| 1812.-- |
First election, in and for the county of Bradford, held Tuesday
October 1811, for the election of sheriff, county commissioners and coroner. |
| 1813.-- |
First court for the county of Bradford, organized January 18, at
the Red Tavern of William Means in Towanda. |
| 1814.-- |
The Athens Academy, the first in the county, opened April 25th.
In Autumn, the "Cold plague" appeared among the inhabitants of the Sugar creek
valley and proved fatal to nearly all the men attacked. |
| 1815.-- |
In July the most fearful windstorm ever known in the eastern part
of the county. The first court house, a frame structure 30 x 40 feet, erected
and completed. |
| 1816.-- |
In every month there was a sharp or killing frost; known as "the
year without a summer." |
| 1817.-- |
Until the harvests, almost a famine, owing to the scarcity of
food. The winter of 1816-17, one of the severest ever known with much suffering
and want. |
| 1818.-- |
December 4th, the Big Hunt of Eastern and Northern Bradford, in
which 250 panthers, bears, wolves and deer were killed. |
| 1819.-- |
October 23rd, the Dark Day; between nine and ten o'clock in the
morning, the darkness so great that the pioneer had to light his oil lamp or
blaze the pitch-pine knot. |
| 1820.-- |
The first river bridge in the county constructed over the Chemung
at Athens. |
| 1821.-- |
The county had 2277 taxable inhabitants, six slaves and six deaf
and dumb persons. |
| 1822.-- |
Memorable as "the summer of drought and deaths." |
| 1823.-- |
Two human skeletons, measuring 8 feet and 2 inches, found in a
sarcophagus, while digging a cellar for Gen. Samuel MeKean in Burlington. A pine
tree three feet in diameter had grown over the graves. |
| 1824.-- |
General Jackson year, having received 639 votes in the county for
President as against thirty-one for John Q. Adams and sixteen for Crawford. |
| 1825.-- |
Beds of valuable iron ore discovered on Towanda creek and gray
marble in Pike. |
| 1826.-- |
First steamboat up. the Susquehanna, the Codorus, arrived at
Towanda, May 8th. First use of coal for house warming in Towanda made in January
by Simon Kinney, Esq. |
| 1827.-- |
Autumn, one of the coldest ever remembered, but followed by the
mildest winter in twenty-seven years. Much excitement in Eastern Bradford over
the homicide of Stephen Evitts and accidental killing of Miles Bosworth. |
| 1828.-- |
Towanda, the first borough in the county, incorporated March 5.
Division of the county attempted. |
| 1829.-- |
First temperance movement in the county. From the 6th to the 19th
of April, 1099 rafts and 236 arks, manned by 3083 raftsmen, passed Towanda. |
| 1830.-- |
Population of the county 19,746. Gen. Samuel McKean of Burlington
became Secretary of the Commonwealth. |
| 1831.-- |
Townships of Granville and Rome organized and Athens borough
incorporated. Winter 1830-31 very severe, hardest experienced since that of
1779-80. |
| 1832.-- |
Products of Bradford county: grain, flour, whisky, fruit, salted
provisions, live stock and lumber. |
| 1833.-- |
Spring drought and flood, several persons drowned. Meteoric
Shower, November 13th. The "ox mountaineer" of Wysox, measuring 6 feet one inch
high, 12 feet 6 inches long and weighing 3200 pounds. |
| 1834.-- |
May 14, snow-fall of 10 inches. First .bridge across the
Susquehanna in the county built at Towanda 1834-35. Towanda Bank, first in the
county, incorporated and established 1834-35. |
| 1835.-- |
May 20th and 21st, snow fell to depth varying from 15 inches to
two feet. The steamboat Susquehanna, built to ply between Owego and
Wilkes-Barre, made her initial trip May 7. People aroused over land titles and
numerous "Land Meetings" held by settlers in the county. William Coasting of
Pike, mistaken for a deer, shot, and killed by his companion. Winter of 1835--36
remarkable for a great fall of snow and intense cold weather. |
| 1836.-- |
Towanda Academy, the second in the county, opened. Joseph Ritner,
the first Governor of the State to enter the county, visited Towanda and Athens,
September 2nd and 3rd. On the night of October 4-5 snow fell to the depth of
nearly two feet; Palmer Thompson of Smithfield perished in the storm. |
| 1837.-- |
Anti-Slavery Society organized in the county with Giles N.
DeWolf, President, and Charles Stevens, Secretary. Renewed activity in
Temperance work. Whigs the first time elect entire county ticket. |
| 1838.-- |
Herrick the 29th township organized. Vote in the county “for" new
State Constitution was 4116, "against" 188. |
| 1839.-- |
First Insurance Company in the county, "Bradford County Mutual,"
organized. On the 25th of May snow began falling, continuing during the night
until it was over a foot deep. |
| 1840.-- |
Seeding and planting early and corn in tassel by July 4th.
Governor David R. Porter visited Towanda, August 29. Memorable and exciting
political contest, known as the "Log Cabin and Hard Cider Campaign." |
| 1841.-- |
Citizens greatly exercised over the attempts to divide and form a
new county. Benj. Buffington of Warren engaged in manufacturing salaratus. March
28, great freshet in the Susquehanna. Notably cold April and May, only two days
of sunshine during former month. Standing Stone the 30th township organized. |
| 1842.-- |
February 3 and 4, high and destructive freshet in the Susquehanna
and larger creeks. June 26, a tornado three miles wide passed over south-eastern
part of county, leveling forests, scattering fences, wrecking buildings and
destroying crops. Col. Richard M. Johnson, the Indian fighter and former Vice
President, a Democratic candidate for the Presidency spent October 22, 23 and 24
in the county. Myriads of black squirrels swarmed through the wilderness in the
fall. 1842-43 memorable as the long and cold winter. |
| 1843.-- |
June and July an influenza, known as the grippe, prevailed in the
county and hundreds of people prostrated. Adventists, or Millerites, believing
the end of the world near at hand, began preaching their faith in the county.
June 2, corn frozen to the ground and fruit destroyed. No snow or sleighing,
winter of 1843-44 until the early part of February. |
| 1844.-- |
James Dolan, the first person executed in the county, hanged
February 16, by Sheriff Weston. The LeRaysville Phalanx, an Industrial
Association, formed with Dr. Lemuel C. Belding at its head. Two great Democratic
mass meetings, July 2 at Athens and September 10 at Towanda, James Buchanan,
afterwards President, one of the speakers at Towanda. September 29, remarkable
snow-fall in some parts of the county being 28 inches deep. Millerites expected
and prepared for the end of all things on October 23. Agitation of an east and
west division of the county. |
| 1845.-- |
Hon. John Laporte of Asylum appointed Surveyor General of the
State, and Dr. Seth Salisbury of Smithfield made State Librarian. A remarkable
early spring, but killing frost on May 30. Four men meet accidental deaths in
the county. |
| 1845.-- |
Monroe Lodge No. 137, the first Odd Fellows Lodge in the county,
instituted February 12. March 14 and 15, great freshet in the Susquehanna;
nearly all the river bridges and those on the larger creeks, swept away. David
Wilmot, the only free trade Representative in Congress from Pennsylvania. |
| 1847.-- |
January 15, question of sale of liquor, submitted to voters of
the county 2,823 voting "for" and 1983 "against." March 12, Towanda's tremendous
conflagration in which more than twenty buildings and the courthouse were
consumed. |
| 1848.-- |
July 23, the central section of the county visited by a terrific
and destructive storm of hail and rain. Democrats split on the slavery question
and General Taylor carries the county for President. December 1, James P.
