STORY OF EARLY SETTLERS IN PINE CREEK REGION by Walter Gilmore, Esq

 
 "The following address, delivered by late Walter C. Gilmore; Esq., at the reunion of the Antes Fort Historical Association, is valuable to the student of local history and most interesting to all because of the great amount of information it contains and the deep research into the history of this section of the State, which it shows. On account of the length of this excellent address, it will be published in three parts." - The Miltonian, 1920

======== Part 1 ========

Lycoming county is almost entirely within the limits of what was called the "new purchase of lands from the Indians" by treaty at Fort Stanwix, on November 5, 1768. The grant of this land was by the Mohocks, Senecas, the Onondagos, Oneydas, the Tuscaroras and the Cayugas, known as the Six Nations, to Thomas Penn and Richard Penn. The consideration was $10,000 and the land in this purchase described as follows:

 "All that part of the province of Pennsylvania, not heretofore purchased of the Indians, within the said general boundary line, on the east side of the east branch of the River Susquehanna, at a place called Owegy, and running with the said boundary line, down the said branch on the east side thereof till it comes opposite the mouth of the creek called by the Indians Awandac (Tawandee), and across the river and up the said creek on the south side there of, and along the range of hills called Burnett's hills by the English, and by the Indians on the north side of them, to the heads of a creek which runs into the West Branch of the Susquehanna, which creek is by the Indians called Tiadaghton, and down the said creek to the south side thereof to the said West Branch of the Susquehanna, then crossing the said river, and running up the same on the south side thereof, the several courses thereof to the fork of the same river which lies nearest to a place in the river Ohio, called the Kit-tanning, and from the said fork by a straight line to Kittanning aforesaid, and then down the river Ohio by the several courses thereof to where the western bounds of the said province of Pennsylvania crosses the same river and then with the said western bounds to the south boundary thereof, and with the south boundary aforesaid to the east side of the Allegheny hills, and with the said hills on the, east side of them to the west line of a tract of land purchased by the said proprietors from the Six Nation Indians, and confirmed October 23, 1758, and then with the Northern bounds of that tract to the river Susquehanna, and crossing the river Susquehanna to the northern boundary of another tract of land purchased by the Indians by deed (August 22, 1749, and then with that northern boundary line to the river Delaware at the north side of the mouth of a creek called Lechawachsein, then up the said river Delaware on the west side thereof to the intersection of it, by an east line, to be drawn from Owegy aforesaid to the said river Delaware and then with that east line to the beginning at Owegy aforesaid."

 There is also in this deed a release of the Indian tract in Conestogoe manor in Lancaster county.

 "Recorded in Philadelphia, in the Roll's office in book of deeds, No. 3, p. 23, July 12, 1781, and at Lancaster in the recorder's office, in Book U. p. 68, July 23, 1781.

 "Owing to the fact that the Creek Tiadaghton was in a measure uncertain, no lands were permitted by the Land Office to be surveyed west of Lycoming creek. Many of the Indians, desirous of retaining the choice hunting grounds between the Lycoming on the East and Pine creek on the west, put forth the claim that Lycoming creek was meant by the name Tiadaghton. There was also more or less uncertainty as to what ridge of hills or mountains was meant by Burnett's hills, as set forth in said deed. 

In 1784, at the treaty at Fort Stanwix, the Pennsylvania commissioners were instructed to inquire what creek was meant by Tiadachton, and also the Indian name for Burnett's hills, which were left blank in the deed of 1768. The Indians told them that Tiadaghton was the same as what we call Pine creek, being largest emptying into the West Branch of the Susquehanna. As to Burnett's hills, they called them the "Long Mountain," and knew them by no other name. At this treaty of 1784, the residue of the Indian lands within the limits of Pennsylvania, were purchased from the Six Nations.

 Immediately after the purchase of lands in 1768, there was a rush of settlers to the central part of the state. The preserving of friendly relations with the Indians appeared to the authorities to be paramount to almost every other consideration, and the Land Office not only decided not to is sue any warrants for any lands between Lycoming and Pine creeks, but on the 18th of February, 1796, a high penal act of assembly was passed, for the purpose of punishing by a fine of 500 pounds and 12 months imprisonment any person or persons who singly or in companies should presume to settle upon any lands within the boundaries of this province, not purchased by the Indians, etc.

 Notwithstanding the refusal of the authorities to grant lands north of the river between the two creeks mentioned, a number of settlers, indifferent to the treaty, the threats of the Indians and the several penal provisions of the act of Assembly, did make actual settlement in that fair part of the country. On September 20, 1773 the governor made proclamation that any person settling on these lands, making surveys, cutting or marking trees, with the intention of appropriating the lands, should be apprehended and tried in the Court of Quarter Sessions, and if convicted should pay a fine of 500 pounds, and suffer imprisonment for 12 months,  with bail mainprize, and give security for good behavior during the space of twelve months after the expiration of the term of such imprisonment.

