CAPT. WREN'S RECOLLECTIONS.

The Attempt to Establish Iron Works in 1842-Some of the Contracts Between Then and Now.

[Letter to the Editor.]

Having read some interesting reminiscences relating to Wilkes Barre and the Valley of Wyoming in your valuable WilkesBarre RECORD, I was more especially interested in the vast changes and improvements which have taken place. The early history of our coal and iron business is not only interesting, but very instructive. Comparing the past with the present helps us in our anticipations. What we might epect the future to be is the principal theme of this article.

And in looking back forty-five years, I find the prosperous city of Wilkes Barre of 1887 very different from the country town of Wilkes-Barre of 1842, the date of my first visit. I was at that time yet an apprentice to the firm of Haywood & Snyder, of Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., and was one of a number of machinists sent by them for the erection of the rolling mill which was located at South Wilkes-Barre, of which they had the contract to build the machinery, engines, boilers, mill works, etc.

As there is not a vestige of the mill remaining to-day, a short history of its career may not be out of place, and although it would appear that blast furnaces and rolling mills have not been a success along this part of the valley, yet to my mind the question has never been satisfactorily answered, why they should not be made one of the leading industries, comparing the advantages surrounding this locality with other iron districts. I believe the day will come when iron works will line the banks of the Susquehanna resembling those in Scotland on the banks of the Clyde. Having assisted and taken an active part in the erection of nine roiling mills I feel justifled in saying all honor to the pioneers of the coal and iron business. By the undaunted energy and perseverance of Pennsylvania she stands to-day a beacon light to every state in the Union, after many severe trials still advancing, step by step upward, demonstrating that what was considered an experiment 45 years ago is to-day a reality in the handling and manufacturing and manipulating of iron and steel.

The South Wilkes-Barre mill I find by my memoranda, made at the time, was first put in operation October 1, 1842. Its motive power consisted of one one hundred horse and one sixty horse power engines made very strong, but no ornament, and they would not compare with the highly finished

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and beautifully designed machinery made by the Vulcan Iron Works and the Dickson Co. of the present day. The starting of the mill was a gala day in Wilkes-Barre. All the honest men and bonnie lasses were assembled to witness the operation, as, indeed, it was a novelty at that day. I felt rather proud myself as I had the honor of starting one of the engines. Many questions were asked and the good old farmers and their wives asked some puzzlers. The machinery moved off well and thus far was a success. The mill was superintended by Mr. Ellis, assisted by his sons. The principal workmen, heaters, puddlers and rollers were English and Welsh. The heating and puddling furnaces were then ordered be fired up and the blast applied. This done, weak points were exposed, showing the badly constructed furnaces. The flame that should reach the iron to heat it was blowing out at every opening. The furnaces were a failure and had to be remodeled, and, although improved, never were what they should be, such as the suocessful furnaces of the present day. Another drawback was badly constructed rolls, the grooves of which would not reduce the iron properly. The rails made were very imperfect, and being finned ragged a edges like BaW. It took several years in all our mills to overcome making bad rails, but by perseverance this trouble has been successfully overcome. Rails now can be rolled 60 feet long without a flaw. I was was going to say a mile but that would be a pretty long rail, and reminds me of an anecdote. CommodoreStockton once visited a factory for making shoe lasts and he thought to have a joke on the proprietor before he left and said: "Sir, if I give you an order for a 74 gun ship can you turn it off on your machine?" "Yes, Commodore, I can do it if you will furnish me with a block big enough." The Commodore owned the corn, and so it is with our improved machinery, we can do almost anything. For instance, 45 years ago our rollhousen weighed some 4 tons and was then considered a monster casting. ceived a letter from a friend the other day, stating he had completed 2 housen for the Cambria Iron and Steel Co., Johnstown, weighing 20 tons each.

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But I find I am getting away from the site of the old mill. The changed surroundings show that many of the old landmarks have gone, even the old canal has been converted into a railroad. No more is heard the sounding horn of the Packet Boat, Capt. Wells commanding, where you could get good supper on board for 25 cents. Whistles are all the go now. On leaving the canal bridge and going up the street towards Public Square one saw

then green fields and blooming orchards. We find in 1887 these scenes are changed. There are large buildings of a variety of styles-machine shops, foundries and factories, making up the list, on both sides of the street, with the locomotives whizzing up and down, reminding one of some orderly at full gallop, carrying some important dispatches.