Langford hanged for the murder of his wife by Sheriff Dobbins. A summer-like
December followed by one of the severest winters ever experienced. |
| 1849.-- |
The gold fever seizes many Bradford county men and they make the
journey to California. Joseph Elliott of Wyalusing, a distinguished patriot of
the Revolution, who escaped from the slaughter at "Bloody Rock,” died March 31st
in his 94th year. New court house completed and occupied in September. April
18th, snow fell to the depth of a foot. |
| 1850.-- |
May 19th, Cornelius Hurley, wife and child of Sheshequin cremated
in the burning of their home. Destructive July freshet in Towanda and Sugar
creeks. The 7th census gave 42,831 as the county's population, the most populous
townships in order being Athens, Smithfield, Burlington, Springfield, Pike, and
Canton. |
| 1851.-- |
July 26, in a fire at Browntown four persons lost their lives.
Mrs. Elizabeth Fox Means, the first white child born in the county, died July 21
in her 81st year. Squirrels very numerous, 512 being killed in a single hunt by
ten young men. Morning of December 27, thermometers registered 24 to 26 degrees
below zero, being the coldest December day of record. |
| 1852.-- |
Last half of year memorable for the large number of business
places and residences destroyed by fire in Towanda. Mineral paint found and
manufactured in Tuscarora. Col. Julius Tozer, a hero of the Revolution and War
of 1812, died December 17, at Athens in his 89th year. |
| 1853.-- |
Lieut. Edmund Russell of Windham killed by Indians in California.
Summer notable for many destructive hailstorms and severe June drought. The last
wolf killed in the county. The first Agricultural fair in the county held
October 6 and 7 in the public square and court house at Towanda. October 24,
snow fell to the depth of 8 inches; Winter of 1853-54 remarkable for the total
absence of snow. |
| 1854.-- |
Epidemic of smallpox prevalent in the county. Big three days
snow-storm, commencing April 14, three feet of snow having fallen. North Branch
Canal opened to Athens, June 8. The wheat crop almost exterminated by weevil.
Weeks without rain caused a terrible Autumn drought. The year of the
"Know-Nothings." |
| 1855.-- |
Spring of the late break-up; people continued to cross the river
on sleighs at Towanda until April 6. Maj. Zephon Flower, the last Revolutionary
soldier in the county, called by death, April 16, in his 90th year. By the
bursting of a cannon at Canton, July 4, a man and boy lost their lives.
Disruption of old political parties and formation of the Republican party. |
| 1856.-- |
March 10, temperature 19 degrees below zero. Oak trees stripped
of their foliage by a plague of caterpillars. Gov. Hannibal Hamlin of Maine,
afterwards Vice-President, made addresses at Leraysville and Towanda, October
13. Barclay railroad formally opened October 29. |
| 1857.-- |
Notable for blizzards in January making drifts house-top high,
and continuous rains from Spring break-up until July. April 19th and 20th
snow-fall varying from twelve to twenty-four inches. David Wilmot, Republican
candidate for Governor, and Dr. Darius Bullock appointed President Judge for
three months. |
| 1858.-- |
The business section of Troy Village destroyed by fire April 12.
Trout fishing a favorite summer recreation; June 18 three Towandians with hook
and line caught 475 trout. In sections of the county, corn and buckwheat badly
damaged and in some cases ruined by a killing frost the last week in August.
Frederick Douglass, the celebrated negro orator, lectured at LeRaysville,
September 20, and at Towanda December 6 and 7. |
| 1859.-- |
Terry the 36th township created. Daniel Brown, the last male
survivor of the Wyoming massacre in this section, died March 3 in his 89th year.
An early spring, yet memorable as the year of the "cold summer," there having
been a heavy or killing frost every month in the year, in some places there was
a flurry of snow on the 4th of ,July and so cold that persons wore overcoats at
the celebrations. Manufacturing enterprises at Alba wiped out by fire, October
18. |
| 1860.-- |
The last panther in the county killed March 17 by Port Wilcox of
Albany. The first rope walker, Prof. Gillett, who walked a rope, stretched from
the Ward house to the court house and returned, drew one of the largest crowds,
June 16th, ever assembled in Towanda. October 20th, high and destructive freshet
in the Susquehanna and larger creeks. Snow fell on each of the first eleven days
in December. The 8th census gave 48;734 as the county's population, the most
populous townships in order being Canton, Athens, Smithfield, Springfield,
Ridgebury and Pike. |
| 1861.-- |
Seventh and 14th February exceedingly cold, Spring was early.
March, David Wilmot of Towanda elected U. S. Senator. News of the fall of Fort
Sumter reached the county, Sunday, April 14th, causing great excitement. Early
in August, first telegraph opened in Towanda, connecting with Waverly. War
meetings, pole and flag raisings throughout the country; by the close of the
year fully 1600 had volunteered for the service of the Union. |
| 1862.-- |
Early part of year diphtheria raged generally over the county.
May, the Barclay forests swarmed with wild pigeons where they nested. The
Bradford regiment, the 141st P. V. recruited in August. Great damage done by
severe Autumn drought. War in all its horrors the absorbing topic; during the
year the county furnished more than 2000 men for the defense of the State and
Nation. Winter of much snow and little sleighing. |
| 1863.-- |
January 1st, memorable as the "Cold New Year's." First three
months of year diphtheria raged over the county with fatal effect, causing the
death of scores of children; many children also succumbed to scarlet fever.
Prof. Charles R. Coburn of Bradford county appointed State Superintendent of
Common schools. News of the fallen at Chaneellorsville and Gettysburg brought
anguish and sorrow to more than a hundred Bradford county homes. A year of great
sadness deaths from disease and fatal accidents, at home, and the county's
terrible loss on battle-fields in the southland. |
| 1864.-- |
March 20th, snow-fall of twenty inches. The highest water in the
Chemung at Athens for many years, May 14th. Memorable, anxious and mournful days
at home and the front --- the Wilderness, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. July 4th,
frost with ice. In September, desperadoes rob the store of David Gardner at
Orcutt Creek and the home of Simmons Hovey in Ulster, procuring several thousand
dollars in bonds and money. A long, cold winter with deep snow. |
| 1865.-- |
The highest water, twenty-eight feet, ever known in the
Susquehanna occurred on St. Patrick's Day, March 17th. News of Lee's surrender
reached the county early Monday morning, April 10th, creating the wildest
enthusiasm and excitement. Announcement of the assassination of President
Lincoln reached Towanda by telegraph Saturday morning, April 15th, producing
universal consternation and sorrow. Gladsome homecomings of soldiers from the
war. Prospecting and boring for oil in the county commenced in June. Burglars
make big hauls in the county. Fall of remarkable, mildness, followed by a winter
with too little snow for sleighing. |
| 1866.-- |
January, a great religious revival held in Towanda by Rev. Edward
P. Hammond at which 400 conversions. Considerable excitement over the find of
gas and oil in Tuscarora and Sylvania. Margaret J. Miner, centenarian, died July
6th, in Towanda. July 12th to 19th, temperature over 100 degrees in the shade,
being the "most heated term ever experienced." Mrs. Lucy Gore of Sheshequin, a
survivor of the Wyoming massacre, died March 23rd in her 93rd year. Gov. Andrew
G. Curtin, Gen. Simon Cameron and Gov. A. J. Hamilton of Texas takes part in
county Republican mass meetings. |
| 1867.-- |
John Hollenback, pioneer merchant at Wyalusing, died March 13 in
his 91st year. "May 8, snow-fall of several inches, and 23 rainy days during the
month. Barclay, the 37th and last township, organized in May. Railroad opened
between Towanda and Waverly, September 19. From May to October over 1000 firkins
of butter shipped front Canton. Two men killed by the explosion of a boiler in a
steam saw-mill in Franklin, September 13. Winter commenced December 16 with a
heavy snowfall and very cold until the middle of February. |
| 1868.-- |
January 17, snow-fall of 18 inches; February 7 temperature from
22 to 25 degrees below zero. During April people gaze in amazement at the
myriads of wild pigeons in their flight. May 30 first Memorial Day observed in
the county. First to the 16th of July, temperature 16 days in succession from 90
to 103 degrees. Black and gray squirrels swarm the woods, wheatfields and barns.
