ness of a day in June. Pleased with these happy surroundings, the reader is ready to welcome with cordial interest the several characters as they present themselves in the gradual unfolding of the plot.

The volume embraces two poems. The one entitled "Sidney Lear," is a story conneoted with the incidents of an early period with varying scenes in both the old and the new world. It recounts the adventures and fortunes of a Sootoh soldier, who having served in the cause of the Pretender, is forced to flee from his native country, and finds a retreat in the Wyoming Valley at a place where

"The lake-born Connawasset. white with foam And filling all the dreamy wild with din. Washes, in headlong race, the foot of brown Culloden Brae."

A short time thereafter his daughter, Sidney, the heroine of the tale, after long searching for her father, is borne by chance to his oot; but the years that have intervened since his flight from his former home and the change of name he had been compelled to adopt, prevent a recognition between them; and the daughter does not learn their true relations until after her father has been arrested, charged with high treason and carried back to Sootland.

One must read the book to satisfy one's interest in the rapid movement of the plot that follows this incident. After many vicissitudes the family is again united and happy in their "Egle's Eyrie" on Culloden Brae, and all goes well. The limits of this notice will permit of only a few quotations from the book. Sitting at table with his daughter the hardy soldier gives thanks: "Great Giver

O'a' guid," his grace began; "large as our needs
The measure o' thy gifts. Tak' our poor thanks,
The best that poverty affords, an' wi'
Thy blessing crown the board."

In reference to the Pretender's attempted invasion of England he says:

"Thence, crown'd with martial fame, Crossing the border to the pibroch's strain, To tread the soil of Britain. Then Falkirk! And, alas! fatal Culloden Moor."

The island of Ouba receives this poetic tribute:

"All-wondrons land! Born of the sun and Nurtur'd by the sea. How beauty wraps her Robes about the Sylvan Isles! Spice-laden Winds, proud of their burden, curl through the Waving orange groves.'

For the admirers of the dog creation we give a final extract:

"How much a

Dog may know or glean from human speech has
Not by zoologic doctors been found out.
But Jock drank at the wordy tide, with wild.
Enthusiastic glee."

The other poem contained in the book is entitled "Frances Slocum," and tells the sad

story of the captivity of the child who a few months after the Massacre of Wyoming was carried away from her father's house by a roving band of Delaware Indians The inoidents of her life among the Indians, the long search for the lost sister, and the oircumstances that led her family to find her many years afterward when she had become the queen of the Miami Indians, narrated with dramatic effect in very pleasing verse, goes to make a story of sustained interest, and one that will doubtless find many readers.

The book is printed on heavy plate paper, and its typographical appearance reflects oredit upon the publishers. It will make its appearance in about 10 days.

SIXTY YEARS AGO.

Recollections of Some of the Noted WilkesBarre Men who Paid Taxes in 1826, as Noted by Caleb E. Wright, Esq.

To aid in the research of the Fells, I lately received from the relatives of the late James P. Dennis, the assessment list of WilkesBarre, made out by his father, Jacob J. Dennis. Being without date I ascribe it to a period betweeb 1826 and 1830. It returns Judge Hollenback as still living and Jacob Cist as dead. Steuben Butler and Jacob Sinton are named by the assessor as collectors.

It was both a surprise and pleasure to look over this list of taxpayers, so many of whom it was my privilege personally to know. Here were judges, ministers, lawyers, dootors, teachers, merchants and citizens by the score; even Michael Kinsley (as Jacob spelled it), assessed with his store house on the bank, before Morgan's tavern. This was the assiduous German's castle; and from its portal, with olook-like regularity, he passed to the accomplishment of his daily round of multifarious duties. Excepting Judge Hollenback, he was the most widely known man of the town.

In boyhood I attended the ministrations of the four clergymen on this assessment list. They belonged to three different denominations. Joel Rogers was a Baptist. Mr. Gildersleeve a Presbyterian. Marmaduke Pearce and George Lane Methodists. The two last named, as it appears, land

owners.

Mr. Pearce, a man of large size, was a synthetionl expounder of ecclesiastic doctrines. His sermons were short but able. On the other hand Mr. Lane was a Boanerges in exhortation. His appeals were imbued with signal power. Of Mr. Gildersleeve I have spoken heretofore; and of Mr. Rogers, my knowledge is more limited than in the other cases.

