Return to Milestones Vol. 5, No. 4
Milestones readers will enjoy this very early 1843 description of Beaver County in Day's Historical Collections of Pennsylvania. This now very rare book was, in its time, a most respected reference work and the ultimate contemporary authority on matters geographical.
Beaver County comprehends the region on both sides of the Ohio adjoining the mouth of Beaver. Length 34 miles, breadth 19-containing 646 square miles. The population in 1800 was 5,776, in 1820, 15,340, in 1830, 24,206, and in 1840, 29,368. The co. was separated from Allegheny and Washington by the act of 12th March, 1800. In 1803 it was fully organized for judicial purposes. The Ohio River enters the southwest corner of the co., and flows northwest of the centre, where it receives the Big Beaver, and immediately turns to its great southwestern course towards the Mississippi. Slippery Rock, a branch of Beaver, Racoon cr., and Little Beaver, small tributaries to the Ohio, are also in this co. The southern and southeastern parts of the co. are hilly and broken, being much indented by the great streams; the soil upon the hills is of middling quality, but the region is interspersed with fine bottom lands, and level, or rolling lands, admirably adapted for grain and pasture. The mulberry and the vine have been successfully cultivated. The northern part has a gently undulating surface, with a soil well adapted for every variety of agriculture. The bituminous coal, limestone, and iron of the "great Pittsburg coal basin," are nearly everywhere accessible. A mineral spring, near Frankford, in the S. W. corner of the co., has been considerably frequented by invalids. It contains carbonic acid gas, carbonate of iron, carbonate of magnesia, muriate of soda, and sulphureted hydrogen gas.
Nothing in the co. challenges the attention of a stranger so much as its extraordinary capacity for manufacturing and commercial industry. To the south and east the Ohio opens a communication with all parts of the United States. To the north and northwest, the Sandy and Beaver canal, completed, effects a junction with the great Ohio canal; while the Erie. extension canal, now nearly pierced through to the lake, opens a communication to all the markets of that vast region. An almost incalculable amount of water power is afforded by the streams, but more particularly at the lower end of the Beaver River, and at the several dams erected for supplying the canals. The Falls of the Beaver alone, within six miles of its mouth, even in dry seasons, are said to afford power sufficient to drive 168 pairs of five feet burr millstones. A small proportion only of this power is yet put into operation. Added to these facilities for manufacturing, are the rich mines of coal, itself a driving power, and of iron, contiguous to all the important streams.
The first white men who ever made a settlement in what is now Beaver co., were probably the Moravian brethren, Zeisberger and others, in the year 1770. They had been laboring some time previously among the Monseys and Senecas, at Goshgoshunk and Lawenakanuck, on the Allegheny, above French cr., (see Venango and Bradford counties) but various discouragements had induced them to leave there, and accept an invitation tendered them from Pakanke and Glikkikan, Delaware chiefs living at Kaskaskunk, in what is now Butler co. The following account of their settlement is abridged from Loskiel's history of the Moravian missions. The settlement appears to have been near where Darlington now is.
"April 17, 1770, the congregation of Lawenakanuck broke up, and set out in 16 canoes, passing down the river Ohio by Pittsburg to Beaver co., which they entered, and proceeded up to the Falls, where they had to unload and transport their goods and canoes by land. One of these carrying places detained them two days. The frequent repetition of this troublesome work caused them to be very thankful when they met Glikkikan, with some horses from Kaskaskunk, for their use." After a tedious journey they arrived, on 3d May, at their destination, a well-chosen spot, "with good land sufficient to supply a hundred families." They gave formal announcement of their arrival to the neighboring chiefs, with the usual interchange of speeches and Indian ceremony. Glikkikan, like Moses, relinquished the honors of his station to come and dwell among the people of God. The Indians were astonished, or rathered alarmed, to see a people settle among them, so much differing in manners and customs from the heathen, and to hear a doctrine preached of which they had never before any idea. In some, this astonishment was soon changed into displeasure. Glikkikan's retirement from Kaskaskunk occasioned universal dissatisfaction, and his former friends accused him of wishing to become a sorcerer. The old chief, Pakanke, altered his friendly behavior towards the brethren, and denied his having invited them, charging Glikkikan with it. He reproached him publicly, thus, "and even you have gone over to them. I suppose you intend to get a white skin! but I tell you not even one of your feet will turn white, much less your body. Was you not a brave and honored man, sitting next to me in council, when we spread the blanket and considered the belts of wampum lying before us? Now you pretend to despise all this, and to have found something better." Glikkikan briefly replied, "It is very. true I have gone over to them, and with them I will live and die," Pakanke continued unfriendly and cool towards the settlement for some time, notwithstanding the friendly endeavors of Col. Croghan to effect a reconciliation, until after the lapse of a year or so, when he resolved to visit Friedenstadt. "He then heard the gospel with great attention, changed his sentiments, and even exhorted his children to go to the brethren, hearken to their words, and believe on Jesus."