September 21 by the premature explosion of a cannon at a Republican mass meeting
in Towanda, Robert Wolf and James Brooks had their hands blown off. Ebenezer
Shaw of Sheshequin, the oldest voter in the county, voted at every Presidential
election from Washington's second election to Grant. Survey of projected
railroad from Wysox to Nichols. Meteoric shower on the night of November 13,
lasting from midnight until near daylight. |
| 1869.-- |
Mrs. Eunice Satterlee of Smithfield, the last survivor of the
Wyoming massacre, died January 19, aged 92 years. January 24, half of the
business section of Troy destroyed by fire. E. O. Goodrich of Towanda appointed
Surveyor of Customs for the port of Philadelphia. Opening excursion train
between Wilkes-Barre and Waverly passed over the road September 9. Fairchild
Canfield of Herrick while on his way to a funeral thrown from a wagon and
killed. Montgomery Bowman of Asylum drawn into a threshing machine and mangled
to death. |
| 1870.-- |
January 29, Towanda had a most destructive conflagration in which
No. 3 Brick Row was wiped out. February 14, Lucy Stone, the veteran champion of
Woman's Rights, lectured in Towanda. During the night of March 15 and on the
16th, snow fell to the depth of two feet, being known as the "deep March snow."
The first term of Troy court convened March 28. The Red Tavern, the oldest
building in Towanda, where the first courts were held, destroyed by fire April
3. John G. Saxe, the celebrated poet and journalist, lectured in Towanda,
November 28. Many business places in Canton wiped out by fire, December 25. The
9th census gave 53,204 as the county’s population, the most populous townships
in order being Athens, Barclay, Canton, Pike, Smithfield and Wyalusing. |
| 1871.-- |
Winter opened mild and with little snow; plowing was early. tied
on during the greater part of January and all of February. Opening excursion of
the Sullivan & Erie Railroad from Towanda to Dushore, January 12. June 15,
monument at Wyalusing dedicated by Moravians. July 6, terrific storm of wind,
rain, thunder and lightning passed over Granville, LeRoy and Franklin. During
August water lowest ever known in the Susquehanna. September 5, Ebenezer Shaw of
Sheshequin celebrated his centenary, and September 21, Timothy Bradles; of
Windham died, aged 101 years. Soldiers' monument, the first in the county,
dedicated September 14 at East, Smithfield. November 6, Blind Tom, the back
musical prodigy, gave an exhibition in Towanda. Sixteen mineral wells and
springs in the county. |
| 1872.-- |
Winter memorable for a severe and protracted drought. John B.
Gough, the celebrated Temperance orator, lectured in Towanda May 1st. Summer
memorable for numerous electrical storms during which many buildings were struck
by lightning and burned. Henry Wilson, candidate for Vice-President and Gen.
John F. Hartranft, candidate for governor among the speakers at a great
Republican mass meeting in Towanda, September 24. Austinville iron mines,
employing 14 men, in operation. Bradford county jail erected. |
| 1873.-- |
January 17, the question of Local Option submitted to the voters
of the county and adopted by a vote of 5023 to 2777, Bradford county accordingly
became "dry" and so remained two years. January-30, temperature 26 degrees below
zero. March 27, snow so deep in the woods that sugar-makers were unable to
gather sap. April 21 and 22 snow fell to the depth of two feet. Final attempt to
divide Bradford county and create Peter Herdic’s county of "Minnequa" killed in
the Legislature. February 20, two men killed and six others seriously injured
near Sugar Run by the explosion of a boiler in a. steam saw-milk June 9, the
Bradford Railroad Company organized to build a railroad from Canton to
Binghamton. October 1, the First National Bank of Athens looted by robbers. |
| 1874.-- |
William Alexander, a midget and native of Burlington, whose
height was 23 inches and age 65 years, attracted much attention. June 3, George
Dilldine and wife of Smithfield killed by the cars near Wellsburg. June 30,
temperature 101 degrees. Coal discovered on the farm of Clinton Ellsworth at
Potterville. October 19, Wyalusing has a destructive fire. Great Grange activity
in the county. A Democratic year in politics. |
| 1875.-- |
January 22, Egbert Sickler of Asylum murdered by Stanley V.
Powers and John J. Powers. October 28, William Conover of Wyalusing deliberately
shot and killed by his son-in-law, Henry Decker. Local Option law repealed by
the Legislature and the county "wet" again. June 4, Abraham Mace of Towanda
township became a centenarian. June 14, killing frost with ice one-fourth inch
thick. July 1, Albert Brown (colored) hanged for the murder of little Cora
Greenleaf. Beds of clam fossils, belonging to the Devonian age, unearthed near
Franklindale, blasting rocks 30 feet below the surface. Grand Lodge, I.O.G.T.,
of Pennsylvania held its 22nd annual session in Towanda, June 8, 9 and 10, Gem
Louis Wagner, G. W. C. T. presiding. |
| 1876.-- |
Winter was warm with light snows and rains; January 1st broke all
heat records for the first day of the year; plowing was done in January and
February and many pieces of oats sown by the first of March; Summer was warm and
the year an exceedingly fruitful one. The great thence discussed was the hundred
years of our National Independence, growth and achievements; the 4th of July was
celebrated with extraordinary zeal in every town and hamlet; the International
Exhibition, held at Philadelphia from May 10 to November 10, attracted and was
visited by 7500 Bradford county people. Burr Ridgway, one of the county's most
worthful citizens., died August 19 in his 97th year. Longest Autumnal
equinoctial ever remembered, raining practically every day for two weeks.
