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INTRODUCTION
History is the
crystallization of past events. No man can manufacture history.
All history is made up and compiled from statements of others
gone before. The materials are the common property of mankind.
Every surrounding community I am writing about has their
own written history. Several of these have already celebrated
their centennial with pageants and much publicity in community
newspapers.
The average person does not have time to read thousands
of pages of history in order to obtain its real value. Neither
do they wish to tramp the woods, the hills, the valleys and the
creeks as I have done to. get this exciting history.
Most
writers have obtained their material from history books and
court records. I have covered every square foot of ground of
which I write. During my numerous interviews with many
descendants and present landowners! I have been shown original
sheepskin titles, abstracts, indentures and agreements they have
in their possession. Also treasured are relics, antiques and
aged photographs of old log cabins.
In
reading many history books, it is surprising to note the
differences of opinion of writers on certain events and its
history. Where this occurs, I give the views of the author and
let you be the judge as to its correctness. I have found in
various newspapers, articles and stories that are not altogether
true. Where legends are quoted, I attempt to make a correction.
For instance, where George Washington was supposed to have
visited, in what log house he was supposed to have slept and
also, untrue stories told and written about a friendly Indian,
called Indian Peter.
It is rather difficult to write the history of the
present Union Township and its neighboring Borough of Jefferson
without writing about both. because of their very early
traditional history. Many people do not realize both of these
areas were originally in Yohogania County of Virginia. After
Yohogania County had become non existent in the year 1780, the
township of Nottingham, Washington County was erected from this
lost county of Yohogania. The county of Allegheny was then
erected from part of Washington and Westmoreland Counties.
The region between Peters Creek and Mingo Creek, except
for a small area is almost entirely surrounded by water. Both
streams have their source in Nottingham Township. Peters Creek
runs almost parallel with the Monongahela River and empties into
the same river at Clairton. Mingo empties into the same river at
River-view. The area I am writing about is surrounded by Peters
Creek on the north and west, Mingo on the south and the mighty
and important Monongahela on the east. This area bound by the
Creeks and the river, was only a small portion of old Yohogania
County.
So
rich, vast and exciting is the early history of our Townships,
the present writing does not extend beyond the year of 1830.
That will I hope, come later on.
This history is primarily for the benefit of our own
citizens and those of our surrounding Townships and Boroughs,
but it will make interesting reading for any person who likes
early American history.
Especially will it serve to inform, enlighten and educate
school children and be a ready reference in their work.
A relatively complete
history will be stated about our early settlers, when and where
they took out patents and land titles. The biographies of
prominent men who took an active and important part in the
events of their day. It is worthy of mention that no pioneers in
settlement of our country were more courageous and brave, than
those of our own forefathers who came to make their homes on the
banks of the Monongahela and Youghiogheny Rivers. They put great
trust and faith in their creator and preserver, and prayed he
would be their guide and helper, in their unselfish efforts to
establish a new home in the west.
The customs and traditions of these people will not be
stated at this writing. For that story, I can proudly recommend
and refer you to the book, “Early days in Rostraver.”
This book is not meant to be a literary masterpiece and
may not be well written. The important fact is the history
itself, and I hope it will be read and accepted as such.
If this article can serve the purpose of stimulating and
arousing the spirits of our people, to the extent of preserving
the memory of our early settlers, and promote historical tours,
and even a memorial park or museum, I will indeed be gratified.
The past belongs to our forefathers, the future belongs to us.
I
am totally responsible for all statements made in this history.
Mr. John Dreschler, Harry Drum, John Neidemeyer, John Ferrero
and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Krummel have made small financial
contributions. They are devoted to this cause.
The
books from which 1 derived most of my material are as follows:
History
and Biography of Washington County
History of Washington County by Crumrine
Centennial Anniversary of Monongahela 1892
History of Allegheny-Warner & Company
Centennial Atlas, Washington County—T. A. Caldwell
History of Allegheny County—L. H. Everts
Early Days In Rostraver—Old Concord Restoration Committee
City of Clairton—Silver Anniversary
Early landmarks and old names—Clark Miller
Elizabeth and her neighbors—R. T. Wiley
Monongahela—The River and its Region—R. T. Wiley
Sim Greene—R. T. Wiley
Atlas Allegheny County—C. M. Hopkins
The
two above mentioned Atlases should be viewed for a better
geographical understanding of the history. There are very few
left. The maps show the exact location, and the year these
people came to our area.
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