1847 History of  Centre County, Pennsylvania

Centre County

Centre county erected-Streams and geological features-Statistics of 1840-Public improvements-Towns-Bellefont, Philipsburg,Milesboro, Boalsburg, Potter's Bank, Potter's Old Fort, Aaronsburg, Millheiai, Earleysburg, Pattonsville, Walkersville, New Providence, White Hall, Rabersburg, Jacobsburg, &c.-Education.

Centre county, originally embraced by Lycoming, Northumberland, Mifflin and Huntingdon counties, by an act of the Legislature, February 13, 1800, and from its central position was named Centre. Its boundaries according to the act of 1800, were as follows-Beginning opposite the mouth of Quin's run, on the West Branch of the Susquehanna; thence a straight line to the mouth of Fishing creek, where nit empties into the Bald Eagle creek; thence to the northeast corner of Miles, late Haines' township, including Nittany valley; thence by the northeast boundary of the said township to the summit of Tussey's mountain ; thence by the summit of said mountain, by the lines of Haines' township in Northumberland county, Potter township in Mifflin county, and Franklin township in Huntingdon county, to a point three miles southwest of the present line between Mifflin and Huntingdon counties; thence by a direct line to the head of the southwest branch of Bald Eagle creek; thence, a direct line to the head waters of Mushanon; thence down the same to the Susquehanna to the place of beginning. The limits of this county were reduced by forming Clinton county. Three townships, Bald Eagle, Lamar, and Logan, were taken off.

By the act of 1800, the following gentlemen were appointed Trustees, viz: Andrew Gregg, William Swanzey, and Robert Boggs, and were authorized to take assurances for the payment of money and grants of land, stipulated for by James Dunlop and James Harris, and such others as might be offered to them in trust to dispose thereof, on moiety in some productive fund for the support of an academy or public school in the county, and with other monies to be raised in the county to erect public buildings lor the county in the town of Bellefonte.

Centre county is bounded on the north by Clinton, on the east by Union, on the southeast by Mifflin, and on the south by Huntingdon, on the west by Clearfield county. Length, about 58 miles; breadth 36; area 1,370 square miles, containing 678,400 acres of land. Population in 1800, 2,075 : 1810, 10,680; in 1820,13,706; in 1830, 18,879; in 1840, 20,492. The population of the several townships in 1840, was as follows :-

Boggs 1,714, Ferguson 1,254, Gregg 1,671, Haines 1,978, Howard 1,409, Half Moon 1,406, Miles 1,198, Potter 1,787, Rush 317, Patton 473, Spring 1,793, Walker 1,180, Husten 557, Marion 559, Snowshoe 162, Harios 2,002, Bellefonte borough 1,032.

A post town and borough, including Smithfield, was incorporated March 18, 1814, is the seat of justice. The town derives its name from a compound French word, i. e. Bell, beautiful, and Fonle, a. fountain, the name of a beautiful spring, giving the name to the town, and supplying the inhabitants thereof, with the finest water imaginable, which is raised by a machinery into a reservoir, on an eminence about 90 feet above the level of the spring. These works were first erected in 1808, and have since been rebuilt and improved. The town was first commenced in 1795, by Messrs. James Harris and James Dunlop, who were owners of the site, and is on the right bank of Spring creek, in a township of the same name, latitude 40 degrees, 50 minutes, north longitude, and 40 minutes west from Washington city; 122 miles northwest from that city, and 85 from Harrisburg. It is situated in a fine valley of limestone land, highly susceptible of improvement and well cultivated, abounding with first-rate timber, and the earth pregnant with inexhaustible quantities of iron ore, of the very best quality, easily smelted and very productive, yielding from 60 to 62j per cent, of metal. In and about the vicinity, especially on Spring creek, is a great number of furnaces, forges, rolling mills, tilt-hammers, grist mills, saw mills, fulling mills, oil mills, &c. It is a highly prosperous place.

When Centre county was erected, they gave half of the lots for public purposes, among which was the establishment of the seminary: The town contained in 1810, 203 inhabitants, in 1820, 433, in 1830, 699, in 1840, 1,032; of these, were-

White Males under 5, 77 ; 5 and under 10, 47; 10 and under 15, 49; 15 and under 20, 56; 20 and under 30, 100; 30 and under 40, 53; 40 and under 50, 35; 50 and under 60, 24 ; 60 and under 70, 11; 70 and under 80, 2.

