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(**Footnote--By Jasper T. Jennings) New Milford Borough is pleasantly situated on an extensive flat near the center of New Milford township, at the confluence of the branches of the Salt Lick Creek. It is neatly laid out, and surrounded by all the natural advantages that an enterprising place could desire, and for three-quarters of a century it has been justly celebrated as one of the most beautiful town in Northern Pennsylvania. The village is over a mile in length, almost a dead level, and contains two parallel streets the whole length, straight as a line can be run. In places three or four streets have been opened. Cross streets have been con-
structed at convenient distances, forming neat and well arranged squares. Main Street, which originally formed a section of the old Newburg turnpike, is a spacious thoroughfare, lined with ample sidewalks and rows of maple trees, and forms one of the handsomest avenues to be met with in this section of the country. New Milford is situated midway between the two most important boroughs in the county--Montrose and Susquehanna--being nine miles from each. By railroad it is twenty miles from Binghamton, six from Great Bend, fifteen from Hopbottom and forty-two from Scranton. In a commercial sense its facilities are among the best afforded, and it has long been a central shipping point for a number of surrounding townships. It became an incorporated borough in 1859. The following are its dimensions; "Beginning at a stone corner in the north line of the Hayden farm; thence by said north line, south 87 degrees and 89 minutes east, 84 rods to stones; thence south 4 degrees east, 532 rods to stones; thence north 87 degrees and 30 minutes west, 234 rods to stones; thence north 14 degrees and 30 minutes, 527 rods to the place of beginning." Its length is therefore about one and two-thirds miles, and its average breadth about half a mile, its shortest line, eighty-four rods, being on the north end.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.--In 1789 Jedediah Adams, from the settlement at Great Bend, came to this place in company with a surveying party in the employ of a Philadelphia land holder, and being favorably impressed with the extensive flat he resolved to settle here. Hastily constructing a rude cabin near the present site of the Eagle Hotel, he moved into the unbroken wilderness and commenced the first chopping between Great Bend and Brooklyn. At that time there was a primitive bark cabin standing under the great trees where Charles Pratt's residence now is, made for the occasional accommodation of an old hunter and trapper by the name of De Vaux. He had dug a well just across the present road, near where the hotel now stands, but he had done no clearing and made no attempt toward a settlement. He soon went away, and Mr. Adams and his wife were left alone in the solitary depths of the great wilderness. In the fall of 1790 he returned to Great Bend.
Robert Corbett, from near Boston, Mass., came, with his family, in 1790, and located on the place the hunter had vacated. He was a man of great energy and determination, and such a man the time and situation demanded. A snug log house, with a great stone chimney, was erected, and soon the forest was resounding with the measured strokes of the settler's axe. Quite a clearing shortly appeared as the result of his labors, surrounded by a log fence, and a good crop of grain was grown among the blackened stumps. He lived here for four years, with no neighbors nearer than Great Bend, and nothing but marked trees to guide him through the deep woods. Game was abundant, but Robert Corbett was no hunter; he was a settler in the truest sense of the word, and all his energies were bent to cutting away the forest and enlarging his clearing. His son, Warner Corbett, died here in March, 1795, at the age of seven years. This was probably the first funeral in the settlement. It must truly have been a sad event. Their own family and Benjamin Hayden's who had recently married a sister of the dead child, with the family of David Summers at Summersville, were all the settlers in the great woods for many miles around. Loving hands and nearest friends had much of the sad rites to perform. For a long time there were no roads except those cut through the woods without working, being what we would now call log roads; but, in 1799, a road was granted from Corbett's house to Solomon Millard's in what is now Lenox township. Previous to this the old road from Great Bend to Mount Pleasant had been partly cut through. In 1801, Mr. Corbett's name appears on the list of taxable as "Innkeeper;" but shortly afterwards he sold his property here to Christopher Longstreet, from New Jersey, and removed, with two of his sons, Sewell and Cooper, to the mouth of Snake Creek, where they became the founders of Corbettsville. His son, Asaph, remained in the settlement at New Milford, and, about 1802, built the first framed house in the place, on land long occupied by Henry Burritt as a garden. It was built with heavy timbers, like all framed buildings of those days, and was well calculated to stand the ravages of time. It formed the temporary residence of several of the early pioneers, and was finally removed to the bank of the Moss Pond Creek, where it crosses Main Street, and where now, after the lapse of eighty years, it forms a part of the residence of Charles Ward. It is the oldest house in the place.