December 29, the Ashtabula horror, in which Philip P. Bliss and wife lost their
lives. |
| 1877.-- |
Good sleighing on the highlands from the last of November till
the first of April. Great Temperance revival, or Murphy movement, throughout the
county. July 3 growing crops along Wyalusing creek destroyed by a violent
hail-storm which left heaps of ice along fences 30 inches deep. July 10
dedication of Bliss monument at Rome attended by 10,000 people. First Soldiers'
and Sailors' Encampment of Bradford county held on the East Towanda fairgrounds,
October 10 and 11 with 10,000 spectators the second day. Dr. Darius Bullock,
Smithfield's grand old man and one of the county's most worthful citizens, died
November 15, in his 87th year. |
| 1878.-- |
Col. Richard Reelf, John Brown's Secretary of State lectured in
Towanda, March 2. June 3 burglars rob the Canton bank. June 6, frost with ice.
July 4, Uriah Phillips of Smithfield killed by lightning while cultivating corn.
September 30, 1500 people pay their respects to George Murphy on the centenary
of his birth. December freshet, the Susquehanna rising 20 feet. Henry Ward
Beecher, the celebrated preacher and orator, lectured in Towanda, December 19.
Eight hundred tons of butter shipped from Troy during year. |
| 1879.-- |
March 8, terrific thunder-storm during which many buildings in
the county were struck by lightning and burned. Over 2600 pounds of maple sugar
made during the season by Sumner Marvin of Smithfield. May closed with a
temperature of 94 and June opened with a temperature of 95 in the shade.
According to Adventist prediction July 11 was to have witnessed the end of all
things terrestrial. A drought prevailed throughout the county front August till
the fore part of November; wells, springs and smaller streams dried up and the
Susquehanna river was never known to have been so low. September 16, river
bridge at Towanda opened to the public as a free bridge. Notably large number of
fires in the county front dry conditions and incendiarism. Pioneers died during
year as follows: Horace Spalding, aged 96, of Canton, Catharine Vought Eiklor,
97th year, of Rome, George Pendleton, 85th year, of Warren, Josiah Wood, 91st
year, of Pike. Over 2,000,000 pounds of butter shipped from Troy during year. |
| 1880.-- |
January 26 Mrs. Betsey Dunning of Alba, and August 4, Joshua
Shores of Wysox became centenarians. April 26, locomotive boiler explodes near
Rummerfield killing the engineer, John Leslie, and fireman, Frank Mason. The
Gen. Samuel MeKean farm purchased as a home for the poor, and county house
erected. June 21 a terrific and destructive storm of wind and hail passes over
Western Bradford front Wells to LeRoy, and the last of July a storm of wind and
rain swept everything before it, half a mile wide, across Ridgebury. Oat crop in
many parts of the county ruined by army worms. Joel Johnson; the first male
child born in Orwell, died November 6 in his 82nd year. On a December night
masked men entered the home of Mr. and Mrs. Adam Rifenburg in Litchfield and at
the point of a revolver compelled them to surrender all their savings, over
$7000. The 10th census gave 58,541 as the county's population. |
| 1881.-- |
In March a stray panther excited mountain inhabitants of LeRoy.
July 16 a cyclone demolished buildings and woods on Vroman Hill. July 25., Cease
school house in Armenia struck by lightning and a little girl killed. July and
August exceedingly hot months and a drought prevailed from the first week in
July till the 13th of October; a water famine ensued; the Susquehanna river the
lowest in 41 years; much suffering and damage, corn and buckwheat ruined. lion.
Reuben Wilber, noted pioneer and distinguished citizen, died November 5 in his
97th year; his wife died 13 days later, aged 90; they had been married almost.
71 years. December 21, Josh Billings (Henry W. Shaw), the celebrated humorist,
entertained a large Towanda audience. |
| 1882.-- |
Pink-eye, an epidemic among horses, prevailed generally over the
county the fore part of year. Schuyler Colfax, former Vice-President, and Robert
J. Burdette, the funny man, lectured in Towanda, the former February 17 and the
latter April 4. Gersham A. Davis of Wells, soldier of the Civil War and father
of eight sons who served the Union, died June 23, aged 73 years. A tornado and
hail storm passed over the southeastern part of the county June 26, unroofing
buildings, uprooting trees and destroying crops; hailstones fell the size of a
hen's egg. Animated political contest; George A. Post, Democrat, carried the
county for Congress, and Robert E. Pattison elected Governor. December 5, train
wreck at Rummerfield in which engineer Niles Foulke and fireman Dally Kingsland
were killed and two others seriously injured. |
| 1883.-- |
January 1, Hon. Ulysses Mercur of Towanda became Chief Justice of
Pennsylvania. 841 Civil War pensioners in the county with an annual pension of
$1.05 each. May memorable for numerous severe thunder-storms. June 20, reunion
of remarkable family of Hon. John L. Webb at Bentley creek, beings Hon. James H.
Webb, Towanda, Hon. Wm. C. Webb and Hon. Henry G. Webb of Kansas, Hon. Chas. M.
Webb of Wisconsin and Mrs. Virgil S. Vincent of Bentley creek. July 2, “big
wind" at Sayre and many building's demolished. July 5, terrific wind and thunder
storm, doing much damage at Towanda and east side of the Susquehanna. October
29, furious and destructive windstorm in Sugar creek valley. |
| 1884.-- |
May 30, Memorial Day, snow generally over the county, being two
inches deep at Barclay. July S, flurry of snow in different parts of the county.
Col. Irad Wilson of Alba, noted pioneer and distinguished citizen, died July 4,
aged 87 years. Unequalled September heat, from the 4th to the 11th, temperature
being 90 in the shade every day. September 27, cyclone struck South Ulster
demolishing buildings, orchards and crops. Excitement over oil prospects.
Skating rink craze. November 19, Democrats of the county jubilate at Towanda
over the election of Cleveland and Hendricks and devour two oxen. |
| 1885.-- |
February 26, ice in the river 32 inches thick and a foot of snow
on the ground. Village of Carbon Run deserted and dismantled May 11, six
prisoners escape from the county jail; all captured and returned but one.
Destructive forest rites in May caused great damage and loss in many parts of
the county. August 12, Barnum, Bailey & Hutchinson's Consolidated shows
exhibited in Towanda; the crowd, estimated from 20,000 to 25,000, was the
largest ever assembled in the place. Snow fell at Barclay the last week in
August. Marriage license law went into effect October 1. William Andrus, soldier
of the War of 1812, died at Alba, November 18, aged 100 years, 8 months and 14
days. November 23, 24 and 25 snow fell to a depth ranging from two to three feet
breaking all records for November snowstorms. in December, Joseph Morris of
LeRoy perished while hunting. |
| 1886.-- |
February 1, Mrs. Joseph Quinn died at East Troy, aged 102 years.
In March, last appearance of wild pigeons in this section. Mrs. David Rutty of
North Towanda, the largest woman in the county weighing over 500 pounds, died in
April. A. A. St. John of Towanda appointed U. S. Consul to Levuka, Fiji Islands.
Wyalusing river. bridge constructed. October 10, an aerolite, weighing 150
pounds, fell at Troy. December 18, Erastus Lovett, a bachelor of Orwell and
soldier of the War of 1812, celebrated his 100th anniversary. |
| 1887.-- |
Survey of the Towanda route of the Williamsport and Binghamton
railroad completed. Mrs. Mary M. Dickey, widow pensioner of the Revolution, died
April 4 in Towanda in her 78th year. Centenarians, Patrick Huxley of Athens and
Richard O'Connor of Ridgeberry called by death, the former April 22 and the
latter, May 25. June 25, six of the nine Vancise brothers of Sheshequin, who
served in the Union army, mustered into membership Perkins Post, G.A.R. Athens.
