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u
I5D
(WASHINGTON CO,)
CREIGH
HISTORY
OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY
FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT
PEESEKT TIME,
FIRST UNDER VIRGINIA AS YOHOGANIA, OHIO, OR AUGUSTA COUNTY UNTIL 1781, AND SUBSEQUENTLY UNDER PENNSYLVANIA;
WITH
SKETCHES OF ALL THE TOWNSHIPS, BOROUGHS, AND VILLAGES, ETC. ;
AND TO WHICH IS ADDED
A FULL ACCODKT OF THE CELEBRATED MASON AND DIXON'S LINE, THE
WHISKEY INSURRECTION, INDIAN WARFARE, TRADITIONAL
AND LOCAL HISTORICAL EVENTS.
Whatever makes the past, the distant, or the future preponderate over the present, advances us in the dignity of thinking beings. — De. Johnson.
SECOND EDITION, REVISED AND CORRECTED
BY ALFRED CREIGH, LL. D.
■^5
HARRISBUEG, Pa., B. SINGERLY, PRINTER.
1871.
Entered according to Act of Conj^ress, in the year 1870, by ALFRED CREIGH, LL. D.
in the Office of the Clerk of the District Court of the United States in and for the Western District of Pennsylvania.
TO THE CITIZENS
OF
WASHINGTON COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA,
WHOSE DEVOTION TO PATRONIZE AND ENCOURAGE
MORALITY, LITERATURE, PATRIOTISM, AND RELIGION
IS NOT SURPASSED BY ANY BODY OP CITIZENS IN THE
AMERICAN UNION,
is Mmt
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED BY THEIR FELLOW-CITIZEN,
ALFRED CREIGH.
Ellendale Villa, Washington, Pa., June 29, 1870.
(3 )
PREFACE.
For the last nine years, the author of this volume has been en- gaged in collecting and arranging materials for the history of Washington County, a county whose existence (not, however, in its present organized chartered form) is coeval with the chartered rights both of Pennsylvania and Virginia. These States claimed control over its territory, until the disputed question was finally settled and adjusted by extending the celebrated Mason and Dixon's line, in 1185, although the chartered history of Washington County dates back to nSl.
There has been a growing desire, for the last few years, among the people of this and other counties to investigate and become acquainted with their local history. It is eminently proper and praiseworthy in any people to rescue from oblivion memorials of unpublished facts, reminiscences, and traditions; to call to memory the primitive days of our forefathers, their frontier life and hardships, their struggles with the red men of the forest, and to collect and preserve valuable and interesting statistical information and reliable facts which will tend to perpetuate their history.
Under such influences, and at the request of a committee of my fellow-citizens, I entered the hitherto untrodden field to collect all these memorials, and now present them for your consideration and approval, I do not intend to convey the meaning that it is entirely perfect ; it will take time and more diligent research to procure the memorials which have not yet been published ; but this volume is intended to be the starting-point from which the future historian can gain reliable facts. I have been particularly careful not to give any traditionary facts, without being corroborated by authentic docu- ments or strong circumstantial evidence.
To natives and their descendants of Washington County, settled iu distant places, this volume will prove of great interest, recalling
( o
PREFACE. 5
to memory old associations, friends of former years, and the recollec- tion of events and incidents passed from memory.
The causes which led to the preparation of this history of Wash- ington County may be gathered from the perusal of the following correspondence: —
Washington, January 9, 1861. Dk. ♦Alfred Ceeigh,
Deak Sir: Our "old men" are fast passing away, and with them, unless soon rescued, will be lost many facts connected with the early settlement and history of our borough and county. Many accounts are doubtless in existence which are also liable to be lost when the present possessors cease to own them.
We believe it to be the duty of some one to gather unpublished facts, reminiscences, memorials, and traditions of the early settlement of the county, and present them to the public in an historic form. A history of Washington Borough and County would prove deeply interesting to the present inhabit- ants and to their children scattered all over the land. As a work of future reference, it would be invaluable. Knowing your zeal and perseverance in matters of this kind, we would respectfully suggest that you undertake this work. We will cheerfully aid you in obtaining facts and gaining access to documents.
We believe that sufficient numbers of the book could be sold to repay you for your labor. Hoping you will comply with the request.
We remain yours, &c., ALEXANDER WILSON, JOHN L. GOW, JOHN H. EWING, THOS. W. GRAYSON,
C. M. REED, G. W. MILLER,
J. L. JUDSON, DAVID AIKEN,
JOHN R. DONEHOO, WM. VANKIRK,
WM. HOPKINS, FREEMAN BRADY, Jr.,
JAMES B. RUPEE, W. S. MOORE,
H. A. PURVIANCE, JAMES W. KUNTZ,
WM. HUGHES, R. H. KOONTZ,
A. H. ECKER, GEO. S. HART,
WILLIAM SWAN, W. A. MICKEY,
W. H. HORN, H. J. VANKIRK.
REPLY.
Washington, January 21, 1861. Oentiemen : Your letter of January 9th is now before me, and after mature deliberation upon its contents, I shall avail myself of preparing, and at the earliest opportunity of presenting to the public a full history of Washington Borough and County. The reminiscences, memorials, and traditions which exist in this county will make an interesting work, more especially as this was the Jirst county which was organized in Pennsylvania after the Declaration of Independence.
6 PREFACE.
It is true that the history which I am about to write will require untiring diligence, unwearied perseverance, and . industrious research, yet with the promised aid of yourselves and the co-operation of iny fellow-citizens who may be in possession of any facts or traditions tending to elucidate our history, I have no fear of the result. As Washington County was the Jirst organized, let her likewise be the Jirst in the State to inaugurate a system by which, every county, following her example, will present their separate histories to the American people, whereby incalculable good will result not only toHhe State of Pennsylvania, but to the rising generation.
With sentiments of respect and esteem, I remain yours truly,
ALFRED CREIGH.
To Alexander Wilson, Esq., and others.
The materials for the work have been derived chiefly from the Colonial Records and Archives of the State, the records of the county and borough, files of newspapers, pastors of churches, and kind friends who felt a deep interest in procuring for my use these memorials. To the committee who addressed me on the subject, to my friend Hon. James Veech, of the city of Pittsburg, am I particu- larly indebted for the use of his notes on Washington County, and the Mason and Dixon question; to David S.Wilson, Esq., who aided me by his counsel and research, and to Rev. Dr. James I. Brownson who, from the moment of its undertaking, felt a deep and abiding interest in its publication, with many others, I return my sincere thanks, fondly trusting that the work may meet the approval of all my fellow-citizens; fully convinced that any imperfections will be overlooked by the reader, in the contemplation of the variety of subjects presented for his consideration.
Where any error is discovered, I shall be thankful to the reader to inform me by letter of the inaccuracy, and I shall have it corrected in a subsequent edition, my desire being to give a faithful, truthful, and reliable history of Washington County.
COI^TENTS.
CHAPTER I.
WASHINGTON COUNTY — ITS PRIMITIVE HISTORY UNDER VIRGINIA.
Spottsylvania County; its boundaries — Orange County — Frederick Coun- ty; its boundaries — Augusta County ; its boundaries — District of West Augusta — Justices' Courts — Oatli of allegiance — Oath of supremacy — The test oath — Oath of abjuration — Youghiogheny County; its boun- daries, courts, and court-houses, and punishments — Pillory and stocks described — Whipping-post and ducking-stool — Ohio County ; its boun- daries and court-house — Monongalia County — Courts and roads — Or- phan children — Taverns — Continental money — Ferries — Attorneys-at- law — Sheriffs and deputy-sheriffs — Surveyors — Military officers — Grist- mills— Salts — Cotton, and wool cards — Counterfeit money — Allegiance — Naturalization — Passports — Benevolence of Youghiogheny County — Marriage extraordinary — Reflections 9
CHAPTER II.
A GENERAL OUTLINE HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
History of Pennsylvania, from the date of its charter to the present time, embracing a list of all the Indian titles to lands — Historical and sta- tistical facts — The date of the formation of each county of the State, with the number of acres and population in each, and a list of the Governors from the accession of William Penn, its proprietor, in 1681 to 1870 .27
CHAPTER III.
ORIGINAL ACT ESTABLISHING WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Divisions by the formation of townships — Its original and present town- ships and boroughs — Its present boundaries with topographical and geographical description and its streams — Its early religious element and the religious agreement of 1782 — Marriage custom and ceremony — School-houses 39
CHAPTER lY.
PROCEEDINGS OP THE SUPREME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
A brief history of the Provincial Conference — The Constitution of 1776 ; the Council of Censors; the Convention of 1789; the Constitution of 1790 ; the action of the Legislature of 1825 ; with regard to a conven- tion, and the vote of the people ; the Convention of 1837 ; the Consti- tution of 1838, and the full proceedings of the Supreme Executive, from 1781 to 1791, which relates to Washington County . . .54
CHAPTER Y.
TOWNSHIPS AND BOROUGHS IN WASHINGTON COUNTY.
The history of the Townships and Boroughs in their chronological order, detailing interesting events in each — Also the history of churches and the present state of education in each township and borough . . 87
( 1 )
8 CONTENTS.
CHAPTER YL
ELECTED OFFICERS OF WASHINGTON COUNTY FROM 1Y90.
Members of Congress — Senators and Representatives — President Judges — Associate Judges and Deputy Attorney-Generals — Attorneys-at-Law — Prothonotaries — Registers — Recorders — Clerk of the Courts — Sheriffs — Coroners — Commissioners — Clerks to Commissioners — Treasurers — Auditors — Notary Public — Directors of the Poor — Deputy Surveyor- General — Justices of the Peace 250
CHAPTER 711.
MILITARY HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Brig.-Gen. Clark's expedition in 1781 — Col. David Williamson's expedi- tion in 1782 — Col. William Crawford's expedition in 1782 — Whiskey Insurrection in 1791-4 — Outrage on the Chesapeake Frigate, 1807 — War of 1812— Texas Revolutiou, in 1836— Mexican War in 1846— South- ern Rebellion in 1861 278
CHAPTER YIII.
HISTORY OF ASSOCIATIONS, AND EVENTS WHICH TRANSPIRED IN
WASHINGTON COUNTY . . . .341
APPENDIX. CHAPTER I.
THE VIRGINIA AND PENNSYLVANIA CONTROVERSY, FROM 1752 TO 1783.
The date of the earliest settlements by Virginians and Pennsylvanians — The difficulties between the Governors of both States arising from these settlements — The names of the first settlers — The various acts of Capt. Connolly as the representative of Virginia in claiming Fort Duquesne (Pittsburg) as within Virginia — His treason — Commissioners appointed by both States to run a temporary line until the Revolutionary War would terminate — The action of both States approving of the same, and the necessity of erecting Washington County 3
CHAPTER II.
THE MASON AND DIXON 'S LINE.
Its full history — the line run by Charles Mason and Jeremiah Dixon — the claim of Pennsylvania — the claim of Lord Baltimore — the appointment of commissioners — the labors of Mason and Dixon ended in 1767 — new commissioners appointed in 1783 by the States of Virginia and Penn- sylvania— letter from Joseph Reed on the scientific apparatus to be used — report of the joint-commissioners — report of the Pennsylvania commissioners — cost of running the line — the western line of Pennsyl- vania run by commissioners appointed by both States, and the report of the commissioners thereupon — the origin of the Pan Handle in West Virginia 24
CHAPTER III.
INDIAN PISTORY OF WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA AND VIRGINIA.
Names of all the tribes of North America in 1764 — Those inhabiting West- ern Pennsylvania and adjoining territory — Letters on the Indian wrongs from 1765 to 1780 — Rice's fort — Letters from Dr. J. C. Hupp on Miller's block-house — Captivity and escape of Jacob Miller, and the cruel mur- der of five of Miller's friends — Vance's fort — Well's fort — Lindley's fort 38
CHAPTER IV.
WHISKEY INSURRECTION. ... 59
HISTOEY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
CHAPTEE I.
WASHINGTON COUNTY— ITS PRIMITIVE HISTORY UNDER VIRGINIA.
Spottsylvania County ; its boundaries — Orange County— Frederick County ; its boundaries — Augusta County ; its boundaries — District of West Augusta — Justices' Courts — Oatli of allegiance — Oath of supremacy — The test oath — Oath of abjuration — Youghiogheny County; its boundaries, courts, and court- houses, and punishments — Pillory and stocks described — Whipping-post and ducking-stool — Ohio County ; its boundaries and court-house — Monon- galia County — Courts and roads — Orphan children — Taverns — Continental money — Ferries — Attorneys-at-law — Sheriffs and deputy sheriffs — Survey- ors— Military oflScers — Grist-mills — Salt — Cotton, and wool cards — Counter- feit money — Allegiance — Naturalization — Passports — Benevolence of You- ghiogheny County — ^Marriage extraordinary — Reflections.
To trace the history of Washington County from its primitive existence, the historian should give facts, but the inferences and reflections should be left to the reader. It will be our province, therefore, to examine into the history of the colony of Yirginia from its first settlement on the 25th day of March, 1584, to the 23d day of August, 1185, at which date the commissioners of the States of Yirginia and Pennsylvania entered into conciliatory measures whereby that portion of Western Pennsylvania claimed by Yirginia became vested in our own State.
Our chartered rights, therefore, are deduced from charters granted by the reigning King of England, either to the colony of Yirginia in 1584, or to the colony of Pennsylvania in 1681, as the records will demonstrate.
In 1584 Sir Walter Raleigh obtained letters patent for discovering unknown countries, by virtue of which he took possession of that part of America which he afterwards named Yirginia, in honor of Queen Elizabeth. He attempted its settlement, but failed. He took an active part in many enterprises in England ; and, among the number, he endeavored to place Arabella Stewart on the throne, and for this conspiracy was tried and condemned, on November 17, 1603, to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. Notwithstanding his conviction and sentence, he was not executed, but was confined in
10 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
the Tower as a prisoner, where he remained many years, devoting his time to writing the History of the World. On the accession of James I. to the crown, Raleigh was released, and sent on a mining expedition to South America, with the necessary number of men and ships, of which Spain was informed ; but the expedition failing, and one of the Spanish towns being destroyed by fire, the Spanish am- bassador demanded satisfaction by the return and death of Raleigh. He was, therefore, immediately seized, and, without any new trial was beheaded on his former conviction, on the 29th of October, IGls' to appease the anger of Spain.
In 1606 James I., by virtue of his prerogative as king, divided the colony of Virginia between two companies : the southern com- pany wa^ granted to Thomas Gates and others, and called the London Company; the northern company was called the Plymouth Company. This grant embraced all the lands in Virginia from Point Comfort', along the sea-coast, to the northward two hundred miles, and frorn the same point, along the sea-coast, to the southward two hundred miles, and all the space from this precinct on the sea-coast up into the land, west and northwest, from sea to sea, and the islands within one hundred miles of it. Subsequently, on the 12th day of March, 1612, by other letters patent, the king added all islands in any part of the ocean between the thirtieth and forty-first degrees of latitude. On the 24th of July, 1621, the colony of Virginia established a form of government, subject to the approval of the "General Quarter Court of the Company in England." To this was added the proviso that no order of the Council in England should bind the colony unless ratified in the General Assembly of Virginia. Thus earlv in our country's history was introduced those principles of republi- canism, which eventually secured to us our present form of govern- ment.
The king and the Company, however, quarrelled, and he suspended their powers by the Proclamation of July 15, 1624. King James I. having died on 2nh March, 1625, Charles I. took the government into his own hands. He made extensive grants of plantations in a high state of cultivation, and also woodlands, in the colony of Vir- ginia, to his particular friends. Lord Baltimore and Lord Fairfax, to the former of whom he even granted the separate and sole right of jurisdiction and government. Charles I. having been deposed by Oliver Cromwell in 1650, and assuming the title of Protector, he considered himself as standing in the place of the deposed king, and . as having succeeded to all the kingly powers, without as well as within the realm, and therefore assumed control over the American colonies. Virginia, however, had expressed herself as opposed to Cromwell and his parliament, and invited Charles II. (the son of the deceased king), who was then an exile in Breda, Flanders, to come into Virginia and become their king, but on the eve of embarking, in 1660, he was recalled to the throne of England, on the 29th of May, of the same year. After Charles II. had ascended
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY. 11
the throne, and desirous of giving a substantial proof of the pro- found respect he entertained for the loyalty of Virginia, he caused her coat-of-arms to be qua^-tered with those of Evgland, Ireland, and Scotland, as an independent member of the empire. Hence the origin of the term Old Dominion. It also derives this term from the fact that it was the first of the English settlements in the limits of the British colonies.
Having thus exhibited the chartered rights of the colony of Vir- ginia for sixty-six years, let us retrace our steps to the year 1634, when the colony of Virginia was divided into eight shires or coun- ties. Six of these were situate between the James and York rivers, viz. : Henrico, Charles City, James City, York City, Warwick, and Elizabeth City shires. The Isle of Wight Shire was between the James and Caroline rivers, while the Northampton or Accomac Shire was on the eastern shore. From these eight original shires or counties have been erected the one hundred and fifty-eight counties of the Old Dominion, fifty-six of which are situate west of the Blue Ridge Mountain, which is broken by the Potomac Kiver at Harper's Ferry, and traverses the State in a line of about two hundred and sixty miles, separating it into the two great divisions of Eastern and Western Virginia.
Spottsylvania County.
The territory of Washington County, Pennsylvania, was, according to the original chartered rights of Virginia, claimed as belonging to the county of Spottsylvania. This county was formed from parts of Essex, King William, and King and Queen counties, in 1120, dur- ing the reign of King George I. It was named in honor of Alexan- der Spottswood, who was then Governor, and also in commemoration of the fact that he made the first discovery of the passage over the Appalachian Mountains.
The preamble to the act erecting this portion of Western Vir- ginia into a county reads thus : That the frontier toward the high mountains is exposed to danger from the Indians, and the late set- tlements of the French to the westward of the said mountains, therefore it is enacted, that Spottsylvania bounds upon Snow Creek up to the mill ; thence by a southwest line to the North Anna River, thence up said mountains, as far as convenient, and thence by a line to be run on the northwest side thereof, so as to include the northern passage through the said mountains, thence down the said river until it comes against the head of the Rappa- hannock River and down that river to the mouth of Snow Creek, which tract of land shall become the County op Spottsylvania, from May 1, 1721.
By the act of 1730, Williamsburg was declared to be the county town, and the same act, on account of the large area of territory to be travelled by the judicial officers, provided that the burgesses should be allowed for four days' journey, in passing and returning.
12 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
In ltl2, Virginia was divided into forty-nine parishes, which act also determined the salary of each clergyman, but in 1730 St. George's parish was divided by a line running from the mouth of the Rappahannock to the Pamunkey River, the upper portion to be called St. Mark's, and the lower portion St. George's parish.
In 17.34 the names of these parishes were changed, St. George's was called SjMttsylvania and St. Mark's was named Orange, and all settlers beyond the Shenandoah River were exempted for three years from the payment of public and parish dues. It is apparent, therefore, that the first settlers endeavored to mould their religious government and make it conform as near as possible to the church of England.
Orange County.
In 1734, Spottsylvania County was divided, and from it Orange County was formed, which comprised the whole of the colony of Western Yirginia.
'O'
Frederick and Augusta Counties.
In 1738, the act of legislature erected two more counties out of the extensive county of Orange, by naming one Frederick, and the other Augusta. Frederick County was bounded by the Potomac on the north, the Blue Ridge on the east, and a line to be run from the head spring of Hedgeman to the head spring of the Potomac, on the south and west. Augusta County was to embrace the re- mainder of Virginia west of the Blue Ridge.
Augusta County.
In October, 1776, the legislature of Virginia passed an act to ascertain the boundary between the county of Augusta and the dis- trict of West Augusta, and to divide said district into three distinct counties.
District op West Augusta.
The preamble to the act, which embraces much historical informa- tion, is in these words : Whereas, it is expedient to ascertain the boun- dary between the county of Augusta and the district of West Au- gusta— Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia, that the boundary between the said dis- trict and county shall be as follows : beginning on the Alleghany Mountains, between the heads of the Potomac, Cheat, and Green Briar Rivers (Haystack Knob, or north end of Pocahontas County), thence along the ridge of mountains which divides the waters of Cheat River from those of Green Briar, and that branch of the Mo- nongahela River called Tyger's Valley River, to the Monongahela River ; thence up the said river, and the west fork thereof, to Bing-
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, 13
erman's Creek, on the northwest side of the said west fork ; thence up the said creek to the head thereof; thence in a direct course to the head of Middle Island Creek, a branch of the Ohio, and thence to the Ohio, including all the waters of said creek in the aforesaid District op West Augusta, all that territory lying to the northward of the aforesaid boundary, and to the westward of the States of Pennsylvania and Maryland, shall be deemed, and is hereby declared to be, within the District or West Augusta.
At a court of the District of West Augusta, held at Fort Du- quesne (Pittsburg), September 18th, 1776, the court decided that on the passage of the ordinance, they became a separate and distinct jurisdiction, from that of East Augusta, and as such, West Augusta assumed and exercised independent jurisdiction over its entire terri- tory.
After the thirteen colonies had declared themselves free and inde- pendent, the General Assembly of Virginia passed an act on the 20th of August, 1876, enabling the present magistrates to continue the administration of justice until the same can be more amply pro- vided for.
Justices' Courts.
Justices' courts were organized by John Eare, of Dunmore, his majesty's Lieutenant and Governor-iu-Chief of Virginia, as early as December, 1774. He also issued, the same year, a commission ad- journing the county court of Augusta, from Staunton to Fort Dun- more. This fort was originally called Fort Pitt, but in 1773 the British government abandoned it, and Dr. John Connelly took pos- session of it in the name of Virginia, and named it Fort Dunmore. It is evident, therefore, that as late as three years before the Decla- ration of Independence, Pittsburg and the surrounding country was claimed as belonging to the district of West Augusta. This inter- resting question will be fully discussed in the Appendix, Chapter II., wherein we shall treat of and examine the celebrated Mason and Dixon's line.
George Croghan, Edward Ward, John Stephenson, Isaac Cox, George M'Cormick, Joseph Beckett, John Campbell, Dorsey Pen- tecost, John Connelly, John Gibson, George Vallandigham, Thomas Smallman, William Crawford, and William Goe took the usual oaths to his majesty's person and government, subscribed the abjuration and test oaths, as also the usual one of justices of the peace, justices of the county court in chancery, and justices of the oyer and terminer.