 Fair Play

 "Little or no attention was paid to the Indian protests, or to the plain wording of the acts. The squatters feared neither civilized nor uncivilized methods, and determined to stay upon the land they had appropriated as their own. 

From this bare recital it would appear that these early settlers of Woodward, Piatt, Porter and surrounding townships were aband of lawless reprobates, but nothing can be farther from the facts. They argued that it was contrary to nature for settlers coming up the West Branch of the Susquehanna, to be allowed full power and authority to settle along the Southern shore, made up mostly of mountains that would never be fertile, while the rich alluvial bottoms and rolling hills on the north side of the river at this very place were teeming with game of all sorts, and were offering a rich return if the farmer should conquer the forests. And so arguing they felt it incumbent upon themselves to maintain order, and organized a sort of vigilance committee, to see that their rights were fully proected.' The name given their system was known in local circles as the Fair Plya System. Their seat of justice was at Chatham's Mill, near the mouth of Chatham's run. They annually elected a tribunal in rotation of three or more settlers, who were to decide all controversy, and settle disputed boundaries. From their decision there was no appeal; there could be no resistance. The decree was enforced by the whole body, who started up in mass at the mandate of the court, and execution and eviction were as stern and irresistible as the day of judgment. Every newcomer was obliged to apply to this tribunal, and upon his solemn promise to submit in all respects to the law of the land, he was permitted to settle on some vacant spot. Their decrees, however, were just, and when other settlements were recognized by law, and fair play had ceased, their decisions were received in evidence by the judgments of the courts.

 A Needed System 

It is evident that a system such as this was needed in this disputed territory. It might properly be called No Man's Land at that time. Property disputes and contentions of all kinds were present among this body of squatters as elsewhere, but they were beyond the protection of ordinary law, and accordingly made the law for themselves. Many quaint records of peculiar trials are preserved of this tribunal, and when a man was expelled from the territory, he was rowed down the river to a point below the mouth of Lycoming creek, and there set; adrift. From what we know of the determined character of the settlers, and from the history of these cases, the exiles were glad never to return.

Bratton Caldwell is mentioned as one of the Fair Play commissioners, and by others he is called their leader. Not much is known about the personnel 6f the commission, from year to year. They were handy at Antes Fort, however; they stood out resolutely against the encroachments of the British and the Indians in the Revolutionary struggle; they conferred frequently with Colonel Antes as to ways and means of defense against the encroachments of the British and Indians. Indeed, Antes Fort and the region roundabout was a favorite meeting place of these independent citizens.

 For a time after the Big Runaway, in 1777, there was little occasion for the exercise of Fair Play law, or any other kind in the West Branch Valley, but gradually after this scare the set tlers come back and the West Branch Valley assumed its normal condition. After the purchase of 1784 of the remaining lands in Pennsylvania from the Indians, the Fair Play tribunal was of great help in presenting and passing upon the rights of various settlers for the information of the Land Office.

 A conspicuous instance of this necessity is found in the fact that Samuel Wallis, the Land King, had by various means secured warrants for practically all the land bordering on the West Branch of the Susquehanna River, from Lycoming to Pine Creek, including the borough of Jersey Shore. The legislation relutive to public lands preceding 1788-9 recognized the rights of an actual settlers on Indian lands, but refused to recognize the rights of actual settlers on lands not included within that purchase.  So we have the mixed condition of actual settlers on the territory between Lycoming and Pine creeks for which the law gave them no credit, and the application and actual survey of Samuel Wallis of all the first class lands within this desirable territory. The claims of neither were of the best, and this condition remained the same until after the purchase of 1784. On December 21st, of that year, an act of the Legislature was passed, pursuant to the petition of practically all the settlers within this region, and among other things, this act provided: 

"And whereas divers persons, who have heretofore occupied and cultivated small tracts of land, within the bounds of the purchase made as aforesaid in the year 1768, and within the purchase made, or now to be made, have, by their resolute stand and sufferings during the late war, merited, that those settlers should have the preemption of their respective planta tions, it is enacted That all and every person or persons, and their legal representatives, who has or have hereto- fore settled, on the north side of the West Branch of the Susquehanna, between Lycomick or Lycoming creek on the east, and Tyagahton or Pine Creek on the west, as well as other lands with the said residuary purchase from the Indians, of the territory within this State (excepting always the lands hereinbefore excepted) shall be allowed a right of pre-emption to their respective possessions, at the price aforesaid." 

The result of this act was the absolute coming to naught of the so-called purchases of Samuel Wallis, and the coming into their own of the actual settlers of this land. This happy consummation was the result of the well known fairness and law-abiding character of the Fair Play men. 

