrew McClenachan, justice for White Deer and Washington. Road from Jenkins' mill to Michael Smith's, (first house east of Farley's now,) in East Buffalo, laid out. Additional Residents of White Deer - Anderson, Samuel, (miller;) Baker, Michael; Candor, Josiah; Hayes, John, justice; Mole, Christopher; Musser, Joseph, from Strasburg, Lancaster county, in place of Walter Clark, who moved to the western part of the State; Spotts, Peter; Steens, Ephraim; Wallace, William. West Buffalo - Bliler, Michael; Brown, Christian; Clark, Aaron; Gable, Jacob; Getgen, Adam; Larrabee, Doctor John; Roush, George; Rudy, Abraham; Withington, Peter, junior. Additional Residents, East Buffalo - Cooper, Daniel; Epler, John, (miller;) Grier, David, on Reverend H. Morrison's land; Hinely, John; Housel, Joshua; Kaufman, John; Kessler, George; Musser, Jacob, on Thomas Wilson's farm; Nyhart, David; Reber John; Ritter, Philip; Simington, Thomas; Slear, Charles; Stearns, John. 338 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1808. Lewisburg - Ely, John; Gucker, George; Moore, John, black-smith. New Berlin - Hackenberg, Peter; Haughawaut, Leffard; Lucas, Robert; Solomon, John; Spyker, Daniel. Candidates for Assembly - Simon Snyder, Robert Giffen, Leonard Rupert, Jacob Fulmer, John Bull, M. Withington, James Forster, Jacob Hatter, Joseph Hutchinson, William Stedman, James Laird, Richard Sherer. Simon Snyder, (who received 3,187 votes, nearly every vote polled,) Robert Giffen, Leonard Rupert, and Colonel John Bull were elected. Flavel Roan's Journal. In order to have a picture of the social enjoyments and domestic events, I will quote from Flavel Roan's diary, still extant, at Mr. Flavel Clingan's. It is complete for the year 1803, commences again with 1807, and extends to the close of 1813. It is as beautiful as copper-plate engraving, and the letters are so small it requires a magnifying glass to read. He made accurate observations of the weather three times a day. It is said he wrote with a crow-quill. Monday, 3d. I taught school in Derrstown. Eighteen scholars. Went in the evening with William Hayes and William Wallace to Mrs. Williams', where we had a social hop. 4th. Spent the evening at Andrew Albright's, where upwards of sixty children held a ball. About forty spectators. Some of the parents well pleased with the acting of their children. 6th. Spent the evening at widow Mary Harris' with the Wilson and Hayes families, and had a social hop. 7th. Posting books for John Dreisbach's lottery. 11th. Attended a social hop at Hugh McLaughlin's. William Hayes, Miss Mussers, and Mr. Black there. January 13. Ball at Colonel Baldy's, Cross-Roads. 26th. Spent evening at Musser's. Fifteen persons present. February 1. John Foster came down from Penn's valley, and wanted a ball gotten up at the stone house; spoke to Edward Morton to be manager. 3d. The ball came off; over one hundred persons attended. 6th, Sunday. Mr. Graham preached: text, Luke xviii: I. N. B. - I make it an established rule to put up at Baldy's. 8th. Met Mr. Graham, Billy Maclay, and others at Hugh Wilson's. 14th. Spent the evening socially, at Mrs. Harris', with twenty others. 1803.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 339 18th. Shearer, McClure, and Fruit returned with their wagons from Philadelphia; away above three weeks. 21st. Mrs. Stedman died. Sun eclipsed. Harris and Wilson's families had a social hop at Hugh Wilson's. 25th. Ball at Colonel Baldy's. 28th. Frolic at Billy Poak's to-night. Tuesday, 1. March comes in like a lion. Thinking about Billy Poak's. 3d. Breakfasted at George Clark's, with McCord, Dale, James Dunlap, and Mrs. Young. Taggart called with a petition to sell the old jail. 6th. Mrs. McLanachan buried. 8th. At L's in the evening; about twenty playing cards there. 9th. With Squire Kelly, Hayes, Gray, Clarke, and Colonel Baldy, at Billy Poak's. 10th. Quit school-keeping, and moved my things to Caleb Fairchild's. 11th. William Brady's barn burned; seven horses and two cows burned. Spent the evening with Foster's girls, at Dunlap's. James Thompson came there in the evening. 13th. Richard Sherer's wife had another daughter. Mr. Jackson preached at Buffalo Cross-Roads. 15th. John W. Clark very sick. I went down for the doctor; not at home; he and Mr. Jackson at Stedman's. Stayed until all was blue; good company. Deaths. James Jenkins, of East Buffalo, aged forty, buried at Northumber- land, father of Miss Harriet, still living at Northumberland. He left a widow, Sarah. Children: Thomas S., Mary, Sarah, Harriet, and Elizabeth. [End of page 339.] 1804. CONTEMPORARY NOTICES OF THE PEOPLE OF THE VALLEY - HENRY SPYKER'S FORM OF WRITING THEIR WILLS - DOCTOR JOSEPH PRIESTLY - COLONEL WILLIAM COOKE. JACOB FULMER, Senator; Speaker of the House, Simon Snyder. Sheriff, Andrew Albright. County Commissioner, George Bright. East Buffalo, Additional Residents-Brown, John; Bucher, John, ferry; Dimpsey, James; Frederick, Jacob; Gibbons, William; Hill, Daniel; Kremer, Frederick; Lloyd, John; Fancoast, William; Reichly, Conrad; Renner, Frederick; Shock, Peter; Swinehart, Henry; Wormly, George. Single men: Lincoln, John; Machamer, Daniel; Morton, Edward. White Deer - Gillespie, Edward; High, Jacob; Laird, William; Robb, Eleanor; Robb, James, blacksmith; Smith, Boyd. West Buffalo - Gable, Jacob; Glasgow, William; Glover, John, taxed with a slave; Jones, Ezekiel; Miller, John; Mingle, Andrew; Reeser, William; Roush, Jacob; Roush, George; Royer, John, smith; Spiegelmyer, John, junior; Thomas, William. The David Smith mill passed into the hands of Robert Barber, Esquire. Thomas Frederick, who had been of the rangers, in the Revolution, and whose name appears on the tax-list in 1782, settled originally on the Thomas Paschall tract, (on Laurel run, lately owned by George Fees,) where he built a saw-mill, and made considerable money farming and rafting down Penn's creek. He sold out to Ezekiel Jones, and moved to Ohio this year, where he founded the town of Fredericksburg, Wayne county, Ohio, and built the first mill there. 1804.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 341 Michael Brown's Recollections, &c. John Brown, father of Abraham, Michael, &c., came to the Valley this spring from Pine Grove township, Berks county. He bought the Andrew Edge warrantee, (late Michael and Christian Brown, Getz, &c.,) of Henry Spyker, for £8 per acre. There was then an old log cabin on it, in which Peter Spyker, son of Henry, lived. Michael Brown, late county commissioner, who was then seven years old, stated that he had eight children when he came, John, who went to Ohio; Elizabeth, married to Simon Christ, moved to Ohio; Christena, married to Philip Frederick; Peter, who went to Ohio; Abraham, lately deceased; William, Christian, Michael, and Jacob. Their mother died in 1806, the father, 1838, and both are buried in the Dreisbach grave-yard. He was born in Pennsylvania, served in the Revolution, was in the battle of Brandywine. His father came from Germany. Our neighbors were Lorentz Barnhart, who lived where Peter Getz lives; Kreighbaum, at David Schrack's; Christopher Weiser had a fulling-mill where Peter Wolfe now lives; Henry Poeth, father of old Henry, late of Lewisburg, was the sole inhabitant of Smoketown, which was a part of Spyker's land. He made there all the brick that were used in Lewisburg. Edward Morton lived where A. Frederick's barn now is; Bailey on R. Laird's place; John Zellers, where Samuel lately lived; John Aurand, on the Aurand place, now owned by John Zellers; Christian Gundy lived where John W. Brown now lives. From our place to Derrstown only ten acres were cleared where George Wolfe now lives. The road commenced at Spyker's, (now James S. Marsh's,) at the river, passed through part of the cemetery, the lane at Chamberlin's, came out at George Wolfe's, passed through Smoketown, skirted the ridge at Ellis Brown's and along by Morton's, (Schrack's now,) crossed the present pike above Beale's tavern: that, with the road to the cross-roads and the one up along the river, were the only three roads I recollect of. Jacob Musser lived on Meixell's place. The streets in Lewisburg were laid out, but the lots not fenced in. Black had a ferry near the dam. Valentine Miller was the undertaker of that day. John Beeber, lately living at Lewisburg, told me he came