As these oaths ai'e peculiar in their character I shall add them.
Oath of Allegiance. — I, A. B., do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful, and bear true allegiance to his majesty King George the Third. So help me God.
14 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY,
Oath of Supremacy. — I, C. D., do swear that I from my heart abhor, detest, and abjure as impious and heretical, that damnable doc- trine and position, that princes excommunicated and deprived by the Pope, or any authority of the See of Rome, may be deposed or mur- dered by their subjects, or any other whatsoever. And I do declare, that no foreign prince, person, prelate, State, or potentate, hath or ought to have any jurisdiction, power, superiority, pre-eminence or authority, ecclesiastical or spiritual, within this realm. So help me God.
The Test Oath. — I, E. F., do declare that I do believe there is not any transubstantiation in the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, or in theeleraents of bread and wine at or after the consecration thereof, by any person or persons whatever. So help me God.
Oath of Abjuration. — I, G. H., do truly and sincerely acknow-. ledge, profess, testify, and declare in ray conscience before God and the world, that our Sovereign Lord, King George the Third, is lawful and rightful king of this realm and all other his majesty's domin- ions thereunto belonging.
And I do solemnly and sincerely declare that I do believe in my conscience that the person pretended to be Prince of Wales during the life of the late King James, and since his decease pretending to be and takes upon himself the style and title of King of England, by the name of James the Third, or of Scotland by the name of James the Eighth, or the style and title of King of Great Britain, hath not any right or title whatsoever to the crown of this realm or any other the dominions thereunto belonging, and I do renounce, refuse, and abjure any allegiance or obedience to him.
And I do swear that I will bear faith and true allegiance to his majesty King George the Third, and him will defend jjd the utmost of my power against all traitorous conspiracies and attempts what- soever, which shall be made against his person, crown, or dignity, and I will do my utmost endeavors to disclose and make known to his majesty and his successors all treason and traitorous conspiracies which I shall know to be against him or any of them.
And I do faithfully promise to the utmost of my power to support, maintain, and defend the succession of the crown against him, the said James, and all other persons whatsoever, which succession (by an act entitled an act for the further limitation of the crown and bet- ter securing the rights and liberties of the subject) is and stands limited to the Princess Sophie, late Electress and Duchess Dowager of Hanover, and the heirs of her body being Protestants— and all these things I do plainly and sincerely acknowledge and swear, ac- cording to these express words by me spoken and according to the plain and common sense and understanding of the same words, with- out any equivocation, mental evasion, or secret reservation what- soever, and I do make this recognition, acknowledgment, abjuration,
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY. 15
renunciation, and promise heartily, willingly, and truly upon the true faith of a Christian. So help me God.
After this digression we shall resume our narrative of the district of West Augusta, which, by an act of the General Assembly of Vir- ginia, from and after November 8th, 1776, was divided into three counties, viz : Youghiogheny, Ohio, and Monongalia — to each of which we will refer seriatim.
Youghiogheny County.
The boundaries of this county lay to the northward of the fol- lowing lines, and began at the mouth of Cross Creek, running up its several sources to the head thereof; thence southeastvvardly to the nearest part of the dividing ridge (which divides the waters of the Ohio from those of the Monongahela) ; thence along the said ridge to the head of Tenmile Creek ; thence east to the road leading from Catfish Camp (Washington) to Red Stone Old Fort (Brownsville) ; thence along the said road to the Monongahela River ; thence crossing the river to the said Fort ; thence along Dunlap's old road to Braddock's road, and with the same to the meridian of the head fountain of the Potomac (west line of Maryland), shall be called and known by the name of Youghiogheny County.
This act defined the qualifications of electors and various essen- tial matters for the future prosperity and government of these new counties. Electors were required to be free white male persons over twenty-one years of age, residing in the county and State one year, and in possession of twenty-five acres of land with a house thereon; claiming an estate for life in the said land in his own right or in the right of his wife.
Courts and Court-house.
The electors were required to meet on the 8th day of December, 1776, at the house of Andrew Heath, on the Monongahela River, to choose the most convenient place for holding courts for the county of Youghiogheny. Notices for election were to be given by the sherifi', ministers, and rectors in the same manner as for representatives to serve in the General Assembly. The law also provided that if pre- vented holding the election on the day aforesaid, by rain, snow, or f ise of waters, the sheriff was authorized to adjourn to that day week, or as often as so prevented.
The electors met at the appointed time and selected the farm of Andrew Heath as the most convenient place. This farm is on the Monongahela River (now Washington County) nearly opposite and a little above Elizabethtown, Alleghany County.
The court directed Thomas Smallman, John Canon, and John Gibson, or any two of them, to provide a house at the public expense for the use of holding the court, and that the sheriff contract with the workmen to put the same in repair.
16 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
The original records show that the court directed Isaac Cox to contract with some person or persons to build a complete bar and other work in the inside of the court-house to be completed by the next court.
On the 24th of November, 1178, Messrs. Kuykendall and New- all were authorized to contract with some person to junk and daub the court-house, and provide locks and bars for the doors of the gaol, and to build an addition to the eastern end of the court-house and gaol, sixteen feet square, one story high, with good, sufficient logs, a good cobber roof, a good outside chimney, with convenient seats for the court and bar, with a sheriif' s box, a good iron pipe stove for the gaol room, and that they have a pair of stocks, whip- ping-post, and pillo7y erected in the court yard.
The ancient laws of Virginia declared that the court in every county shall cause to be set up near the court house a pillory, pair of stocks, a whipping-post, and a ducking-stool in such place as they shall think convenient, which not being set up within six months after the date of this act, the said court shall be fined five thousand pounds of tobacco.
Punishments.
In 1*780 Andrew Heath was ordered to have the court-house and gaol repaired and to erect a pillory and stocks. It appears that the price paid for these articles of punishment at this time was two thousand dollars, continental money, to Paul Matthews, the con- tractor, which amount was equivalent to three hundred and seven dollars.
On the 24th of June, 1178, the court ordered Colonel William Crawford and David Shepherd to lay out the pirison hounds for thvi county of Youghiogheny, and make report to the court. This com- mittee subsequently reported the prison bounds to be as follows, viz : Beginning at a large black oak standing easterly from the court- house and marked with six notches, and extending thence south- easterly by a line of marked trees to a white oak near and including the spring ; thence northerly by a line of marked trees, including the house of Paul Matthews, to a white oak ; thence by a line of marked trees to the place of beginning, which prison bounds were approved by the court and ordered to be recorded.
Paul Matthews, whose house was included in the prison bounds, was appointed the gaoler, and for the year 1778 was allowed seventy- five pounds five shillings and tenpence for furnishing prisoners with victuals and finding iron for criminals.
On the 24th of January, 1780, the following curious entry is made in the minutes of the court : Ordered, that Isaac Justice, John Chamberlain, William Bruce, and William Maybell be allowed one hundred and twenty-five pounds of tobacco for seven days' attendance as a guard on a prisoner, and eighty-four dollars each for finding their own provisions, and the sheriff was directed to pay the same.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. It
At the same sitting of the court we find that Andrew Heath was directed to have the upper story of the gaol put into order for a, jury room.
We have spolien of the corporeal punishments inflicted upon criminals, which consisted of the pillory, the stocks, the whipping- post, and the ducking-stool, each of which I shall describe for the benefit of those who are unacquainted with these relics of barbarism.
The Pillory is one of the most ancient corporeal punishments in England, France, Germany, and other countries. As early as 1215, by a statute of Edward I., it was enacted that every stretch-neck or pillory should be made of convenient strength, so that execution might be done upon offenders without peril to their bodies. The pillory consisted of a wooden frame erected on a stool with boles and folding boards for the admission of the head and hands. The heroes of the pillory have not been the worst class of men, for we find that a man by the name of Leighton, for printing his Zion^s Plea against Prelacy, was fined £10,000, degraded from the ministry, pilloried, branded, and whipped through the city of London, in 163t, besides having an ear cropped and his nostrils slit. The length of time the criminal stood in and tqwn the pillory was determined by the judge.
The Stocks was a simple arrangement for exposing a culprit on a bench, confined by having his ankles made fast in holes under a movable board. Sometimes the stocks and whipjoing-post were con- nected together, the posts which supported the stocks being made sufficiently high were furnished near the top with iron clasps to fasten round the wrists of the offender and hold him securely during the infliction of the punishment. Sometimes a single post was made to serve both purposes, clasps being provided near the top for the wrists when used as a whipping-post, and similar clasps below for the ankles when used as stocks, in which case the culprit sat on a bench behind the post, so that his legs, when fastened to the post, were in a horizontal position.
On the 23d of February, 1715, Luke Joliff was tried for deserting from the militia with a stand of arms and preventing the_ Indians from returning prisoners held by them. He was courted at Fort Dunmore (Pittsburg), and sentenced to receive five hundred lashes with a cat-o'-nine-tails on his bare back, well laid on, at such hours and in such manner as not to endanger life and member.
At a court held in Washington County, June, 1Y86, Richard Burke was convicted of larceny and sentenced to seventeen lashes at the public whipping-post well laid on, between 4 and 6 o'clock P. M., to restore the goods and pay fine and costs.
For the purpose of restraining evil, men sufi'ered in the stocks, but women in ducking-stools. This punishment was extensively used; in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. The following descrip- tion was given by an intelligent Frenchman in the year 1700 : He says this method of punishing scolding women is funny enough. 2
18 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY,
They fasten an armed chair to the end of two strong beams, twelve or fifteen feet long and parallel to each other. The chair hangs upon a sort of axle, on which it plays freely, so as always to remain in the horizontal position. The scold being well fastened in her chair, the two beams are then placed, as near to the centre as possible, across a post on the water-side, and being lifted up behind, the chair, of course, drops into the cold element. The ducking is repeated ac- cording to the degree of shrewishness possessed by the patient, and has generally the effect of cooling her immoderate heat, at least for a time.
The ducking-stool for Youghiogheny County was erected at the con- fluence of the Ohio and the Monongahela rivers on February 2 2d, 1775.
We are glad, however, in this enlightened age, that all these varied punishments are done away with, especially the one for the weaker, if not always the gentler sex.
While on the subject of punishments in Youghiogheny County, we may add that many persons were fined from five to twenty shillings for drunkenness, profane swearing, &c., &c., while the sheriff, George McCormick, received one pound, seventeen shillings and sixpence for executing a negro boy on the 28th of November, 1788, belonging to James Decamp.
Previous to the ratification of the report of the surveyors by the legislature of Virginia, October 8th, 1785, Ohio County had been formed from Youghiogheny by the line of Cross Creek. On the settle- ment of the boundary question, that portion of Youghiogheny County lying north of Cross Creek was added to Ohio County, being too small for a separate county ; and the county of Youghiogheny became extinct ; hence Hancock and so much of Brooke as lies north of Cross Creek was the last of the ancient Youghiogheny County.
Other facts connected with Youghiogheny County we shall reserve until we give the boundaries of Ohio and Monongalia Counties, the former of which is intimately connected with Washington County.
Ohio County.
Ohio County originally constituted a part of the district of West Augusta. Its boundaries, according to the act of Assembly of Octo- ber, 1776, were as follows — that from and after the 8th of November, 1776, all that part of the said district lying within the following lines, to wit, beginning at the mouth of Cross Creek, thence up the same to the head thereof ; thence southeastwardly to the nearest part of the ridge which divides the waters of the Ohio from those of Mononga- hela ; thence along the said ridge to the line which divides the coun- ty of Augusta from the said district ; thence with the said boundary to the Ohio ; thence up the same to the beginning, shall be known by the name of Ohio County.
The electors of Ohio County were to meet at the house of Ezekiel
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. 19
Dewit, on the 8th of December, ITTG, to choose the most convenient place for holding courts in said county. It is said that for some time the courts of this county were held at Black's Cabin, on the waters of Short Creek, on January 16, ITtT, at or near where West Liberty is.
Rev. Dr. Smith says : The first court for the county of Ohio was held at Black's Cabin. There is every reason to believe that this was the first civil court held in the valley of the Mississippi. On the Tth of April, 1177, the court ordered a court-house and jail to be erected. The first attorneys admitted to practise in the court were Philip Pendleton and George Brent, on the 2d November, 1778. Mr. Pendleton was appointed the commonwealth's attorney.
In a work by the Rev. Joseph Smith, D. D., entitled "Old Red- stone," which contains historical sketches of Western Presbyterian- ism — its early ministers, its perilous times, and its first records, we find that the Presbytery of Redstone met on the 25th of October, 1782, at Dunlap Creek, and one minister was appointed as a supply at Ohio court-house. This place, says the Rev. Dr. Smith, was some miles west of the present town of Washington, and was a seat of justice under the government of Virginia, as all Washington County, together with Payette and Greene and a large portion of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties was claimed by that State and considered a part of Augusta County, Virginia. The records show no other appointment for a supply at this place.
Monongalia County.
This was the third county into which the district of West Au- gusta was divided. It was northward of the county of Augusta, westward of the meridian of the head fountain of the Potomac, and to the eastward of the county of Ohio.
The Monongalia court-house was on the farm of Theophilus Phillips from 1776 to 1782 (now owned by Everhart Bierer), near New Geneva in Fayette County. By an act of the General Assem- bly of Virginia of May, 1783, it declares that by reason of the late extension of Mason and Dixon's line the court-house of Monongalia had fallen within the limits of Pennsylvania, therefore, the house of Zachwell Morgan (the present location of Morgantown, Virginia) should be made the future place of holding courts until a court-house should be erected.
The county lines of Youghiogheny, Ohio, and Monongalia were adjusted in the summer of 1778 by Col. William Crawford, Richard Yeates, Isaac Leet, William Scott, and James McMahon.
Courts.
The courts of each judicial district were required to administer and dispense justice, establish ferries, confirm roads when reported necessary, bind out orphan children, grant letters of administration,
20 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
probate wills, appoint subordinate officers, grant tavern licenses, re- cord marks, try crimes and misdemeanors, and perform such duties as would advance the interests of the community.
When the court met at Fort Dunmore, originally Fort Pitt, on the 21st of February, 1715, many questions were presented to them at this and their subsequent sittings, some of which we shall give to gratify the taste of the antiquarian, and as calculated to throw some light on our early history.
Roads.
Yiewers appointed to report a road from Fort Dunmore to Fort Dunfield; from Gist's to Fort Dunmore and Paul Freeman's on Shir- tee (Chartiers) Creek, by James Devore's ferry. From P. Mountz mill by Arbergus ferry and from thence to Catfish Camp (now Washington). This road ran from Mountz mill by way of Beeler's ferry; thence to the east fork of Chartiers' Creek ; thence to Catfish Camp. From Fort Dunmore to Becket's Fort the points were from Becket's Fort to James Wilson's ; thence to the Monongahela River ; thence to the head of Sawmill Run ; thence to Fort Pitt (Pittsburg); from the court-house to Pentecost's mill on Chartiers' Creek. This road began at the court-house on Andrew Heath's farm ; thence to Spencer's Point ; thence near Richardson's school-bouse ; thence through Gabriel Cox's land ; thence crossing Peters' Creek near to John Cox's ; thence to Joshua Wright's ; thence to William Ste- phenson's ; thence to Thomas Crook's ; thence to said mill. This road confirmed April 24, 1TT8. From Catfish Camp (Washington) to Pentecost's mill; confirmed May 26, 1778. Overseers were Thomas Ashbrooke and John McDowell. From Froman's mill on Mingo Creek to the road leading from the court-house to Pente- cost's mill, between the plantations of Johnson Wrights and John Johnston. From Fort Dunmore to Dunfields, to join Duufields on Chartiers' Creek. From old Redstone fort (Brownsville) to Conrad Walker's, foot of Laurel Hill. From Thomas Gist's to Paul Free- man's On Chartiers' Creek. From Redstone old fort (Brownsville) to Chartiers' Creek and to Paul Freeman's. From the mouth of the Youghiogheny River at McKee's ferry to the road from Devore's ferry to Reno's, near Sampson Beaver's and to Freeman's mill. From Fort Dunmore to Charles Brice's on Raccoon Creek. From Dorsey Pentecost's by Peter Barrackman's ferry to Fort Dunmore. From Major William Crawford's to near the forks of Indian Creek. From the foot of Laurel Hill at Conrad Walter's, by William Teagarden's ferry on the Monongahela to the mouth of Wheeling Creek. The points of this road were from the confluence of Wheeling Creek to the confluence of Tenmile Creek, on the Monongahela River; thence to Walter's. In the construction of roads the tithables (that is, all persons between the ages of 16 and 45) within three miles of the pro- posed road, were required to work upon the road under supervisors appointed to superintend the making and grading of the same.
history of washington county, 21
Orphan Children.
The orphan children were bound out by the court as apprentices. They were required to serve until they arrived at the age of twenty- one ; were instructed in some art ; taught to read and write, and arithmetic as far as the rule of three ; given two suits of clothing, and if brought up on a farm, each male also received an axe, maul, nugs, and wedges.
Taverns.
Taverns were licensed by the court of Youghiogheny County, and in 1778 we find that the court fixed the following bill of prices for the keepers of taverns. Whiskey by the half pint, two shillings ; whis- key made into toddy, two shillings and sixpence ; beer per quart, two shillings and sixpence ; hot breakfast, three shillings ; cold breakfast, two shillings and sixpence ; dinner, four shillings ; supper, three shillings ; lodging with clean sheets, one shilling and sixpence ; stabling with hay and fodder, five shillings ; corn per quart, nine- pence ; oats per quart, sixpence. But in 1781, when continental money was depreciated, the prices were changed by the court, who ordered tavern keepers to sell at the following rates : For half pint of whiskey, $4; breakfast or supper, $15; dinner, $20; lodging with clean sheets, $3 ; one horse over night, $3 ; one gallon of corn, $5; one gallon of oats, $4 ; strong beer per quart, $6. The rates of license were published by the crier of the court, and also set up in the most public places.
Continental Money.
While upon the subject of finances, as there will be occasion to refer to the continental money, I may add that this money was issued by Congress to carry on the Revolutionary War, for the redemption of which the faith of the colonies was pledged. I therefore give the dates and amounts of issues from a reliable source.
1775, June 22, $2,000,000. Other emissions from this date to 1780, amounting to $200,000,000, had been issued and none re- deemed.
1777, January, paper currency 5 per cent, discount, and in July 25 per cent., but before the end of the year, $3 in paper would not command a silver dollar.
1778, April, $4 in paper to one dollar in coin. September, $5 to one in coin, and December, $6 50 to one dollar in coin.
1779, February, $8 50, May $12, and September $18 to one in coin, and before the close of the year a paper dollar was worth but four cents.
1780, March, one dollar in paper worth 3 cents; May, a dollar worth but two cents, and in December, $74 in paper was worth one dollar in silver.
22 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Ferries.
The court licensed the following persons to establish ferries at diflferent localities within the county of Youghiogheny, from 1775 to 1779.
Henry Heath, on his owil plantation on the Monongahela River. William Lynn, on the Monongahela River, from his house to the land of Francis Hall. Michael Cressay, at Redstone, old fort (Browns- ville), to the land of Indian Peter. James Devore, from his house on the Monongahela River, to the mouth of Pigeon Creek. To Samuel Sinclair, who lives in the forks of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny rivers, to have a ferry over each of the rivers. Jacob Bausman, across the Monongahela River, from his house to the town opposite (fort Dunmore). Christopher Carpenter, across the Mo- nongahela River, for the purpose of conveying over the militia men on muster days. William Anderson, on the southeast side of the Monongahela River, to the lands of Andrew Heath. The prices established by the court for ferriage were, fourpence half penny for any head of neat cattle, and the same for a foot person ; two shil- lings and sixpence for a man, and the same for a horse.
Attorneys at Law.
The lawyers were required to take the abjuration, test, and other oaths to which I have referred. The record gives the following per- sons as having complied therewith during the years 1775 and 1776.
George Brent, Philip Pendleton, George Rootes, David Semple, James Berwick, Andrew Ross, Henry Peyton, John G. Jones, Charles Simms, Samuel Irwin.
Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs.
During the years 1775 and 1780, John Christian and Joseph Hor- ton, George McCormick, Matthew Ritchie, William Harrison, Benj. Kuykendall, Thomas Smallman, and Edward Ward exercised the office of sheriff, and Patrick McElroy, Francis Worm, David Steel, William Hawkins, Hugh Sterling, John Dossman, John J. Wood, Richard Burns, that of deputy sheriff.
Surveyors.
David Steel, William Crawford, Edward Sharp, Gabriel Green, Samuel Finch, John Harry, and Daniel Leet were appointed survey- ors, who acted as such for several years.
On the 17th of April, 1776, Daniel Leet produced a commission from the College of AVilliam and Mary to be Surveyor of the County of Augusta, which embraced the county itself and the district subse- quently divided into three counties. He took the usual oaths in open court, and gave as his securities for the fulfilment of the duties of his office, George Rice and George McCormick, Esquires.
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY. 23
It appears that in the early history of our country, these certifi- cates or commissions from a college were absolutely necessary, for in examining the records of Culpepper County, Virginia, is the follow- ing record : 20th July, 1749 (O. S.), George Washington, Grent., produced a commission from the President and Master of William and Mary College appointing him to be a surveyor of Culpepper County, which was read, and thereupon he took the usual oaths to his majesty's person and government, and other oaths according to law.
Military Officers.
All military officers were required, in open court, to take the test and other oaths. Among the list of officers commissioned is the name of the notorious Simon Girty, who subscribed these oaths February 22d, 1175, in Pittsburg, and yet proved recreant to all his obligations, renounced civilized life and assisted the Indians in torturing the noble and heroic Col. William Crawford, at Sandusky, in 1782, where he suffered the most terrible death which Indian ingenuity could devise.
Grist-Mills.
Before a mill could be erected, so tenacious was the law of the rights of individuals, that it required the sheriff to summon twelve freeholders of the vicinage to meet on the land to determine if any of the adjoining lands would be affected by the back-water from the dam, and the jury there assembled were to value the damages and make report to the court. Applications were made by the following persons, and confirmed by the court, establishing mill-seats at the localities designated : Paul Froman on Mingo Creek ; Col. John Campbell on Campbell's Run emptying into Chartiers' Creek on the west side near the mouth of Robinson Run ; Nicholas Pease on Chartiers' Creek ; Basil Brown on Big Redstone Creek ; Dorsey Pen- tecost on the eastern branch of Chartiers' Creek. These mills were erected from 1777 to 1781.