"On the 23d July, 1770, our Indians began to build a regular settlement on the west side of Beaver cr., erecting blockhouses, and before winter they and their teachers Were conveniently housed. Then the statutes of the congregation were made known to the inhabitants, and every thing regulated as at Friedenshutton. In Oct., John George Yungman and his wife arrived from Bethlehem, to take charge of this congregation, bringing a belt of wampum from Col. Croghan to Pakanke, entreating his kindness toward the missionaries. Brother Senseman, who had shared with Br. Zeisberger his toils and duties, returned to Bethlehem."
The missionaries were greatly annoyed, and their lives even endangered by the jealousies stirred up against them by the sorcerers and medicine men among the Indians of the neighboring tribes, particularly those near Gekelo-mukpechuenk, on the Muskingum. "This opposition arose chiefly from the insinuations of the above mentioned Indian preachers who had so strenuously recommended emetics as a sure mode of cleansing from sin, that in this town the practice was general. The missionary endeavored to convince the people that, though an emetic might benefit their stomachs, yet it could never cleanse their hearts, but that the blood of Jesus Christ was alone able to change them. The work of God prevailed and increased at Friedenstadt, and in May, 1771, the foundation stone of the chapel was laid.
In 1773, the state of the frontier had become so alarming, and the opposition and jealousy of Pakanke's tribe so great, that it was not thought safe for the brethren to remain longer at Friedenstadt. They accordingly broke up the station and departed for the new stations on the Muskingum, under the charge of Rev. John Heckwelder and Br. John Roth.
The historian willingly drops the curtain upon the scenes which they encountered in their new residence.
Until the passage of the celebrated land law of 1792, by the legislature of Pennsylvania, the whole territory northwest of the Ohio and Allegheny rivers, was an uninhabited wilderness, and had been in possession of the Indians; even for three years after that date, and up to the time of Gen. Wayne's treaty at Greenville on 3d Aug. 1795, it was unsafe for families to settle on that side of the river. Previous to this time few transactions of importance are recorded in history as having occurred within the bounds of what is now Beaver co. In Nov. 1753, Maj. George Washington arrived at Logstown, a little French and Indian village about 14 miles below Pittsburg on the right bank of the Ohio, on an errand to inquire into the movements of the French on these rivers. By his published journal it appears that this region was occupied by the Mingoes, Shawanees and Delaware Indians,-the Mingoes being only another name for the Iroquois or Six Nations. He also casually remarks that Tanacharison, or the Half King, a Mingo chief, had his hunting cabin on Little Beaver creek. Tanacharison was the principal chief and speaker of his tribe, and was friendly to the English, or rather was unfriendly to the French-, not that he loved one more than the other, but that he valued his own rights to the soil, and was more jealous of the French with their arms and forts than of the English with their articles of traffic. Several years afterward, when he became better acquainted with the real designs of both, he put to old Mr. Gest of Fayette co., the significant question, "where the Indians' land lay?-for the French claimed all the land on one side of the Ohio river, and the English on the other."
In 1770, Washington again visited the country on the Ohio for the purpose of viewing lands to be apportioned among the officers and soldiers who had served in the French war. He was accompanied by Dr. Craik, Col. Crawford, Col. Croghan, and other friends.
A short paragraph only of his journal relates to Beaver co., which is here extracted.
"Oct. 20, 1770. Col. Croghan, Lieut. Hamilton, and Mr. Magee set out with us. At two we dined at Mr. Magee's, and encamped ten miles below and four above Logstown. 21st. Left our encampment and breakfasted at Logstown, where we parted with Col. Croghan and company. At eleven we came to the mouth of the Big Beaver creek, opposite to which (now Phillipsburg) is a good situation for a house; and above it, on the same side, that is the west, there appears to be a body of fine land. About five miles lower down, on the. east side, comes in Racoon creek, at the mouth of which, and up it, appears to be a body of good land also. All the land between this creek and the Monongahela, and for 15 miles back, is claimed by Col. Croghan under a purchase from the Indians, which sale he says is confirmed by his majesty. On this creek, where the branches thereof interlock with the waters of Shurtees cr. (Chartier cr.) there is, according to Col. Croghan's account, a body of fine, rich, level land. This tract he wants to sell, and offers it at 5 pound sterling per 100 acres, with an exemption of quit-rents for 20 years; after which to be subject to the payment of four shillings and two pence sterling per 100 acres; provided he can sell it in ten-thousand-acre lots. At present the unsettled state of this country renders any purchase dangerous."
Washington mentions calling at the Mingo town, about 75 miles below Pittsburg, on the right bank of the Ohio, a little above the Cross creeks. The place contained about 20 cabins and 70 inhabitants of the Six Nations.
The next event of interest in this county was the erection of fort M'Intosh in the spring of 1778, near the present site of Beaver. It was built of strong stockades, furnished with bastions, and mounted one 6 pounder. From here Gen. M'Intosh went on an expedition against the Sandusky towns with 1000 men, and erected fort Laurens on the Tuscarawa. There was also a blockhouse on the site of New Brighton, probably erected some time during the revolution.
