Wyoming the 16th day of November, 1779. God grant we may long stay. On the 14th of December, 1779, I engaged to teach a school in Hanover for 3 months in the 20th year of my age. JOHN HUBLBUT, Junior. SCHOOL ACCOUNT-SUPPLIES-WOOD. "1st, I supplied the 1st wood 5 days. Mr. Franklin and Mr. Forsyths 13 days. Then father 6 days. Then Mrs. Corey 6 days. Mr. Franklin and Mr. Forsyths 2 days. Lieut. Franklin 4 days. Mr. Elliot 1 day. LIST OF PUPILS. "Naphtali Hurlbut 71 days. Rebeckah Corey 48 days. "March ye 11th, 1780, this day is a consumation of ye school." "Joseph Corey learnt to write and to sypher to the Rule of 3. Rebeckah and Lucy and Benjamin Corey learnt to read and to write. Olive Franklin learnt to write, Raswel to read and write, Susannah from the alphabet to read a good hand. Alexander Forsyths learnt to read, Elisha learnt the alphabet and to spell in 4 syllabels." The Franklin above mentioned was Lieut. Rosewell Franklin that escaped the masBaore July 2, 1878. The Coreys were probably two families, Mrs. Corey, the widow of Jenks killed in the battle and massacre, and Mr. Jonathan Corey, a resident of Hanover. Joseph Elliot was one of the two that escaped from the fatal ring of Queen Esther's Rock on the night of July 3, 1778. This teacher, John Harlbut, was in Capt. John Franklin's company of militia in 1780-2; was one of the prisoners sent to Easton jail in 1784 by Col. Armstrong for murder. He removed to Palmyra, N. Y., about 1897, and died there quite old, "Jack Cade" of Local Interest. The play which was given in Music Hall Thursday evening has not only a general but a local interest, its author being a former Wilkes-Barre man, Judge Robert T. Conrad, afterwards mayor of Philadelphia. In alluding to this fact the Leader says: "He was once associated in an editorial capacity with the old Susquehanna Democrat, a sterling publication which at one time scintillated with wit, wisdom and bright emanations of such writers as Judge Woodward, afterwards of the Supreme bench; Judge Kidder, afterwards on the Lazerne bench; Ovid F. Johnson, afterwards Attorney General of Pennsylvania; Sharp D. Lewis, Esq., and R. T. Conrad, afterwards mayor of Philadelphia. The latter wrote "Jack Cade" for Forrest, the eminent tragedian, who once offered a prize for the best American production. Mr. Conrad's able work attracted the attention of Mr. Forrest and the critics, and was selected from hundreds of plays with which the actor was deluged. It has since become one of the standard stage offerings. Mr. Collier is credited with a highly artistic interpretation of the title role." Dr. Wright's Collection Catalogued. The extent and value of the library of the late Harrison Wright is shown in a catalogue of the same just issued from the press of Robert Baur & Son, and covering 41 pages. It is the intention to offer the library for sale, either as a whole or by single volume. The catalogue was not only printed by Mr. Baur, but was compiled by him, he preparing the titles direct from the books-a feat by no means easy, considering that the titles are in German, French, Latin, and other languages. Dr. Wright's collection should find a purchaser at home, and it is to be hoped it may not be scattered. The Historical Society, to which he devoted so much of his energy, might arrange for its purchase and thus perpetuate the library in its entirety where he would doubtless have wished it perpetuated. It is especially rich in specimens of early printing, some books bearing date as early as 1471, at Nuremberg. Other dates almost as early are Ulm 1474, Basle 1476, Mantua 1479, Venice 1486, and many others. There are parchments of much earlier date. The collection also includes works on local history. WAS BRANT AT WYOMING? Another Contribution to the Literature of the Subject-A Reiteration of the Belief, Entertained by all the Old Settlers, That Brant was Here. In the Bath (N. Y.) Plain-Dealer, of March 31, 1888, is an article, presumbly by A. J. McCall, Esq., who believes that Brant was at the Wyoming massacre, and we take pleasure in reprinting it, though it throws no new light on the subject. It is in accordance with the popular belief of that timewhether correct or not-that Brant was at Wyoming. The article is as follows: he Was Brant at Wyoming July 3, 1778? It Was so believed until W. L. Stone published his life of Brant. Stone says that the uniform testimony of the British officers and Tories connected with the expedition against Wyoming deny that he wa there-but note-none