Salt.
The early condition of the inhabited country west of the Laurel Hill can be easily imagined from the decree of the court in refer- ence to this article.
In 1778, November 24, the court ordered that Isaac Cox be empowered to account with all persons that hath neglected any business relation to this (Youghiogheny) county's salt, lodged with Israel Thompson, of Loudon County, and that he receive the remainder of said salt and transport it to this county and issue the same to the inhabitants to whom it is due, at six pounds ten shil- lings per bushel, and the profits thereon shall be his full satisfaction for bis said services, and that the said Colonel Cox shall also pay
24 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
all demands on said salt, either for the original purchase or other- wise.
On September 29, 1779, the court ordered that Col. John Canon have the public salt, which now lies at Alexandria, brought up to this (Youghiogheuy) county and distribute it to the persons entitled to receive it, and that he be authorized to contract for the carriage on such terms as he can, taking care in the distribution to fix the price so as to raise the money due thereon for the original cost. January 3, 1780, Benjamin Kuykendall was directed to briug up two hun- dred bushels of salt from Alexandria on the same principles.
Cotton and "Wool Cards.
Intimately connected with the foregoing subject was that of cot- ton and wool cards, provided for at the public expense, under the direction of the court, as the sequel will show.
May 27, 1778, the court ordered Isaac Cox, Thomas Freeman and Andrew Swearingen, to distribute the cards assigned for this county, upon proper and suitable satisfaction produced to them. On the 24th of June, of the same year. Col. John Stephenson and Isaac Cox were directed to distribute one-half of the foregoing cards to the battalion of Col. Stephenson. In the distribution of the cards the Committee were instructed to conform to the Governor's letter of November 26, 1777, which provided that if there are more women in either battalion, the Committee were to supply according to the num- ber of persons who had the right to obtain the same.
Counterfeit Money.
The law authorized the court to appoint suitable persons to decide upon counterfeit money. Accordingly, we find that in 1779 Thomas Gist, Thomas Warren, and John Irwin, of Pittsburg, Matthew Rit- chie and Dorsey Pentecost, of the then county of Westmoreland, but in 1781 were residents of AVashington County, were appointed and sworn in as judges of counterfeit money
Allegiance.
1778, June 22d. Rev. Edward Hughy produced a license from the Presbytery of Londonderry, in the kingdom of Ireland, to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which was read in open court, whereupon the said Edward Hughy came into court and took the oath of alle- giance and fidelity to this commonwealth. The Presbytery of Done- gal reported to the Synod of Philadelphia, May 19th, 1773, that they had received the Rev. Mr. Hughy as a member, and that on May 14th, 1774, they had suspended him for unchristian conduct and character.
1778, August 28th. Rev. William Renno, a minister of the Gos- pel, also came into court and took the required oaths.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, 25
Naturalization.
In the office of the Secretary of State, at Harrisburg, is a list, showing the names of those who were naturalized in the year 1765. The requisitions were entirely different to those of the present time, and were then considered as a religious rite or ceremony. The certifi- cate of the Prothonotary reads thus: —
I do hereby certify that at a Supreme Court held at Philadelphia, before William Allen, Williara Coleman and Alexander Stedman, Esqs., judges of the same court, from the 24th of September to the 26th of October, 1765, between the hours of nine and twelve o'clock in the forenoon of each day, the following persons being foreigners, and having inhabited and resided for the space of seven years in his majesty's colonies in America, and not having been absent out of the said colonies for a longer space than two months at one time, during the said seven years, and having produced to the said court certificates of their having taken the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper within three months before the said court, took and subscribed the oaths, and did make and repeat the declaration, according to the di- rections of an act of Parliament, made in the thirteenth year of the reign of his late majesty. King George II., entitled " An act for naturalizing such foreign Protestants and others therein mentioned, as are settled or shall settle on any of his majesty's colonies in America, and therefore were ad- mitted to be his majesty's natural born subjects of the kingdom of Great Britain.
EDWARD SHIPPEN, ProtJwnotary.
Passports.
The court, upon application, granted passports, indorsing the cha- racter of good and true citizens. To preserve the form used I sub- join one.
1778, May 26th. Tacitus Gillard, Esq,, came into court, and pro- cured a passport from the Board of War, and desired that the same might be entered on the minutes of the court of Youghiogheny County, as a testimonial of his allegiance and fidelity to the United States of America, which is granted, and is as follows : —
War Office, Yorktown, October, 15, 1777. To all Continental officers, and others lohom it may concern :
Tacitus Gillard, Esq., late an inhabitant of the State of South Carolina, being on his way to Florida, or some of the countries or places on this side thereof, or adjacent thereto, where he purposes to form a settlement ; and having applied for a passport to enable him to go and travel through the parts of the country in allegiance to and in amity with the United States of America, and having produced the testimonial of his having taken the oaths of allegiance and fidelity to the said States; these are to permit the said Tacitus Gillard, Esq., freely to pass with his family, servants, attendance, and effects down the Ohio River, and all persons are desired not to molest the said Tacitus Gillard, Esq., and his family, servants, and effects on any account or pretence whatever.
By order of the Board of War.
RICHARD PETERS, Secretary.
26 history of washington county.
Benevolence of Youghiogheny County.
The court felt it to be their duty to provide for the soldiers' wid- ows and the orphans of soldiers, who had been engaged in the Conti- nental service, and they accordingly appropriated out of the county funds, a monthly allowance for the purpose. A few examples will suffice.
Eleanor Lindsey was allowed for herself and her five children, five pounds per month ; John Sherley's widow, forty shillings per month ; Bridget Blackstone, three pounds per month ; and William Shaw's wife and six children, six pounds per month.
Marriage Extraordinary.
1718, April 28th. Thomas Gist came into court, and being sworn on the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, sayeth that in the year of our Lord 1772, in the month of April, to the best of his recol- lection, in the presence of Joseph Beeler, John Stephenson, and George Read, he solemnized the rite of matrimony between Isaac Meason and Catharine Harrison, according to the rites and ceremo- nies of the Church of England, he, the said deponent, being a magi- strate in the State of Pennsylvania, and that he was under an oath not to divulge said marriage, except lawfully called on for that pur- pose.
John Stephenson and Joseph Beeler came into court, and being sworn, sayeth that they were present at the marriage of Isaac Mea- son and Catharine Harrison, in the year 1772, in the month of April, and was under a promise not to divulge said marriage, unless legally called upon, or death of either of the parties.
And the said Joseph Beeler says that there was a pre-engagement between the said Isaac and Catharine, that upon divulging the said marriage, contrary to the will of the said Isaac, that said parties should he absolved from, any obligation to each other as man and wife.
Reflections.
In bringing our first chapter to a close, we need but remark that the early or primitive history of this section of the country has almost passed from the minds of the present generation of men. The footprints of time are visible everywhere, and occasionally we procure a solitary landmark, isolated and alone. These we have collected together to perpetuate them as relics of the past. Neither is it to be expected that our forefathers would devote their time and attention in recording facts for future generations. ' The difficulties they had to encounter, the toils they were required to endure, the constant dread of Indian massacre, all united to prevent faithful and reliable facts from being preserved to guide the historian.
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY. 2t
The advantage to be derived from this chapter is that we became acquainted with the topography of the country, its boundaries, streams, laws, customs, and names of the leading public characters, and thus we are enabled to localize facts, events, and persons.
CHAPTEE II.
A GENERAL OUTLINE HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
History of Pennsylvania, from the date of its charter to the present time, embracing a list of all the Indian titles to lands — Historical and statistical facts— The date of the formation of each county of the State, with the num- ber of acres and population in each, and a list of the Governors from the accession of Wm. Penn, its proprietor, in 1681 to 1870.
On the 4th of March, 1681, Charles the Second granted to Wil- liam Penn a charter for the Province of Pennsylvania, the king having a regard to the memory and merits of William Penn's father in divers services, and particularly in his late conduct, courage and discretion, under James, Duke of York, in that signal battle and victory fought and obtained against the Dutch fleet, commanded by Heer Von Opdam, in the year 1655. In consideration thereof, King Charles II. granted to William Penn, his heirs and assigns, all that tract or parcel of land in America, with all the islands therein contained, as the same is bounded on the east by Delaware River, from twelve miles distance, northwards of New Castletown, unto the three and fortieth degree of northern latitude, if the said river doth extend so far northward, but if the said river shall not extend so far northward, then by the said river so far as it doth extend, and from the head of the said river the eastern bounds are to be determined by a meridian line to be drawn from the head of said river, unto the said three and fortieth degree. The said land to extend westward five degrees in longitude, to be computed from the said eastern bounds, and the said land to be bounded on the north by the beginning of the three and fortieth degree of northern latitude, and on the south by a circle drawn at twelve miles dis- tance from New Castle northward, and westward unto the begin- ning of the fortieth degree of northern latitude, and then by a straight line westward to the limits of longitude above mentioned. This charter is in the office of the Secretary of Pennsylvania, and is written on parchment in the old English handwriting. Each line is underscored with red ink, the borders are gorgeously embla- zoned with heraldic devices, and on the top is a portrait of his majesty. This document is nearly two hundred years old.
28 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Under the provisions of this charter, William Penn, by and with the advice, assent, and approbation of the freemen of the said country, had authority to ordain, make, and enact laws. Accord- ingly, on the 2.5th of April, 1682, William Penn framed a form of government for the Province of Pennsylvania. It consisted of a preface and twenty-four articles, confirming, unto the freemen thereof, their liberties, franchises, and property.
On the 24th October, 1682, William Penn arrived with an addi- tional number of colonists at New Castle, (now in the State of Delaware), and entered into a solemn covenant with the Indians by purchasing their lands and giving them full satisfaction. It must be remembered that William Markham, his deputy, had preceded him to America, and had entered into negotiations with the Indians on July 15, 1682, but it was stipulated therein that this act was to be publicly ratified by William Penn on his arrival. Conse- quently, the Sachems and their tribes, with Penn and his colonists, met at Coaquannoc (Philadelphia), but the treaty was confirmed at Shackaraaxon (Kensington), under the Elm Tree.
In connection with the subject of lands, their extent and limits as purchased from the Indians, it will be proper to remark, that from the arrival of William Markham, deputy of William Penn, until the year 1792, a period of one hundred and ten years, the whole right of soil of the Indians wnthin the charter bounds of Pennsylvania, has been extinguished by the follow thirty-three trea- ties and purchases : — ^
1. — 1682, July 15. Deed for lands between the falls of Delaware and
Keshaming Creek, confirmed by William Penn, October 24,
1682, under the elm tvee. 2. — 1683, June 23. Deed for lands between Pennepack and Nesha-
ming, and to run two days' journey with a horse, backward up
into the country. 3. — 1683, June 25.' Wingebone's release for lands on the west side of
Schuylkill, beginning at the first falls and backward on the same
as far as his right extended. 4. — 1683, July 14. Deed for lands between Schuylkill and Chester
Creek. 5. — 1683, July 14. Deed for lands between Schuylkill and Pennepack. 6. — 1683, September 10. Kake Tappan's deed ~fov his half of all his
lands between Susquehanna and Delaware, on the Susquehanna
side. 7. — 1683, October 18. Machaloha's deed for lands between the Del- aware River and Chesapeake Bay, and up to the falls of the
Susquehanna. 8. — 1684, June 3. Manghengh sin's release for his land on Perkioming. 9. 1684, June t. Richard MettammiconV s release for lands on both
sides Pennepack on Delaware River. 10. 1685, July 30. Deed for lands between Pennepack and Chester
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY. 29
Creek, and back as far as a man can go in two days from a point
on Conshohocken hill. 11. — 1685, October 2. Deed for lands between Duck and Chester
creeks, and backward from Delaware, as far as a man could
ride in two days xoith a horse. 12. — 1692, June 15. Acknowledgment of satisfaction for land be- tween Neshaming and Poquessing creeks, and back to the
bounds of the Province. 13. — 1696, January 13. DoJigraji's deed to William Penn for lands on
both sides of Susquehanna, from the lakes to the Chesapeake
Bay. 14. — 1697, January 5. Taming^s deed for the lands between Penne-
pack and Nesliaming, and as far back as a horse can travel in
two summer days. 15. — 1700, September 13. Deed of the Susquehanna Indians for
the lands on both sides of the Susquehanna and next adjoining
the same, and comprising Dongan's deed (No. 13) 16. — 1701, April 23. Ratification of Dongan's deed and the deed of
September 13, 1700 (No. 14), by the Susquehanna, Shawnese,
Potomac, and Conestogoe Indians. 17. — 1718, September 13. Deed of release by the Delaware Indians,
for the lands between the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers,
from Duck Creek to the Lehigh hills. 18. — 1720, December 16. Controversy respecting the boundary of
the lands, arising from the distance which a man and horse can
each travel in a day, and satisfactorily arranged by deed. 19. — 1726, May 31. Deed for lands on both sides of Brandywine
Creek. 20. — 1732, September 7. Deed for lands between Lehigh hills and
Kittatinny Mountains, between Schuylkill and its branches, and
the branches of Delaware. 21. — 1736, October 11. Deed for the river Susquehanna and the
lands on both sides thereof, eastward to the head of the branches,
or springs running into the Susquehanna, and westward to the
setting of the sun, and from its mouth to the Kittatinny hills. 22. — 1736, October 25. The preceding deed declared by the In- dians to include the lands on the Delaware, and northward to the
Kittatinny hills. 23. — 1737, August 28. Deed comprising the walking purchase, or,
as far as a man can go in a day and a half from the westerly
branch of Neshaming up the Delaware. 24.-1749, August 22. Deed for lands from the Kittatinny Mountain
to Mahanoy Mountain, and between Susquehanna and Delaware
on the north side of Lackawaxen Creek. 25. — 1754, July 6. Deed at Albany for the lands on the west side of
Susquehanna, from Kittatinny Mountain, to a mile above the
mouth of Penn's Creek, thence northwest and by west, as far as
the Province extends to its western boundaries.
30 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
26. — 1758, October 23. Deed of surrender of part of the purchase of 1754, and new boundaries declared and confirmed from Penn's Creek, northwest and by west, to Bufi'alo Creek, then west to Alleghany Mountain, and along the east side thereof, to the western boundary of the Province.
27. 1768, September 5. The end of Nittany Mountain assumed
as a station, per deed made, and surveys not usually made north thereof.
28. — 1768, November 5. Deed at Fort Stanwix, commonly called the new purchase.
29. — 1784, October 23. Deed explaining the boundary at the treaty at Fort Stanwix and Pine Creek, declared to have been the boundary designed by the Indians.
30. — 1784, December 21. Deed declaring Lycoming to be the bound- ary.
31. — 1785, January 21. Deed at Fort Stanwix and Fort Mcintosh, for the residue of the lands within the Commonwealth, made October 23, 1784, and January 21, 1785.
32. — 1789, January 9. Indian cession of lands at Presque Isle.
33. — 1792, March 3. It is necessary to state that on the 3d of October, 1788, an Act was passed authorizing the Supreme Executive Council to draw on the State Treasurer for a sum of money for defraying the expense of purchasing of the Indians, lands on lake Erie. It is usually called the purchase of the tri- angle from the United States. This triangle contains two hun- dred and two thousand one hundred and eighty seven acres of land. ^
To the student of Pennsylvania history, these facts are worthy of rememberance, because it gives the date and extent of the purchases made from the Indians. We shall now turn our attention to the government of the Province of Pennsylvania, when in its infancy.
On December, 1682, William Penn, in accordance with the sixteenth article of the frame of his government, assembled all the freemen of this Province at Chester (then called Upland), as well as those of the three territories (as they were called), of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex. At this purely democratic meeting, an act of union passed, annexing the three lower counties (now the State of Delaware) to the Province of Pennsylvania, in legislation.
The Proprietor, by and with the consent of the first Assembly, divided the Province of Pennsylvania into three counties, and named them Philadelphia, Bucks, and Chester, while the Terri- tories retained the names of New Castle, Kent, and Sussex. For each of the counties and territories, sheriffs and other proper officers were appointed by the Proprietor; but the Council and Assembly- men were elected by the people.
On March 10th, 1683, the Council and Assemblymen met in Phila-
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. 31
delphia ; each county having returned three members for the Council and nine for the Assembly.
In the year 1684, William Penn returned to England, leaving commissioners with a President to administer the government during his absence. But this mode of government not proving satisfactory to the three lower counties, its form was changed in 1691 ; William Markham was appointed Deputy Governor by William Penn. It was at this period that separate legislatures were formed and the Provinces became finally separated.
In August, 1699, William Penn sailed from England to Penn- sylvania, and reassumed the reins of government to the entire satisfaction of the people. On the 28th of October, ItOl, he pre- sented the Council and Assembly with a new charter of privileges, and having appointed Andrew Hamilton Lieutenant-Governor, sailed for England. This charter continued the supreme law of the Province until the Declaration of Independence was promulgated July 4th, 1176. A court then assembled at Philadelphia, July 8th, 1776, to form a constitution for the State of Pennsylvania, and on the 28th of September following, a constitution was adopted by re- presentatives for the city of Philadelphia and the counties of Phila- delphia, Bucks, Chester, Lancaster, York, Cumberland, Berks, North- ampton, Bedford, Northumberland, and Westmoreland, being all the counties (eleven in number) which then composed the State of Pennsylvania. It is eminently proper to remark that Benjamin Franklin was President of the Convention which formed the first Constitution for Pennsylvania. Immediately upon his taking his seat, the representatives unanimously passed a resolution inviting the Rev. William White (who afterwards officiated for many years as Bishop of the Protestant Episcopal Church of this diocese) to perform divine service for the Convention, to jointly offer up their prayers to Almighty God to afford His divine grace and assistance in the important and arduous task committed to them as the repre- sentatives of the people of Pennsylvania, and to offer up their praises and thanksgiving for the manifold mercies and the peculiar interpo- sition of His special providence in behalf of the injured, oppressed, and insulted United States.
This Constitution was the supreme law of the State, from Septem- ber 28th, 1776, the date of its final adoption, until September 2d, 1790, when a second constitution was formed by the representatives of the people. On the 9th of October, 1838, a third constitution was adopted by the people ; the same having been submitted by a vote of the Convention which had previously assembled to make the necessary amendments.
Having thus briefly narrated a concise history of the State, and to which we shall often have occasion to refer in the history of Washington County, I shall now turn our attention to the boundaries of Pennsylvania for the like reason.
32 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Pennsylvania extends from north latitude 39° 43' to north latitude 42°; from 2° 17' east to 3° 31' west from Washington city. It is bounded, in common with the State of Delaware, from the Dela- ware River by a circular line, around New Castle County to the northeast limits of Cecil County, Maryland, . . 24 miles.
Due north to the northeast angle of Maryland, . . 2 "
Along the northern limits of Maryland, . . . 203 "
In common with Virginia, from the northwest angle of
Maryland to the southwest angle of Green County, , 59 "
Due north in common with Ohio and Brooke counties
of West Yirginia to the Ohio River, . . . 64 "
Continuing the last noted limit in common with the Ohio
to Lake Erie, •••.... 91 "
Along the southeast shore of Lake Erie to the Western
limit of 'New York, 39 "
Due south, along Chautauque County of New York, to
north latitude, 42*^ 19 "
Thence due east in common with New York, to the
right bank of the Delaware River, .... 230 "
Down the Delaware to the northeast angle of the State
of Delaware, •-..... 230 "
Having an entire outline of . . . . 961 "
The greatest length of Pennsylvania is due west from Bristol, on the Delaware River, to the eastern border of Ohio County in West Yirginia, through three hundred and fifty-six minutes of longitude along north latitude, 40° 09' This distance, on that line of latitude, is equal to two hundred and eighty American statute miles.
The greatest breadth is one hundred and seventy-six miles, from the West Yirgiuia line to the extreme northern angle on Lake Erie, it being one hundred and seventy-five miles. It contains forty-four thou- sand three hundred and seventeen miles ; ortwenty-eight million three hundred and sixty-two thousand eight hundred and eight acres of land.
The following table will exhibit the population of Pennsylvania, both as a Province and a State, from 1731, at periods often years.
|
1731 |
10,000. |
1780- |
- 128,293. |
1830—1,348,170. |
|
1740 |
14,325. |
1790- |
- 474,373. |
1840—1,724,033. |
|
1750 |
21,000. |
1800- |
- 602,545. |
1850 2,314,897. |
|
1760 |
31,667. |
1810- |
- 810,09L |
1860 2,905,215. |
|
1770 |
39,665. |
1820- |
-1,049,313. |
I shall now close this general history of the State of Pennsylvania, by giving the names of each county ; 'the date of its formation; the number of acres in each, with their respective population, premising the following tabular statements, with the remark, that Cameron County was not organized until after the census of 1860 had been taken, and the population is included in the counties of Clinton,
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
33
Elk, McKean, and Potter, from which it was taken ; while with the part of Venango which was added to Forest by act of Assembly approved October 31st, 1866, the population was transferred but not ascertained.
9. 10.
11.
12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19.
20.
21. 22. 23. 24. 25. 26. 27.
Name. Date of Formation.
Philadelphia Mar.
Chester Mar.
Bucks Mar.
Lancaster May
York Aug.
Cumberland Jan.
Berks Mar.
10, 1682, one of Penn's original counties
10,1682, " " "
10,1682, " " "
10, 1729, from a part of Chester
19,1749, " " Lancaster
27,17.50, " " Lancaster
11, 1752, from a part of Philadelphia, Chester, and Lancaster
Northampton Mar. 11, 1752, fi-om a part of Bucks
Bedford Mar. 9,1771, " " Cumberland
Northumberland.. Mar. 27, 1772, from a part of Cumberland. Berks,
Bedford, and Northampton
Westmoreland '^eb. 26, 1773, from a part of Bedford, and in 1785
part of the Indian purchase of 1784 was added
Washington Mar. 28, 1781, from a part of Westmoreland
Fayette Sept. 26, 1783, "
Acres. PopuJat'n. 80,640 66.5,529
|
472,320 387,200 60S, 000 676,000 348,160 |
74,578 63,578. 116,314 68,200 40,098 |
|
588,800 240,000 636,160 |
93,818 47,904 26,736 |
292,480 28,922
Westmoreland
9,1784, " " Cumberland
10,1784, " '< Philadelphia
4,178.5, " " Lancaster
25,1782, " " Northumberland
20,1787, " '< Bedford
24, 1788, from a part of Westmoreland and
Washington
Mifflin Sept. 19, 1789, from a p^rt of Cumberland and North- umberland
Delaware Sept. 26, 1789, from a part of Chester
Franklin Sept.