1

This assessment list chronicles two physicians. Dr. Covell I remember as a tall, slim man, with his elbows nearly touching on his back as he stood. He was highly educated, and for a long time the reigning functionary of his profession. He had the field almost to himself.

Dr. T. W. Miner was of a later date. A brilliant luminary he was. His early life, especially the years of his minority, were passed in Doylestown. His affability, his wit, his cheerful manner, are not forgotten here. He had a fellow medical student by the name of Price. They were the life and joy of all company into which they hap. pened to pass. In all the surrounding country where their peregrinations led, their appearance was hailed with delight. On one tramp in the country, young Miner came to a hotel alone. "Well, landlord," was his salutation on entering, "here I am, without money and without Price."

Two laminaries of the Supreme Bench. and on the list returned by Mr. Dennis, commenced their judicial careers in Lazerne. These were Thomas Burnside, subsequently president judge of the Centre County district, then for a time judge of Bucks and Montgomery, and then promoted to a seat on the Supreme Bench. He was genial as he was learned in the law; and no one was more ready to speak of his facial properties than himself. There have been many men more handsome.

The fame of John Bannister Gibson is widespread. His intellectual superiority recognized. In my view, he had always a face resembling that of the lion. It in spired awe and respect.

The administration of David Scott was long continued. His appearance on the bench was highly dignified. His charges to the jury I keep in mind as models for imitation. His delivery was slow, emphatic, precise; and what he said understood without difficulty. I call to mind no judge who elicited more admiration from me than David Scott.

But the lawyers on Jacob's list! As I look over their names, I am reminded of scenes in the old court house, sixty years ago. But this communication has no room for mention of them. C. E. WRIGHT.

DOYLESTOWN, Jan. 24, 1889.

LUZERNE BOROUGH 50 YEARS AGO. Third Historical Contribution of Old

Residents and Old Landmarks. Time has flown rapidly and pleasantly since my last contribution, and while for three weeks I visited with old friends residing outside of Luzerne and out of the valley, my time has been taken up in talking of old times so much that scribbling has been out

of the question. I attended the golden wedding, celebrating the fiftieth anniversary of the marriage of John Sharps Oarpenter and Elizabeth Schooley Oarpenter, at their pleasant home in West Pittston, Feb. 19, 1889. I next went to the Quaker City. While there I called on our friend Mary Haines, now the widow Irons. She informed me that her oldest daughter, Mary Jane, now Mrs. Gaylord Jud Mathers, is residing in Luzerne. Also visited Jane Mathers, now the widow Haines, who was a young lady in Luzerne fifty years ago. Her address is Yardleyville, or Newtown, Backs County, Penn'a. Returning I visited Peter Stroh, who owns a large farm located two miles from Tunkhannock, Wyoming County. He is pleasantly located and a well-todo farmer. All apple-loving friends would do well to give him a call, as he has the best varieties. He married Elizabeth Diokover, who is still living, and her hospitality I shall gratefully remember. Five sons are living. Peter Stroh's sister Sallie is now Mrs Daniel Naugle, of Beloit, Rook County, W18. His sister, Christiana, is Mrs. John Fox, of Brainard, Butler County, Nebraska. His half sister, Elizabeth, is Mrs. Barnes Bonham, of Forty Fort. Mary Stroh is Mrs. Robert Barber, of Stewartsville, Warren County, N. J. Ruth Gore Stroh is Mrs. Charles Bryant, of Forty Fort. I returned to Luzerne by way of the city of Dallas, and called on Andrew Raub, who 18 suffering from a paralytic stroke. He was 60 years old February 12, 1889. He married Catherine Pierce, who is living. Four sons are also living.

Oalled on Sallie Segraves, of Huntsville, who is now the widow Waters. She has two Bons living. Here I met her sister Margaret, now the widow Pettebone, of Trucksville. Her husband, E. G. Pettebone, died in 1887. She has four sons and three daughters living. Arriving at Luzerne, I was permitted to shake hands with my old school mate, James Hancook, of Plains. He expressed great pleasure in being permitted to see an old acquaintance. His sister, Elizabeth, is Mrs. Fuller Reynolds, of Plymouth. His sister, Catherine, is the widow Blair, of Lewisburg.

At the dinner table a lady friend, daughter of an old acquaintance, reminded me of a promise to relate the history of an old building which she passes on her way to the Sarah Bennett grammar school, saying that she was required to furnish a historical sketch for next Friday afternoon.