A mile or two above the mouth of Beaver a small run, called Brady's run, comes dashing down a wild glen on the west side; and a road which winds up the hill behind Fallston retains the name of Brady's road. These names originated no doubt from the following adventures related by "Kiskiminetas," in the Blairsville Record:
In 1780 Gen. Washington wrote to Gen. Broadhead to select a suitable officer and despatch him to Sandusky, for the purpose of examining the place and ascertaining the force of British and Indians assembled there. Gen. Broadhead had no hesitation in making the selection. He sent for Capt. Brady, showed him Washington's letter, and a draft or map of the country he must traverse; very defective, as Brady afterwards discovered, but the best no doubt, that could be obtained at that time. The appointment was accepted, and selecting a few soldiers, and four Chicasaw Indians as guides, he crossed the Allegheny river and was at once in the enemy's country. Brady was versed in all the wiles of Indian "strategie," and, dressed in the full war dress of an Indian warrior, and well acquainted with their languages, he led his band in safety near to the Sandusky towns, without seeing a hostile Indian. But his Chickasaws plow deserted. This was alarming, for it was probable they had gone over to the enemy. However, he determined to proceed. With a full knowledge of the horrible death that awaited him if taken prisoner, he passed on, until he stood beside the town on the bank of the river. His first care was to provide a secure place of concealment for his men. When this was effected, having selected one man as the companion of his future adventures, he waded the river to an island partially covered with drift-wood, opposite the town, where he concealed himself and comrade for the night. The next morning a dense fog spread over the hill and dale, town and river. All was hid from Brady's eyes, save the logs and brush around him. About 11 o'clock it cleared off, and afforded him a view of about three thousand Indians engaged in the amusement of the raceground. They had just returned from Virginia or Kentucky, with some very fine horse. One gray horse in particular attracted his notice. He won every race until near evening, when, as if envious of his speed, two riders were placed on him, and thus he was beaten. The starting post was only a few rods above where Brady lay, and he had a pretty fair chance of enjoying the amusement, without the risk of losing any thing by betting on the race. He made such observation through the day as was in his power, waded out from the island at night, collected his men, went to the Indian camp he had seen as he came out; the squaws were still there, took them prisoners, and continued his march homeward. The map furnished by Gen. Broadhead, was found to be defective. The distance was represented to be much less than it really was. The provisions and ammunition of the men were exhausted by the time they had reached the Big Beaver, on their return. Brady shot an otter, but could not eat it. The last load was in his rifle. They arrived at an old encampment, and found plenty of strawberries, which they stopped to appease their hunger with. Having discovered a deer track, Brady followed it, telling the men he would perhaps get a shot at it. He had gone but a few rods when he saw the deer standing broadside to him, He raised his rifle and attempted to fire, but it flashed in the pan; and he had not a priming of powder. He sat down, picked the touch-hole, and then started on. After going a short distance the path made a bend, and he saw before him a large Indian on horseback, with a white child before and its mother behind him on the horse, and a number of warriors marching in the rear. His first impulse was to shoot the Indian on horseback, but as he raised the rifle he observed the child's head to roll with the motion of the horse. It was fast asleep, and tied to the Indian. He stepped behind the root of a tree and waited until he could shoot the Indian, without danger to the child or its mother. When he considered the chance certain, he shot the Indian, who fell from the horse, and the child and its mother fell with him. Brady called to his men with a voice that made the forest ring, to surround the Indians and give them a general fire. He sprung to the fallen Indian's powder horn, but could not get it off. Being dressed like an Indian, the woman thought he was one, and said, "Why did you shoot your brother?" He caught up the child, saying, "Jenny Stupes, I am Capt. Brady, follow me and I will save you and your child." He caught her hand in his, carrying the child under the other arm, and dashed into the brush. Many guns were fired at him by this time, but no ball harmed him, and the Indians dreading an ambuscade, were glad to make off. The next day he arrived at Fort McIntosh with the woman and her child. His men had got there before him. They had heard his warwhoop and knew it was Indians they had encountered, but having no ammunition, they had taken to their heels and ran off. The squaws he had taken at Sandusky, availing themselves of the panic, had also made their escape.
In those days Indian fashions prevailed in some measure with the whites, at least with Rangers. Brady was desirous of seeing the Indian he had shot, and the officer in command of Fort McIntosh gave him some men in addition to his own, and he returned to search for the body. The place where he had fallen was discovered, but nothing more. They were about to quit the place, when the yell of a pet Indian that came with them from the fort, called them to a little glade, where the grave was discovered. The Indians had interred their dead brother, carefully replacing the sod in the neatest manner. They had also cut brushes and stuck them into the ground; but the brushes had withered, and instead of concealing the grave, they had led to the discovery.
