Union County History
Annals of the Buffalo Valley by John Blair Lynn
Pages 442 thru 486
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1819.
DIFFICULTY IN MR. FRIE'S CHURCH - BANK SUSPENSIONS.
THIS year is noted in our religious history for Mr. Fries'
difficulty in his Mifflinburg congregation. It assumed such
proportions that the Synod recommended that he should withdraw
from Mifflinburg and take charge of the eight congregations at
Middle creek. He came home from Synod, called a meeting of the
elders of Penn's, Brush Valley, New Berlin, Dreishach's and
Mifflinburg, before whom he invited his accusers to appear.
It appears they had circulated a story that, on Easter Sunday,
he had conducted himself as if he were intoxicated. The elders
pronounced him innocent. Their report is signed, Adam Harper,
president; Adam Neidig, secretary; John Brown, Henry Herbst, John
Zeigler, John Philip Meyer, Frederick Gutelius, John Ray, Sebastian
Whitmer, Elias Youngman, and John Dreisbach, elders.
In August, the Northumberland, Union, and Columbia Bank, at Milton,
stopped payment. Its notes in circulation were $55,000, and the
debts due to the institution amounted to $190,000. Manufactures
having broken down in the country, bank notes necessarily flowed in
large quantities to Philadelphia and Baltimore for the purchase of
goods and the payment of debts. City banks had plenty of their own
paper, and, therefore, would not take them; or, if they did, forwarded
them forthwith for redemption. The result followed,
1819.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 443
the country banks had to suspend. This was the case with the Reading
Bank, Northampton Bank, &c.
Among the deaths this year were: Henry Iddings, aged ninety-two,
leaving ten children. John Boal, of White Deer; his family were
Elizabeth, married to Matthew Laird; Mary, to John Reznor; Sophia, to
Samuel Woods; Margaret; Nancy, to J. Foster Wilson, of Hartleton.
Domestic.
The use of the tomato, as an edible, is noted. Prior to this, the
plant was cultivated for ornament.
The large stone house in Lewisburg, now occupied by Mark Halfpenny,
was built by William Hayes.
Governor Simon Snyder.
Governor Simon Snyder died at Selinsgrove, November 9, at three,
A. M., aged seventy years and four days. His remains rest in the old
grave-yard, at Selinsgrove, under a marble slab, without any
inscription. His father was a mechanic, who had emigrated from
Germany to Lancaster, where the Governor was born. In July, 1784, he
removed to Northumberland county, and settled at Selinsgrove, where he
opened a store, and became the owner of a mill. He soon became useful
as a scrivener, and as a friend of the poor and distressed. He was
soon elected justice of the peace, in which capacity he officiated for
twelve years. (Justices then presided in the county court.) So
universally were his decisions respected, that there never was any
appeal from any judgment of his to the court, and but one writ of
certiorari was served upon him during that time. His political record
is spread forth on the foregoing pages of these Annals. Mention will,
therefore, be made here of only a few incidents of his public life.
With him originated the arbitration principle, first incorporated,
with other wholesome provisions, for the adjustment of controversies
brought before justices of the peace, called the hundred-dollar act.
After a few years' experience, this salutary principle was ingrafted
upon our judiciary system. General Abner Lacock was his coadjutor in
these measures. His con-
444 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1819.
duct during the war of 1812 was patriotic, and worthy of a Governor
of Pennsylvania. His son John, afterwards the Honorable John Snyder,
of the thirteenth district, then a boy of nineteen, raised a company,
and marched with them as captain to Baltimore. They arrived at
Harrisburg before daylight, and were halted before the Governor's
door. He arose from his bed, and welcomed them, and with stirring
words complimented their bravery. He always said, in speaking of the
circumstance, he never before had felt so proud of his son John.
During the session of 1813-14, a very large majority of both Houses
passed the bill to charter forty banks. The candidate for Governor
was at that time nominated by the members of the Legislature. When
they came into caucus, it was remarked that the bank bill was then
before the Governor, and that it would be prudent to make no
nomination till it was seen whether he would sanction it. Within three
days, Governor Snyder returned the bill, with his objections, and it
did not pass that session. His independence was the theme of
universal praise, and he was that year reelected by an immense
majority. Having served out the constitutional term, he returned to
Selinsgrove, and at the next general election was made State Senator,
and served one session.
The crowning glory of Governor Snyder's career was his
christianity. In religious culture he was a Moravian, and in public
station he never forgot his vows or neglected his religious duties.
His heart went out at all times in deeds of kindness to the poor and
unfortunate. He was long mourned with sincere grief by them, and the
few old people still surviving, tell how tenderly it was manifested
when he was buried out of their sight.
His letters to his children are very affectionate, and full of good
advice. I quote from one to his daughter, Amelia, afterwards Mrs.
Jenks, dated the 30th of January, 1813:
"I hope the practice I recommended, of reading by the boys in the
evening, has been adopted, and the reading of a chapter in the New
Testament or one of Blair's sermons on a Sunday, when there is no
worship in our church. When there is, and the weather is tolerable, I
trust you and all the boys attend. Your ensample may influence them.
I would advise you to set apart, say two hours each day, for reading,
and endeavor to store in your mind all that
1819.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 445
is worth recollecting. Write to me when you have an opportunity, or
rather write when anything occurs to your mind worth communicating,
and then you will be ready, and not hurried, when an opportunity offers.
This is my method, or I never could get through half my business."
His parental tenderness and his earnest desire for the conversion
of his children is the burden of many of his letters. From one, dated
Harrisburg, 19th January, 1813, I make the following extracts:
"DEAR CHILD: I have but a few moments time, before the mail starts,
to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 17th. I feel much
distressed by your relation of John's state of health. I hope that no
pains or expense will be spared to restore him. God grant that he may
recover, and become sensible of the necessity to alter his mind, and
prove thankful and grateful to God for his mercies. His God, from
whose hand the thread of his life is suspended, will hear him, if;
with a contrite heart he calls for mercy and forgiveness. I write
under strong emotions of pain. God have him and you all in His holy
keeping, is the prayer of your father,
S. S."
The Governor's long residence at the seat of government, during
which he had not the leisure necessary for managing his extensive
estates, and his liberality to his relatives and friends, had greatly
embarrassed his affairs. The death of his son Frederick taking place
at this time, broke his spirit. The powers of the other world soon
claimed him for its silent fellowship. He is now united with the
apostles and martyrs, the great and good of all ages, with those he so
tenderly loved in life, and more than all, with his Saviour.
Governor Snyder's first wife was Elizabeth Michael, of Lancaster,
by whom he had two children: Amelia, born 21st June, 1791. She was
married March 28, 1820, by Doctor Dewitt to Doctor Phineas Jenks,
member of the House from Bucks county, at Harrisburg. Mrs. Elsegood,
wife of Reverend J. I. Elsegood, of East New York, is the only
daughter of Amelia. The Honorable John Snyder, who married June 11 ,
1818, Mary Louisa Kittera, daughter of Honorable John Wilkes Kittera,
of Lancaster, Congressman during the administration of General
Washington, and until the election of
446 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1819.
Thomas Jefferson, in 1801, when he died. John Snyder's children by
his first wife are Miss Mary K. Snyder, postmistress at Selinsgrove,
Mrs. Vandyke, who now lives in Lewisburg, widow of James C. Vandyke,
Esquire, late United States district attorney for the eastern
district of Pennsylvania. Among his children by subsequent marriage,
is Mrs. G. W. Walls, of Lewisburg. Honorable John Snyder died at
Selinsgrove, August 15, 1850. The children by his second marriage
were Henry W. Snyder, born 20th July, 1797. He was a paymaster in the
late war, and died at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Of his children, are
Mrs. Joseph Musser, of Lewisburg, who has a portrait of her
grandmother, which is certainly complimentary to the Governor's
appreciation of beauty. George A. Snyder, a man of unmistakable
genius, was the second son. His artist aspirations were early
developed, and he desired his father to send him to Italy; but he
insisted upon making a lawyer of him. He never practiced, I believe.
Taught school for the most part, and died in Williamsport on the 6th
of July, 1865. During the war, being old and feeble, he still insisted
upon doing something, and gathered all the newspapers that came in his
way, cut out the interesting articles, and pasting them into small
scrap-books, sent them to the hospitals to help the sick soldiers
while away the tedious hours of sickness. His children are Mrs.
Mathias App, now of Michigan; Mrs. Kate Crane; Henry and George S.,
foundrymen of Williamsport, Pennsylvania; Mrs. Riley, Antes and
Jesse D., of the same place.
Antes Snyder,* who died at Pottstown in December, 1861, where his
widow, Mrs. Mary B., still resides, (1871,) was the child Mrs. Carson
wished to kidnap, in order to obtain from the Governor the pardon of
Smith. He well remembered how carefully he was guarded in door until
after the execution of Smith. Antes was educated at West Point,
graduated with high honors, and was soon afterwards sent by the
Government to England on business connected with the railway system,
then in its infancy here.
The Governor said, should Mrs. Carson succeed in the abduction of
his child, the law should, nevertheless, have its course. He was spared
the trial, but all who knew his stern integrity, felt assured.
*Antes Snyder was the engineer who designed and built the large
stone bridges over the Schuylkill, at the falls and Peacock's lock,
above Reading, and one at Schuylkill Haven, and a number of small ones
along the line of the Philadelphia and Heading railroad.
1819] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 447
that the law would have been honored, even had he been put to so
severe a test.
Governor Snyder was married the third time to Mary Slough Scott, a
widow lady of Harrisburg, 16th October, 1814. She survived him, and
died at Harrisburg October 8, 1823. She was a member of the Episcopal
church, and was the first person who commenced a Sabbath-school in
Selinsgrove. She is spoken of as a brilliant woman in society.
I quote from her letter to Amelia, dated Philadelphia, June 11,
1818, anticipating Honorable John Snyder's wedding. The garlands have
faded this many a day; their perfume may still linger in some households:
"My DEAR AMELIA: At length I have a moment to devote to you, on
the morning of the important day which is to connect us with Mary.
At nine o'clock this evening Doctor Wilson will tie the knot. Mr.
Peacock has stayed for the wedding. The fair brides-maids are Mary
Smith, Miss Houston, Hannah L. Orme. The groomsmen, Shunk, T. Conrad,
Thomas and John Kittera. All the relatives will be here. The company
will consist of about thirty persons. To-morrow, early, we set out,
and will rest at Lancaster on Sunday, go to Harrisburg on Monday, and
leave that on Thursday or Friday for Selinsgrove. I am very anxious
about your father. Henry writes Mr. Peacock that he was unwell after I
left him. I hope in God he is now well. Mr. Hemphill gave a dinner
for me Tuesday. I had twelve of my particular friends to meet me last
evening. I took tea with Mrs. Watson. She sends much love. It is so
warm, I am obliged to ride everywhere, and Anthony is very
accommodating. I long to get home again, and shall enjoy our old
house more than ever, for this place is intolerably hot. Shunk
[afterwards Governor Shunk] goes by his father's house, so we shall
have no beaux. John Kittera cannot go home with us, but will be up in
a few weeks. Mrs. Hall is still here, but goes home with Mrs.