Montgomery Sept.
Dauphin Mar.
Luzerne Sept.
Huntingdon Sept.
Allegheny Sept.
672,000 573,440 527,360
480,000 303,080 357,760 896,000 637,600
Somerset April 17, 1795,
Greene Feb. 9, 1796,
Wayne Mar. 26, 1796,
Lycoming Aprill3, 1796,
Adams Jan. 22, 1 800,
Centre Feb.
Bedford
Washington
Northampton.. .. Northumberland . York
28. Armstrong Mar.
29. 30. 31. 32. 33. 34. 35. 36.
37. 38.
39.
40. 41.
42. 43. 44. 45. 46. 47. 48. 49. 60. 51. 52. 63.
Beaver Mar.
Butler Mar.
Crawford Mar.
Erie Mar.
Mercer Mar.
Warren Mar.
Venango Mar. 13, 1800,
Indiana Mar. 30
M'Kean Mar.
Clearfield Mar.
Jefferson Mar.
Potter Mar.
Cambria Mar.
Tioga Mar.
Bradford* Feb. 21, 1810,
Susquehanna Feb. 21,1810,
Schuylkill Mar. 1,1811,
Lehigh Mar. 6,1812,
Lebanon Feb. 16,1813,
Columbia Mar. 22, 1 813,
Union Mar. 22, 1813,
Pike Mar. 26, 1814,
Perry Mar. 22, 1820,
Juniata Mar. 2,1831,
Monroe April 1, 1836,
13, 1800, from a part of Mifflin, Northumber- land, Lycoming, and Huntingdon..
12, 1800, from a part of Alleghany, Westmore- land, and Lycoming
12, 1800, from a part of Alleghany and Wash n.
12,1800, " " Alleghany
12,1800, " " Alleghany
12,1800, " " Alleghany
12,1800, " " Alleghany
12,1800, '< " Alleg'y and Lycoming " Alleg'y and Lycoming 1803, from a part of Westmoreland and Ly- coming
20, 1804, from a part of Lycoming
26, 1804, from a part of Lycoming and North- umberland
26, 1804, from a part of Lycoming
26,1804, " " Lycoming
26, 1804, from a part of Huntingdon, Somerset, and Bedford
26, 1804, from a part of Lycoming
236,800 11.3,280 682,240 389,120 460,800 691,200 337,920
Luzerne and Lycoming
Luzerne
Berks and Northamp.
Northampton
Dauphin and Lancast.
Northumberland
Northumberland
Wayne
Cumberland
Mifflin
Northampton and Piko
408,960 298,240 .502,400 629,760 480,000 416,000 551,040 330,240
492,800 716,800
761,600 412,800 384,000
428,800 714,240 751,360 510,080 4S.i,400 2.32,960 195,840 275,840 16.5,120 384,000 344,960 224,640 384,000
63,736 46,805 39,909 42,126 70,500 46,756 90,244 28,100
482,560 178,831
16,. 340 30,597 26,778 24,343 32,239 37,399 28,006
688,000 27,000
35,797
29,140 ■
35,594
48,755
49,432
36,8,50
19,190
25,043
33,687 8,859
18,759 18,270 11,470
29,155 31,044. 48,734 : 86,267 89,510 ■ 43,753 31,831 a5,065 14,145 7,655 22,793 16,986 16,758
* Previous to March 24, 1812, tbig county was called Ontario.
34 HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Name. Hate of Formation. Acres. Populat'n.
54. Clarion Mar. 11, 1S39, from a part of Venango and Arms'ng. 384,000 24,983
65. Clinton June 21, 18.39, " " Lycoming and Centre 691,360 17,723
66 Wyoming April 4, 1842, from a part of Northumberland and
Luzerne 261,760 12,540
67 Carbon Mar. 13, 1843, from a part of Northampton and Mon-
roe 256,000 21,033
58. Elk April 18, 1843, from a part of Jefferson, Clearfield,
and McKean 446,720 5,915
69 Blair Feb. 26, 1846, from a part of Huntingdon and Bed- ford 380,160 27,829
60. Sullivan Mar. 15, 1847, from a part of Lycoming 275,200 5,637
61 Forest April 11, 1848, " " Jefferson and Venango 284.800 89s
62 Lawrence Mar. 2.5, 18.50, " " Beaver and Mercer. .. 229,120 22,999
63. Fulton April 19, 1850, " " Bedford 268,800 9,131
64. Montour May 3, 18.50, " " Columbia 94,720 13,053
65. Snyder Mar. 2,18.5.5, " " Union 187,520 15,035
66. Cameron Mar. 29, 1860, from a part of Clinton, Elk, M'Kean,
Potter (not organized when census
was taken.) 268,480
Pennsylvania has been called the Keystone State from the fact of having six of the old original States on each side of her. It is not my province to speak of her majestic mountains, her beautiful rivers and lakes — the variety of her soil — the salubriousness of her climate — and her agricultural, manufacturing, and commercial inter- ests. Mine is a humbler sphere, confined henceforth in this volume exclusively to the history of Washington County — the first county formed by the legislature of Pennsylvania after the Declaration of Independence had been promulgated to all nations, and Pennsylvania had assumed her rank and place as a free and independent State ; and therefore named after the immortal Washington. With this remark, we can truthfully say that our citizens therefore will be pre-eminently proud of the character of Washington County, whether viewed in a moral, educational, political, or religious view.
In concluding this chapter I shall add a list of the chief magis- trates, or governors, from 1681 to the present time, as being more immediately connected with the general matters therein contained.
ACCESS. KA.ME8. EXIT.
1,_1681. William Penn, Proprietor. August, 1684.
2. — 1684. Thomas Lloyd, Pres't of Governor's Council. December, 1687. 3. — 1687. Thomas Lloyd, Eobert Turner, Arthur Cook, John Symcock, and John Eckley appointed Deputy Lieutenants by WilUam Penn. 4. — 1688. Capt. John Blackwell, Lieutenant-Governor. 1690.
5. — 1690. Thomas Lloyd, Deputy and Lieutenant-Governor. 1693.
6. — 1693. Benjamin Fletcher, Captain-General and Lieutenant Governor of New York, Pennsylvania, and the county of New Castle and territories. ., September, 1698.
7. — 1698. William Markham, Lieutenant-Governor. 1700.
8. — 1700. William Penn again acted as Governor to November 1, 1701. 9. — 1701. Andrew Hamilton, Deputy-Governor. February, 1703.
10.— 1703. Edward Shippen, President of Council " 1704.
11. — 1704. John Evans, Deputy-Governor, " 1709.
12.— 1709. Charles Gookin, " May 31, 1717.
13.— 1717. Sir William Keith, " June 22, 1726.
14.— 1726. Patrick Gordon, " August 5, 1736.
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY.
35
ACCESS.
EXIT.
15, — 1736. On the death of Governor Gordon, the Council con- sisted of James Logan, Samuel Preston, Anthony Palmer, Clement Plumstead, Thomas Lawrence, Ralph Asheton, Samuel Hasill, and Thomas GrifiSts, who elected James Lo-
gan President of Council. 16. — 1738. George Thomas, Lieutenant-Governor. 17. — 1747. Anthony Palmer, President of Council 18.— 1748. James Hamilton, Lieutenant-Governor. 19. — 1754. Robert Hunter Morris "
20 —1756. William Denny 21.— 1759. James Hamilton "
22. — 1763. John Penn, son of Rich'd Penn, Deputy-Governor. May, 1771 23.— 1771. Richard Penn, Governor. August, 1773
24.— 1773. John Penn, " July, 1775
Under the Council of Safety.
25. — 1775. Benjamin Franklin, President of the Council,
June, 1738.
" 1747.
November, 1748.
October, 1754.
August, 1756.
November, 1759.
October, 1763.
August, 1776.
Under the Constitution of September 28, 1776.
26. — 1776. Thomas Wharton, President of the Supreme Execu- tive Council. October, 1777.
27. — 1777. Joseph Read, President of the Supreme Executive
Council. November, 1781.
28. — 1781. William Moore, President of the Supreme Executive
Council. November, 1782.
29. — 1782. John Dickinson, President of the Supreme Executive
Council. November, 1785.
30. — 1785. Benjamin Franklin, President of the Supreme Ex- ecutive Council. November, 1788.
31. — 1788. Thomas Mifflin, President of the Supreme Executive
Council. September, 1790.
When the Constitution went into operation.
Popular Vote of Candidates for Governor under the Constitution of
September 2, 1790.
ELECTION. MAJORITY.
32.— 1790. Thomas Mifflin, ...... 27,725
Arthur St. Clair, 2,803 24,522
32.- 1793. Thomas Mifflin, . F. A. Muhlenburg,
32.— -1796. Thomas Mifflin, , F. A. Muhlenburg,
33.-1799. Thomas McKean, James Ross,
Whole number, 30,528
. 19,590 . 10,700
Whole number, 30,290
. 30,029 . 10,011
8,890
20,018
Whole number, 40,040 . . . . 37,244
22,643 14,601
Whole number, 59,887
36
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
ELECTION.
33.— 1802. Thomas McKean, James Ross, Scattering,
33.— 180.O. Thomas McKean, Simon Snyder, Samuel Snyder,
34.— 1808. Simon Snyder, James Ross, . John Spayd, . Scattering,
47,879
17,037
94
MAJOKITT.
30,748
Whole number, 57,472
43,644 38,483 1 395)
Whole number
82,522
67.975
39.575
4,006
8
Whole number, 111,564
34.— 1811. Simon Snyder,
William Tilghman, Scattering,
• •
52,319 3,609 1
^609 I ,675)
34.— 1814. Simon Snyder, Isaac Wayne, George Littimore, Scattering, .
Whole number, 57,603
. 51,099 . 29.566 I 910 y
. . . . 18]
35.— 1817. William Findley, , Joseph Hiester,
Scattering,
36.— 1820. Joseph Hiester, William Findley, Scattering, .
Whole number, 81,593
66,331
. 59,272
11
Whole number, 125,614
. 67,905 . 66,300 1 . . . . 21}
37.— 1823. J. Andrew Shultz, Andrew Gregg, Scattering,
31—1826. J. Andrew Shultz, John Sergeant, Scattering, .
Whole number, 134,226
. 89,928
. 64,211
8
Whole number, 1,54,] 47
72,710 1,175 1.1
75 1 74 j
Whole number, 75,059
4,766
24,386
47,035
20,605
7,048
1,584
25,709
70,361
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
37
ELECTION.
38.— 1829. George Wolf, Joseph Ritner, Scattering,
MAJORITY.
38.— 1832. George Wolf, Joseph Ritner,
39^—1835. Joseph Ritner,
George Wolf,
H. A. Muhlenberg,
78,219 61,776 )
12 / 16,433
W^ole number, 140,007
. 91,335
. 88,165 3,170
Whole number, 179,500
. 94,023
. 65,804 "I . 40,586)
Whole number, 200,413
Of these votes Messrs. Wolf and Muhlenberg had Joseph Ritner, . . . .
Thus making Joseph Ritner a minority Governor by
106,390
94,023
12,377
Under the Constitution of October 9, 1838.
40.— 1838. David R. Porter, Joseph Ritner,
127,821 122,325
5,496
|
40.-1841. David R. Porter, John Banks, F. Julius Lemoyne, Scattering, . |
Whole number, • • • • • • • • Whole number, • • • • • • • • • • ■ • Whole number. Whole number, • • • • « • • • ■ • • • |
250,146 136,504 113,473- 763 23 |
22,245 |
|
41.— 1844. Francis R. Shuak, Joseph Markle, . F. Julius Lemoyne, |
250,763 160,322 156,040 2,566 1 1,716 |
||
|
41.— 1847. Francis R. Shunk, James Irvin, E. C. Reigart, . F. Julius Lemoyne, Scattering, |
318,928 146,081 128,148" 11,247 1,861 6, |
■ 4,819 |
|
|
42.-1848. William F.Johnston, Morris Longstreth, E. D. Gazzam, Scattering, |
287,343 168.522 168,225 ] 48 24 |
225 |
Whole number, 336,819
' *,.>:» t t % »
38
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY.
|
KT.ECTION. 43.— 1851. William Bigler, . William F. Johnston, Kimber Cleaver, Scattering, |
• • • • • * • • • • • • • • • • |
186,499 178,034) 1,859 \ 67) |
MAJORITT. 6,539 |
|
Whole number, |
366,459 |
||
|
44. — 1854. James Pollock, . William Bigler, . B. Rush Bradford, Scattering, |
• • • • |
203,822 166,991' 2,194 33) |
34,604 |
|
Whole number, |
373,040 |
||
|
45.— 1857. William F. Packer, . David Wilmot, . Isaac Hazelhurst, Scattering, |
• • • • |
188,846 146,139' 28,168 12] |
14,527 |
46.— 1860.— Andrew G. Curtin, H. D. Foster,
46.— 1863. Andrew G. Curtin,
George W. Woodward, Scattering,
47.-1866. John W. Geary. Hiester Clymer,
48.— 1869. John W. Geary, Asa Packer,
Whole number, 363,165
. 262,349
. 230,239
Whole number, 492,588
. 269,506
. 254,171
. 2
Whole number, 523,679
. 307,274
. 290.096
Whole number, 597,370
. 290,552
. 285,956
Whole number, 576,508
32,110
15,333
17,178
4,596
Although the State of Pennsylvania yet from the numbers attached to their ofiBce two and even three terms.
has had but forty-eight governors, names we learn some have filled the
We shall close this chapter by giving an extract from the 41st chapter of the acts of the first General Assembly of Pennsylvania, passed December 7th, 1682, from which it appears that the first set- tlers began the year in March, and repudiated the heathen names as now applied to the days of the week, evidently demonstrating that our forefathers were governed by a religious sentiment in our organi- zation as a colony. The following is a literal copy : —
" And bee it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that ye days of ye week and ye months of ye year shall be called as in Scrip- ture, and not by heathen names (as are vulgarly used), as ye first, second, third dales of ye week, and first second and third months of ye year, beginning with ye day called Sunday and ye month called March."
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
39
CHAPTER III.
ORIGINAL ACT ESTABLISHING WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Divisions by the formation of townships — Its original and present townships and boroughs — Its present boundaries with topographical and geographical description and its streams — Its early religious element and the religious agreement of 1782 — Marriage custom and ceremony — School-houses.
Having in the preceding chapters confined myself to the primi- tive history of what is now known as Washington County, originally belonging to Virginia, and also a general outline history of Penn- sylvania, and thereby laid the foundation stone upon which to erect the superstructure, I shall now proceed with the general history of Washington County.
On the 28th of March 1181^ the legislature of Pennsylvania passed an act for erecting part of tlie county of Westmoreland into a sepa- rate county, and the reasons given in the preamble to said act are in these words : Whereas, the inhabitants of that part of Westmore- land County which lies west of the Monongahela River, have repre- sented to the Assembly of this State the great hardships they lie under, from being so far remote from the present seat of judicature and the public offices ; for to remedy these inconveniences they there- fore passed the act of separation. The act is in eighteen sections (the preamble being numbered the first), which we will refer to, either at length or by giving a summary of the contents of each sepa- rately.
Section second gives the boundaries of Washington County as follows : all that part of the State of Pennsylvania west of the Monongahela River, and south of the Ohio, beginning at the junc- tion of the said rivers, thence up the Monongahela River aforesaid, to the line run by Mason and Dixon ; thence by the said line due west to the end thereof; and from thence the same course, to end of five degrees of west longitude, to be computed from the River Dela- ware ; thence by a meridian line, extended north, until the same shall intersect the Ohio River, and thence by the same to the place of beginning (the said lines from the end of Mason and Dixon's line to the Ohio River to be understood as to be hereafter ascertained by commissioners now appointed or to be appointed for that purpose), shall be and the same is hereby declared to be erected into a county, henceforth to be called Washington.
Section third gives the same rights and privileges to the inhabit- ants as enjoyed by other counties in the State.
38
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
ELECTION.
43.— 18.31.
44.— 1854.
William Bigler, . William F, Johnston, Kimber Cleaver, Scattering,
James Pollock, . William Bigler, . B. Rush Bradford, Scattering,
Whole number
Whole number
45.— 1857. William F. Packer, David Wilmot, . Isaac Hazelhurst, Scattering,
46.— 1860.— Andrew G. Curtin, H. D. Foster,
46.— 1863. Andrew G. Curtin,
George W. Woodward, Scattering,
47.-1866. John W. Geary. Hiester Clymer,
48.— 1869. John W. Geary, Asa Packer,
Whole number
Whole number
Whole number,
Whole number
Whole number
MAJORITT.
186,499 178,0341 1,859 I 67 ) 6,539
366,459
203,822 166,9911 2,194 [ 33 ] 34,604
373,040
188,846 146,1391 28,168 I 12 ] 14,527
363,165
262.349
230.239 32,110
492,588
269,506 254,171 ) 2 I 15,333
523,679
307,274
290.096 17,178
597,370
290.552
285,956 4,596
576,508
Although the State of Pennsylvania yet from the numbers attached to their office two and even three terms.
has had but forty-eight governors, names we learn some have filled the
We shall close this chapter by giving an extract from the 41st chapter of the acts of the first General Assembly of Pennsylvania, passed December 7th, 1682, from which it appears that the first set- tlers began the year in March, and repudiated the heathen names as now applied to the days of the week, evidently demonstrating that our forefathers were governed by a religious sentiment in our organi- zation as a colony. The following is a literal copy : —
" And bee it enacted by the authority aforesaid, that ye days of ye week and ye months of ye year shall be called as in Scrip- ture, and not by heathen names (as are vulgarly used), as ye first, second, third daies of ye week, and first second and third months of ye year, beginning with ye day called Sunday and ye month called March."
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY. 39
CHAPTER III.
ORIGINAL ACT ESTABLISHING WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Divisions by the formation of townships — Its original and present townships and boroughs — Its present boundaries with topographical and geographical description and its streams — Its early religious element and the religious agreement of 1782 — Marriage custom and ceremony — School-houses.
Having in the preceding chapters confined myself to the primi- tive history of what is now known as Washington County, originally belonging to Yirginia, and also a general outline history of Penn- sylvania, and thereby laid the foundation stone upon which to erect the superstructure, I shall now proceed with the general history of Washington County.
On the 28th of March U 81^ the legislature of Pennsylvania passed an act for erecting part of the county of Westmoreland into a sepa- rate county, and the reasons given in the preamble to said act are in these words : Whereas, the inhabitants of that part of Westmore- land County which lies west of the Monongahela River, have repre- sented to the Assembly of this State the great hardships they lie under, from being so far remote from the present seat of judicature and the public offices ; for to remedy these inconveniences they there- fore passed the act of separation. The act is in eighteen sections (the preamble being numbered the first), which we will refer to, either at length or by giving a summary of the contents of each sepa- rately.
Section second gives the boundaries of Washington County as follows : all that part of the State of Pennsylvania west of the Monongahela River, and south of the Ohio, beginning at the junc- tion of the said rivers, thence up the Monongahela River aforesaid, to the line run by Mason and Dixon ; thence by the said line due west to the end thereof; and from thence the same course, to end of five degrees of west longitude, to be computed from the River Dela- ware ; thence by a meridian line, extended north, until the same shall intersect the Ohio River, and thence by the same to the place of beginning (the said lines from the end of Mason and Dixon's line to the Ohio River to be understood as to be hereafter ascertained by commissioners now appointed or to be appointed for that purpose), shall be and the same is hereby declared to be erected into a county, henceforth to be called Washington.
Section third gives the same rights and privileges to the inhabit- ants as enjoyed by other counties in the State.
40 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Section fourth authorizes the trustees to talse assurance of ground whereon to erect a coui-t-house and prison, and divide the county into townships, before July 1st, 1781.
Section fifth empowers the inhabitants to elect Inspectors, two Representatives for the Assembly, one member of the Supreme Exe- cutive Council, two persons for Sheriff, two for Coroner, and three Commissioners. The election was ordered to be held at the house of David Hoge, at the place called Catfish Camp, now Washington.
Section sixth. Justices of the Supreme Court to have like powers and authorities in Washington County.
Sections seventh and eighth provide for an election for justices of the peace, to beheld on the 15th of July, 1781, for the various townships, after judges and inspectors have been elected.
Section ninth. Justices of the peace authorized to hold courts of General Quarter Sessions and Gaol Delivery.
Section tenth. James Edgar, Hugh Scott, Yan Swearingen, Daniel Leet, and John Armstrong appointed commissioners to purchas. ground for a court-house, as provided for in section four.
Sections eleventh and twelfth provide for the mode of defraying the expenses of the public buildings.
Section thirteenth. For the continuance of suits commenced in the original county.
Sections fourteenth, fifteenth and sixteenth provide for the appoint- ment of a collector of the excise, his powers and fees.
Section seventeenth directs the Sheriff and Coroner of Westmore- land County to officiate until those officers could be chosen in the new county.
Section eighteenth directed the amount of the security to be given by the Sheriff and Treasurer.
Division of Washington County.
The inhabitants of Washington County, with those of Westmore- land, considering their counties were too extensive, and that they were subject to many inconveniences from their being situated at so great a distance from the seat of justice, conceived that their inter- ests and happiness would be greatly promoted by being erected into a new and separate county ; the legislature, on the 24th of September, 1788, gratified their requests, and erected Alleghany County. We shall give the original boundaries of this new county, so that we can trace on the map, the territory which was struck off from Washing- ton County. Beginning at the mouth of Flagherty^s Run, on the south side of the Ohio Paver, from thence, by a straight line, to the plantation on which Joseph Scott, Esquire, now lives, on 3Ion- tour''s Run, to include the same; from thence, by a straight line, to the mouth of Miller''s Run, in Chartiers' Creek ; thence by a straight line, to the mouth of Perry^s Mill Run, on the east side of Monon- gahela River ; thence up the said river to the mouth of BeckeVs
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY 41
Run ; thence by a straight line to the mouth of Sewickley Creek, on Youghiogheny River ; thence down the said river to the mouth of Crawford's Run; thence by a straight line to the mouth of Bush Creek, on Turtle Creek; thence up Turtle Creek to the main fork thereof; thence by a northerly line until it strikes Puckety's Creek ; thence down the said creek to the Allegheny River ; thence up the Allegheny River to the northern boundary of the State ; thence along the the same to the river Ohio, and thence up the same to the place of beginning. The above portion of the line italicized is the portion taken from Washington County.