He was buried about two feet deep, with all his implements of war about him. All his savage jewelry, his arms and ammunition were taken from him, and the scalp from the head, and then they left him thus stripped alone in his grave. It is painful to think of such things being done by American soldiers, but we cannot now know all the excusing circumstances that may have existed at the time. Perhaps the husband of this woman, the father of this child, was thus butchered before his wife and children; and the younger members of the family, Unable to bear the fatigues of travelling, had their brains dashed out on the threshhold. Such things were common, and a spirit of revenge was deeply seated in the breasts of the people of the frontiers. Capt. Brady's own family had heavily felt the merciless tomahawk. His brave and honored father and a beloved brother had been treacherously slain by the Indians, and he had vowed vengeance. After refreshing himself and men, they went up to Pittsburg by water, where they were received with military honor. Minute guns were fired from the time Brady came in sight until he landed. The Chickasaw Indians had returned to Pittsburg, and reported that the captain and his party had been cut off near Sandusky town by the Indians.
After Gen. Wayne's treaty, in 1795, the country north and west of the Ohio and Allegheny could be safely inhabited, and speculators, companies, and individuals flocked thither to secure a title to lands to which they had previously acquired a color of title under the various land laws of 1783 and 1792, and others. Many of the large companies came in conflict with individual claimants, and long, vexatious suits were the consequence. Beaver co. was in the "Depreciation District." A more extended notice of this subject will be found under the head of Crawford co. The Population Company was extensively interested in the lands of Beaver co.
BEAVER. -The place known by this name to travellers and others at Pittsburg, whence so many little steamers are seen plying for this destination, is not, properly, one town, but a little cluster of towns-a sort of United States in miniature, situated around the mouth of Beaver river, and for four or five miles up that stream. And it is a singular tact, that to a traveller passing on the Ohio scarcely any village at all can be described at the place, although there is here a population of some six thousand. The annexed plan will illustrate the position of the towns. (Map on page 37)
First, there is BEAVER borough, the seat of justice, a quiet, orderly, old-fashioned county town, with its respectable society, and the usual number of stores and taverns. It is built principally upon a long street, running parallel with the Ohio river, upon an elevated plateau, some forty rods back from the river. A dangerous gravel shoal, formed by the confluence of the Beaver with the Ohio, lies directly abreast of the town, which accounts for the fact of there being no business street along the river. The courthouse, jail, and three churches, all substantial buildings, stand around an open square, through which runs the main street. Population in 1840, 551. The borough was incorporated 29th March, 1802.
The annexed view shows the courthouse, jail, Etc., on the left, and the churches on the right, with the main street beyond.
By the act of 28th Sept. 1791, the governor of the state was instructed to cause to be surveyed 200 acres of land in town lots, near the mouth of Beaver cr., "on or near the ground where the old French town stood," and also 1,000 acres adjoining, on the upper side thereof, as nearly square as might be, in out-lots, not less than five, nor more than ten acres each. By the same act, 500 acres, near the town were granted for an academy. Daniel Leet surveyed the town plot. The probable motive at that day for locating the county seat at a distance from the great manufacturing advantages at the Falls, was the existence of the well-known shoal just below the mouth of Beaver, a difficult and dangerous passage to the keel-boats and other craft in use at that day. By the location here, the town was accessible alike to the lower and upper trade, and the obstructions themselves would probably throw considerable business into the place. The idea of erecting Lowels and Rochesters, had not as yet entered the heads of speculators in land. Samuel Johnston first settled at Beaver in 1796. He kept an inn on the bank of the river, near Fort McIntosh. Some traces of the old fort are still be seen near his house. Jonathan Porter, Abraham Laycock, David Townsend, Joseph Hemphill, John Lawrence, Mr. Small, Mr. Alison, were also early and prominent settlers. Judge Laycock filled many important offices in the county and state, and held a seat in the senate of the United States. On the present site of New Brighton, there existed an ancient "blockhouse," at which Sergeant-major Toomey commanded when Mr. Alison first came here, on a visit, in 1793. Gen. Wayne was encamped at Legionville, on the river, below Economy. The only road in those days was "Broadhead's," which led across the country from where Phillipsburg now is.
Hoopes, Townsend Et Co. first erected a furnace at the Falls near Brighton in 1803. In 1806, the second paper-mill west of the mountains was erected on Little Beaver cr., just within the Ohio line, by John Bever, Jacob Bowman, and John Coulter, called the Ohio Paper-mill. The principal topics of interest to the early settlers of Beaver, after the pacification of the frontier in '95, were the conflicting claims to land growing out of the act of '92. The place was one of considerable river trade, and the usual business of a county town, until about the year 1830, when the vast natural advantages of the Falls began to attract attention from various quarters. Previous to this time, in addition to the old furnace, several mills and warehouses had been erected about the Falls, as the natural wants of the country had prompted from time to time.