July 15, temperature 103 degrees. July 26, destructive flood in Wysox creek, the
highest water since 1865. August 1, Artemus W. Fawcett of Overton killed by
lightning while sitting in a wagon in his horse-barn. |
| 1888.-- |
Winter noted for blizzards, culminating in the great snowstorm
and blizzard of March 12 and 13. Five Wednesdays in February, a circumstance
that will not happen again until 1991. 1393 pensioners in the county for the
quarter ending: June 30 receive $46,702. On the night of September 29-30 snow
fell over most part of the county, covering the ground. Wm. Rowley of
Stevensville, soldier of the War of 1812, died December 31 in his 941h year. |
| 1889.-- |
Winter open and mild; much plowing in January and crops put in
early. January 9, Athens greatly damaged by a furious windstorm. Tremendous
downpour of rain May 31, June 1 and 2 caused one of the greatest and most
destructive floods that ever occurred in this section. June 18, proposed
Constitutional Amendments submitted: prohibiting the manufacture and sale of
liquor, carried in the county by a vote of 6903 to 3408; not to require the
payment of a tax as a necessary qualification to vote, lost by a vote of 6708 to
925. Ulster river bridge constructed. Notably wet June and July. August 27,
terrible disaster at Towanda nail works, large boiler burst demolishing
one-third of the mill, killing seven men and injuring six others. |
| 1890.-- |
Winter open and warm; the first week in March the only cold
weather. Influenza known as the grippe prevalent over the county. August 22. at
the Soldiers' and Sailors' Encampment, Athens. Wm. Blossom and Nicholas
Castemore lost their lives by a premature explosion while loading a cannon.
Uprising of the people against bossism and the most exciting political contest
in the history of the county; fusion ticket elected from Judge to Coroner.
November 11, fusion victory celebrated in Towanda by an ox-roast, speechmaking
and torchlight parade. The 11th census gave 59,233 as the county's population.
Barclay coal mines, which had been operated since 1856, abandoned December 31. |
| 1891.-- |
A long winter of deep snow. Free postal delivery for Towanda went
into operation January 1. Sayre, the 14th and last borough in the county,
incorporated January 27. Erastus Lovett of North Orwell died January 19, aged
104 years and 31 days. September 27, Elisha Newman of Herrick became a
centenarian. May 22, Bradford County Farmers' Alliance organized.
Record-breaking cold July, while September was notably warm, temperature being
90 degrees the 15th and so continued several days. King H. Cummings, noted
hunter and oldest native-born resident of Ridgebury, died August 15, aged 82
years. November 3, the vote in the county "fox" holding a Constitutional
Convention was 1996 and "against" 6267. (Note from
JMT
- King Cummins was second husband of my ancestor Anne who had been married to
John D. Miller. Does anyone know her identity? - Anne, John, and King all buried
at Ashland in Chemung County) |
| 1892.-- |
In January, epidemic of grippe prostrates hundreds of people in
the rural districts. A big snow, two feet deep, fell from February 29 to March 2
and snow drifts were numerous on the hill roads until the first of April. May
28, a train conveying President Benjamin Harrison made a short stop at Troy,
where 2000 people assembled at the depot were addressed by him. August 12,
switchmen at Sayre went on a strike and held out twelve days. October 12, the
400th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus, celebrated with
extraordinary exercises in the schools throughout the county. November 2, Coy.
Wm. McKinley of Ohio, afterwards President, addressed a great Republican mass
meeting in Towanda. November 5, Warren W. Johnson and William Mott of Athens,
who had addressed a Democratic rally at Wilawana, killed as they were crossing
the railroad tracks. Year memorable for erratic weather and destructive storms. |
| 1893.-- |
Elisha Newman of Herrick died February 23, aged 101 years, 4
months and 26 days. Commodore Horatio Bridge, distinguished in the naval
service, a schoolmate of President Pierce and classmate of the poets Hawthorne
and Longfellow, died April 18 at Athens, aged 86 years. Towanda-Monroeton
electric road projected but enterprise abandoned after considerable preliminary
effort. July 17, the third Towanda nail mill disaster, boiler explodes killing
three men and severely injuring two others, building set on fire and consumed.
Many Bradford county people attended the World's Colombian Exposition at Chicago
from May 1 to October 31. The year was one of unequalled, terrible and
destructive windstorms. The most notable being the widely disastrous storm of
September 7;. the terrible all-day gale of April 20; the nights of horror
February 19 and October 13; the severe winds of May 23, July 5, 18 and August
28. There were also destructive electrical storms in July and August, and damage
by high water in the creeks and river May 3. |
| 1894.-- |
Commencing April 10 snow fell three days, covering the ground to
a varying depth from 16 to 24 inches. Miners strike at Long Valley April 21 and
hold out until August 2. First train over the North Branch between Towanda and
Williamsport, May 4. Electric street railway between Athens and Waverly opened
June 23. A wet May and flood in the Susquehanna; notably warm June; destructive
electrical storms in July; severe drought in August; strawberries, apple and
pear trees in full bloom last week in October in many localities. Francis
Murphy, renowned Temperance orator, conducted gospel temperance meetings in
Towanda, September 2 to 15, during which 1500 persons signed the pledge. Year
noted for great number of fatalities, three homicides and a dozen robberies in
the county. |
| 1895.-- |
Great snowstorm and blizzard commencing February 7 and continuing
four days, making drifts 10 and 15 feet deep, filling the roads everywhere; in
the cuts snow from 20 to 30 feet and in one place 40 feet deep; such hills of
snow had never before been known in this region. February 15 by the explosion of
a boiler in the sawmill of Wm. Cobb, Towanda township, two men were killed and
the mill demolished. Saltpetre of an inferior quality found in Tuscarora. One
hundred thirty-three post-offices in the county. June 13, Pawnee Bill's Wild
West exhibition attracted a great crowd of people at Towanda. September 26, a
terrific thunder-storm struck the East Towanda fair grounds, where many thousand
people were assembled; tents were blown down, four horses killed by lightning,
yet fortunately not a person was injured. A year of big crops notwithstanding an
August drought and killing frost September 14:. |
| 1896.-- |
February 17, temperature in the county ranged from 14: to 25
degrees below zero and 100 above April 13. Hon. James H. Webb, noted citizen and
legislator, died February 21 at Towanda in his 76th year. In May forest fires,
covering a wide area, destroyed large quantities of timber and other property in
the county. William Northrup, the last of the county's noted hunters, died
August 26 in Monroe, aged 87 years. .Cornerstone of the new court house laid
September 7. The campaign of 1896 was one of- the most exciting: "Free silver 16
to 1" was the slogan of the Democrats and the "Single Gold Standard" that of the
Republicans. September 30 great damage wrought by a terrific windstorm over the
central part of the county. Lieut. Robert E. Peary, the celebrated Arctic
explorer, lectured in Towanda December 14:. |
| 1897.-- |
Winter open and mild with little snow. In April a number of
lumber rafts and potato boats passed down the Susquehanna. State Encampment Sons
of Veterans held in Towanda May S and 9. Light snow-fall in Western Bradford
June 1. Many hundred tubercular cows slaughtered in the county. Win. Hutchinson
of LeRaysville, a crack-shot at 94, killed many woodchucks during the season.
