html> Forward Township, Pennsylvania

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Forward Township Police email address for crime tips is forwardtwppolice@verizon.net
 

History of Forward Township

CLICK HERE TO GO TO FORWARDS TOWNSHIPS OFFICIAL WEBSITE


LAND SIZE: 21 square miles.

POSTAL/ZIP CODES:
Monongahela, 15063.
We also have Elizabeth 15037 and Bunola 15020. Bunola has it's own post office.

Tax bill

  • Average home assessment value: $65,000.

  • Township property tax: 1.95 mills.

  • Elizabeth Forward School property tax: 21.6

  • Allegheny County property tax: 4.69 mills.

  • Pennsylvania wage tax: 2.8 percent.

  • Township wage tax: 1 percent divided equally between the township and school district.

  • Occupational privilege tax: $10.

FOUNDED: 1869.  Forward Township was named for Walter Forward, who served two terms in Congress and secretary of the treasury under President John Tyler and a judge of the district court of Allegheny County. The first settlers were the Applegate and Wall families, who came from New Jersey in 1766. They were followed by others from that state, and the area became known as Jersey Settlement.

POPULATION: 3,642.

POLICE: Emergency 911, non-emergency (412) 675-5011. Forward Township Police Department, Chief Thomas Staley, five full-time, two part-time officers.

FIRE: Emergency 911 for all.
Bunola VFD, non-emergency (412) 384-9940,
Forward Township VFD, non-emergency (412) 384-4411
Gallatin Sunnyside VFD, non-emergency (724) 258-5240,

AMBULANCE: Emergency 911
Forward Township Non-Emergency  (412) 384-7650
Jefferson Hills  Non- Emergency 412-466-3112


CHURCHES:

Eliz. Baptist
735 Bunola River Rd. Eliz. Pa 15037

Ella Hollow Bible Church
3429 Rainbow Run Rd. Mong.Pa 15063

Mentor Bible Church
4102 Miracle Ridge Eliz. Pa 15037

River Hill Church
2105 River Hill Rd. Mong Pa. 15063

Living  Waters Ministries
3326 Rainbow Run Rd. Mong Pa. 15063

Bunola Church
371 Bunola River Rd. Bunola Pa. 15020.

______________________________


Government

Township office:
1000 Golden Circle, Elizabeth, PA 15037

main office 412-384-1761
FAX  412-384-1764
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9 to 5
.


POINTS OF INTEREST:
Triple "B" Farm. 
RSR Tech in Neighboring Elizabeth Borough.

RECREATION:
Gallatin Sunnyside Recreational Facility
Gallatin Sunnyside Riverfront Park
Longview Park
Bunola Ballfield
William Penn Ball field
Forward Twp. Ball field

Forward Township Fire Department has a large Pavilion they rent out with a brand new full size kitchen they can call the township about renting it.

Utilities

GAS: Dominion Peoples, (800) 764-0111; Equitable Gas, (800) 754-6335.

ELECTRIC: Allegheny Power, (800) 255-3443.

TELEPHONE: Verizon, (800) 275-2355.

CABLE: Comcast 1-800-COMCAST.

WATER: Municipal Authority of Westmoreland County, (800) 887-9197 or Pennsylvania American Water Company, (800) 474-7292.

SEWER: Forward Township 412-384-1762

TRASH COLLECTION: Waste Management of Washington, (800) 866-4460, collected Mondays.

The History of Forward Township
By Tom Headley

Early History

The first inhabitants of what is now Forward were ancient peoples, Adena (1000-400 BC), Hopewell (100 BC-500 AD) and Mississippian (700-1400 AD) as evidenced by several burial mounds located within the township. In the 1700’s, Native Americans, mostly Delaware and Mingo, utilized the area as hunting grounds without permanent settlement. Beginning around 1740 French and later English began commerce with the Indians exchanging furs and skins for trade goods. In 1747, influential Virginians formed the Ohio Company and were granted large tracts of land at the “Forks of the Ohio” (today’s Pittsburgh) by the British Crown, an area also claimed by France. The first Englishman in the area was probably Christopher Gist who surveyed this region for the Ohio Company in 1750. This dispute resulted in the French & Indian War (1754-1763), much of which was fought in this area by British troops and Virginia militia under the leadership of various British Generals assisted by George Washington.

First Settlers


A road, built by General Braddock in 1755 from Wills Creek (today’s Cumberland, MD) to the Monongahela River provided a route for settlers to move into the region when the war ended in 1763. Although whites could not legally register property until a treaty with the Indians in 1768, a number of intrepid settlers braved Indian raids and staked claims in the rugged wilderness prior to that date. Among those were five Applegate and two Wall brothers. These seven, all related by marriage, came from Monmouth County (today’s Princeton) New Jersey and settled in Forward in 1766, after a difficult journey of almost 400 miles. They called this area “Jersey Settlement” after their previous home. In 1769 they were joined by their wives and children by which time the district had more than 25 settlers.

Border Dispute


Registration of land claims was complicated because this area was claimed by both Virginia, by Royal Grant, and Pennsylvania, based on Indian purchase. The Mason-Dixon Line, surveyed between 1763 and 1768, only established the border between Pennsylvania and Maryland leaving the Virginia-Pennsylvania line unresolved. Remember, the state of West Virginia was not created until 1863 more than a hundred years later.