tell where W88 at the time, which would 8eem an easy thing if he was not there. I find in Simms' Frontiersmen of New York, volume two, page one hundred and ninety, that he was seen and recognized by parties who knew him well and whom he protected at Springfield, at the head of Otsego Lake, late in June, 1778. It would not have been difficult for him to reach Wyoming in time for the battle as his Indian and Tory rangers were in trim, and moved with wonderful rapidity. There can be no question that he was in that vicinity for Gen. Stark in command at Albany under date of June 23, 1778, writes to Capt. Ballard at Cherry Valley to stop the progress of Brant, who was in that vicinity or expected there on some mischief bent. In 1859 the late John K. Hale, then of Hornellsville, published the following statement made by Col. Wm. Stephens, better known as "Col. Bill," of Canisteo, which he committed to writing and carefully read over to him and which he pronounced correct in every particular and is copied below: "My father, Uriah Stephens, was a resident of Wyoming at the time of the horrid butchery of its inhabitants by the Indians, English and Tories, in 1778. I was at the time a mere child, and of course have no distinct recollections on the subject, but since I recollect any thing, I never heard it called 8 question by those who lived in the Wyoming Valley at the time of the massacre, or by the Indians who participated therein, but that Capt. Brant was there. That a large party of the Indian force went down the Canisteo River there can be no doubt, as their canoes for the expedition were made on the head waters of the Canisteo, within some ten miles of the place where I now reside and where I have resided for more than sixty years. I have seen the stumps of trees, and the remains of one canoe,numberless times during this period. Some of the Indians also returned by the Canisteo river. History shows the fact, that Roswell Franklin, late of Aurora, in the county of Cayuga, was one of the prisoners taken by the Indians, and as he was a relative of mine by marriage, the facts of his captivity, derived from him years since, are still fresh in my recollection. He has frequently given in my presence a full relation of the battle and the manner of his being taken prisoner, and the route pur. ened by the Indians on their return from Wyoming. He alway said that his route was up the Canisteo River in canoes; and that he has pointed out me particular spots where they encamped for the night. Capt. Franklin always said that Brant was in the expedition; in fine during all my intercourse with the old inhabitants of the valley of Canisteo and who principally came from Wyoming after the massacre, I never heard an intimation to the effect that Brant was not present at the battle and an active participant therein." to Hale also says Col. John R. Stephens, a relative of the above. an aged man, confirmed the statement. Mr. Hale farther states that he has conversed with old settlers who had counted the stumps and estimated that twenty canoes could be constructed from the trees. Assuming that each canoe would carry ten, they could only transport two hundred. Stone says there were 500 Indians in the engagement besides regulars and Tories under Col. Butler. The expedition started from Niagara and rendezvoused at Tioga Point. There were two great trails from Niagara, one by way of the Canaseraga and Canisteo Valleys and the other by Sullivan's route. Now where did the balance of the Indians come from unless brought from the Mohawk or Otsego Country where Braat Was in June with three hundred Indians and Tories who could easily reach the place of junction on time. Brant was a Mohawk, a protege of Sir Wm. Johnson an old resident of the Mohawk and Schohrie Valleys, and well acquainted with the people and the topography of the country; consequently be had the general supervision of affairs in that Beotion unless specially sent to some other field. His being at Wyoming brings no discredit upon him for it is universally conceded and facts confirm it, that he was more humane and honorable in his operations than the British or Tories; he many times protected the harried settlers from their barbarities. The Case in Court. EDITOR RECORD: As you have kindly published my notes on the "Gildersleeve mob," it has occurred to me that a word should be said on the sequel to it which transpired on the assembling of the first court thereafter. Judge William Jessup, of Montrose, was then on the