The ancient name of the old building was the "Amanda Pettebone" house. A more modern name was the "Shebang;" and I gleaned from another source that its most modern name is "that piece of antique decoration." Location, the corner of Main

and Walnut Streets. It was built eightyfive years ago on the farm of Oliver Pettebone, Sr. His farm extended from the Susquehanna River to the top of the mountain. His son Oliver lived in the house, which was located when first built where Ryman Street is now opened in incorporated Luzerne. Oliver Pettebone, Jr., was a brother of Noah and Joshua Pettebone, now both dead. He was an uncle of Noah Pettebone, now a resident of Dorranceton. These good. old fashioned names are retained in the Pettebone family. Amanda Pettebone was the wife of Oliver Pettebone, Jr., and at one time taught a private school in her own house. At a Sunday school celebration, while addressing the audience, the late Rev. John Dorrance remarked that he was one of Amanda's pupils. After the death of her first husband, Amanda married Freeman Thomas in 1848. The marriage oere. mony was performed at the home of Mr. Jane Haines, who rented the house where E. Walter Abbott now lives.

Freeman Thomas opened the Grand Tunnel at Plymouth, moved from thence to West Branch, Pa., where Amanda died a few years ago. Frank Daly bought her house, and moved the materials to the edge of the woods, just below the old Pettebone drift on the hill, and resided there two or three years, having married Elizabeth Cramer. In 1850 the frame Was again unpinned, moved, and became the property of Morris Cramer, who was the father-in-law of Frank Daly. Abel Greenleaf bought the remains and built a blacksmith shop. He also practiced gunsmithing here, and repaired watches and clooks. When E. Walter Abbott, in 1862 or 1863, purchased the estate of Abel Greenleaf, this piece became his property. When he became the Mill Hollow Postmaster, in 1866, this old ornament was his postoffice. He ran a one-horse grocery in connection. George F. McGuire rented the house for a grocery in the earlier history of the town. George Sanders, alias "Prot. Sanderino," also used it as a paint shop. Israel D. Willis once rented it for a shoemaker's shop. The Misses Bisher, of Trucksville, once rented the dwelling for a dressmaking establishment. John Palmer once rented it for a dwelling boase. While residing there his son Jo-eph was barn. Abraham Knarr also resided here. While he was tenant Fanny Davis, now Mrs. Daniel Gallagher, half sister of Mrs. A. Knarr, was born in 1868.

Michael Lapha and his first wife once kept house here. His brother, George Lapha, was also a tenant of the old building. Samuel Henry Reese rented it in 1871. William Simonson also rented the house. It was for one term used as a school room, with Ellen 8. Hughes teacher, who with her

half sister, Jane 8. Houghton, boarded her brothers here while engaged in the mercantile business in Mill Hollow in David Atherholt's storehouse, now J. E. Nugent & Co.'s drug store. Michael Sullivan once rented here. J. E. Lanphear rented it for a dwelling house and afterward for a place in which to place his cobbler's bench. One Sunday, as the Methodist congregation was returning from church, while Mr. and Mrs. J E. Lanphear resided here, some one disoovered that the roof was on fire. "Get a ladder," said one, "and let us try to save the building." "Throw on water," said another, "and do not let the building burn over the heads of the sleeping occupants." "Let it burn," cried a third. At that critical point the man of the house appeared at the front door with a newspaper in hand to inquire the cause of such a breeze around his house at noonday. On receiving the desired information, he hastily set to work to extinguish the flames with a cold water bath. Thus the old house was saved to ornament Walnut Street. On examination of the old building to-day, I found that the roof and second floor contain seven stovepipe holes. Any person in search of a house to rent will see at a glance how convenient it will be to set up 8 stove in any corner of the lower rooms. A brick chimney also towers aloft from the humble habitation. There are six window frames, one or two pieces of sash and six whole panes of glass. The doors have walked off, also. The floor boards are loosened and will follow suit. After Walnut Street was opened, the building and a small strip of land became the property of Eliza Harris, her agent having purchased it for her of E. Walter Abbott for $400, in the year 187-. Having related a brief account of its past history, I will leave the recital of its present history to another.

LUZERNE BOROUGH 50 YEARS AGO.