In 1769, administration of the region was in dispute since it was simultaneously Cumberland County, Pennsylvania (county seat, Carlisle) and Yohogania County, Virginia (county seat, Pittsburgh). This argument intensified with the establishment of Westmoreland County, PA (county seat, Hanna’s Town-near Greensburg) in 1773, resulting in Dunmore’s War in 1774. Virginia militia based in Pittsburgh, and Pennsylvania forces from Hanna’s Town fought pitched battles over which state had legal claim to the area now called Western Pennsylvania. In 1777, Virginia relocated the Yohogania Court House from Pittsburgh to the Andrew Heath Farm (near today’s Floreffe), directly across the river from Forward where it functioned until 1779. Some early properties in Forward have Virginia deeds. More than a few were registered in both states to be absolutely certain of ownership. The border issue was not completely resolved until 1786, after the American Revolution which allowed the uncertainty about which state had legal claim to exist for almost twenty years.

The statehood question was important. Land in this region was awarded as an inducement to those who served in the Virginia Militia during the French & Indian War meaning many settlers were from Virginia and some of these owned slaves. After years of discussion, Pennsylvania, in 1780, began the gradual process to emancipate slaves held by its residents. In 1778 Allegheny County was split off from Westmoreland County and the entire area between the Youghiogheny and Monongahela rivers, including today’s Forward, became Elizabeth Township. Reflecting the Virginia influence, the 1790 Federal Census for Elizabeth Township showed a population of 1600 including 21 slaves.

Ferries and Bridges


Among those early settlers was Samuel Devore who claimed land along the Monongahela River at today’s Axlelton in 1768. Devore began operating a ferry the next year carrying people and freight to the other (west) side. Another ferry was started by Joseph Parkinson operating in the opposite direction (east) toward Forward. The Glades Path, an old Indian trail beginning in Bedford, crossed the river at this location. When this trail was widened and improved in 1772 into the “Great Road”(present-day Route 136), it became the main route for thousands of settlers moving into southwestern Pennsylvania and points west well into the 1820’s. On September 18, 1784, George Washington crossed the river on Devore’s ferry during a journey to visit his lands in Washington County. Over the years, a small village developed at this location to serve those passing through the area.

In 1826, Parkinson went bankrupt and his ferry was purchased by James Manown. He had gained ownership of Devore’s ferry by marrying Cassandrew Devore Elliot, a widow whose first husband had drowned while trying to rescue their son from the river. This acquisition gave Manown control of ferry traffic in both directions giving him full control of a very busy river crossing.


In 1832, Manown and others formed the Williamsport Bridge Company. This group constructed a completely enclosed wooden toll bridge of four spans measuring 720’ long. This covered bridge which opened in 1838, it was one of only four bridges the entire length of the Mon River and provided an economic boom for both Monongahela City (renamed from Williamsport in 1837) and the small village of Carrollton located on the Forward side. In 1883 this wooden bridge caught fire and was completely consumed in a spectacular blaze. It was replaced by a four truss iron bridge in 1884 and by a three truss steel bridge in1910. A stone bridge pier of the original 1838 bridge is still visible near the mouth of Pigeon Creek on the Monongahela side of the river. The approach to these bridges was made using Liggett Ave in front of the old Axleton School. Over the years, ferry and later bridge traffic encouraged this village to grow to serve travelers as well as residents of the area. Note: The existing concrete bridge constructed in 1988 is located some distance upriver from the original bridge site.


Another ferry operated by James Perry (westbound) and Andrew McFarland (eastbound) began operating at the foot of Pangburn Hollow in the late 1760’s. During the period of maximum Virginia influence in the mid 1770’s, William Anderson and Andrew Heath operated a second ferry just downriver from this point to handle increased traffic to the Yohogania Court House located nearby. Business was considerable because the Virginia Government had decreed the “official route” of the “Great Road” be changed to this crossing from the Parkinson ferry a few miles upriver. A village (later to be known as Lock #3) established itself at this point but has virtually disappeared.

Whiskey Rebellion


Settlers in the region cleared land and began to keep animals and raise crops to feed their families. Excess grain was distilled into whiskey and bartered to obtain staples such as salt and gunpowder which they could not produce themselves. By the 1780’s a small still was a fixture on many farms on the western frontier. In 1791, the Federal Government, seeking ways to repay the debt incurred by the American Revolution, passed a tax on whiskey which was fiercely opposed by the people along the Monongahela. The disgruntled farmers held meetings, raised a militia, terrorized Pittsburgh, and tarred and feathered tax collectors. Violence escalated and in 1794, tax collector John Neville’s house in Washington County was attacked and burned by an angry mob with several killed and many wounded. President George Washington, reacting to this challenge to Federal authority, called out several states’ militia raising an army of more than 13,000 which moved west under his personal command.


On August 14, 1794 a large rally of farmers took place at Parkinson’s Ferry (Monongahela). Albert Gallatin, from New Geneva, addressed the rebels and convinced those present to lay down their arms and peacefully submit to the law thereby avoiding armed confrontation with the approaching army. At the time of this meeting, Gallatin stayed at the home of Joseph Becket located along the river in Forward, a place which now bears his name. Albert Gallatin went on to become Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Jefferson and Madison and arraigned for the funding for the Louisiana Purchase.


When the army arrived in October the rebels could not be located however the militia did arrest twenty men who were later pardoned. Federal forces established camps in Rostraver, near Fells Church, and at the former Youghania Court House staying in the region through 1795 to ensure the peace. Troops who died in the fighting as well as two officers of the Virginia Militia who died of smallpox are buried in Lobbs Cemetery near the Court House site. The private Smith Cemetery, located just above the present Lock #3 across from the Elizabeth Baptist Church, is said to contain the remains of several men who died as a result of wounds during the attack on Gen. Neville’s home. Philip Smith, a soldier who fought in the American Revolution is also buried in this small cemetery.

