FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP - 575 After lingering a few days, conscious of his wasting condition, on the 21st of April, 1873, he passed into his everlasting rest in the eighty-first year of his age, the sixtieth of his ministry, and the fifty-eighth of his pastorate. The congregation which had so long enjoyed his labors, and who were his spiritual children, erected the year following, a beautiful monument, which stands in the churchyard as a tribute of their esteem and love. Let us glance briefly at the places of worship to which the people have in all these years been gathering. As we have already seen, no church building was erected until after the death of Rev. Cree. The arrangements for building had probably been made in part at least before his death, and, as near as can be ascertained, the first building was erected in 1807. It stood below the burying-ground ; the place can easily be pointed out even now. Before the erection of the church a small log house, about twenty feet square, was constructed near by, which sometimes was called the "study-house," the "session-house," or "schoolhouse," according to the several purposes for which it was used. Its principal use was for school purposes. The fireplace was built in one side, with logs for jambs, lined with stones, built up in the form of mason-work. It took a back-log ten feet long. The window was made by cutting out a section of a log, and sticks reaching from the log above to the one below formed the sash. The stained gliss used in the window was made by saturating paper in grease and fastening it over the opening. This preparation fitted it both for transmitting light and withstanding moisture. The seats were of logs hewed on one side and supported by legs. The desks were built against the wall, and the benches when drawn up to them turned the faces of all the pupils to the wall. The master, standing in the midst of the room, had easy access to unruly scholars when the rod was to be used. This house was in use in days when the philosophy that " lickin' and larnin' must go together," and the application of birch was very frequent. It was considered in place to administer something corrective at any convenient time, for if the victim did not need it then he soon would, and it was not best to let a good chance slip. Among the books in use there was, first of all, the Bible (this .was the reading-book for young and old), the United states Spelling-Book, Goff's Arithmetic, and the Shorter Catechism. The first teacher was William Luther; after him were William and Joseph Elder, father and son. The church building had on each side three lengths of logs, the middle section being set a few tea farther out than the other portion of the wall, leaving a kind of recess on the inside, in which the pulpit was placed. The doors were made at each end of the building. The first services were held when there was nothing but the earth for a floor and logs for seats. All the first churches through the county were without chimneys. To have fires made the place almost unendurable because of the smoke. Many of them remedied this by makifig fires oh the outside, to which the people might go out and warm up. A floor, seats, and a pulpit were afterwards put in by a builder named Groovner. The seats had very high backs, as was the fashion in those days, or, as a young lady once humorously said, to keep the people from looking on vanity. The pulpit was very high, and reached by a long tier of steps. About half as high as the pulpit was a secondary one, into which " the clark" ascended and in due time rose up to lead the singing. There in an inclosure round about the pulpit sat the session, gathered near the minister. This brings us down step by step from minister to people. From all sections of the country between the Loyalhanna and the Conemaugh they gathered here for worship. A very few had wagons. Many more came on horseback, at the rate of one, two, and three, and some say four, to a horse. Many more came on foot. Go to church they would. If they could not ride, they watched a chance and walked. Not wishing to appear in church barefooted, they would hang their shoes upon their arm until they came near the church, and then clothe their feet before entering the sanctuary. The present church building. was erected in 1849. The building committee were Thomas Smith David Hutchinson, Andrew Graham, Jr., John Pollock, and Col. John McFarland. Nathaniel McKelvey was the contractor, building the church for twelve hundred dollars. The brick were made and laid by David Brown. The building has been repaired and remodeled several times since. The congregation has given of her sons to the ministry as follows: Rev. R. H. Pollock, D.D., long a pastor in Wooster, Ohio ; Rev. J. P. Lytle, whose life-work has been bestowed upon a congregation in Muskingum County, Ohio ; Rev. Andrew Graham, of Indianola, Iowa; Rev. Joseph McKelvey, of Beloit, Kan. ; Rev. Joseph A. Scroggs, of Madison, Pa., and Rev. James D. Little of Elgin, N. Y. After the death of Rev. Dr. Scroggs the congrega-. tion received supplies by appointment from Presbytery. In August, 1873, Rev. W. H. Vincent, a licentiate, was sent to preach for them a few Sabbaths. On the 21st of October following the congregation had a call for a pastor moderated, which resulted in the choice of Mr. Vincent. He is the son of Rev. Dr. G. C. Vincent, president of Franklin College, Ohio ; was educated at Westminster College, New Wilmington, Pa., from which he graduated in 1869. His theological studies were pursued at Newburg, N. Y., and Allegheny City, with a post-graduate course at Edinburgh, Scotland. He was licensed by the First Presbytery of New York, in New York City, April 17, 1872. The call was presented to Presbytery in December, 1873, and at the next meeting, April, 1874, the call was accepted and the charge of the congregation at once assumed. The ordination and installation took 576 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. place at Fairfield Church, June 16, 1874, before a large assembly. The membership reported at the time the call was accepted was 112. Additions have since been made to the number of 110. The deaths and removals have been 62, leaving a net membership (April, 1882) of 160, third in size in the Presbytery. When the present pastor accepted the call it was with the understanding that a preaching station should be established at Ligonier. Services were for a time held every third Sabbath in the Presbyterian Church, afterwards at times in the Lutheran and Methodist Churches, and finally in the upper room of the school building. In 1876 the erection of a church building was begun. The funds, amounting to $4200, were raised in all parts of the congregation, and many liberal gifts were bestowed by persons of other denominations. The church was built under the superintendence of a building committee consisting of Thomas C. Pollock, Myers C. Clifford, Hugh H. Lytle, James McElroy, Thomas J. Smith and Frank L. Brown. Samuel Mock, of Ligonier, was the contractor. The building was completed and formally and appropriately opened for divine worship in August, 1877. Rev. Dr. R. B. Ewing, of East Liberty, preached in the morning, and Rev. Dr. D. W. Collins, of Blairsville, in the evening. During about eight months in the year service is held every Sabbath afternoon at three o'clock. A prosperous Sabbath-school of ten officers and teachers and sixty scholars meets every Sabbath afternoon at two, services in old Fairfield Church being held every Sabbath morning. In the winter season two-thirds of the time is given to Fairfield Church, and one-third to Ligonier Church. The present members of session are William T. Smith, Thomas C. Pollock, James McElroy, William Little, Thomas Mensher, and Myers C. Clifford.1 BOLIVAR BOROUGH. At the May sessions of the Court of Quarter Sessions for the year 1863 the petition of the " citizens of the town of Bolivar, Fairfield township," was presented, in which it was set forth that they labored under great inconvenience by reason of not being an incorporated borough. In the said petition the boundaries of the proposed borough were marked out and designated, and the petition ended with the prayer to be incorporated. On the 13th of May, 1863, the petition was approved, and the application held over till the next term, under the act of Assembly. Nov. 25, 1863, the court ordered that the judgment of the grand jury at May session, 1863, be confirmed, and ordered and decreed that, in conformity with the prayer of the petitioners, that portion of the township of Fairfield including the town of Bolivar should be incorporated into a. borough, under the 1 With thanks to the pastor, Rev. W. H. Vincent. laws of Pennsylvania, under the name and style of the borough of Bolivar, which was declared to be a separate school district. It was further ordered that the first election for the several officers designated by law should be held at the office of D. Coulter, in said borough, on the 16th of December, 1863 ; that Edward Coulter be appointed to give notice of said election, and that R. J. Glover should be judge, and A. P. Dushane and G. D. Berlin should be inspectors. The first elections were held at the office of David Coulter until the fall of 1870, when the court on petition directed them to be held at the school-house in the borough. The population of Bolivar in 1880 was three hundred and seventy-eight. It is situated on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and is a railroad town,—that is, a town which owes its existence and its business prosperity to the railroad. It was, however, a village in the times of the flat-boat navigation of the Conemaugh, and in the time of the canal. The town is laid out like all such modern towns are, in the checker-board fashion, the streets crossing each other at right angles. The chief business interest in the place is the production and manufacture of fire-brick from deposits of fire-clay which lie next the Conemaugh River. There are at present four companies engaged in the manufacture of the clay. The chief market for this production was created by the necessities of the coke business, as the fire-clay brick are the only ones which can be used in the ovens in which the coke is charred, or in the furnaces in which iron ore is smelted. These establishments are now run at their full capacity. More than a hundred men are engaged in the work. Above twenty thousand tons of clay are worked up here annually, and some two thousand tons shipped. Coal also exists in great quantities, but has not yet been sufficiently developed in this locality to add to the business interests of the place. There is a grist-mill and permanent saw-mill on Tub-Mill Creek, a stream which flows into the Conemaugh on the western side of the town. This stream took its name from the fact that in very early times a tub-mill was erected on its banks, which remarkable occurrence gave name to the stream for all time. There are also some four or five retail stores within the limits of the borough, and a church owned by the Methodist Episcopals. The burying-ground is on the western boundary line of the borough. There are also two hotels, and a public hall attached to another building, which the public make use of on needful occasions. WEST FAIRFIELD VILLAGE. The village of West Fairfield is situated on the eastern side of the township, on the Johnstown road from Ligonier, and at the distance of about four miles from Bolivar Station. It is a small village, containing a population of one hundred and nineteen. Although the first settlers there clustered together about the FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP - 577 churches which had been first erected there, then in the country, and about a store which had been established later, and that without any'regard to regularity of arrangement or convenience of access, yet now the several streets and alleys have been opened, and the lots arranged in such order that it is evident the aspirations of the inhabitants are fixed boroughward. The United Brethren, the Methodists, and the Presbyterians have each a church here; and there are two tastefully kept graveyards, in one of which are many old graves. It has a school-house, two stores, and two physicians reside here. Lockport village is a station on the Pennsylvania Railroad. The population is one hundred and five. It was a village in the days of the old canal, and at this point the western division of the canal crossed the Conemaugh (whence the name of Lockport), on a beautiful cut-stone aqueduct, plainly seen from the railroad, standing as a monument to the enterprise of the past, the canal itself being abandoned. Works are in operation for the manufacture of fire-brick and gas retorts, employing some fifty hands. Coal is mined in the vicinity, but only for home consumption, as no competing market has been opened for the trade of that mineral. The village is regularly laid out in streets and lots, which are named and numbered. It is situated in a bend of the Conemaugh, which touches the boundaries of the village on the north and on the south. As in all the small station towns along the railroad, quite a number of railroad employes make their homes here, and reside in houses which they themselves own. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH. COL. GEORGE H. COVODE. Prominent among the gallant sons of old Westmoreland is the name of Col. George Hay Covode. He was born at Covodesville, Pa., on the 19th of August, 1835, being the oldest son of Hon. John Covode, whose character and attainments are fully given elsewhere. From his youth he was noted for his size and strength, and when only seventeen years old weighed two hundred and twenty-five pounds. Being tall and well proportioned, raised on a farm, and accustomed to out-door exercise, he was peculiarly fitted for the hardships of military life. At fifteen years of age he left home and entered Ligonier Academy, where he remained some time, and thence entered the graded school at " Elder's Ridge," then under the supervision of the eminent scholar, Rev. Dr. Donaldson. Obtaining thus a thorough education he was well fitted for the active duties in the important life he was destined to lead. In July, 1853, he entered the mercantile establishment of Covode & Graham at Lockport, Pa. In the spring of 1856 the junior member of the firm, R. M. Graham, Esq., retired, and the firm was then known as Covode & Son. The congressional duties of his father required him to spend the greater part of his time in Washington, and the business of the firm was carried on almost entirely by the son. This business, together with that of being postmaster and agent for the Pennsylvania Railroad, occupied his time up to the breaking out of the Rebellion. In 1858 he was married to Miss Annie Earl, of Sonierset County, who lived but a few months. In the spring of 1861, when the dark clouds of war were gathering over this country, he shaped his business at home so that he might be able to enlist in the service of his country. Just as he was ready to enter the army he was married in Harrisburg to Bettie St. Clair Robb, a granddaughter of Gen. Arthur St. Clair. It might be supposed that the prominence his father had acquired in the civil affairs of the nation would insure for him an advanced position in the army; but this was not the case : for one of Hon. John Covode's leading characteristics while in Congress was that he refused to push any of his relatives for political or military preferment. Accordingly, with the assistance of Dr. George S. Kemble, Company D of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry was raised in Ligonier Valley, and the young merchant entered as a private. Out of respect to Hon. John Covode the new company was called the Covode Cavalry, but when they joined the regiment they were compelled to adopt the name, Company D of the Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry. At the election of officers for the company, without being a candidate, the unassuming private, Covode, was unanimously chosen as first lieutenant. The company with many others was stationed at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, but was shortly transferred to a camp near the Soldiers' Home at Washington City, which afterwards was named .Camp Campbell in honor of David Campbell, their colonel. Through a vacancy occasioned by the promotion of Capt. Kemble, Lieut. Covode was promoted to the captaincy. While at Washington this regiment did patrol duty. On the 12th of March, 1862, for gallant services Capt. Covode was promoted to major. They were very rapidly removed to the front. On the 31st of June the regiment took a very prominent part in the battle of Malvern Hill, and because of his brave and daring action Maj. Covode received very flattering recommendations from Gens. McClellan and Porter. From this they marched via Williamsburg to Yorktown, and then on towards Washington, taking part in the Second Bull Run battle. After reaching Maryland the Fourth was under Gen. McClellan, in whose celebrated march Maj. Covode was stationed in front until they reached Frederick City, where his regiment was assigned to Gen. Averill's brigade. During the early part of the fall of 1862 the Fourth was encamped upon the north bank of the Potomac, near Hancock, Md., this being 578 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. about. the only season of quiet known in the military life of Maj. Covode. But he was not long allowed to rest. IA the bloody battle of Kelly's Ford, in which it will be remembered that Gen. Averill gained over Gen. Fitzhugh Lee the first cavalry victory of the late war, the Fourth, under Maj. Covode, was the only regiment of Gen. Hooker's command which participated. It is scarcely possible to form an idea of the battles in which a regiment of cavalry in a short time would engage, since it is well known in military circles that they are subjected to almost constant skirmishes. It was so with the Fourth. Under their gallant major they won a reputation at Kelly's Ford as one of the bravest of regiments, and were always called upon when a close combat was at hand. On his promotion his company presented him with a very fine and costly.brace of silver-mounted