[Continued.]}

LUZERNE, April 4, 1889.-Having spent the last three weeks in my native town, Hartseph, now lively Luzerne, I have lmproved the opportunity of calling on a number of old friends who knew the town fifty years ago, I have met others who have resided here less than fifty years, yet I write of them from the fact that they are numbered among the old people of Luzerne. Pierce Bowman lives just outside the borough limits, at present, but was born in Hartseph, Oct. 24, 1810, in an old weatherbeaten, wood-colored house that stood on the ground where John Atherholt's house now stands. It was a one story and a half house, built in 1809 by Johnny Bowman,

father of Pierce, and occupied by his family fifty years ago, he having died here in 1888, June 4. In 1808 Johnny Bowman built a blacksmith shop shop near his house, or not far from the old red mill house. In 1829 the shop was rebuilt. This old blacksmith shop contained a trip-hammer, and as the foreman of the establishment was an early riser, the trip-hammer served the purpose of the reveille, for its music could be heard for some distance, announcing the dawn of each new day and cheating the natives out of their last morning nap. The second story of this blacksmith shop W88 rented by George Houghton for & comb factory. It afterwards used as 8 dwelling house. After William Hancock purchased the property the old shop was turned into a olover mill. The building was torn down after 1871. The "Johnny Bowman" house was torn down in 1861.

was

Lucretia Bowman, mother of Pierce, died in Illinois in 1862,

Pierce Bowman has a remarkably retentive memory and always had a weakness for oider, that with a snap in it preferred. When Hartseph had no temperance houses the men who occasionally indulged in a glass of sweet cider walked to Kingston and made their purchases at the old Reynolds store. One day when Pierce was a young man, about 32, he became very thirsty, trudged to Kingston, and just as the clerk was about to hand him his oider his father put in an appearance and forbade the sale. Pierce was greatly enraged, and, determined not to be outdone, took the stage that was passing, went to Tunkhannock, a distance of twenty-six miles, made the desired purchase and returned in the stage, informing his cautious father that he found some cider. At another time he was sent to the same store for half a gallon of molasses and one quart of cider, and through a mistake(?) called for two quarts of cider and one quart of molasses.

John Mathers was born near the toll gate on the turnpike leading to Dallas, in the second house after leaving Raab's mill, Nov. 1, 1818. His father was foreman in a paper mill, once located near the toll gate. He was always noted for being good at a game of checkers. Mr. Mathers bought his property and built in 1841, and has resided in the same house since. He has three sons and four daughters living. Two daughters are married. Samantha is now Mrs. J. O. Jackson, of Dallas, and Martha Louisa is now Mrs. G. A. Boughtia, of Kingston. His white house on the hill bids fair to become a home for retired bachelor gentlemen and maiden ladies.

Miss A. M. Hughes was born in Hartseph, in the house in which she resides, May 9,

1828. Miss Hughes expects to live to see the year 1900. She has an excellent appetite, a consideration greatly in her favor. Her house is well supplied with newspapers, books, pictures and brio-a-brac, so much so that when I called to-day I was afraid to move for fear of displacing some ornament. She contemplates building a Queen Anne oottage as soon as Walnut Street is opened through the Hughes estate.

Asa L. Bishop was born in Masonville, Ulster County, N. Y., May 1, 1815; spent his boyhood days in Olive, Delaware Connty, N. Y., came to Pennsylvania when 25 years of age, settled at "Oberry View," or Bennett's Hill farm, in 1860. He is now & resident of Luzerne, and his home is on Bennett Street. He is very feeble, his health having been poor all winter. He has been a practical farmer, enjoys gardening, the cultivation of fruit, eto. His neighbors glean many useful hints on farming when he relates his experience. He has four sons and two daughters. Two of his sons are married.

For a time we will leave the old folks who seem disposed to take exceptions because we tell when they were born, and turn to the old buildings, that never criticise, and by request write more of some of the domains that remain and of some that have passed away.

Waddell's rented house, near the shaft, stands exactly north and south, east and west. It was built by a sun dial, and during the longest days of the year the sun shines down the chimney in the dinner pot. The lower part of the large chimney in this house is built nine feet square and encloses three fire places, one of which contained a grate where the cooking was done. Charles Mathers, brother of John, bought this house house and the farm on which it is erected in 1840, and resided there until 1875, when he moved to Wyoming, where he died in 1880, Sept. 16. His well kept and well cultivated fields are now nearly covered with Waddell's calm dump. His wife, Surrender Raub Mathers, died in Luzerne, in the fall of 1886, Oot. 14. Six sons are living.