Benjamin Hayden, the second permanent settler, came from Boston, near Bunker Hill. He stopped awhile at Great Bend and then came here, single, in March 1794. He married Ruby Corbett, and rolling up a log house near the present residence of his grandson, William Hayden, he took his bride to their new pioneer home. The little cabin stood in a wilderness of stumps, surrounded by the tall, open forest; but there was a path through the woods to Mr. Corbett's, nearly a mile south of their location, and a continuation of the same to Mr. Summers', a mile and a half to the north, in the direction of Great Bend. There were no stores here then, and the nearest mill was at Binghamton. It was no trouble to raise grain, but it was a troublesome job to get it to the mill. Meal and flour were often used sparingly, and corn was sometimes hulled, or parched, and pounded. The inconveniences of transportation were the greatest difficulties to be met with. The woods were full of deer, and venison was so easily obtained that only the hindquarters were commonly used. At the end of five or six years Mr. Hayden's clearing had been considerably extended; and when the old road had been more
effectively cut through, settlers began to arrive in the vicinity. Every new comer was hailed with delight. Early in 1799 Andrew Tracy, Esq., came through here with his family on his journey from Connecticut to the Brooklyn settlement; his horses being jaded and worn with twenty-eight days of travel over the rough, uneven roads, Mr. Hayden took his oxen and kindly helped them on their way through Harford to the little border clearing. At Martin's creek they were met by Mr. Joseph Chapman, who had preceded them to the settlement, and who guided them through the great woods to their new home, carrying in his arms the infant daughter, who was destined to become the mother of the eight "Hayden Brothers." Samuel Hayden, father of Benjamin, had located towards Great Bend, Benjamin Doolittle on the hill to the west, and the Leaches and Hunts to the south; and as the century closed, the ring of the woodsmen's axe and the welcome sounds of human voices were heard daily on every hand. Although long distances intervened between them, they often used to visit at each other's houses during pleasant moonlight nights, regardless of the danger of being followed by wolves and other wild animals, and many happy evenings were thus passed despite their inconvenient surroundings. A common condition of toil, trial and privation forbade all haughtiness and ridicule, and made the a worthy band of brothers and sisters in a common cause. About this time there was a panther's den among the ledges on the rugged hill side, northeast of the settlement, and those fierce animals became a terror to the settlers. Their night forays were common, and lambs, sheep and pigs were often carried away. After many adventures with them they were eventually exterminated.
Benjamin Hayden died in 1842, at the age of sixty-seven. He lived to see his enterprising efforts rewarded, and for his honesty of purpose and faithful performance of duty he has ever been remembered. His widow died in 1849, age seventy. They had but one son, Warner Hayden, who married, in 1815, Sally, daughter of Andrew Tracy, Esq., of Brooklyn. At that time there was only one dwelling on the east side of the road, where the borough now is. This was where the old Moss store stood in after years, and was owned by Mr. Adams. Warner Hayden was a saddler and harness maker, and carried on a successful business for many years. He died in 1850, at the age of fifty-two. His widow, a very old lady, aged eighty-nine, is still living in the borough, near the spot where she first commenced housekeeping. They had nine children,--William John, Tracy, George, Mary, Henry, Andrew, Benjamin and Marshall. Their enterprises in connection with the progress of the borough will be noticed further on.
About 1802, Colonel Christopher Longstreet, an honored Revolutionary soldier, came from New Jersey, and bought Robert Corbett's improvements. He was a very influential man in the community. His wife died here in 1813, at the age of seventy-three, and shortly afterwards he moved to Great Bend. A colored man popularly known as "Old Prince," who came here with them, remained in the settlement until his death, in 1815. Upon Colonel Longstreet's retirement the property was purchased by Nicholas McCarty, who increased his facilities for keeping and feeding the hungry throng which now began to pour along the old Newburg turnpike, and who kept a very creditable public house for several years. He died October 11 1821, aged fifty-seven; Lanah, his widow, died January 20 1862, at the ripe old age of ninety years. During the latter part of her life, she lived in a small, old fashioned house near the railroad crossing, west of the Eagle Hotel. They had four children,--Benjamin, who settled on part of the estate, and built a small house where C. M. Shelp now resides; Leah, who became the wife of Isaac Warner, and lived on the hill west of the borough; Rachel, who became the wife of John Boyle, and lived on another part of the estate; and Mary Ann, who married a man by the name of King, and early removed to the western country.