bench, and Luzerne was one of the counties in his district for a short time, and until he made an exchange with Judge Conyngham. It was only a few weeks that intervened, and the rumor got abroad that the judge would charge the grand jury adversely to the rioters. My recollection is that no prosecution had been commenced, but it was thought the court would call attention to the matter, under its general powers, for such a presentment as the grand inquest might see fit to make. Very soon it was openly declared by some of the leaders that if the judge dared to bring the subject into his charge, he, too, would be ridden on the same rail. Whether or not they had any further assurance that Judge Jessup would do his duty,or whether they relied alone on his well-known fearless disposition, matters not, sufficient to say, they were prepared for the emergency on the morning of the first day of court. The "horse" that had conveyed Mr. Gildersleeve, (if not the identical one it was just like it and similarly adorned) was brought on to the green just north of the meeting house and stood in such a way that the judge would have to pass it on his way to the courthouse. I was in court that morning with a large crowd of spectators who had assembled to see the "fun" and promptly at the hour appointed the judge took his seat upon the bench. I well remember the look of determination that was upon his countenance as he called upon George Eicke, then the crier, to open court. His face was pale and wan, but not the least sign of flinching was visible. When the grand jury had been impaneled he turned his face to where they sat and commenced in a low voice to give his charge. That there was a death-like stillness in that crowded audience may be imagined. He went through the usual routine of such occasions without a perceptible tremor in his voice, or anything that would indicate anusual excitement on his part. It was thought by many that he would yet fail to touch upon the subject which was the engrossing thought of the multitude present, but they were mistaken. In the clear and melodious voice, for which he was noted, raised to a pitch which corresponded with the importance and solemnity of the words he uttered, he spoke of the outrage which had been committed at the very seat of justice of the county they represented, de nouncing it as a crime against human rights and free speech and gave them to understand plainly and forcibly that their duty in the premises could not under the solemnity of their oath be evaded. The old building in which he sat to dispense justice had often resounded with rare bursts of eloquence, but I venture to say that at no time had anything exceeded this effort of the fearless judge. Judge Jessup was a natural orator, and he seemed on this occasion to have an inspiration which enabled him to make the grandest effort of his life. The effect upon the crowd was marvelous. At the conclusion of his address, the leaders of the mob slunk away, and soon the implement intended to terrorize the administrator of the law disappeared. I am unable to say what the action of the Grand Jury was. My impression is that the matter was allowed to lapse. It was thought, perhaps, that the fearless position of Judge Jessup, and his magnificent excoriation of the cowardly conduct of the rioters, was enough. And, probably, it was. C. E. LATHBOP. Carbondale, March 14, 1888. What the Devil Remembers. P. S. Joslin, Esq., who published the Carbondale Gazette in 1843, has presented the filed of that paper for that year to the senior of the Carbondale Leader editorial staff. The latter, Mr. C. E. Lathrop, indulges in some pleasant memories awakened by the old files. He says that "the nearest town of any importance was Wilkes-Barre, and the attendance on the courts was about the only inducement for a trip to that place. The grumbling and profanity occasioned by the journeys thither and hither through the mud and slush of the spring time, can hardly be estimated." Mr. Lathrop was the Gazette "devil" of those days. Collecting Archeological Remains. Cashier S. C. Jayne, of the Berwick National Bank, in a visit paid the RECORD on April 2, produced a stone tomahawk which he picked up along the Susquehanna at Belbend some time ago. He had with him also some very fine arrowheads, of which he has gathered several hundred in strolls taken during the past few years at various points along the river between Danville and Wilkes-Barre. Mr. Jayne finds peculiar interest in his chosen diversion, and