Pine Creek Declaration of Independence 

When these people learned that the Continental Congress, assembled at Philadelphia, was about . to take the last step necessary to sever the relations between this country and Great Britain, much enthusiasm was manifested. The action seemed "to be in harmony with everything that , had been done. Theirs had been a life of liberty and a struggle for liberty, and they also saw in it a vindication of their past careers, with great promise for the future. 

A meeting was arranged upon a level plain above Pine Creek. Impassioned speeches were made and a series of resolutions were passed, where by they absolved themselves from all allegiance to Great Britain, and declared themselves free and independent. Some of the signers of -this document were Thomas Francis, John Clark, Alexander Donaldson, William Campbell, Alexander Hamilton, John Jackson, Adam Carson, Henry McCracken, Adam DeWitt, Robert Love and Hugh Nichols.

 The date of this meeting was July 4, 1776. It cannot escape the student of historical events that this rather remarkable coincidence, that this body of backwoodsmen, more than 200 miles away from the scene of the Continental Congress, should, in substance at least, be inured with the same spirit as were the great leaders of the country at that time, is more than an ordinary event. It is, indeed, a remark able circumstance, and demands the careful consideration of the student. This was in sight of Antes Fort, and for aught we know, was undertaken with the full knowledge, consent and counsel of Colonel Antes, himself.

======== Part 2 ========

 There is more or less speculation as to the original possessors of the soil of the West Branch Valley. But there appears to be no doubt that near the end of the 17th century, the Indians known variously unde the term of the Five or the Six Nations, were undisputed masters of the soil. On the 12th of January, 1696, Thomas Dongan, then governor of the Province of New York, undertook to lease to William Penn the Pennsylvania lands. He did this by virtue of the claim made by him that he had purchased the same from various Indian tribes. A copy of this alleged lease may be found in Volume 1, of the Pennsylvania Archives, p. 121, etc.

 The Indian chiefs occupying these lands then confirmed the purchase in an instrument on page 133, Vol. 1, of the Pennsylvania Archives.

 Widaah, a sachem of the Susquehanna Indians, was a party to this deed. At Lochabar, near to the great spring, at the head of Antes Creek, George L. Sanderson a great-grandson of Robert Covenhoven, some years ago erected a monument to Widaah. It is supposed to mark the site of the Wigwam of this great chief, and is a fitting tribute from the decendant of a brave man to a famous Indian.

 The Five Nations complained that this sale to Governor Dongan was not executed by the proper people, and was therefore invalid, and after much negotiation, another deed was made to Penn on the 7th of June, 1837, for the lands in question. : It was signed by eight Onondago, six Seneca, four On- ' rrC "-feiSBat J ciua, x wu xubcarurt aim iiiree Cayuga chieftains, and by Penn. Seventeen witnesses on behalf of Penn signed the instrument, among whom was Conrad Weiser, the celebrated Indian interpreter. The consideration mentioned at length in the deed was for various articles, such as guns, flints, blankets, hatchets, knives, beads, etc. This deed also is found in Vol. 1, of the Pennsylvania Archives, p. 494.

These two or three land transactions were a long while previous to settlements in the West Branch Valley, and apply rather generally to Pennsylvania lands ,or lands of the Susquehan-1 na river, leaving subsequent purchases such as the "New Purchase" of 1768 to be more clearly defined by what were then considered sufficient metes and bounds.

The First White Man 

There has been some considerable speculation as to the first white man who first penetrated the haunts and actually passed through the wilds of the State of Pennsylvania. Etinne Brule is said to have visited the valley in 1615. Whether he came down the North Branch is uncertain. Those who adhere to the West Branch theory suggest that he struck the West Branch at or near Wolf Run, where Fort Muncy was afterward built. He reports having seen a large band of Indians at that time, and if it were at Fort Muncy, it shows the original fertility of the soil at that place, and its early adaptability to habitation.

 There is no doubt that Conrad Weiser came up the West Branch of the Susquehanna river in 1737. His journey took him to what is now Montoursville, thence northwesterly to Hepburnville, and up Lycoming creek to the country of the Onondagos. In his account of this strip, he mentions two English traders, who he saw at Muncy creek. These traders may have gone up the Great Island or to Loyalsock, both of them then being prosperous Indian towns. Whether they did or not, it is a well known fact that the English traders of that early day were a hardly and intrepid race. They Would penetrate the forest to almost any distance in the hope of disposing their wares at a profit, and it would not be surprising indeed if the two English traders seen by Weiser in 1737, at Muncy Creek, passed up the West Branch of the Susquehanna and beyond the mouth of Antes Creek. 