But the inhabitants of Washington County still seemed desirous of having justice administered to them at their very doors, again petitioned the legislature to annex a certain part of this to Allegheny County; and on the nth of September, 1189, the General Assembly- believing their prayer to be just and reasonable, granted their re'- quest. The boundaries of that part of Washington, annexed to Allegheny County, began at the river Ohio, where the boundary line of the State crosses the said river; from thence in a straight line, to White's mill, on Racoon Creek ; from thence by a straight line, to Armstrong's mill, on Miller's Run, and from thence by a straight line, to the Monongahela River, opposite the mouth of Perry's Run, where it strikes the present line of Allegheny County.
By this act of annexation, the whole of Dickinson and part of Cecil township became part of Allegheny County; according to a decision of the Supreme Executive Council. Peter Kidd and John Beaver were authorized to have the boundai'y lines marked, each being allowed twenty-five shillings per day, out of the treasury of Allegheny County.
On the 9th of February, 1196, another portion of the territory of Washington County was erected into Greene County. The boundary line began at the mouth of Tenmile Creek, on the Monongahela River ; thence up Tenmile Creek to the junction of the north and south forks of said creek ; thence up said north fork to Colonel William Wallace^s mill; thence up a southwesterly direction to the nearest part of the dividing ridge between the north and south forks of Tenmile Creek ; thence along the top of the said ridge to the ridge which divides the waters of Tenmile and Wheeling creeks; thence a straight line to the head of Enlow^s branch of the Wheeling ; thence down said branch to the western boundary of the State ; thence south along the said line to the southern boundary line of the State; thence east along said line to the river Monongahela, and thence down the said river to the place of beginning.
The words italicized form the southern line separating Washing- ton and Greene counties.
• The officers of Washington County were authorized to exercise the duties of their office in the new county (except justices of peace) until similar officers were appointed. Washington and Greene were
S» I
.' » m
42
HISTORY OF WASUINGTON COUNTY.
to elect, jointly, four representatives ; while Washington, Allegheny, and Greene were to compose the congressional district.
On the 22d of January, 1802, by authority of the legislature of Pennsylvania, the following alteration took place in the line between the counties of Washington and Greene; beginning at the present line, on the ridge that divides the waters of the Tenmile and Wheeling creeks, near Jacob Bobbett's ; thence a straight line, to the head-waters of Hunter's fork of Wheeling Creek, and thence down the same, to the mouth thereof, where it meets the present county line.
The act of the same date declares that so much of the county of Greene, which, by the act, is reunited to the county of Washing- ton, as lies west of the road called Ryerson's Road, is hereby an- nexed to Findley township, and shall hereafter be a part of the district called Stevenson's election district, and that part thereof, which lies east of said road is hereby annexed to Morris township, and shall hereafter be a part of the Washington elected district.
The Governor was authorized to appoint two commissioners to run and mark the aforesaid line ; the expense to be borne equally out of the treasury of both counties.
By the erection of Greene County, Morgan, Cumberland, Frank- lin, Greene, and Rich Hill townships became component parts of Greene County.
On the 12th of March, 1800, an act was passed by the General Assembly, ei'ecting parts of Washington and Alleghany counties into a new county, to be called Beaver. The boundary line began at the mouth of the Sewickley Creek on the Ohio River ; thence up the said creek to the west line of Alexander's district of deprecia- tion lands ; thence northerly along the said line, and continuing the same course to the north line of the first donation district ; thence westerly along the said line to the W'estern boundary of the State ; thence southerly along the said boundary, across the Ohio River to a point in the said boundary, from which a line to he run at right angles easterly will strike Whitens mill on Racoon Creek, and from such point along the said easterly line to the said mill ; thence on a straight line to the "mouth of Big Sewickley Creek, the j^lace of beginning. (The words italicized is the iDOundary line between Washington and Beaver counties). The expense of running the line was to be borne by Beaver County.
Original Townships.
The organic act authorized the trustees to divide the county into a suitable number of townships. In accordance therewith, the trus- tees subdivided it into thirteen townships, in commemoration of the thirteen States which formed the United States. Their names in alphabetical order were : 1. Amwell ; 2. Bethlehem ; 3. Cecil ; 4. Cumberland ; 5. Donegal ; 6. Fallowfield ; 7. Hopewell ; 8. Mor-
J
bribe J*
IT-CM OT1
:r«lltii
uaij
krajiA-
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\im[
tomhip,
niti
ivato
'^ ^anally
■.(tuk-
ipiiteof
6aml into kifuat
*«?np
■.a
'■'!
en
■•]•■
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
43
gan ; 9. Nottingham; 10. Peters; 11. Robison ; 12. Straban ; 13. Smith.
These townships went into operation on the 15th of July, 1*181, by the provisions of the act of the legislature and the election of township officers.
As the county became more thickly settled, the people felt the necessity of forming new townships and boroughs. This power was confined to the legislature until the 24th of March, 1803, when it was transferred to the courts of Quarter Sessions, although it appears that in some few cases the courts had exercised it.
By the erection of new counties out of Washington, whole town- ships and parts of townships were cut off, and at the present time, May, isfo, we find that Washington County has eleven boroughs and thir- ty-one townships within her limits.
We shall now add this list with their respective organizations, from the formation of Washington County.
o. T.* 1. — Amwell township, formed July 15, 1781. o. T. ~
O. T. O. T, O. T. O. T. O. T. O.T. 0. T.
|
t( |
il |
|
|
u |
« |
|
|
it |
(( |
|
|
If |
it |
|
|
it |
it |
|
|
it |
(t |
|
|
it |
« |
|
|
it |
<c |
|
|
it |
(( |
|
|
<< |
it |
|
|
« |
(( |
|
|
(1 |
« |
2. — Bethlehem 3.— Cecil 4. — Cumberland 5. — Donegal 6.— Fallowfield 7. — Hopewell 8. — Morgan 9. — Nottingham o. T. 10. — Peters O.T. 11. — Robison o. T. 12. — Straban o. T. 13.— Smith
T. 14. — Somerset township, formed April 3, 1782. T. 15.— Greene " " "
T. 16.— Dickinson " " September 15, 1785.
B. 1. — Washington, (town,) formed February 6, 1786. T. 17 — Hanover township, " March 11, 1786.
T. 18.— Franklin " " July 16, 1787.
T. 19.— Findley « " May 6, 1788.
T. 20.— Morris " " March 13, 1788.
D. T. 1.— East Bethlehem " " January 18, 1790
township.) D. T. 2. — West Bethlehem township, formed January 18, 1790 lehem township.) T. 21. — Chartiers township, formed March 12, 1790.
March 23, 1790. June 10, 1791. January 8, 1792. March 13, 1793. May 8, 1799. February 22, 1802. township. )
(See Bethlehem (See Beth-
|
T. 22. — Cross Creek |
<< |
|
T. 23.— Canton |
tt |
|
D. T. 3.— Pike Run |
« |
|
D. T. 4.— Rich HUl |
« |
|
T. 24.— Buffalo |
« |
|
B. 7. — Cannon sburar |
it |
(See Chartiers
* Explanation of letters — o. t. means original townships; d. t. divided townships; B. boroughs.
42 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
to elect, jointly, four representatives ; while Washington, Allegheny, and Greene were to compose the congressional district.
On the 22d of January, 1802, by authority of the legislature of Pennsylvania, the following alteration took place in the line between the counties of Washington and Greene; beginning at the present line, on the ridge that divides the waters of the Tenmile and Wheeling creeks, near Jacob Bobbett's ; thence a straight line, to the head-waters of Hunter's fork of Wheeling Creek, and thence down the same, to the mouth thereof, where it meets the present county line.
The act of the same date declares that so much of the county of Greene, which, by the act, is reunited to the county of Washing- ton, as lies west of the road called Ryerson's Road, is hereby an- nexed to Findley township, and shall hereafter be a part of the district called Stevenson's election district, and that part thereof, which lies east of said road is hereby annexed to Morris township, and shall hereafter be a part of the Washington elected district.
The Governor was authorized to appoint two commissioners to run and mark the aforesaid line ; the expense to be borne equally out of the treasury of both counties.
By the erection of Greene County, Morgan, Cumberland, Frank- lin, Greene, and Rich Hill townships became component parts of Greene County.
On the 12th of March, 1800, an act was passed by the General Assembly, erecting parts of Washington and Alleghany counties into a new county, to be called Beaver. The boundary line began at the mouth of the Sewickley Creek on the Ohio River ; thence up the said creek to the west line of Alexander's district of deprecia- tion lands ; thence northerly along the said line, and continuing the same course to the north line of the first donation district ; thence westerly along the said line to the western boundary of the State ; thence southerly along the said boundary, across the Ohio River to a point in the said boundary, from which a line to he run at right angles easterly will strike Whitens viill on Racoon Creek, and from such point along the said easterly line to the said mill ; thence on a straight line to the mouth of Big Sewickley Creek, the j^lo-cs of beginning. (The words italicized is the boundary line between Washington and Beaver counties). The expense of running the line was to be borne by Beaver County.
Original Townships.
The organic act authorized the trustees to divide the county into a suitable number of townships. In accordance therewith, the trus- tees subdivided it into thirteen townships, in commemoration of the thirteen States which formed the United States. Their names in alphabetical order were : 1. Amwell ; 2. Bethlehem ; 3. Cecil ; 4. Cumberland ; 5. Donegal ; 6. Fallowfield ; 7. Hopewell ; 8. Mor-
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. 43
gan ; 9. Nottingham; 10. Peters; 11. Robison ; 12. Straban ; 13. Smith.
These townships went into operation on the 15th of Julj, 1781, by the provisions of the act of the legislature and the election of township officers.
As the county became more thickly settled, the people felt the necessity of forming new townships and boroughs. This power was confined to the legislature until the 24th of March, 1803, when it was transferred to the courts of Quarter Sessions, although it appears that in some few cases the courts had exercised it.
By the erection of new counties out of Washington, whole town- ships and parts of townships were cut off, and at the present time. May, 1870, we find that Washington County has eleven boroughs and thir- ty-one townships within her limits.
We shall now add this list with their respective organizations, from the formation of Washington County.
o. T.* 1. — Amwell township, formed July 15, 1781.
|
O.T. |
2.— Bethlehem |
(( |
<( |
|
|
0. T. |
3.— Cecil |
(( |
11 |
|
|
O.T. |
4. — Cumberland |
il |
a |
|
|
O.T. |
5. — Donegal |
u |
li |
|
|
O.T. |
6.— Fallowfield |
II |
u |
|
|
0. T. |
7. — Hopewell |
11 |
te |
|
|
O.T. |
8. — Morgan |
It |
i( |
|
|
O.T. |
9. — Nottingham |
u |
(< |
|
|
O.T. |
10.— Peters |
<( |
« |
|
|
O.T. |
11. — Robison |
(< |
« |
|
|
O.T. |
12.— Straban |
(( |
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|
|
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1^ CJmUli |
(( |
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T. 14. — Somerset township, formed April 3, 1782. T. 1.5. — Greene " " "
T. 16.— Dickinson " " September 15, 1785.
B. 1. — Washington, (town,) formed February 6, 1786. T. 17 — Hanover township, " March 11, 1786.
T. 18.— Frankhn " " July 16, 1787.
T. 19.— Findley " " May 6, 1788.
T. 20.— Morris " " March 13, 1788.
D.T. 1.— East Bethlehem " " January 18, 1790. (See Bethlehem
township.) D. T. 2. — West Bethlehem township, formed January 18, 1790. (See Beth- lehem township.) T. 21. — Chartiers township, formed March 12, 1790. ~ ~ ' ■ " March 23, 1790.
" June 10, 1791. " January 8, 1792. " March 13, 1793. " May 8, 1799. " February 22, 1802. (See Chartiers
|
T. 22.— Cross Creek |
<< |
|
T. 23.— Canton |
« |
|
D.T. 3.— Pike Run |
« |
|
D. T. 4.— Rich Hill |
It |
|
T. 24.— Buffalo |
(( |
|
B. 7. — Cannonsburg |
t'l |
|
township. ) |
* Explanation of letters — o. t. means original townships; d. t. divided townships; B. boroughs.
ii
ZliZ -3.T OF ■VTASHXSGTOS COrTTTT.
(See Straban (See Straban
T. 25. — ^Mocnt Keasani tov^sinp, formed May 12, 1806. ^ 10. — West ilid^iletown bonmg^iL finmed March 27. 1823. B. T. 5.— Ea*; Fincler lowBchip, formed Dec^aber 2-k 1828. (See FindleT
towTiihip.) D. T. 6.— "West Findlej- toimship, formed December 24, 1828. (See Find-
-5-niKip.) blt. T — _ , -furaban township, formed May 2, 1831.
townsiiip.) D.T. £.— Sovtk Strabam towDsbip, formed May 2, 183L tOTniihip ) B. 8.— CIaj>TiIleboco«^ formed April 2, 1832. T. 26. — CaiTol townebip, formed Sq>tember 30, 1534. 3. 4.— Gre«BfieWb<wtiigh,formedAprfl9,1834. (See Pike Ban township.) T. 27. — UmoB township, formed March 31. 1836. D. t. &.— East Pike Boa township, formed March 9. 1=3?. D. T. 10. — West Pike Bim township, formed March 9, 1 - M. 3. — MoMBgahda City, formed April 1. 1637. (?- B. 2- — MiDaboiwiifb, formed April 16, 1840. (See B %. 5. — West BrownsriDe boroogb, formed April 2,
Ban towneldp.) B. e. — ^BeaOsriQe boroogliT formed Febraaxy 16, 1852.
township.) T. 28w — AUen towngbip, formed Jane 14, 1853. 1. 29.— JeffersoB " " Jane 16, 1853.
B. 9. — California boroogk, formed Norember 26, 1853.
townskip.) T. 30. — Independence township, formed May 19, 1855. T. 31.— Franklin " " August 13, 1855.
B. IL— BentkysriHe borough, formed May 2, 1868. tovnabqt.)
Of these boroughs and townships we shall gire a detailed account in Chapter Y. as far as we hare been able to ascertain their history, jiimI particularly those which now embrace this county.
Its Bou5T)akie&
The present limits of Washington County, therefore, may be thus deSned g*:osrraphically — ^bounded on the north by Beaver County, northeast by Allegheny County, east by Westmoreland and Fayette CO r.nties, south by Greene County, and west by the State of West Virginia. Its greatest length is thirty-two miles, its mean width, twenty-eight miles, corrtaining 896 square miles, or 573,440 acres of land, in latitude 40^10'2I" north, and longitude from Washington S'-'WoZ" west. Its population in 1790 was 23,866 ; in 1800, 28,293 ; in 1810, 3f;,289: in 1820, 40,038; in 1830, 42,860; in 1840, 41,279; in 1850, 44,939, and in 1860, 46,805.
Topographical Descripttox.
This county is watered by many streams (which will be given in a separate chapter;, but saffice it to say, however, that many valleys are formed, of greater or less width and depth, by their indentation,
". township.)
yj. township).
lo52. (See Pike
(See Pike Eon
(See Pike Bon
(See Somerset
i ;
it* .'
^'^r
HisTwr «F 'VTASHiwaav cowrz.
4^
hence, the county presents a rolling character, and althonfi not belonging to the class called moimfeUBone, yet may be termed hilly. These hills are cultivated to the Tery tops, and ir -, ■■ - ' ■ -■ --:. culture and grazing are not inferior to any in the Sit. . -
lating surface of the county presents scenery unsurpassed : turesque, supporting tfarntfaii ueep, and is truly de&er' ie
name of being the largest "wo. . j.: .wing county in the fetatt. ^^. .ue second in the United States for the quality erf the wooL
CrEOLOOTCAX I)E8GBIPTI0JI.
In a geological riew, the Tocl. -ig to the upper seri^-- ' '
bituminous coal formation, eon. ^ of ahemate strata .. „-.. -
stone, shales, and limestone, with interposed beds of coal from three to six or eight feet it thickness. These nearly level strata extend over the whole surface of this and a great pan of the adjoin- ing counties, are sometimes cut through by the deep valleys of the streams and exposed in varied sueceseion in the steep banks and along the hill sides, in situations favorable to access and tSeadiDg great facilities for mining and quarrying. Coal for domeBSc con- sumption is abundant in every part of the county and along the bank of the Monongahela. It ie mined in great quantities and sent down the Ohio River in boats.
Btkeaik.
We add a list of the Btreams of this county, with their trAntean and localities.
The Monongahela Eitee, which flows through the eastern part of Washington County, rises in Randolph County. Virginia, at the foot of the Laurel Mountain, and flowing northwardly for about three hundred miles, empties into the Alle^say Maxer at F' r
and forms the Ohio. It is nearly four hmtdr^ yards wic.-. ^. ..s mouth, and is navigable for light boats sixty miles, to West Browns- rille, in this county, and for small boats nearly two hundred miles from it? -^ "'". Its principal tributaries f^ -■ - "^* 'leny and
Cheat r »- hich enter into it on the ei. ^ .ue uteat
side, in Washington County, are T -: Creek. Pipexm Creek.
Baker and Fish Pot runs, Fike Bun, .: ' ~ ^
Mingo Creek.
Tenmile Ckeek empties into the Monongahela E&»w»tM Washington County ; the naiiSk jfterk of this creek rises in Morris township and waters the townsl:--'^ -" East aasA West JBetiitehem. Amwell and Morris, its tributar - ^_jr JMTid^c JlW*, <3rw)^« Fork, Road's Fork, Hoosang's Fork, McFarlane's Fork. Bane's Fork, with Kemblers and McG-iffin's Run. Coi es into Craft's
Fork at Prosperity. Itf Indian name it _ c .^u. t .
Little Ivokth Fork, with its tributaries. Brush Run. Camp's Fork, Carter's Run, Daniel's Run, Hawkin's and Plumb Hill
\
\
44 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
-Mount Pleasant township, formed May 12, 1806.
—West Middletown borough, formed March 27, 1823.
—East Findley township, formed December 24, 1828. (See Findley township.)
—West Findley township, formed December 24, 1828. (See Find- ley township.)
-North Straban township, formed May 2, 1831. (See Straban township.)
-South Straban township, formed May 2, 1831. (See Straban township.)
— Claysville borough, formed April 2, 1832.
—Carrol township, formed September 30, 1834.
—Greenfield borough, formed April 9, 1834. (See Pike Run township.)
—Union township, formed March 31, 1836.
—East Pike Run township, formed March 9, 1839.
—West Pike Run township, formed March 9, 1839.
— Monongahela City, formed April 1, 1837. (See Carrol township.)
— Millsborough, formed April 16, 1840. (See Bethlehem township).
—West Brownsville borough, formed April 2, 1852. (See Pike Run township.)
— Beallsville borough, formed February 16, 1852. (See Pike Run township.)
— Allen township, formed June 14, 18.53.
—Jefferson " " June 16, 1853.
.—California borough, formed November 26, 1853. (See Pike Run township.)
— Independence township, formed May 19, 1855.
—Franklin " " August 13, 1855.
— Bentleysville borough, formed May 2, 1868. (See Somerset township.)
Of these boroughs and townships we shall give a detailed account in Chapter Y. as far as we have been able to ascertain their history, and particularly those which now embrace this county.
Its Boundaries.
The present limits of Washington County, therefore, may be thus defined geographically— bounded on the north by Beaver County, northeast by Allegheny County, east by Westmoreland and Fayette counties, south by Greene County, and west by the State of West Virginia. Its greatest length is thirty-two miles, its mean width, twenty-eight miles, containing 896 square miles, or 573,440 acres of land, in latitude 40°10'21'' north, and longitude from Washington 3012'53" west. Its population in 1790 was 23,866 ; in 1800, 28,293 ; in 1810, 36,289 ; in 1820, 40,038 ; in 1830, 42,860 ; in 1840, 41,279 ; in 1850, 44,939, and in 1860, 46,805.
Topographical Description.
This county is watered by many streams (which will be given in a separate chapter), but suffice it to say, however, that many valleys are formed, of greater or less width and depth, by their indentation,
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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY, 45
hence, the county presents a rolling character, and although not belonging to the class called mountainous, yet may be termed hilly. These hills are cultivated to the very tops, and in point of agri- culture and grazing are not inferior to any in the State. The undu- lating surface of the county presents scenery unsurpassed and pic- turesque, supporting thousands of sheep, and is truly deserving the name of being the largest wool-growing county in the State, and the second in the United States for the quality of the wooh
Geological Description.
In a geological view, the rocks belong to the upper series of our bituminous coal formation, consisting of alternate strata of sand- stone, shales, and limestone, with interposed beds of coal from three to six or eight feet it thickness. These nearly level strata extend over the whole surface of this and a great part of the adjoin- ing counties, are sometimes cut through by the deep valleys of the streams and exposed in varied succession in the steep banks and along the hill sides, in situations favorable to access and affording great facilities for mining and quarrying. Coal for domestic con- sumption is abundant in every part of the county and along the bank of the Monongahela. It Is mined in great quantities and sent down the Ohio River in boats.
Streams.
We add a list of the streams of this county, with their tributaries and localities.
The Monongahela River, which flows through the eastern part of Washington County, rises in Randolph County, Virginia, at the foot of the Laurel Mountain, and flowing northwardly for about three hundred miles, empties into the Allegheny River at Pittsburg and forms the Ohio. It is nearly four hundred yards wide at its mouth, and is navigable for light boats sixty miles, to West Browns- ville, in this county, and for small boats nearly two hundred miles from its mouth. Its principal tributaries are the Youghiogheny and Cheat rivers, which enter into it on the east side, but on the west side, in Washington County, are Tenviile Creek, Pigeon Creek, Baker and Fish Pot runs, Pike Run, South Fork and Maple Fork, Mingo Creek.
Tenmile Creek empties into the Monongahela River at Millsboro, Washington County; the north fork of this creek rises in Morris township and waters the townships of East and West Bethlehem, Amwell and Morris, its tributaries being Middle Fork, CrafVs Fork, Road's Fork, Hoosang's Fork, McFarlane's Fork, Bane's Fork, with Kembler's and McGrifiBn's Run. Coniconick empties into Craft's Fork at Prosperity. Its Indian name is Cusuthee.