Township Name



In 1869 the area identified as today’s Forward was split off from Elizabeth Township. Since the earliest settlers were from New Jersey, many people in the area wanted to name it Jersey Township in their honor, the “unofficial” name for the area for more than one hundred years. Other names were discussed as well and an agreement could not be reached. To settle the question, the judge hearing the case decided to name the place Forward Township after Walter Forward. Forward, a lawyer, was a Pennsylvania legislator, served two terms in the US Congress, was appointed by President William Henry Harrison to be first Comptroller of the Treasury, and served as the 15th United States Secretary of the Treasury under President John Tyler. He was appointed Ambassador to Denmark by President Zachary Taylor and became President Judge of Allegheny County in 1851. Since Walter Forward died in 1852, he never visited the place named in his honor.

Economic Development



Farming was the main activity of most township residents well into the late 1800’s. Agricultural related business such as grist mills developed early. Perry’s Mill and Pangburn’s Mill both located in Pangburn Hollow as well as Applegate’s and Hayden’s on Fallen Timber Run were in operation by 1788. As land was cleared for farming, timbers were processed by local saw mills and were used by the growing boat-building industry developing along the river. Launched from the boatyard of John and Samuel Walker in Elizabeth in 1801, the “Monongahela Farmer” reached Philadelphia by way of New Orleans. The keelboat used by the Lewis and Clark Expedition was launched from Elizabeth in 1803. Boat building further expanded with the development of steamboats in the mid 1820’s and continued until after the Civil War when scarcity of timber and demand for larger boats caused this business to decline.


Coal deposits in the area were known from the earliest days, but wood was widely available and easier to use. In 1836, coal mined in Pangburn Hollow was loaded on flatboats and shipped downriver to industries in Pittsburgh, but only in small amounts.

These small mines used primitive methods to remove the coal and moved it to the riverbank by chute. The first mines with a tipple extending over the river did not appear until the late 1850’s.


In the early days, river commerce was impossible during times of low water flow. Plans were developed to construct a series of locks and dams to provide adequate water depth for year-round navigation between Pittsburgh and Brownsville. Lock #3, constructed by the Monongahela Navigation Company was located at the end of Pangburn Hollow. It was one of 4 locks opened in 1844 and operated at this point until the Federal Government constructed a new lock #3 at the current location in 1905. With reliable river shipping large mines began operating along the at many locations. The railroad came through Forward in 1881 providing another means of transportation. This same year the Monongahela River Consolidated Coal and Coke Company (“The Combine”) was formed and unified many independent mines under common ownership. It was said by the turn of the 20th century, there was a mine every mile along the Forward riverfront.

Mine expansion resulted in establishment of “company towns” and villages to provide housing and supplies to those working at the mines. Places such as Bunola, Sunnyside and Ella Hollow still exist; others such as Wenona, Milesville, Hilldale, Muttontown and Leechburg have disappeared.


The railroad station located in the village of Carrollton (Parkinson’s Ferry) was named East Monongahela by the P & LE railroad and the town became known by that name. In addition to bridge traffic, this area began to experience industrial development. In 1903 the Liggett Spring & Axle Company moved from Pittsburgh’s North Side and built a factory to manufacture buggy springs and axles. To provide raw material for this plant, the owners also constructed an adjoining foundry to supply castings. Business boomed during World War I from the manufacture of springs and axles for army vehicles. At this time the plant was reported to be the largest spring factory in the country. In 1916 the company built two rows of identical brick houses (still standing) to house their employees which became known as Axleton. With the shift to automobiles, the axle plant was separated from the foundry and began doing business as the Coshocton Iron Works engaged in the manufacture of parts for stoker furnaces. This plant later combined with others to form the Combustion Engineering Company which continued to operate the plant until the 1980’s.


Between 1870 and 1900 Forward’s population more than doubled from 1300 to 3215 as people moved to the area to work mines and supporting industries. Township population peaked in 1920 at 4932, declining to 3626 by 1930 due to mines being “worked out” and the declining economy. Interestingly, the 2000 census population of 3771 is very close to that figure.

Forward Township Today



Today’s Forward Township offers many types of residential living opportunities ranging from typical suburban housing developments to rural farm living and everything in between. A recent survey revealed most residents’ desire to maintain this semi-rural

character for the township with limited future development. Forward has the lowest population density of any municipality in Allegheny County.

The Allegheny Land Trust has taken title to 212 acres between River Hill and Elkhorn roads permanently preserving more than three miles of steeply wooded hillside along the Monongahela River http://www.alleghenylandtrust.org/prope ... index.html

Ten farmers have enrolled more than 1200 acres in Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program ensuring their land will never be developed and remain farmland in perpetuity. Additional farmers are waiting to enroll their property. These actions will maintain open space and help preserve the existing environment.


Many small villages and communities in Forward such as Bunola, Axleton, Gallatin, Sunnyside, Manown, River Hill and Ella Hollow have maintained their own identities as mines and industries closed or relocated. Business such as Univar, Pittsburgh Tank, Ductmate, Merit Contracting and others are thriving in the industrial area along the Monongahela riverfront. Recreational opportunities are available with three marinas, Riverview Golf Course, and three municipal parks. Bunola River Road used by township residents and many from outside the community for running and cycling.