with his father this year to get a wagon at Jacob Stahl's, near the Union church. He was the wagon-maker 342 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1804. of the day. People came from Muncy and all around the country to get wagons made by him. He said, also, the locusts were so plenty, that while riding along with his father above Milton, they made so much noise he could not hear what his father said. At Miller's place they crossed the ferry; were polled over by two of George Hoffman's daughters. Ernhart, at Mifflinburg, ironed their wagon. John Stahl had one son, Enos, and a daughter, Salome, married David Herbst. Charles Hall, Esquire, built the stone house and barn now owned by Martin Rishel's heirs. Daniel Shappell moved into the house as tenant. June 22, fast day. Mr. Bryson lectured in the morning. Mr. Dunham preached in the evening. On 26th of July, Mr. Hood arrived. He introduced Watts' version of the Psalms. Members were offended on that account, and whether he would accept the call or not was doubtful. Reverend Mr. Morrison died September 13, and in December Mr. Hood again visited the congregation, and it was understood that he would accept the call. In December there was great rejoicing over the election of President Jefferson. Maclay's boys went to Derrstown, where they had large bonfires, fired cannon, and burned up their hats. Old Judge Wilson and Nathan Stockdon took the back road home by Baldy's, at the cross- roads. Their dearborn was loaded with china and crockery. Getting a little too much cider oil on, they upset at the Little bridge, a few rods east of the hotel. The broken china and crockery laid there for years after. Abel Owen lived near Rengler's. He was a lame man, but could whip any man in the Valley, so it was said. John Betz kept school at the Dreisbach church school-house. He and wife were celebrated as a very handsome couple. Marriages. March 27, by Reverend John Patterson, William Thompson to Susan, daughter of John Linn. Deaths. Knowing something by tradition of the prominent characters of these 1804.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 343 times, the highly pious strains in their dying testimonies somewhat startled me. On examination, however, I found they were all written by Henry Spyker, Esquire, and from the mouths of all, saints and sinners, flowed his churchly rhetoric: "I commend my soul into the hands of God, hoping, through the merits of my Saviour's sacrifice, for the remission of my sins and a happy admission into heaven." February 6, Doctor Joseph Priestly, aged seventy-one. Epitaph: "Return unto thy rest, oh my soul, for the Lord hath dealt bountifully with thee. I will lay me down in peace, and sleep until I awake in the morning of the resurrection." His remains were removed to the new cemetery, near Northumberland, a few years since. Binns, in his Autobiography, says Doctor Priestly published nearly one hundred moderate sized octavo volumes, on a great variety of subjects. He had an extensive library and chemical laboratory. He rose early, retired at ten, P. M. He slept on a cot in his library. (His wife died September 11, 1796, aged fifty-five.) He played chess and back- gammon, a few games nearly every day. Some time before his death, when he was very ill, I occasionally sat with him during the night, in a large arm chair by his cot. He was then writing and I was publishing his "History of the Christian Church," in six volumes. The fourth or fifth volume was printed. "I should," said he, "have been gratified if it had pleased God to spare me to finish my History of the Church. I should have nothing more on earth to do or regret at leaving undone." He recovered so far as to finish and correct the proof of his history. Some months after, when very feeble, at the dead hour of the night, he asked me if I had recollected what he said about the history. I said I did. He said I wished to remind you of it, and to say that I have now nothing unfinished - nothing that I feel uneasy about, and I am ready to depart when I am called hence. Some hours after, surrounded by his family, he departed. On his death bed he expressed himself to me, in substance, as follows: " Reflecting on the Divine love of the Creator, and the felicities of a future state, I have thought that when the immortal portion of the human frame should be called hence, that it would be conveyed to a region of blissful enjoyment, proportioned to its capacity and preparation, there to remain until, from its superior opportunities and acquirements, it should become 344 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. (1804. better prepared and more capable of yet sublimer and more spiritual enjoyments; whence, through Divine mercy and love, it would, from time to time, be removed from one region of bliss to a higher, and yet a higher, until it should attain the most sublime and perfect state of felicity, of which our most improved nature should be made susceptible; enjoyments becoming more and more blissful without end." It will be noticed that Binns wrote his Autobiography in 1854, and asks for reasonable allowance for the errors of an octogenarian. He continues: "Doctor Priestly told me he had written four volumes of commentaries on the laws of England, which were burned by the "church- and-king" mob in Birmingham, 1791 and 1792." February, Daniel Rees of Buffalo. April 16. Died on Monday last, (April i6,) at his country seat, adjoining Harrisburg, in the sixty-eighth year of his age, William Maclay, Esquire, a member of the Legislature of this State. April __. Colonel William Cooke, twelfth Pennsylvania. His children were John, (father of Jacob Cooke, of Muncy, Robert, of Howard, Centre county;) Rebecca Stedman; Jane, married to William P. Brady, son of Captain John; Mary, married to Robert Brady, brother of the former; Sarah McClelland, and William, father of William L. Cooke, of Northumberland. May 8, Margaret, wife of Mathias Alsbaugh, born May 27, 1759. June 5, Thomas Forster, aged fifty-eight. (Major in the Revolution.) September 13, Reverend Hugh Morrison, aged forty-eight. His wife died in April, aged forty-nine. They are both buried in the old yard at Sunbury. They left five children: Mary Ann, who afterwards married Andrew Hutchinson, and who died in Lewisburg, October 18, 1868, aged eighty-two; Isabella, married to Isaac B. Jones; Eliza, John, and Jane. In 1822, these heirs sold their father's place in Buffalo to Conrad Dunkle, whose descendants still own it. Eliza willed her all to the Presbyterian church, at Lewisburg. (I saw her broken tombstone lying about the church not long since.) September 27, Honorable Samuel Dale, aged sixty-three, and left a widow, Eliza, who died April 23, 1835. Children: Judge Samuel Dale, of Lancaster; William Dale, Chillisquaque; James Dale, 1805.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 345 Esquire, late of Lewisburg; Ann, afterwards married to John Maclay; Elizabeth, afterwards married to Aaron Chamberlin; Margaret Simonton, late of Lewisburg, deceased. In his will, he speaks of the black girl, "Dinah," belonging to his wife. Dinah was living within our recollection. October 16, Esther Laughlin, wife of Adam Laughlin, of West Buffalo. Michael Buttorf, of White Deer. Peter Swarta, of White Deer. Eve Iddings, wife of William. John Simpson, former register and recorder. His handwriting looks like copper-plate engraving. He was succeeded by his son, Jeremiah, in 1798. Jacob Dreisbach, of Buffalo. Jacob Brunner, of West Buffalo, (now Limestone.) Deitrich Wertz, of White Deer. 1805 SUDDEN ADJOURNMENT OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES - ORDINATION OF REVEREND THOMAS HOOD - FIRST ACADAMY BUILT AT LEWISBURG - DUEL BETWEEN JOHN BINNS AND SAMUEL STEWART - POLITICAL PARTIES IN 1805. UNITED States Senator, Samuel Maclay. Member of Congress, Andrew Gregg. Speaker of the House, Simon Snyder. Members elected in October, Robert Smith, Leonard Rupert, John Bull, and Abraham Mc- Kinney Register and Recorder, John Boyd, commissioned December 20. Christopher Seebold, commissioned Justice of the Peace for East Buffalo, January 7. 