Little North Fork, with its tributaries. Brush Run, Camp's Fork, Carter's Run, Daniel's Run, Hawkin's and Plumb Hill forks,
46 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
empties into it. On both branches of Tenmile Creek are many grist and saw-mills.
Pigeon Creek empties into the Monongahela at Monongahela City. It rises by two branches in Somerset township and flows northeast through Fallowfield township. Its length is about fifteen miles.
Mingo and Little Mingo creeks rise in Nottingham township, and flow east to the Monongahela.
Baker and Fish Pot runs empty into it in East Bethlehem township. *"
Peters' Creek and its branch called Pine Branch, Fry's Branch, and Bruce's Eun, empty into the Monongahela Kiver.
Chartiers' Creek flows a north-northeast course of thirty-five or forty miles and empties into the Ohio River five miles below Pitts- burg. Its tributaries are Catfish Run, Braddock's Run, Weirich's Run, Leet's Run, north branch of Chartiers', Quail's Run, Little Chartiers' Creek and its tributaries, Vance's, Little's, Pollock's, McCorkle's, Kenny's, and Brush runs on the east and west side of this creek, emptying into the Ohio River below Pittsburg. Miller's Run rises in Mount Pleasant township and empties into Little Chartiers' Creek. Robeson's Run rises about two miles north of Candor and empties into Chartiers. This creek flows through the townships of Robinson, Cecil, Mount Pleasant, Chartiers', Canton, North and South Strabane, Somerset, Amwell, and Morris.
This creek derives its name from Peter Chartiers, who went among the Indians on the Ohio and tributary streams to deal for peltries. He was an influential Indian interpreter, and joined the French In- dians on the Ohio, to the injury of Pennsylvania. Chartiers had a trading station on or near the mouth of the creek. Governor Thomas, in 1145, said that the perfidious blood of the Shawnees partly runs in his veins.
Big and Little Racoon rise in Mount Pleasant township ; the former near Hickory, and the latter near l)avid Lyle's, in the vicinity of Prospect Church. The tributaries of these creeks are Boyd's, Burgett's, Cherry Valley, Bailey's, Painter's, Patrick's, and Brimner and Brush runs. These different streams water the townships of Hanover, Robeson, Smith, and Mount Pleasant.
Harman's Creek rises in Smith township, and with its tributaries of Tucker and Buffalo runs, empties into the Ohio River near Steubenville, Ohio, watering the townships of Smith, Hanover, and Cross Creek. Its length is about twelve miles.
Indian or King Creek (northeast branch) rises in Hanover town- ship near Florence.
Cross Creek rises in Mount Pleasant township and runs northwest to the Ohio River, a few miles above Wellsburg, West Virginia. Its tributaries are Stewart's Run — the middle fork, with Smiley's Run, Lyle's Run; the North Fork rises near Cross Creek Village. This
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY. 47
creek flows through the township of Mount Pleasant, Cross Creek, and empties into the main branch of the creek at Patterson's mills.
Buffalo Creek rises in East Findley ; its tributaries are Brushy Run, Mill Run, Indian Camp Run, Buck Run, and Dutch Fork, These sti-eams flow through the townships of East Findley, Donegal, Hopewell, and Buffalo, and the creek itself empties into the Ohio River.
Wheeling Creek rises in East Findley, having for its tributaries Templeton's and Enslow's Fork, Hunter's Fork, and Tucker's Fork; these streams water East and West Findley townships.
Little Wheeling Creek rises in Donegal township ; Middle Wheeling Creek, in West Findley township ; these two creeks meet at Triadelphia and empty into Wheeling Creek at Shepherd's mills.
Early Religious Element.
Our first settlers were composed of the Scotch-Irish element, those who emigrated from the west of Scotland and the north of Ireland, while many others came from Cumberland and York counties, where the same element prevailed, and not a few from Yirginia. These early pioneers, one hundred years ago, crossed the rugged steeps of the Allegheny Mountains, the boisterous waves of the swift-flowing rivers, and penetrated into an unknown wilderness to secure the blessings of civil and religious liberty. No county in the State of Pennsyl- vania, or probably in the United States, can boast of a purer, better, more intelligent and devoted company of Christians than those who settled in Washington County. Military men are praised for their heroic deeds, statesmen for understanding the great principles of government ; but in this instance, men from all nations meet together around one common altar, and declare in the very commencement of their labors, their religious principles — in other words, they laid the corner stone of the religion of Jesus when they first settled Washing- ton County, by entering into solemn engagements. These engage- ments were binding not only upon the males, but upon the females also. Whole families united in the league or covenant, and the princi- ples of Presbyterianism which they brought with them, as well as those of other religious sects, are so intimately interwoven with our political affairs, that our civil and religious interests are carefully guarded by their descendants.
To illustrate the positions I have assumed, I add a religious agree- ment entered into between these early pioneers, which I received from the Rev. James T. Fredericks, pastor of the Presbyterian Church at Burgettstown, Washington County ; and before giving it I will give the causes which led to its adoption. This " Religious Agree- ment," entered into on the 14th day of February, 1782, is in the hand-writing of James Edgar, Esq., deceased, who was an Associ- ate Judge of this county. He with five others left York County in 1779— all members of the Presbyterian Church. They made an agree-
48 -HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY.
ment to locate near each other, so that they might secure to them- selves and their families the ordinances and preaching of the gospel, and be the means of collecting a church with like principles together, as they themselves professed.
These families left their eastern homes and travelled through Ty- gart's Valley and crossed the Monongahela River at Parkinson's Ferry (now Monongahela City). ^Mr. Hugh Scott, one of the six, settled west of this place ; another where Buffalo Church and Village now stand ; James Edgar in Cross Creek township, on the farm now owned by Finley Scott, Esq. ; another settled near to Briceland's Cross Roads (now Florence) ; and another, Patrick McCullough, in Pigeon Creek Congregation,^ Washington County ; yet no two settled together, but in contiguous neighborhoods, and each had the pleasure of seeing a church of their denomination to which he be- longed erected to God and dedicated to his glory. At the time of this " Religious Agreement" there were no altar and no church but the forts and the woods, in which God was worshipped with pure hearts, and in the beauty of holiness and the purity of truth. This ADVANCE GUARD of the church met, and while the minister oflSciated, and prayer and praise went up from pure hearts, sanctified by the grace of God, they grasped the faithful rifle to defend themselves against the insidious attacks of the Indians. The Rev. Dr. John Stockton, in his fortieth anniversary sermon, says : " In these forts (Wells' and Vance's) social aud afterwards public worship was kept up for seven years, especially in summer and autumn, the seasons when the Indians were out west to make their raids, and it was a common thing for men to go to these meetings armed with their trusty rifles, and to stand guard during the services." Dr. Stockton also adds, that the Rev. James Powers " preached the first gospel ser- mon under an oak tree just outside the gate of Vance's Fort. It was on this occasion that Dr. Powers baptized the child of Mr. Marquis, which was the first person who received that rite in that region of country."
With these remarks we now add the document itself, with the list of names attached, many of whose descendants are living lives of virtue, of honor, and of honesty, around and near the old family hearth- stones, consecrated by the prayers of many an aged father and mother, who have crossed the Jordan of death, and beckon their descendants to the ineffable joys of the spirit world.
Religious Agreement.
We, and each of us, whose names are underwritten, being chiefly the inhabitants of the western frontier of Washington County, con- sidering the many abounding evils in our own hearts and lives, as also the open and secret violation of the holy law of God, which dishonors His name and defiles and ruins our country ; such as ig- norance, unbelief, hardness of heart, contempt of God in his ordi- nances, law, and gospel (in particular in setting our hearts upon the
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. 49
creature in one line or another more than upon God), breach of his Sabbath, disobedience to parents, backbitiiigs, entertaining bad thoughts, and receiving groundless evil repurts of others, unfaith- fulness to God for His mercies, profaning His name, uncleanness, lascivious songs, filtliy discourse, promiscuous dancing, drunkenness, defraud, deceit, over-reaching in bargains, gaming, horse racing, cock fighting, shooting for prizes, lying, covetousness, discontent, fretting against the dispensations of God's providence, unfaithful- ness for God (in suffering sin to remain on our neighbor unreproved), denying God in the neglect of family and secret worship, catechizing and instruction of our children and servants or slaves, vexatious wranglings, and law suits, together with innumerable evils, provoking God to send down heavy judgments on our land, and to withhold or withdraw His gracious presence, and unfit our soul for enjoying any solid happiness, which we desire to acknowledge with shame and sorrow of heart before God, and do in the strength of God and de- pending on His Grace for support, solemnly promise (to our power, according to our various places and stations) to engage against, both in ourselves and others, as providence shall give us opportunity, and prudence direct.
In witness whereof, we have hereunto set our hands, this 14th day of February, 1782. (N. B. This is not to be a barrier to prevent any from signing at any time hereafter.)
Robert McCready, William Vance, John Stone, James Edgar, "William McCandless, Robert Dunbar, John Robinson, John Donahey, Matthew Hilles, Benjamin Bearkus, John McMillen, Samuel Hind- man, George McCuIloch, John Ekin, Moses Wallace, David Thomp- son, Henry McBride, John Dodds, John Strain, James Barr, Thomas Hanna, James Dabbin, Thomas Strain, Samuel Jeiferey, Alex. Mc- Candless, Samuel Leeper, James Matthews, William Smith, Thomas Bay, Ebenezer Smith, John Cowen, Thomas Barton, Hugh Sherer, Hugh Newel, Arthur Campbell, John Stephenson, Samuel Johnston, James Loop, John Hustein, William Thompson, William Reno, William Rannells, Henry Graham, William Hughes, William Camp- bell, Patrick McCormick, John Singer, Joseph Patterson, Daniel C. McCoy, David Kerr, John Morrison, John Stone, William Park, William Smiley, George Marquiss, Mary Marquiss, Thomas Mar- quiss, Joseph Vance, John Marquiss, William Wallace, Samuel Reed, James Marshall, Elias Newkirk, John Cooper, William McCullough, Alexander Wright, James Jackson, Agness Jackson, Mary Cowen, Sr., Mary Cowan, Jr., Martha Dunbar, Prudence Matthews, Eliza- beth E. Hughes, Janet McCandless, Anne Vance, David Rannells, Elizabeth McCullough, Ruth Rannells, Annie Park, Mary Johnston, Martha Edgar, Mary Graham, John Hughes, Gabriel Walker, Alex- ander Kidd, Jean Patterson. — 86. The above signed the first day. Attached is a second additional clause, with 28 names added to the first list. The second clause and names read thus : —
We desire to acknowledge the goodness of God, who hath con- 4
60 HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY,
tinned his precious gospel with us in purity, and especially for his late gracious outpourings of divine influence on many parts of the land, and especially here where we were so sunk in carnal security and wordly miudedness, floating along with the flood of vanity. And we desire to lament our barrenness and leanness under these gracious favors, and we do now, in the strength -of God, rejying on His grace, resolve that we will seek to the Lord for help to improve these precious favors, and knowing that some do oppose the work, and aspersing it as a delusion, &c., we will be guarded in our con- duct, careful of our company, and we believe that it is the duty of awakened sinners next to their supplication to the throne of grace, to lay open their case to ministers and experienced Christians, lest Satan and corruption might get the advantage of them, and that we will be careful and watchful to perform the duties required by Chris- tian rules in the families we belong to, as we stand related severally as parents and children, husbands and wives, masters or mistresses, and servants.
Signed in 1786 by Angas Sunderland, Jane Sunderland, Thomas Bay, Elizabeth Bay, Mary Patterson, Sarah Vance, Jean Marquis, Martha Rannells, Robert Morgan, Margaret Marshall, Susannah Pat- terson, Robert Marshal, Elizabeth Thompson, Tabitha Kirk, Sarah Marquis, Susannah Parke. •
May 31, 1787, Thomas Hays, Jos. Colville Yance, William Hus- ton, John M. Cloan, Joseph Wiley, Catharine Edgar, Catharine Pbillis, John Sanders, Andrew Ferguson, Elizabeth McMillen, Mary- Edgar, Sr., Hannah Huston.
To which names are added these words, " Whole number 114 — dead 26." James Edgar, Esq., makes a note below the additional clause of these words, " I believe this additional clause was made on the second day's signing."
Time would fail me were I to give a history of most of these men whose names were subscribed to this religious agreement. Many of them filled high and important stations in church and State, and have bequeathed to their posterity a priceless inheritance. Their descendants linger among us, and the rural cemeteries of Cross Creek, Buffalo, Racoon and Biirgettstown, contain the remains of those of whom it can be truthfully said, " Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."
Marriage Custom and Ceremony.
In connection with the church, I shall add a sketch of an old- fashioned wedding party, from the rare work of Rev. Dr. Dodridge, such as was practised by the first settlers.
When neighborhoods became in some degree settled, and boys and girls had grown to manhood and womanhood, mutual love resulted in marriage, which was celebrated different from weddings of the present day. An eye-witness and a participant gives the following glowing description of a wedding day among our early settlers: —
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY. 51
In the morning of the wedding day the groom and his attendants assembled at the house of his father for the purpose of reaching the mansion of his bride by noon, which was the usual time for cele- brating the nuptials, which for certain must take place before dinner.
Imagine an assemblage of people, without a store, tailor, or man- tua-maker within a hundred miles, and an assemblage of horses without a blacksmith or saddler within an equal distance. The gentlemen dressed in shoepacks, moccasons, leather breeches, leg- gings, linsey hunting shirts, and all home made. The ladies dressed in linsey petticoats and linsey or linen bed-gowns, coarse shoes, stockings, handkerchiefs, and buckskin gloves, if any. If there were any buckles, rings, buttons, or ruffles, they were the relics of old times, family pieces from parents or grandparents. The horses were caparisoned with old saddles, old bridles or halters, and pack-sad- dles, with a bag or blanket thrown over them. A rope or string as often constituted the girth as a piece of leather.
The march, in double file, was often interrupted by the narrow- ness and obstructions of our horse-paths, as they were called, for we had no roads, and these difficulties were often increased, sometimes by the good and sometimes by the ill-will of neighbors, by felling trees and tying grape-vines across the way. Sometimes an ambus- cade was formed by the wayside, and an unexpected discharge of several guns took place, so as to cover the wedding party with smoke. Let the reader imagine the scene which followed this discharge, the sudden spring of the horses, the shrieks of the girls, and the chivalric bustle of their partners to save them from falling. Some- times, in spite of all that could be done to prevent it, some were thrown to the ground. If a wrist, elbow, or ankle happened to be sprained, it was tied with a handkerchief, and little more was thought or said about it.
Another ceremony took place before the party reached the bouse of the bride. When the party were about a mile from the place of their destination, two young men would single out to run for the bottle of whiskey, the worse the path, the more logs, brush, and deep hollows, the better, as these obstacles afforded an opportu- nity for the greater display of intrepidity and horsemanship. The start was announced by an Indian yell, logs, brush, muddy hollows, hill and glen, were speedily passed by the rival ponies. The bottle was always filled for the occasion, so that there was no use for judges, for the first who reached the door was presented with the prize, with which he returned in triumph to the company. On approaching them, he announced his victory over his rival by a shrill whoop. At the head of the troop he gave the bottle first to the groom and his attendants, and then to each pair in succession to the rear of the line, giving each a dram, and then putting the bottle in the bosom of his hunting shirt, took his station in the company.
The ceremony of the marriage preceded the dinner, which was a
52 HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY.
substantial backwoods feast of beef, pork, fowls, and sometimes veni- son and bear meat, roasted- and boiled, with plenty of potatoes, cabbage, and other vegetables. During the dinner, the greatest hilarity prevailed, although the table might be a large slab of tim- ber hewed out with a broadaxe, supported by four sticks set in auger holes, and the furniture, some old pewter dishes and plates, the rest, wooden bowls and trenchers ; a few pewter spoons, much battered about the edges, were to be seen at some tables. The rest were made of horns. If knives were scarce, the deficiency was made up by the scalping knives, which were carried in sheaths, sus- pended to the belt of the hunting shirt.
After dinner the dancing commenced, and generally lasted till the next morning. The figures of the dancers were three and four hand- ed reels or square sets and jigs. The commencement was always a square four, which was followed by what was called jigging it off, that is, two of the four would single out for a jig, and were followed by the remaining couple. The jigs were often accompanied with what was called "cutting out," that is, when either of the parties became tired of the dance, on intimation, the place was supplied by some one of the company without any interruption of the dance. In this way a dance was often continued till the musician was heartily tired of his situation. Towards the latter part of the night, if any of the company, through weariness, attempted to conceal themselves for the purpose of sleeping, they were hunted up, paraded on the floor, and the fiddler ordered to play "hang out till to-mor- row morning."
About nine or ten o'clock a deputation of the young ladies stole off the bride and put her to bed. In doing this it frequently happened that they had to ascend a ladder instead of a pair of stairs, leading from the dining and ball-room to the loft, the floor of which was made of clapboards lying loose and without nails. This ascent one might think would put the bride and her attendants to the blush, but as the foot of the ladder was commonly behind the door (which was purposely opened for the occasion), and its rounds at the inner end were well hung with hunting shirts, petticoats, and other arti- cles of clothing, the candles being on the opposite side of the house, the exit of the bride was noticed but by few.
This done, a deputation of young men in like manner stole off the groom, and placed him snugly by the side of his bride. The dance still continues, and if seats happen to be scarce, which was often the case, every young man when not engaged in the dance was obliged to offer his lap as a seat for one of the girls, and the offer was sure to be accepted. In the midst of this hilarity, the bride and groom were not forgotten. Pretty late in the night some one would remind the company that the new couple must stand in need of some refresh- ments. Black Betty, which was the name of the bottle, was called for, and sent up the ladder. But sometimes black Betty did not go alone. I have many times seen as much bread, beef, pork, and cab-
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY. 53
bage sent along with her, as would afiforcl a good meal for a half dozen hungry men. The young couple were compelled to eat and drink more or less, of whatever was offered them.
In the course of the festivity, if any wanted to help himself to a dram, and the young couple to a toast, he would call out, " Where is black Betty ? I want to kiss her sweet lips." Black Betty was soon handed to hira, then holding her up in his right hand, he would say, " Here's health to the groom, not forgetting myself, and here's to the bride, thumping luck and big children." This, so far from being taken amiss, was considered as an expression of a very proper and friendly wish, for big children, especially sons, were of great import- ance ; every big son being considered as a young soldier.
It often happened that some neighbors or relations not being asked to the wedding took offence, and the mode of revenge adopted was that of cutting off the manes, foretops, and tails of the horses of the wedding company.
On returning to the infare, the order of procession and race for black Betty was the same as before. The feasting and dancing often lasted for several days.
School-Houses.
The school-house was considered as necessary to the prosperity of a settlement as the church, and the requirements of the schoolmaster were, that he could read, write, and cipher as far as the double rule of three. When such a man offered himself, the neighbors would employ him, and immediately set about the erection of a school-house. One would give the ground, some would cut the logs, some would haul them to the appointed place, others would put them up. In the erection of the school-house, a log would be kept out the entire length to answer the purpose of a window. The fireplace was built with logs, with a stone back wall calculated for a back log six feet long. The chimney was built with what was then called " cat and clay chimney." The seats were made of small trees, cut about twelve feet long and split, the flat side dressed smooth with the axe, and legs put in the round side, which stood on an earthen floor. In summer time the dust would be sometimes two inches deep, hence the scholars for amusement would amuse themselves by "kicking up the dust " (which is likely the origin of the expression), to the great an- noyance of the schoolmaster, who would use his cat-o'-nine-tails very freely.
In old times, they had a custom which is now, we believe, entirely laid aside. About a week before Christmas the larger scholars would meet in the night to bar out the master. On his arrival at the school-room he would endeavor to foi'ce his way in, but finding his efforts unavailing, he would enter into an agreement to give them holiday between Christmas and New Year's, give a gallon of whiskey, and lots of ginger-cakes on Christmas day, and play corner ball with the scholars on that occasion.
54 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
CHAPTER IV.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE SUPRExME EXECUTIVE COUNCIL.
A brief history of the Provincial Conference — The Constitution of 1776 ; the Council of Censors ; the Convention of 1789 ; the Constitution of 1790; the action of the Legislature of 1825 ; with regard to a convention, and the vote of the people ; the Convention of 1837 ; the Constitution of 1838, and the full proceedings of the Supreme Executive, from 1781 to 1791, which relates to Washington County.
Supreme Executive Council.
Before proceeding with the acts of this body, as connected with Washington County, it is necessary to give a history of its rise and origin, as interwoven with the Constitution of 1776.
A provincial conference of committees of the several counties of Pennsylvania convened at Carpenter's Hall, in Philadelphia, on 25th of June, 1776, in consequence of a circular letter from the committee of the city and liberties of Philadelphia, inclosing the resolution of the Continental Congress of the 15th of May, 1776. Returns of delegates were laid before this provincial conference from the city of Philadelphia, and the counties of Philadelphia, Bucks, Chester, Lancaster, Berks, Northampton, York, Cumberland, Bed- ford, Northumberland, and Westmoreland (these ten counties then composing the province). Thomas McKean was chosen President, Joseph Hart, Vice-President, and Jonathan B. Smith and Samuel C. Morris, Secretaries.
The President directed the reading of the resolution of the 15th of May, 1776, passed by the Continental Congress, which was in these words : —
Whereas, his Britannic majesty, in conjunction with the Lords and Commons of Great Britan, has, % a late act of Parliament, excluded the inhabitants of these United Colonies from the protection of bis crown ; and whereas no answer whatever to the humble petitions of the colonies for the redress of grievances and reconciliation with Great Britain has been or is likely to be given, but the whole force of that kingdom, aided by foreign mercenaries, is to be exerted for the destruction of the good people of these colonies ; and whereas it appears absolutely irreconcilable to reason and good conscience for the people of these colonies now to take the oaths and other matters necessary for the support of any government under the crown of Great Britain, and it is necessaiy that the exercise of every kind of authority, under the said crown, shall be totally suppressed,
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY. 55
and all the powers of government exerted under the authority of the people of the colonies, for the preservation of interval peace, virtue and good order, as well as for the defence of their lives, liberties, and properties, against the hostile invasions and cruel depredations of their enemies ; therefore,
Resolved, That it be recommended to the respective assemblies and conventions of the United Colonies, where no government suffi- cient to the exigencies of their affairs has been hitherto established, to adopt such government as shall, in the opinion of the representa- tives of the people, best conduce to the happiness and safety of their constituents in particular and America in general.