You have only to look around and see both the useful and ornamental 88 far as the eye can reach. Perhaps one of the most imposing structures, which will always adorn Main Street, is the magnificent armory of the Ninth Regiment, N. G. P. This is certainly a substantial improvement, one that reflects credit on the citizens of Wilkes-Barre and a great honor to the of ficers and men of the National Guard. Nothing but a genuine patriotic American spirit could erect such a noble structure. It It cannot fail to inspire every crue American with greater love of country, both in time of peace and in time of war. It is a bulwark of strength inspiring confidence and an assurance of safety to all our citizens and the influences which may emanate from the ranks of the National Guards as they arrive at the high standard which they are fast approaching will not only help to protect our best interests in our own region but may in case of an emergency form a grand centre around which a great Union army could rally quickly, nipping all enemies in the bud. The poet Burns truly said, "The soldier is the country's stay in day and hour of danger." I have great faith in the guards. They may help to save us from any more hurried Bull Runs and I candidly believe should grim visaged war ever dare make her appearance in our land our experience of the past and present in war discipline would

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combined in our National Guards that thousands of valuable lives would be saved and millions of national treasure. It is hoped that the day is not far distant when the guards will be rewarded by encouragement, financial and otherwise, from every state and county in the Union.

This again refreshes my memory of the good old military spirit of Wilkes-Barre in the year 1846, July 4th, at the dedication of Wyoming monument. The Columbia Guards, of Danville, were invited to participate, of which I was a member. WilkesBarre had several splendid military companies, and made a grand display, and had made royal provision for invited military guests and citizens, and among the large assembly, the 00casion was honored by the commanding presence of His Excellency, Governor Shonk, then Governor of Pennsylvania. He

arrived by packet and was escorted to the grounds by the Columbia Guards who were detailed for that honorable duty. The warm and genuine hospitality extended by the military and citizens of WilkesBarre made 8 deep and lasting impression on all. Prayers full of thankfulness were offered up, patriotic addresses were made and the military reviewed by the Governor, and as we returned home in our canal boats rejoicing, the dedication was pronounced a grand success. The military on that occasion was fully equipped and were beautifully uniformed. The fair ladies presented our company with a beautiful wreath, which we highly prized as a token of the friendship and beauty of the ladies of Wilkes-Barre.

On leaving the armory we reach another of Uncle Sam's fortifications, the beautiful ball of Ely Post 97, Grand Army of the Republic. They require no eulogy at my hands. They are the boys who were ready to draw their swords in the defense of the good old flag, and when drawn have never yet sheathed them with dishonor. It is always a pleasure to meet with them and see and hear them light their torches at the old camp fires, merely to keep from rusting.

On reaching Public Square we find the greatest change; the old wooden court house is gone, and in its place stands the commodious brick structure, with stone pavements leading into it from the different points. The court house is surrounded on every side by extensive stores and hotels.

Nearly all the eloquent voices which made the court house ring in 1842 have become silent. I spent many happy hours in hearing them debate. The bar then was composed of such men as the Hon. Judge Conyngham, Lawyer Kidder, afterwards Hon. Judge Harrison Wright, and I think Caleb Wright and others. I listened to several important cases tried and was very favorably impressed with the talent of the WilkesBarre bar, and so reported on my return to Pottsville.

The many railroads leading into the town of Wilkes-Barre will always make it a grand centre, and for miles around it a wide field is yet open for capital to develope rich resources. Other towns as they are reached by railroads will expand,inviting capitalists causing the now barren places to be dotted over with business enterprises and happy homes.

CAPTAIN JOHN Y. WREN, Plymouth.

The Doylestown Intelligencer (Sept. 23, 1887) gives an interesting sketch of the Beatty family of Bucks County. Of Rev. Charles Beatty's six sons four were officers in the Revolution and one of his five daughtere married a chaplain in the same war.

The Moravians in Wyoming Valley.