Humphrey and her daughter next week. Their new carriage is not yet
done, and she is almost homesick. Shunk has just come in, and desires
me to tell you he has tried to behave pretty, and is as polite as
possible."
[End of page 447.]
PHILIP MILLER was appointed court crier. He held this office
thirty-three years, and was succeeded by Benjamin Shell, in 1853.
16th March, the division line of Mifflin and Union directed by
act of Assembly, to be run by a surveyor appointed by the
commissioners of each county; otherwise the line run by Peter
Hackenberg made the line. - P. L. 1820, page 82.
28th March, James Dale, of Union, Jacob Cryder, of Centre, and
John Hanna, of Lycoming, appointed to run the division line between
Union and Centre counties.
In 1819 or 1820, Doctor Grier says, the Associate Reformed church,
of Mifflinburg, was organized of Buffalo Cross-Roads members, a
dissatisfaction having arisen on account of giving up Rouse's version,
and adopting Watt's version, of the Psalms. James McClellan, Esquire,
and Samuel Templeton were of the elders. James McClellan gave up his
pew in Buffalo in April, 1820. So it was probably in this year. This
church was served by the late Doctors George Junkin and David
Kirkpatrick. In October, 1827, on application of Mr. Kirkpatrick and
his congregation, they were received into and taken under the care of
the Northumberland Presbytery. (This congregation is still served by
Doctor Grier, although there is another Presbyterian church organized
at Mifflinburg.)
Political.
At the October election for Governor, General Joseph Hiester
received 1,621 votes, and William Findlay, 1,040 in Union county.
1820.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 449
For Congress, Thomas Murray ran against William Cox Ellis.
4,314 tickets had the name of Thomas Murray on; 3,074 had Thomas
Murray, junior. Mr. Ellis' vote in the district was 6,526, and he
received the certificate, but not considering it fair, Mr. Ellis
resigned in June, 1821, and another election was held that fall. At
the November election James Monroe carried every State, John Quincy
Adams receiving only one electoral vote, (in New Hampshire.)
Census 1820.
Penn's 2,099 Hartley 1,239
Centre 2,094 New Berlin 515
Beaver 2,036 Union 1,369
Perry 1,330 White Deer 1,677
Washington, 1,427 Lewisburg 579
Mifflinburg 620 Buffalo 2,376
West Buffalo 1,183
Hartleton 75 Total 18,619
Value of leather manufactures, 119,200 linseed oil, $2,790;
pottery, $1,050; whisky; corn and rye, used for, 16,000 bushels,
value, twenty-five to thirty-one cents per gallon. Twenty-two
still-houses. Wheat manufactured into flour, 23,300 bushels.
Fourteen mills in operation. For cotton yarn, one hundred and
twenty spindles, one carding machine, one spinning machine. "The
whole establishment gone to ruin for want of a market. It formerly
employed four men and three boys."
Notices of Revolutionary Soldiers Residing in the County in 1820.
Brown, Jonathan, had served three years as a private in Captain
Elijah Humphrey's company, Colonel William Douglas' regiment, and was
sixty-two years old.
Britton, Joseph, enlisted at John Stetler's tavern, in Limerick
township, Montgomery county, in the spring of 1776, in Captain Caleb
North's company, of Colonel Anthony Wayne's regiment. Captain
Frederick Evans testified in his behalf; that he had lived forty-three
years before with David Evans, whose land joined his
450 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1820.
father's, in Montgomery county; that he recollected of hearing Britton
had enlisted, and about a year afterwards he came back very much
emaciated; that forty-four years had elapsed since he had seen
Britton, and he was so much altered he had no recollection of his
person; but from conversation with him, he had no doubt he was the
same Joseph that had enlisted with Captain Caleb North's company, and
marched to Ticonderoga. Britton was, in 1820, seventy-one years old,
a farmer, and had a wife and two daughters.
Billman, Dewalt, aged sixty-seven, enlisted at Reading, in Captain
Jacob Bowers' company.
Burd, Daniel, seventy-five years old, enlisted at Amboy, Colonel
James Treddle's regiment served five years nine months, except
three months, when he was at home sick. He was wounded in the left
thigh at Battle Hill, with two musket balls. He had two sons and four
daughters, youngest named Anne.
Bower, George, of White Deer. Pressed in the fall of 1777 as
teamster; had charge of an ammunition wagon at Valley Forge. Drafted
in June, 1778; arrived on the field of Monmouth as the battle was
closing. He received a sword cut on the knee from a British soldier
who lay in ambush by the road. Recollected of seeing Lafayette at
Monmouth.
Campbell, McDonald, served in Captain John Conway's company,
Colonel William Wind's New Jersey regiment, thirteen months. Re-
enlisted in Colonel John Conway's regiment and served nine months,
and then was detailed by General Green as his express rider, and
remained such during the war. Was a fifer in Captains Conway's
and Furman's companies. He married a widow valentine, Who had
two children, Jesse, aged thirteen, Jane, aged ten. His children
by her were, Isaac Wilson Campbell, Sally Walls, Almeda, Eleanor,
and Elizabeth; latter aged eight months.
Carney, Anthony, blacksmith, Hartley, enlisted in Orange county,
North Carolina, served three years. He was sixty-seven in 1820, and
had no family except his wife, Catherine.
Clemmens, Peter, private in Captain Stake's company, Colonel
Butler's regiment, and served two years. He left a daughter, Elizabeth.
His wife, Elizabeth, died in 1820.
Campbell, John, (still living in West Buffalo, 1838, and then
eighty-three years old,) was drafted into the militia from Derry
1820.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 451
township, Lancaster county, in 1776, served under Captain Robert
McKee, arrived at Trenton the day after the capture of the Hessians,
and went thence to Morristown. Took oath of allegiance before Jacob
Cooke, Esquire, 2d August, 1777. In the latter part of 1777, he was
again drafted, and went to Trenton. Saw British horses and wagons
brought into camp and sold at auction. His third tour was at the
close of the war, in a company commanded by Lieutenant James Laird.
They lay at Chestnut Hill awhile. General Potter and Major Stewart
had a quarrel there about the treatment of the militia, and were on
the point of fighting it out with their swords. Campbell moved to
Buffalo Valley in 1777, lived on Captain Gray's farm one year, then
moved to another farm of the captain's near James Dale's. He lived
there seven years, then moved near Buffalo mountain, then into West
Buffalo, where he died.
Cook, John, private in Captain Herbert's company, from Womelsdorf,
who was taken prisoner at the surrender of Fort Washington, exchanged,
and appointed ensign in the twelfth, Colonel Cooke's. He was unmarried
and childless in 1820, seventy-eight years old.
Coryell, George, was a native of Hunterdon county, New Jersey, was
born at Coryell's ferry, on the Delaware river, now Lambertville, on
the 28th of April, 1761. He entered the army in Captain Craig's
company of dragoons, in 1776, just after the taking of the Hessians,
and before the cannonade at Trenton, on the 2d of January, 1777. His
company marched up the creek, and was in the battle at Princeton. He
was a year with Captain Craig. He was afterwards drafted into a
company of dragoons, under Lieutenant Reading, in which he served one
year. He was afterwards drafted into the company of Captain Palmer,
in which he continued until the fall of 1780. He was only sixteen
years of age when he enlisted, and while in Captain Craig's company,
he was sent, as an express, to Boston, leaving orders at Danbury and
other places on the route. He said there were gray-headed men and
minors in Craig's company. At one time General Washington had his
headquarters at his father's house, at the ferry, while the army
encamped partly in his orchard. The British and Hessians got
possession of his father's premises at one time, and cut the bedding,
threw the feathers into the street, and burned all the fences on the
farm, which lay in common a long time. George Coryell was married, in
1790, to a sister of Richard Van
452 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1820.
Buskirk, of Mifflinburg, and moved, in 1793, to the premises of Samuel
Maclay, in Buffalo township. He was a carpenter by trade, and built
many houses in Buffalo Valley, among others, the old "Black Horse
tavern," at Lewisburg; of barns, he built the one on Maclay's place,
now owned by Joseph Green. In 1799 he was captain of the Buffalo
Valley Republican troop, and always rode on parade days a sorrel
horse that had been wounded at St. Clair's defeat. John Webb, a
hatter, father of Colonel Webb, who, some years ago, kept hotel in
Philadelphia, was first lieutenant of the company. Webb lived in
Mifflinburg, and moved to Ohio many years ago. Coryell was adjutant
of Colonel George Weirick's regiment, at Marcus Hook, in 1814. He
removed to Lycoming county once; then back to Buffalo valley; then to
White Deer valley thence to Butler county, near Hamilton, where he
died, 1837-38. His wife soon followed him to the grave. He had four
sons, Tunison, John, Joseph R., and Abraham, of whom Tunison, the
eldest, and Abraham, the youngest, alone survive. There were several
daughters, most of whom ended their days in Ohio and Indiana. Tunison
resides in Williamsport, and occupies the house in which he was mar-
red, in 1815, and where his golden wedding was celebrated.
Derr, Christian, West Buffalo, aged, in 1820, seventy-two.
Enlisted at Reading, in Captain Nagle's company, Colonel Thompson's
regiment, and served one year; re-enlisted in November, 1776, in Captain
Moore's company, Colonel Humpton's regiment, and served in the battle
of King's Bridge, 11th January, 1777, Brandywine, and Germantown. In
the last action he was wounded, had several ribs broken, and was,
therefore, discharged. He was a carpenter, and had eleven children.
He had three balls in his body, which he carried to his grave. His
children were Ellis Derr, Mifflinburg; Samuel, Uniontown; Henry,
Schellsburg, Bedford county; Susan, married to Jesse Eghert,
afterwards David Kline, of Hartley; Polly, to Jones, of Sugar
valley; Elizabeth, to William Kepner, moved to Venango; John,
Oley township, Berks; Catherine, to Henry Barrich; Christian,
junior, who died in Spring township, Centre county, in 1852.
His children live in and about Bellefonte Daniel, Rachel, married
to William Young; William, in Benezet; Christian and Solomon,
in Bellefonte.
Ewig, Christian, aged sixty, enlisted at Sunbury, in Captain Weit-
1820.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 453
zel's company, Colonel Miles' regiment, in April, 1776, served one
year, nine months, then re-enlisted at Sunbury, in Captain James
Wilson's First Pennsylvania, Colonel James Chambers, in which he
served until the close of the war. A wheelwright by trade.