1/17/08

 

 

 --- One of the plainest municipal names in the Mon-Yough area --- Forward Township --- also has one of the strangest backgrounds. The township was named for Walter Forward, a prominent Pittsburgh judge and politician. In 1869, the state General Assembly approved the sectioning of Elizabeth Township into four smaller townships, including what eventually became Forward. When residents couldn't agree on a name, the courts named the township for Forward --- who had no known connection to the municipality.

A LITTLE HISTORY OF FORWARD TOWNSHIP

First to locate in Forward Twp, then part of Rostraver Twp and Westmoreland Co, Virginia, were the Applegates and the Walls, who migrated from New Jersey by way of Maryland in 1766. Veech (The Monongahela of Old, 1858, footnote on p107) relates that on Coxe's Run in Luzerne Twp, a "stranger, from the vicinity of Hagerstown, by the name of Applegate, had somehow got his leg badly broken in the woods, and in that condition was found by an old settler, who at once had him borne to his cabin, where every aid and comfort within reach was provided. But it being late in the fall, and the stranger knowing that the remedy for his misfortune was time and patience, was very anxious to be again among his family and friends. There was then no carriage road across the mountains, nothing but a pack-horse path. To convey him home, eight of the neighbors agreed to carry him on a sort of hammock, swung on two poles like a bier. This they did, all the way to Hagerstown! Four of the men were Micheal Cock, William Conwell, Thomas Davidson, and Rezin Virgin. "I believe this man is Jacob Applegate (1D3C1) who lived at that time in Berkeley Co., Va." Hugh Voress

An alternative for the first Applegate who settled this part of Pennsylvania is 5F1A. Thomas Applegate, Jr., born c1745; died 1808 in Louisville, Ky. He married Mary______, born ; died . There is no record of Mary except her name. Thomas was the first Applegate who went to the vicinity of Allegheny Co., Pa. with the Wall brothers about the year 1766. He probably brought back the news of the land when he returned and the westward migration began. Thomas received a warrent for 137 1/2 acres in Westmoreland Co., Pa. on July 10, 1786 which was transferred to Robert McFarland on Aug. 20, 1805. Thomas was the son of Thomas Applegate who was the son of Benjamin Applegate.

The original New Jersey migrants were followed by enough other New Jersey residents for the area to become known as the "Jersey Settlement" for nearly a century. Crumrine (History of Washington County) reports that a group of families from Morris Co, New Jersey, followed and settled in Amwell Twp, Washington Co in 1778. Tax roles for 1772 in Rostraver Township list Benjamin, Daniel, William, and Thomas Applegate; John, Oliver, Abraham, and Alexander Miller; as well as Joseph Pearce, John Pearce, James Peers, and Andrew Pearce as heads of families (Monongahela of Old, 1858, Veech, p204).

Members of the New Jersey group also filed claims against Yohogania Co, Virginia: Joseph Warner/Warne: 278 1/2 acres strict measure; surveyed 3/21/1786; patented 1/16/1788 to Joseph Warner/ Warne on warrant to accept dated 1/12/1788, "Warner/Warne's Delight" p11-543. Adjacent was a tract for twins Jonathan and Stephen Pearce for 252 acres, surveyed 3/21/1786; patented 1/21/1788 on warrant to accept dated 1/12/1788: "Stephen's Greene" p11-546. Adjoining Joseph Warner/Warne on another side was Andrew Pearce with 333 acres; surveyed 3/2/1788; patented 1/16/1788; on a warrant to accept dated 1/12/1788: "St Andrew", p11-545. Benjamin and Thomas Applegate were close by, as were James and Walter Wall.

The original Walter Wall migrated with an association arranged by Lady Deborah Moody, widow of a Wiltshire baronet, to Lynn, Massachusetts. In 1643 they moved to Gravesend, Long Island, and Middletown, New Jersey in 1657. Walter Wall purchased a large tract of land near Middletown, which became known as Wall's Mill, and later Van Meter's mill, where General Garret D Wall was born. General Wall served as a member of the US Senate. Descendant Jarrett Wall was said to be among those "resisting the unjust demands of the proprietary in 1700-01." Walter Wall who migrated with the Jersey settlement was a son of Humphrey Wall, and a grandson of this Jarret Wall. The Walls were related to Applegates.

Probable years of settlement for the New Jersey settlement members (History of Allegheny County, Penna. p94) are as follows:

  • 1766-Thomas, William, Samuel and Benjamin Applegate, James and Walter Wall (descended from Walter Wall who came from England in 1635; Joseph Warne's daughter, Mary Jane, married David Allen, also descended from Walter Wall.)

    Vorees has the following information about William : "He came to western Pennsylvania about 1768-70, probably with his brother(s). The first tax list of Rosstraver Twp., Bedford Co., Pa. in 1772 lists William and his three brothers, Benjamin, Thomas and Daniel. He is taxed 3.0 in 1773. He was listed as a "Ranger on the Frontier" Continental Line, 1778-83 and served in Hugh Goudy's Company. In 1783, the Westmoreland Co., return-transcript of property, lists William as possessing 300 acres of land, 3 horses, 5 head of cattle, 8 sheep, and 11 white inhabitants. In 1786, he was taxed 8.5 in Westmoreland Co., Pa. The 1790 census, lists males over 16 (2); males under 16 (1); females(all ages) 5. He received a patent of land formerly owned by James Dean. This tract was surveyed on Sept. 16, 1790 and was patented to William Applegate on June 23, 1794 and which was called, "Apple Orchard". In 1791, he was taxed 18.4 in Elizabeth Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa. On Apr. 15, 1801, William and his wife Sarah, now living in North Beaver Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa. transferred this property to sons Isaiah, William, and Robert. If he moved to Indiana, it is probable that it occurred after this property transfer. The 1830 census of Indiana lists a William Applegate, Sr. "

    William was the father of Ruth Applegate who married John Dye (son of James Dey and Sarah Leack) of Middlesex County, New Jersey, Jemina Applegate who married Edward Evans (Rev War) and Catherine Applegate who married Robert Wright. All three daughters were married in Elizabeth, Pennsylvania (the Jersey Settlement).