pistols, one of which he lost in a charge in 1863, while the other is yet in the possession of the Covode family. After the presentation speech the major made the following reply : " My brave soldiers, I accept with real pleasure this testimonial of your kind regard for me. I shall always treasure these as tokens of your appreciation of my efforts to do my duty towards you as an officer and as a man. I can truly say that the feelings which prompted you to make this present are fully reciprocated. The knowledge of your regard shall sustain me in more strenuously endeavoring to increase your comfort and efficiency as soldiers. And when the time shall come that these pistols may have to be used, I hope we may be able to do our part in such a way that it will be a credit to old Westmoreland, and make her proud of Company D, Fourth Pennsylvania Cavalry. I know that wherever I am called to go with these you will bravely follow." Into the very thickest of many bloody battles he was called to go, and his soldiers never refused to follow him. In the battle of Antietam, the Seven Days' battle, in Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg, and many others he was present and never failed to perform bravely his part, and when the invading army of the South crossed the boundary of his native State he followed it and acquitted himself nobly on the stormy field of Gettysburg. On one occasion, at Falls Church, he with but a few men was entirely surrounded, but dashing against the enemy he skillfully cut them right and left and opened the way for his men to follow. He was a noted swordsman, and in the fierce thrusts of a hand-to-hand fight he had very few equals in the Northern army. It requires great personal courage and nerve to engage in a conflict of this kind, but it is the universal testimony of both officers and soldiers that he was a man who knew no fear. When in battle it was his habit to ride in front of his men, and above the roar of conflict and the clash of arms was heard his voice cheering his soldiers on to victory. In camp-life he was jovial and good natured, and would at any time incommode himself to favor any soldier. It was his habit when a paper could be procured to gather the soldiers around him and read the news. In this he also excelled, and his soldiers all speak of his powers as a reader and a conversationalist. On the 8th. of December, 1863, he was promoted to lieutenant-colonel, and on the 28th of May following was made colonel. His death occurred in June, 1864, while in command of a brigade. A commission of brigadier-general was signed, and on its way to him, but he was never permitted to receive it. That Col. Covode was universally beloved by all his soldiers and "officers is well shown by the tragic account of his death, and the perilous adventure of the men who volunteered to rescue his dead body from the rebel lines. The story of his death can probably be better told by introducing the following touching letter, written to Mrs. George H. Covode by Gen. W. N. Biddle on the day following the death of her husband : "HEADQUARTERS FOURTH PENNSYLVANIA CAVALRY, "June 26, 1864. "MY DEAR MRS. COVODIL,—It is my painful duty to write you of the loss of your husband, our colonel, in the action of the 24th inst. In this great affliction I feel how entirely powerless are any human sympathies or condolences, even those as sincere and heartfelt as my own and my brother officers, to whom your husband was endeared by his many kindnesses. Loving him as we did, we can understand and appreciate your greater loss, and hope that God may comfort you in your grief. There is little to be said of the fight in which the colonel fell. Through the day there were no apprehensions of any serious engage. ment, and the colonel was in particularly good spirits. The morning was passed under a large shade tree with many officers, the genial spirits of Col. Covode enlivening the whole party. Suddenly, about three o'clock, the enemy's whole cavalry corps fell-upon our brigade and soon commenced driving us rapidly back, we rallying from time to time and making a running fight of it. "Your husband showed even more than the usual gallantry for which he is distinguished, —perfectly cool and collected, encouraging our men, and everywhere in the front of the battle, so much so that I remonstrated with him on his exposing himself unnecessarily. Finally at the fourth stand we made, he unfortunately mistook some of the rebel skirmishers for a part of our own regiment, and causing the Second Pennsylvania to cease firing, rode towards them, waving his hand to call them in. Discovering his mistake he turned to ride back to the line, but, alas too late. A perfect volley was fired at him and he fell, his left arm being shattered and having a mortal wound through the intestines. We ran to his assistance and carried him back to the woods, Sergt. Rankin, the first to reach him, being wounded badly and myself slightly as we carried the colonel off the field. It was a perfect hail of bullets round us. With the deepest regret I write that all efforts to bring him entirely off the field failed. He was placed on horseback and brought to the rear of the lines of the First Brigade, which was to support us. The motion of the horse hurting him, and supposing that there was time, a stretcher was rigged up on which he could lie down and be carried comfortably. Just as he was placed on it that brigade gave way, and the colonel refused to mount the horse again, ordering all with him to leave him. One of our men captured near where he was escaped yesterday, and reports that the colonel died that same evening. From the nature of his wounds there is no ground for hoping the contrary. "He himself realized his position at once. Almost the first thing he said to me was, Oh, Biddle, I have my death-wound,' and when Col. Brinton tried to cheer him, telling him he would soon get over it, he said, No, colonel, I am shot through the stomach, and those wounds are always fatal.' He bore up moat nobly, and mat his fate with the calmness of a brave officer and Christian gentleman. He frequently asked to be left before he was, and it seemed That the hope of leaving some message of affection to you enabled him to undergo as much as he did. We were unfortunately separated after fixing the stretcher for him, but Lieut. Paul was with him until so surrounded he had to fight his way DONEGAL TOWNSHIP - 579 out. The burry, rush, and confusion were so great that no time was had to receive messages. His diary and some letters which fell out of his pocket I forward, together with letters that he was fated not to receive. I know nothing more, and regretting that there is no hope of his surviving sorrow with you for his loss. May the Great Comforter give you strength to sustain you in this grief. " Very sincerely your friend, "W. N. BIDDLE." His brigade occupied the position of rear-guard in Sheridan's famous retreating raid across the country between the Chickahominy and James Rivers. The rear-guard in a retreat is well known to be a most important and dangerous position. From Bates' History, vol. ii., pages 529-30, together with other records, letters, etc., we gather that the battle in which the gallant colonel fell was near St. Mary's Church, in the Chickahominy Valley, Va. Here a line of battle was formed in front of Gen. Hampton's entire corps. Gen. Gregg, the commander of the division, knowing his inability to contend with the overwhelming numbers of the enemy now so near them, sent message after message to Gen. Sheridan for reinforcements. These were all captured by the enemy, who were thus apprised of the weakness of the rear-guard. Knowing this the rebels determined upon an attack, which they made in a fearful manner upon the whole line at about three o'clock P.M. It was evidently their intention to capture the entire corps, which, however, being composed of the bravest and most daring of the dashing Gen. Sheridan's army, as might be expected, made a strong and determined resistance. Owing mainly, however, to the vast numbers of the enemy, the rear-guard was repulsed and driven back in scattering retreat. It was here more particularly that Col. Covode, regardless of his own safety, and evincing that daring, fearless nature which characterized his entire military life, was dashing up and down the line, exposed to the leaden hail of Hampton's army. In vain did he try to rally and reunite his scattered forces. From his youth he had been near-sighted, and perceiving on his right a squad of partly concealed men whom he mistook for his own, rode rapidly towards them, intending to form them within his own line of defense. Amid this scene of blood and carnage the patriotic colonel was pierced by rebel bullets, which on the following morning proved fatal. Thug in the raging conflict, while nobly fighting at the head of his men, was cut down one of the most promising officers of the Union army. His soldiers gathered quickly around him, and after conveying him, much against his will, for about three miles, were overtaken by the advancing army, and were forced to leave him, as he requested, in the hands of the enemy. The rebels took from him his clothes and other valuables and left him on the field to die. Fortunately he fell into the hands of a colored family, consisting of an old man and his wife. They cared for him kindly until the next morning, when he died in great agony, mainly from the effects of the wounds in the stomach. He was buried, and his grave marked by the colored friends who ministered to him in his last hours. A few days after his death his father, Hon. John Covode, went in search of his body, but found the Union army so far retreated that his grave was miles within the rebel lines. A company of four of his old regiment, consisting of Lieut. J. C. Paul, of Company C, of Apollo ; Sergt. Henry Green, of Leechburg ; Corp. Samuel King, of Kittanning ; and Private A. Martin, of Company D, of Lockport, volunteered to cross the lines and search for his remains. Under cover of the night they passed around the a, my, and so far penetrated the rebel domain as to find hts grave. They returned safely, having gone about forty miles. The next night Gen. Gregg ordered a party of thirty, provided with an ambulance-wagon, to go out and bring in his body. This party, commanded by Capt. J. C. Paul, successfully accomplished the task assigned, and returned to the Union lines with the body without having been molested. Mr. Covode took charge of his son's remains, and brought them home for interment in the old family burial-ground at West Fairfield, very near his old home. Thus in a quiet and elevated spa, overlooking three beautiful valleys which wind in either direction to the mountains beyond, he sleeps, within the same community through which he wandered and played but a few years ago when a mere child. DONEGAL TOWNSHIP. DONEGAL was the name given to one of the sub- 1 divisions of the county when it was divided into townships by the justices at the sitting of the first court at Robert Hanna's in the early part of the year 1773.. It was also the designation of that part of the .country in the township divisions of the same when it belonged to the jurisdiction of Bedford County. As a township of Westmoreland it was bounded as follows : "To begin where the line of Fairfield township intersects the county line, and to run along that line to where the Youghiogheny crosses the same ; thence down the north side of the Youghiogheny to the top of Chestnut Ridge; thence along the top of the said Chestnut Ridge to the line of Armstrong township; thence up the Loyallianna to the mouth of the Big Roaring Run ; and thence up the said run to the place of beginning." 680 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. It will readily be observed that the limits or boundaries of the original township bore little resemblance to those of it now, they being of much greater extent than they are at present. The township then really embraced a great portion of Ligonier Valley, and besides including for the most part the area it now does, it likewise included a great portion of Cook, and that part of Ligonier Valley which lies between the Loyalhanna and the Chestnut Ridge. It was thus the actual township of much of that historic ground about Fort Ligonier, and all the old history of Cook —as indeed of that whole end of the valley—belongs to the early history of Donegal. But to follow out the plan which we have adopted in our sketches of these political subdivisions, and thus localizing them, we shall treat only of the township as it exists in its limits of to-day, and as we are familiar with it. The first officers elected by the people were John Cavenot (probably an ancestor of the Cavens), constable ; Samuel Shannon and Edward McDowell, overseers of the poor; George Glenn, supervisor. The first curtailment or alteration in its territorial limits was at the formation of Fayette County, shortly after the end of the Revolution, when that part of the township south of its present boundary line and within the limits of the new county was stricken off with it. The last township taken from Donegal was Cook, in 1855. DESCRIPTION. Its present boundaries are as follows: On the north by Cook township, on the east by the Laurel Hill, the eastern boundary of the county, on the south by the Fayette County line, contiguous to Salt Lick township therein, and on the wed by Chestnut Ridge. Like all parts of the valley, the two sides touching the mountain ridges on the east and west are rocky, abrupt, and hard to farm. Along the centre and about the bottoms of the streams the surface is more even and level, and here the soil is generally fertile and well adapted to light farming. In this occupation are the inhabitants mostly engaged. The lumber business, however, in the more hilly parts of the township furnishes employment to those who reside there, and to those engaged in marketing and sawing it it is ordinarily profitable. Of the timber here there is yet large quantities of it growing, and it may be many years before the people inhabiting there shall feel or suffer any want from its scarcity. It is well watered by fine streams, the principal ones of which are Indian Creek and Roaring Run in the eastern and southern portion, and the Four-Mile Run in the northwestern part. The first two flow southward, and uniting pass into the Youghiogheny ; the other one flows northward into the Loyalhanna.1 The turnpike , from Somerset to Mount Pleasant and thence to West Newton passes through the town- 1 It is evident that the " Roaring Run" which marked one of the boundaries of the original township, "as flowing into the Loyalhanna," is not now generally known by that name. ship from east to west. On this was located the borough of Donegal and the village of Jones' Mill, both of them very old points, and identified with the after-pioneer history and annals of the township. In the old days this road was much traversed. Hence it was kept in good repair, and to this day shows evidence of the cost and labor expended in its construction. The Valley road from Donegal borough to Ligonier, by way of Stahlstown, is the highway for ingress and egress for the lower part of the valley, and to it many other roads from all sides go. An idea of the natural resources of this section of country north of Jacobs 'Creek, along the proposed route of a much-talked-of railroad, may be had from the report of its engineer : "It would not be amiss to speak a word about the wealth of the country through which the road passes. "Goal—There will be found in the mountains, on the line of the road, all the veins of coal of the lower coal measures. The principal of these are the Upper Freeport, six feet thick ; Lower Freeport, three feet; Kittanning, four feet; and Clarion, four feet. All of these are mined at the places from whence they take their names. Besides these there are many smaller seams. The Upper Freeport is found in the top of the mountains, and the Clarion in the creek some distance below the falls. The lie of this coal is such as to be favorably mined on the line of the road. For the first two miles the line of the road lies in the Connellsville coal region, the properties of which coal are so wellknown as to require no word of praise. There is probably not a mile of the road which does not pass through either the upper or lower coal measures. "Fire-Clay.—The mountains are well noted for the abundance of fire-clay, in fact, it exists all through the Chestnut Ridge. The clay along your route is of the same character as that of the Savage Fire-Brick Company, whose brick has obtained a wide reputation with furnace- and oven-builders. " Limestone.—There are several large veins of limestone between Mount Pleasant and Donegal. One vein, which will be about on the same level as the grade of the road, is twenty-live feet thick. This limestone is of an excellent quality, as indicated by the crystals of calcite found existing through it in large quantities. Parties interested in the road have tested this stone in several ways, and it was found equal to any in the county. It may appear foolish to state that it. is in this vein that American marble occurs, as pointed out by Dr. King, the geologist, of Greensburg, or that on the crystals of calcite traces of lead have been discovered, which may yet lead to some large pocket rich enough to mine. "Sand.—At White Rock, on the Pittsburgh, Washington and Baltimore Railroad, a large business is carried on by the shipment of sand. The same stone exists on the line of your road. About three miles off the line is an excellent quality of Sint glass sand, and it is undoubtedly true that more of it may yet be found on Jacobs Creek. " Building Stones.—These exist in large quantities and in almost every part of the mountains. A large portion of them are freestones. All are good for foundations, or dressed are suitable for ornamental architectural work. Stones are so plenty on the line of the road that ballast will not cost the company more than what it is necessary to pay for breaking them. "Iron Ore.