Kerstetter, George, blacksmith, Washington township, aged sixty-
four. Served four years in Captain Burkhart's company, Colonel
Hunsecker's regiment. Children: Jacob and Dorothy. Wife's name was
Elizabeth.
Linn, John, aged sixty-five, enlisted in the winter of 1778, at
Lancaster, in third troop, Captain Erasmus Gill, fourth regiment Penn-
sylvania cavalry, Colonel Stephen Moylan. Discharged in October,
1783. Had five children; Robert Bruce, born May 21, 1806 Altha,
January 15, 1808; James Smith, October 20, 1811; Eliza, June 4, 1814;
Mary Jane, November 23, 1816. Weaver by trade.
Lennox, George, private, Captain Bankson's company, Colonel
Stewart's regiment.
Reger, Elias, enlisted in May, 2775, Captain George Nagle's
company, Colonel Thompson, first rifle regiment. In the siege of
Boston. Discharged at Long Island, in June, 1776. Cooper by trade.
Seventy-seven years old.
Rorabaugh, Philip, Buffalo township, served three months in Penn-
sylvania line, Captain Slaymaker's company, Colonel Bull's regiment,
while the army lay at Valley Forge. Served also in the campaign of
1794, known as the whisky insurrection, and three months in Captain
John Bergstresser's company, at Marcus Hook, in 1814. This hero of
three wars died February 3, 1837, aged eighty-six, and is buried in
Lewisburg German grave-yard.
Swesey, Daniel, died in White Deer, 31st January, 1836, leaving
a widow, Mary.
Strickland, Timothy, carpenter, Lewisburg, enlisted in 1776, in
Berkshire county, Massachusetts, Captain Bacon's company, Colonel
Porter's regiment, and served therein one year. Re-enlisted in
September, 1777, in Captain Mill's company, New York State line, and
was honorably discharged after three years' service. Aged in May,
1824, seventy-three, but very much crippled. He had four sons, (Samuel
was a soldier of 1814.) His grandchildren reside still in Lewisburg;
Cyrus, a grandson, in Bellefonte.
Smith, Adam, was a teamster during the Revolution. He settled
454 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1820.
upon the place now owned by Jacob Kunkle, above Henry Mertz's. He
died there and was buried at the Dreisbach grave-yard. His sons
were: Adam, George, Michael, and John, and a daughter, married to
Michael Maize, another to Steffy Touchman. Adam, junior, moved to
Beaver township, Snyder county. His descendants are about Beaver
town yet. George died in Union county, John at Beaver town, and
Michael in Union county, in 1841. He had a blacksmith shop above
Henry Mertz's, and that is the point so often spoken of in old road
views. Michael's children were Michael, who moved to Michigan;
Daniel, who moved to Ohio; Benjamin, to Illinois; David, now, 1869,
living near the old place. His daughters married, one to Jonas
Nyhart, one to John Wolfe, one to David Oldt, near New Berlin.
Michael had three wives: first was a Bower, of Dry valley second,
Susanna Bartges, of Mifflinburg; third, Sophia Bickle, whose father,
Henry Bickle, was killed by the Indians. Michael had also a son
Jonathan, father of A. W. Smith, Esquire, late jury commissioner, who
died in Hartley township, in 1870.
Yiesely, Michael, aged sixty-seven, enlisted in August, 1776, in
Captain B. Weiser's company, in Colonel Haussegger's regiment. Served
during the war, and was discharged in 1783. He had a wife and five
children, Henry, Catherine, George, Elizabeth, and Maria.
Deaths.
June 17, Paschal Lewis, aged sixty. His family: Elizabeth, widow,
who died August 26, 1828, aged seventy-one. Margaret, married to
Thomas Clingan; Mary, married to Samuel Wright, (she is still living
in Stephenson county, Illinois;) Sarah, married to James Merrill,
Esquire; Elizabeth L., wife of Robert Candor, Esquire; Amelia B
married to Samuel Heise, of Columbia.
[End of page 454.]
1821.
GOVERNOR HEISTER'S APPOINTMENTS - GENERAL ITEMS.
APPOINTMENTS - Secretary of the Commonwealth. Andrew Gregg.
Auditor General, James Duncan, of Carlisle. Samuel Cochran, Chester
county, Surveyor General. (He held office nine years, under Governor
Snyder.) James Brady, of Westmoreland, Secretary of the Land Office.
Prices current at Philadelphia, in April wheat, seventy cents, rye
thirty-seven, corn thirty-two, butter ten cents per pound, bacon seven
per pound, whiskey twenty cents per gallon. In July wheat advanced to
eighty cents; in October to ninety, and in November to $1 50. The
other grains proportionably. February 19, "a comet made its appearance
in the western horizon. It was seen last evening between seven and
eight o'clock, considerably elevated, and could be found by drawing a
line due north from the planet Saturn. It was but a few degrees from
it." On June 8th the locusts made their appearance in great numbers
in Buffalo Valley.
The Union county Democratic nominations were Ner Middleswarth and
James Dale, for Assembly; commissioner, Joseph Fuehrer auditor, John
Maclay; all opposed to Hiester. The Federal party had really gone
under, and politics was now confined to factions in the Democratic
ranks. Binns and Buchanan appear among the Hiester men, who are
called bank men, and aristocrats, and "Feds." The Findlay papers style
themselves indifferently Democrats, Democratic-Republicans, and
Republicans.
456 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1822.
In Union county, Thomas Murray, (Findlay,) for Congress, had ten
hundred and forty-five; William Cox Ellis, opposition, eight hundred
and thirty-six; and Murray was elected in the district by a small
majority. The fall election resulted in the choice of a legislature
in opposition to Governor Hiester, which elected William Findlay
United States Senator.
Deaths.
Among deaths this year were, June 27, Captain William F. Buyers.
former editor of the Times, Sunbury, aged forty; and December 7,
John Baker, of Buffalo, aged sixty-five.
1822.
CERTAIN LAWS - NEWSPAPERS NOTICED - DEATH OF WILLIAM CLINGAN, ESQUIRE,
HONORABLE ANDREW ALBRIGHT, AND HENRY PONTIUS.
THE act of February 18, Pamphlet Laws, 29, required all the
original lists of assessments for land situate in Union county, to be
transmitted to the commissioners of Union county, and were made evidence
in suits.
March 21 , Lewisburg incorporated as a borough. - (Pamphlet Laws,
68.) The election place was fixed at Randall Wilcox's, who kept the
Black Horse, and John Neshit and Alexander Graham were appointed to
superintend the first election.
March 25, Northumberland and Union placed in the ninth senatorial
district, and entitled to two members.
April 2, Union, Northumberland, Columbia, Luzerne, Susquehanna,
Bradford,. Lycoming, Tioga, Potter, and McKean placed in one
congressional district, and entitled to three members, and on
1822.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 457
the same day the borough of Lewisburg was erected into a separate
election district.
In January, the prices current in Philadelphia for wheat was $1.12;
rye, 6o cents; corn, 62; oats, 30. In April wheat rose to $1.2o, and
in May it stood at $1.48.
Nathaniel Henrie bought out the New Berlin Gazette, of Frederick
Wise, and started the Union Times. May 31, Simon Cameron became the junior
editor of the Intelligencer at Harrisburg. Hugh Maxwell was editing the
opposition paper at Lancaster.
In December, a special election, occasioned by the death of Andrew
Albright, resulted in the election of Lewis Dewart, Federal, as he was
called, over Ner Middleswarth and E. G. Bradford, Democrats, to the
State Senate. The vote was light, and stood in the district: Dewart,
1192; Middleswarth, 1059; Bradford, 606.
Marriages.
At Selinsgrove, March 28, George A. Snyder, Esquire, to Miss Ann
Ellen, daughter of the late Stephen Dancan. June 11, at Lewisburg, by
John Nesbit, Esquire, Lewis Moore to Dorothy Smith.
Deaths.
January 23, Catherine, widow of Elias Youngman. She was born in
1745, and was a daughter of George Nagel, sheriff of Berks county in
1772.
May 24, William Clingan, Esquire, of White Deer, aged sixty-six.
He left a widow, Jane. Children: Margaret, wife of Thomas Scott; Ann,
wife of Joseph Lawson; Thomas; Elizabeth. married to Thomas Barber;
George, and Flavel. His wife was a daughter of Reverend John Roan.
They were married June 11, 1778, and resided on a farm, which is now
within the borough of Mount Joy, Lancaster county, until their removal
to Buffalo Valley, in 1800. William Clingan, member of (Congress from
Chester county, during the Revolution, was his uncle. August 9, Mary,
wife of Peter Himmelreich, and daughter of Captain Peter Withington,
deceased. Born July 18, 1765. Buried in the Dreisbach church-yard.
Tuesday, November 26, Honorable Andrew Albright died at Sun-
458 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1882.
bury, after an illness of three months, in his fifty-third year. He
was born at Litiz, February 28, 1770. His father's name was Andrew;
his mother, Elizabeth Orth, of Lebanon. His first wife was a daughter
of Melchoir Rahm, a very prominent man in Dauphin county. Mr.
Albright came to Lewisburg in 1798 and opened a tavern where
Halfpenny's factory now stands, where he resided until he was elected
sheriff, when he removed to Sunbury. He was member of Assembly in
1808. His wife died March 9, 1810, and he subsequently married the
mother of Mrs. John G. Youngman, of Sunbury. He was appointed
associate judge in 1813, in place of General Wilson, deceased, and had
just been elected to the State Senate when he died. He was noted for
his integrity, and was very popular throughout our Valley. He owned
Colonel Slifer's upper farm on Buffalo creek when he died. He left no
children, but brothers, Henry, Jacob, Godfrey, and a sister, Susanna,
married to Philip Backman. An obituary in the Sunbury Enquirer of
that date concludes: "Society has been deprived of a valuable
member, and a wife of an amiable husband." In private life he
sustained the character of an honest man and christian, and was
universally beloved. He has held various public and responsible
offices, with honor to himself and advantage to his fellow-citizens."
December 13, Henry Pontius. He was born on the 25th of February,
1744, came into the Valley as a pioneer at the close of the French war,
and permanently in 1770. He was a son of John, and his brothers were
Andrew, Peter, Nicholas, John, junior, George, and Frederick.
Henry Pontius left a large family: Andrew, born June 17, 1770;
Frederick, June, 1772; Henry, December 22, 1773; Nicholas, 19th April,
1775; Catherine, (King,) 19th May, 1777; John, October 8, 1778;
George, 13th December, 1780; Peter, 20th March, 1783; Christena, 12th
June, 1785; Barbara, June 13, 1787; Philip, August 15, 1789. The
latter died upon the old place on Cedar run, a mile east of
Mifflinburg, in 1872. He was a fine old gentleman, and his excellent
memory preserved many incidents related in these Annals. His remains
now moulder with their ancestral dust, in the old burying-ground upon
the place.