In a recent issue of the RECORD was a contribution from John W. Jordan, of Philadelphia, giving some extracts from the diary of Joan Martin Mack, the Moravian missionary. The July number of the Historical Journal (Williamsport) contains some extracts from the same diary, under date of August, 1753. There is the following reference to Wyoming:

Below Muncy Creek we visited a small Shawnese town which a few years ago was built by some Indian families from Wyomick. We found old Shikase, of Wyomick, here, who has been here since spring. He saluted us as brothers. We also visited John Shikellimy, who lives here and has a Shawnese wife. He furnished us with a choice piece of bear's meat. Shikellimy's family have mostly left Shamokin, as they find it very difficult to live there, owing to the large number of Indians passing through the town, who have to be fed. Our brethren make the same complaint-they have fed as high as 100 Indians per annum.

The following note by Mr. Jordan is given in the Historical Journal in connection with the Mack diary:

"The first Moravians to visit Shamokin and the West Branch of the Susquehanna were Zinzendorf and his suite in the late summer of 1742. Here he made the acquaintance of Shikellimy, Viceroy of the Six Nations, which was carefully followed up by his brethren, and ripened into a friendship, ending only with the death of the noble old chief. After repeated solicitations from the viceroy in August of 1747, the Moravians built a smithy in Shamokin and commenced a mission, which was continued until the breaking out of hostilities in 1755. Marx Kiefer, the smith, was the last member to leave in October of the last written year.

John Martin Mack, the journalist, was born in the kingdom of Wurtemberg, April 13, 1715. In 1735 he was dispatched to Georgia, and in 1740 left for Pennsylvania. Two years later he was appointed assistant in the Mohican mission at Shecomeco, Connecticut. His first visit to Shamokin was with Zinzendorf in 1742, and his second in 1745. In April of 1746 he commenced the mission at Gnadenhuetten, on the Mahoning, the field of his labors until 1755. During this interval he visited the Indian villages on the West Branch of the Susquehanna, and in 1752, accompanied Zeisberger to Onondaga. His first wite, who died at Gnadenhuetten in December of 1749, was well acquainted with the Mohawk and Delaware dialects. In 1761 he was assigned the superintendence of the missions in the Danish West Indies, and died on Santa Cruz, January 9, 1784. Mack's companion, Bernhard Adam Grube, was born in Germany in 1715, educated at Jena, and sent

to Pennsylvania in 1746. He was first em ployed in the schools at Bethlehem. In January he was stationed at Meniolagomeka, an Indian town (near Monroe County), where he studied the Delaware. After he returned from the West Branch with Mack he was dispatched to North Carolina, with a colony of Moravians to settle on the tract of 100,000 acres purchased of Earl Granville, in what was then Rowan County. In 1758 he was sent to the Indian mission in Connecticut; and in 1760 removed to Wechquetance on Hoeth's Creek, Monroe County, Pa. While here he translated into Delaware a hymn book, and a Harmony of the Gospele, for many years in use in the Delaware mission of his church. In 1765 he retired from the Indian mission. After serving in the rural congregations he died at Bethlehem, March 20, 1808, aged 93 years. This journal is a free translation from the original German."

Crowding the Isothermal Line.

The persimmon, though a well-known small fruit as far north as the Southern border of our State, is comparatively unknown in this latitude. Although, the seeds are planted here the trees produced will grow and flourish so far as foliage and wood making are concerned, yet they fail most lamentably in fruit bearing in almost every instance where the growing of the tree has been tried. Perhaps if it were grafted or budded from a bearing tree it would do better.

Probably the most noteworthy persimmon tree known in the Atlantic States is one now growing at the home of the late Charles F. Welles, Esq., at Wyalusing, Bradford County. This tree grew from a seed given to Mr. Welles by the late Matthias Hollenback on his last trip northward, in the fall of the year 1828. The seed was planted and grew; but the climate proving unpropitious, the tree has maintained a precarious and unthrifty existence for fifty-eight years, being now barely eighteen or twenty feet in height. It has been transplanted, once cut down, and many times nipped by zero frosts, until of late years it has become so acclimated that frost has no more terrors. Unfortunately, though blossoming every year, the flowers are pistillate, so that in more than half a century but one solitary fruit has ever been known to reward the cultivator. This year, however, the record was broken by the appearance of four little persimmons upon the two topmost branches. We say "little" advisedly, as the specimen shown to us by Edward Welles was barely three-fourths of an inch in diameter, not much larger than a plump cherry.