  • 1768-Donald Munro, Hugh Davidson, James Halleday, James Terry, Richard Parker, John Reed, Samuel Devore, Abraham Miller, William McClure, Philip Rodgers, Robert Smith, Cornelius Thompson, Adam McConnell, James Wilson
  • 1769-William Neiley, Alexander Dunlap, Andrew Pearce (also Peairs as listed in Round Hill Presbyterian Church Cemetery Records 1786- 1952, Collection of Western Pennsylvania Historical Society) Joseph Warne, James Pearse
  • 1770-David Williams, Moses Devore
  • 1772-Azariah Davis, Henry Liming, Joseph Liming
  • 1773-Robert Craighead
  • 1774-Daniel Thompson, Joseph Beckett, Esq.
  • 1777-Matthew McKinney, Richard Sparks (dau Mary Sparks m Garret Wall, their dau married an Allen), John Imbly
  • 1778-Alexander Craig
  • 1779-Zacharias Wilson

Ruth Applegate, Wife of John Dye

Ruth Applegate was the wife of John Dye was born in 1761 in Middlesex County, New Jersey, and died in 1840 in Brown County, Ohio. Two primary sources exist for the information which follows:

  1. The Applegate Family in America produced by Hugh Vorees. Follow the line 5F. The Applegate children noted in the following are descendents of Benjamin Applegate.

  2. Historical Collections of Brown County, Ohio by Thompson, published in 1968.

They were married on Apr. 6, 1779 in Elizabeth, Allegheny Co., Pennsylvania. They moved c1785 to Mason Co., Ky. where they stayed several years before moving to Illinois. They didn't stay there very long before returning to Kentucky. They moved to Brown Co., Ohio c1795 and lived near her sisters' family -- the Evans Family.

Recall that Ezekiel Dye's mother may have been Mary Applegate and her genealogy is reasonably well known - the great grandaughter of Thomas Applegate (II). Ruth Applegate, wife of John Dye was also the great grandaughter of Thomas Applegate (II)

An outline of her genealogy is presented below as it helps understand the migration patterns of these families:

 

  1. Thomas Applegate, born c1632; died 1699. He married (1)_______, born ; died ; (2) to Joanna Gibbons, born ; died after 1699, daughter of Richard Gibbons, who was one of the twelve patentees of Monmouth Co., NJ. He apparently moved to New Jersey sometime in the 1660's as his cattle mark was recorded in the town book of Middletown on Jan. 4, 1668. On Mar. 8, 1674, Thomas petitioned along with his brother, Bartholomew for land in the Neversinks. On Apr. 21, 1676, John Fenwick gave a deed to Thomas Applegate, weaver, of New Shrewsberry, NJ for 600 acres in Fenwick's Colony. There was a second deed on Sept. 20, 1677 to Thomas Applegate of the Falls in New Shrewsberry in NJ, weaver, of 480 acres in the allotment of Cohanzick along the Marsh, part of Edward Boarnes 2000 acres. On Oct. 19, 1677, he secured by a quit-claim deed, two hundred and forty acres of upland and meadow in Shrewsbury Twp., Monmouth Co., NJ. There are records that he served on jury duty in Middlesex Co., NJ. On Feb. 14, 1679, Thomas Applegate along with 12 others obtained a charter to hunt whales. He made his will on Feb. 1, 1698 and it was proved on Mar. 29, 1699; his death must have occured between these dates, probably in Feb. 1699. His wife, Joanna and her father, Richard Gibbons, were the executors of his estate.

    1. [5F]. Benjamin Applegate, born c1686; died 1753. He married Elizabeth Morford, born ; died apparently before her husband, daughter of John Morford. Benjamin was probably a farmer and was constable in 1732 for New Windsor. In 1750, he was living in New Windsor, Middlesex Co., NJ. His will was proved on May 16, 1753 in Nottingham Twp., Burlington Co., NJ and it bequeathed, "son Thomas, 5 shillings and demand of 13 pounds; sons Benjamin, William and Richard, each 5 shillings; daughter Johannah, a bed, real and personal estate. Son, Daniel, to be put to a trade, and when 21, to have 1/3 of the estate. daughter Alse, when 18, and daughter Jomine, the rest".