[End of page 458.]
1823.
GENERAL ITEMS - ELECTION RETURNS - CHRISTIAN CHAPEL AT LEWISBURG -
KELLY TOWNSHIP
MARKET quotations in Philadelphia: Wheat, $1 35; rye 75 cents;
butter, 18 cents; whisky, 28 cents. David Ramsay carried on a fulling
and carding-mill in White Deer; Daniel Moyer at Weiser's old mill in
East Buffalo. Thomas R. Lewis kept hotel at the sign of "The Lewisburg
Stage," on Market, above A. Graham's store.
14th March, first election held under the borough charter of
Lewisburg: John Nesbit, burgess; James Geddes, Alexander Graham,
George Knox, Henry Beck, and William Hayes, council. 3d May, meeting
of the stockholders of the Lewisburg bridge; George Kreiner elected
president, and the first dividend of $1 50 per share of $50 was
declared. 15th May, the Lewistown convention held; Dan Caldwell and
John Stees delegates from Union; Andrew Gregg nominated for Governor.
9th August, a Republican meeting held at New Berlin; Frederick Evans,
president; Andrew McClenachan and George A. Snyder, secretaries; in
favor of J. A. Shulze for Governor. October 4, Simon Snyder, junior,
and James Dale, candidates on the Shulze ticket for Assembly; William
Hayes and Francis A. Boyer on the Gregg ticket; Uriah Silsby for
commissioner on the Shulze ticket, against John Rank. October 5,
Andrew Reedy, in pursuance of a banter from Major John C. Coverly,
attended at his house and counted down $1,000, which he offered to bet
on Shulze's election, and could get no takers.
460 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1823.
ELECTION RETURNS - October, 1823.
GOVERNOR. ASSEMBLY. COMM'RS.
Gregg
| Shulze
| | Boyer
DISTRICTS | | | Hayes
| | | | Dale
| | | | | Snyder
| | | | | | Rank
| | | | | | | Silsby
Centre 106 l06 112 111 98 94 108 100
Weirick's, 26 74 29 30 72 70 26 74
Chapman, 61 73 70 71 62 62 43 69
Perry 29 94 30 23 97 95 27 97
Beaver 102 183 98 98 186 185 97 188
Washington 82 79 100 83 73 65 84 76
Penn's 132 183 135 145 175 165 134 179
Lewisburg 51 62 51 64 59 52 37 76
Hartley 90 153 88 96 152 149 89 148
White Deer 77 210 66 83 223 211 41 250
East Buffalo 62 209 60 71 209 102 55 215
West Buffalo 144 164 141 45 168 151 136 171
Union, 141 181 137 139 178 171 126 178
1103 1765 1117 1058 1752 1572 1003 1821
November 15, the stockholders in the German school-house in
Lewisburg met, and elected Henry Hursh, Charles Beyers, and John Martin,
trustees, and decided by vote that the trustees should select the
school-master, instead of the stockholders. This school-house was
situated on the lot now occupied by the Lutheran parsonage, and was
erected before 1812, and kept in repair by subscription.
14th September, Sabbath, the Christian chapel in Lewisburg was
opened for worship. Reverend James Kay delivered a sermon on the
occasion. It will be gratifying to the friends of religious liberty and
free inquiry to learn that this church has been built upon the most
liberal principles, and is intended to accommodate all those who
acknowledge the divine mission of our Lord Jesus Christ. - Miltonian.
Elijah Bacon commenced a series of meetings in 1822, which resulted in
the formation of this congregation. There were to be no pews in the
church, but Elder Badger, who succeeded him before the church was
completed, had them put in. George Richmond became the preacher in
1825. Bacon's points were mainly against the discipline of the
orthodox, and the church was open to all persons for free discussion of
religious tenets.
1823.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 461
The Times of Saturday, November 1, says: "On Friday morning last,
as Mr. Jacob Yutten, son-in-law of Mr. Royer, of East Buffalo township,
in this county, was engaged, with several others, in tearing down a
log house, to move it a short distance, he fell, and, distressing to
relate, hit his head again a joist, and mangled it in such a manner
that he expired immediately after."
Friday, December 4, the first snow of the season fell.
Kelly Township first called Pike.
At December sessions, 1823, Adam Wilt, Christian Miller, and
George Aurand reported a new township, to be erected from White Deer,
and called Pike. This report was set aside, at the instance of Dan
Caldwell, so Flavel Clingan informed me, and new viewers appointed, of
whom Frederick Evans was one, who finally reported a township, to be
called Kelly, after Colonel Kelly.
Marriages.
18th March, John P. Gutelius, of Mifflinburg, to Miss Maria Aurand,
of Lebanon. 10th April, Conrad Grove, merchant, of New Berlin, to Miss
Mary Gingerich, of Juniata county. 31st July, by Reverend Samuel
Gutelius, Michael Hoffman to Lydia Wagner, both of White Deer.
September 25, by Reverend John Thomas, Jacob Wagoner to Rachel,
daughter of Thomas McGuire, of White Deer.
[End of page 461.]
1824.
KELLY TOWNSHIP ERECTED - STATE ROAD FROM BELLEFONTE TO THE MOUTH OF
WHITE DEER CREEK - POLITICAL - THE CLOWN AND ROPE DANCER AT NEW BERLIN -
SNYDER'S HEIRS V. SIMON SNYDER - SHOW OF WAX FIGURES - TRIAL OF SAMUEL
JOHNSTON.
FREDERICK EVANS to George Kremer, at Washington, D. C. - "3d
January. Duncan's wife, of Penn's valley, died lately, and Thomas R.
Lewis died about the same time. Sick since November 8. Solomon Betz and
Wormly's trial came on last court. Verdict for Wormly, $195. Betz cut
scollops until he had the judges and jurors angry. [This is an allusion
to the celebrated trial between Betz and Wormly, about a piece of stove-
pipe, that lasted many years, and broke up Wormly.] 8th February.
Yesterday I was over at court, and find we shall send delegates to
Harrisburg, with instructions to vote for General Jackson. If
we cannot succeed, then to use a sound discretion. My opinion would be,
to say. if we cannot get Jackson nominated, our delegates should
withdraw. [He, with others, was getting the grist ready for the county
convention.] But I do not believe such a motion would carry, if made.
I spoke with Middleswarth. He says he is for Jackson, but will support
the congressional caucus man. I think if a caucus cannot be prevented,
the friends of Jackson should attend, but not pledge themselves to a
foul nomination. I saw Dan Caldwell. He says McClenachan is opposed
to Jackson, and one Reed, and they are all the opponents he has in the
township, [White Deer.] if Caldwell tells the truth."
Kelly township was erected during this year. After careful
search, I
1824.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 463
could not find the record. The first constable, however, was Albright
Bower, who attended at May sessions, 1825.
On the 29th of March, an act was passed to lay out the State road
from Bellefonte, by way of Sugar valley, to the river, at the mouth of
White Deer creek.
Political.
September 17, the Democratic-Republican convention met at New
Berlin, John Snyder, president; William Linn, secretary. Kremer,
Montgomery, and McKean nominated for Congress; Aaron Chamberlin and
F. P. Deering for Assembly.
5th October, Independent-Republican meeting, Joseph Musser,
chairman; Mathew Brewer, secretary. Peter Hackenburg and James McClellan
nominated for Assembly; George Weirick for commissioner. At the
conferee meeting, on the 21St of September, McKean, Kremer, and Espy Van
Home were nominated.
In November, Union county gave seven hundred majority for Andrew
Jackson, twenty-six votes for Crawford, two for Clay.
Social.
The following are the names of a dancing party at Mrs. Grossman's
tavern, in New Berlin, on the evening of February 12: John Lashells,
Esquire, and wife, James Merrill, Robert Forster, John Mumma, Nathanial
Henrie, Henry M. W. Kirke, Elias P. Youngman, Robert P. Maclay,
Conrad Grove, John Maize, George Shock. John Seebold, John Lotz, James
F. Linn, Mrs. Henrie, Elizabeth Jones, Sarah Messimer, Catherine
Jones, Mrs. Grove, Elizabeth Brooke, Margaret Kessler, Mary L. Duncan,
Sarah Weikert, Margaret C. Lashells. Eleanor C. Lashells. Elizabeth S.
Stillwell, Elizabeth Winters, Sarah A. Ingram. John Mumma and James
F. Linn were managers.
It was a Buffalo Valley custom, on wedding occasions, to welcome
the bride with a party composed of elderly folks. Here is a list,
Wednesday night, October 20: Colonel John Kelly, Elizabeth Kelly
Doctor Robert Vanvalzah, Elizabeth Vanvalzah, William Poak, Esquire,
and wife, James Dale, Esquire, Mrs. Eliza Dale,
404 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1824.
Colonel Aaron Chamberlin and wife, Andrew McBeth and wife, John
Campbell, Maria Campbell, Thomas Sawyer, Elizabeth Sawyer, William
Linn and wife, Charles Maclay, Elizabeth Vanvalzah. The next evening,
October 21st, at the same place, the festivities were taken up by the
young people, of whom were: William Kelly, Andrew Kelly, Joseph
Kelly, Robert P. Maclay, Samuel Gamble, James Mathers, F. F. Linn,
James Sawyer, Joseph Candor, John Young, John Vanvalzah, Robert
Forster, John Chamberlin, Mrs. S. Kelly, Miss Sarah Dorrough, Sarah
McClellan, Margaret and Catherine McClellan, Sarah Forster, Hetty
Forster, Catherine Hood, Mary Hood, Frances Chamberlin, Elizabeth
Vanvalzah, Margaret Vanvalzah, Harriet Candor, Matilda Sawyer, Eleanor
Young, Jane Davidson.
A Rope Dancer at New Berlin.
This summer a rope-dancer and his clown visited New Berlin, and put
up at Seebold's, where he proposed to display his agility for the
amusement of the people and the replenishment of his pockets. Before he
mounted the slack rope, however, he must needs make an equestrian
display, in order to attract the attention of the public. He applied
to me for my horse, but I decline giving it. Nat Henrie, a
waggish printer, happened to be present, volunteered to lend him his, a
handsome, young gray mare. The offer was accepted, and Nat went away
to bridle her. He soon came hack to my office, and notified me that
there would be some fun presently. He said he had put on the mare a
broken bit, which he had mended with twine. He said the mare was as
wild as the devil, and if the clown attempts to hold her in with that
bridle, there will he a ride worth seeing. Nat then walked over to
Seebold's, and engaged the clown in conversation, while the showman,
dressed in red jacket, white pants, white kid boots, and with his hair
put up like a lady's, with side combs and in puffs, mounted and set
out. When Nat judged that the showman had made sufficient headway,
he let loose his hold of the clown's stirrup. The clown followed his
master at a full gallop, with a whoop and halloo; the mare
quickened her speed at the sound. The showman drew bridle with all
his strength, the bit gave way, the rider fell on his back, with his
heels in the air, and then, rolling off, alighted on hands and knees
upon the ground.