The astonishingly rapid growth of Buffalo, Rochester, Lockport, Syracuse, and other towns along the great New York canal, had insensibly created a vast school of speculation, the pupils of which subsequently spread themselves over all the other states, particularly those contiguous by the lakes. The great natural resources at the mouth of Beaver did not escape their notice nor their grasp. Enlisting in their visionary plans some of the original holders of the property, who too soon became apt scholars in the new science, they proceeded to purchase up the real estate and mill sites along the banks of the river, and on the Ohio near it, and to lay out towns and cities, and great lines of public improvement. Better adepts with the pen and the drawing instruments, than with the apparatus of the mill, these gentlemen preferred laying out paper cities, and trumpeting the value of their lots in overwrought puffs, to erecting manufactories themselves, and developing in a legitimate way the real resources of the country. The usual symptoms of the speculative epidemic were soon exhibited in a high degree. Lots were sold and resold at high profits-several manufactories were built-beautiful dwellings, banks, and hotels were erected-morus multicaulis plantations were started, "and all went merry as a marriage bell." The fever subsided, and the ague succeeded-the bubble burst with the U. S. Bank, and the universal "want of confidence," and the speculators returned to more useful employments. The scathing influence of these operations will not soon be forgotten by the people of Beaver and New Brighton.
The great natural advantages, however, of the region, still exist, and much has actually been done to improve and develop them; the exaggeration has principally been shown in overrating the growth of the place, without making suitable allowance for the competition and claims of a hundred other places, each of which, if they had not the same advantages, were equally the darling objects of their owners' enterprise. With an enterprise tempered with prudence in adapting the rapidity of development to the real and natural wants of the country, few places promise better results than the little towns around the Falls of Beaver. The Beaver river, within five miles from its mouth, falls 69 feet. "The Falls" originally consisted of a succession of rapids for about two thirds of that distance. By individual and state enterprise the stream has been made to assume a succession of pools and dams. Five miles from the mouth is a dam of 15 feet; a mile below, another of 20 feet; a mile below that, two others, giving together a fall of 19 feet; and near the mouth another, with a fall of 15 feet at low water. It was estimated by the U. S. engineers, who examined the site in 1822, with a view to the establishment of a national armory, that the water power here at low water was sufficient to propel 168 pair of 5 feet burr-millstones; and since the state dams have been erected, it is said that this estimate is far below the real amount.
BRIGHTON is a delightful and promising village, situated on the west side of Beaver river, four miles from its mouth. It was at an early period distinguished for its iron works, Messrs. Hoopes, Townsend & Co. having erected a furnace here in 1803. The place owes most of its present importance to the enterprise of Mr. J. Patterson, formerly of Philadelphia, a capitalist, merchant and manufacturer of cotton flour, Etc., who purchased the mill privileges opposite the village. He has here an uninterrupted head and fall of 20 feet. Mr. Patterson has a large cotton factory, and flouring-mill, and store, and gives employment to many of the inhabitants of the village. He has recently constructed a canal leading to his mills, the Pennsylvania and Ohio canal passing along the opposite bank. There is also a steam paper-mill, owned by Mr. A. Robertson, having a staining establishment connected with it, and giving employment to many families. A very neat and commodious meeting-house and school-room accommodates a population of about 300. A fine bridge of 600 feet in length, built for a company, by Mr. Le Barron, connects Brighton with.
NEW BRIGHTON, which is situated below Brighton, opposite to the middle and lower Falls, at the head of steamboat navigation. This place has grown up entirely since 1830. In 1793, a military blockhouse stood here, with a garrison commanded by Major Toomey. The village is well laid out in broad streets, crossing at right angles, and many of the private residences are neatly built and tastefully adorned with shrubbery and shade trees. The water privileges of this place are hardly surpassed in the west. The annexed view was taken from the hill behind Fallston. Some of the factories of Fallston are seen in the foreground. There are at present in the place several manufactories of various kinds, among which is one for making carpets. There are Presbyterian, Methodist, Seceder, Unionist, and 2 Friends' places of worship. The office of the Beaver Co. Insurance Co. is located here. The U. S. Bank had a branch, established here. The Female Seminary is an excellent school of the higher class. The New Brighton Institute, a society for literary and scientific purposes, has done much to promote the march of intelligence. It has a library and cabinet of curiosities. Pop. 981. Another beautiful bridge, erected by Messrs. Lathrop & Le Barron, connects the lower end of New Brighton with
FALLSTON.-This place is situated along one or two streets, at the foot of a high bluff, and is famous for its manufactures, which consist of woollens, cottons, paper, linseed oil, wire, scythes, baskets, window-sash, ploughs, carpets, lasts, carlding-machines, steam-engines, &c. The water power here is immense-, a race is permanently constructed, a mile and a half in length, which conducts the water upon which a long row of manufacturing establishments is erected. There is a respectable building of brick for schools and for public worship. In the hill behind the village is an abundance of excellent coal, which may be slid from the mouth of the pits into the yards of many of the houses. Pop. 865. One and a half miles below is
SHARON, a flourishing village, containing a patent bucket manufactory, a foundry, various other manufacturing establishments, and two keel and canal boat yards. There is a Methodist church here. Population about 300. Between Fallston and Sharon, on the high grounds overlooking the river, a new brick church in the Gothic style has been recently erected.