      1. 5F1. Thomas Applegate, born c1723; died probably before 1790, probably in Allegheny or Washington Cos, Pa. The name of Thomas' wife is unknown, but she is probably the Mrs. Applegate who married on Sept. 29, 1796 with Squire Joseph Beckett, officiating, to Andrew McKeth, born ; died . Thomas joined the Tonaway Baptist Church in Bedford Co., Pa. prior to 1770. Thomas is supposed to have fought in the French and Indian War (family tradition). He may be the Thomas Applegate who served 10 days with an Maryland Unit during the French and Indian War. He is listed on the taxpayers list for 1773 in Rosstraver Twp. which was then in Bedford Co., Pa. He also appears on the list of members of the Peters Creek Baptist Church on Nov. 10, 1773 but not on the list for 1789. His name appears on a number of transactions in Yohogania Co., Va. during the years, 1777-80. (Yohogania Co., Va. became part of Washington Co., Pa. in the 1780's). An example of one of these transactions(deeds) is one given on Sept. 24, 1778 by Andrew McMeans to Thomas Applegate of Yohogania Co. which was witnessed by John Rubicum and Henry Westley. In deed book "C", of Washington Co., Pa. shows a tract of 224 acres in the name of Thomas Applegate. A warrent was issued on Jan. 10, 1786, and the tract was surveyed on May 28, 1787; but the patent was issued to Richard Johnston on Nov. 14, 1806. In 1786, Thomas Applegate was listed as owning 300 acres in Elizabeth Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa. which was then Rosstraver Twp., Westmoreland Co., Pa.

        1. [5F1A] Thomas Applegate, Jr., born c1745; died 1808 in Louisville, Ky. He married Mary______, born ; died . There is no record of Mary except her name. Thomas was the first Applegate who went to the vicinity of Allegheny Co., Pa. with the Wall brothers about the year 1766. He probably brought back the news of the land when he returned and the westward migration began. Thomas received a warrent for 137 1/2 acres in Westmoreland Co., Pa. on July 10, 1786 which was transferred to Robert McFarland on Aug. 20, 1805. Thomas brought his family to Kentucky probably about 1781. It is thought that their son, Elisha, was the only one born in Kentucky, having been the first white child born in Jefferson Co., Ky.(p. 98 of Louisville, Past and Present; Its Industrial History). Thomas had no land grant in Kentucky so he purchased 79 acres of land on July 20, 1792 from the Alexander Hite heirs. He also bought several city lots in Louisville which were divided among his heirs. His will, dated Dec. 25, 1806, names wife Mary and sons, Samuel, Hezekiah, Benjamin, Tunis, Elijah, and Elisha, and daughter Joanna.

      2. [5F2] Benjamin Applegate, born 1725; died May 31, 1823 in Allegheny Co., Pa. He married (1) Rebecca Wall, born 1730; died Nov. 25, 1781; daughter of James Wall; (2) to Hannah_______, born ; died . (It is interesting to note what had happened since the will of Benjamin-3 was probated in Burlington Co., NJ on May 16, 1753. Several of Benjamin's sons had settled in Allegheny Co., Pa. or what is now Washington Co., Pa., but at time claimed by Virginia and called Yohogania Co. Harvey Linn Applegate, writing in 1915, gave the following account. "Benjamin-4 emigrated to Rostraver Twp., Westmoreland Co., Pa.(now Forward Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa.) in 1766, "in company with James and Walter Wall(his brother-in- law)". They returned to "the east" in the fall of 1768, and they brought their families to Rostraver Twp. in the spring of 1769).* Recently, it was discovered that the Applegate who accompanied the Wall brothers, was Benjamin's nephew, Thomas Applegate, Jr. Garrett Applegate(1758-1837) perhaps the second son of Benjamin-4 after Walter, states in his Revolutionary War pension application (S32098) that he was born in Berkeley Co., Va. on Nov. 2, 1758 and lived there until 1774. (Berkeley Co., Va. was formed in 1772 from Frederick Co., Va. and included what is now the eastern panhandle of WV, Morgan, Berkeley and Jefferson Cos., WV). Benjamin-4 was in the Revolutionary War, serving with Capt. Thomas Moore's Co. of Rangers(1778-83).(Pa. Arch. 3, Ser. Vol. 23, p.322). Benjamin was granted a tract of 397 acres of land on Nov. 23, 1787 by the Supreme Executive council of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The deed for this property was recorded in the Rolls Office in Patent Book, Vol. 11, page 407 in Harrisburg, Pa. Benjamin lived on this land and he and Rebecca were buried there. There are no traces of their tombstones now as a barn was built over that area, formerly his cemetery. Benjamin's will was dated Jan. 20, 1821 and it listed all of his children and a few of his grandchildren.

      3. [5F3] William Applegate, born c1733 in Burlington Co., NJ; died in Corydon, Ind. c1838. (This latter date is mentioned in several references((e.g. History of Brown Co., Ohio)) but has not been confirmed; in fact no official record of him exists after 1801). He married in NJ to Mrs. Sarah Catherine Wiggins, born ; died . He came to western Pennsylvania about 1768-70, probably with his brother(s). The first tax list of Rosstraver Twp., Bedford Co., Pa. in 1772 lists William and his three brothers, Benjamin, Thomas and Daniel. He is taxed 3.0 in 1773. He was listed as a "Ranger on the Frontier" Continental Line, 1778-83 and served in Hugh Goudy's Company. In 1783, the Westmoreland Co., return-transcript of property, lists William as possessing 300 acres of land, 3 horses, 5 head of cattle, 8 sheep, and 11 white inhabitants. In 1786, he was taxed 8.5 in Westmoreland Co., Pa. The 1790 census, lists males over 16 (2); males under 16 (1); females(all ages) 5. He received a patent of land formerly owned by James Dean. This tract was surveyed on Sept. 16, 1790 and was patented to William Applegate on June 23, 1794 and which was called, "Apple Orchard". In 1791, he was taxed 18.4 in Elizabeth Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa. On Apr. 15, 1801, William and his wife Sarah, now living in North Beaver Twp., Allegheny Co., Pa. transferred this property to sons Isaiah, William, and Robert. If he moved to Indiana, it is probable that it occurred after this property transfer. The 1830 census of Indiana lists a William Applegate, Sr.