—About eight and half miles from Mount Pleasant, on the survey line, is the site of the old Mount Pleasant Furnace. It had in its day a reputation, and was, I understand, a paying investment, but the strong competition caused by railroad transportation was not to be overcome by wagons, and its stack stands to-day a monument of richness of the country. With a railroad passing through it, with its ore, with its coal adjacent to its ore ready to be coked, there is no country richer in mineral wealth. There are four kinds of ore found in the Ridge, namely: kidney, red shale, fossiliferous, and bog. The latter of these is said to contain 33 1/3 per cent. of iron by an experienced person. The kidney, according to the word of an eminent analytical chemist, contains 50 per cent. Nothing better is needed, as an ore of that quality will take iron men by surprise. The amount of ore is immense, and is only surpassed by the quantity of coal. DONEGAL TOWNSHIP - 581 "Timber.—At first sight this is most abundant of all the objects of wealth. Along the creek there is enough timber to place ties on ten thousand miles of railroad, and leaving enough for supplying the same with telegraph poles. No true estimate can be formed of the actual amount of timber on the line. Beech, maple, white-oak, and poplar exist in abundance, and with them rock oak for tan bark, which may be said to be almost inexhaustible." POPULATION. The last tabulated return of the population of the township (1880) puts it at twelve hundred and forty-two, which does not include the borough. There are two post-offices therein, namely, Donegal, Jones' Mills. There is but one borough incorporation,—Donegal. OLD SETTLERS. Andrew Keslar's father came from Germany, and brought with him his son Andrew, then but seven years of age, and first settled in Maryland. Andrew moved to Donegal township in 1796, and till his death occupied the land which he opened out and cultivated, and on which he raised his family. One of his sons, George, bought land across the line in Fayette County. Another of his sons is the present Andrew Keslar, now living in Donegal borough. He was born in 1801, and has passed a long and useful life near the borough and in it. There is an interesting report of a hunting-match in Donegal township printed in the Gazette, July 11, 1823. As a memorial of the sport and one of the pastimes of our ancestors, and as preserving the names of some of the settlers to the manner born, we give it here : "There were seven men on one side, or company, as it was called, and six on the other side. Lewis Hays was captain of one company, and had M. Palmer, A. Howard, Hufford, John Gay, M. Hays, Jr , and J. Weimer. J. Poarch was captain of the other company, and his men were George Hays, T McCullough, J. Barclay, M. Hays, and P. Staris. "As the result of the hunt the first company killed 5 foxes, 19 Ground Hogs, 286 squirrels, 139 gray squirrels, 6 crows, 2 Hawks, 1 owl, 73 Blackbirds, a grand total of 618. "The other party killed 1 fox, 14 ground Hogs, 255 squirrels, 112 gray squirrels, 8 crows, 5 Hawks, 1 owl, 93 Blackbirds, in all 557. "P. Stairs bagged 123 squirrels, and of all kinds of game 173." DONEGAL BOROUGH. The village of Donegal dates from the early part of the century, and it was a convergent point for the whole of the upper part of the valley for training-days, for rifle-matches, for village sports, and for store and mail purposes in the days when men who are now old were young. Its situation on one of the great highways which was daily traversed by mail-and passenger-coaches, by the lumbering six-horse wagons, and by the droves of cattle and hogs from the West, made it a desirable location for tile tavern-keeper, the blacksmith, the wagon-maker, and the country store-keeper. Hence, after the business was diverted from the old roads, such as these, the prosperity of the place was retarded, and the business Of the place was left dependent on those of the village, or of the immediate neighborhood. The boundaries of the borough are set forth in detail in the petition of the inhabitants for incorporation as a borough. The petition is as follows : "The petition of the undersigned citizens of Donegal township in said county (of Westmoreland) and residents of the village of Donegal and within the boundaries hereinafter mentioned, being a majority of free. holders In the limits aforesaid, Respectfully represent, That they are desirous of being incorporated into a body corporate and politic under the name, style, and title of the Borough of Donegal to include and embrace all the lands and persons residing therein, with the following limits and boundaries, viz.: Beginning at a post, thence by lauds of Samuel Roadman's heirs north 61 degrees, east 21 perches to a locust, north 40½ degrees east 17 8/15 perches to a locust, thence by land of Henry McKevan north 102 6/10, perches to a post north 41½ degrees west 28 perches to cherry north 40 degrees west 84 perches to a poet, thence by lands of Edward Ringler, south 44½ degrees west 86 percher, to a post, thence by lands of Mary A. Kestier south :37 degrees west 23 4/10, perches to a post, north 13½ degrees west 54 perches to a post, thence by land of Samuel Fligor south 4 degrees west 15 perches to a chestnut, thence by lands of C. Hubb's heirs south 20½ degrees west 32 6/10 perches to a pine oak, south 59 degrees east 54 perches to a chestnut, thence by lauds of John Walter north 68½ degrees east 70 perches to a post, thence by lands of H. M. Millhoff and John Gay's, heirs south 35¾ degrees east 34 5/10 perches to a post, thence by lands of Eli Kesler, north 50 degrees east 33 perches to a post, south 36½ degrees east 56 perches to a post, south 39 degrees east 19 3/10, perches to a white oak, by lands of William Logan south 54½ degrees east 41 5/10, perches to the beginning." William R. Hunter, Esq., made affidavit on the 13th of May, 1867, that the petition was signed by a majority of the freeholders residing within the limits of the proposed borough. On the 13th of May, 1867, the petition was passed on by the grand jury, who return that the act of Assembly has been complied with, and they believe it expedient for the court to grant the prayer of the petitioners. On the 20th of August, 1867, ordered and. directed that.the prayer of the petitioners should be granted, that the inhabitants within the litnits designated should be incorporated under the style and title of the borough of Donegal, and designated the 20th day of September, 1867, as the time of holding the first election under their incorporation, the election to be held at the house of Mrs. Nancy Hays in said borough. S. P. Hays was to give due notice of the time and place of holding the said election, Jeremiah Wirsing to be judge, and Jacob Gettemy and Eli P. Fry to be inspectors. The court also directed that thenceforth the borough should be a separate school district from and after the expiration of the current school year. Probably no gentleman has done more for Donegal borough in all things that go to moral and intellectual improvement as well as material advancementNyhich fact will be readily admitted by his neighbors —than William R. Hunter, Esq. This gentleman still lives, and can have the satisfaction in his own lifetime of seeing these evidences of a lengthy and exemplary life around him on all sides. He is now, and has long been, one of the foremost business men of the place. The population of the borough by the census of 1880 is one hundred and eighty-three. It contains three churches, Lutheran, Methodist Episcopal, and Baptist, a public-house (but does not allow license), and two stores. 582 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. JONES' MILL, post-office and village, takes its name from the mill that was in the ownership of the Jones family from a date prior to the beginning of the century. It is situated in the southern part of the township, near the line, on Indian Creek, and near the western base of the Laurel Hill. The turnpike which passes through Donegal east and west also passes through this village. There has been from time immemorial a public-house kept here, which always, with the exception of local option times, also dispensed liquors. This is the only licensed house in the township. The place has been of late years much frequented by persons of ease, who stay there during the summer months to fish in the mountain streams for trout, to hunt in the woods, and to partake of the healthful and palatable cookery of that mountain region. Some years ago an effort was made by a company of sporting gentlemen of the county to breed trout in some large artificial ponds and basins built for the purpose, and situated near the top of the Laurel Hill, but the effort was abandoned after having been pronounced inexpedient. The village of Jones' Mill contains, besides the hotel mentioned, a grist- and a saw-mill, a store, and several shops, but the religiously inclined portion of the community, outside of those who hold to the Methodist communion, have to go a distance of several miles to church, or wait for "bush-meeting" in summer, or " supplies" in winter. The Methodists have a church-building to the left side of the road going up the hill, about half a mile from the mills. CHURCHES. The religious preferences of the first settlers in this part of the Valley were Presbyterian, and they early had churches and congregations established on either side of Donegal township up and down the Valley. The churches of Tyrone and Laurel Hill were on the Fayette side, and the Old Donegal—now Pleasant Grove—Church was on the Ligonier side. Of this church we have in the history of Cook township inserted an extended account. Historically it belongs to the name and the township of Donegal, but politically to that of Cook. At these churches did the early settlers of this part attend. A later generation, however, brought innovations, and in the latter part of the last, and through the beginning of the present century, the Methodist itinerants, full of the energy and piety of a new organization, carried their version of the gospel all through these parts, had many converts, and established some congregations. Then followed the Baptist and Lutheran organizations, who theretofore had not been in sufficient number to form congregations. Among the inhabitants of the township nearly all denominations are represented, and nearly all beliefs avowed. The Dunkards have from early times kept up their organizations in the region in which the three counties of Westmpreland, Somerset, and Fayette touch each other. It is believed that they, as a body, are weakening in numbers, and losing their distinctive characteristics. Among the first settler's. there were many of German nativity who held to the Reformed doctrine. These were occasionally visited by the Rev. Weber, the pioneer clergyman of that denomination in Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Weber established a congregation at Donegal, which belonged to the Mount Pleasant charge, and of which some account may be found in the records of that charge. They were subsequently ministered to by the successors of that eminent man, the Revs. Weinel and Voight, and latterly Rev. A. J. Heller. Mr. Heller stopped preaching at Donegal while he was pastor of the Mount Pleasant charge,—about the year 1870-72. This is the last account of any services held in this congregation. THE BAPTIST CHURCH OF DONEGAL BOROUGH was organized June 14, 1834. The first pastor was the Rev. John P. Rockefellar, who not only here, but in different parts of the county, brought to his church many converts. He immersed many persons in the winter season, when the ice had to be cut to get to the water. John R. Lohr was the first deacon of this church. Two churches of Donegal township, a Methodist Episcopal and a Methodist Protestant, the former having a graveyard connected with it, are situated near the village of Stahlstown, Cook township. The road running through the village separates the township. SCHOOLS. In giving a review of the common school system prior to the year 1834, when our system as we now have it went into legal and effective operation, James Silliman, Esq., the county superintendent at that date (1876) included the townships of Donegal and Cook together, for the reason that Cook was then included in Donegal, and did not have a separate township organization until a much later period. Some time during the year 1801, the citizens residing near Four Mile Run, in the northern part of the township, erected a school-house on the farm now belonging to the heirs of David Fiscus, deceased, and installed a teacher by the name of James Wilson. This was the first school-house of which we have any knowledge. Other houses were erected after that time, in different localities, and teachers employed. These schools were supported by subscription, the teachers generally being supported by the year. The houses were of the most primitive description, being built of unhewn logs ; the spaces between the logs were filled with clay, and either puncheon or earthen floors, slab seats and writing desks, and very poorly lighted, but pretty well " ventilated" from the spaces DERRY TOWNSHIP - 583 where the mortar dried and cracked ; clapboard roofs, with weight poles to hold down the boards, and a large fireplace, extending almost the whole length of the building. The teachers, also, were of limited education; if they could read, write, and " cipher" as far as the "single rule of three," and were adepts at thrashing the boys, they were considered competent to teach, or were called " good masters." Among the leading teachers at this time were James Wilson, Charles Johnston, James Alexander, James Henry, and others. The school-houses of the olden times were followed by more substantial ones, namely, Donegal, in 1818 ; Hays, in 1820 ; Stahlstown, in 1821; Union, in 1828 or 1829,—this house having been built by citizens and members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and used as a place of worship on Sabbaths. Among the foremost teachers of this latter period were Hugh Larimer, Thomas Mathews, Thomas Johnston, and John McAfee. At the time the free schools went into operation in 1834, there was a large number of the citizens of the township opposed to it, and at the first election for directors in 1835, Peter Keslar, James W. Jones, William Campbell, and Hugh Caven, all bitterly opposed, and Dr. Thomas Richards and Peter Gay, Esquire, fatorable to the system, were elected. The majority of the board being opposed to the system, the operations of the law were crippled in the beginning. But these men, being law-abiding citizens, and men of intelligence, finally yielded to the requirements of the law, and laid the township off in sub-districts, levied taxes, etc. In 1838 there was a vote taken for and against the system,—the friends of the system carrying it by a small majority. Since that time opposition to the system. has gradually diminished until the present time, and it would be difficult now to find a citizen in the township outspoken enough to oppose the present school law and system founded thereon. Among the leading teachers from 1834 to 1850 were David Bell, Thomas Johnston, Simon Snyder, William Fetter, and others. Among the prominent school officers were John Caven, W. R. Hunter, Esq., John Weimer, John Johnston, and others. Reading, writing, and arithmetic were about the only branches taught, the " Bible and Testament" being the text-books in reading. The examinations were very superficial. The superintendent's informant told him that he well recollected the first examination, in 1845. The examining committee gave him one example in simple interest, and the correct solution of that was all that was required. From that period up to the present time the progress of education in the township has been onward and upward, and more especially since the office of county superintendent has been created. Among the leading teachers from 1850 to 1870, were Joseph N. Campbell, J. R. Bell, Dr. J. A. Weller (deceased), William Larimer, George Blackburn, J. W. Williams, George W. Weimer, and others. J. R. Bell is the oldest teacher in service in the township, having taught from 1845 to 1873, with the exception of a short time he resided in the West. Among the pronlinent school officers since 1850 may be mentioned John Johnston (now of Ohio), John Gay (deceased), J. W. Jones (deceased), Henry Snyder, W. R. Hunter, Esq., John Snyder (deceased), Jacob Hoffer, Esq., Henry Keyser, Samuel Jones, H. M. Millhoff, Jacob Gettemy, and others. DERRY TOWNSHIP. THE largest township in the county at this day, in respect of its population and in, regard to it as a political division by itself, is the township of Derry. ERECTION. It was established as a township and organized by the Court of Quarter Sessions in April term of 1775, and was the first township erected within the county after the formation of the original ones. The necessity of its erection had not, however, grown out of a mere spasmodic emigration to within its boundaries, for there were inhabitants within its limits who had occupied their lands continuously from before the date of the opening of the land-office (1769). At the date of the organization of the county (1773), that part of Derry township lying next to Hempfield was more thickly settled in some portions than any other interior section of the same proportions within the county. THE BOUNDARIES were described by the court as follows : "Beginning at the Loyalhanna; thence along the line of Fairfield township till it strikes Blacklick; then along down Two Lick till it strikes Conemaugh; then down the said Conemaugh till it strikes Kiskiminetas; then up the Loyalhanna to the place of beginning." Thus the township of Derry, although it at the time of its erection was larger in extent than it is. now, was but a very small portion of the township of Armstrong, out of which it was wholly taken. By the formation of India.na'County, which came down 584 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. to the northern bank of the Conemaugh, and by the formation of the township of Loyalhanna on the Westmoreland side, which cut off the triangle between the Conemaugh and the Loyalhanna, the limits of the township have been, as you will observe, greatly curtailed. The township is now bounded on the north by the Conemaugh, which separates Westmoreland from Indiana County ; on the east by the townships of