346 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1805. Prices, February 18, flour, $11 50 to $12 per barrel; wheat, 13s. 6d., and will keep up, as a war between England and Spain is almost certain; Rye is 5s. 6d. to 6s. flax seed, 9 to 9 1/4. - Thomas Stubbs, Middletown. May 28, flour very dull, selling from wagons on the streets at $10 50, at $11 on credit; but price is $11 50 to $11 75. - G. & W. G. Latimer, Philadelphia. A road was laid out in April, from the west line of Andrew Billmyer's, by Mary Harris', to intersect the road from Derrstown to Japhet Morton's. This is the road from Kephart's to the turnpike, past W. L. Harris.' Hugh Wilson, Daniel Rees, and John Brice were the viewers. For a singular freak of a Buffalo Valley boy, I quote from Binns' Autobiography: "During the session of 1804-5 I was in the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, at Lancaster, when a well-dressed young man, of a respectable family from Northumberland county, about the dusk of the evening, threw open the inner door, and entered the body of the House. In a loud, clear and distinct voice he said: 'Mr. Speaker, I am charged by the Lord God with a message to this House, to direct them forthwith to pass a law for the removal of the seat of government from Lancaster to the top of the Blue Hill.' Many of the members called out, 'Turn him out.' Instantly the door-keeper and sergeant-at-arms, both elderly men, one at each side, seized the intruder by the collar of his coat to eject him from the House, upon which he tripped up their heels, and left them both sprawling on the floor. A motion to adjourn was promptly made and carried. The young man, who was laboring under insanity, remained three days about Lancaster, then started for home on horseback. It is said and believed that he never drew bit until he arrived home, a distance of one hundred and fifteen miles. In a few minutes after he arrived, the horse dropped dead." - See Roan's Journal, May 20, 1809. Mr. Hood at Buffalo. Mr. Hood preached at Buffalo from the 1st of April. He was ordained on the 2d of October. Mr. Stewart preached the ordination sermon from I Corinthians ix: i6: "For though I preach the Gospel, I have nothing to glory of," &c. Mr. Bryson gave the 1805.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 347 charge to the people. Mr. Hood's first sermon after was from Romans v, 5: "And hope maketh not ashamed." In which he showed the nature and advantages of evangelical hope, and the amazing difference between the life of the believer and that of the hypocrite. His salary was fixed at $220 per year. In May, a resolution was passed to raise it to $300, but not carried out, as in 1809-10-11-12 he was still paid but $220. September 5, trustees elect of Buffalo - George Knox, Gideon Smith, Andrew McClanachan, James McClellan, Christopher Johnston, Robert Forster, Adam Laughlin, and Hugh Wilson. Removals out of the bounds - Tenbrooke Chamberlin, John Clarke, junior, Joseph Gilliland, Thomas Sutherland, and William Thompson, junior. In 1805, among the names of members of Dreisbach's congregation, occur: Barnhart, Lorentz; Heinly, John; Reber, John; Reedy, Andrew; Ream, George; Spyker, Peter; Wormley, George; Zeller, Benjamin; Zeller, John. The log cabin academy built by subscription. It occupied the present site of the parsonage of the Presbyterian church in Lewisburg. Doctor Charles Byers was the principal physician of Lewisburg and vicinity. Binns and Stewart Duel. The duel between John Binns and Samuel Stewart is noteworthy as being one of the last fought upon the soil of Pennsylvania, and on account of the prominence of the actors, having special influence in causing the passage of the act of 31st March, 1806. The duel was fought on Sunday, the 16th of December. Tradition says Stewart spent the night before at Andrew Albright's tavern, in Lewisburg. I extract a circumstantial account of it from John Binns' Autobiography: On Saturday, November 5, 1805, while I was in the public ball alley, at Sunbury, with a bat in my hand, tossing a ball against the wall, waiting for Major Charles Maclay to play a game, a very tall, stout stranger came to me, and said, "My name is Sam Stewart, of Lycoming county; your name, I understand, is John Binns, and you are editor of the Republican Argus." I replied, "I was." "I wish to know who is the author of the letters published in that paper 348 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1805. signed 'one of the people.'" "For what purpose," said I. He re- plied, "There are remarks in one of them which reflect on my char- acter, and I must know the author." I declined to tell him, but said if there was anything untrue it should be corrected. He was standing on my left, and instantly threw his left arm across my breast, and with it held both my arms tight above the elbows, and, at the same time, threw his right arm across the back of my head, violently pushing his forefinger into the corner of my right eye, evidently with the intent to tear it out of my head. I struck him with the bat with all my strength, when he left go his hold, seized me about the waist, and endeavored to throw me down. We were separated by Major Maclay and others, who came into the alley. In his effort to gouge out my eye, he left a scar which will accompany me to my grave. The ball alley was attached to Henry Shaffer's hotel. I went into the hotel and wrote a note: SUNBURY, November 2, 1805. After threatening me like a bravo, you have attacked me like a ruffian. Some satisfaction ought to be rendered for such conduct. If you have the spirit and courage to meet me as a gentleman, and will appoint time and place, and meet me with pistols, accompanied by a friend, what has passed shall be overlooked by JOHN BINNS. SAMUEL STEWART, Esquire. To this note Mr. Stewart returned a verbal answer, "that he was going to the city, but would be back in two or three weeks." On the 13th of December, a note was handed me by Mr. Andrew Kennedy, printer of the Northumberland Gazette: NORTHUMBERLAND, December 13, 1805. When I received your challenge I was on my way to the city, and had it not in my power to meet you but now I am here, ready to see you. You will, therefore, mention the time and place, and you will have it in your power to try my spirits, that you so much doubted. It must be immediately. Let me hear from you. SAMUEL STEWART. I replied that as soon as I could get Major Maclay here I would be ready. That I had sent for him, expected him that evening, and the meeting could be the next morning. On the evening of the 1805.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 349 13th, a friend informed me that application had been made to a magistrate for a warrant of arrest, to bind me over to keep the peace. I immediately wrote a note: SATURDAY MORNING. SIR -I have just heard that application has been made to a magistrate to prevent our meeting. I write to request that you will instantly appoint some other place, say Derrstown, Milton, or any other place more convenient to you, where my friend and myself will attend. I then wrapped a pair of pistols in my overcoat pocket, walked about half a mile to the house of William Bonham, where I directed my horse, and any note that came, should be forwarded. Major Maclay soon arrived, and, after giving him a full statement of the occurrences, he went to Northumberland to settle the time and place. While we talked in the back room, the constable rapped and inquired if I was in the house. He was told I had gone up the road. On Mr. Maclay's return, he told me the meeting was to be at seven o'clock the next morning, at the end of a fence behind Lawshe's house, opposite Derrstown, where we agreed to sleep that night. We were on the ground at seven o'clock, just in the gray of the morning. In a few minutes we saw Mr. Stewart and Mr. Kennedy coming down the lane. After mutual salutations, Mr. Maclay proposed that we should cross the swamp, and retire to a more private place, where the ground was perfectly clear. Mr. Kennedy proposed that the parties should settle the distance. I objected, that being the duty of the seconds. Mr. Maclay and Kennedy then retired, and, after some conversation, stepped eight paces, and placed Mr. Stewart and myself at the extreme ends of the line. Mr. Maclay then said, "It is agreed between Mr. Kennedy and myself that if either of the parties shall leave his ground before the affair is entirely settled, such party shall be regarded as disgraced." The seconds then retired to