In 1742, Count Zinzendorf, his daughter Benigna, Anna Nitchsman and J. Martin Mack ascended the West Branch, of the Susquehanna river, but appear to have gone no farther west or north than the present borough of Montoursville. Three years later, Bishop Spangenberger, accompanied by Conrad Weiser and David Zeisber-ger, ascended the West Branch of the Susquehanna river and Lycoming creek to Onondago, and thence back again by the same route. It is interesting to know that in his description of this trip, tha Lycoming creek is referred to Variously as the "Limping Messenger," and as "Diadachton," and his trip is significant for that, if for no other reason. The term "Limping Messenger" has been held by some to mean a messenger from the Indian tribes, which they were about to visit, which messenger was lame, but be that as it may, the term "Diadachton" must have been, by some Indians at least, applied to Lycoming creek as early as 1745. Hence, when the New Purchase of 1768 bounded the same on the north by Burnetts Hills, and on the west by the stream known as the Tiadaghton, we must conclude that to some of the Indians Lycoming creek was meant. Diahachton and Tiadagh ton being undoubtedly the same word.

 We also get a fair idea of what was meant by Burnett's Hills in this trip of Conrad Weiser in 1745, because he mentions them in his diary. They are evidently the chain of hills running westwardly and acros3 the country, near the headwaters of Lycoming creek. 

Where David Brainard Preached 

In 1746, David Brainard, the celebrated Indian missionary, came up the West Branch, as far as Linden. He preached to the Indians where the Indian paths separated, just east of Williamsport, and later reached the Indian settlement at Linden. 

All of these expeditions were of a missionary and exploring character, and while other white men may have penetrated the forests at or about the same time, there is no record of them. In 1748 David Zeisberger and J. Martin Mack ascended the West Branch of the Susquehanna river for inquiring into the fan- and distressed condition of tne maians On that trip they found some Indians on Long Island, which lies between the present borough of Jersey Shoe and Antes Fort, in desperate straits. They were very nearly starved, and all were afflicted with the smallpox. At Great Island they found the same conditions, and in one miserable hunt they found "grass was stewing, which they (the Indians) ate with avidity." 

It is more than probable that Weiser and Mack were the first white men who came within sight of Antes Fort. It appears to be certain that they were the first white men whose names have been preserved who came into that immediate neighborhood, and it was a thing which promised much to future visitors of the region that they came not upon a mission of conquest, but upon a mission of mercy.

 French Aggression 

During the celebrated French and Indian war, much of Central Pennsyl vania was threatened by the French. Lake Erie and the banks of the Ohio had all been occupied by them, and after Braddock's defeat their tenure seemed to be a permanent one upon all of that section of the country. They were anxious to obtain the fair lands upon the Susquehanna, and in 1757 organized an expedition to capture Fort Augusta at Sunbury, and thus make themselves the masters of Pennsylvania. 

This expedition was either organized at or near Chanklamoose (Clearfield), and was said to be 800 strong, but conservative historians say it is doubtful if it were one-eighth as large. Tradition says that it came down the river on flats, and carried with it four brass cannons, for the invasion of Fort Augusta. When this expedition arrived at a point opposite the mouth of the Loyalsock creek, which corresponds to the flats at or near Sylvan Dell, it encamped, and sent an advance guard across the Indian path leading through the gap and on down the river to Fort Augusta, to reconnoitre. This advance guard returned and reported the fort too strong for their forces to capture and whereupon the expedition retired up the river. The commanding officer of this expedition was M. de St. Ours, and when he came to consider the disposition of his cannon, he found it to be an impossible task to transmit the same up the river, although they had floated down with ease. They were accordingly sunk in the river below the mouth of Loyalsock creek, which place retains the name of the Cannon Hole to this day. 

There is little authentic history back of this expedition, but there is among the French archives a letter of Marquis de Vaudreuil to the French commandant in ' Canada, describing it more or less in detail. That there was a French encampment as Sylvan Dell and on top of the mountain is attested by the finding of French buttons, trinkets, camp kettles md other souvenirs at this place, evidencing the fact that some kind of an expedition was encamped there. If this so-called expedition really took place, then M. de St. Ours was the next white man to view the land made famous by Colonel Antes and his brave comrades in arms.

 In the Revolution 

On the 2t0h day of April, 1775, a company was organized at Sunbury for services in the Revolutionary war. The Captain of this Company was John Louden ,and there were in this company the following named persons from this part of the State: Samuel Brady, Robert Carruthers, Thomas Kilday, Edward McMasters, Timothy Murphy, Peter Pence, John Robinson, George Staltsman, Geo. Silverthorne, Henry Silverthorne, John Shawnee, (a Shawnee Indian), John Smith, Arad Sutton, James Sweeney. 

After having rendezvoused at Sunbury, this company marched to Read ing, thence to Easton, thence across to New Windsor, near West Point, thence to Hartford and thence to Cambridge, Mass. They at once became a part of the Second Regiment of the army under Washington, and on January 1, 1776, they became a part of the First regiment of the Continental Army. These men were fine marksmen and one at least, to wit, Timothy Murphy, was present at the battle of Saratoga, and became famous as the undoubted person whose correct aim was respon sible for the death of the British Gen eral Fraser in that battle. Samuel Brady was noted as a patriot and In dian fighter, and Peace could never quench his desire for vengeance against the redskins.