Fairfield (north) and Ligonier (south), the line of which division is the Chestnut Ridge ; on the southwest by the townships of Unity and Salem, marked by the natural boundary line of the Loyalhanna River ; and on the northwest by the township of Loyalhanna. There are four incorporated boroughs in Derry township, namely, Latrobe, New Alexandria, Livermore, and Derry. Besides these there are a number of villages, some of them deserving to rank as boroughs, and to have corporate privileges. Of these latter are New Derry, Bairdstown, Blairsville Intersection, and other hamlets or clusters of houses, to which attention will subsequently be called. EARLY SETTLERS, ADVENTURES, AND HARDSHIPS. It is probable, but not certainly provable, that settlements were made in Derry township shortly after the formation of the old military or Forbes' road (1758), that is to say, some who have examined into the early annals of the settlement place some of the settlements so early as 1762, or previous to Pontiac's war. We are of the opinion that if there were any locations taken up previous to Pontiac's war, they were not occupied until but a very short period before the opening of the land-office, in 1769. Among the very first, if not the first altogether, of the settlers north of this road was John Pomroy, a man who was not only the first in respect to time, but who remained among the first men of the settlement in many respects until his death, nearly the space of a generation later. Pomroy had been raised a farmer in the Cumberland Valley, where his father and some of his brothers lived. They were of Scotch-Irish stock. Having heard of the large quantity of good rich land lying in this region after the occupation of the country by the army of Forbes, he made up his mind to leave his father's roof, and come out and occupy some thereof. He came by way of Ligonier Fort, where it seems he already had relatives and friends who were there under the shadow of the garrison. He did not choose, however, to remain there, but crossed over the Chestnut Ridge, made the selection of a piece of land, erected a cabin, and took possession. Shortly after he came he had a visit from some passing Indians, who stopped as they passed him. It was not long either until a white man came to his cabin. This man was James Wilson, who afterwards became a neighbor of Pomroy, and-who long afterwards, in a ripe age and full of quiet honor, died. This settlement for all needful purposes may be designated by the village of New Derry. Pomroy having marked off his lands and Wilson having made choice of his tract, Pomroy assisted his neighbor in building his cabin. Their.. two cabins were about a mile apart, and they passed the nights alternately together. During that summer these two pioneers raised some corn and potatoes and cleared a small piece, which they sowed in fall grain, the seed for which they had to pack on their backs from Fort Ligonier. After they had killed some game and stored it away that they might get it in the spring, they set out for a trip to the east of the mountains, where their friends lived. They passed the winter in their respective homes there, and when the spring came they met by previous agreement, and set out together for their settlement in Derry, then known only as the frontier of Cumberland County. On this trip they were accompanied by an Irishman named Dunlap. He came out with the purpose of trading and bartering with the Indians. He had received such favorable reports of the cupidity of the natives, and of the profusion of their skins and furs, that he conceived the notion that he could get rich more speedily this way by thrift than he could by the slow and burdensome life of a pioneer. His stock in trade consisted of knives, brooches, beads, and other trinkets, but what he chiefly relied upon was a lot of rum, which he brought on the back of a horse. The pioneers found matters much as they had left them. There were some evidences of the Indians having been about, but yet there was nothing disturbed. Pomroy and Wilson went at work to shape up their plantation, and Dunlap " waited for customers." The desired word having reached the Indians, it was not long until a party made their appearace at " Pomroy's Camp." They brought the furs and peltry of the last winter's taking with them, and appeared to be in good " spirits" already for bartering. But when they got a taste of the rum they determined to have a frolic. And in the relation of this commercial transaction we have an instance of a peculiar custom among the Indians, and one seldom mentioned. They having learned the effects of firewater, had latterly established this custom, which they exercised here. Before giving themselves up to the debauch, they selected one of themselves, and him they vowed to sobriety for the time being, while the rest were drinking. All then that was left to be done or to do was to agree upon the price for the skins per canteen of rum. This was concluded at an exorbitant price and consequently great profit to Duncan. When they began drinking Duncan began diluting his rum with water, and, notwithstanding that for every canteen of rum taken out of the cask a can- DERRY TOWNSHIP - 585 teenful of water was poured in, yet the Indians became drunker and drunker. Long before the middle of the night the party were all laid out, excepting one of a very robust constitution and the other one whose business it was to stay sober. This first one was now the only one able to come for liquor. This he .now did in a demonstrative manner. He would come to the cabin, pounce against the clap-board door, make it fly from its rickety wooden hinges across the cabin floor, and with painted face and a fearful yell, a long knife in one hand, and an empty canteen in the other, confront poor, quaking, and trembling Duncan, shouting out loud, " Ellice (meaning to say his name was Ellick), "stronger, stronger" (meaning that he was getting stronger.and stronger), "more lum, more lum." Dunlap supplied the canteen filled, and the otter skin was flung at him in return. This Indian was soon thereafter entirely helpless, and they were all with the exception of the watcher laid out. This state of insensibility con-tinned until the next evening. When they recovered they sobered up on rum weakened with water. The day following, being in better condition to do business, they disposed of all their stock of peltry, and retired into the forest. Duncan vowed that he would never go into this business " at first hands" again, but would resort to legitimate pursuits, and confine his mercantile transactions to within the pale of civilization. He had, however, come William Penn on them to very good advantage. Pomroy and Wilson escorted him through to Ligonier, 1 where he fell in with a safe convoy from Fort Pitt to the East. It is but proper to say that the recollection of Duncan has been preserved in the families of both Pomroy and Wilson. The two pioneers, however, returned to their clearings, and devoted all their energies to breaking the soil. The second winter they returned to their old homes east of the mountains, and when they came back again each of them brought a wife. •omroy's wife. was Isabella Barr, the daughter of a neighbor in the Cumberland Valley, who subsequently migrated to Derry township, as well also as his two sons, James Barr and Alexander Barr, who were brothers-in-law of Pomroy, William Guthrie, Richard Wallace, and others. These two women were among the first to locate in Western Pennsylvania. They are said to have ridden out with the men while they were tracing the boundaries of their claims, for the Indians were at that time numerous and very treacherous, although forlt length of time quiet. 1 Although we do not assume responsibility for the particulars in the account of Duncan's commercial venture, yet it may not be far from the verities, and well serves to illustrate one phase of border life. We see no reason to doubt the relation as it is itibstautially told. The credit is due to Jonathan K. Row, Esq.. a Derry man, in a contribution furnished many years ago to the Greensburg Herald. George Findley early emigrated to the "Pomroy and Wilson" settlement, which, as we said, designated the whole region of whom the settlers were neighbors. It was probably before the treaty of 1768 that he selected the site now occupied by one of his descendants in East Wheatfield township, in the county of Indiana. He settled on this land merely by occupancy. He made a clearing, erected a cabin, went back regularly from time to time, and about 1776 brought his wife with him from.Hagerstown, Md. He had repeatedly to seek the shelter of Fort Palmer or Fort Ligonier in the Valley, as these were more direct and easier to approach from his location than Fort Barr or even Fort Wallace. Among those who were in the campaign of 1777 with Washington, and who after that was one of the leading military men in Westmoreland, was Samuel Craig, Sr. He removed with his family from Jersey into Westmoreland about the date of the opening of the land-office. He had purchased a large farm on the east side of the Loyalhanna nearly opposite where the Crab Tree flows into that stream. This was the old homestead farm. He and his three eldest sons, John, Alexander, and Samuel, all participated in the Revolutionary war. The life of the elder Samuel Craig was cut short. When he returned back to Westmoreland, where he took an active part in the defense of the frontier border, he was raised to several fiduciary appointments and offices of responsibility. Among others be held the trust of commissary. The duties of this office calling him to Fort Ligonier, he had frequently to go there, and on the last of these occasions he was taken on the road. His horse was found on the Chestnut Ridge, between his home and this post. The horse had eight bullets in it ; but all efforts of the family to ascertain the fate of Captain Craig were unavailing. The men of this family were, as we have said, among the first to enlist at the call for troops, and they thus suffered in common with their comrades in the campaign in the Jerseys. In one of the battles Alexander had a lock of hair cut from his head by a bullet from the enemy. On the night before the battle of Princeton they slept on the wet ground. Alexander was not twenty years of age when he entered the army in Captain John Shields' company. He was promoted during the war, but to what rank in the Continental service we are unable to say. He was commissioned a lieutenant-colonel of the State militia in 1793, and a brigadier in 1807, and again in 1811. He was, however, better known as Captain, and with the Shieldses, the Sloans, the Wilsons, and the Wallaces, was one of the fighting men of the Derry settlement, and figured in the old stories among the heroes. He is buried in Congruity churchyard. Of any single instance of his bravery or command we are not sufficiently informed to give account. It would appear that on one occa- 586 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. sion John, brother of Alexander, narrowly escaped being taken by the hostiles. He was surrounded by them near Fort Wallace, but got from them into the fort with only the loss of his gun. He afterwards resided on a farm of his own near Freeport, and died much respected at the advanced age of ninety-five. Fort Barr and Fort Wallace in this township were early erected. We suspect they were used as places of refuge prior to the Indian troubles of Dunmore's war (1774), although some authorities count their existence much earlier. Rev. William Cunningham, the historian of the Cunningham family, for instance, states that these forts were erected so early as 1764-65. We can see no good reason for fixing the date so early.. Most authority for fixing the dates pertaining to such matters are purely traditionary and not documentary, and as such should be carefully considered. The utmost care must be exercised in fixing dates and locations before the year 1769, which in general marks the beginning of local history in regard to the record of dates. Fort Barr was located on the farm of one of the Barrs, and was about a mile north of New Derry. Its location was better known latterly as being on the Gilson farm, and by many persons it was called Fort Gilson. Fort Wallace was about five miles distant, and was located on the Wallace farm, on McGee's Run. Craig's fort, on the Loyalhanna, near New Alexandria, was of a date somewhat later. So also was the fort at John Shields', on the Loyalhanna, within four or five miles of Hannastewn, which was erected Sy the people of the neighborhood for a defense for their wives and families, about 1774. Richard Wallace, soon after getting his farm in order, erected a mill, which was one of the first in that region. The first mill was a small one, and had but one run of stones. Before the mill was put up the settlers had to crush their grain in mortars or with hand-mills. The fort stood immediately above the present site of Wallace's mill. It was a fine blockhouse, situate within a clearing. The signal for the settlers to flee was three rifle-shots fired in quick succession. Col. James Wilson used to relate how he stood rifle in hand watching while his wife went to the spring for water. The settlers said that as a general thing the Indians were more troublesome during harvest and in the fall than at any other season. Many stories were related about the pioneers and their times in the neighborhood of these forts ; but the most of them are of doubtful authenticity. In one excursion Richard Wallace was taken prisoner by the Indians, and taken by them to their various stations in Western Pennsylvania and Western Ohio. This being towards the close of the Revolutionary war, he was sent on to Montreal, where he was exchanged, and whence he came home, after an absence of about eighteen months. The last hostile demonstration about Fort Wallace was after the Revolution, in 1783. At that time a half-breed, used by the British and under their pay, and partly equipped in the uniform of an. officer, approached the fort with a flag. This was shortly after the raid on Hannastown, and there were here gathered many of the inhabitants. This fellow was used as a decoy. But the settlers there suspected him at once, having been deceived in this manner so frequently, and he was shot and killed. No attack was then made. He was buried a short distance above the. mill. We have before related the adventure of Finley at this fort in Chapter Twenty. One of the foremost men of the settlement about Wallace's Fort we said was James Wilson. The old farm near New Derry contained about eight hundred acres. The tract to-day, counting the improvements thereon and the marketable value of the minerals, is probably cheap at a quarter of a million of dollars. Yet, at first,• Wilson had hard work frequently to get enough money to pay the tax collector. Col. Wilson, as he was best known, resided on this farm until 1820, in which year he died. In appearance he was a typical pioneer : tall, over six feet, very straight, and active. His remains, those of his wife, and a married daughter (Mrs. Knott) all lie in the burying-ground on the Barr or Gilson farm. There also were buried the remains of some of the Barr family, relatives of Mrs. Wilson. Col. Wilson and John Pomroy remained close and fast friends until death separated them. Pomroy, although not such a leader in military affairs as Wilson, was always a leader in civil affairs. He was one of the five commissioners appointed by Act of Assembly of 1785 to locate a county-seat for the county, and whose labors resulted in the selection of Greensburg. He was also one of the associate judges under the presidency of Alexander Addison ; certainly a very distinguished place of honor. He. had a brother, Francis Pomroy, who with him shared a large portion of the popular respect and confidence. 