It is supposed that Atherholt's old red mill house is the oldest house in town. A great many different families have resided there.

By way of the oorrection of a blunder made in my first contribution it should be said that James Segraves resided in this house fifty years ago.

An old log house, sided, colored red, looated near where Thomas Kline's rented house now stands, near iron bridge, was known as the "Adam Shafer" house. The freshet that occurred July 18, 1850, swept

this old house away. The occupants escaped. Abraham Knarr, Sr., who died in 1884, lived in this house when the high water of 1850 carried this old landmark down Toby's Creek.

Adam Shafer sold the first whisky that was ever sold in Hartseph, while he resided here. He acted as farmer at one time, cultivating the part of the land that was then cleared, now owned by John Mathers. He also had charge of Hollenback's plaster, olover and oil mill. Henry Frace lived in this old log hut fifty years ago.

If I am not spirited away by ghosts from these departed houses and by the old residents who refuse to have their ages published, I will tell you more, some future time, of old houses and of old people who are still living and who were Hartseph's residents fifty years ago.

THE LATE WALTER G. STERLING. The Funeral Services-Additional Facts of His Life.

The funeral services of Walter G. Sterling were held Tuesday, April 16th, at the residence on South River Street. The funeral was private. Selections from the scriptures were read by Revs.H.L. Jones and H.E.Hayden, of the Episcopal Church. A quartet composed of Mrs. Brundage, Miss Brundage and Messrs. Darling and Woodward sang several selections. About twenty-five of the most intimate business associates and friends of deceased accompanied the remains to Hollenback Cemetery. The casket was borne by four colored men.

Some additional facts of the life of deceased have been gleaned since his death. He was born at Black Walnut, near Meshoppen, Nov. 24, 1821. His parents were Daniel and Rachel Sterling. Major Daniel Sterling will be recalled as one of the most energetic business men of his day, his enterprises oovering an extended territory up and down the Susquehanna. About 1885 young Sterling came to Wilkes-Barre with his father, where he entered the office of George M. Hollenback and became the trusted and confidential clerk of that extensive business man, attending to his exacting interests with marked success. During the gold excitement in the West he was one of the '49ers who went to California in search of their

fortunes, he being a passenger around Cape Horn in the Grey Eagle. He remained there two years, and at the expiration of which time he returned to this city and in conneotion with Mr. Hollenback established a private bank, he in the meantime having control of Mr. Hollenback's busidess interests. He was soon persuaded to sever his conneotion with that institution and assisted in organizing the Second National Bank and became its vice president. He afterwards aided in the organization of the Peoples' Bank and was chosen its vice president. His Own business became so extensive that he relinquished his official position and attended to his private affairs. This kind of life did not run according to his tastes, and he soon entered the Miners' Savings Bank. Here he remained until the sickness which had been undermining his health for nine years completely prostrated him. Until this time he was secretary and treasurer of the Wilkes-Barre Bridge Oo. He, in connection with S. L. Thurlow, erected Music Hall, at the time of its construction the finest building in this city. He was associated with every progressive movement that claimed the attention of the citizens of Wilkes-Barre, when it received its first industrial impetus. Every laudable movement, every favored enterprise found him in the ranks of its supporters. He was a brilliant business man and until his sickness was recognized as having no superior in 80counts or finances. Of his strict integrity and uprightness in business it would be saperfluous to make extended mention. death tends to revert the mind more thoughtfully over his life's history, and it is evident that he has pronounced his own eulogy, not in words but in his daily acts. During the three years of his illness he never spoke an impatient word.

His

Mr. Sterling is survived by a widow, who was Mise Emma Elder, and six children. Miss Minnie Sterling is the only child by the first marriage. J. C. Sterling, of Philadelphia, is the only surviving brother. Deceased was a brother of the late D. T. Sterling, of Mashoppen; the late H. G. Sterling, of Philadelphia; Mrs. James P. Whaling, Miss Julia Sterling, Mrs. D. MoDonald, of Milwaukee, Wis., and Mrs. Charles Wallace, of Denver, Col. He was an uncle of Cashier A. A. Sterling, of the People's Bank. Mrs. Northup, of Sioux City, who at one time resided in this city, is a half-sister. The late Prof. John Whelen Sterling, LL. D., of the University of Wisconsin, was a brother.