White Females under 5, 66; 5 and under 10, 63; 10 and under 15, 48; 15 and under 30, 58 ; 20 and under 30, 106 ; 30 and under 40, 55; 40 and under 50, 132 ; 50 and under 60, 23; 60 and under 70, 8; 70 and under 80, 2.

Colored Males under 10, 17; 10 and under 24, 13; 24 and under 36, 17; 36 and under 55, 3; 55 and under 100, 3.

Colored Females under 10, 29; 10 and under 24,10; 24 and under 36, 18; 36 and under 55, 4; 55 and under 100, 3.

Of these there were engaged, according to the census of 1840, 2 in agriculture, 11 in commerce, manufactures and trades 138, 1 in navigation, 21 in the learned professions and engineering. The borough contained 130 dwellings, four churches, a Presbyterian, Methodist, United Brethren, and a Catholic; an academy, 8 stores, 1 fulling mill, 1 woollen factory, 2 tanneries, 1 printing office, 1 weekly newspaper, 4 schools, 120 scholars.

The scenery around the town is very imposing ; nay, inviting. The town has some high land around it; but none which is not capable, under proper culture, of producing from twenty-five to thirty bushels of wheat per acre; and from lands contiguous, once called barrens, have been known to yield 30 bushels. The supply of mineral fuel is easy, as bituminous coal is abundant within 10 miles of the borough; and is accessible by a well constructed turnpike road from the town to the mines.

As to salubrity, it is said by competent judges, that no town in the Union excels Bellefonte. This town possesses many natural and artificial advantages. Schools of a higher order, efficiently conducted, amid a moral, intelligent and industrious community; and other advantages will, ere long, attract the attention of those who can appreciate that which renders life desirable.

Turnpikes in various directions radiate from this place, affording facilities of access to the farmer, traveller, and trader. Superior lines of stages leave daily for Lewistown, and other places.

The following sketch of a prominent person, from the Centre Democrat, is worthy of a place here:-

"Died in Bellefonte, on the 20th May, 1835, in his 80th year, Andrew Gregg, Esq. Mr. Gregg was among the early settlers in Penn's valley. He was born on 10th June, 1755, at Carlisle. He acquired a classical education at several of the best schools of that day, and was engaged for some years as a tutor in the University of Pennsylvania. In the year 1783, Mr. Gregg, having saved a few hundred dollars from his salary as a teacher, changed his employment, and commenced business as a storekeeper in Middletown, Dauphin county. In 1787 he married a daughter of General Potter, then living near the West Branch, in Northumberland county ; and at the earnest request of his father-in-law, in 1789, moved with his family in Penn's valley, where he settled down in the woods, and commenced the business of farming, about two miles from Potter's old fort. On the place he first settled, he continued improving his farm from year to year, pursuing with great industry the business of a country farmer. There all his children were born and some married, and there he resided until the year 1814, when he came with his family to reside in this borough; having some years before purchased property in this neighborhood. In 1790 Mr. Gregg was elected a member of congress, and by seven successive elections, for several districts, as they were arranged from time to time, including one by a general vote or ticket over the whole state-was continued a member of that body for 16 successive years-and during the session of 1806-7, was chosen a member of the Senate of the U. S. At the expiration of this term, on the 4th of March, 1803, he returned to private life. One principal object of coming to reside in this borough, was a desire to be convenient to good schools, for the benefit of his younger children. Here he lived a retired life, attending to the education of his children and the improvement of his farms, until Dec. 1820, when he was called by Gov. Hiester to the situation of secretary of the commonwealth. During the administration of Governor Hiester, the duties of that office were executed by him with talent and integrity. Mr. Gregg, as a public man, as well as in private life, was remarkable for a sound and discriminating man, agreeable and dignified manners, strict regard for truth, and unbending and unyielding honesty."