Early Wilkes-Barre Merchants. [The following item was one of several received in reply to the RECORD's request for some early reminiscences.-ED.]

It has occurred to me as proper to jot down a few particulars of the first merchants of Wilkes-Barre, as I knew them more than 60 years ago.

Of course G. M. Hollenback ranks first. Along the whole bank of the Susquehanna,no man was better known. His amenity of address and winning expression of facial features were remarkable. He dressed with more taste than any man of the county. His manner was perfection. I was accus. tomed to regard Mr. Hollenback with an awe of deference and admiration never since bestowed on any man on earth.

When I first knew the brick store on the corner at the bridge Ziba Bennett was head clerk behind the counter. He was certainly a model merchant. He was a paragon in the line of business adopted in early life and continued through so many succeeding years. He was the idol of country customers for many miles around. Notes of commendation regarding this attractive clerk and salesman trilled on every matron's tongue.

Following Mr. Bennett came two other individuals, subsequently established in successful careers, N. Ratter and A. C. Laning. It was their good fortune to begin life under the influence of such a man as Hollenback. Comment is superfluous touching these men so recently known by the people of Luzerne.

Then there was another merchant located further down on River Street. Very few of the men now in Wilkes-Barre had personal knowledge of Jacob Cist. I might name Capt. Dennis and Mr. Ratter. I don't call to mind any others. In Kingston, Col. Dorrance.

Mr.Cist was acting postmaster, when I first saw him. I called to ask for letters. He was busily writing behind the counter and seemed annoyed in being interrupted. No wonder. It was shameful that a man so far outstripping his fellow countrymen in science, art and philosophy, should be chained down to the routine of a menial clerkship. But he must make his bread like other men, though all the aspirations of his genius rose to the contemplation of grander things. Instead of Aime Boupland of the Paris botanic garden, he should have been the companion of Humbolt in his voyage of scientific exploration. He was capable for the task. From

a bug or butterfly, up through the range of all the ologies to an iron mountain and the icanguration of the coal trade, he was in his proper sphere. When other men were groveling in the mud of DeWitt Clinton's ditches, and blockading the channels of our

grand river with dame, Mr. Cist was foretelling the superior system of railroads as means of transportation. If the Legislature had listened to him a great deal of biasphemy might have been saved to the raftmen, and our supply of snad escaped annihilation. But he knew, and others didn't.

But few months before his untimely death he made a day's Visit at my father's house. Such was the delight, his courteous manner excited in my boyish heart, I forgave him the coolness exhibited in the post office. And to this day regard it a special honor, that it was my privilege to have seen the most cultured man of the North. Doylestown.

C. E. WRIGHT.

The First Marriage in Carbondale. [From the Carbondale Leader.] The first marriage that ever took place in Carbondale, according to Alderman Thompson, was performed in the year 1828, by Justice of the Peace Potter, who lived at or near Razorville (now Providence.) It was under very peculiar circumstances that the ceremony was performed; and was not at all by the "joining of hands." And for this reason: The bride, whose name is forgotten by the alderman, lived in Carbondale, and was to meet the groom, whose name was Isaac Williams, at the "old Jessup log tavern," which stood not a great distance from the present site of the Episcopal parsonage, at a certain day and hour. Meantime Williams had gone to Providence to bring Squire Potter up to do the business, while the bride was to be on hand promptly. But it happened that during the absence of Williams a heavy rainstorm came up raising the streams suddenly and among them the Fall Brook over which on a temporary bridge the twain were to pass, just below Carbondale. Before they arrived at the bridge the sudden freshet had carried it away and of course they could not cross The bride, nothing daunted, and knowing the state of affairs sallied down to where the bridge had stood, and the squire actually married the couple thus separated by the raging flood. The young woman returned to her home, and her husband accompanied the justice back to Providence and waited till the waters abated, which was but a day or two, when he returned to claim his bride. W.

G. G. Wood, of Muncy, has the original manuscript of a field diary, or notes made by Surveyor Samuel Harris in the year 1774, while running a line from Tioga to the Delaware river. It is largely made up of the county now embraced in Susquehanna county.

CAPT. DENNIS DEAD.