BRIDGEWATER is situated about half a mile above the junction of the Ohio and Beaver rivers, on the western shore of Beaver. It is regularly laid out upon a level flat, and contains a number of fine buildings, manufactories, hotels, commission-houses, Etc. It is the usual landing-place of the Pittsburg steamboats, and the termination of the stage and packet routes for Cleveland. A fine bridge connects it with Rochester, and immediately beneath the bridge is a dam across the Beaver, forming the slackwater steamboat navigation to Fallston,- and also creating an immense water power, at an ordinary stage of water in the Ohio river. Pop. 634.
ROCHESTER, formerly known as Bolesville, is directly opposite Bridgewater. The Pennsylvania and Ohio canal, connecting at Akron with the Ohio canal, and also the Pennsylvania canal to Erie, both have a common termination at this point. There is a depot of canal boats and steamboats here, many of which are owned here. The location is healthy and elevated, presenting a fine view of the surrounding villages and rivers. Population from 300 to 400. A considerable forwarding business is done here between Pittsburg and Ohio.
PHILLIPSBURG, directly opposite the mouth of Beaver, on the left bank of the Ohio river, was formerly owned by Messrs. Phillips and Graham, and connected with an extensive steamboat yard; but in April, 1832, Count De Leon and his associates, having seceded from the society at Economy, purchased the place, and occupied it with a German population, calling it New Philadelphia. They held it in common for a short time; but since the dissolution of their society, they live in families, with separate interests, pursuing the industrious and frugal course by which that people are generally characterized. Pop. 338. After thus disposing of Phillipsburg, Messrs. Phillips and Graham removed their steamboat yards to the opposite side of the Ohio, about two miles above, and started the village of
FREEDOM-the first beginnings of which are thus chronicled in the Beaver Argus, of May, 1832--
Rapid Work.-Messrs. Phillips and Graham purchased a tract of land from Gen. Lacock on the Ohio river, on Monday of last week, laid out a town on Tuesday, and built fourteen houses in four succeeding days. At this place they intend establishing their ship-yard."
The place thus commenced now contains several manufactories, one for steam-engines and boilers; a boat-yard, where some of the largest and finest of steamboats were built, such as the St. Louis, Meteor, Gen. Pratt, and many others. There is a bend of the Ohio just at this place, and the village being built upon a hill gently sloping up from the river bank, presents a very lively appearance to the passengers coming down the river. Pop. 384.
ECONOMY is a German settlement on the right bank of the Ohio, 18 miles below Pittsburg, belonging to the Harmony Society. The village is arranged with broad rectangular streets, two parallel with the Ohio, and four crossing them. The log houses originally constructed have been replaced with neat frame or brick houses of uniform size and at proper distances from each other. Each house has its garden, with shade trees and a pretty bower of vines around the door. A stranger is struck with the air of neatness without show which pervades every street.
The annexed view exhibits, on the right, one end of the large hall used for a museum, cabinet,Etc. The upper story consists of one room called the Social Hall, where the whole society dine together in celebration of their yearly harvest-home, and other great occasions. A little beyond the hall on the same side is the residence of the venerable founder, George Rapp. On the other side are seen the tower of the church, and several of the dwelling-houses. At the church the members meet twice on Sunday, and once on an evening during the week. Mr. Rapp delivers the discourse in the German language, which is generally spoken, although many members are acquainted with the English. A fine band of music, composed of many members, occasionally entertains the community with a concert.
Their large flocks of sheep, cattle, horses, hogs, etc., all of good stock, are regularly taken care of, and stabled in winter, and are said to compare favorably with any in the west. In agriculture they are not surpassed, and their immense fields of grain, meadows, orchards, vineyards, nurseries of mulberry and fruit trees, elicit the admiration of all visitors. Each department of business is headed by a foreman, who is responsible to uphold the standing regulations, and act impartially to all members in the distribution of the necessaries of life.
The following history of the society is derived from various articles in Hazard's Register, and from verbal communications to the compiler:
Mr. George Rapp and his followers, who now constitute the society at Economy, emigrated to this country from Wurtemburg in the province of Swabia; having left there, as they assert, on account of persecution for their religious opinions. Mr. Rapp arrived in this country in the year 1803, a year in advance of his followers, to look out a body of land on which to settle them. Accordingly he purchased a quantity of land in Butler co., and in a short time afterwards the company settled and improved it, and built a town which they called Harmony. They laid out a vineyard, built mills, raised sheep, and erected a large cloth maufactory, with which they succeeded well. But having the cultivation of the grape very much at heart, which appeared not to do so well as they wished, their merino sheep likewise not thriving so well, they transferred themselves to the state of Indiana, near the Wabash, where the climate was supposed to be more con.genial to these leading objects of their wishes. Governed by-these considerations, they bought a large body of land, sold their establishment at Harmony, and went down the river to the new purchase. There they cleared the land, built a beautiful village, erected a cotton and woollen manufactory, a brewhouse, a distillery and steam-mill. After remaining there some time, it was discovered that the change of climate and unhealthiness of the country called for a speedy retreat.