" Died in Aug. 1833, at his residence in Spring township, Gen. Philip Benner, aged 70 years. He was among the first settlers in this county, and made his residence at the spot where he died as early as 1792. At that time there were but few inhabitants within the bounds of what is now Centre county. He was born in Chester county. His father was an active whig of the revolution, was taken prisoner by the British, and imprisoned. Philip, then a youth, took up arms under Gen. Wayne, his relative and neighbor, When he went forth to the field, his patriotic mother quilted in the back of his vest several guineas, as a provision in case he should be taken prisoner by the enemy, After the war he became a successful manufacturer of iron, at Coventry forge, in Chester county. About the year 1790 he purchased the present site of Rock Furnace, and soon after his arrival he erected a forge, the first built in the county; to which he subsequently added another forge, a furnace, and a rolling mill. To his example the people are mainly indebted for the development of the vast mineral wealth of this county. At that early day the supply of provisions for the works to be transported from a distance, over roads that would now be deemed almost impassable; and a market for his iron was to be found alone on the Atlantic seaboard. Undeterred by adverse circumstances, the vigorous mind of General Benner struck out a new channel of trade. The rising importance of the west impressed him with the idea of opening a communication with Pittsburg, as a market for his iron and nails. He succeeded, and enjoyed for several years, without competition, the trade in what was termed by him the " Juniata iron," for the western country-a trade now of immense importance. He held the rank of major-general in the militia of the state, and was twice an elector of president of the U. S. He was a democrat throughout his life. The borough of Bellefonte bears testimony to his enterprise and liberality. He has adorned it by the erection of a number of dwelling houses, and aided in the construction of works to give it advantages which nature denied. He established the Centre Democrat in 1827. He was remarkable for his industry, enterprise, generosity, and open-hearted hospitality: his home was the abode of a happy family."

On the Mushannon creek, at the western side of the county, 25 miles west of Bellefonte, on the highlands behind the Allegheny mountains, where the Bellefonte and Meadville turnpike road crosses the Mushannon creek. The town is named after Henry and James Philips, two enterprising and intelligent Englishmen, who laid out the town in 1797. The first house erected in the "wilderness town," was built by John Henry Simler. Though the town contains now between 40 and 50 buildings, and a very neat church, erected by the liberality of Mr. Philips-it was studded with stumps not more than 15 years ago. The following extract, from "notes of a traveller," who visited here in 1830, will show what it was then-" We proceeded over an excellent turnpike to Philipsburg, which may emphatically be called a town of stumps. Hairs never stood more plenteously on a dog's back than the-stumps in Philipsburg, yet it is a stirring place, and much indebted to the public spirit and enterprise of Dr. Philips, the proprietor. Among other manufactories, there is one for the manufacture of o screws,' which is among the most singular of modern inventions."

The following account is given of Mr. Simler, who is mentioned in the preceding page :-

" Mr. Simler enlisted in 1780, in France, as a private, and served as a dragoon in Capt. Bart's corps of the first troop of Light Dragoons, Free Legion, under the command of Col. Armand. He arrived at Boston, and proceeded thence with his troop to Yorktown, Va., at which memorable siege he was present, and assisted in the capture of it by the united forces of America and France. He was wounded in the forehead and eye by a saber, and retained the scar until his death. He remained in the service until regularly discharged at Philadelphia, although the greater part of his troop was discharged immediately after the surrender of Yorktown. On the termination of the war, he married and settled in Philadelphia, where he remained for about 15 years. In 1793, he lost his wife by the yellow fever; he then married a second time, and in 1797 removed to Philipsburg, in Centre County, Pa.-a perfect wilderness at the time. He built the first house in the place, where he resided until he lost his second wife, in the year 1822. In the year 1829 he removed to Philadelphia, where he died the same year."

Hardman Philips had erected the screw factory and other extensive iron works, which are not now in operation. There is a most valuable mineral district around this place, abounding in coal, iron, limestone, and fire clay; and forest timber almost without limit.

Is two miles north of Bellefonte, on the turnpike; it is quite a brisk village-containing between 40 and 50 dwellings, and two churches, Baptist and Methodist, in and near it-a foundry, iron works, forge, axe factory and mills. The Bald Eagle canal passes through it. A woollen factory was started here some years ago. The briskness is owing much to the energy of Gen. Miles, and a few other enterprising individuals.

On the main branch of Spring creek, 10 miles southwest of Bellefonte, at the upper end of Penn's valley, is a pleasant and thriving village. It contains about 35 dwellings, a store and tavern, a Lutheran church, a grist mill, woollen factory, and a number of mechanics' shops. The country around it is pretty well improved. It is a German settlement.