The Conference adopted the resolution, and resolved to adopt a new government in the province of Pennsylvania, on the authority of the people only.
The Convention appointed Monday the 8th day of July, 1116, for electing members in the different counties to said Convention, and fixed Monday the 15th of July, 1176, for the assembling of the dele- gates.
On the 15th of July, 17 76, delegates from the city of Philadel- phia and the ten counties of the State as above specified, met in Philadelphia, and organized by electing Dr. Benjamin Franklin, President ; Col. Greorge Ross, Vice-President ; John Morris, Secre- tary. The Convention terminated their session on the 28th of Sep- tember, 1776, and adopted a constitution, containing a decla7'ation of rights and the frame of government. The commonwealth was to be governed by an Assembly of the representatives of the freemen of the State, a President and Council. In the House of Representa- tives the supreme legislative power was vested, but in the President and Council the supreme executive power was vested, under the title of Supreme Executive Council.
The first Constitution of Pennsylvania, adopted July 15, 1776, provided that this council should consist of twelve persons, chosen from the counties then in existence, but provided that in case of the formation of new counties, such county or counties shall elect a councillor. The Council was required to meet annually at the same time and place with the General Assembly.
The duties of the President and Executive Council (five of whom constituted a quorum) were to appoint all officers, civil and mili- tary, except such as were chosen by the people or the General Assembly, and to fill vacancies, grant pardons, remit fines, grant reprieves, see that the laws were faithfully executed, &c. &c. &c. Two justices of the peace for each district were elected for seven years.
The Constitution also provided that a Council of Censors should be elected by the people on the second Tuesday of October, 1783, and in every seventh year thereafter, whose duty was to inquire if the Constitution had been preserved inviolate, whether the different branches of government had performed their duties faith-
66 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
fally, and whether the taxes were justly laid, &c. &c., and to call a convention to amend any article of tlje Constitution which might be defective.
The first Council of Censors met on November the 10th, 1788, when Washington County was represented by James Edgar and John McDowell. After examining the Constitution and its opera- tion, they appointed several committees and adjourned to June 1, 1784, and after hearing the opinions of the members, they passed a resolution by a vote of fourteen to ten, that there was no absolute necessity to call a convention to alter, explain, or amend the Con- stitution, but drafted an address to the people on the necessity of supporting the Constitution by giving it a fair and honest trial, and if at the end of seven years it did not answer the desired purpose, to make the necessary change.
On the 24th of March, IT 89, a resolution was adopted by the General Assembly by a vote of forty -one to seventeen, that it was necessary to call a convention to revise, alter, and amend the Con- stitution, and for this purpose the authority was given to the people to elect delegates for that purpose, to meet in Philadelphia on the 24th of November, 1189.
This Convention met at the day appointed, with delegates from the city and county of Philadelphia, and the counties of Bucks, Chester, Lancaster, York, Cumberland, Berks, Northampton, Bed- ford, Westmoreland, Washington, Fayette, Franklin, Montgomery, Dauphin, Luzerne, Huntingdon, Delaware, Northumberland, and Alleghany (there being twenty counties in the State). The delegates from Washington County were Alexander Addison, John Hoge, David Reddick, and James Ross. Thomas Mifflin was elected President. This convention adjourned on the 26th of February, 1190, to assemble on the 9th of August following, after having adopted a constitution, which was ordered to be printed for the consideration of the people of Pennsylvania. The reason given for a change is thus explained by Thomas McKean. The balance of the one, the few, and the many, is not well poised in the State; the legislature is too powerful for the executiv.e and judicial branches. We have now but one branch ; we must have another branch, a negative in the executive, stability in our laws, and permanency in our magistracy, before we shall be reputable, safe, and happy.
The delegates reassembled at the time and place appointed, and after a careful review and an investigation of the Constitution, adopted the same on September 2, 1790, by a vote of sixty-one to one, and was officially proclaimed as such.
In the Constitution of 1790, the legislative power was vested in the Senate and House of Representatives, and not in the House of Representatives alone, as in the Constitution of 1776.
The supreme executive power was vested in the Governor, while in the Constitution of 1776 it was in the Pi'esident and Supreme Executive Council.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. 57
The Constitution of 1790 going into effect, the Supreme Executive Council was abolished, and on the 22d of April, 1794, an act was passed vesting- aJl the powers of the late Supreme Executive Coun- cil in the Governor, unless otherwise vested by law. On the 28th of March, 1825, an act was passed by the legislature to ascertain the opinion of the people relative to the call of a convention.
On the second Tuesday of October, 1825, the people, by ballot, decided against the proposed convention. On the second of May, 1837, a State Convention assembled at Harrisburg to amend the Constitution. Hon. John Sergeant, of Philadelphia, was chosen President. This Convention continued in session until the July following, when it adjourned and reassembled in October. In the following December the Convention removed to Philadelphia and finally closed their labors on the 22d of February, 1838. The pro- posed amendments to the Constitution were adopted by the people at the annual October election of the same year.
I shall now proceed to give extracts from the proceedings of the Supreme Executive Council, on subjects referring to Washington County.
Philadelphia, Monday, April 2, 1781.
Present: His Excellency Joseph Eeed, Esq., President, the Vice- President, and members of the Supreme Executive Council.
The Council taking into consideration the act of Assembly passed the 28th inst., entitled " An act for erecting- part of the county of Westmore- land into a special county" called by the name of Washington.
Resolved, That Thomas Scott, Esq., be appointed and commissioned to be the Prothonotary of the said county of Washington.
Resolved, That James Marshal, Esq., be appointed and commissioned to be Lieutenant of the county of Washington, and that John Cannon and David Lite (Leet) be appointed and commissioned to be the sub-Lieuten- ants of the said county.
Philadelphia, April 4, 1781,- Present : His Excellency Joseph Eeed, Esq., President, and Executive Council.
James Marshal, Esq., appointed by the Honorable House of Assembly to be Register for the Probate of Wills and granting letters of administra- tion, and Recorder of Deeds for the county of AVashington, and by this Board to be Lieutenant of the said county, attended in council and took the several oaths necessary to qualify him for the said offices respectively.
Philadelphia, April 20, 1781.
Present : His Excellency Joseph Reed, Esq., President, and Executive Council.
Ordered, That Colonel James Marshal, Lieutenant of the county of Wash- ington, be authorized and directed to call out forty men of the militia of that county, or if the militia shall not be organized sufficient for that pur- pose, to raise the said number of men for the purpose of escorting and guarding the commissioners appointed to run the line between this State and Virginia, during the time they shall be on that service, and that he be
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HISTORY or WASHINGTON COUNTY.
authorized to call on the commanding officer at Fort Pitt for ammunition for that purpose. Col. Daniel Broadhead was commandant at Fort Pitt.
Philadelphia, August 23, 1781,
Present : His Excellency the President and Executive Council.
Returns of Justices for the following townships in the county of Wash- ington were received and read, by which it ajipears that the following gen- tlemen were elected : —
Peters township. John Douglass and Robert Thompson.
Nottingham township. Benjamin Parkinson and Joseph Parkinson.
Strabane township. (In which is the place called Catfish Camp, ordered bylaw to be the seat of justice). Daniel Leet, Henry Taylor, John White, Nicholas Little, Alexander Eddy, and David Clark.
Amwell township. Abner Howell and John Craig.
Donegal toionship. Samuel Mason and Samuel Williamson.
Hopewell toionship. William Scott and John Marshall.
Fallowfield toionship. John Parker, John Hall, east end, and John Ste- venson and Patrick McCullough, west end of said township.
Smith's toionship. Samuel Johnston and James Edgar.
Cecil township. Matthew McConnell and John Reed.
On consideration,
Resolved, That Henry Taylor, William Scott, John Craig, John White, Daniel Leet, John Marshall, John Douglass, Benjamin Parkinson, John Reed, Abner Howell, Matthew McConnell, Samuel Johnston, and Samuel Mason, be appointed and commissioned justices of the peace, of the court of Common Pleas, and of the Orphans' Court of the county of Washing- ton, and that a general commission be issued accordingly.
Philadelphia, October 11, 1781.
Present : The Honorable the Vice-President and Executive Council.
The Council took into consideration a resolve of Congress of the 24th of September last, appointing Brigadier-General William Irvine to the com- mand of Fort Pitt, and thereupon
Ordered, That agreeably to the said recommendation, the Lieutenant of the county of Washington be ordered to call forth, agreeably to law, upon his requisition, such militia as may be necessary for that post and the pro- tection of the county.
Philadelphia, Nov. 19, 1781.
Present : His Excellency the President, the Vice-President, and Execu- tive Council.
Dorsey Pentecost, councillor elect for the county of Washington, attend- ed in council and took the oath of allegiance and oath of office required by the Constitution, and thereupon took his seat at the Board as a member thereof.
Philadelphia, Nov. 21, 1781.
Present : His Excellency the President, Vice-President, and Executive Council.
A return of an election said to have been held at the house of Ezekiel Roe, in Bethlehem township in Washington County, for electing justices of the peace for said township, was presented and read, and on inquiry, it appeared that the said election was not appointed by a justice of the peace for the said county, where a "vacancy had happened," the case provided for by law, but in consequence of a neglect to choose according to the di- rections of the law, wherefore the said election isvoid.
HISTORY OP "WASHINGTON COUNTY.
59
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The Council therefore proceeded to the choice of a justice of the peace for the said township of Bethlehem, agrreeably to the directions of the act of Assembly, entitled "A further supplement to an act entitled, 'an act di- recting the mode and time of electing justices of the peace for the city of Philadelphia, and the several counties in this commonwealth, and for other purposes herein mentioned,' " and appointed Thomas Crooks, Esq.
Ordered, That he be commissioned accordingly.
In Council. Ph/ladelpMa, Nov. 24, 1781.
A free conference being had, it appeared to be the sentiments of the Council and of the Committee, that an additional company is necessary for the defence of Washington County, and to complete the four companies now established, and that it might he proper to make application to Con- . gress for such assistance from the United States as would render an incur- sion into the Indian country prudent and practicable.
In Council. PJnladelpJn'a, Nov. 30, 1781.
A petition from Thomas Bay, of Washington County, praying to be re- imbursed for sundry expenses he has been at in raising twelve volunteers in the spring of the year 1780 for the defence of the said county was read, and thereupon
Resolved, That the said petition be presented to the General Assembly.
A return of the general election of the county of Washington was read, by which it appears that the following gentlemen were duly elected, viz : Councillor, Dorsey Pentecost; Representatives, James Edgar and John Cannon; Sheriffs, Van Swearingen and Andrew Swearingen ; Coroners, William McFarlane and William McComb ; Commissioners, George Vallan- dingham, 'j'homas Crooks, and John McDowell.
On consideration.
Resolved, That Van Swearingen be appointed sheriff of the county of Washington, and that William McFarlane be appointed coroner of the said county, and that they be commissioned accordingly.
Van Swearingen, Esq., sheriiF elect for the county of Washington, now offers Andrew Swearingen and Eichard Yeates as sureties for the faithful performance of the duties of his ofi&ce of sheriff, according to law, and the same are approved.
In Council. Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1781.
Resolved, That William Sao tt of Cross Creek, and Andrew Heath be appointed agents of forfeited estates in the county of Washington.
In Council. Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1781.
• Ordered, That Col. Lewis Farmer be directed to purchase the following articles of clothing for the company of rangers to be raised in Washington County.* Fifty coats, fifty waistcoats, fifty pair of overalls, fifty hats, one hundred shirts, one hundred pairs of shoes, and fifty blankets.
The Hon. Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., presented to the Board a state of the accounts of James Marshal, Esq., Lieutenant of the county of Washing- ton, agreeably to the 19th section of the militia law of this State, and the same being considered,
Resolved, That the said accounts be transmitted to the Auditors of the public accounts.
Philadelphia, Dec. 1, 1781.
A letter from John Conner, Esq., of the 10th inst., inclosing his com- mission of sub-Lieutenant of the county of Washington, and praying this Board to accept his resignation thereof, was read, and on consideration, Resolved, That the same be accepted.
*.See December 27, 1781.
go HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY.
authorized to call on the commanding officer at Fort Pitt for ammunition for that purpose. Col. Daniel Broadhead was commandant at Fort Pitt.
Pluladelplxia, August 23, 1781.
Present : His Excellency the President and Executive Council.
Returns of Justices for the following townships in the county of "Wash- ington were received and read, by which it appears that the following gen- tlemen were elected : — ■
Peters township. John Douglass and Eobert Thompson.
Nottingham township. Benjamin Parkinson and Joseph Parkinson.
Strabane township. (In which is the place called Catfish Camp, ordered bylaw to be the seat of justice). Daniel Leet, Henry Taylor, John White, Nicholas Little, Alexander Eddy, and David Clark.
Amwell township. Abner Howell and John C'raig.
Donegal toivnship. Samuel Mason and Samuel Williamson.
Hopewelliownship. William Scott and John Marshall.
Fallowfield township. John Parker, John Hall, east end, and John Ste- venson and Patrick McCuUough, west end of said township.
Smith's toivnship. Samuel Johnston and James Edgar.
Cecil toivnship. Matthew McConnell and John Reed.
On consideration,
Resolved, That Henry Taylor, William Scott, John Craig, John White, Daniel Leet, John Marshall, John Douglass, Benjamin Parkinson, John Reed, Abner Howell, Matthew McConnell, Samuel Johnston, and Samuel Mason, be appointed and commissioned justices of the peace, of the court of Common Pleas, and of the Orphans' Court of the county of Washing- ton, and that a general commission be issued accordingly.
Philadelphia, October 11, 1781.
Present : The Honorable the Vice-President and Executive Council.
The Council took into consideration a resolve of Congress of the 24th of September last, appointing Brigadier-General William Irvine to the com- mand of Fort Pitt, and thereupon
Ordered, That agreeably to the said recommendation, the Lieutenant of the county of Washington be ordered to call forth, agreeably to law, upon his requisition, such militia as may be necessary for that post and the pro- tection of the county.
Philadelphia, Nov. 19, 1781.
Present : His Excellency the President, the Vice-President, and Execu- tive Council.
Dorsey Pentecost, councillor elect for the county of Washington, attend- ed in council and took the oath of allegiance and oath of office required by the Constitution, and thereupon took his seat at the Board as a member thereof.
Philadelphia, Nov. 21, 1781.
Present : His Excellency the President, Vice-President, and Executive Council.
A return of an election said to have been held at the house of Ezekiel Roe, in Bethlehem township in Washington County, for electing justices of the peace for said township, was presented and read, and on inquiry, it appeared that the said election was not appointed by a justice of the peace for the said county, where a "vacancy had happened," the case provided for by law, but in consequence of a neglect to choose according to the di- rections of the law, wherefore the said election isvoid.
HISTORY OP ■WASHINGTON COUNTY. 59
The Council therefore proceeded to the choice of a justice of the peace for the said township of Bethlehem, agreeably to the directions of the act of Assembly, entitled "A further supplement to an act entitled, 'an act di- recting the mode and time of electing justices of the peace for the city of Philadelphia, and the several counties in this commonwealth, and for other purposes herein mentioned,' " and appointed. Thomas Crooks, Esq.
Ordered, That he be commissioned accordingly.
In Council. Philadelphia, Nov. 24, 1781.
A free conference being had, it appeared to be the sentiments of the Council and of the Committee, that an additional company is necessary for the defence of Washington County, and to complete the four companies now established, and that it might be proper to make application to Con- . gress for such assistance from the United States as would render an incur- sion into the Indian country prudent and practicable.
In Council. Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1781.
A petition from Thomas Bay, of "Washington County, praying to be re- imbursed for sundry expenses he has been at in raising twelve volunteers in the spring of the year 1780 for the defence of the said county was read, and thereupon
Resolved, That the said petition be presented to the General Assembly.
A return of the general election of the county of Washington was read, by which it appears that the following gentlemen were duly elected, viz : Councillor, Dorsey Pentecost ; Representatives, James Edgar and John Cannon; Sheriffs, Yan Swearingen and Andrew Swearingen ; Coroners, William McFarlane and William McComb ; Commissioners, George Vallan- dingham, Thomas Crooks, and John McDowell.
On consideration.
Resolved, I'hat Van Swearingen be appointed sherilf of the county of Washington, and that William McFarlane be appointed coroner of the said county, and that they be commissioned accordingly.
Van Swearingen, Esq., sheriff elect for the county of Washington, now offers Andrew Swearingen and Eichard Yeates as sureties for the faithful performance of the duties of his office of sheriff, according to law, and the same are approved.
In Council. Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1781.
Resolved, That William_^^Qtt of Cross Creek, and Andrew Heath be appointed agents of forfeited estates in the county of Washington.
In Council. Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1781.
• Ordered, That Col. Lewis Farmer be directed to purchase the following articles of clothing for the company of rangers to be raised in Washington County.* Fifty coats, fifty waistcoats, fifty pair of overalls, fifty hats, one hundred shirts, one hundred pairs of shoes, and fifty blankets.
The Hon. Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., presented to the Board a state of the accounts of James Marshal, Esq., Lieutenant of the county of Washing- ton, agreeably to the 19th section of the militia law of this State, and the same being considered.
Resolved, That the said accounts be transmitted to the Auditors of the public accounts.
Philadelphia, Dec. 1, 1781.
A letter from John Conner, Esq., of the 10th inst., inclosing his com- mission of sub-Lieutenant of the county of Washington, and praying this Board to accept his resignation thereof, was read, and on consideration. Resolved, That the same be accepted.
*.See December 27, 1781.
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HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY.
authorized to call on the commanding officer at Fort Pitt for ammunition for that purpose.
Col. Daniel Broadhead was commandant at Fort Pitt.
PMladelpMa, August 23, 1781.
Present : His Excellency the President and Executive Council.
Eeturns of Justices for the following townships in the county of Wash- ington were received and read, by which it appears that the following gen- tlemen were elected : —
Peters township. John Douglass and Robert Thompson.
Nottingham toivnship. Benjamin Parkinson and Joseph Parkinson.
Strabane township. (In which is the place called Catfish Camp, ordered bylaw to be the seat of justice). Daniel Leet, Henry Taylor, John White, Nicholas Little, Alexander Eddy, and David Clark.
Amwell township. Abner Howell and John Craig.
Donegal township. Samuel Mason and Samuel Williamson.
Hopewell toivnship. William Scott and John Marshall.
Fallowfield toivnship. John Parker, John Hall, east end, and John Ste- venson and Patrick McCullough, west end of said township.
Smith's township. Samuel Johnston and James Edgar.
Cecil toivnship. Matthew McConnell and John Reed.
On consideration,
Resolved, That Henry Taylor, William Scott, John Craig, John White, Daniel Leet, John Marshall, John Douglass, Benjamin Parkinson, John Reed, Abner Howell, Matthew McConnell Samuel Johnston, and Samuel Mason, be appointed and commissioned justices of the peace, of the court of Common Pleas, and of the Orphans' Court of the county of Washing- ton, and that a general commission be issued accordingly.
Philadelphia, October 11, 1781.
Present : The Honorable the Vice-President and Executive Council.
The Council took into consideration a resolve of Congress of the 24th of September last, appointing Brigadier-General William Irvine to the com- mand of Fort Pitt, and thereupon
Ordered, That agreeably to the said recommendation, the Lieutenant of the county of Washington be ordered to call forth, agreeably to law, upon his requisition, such militia as may be necessary for that post and the pro- tection of the county.
Philadelphia, Nov. 19, 1781.
Present : His Excellency the President, the Vice-President, and Execu- tive Council.
Dorsey Pentecost, councillor elect for the county of Washington, attend- ed in council and took the oath of allegiance and oath of office required by the Constitution, and thereupon took his seat at the Board as a member thereof.
Philadelphia, Nov. 21, 1781.
Present : His Excellency the President, Vice-President, and Executive Council.
A return of an election said to have been held at the house of Ezekiel Roe, in Bethlehem township in Washington County, for electing justices of the peace for said township, was presented and read, and on inquiry, it appeared that the said election was not appointed by a justice of the peace for the said county, where a "vacancy had happened," the case provided for by law, but in consequence of a neglect to choose according to the di- rections of the law, wherefore the said election isvoid.
HISTORY OF "WASHINGTON COUNTY.
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The Council therefore proceeded to the choice of a justice of the peace for the said township of Bethlehem, agreeably to the directions of the act of Assembly, entitled "A further supplement to an act entitled, 'an act di- recting the mode and time of electing justices of the peace for the city of Philadelphia, and the several counties in this commonwealth, and for other purposes herein mentioned,' " and appointed. Thomas Crooks, Esq.
Ordered, That he be commissioned accordingly.
In Council. Philadelphia, Nov. 24, 1781.
A free conference being had, it appeared to be the sentiments of the Council and of the Committee, that an additional company is necessary for the defence of Washington County, and to complete the four companies now established, and that it might be proper to make application to Con- . gress for such assistance from the United States as would render an incur- sion into the Indian country prudent and practicable.
In Codxcil. Philadelphia, Nov. 30, 1781.
A petition from Thomas Bay, of Washington County, praying to be re- imbursed for sundry expenses he has been at in raising twelve volunteers in the spring of the year 1780 for the defence of the said county was read, and thereupon
Resolved, That the said petition be presented to the General Assembly.
A return of the general election of the county of Washington was read, by which it appears that the following gentlemen were duly elected, viz : Councillor, Dorsey Pentecost; Representatives, James Edgar and John Cannon; Sheriffs, Van Swearingen and Andrew Swearingen ; Coroners, William McFarlane and William McComb ; Commissioners, George Vallan- dingham, 1'homas Crooks, and John McDowell.
On consideration.
Resolved, That Van Swearingen be appointed sheriff of the county of Washington, and that William McFarlane be appointed coroner of the said county, and that they be commissioned accordingly.
Van Swearingen, Esq., sheriff elect for the county of Washington, now offers Andrew Swearingen and Kichard Yeates as sureties for the faithful performance of the duties of his office of sheriff, according to law, and the same are approved.
In Council. Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1781.
Resolved, That Williani^ Sgjjtt of Cross Creek, and Andrew Heath be appointed agents of forfeited estates in the county of Washington. In Council. Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1781.