load the pistols. Mr. Maclay told me afterwards that he at this time suggested to Mr. Kennedy the propriety of an effort at reconciliation. Mr. Kennedy said "that was impossible, unless Mr. Binns would apologize for the language used in his message to Mr. Stewart. For my part, I think nothing should be attempted until the parties have at least interchanged a shot." Maclay and Kennedy drew near to us, and Maclay said: "When the 350 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1805. word 'fire' is given you are to fire soon as you can. If either delay while one of us count three, and say 'stop,' that one shall, for that time, lose his fire. A snap to be considered a fire." The seconds tossed up to determine which should give the word. Maclay won. The pistols were handed us, and discharged so simultaneously that but one report was heard. Neither balls took effect. The pistols were again handed to the seconds. They retired a few paces, and Mr. Maclay assured me afterwards that he used every honorable argument to move Mr. Kennedy to present a proposition for settlement. This he did without effect. Maclay then raised his voice and said, you had better consult your principal, and I will do the same. Maclay's first words to me were: "Kennedy is a scoundrel; he is determined to have you shot." I said: "you know the terms we agreed upon, and we will carry them out." The pistols were again handed to us. After a short pause, Mr. Maclay came between us and said: "Gentlemen, I think this business has gone far enough, and may he amicably and honorably adjusted." He proposed that Mr. Stewart should apologize for his attack, and that then Mr. Binns should declare that the publication was not made to wound the feelings of Mr. Stewart, or affect his character; but because Mr. Binns believed it to be true, and that it was matter proper for public information. Mr. Stewart then said: "If God has given me more strength than other men, I do not think I ought to abuse it. I never struck a man in my life that I was not sorry for it." This was not held sufficient apology. After a pause Mr. Stewart made the required apology, and I made the declaration my friend proposed. The parties shook hands, and at a tavern in the neighborhood, they and their friends breakfasted together. Mr. Stewart and I continued friends until his death, many years afterward. When he was elected to the Assembly from Lycoming, some years after, he voted for me, then editor of the Democratic Press, as a director of the Pennsylvania Bank. Major Maclay was then about twenty-eight years of age, and a man of much promise. Son of Honorable Samuel Maclay, at that time a United States Senator. He returned to Buffalo Valley; I to Northumberland. He died soon after this. I found, on my return, that it was Joseph Priestly that had the warrant issued for my arrest. He saw me leave with a small mahogany 1805.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 351 case, in which he knew Judge Cooper kept his pistols, and suspected what was about to take place. The termination of this business put an end to anything like personal rudeness by any member of the Federal party, so long as I remained in Northumberland, and doubt less had its effect after my removal to Philadelphia. This duel was fought beyond the marsh, near what was then called Allen's. Andrew Kennedy was the father of the late Andrew Kennedy, of Lewisburg. Lawshe's hotel was below the dam, nearly opposite Strohecker's, kept by John Lawshe, grandfather of A. M. Lawshe. Flavel Roan, in his journal, carefully notes the fact, that he always took a drink there before crossing the ferry to Derrstown. The house was burned down some years ago. Sam Stewart, as he was called, was sheriff and treasurer of Lycoming county, and the Federal candidate for Senator, in 1808, against General John Burrows, the Democratic candidate. Political. July 10. Extract from a letter of James Cochran, of Mead township, Crawford county, to Robert Irwin: "On the call for a convention to amend the constitution and on our new candidate for Governor, the people are much divided; but there will be a majority in favor of the convention and Simon Snyder in this county and many of the neighboring counties. From every appearance the majority will be considerable. From the insolent behavior of old Tom, (Governor Thomas McKean,) in my opinion, he merits no longer the approbation of the people, not only from his impertinent language, but for the last three years he has an undoubted right to be charged with wasting his Lord's goods; therefore, agreeably to St. Luke, xvi: 3 v., he has a right to either dig or beg, whichever he thinks he can do best, for he will be no longer steward. The "Feds" and " Quids" are squealing like fell hyenas about it, and fear of being drowned before they see the water; but it will turn out like all the rest of their hot-water injections - they will burst like the bubble, with the weight of their own air, and leave them a blank in society, or rather, a vestige of contempt by all the true friends of the principles of seventy-six." A mingle of metaphors not often found in so short a composition. 352 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1805. October 4, the Governor, by his secretary, William Thompson, writes from Lancaster to Robert Irwin: " The friends of Mr. Snyder have circulated in the counties of Northampton and Berks, that Governor McKean has promised, after his re-election, to appoint Mr. James Ross, of Pittsburg, Chief Justice of the Supreme court. I am authorized to assure you that the tale is wholly a falsehood, fabricated on the eve of the approaching political contest, for base electioneering purposes, an idea of the kind having never been suggested to the Governor by any friend of Mr. Ross, or by the Governor to any person whatever nor, indeed, is it believed Mr. Ross would accept the appointment if offered to him." In order that my readers may understand the allusions in the Cochran letter, I will state, as part of the history of the time, that Governor McKean had vetoed an act substituting referees for jury trials, and prohibiting the employment of counsel in reference cases also, the act extending the jurisdiction of justices of the peace, which, however, was passed over his veto. This, with the acquittal of the judges who were impeached, incensed the ultra Democrats, and they immediately started the project of remodeling the Constitution. The moderate Democrats took the name of Constitutionalists, and organized a constitutional society, and the other section of Democrats a club called "The Friends of the People," the Federalists looking on, and enjoying the strife. The ultra Democrats nominated Snyder for Governor, and the friends of the Constitution, McKean, who was elected Governor, and entered upon his third term on the 17th of December. Marriages, by Henry Spyker, Esquire Peter Epler to Eve Christ. Witnesses, Henry Fulmer, Christian Van Gundy, John Smith and wife, &c., (April 4.) September 8, John Lawshe with Polly Sites. Witnesses, Nancy Robb, John Dreisbach, &c. Deaths. George Martin, White Deer. Children: Jane, Elizabeth, John, Robert, and Matthew. January 15. John Swineford, of Middle- 1806.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 353 burg; born April 16, 1755. Martin Housel, West Buffalo. Children: Jacob, Joshua, Catherine, Mary and Elizabeth. September 22, Catherine, wife of Abraham Eyer; born, October 15, 1752; married, May, 1776. Peter Jodon, of West Buffalo. Captain George Overmeier. Children: George, Peter, Philip, John, David, Jacob, Catherine, (Margaret, then dead,) Elizabeth, Eve, Esther, Magdalena, and Barbara. To Jacob he left his rifle and shot-pouch carried in the Revolution. Adam Shewel, of Centre. Jabel Frederick, of Buffalo. George Motz, Penn's. Children: John, Lorentz. December 19, Catherine Dunkle. She was born February 13, 1769; married October 24, 1784. 