1 Among the first of these settlers whose name we have met with heretofore, either attached to himself or his son, was William Guthrie, who made application in 1769 for three hundred and fifty acres of land, some of which is at this day occupied by his grandson, Joseph Guthrie, Esq. William Guthrie took an active part in the border troubles, and was an officer in the militia, a lieutenant in 1794. His son, James Guthrie, served in the war of Eighteen-Twelve, and died on that farm. William Guthrie built a stone house on this tract in 1799. Capt. John Shields came from Adams County to Westmoreland about the year 1766. He was a tall, muscular man, well qualified to endure the hardships incident to the time and place in which he lived. He 1 Pomroy's name is now usually written Pomeroy ; but we follow his own autograph spelling. DERRY TOWNSHIP - 587 purchased a large tract of land in the vicinity of what is now known as New Alexandria. He was captain of a company in the Revolutionary war, and faithfully performed the duties of a soldier in many a battle with the British. After the war with England was ended the inhabitants of Westmoreland County were greatly annoyed by depredations committed by the Indians. Meetings were held throughout the county, petitions drawn up and signed by the people and sent to Governor Penn asking for protection. One of these meetings was held at the house of Capt. Shields, a petition was drawn up setting forth the danger to which they were exposed as the troops raised by order of the Governor and Assembly were ordered to Kittanning. They complained that they were without arms and ammunition or the protection of the troops, and they concluded by asking for protection. The petition was signed by one hundred and thirty-four. The names of John Shields, John Alexander, and Samuel Craig are annexed to it. Meantime the neighbors built a small fort on an eminence near the residence of Capt. Shields. There was neither surgeon nor dentist available, and Mr. Shields was often called upon to reduce a fracture or extract a tooth. He was a blacksmith, and made his own dental instruments, and although they may not have been of as delicate structure as those of the dentists of the present time, yet they answered the end intended ; and on the whole, teeth were then extracted without much " pay-in'." Mr. Shields was one of the five commissioners whQ were appointed in 1785 to purchase a piece of land in trust for the inhabitants of the county, and thereon to erect a court-house and prison for the use of the county. Mr. Shields was a justice of the peace, and for many years a ruling elder in Congruity Church, of which Rev. Samuel Porter was pastor. He died Nov. 3, 1821, aged eighty-two years, and his remains repose in Congruity Cemetery. Mr. Matthew Shields, grandson of Capt. Shields, resides on the farm owned by his grandfather, and although he has been afflicted with almost total blindness for many years, yet he so manages his farm that for culture and neatness no farm in the neighborhood can surpass it. Additional early settlers were Thomas Allison, Gawain Adams, George Trimble, Alexander Taylor, John Lytle, Daniel Elgin, Conrad Rice, Thomas Wilkins, Daniel McKisson, James Mitchell, Andrew Dixon, John Agey, Blaney Adair, Thomas McCrea, Thomas Burns, William Lowry, John Wilson, Robert Pilson, John Thompson, Patrick Lydick, James Simpson, Christopher Stutchal, William Smith. Along the Conemaugh and Black Lick, Charles Campbell (county-lieutenant after Lochry), Samuel Dixon, John McCrea, John Harrold, Philip Altman, Patrick McGee, Arch. Coleman, George Repine, Malachia Sutton, William Loughry, Jonathan Doty, Jacob Bricker, James Ewing, James Ferguson, Peter Fair, James McComb, Samuel McCartney, John Neal, Alexander Rhea, William Robertson, Daniel Repine, John Shields, Robert Liggot, David Reed, William Graham, Ephraim Wallace, George Mahon, Hugh St. Clair, James McDonald, William Clark, the Hices, Walkers, Thomases, McKnights. SNAKES AND WOLVES. There are few districts in the county to which attaches so much of interesting early history as Derry township. Its location,—or speaking more to the point, the location of the early settlers of Derry was one that was exposed to the incursions and depredations of the Indians from the earliest times down to but a very short period before the Revolution. The old military road which ran directly through it, the old trails along the streams along which the savages passed, the heavy woods to the north of the county, and the border line of civilization and settlement, which was the river to the north—these make its location one of extreme danger when there was danger at all. Besides this, the annoyance to the early settlers from wild animals and reptiles appears to have been of a more serious character than in most any other part of the country. The grassy glades about Indiana town (some of the few open spaces in this whole region at that time) were especially noted for the great quantity of rattlesnakes, and these poisonous reptiles were sources of great annoyance in summer time along the sides of the Chestnut Ridge to even a late day. Bears in great numbers harbored within its limits: Late in the last century bears carried off young hogs in winter time from the very pens near the house. Wolves in the early times here prevailed in great numbers. Christian Post in his second journal, 1758, for the 9th of November, writing at his' camp on the Loyalhanna a few miles below Latrobe, says, " The wolves made a terrible music this night." It is well remembered, for it has been frequently related by the local historians of Indiana County, that the region north of the Conemaugh was, up to the middle of the Revolution, literally a " howling wilderness," for it was full of wolves. Of Moorhead and Kelly, the two first who settled near the present site of Indiana town, and who formed a part of the settlement which composed the Derry settlement, an old story is told which we have heretofore given. To the early settlers there was probably no sound so dismal as that of these famishing wolves, unless we except the howls of those two-legged wolves, the Indians. Unless one has heard a wolf howl one can scarcely imagine it correctly. They did not, for instance, yell coarsely, but, on the contrary, in a tremor, long, shrieking, and increasing in volume as they raised their heads skyward, began first by a leader, and followed by the rest breaking in as a chorus. 588 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. All other wild animals, panthers, bears, catamounts, foxes, common to this region, were to be met with in Derry township in the early days. INCIDENTS. In relating the early historical incidents of Derry, we cannot refrain from recounting the accounts preserved of the settlement made by Fergus Moorhead, because there are many illustrations in his experience that will go toward giving us a comprehensive view of those times. Besides this, many of Moorhead's descendants belong to Westmoreland, and he himself was a pioneer and a settler of Westmoreland. Fergus Moorhead, his wife and three children, his two brothers (Samuel and Joseph), James Kelly, James Thompson, and a few others set out from their homes in Franklin County for the " Indian country," west of the Allegheny, in May, 1772. Moorhead brought three horses in a wagon, which contained their provisions, his family utensils, and household effects. His other live-stock consisted of a yoke of oxen, two milch cows, several head of sheep and hogs, and a lot of fowl. He had been to the country before by himself, had erected a cabin, made a clearing, and marked out a location before he went back to Franklin County whence he first came. The party came out by way of the military road of Forbes, and at the end of four weeks from the time they left Franklin they came to the spot which he and Kelly had previously selected, as we have mentioned before. This was near Indiana town. It seems, however, thaE they changed their minds when they began to locate permanently, and erected a cabin and began to clear a few miles west of that spot. They then planted a small patch which they had cleared with potatoes and corn, and cleared another for a garden. Joseph and Samuel Moorhead left their brother and his family to return home. For that harvest Fergus cut the grass growing on the land, which at that day, in that section of country, in some places, resembled prairies, being open and treeless and rank with grass, and in some instances swampy. In these little meadow patches within the woods north of Conemaugh the wild grass grew luxuriantly. Snakes were also there in great numbers, particularly rattlesnakes, of which there was much complaint, they and the copperheads coming to the cabins and secreting themselves in the beds. They also complained of and were much alarmed by panthers, wolves, and catamounts, In building their cabins they sometimes left the spaces between the logs open in summer, and in the winter filled them in. It was certainly an easy --- arid convenient method of securing good ventilation, but one would suspect that it would be more practicable in a country with fewer venomous reptiles. Among the first things done by the settlement was the erection of the block-house- known as "Moor-head's Block-house." But yet the settlers of this frontier, but more especially those in the direction of Conemaugh, frequently came in their flight for protection to Wallace's Fort. In the beginning of the Revolution, Fergus Moorhead was taken by the Indians. Upon Mrs. Moorhead, while her husband was a captive (1776), devolved the sad duty, without any assistance whatever, to close the eyes of a dead child,—her own child,—make its coffin, and deposit it in the grave she had dug for it. As Moorhead was taken without the noise of a battle, but by being waylaid not far from his home, his people got no word from him. His wife went with her brother back to Franklin County, and while she was there at his father's house she had the unspeakable gladness to meet again her husband, who , after many adventures, returned back there from the country of the Indians. In 1781 he, with his wife and children, returned to their home in Westmoreland, now within Indiana County. Some other families came out with them this time. But his cattle were gone,—" strayed or stolen ;" really killed by the Indians,—and his whole place was in decay. Randall Laughlin was one of the early settlers who was identified with this region. He was one of the neighbors of Col. (or Gen.) Charles Campbell, the county lieutenant after Archibald Lochry. This was about the line of Blacklick end Centre townships, Indiana County, and of course north of the Conemaugh. Laughlin came early, but probably did not locate permanently until after the beginning of the Revolutionary war. In the summer of 1777 all the settlers of the Campbell and Laughlin settlements took their families to Wallace's Fort. Towards the end of the summer they went back to look after their cabins, as they had done several times previously. When they were at Laughlin's cabin Laughlin, Campbell, John Gilson, and one Dickson, all neighbors, were surrounded by Indians led by whites, probably British or half-breeds, and thus taken. Col. Charles Campbell kept a journal of their captivity, and it is still extant in the original manuscript. They were taken September the 25th, 1777. They managed to let the whites know they were taken by leaving a written notice of the same in the cabin before they left it. They left this writing on the door of the cabin, the Indians not objecting to it, and probably not suspicioning anything. In this paper Campbell said they would soon be back again. Laughlin and he did return by way of Franklin County, as they said they would, but the other two died while prisoners. The Samuel Moorhead mentioned, in 1774 commenced building a mill on Stony Run, where Andrew Dixon's mill was afterwards situated, but before it was completed the settlers were driven off by the Indians. Gen. Alexander Craig was born Nov. 20, 1755. He was married to Jane Clark, second daughter of James DERRY TOWNSHIP - 589 Clark, Esq. The marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. James Power. The bride was arrayed in a linen dress bleached to a snowy whiteness. Gen. Craig was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the State militia in 1793, and brigadier-general in 1807, and again in 1811. In 1812 a letter from Dr. Postlethwaite, of Greensburg, conveyed to him the intelligence that war was declared with England. He arose and paced the room in silence for a few minutes, and then said, " I have but one son, and he is too delicate to perform the duties of a soldier ; I am growing old, but if my country requires my services they shall not be withheld." The farm on the Loyalhanna was purchased by Gen. Craig from Samuel Wallace, Esq., a merchant of Philadelphia, in 1793. Mr. Wallace had purchased it from Loveday Allen in 1769. After the trouble with the Indians was over, Gen. Craig often met with them when surveying or out on business. He once went to the camp of Cornplanter, and they spent some time in shooting at a mark ; to the great surprise of the party the general beat Corn-planter, who concluded that there must be some witchery about the gun, and for that reason purchased it. The whites were prejudiced against the Indians, and embraced every opportunity to disoblige them ; Gen. Craig sympathized with them and treated them kindly. Once as he was walking along one of our rivers he saw an Indian canoe tied to a tree ; knowing that if it should be discovered by the whites it would be destroyed, he wrote his name on the side of the canoe and sunk it into the water. Some time afterwards he was in a store at Pittsburgh, and several Indians came in ; one of them heard him named, and walked up to him and said, " Alexander Craig you a good man, you no destroy Indian canoe." Gen. Craig was agent for the heirs of Governor Mifflin,—Jonathan and John Mifflin and Rebecca Areher,—they owned a great deal of land in what was then called the " backwoods ;" and although he transacted much business for himself and others, he never had a law suit, and often used his influence successfully in preventing litigation among his neighbors. Gen. Craig had not the advantage of a liberal education, but he had good judgment, was fond of reading, had a retentive memory, and his mind was well stored with useful knowledge. In person, he was not quite six feet in height, was muscular, strong, and active ; his manners were refined, and his whole appearance prepossessing. He was generous ; he refused to take any share of the paternal inheritance, but left it for his father's younger children. Gen. Craig's family consisted of three sons and five daughters. His second and third sons died in infancy. He lived to see the grave close over his three sons and three of his daughters ; but the greatest sorrow of his life was the fate of his father. - 38 - His death occurred .on the 29th of October, 1832, at the age ,of seventy-seven. He was interred in Congruity Cemetery, where a neat little monument marks his resting-place. LATER SETTLERS, ETC. For the following lists of the early settlers of Derry township, we are greatly indebted to our venerable friend Isaac Pershing, Esq., who was a grandson of Frederich Pershing, who bought a location in Westmoreland in 1773. He came out with his family in that year from Fredericktown, Md., and located in Unity township, and built a mill afterwards upon his land. This was "Pershing's mill," on the head-waters of the Nine-Mile Run, and but a short distance from the village of Lycippus. He left issue four sons and three daughters who had families of their own. Thomas Anderson, a Revolutionary soldier, lived with Col. Guthrie, the elder, and died at his house in 1827. Michael Churn, Sr., settled in 1782. John McGuire, a neighbor of Churn, settled in 1778. One of McGuire's neighbors was William Joyce. Robert Armstrong was an early settler near Salem Church, and at his house were held some of the first itinerant services of the Methodist Church. The eccentric Lorenzo Dow was frequently his guest. Peter Knight, Sr., settled north of the village of Saint Clair (Bradenville Post-office). He was one of the ancestors of the Soxmans and Schalls. Andrew Allison located on the banks of the Loyalhanna, between the present town of Latrobe and Kingston, the residence of the late Alexander Johnston, Esq., his daughter marrying Charles Mitchell, who afterwards possessed the land. Some of his descendants are prominent citizens of Armstrong County, and of Washington County. The next neighbor on the creek below Allison was John Sloan, Esq., high sheriff of the county. Sloan was distinguished as an officer in the militia along the frontier during the troubles after the Revolution. In an expedition against a party of depredating Indians, as elsewhere noted, he was wounded in his groin, and had a silk handkerchief drawn entirely through the wound. He shot and scalped an Indian in that expedition, and brought the scalp home with him. This he would frequently produce on public occasions. He died on his farm in 1833. Joseph Baldridge, Esq., the paternal ancestor of the Baldridge family, now widely scattered over the United States, lived on the Loyalhanna. His residence, a spacious and expensive one for his day, is still standing oil the lower road from Youngstown to Latrobe. He was a millwright by trade, and built a mill on that stream in 1804. When he came over the mountain he brought his sister with him. She rode on a horse which also carried his bundle of earthly goods, while he walked by the side. He died in 1840, a very wealthy man of his day, and of some influence. Christian Soxman was a miller, and built a mill on Soxman's Run in 1784. Died in 1823. 590 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. Thomas Culbertson, a wheelwright by trade, settled early on land north of Latrobe. He is said to have built the first stone house in his part of the country. William Hughes was a very early settler. His oldest son was said to ha6 been the first male child born in Derry township, but we repeat this merely as a current matter of belief in that neighborhood. James Cummins settled at the foot of Chestnut Ridge, about the end of the Revolutionary war. Hugh Cannon was one of the first settlers near Derry Station to the west. He followed the business of transporting flour and salt from the eastern side of the mountains and the valley of the Shenandoah. He died so early as 1818. His son, Alexander Cannon, who died in 1842, in the seventy-second year of his age, was one among the first settlers who in his younger days endured the hardships of early life. THE BEAR CAVE. Probably the greatest natural curiosity within the limits of the county is the " Bear Cave," in this township. It is a monstrous cavern in the Chestnut Ridge, and the nearest designated point to it is Hillside, a station on the Pennsylvania Railroad. There have been many accounts written descriptive of this great natural wonder, which have appeared from time'to time in the periodicals, and some of them in works devoted to such subjects. The first general notice taken by the outside world of this cave was probably about the year 1840. Prior to that time it is not likely it was explored, if, indeed, a knowledge of it was even locally well known. In 1842 a very interesting article appeared in the Pittsburgh Christian Advocate descriptive of " A Visit to the Bear Cave in Westmoreland County." Although the party who visited it did not make a complete exploration of the cave, they expressed great satisfaction at the novelty of the adventure, and the historian of the expedition gave a rather glowing description of the various apartments which they had examined. An account of another exploring party appeared in the Blairsville Record of November, 1842. This party was made up of young men mostly from about Blairsville, and were all well-known young men of character. They were well prepared beforehand to make a thorough examination of the cave. Corning to the cave, they divided into two parties ; one of these entered to the right hand, the other to the left. In their progress they passed along over deep fissures, and heard far beneath them the gurgling of subteranean streams, into whose depths the light from their torches did not penetrate, nor could stones dropped down be heard to reach the bottom. The party, however, with difficulty sometimes, being compelled to crawl under the rocks on their bellieS for a distance, at other times being compelled to stoop low and walk awkwardly, penetrated to a distance of nineteen hundred