1824.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 465
Nat ran to his stable, whither the affrighted mare had fled, put on
another bridle, and, returning, condoled with the showman on his
misfortune, and offered him the chance of another ride. This he
declined. The show was not good that night, on account of the want of
agility of the rope-dancer."
4th December, the first snow of the winter fell. 24th and 25th
December, show of wax figures at Christopher Seebold's, in New Berlin:
Macbeth Consulting the Witch; General Butler and the Indian; Two
Chinese Dwarfs; An American Dwarf; Harriet Newell presenting Tracts to
Heathen Children; Seven Boys Chiming Bells; hand organ. Admittance,
twelve and a half cents.
If a man had a lion or leopard, a porcupine or the skin of a huge
snake, he wandered about the country, collecting the odd change of
idlers, children, and curiosity hunters. These were usually exhibited
in a stable or out-house. Theaters and rope dancing in the ball-rooms
of the tavern, rooms communicating with folding-doors, of which the
hotels of the olden times were never without. There was exhibited a
cat's skin, which excited considerable attention, and was, indeed, a
great curiosity. The skin was white, except a black spot in the
middle of the back, resembling the bust of a man in profile. So
perfect was the resemblance, that it required close examination to
satisfy the beholder that the picture was not a work of art. The
owner, on one occasion, refused three thousand dollars for it. I
cannot tell what has become of it, but believe the owner took it to
Europe, and disposed of it. This fact should induce us to be less
skeptical as to some of the stories of the ancient historians about
the lusus naturae, which so often alarmed the superstitious Greeks
and Romans. The outline of the head was as perfect and complete in all
its parts as if it had come from the hands of the most skillful pro-
file cutter. - G. A. S.
John Snyder's Heirs vs. Simon Snyder.
This hardly-contested ease deserves especial mention from the
great interest it excited in the minds of our people at that time.
It was originally brought at Sunbury, and the claim was for ninety-
three acres of land on the Isle of Que. George A. Snyder's narrative
of it is as follows
466 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1824.
John Snyder, brother of my father, purchased the property of Peter
Weiser, in 1785. John died from a fall from his horse, and his widow
removed to Lancaster, with her children. She afterwards married Jacob
Kendig, who lived a mile from Selinsgrove, up the road to Sunbury.
Simon Snyder, John Miller, and Martin Kendig were appointed
administrators of John Snyder. The estate was incumbered largely, and
an order of sale was obtained. The property was offered for sale at
Selinsgrove, and adjourned, for want of bidders, to Sunbury, and, on
the 12th of November, 1790, was struck off to Anthony Selin, who
married my father's sister. My father advised Selin not to buy,
thinking he would have trouble in paying for it. Just as it was about
being struck down, Jacob Kendig put in a bid, for what reason he never
explained, but as he and the whole party were somewhat fuddled, he
probably bid to vex Selin. The purchaser, after some swearing at
Kendig, treated all hands, and they got into the ferry scow with
unsteady steps and heated brains. On the water Selin took occasion to
call Kendig a damned rascal, and then to lick him for not
acknowledging the truth of the charge.
Selin entered into possession, and commenced farming the land. He
was then in partnership with my father in a mill, erected on a tract of
forty-two acres, part of the tract originally owned by John Snyder,
and which they had purchased of John, in 1787. Selin died in 1792,
leaving two children, Anthony and Agnes. The latter married James K.
Davis, about the year 1808. My father was nominated for Governor,
and, among other slanderous reports started against him, was one that
he had been in league with Selin, and cheated his brother's orphan
children out of the land. Daniel Smith, a lawyer and active
politician, is supposed to have been the originator of the story. At
all events, he was active in spreading it, and persuaded the guardians
of John Snyder's children to bring an ejectment for the land.
The plaintiff on the trial, before Judge Chapman, claimed on three
grounds: 1. That the orphans' court proceedings were irregular. 2.
That Selin's violent conduct at the sale prevented others from
bidding. 3. That Simon Snyder was in partnership with Selin in the
purchase, had come into possession after Selin's death, and had spoken
of the property as his own. The first ground, being
1824.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 467
matter of record, was decided by the court to he insufficent. The
second and third grounds, if proved to the satisfaction of the jury,
were sufficent to justify a verdict for the plaintiff. The jury,
however, without much hesitation, gave a verdict for the defendant.
The judgment was reversed on some exceptions to the admission of
testimony being such as lawyers are wont to make in order to have the
chance of another trial.
Soon after the decision, Anthony Snyder (John's son) removed to the
Genessee country, (New York.) He became a pettifogger, and met with
great success in his vocation. Union county was erected in 1813, and
the cause removed thither. Anthony Snyder and Daniel Rhoads came to
Pennsylvania, as the representatives of the plaintiffs, to attend to
the trial. There being much delay in coming to trial, on account of
the difficulty of collecting the witnesses, who were numerous and much
scattered, and on account of the indolence and dilatory temper of
Judge Chapman, Anthony and Daniel traversed the county, visiting the
taverns and all kinds of gatherings, and holding forth in piteous
style on the subject of the frauds, whereby the defendant had cheated
his orphan nephews and neices out of their inheritance. A general
prejudice was thus excited, and an impartial trial became impossible.
Had the judge been a man of courage and firmness, in whose legal
qualifications the bar and the public had confidence, he might have
secured a righteous verdict. But the clamor terrified him. He
continued the cause from term to term, and from year to year, on
almost any pretext; his fears and indolence making him unwilling to
face the long and wearisome case.
The second trial came off, I think, in 1816. The judge saw clearly
where justice was, but, weak and timid, he shuffled in his decisions
and in his charge, and there was a verdict for the plaintiffs. The
partnership they endeavored to prove by general repute. Their only
witnesses were illiterate, and sometimes dishonest, laborers, who had,
more than twenty years before, worked for Selin and my father; while
Kremer, Evans, Simon Snyder, junior, well acquainted with the parties,
testified to the real extent of the partnership.
The amount of perjury on the plaintiffs side was surprisingly
great. The main witness to the allegation that Selin's threats had
frightened off bidders was a man named Bower, from Dauphin county, who
468 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1824.
swore that but for Selin's threats he would have given £400 or £500
more. The defendant proved that Bower said on his way home that the
land went too high, and no sane man would give so much for it.
The oldest land-holders of the vicinity, Boyd, DeGruchy,
Leisenring, Taggert, Dentler, and others, unanimously testified the
land sold above its value, it being island land.
The defendant's counsel, apprehending the result from the violence
of the prejudice, presented numerous points, and upon a writ of error,
the judgment was reversed. Soon after this my father died, and
Anthony Selin, the younger, and James K. Davis, were substituted as
defendants. An attempt was made to put the costs, thus far accrued,
upon Simon Snyder's estate; but the court decided that Selin's heirs
had all the time been the real defendants, and that Simon Snyder had
only been nominally defendant.
The cause was tried again in 1823; Lashells and Hepburn for
plaintiffs; Bellas and Greenough for defendants. The clamors of the
plaintiffs and the weakness of the judge made it more than ever a
hopeless task for the defendants. A verdict was again had against
them, followed by a reversal by the Supreme Court. Another verdict
must have been, under our judicial system, final, provided it should
be for the plaintiffs, and this was almost certain to be the case. The
defendants resolved to refer the case to arbitrators. I was pro-
thonotary, and, on account of my consanguinity to defendants, liable
to be objected to. Mr. Maclay, the register, acted in my place. He
was an upright man, and performed his duty faithfully. The number of
referees was five. Joseph Rathfon was the only one that was not
objected to of the five nominated by each party. Mr. Maclay made then
a list of twenty names, and each party struck eight names. The board
thus formed, Dan Caldwell, Michael Rathfon, Valentine Haas, John
Reifsnyder, and Joseph Spotts, gave an award for the defendants.
Plaintiffs then resolved to appeal, and Doctor Atlee, of Philadelphia,
came with Mr. Lashells, the leading counsel on his side, to enter the
appeal. I was desired to take the necessary affidavit and bond, and
lay them aside for the present, until the costs, which were necessary
to be paid, should be forwarded, and then I was to file the affidavit
and enter the appeal. The taxation of costs was difficult and
tedious. Many of the subpoenas had been lost, and as no account had
been kept of time, the defendants had to make
1824.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 469
their bill very low to avoid exceptions. The amount, however, after
all allowances, was upwards of $1,500. The twenty days elapsed, and
no costs were paid; the defendants demanded judgment, which I entered
with good-will. So ended the Isle of Que case.
The reason why the costs were not forthcoming, we learned
afterwards. When Doctor Atlee got back to Philadelphia, he took counsel
of David Paul Brown, his attorney, who advised him not to pay over the
costs, as the mere taking of the affidavit and bond for future costs
constituted an appeal - that I would be liable to the defendants for
costs. When Mr. Lashells wrote to inquire why the costs were not
forthcoming, and was informed of Mr. Brown's advice, he refused to be
a party to any such unfair dealing, and added that he felt sure the
court would not allow an appeal to be entered; that it was ungenerous
to throw Mr. Snyder into the costs for an act of kindness to Doctor
Atlee, to save him a journey from Philadelphia, by taking the affidavit
and bond while he was at New Berlin.
The plaintiffs then brought a suit in the United States court, at
Philadelphia, for that part which lay west of Penn's creek, and on
which Selinsgrove was built. The first attempts to bring on the suit
to trial failed, for the absence of witnesses, who were too old and
infirm to go so far. A rule to take depositions was then entered.
Here David Paul once more proved their evil genius. The rule of court
required the depositions to be forwarded under the seal of the justice
or commissioner, to the clerk of the court, to be by him opened. The
justice did his part correctly, but the bearer, who was a friend of
the plaintiffs, handed them first to Mr. Brown, who ignorantly, or
regardless of the rule, broke them open and perused them. He then took
them to the clerk, but the latter refused either to receive or file
them. A few days afterward the case was called up, the depositions
were rejected by the court, and the plaintiffs suffered a non-suit.
December 25, Samuel Johnston, aged twelve, tried for setting fire
to his uncle Jacob Johnston's barn, in West Buffalo. He was convicted,
but obtaining a new trial, was acquitted at May sessions, 1825.
Mumma, district attorney, and C. A. Bradford for Commonwealth;
Horning, Van Home, Packer, and W. Cox Ellis for defendant.
470 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1824.