In 1806, William Ward and his young wife arrived in the settlement from Litchfield County, Conn. He was a brother-in-law of Benjamin Doolittle, who preceded him to the frontier a few years previous, and whose glowing accounts of the thriving settlement at this place induced him to make New Milford his future home. They occupied a small log house near the present site of the Town Hall. Immediately upon their arrival Mr. Ward entered upon the common duties of that period, chopping large fallow where the depot, steam mill and adjoining buildings have since been erected. Mrs. Ward, whose maiden name was Sally Briggs, came from the midst of refined society in the old settled town of Roxbury, Conn., and the sudden change to life in the backwoods brought many lonesome hours, but she looked forward with hope, lent a helping hand wherever she could, went about her daily duties cheerfully, and never a word of complaint was heard from her lips.
The next year, 1807, they were joined by Deacon Ichabod Ward, father of William Ward, who located nearly opposite the present Presbyterian Church, on a spot long occupied in after years as the beautiful garden of H. Burritt. A pear tree, planted by his hand, long survived its worthy owner, living and flourishing until a few years since. Deacon Ward was one of the most valued members of the Presbyterian Church, and it was mainly through his earnest endeavors that an organization of that denomination was thus early effected and maintained. His children were William, who came here the year previous, as already stated; Samuel, much younger; and three daughters, one of whom became the wife of Benjamin Doolittle, one Mrs. Seba Bryant, and the other Mrs. Uriah Hawley. After making quite an extensive clearing William Ward removed to Mt. Pleasant,
where he remained for several years, but ultimately returning to New Milford, he soon became one of the most valued citizens of the growing settlement. In 1834 he was commissioned a justice of the peace, and for a long time he was noted for his honesty, integrity and ability in that capacity. He was for many years the principal agent if this section for the sale of lands of the Du Bois estate, and the extensive tracts owned by Meridith, Bingham and Drinker. It has been said that few citizens of the Salt Lick Valley did more to develop the resources and contribute to the prosperity of Susquehanna County. "To great perseverance and untiring industry in the pursuit of business he added the most unqualified kindness, ever extending to rich and poor a cheerful hospitality."
He had ten children, Christopher L., William C., Peter, James, John, Jack, Augustus, Charles, a daughter who became the wife of D. Dimock, and another who became the wife of William Post. He died at the old Ward homestead October, 1849, at the age of sixty-four. The house was the second framed dwelling in the place. It now forms a part of the residence of William T. Moxley. Mrs. Ward afterwards became the wife of Joseph Williams, one of the pioneers of Bridgewater township, and lived to the ripe old age of eighty-five. She died in August, 1872. The following incident of pioneer life is related by Miss Blackman, who received it from the lips of the heroine herself:
"A large buck was one day chased by the hunter's dogs into Mr. Ward's clearing. Samuel Ward, then only a lad of twelve or fourteen years, who was living with his brother, seeing the animal stumble and fall, immediately sprang and caught him by the horns, at the same time calling to Mrs. Ward for assistance. Feeling her helplessness, but, with a true woman's courage and quickness of perception, realizing the dangerous position of her young brother-in-law, who was struggling to prevent the animal from regaining his feet, she hastened to unwind the long webbed garters she wore, and with them speedily succeeded in tying its legs, until a neighbor, who happened to be in calling distance, reached them and cut the animal's throat."
(**Footnote--For Christopher L. Ward, see history of the press.) William C. Ward was a very prominent man in New Milford, and many of his characteristics resembled those of his brother, for whom he was agent for the sale of lands. He purchased many cattle in this section, and drove them in droves to New Jersey and New York; and much of his life was spent in the mercantile business. His charitable disposition, honesty and sound judgment were prized by the people, and offices of public trust were continually placed in his hands. He held the office of Justice of the peace for more than thirty years; and such were his persuasive arguments in settling all quarrels and disputes brought before him, in a satisfactory manner to both sides without recourse to the law, that he earned the title of "Peacemaker," and received the commendation and respect of all. He delighted in relieving suffering, and his cheering presence often brought a ray of sunshine to dispel the gloom of poverty in many a home in times of sickness and trouble. He died February 24 1871. Mrs. Ward survived her husband several years, living on the homestead, in the next residence on the corner opposite the Eagle Hotel, now owned by Charles Pratt. She was a sister of Mrs. Burritt. Their children were Lewis, who died in New Milford; William T., now in the Western country; Eliza Jane, who became the wife of C. S. Bennett; Sarah, who became the wife of George Weed; Maria; Caroline, who became the wife of George B. McCollum; and George, now in the employ of the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western Railroad Company, at Great Bend. Charles Ward, brother of William C. and C. L. Ward; is at present the only representative of the Ward family living in the place.