'Taxpayers' appeal on bridge and court house contracts tried before Judge Robert
W. Archbald in December; county recovers over $37,000. |
| 1898.-- |
James Harris, for 41 years court crier under six judges, died
February 10 in Towanda, aged 86 years. Company of 107 soldiers for the
Spanish-American War recruited by Frank N. Moore, July 12 sworn into service at
Towanda and leave for Camp Chicamauga. July 28, Edward F. Johnson of Troy killed
by an explosion blowing up his fireworks building. Numerous destructive
electrical storms in July, August and September. September 6, a cyclone swept
across Springfield, killing two men, demolishing buildings, killing cattle and
destroying crops. |
| 1899.-- |
Memorable February cold wave; 9th temperature ranged from 12 to
20 degrees below zero; 10th, 20 to 30 below; 11th, 18 to 34 below; 12th, heavy
snow-fall with weather severe and biting; 13th, a strong wind piled the roads
full of snow, cutting off traffic and mails from every quarter. January 13, Geo.
W. Rutledge shot and killed Win. J. Henry of Sayre. May 20, Samuel Heeman struck
Jacob Capwell a death blow on the head at Towanda. March 13, twelve masked men
invaded the power-house of the Traction Company between Sayre and Waverly,
overpowered the employees, broke open and robbed the safe of two days receipts.
May 20, 10,000 spectators witnessed Buffalo Bill's Wild West Exhibition at
Towanda. June 29, Gen. Henry J. Madill, the county's most celebrated chieftain
and hero, died in Towanda, aged 72 years; his compatriot, Judge Benjamin of.
Peek, distinguished citizen and soldier, died September 9, aged 61 years.
November 2, fireman Eugene Deegan and head brakeman Warren Robinson killed by a
boiler explosion near Rummerfield. |
| 1900.-- |
Winter open and mild with little snow; and heavy rains. July 16,
Maj. Uriah Terry, a noted and worthful citizen, died at Terrytown, aged 87.
Robert Bull of Asylum, a giant in mould and Hercules in strength, died July 17,
aged 81. Charles R. Scouten of Burlington, noted hunter and trapper, died July
26, aged 92. Summer and fall notably dry with mean temperature of 77 degrees for
August, being the hottest August in the annals of the weather bureau. September
3, the old Presbyterian church of Wyalusing struck by lightning and burned.
October 2, burglars entered the home of Mr. and Mrs. Isaac J. Horton near
Hornbrook, bound and gagged the aged couple, then robbed them of their money and
valuables. The 12th census gave 59,403 as the county's population. |
| 1901.-- |
April 2, snow-fail of 18 inches, deepest of the year. Rural free
delivery in Bradford county with Towanda as a distributing point inaugurated May
1. Great damage from a terrific rain, wind and hail storm May 24. Henry C.
Baird, nestor of the Bradford county Bar, died October 3 at Athens in his 82nd
year. Bradford County Soldiers' and Sailors' Monument at Towanda dedicated
November 26. The great December flood and the most destructive in the history of
the county occurred the 14th; five persons drowned and property, public and
private, destroyed to the extent of a million dollars. December 19, M. Vespacian
Mills murdered at North Towanda. |
| 1902.-- |
Heavy rains of February 28 and March 1 caused the second most
notable and destructive March flood, water rising 26 feet at Towanda. At Athens,
soldiers' monument dedicated and memorial tablet marking the site of Ft.
Sullivan unveiled with imposing exercises; the former June 14 and the latter
October 3. Hon. James H. Codding of Towanda elected Secretary General of the
Supreme Council, Northern ,Jurisdiction, Scottish Rite Masons. Capt. Richard P.
Hobson, who sank the Merrimac, Spanish-American War, lectured in Towanda October
14. |
| 1903.-- |
February 17, the coldest day of winter, temperature ranging from
17 to 24 degrees below zero. Drought of 53 days without rain ended in June. Col.
Henry B. McKean, 71, lawyer, soldier and master of ceremonies under President
Cleveland, formerly of Towanda, died March 21 in Washington. Col. Edward
Overton, 67, distinguished lawyer, soldier and former Congressman, died
September 18 in Towanda. Twenty fatalities in the county during year. |
| 1904.-- |
Winter remarkable for the coldest weather ever recorded in the
county; there were two zero waves in January; the first on the 3rd, 4th and. 8th
and the second on the 18th and 19th; on the 5th thermometers registered from 25
to 40 degrees below zero, the lowest temperature ever known in this section.
January 23, collapse of the river bridge at Ulster. March 4, Portus L. Brown,
Walter Fice and Robert Compton killed by the blowing up of a steam boiler in
Monroe. April 12, Richard Vanderpool, the county's oldest native-born citizen
died at 105 years. December 27, Israel Parshall Burr, died in Ridgebury, aged
nearly 104. Reunion of old people of Bradford county instituted, and the first
held June 25 in Towanda. September 18, Mrs. Maggie Johnson and niece, Annie
Benjamin, murdered at Macedonia. Noted Bradford county citizens called by death:
March 12, Rev. Hallock Armstrong, 80; April 24, Hon. Joseph Powell, 73; June 16,
Hon. George Landon, 87; December 18, Augustus S. Hooker, 65. |
| 1905.-- |
Bigler Johnson, self-confessed murderer of his wife, Maggie
Johnson, hanged July 25: August 10, President Roosevelt passed through Towanda
on a special train and at Sayre made a short address. The wettest August in 32
years. Wm. H. Berry, the first Democrat in fifty years on the state ticket,
carried the county for state treasurer. State bridge across the Susquehanna at
Ulster opened December 8. Death of noted Bradford county. citizens: February 27,
Mrs. Almira Gleason, 99, the oldest woman in the county; April 21, Maj. Elias W.
Hale, 88; August 10, John Boyle, 67, a hero of the Kearsarge; October 17, Mahlon
C. Mercur, 90, "the Father of Towanda"; October 24, Gen. Jonathan C. Hill, 75. |
| 1906.-- |
An open winter with little snow and notable warm spells; January
15th to 24th temperature from 70 to 80 degrees. Miss Pamelia D. Spring, 94, the
oldest resident of Sayre, died March 7 in the house where she was born. August
6, Daniel Courtright of Armenia and Isaac Vosburg of Herrick struck and killed
by lightning. August 29, monument in memory of Gen. Henry J. Madill by soldiers
who had served under him, unveiled at Wysox with impressive exercises. Francis
Cole, 97, the oldest man in the county, died November 18 in Athens. Big
political upheaval, Democrats and Lincoln party carry the county by 1200. |
| 1907.-- |
July 10, seven Forrest brothers, Cyrenus, Marcus, Leman D.,
Charles P., William B., Loren W., and Delano A., all of whom served in the Civil
War, met in family reunion at East Smithfield. Charles Johnson, twice convicted
for the murder of Maggie Johnson, hanged July 25. Severe August drought; river
at Towanda lowest ever known and Sugar creek literally dried up. November 14,
centenary of Arts. Eliza MeKean celebrated at Towanda. November 20, during a
quarrel in Tuscarora, Lewis B. Stanton shot dead by Hartley Woodruff. Prominent
citizens called by death: August 27, N. N. Betts, 71, for 41 years cashier of
the First National Bank of Towanda; October 5, Chester C. Wage, noted sailor;
October 28, Lyman Sheldon Chubbuck, 86, celebrated teacher. |
| 1908.-- |
April 22 seven Italians killed and others injured by an engine
running away on a log-road above Laquin. Severe Autumn drought of 35 days broken
in September. James Street bridge across the river at North Towanda opened in
October. Four homicides, 2 robberies and 8 fatalities in the county during year.