1806 ADDITIONAL RESIDENTS OF EAST BUFFALO, LEWISBURG, WHITE DEER, AND WEST BUFFALO - FIRST METHODIST CAMP-MEETING. THOMAS COOPER, President Judge, commissioned March 1. Members, Simon Snyder, Leonard Rupert, Abraham McKinney, and Major Robert Smith, of Turbut. David Taggert, Charles Maclay, and Samuel Awl, County Commissioners. John Frick, Clerk. April 1, John Thompson, junior, commissioned Justice of the Peace. July 4, William Poak. John Lynn, of Erie, was the principal School-Teacher of the Valley. Additional Residents, East Buffalo - Ammon, Andreas; Badorf, Michael, blacksmith; Bostian, Andrew; Brown, John, miller; Culp, Peter, shoemaker; Daugherty, James; Geddes, James, single; Graham, Alexander, merchant; Haverling, Jacob, weaver; Hafer, Ludwig; Holmes, Jonathan, tanner; McClure, Richard, chair-maker; Marriner, James; Mettlin, Patrick; Morrow, Alexander; Reem, 354 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY [1806. George, carpenter; Reish, Daniel; Renner, Jacob; Renner, Frederick; Strayhorn, Nathaniel; Vaness, John; Winter, Daniel, carpenter. Lewisburg - Conser, John; Crosgrove, Samuel; Kremer, George; Renfrew, Jacob; Wolfe, Christian, hatter. Additional Residents of White Beer - Clark, John, William's son; Dersham, Jacob; Farris, Dennis; Lushbaugh, John; Madden, Neal, tailor; Marshall, James; Monpeck, Nicholas; Reznor, David; Rorabaugh, Philip; Schock, Andrew, wagon-maker. West Buffalo - Aikey, Lewis; Betzer, Peter; Bohr, Michael, miller; Eilert, John; Green, Abbot; Hildebrand, Levi; Kaufman, David Kimple, Jacob, potter; Kleckner, John, tavern and still-house; Maize, Jacob, tavern; Mitchell, George, blacksmith; Shriner, Jacob; Zeller, John; Zeller, Henry. In August, the first Methodist camp-meeting in this part of the State was held on Chillisquaque creek, one and one half miles from the river. Marriages. January 2, Ludwig Coasin with Susanna Olifant, in presence of both their parents, Joseph Stillwell, Thomas Nesbit, &c. April 7, Frederick Renner with Magdalena Krause, daughter of Christian Krause, deceased, in presence of his father, and step- mother, and brothers, Jacob Renner and wife, Benjamin Renner, Daniel Sheckler and wife. May 15, George Troxel with Mary Hoffman, in presence of William Clark and wife, Doctor James Dougal, Andrew Heckle and wife, George Derr and wife, John Betz and wife, Andrew Ensworth and wife, Abraham Troxell and wife. June 12, John Sergeant with Catharine Beyer, in presence of her parents, brother James, Peggy Evans, &c. November 16, Michael Straub to Sarah Grove. Deaths. John Pollock, Lewisburg. Michael Smith. John Graybill, Mahantango. William Steele, Buffalo. Henry Richard, East Buffalo. James Adams, White Deer, left a widow, Margaret; children Agnes, Joseph, Sarah. James was his grandson, and son of Joseph. Mary Green, widow of Captain Joseph Green. Henry Myer, West Buffalo. [End of page 354.] [1807]. PENN'S CREEK IMPROVEMENT LOTTERY - EXTRACTS FROM BINNS' ARGUS - COUNTY CONVENTION - GERMAN HIGH SCHOOL IN BUFFALO TOWNSHIP - ROAN'S JOURNAL - JOHN AURAND - CHARACTER OF THE LEGAL BUSINESS AND SKETCHES OF LEADING CIRCUIT LAWYERS, BY LATE GEORGE A. SNYDER, ESQUIRE. UNITED STATES SENATORS, Samuel Maclay and Andrew Gregg, the latter elected January 13. Member of Congress, Daniel Montgomery, junior. Senator, James Laird. Speaker House of Representatives, Simon Snyder. Members elected in October, Simon Snyder, Leonard Rupert, Abraham McKinney, and John Murray. Commissioner elect, Samuel Bond. Total expenditures of the county last year, $5,716. Sheriff, Jared Irwin. Treasurer, Simon Snyder. Postmaster at Lewisburg, C. Baldy. Additional Residents of West Buffalo - Harris, Amos, shoemaker; Lytle, Charles; Peters, Philip, tinner; Reed, Robert and William; Ruhl, Philip; Stitzer, John, junior; Stover, John and Samuel; Wilkert, Jacob. Mifflinburg - Keener, William, tailor; Lemon, Thomas, schoolmaster Miller, Doctor; Smith, Doctor; Swentzell, Jacob; Yearick, Simon. Andrew Ensworth sold his property and removed from the Valley; also, William Irwin, junior, Robert Harris, and Alexander Steel. In White Deer new Names on the Assessment List - Anthony, Henry; Anthony, Nicholas, shoe-maker; Billman, John and Josiah; Chamberlin, Uriah; Clingan, Thomas; Heckle, George; Huntingdon, Simon; McCorley, Robert; Shaffer, John; Shamp, Jesse; Pancoast, William, blacksmith; Yocum, Jesse. Additional Residents in East Buffalo - Beidleman, Valentine, 356 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1807. Daniel, and Jacob; Cochran, John; Eagler, Conrad, shoe-maker; Forsythe, Samuel; Hight, Henry, shoe-maker; Hummel, Christian, shoe- maker; Jamison, John; Linn, Daniel, miller; Noll, Henry; Trester, George; Wagner and Kline, grist-mill; Wallace, William; Wilson, Charles; Wommer, Jacob. Lewisburg - Bellman, George, clock-maker. New Berlin - Berger, Jacob, millwright; Miller, Philip; Shrefler, Henry; Stain or Stem, Doctor Jacob. By act of March 31, Samuel Templeton, George Long, Robert Barber, Peter Fisher, and James Duncan, commissioners, were authorized to raise by lottery $4,000, for the improvement of Penn's creek, from the mouth of Green's saw-mill. Robert Barber was appointed treasurer, and in October, they advertised a scheme of cash prizes, amounting to $30,000; nothing came of it. April 10, the middle district of the supreme court was created, and Sunbury fixed for the place of holding the court, on the first Monday of July. The Political Situation. Argus, July 27, "appointments by the Governor: William Wilson, major general of the ninth division; William Hepburn, of the tenth. Both these gentlemen are associate judges, and thorough-paced Federalists. Elections by the people: Christopher Baldy, brigadier general first brigade, a Democrat, by a large majority. Colonel John Jones, Alexander Moore, George Weirick, and Thomas Youngman, all Democrats, by decided majorities. For brigade inspector, Frederick Evans, 435 to 80 for Charles Drum, Quid." February 4, Binns' Argus has the message relative to Burr's con- spiracy. The lot of ground on which the old jail stood, offered for sale Binns says, at the court of quarter sessions of Centre county, held last week, there was no business for the grand jury, save one bill for keeping a tippling-house. So much for the peaceable demeanor of one of the most Democratic counties in Pennsylvania. He thinks Rankin's vote for Gregg for United States Senator will prevent his return as representative of that county. "Hugh White and other Federalists" contested the election of Isaac Smith, member for Lycoming; but Smith was declared the sitting member. 1807.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 357 In his valedictory he says he has sold his type, fixtures, and rented his house and office, in Northumberland, to Mathew Huston, by whom the Argus will be conducted. Mr. Huston is clerk of the House of Representatives, which will detain him at Lancaster, until the 1st of April. Mr. Huston is a man of good understanding, and will be an independent editor. In politics, he is a decided Democratic Republican. Has been a soldier in the Revolution, and served in the Legislature. In bidding farewell to John Binns' paper, I quote one of his saucy items: "I do not know whether Rudolph Spangler was or was not, as the Lancaster Journal says, at a cockfight, for a whole day. If he was, to the neglect of his public duty, he was to blame; but I do know most certainly that Timothy Matlack, the master of rolls of this State, was at a common cock-fight, the cheek-by-jowl companion of negroes, vagabonds, and spoils-men." June 3, Mathew Huston issued the first number of his Argus, and in his second number attacks Governor McKean for appointing a number of Senators to lucrative offices before their terms expired. Says it is morally certain he had no relatives in Pennsylvania or any quarter of the globe, who might be imported to fill those offices. The attack of the Leopard, on the Chespeake, on the 22d of June, brings forth a fearful editorial, in which Great Britian is styled an "incurable old bawd," &c. I quote some of the toasts at the 4th of July celebration, to show the drift of politics. At Selinsgrove "Thomas McKean - alas, how art thou fallen." "2d Tuesday of October, 1808 - may it give us a farmer for Governor, who will care more for the people than for the dust under his feet, and not a student of morality, whose only care is for his family, lawyers, and sharpers." "The besotted, card-playing general and the golden calf - may they ever be haunted with trout visions." "The Democratic presses -the nurses of political virtue." At Milton, Captain Thomas Pollock, president, Doctor James Dougal, vice president: "Thomas McKean - political damnation to all political hypocrites." "Aaron