Captain Thomas Dean, from Cornwall, Conn., arrived in the New Milford settlement in 1814, and located opposite Benjamin Hayden's. He had an energetic spirit, and he labored faithfully for the good of the settlement. His daughter became the wife of Dr. Bingham; and after her husband's death, Mr. Dean passed his declining years with her. He was blind and infirm several years before his decease, but he was ever calm and resigned. He died June 22 1870, at the age of ninety-one.
In 1817 an especially valuable acquisition was made to the settlement by the arrival of Dr. Lemuel W. Bingham. He possessed a splendid education, and as a physician had few equals in this section of the country. His practice was very extensive and successful, and continued thus without interruption to the close of his life. During his early practice the roads were very poor, in many places being only passages cut through the woods; and his long journeys were often tedious, lonesome and fatiguing in the extreme. Many times, when obliged to be out in the night, he was followed by wolves; but he had a stout and resolute heart, and the dangers and trials of his profession did not deter him from active work.
Among the prominent arrivals of 1818 were those of Albert and Gaius Moss, from Cheshire, Conn. They located on the east side of the turnpike, near the present site of the Episcopal Church. Albert Moss was a shoemaker, tanner and currier; and being possessed of some means as well as ambition and enterprise, he built a small tannery, and later a store and shop, purchased a considerable tract of land, and carried on quite an extensive business. A number of hands were required most of the time in the different fields of labor, all of which served to give spirit and activity to the rising town. His sons were Levi, who lost his life in the late war; Josiah, who moved to Nebraska a few years since; and Albert, who still resides in New Milford.
JUDGE JOHN BOYLE was born in the town of Ballybay, County Monaghan, Ireland, April 20 1799. His parents were people who possessed a comfortable home and evinced a wise intelligence by giving their children the advantages of a good education., His boyhood and early youth were spend at his father's
home, but a spirit of enterprise, which even at that early date led many to seek fortune and a home in the New World, induced Mr. Boyle, at the age of nineteen, to bid adieu to friends and native land, and taking passage to America, he landed in New York in September 1818. Early in the spring of 1819 he came to New Milford, and soon afterwards took up a farm of eighty acres, a portion of which now forms an important part of the borough. For several years he devoted his time to clearing up and improving his farm, and to agricultural and mechanical pursuits, he being possessed of a trade that he had learned before coming to America. Thus, with little worldly capital, but with an active brain, industrious habits and a large stock of energy and perseverance, he commenced a career of business activity, destined to leaving a lasting impress upon the town of his adoption.
In 1822 he married Rachel, daughter of Nicholas and Lanah (Decker) McCarty, who came to New Milford in 1805, and purchased the farm and hotel at the Corners, where he continued to reside and keep a public house until his death. It was a noted resort and land mark for travelers, and has remained a hotel to the present day. Mr. McCarty was a practical surveyor, and after his death, in 1821, there was no one to take his place until about 1825, when Mr. Boyle, having a full knowledge of the theory, commenced the practice of surveying, which he continued successfully for many years. He was appointed county surveyor in 1839, and held the office several successive terms. During his active career as surveyor, he surveyed a large portion of the lands in this county, and his services were often called for in adjoining counties. As a surveyor, he was noted for his accuracy and strict impartiality. In politics, Mr. Boyle was identified with the Democratic party, with which he early allied himself. He was a man of positive convictions, and having intelligently weighed a question and reached a conclusion, was tenacious of his views. He 1851 he was elected an associate judge for Susquehanna County for five years, and sat on the bench with Judge Wilmot, then president judge of this judicial district. He also took a prominent part in the local affairs of his town, and among the local offices to which his fellow citizens elected him was that of justice of the peace, which he filled with much ability for several years. In his religious belief, Judge Boyle was an exemplary and consistent Roman Catholic. He was the first Catholic settler in the county,
Next section (Part Two)
for New Milford Borough extracted from the Stocker Centennial History of
Susquehanna County
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