Death of noted people: February 26, William Griffis, 93; September 17, Rev.
David Craft, 76; October 9, John H. Black, 95; November 2, Chas M. Hall, 65. |
| 1909.-- |
Notably warm winter without sleighing and ground only slightly
frozen. Project of damming the Susquehanna below Towanda to furnish immense
power for electric purposes started in June but did not materialize. June 15,
Mrs. Elizabeth Thomas of Grover became a centenarian. July 18, Mrs. Eliza A.
MeKean of Towanda died at 101 years, 8 months and 4 days. June 24, 25 and 26,
memorable in the social and civic enjoyment of Towanda, being devoted to the
Home Comers and the old people of Bradford county. Long Valley became a deserted
village. Death of noted citizens: March 3, Orrin D. Goodwin Dittrich, 86;
enough, 65; April 21, Dr. Win. Clagett, 88, June 1, Col. John A. Codding, 90. |
| 1910.-- |
Samuel Overpeck of Herrick became a centenarian January 25 and
died July 4. The driest March ever remembered. Bradford County Traction Company
incorporated to build a trolley line from Towanda to Athens, but not
consummated. August 11, big independent mass meeting and convention held in
Towanda, addressed b5 Wm. It. Berry candidate for Governor. September 16,
Overton centennial, and monument to the memory of Daniel Heverly, the first
settler, and other pioneers, unveiled. The 13th census gave 54,526 as the
county's population. Death of noted citizens: January 19, Nathaniel C. Harris,
90; February 17, Eli B. Parsons, 85; June 28, Prof. George W. Ryan, 71; August
30, Dr. Elijah G. Tracy, 85; September 23, Chas. L. Tracy, 66; December 20,
Elmer B. McKee, 51. |
| 1911.-- |
Terrific and destructive thunderstorms in June and July. July 2
to 12th, average temperature for eleven days, 93 1/2 degrees. October 21, great
political mass meeting of Keystoners and Democrats in Towanda, Gov. Woodrow
Wilson of New Jersey, afterwards President, one of the speakers. Three homicides
and 17 fatalities in the county during the year. Death of noted citizens:
February 11, William Scott, 90, oldest native born inhabitant of Towanda; May
18, Hon. Elijah Reed Myer, 93; July 24, Hon. Geo. W. Kipp, 61; October 11, lion.
Orrin D. Kinney, 66; October 17, Job Griffin, 66; November 12, Orrin Brown, 99
years and 8 months, the oldest man in the county. |
| 1912.-- |
Winter of intense cold, little snow and only one days sleighing
along the river. During Autumn dreadful typhoid epidemic prevailed at Troy five
weeks, 160 persons stricken and seven deaths. Political contest memorable for
split in Republican party, general breaking away from all party ties and
independent voting. Death of noted people: January 8, Raymond M. Wells, 86;
January 9, Mrs. Julia Smith, 95; January 25, Geo. H. Vandyke, 93; February 1,
Rev. John L. Phoenix, 79; July 18, Maj. Levi Wells, 80; September 21, Non. Wm.
T. Davies, 81; October 21, Dr. Henri Lane, 60; December 3, Mrs. Rhoda A. Rowe,
98. |
| 1913.-- |
A remarkably warm winter and almost snowless; along the
Susquehanna at no time did the temperature fall to zero nor was there a day's
sleighing; January was the warmest first month in over a century. First week in
July, 300 Bradford county Civil War veterans attended the reunion of the blue
and gray and semi-centennial celebration of the great battle at Gettysburg. July
12, statewide Primary Law went into effect. October 12, Mrs. Anne Wright of
Ulster celebrated her 100th birthday. Three homicides and 14 fatalities in the
county during the year. Death of noted people: February 3, James W. Nichols, 86;
March 6, William Foyle, 66; June 8, William A. Thomas, 89; June 6, Job P. Kirby,
91; December 5, Hon. George Moscrip, 74; December 18, Philander L. Ward, 77. |
| 1914.-- |
Winter severe with deep snow-falls, that of February 13 and 14
being of a varying depth from 20 to 30 inches in the county. May 5, Herbert S.
Putnam elected county superintendent of schools the 7th time. July 10 and August
19 great damage and loss in the county by terrific electrical and wind storms.
August 25 new county bridge across the river at Towanda opened to the public.
Two homicides and 16 fatalities in the county during. year. Death of noted
people: February 2, Andrew J. Whitney, 84; April 19, Rev. Hiram G. Blair, 78;
May 5, Hiram K. Mott, 76; August 21, Col. Enoch J. Ayres, 86; August 28, Mrs.
Nancy L. Bird, 86; October 17, John Ennis, 93; November 22, Samuel Billings; 99;
December 9, Gen. Joseph M. Califf, 71. |
| 1915.-- |
Memorable wet July and August, 20 rainy days each month; last
seven days of July and first nine in August, being 16 rainy days in succession.
August 1, Troy village deluged by a furious downpour, causing great damage.
October 15, the 300th anniversary of the advent of white man into Pennsylvania
celebrated by patriotic exercises and unveiling a marker at the point of Brule’s
visit in South Waverly borough. Haying, the latest ever known, completed in
sections of the county, first week in December. December 25, Justus A. Record of
Towanda given a public ovation on his 100th birthday. Mrs. Anne Wright of Ulster
died October 19, aged 102 years and 7 days. Eight fatalities in the county
during year. |
| 1916.-- |
March was the coldest 3rd month in 62 years with a snowfall four
times the average for March in the same period; 23rd snow averaged from 30 to 36
inches deep over the county and 48 inches on Barclay mountain. May 4, Leon J.
Russell appointed superintendent of schools to succeed Herbert S. Putnam
deceased. May 31, Walter Scott Newman of Canton became a centenarian. July 26,
cloudburst in Southern Bradford damaged public and private property to the
extent of many thousand dollars. October 25, J. Frank Hanly and Ira Landrith,
prohibition candidates for President and Vice-President, speak in Towanda.
Twenty fatalities in the county during year. |
| 1917.-- |
Death of centenarians: March 8, Justus A. Record of Towanda at
101 years, 2 months and 13 days; March 9, Walter S. Newman of Canton at 100
years, 9 months and 8 days; also, May 24, Joseph Washington Ingham, brilliant
and grand old man at 93 years, 7 months and 3 days. Interest and attention of
the people centered in the great World War and war movements from the first week
in April. In the county 7348 men, between the ages of 21 and 45 years, subject
to military service. In June it rained on 21 different days, 18 in July and 14
in August, equaled only by the memorable rainy spell in 1857. The old Cayuta
grist-mill, erected at Milltown in 1798 and occupying the site of the first
grist-mill (1787) in the county, dismantled in July. August 15 and 16, violent
and destructive rain-storms in Northern and Western Bradford. December with a
mean temperature of 18.6 degrees was the coldest 12th month of record; 30th, the
cold Sunday, temperature from 16 to 38 degrees below zero in the county. |
| 1918.-- |
January with a. mean temperature of 13.6 degrees was the coldest
month, except January, 1857, every experienced in the county. Remarkable and
beautiful display of the aurora borealis witnessed on the evening of March 7th.