Burr, the treacherous apostate Whig - may the portion of eternal infamy be the fate of every traitor to virtue, liberty, and independence." "The American fair - may Columbia boast of a race of daughters, amiable and beautiful, and may Hymen join them to Republican merit." Kennedy's paper, 358 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1807. May 19, attacks an article in Binns' paper, as smelling strongly of the committee-room at Derrstown, and says Esquire Laird, the State Senator, is a favorite pupil of the professors at the political college of Derrstown, and hints that Tilghman might be got out to run against Simon Snyder for Governor. The Quids, he says, talk of Judge Spade, who knows no more of politics than of Arabic, and who may possess qualifications for the place, but nobody knows it. Huston on Burr: "Burr is to the body-politic like an emetic to the physical body. Since he has got into operation, the body-politic has discharged and brought into view a huge mass of swindlers, speculators, sharpers, jugglers, jockies, pettifoggers. These followers of our Cataline, whom he collected from the harlot's stew, the gaming table, and the wine-bibber's shop, must appear truly pitiful when they slink home with their golden prospects blasted, and their leader the subject of scorn and contempt." James Boyd's toast at the Danville celebration is unique: "The Quids - a jackass apiece to them, and a snail's horn for a spur, so that each mule may ride his own ass." Daniel Montgomery presided at this meeting. James Laird was vice, and Andrew Russell was secretary. The names are given, so that we may know on what side in politics our antecedents were. July 13, Governor McKean issued a general order for a draft of the militia of the State, in prospect of a war with Great Britain, to be divided into two grand divisions, of which Major General Thomas Craig and General Joseph Heister were appointed commanders. The quota for Northumberland division was ten hundred and forty. The delegates from the different townships to the meeting held at Sunbury, on the 18th of August, to express the sentiments of the county, in reference to the attack upon the Chesapeake, were: Sunbury, Andrew Albright and John Boyd; Buffalo, Samuel Maclay and Christopher Baldy; West Buffalo, George Youngman and Henry Gray; Centre, George Weirick and Michael Wittenmyer; Penn's, Jacob Lechner and Daniel Rhoads; Point, Matthew Huston and Andrew Kennedy; White Deer, Seth Iredell and William Clark; Washington, William Pollock, &c. Colonel Robert Clark, of Derry, was chosen president. They resolved unanimously to support the Government in such measures as may be necessary and proper to obtain satisfaction for former injuries and insults committed by the British Govern- 1807.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 359 ment, and security against such aggressions in time to come. The meeting at Selinsgrove to appoint delegates to this meeting, was presided over by George Holstein. Committee on resolutions, Frederick Evans, Christian Welker, and Daniel Rohrer. By an order of Frederick Evans, it appears that the thirty-ninth regiment (district Buffalo Valley) was to furnish one hundred and thirty-seven men, to rendezvous at General Baldy's, on the 24th of September. Seventy-seventh regiment draft, one hundred and twenty- seven men, to meet at Swinefordstown, on the 23d. At a meeting of the Society of the Friends of the people of Sun- bury, held at the public buildings, on Saturday, September 26, and at a meeting of the same society of Point township, held at the house of David Taggert, on Monday, September 29, resolutions were passed arraigning Michael Leib at the tribunal of public opinion, for secretly and hypocritically laboring to defeat Simon Snyder in 1805; for intriguing with the Quids to bring forward Joseph Hiester for Governor. These proceedings are signed by Andrew Albright, president of the society of Sunbury; David Taggert, at Point. June 27 John Sierer and wife, Susanna, Christopher Baldy and wife, Susanna, conveyed two acres and one hundred and ten perches of the Henry Sees tract to John Kaufman and John Rengler, trustees elect of a German high school, in Buffalo township, to be erected on said premises, and kept for that purpose forever. Domestic Incidents taken chiefly from Flavel Roan's Journal. He was teaching school at this time at Jimmy Wilson's school-house, near where Adam Stahl now lives. January 1. Citizen Kremer (afterward Honorable George) called at Clingan's, (William Clingan, Esquire's.) A very great talker. Brought sweetmeats for the ladies. 5th. Roan McClure's youngsters and Richards', from Derrstown, at Clingan's. Amusements, selling pawns, shaving, &c., until after twelve. 10th. Citizen Kremer again at Clingan's. Has a great memory, and likes to hear himself discourse. 13th. Clingan's young people down at Roan McClure's until after twelve. 24th. Went to Sunbury, crossing on the ice. Got a hard fall. Stopped at James Black's. Agreeably entertained by Esquire Buyers' daughters and Mr. Black's young people. 29th. 360 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY, [1807. Young people at Derrstown singing-school. Thirty young people at Baldy's singing. February 8, Sunday. The ladies would not sing, because Tommy raised an old tune, "Isle of Wright." 9th. Six degrees colder than it has been for two years, by Doctor Dougal's thermometer. 11th. Visitors at Clingan's, Doctor Dougal and lady, Mrs. Linn and relatives, Sister Clark, &c. 13th. Ice broke in Buffalo creek, and carried off the bridge. 17th. Youngsters went to Esquire Kelly's. 22d. Youngsters at Dale's. Returned at three, A. M. 25th. Charles Hall, Esquire, and lady at Clingan's, and Mrs. David Linn, Esquire Kelly's youngsters, J. Thompson's youngsters, Charlotte Candor, and Thomas Howard came. All went over to Aunt Dale's, to spend the evening. Kelly's lads very sociable. 26th. Esquire McLanahan and lady at C's. I think the Squire will run for Assembly. 27th. Thompson's, Dale's, Chamberlin's youngsters, Boyd Smith, Bella Kelly, Charlotte Candor, spent an agreeable evening at C's. Went away at one, A. M. March 5. Clingan's youngsters, with Gideon Smith and J. Thompson, went to visit at Chamberlin's. Returned at three A. M. Citizen Kremer here again. 7th. Roan Clarke at C's. He is making great progress at knowledge with citizen K. Has a learned book with him, puzzling Tommy and George. Roan's route to Sunbury - cross at Nesbit's ferry, drink at Lawshe's, stop to see Judge Wilson at Chillisquaque, leave his horse at D. Taggert's, and walk over to Sunbury. Return - stops at Dentler's, Lawshe's, Metzgar's, Derrstown, call at Roan McClure's, sleeps at Giddy Smith's. 17th. Wilson Smith calls to request Clingans to spend to-morrow evening at Doctor Vanvalzah's. 21st. Called at Poak's, Metzgar's, and went to see the rope-dancing at Rees'. 23d. Rope- dancing at Baldy's. 27th. Went to Hoffman's. Had a talk with Tom Iddings about Steel being an officer. 31st. Snowed all day. Snow eighteen inches deep. April 4. View on the bridge at Derrstown. Slept at Kremer's. Called at Metzgar's. Went down to Franklin's. Saw some boats start down the river. Called at Doctor Byers'. Saw Franklin's leg; an ugly sight. 8th. Snow five feet deep in Jimmy Wilson's lane. 10th. Left Clingan's, stopped at Baldy's, then to Youngmanstown, where I stopped at Van Buskirk's. Met Esquire Robert Barber and Abbot Green, with whom I had business. Slept at Smelcher's, in 1807.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 361 a bed at the fire, and saw sparking going on. 13th. Came to Baldy's; drank too much whisky; spent the evening with Sheriff Jared Irwin there. 15th. Crossed at Black's, went to Lawshe's, spent the evening there, and slept with old Sam Brady.* May 2. Went with Mrs. Hood to White Deer valley. They sing new tunes and Watts' Psalms here. 4th. Went to Newbury, where I met Billy Dougan, and went home with him. 5th. Heard Mr. Siers preach from the text "Come, for all things are ready." He said the man should have brought his wife with him to the wedding. [He was no doubt the ancestor of the sensational preachers of our day.] Sunday, 10th. Heard Mr. Smilie, Baptist, preach at Jaysburg, on the fruitful vine. Crossed from Jaysburg to David Russel's, where Doctor Davidson prescribed for me. 13th. Crossed the mountain with Mr. Smilie. Stopped at Week's, [now Uniontown.] He went to preach, and I to Esquire Brown's. His route home is marked by stops at G. Anderson's, Graham's, Hugh Don- nelly's, [Uniontown,] Iredell's fishery, and John Hoffman's. June 7. Hoffman's son and daughter went to the consecration of the new church at Youngmanstown. 