 One Sunday morning in June 1777, Zephania Mills, Abel Cady, James Armstrong and Isaac Bouser left Antes Fort with two women and crossed the river for the purpose of milking a number of cows. When they landed all the cows were found but the one that wore the bell, which was heard tinkling some distance away in the underbrush. Cady, Armstrong and Miller started to secure the cow. As soon as they entered the underbrush they were fired upon by Indians and two of them fell severely wounded Miller and Cady were scalped immediately, Armstrong was severely wounded, but succeeded in getting away. The women secreted themselves in a rye field. Upon hearing the shots, the garrison in the fort started to the rescue, regardless of the orders of Colonel Antes, who feared it might be a decoy to draw them away from the fort, which might then be assailed from the other side. The rescuing party, however, crossed the river, and found Miller and Cady where they fell. Cady was not yet dead. He was carried to the river bank, where his wife met him, whereupon he reached out his hand to her and immediately expired. Armstrong was taken over to the fort, where he lingered in great agony until Monday night when he died.

 In the winter of that same year, a party of Indians fired upon three men who left Horn's Fort to go across the river and one of the men was killed Another, named DeWitt, ran into an air hole in the river and after considerable time he succeeded in crawling from the water, and escaped to the fort. The third man made his escape. 

The next attack was made by the Indians in the autumn of 1777, on the families of Brown and Benjamin, and resulted in the killing of a number of people, and the captivity of anumber of others. This bloody massacre occurred on what was long known as the Buckley farm at Loyalsock. 

At the close of the year, a man named Saltsman, was killed on the Sinnemahoning and another man named Daniel Jones and his companion were murdered near Farrandsville.

 On December 23rd 1777, near the mouth of Pine creek, a man was tomahawked and on January 1, 1778, an other man was killed two miles above the Great Island. On the 16th of May 1778, three men at work putting in a small field of grain at the mouth of Bald Eaerle Creek were killed and scalped and two days later near Pine Creek, a man, woman and child were taken prisoners. On the 20th of the same month, two men and seven women and children were taken from one house near Lycoming creek. About the same time, three families, consisting of sixteen in number, were killed and carried away from Loyalsock. Andrew Armstrong, who settled at the Big Spring, below where Linden now stands was attacked about the same time by a party of Indians. Mrs. Armstrong escaped, Armstrong, his little son and a woman named Nancy Bundy were carried into captivity. 

Robert Fleming, Robert Donaldson, James McMichael and John Hamilton about this time started down the river from Horn't Fort to Antes Fort. As they were about to land, they were fired upon by a party of Indians, and Donaldson, McMichael and Fleming were killed. Hamilton made his escape in a way which was regarded little less than miraculous. The bodies of Donaldson, McMichael and Fleming were carried to Antes Fort and buried in the little cemetery which had been started at that place. 

Massacre At Williamsport

 On June 10, 1778, occurred the bloody massacre on Cemetery street, within the present limits of the City of Williamsport. The white people consisted of Peter Smith, his wife and six children, William King's wife and two children, Michael Smith, Michael Campbell and David Chambers, and two men named Snodgrass and Hammond, in all, six men, two women and eight children. They were going with a wagon to Lycoming. At the Loyalsock they were warned that firing had been heard up the creek and they were advised to return. Peter Smith said, however, firing would not stop them. When they got very near Lycoming creek they were fired upon by the Indians in ambush. A little boy and girl made off and escaped. On June 11th, a rescuing party found the bodies of Peter Smith's wife, William King's wife, a little girl, a little boy 

======= Part 3========

 All of these occurrences made clear to the settlers along the Susquehanna that their lives were most insecure. They realized that the government, then in the strenuous beginnings of the Revolutionary War, was unable to properly guard the frontier. The outlying settlers concluded that they would go to the forts for protection, and finally all of the settlers along the West Branch Valley were concentrated at Horn's Fort, at Antes Fort and Fort Muncy and elsewhere, down to Fort Augusta, wherever protection offered.

Colonel Hunter at Fort Augusta became greatly alarmed for all of those who remained about Fort Muncy, and sent word to Colonel Hepburn to order them to abandon the country and join them. It was somewhat difficult to transmit this dangerous message, out Robert Covenhoven and a young millwright in the employ of Andrew Culberson volunteered their services. These intrepid messengers kept along the summit of the Bald Eagle mountains until they came to the gap at Antes Fort, whence they cautiously descended into the valley. Perfect quiet appeared to have settled over the country as these men stealthily made their way down. As they came near the fort, a rifle rang out, which was later discovered to have been fired by a lurking Indian at a girl who was milking a cow near the fort. The aim was not true, however, and the girl escaped unhurt, the bullet having passed through her clothing.