April 9 and 10 snow-fall of 12 inches. June 13, light snow-fall and, July 2,
snow flakes in sections of the county. Hot wave last of July and fore part of
August. Killing frost September 10. During fall the dreadful influenza, or "flu"
swept over the county, causing many deaths and prostrating several hundred.
World War matters received most attention of the people. until the signing of
the armistice, November 11; 2150 persons from the county in the various branches
of service; 114 lose their lives. December 13, Carmi H. Rogers of Warren
deliberately shot and killed his son, Alexander P. Rogers. |
| 1919.-- |
Year notable for the warmest January in 35 years, a wet May, warm
October and cold December. Asa M. Kinner, the county’s oldest .soldier of the
Civil War, died January 15 at 99 years, and Thomas Pollock, Ulster's oldest
citizen, June 24, at 92 years. April 11, a cyclone struck sections of Orwell and
Rome, damaging and destroying a large amount of property. Many fatalities, the
saddest feature of the year. |
| 1920.-- |
Winter intensely cold with an abundance of snow and huge
snow-banks filling most. of the country roads; continuous sleighing on the
highlands 90 days; winter similar to that 1864-65. March 13, breakups in the
streams caused a rise of 18 1/2 feet in the Susquehanna at Towanda. April 2,
sensational tragedy at New Albany, Mrs. Fanny Norton Wilcox shot and killed Geo.
T. Matteson. April 29, The Reporter-Journal and Bradford Star, long the leading
weekly newspapers of the county, both discontinue publication. July 23, severe
and destructive electrical, rain and wind storm. September 6, Floyd Smith
convicted of the murder of his wife's infant. November 9 Presidential election
at which women voted the first time. The year of the big apple crop; thousands
of bushels went to waste in the county. The 14th census gave 53,166 as the
county's population. Violent and accidental deaths during the year were 2
homicides, 6 suicides, 4 killed by automobiles and 4 by cars, 3 lost lives by
drowning and 3 by other causes. . Of the large number of old people dying 38
were soldiers of the Civil War. |
| 1921.-- |
Winter open and mild with little. snow in December and January;
February warm with a thunder shower on the 9th, a snow-fall of 8 1/2 inches on
the 10th and another of 9 inches on the 20th; March was the warmest 3rd month in
18 years and April broke the record for high temperature. February 2;5, Mrs.
Mily E. Hileman of New Albany, the first woman in the county drawn as a juror,
and March 28, Mrs. Margaret Coon of Athens, the first woman chosen on a jury.-
June 21, the Powell tannery damaged by fire to the extent of $75,000, and August
30, property, valued at $25,000 burned at Colurmbia Cross Roads. October 3,
David Wilmot memorial tablet unveiled in the court house. November 2-t, Jambs
Barrett of Ridgebury celebrated his 100th birthday. November 29 heavy rains
cause the river to rise 15 feet and 5 inches at Towanda. December 14, Sanford
Bentley found guilty of 2nd degree murder in shooting Francis Byron. December
22, Peter Wagers found guilty of manslaughter in shooting Fish Warden W. E.
Shoemaker. . Violent and accidental deaths during year; 2 homicides, 4 suicides,
8 killed by cars, 5 by automobiles and one by lightning, 3 drowned, 3 burned to
death and 3 from other causes. Year notable for the alarming increase of crime;
during the year 259 persons were incarcerated in the county jail as against 178
in 1920. In the county 38 soldiers of the Civil War died. Eighteen deer, ducks,
were killed in the county during the hunting season. The mean temperature for
1921 was about three degrees above normal, or the highest of record. |
| 1922.-- |
Winter both cold and warm; December normal with little snow;
January very cold, 9 times below zero, the coldest the 26th, temperature ranging
from 14 to 35 degrees below zero; 11th an all-day snow-storm, 13 inches of snow
falling and with a strong wind badly drifted roads; February was the warmest in
27 years, March above normal with 11 inches of snow during month. January 6,
Troy High school building and contents destroyed by fire entailing a loss of
$130,000, and February 17, Canton Presbyterian church ruined by fire. June 11,
furious hail-storm, along the river, during which pieces of ice fell the size of
a small hen's egg. June 17, tremendous all-day rain with destructive floods in
creeks and 16 head of cattle drowned at Wyalusing. June 24:, 141 persons over
70, 59 being soldiers of the Civil War, attended the reunion of old people of
the county. July 1, nearly 1200 men employed in the Sayre shops went out on the
big railroad strike; for weeks a reign of terror existed and many acts of
violence were committed by strikers. July 4, great historic pageant at Towanda;
more than 300 people take part in the portrayal of Towanda's history from the
time old the red men; all classes of citizens, young and old, in the unique
presentation, which was a complete success in every feature; many thousand
people witness the performance on the east-side grounds. August 5, Norman
Carmel, a Lehigh Valley employee at Sayre, waylaid and stabbed to death by
strikers. September 20, jury find Tony Spardute, Italian, guilty of murder in
the first degree, for stabbing Norman Carmel to death. December 13, William
Jennings Bryan, three times Democratic. candidate for President, lectured in
Towanda. on "Pending Problems." December 20, William Mullaly of Sayre shot by
James Johnson and died the following day. Among the large number of aged people
dying, 26 were soldiers of the Civil War. Violent and accidental deaths during
year: 2 homicides, 3 suicides, 4-killed by cars, 5 by automobiles and one by
lightning, 4 drowned and 7 from other causes. |
| 1923.-- |
Winter normal with a light fall of snow and February the coldest
month; the coldest day in December, the 19th, thermometers ranging from zero to
10 degrees below ; the night of January 30-31, the coldest of winter, 12 degrees
below zero, mean temperature for February, 20 9/10 degrees, and the coldest day,
the 6th, 3 degrees below zero; a March flood occurred on the 5th, and on the 7th
a snow-fall of 5 1/2 inches, the greatest of winter; April 10th, the Susquehanna
was swollen to a height of 13 feet, and on the 20th and 21st, thermometers
indicated 82o and 85o in the shade. February 20, six men killed in a train
collision at Rummerfield, the worst disaster of the year. March 5, Floyd Smith,
the 6th murderer of the county to pay the penalty of death, electrocuted at
Rockview penitentiary. June 9, U. S. Senators, George Wharton Pepper and David
Reed of Pennsylvania visited the county and made addresses at Towanda. June 17,
Mrs. Aurilla (Beers) Brown of Orwell, the oldest woman in the county, died at
the age of 100 years and 22 days, and the next oldest, Mrs. Elizabeth (Davies)
Elliott of Canton, on August 30, aged 99 years, 5 months and 18 days. December
with a mean temperature of 37.5 degrees was the warmest 12th month in 30 years.
Violent and accidental deaths during year: 4 suicides, 10 killed by automobiles,
4 died from burns one drowned and one killed by accidental discharge of revolver
Among the large number of old people called by death, 12 were over 90, and 27
soldiers of the Civil War. |
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THE END
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