and forty-seven yards, where, at the end of a narrow passage-way which wound up in a room-like cavity, their Journey ended. They said they explored in all forty-nine different rooms, or apartments, varying in size from eight to thirty and forty feet square. In some.were found large quantities of carbonate of lime. Among the names chiseled in the rock there was that of Norman McLeod. McLeod left a cheese-knife there, suspecting, no doubt, that those in the future when they would find it would attach to it a tale of mystery and blood. This party actually found the knife, and made in their narration a touching sentence on it, and let " conjecture run wild." But it happened that McLeod's secret was known to several others of the free-and easy companions of his former days, and they divulged. For many years the knowledge of this great natural curiosity was confined to a few hunters along that side of the Ridge, and to a few of the people who lived near its mouth. McLeod was one of the first to satisfy a prying curiosity in penetrating so far within the bowels of the earth, and finding out all about it that has yet been known. But modern tourists describe the cavern more eloquently.still. They talk of narrow passages between walls bf rocks, of immense chambers studded with stalactites and inhabited by bats, of fathomless chasms, of the sound of running water in the darkness, off twine for an Ariadne clew, of labyrinths, of torches, and have named some of the larger rooms "The Snake Chamber," " The Altar Room," "The Senate Chamber," because of certain peculiarities,—all of which must be taken with a grain of salt, or rather after " an ounce of civet, good apothecary." EARLY SCHOOLS. In recording the educational deeds of other days of this large and flourishing township we pause and wonder at the very outstart that with such a good beginning it has not made still greater progress. The original school-houses of this township were not all built of logs, as was generally the case throughout the country, but there were substantial frame buildings prior to the adoption of the free-school system of 1834. Such was the school-house now known as McClelland's, but its dimensions were small. The writing-desks were fastened around the wall, the seats were called " peg seats," and the heating apparatus consisted of a ten-plate stove used for burning wood. The earliest teacher remembered was "Master" Tawny Hill. Prof. James McCalep taught this school about fifty-three years ago. William Cochran, an Irishman, taught the first free school here. His teaching was remarkable for the religious instruction mingled therewith. He opened the school with prayer, had Bible-class twice a day, and read in the New Testament four times a day. The Shorter Catechism was at that time a prominent text-book. His mode of punishment was such as questions, DERRY TOWNSHIP - 591 tasks, committing, etc. He was succeeded by a Mr. Wheeler, a Yankee from the East. It is worthy of mention here that Governor John W. Geary and his father, Edward Geary, were at one time teachers of prominence in this township. Messrs. James McClelland, Joseph Cook, James Long, and John Barnett were noted members of the school-board. One grand reason why the schools prospered so well was that the people in those days elected their very best men as directors. The territory embracing Derry township had then eleven schools; now the same territory has thirty-five, including Latrobe, Livermore, and New Alexandria boroughs, and Independent, No. 8. The township has now twenty-eight schools. Among the late prominent directors are W. M. Baird, James Fulton, John Irvin, James Nichols, William Mewherter, D. K. Shirey, William Brown, S. J. Fishel. Among the leading teachers of a few years ago are F. B. Welty, John Moor, James Mewherter, Miss J. McGuire, Miss J. Barnett, and many others. PROGRESS AND DEVELOPMENT. Until a very late period, that is, until the beginning of the period of the modern development of the lumber and mining interests of the county since the civil war, the predominant interest of that section was agriculture. The inhabitants of that section, who, for the most part, enjoyed the labor and toil of an economical and thrifty ancestry, were firmly attached to the soil, glebce acletrietis. The excellent good management of the soil, as well as the incentives offered to the farmer himself, added to the habits formed in those born on the talid and devoted by occupation to its cultivation, had made farming in a very large portion of this township both profitable and comparatively light of labor. So the inhabitants, not knowing, cared little for the mines of wealth which lay in the soil, and which were growing on that portion of the Ridge which was regarded as the poorest, most worthless, and least to be desired portion of the whole country. The extra demand for the produce of the farm, and the enhanced value of those domestic animals which are raised by the farmer, were first apparent when the old" furnaces and forges were in operation along the Upper Conemaugh, but from the building of the canal the marketable value of all agricultural commodities increased out of all proportion to what it had before been, and to what it was in other more remote parts of the country: The facility for transporting and marketing these productions always made the farming interest in Derry by all odds the most desirable. There was an easy outlet, a good market, and the men who dealt in those commodities were proverbially good. But when the Pennsylvania Railroad was constructed came that change which has left as marked an impress as was left by the civil war. For the construction of this road no less marks an era in the history of Southwestern Pennsylvania than does the great war. The new generation then about actively entering into the business affairs of the world of their day and generation conformed themselves to the new order of things, and new men, far ahead of the most advanced ones here, came in with the road to abide with it, and these by their push, their innovation, and their very presence, established a new order of things. Henceforth the timber and the bark which had been allowed to decay or to perish, or which were wilfully destroyed, became, when worked into lumber, great staples. Suddenly work and occupation were given at wages beyond any ever before offered for the same consideration, to persons who had before that time been dependent on the hardest toil or the more servile labor of the winter for their scanty living. Even the very stones were put into market, and good quarries of sandstone opened along the sides of the Ridge, which now for above twenty years have been used in bpilding the most elegant residences in the cities, ana durable superstructures for the viaducts and culverts of the railroad itself, while the blue-stone, of which unworked deposits are yet to be found, which was formerly thought to be valueless (unless for the convenience of the farmer to work out his road-taxes with), has since then yielded profitably on the investments when transported and usdd in paving the thoroughfares of Pittsburgh. HISTORY OF THE CHURCHES. In the following history of the churches in Derry township we have given all the record history which we have yet come across. For further information the inquirer is referred to the chapter on the religious history of the county. As the oldest organized, we begin with the Presbyterian Churches. " SALEM PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, one of the primitive five vacancies reported in the Redstone Presbytery, is first mentioned as applying, with Unity, for permission to call a minister of Donegal Presbytery, Oct. 15, 1786. His character was deemed doubtful in Redstone, and permission was refused; but a Mr. Barr was -then sent to supply one day. Frequent supplies were sent during four subsequent years. A tent was used for a time as the place of worship, and a log house, with a stove in it, and called afterwards the session-house, accommodated the congregation on wet and cold days. Before the close of the last century a large house, of three logs in length, seventy by forty, or in the centre forty-six feet, was built. The pulpit, with a sounding-board over it, was large, about eight steps in height, with a clerk's desk six steps high at front of it. It occupied the back recess in the side and faced the front door in the other recess. There was a door in each end, and the communion aisle stretched between them. There were seventy-one seats, and six or eight hundred people could be accommodated in them. At first, for years, 592 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. there were no seats, and then some of them were sawed plank, but more were hewed, with posts at the ends, and a wide rail for a back. As the church for many years contained no stove, in very cold days they resorted to the session-house. In 1832 the church was ceiled with boards and plastered on the side walls. In 1848 a boy kindling the fires put shavings in the stoves. They fell blazing on the roof, and when the people assembled for prayer-meeting, the time-honored, God-honored house was in uncontrollable flames. Many of the women sat down and wept. "April 20, 1790, along with Unity, Salem had called Mr. John M'Pherrin, whose ordination and installation, September, 20th of that year, has been already recorded in the case of Unity. For thirteen years he labored among his people with great earnestness, solemnity, and success, giving them all his time for the last three years. Then difficulties having arisen—which ought to have been settled—which he himself afterwards believed too small to justify a separation, he yielded to them at the time, and obtained a release from Salem, April 20, 1803. Obtaining an immediate settlement over Concord and Muddy Creek, in Butler County, he there spent the remainder of his devoted and laborious life. There, too, Feb. 10, 1823, in the sixty-fifth year of his life, he was called to the peaceful rest of the ' Father's House.' The larger and better portion of Salem Church regarded him as a very paragon and prince of preachers. By him, as a model, they-would test each succeeding minister, as they heard him, and with regretful tones would say, in nine cases out of ten, ' He duzzen't preach like Misther Mucpharrin!' Occasionally, as the very highest encomium, they would say of some ardent man, ' He pours it down on sintherz like Misther Mucpharrin !' Had the Apostle Paul come down and preached there within forty years of the removal of this beau ideal pastor, he could have gained no higher praise. Rev. Thomas Moore was called as pastor Aug. 4, 1804, and accepted the call, but no record was made of his installation. At the request of the people, he was dismissed April 9, 1809. April 21, 1813, Rev. Robert Lee was called, and installed on the first Tuesday of August following. Rev: James Galbraith preached, and F. Herron gave the charge. The writer only remembers him as a tall, slender man, whose thundering voice would not allow even a child to sleep in church. He was released from Salem, Oct. 20, 1819. His subsequent labors were performed in Central Ohio. A few years ago his life-labors were highly eulogized in an obituary notice written by a ministerial son of Salem Church. "Serious difficulties had prevailed in Salem, more or less, from the removal of Mr. M'Pherrin. April 19, 1820, they obtained a committee from Presbytery to aid in settling them, which' was but partially effected. ' But the Lord was preparing the way for one of his servants,' who was pre-eminently a peacemaker, to enter that most important, and yet most unpromising and disturbed charge. Thomas Davis, an Englishman, of strong and peculiar accent, an elder in the Second Presbyterian Church of Pittsburgh—probably from its formation, sixteen years before, from which he was sent as an elder to the General Assembly of 1815—had been licensed by the Presbytery of Redstone, when over fifty years of age, on Feb. 15, 1822. He was appointed to supply at Salem the second Sabbath afterwards, and at West Union the following one. They retained him as a supply most of the summer, and October 15th called him to be their pastor. November 13th he was ordained and installed. Rev. Robert Johnston preached, and S. Porter gave the charge. A few years later he was seriously crippled by a broken limb, and performed his labors afterwards at a great sacrifice of comfort. His lot was greatly alleviated, however, by the constant attendance and considerate attentions of his wife, devoted to him and devoted to God. " In about the nineteenth year of his pastorate, greatly to his gratification, he obtained a colleague in the whole charge, and from that time, except on communion. Sabbaths, alternated with him in the two churches on successive Sabbaths, until the day of his lamented decease, May 28, 1848, in the seventy-seventh year of his age. The old log church had been burned down a short time before ; they were, on that day, holding a communion near its site, in the barn of John Robinson. He, as was his wont, had preached the ' Action Sermon' with ardor, addressed the ' first table' with tenderness, communed at the second with emotion. Then, quite exhausted, his face glowing like a coal, he set out for home. But midway to it he fell lifeless from his horse, and ere his body was `laid out' in his late habitation his emancipated spirit was at rest in the house of ' many mansions.' Well do I wot that when the stunning tidings reached the barn, where his youthful, filial colleague was conducting the afternoon service, he would look up through falling tears for the descending mantle, and devoutly exclaim, `My Father ! my Father ! the chariots of Israel and the horsemen thereof !' It ought to be added that two or three years previously his most devoted wife had taken leave of life in a manner equally sudden, and as she had desired to be taken. " Father Davis was a plain, earnest, rather impressive preacher. Partly from dialectic peculiarities, and partly because they came from his heart, his words stuck in the memory of his hearers. In social life he was affable, genial, and very frank. He possessed in no limited manner a tact for dealing with persons of every stamp. This might have been inferred from his riding down successfully at Salem waves of commotion, by which two preceding pastors had been agitated into foam, and as foam were tossed away, while he held the pastorate for more than a quarter of a century,—his entire ministerial life. Yet he never fondled, flattered, nor temporized. Did an DERRY TOWNSHIP - 593 artful woman, courting praise for the real excellence of her cookery, worry him with strong deprecating terms respecting it, he would hastily drain his cup, hand it back, and, using her own term, would say, `Madam, I will take another cup of that " stuff!"' Or, if a close-fisted, purse-bound man complained to him about his ‘frequent preaching against worldliness,' and charged him with giving in this way one-half of the preaching to himself and another man, artlessly as a child he would perform an example in mental arithmetic on the well-known subscriptions of the two. ' Ten and fifteen are twenty-five. Twice twenty-five are fifty. Isn't it a burning shame ? You two get one-half of my preaching, and for it pay but twenty-five dollars. If the rest of the congregation paid only in that proportion I should have but fifty dollars a year Looking his reprover full in the face he would say again, `Isn't it a burning shame?' Then, smiling, he would introduce another topic. "Mr. George Hill began to preach at Salem and Blairsville May 31,1840, and after that gave an occasional day for ten months while completing his course at the seminary and in renovating enfeebled health at home. From March, 1841, he preached regularly. December 4th of that year, at Blairsville, he was ordained and installed as the co-pastor already mentioned. Soon after the decease of Father Davis, October 3d of that year, Mr. Hill gave all his time to Blairsville, having resigned the charge of Salem. In the mean time, on the old elevated site on the bench of `Sugar-Loaf Hill,' a new, tasteful, brick edifice had been erected by John Barnett, Esq., one of the faithful elders. Its dimensions are less than the old one, but sufficient to accommodate the congregation, weakened by emigration and other new organizations on three sides of the church. " After a vacancy of two and a half years Rev. Reuben Lewis was installed as pastor, May 13, 1851. Rev. George Hill preached, S. McFarren charged the pastor, and N. H. Gillett the people. He was released Jan. 10, 1855. His successor, Rev. J. P. Fulton, was installed Tuesday, Nov. 2, 1857. Rev. N. H. Gillett preached, A. Torrence charged the pastor, and R. Stevenson the people. He was highly and justly prized as a preacher. After eight and a half years he very unexpectedly withdrew, and obtained a release from the charge June 16, 1866. Rev. James Davis had supplied, statedly, before his settlement, and Rev. James R. Hughes supplied after his departure. "Rev. W. F. Hamilton began to preach regularly at Salem and Livermore in the spring of 1868, and was installed as pastor September 7th of that year. Rev. J. W. Walker preached, S. H. Shepley charged the pastor, and G. Hill the people. To this church, in more senses than one, he is a treasure, and they know it. "'This vongregation has suffered very seriously for some years past from emigration, and has now become much weakened in members and in strength. But it is hoped that it will yet be sustained and strengthened by the King of Zion. It is memorable for some precious revivals in its earlier history.' "So writes its elder, John Barnett, Esq., the man who ought to have written all this church's history. "The following have been its elders : Robert Taylor, death not recorded ; Andrew Kincaid, death not recorded ; Peter Wallace, died Feb. 12, 1839 ; John Barnett, Esq., Sr., died July 5, 1823 ; Jonathan Doty, went to Methodists. Additions : Abraham Fulton, died May, 1835 ; William McQuiston, death not recorded ; Samuel Moorhead, ceased to act about 1820 ; William Bell, died in 1829 ; James Long, died in 1864. Ordained September, 1828: William Barnett, died June, 1862 ; Robert McConaughy, moved to Northfield Ohio ; Thomas Chapman, moved to Illinois. Ordained. 