these Indian relics take on a special value to him because of the combination of healthful exercise with a fruitful effort in the archeological line he has thus formed. The Mead Family. In a recent issue of the RECORD was some correspondence relative to the Mead family, who were prominent in the early history of Wyoming Valley and later in the history of Steuben County, N. Y. Mr. A. J. McCall, of Bath, N. Y., kindly furnishes the following genealogical notes: EDITOR RECORD: I send all I have of the Mead family. The Eli mentioned was a very prominent man in Steuben County in early days. He was elected a supervisor in 1792 (it was then Ontario County). He must have been a man of intelligence and character. He was a very old man when I knew him and understood he was born in Duchess County. I have tried to get some information of his early life from his descendants, but have failed to get a response from them. William Mead emigrated from England and located in Stanford, Conn., 1641. He is supposed to be the ancestor of the Mead family in New England. Darius was born March 28, 1828, married Ruth Curtis, born May 26, 1734. Date of marriage and death unknown of either. Their children: 1, David, first surveyor of Wilkes-Barre, b. June 17, 1752, d. Aug. 23, 1816. 2, Asahel, killed in Wyoming massacre, b. Aug. 9, 1754. 3, John, b. July 22, 1756. 7, Joseph, b. June 25, 1772. Children of Genl. David Mead, and Agnes Wilson, daughter of John and Jannet Wilson, m. 1774. 1, Darius. 2, William. 3, Sarah, who m. Rev. James Satterfield. 4, Elizabeth, who m. Pateric Fannelly, (a son of theirs m. a daughter of Darius.) Four other children are unknown. David, married second, Jannet Finney, 1796, daughter of Robert Finney. She died in 1826. Children: 9, David, b. 1798, d. 1812. 10, Robert, d. 1848. 11, Catharine, m. Lieut. P. Dunham. 12, Jane, m. Rev. Hutchinson. 13, Maria, m. William Gill. 14, Alexander, b. Sept. 8, 1807. 15, name unknown. Eli Mead, a brother of Darius, was born in Duchess County in 1745. His wife's name was Mary. He was a magistrate of Northumberlain County, and emigrated to Painted Post, Steuben Co., N. Y., in 1789, 4, Peggy. 5, Jane, who m. Philo Campbell. She died some years ago in the town of Woodhull, N. Y., leaving a family of sons and daughters. Eldad had a daughter Polly, b. Oct. 9, 1790, m. Larew Mallory, of Painted Post. Left several children: 1, William M., of Towanda. 2, Mary, m. Sherme. 3, Harriet, m. Alex. Olcott. 4, Another daughter, name unknown. My informant could not learn the names of the parents of Darius and Eli. A. J. MOCALL. Planting "In the Moon." A valued correspondent in Plains writes on the above subject and relates his planting of early potatoes in the last two days of March in the "right sign of the moon." He says: A Nanticoke farmer of past years, now gone to meet the enshrouded future, while agreeing that there was much superstition in the old German mind on the subject of regalating planting of seeds by the signs of the moon, said that no man should plant root crops when the moon pointed up, or soW grain or peas, which matured above ground, when the moon pointed down. He thought it probable that the best effect of regarding the moon's changes was the adopting of a system instead of a trusting to chance or whim, and the ground was prepared more carefully and work done better and in time. I thought of him during the storms of middle March, snow white on the ground 26th, and mercury far below freezing, and met some jeers on determining to plant potatoes before the month was out. Mr. Parrish had the best potatoe orops about Wilkes-Barre, and always planted "in the sign of the scales," which this year appeared March 29 and 30, and on Friday morning we had a plot of flat sandy land harrowed, plowed by late noon, marked out three feet apart in nine rows, and with potatoes out several days before, planted four of the rows in hills three feet apart, three pieces in the hill, leaving five rows to plant on Saturday morning, which was carefully done, covering with a hoe and patting the earth on top to settle it. Now the four rows of Friday, the 30th, were "in the moon." Unfortunately the sign had changed next day in the almanac, and we must see by the orop what difference that will make. I thought the sign was 30th and 31st, but you see I had no right to think so, as I had the RECORD Almanac. In all I have 500 hills. Some years ago I began the experiment and as the sign was in the scales Sunday and Monday I got up at 2 o'clock