9th. The boys went fishing with Mr. Hood. 14th. Reuben Davis, a student full of self-importance, dined at Clingan's. 24th. At George Clark's, took tea with the amiable Miss Becca, who displayed a gold ring on her finger. Wednesday, July 1. Election at Baldy's for militia field-officers. Cider oil plenty, which occasioned words and blows. 5th. Mr. Hood preached at Buffalo, Psalm xxvii: 4. He gave me a rub, in the last part of his sermon, for not attending church. 19th. A great thunder storm, with hail. 20th. Reverend Mr. Hood with us, cutting wheat. He is a great cradler. 24th. Mr. Clingan has seven hundred dozen, and not two bottles of whisky drank at the cutting. Sunday, 26th. Mr. Grier and Mr. Hood exchange. Buffalo people not used to such long sermons. He is not so able an orator as Mr. Hood. 27th. Election at Derrstown. Fighting going on in the evening. Citizen Kremer got marked. Miss Wilson and Miss Craig, of Northampton, at Mr. Hayes'. They are great belles. 28th. Election for rifle company officers, at Clingan's. 29th. Election for company officers, at Richard Irwin's, [White Deer.] Ed- *Uncle of Captain Samuel Brady. - Linn. 362. ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1807. ward Morton and I attended and clerked. We had plenty of talk and whisky. 30th. Went down to John Reber's. Clerked here, too. Another election of officers. Plenty of drink here, also. 31st. Went to Michael Fought's, [near Chappell hollow.] Clerked at another election. August __. Captain Fought went along. Got to Baldy's before breakfast. Another election. Plenty of cider royal. 8th. At Milton. The Flemings and Vincents there, raising a troop. 13th. At Mr. Huston's, his daughter, though small, a great belle, [afterwards wife of John Taggert, Esquire, of Northumberland. She is recently deceased, 1871.] September 6. Mr. Clingan and George went to John Cornelius' funeral. Mathew Laird says he will be very much missed in his family, as he was a very shifty man. Saturday, 19th. Over at the camp-meeting beyond Milton. Went to town. Called at Dan Smith's, William Pollock's, and drank wine at Calhoun's, with the Barrs. Sunday night at camp. Sermon from Revelations, iii: 18. The moon shining through the trees, the fire, candles in the camp, the large, quiet crowd of people, made the scene romantic and solemn. 20th. Great carrying on at camp. Criswell's boys got happy. 26th. Mr. Bryson preached on Psalm cxxxiii. Billy Poak's wife fainted in meeting. October 3. Drank a morning dram with Mr. _____, the Methodist minister from Lycoming, and went home with Robert Lyon. He is very poor, but hospitable. 6th. At Franklin's. Albright and wife there. Took din- ner at Doctor Byer's. Called at Poak's. Much diverted with the girls and Donaldson's wife and daughter. Then called at Hayes' and Cramer's and went to George Clark's 9th. Clingan brought home Mr. Hood and Reverend H. R. Wilson, Bellefonte; the latter a very facetious man. Comet still in view. 13th. Clerked at the election at Billmyer's. Tommy stole a bag string to cure Trimmer's ancle. 20th. Review at Derrstown. Several bottles in the evening. George stole a bag string for another horse. 31st. My horse broke his bridle at Robert's tavern, Milton. Staid and slept with old Peter Vincent. Sunday, November 1. Mr. Hood got a letter, stating that the horse had ran away with his wife and Ann Dale, broke the chair, and Mrs. Hood's leg. [This accident happened near Harrisburg. 1807.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 363 They were going to Chester county on a visit. Mrs. Hood was a Haslet, from that county.] 2d. Tommy took sixty-eight bushels corn to deGruchy's, at Northumberland. 7th. Mr. Hood and James Dale set off in a boat to bring Mrs. Hood home. 11th. Mrs. Hood arrived at Derrstown. Mr. Wilson brought her home on a sled. Annie Dale much hurt, too. [My uncle, Doctor W. I. Wilson, says he recollects well of riding the horses attached to the sled which brought Mrs. Hood to her home from the river.] 15th. Clingan's youngsters, Aunt Dale's youngsters went with Mr. Haslet to visit at Senator Maclay's. December 9. Clingan butchering. George Weikel assisting Beau Barber here. Mr. Haslet and Mr. Hood helping butcher. 10th. George at a tramping frolic at Uncle Clark's. 11th. Beaux Kremer, Haslet, Barber here. " Where the carcase is, thither will the eagles gather together." 12th. Billy Thompson died. 20th. Mr. Hood preached from II Timothy, 1:10. The people seemed too lazy to leave the meeting- house. There is a stove in it now. 21st. Girls up at Mrs. Linn's last night. George, Nancy, Haslet, Sam Maclay, Dale, &c. 24th. Shooting match at Zerbe's, [now John Grove's.] 31st. Billy Forster and citizen Kremer at Clingan's. George fired off guns at midnight. The Leading Circuit Lawyers, by George A. Snyder. At this time, the courts of Northumberland, Lycoming, and Luzerne were attended by the lawyers of Lancaster, York, Harrisburg, and Carlisle. From Lancaster came Charles Smith, one of the ablest jurists of Pennsylvania. Mr. Hopkins also came, but seldom. Bowie* was the only one I can remember from York. Thomas Duncan and David Watts, from Carlisle. From Harrisburg came George Fisher, Thomas Elder, William Irwin, and others. Each lawyer kept his saddle-horse. The Lancaster, York, and Carlisle lawyers met at Harrisburg; when that court terminated, they came to Sunbury; then to Williamsport and Wilkesbarre. As their numbers were recruited at each county town, they formed a considerable troop of cavalry on entering the two last places. The nature and character of the law business were then different from what they are at present. Almost all the important actions *Ralph Bowie, Esquire, died at York, Pennsylvania, October 22, 1816. He is said to have been an elegant Lawyer. - Linn. 364 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1807. were ejectments upon disputed original titles. The number of wit- nesses was very great, the means of traveling scanty, the district large, so that much allowance had to be made for failure of attend- ance. The causes were, therefore, frequently continued, so that they usually stood upon the trial list several years before they could be acted upon. This, added to the dilatory habits always prevalent in frontier settlements, produced that leisurely, time-wasting habit of doing business which, until lately, characterized our county courts. The lawyers of this district seldom undertook an important cause without calling in the aid of Duncan, Watts, Fisher, or some other able practitioner. Duncan was a small man, with keen looking gray eyes, and a sharp, unmusical voice. His knowledge of law was more extensive and accurate than that of any of his compeers, and he possessed great tact in the trial of a cause, almost always managing to put his opponents, though they were plaintiffs, on the defensive - an immense advantage in law as well as in war. My father placed him upon the Supreme Bench, where he was considered an important acquisition. Mr. Watts was a large man, with a powerful voice. His self reliance was great, and of great advantage to him, for his abilities were considerable. He contemned authorities, preferring to argue his case from first principles, and this he did with much power. He was apt to be violent and overbearing, and was in the habit of heaping abuse upon his opponents. He was a good classical scholar, and on that score was susceptible to flattery. He maintained that squinting was an infallible mark of dishonesty. He himself squinted, though he was not aware of it, and could not be convinced of it by others. He spent his money with careless profusion. He died of cancer, about the year 1821. He was the father of Judge Frederick Watts, a man of talent and industry, and greatly esteemed for his many excellent qualities. George Fisher was a large man, of imposing exterior. Inferior in ability either to Duncan or Watts, he was still able to make a good figure at the bar. His practice was mostly confined to the defensive side, as it was dangerous to allow him to collect money. He lived to a great age - eighty-four, I believe. Charles Hall, of Sunbury, was a good lawyer, and highly esteemed 1807.