The following, copied from the Weekly Messenger, printed at Chambersburg, is introduced here, as being of unusual occurrence.

Boalsburg, Centre co. Pa., Jan. 21, 1846.

On the 12th of November last, a son of Mr. Christian Hoffer, of Potter township, of this county, who is about 21 years of age, was attacked with a bilious colic, but soon afterwards recovered so far as to be able to attend his usual employment.

Nine days after this, as he returned to his house in the evening from labor, he was again seized with such violent pain, that his system began evidently to sink under it. By prompt medical treatment, however, he was relieved of his pain in the course of a few hours. A fever followed. His conversation continued to be perfectly rational. On the fourth or fifth day following, he began to speak, exhort, sing and pray, in sleep. When he awoke, he had no recollection of what had happened during his sleep, except that he had dreamed. He soon recovered hi" bodily health to such an extent, that his physician pronounced him well. He, however, had some kind of presentiment that something extraordinary would transpire in his case, which the result has shown was by no means unfounded.

On the evening of the 11th of December, after he had been reading for a short time in the bible, he complained of having very unpleasant sensations in his head, and as he attempted, in accordance with the advice of his friends, to seat himself upon the bed, he fell suddenly upon the floor.

For a short time he was insensible, and when he recovered his senses, he was unable to speak a word ; yea, not so much as to utter the least sound- His countenance was calm, and by signs he gave those present to understand that he desired paper, ink and pen, to write. As these were handed to him, he took them, and wrote various things with readiness; and amongst others, " that on the fourth or fifth night following he would either die or speak." Contrary to his wishes, his physician put a large blister upon him, to which he submitted only after much persuasion.

On the second day following, he wrote to the physician, " that he esteemed him highly; that his sickness was not that which he thought it was; that his liver was not swollen, as his physician thought; if it were so, he would certainly experience something of it, &c." He urgently entreated the physician not to put another blister upon him, and also not to give him any more medicine, at least not before Tuesday morning at 8 o'clock, when, should he yet live and still be unable to speak, he would cheerfully comply with his prescriptions. To which the physician assented.

On Sunday, the 14th December, he wrote that he wished to see me on Monday evening, and requested that I should hold a prayer meeting at his father's house; with which request I complied. After the prayer-meeting had closed, he fell into a sleep, and from the motions of his hands, it could be perceived that his mind was exercised in a very extraordinary manner. He made a sign for something ; a bible was handed him, and also a German and English hymn book: he opened the bible, and with his eyes closed, he speedily ran his fingers over certain passages, and pointed out one. He did the same thing with the hymns, pointing to a German and also an English hymn. When he awoke, he pointed out to me the passage of scripture, to which he had pointed when asleep, viz: Ezekiel xi, 19-as also the hymns; and, I must acknowledge, that had I taken the greatest possible pains, I could not have selected in either of the hymn books, hymns more suitable to the text pointed out, than those which he selected. At 11 o'clock, the same evening, he wrote from among other things, " that in the course of five hours, it would be known whether he would die or speak."

Before the time fixed upon arrived, he again fell asleep, and at the time itself, he became so weak that it was believed that he would die. His strength, however, returned again ; he began to speak; opened the bible; read a passage of scripture, John i, 29, and discoursed upon it very correctly and powerfully about forty minutes in German, and ten in the English language. When he had ended his discourse, he appeared to be in a deep and quiet sleep; and in about fifteen minutes afterwards, he awoke, and was quite calm.

Several days after the above occurrence, he informed his friends that on Sunday afternoon, the 18th instant, between 12 and 1 o'clock, he would be placed in a similar condition. In the meantime he was calm, attended church, Sunday school, &c., but he often spoke, sang and prayed in his sleep.

I was with him on last Thursday and Friday. He still insisted, on Friday, that what he had before said would certainly take place at the specified time; and for some time he was quite cast down, not knowing whether or not he should recover his power of speech, in case he should live. Still he endeavored to console himself with the promise that "All things shall work together for good, to them that love God." I gave him and his parents all the counsel and consolation which it was in my power to give them.