Monday morning. But I had two experiments on hand; plowing and planting every third furrow and letting the plow cover the seed. It was not successful, as the sod covered so deep many of them never came up. Whether you hear of this one again depends. M. Daddy Emmons. I never see the name of this harmless and gentle spirited man, or hear it pronounced, but with reverential emotion. Many years have passed since it was first my pleasure to become associated with him in the mystic art of capturing fish. An occupation, that everybody knows, is, and always has been, with all men, one of the characteristics of genius. The first time I met this ancient fisherman was at Harvey's Lake. There he had his summer cabin; invited to it by the genial warmth that lured also the osprey and kingfisher; and like them devoting himself to the one occupation. He had his boat, his bait net, and all his tools of trade at hand; and with the morning dawn was up and abroad upon the waters. At our first interview I thought I discovered his merit; and then and there we grew into bonds of affinity. On the little inland sea I was constrained to acknowledge his superior sleight of hand, and often wondered where such matchless skill in capturing pickerel and catfish could have found growth. But when on the bold stream issuing from the density of the Sullivan County woods, armed with the coachman or yellowsally, my companion laid down his arms at my feet. The most cautious and alert of untamed things, the trout, challenges a prowess not thrust promiscuously upon the Bons of men. It is a special gift With every yard square of that noble sheet of water, largest of Pennsylvania lakes, Daddy Emmons was familiar. The places where, at different times of the day, bait shiners could be scooped up with his net, and at what spots, at differert hours, lay the largest of the fish he sought. A man may be good on water, without much knowledge of woodcraft. This was once demonstrated when the old fisherman undertook to guide Geo. Lear, of the Buck County bar and in, self from the north shore of the lake to Beaver Run. We wi hed to reach the run at the foot of the great meadow. It was once a meadow, but of late years an inextricable confusion of alders, through which the stream found its way, a mile or so in extent. Instead of reaching it below the jungle, our conductor brought us in above. Our Bucks County friend started in first. A short distance brought him to the alders. We found his track, where he had penetrated the tangled undergrowth, but that was all. The future Attorney General of the Commonwealth was lost. In hunting for him, having wound up our lines, we got lost too. don't know how many hours We wandered in the dismal slough, chiefly in circles, but Squire Kocher, hunting his cattle, found and rescued us. Mr. Lear, getting out upon a log road followed it to the lake, and a lad of Judge Barnum's rowed him across to the hotel. There was a pleasing simplicity and honest candor in this old navigator of the lake, that commended him to the regard of men far above him in social rank. Judge Paxson of our Supreme Bench, for many years a summer resident at the celebrated resort, spent his days in company of Daddy Emmons. Their communion was a pleasant thing to behold, and the distinguished jurist, in common with many others, will ever bear a kindly rememberance of this old piscatorial veteran; deploring the sad catastrophy that hastened his descent to the tomb. C. E. WRIGHT. Septuagenarian Birthday Anniversaries. A pleasant birthday dinner was given by Mr. and Mrs. A. B Blodgett at their old homestead in Buttonwood on Saturday, March 17, to their children, grand children and great grand children. Mr. Blodgett was 79 years of age Suuday, and Mrs. Blodgett 76 on Thursday last. They celebrated their golden wedding four years ago. Mr. Blodgett is widely known throughout this section of the state, especially in Wyoming Valley, where he has spent much of his time in trapping and hunting. There were present Mr. and Mrs. H. E. Blodgett and daughter, of Delano; Mr. Thos. Blodgett and Mrs. J. Brown, of Ashley; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Blodgett and Miss Kate Lazarus, of Buttonwoud; and from this city Mr. and Mrs. Ziba Gruver and family, Mr. and Mrs. Jno. Rineheimer and family, Mr. and Mrs. J. B. Davenport and family, Mr. and Mrs. Asa Blodgett, Mrs. Harvey and Edward Gruver and Mrs. A. Herring. Mr. Blodgett has not been well for some ume, but Mrs. Blodgett enjoys very good health. |