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 365 as a man. He was shrewd, laborious, and very attentive to the interests of his clients. He had not, however, the gift of a ready speaker, being rather tedious. Daniel Smith was the only lawyer of the district who could be called eloquent in a high sense. Daniel Levy, of Sunbury, outlived all the old lawyers, as they were popularly called, except Mr. Bellas. He was a conceited man, active as a cat, an insatiable dancer, and a hard fighter. He had considerable science as a boxer, and although not large or strong, his skill joined to his prodigious activity made him quite formidable. His vanity and fondness for dress made him a capital butt, and subject of jokes for his fellow-members of the bar. He lived to the age of seventy, and a fop to the last. [I have dropped Mr. Snyder's strictures on the morals of these old legal giants. But that the truth may be told in a general way, drinking habits got the better of some of them.] Hugh Bellas was the last survivor of the old lawyers. A man of singular energy, and the most elastic spirit, I ever knew. He came to this country from Ireland, when he was about ten years of age. George Bellas, his father, was poor, and unable to educate his children. Hugh was bound to Robert Irwin, of Northumberland, to learn the mercantile business. Here he found a congenial spirit in Robert Christie, the senior clerk. Robert was the son of an English teacher, and had been well educated. Store-keeping was not then conducted on the go-ahead style of the present, and our clerks, having considerable leisure at certain periods, devoted themselves to reading and study. Mr. Bellas' father was a strict Presbyterian, and had brought up his family in the faith of that Church; but the active and independent mind of Hugh, let him into inquiries, which caused him to reject Calvanism, and even to doubt seriously the entire christian faith. About this time (1799) he heard much said of three remarkable sermons of Doctor Priestly, on "habitual devotion," the "danger of bad habits," and the "duty of not living to ourselves." Meeting the doctor one day, he expressed a desire to read these sermons. "My young friend," replied the doctor, "I judge from your opinions on the subject of revelation, that you would not be able to appreciate these discourses. Before you undertake them, I will, if you please, put a tract into your hands, the reading of which 366 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1807. will, I hope, prepare you for the doctrine of my sermons." The seed fell into good ground and brought forth an hundred fold. While at Irwin's, Mr. Bellas commenced studying law with Jonathan Walker, afterward Judge Walker. It was about the year 1803, Mr. Bellas applied for admission, but he met a most formidable opposition. Every lawyer then at the bar in this district was a decided Federalist, and as Mr. Bellas was not only an active and influential Democrat, but of the plebeian stock, the aristocratic gentlemen objected to his admission, on the ground of his not having studied actually in the office of Mr. Walker, but in a store, and while conducting a business of another character. Whether the court decided against him, or he was induced by the clamor of his opponents to suspend application, I am unable to say. This happened during the session of the court at Bellefonte. Returning to Northumberland, and stating the case to Mr. Walker, the latter advised him to employ counsel in his behalf, and renew his application at Sunbury. Mr. Bellas accordingly retained Daniel Smith, who brought his case before the court, and advocated it so ably that an examination was ordered, and Charles Hall, the most determined of his opponents, appointed one of his examiners. The examination was held in open court, and was most rigorous. Mr. Hall came prepared with a sheet of written questions; many of them mere trials of memory. Such as the date of certain statutes of Queen Elizabeth. Mr. Bellas' memory was, however, never at fault. The judge perceiving that he had no ordinary candidate before him, was highly gratified. At one stage the judge asked him what is criminal law? Mr. Bellas, after a moment's hesitation, commenced: Law is a rule of action. Here the judge interrupted him in his quick, nervous way, with "I don't want a general definition of law, but of criminal law." Criminal law, resumed Mr. Bellas, is a rule of action defining and prohibiting crime, and prescribing due punishment. That will do, remarked the judge, I only asked the question in order to try your judgment. There is no definition of criminal law in the books. The three hours' ordeal passed. Mr. Hall most grudgingly admitted that the young man had passed a satisfactory examination, and recommended his admission to the bar. My father, [afterward Governor Snyder,] who was at the time county treasurer, witnessed the whole proceedings, and resolved to 1807.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 367 patronize the young lawyer. He accordingly employed him in the memorable Isle of Que case, which terminated in his favor, after more than twenty years litigation. Hugh Bellas, Esquire, died October 26, 1863, aged eighty-three and a half years. Marriages. May 11, Peter Kreechbaum with Elizabeth Davis, in presence of his father Peter, and brother George. June 21, Martin Billmyer with Margaret Himmelrich, in presence of her parents, George Billmyer and wife, Stephen Frantz and wife, George Withington, &c. November 13, George Kreechbaum with Polly Keller, daughter of George Keller, now in Sciota. December 10, By Reverend Henry R. Wilson, Thomas Burnside, Esquire, to Miss Mary Fleming, of Bellefonte. December 26, John Brobst with Lydia Marriner. Witnesses, Sophia Nixon, Thomas Poak, John Conser, &c. Deaths. February 15, Adam Young. March 30, John Aurand, of East Buffalo. He was born in Dillenberg, Germany, February 5, 1725; was, therefore, eighty-two years six months three weeks and four days old. His grave, in the Dreisbach yard, is unmarked, and possibly cannot be identified. His wife, Mary Elizabeth, died before him. His children were: Henry, who lived and died in Snyder county; Peter and Jacob, lived in Reading; Daniel, in Sunbury; Reverend Dietrich, who died in Huntingdon county; George Aurand, Esquire, died July 18, 1850, buried in the Hassinger grave- yard, near Middleburg, (father of Jacob Aurand, Esquire, of Middleburg;) Elizabeth, intermarried with Francis Zeller; John, who died soon after, (his widow Catherine married Henry Rhiem;) Abraham; Mary, married to John Wolfe. His descendants are, like the sands of the sea, innumerable, scattered all through New York, Ohio, Illinois; and the family Bible, written for by the agent in New York, which will secure a large fortune to the family, can be produced by Jacob Aurand, Esquire, of Middleburg. 368 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1807. September 16, Florence, wife of Colonel John Clarke, aged seventy- six. William Thompson, of White Deer township, in the seventieth year of his age. His remains were interred in the Presbyterian burial ground, in Derrstown, followed by a numerous assemblage of friends and relations. He left a widow, Jane, who died in Lewisburg. Daughter, Ruth; granddaughter, Nancy T. Reznor; son, James.* George Wilt, of West Buffalo, died in the spring. Widow, Catherine. Children: Elizabeth, Adam, George, Barbara, and Mary. Daniel Franklin, inn-keeper, died in September. William McKim, of Buffalo: Robert McKim. Reverend John Hoge. Children: Ebenezer, Samuel, David, Jonathan D., Elizabeth Brice, Mary Redrick, Priscilla Bennett. David Katherman, West Buffalo. Children: Barbara, George, Jacob. Lewis Frantz. Children: Stephen, John, Jacob, Philip, Catherine, George, Margaret. William Steele, of Buffalo. *Reverend James Thompson studied theology under Mr. Hood. Licensed, 1817. April 17, 1810, installed pastor of Shaver's Creek and Alexandria churches. Died October 8,1830. Left a widow, Eliza, (Stewart,) one son, and two daughters. - See Gibson's History of the Huntingdon Presbytery. [End of page 368]