"The society therefore determined to return to Pennsylvania, and pursuant to that resolution purchased a large body of land on the Ohio, in Beaver co., about 18 miles below Pittsburg; here they commenced their operations about three years ago, (1825.) They cleared a spot of ground, on which they have built a handsome town, now consisting of about 130 houses; among these are an elegant church, a large woollen and cotton manufactory, a store a tavern, a large steam-mill, a brewery, distillery, tanyard, and various other workshops. Besides this they have a large and commodious house built for a concert-hall, of 120 ft. by 54 ft., arched underneath, in which they have a museum of natural curiosities, a collection of minerals, a mathematical school, a library, and a drawing school. They purchase from 60 to $70,000 worth of wool, and about 20 or $30,000 worth of other articles from the surrounding country, for manufacture and consumption." The Duke of Saxe Weimar, who visited the colony about the year 1826, says
"At the inn, a fine large frame house, we were received by Mr. Rapp, the principal, at the head of the community. He is a gray-headed and venerable old man; most of the members emigrated 21 years ago from Wirtemburg along with him."
"The elder Rapp is a large man of 70 years old, whose powers age seems not to have diminished; his hair is gray, but his blue eyes, overshadowed by strong brows, are full of life and fire. Rapp's system is nearly the same as Owen's community of goods, and all members of the society work together for the common interest, by which the welfare of each individual is secured. Rapp does not hold his society together by these hopes alone, but also by the tie of religion, which is entirely wanting in Owen's community; and results declare that Rapp's system is the better. No great results can be expected from Owen's plan; and a sight of it is very little in its favor. What is most striking and wonderful of all is, that so plain a man as Rapp can so successfully bring and keep together a society of nearly 700 persons, who, in a manner, honor him as a prophet. Equally so for example is his power of government, which can suspend the intercourse of the sexes. He found that the society was becoming too numerous, wherefore the members agreed to live with their wives as sisters. All nearer intercourse is forbidden, as well as marriage; both are discouraged.* (*Visitors at Economy are cautioned against making any inquiries upon this particular subject, even in the most courteous manner, as they will probably be repulsed with an indignant answer. On all other subjects they will probably be gratified by the courtesy and readiness of the members to impart information. - D.) However, some marriages constantly occur, and children are born every year, for whom there is provided a school and a teacher. The members of the community manifest the very highest degree of veneration for the elder Rapp, whom they address and treat as a father. Mr. Frederick' Rapp is a large good-looking personage, of 40 years of age. He possesses profound mercantile knowledge, and is the temporal, as his father is the spiritual chief of the community. All business passes through his hands; he represents the society, which, notwithstanding the change in the narne of residence, is called the Harmony Society, in all their dealings with the world. They found that the farming and cattle raising, to which the society exclusively attended in both their former places of residence, were not sufficiently productive for their industry, they therefore have established factories.
"The warehouse was shown to us, where the articles made here for sale or use are preserved, and I admired the excellence of all. The articles for the use of the society are kept by themselves, as the members have no private possessions, and everything is in common; so must they in relation to all their personal wants be supplied from the common stock. The clothing and food they make use of is of the best quality. Of the latter, flour, salt meat, and all long keeping articles are served out monthly; fresh meat, on the contrary, and whatever spoils readily, is distributed whenever it is killed, according to the size of the family, Etc. As every house has a garden, each family raises its own vegetables, and some poultry, and each family has its own bake oven. For such things as are not raised, in Economy, there is a store provided, from which the members, with the knowledge of the directors, may purchase what is necessary, and the people of the vicinity may also do the same.
"Mr. Rapp finally conducted us into the factory again, and said that the girls had especially requested this visit, that I might hear them sing. When their work is done they collect in one of the factory rooms, to the number of 60 or 70, to sing spiritual and other songs. They have a peculiar hymn-book, containing hymns from the Wirtemburg psalm-book, and others written by the elder Rapp. A chair was placed for the old patriarch, who sat amidst the girls, and they commenced a hymn in a very delightful manner. It was naturally symphonious and exceedingly well arranged. The girls sang four pieces, at first sacred, but afterwards, by Mr. Rapp's desire, of a gay character. With real emotion did I witness this interesting scene. The factories and workshops are warmed during winter by means of pipes connected with the steam-engine. All the workmen, and especially the females, had very healthy complexions, and moved me deeply by the warm-hearted friendliness with which they saluted the elder Rapp. I was also much gratified to see vessels containing sweet-smelling flowers standing on all the machines. The neatness which universally reigns here, is in every respect worthy of praise."
Since the visit of Saxe Weimar Mr. Frederick Rapp has died; the venerable father still governs the society.