 Word was sent to Horn's Fort, and the descent of the river began. This was in the closing days of June, 1778. Personal effects that were easily moved were gathered together, rafts, boats, canoes and all manner of craft possessed by the settlers was pressed into service, and in and on these the goods were laid, and the women with them started for. safety. The men, with their horses and cattle, such as they were able to take along, traversed the bank of the river, both from necessity and- for the purpose of offering better protection to the women and children.

 It can easily be imagined what a strenuous time these people had in making the descent. Whenever the boats or canoes would strand upon the sand bars and low places in the river, the women could be seen lifting and pushing them over, the men on the shore the while encouraging them with words of comfort and advice.

People leaving Horns Fort were joined in turn by those leaving Antes Fort and this concourse was joined in turn by those at Fort Muncy, and finally they arrived at Fort Augusta. The panic was so great however, that many of them refused to stop at Fort Augusta, and went many miles further down the river, to places of great safety. This stirring event has been known in local history as "The Big Runaway." 

Much property which was incapable of being moved was left behind, the Indians following closely after, and not immediately destroying the dwelling places, because scalps were more important to them than the destruction of buildings. Soon after some venturesome parties of the whites came back to gather up any remaining horses and cattle which they might be able to save. They found the stone house of Samuel Wallis at Fort Muncy, practically intact, because of its massive walls, which could not easily be destroyed. At Antes Fort the stockade was destroyed, the mill was burned, and the odor of burning grain still filled the air and was noticeable to those who had the hardihood to go back so soon upon the scene. Indeed, from the time of the Big Runaway until the close of the Revolutionary way in 1783, the West Branch Valley was justly entitled to be called a howling wilderness. It was almost all under the undisputed sway of the savage. Every party of white men, who ventured through the valley were liable to run at almost any time into an ambush of Indians, and life was exceedingly uncertain and property was entirely unsafe, until the close of the war. 

Nevertheless, before peace was declared many persons taking their lives in their hands did venture further and further up the river, and the valley. Col. Plunkett, and on April 19, 1776, Captain in the Second Battalion of Associates. It was during this year that he built his first grist mill run by water power. At the time of the "Big Runaway," this mill was destroyed by the Indians. On the return of the settlers, it was rebuilt in 1787. 

On May 21, 1777, Antes was commissioned Lieutenant Colonel of the Fourth Battalion. A stockade or fort was erected by him, and was the central point of defense west of Fort Muncy. It was garrisoned during 1777 and 1778, upto the time of the Big Runaway, with 58 enlisted men, and was a most valuable outpost. In 1778, it was destroyed by the Indians and their Tory allies, but the name survives.

Colonel Antes was elected sheriff of Northumberland county in 1782, and again in 1783. In this office he again distinguished himself by cool, hu mane and judicious treatment of those persons involved in troubles growing out of the Connecticut claims. 

At the close of his military and civil career, he built, in 1785, a log mansion on Antes Creek, near the mill. This house still stands. Finally on July 13, 1820, he died at a good old age laden with honors and with prosperity around him. Time and space forbid a discussion of his numerous descendants. Prominent in business and professional life they were stirred to more and more effort and held to a sterner determination to walk uprightly by his upright and illustrious example.

 Elias P. Youngman married his granddaughter. He also became a Justice of the Peace. Dr. C. W. Youngman, grandson of Elias P. Youngman, has in his possession his commission dated March 18, 1845, and signed by Governor Francis. R. Shunk.

 And so the curtain falls. Coven-hoven is remembered as a stealthy scout and as a kind man and a good citizen. Pence is gone, and only now is tardy justice being done in his name. Grove Van Campen and faithful Job Chillowoy have all passed from the scene.

 The Fair Play men saved to their posterity the lands of a dukedom. The Pine Creek declaration of independence still makes the heart beat high at its telling, and the desolation of the "Big Runaway" causes us to wonder and grow sad at its almost barbaric destruction.

 All, however, helped make great a neighborhood; unified, strengthened and chastened its people. And Antes Fort was the storm center of these three scenes and conditions of pioneer life. 

Thus Antes Fort may well be considered the richest center of history in the West Branch Valley. The End. 

==============
READ MORE
=============

===================

ley was gradually, year arter year, brought back to the condition it was in before the great panic of 1778 occurred. In a small plot in a field, on Swamp Creek, near Pottsgrove, in this state, the body of Henry Antes lies buried. His father, Philip Frederick Antes, was of the noble house of Von Blume, Rhenish Bavaria. Religious persecutions drove him from Germany in 1716 to 1723, and he soon after purchased land near Pottstown, Pa., where he settled, lived and died.

Henry Antes his son, was born in Germany in 1701. He was deeply pious, and withal a practical man of affairs. He died July 20, 1755. The Morvians from Bethlehem have mark ed his grave by a white marble slab upon which is described:

 "Heir ruhet Heinrich Antes Ein Kleinod dieses Landes Ein Redlich Kuhner handhaber der Gerechtigkeit Und trauer diener vor velt Und Goddes-Lente." 

Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Antes was born October 8, 1735, of this illustrious ancestry. He married the daughter of an honored German neighbor and engaged in the business of inn-keeper on the thoroughfare be tween Bethlehem and Philadelphia His affairs prospered. Men of note made constant use of his hostelry. He and his wife were both well connected Mine Host" especially in that day and neighborhood filled a large place in this community. 

It was a time of adventure. Many a tale of rich lands and forests up the state were told and retold amid the congenial company at his inn. The Susquehanna's praises were sung, and visions of game, the conquest of sav ages, fertile fields, yea even to an independent empire, filled the minds of the strong and daring. The song of the west thrilled and charmed the honest inn-keeper. To make two blades of grass grow where but one grew before, appeared better to him than to entertain. The old business grew irksome, and so Henry Antes became a frontiersman. Journeying by primitive methods, he reached the mouth of Antes Creek, perhaps early In 1773. Elizabeth Brown had applied for land at the mouth of this creek, and the survey on her warrant was made July 4, 1769, for 311 acres. When Antes first saw this tract, it was the home of Nicholas Bonner, blacksmith who had eight acres of land cleared and fenced and had built a cabin and a blacksmith shop, Bonner was probably a squatter and wished to sell. Antes accordingly bought for 35 pounds currency, with the understanding that he would pay 65 pounds if a deed could be secured from the proprietaries. This agreement is dated September 20, 1773. 

No doubt the prospect pleased the eye of the purchaser. He explored the creek to the great spring at ' Locha-bar. He looked into the wolf's den. He saw the Oval valley above, into which later poured the forbears of a high class community. The clear waters of the creek charmed his eye. The trout which then filled the, stream appealed to his appetite, and he was delighted to call the place home. After this land hunt, Henry Antes returned to Germantown for his family. He had living at that time, two son, Henry, aged 15 years, and Phillip, aged 13 years. That he was looking far into the future, and that his relatives stood by him, in the new enterprise, the land office records attest.

 On July 7, 1769, the first survey in Nippenose valley was made for Ralph Foster, and called for 207 acres. This survey was beyond the gap in the mountains, and it is significant that the Elizabeth Brown warrant was afterwards sold to Col. John Henry An tes and became his home. The records also show that between the Elizabeth Brown warrant on the north at the mouth of Antes Creek, and the Ralph Foster warrant near the gap in the mountains in Nippenose valley proper, four different warrants were afterwards granted to various members of the Antes family, namely, John Antes, 14 acres; D. Antes, 9 acres; H Antes, 29 acres; Henry Antes, 118 acres, and that William Antes obtained a warrant for a tract which was west of the Elizabeth Brown warrant, on the south bank of the Susquehanna river, for 305 acres. The Antes family thus became the owners of the land at the mouth of Antes Creek, for a consider able distance west of the mouth, along the Susquehanna river, and both sides of the stream up through the gap of the mountains, beyond the great spring at what is now known as Lochabar and thus complete control of its waters, for all its utilities, sustenance, sport and power.

 Not much luxury in those days. A log house, for which the trees, selected on the first day, cut and assembled the second day, and put in place in the form of a rectangle the third day, had to suffice. A roof, doors and windows, covered with oiled .paper, glass being a luxury, were the after considerations. A week or two with the help of neighbors was enough time in which to build a frontier cabin or palace, as you will, and to make a beginning in the conquest of the wilderness.

 Antes was a man of mechanical turn of mind. He dd not, therefore need the help. of others in building his house as did many of the settlers. He had, however, the help of Alexander Hamilton from Pine Creek, a genius will all kinds of tools, of Samuel Long, the constable, of William McElhattan, from three miles up the river, or lazy Cleary Campbell, from above Great Island, of John Harris, the founder of Harrisburg, who had settled across the river from Great Island, of James Armstrong, on the fiats across from Long Island, of James Alexander, from Pine Creek, and of Simon Cool, who occupied the place once held at the mouth of Larry's Creek by Larry Burt, the Indian trader; Campbell, from the Bald Eagle, Tourney, the Frenchman, Antoine White, the Catholic, and Nathaniel David, the Moravian, from Quenischaschacki, also at intervals lent their help.

 Although living far apart, their neighborly welcome was warm and enduring and helped mightily to ease the first toils of the pioneer.

 John Henry Antes soon made him self felt in his community. In July, 1775, he was commissioned a Justice of the Peace for Nippenose Township, and adjacent territory in Northumberland county. This office was rela tively more important then than now. Among other things, he was probably the supervising magistrate as regards the "squatters" north of the river, between Lycoming and Pine Creeks. He no doubt knew their view point, that the Indian claim to the land was not irood. that Connecticut claimed the same land, and that they were a buf fer to ward off Indian attacks. He was level-headed and correctly gauged the situation. Few if any arrests were made, and when the revolution was over, his course was amply justified.