Deaths.
April 9, William Wilson, of Kelly township, aged eighty-two. He
came into the Valley in 1772, and his eldest daughter, Martha, was born
in 1774. His children were: Thomas, born August 18, 1776, died May 23,
1831; James, born August 3,1778, died December 26, 1831; Mary, born
April 14, 1783, married William Hayes, died December 10, 2827;
William, junior, many years a merchant at Lewisburg, born August 10,
1787, died June 12, 1783; Samuel, died January i6, 1843; Effie,
married to William Murray, died January 23, 1853; Eliza, who married
Peter Nevius, alone survives.
David Soult, born March i8, 1752, enlisted in Northampton county,
in Captain Marien Lamar's company, and served in Canada in 1776, and
afterwards enlisted in the second Pennsylvania. His captain, who was
major of the second, was killed at Paoli. Soult was in the battles of
Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and at the storming of the block-
house. He left five children: John, Jacob, Philip, George, and
Michael.
October 4, at New Berlin, Adam Specht, shoe-maker; enlisted as
a private, (in Colonel Nicholas Haussegger's German regiment,) at
Shafferstown, May, 1776; discharged at Northumberland by Lieutenant
Colonel Lewis Wiltner, in 1779.
Marriages.
22d July, Nathan Jordan, merchant, to Miss Hannah Smith, both of
White Deer. 24th August, by Reverend Heim, Conrad Pontius, of Ohio,
to Miss Mary Seebold, of New Berlin. 26th, by Reverend Thomas Hood,
Captain James Magee to Miss Elizabeth Strayhorn, of West Buffalo. 14th
October. William Linn, of Kelly, to Miss Jane Morrow, of Franklin
county. 14th October by Reverend Jacob W. Smith, Martin Dreisbach,
junior, to Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Solomon Kleckner. 31st October,
by Reverend Martin Dreisbach, Isaac Peters to Miss Susan Miller, of
New Berlin. December 16, William C. Stedman to Elizabeth, daughter
of Hugh Wilson.
[End of page 470.]
1825
GEORGE KREMER'S ARTICLE IN THE "COLUMBIAN OBSERVER," AND HENRY CLAY'S
CARD - RECEPTION OF MR. KREMER AT LEWISBURG - WEATHER RECORD -
PECULIARITIES OF THE BAR - THE SHOWMAN AT NEW BERLIN - WITCHCRAFT
FARCE IN BEAVER TOWNSHIP.
[From the Columbian Observer.]
WASHINGTON, January 25, 1825.
DEAR SIR: I take up my pen to inform you of one of the most
disgraceful transactions that ever covered with infamy the Republican
ranks. Would you believe that men professing Democracy could be found
base enough to lay the axe at the very root of the tree of Liberty?
Yet, strange as it is, it is not less true. To give you a full history
of the transaction would far exceed the limits of a letter. I shall,
therefore, at once proceed to give you a brief account of such a bargain
as can only be equalled by the famous Burr Conspiracy of 1801. For some
time past, the friends of Clay have hinted that they, like the Swiss,
would fight for those who would pay best. Overtures were said to have
been made by the friends of Adams to the friends of Clay, offering him
the appointment of Secretary of State for his aid to elect Adams. And
the friends of Clay gave this information to the friends of Jackson, and
hinted that if the friends of Jackson would offer the same price, they
would close with them. But none of the friends of Jackson would descend
to such mean barter and sale. It was not believed by any of the friends
of Jackson that this contract would be ratified by the members from the
States who had voted for Mr. Clay.
I was of opinion, when I first heard of this transaction, that men,
professing any honorable principles, could not, nor would not, be
472 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1825.
transferred like the planter does his negroes, or the farmer his team
and horses. No alarm was excited - we believed the Republic was safe.
The nation, having delivered Jackson into the hands of Congress,
backed by a large majority of their votes, there was on my mind no
doubt that Congress would respond to the will of the nation, by
electing the individual they had declared to be their choice. Contrary
to this expectation, it is now ascertained to a certainty that Henry
Clay has transferred his interest to John Quincy Adams. As a
consideration for this abandonment of duty to his constituents, it is
said and believed, should this unholy coalition prevail, Clay is to be
appointed Secretary of State. I have no fears on my mind - I am clearly
of opinion we shall defeat every combination. The force of public
opinion must prevail, or there is an end of liberty.
[From the National Intelligencer.]
A CARD. - I have seen, without any other emotion than that of
ineffable contempt, the abuse which has been poured upon me by a
scurrilous paper, issued in this city, and by other kindred prints and
persons, in regard to the presidential election. The editor of one of
those prints, ushered forth in Philadelphia, called the Columbian
Observer, for which I do not subscribe, and which I have not ordered,
has had the impudence to transmit to me his vile paper of the 28th
instant. In that number is inserted a letter, purporting to have been
written from this city, on the 25th instant, by a member of the House of
Representatives, belonging to the Pennsylvania delegation. I believe it
to be a forgery; but, if it be genuine, I pronounce the member, whoever
he may be, a base and infamous calumniator, A DASTARD, and A LIAR, and
if he dare unveil himself and avow his name, I will hold him
RESPONSIBLE, as I here admit myself to be, to all THE LAWS which govern
and regulate the conduct of MEN OF HONOR.
H. CLAY.
31st January, 1825.
ANOTHER CARD. - George Kremer, of the House of Representatives,
tenders his respects to the Honorable "H. Clay," and informs him that,
by reference to the editor of the Columbian Observer, he may ascertain
the name of the writer of a letter of the 25th ultimo, which it seems
has afforded so much concern to "H. Clay." In the meantime, George
Kremer holds himself responsible to prove, to the
1825.] ANNALS' OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 473
satisfaction of unprejudiced minds, enough to satisfy them of the
accuracy of the statements which are contained in that letter, to the
extent that they concern the course and conduct of "H. Clay." Being a
representative of the people, he will not fear to "cry aloud and spare
not," when their rights and privileges are at stake.
On the return of Mr. Kremer, the citizens of Lewisburg assembled
at the house of Thomas R. Lewis. Alexander Graham was chosen chairman,
and John Sargeant, secretary. The object of the meeting being stated
from the chair, the following resolutions were unanimously adopted.
viz:
Resolved, That James Geddes, Doctor Thomas Vanvalzah, Daniel C.
Ambler, Jacob Bogar, and Doctor William Joyce, be a committee of
arrangement to carry the object of the meeting into effect, and that
they draft an address to the Honorable George Kremer, inviting him to
a public dinner, at the house of T. R. Lewis, on Saturday, the 26th
instant.
Resolved, That a general invitation be given to the friends of the
Honorable George Kremer.
Committee's Invitation.
DEAR SIR: We, the undersigned, appointed a committee of
arrangement, present our compliments to you, and respectfully request
the honor of your company, at the house of Thomas R. Lewis, on Saturday,
the 26th instant, to partake of a public dinner, with your fellow-
citizens of the borough of Lewisburg and its vicinity, to be given as a
manifestation of their respect and gratitude for your firm, dignified,
and patriotic conduct, as a member of the House of Representatives of
the United States; but more especially for your unremitted and vigorous
efforts to stem the torrent of corruption, which threatened to inundate
the national Legislature.
With sentiments of esteem, we remain yours, dear sir, very
respectfully,
WILLIAM JOYCE,
JAMES GEDDES,
T. VANVALZAH,
D. C. AMBLER,
JACOB BOGAR.
The Honorable GEORGE KREMER.
474 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1825.
To which Mr. Kremer returned the following answer:
LEWISBURG, March 23, 1825.
GENTLEMEN: Your friendly invitation to me, to partake of a public
dinner at the house of T. R. Lewis, on the 26th instant, has just been
received. This new testimonial of regard and kindness towards me is a
sure pledge that the representative who discharges his duty with good
faith, will always be supported and sustained by a virtuous and
patriotic people. I need not say to you, that however averse I
should feel on ordinary occasions, on the present I shall waive all
objections, and do myself the pleasure to dine with my fellow-
citizens. Accept the assurance of my sincere respect and regard.
GEORGE KREMER.
Messrs. JAMES GEDDES, Doctor THOMAS VANVALZAH, D. C. AMBLER, Doctor
WILLIAM JOYCE, JACOB BOGAR.
On Saturday, the 26th, pursuant to previous arrangement, the long
room of Mr. Lewis was crowded to overflowing. Colonel James Dale was
called to the chair, and John Sargent appointed Secretary.
The company sat down to a splendid entertainment provided for the
occasion. After the cloth was removed, the following toasts were drunk
with much hilarity and good glee. * * * *
9. Honorable George Kremer, our worthy guest, the intrepid and
watchful guardian of the people's rights - When corruption reared its
hydra head, he "cried aloud, and spared not." [Here Mr. Kremer rose,
and delivered a short and very appropriate address.]
Volunteers.
By Jonathan Smith: The intrepid Kremer - Like David of old, he
slew the modern Goliah, the giant of intrigue, made of Clay, daubed
with corruption.
William Kelly: The apostate BRECK - a member of Congress, belonging
to the Pennsylvania delegation; he was surely a bastard, not a
legitimate son of Pennsylvania.
John Sargent: Our worthy fellow-citizen and guest, George
1825.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 475
Kremer - His patriotism and manly firmness, in exposing the corrupt
intrigues of a political gambler, claim our best plaudits and gratitude.
Henry Beck: Greece - The ancient seat of the muses, of science and
philosophy; she was great; she will be great again.
Alexander Morton: The government of the Union, like a pure stream,
may it have no foul Clay to pollute it.
John Machemer: The hero of New Orleans - the firm patriot and
statesman; the second savior of his country; the protector of beauty and
booty; if he is one of the "MILITARY CHIEFTANS," may the genius of
liberty send us a great many of them.
Doctor Samuel Strohecker: The press - the grand engine of liberty
and civilization destined to illuminate, emancipate, and exalt the
world.
John Musser: The editors of the National Intelligencer, who
declined publishing the patriotic letter of Mr. Kremer, addressed to his
constituents - Fit tools, indeed, to execute the purposes of the Holy
Alliance.
Daniel Beyers: May Pennsylvania and our sister States be forever
blessed with such bright members as our worthy fellow-citizen, George
Kremer, who will unshield all intrigues, without respect to persons, and
that, too, at the risk of his popularity.
Alexander Graham: The people of Pennsylvania, and our worthy
countryman, George Kremer, Esquire.
John Reber: The press - On its freedom depends the happiness,
liberty, and independence of the world.
Jacob Reedy: General Jackson - As a soldier, statesman, and
patriot, unequaled; may he be our next President.
John Hummel: The Government of the United States has been seized by
a Quincy, produced by the putrid exhalations of a tobacco pipe, made of
Clay, drenched in corruption - It will prove fatal in less than four
years.