In every thing useful the Economists are ready to adopt the most modern inventions; while in clothing their persons they eschew all modern fashions, and still adhere to the quaint patterns used among the German peasantry of the last century. The latter remark applies perhaps, with more force to the females; the men generally wearing a plain uniform dress, of dark gray round-about and pantaloons, with a hat of wool or straw, suited to the weather. Their manufacturing machinery is all propelled by steam. They commenced the culture of the mulberry and the manufacture of silk in 1828, with no other instruction or experience than what they could gather from the publications of that day. The white Italian mulberry and morus multicaulis were both used with success. They have now brought this manufacture to a point not surpassed in this country. In 1840 the product of silk was 2,389 lbs. cocoons, yielding 218 lbs. reeled silk; which they wrought into beautiful handkerchiefs, vestings, and a variety of other fabrics. They have spared neither trouble nor expense in importing the best machinery from England and France, and in obtaining instruction from foreign artisans
About the year 1831, an adventurer from Germany, calling himself Count De Leon, insinuated himself into the good graces of the society so far as to become a member, with this family. He made various pretensions to special favors from heaven, and thought himself inspired and sent on a special mission to regenerate the Germans at Economy. He made large professions, and backed them up with larger promises. Taking advantage of the restraint upon the intercourse between the sexes, and certain jealousies that existed of the growing influence of the Rapp family, the count produced a lamentable schism. ' After much ill feeling, and bitter controversy relating to the subjects in dispute, the most important of which to the count was the property involved, the matter was amicably compromised in March, 1832, and articles were signed by which the society agreed to pay to the seceders $105,000, deducting $1,800 due the society by the count and his family. The count and his family were to move off in six weeks-the dissenters within three months.
The adherents to the count, who formed a considerable body, some 300 or 400, purchased Phillipsburg, and established a colony there under the name of New Philadelphia, to be governed somewhat upon the plan of the Harmonites, modified by the count. Time, however, unfolded the real nature of the count's designs, as well as the visionary credulity of his adherents; and the new colony as a joint-stock was soon resolved into its original elements. The count with a few adherents fled down the river, leaving those who had been duped by his schemes, to make their way in life for the future upon the good old-fashioned plan of letting "each tub stand on its own bottom." Under this system Phillipsburg has become a thriving German town.
The society has had several written constitutions or articles of agreement between the individual members and Mr. Rapp, modified by the several removals and secessions which have occurred among them. On drawing up and digesting their present constitution, two eminent lawyers from Allegheny and Beaver counties were called in to advise and assist. A strenuous effort was then made to break down the monkish restraint previously imposed, and to re-establish among them the institution of marriage; but the effort was decidedly voted down; and it is said the opposition to it came not from the aged, but principally from those members still in the vigor of life. The prohibition was even carried so far as again to separate those who had been married during Count Leon's secession, and who had rejoined the -society.
It is not easy, without more accurate data, to estimate the result of the operations of the Harmony Society, as an experiment in social organization. Setting aside entirely the religious aspect of the case, and estimating only the worldly comforts and wealth now enjoyed, and comparing these with their numbers, it is probable that the result would not show any increase over that attending the orderly and industrious management of a similar number of emigrant families on the plan of individual interest, and the relations resulting from marriage. They brought over with them, it will be remembered, from Germany, a considerable amount of money, and made their original purchases of land in Butler co. at the low rates of that day. Their numbers have been diminished by secession, the seceders taking away also a proportion of the property; and the increase by the ordinary mode of conversion to their peculiar plan has not been great. They now number about 400 or 500 individuals, principally middle aged and old people-equal to about 100 families. Each of these families has a comfortable brick or frame house and garden to dwell in-, and since the secession there are some fifty or sixty dwellings standing idle-as others than members of the society cannot occupy them. their territory consists of a strip of very good land extending along the river about five miles, by about three fourths to one mile wide, embracing both bottom, rolling, and hill land, in all about 3,500 acres. Of this about one half only is cleared; and this, it is said, is as much as the occupants can conveniently manage. This gives to each individual about three and a half to four acres of cleared land, and as much of woodland, or, a little farm of 35 to 40 acres, half of which is woodland. The family has then a comfortable dwelling-house and garden in tcwn, a small farm of 40 acres, the privilege of a coal bank, a sufficient stock of cattle and tools, and an undivided share or 500th part of the commercial, manufacturing, mechanical, and scientific, and religious property in the village- together with more or less of loose change or money at interest. This is comfortable, to be sure,- but is it any more, is it as much, as might have been expected for a hardworking, sober, and pious German family, who might have removed to Butler or Beaver co. in 1802, without any property to commence with?-to say nothing of the happy circle of children and children's children that would be grown up and settled around them in 40 years.
DARLINGTON, formerly called GREERSBURG, a flourishing village on Little Beaver cr., nine miles northwest of Beaver, contains an academy, Presbyterian church, and 60 to 70 dwellings. It was incorporated in March 1820, under the name of Greersburg, and its name changed to Darlington in 1830. The coal found near this place resembles the celebrated Kennel coal of England.
FRANKFORT is a small village on the southern edge of the county, near which there is a mineral spring, much frequented by invalids. The spring is situated in a cool romantic glen, thickly studded with forest trees.
HOOKSTOWN, GEORGETOWN, PETERSBURG and MT.
JACKSON, are also small villages in Beaver. Their relative position
may be perceived by reference to the map.