 In 1776, Antes was made Captain under Col. Poller; later Captain under

Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Antes died at his stockaded home, long known as Antes Fort, May 13, 1820, aged 83 years. This pioneer statesman and soldier was an early settler on the frontier of Pennsylvania, a member of a distinguished family in the province, an officer of the revolution, sheriff of Northumberland county during the stirring days of the Wyoming controversy and an ardent patriot whose influence, both in civic and military affairs, was most potent a century and a quarter since. The ancestral home of Colonel An tes was in the beautiful and fertile valley, called Falkner's Swamp, in what is now Montgomery county, about six miles distant from Potts-town. Philip Frederick Antes, grandfath er of Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Antes, of the noble family of Von Elume of Rhenish Bavaria, Germany, owing to religious persecutions, came from Friensheim, Germany, some time between 1716 and 1723, and settled for a short time in Germantown. On February 20, 1722-23, he bought one hundred and fifty-four acres in the Van Bebber tract in what has since been called Falkner's Swamp. This was a tract of five hundred acres in the original patent made by Wil tarn Penn October 25, 1701, to the Frankford Land company and com prised 22,337 acres of the most fertile land in the state. On December 16, 1708, the tract was sold by the agent, Daniel Falkner, to John Henry Sprogel for 500, current money of Pennsylvania, and was paid for in "Silver Coyne." This was known as the German tract and also by other names. In 1726 Henry Antes, the only son, married Christina, the daughter . of William Dewees, who built the sec ond paper mill in America, in 1710, in that part of Germantown known as Crefeld, near the line of the present Montgomery county. A flour mill as added to the Crefeld paper mill. Here Henry Antes worked for three ears. This was the birthplace of three of their children. Frederick. William and Elizabeth. Henry Antes served for more than ten years as one of the justices of the province. September 2, 1735, Henry Antes purchased more than two hundred acres, about two miles away, just across the line from the German tract, in what is now Frederick townshio, Montgomery county, and built a grist mill and a stone mansion, in which the rest of his distinguished family was born and which was destined to become one of the valued historic build ings of the state. It was in this home that Lieutenant Colonel John Henry Antes was born October 5, 1736. Here Rev. George W'hitefield, the great evangelist, preached from the porch, April 23, 1740, to a multitude estimated at two thousand persons. In 1745 Pious Henry Antes eave up his home to the needs of the Moravian society and his house became the school for boys. He and his wife removed to Bethlehem. Henry Antes' home thus became the first boarding school for boys in America. It was in this mansion, then owned by Colonel Frederic Antes that General Washington made his headquarters September 18-24, 1777, during his stay at Camp Pottsgrove, the most wester ly point ever reached by the Contincn tal army. When still quite a young man John Henry Antes, being of a romantic dis position, went to the Susquehanna re gion, being induced to do so by Con rad Weiser,' who was a great friend of the family, and who had made frequent trips to the West Branch in the interest of the provincial government. He settled on a farm situated on fchamokin Creek, near the present aunbury, and soon became one of the prominent men of that region. On July 29, 1775, he was appointed a justice of quarter sessions. On January 24, 1776, he was com missioned a captain in the second bat talion, under Colonel James Potter, and on March 13, following, was as signed to the command of Colonel Wil liam Plunket, when he made his expedition against the Connecticut settlers; then Captain Antes was assigned to the second battalion of Associa tes. On May 21, 1777, he was commissioned lieutenant-colonel of the fourth battalion of Northumberland county militia and in this service en deared himself to the frontier inhabitants by his active work in protecting the settlements from the frequent incursions of the Indians. He established his headquarters in the Nippenose Valley. Here he built the stockade called Antes Fort, which was the most exposed place on the frontier. This stockade and the cabin home of Colonel Antes were destroyed by the lories and Indians at the time of the "Great Runaway" July, 177S. Towards the close of the revolution Colonel Antes was elected sheriff of Northumberland county, October 18, 1782, and re-elected. At this time his jurisdiction extended over what is now thirty counties of Tenn- At the close of his political and mil itary career he removed from hU farm to a tract of land on Nippenose Creek, which he had purchased Cep- tember 20, 1773. This site was near the mouth of that creek, opposite the mouth of Tine Creek, near the present Jersey Shore and here he built a mill, known as Antes Fort. His log man sion built at the same time, 1785, and which he stockaded, and which was later occupied by his son, Henry, until 1830, is still in use. The grist mill, now in operation, is the fourth one erected on the original site. A gap in the mountains, a small town, and other places have taken their name from this sturdy pioneer, The Antes burying ground is not far distant from the home and mill site and in it is the grave of Colonel John Henry Antes. The numerous descendants of Colonel Antes meet in annual reunion and recount his many exploits and ser vices so unselfishly rendered in time of need.