George Schnabel: Our next Governor - A man of stern integrity and
undeviating republican principles.
Andrew Reedy: Thank Providence the freemen of the United States
made choice of a hero and statesman, in preference to a political
gambler.
John Brown: The corruptionists in Congress - may they meet
476 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1825.
with the same fate hereafter, as did Henry Clay in his late attempt to
disgrace the Pennsylvania farmer.
Clement Beckwith: Henry Clay and John Q. Adams - From every
consideration, there is nothing good they have said or can do; may they
sink in their corruption, and the friends of freedom stand up in their
SHOES.
Thomas R. Lewis: Henry Clay, who smuggled J. Q. Adams into the
presidential chair, as the serpent did original sin into Paradise
- May the flaming sword of the people thrust them both out in the year
1829.
Jacob Musser: Adam, the first man, was made of clay - Adams was
made President by Clay and corruption.
George Kremer was the nephew of Governor Snyder, and came to reside
with him when a mere lad. He was very ill formed, but not the least
ashamed of his ugliness, and rather inclined to feel proud of his
distinction in this respect. He grew up to be stout, and soon became
able to fight his own battles, in an age and a district where broils
were of daily occurrence. This region, then called by the general
name of Shamokin, was in those days the frontier, and looked upon by
the dwellers on the sea-board, as we look upon Iowa and Kansas at the
present time. It served as a place of refuge for all runaway and
desperate characters from the south eastern counties. The sheriff and
constable seldom ventured into the wilds on this side of the river,
which acquired the significant title of Rascal's creek.
George was remarkable for shrewdness, no less than for courage and
bodily strength, and he became, in a short time, a person of great
influence among the hardy inhabitants of the new country. In addition
to his other good qualities, he was strictly honest, and his word was
his bond. Whatever he did, he did it with all his might. With such
qualifications and endowments, it is no matter of wonder that he
became a leading man so soon as he embarked in politics. After serving
several terms as a member of our State Legislature, he was elected to
Congress, and here acquired the distinction which he enjoyed.
In 1825, it having been ascertained that neither of the candidates
for the Presidency had received the constitutional majority of votes,
the matter was referred to Congress. Mr. Adams, General Jackson,
1825.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 477
Mr. Clay, and Mr. Crawford were the candidates, and as the choice of
Congress lay between the two first, there was, of course, considerable
intriguing on the part of the two latter and their friends. The
friends of Jackson, finding that Mr. Clay and his friends were
decidedly hostile to their candidate, and, indeed, made no secret of
their aversion to him, resolved, after in vain trying the arts of per-
suasion, to resort to intimidation. They caused a letter to be writ-
ten and published in the Columbian Observer, of Philadelphia, which
stated that a corrupt bargain had been made between Messrs. Adams and
Clay, in pursuance of which, the latter was to transfer his vote, and
the vote of his friends to Mr. Adams, who was to make him Secretary of
State, as his reward.
On the day after the appearance of the letter, Mr. Clay, then
Speaker of the House of Representatives, moved that a committee be appointed
to inquire into the truth of this charge. Mr. Kremer seconded the
motion, stating that he was ready with the proofs, and willing to meet
the inquiry. The motion was opposed by Mr. McDuffie and some others,
friends to Jackson, on the ground that there was not sufficient reason
to consume the time of the House in investigating a frivolous
newspaper charge - a charge which no one acquainted with the parties
concerned would believe. Mr. Clay had even insisted on his right to
clear his character from the stain thus publicly attempted to be fixed
on it, and Mr. Kremer eagerly seconded him, exulting in the
anticipated certain confounding of the Clay and Adams party.
Not one, however, of those who had put him upon writing the letter,
supported him, or manifested any anxiety for the proposed inquiry.
The committee was appointed. On the evening of the same day, Kremer
discovered that his friends could furnish him with no evidence to
support his charge, and that he must get out of the scrape as well as
he could. On the succeeding day, the committee notified him they were
ready to proceed. In answer to which, he wrote a long letter to the
chairman, declining to appear, alleging that as he had made no formal
charges, the committee could have no jurisdiction - that his charge was
made for the public, &c. This special pleading was so nearly
identified with the argument of Mr. McDuffie on the preceding day, in
the motion for inquiry, as to lead some to suspect that he, (Mr.
McDuffie,) was its author, but the
478 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1825.
character of Mr. McDuffie forbids us to harbor any such suspicion. It
was probably the production of Mr. Ingham, who, as afterwards
appeared, was Kremer's chief prompter in this business. It was
natural for him to adopt Mr. McDuffie's arguments, being the best and,
indeed, only mode of getting clear of the difficulty.
One might have supposed that this disgraceful retreat would have
convinced the whole public of the falsehood of Kremer's charge, but
political faith covers mountains, and the charge was eagerly
entertained and reiterated by the partisans of Jackson. Kremer
himself, as appears from the testimony of Mr. Crowninshield, doubted,
at the last, and had a letter of apology ready for Mr. Clay, which Mr.
Ingham found means to suppress.
Such was the eagerness with which the Pennsylvanians received the
corruption story, and such the cloud of incense with which Kremer was
fumigated, that it is no wonder that his brain was affected, and he
really believed himself the savior of his country's liberty. His
vanity became excessive, and as Cicero of old continually rung the
charges in his later orations, on the names of Lentulus and Cataline,
so Kremer made corruption, and his famous letter, the eternal burden
of his song.
Finding that the corruption story was unsparingly used against him
by the Jacksonians, notwithstanding the way in which they had backed out
of the charge, and that even General Jackson had condescended to lend
the authority of his name to this shameless calumny, Mr. Clay took the
trouble to collect the letters, certificates, and affidavits of almost
every one who could have any knowledge of the matter in agitation, and
published them in a pamphlet. These testimonials, coming from upwards
of fifty persons of all parties, formed a most triumphant refutation
of the corruption story. But it was all in vain for Messrs. Adams and
Clay. The popular mind had been roused to phrensy, and was utterly
inaccessible to all reason. Jackson was elected, in 1828, by a
decided majority, and Kremer, having answered the purpose of his
party, was forgotten at once. Too honest to take a part in the
intrigues of his fellow-partisans at Washington, he could not make
himself of any further use to them, and was pushed aside to make room
for those who knew how to make the best use, for selfish purposes, of
his services. For some years after he was left out of Congress, he
con-
1825.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 479
tinued to make speeches at public meetings, the burden of which was
"corruption" and "My letter to the Columbia Observer." His action, in
speaking, was vehement and ungraceful, his voice loud, and his
accentuation false and ranting, such as school-boys are apt to acquire
under the tuition of an injudicious teacher. His honesty and zeal no
one doubted; but designing demagogues contrived, by dexterous
management, to keep him back, as he was too straightforward for them,
and if admitted to their councils, would mar the harmony of their best
laid plans by denouncing their selfishness and unfair dealing. There
was neither selfishness nor meanness about him, and had he
condescended to cringe to the party leaders in 1828-1829, when his
name was in the mouth of every one, or had he intimated that his
influence might possibly be turned against Jackson, there is no doubt
but that he could have obtained highest reward in the form of
political preferment. Indeed, it was a matter of wonder and remark,
among his unsophisticated constituents, that he remained without
office. They little thought that their favorite was altogether thrust
aside by the throng of hungry office-hunters, who assailed the
President with their importunate cries for the spoils of victory. He
was not blind to the intrigues and foul play going on at the seat of
Government, for on his way home once, he met an acquaintance whom he
mistook for one of his own political caste, and to whom he said:
"Adams and Clay were corrupt, but their corruption was child's play to
what is going on at Washington now." - G. A. S.
Weather Record.
The spring was early; peach trees in bloom on the 10th of April;
plum trees on the 28th; flowers in the garden on the 16th; rye in head
on the 8th of May. July 13, the thermometer stood at ninety-six degrees.
Many springs in the Valley gave out, and the pasture burned up. July
16, the crops in Union county were most extraordinary. It was
generally acknowledged that the yield was one fourth more upon the
same quantity of ground than ever has been raised before. Jonathan
Spyker, of Lewisburg, cut twenty-three dozen of wheat off thirty-eight
perches. October 4, a comet visible. December 4, the first snow fell.
480 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1825.
Various Items.
March 29, a dinner at Jacob Maize's, in Mifflinburg, to Honorable
George Kremer. The latter sold out his stock of store goods at
Lewisburg to Samuel Roush, Esquire, who removed it to Mifflinburg.
William Taggert kept the hotel at the Cross-Roads; Valentine Hahn and
Roland Stoughton at Lewisburg; John Hoffman, "The Rising Sun," at New
Berlin; and Thomas Crotzer, "The Bull's Head," at Mifflinburg. May
18, George Kremer, James Merrill, and Ner Middleswarth, appointed
delegates to the internal improvement convention, at Harrisburg. July
2, John Cummings, junior, took charge of the Union Times, succeeded on
the 1st of October by John A. Sterrett, Esquire. The candidates on
the Democratic ticket for Assembly were Ner Middleswarth and William
Forster, junior. On the Independent ticket, James Madden and J.
Reifsnyder. For a convention, 1,715; against, 717. November 1, Camp
Calhoun held at McEwensville. The Lewisburg Guards, commanded by
Captain Jackson McFaddin, numbering forty-five men, were in camp.
David and James Templeton left New Berlin to establish a store at
Canonsburg. James to study divinity there. David C. Ambler left
Lewisburg. He finally landed in Florida, where he died in 1867 or
1868. November 10, Mr. Stillwell commenced a survey of the turnpike,
from Mifflinburg to Bellefonte, at Mifflinburg. James Wilson
purchased Captain William Gray's place.
In July, James Magee commenced boring for salt in West Buffalo,
at the place still known as the salt works. A stock company was formed,
Samuel Roush, Esquire, treasurer, and an assessment of one dollar per
share of "The Union Salt Works" called in. The operators humbugged
the share-holders until their patience was exhausted. In December,
according to the Times, "they had reached the depth of one hundred
and fifty feet, striking on two veins of salt water of considerable
magnitude. Should the anticipations be realized, Union county will,
ere long, be able to supply its inhabitants and those of the
neighboring counties with the indispensable article of salt." [A
barrel of salt conveyed in the night to the well saturated it well
enough to raise an assessment from the stockholders assembled the
1825.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 481
next day.] One good result, however, was a stream of cold sulphur
water, which has refreshed and invigorated thousands of people.
"A man by the name of Ephraim Stephens, of White Deer township, was
brought to the jail of this county. One report says that he had
formed the resolution of killing some part of his family, and then
putting an end to his own existence, and that he loaded his gun for
the purpose of putting this resolution in execution. Fortunately, one
of his sons caught him, and wrested the gun from his hands; but in the
struggle, the gun accidently went off, and its contents lodged in the
barn, which was filled with grain and hay, and which was totally
consumed." - Times.