        1. [5F3A] Robert Applegate, born Mar. 13, 1759 near Princeton, NJ; died 1848 at Mauchport, Harrison Co., Ind. He married Mary________, born ; died . He served in the Revolutionary War; his declaration of May 15, 1843 in Harrison Co., Ind. stated that he had volunteered under Gen. Hand and Col. Gibson; later he was drafted at Walltowers Station in Westmoreland Co., Pa. "One tour of service was a a substitute for his father who gave him a good farm for doing it". He was also a private under Capt. Minton, Youghiogheny Co., Va. In Pa. Arch. S. Ser. V. 4, p428, Robert is listed as a private in Westmoreland and a private in the Continental Line. In 1782, Robert Applegate acknowledged receiving several sums annexed to his name. In 1786, Robert Applegate, single, was taxed 10.6. In the 1790 census, he was listed as having 2 sons and 1 daughter. In 1791, he was taxed 1.0. On Apr. 15, 1801, he received 100 acres of land called "Apple Orchard" in Elizabeth Twp., from his parents. This land was sold to James Wall, Jr. on Apr. 1, 1842 with Robert, Irwin, Mary, and Catherine signing the deed.

        2. [5F3B] Ruth Applegate, born 1761 in Middlesex Co., NJ; died c1840 in Georgetown, Brown Co., Ohio. She married on Apr. 6, 1779 in Elizabeth, Allegheny Co., Pa. to John Dye, born 1754 in Middlesex Co., NJ; died Apr. 23, 1836 in Georgetown, Ohio, son of James Dye and Sarah Dye. They moved c1785 to Mason Co., Ky. where they stayed several years before moving to Illinois. They didn't stay there very long before returning to Kentucky. They moved to Brown Co., Ohio c1795 and lived near her sisters family, the Evans Family. John served in the 11th Pa. Inf. during the Revolutionary War. He received a pension on June 22, 1819; Ruth received a pension for his service on Apr. 23, 1836.

        3. [5F3C] Catherine Applegate, born c1762 in NJ; died c1839 in Brown Co., Ohio. She married c1780 to Robert Wright, born May 19, 1758; died 1840. Robert served in the Revolutionary War from Massachusetts. They moved first to Mason Co., Ky from Allegheny Co., Pa.

             

          1. Elijah Wright, born c1782; died .
          2. Mary Wright, born 1785 in Mason Co., Ky.; died June 4, 1864.
          3. William Wright, born Jan. 23, 1787; died . He married (1) to Mary Patton, born ; died ; (2) to Harriet Taylor, born ; died .
          4. Joseph Wright, born Apr. 2, 1796; died Oct. 9, 1887. He married on Jan. 21, 1823 in Brown Co., Ohio to Matilda Drishell, born Nov. 16, 1802; died Aug. 1863.
          5. Robert Wright, Jr., born ; died .
          6. John Wright, born ; died .
          7. Hugh Wright, born ; died . He was a river pilot. He did not marry.
          8. James Edward Wright, born ; died 1845. He married Malinda Kendall, born Dec. 22, 1812; died June 4, 1902.

        4. [5F3D] William Applegate, Jr., born c1765/66; died Mar. 8, 1844 in Harrison Co., Ind. He married in Dec. 1790 to Mary Walker, born 1777; died Jan. 18, 1858 in Harrison Co., Ind., aged 80. William may have been born in Princeton, NJ as was his brother, Robert. The first record of William was in 1786, when William Applegate, single, was taxed 10.0 in Westmoreland Co., Pa.; however, he was still a member of his father's household in 1790, but was taxed that year as a single man 3.9. In 1800, he was listed as married, 26-45 years old, with a male of similar age living with them; a male 16-26, and 2 females under 10. In 1819, in addition to his wife, his family was 2F 10-16; 2Mu10; 1M10-16; and 2M16-26. On Apr. 15, 1801, his father, William Applegate, Sr. gave 113 acres of a tract known as "Apple Orchard" for $553. This tract was bounded by land of Isaiah Applegate, Garret Applegate, Benjamin Applegate, Sr. to the post on the corner of Robert Applegate's land and Richard Manown. This deed, witnessed by Hugh Gaston and John Butcher with William Conner, J.P., was recorded on June 20, 1804. On Apr. 1, 1812, William sold 106 acres of this tract to William Stockdale, for $1100. He apparently went to Indiana following this transaction and received a land warrant as a resident of Harrison Co., Indiana Territory on Feb. 27, 1813. This warrant, signed by Pres. James Madison and Edward Tiffin, first Governor of Ohio, in Washington, DC, states that having deposited in the treasury, a certificate of Register of the Land Office at Vincennes whereby it appears that full payment has been made for "the southeast quarter of section Three of Township Five(South of the base line) in range Three(East of the second principal heirs meridian line)"........there the said William Applegate, his and assignees forever. William's will was probated in May 1844, recorded in Will Book No. 3 at the Court House, Corydon, Harrison Co., Ind. Children mentioned include John, Charles, William, Noah, Elizabeth, Sarah, Indiana, Samuel, Harvey H., Mary's will leaves land to her grandson, Milton Applegate, which had been left to her sons, Samuel and Noah, by their father's will, but they had died before Mary.

        5. [5F3E] Alice Applegate, born c1770/72; died . She married (1) in 1790/91 to William Wall , born ; died 1799, son of James Wall and Catherine Vanaman; and (2) c1800 to John T. Parker, born June 2, 1766 in NJ; died Jan. 9, 1853 in Ill., son of Thomas Parker and Amy James and grandson of David Parker and Mary Rhea.