2, 1835: James Guthrie, died Nov. 12, 1855; James Wallace, dismissed to New Alexandria ; Robert Fulton, died Jan. 23, 1865. Ordained Oct. 19, 1851: Andrew Long ; Alexander Craig, died Sept. 9, 1869 ; John Barnett, Esq., Jr. Ordained December, 1862: Robert Sterling and Samuel Ebbert. Installed December, 1862: Joseph Henderson, dismissed to Blairsville. December 16, 1866: James Fulton installed, and Oliver Fulton ordained. Feb. 17, 1867 : John J. Douglass ordained,—the last three dismissed to Latrobe. Ordained Aug. 17, 1870: William Sterling, Archibald Dunlap, and Lewis Mechesney. " This church has had two stated supplies and eight pastors. Its ministerial sons have been Revs. John, Abraham,. James, and Benjamin Boyd (four brothers), and William Morehead in the pastorate of Mr. MePherrin ; and in that of Father Davis, his son, James Davis, James W. Knott, and John M. Barnett. Since which time this once prolific mother has ceased bearing. She originally deserved the name of Salem. If at the close of the first pastorate her title to it was somewhat weakened, she has in later days firmly established it."1 BLAIRSVILLE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. Blairsville, under the name of " Forks of Black Lick," had been supplied by Rev. Dr. Herron, April 19, 1820, who at the request of the people gave it such organization as was customary at that time. Rev. Thomas Davis preached at the " Forks of Conemaugh," March 7, 1822, twenty days after his licensure. But the name West Union had been assumed when he was called, October 13th of that year. As Blairsville increased in size and enterprise the pastor saw that the location of the church, a mile and a half from it in the country, was a serious blunder. Their house of worship at West Union being of moderate size, and for a considerable time incomplete,—a carpenter's bench being used for a pulpit,—he generously purchased the building to reconcile the country people to change the place of worship to the town. Oct. 2, 1832, the Presbytery ratified this procedure 1 Abridged from "History of the Blairsville Presbytery." 594 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. and made Blairsville the name of the church. Here, in 1840, Rev. Hill began to preach occasionally, and in 1841 regularly ; on December 4th of same year he was installed as co-pastor with the Rev. Thomas Davis, when Rev. Samuel McFarren preached the ordination sermon ; Father Davis presided, proposed the constitutional questions, and made the ordaining prayer ; Revs. S. Swan charged the pastor, and W. Hughes the people. On Oct. 3, 1848, Rev. George Hill resigned his charge of Salem and gave his whole time to Blairsville. In 1850 he originated a much needed female seminary, secured the erection of the main building, and gained for the institution considerable eclat. He was succeeded in it by Rev. S. H. Shepley and lady, and they by Rev. J. R. Hughes, who was followed in this seminary in 1867 by Rev. J. Jewett Parks. Rev. Shepley was principal and proprietor of it from the fall of 1852 to June, 1865, and Rev. Hughes for two years. Blairsville Church originated with thirty-three members, of whom the last living member was Henry Barnes. The original elders were Michael Campbell, Daniel Smith and John Cunningham. To these the first accessions were John McCrea, William T. Smith Samuel Matthews, and Matthias Lichtenthaler; the second, James Speer, H. A. Thompson, and Matthew George ; the third, J. H. Fair, Joseph Moorhead, Jacob Zimmers, and J. M. Turner; and the fourth, Joseph Henderson and Jesse Cunningham. The deaconate began in 1855. The first board were James Baird, David Lintner, J. H. Fair, Samuel Kennedy, W. A. Louhry, Thomas Campbell, and Jacob Zimmers. The accessions up to 1874 were James Alexander, E. G. Stitt, Thomas Hotham, S. M. Bell, Samuel Barr, H. M. Hosack, and William Lintner. This church has sent forth as ministers Rev. Jesse M. Jamieson, D.D., Samuel Pettigrew, W. C. Smith William Cunningham, W. Wallace Moorhead, and S. S. Gilson. THE NEW ALEXANDRIA PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH applied for organization Oct. 4, 1836. It was granted the following April, and effected by Revs. T. Davis and Samuel McFarren, May 4, 1837. It consisted of seventy-one members, mostly from Congruity, and five elders, of whom (June 17th) James Shields and William Taylor were ordained, and along with Robert Rainey, Esq., Joseph Cook and Smith Agnew, installed by the same committee. At this time twenty-six additional members were received, and to the whole ninety-seven members the Lord's Supper was administered on the Sabbath fohowing. Presbytery held its October meeting in New Alexandria, when a call was presented for Rev. David Kirkpatrick, and a remonstrance against it by a respectable minority who did not wish in their public worship to be restricted to the Scotch version of the Psalms. Mr. Kirkpatrick having intimated that in the circumstances he could not accept the call, it was returned to the congregation. Rev. Adam Torrance, who had been licensed by this Presbytery, and then had labored six years in Ohio, having returned in ill health, being present as a corresponding member at that meeting, in the evening preached by. invitation. The church obtained leave to secure him till spring as stated supply, then gave him a unanimous call to be their pastor. At his installation, June 13, 1838, Rev. Watson Hughes preached, and T. Davis gave the charge. For thirty years, humbly, earnestly, and successfully, he discharged his pastoral duties, and this was done, too, under the pressure of a kind and degree of suffering with which few others have been tried, and with which few can fully sympathize. The head that studied for the benefit of others was often ready to burst with an anguish of suffering. Towards the close of this period he and his people jointly gave a display of patriotic zeal that claims a passing notice. They for the time consented to forego his faithful services, and he as a sexagenarian encountered all the discomforts of camp, the trials of march, the perils of the battle-field, and the miasma of the swamps and hospitals to act as chaplain of the Eleventh Regiment of the Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. The consent of his people being obtained on Sabbath, he joined his regiment on Monday at Camp Wright. After the battle of Bull Run the officers of the regiment by a unanimous vote invited him to remain with them. He asked his congregation for leave, which was obtained. After an absence of fourteen and a half months they welcomed his return. From exposure during his chaplaincy the health of Mr. Torrance failed more seriously in 1866, and constrained him to resign the charge April 23, 1867. Mr. Thompson R. Ewing having supplied the pulpit three or four times, was unanimously called to be their second pastor. He was ordained and installed April 30, 1868. Rev. W. A. Fleming preached, Dr. McFarren charged the pastor, and A. Torrance the people. The experience gained by Mr. Ewing in a prolonged service for the Christian Commission added greatly to his qualifications for an energetic, efficient, and successful pastorate. To the first elders have been added John Hosack, Michael M'Ginley, Moorhead Edgar, James Wallace, James M. Shields, William Trimble, Isaac Parr Henry, John Mourer, Benjamin K. Craig, William Wallace, John C. Craig, Dr. J. W. Rugh, and - Simpson. This church having had but two pastors, has raised four ministers, viz. : Revs. Moorhead Edgar, T. Freeman Wallace, T. Davis Wallace, and Rob Roy M'Gregor M'Nulty. The two Wallaces were sons of one elder and brothers of another. The elder of them married Miss Martha Torrance, daughter of the first pastor, and they have been doing very efficient missionary work at Bogota, South America, for twelve years, where they have been aided for six years by Miss Kate McFarren, daughter of the late venerable pastor of Congruity. DERRY TOWNSHIP - 595 LIVERMORE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH was organized April 22, 1851, by Rev. Adam Torrance and G. Morton, with elder S. Marshall. The members at first were twenty-four, with three elders, Samuel Black, John Colleasure, and William Simpson. Sept. 1, 1851, Rev. George Morton, pastor at Ebenezer, was installed here for one-third of the time, Revs. James C. Carson preaching, N. H. Gillett charging the pastor, and George Hill the people. He was released April 1, 1853. During several succeeding years there were but few supplies, and the sacraments were seldom administered. Then Rev. James Davis ttatedly supplied for some months. Rev. James E. Caruthers supplied statedly from May, 1858, until April, 1859. On May 20, 1861, Rev. J. B. Dickey was ordained and installed for half-time, when Revs. J. P. Fulton preached, David Kirkpatrick presided, proposed the constitutional questions, and made the ordaining prayer. Adam Torrance charged the pastor, and S. H. Shepley the people. He was released June 17, 1863. In October, 1865, Rev. D. Harbison was called, and supplied half-time for eighteen months, and then returning the call accepted one from New Salem. Rev. W. F. Hamilton was called for half-time in March, 1868, and at once commenced .his labors there and at Salem. He was installed September 14th of that year, when Revs. J. W. Walker preached, S. H. Shepley charged the pastor, and George Hill the people. Under the first six years of his pastorate thirty-five members were added on certificate, and fifty-three on examination. The first house of worship was a frame in which the Baptists had a share, and was situated very inconveniently on a hill.• The present is a comfortable brick edifice, favorably located, and was erected about 1862. The accessions to the eldership up to 1874 were John Gallagher, William M. Philerny, Jonathan Karr, Dr. M. R. Benks, Daniel Uncapher, William McCurdy, Thomas Butterfield, William Irwin, Joseph Bricker, George W. Sheerer, John Archibald, Sainuel Archibald, and Silas C. Fulton. The last four were installed and ordained Feb. 8, 1874. Of the above Messrs. Gallagher and Bricker have died, and Mr. Irwin removed. Up to 1874 this church had had three stated supplies and three pastors, and had raised and sent forth from its congregation no minister. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT LATROBE was organized March 1, 1869, with one hundred and ten members, chiefly from Unity, by Revs. G. Hill, N. H. Gillett, and J. R. Hughes, with Jesse Cunningham and Samuel Miller. Its first elders were James Douglass, James Nichols, John Thompson, and Dr. D. W. McConaughey. The house of worship had been erected some ten years previous, and it was used as an outpost of Unity Church. Rev. N. H. Gillett, pastor of that church, would frequently preach an extra sermon in Latrobe. Then, by the advice and consent of the session, he had so divided his regular services as to give this sub-station about one-third of his labors. Here his last days were spent, and here he died. Rev. S. M. Davis was ordained and installed its first pastor June 2, 1869. To the primitive membership of one hundred and ten were added in five years one hundred and sixty-six—just one-half on profession, and the other half by letter. The church is prosperous, and its Sunday-school has steadily increased in numbers and efficiency. PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (DERRY) was erected in 1877, when the congregation was organized, and Rev. D. R. McCaslin was the first pastor. He was born in Armstrong County March 10, 1847, and graduated at Princeton College. He preached nearly two years at Bowling Green, Ky., and then was called to this church and the one at "Salem." The elders were E. P. Pitcairn, J. G. Alexander, A. O. Cavin, John Barnett, and the Sunday-school superintendent, J. G. Alexander. The edifice is a. neat frame structure. ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCHES. Prior to 1844, there was only at St. Vincents a Catholic priest for Westmoreland, Green, Fayette, Washington, Indiana, and Armstrong Counties. In 1844, Rev. J. Stillinger erected Blairsville as a proper station, after he had, in 1840, built a church there. The line between Blairsville and St. Vincents congregations was the big road from Brady's mill to Derry, and from Derry down to Millwood. Between Brady's mill and the pike, from Blairsville to New Alexandria, half-way, was an old log church called Mount Carmel, sometimes visited by Father Stillinger. The church in Derry was erected about 1856, by Rev. H. Alto, of St. Vincents, and was attended by priests from St. Vincents until 1861, when Rev. T. Kearney, who had already charge of Latrobe, took charge of Derry until the former required all his time, when the latter got a priest of its own: St. Martin's Church, at New Derry, had for many years as its pastor the Rev. John Martin, under whose ministrations it grew largely in numbers and strength. The line of public works, first the canal and then the railroads, running through the township, the one along its upper border, the other along its lower border, brought in large numbers of foreign laborers, who in the greater proportion belonged to this communion. There was with all this, however, no urgent necessity for erecting churchez much earlier than they here were, for these two points were for these people of easy approach. The number of Catholic people who were permanent residents about Derry town increasing, they were regularly supplied by the Monastery at St. Vincents until about 1856, when their church was built by the Rev. H. Alto, of the order. It was still attended to by the priests of the Monastery, until about 1861, when Rev. T. Kearney, of the secular clergy, who also had charge of the congregation at Latrobe, 596 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. took charge of Derry, till Latrobe grew too much, and it was inexpedient to divide his services, when Derry got a priest of its own. When the churches which had been founded or nurtured by the authorities of St. Vincents Abbey got strong enough to support a priest of their own, they were then given up when they got their own pastor. THE CHURCH OF HOLY TRINITY (LATROBE) was dedicated Jan. 18, 1857. Its first pastor was Rev. J. Kearney. Previously Latrobe was a part of St. Vincents parish. Its number of souls is about one thousand. The first pastor was Rev. J. Kearney, who remained with his congregation for nearly twenty years, much beloved by all people. Latrobe being but little more than a mile from St. Vincents, it previously had formed part of that parish, until the wants of that part of the congregation necessitated the organization of their own church. Attached to this church is a large and commodious school-house for children of the parish. The resident priest has a tasty and comfortable residence, and there is a graveyard connected with the church. The edifice itself is commodious, comfortable, and elegantly finished and furnished both inside and outside. CHRIST REFORMED CHURCH (LATROBE). Latrobe is one of the many towns brought into existence through the construction of the Pennsylvania Central Railroad. It is located on this great line of travel and commerce, forty miles east of Pittsburgh. As early as 1855 some Reformed families moved here from various parts of the church. These, together with some members of the Youngstown congregation living in the vicinity, began to desire an organization. On March 4, 1859, Rev. C. C. Russell visited the field, and held the first Reformed services in the place, in the Presbyterian Church, in which they were continued for some time. The Associate Reformed Church was then rented and used a while. An arrangement was then made for the use of the Lutheran Church until a new church edifice could be erected for a more permanent home of the congregation. On Sept. 23, 1860, a petition signed by Elders M. Saxman, Sr., and George Fritz, and Deacons M. Saxman, Jr., and David Hershey, together with a number of other Reformed members, was presented to the Westmoreland Classis, asking the privilege of organizing a regular Reformed congregation in Latrobe, which was granted May 1, 1864. Rev. C. C. Russell retired and was followed in the pastorate by Rev. E. D. Shoemaker, who resigned in 1867. June 1, 1867, Rev. H. F. Keener was called to this congregation, which had been detached from the charge and constituted a part of a new missionary field. A lot of ground was now bought on East Main Street for five hundred dollars, and a new edifice began in the spring of 1868, under Benjamin Simpson as contractor. On Sept. 26, 1869, it was dedicated as Christ Reformed Church of Latrobe, its pastor and Rev. G. B. Russell, D.D., officiating. This property, including furniture, cost eight thousand dollars. In the fall of 1869, Latrobe was again placed back to form, with Pleasant Unity, Youngstown, and Ligonier, the present Latrobe charge. On June 1, 1870, Rev. J. I. Swander was called to the pastorate, under whom, in 1877, it numbered one hundred communicants, and about an equal number of baptized children. The consistory then consisted of Sebastian Bair, S. D. Gress, John Williard, and Frederick Garver, elders ; and D. J. Saxman, John Brindle, Henry Best, and E. H. Fiscus, deacons. Peter Saxman left a bequest of one hundred and fifty dollars towards the liquidation of the church debt. Mary Mumaw built her monument and wrote her epitaph by bequeathing one hundred dollars for a baptismal font. It was designed by the pastor, and the work skillfully executed by H. Ousler Sons. It is executed in fine Italian marble, and is ar article of frequent use and a gem of great beauty. ZION LUTHERAN CONGREGATION, OF NEW DERRY, was organized in 1845. The first pastor was Rev. Augustus Rabb, who served eight years ; the next Rev. Somm, who served four years ; then Rev. Bosener, five years ; Rev. J. R. Focht, Rev. Bechtel, Rev. John Beeber, Rev. J. H. Smith, Rev. A. D. Potts. TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, LATROBE. The first Lutheran sermon preached in Latrobe was by Rev. I. O. P. Baker, in 1860, who preached here frequently, but not regularly. He was followed by Rev. G. Mechling, in 1862, or early in 1863. The latter was succeeded by Professor Daniel Worley, A.M., who took charge of Ligonier, Latrobe, and Derry in 1865. The Constitution, adopted the evening of April 14, 1865, is the first stated record we have concerning the organized congregation. Rev. Prof. Daniel Worley resigned June 28, 1865. He was succeeded by Rev. J. H. Smith, who continued eight years, and he was followed by Rev. A. D. Potts, who served one year. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, LATROBE, was organized about 1856, in which year its brick edifice was erected. Among its first pastors were Revs. McCarty and Bracken. The congregation began with fifteen members, and before the erection of its house worshiped in the school-house. Since 1871 the pastors have been : 1871-74, J. F. Jones ; 1874-77, J. T. Riley; 1877-80, A. C. Johnson ; 1880-82, W. F. Conner, present incumbent. The Sunday-school superintendent is I. M. Keepers, and trustees, 1. D. Pores, A. Shumaker, A. B. McChesney, D. E. Welch, G. B. Whiteman, J. S. Houck, Joseph Landis, A. S. Hamilton, I. M. Keepers. The United Brethren in Christ have a neat church edifice in the country, a mile and a half distant. METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, DERRY, edifice was erected in 1876. Its pastors have been J. W. McIntyre, 1876-79 ; R.. J. White, 1879-80 ; and DERRY TOWNSHIP - 597 W. a. Gtuart, 1880-82. The Sunday-school superintendent is Uriah A. Giesy, and the trustees are J. F. Ammend, Alexander Winn, William Dook, John Fry, J. C. Spear, G. C. Campbell, H. Gripps, Frank Horner. It is a circuit embracing Derry, New Derry, and Hillside. ST. MARTIN'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, NEW DERRY, is a neat edifice, and has a large congregation. LATROBE BOROUGH. It may be said truthfully that a town so modern as Latrobe has no history, and as it is not the purpose of this book to pass for a directory, our remarks may not be so extended as the political importance of the plade might seem to suggest. And, as we have avoided the invidious treatment of contemporaneous subjects, and have been sparing of laudatory observations on prominent living personages, we trust our remarks on this subject will be appreciated. Before the Pennsylvania Railroad was projected, or even commenced, the site of Latrobe was covered with large forest-trees—oak and hiokory—and thick undergrowth, such as were common to the bottom lands bordering on the streams of this region. The site of the mill-seat on the southwestern bank of the Loyalhanna, now owned by Mr. J. L. Chambers, was, it is true, occupied as a grist- and saw-mill since early in the present century, but there was only one road leading past it before the railroad. A great part of the land on the northwestern side of the railroad had not yet been reclaimed, and although that portion is laid out in streets and pretty generally. built up, yet there are men living who worked in summer time standing in water there, digging up the roots and grubbing away the briers that the plow might be worked therin. Latrobe is, therefore, a Railroad town, and owes its prosperity and its very existence to that corporation. Its citizens to-day are of the most enterprising and energetic character, and probably in business sagacity and business enterprise are not excelled as a community by any other in the State. Its population by the census of 1880 was eighteen hundred and thirteen, and this does not include the suburbs of Coopertown on the northeast, and West Latrobe on the southwest, nor any of the adjacent and dependent hamlets, villages, or clusters about the coal- and coke-works in the vicinity. Since the last census was taken it has possibly increased more rapidly in population and in business capacity than any other incorporated borough in the county. With the suburbs of the borough proper there are safely estimated from two thousand seven hundred to three thousand souls, which might very properly be included in one corporation. The scenery in the vicinity is very picturesque an inviting, while the Loyalhanna, as it gracefully winds around the town, serves materially to heighten the beauty of the prospect. The country all around is remarkable for its fertility, and more grain is annually raised than in any district in the county. The town is situated, as we said, on the Pennsylvania Railroad, where it .crosses the Loyalhanna, in Derry township, distant from Pittsburgh forty miles. At an early day it was seen to be a desirable location for a town, and Oliver J. Barnes, an engineer in the employ of the Pennsylvania Company, secured the ground upon which the town is now built. 1 He laid out a plan with much foresight and discernment. The plan was recorded on May 28, 1851, in the recorder's office of the county. The place was named after Benjamin F. Latrobe, a prominent civil engineer, closely identified with the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, and subsequently mayor of the city of Baltimore. The place was laid out with great regularity like the squares on a checker-board, the streets crossing each other at right angles. It is situated on a flat piece of land in a bend of the creek. RAILROAD BUILDINGS. Mr. Barnes, the proprietor of the place, donated (ostensibly) the railroad three acres of land in the very centre of the town. Upon this the company erected a very large and commodious depot and water-station, which, built in the Roman style of architecture, looks more pretentious than the later and more ordinary water-plugs. They also erected a hotel building of brick, three stories in height, with all the modern conveniences. In this building the company has its ticket-office, and it serves for the station-house. The rest of the ground is used for lumber- and cattle-yard. The viaduct over the Loyalhanna River, on the south of the town, is a model of engineering design and skill, and is regarded as one of the finest and most substantial of all the river-crossings belonging to the road. When the construction of the 'railroad was commencing there was but a single house and barn on the site of so much wealth and so much labor. Within four years the place contained a population of between five and six hundred. At the time the borough was incorporated, the hotel of which we spoke was in the occupancy of John M. Marshall ; the other hotel, known afterwards by various names, was in the occupancy of Maj. David Williams, who is still a resident of the town, and who was a contractor on the road when it was building. These buildings were both at that time in course of erection. INCORPORATION. The borough of Latrobe was incorporated by the court, according to the prayer of the petitioners, by decree of 24th of May, 1854. 1 He purchased of Mr, Kirk at a mere song, and realized over eighty thousand dollars for his lots. Mr. Kirk, who on the sale of the laud went to Pittsburgh, afterwards returned to Latrobe, and paid nearly as much for the site of his residence (a very handsome house) as he had received for his entire farm. 598 - HISTORY OF WESTMORELAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA. The corporate officers were directed to be a chief burgess, one burgess, and three assistant burgesses, and a town clerk. It was also declared to be a separate election and school district. The first election was to be held at the house of Maj. David Williams, at that time a public-house, and at present time known as the " Parker House." This election was to be held on the 10th day of June, 1854. John Parker was to give due notice of the same ; Robert W. Bald-ridge was appointed judge, and Samuel Geary and James Kuhn inspectors. Subsequently, and before the election was held, the appointment of James Kuhn as inspector was vacated, and Jacob Bierer was appointed in his stead. CIVIL LIST. The following is a list of corporation officers from the time of the organization of the borough until the present : 1854.—Chief Burgess, David L. McCulloch ; Burgess, John W. Coulter; Assistant Burgesses, William Platte, Joseph Bossart, R. Brinker; Secretary, R. M. Baldridge; High Constable. W. H. Williams. The following have been chief burgesses since then : 1855-60. David L. McCulloch. 1860. J. J. Bierer. 1861. M. Bossart. 1862. David L. McCulloch, with John Brinker, burgess, acting as chief burgess part of year. 1863. John Moore. 1864-66. George Kuhn. 1866. J. J, Bierer. 1867-69. George Kuhn. 1869. John Ackerman. 1870. John Maher. 1871. John Bennett, burgess, acting as chief burgess. 1872. William Head. 1873. A. H. Young. 1874-76. Reuben Baker. 1876. William Beatty. 1877-79. Reuben Baker. 1879. Urlah Heacox. 1880. Reuben Baker. 1881.- Thomas McCabe. The borough officials in 1882 are : Chief Burgess, J. J. Bierer; Assistant Burgesses, W. M. Best, S. P. Keyes, A. Y. Douglass ; High Constable, W. C. Campbell; Secretary, John McIntyre, who has held this position since May 19,1873. REMINISCENCES. Although a modern town in every sense, yet some memories of Latrobe connect it, if not with the old times, at least with old manners. Before the civil war some old customs which yet obtained, but which the war dissipated, were yet dear to the people ; and these " rites and ceremonies," as they may, with a stretch of privilege, be termed, were being transferred reluctantly from the old-time places to the more modern places. The Fourth of July following the incorporation of the borough was celebrated in Latrobe after the olden fashion. On that day a large number of the foremost men of Greensburg, Youngstown, Derry, Saltsburg, Blairsville, and of the whole country round, assembled in the dining-room of the railroad hotel, and after having the Declaration of Independence read, and a speech made, they gave their toasts. These may be found in the files of the old county papers. Ah, the wit, wisdom, patriotism, and hilarity of these sentiments and those that perpetrated them ! for there were among them many (some of whom are still living) of those still known,—the Keenans, the Johnstons, the Cantwells, the Coulters. BANKS. Latrobe has two banking-houses : The Citizen's Banking Company of Latrobe (which rose out of the ruins of the banking-house of Lloyd, Huff & Watt, who were compelled, by the failure of their correspondent in New York, to go into bankruptcy for their creditors after the panic of 1873) was organized Nov. 1, 1873, and began business in December following. The first stockholders were David Williams, James Toner, John L. Chambers, William Anderson, D. L. Chambers, Reuben Baker, Jesse Chambers, Eli Chambers, I. D. Pores, S. H. Baker, Wesley Wilson, E. H. Wilson, A. Y. Douglass. It was a copartnership limited to five years, and when dissolved it was reorganized by its present proprietors, S. H. Baker, Reuben Baker, D. L. Chambers, and I. D. Pores. It is a private bank with individual liability. The first president was Wesley Wilson, succeeded by the present one, I. D. Pores. W. H. Watt was cashier until July 1, 1880, when the present incumbent, Joseph Killgore; who had been assistant cashier, succeeded him. They occupy their own building, which was originally built by the firm of Lloyd, Huff & Watt. The Banking-House of W. S. Head & Son, as now known, was organized and opened in the spring of 1873. It is a private bank with individual liability. It was established under the firm-name of W. S. Head & Bro., the latter being Joseph A. Head. The first year its rooms were at the corner of Depot and Ligonier Streets, but thence were removed to its present site. William S. Head is one of the foremost, as he has been one of the most successful, business men in the town. He is a native of Frederick Co., Md. He early removed to Latrobe from Youngstown, where he had been engaged in the mercantile business, and in the same calling grew up with the place. He erected (in 1851-52) the first private house within the limits of the borough, on the site now covered by the imposing block which he has since erected, the ground-floors of which are occupied as store-rooms, and one of them as bank. Mr. Head was also the first railroad and express agent in Latrobe. STORES, TRADE, ETC. Latrobe has a local reputation for the excellence of its stores. These are divided in the line of goods into specialties, and this was one of the first towns in our part that successfully carried through this innovation. The pioneer in this matter was I. D. Pores, the head of I. D. Pores & Co., hardware merchants, who has built up for his firm a splendid reputation, and made for himself a handsome fortune. In this arrangement he was followed by W. S. Head & Co., who carry exclusively dry-goods and fancy goods, by Hoke & Co., and by Michael Bossart & Son, who follow in the DERRY TOWNSHIP - 599 same departments. So all the branches of the mercantile business are separated, and all flourish. Boots and shoes, hats and caps, with furnishing goods for men, tinware, drugs, notions, millinery and trimmings, grocery, queensware, jewelry are all exposed in different establishments. Besides this, there is a ready market at Latrobe for all the product of the fields, woods, barns, or hands. The wheat market has been ably represented by the Messrs. Chambers, who, although brothers, and both engaged in the same business, are not so as business partners. These gentlemen, Leasure Chambers and John Chambers, have, as a general remark, controlled the wheat trade centering here, within a radius of some five to eight miles, for a number of years past. CHURCHES, SCHOOLS, ETC. There are eight churches. These are the property of the following denominations severally : Presbyterian, United Presbyterian, Catholic, Methodist, Reformed, Lutheran, Baptist, and United Brethren.' Other denominations from time to time worship in some of these buildings by sufferance, such, for instance, as the Protestant Methodist and the Covenanters. Its school-house is a tolerably good brick building, of two stories, but not so good or airy as it might be, considering the number of scholars in attendance. It is graded into three departments, and it is noteworthy that the authorities have uniformly had very excellent teachers. Besides the public schools, the Catholic parish supports its own school.2 There are two public halls for the accommodation of the strolling minstrels and the wandering lecturer, and the accommodation would appear to be equal to the demand. There are four licensed hotels. MANUFACTURING INDUSTRIES. The Pennsylvania Car-Works were established in 1852 by Oliver J. Barnes, who operated them some six or eight years. They then remained idle until 1862, when their present proprietors, S. H. Baker and Reuben Baker, purchased them. The latter gentlemen, both from Chester County, have since conducted them with great profit to themselves, and largely to the material growth of the town. When they took charge there was only the brick shop and the foundry, to which they have added several buildings. Their shops cover an area of three hundred by two hundred and twenty feet on Railroad Street, with six other lots on Thomson Street. They work one hundred and thirty men, and manufacture freight and second-class passenger-cars, making all their soft castings save the large wheels. They turn out from three to four cars daily, and aggregate about a thousand a year. They build them from the ground, and manu- 1 See sketches of these churches on antecedent "pages of this township history. 2 The borough is now building a school-house that will be when completed everything that could be desired. facture everything except the big wheels. They have extensive planing-mills, and get their lumber from their own saw-mills, of which they have three in Indiana County, two in Westmoreland, and two in West Virginia. The two latter turn out seventy-five thousand railroad ties a month. They buy lumber all along the Ohio River, but principally at Parkersburg. The Baker Brothers were the organizers of the Loyalhanna Coal and Coke Company, and still own some eight thousand acres of coal and timber land in this county, and three thousand acres of lumber lands in West Virginia. They are agents for the Pennsylvania Railroad in furnishing supplies, and besides their car manufacturing do a large business in work and castings for outside parties. Their business annually exceeds a million of dollars in these works. THE LOYALHANNA PAPER-MILLS were established in 1865 by Bierer, Watt & Co., who erected the main building. They subsequently sold to G. S. Christy & Co., who, in the fall of 1871, sold out to Metzgar Brothers & Co., who, in 1870, were merged into the firm of James Peters & Co., the present owners. The firm consists of James Peters, M. J. and Edward Metzgar. The mill burned in October, 1879, and in January following the new one was erected. The former was a frame and the latter a brick structure. The main building is one hundred and sixteen and one-half by thirty feet, the next building fifty-five by thirty (the pulp-room), and the finishing-room sixty-five by thirty-two. Some forty hands are employed. It makes roofing, manilla, and wrapping papers. Its markets are principally Baltimore, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Chicago, and with a house in the latter it has for 1882 a contract for two million three hundred thousand pounds of paper. It makes daily fourteen thousand pounds of paper, and runs three hundred days in the year. Four-fifths of its material used are rags, and the balance straw and rope. It uses daily sixteen thousand pounds of rags, purchased from Harrisburg, Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia chiefly. It takes three hundred and fifty bushels of coal daily to run the mills. It has a large paper stock and warehouse in Pittsburgh, and are now erecting one near their mills here, ninety by fifty feet. It has in its mills two hundred and fifty thousand pounds of machinery, four boilers twenty-eight feet long and forty inches in diameter. Their works cover two and three-fourths acres, with five thousand square feet of ground just opposite, and are located on Ligonier, between Spruce and Oak Streets. THE PREMIUM FLOURING-MILL is the property of Samuel Walthour, and is on the corner of Railroad and Jefferson Streets. It is forty-five by fifty feet, four stories high, has three run of burrs, and all its machinery is complete and in good running order. Its ground embraces two lots of one hundred feet square, is situated in the heart of the