July 22, James Young, of Kelly township, (near Ephraim Stean's,)
was found dead, his body in such a state of putrefaction, he was buried
where he was found. He had gone to the mountain with some of his
neighbors to cut cooper poles, and, complaining of being sick, started
home and, no doubt, died from excessive heat. His neighbors searched
for him all night and the succeeding day, before finding his body.
"The German Reformed and Lutheran church, known as 'Emanuel Church,'
at New Berlin, was dedicated on Sunday, July 31, agreeably to the
German ritual, in the presence of a vast concourse of people. The
Reverend Mr. Hendel, of Berks county, officiated, assisted by Reverend
Messrs. Shindel, Smith, and Fries. The concourse of people was
numerous, beyond all conception. The building is a handsome piece of
architecture. Christopher Seebold, Esquire, was the contractor, and
deserves much credit for the superb manner in which this building is
finished, particularly the pulpit, which is said to be a correct model
of the one in the German Reformed church at Harrisburg, and which has
been pronounced to be inferior to none in the State. On the subsequent
Sunday, dedicatory services were held in the English language, by
Reverend Martin Bruner, of Sunbury, assisted by Reverend Thomas Hood." -
Times.
Peculiarities of the Bar, from the Manuscript of the late James
F. Linn, Esquire.
"I do think, and I do say, gentlemen of the jury." - Laskells.
"According to the perpendicular line of justice." - Bellas.
482 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1825.
"It is not in the power of mortal man to have a particle of doubt
about it." - Greenough.
"But this is of no earthly consequence, if the Court please. -
S. Hepburn.
"Under the statoot of hoo and cry." - Bancraft.
"The gentle, humane, and mild spirit which is diffused through the
penal code of Pennsylvania." - William Cox Ellis.
"Humph! the gentlemen are marvelous witty." - R. C. Grier.
"Yes, stop - well, let us see - stop there - come, let us have it
down in writing." - Frick.
"There is no evidence in the wide world to support it." - Van Horn.
"It is no such matter." - Donnel.
"I fancy." - Jordan.
"Hum! the big man gets up, and the little man gets up, and they
try to carry their cause by a kind of mechanical operation." - Marr.
"The creditors of the time of this transaction had no existence." -
D. D. Ellis.
Showman at New Berlin again.
The evil star of last year's showman brought him to New Berlin again. The
place seemed charged to the full with ill-luck for him. My young friend, B_____,
having ascertained that he was to perform in a room on the ground floor of
Grier's tavern, went to a window of the room, soon after the performance
commenced, and having silently raised the sash about one inch, introduced the
nose of a large syringe filled with a most abominable compound of filth. He had
not waited long before the performer, standing upon the rope, presented a full
front, within point blank distance; then the fragrant liquid was squirted over
his magnificent person. Grier, who sat, in the capacity of fiddler, in a line
with the discharge, had his hair perfumed by the falling of divers odoriferous
drops from the hissing current. Down leaped the rope-dancer, and up leaped
Grier; the former ran out to plunge his head and body into a rain-barrel; the
latter, foaming with wrath, to wreak his vengeance on the offender, whom,
however, he could not find. The showman
1825.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 483
swore he never would set foot in New Berlin again, and he kept his
oath.
A very remarkable meteor appeared during this summer. I was
standing in the prothonotary's office in New Berlin, when I heard,
as I imagined, some one fall heavily upon the floor of the room above
me. Knowing that the room was unoccupied, I had the curiosity to go
and look in, but found no one there. On my return to my house, I
mentioned the matter to my wife, who said she had heard a similar
sound, and I soon discovered that all my neighbors had been deceived
in a similar manner. Those who were in the open air when they heard
the sound, said the ground trembled under their feet, and horses were
observed to start and crouch as when a bridge cracks under their feet.
It appeared afterwards that the explosion had accompanied the
appearance of a meteor, and had been heard at Bellefonte and
Lewistown, on the Juniata, and at Sunbury and Liverpool, on the
Susquehanna. The flight of the fiery ball was distinctly seen by the
workmen on the Juniata, and at Liverpool. I was told a fiery body was
seen to fall apparently on the north side of Peter's mountain.
Temperance associations began to be formed in the Valley in this
year. Those connected therewith bound themselves to use no intoxicating
liquor, except in such cases as required their use as medicines, and to
discontinue the custom of offering strong drink to visitors. The
latter practice had been so common that to omit it was considered a
breach of politeness. Every one knows with what a whirlwind force
public opinion in America, when once excited, bears down everything
before it, and here was an illustration of its power.
After three or four years, it became rare to offer liquors to
visitors, and common to hear a person refuse to drink, on the ground
that he was a temperance man. A respectable inn-keeper in Sunbury
told me, about three years after this, that the sale of liquor at his
bar, to travelers, had been diminished by not less than one half,
under the influence of the temperance societies. The first temperance
societies allowed the use of wines, on the ground that those who
limited themselves to these would not get drunk on so expensive an
article.
484 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1825.
Witchcraft Farce.
During this year a remarkable farce of witchcraft was played in
the family of a man named Kern, in Beaver township. He had a wife
and two daughters, and followed the occupation of farming. In his
immediate vicinity lived a man named Romig, who, from some unknown
cause, became a hypochondriac, and the impression got abroad that he
was bewitched. Soon after this the milk in Kern's spring-house became
sour, within a few hours after it was placed there. This occurred
daily, until the farce was concluded, which was in two or three weeks.
The next act played was of a more remarkable character. Kern's tables
and kitchen furniture were to be seen flying in all directions,
thrown, it was SUPPOSED, by supernatural means. Knives, forks,
spoons, ladles, &c., never remained more than five minutes on the
dresser, after having been placed there, but were thrown in various
directions about the house; and, as the more BELIEVING portion of the
neighbors asserted, it was no uncommon thing to see them thrown
through the solid wall of the house, without leaving any mark of their
passage in the wall A peddler, who stopped for the purpose of
trading some of his notions to Kern, asserted that he had not been in
the house ten minutes before his hat and dog were thrown through the
wall of the kitchen, into the adjoining yard. It is not to be
presumed that he was influenced in propagating this story by the hope
of assembling a crowd around his wagon.
During these transactions, Kern had a numerous crowd daily at his
house, and on Sundays there was a gathering at his door, such as the
most eloquent divine would have failed to assemble. Of these, the
major part came prepared to believe ALL they saw, and ALL they might
hear. Of course, there was no lack of TRUE stories. The unbelieving
portion of the visitors - a very SMALL number, for men of SENSE
generally staid at home - kept their eyes open, and readily discovered
that the old woman and the daughters were the witches, and threw the
knives, forks, &c. A witch doctor was called, who proceeded, with
great solemnity, to expel the evil spirit. Divers magical and
mysterious rites were performed, exorcisms were chanted, and texts of
Scripture nailed to every door and window in the house. The witches,
however, set the doctor at naught, and baffled all his schemes. At
length a party of young men, residing in New Berlin,
1825.] ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. 485
resolved to try their skill at taking evil spirits. One of them,
having procured a mask, a huge flaxen-wig, a pair of furred gloves,
and other necessary apparatus, set out with the rest, in the
afternoon, and arrived at Kern's early in the evening. At their
request, the witches performed, to their great satisfaction, until a
late hour. At length, when all the visitors, except the young witch
doctors, had left the house, it was resolved to commence operations.
They desired to see how the witches acted above stairs, and were
accordingly conducted up the ladder, accompanied by the whole family.
In the meantime, one of the party, who had a remarkably hoarse and
deep-toned voice, and who was to act the part of the devil, was
notified by a preconcerted signal - for he had not entered the house -
to prepare for action. He accordingly put on his wig and mask, which
he rubbed with phosphorus, and wrapped himself in a buffalo-skin. The
party up stairs were well provided with squibs. One of them had a
piece of phosphorus, with which he wrote on the wall such words as
"devil," "hell," &c., in a number of places. The signal being given,
the candle was extinguished, the squibs distributed most copiously,
and the horrid words on the wall shone out in liquid fire. The
barrels and furniture in the room were trundled about the floor, and
an astounding uproar was kept up for some minutes. Presently a
terrific roar was heard from below. All parties ran to the stair-
door, and saw, at the foot of the ladder, HIS GRIM MAJESTY, in all the
terrors of flames, flax, fur, and horns. Satan made an appropriate
speech on the occasion, and then retired. His address was followed by
a most edifying exhortation, by the wag of the party, on the sin of
deceiving, and the danger of another visit from old Nick, if the
present practices should be persisted in. The terrified witches made
a full confession, and so ended the enchantment. - G. A. Snyder.
Marriages.
January 18, by Reverend J. W. Smith, Hezekiah Amberg, of
New Berlin, to Miss Elizabeth Brooks. February 10, by Reverend
T. Hood, David Nesbit to Miss Mary, daughter of Jacob Musser.
February 24, by Reverend Patterson, Thomas Candor, of Kelly, to
Margaret, daughter of John Montgomery. March 15, James Duncan, of
Aaronsburg, to Mrs. Sophia Maxwell, of New Berlin. April
486 ANNALS OF BUFFALO VALLEY. [1825.
7, by Reverend Fries, John Orwig, of Mifflinburg, to Miss Maria
Bright. April 28, by Reverend T. Hood, John Linn to Mary F.
Chamberlin. May 5, by Reverend Heim, Daniel Ludwig to Miss Sarah
Hoffman. May 6, by Reverend John Dreisbach, Robert P. Maclay, of East
Buffalo, to Miss Margaret C. Lashells, of New Berlin. May 20, Henry
B. Mussena to Miss Elizabeth Winter, of New Berlin. June 5, by
Reverend Fries, Mathias Benner to Elizabeth Overmyer, of New Berlin.
October 6, by Reverend Fries, Daniel Apple to Miss Susan Orwig, of
Mifflinburg. October 9, John Maize to Miss Elizabeth Jones, of
Mifflinburg. October 13, Mr. Strawbridge, of Columbia county, to
Miss Louisa, daughter of Charles Maus, Esquire. November 2, by
Reverend Heim, Jonathan Wetzel to Miss Hettie Hoff, of Union.
November 3, by Reverend J. H. Fries, Jacob G. Chestney, of
Mifflinburg, to Juliana, daughter of John Cummings, Esquire, of
Hartley. November 3, by James McClellan, Esquire, Daniel Mook to Miss
Mary Dieffenbach. November 20, David Mauck to Miss Nancy Shriner.
December 22, by Reverend Stewart, William Kelly, of Union, to Miss
Margaret Allison, of Centre. December 26, John Row to Miss Rachel
Kunkle, of Dry Valley.
[End of page 486.]