• Ordered, That Col. Lewis Farmer be directed to purchase the following articles of clothing for the company of rangers to be raised in Washington County.* Fifty coats, fifty waistcoats, fifty pair of overalls, fifty hats, one hundred shirts, one hundred pairs of shoes, and fifty blankets.
The Hon. Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., presented to the Board a state of the accounts of James Marshal, Esq., Lieutenant of the county of Washing- ton, agreeably to the 19th section of the militia law of this State, and the same being considered.
Resolved, That the said accounts be transmitted to the Auditors of the public accounts.
Philadelphia, Dec. 1, 1781.
A letter from John Conner, Esq., of the 10th inst., inclosing his com- mission of sub-Lieutenant of the county of Washington, and praying this Board to accept his resignation thereof, was read, and on consideration, Resolved, That the same be accepted.
*.See December 27, 1781.
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HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY.
authorized to call on the commanding officer at Fort Pitt for ammunition for that purpose.
Col. Daniel Broadhead was commandant at Fort Pitt.
PhiladeJpMa, August 23, 1781.
Present : His Excellency the President and Executive Council.
Eeturns of Justices for the following townships in the county of "Wash- ington were received and read, by which it appears that the following gen- tlemen were elected : — ■
Peters township. John Douglass and Robert Thompson.
Nottingham township. Benjamin Parkinson and Joseph Parkinson.
Strabane township. (In which is the place called Catfish Camp, ordered bylaw to be the seat of justice). Daniel Leet, Henry Taylor, John White, Nicholas Little, Alexander Eddy, and David Clark.
Amwell township. Abner Howell and John Craig.
Donegal toionship. Samuel Mason and Samuel Williamson.
Hopewell ioivnship. William Scott and John Marshall.
Fallowfield toxvnship. John Parker, John Hall, east end, and John Ste- venson and Patrick McCullough, west end of said township.
Smith's township. Samuel Johnston and James Edgar.
Cecil township. Matthew McConnell and John Reed.
On consideration,
Resolved, That Henry Taylor, William Scott, John Craig, John White, Daniel Leet, John Marshall, John Douglass, Benjamin Parkinson, John Reed, Abner Howell, Matthew McConnell, Samuel Johnston, and Samuel Mason, be appointed and commissioned justices of the peace, of the court of Common Pleas, and of the Orphans' Court of the county of Washing- ton, and that a general commission be issued accordingly.
Philadelphia, October 11, 1781.
Present : The Honorable the Yice-President and Executive Council.
The Council took into consideration a resolve of Congress of the 24th of September last, appointing Brigadier-General William Irvine to the com- mand of Fort Pitt, and thereupon
Ordered, That agreeably to the said recommendation, the Lieutenant of the county of Washington be ordered to call forth, agreeably to law, upon his requisition, such militia as may be necessary for that post and the pro- tection of the county.
Philadelphia, Nov. 19, 1781.
Present : His Excellency the President, the Vice-President, and Execu- tive Council.
Dorsey Pentecost, councillor elect for the county of Washington, attend- ed in council and took the oath of allegiance and oath of office required by the Constitution, and thereupon took his seat at the Board as a member thereof.
Philadelphia, Nov. 21, 1781.
Present : His Excellency the President, Vice-President, and Executive Council.
A return of an election said to have been held at the house of Ezekiel Roe, in Bethlehem township in Washington County, for electing justices of the peace for said township, was presented and read, and on inquiry, it appeared that the said election was not appointed by a justice of the peace for the said county, where a "vacancy had happened," the case provided for by law, but in consequence of a neglect to choose according to the di- rections of the law, wherefore the said election isvoid.
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HISTORY OF "WASHINGTON COUNTY.
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The Council therefore proceeded to the choice of a justice of the peace for the said township of Bethlehem, agreeably to the directions of the act of Assembly, entitled "A further supplement to an act entitled, 'an act di- recting the mode and time of electing justices of the peace for the city of Philadelphia, and the several counties in this commonwealth, and for other purposes herein mentioned,' " and appointed. Thomas Crooks, Esq.
Ordered, That he be commissioned accordingly.
In Council. Fhiladelphm, Nov. 24, 1781.
A free conference being had, it appeared to be the sentiments of the Council and of the Committee, that an additional company is necessary for the defence of Washington County, and to complete the four companies now established, and that it might be proper to make application to Con- . gress for such assistance from the United States as would render an incur- sion into the Indian country prudent and practicable.
In Council. Philadelphm, Nov. 30, 1781.
A petition from Thomas Bay, of Washington County, praying to be re- imbursed for sundry expenses he has been at in raising twelve volunteers in the spring of the year 1780 for the defence of the said county was read, and thereupon
Resolved, That the said petition be presented to the General Assembly.
A return of the general election of the county of Washington was read, by which it appears that the following gentlemen were duly elected, viz : Councillor, Dorsey Pentecost; Representatives, James Edgar and John Cannon; Sheriff's, Van Swearingen and Andrew Swearingen ; Coroners, William McFarlane and William McComb ; Commissioners, George Vallan- dingham, Thomas Crooks, and John McDowell.
On consideration,
Resolved, That Van Swearingen be appointed sheriff of the county of Washington, and that William McFarlane be appointed coroner of the said county, and that they be commissioned accordingly.
Van Swearingen, Esq., sheriff elect for the county of Washington, now offers Andrew Swearingen and Richard Yeates as sureties for the faithful performance of the duties of his ofiBce of sheriff, according to law, and the same are approved.
In Council. Philadelphia, Dec. 6, 1781.
Resolved, That William Sc_ott of Cross Creek, and Andrew Heath be appointed agents of forfeited estates in the county of Washington.
In Council. Philadelphia, Dec. 11, 1781.
• Ordered, That Col. Lewis Farmer be directed to purchase the following articles of clothing for the company of rangers to be raised in Washington County.* Fifty coats, fifty waistcoats, fifty pair of overalls, fifty hats, one hundred shirts, one hundred pairs of shoes, and fifty blankets.
The Hon. Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., presented to the Board a state of the accounts of James Marshal, Esq., Lieutenant of the county of Washing- ton, agreeably to the 19th section of the militia law of this State, and the same being considered.
Resolved, That the said accounts be transmitted to the Auditors of the public accounts.
Philadelphia, Dec. 1, 1781.
A letter from John Conner, Esq., of the 10th inst., inclosing his com- mission of sub-Lieutenant of the county of Washington, and praying this Board to accept his resignation thereof, was read, and on consideration, Resolved, That the same be accepted.
*.See December 27, 1781.
60 HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
On consideration, Philadelphia, Dec. 19, 1781.
Ordered, That Captain Joseph Stiles, commissary of military stores, be directed to deliver to the lion. Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., five hundred weight of gunpowder, one thousand weight of lead, and one thousand flints, to be forwarded to Col. James Marshal, Lieutenant of the county of Washing- ton, for the defence of the frontiers of the said county.
Philadelphia, Dec. 20, 1781.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honorable John Piper, Esq., for the sum of three pounds specie and the sum of nineteen pounds specie, being money advanced by him for the carriage of Captain Boyd's Company of Rangers in Bedford County, and for the carriage of pow- der and lead for the counties of Washixgton, Westmoreland, and Bedford.
The Honorable Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., presented to the Board his ac- count for 31 days' attendance in Council from the 19th of November to the 20th of December inst., at 25 shillings per day £38.15
Mileage. 350 miles coming from Washington County at 1 shilling
per mile 17.10
Balance specie £56.05
And therefore an order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honor- able Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., for the sum of fifty-six pounds, five shillings specie, amount of the said account.
Philadelphia, Dec. 24, 1781.
The Council took into consideration the appointment of sub-Lieutenants for the county of Washington, agreeably to the militia laws of this State ; and William McCleary, William Parker, George Vallandingham, and Mat- thew Ritchie being recommended ; on consideration.
Resolved, That William McCleary, William Parker, George Yalanding- ham, and Matthew Ritchie be appointed sub-Lieutenants of the county of Washington, and that they be commissioned accordingly.
Philadelphia, Dec. 27, 1781.
The Council, taking into consideration the appointing officers for the Ranging Company for the county of Washington,
Resolved, 'J'hat John Hughes, Esq., be appointed and commissioned to be Captain of a company of Rangers to be raised in the county of Washing- ton, and that Gabriel Peterson be appointed Lieutenant and James Morri- son, Ensign of the said company, and that they be commissioned accord- ingly-
Philadelphia, Dec. 29, 1781.
On consideration of the proposals made by John Cannon, p]sq.. for sup- plying the militia and Rangers of the county of Washington which may be employed for the defence of the frontiers of said county
Ordered, That twelve pence per ration, in specie, be allowed for the ra- tions delivered at such places as the said troops may from time to time be stationed within the said county of Washington.
The rations to consist of
One pound of bread ; one pound of beef or three-fourths pound of pork ; one gill o^" whiskey per day and one quart of salt and two quarts of vinegar, to every hundred rations.
Eight pounds of soap and three pounds of candles to every seven hundred rations.
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY. 61
Phtladelphm, Jan. 5, 1782.
Resolved, John Hughes be appointed Captain. Gabriel Peterson Lieu- tenant, and James ^rorrison Ensign of the Company of Rangers to be raised ia the county of Washington for the defence of the frontiers.
Resolved, That the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds specie be paid into the hands of Henry Taylor, Esq., to be by him delivered out to Captain John Hughes, Lieutenant Peterson, and Ensign ^lorrison for the purpose of recruiting the company of Rangers for the county of Washington.
Philadelphia, Jan. 8, 1782.
The Council, taking into consideration the exposed situation of the fron- tier counties, the probability of invasions of them by parties of Indians, and the impossibility of obtaining particular orders from the Council for calling out in due time themilitia of the said counties in such cases.
Ordered, 1'hat the Lieutenant of the county of Washington be authorized and empowered to call out such and so many militia, according to law, as they may judge necessary for repelling the enemy.
Philadelphia, Jan. 29, 1782. An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John McCashem for the sum of ten pounds specie for paying for the transportation of clothing for the ranging companies of Washington and Westmoreland counties from Philadelphia to Shippensburg.
Philadelphia, Feb, 26, 1782. A letter from the Commissioners of the Taxes of the county of Washing- ton, respecting the collection of the taxes was received and read, and on consideration ordered that the same be transmitted to the General Assem- bly of the State.
Philadelphia, March 5, 1782. Ordered, That Captain Joseph Stiles, Commissary of ISUlitary Stores, be directed to deliver to the Honorable Dorsey Pentecost one thousand flints, fifty stand of arms, and fifty pouches, to be forwarded to the Lieuten- ant of the county of Washington for the use of the Ranging company to be raised in the said county.
Philadelphia, March 9, 1782. An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honorable Christo- pher Hayes, Esq., for the sum of eighteen pounds fifteen shillings specie for paying for the transportation of arms and ammunition from the city to Conocheague for the defence of the frontiers of Washington, Westmoreland, and Bedford counties.
Philadelphia, March 18, 1782. The Honorable Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., presented to the Board the fol- lowing account, viz.,
Dr. The State of Pennsylvania in account with Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., For attendance in council from the 20th of December, 1781, to the 23d of
March, 1782—94 days at 17s. 6. £82.5
And thereupon an order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honorable Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., for the sum of eighty-two pounds, five shillings specie, amount of the said account.
Philadelphia, March 30,1782. ■ Ordered, That James Alison be appointed sub-Lieutenant of the county of Washington in the room of Daniel Leet, who has resigned.
60
HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
On consideration, Philadelphia, Dec. 19, 1781.
Ordered, That Captain Joseph Stiles, commissary of military stores, be directed to deliver to the Hon. Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., five hundred weight of gunpowder, one thousand weight of lead, and one thousand flints, to be forwarded to Col. James Marshal, Lieutenant of the county of Washing- ton, for the defence of the frontiers of the said county.
Philadelphia, Dec. 20, 1781.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honorable John Piper, Esq., for the sum of three pounds specie and the sum of nineteen pounds specie, being money advanced by him for the carriage of Captain Boyd's Company of Rangers in Bedford County, and for the carriage of pow- der and lead for the counties of Washington, Westmoreland, and Bedford.
The Honorable Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., presented to the Board his ac- count for 31 days' attendance in Council from the 19th of November to the 20th of December inst., at 25 shillings per day £38.15
Mileage. 350 miles coming from Washington County at 1 shilling
17.10
£56.05
per mile Balance specie
And therefore an order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honor- able Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., for the sum of fifty-six pounds, five shillings specie, amount of the said account.
Philadelphia, Dec. 24, 1781.
The Council took into consideration the appointment of sub-Lieutenants for the county of Washington, agreeably to the militia laws of this State ; and William McCleary, William Parker, George Vallandingham, and Mat- thew Ritchie being recommended ; on consideration.
Resolved, That William McCleary, William Parker, George Valanding- ham, and Matthew Ritchie be appointed sub-Lieutenants of the county of Washington, and that they be commissioned accordingly.
Philadelphia, Dec. 27, 1781.
The Council, taking into consideration the appointing officers for the Ranging Company for the county of Washington,
Resolved, 'J'hat John Hughes, Esq., be appointed and commissioned to be Captain of a company of Rangers to be raised in the county of Washing- ton, and that Gabriel Peterson be appointed Lieutenant and James Morri- son, Ensign of the said company, and that they be commissioned accord- ingly.
Philadelphia, Dec. 29, 1781.
On consideration of the proposals made by John Cannon, Esq., for sup- plying the militia and Rangers of the county of Washington which may be employed for the defence of the frontiers of said county
Ordered, That twelve pence per ration, in specie, be allowed for the ra- tions delivered at such places as the said troops may from time to time be stationed within the said county of Washington.
The rations to consist of
One pound of bread; one pound of beef or three-fourths pound of pork ; one gill a| whiskey per day and one quart of salt and two quarts of vinegar, to every hundred rations.
Eight pounds of soap and three pounds of candles to every seven hundred rations.
r*--
I
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY.
61
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iXoni-
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PhtladelpMa, Jan. 5, 1782.
Resolved, John Hughes be appointed Captain, Gabriel Peterson Lieu- tenant, and James ^forrison Ensign of the Company of Rangers to be raised in the county of Washington for the defence of the frontiers.
Resolved, That the sum of two hundred and fifty pounds specie be paid into the hands of Henry Taylor, Esq., to be by him delivered out to Captain John Hughes, Lieutenant Peterson, and Ensign Morrison for the purpose of recruiting the company of Rangers for the county of Washington.
Fluladelphm, Jan. 8, 1782.
The Council, taking into consideration the exposed situation of the fron- tier counties, the probability of invasions of them by parties of Indians, and the impossibility of obtaining particular orders from the Council for calling out in due time themilitia of the said counties in such cases.
Ordered, 'J'hat the Lieutenant of the county of Washington be authorized and empowered to call out such and so many militia, according to law, as they may judge necessary for repelling the enemy.
Philadelphm, Jan. 29, 1782. An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John McCashem for the sum of ten pounds specie for paying for the transportation of clothing for the ranging companies of Washington and Westmoreland counties from Philadelphia to Shippensburg.
Philadelphia, Feb. 26, 1782. A letter from the Commissioners of the Taxes of the county of Washing- ton, respecting the collection of the taxes was received and read, and on consideration ordered that the same be transmitted to the General Assem- bly of the State.
Philadelphia, March 5,1782. Ordered, That Captain Joseph Stiles, Commissary of Military Stores, be directed to deliver to the Honorable Dorsey Pentecost one thousand flints, fifty stand of arms, and fifty pouches, to be forwarded to the Lieuten- ant of the county of Washington for the use of the Ranging company to be raised in the said county.
Philadelphia, March 9, 1782. An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honorable Christo- pher Hayes, Esq., for the sum of eighteen pounds fifteen shillings specie for paying for the transportation of arms and ammunition from the city to Conocheague for the defence of the frontiers of Washington, Westmoreland, and Bedford counties.
Philadelphia, March 18, 1782. The Honorable Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., presented to the Board the fol- lowing account, viz..
Dr. The State of Pennsylvania in account with Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., For attendance in council from the 20th of December, 1781, to the 23d of
March, 1782—94 days at 17s. 6. £82.5
And thereupon an order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honorable Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., for the sum of eighty-two pounds, five shillings specie, amount of the said account.
Philadelphia, March 30,-1782. ■ Ordered, That James Alison be appointed sub-Lieutenant of the county of Washington in the room of Daniel Leet, who has resigned.
62 HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY.
Philadelphia, March 30, 1782.
The Board being informed by letter and a return inclosed, on the 4th of February last, from Col. James Marshal, Lieutenant of the county of Washington, that there were irregularities in the election of some of the militia officers of the said county, and others had refused to serve.
Resolved, That the said Lieutenant be directed to proceeded with all convenient speed, to fill up the said vacancies agreeably to law, in order that commissions may issue.
Philadelphia, April 2, 1782. An order drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honorable Dorsey Pen- tecost, Esq., for the sum of twelve pounds ten shillings specie, to be paid to Adam Poe for taking an Indian scalp in the county of Washington, agreeably to the proclamation of the Board.
Philadelphia, April 3, 1782.
A return of justices for the township of Somerset, in the county of Washington, was received and read, by which it appears that Wm. Parker and John Stevenson were duly elected justices for the said township, there- upon
Resolved, That William Parker, Esq., be appointed a justice of peace for the county of Washington, and commissioned accordingly.
Philadelphia, April 6, 1782, Ordered, That the Lieutenant of the county of Washington be authorized and required to call into service, and put under the direction of Alexander McClean, Esq., such number of militia as the said McClean may judge ne- cessary for guards to the commissioners for running the line between the States of Virginia and Pennsylvania, not exceeding one hundred.
Philadelphia, April 8, 1782, The Honorable Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., presented to the Board the fol- lowing account for his attendance in council, from the 24th of March, till the 9th of April, 1782 ; 17 days at 17s. 6d. £14 17s. 6d.
Thereupon an order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of the Honorable Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., for the sum of fourteen pounds seventeen shillings and sixpence specie, amount of the above account.
Philadelphia, April 15, 1782.
A return of justices from Eobinson township in the county of Washing- ton was received and read, by which it appears that Alexander Wright and James Ervins were duly elected justices for said township, thereupon.
Resolved, That Alexander Wright be appointed a justice of peace for the county of Washington, and commissioned accordingly.
Whereas, It hath been represented to this Board, that the freeholders of the townships of Cumberland and Morgan in the county of Washington {now Greene) have each of them neglected to choose two fit persons, on the 15th day of July, 1781, agreeable to the act of Assembly passed the 28th of March, 1781, entitled an "Act for erecting part of the county of Westmoreland into a separate county " to serve as justices of the peace.
And whereas. By a clause in an act of Assembly entitled "A further supplement to the act entitled 'an act directing the mode and time of elect- ing justices of the peace for the city and the several counties of the com- monwealth, and for other purposes therein mentioned,' passed August 31, 1778," it is enacted that where the freeholders of any district, county, town, township, or ward within this commonwealth have refused or neglected, or shall hereafter refuse or neglect to elect justices of the peace, agreeably
HISTORY OP WASHINGTON COUNTY. 63
to the directions of the before recited acta, or of the further provisions herein made, that then it shall and may be lawful to and for the President or Vice-president in council, to commission a suitable number of justices of the peace to fill up such vacancies agreeably to the number settled in the aforesaid recited acts, therefore
Ordered, That John Minor be appointed a justice of the peace for the township of Cumberland, and Levi Karrod be a appointed a justice of the peace for the township of Morgan in the county of Washington, and that commissions be issued accordingly.
In Council. PhiladelpTiia, April 17, 1782.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of John Cannon, Esq., for the sum of one hundred pounds specie, in part of contract for supplying the troops stationed in the county of Washington with provisions, for which he is to account.
The Honorable Dorsey Pentecost, Esq., presented to the Board the fol- lowing account for his attendance in council, viz.: —
From the 9th till the 17th of April, 1782, 8 days at 7s. 6d. $7.00, and thereupon an order was drawn for the amount of said account.
In Council. Philadelphia, June 12, 1782.
An order was drawn on the Treasurer in favor of Captain John Hughes of the company of Rangers to be raised in the county of Washington, for the sum of sixty-five pounds specie, being two months pay for himself. Lieutenant Gabriel Peterson and Ensign James Morrison, ofQcers of the said company for which they are to account.
Ordered, That Captain John Hughes, of the company of Rangers to be raised in the county of Washington, be directed to give a bounty, not ex- ceeding nine pounds specie, for such recruits as he may raise till his com- pany be completed.
In Council. Philadelphia, July 12, 1782.
Ordered, That the Lieutenant of the county of Washington be directed not to call out a greater number than one hundred militia at any one time for the defence of the frontiers of the county, but by special order of this Board.
In Council. Philadelphia, July 25, 1782.
Ordered, That a special commission of Oyer and Terminer and General Gaol Delivery, directed to the Honorable Christopher Hayes and Dorsey Pentecost, Esquires, and Edward Cooke, Esq., be now issued to the county of Washington, for the trial of divers persons now confined in the gaol of the said county charged with high crimes and misdemeanors.
In Council, Philadelphia, August 14, 1782.
Ordered, That the county of Washington be directed to make out and return to the Board pay rolls of moneys due to the militia of the said county, with the proper vouchers for the same.
In Council, Philadelphia, September 28, 1782.
Ordered, That the Lieutenant of the county of Washington be directed to call out no more militia after the expiration of the time of those now in service ; his Excellency George Washington having received intelligence that the British have called in all the savages, and that no more parties are to be permitted to be sent out against the frontiers.
In Council. Philadelphia, October 26, 1782.
A letter from Thomas Scott^-Esq., of Washington County, with a return of justices for Cumberland township in said county, was received and read,
64 HISTOilY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY.
by which return it appears that William McCleary and John Armstrong were duly elected justices. On consideration: Ordered, That the said letter and return li.e on the table for consideration.
In Council. P7(27af7eZp/u'rt, October 26, 1782.
The Council resumed the consideration of the letter from Thomas Scott, Esq., and the return of justices for Cumberland township, Washington County ; and thereupon,
Ordered, That a letter be written to the said Thomas Scott, Esq., inform- ing him that Council think it not quite prudent to issue a commission upon so old a return as that in which Mr. p]dgar is mentioned, unless a petition from the people of the district had supported the sentiment expressed in his letter ; and that they have also thought it best to delay their decision on the return now received, as they are informed it is probable that one of the gentlemen named therein may be returned a member of the General Assembly ; but when that point is known, the Council will nominate and issue the commission, so as