The Oldest Native of Wyoming Valley Passes Away at the Age of Three Score and Fifteen,

Shortly after midnight, Nov. 7, Capt. James P. Dennis, whose death had been expected for several days, fell quietly into his last sleep of earth, at the hotel of Col. H. A. Laycock, where he had latterly made his home. He had been confined to his room for some three weeks with a kidney trouble. During his illness he received every possible attention from the family of Col. Laycock and from Mrs. Dr. Dennis.

Capt. Dennis had the distinction of being the oldest native of Wilkes Barre. He was a grandson of Judge Jesse Fell, whose name is so prominently associated with the use of anthracite coal and was born in the old Fell House.

He was a pupil of the Old Academy which in early days stood near where the present court house now stands. In 1833 deceased was in Philadelphia engaged with John P. Baab, of Wilkes-Barre, who had the contract for building the Columbia bridge across the Schuylkill. Afterwards he went west and became captain of the steamboat State of Maine running on the Ohio and Mississippi.

About 1881 he was freight agent for the L. & S. RR., in this city, but since that time he has resided in and about Wilkes-Barre not engaged in active business, other than looking after the property which had accumulated under his prudent management. He was a Past Master of Lodge 61, F. A. & M., which ancient organization attended his funeral in a body.

The following biographical sketch is from the pen of Hon. Steuben Jenkins, of Wyoming:

Died in Wyoming, at 12:30 m., on Monday, Nov. 7, 1887, James Plater Dennis, late of the city of Wilkes-Barre. His parents were both natives of Bocks County, Pa., and were married at Wilkes-Barre by Rev. And. Hoyt Jan. 17, 1811.

Jacob John Dennis, his father, was born in 1783, and came to Wilkes-Barre when a young man and engaged in the cabinetmaking business. He soon after married Abi, daughter of Hon. Jesse Fell, an associate judge of Luzerne County. They had the following children:

James Plater, born March 26, 1812, died unmarried Nov. 7, 1887.

Nancy Ann, born Nov. 1, 1813, married T. Truxton Slocum.

Norman James, born 1815, died unmarried.

Welding Fell, born 1817, married Catharine Frothingham.

Hannah, born Sept. 7, 1818, married O. B. Hillard.

Katherine Scott, born 1822, married Bartlett Murdock.

Ann is the only one of these now living. She is a resident of Colorado.

Capt. James P. Dennis, quite early in life, about 1835, went forth to engage in business for himself. The great West then, as now, seemed to offer the best opening for & young man of enterprise and energy, and thither he directed his young footsteps. Arriving at Pittsburg an opportunity offered him to go down the Ohio and Mississippi on a steamboat in a paying capacity, which he accepted and made the trip to New Orleans and return. So satisfactorily had he performed the duties entrusted to his charge, that upon his return he was offered and aocepted the position of captain upon one of the line of steamers plying between Pittsburg and New Orleans, in which capacity he acted for many years. Hence his title of captain. Tiring of this business, and having laid aside some money, he returned to Wilkes-Barre, where he soon afterward was appointed superintendent of the old Easton and Wilkes-Barre Turnpike, the duties of which he performed for many years, until, at his suggestion, the gates were thrown open and the road given to the public.

In 1858, he joined, with several of his fellow townsmen of Wilks Barre, in forming and organizing the Wyoming Historical and Geological Society, and has been an active, earnest member, prominent in all its operations and rejoicing in its success.

In 1861, after the breaking out of the late civil war, he was appointed Provost Marshal for this district and made the first enlistment and draft, and so well and correctly was his work done that upon the reorganization, under an act of Congress, he was offered a reappointment but refused to aocept on the ground that the labor of the office was too great and too exacting. His performance of the duties of the office were in bright contrast with that of his successor, and redounded very greatly to his credit and honor.

When the city of Wilkes-Barre was incorporated, he was appointed one of the assessors to assess the valuation of property in the growing city. A work requiring not only a vast amount of labor but a nice discriminating judgment. In the performance of this duty he not only did his work thoroughly, but well and to the entire satisfaction of all parties interested. He has been somewhat afflicted with age and the weakness that follows in its train, for 6 years or more past has resided at Wyoming, with Col. Laycock, where he patiently and bravely awaited the final result fully aware of its slow but sure coming.