On Sunday, at the appointed time, whilst he was engaged with his parents and brothers in reading useful books, and proposing and answering questions about edifying subjects, he sank down some minutes before 1 o'clock. It was believed that he was dying. For some time he was insensible. At length he opened his eyes, but could not speak a word or move a limb. About an hour afterwards he was able to move, and made signs for pen and ink. He wrote, amongst other things, " that in seven or eight hours he would either speak or die." When he specified the time had elapsed, he became again so weak whilst he slept, that it was thought he would die. After some time, however, he recovered his strength, and began to speak, exhort, sing, &c., both in the English and German languages. When he had finished, he appeared again to sleep, and when he awoke, he was cheerful and calm, He is now to all appearances well, and relieved in mind. I was several times present when he spoke in his sleep, and can truly say that I did not hear an unbecoming word from him.

P. S. Fischer.

A post village, though small, is a very pleasant and thriving manufacturing village, 12 miles from Bellefonte, on a branch of Sinking creek, on the Lewistown and Bellefonte turnpike. It contains a first rate grist mill, woollen factory, several dwellings, a store and tavern, owned by James Potter, Esq. and Gen. Potter, sons of Gen. James Potter,

Is four miles north of Potter's Bank, on the turnpike road. Traces of the Fort are still visible.

The history of Potter's Fort is briefly thus related. "Soon after the Indian Treaty ot 1768, James Potter, afterwards a Brigadier General under Gen. George Washington, came up the West Branch and Bald Eagle creek to seek for choice lands. He crossed the Nittany monntain at Logan's Gap, and for the first time set his eyes upon the lovely Penn valley, afterwards his happy home. After reconnoitering the valley, he descended Penn's creek in a canoe-but soon returned again, took up a large body of land, made a settlement there, and erected a Stoccade Fort. The place is still known as Potter's Fort. Gen. Potter, with many others, was driven from his new home by the Indians, at the beginning of the Revolution of '76. He entered the services of his country, and was with Gen. Washington during the campaigns of Brandywine, Valley Forge, Germantown, New Jersey. At the close of that eventful war, another treaty was made with the Indians for the purchase of all the territory in the State, northwest of the West Branch ; and Gen. Potter was employed as agent and surveyor of a company of land speculators, to visit and superintend the settlement of their lands on the Sinnemahoning and West Branch, above the Allegheny mountain.

A post town, twenty miles east, by the road from Bellefonte, on Mill creek, a branch of Penn's creek, contains between thirty and forty houses, several stores and taverns. It is contiguous to Millheim, being separated from it by Mill creek. A turnpike road runs through it, which intersects that leading from Bellefonte to Lewistown.

Contains about thirty dwellings, a store and tavern. It lies in Penn's Valley, east of Brush mountain.

EARLEYSBURG

Is a post village, eight miles southeast of Bellefonte, in Penn's valley, near the turnpike road from Lewistown to Bellefonte.

PATTONSVILLE

Near the head of Slab Cabin branch of Spring creek, fifteen miles south of Bellefonte.

WALKERSVILLE

A post town, fourteen miles southwest of Bellefonte, on the east side of Bald Eagle ridge.

NEW PROVIDENCE

A Post Office, on Bald Eagle creek, twenty miles northeast of Bellefonte.

WHITE HALL

A small village, 3 miles west of Pattonsvilk, and 14 miles south of Bellefonte.

RABERSBURG

A post town, in Brush Valley, sixteen miles east of Bellefonte, contains about 20 dwellings, and a store and tavern. The valley possesses a rich limestone soil.

JACOBSBURG

In Brush Valley, is thirteen miles northeast of Bellefonte.

The common school system has been adopted in every township except Gregg and Haines. There are 18 school districts in the county, 14 of which have reported 86 schools in operation, and 7 more required in those districts; 5 months was the average time that schools were open; having engaged 82 male and 10 female teachers; the former receiving $20,20 cts. per month, the latter $16-number of scholars taught, 2,760 male, 1,955 females, of which number 131 were learning German; average number of scholars to each school 44; cost of teaching a scholar, per month, 40j cents. A district tax was raised to the amount of $5,737 70; state appropriation $2,991 00. Cost of tuition $6,737 70; fuel and contingencies $565,85; expended in 1844 for school houses, $947,11..

Besides the public schools and common subscription schools, there are two schools of advanced standing in Bellefonte- the academy, where upwards of fifty pupils are instructed, and at the same place a female seminary, with about the same number of scholars. The progress of education is going onward.

The prevalent religious denominations are the same as in the adjacent counties, except the Amish or more rigid Mennonites and Dunkards.