        6. [5F3F] Jemina Applegate, born Jan. 2, 1776; died Jan. 7, 1844 at Russellville, Brown Co., Ohio. She married at Devore's Ferry, Pa. to Edward Evans, born Apr. 23, 1760 in Bedford Co., Pa.; died Nov. 3, 1843 at Russellville, Brown Co., Ohio, son of Hugh Evans. "His family had been Quakers (Shakers?) until the injustices of King George made them fighters. When Edward was 12 he made the trip over the mountains to procure salt which he retailed at $12.00 a bushel. Hugh, his father, went to the War but being lame he had to return home and his 16 year old son took his place."

          "He served with the 11th Pa. during the Revolutionary War. He was at Valley Forge, Pa. and the battle of Monmouth during that period of the war. He saw Martha Washington knitting for the soldiers when she came on a visit to her illustrious husband's camp. When the British crossed Brandywine, they piled debris on the bridge, which Evans, with 12 others, was ordered to remove under fire.

          He served until after the Battle of Monmouth when he left the service on account of illness. He was near the Battle of Monmouth on that memorable hot Sunday, June 28, 1778, was on the sick list but laso wanted to fight. He Captain refused and detailed him as a guard to a wagon train. He also served as a private in Lt. Col., Hubley's 10th Pennsylvania Regiment.

          He was the only son of Hugh Evans of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, who served in Captain Samuel Dawson's Company, Col. Richad Humpton's 11th Pennsylvnia Regiment.

          After his marriage they setteled in Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, later moving to Washington, Kentucky and lived there from 1785 to 1799. In 1799 he came to Brown County, Ohio where he lived until his death. He was a farmer and an Indian Scout."

             

          1. Elijah Evans, born ; died .
          2. William Evans, born Jan. 23, 1787(?); died . He married (1) to Mary Patton, born ; died ; (2) Harriet Taylor, born ; died .
          3. Joseph Evans, born Apr. 2, 1796; died Oct. 8, 1887. He married Jan. 21, 1823 in Brown Co., Ohio to Matilda Drishell, born Nov. 16, 1802 in Mason Co., Ohio; died Aug. 1863.
          4. Robert Evans, born ; died .
          5. John Evans, born ; died .
          6. Hugh Evans, born ; died . He was a Mississippi River boatman. He did not marry.
          7. James Edward Evans, born ; died 1845. He married Melinda Kendall, born Dec. 22, 1812; died .

        7. [5F3i] Isaiah Applegate, born Dec. 24, 1781 in Allegheny Co., Pa.; died in Harrison Co., Ind. on Apr. 11, 1838. He married Hannah Applegate, born 1779; died Oct. 24, 1868, daughter of Garrett Applegate and Mary Johnson (5F2B). In 1850, she was living with her children. Isaiah received 100 acres of land on Apr. 15, 1801 in Allegheny Co., Pa. from his parents; the same day as his brothers. He sold it on Mar. 8, 1817 and presumably came to Harrison Co., Ind. shortly thereafter.

        8. [5F3H] Rebecca Applegate, born Jan. 15, 1784; died on Aug. 15, 1871 in Brown Co., Ohio. She married on Feb. 2, 1805 to Lines Pangburn, born Sept. 8, 1783; died Sept. 28, 1863, son of William Pangburn (b.1744; died , married Dec. 30, 1770 at 1st Presbyterian Church, Cranbury, NJ) and Hannah FitzRandolph (born Jan. 5, 1746 in Princeton, NJ; died June 11, 1835 in Brown Co., Ohio). Lines and Rebecca lived in Brown Co., Ohio.

        9. [5F3I] Elizabeth Applegate, born in Allegheny Co., Pa. on Jan. 15, 1786; died Feb. 11, 1865. She married William Pangburn, born in NJ on June 10, 1775; died in Clark Co., Ind. on May 26, 1853.

      4. [5F4] Richard Applegate, born c1733 in New Jersey; died 1800 in Scott Co., Ky. He married (1) probably in Albany, NY, to_______Wiggins, born ; died c1779; (2) probably in Allegheny Co., Pa. to Mrs. Rebecca Sparks, born ; died after 1800 probably in Scott Co., Ky. Richard served in the French and Indian War; his name appears on the Muster Roll of Major James Burd's Co., 1st Pa. Regiment on Apr. 2, 1756, aged 23. (Pa. Arch. Vol. 1, 5th Ser., p60. Thomas L. Montgomery, ed. Harrisburg, Pa.; Harrisburg Publ. Co. 1906). Richard was listed among others in Ulster Co., NY in May 1768 where an indictment was drawn up against Cornelius Wood of Newburgh, NY who was fraudulently collecting taxes. On Dec. 24, 1769, Richard Applegate was assigned to prosecute Mr. Wood(Ulster Co., NY Records published in the National Geneal. Soc. Quart. 61, 296(1973). Richard apparently moved his family closer to New Jersey, possibly in Northhampton Co., Pa. about the start of the Revolutionary War. About 1778, Richard enlisted in the Revolutionary War with two of his sons, Benjamin and William. His name appears on the roll on May 14, 1778 in the 6th Batt., Northhampton Co., Pa. Militia. (Pa. Arch. Ser. 5, Vol. 8, p435). Not long afterwards, his first wife died and he placed his son, Daniel, with a "Dutch farmer". After the war, he apparently moved to western Pennsylvania where he married his second wife. They moved to Scott Co., Ky. where he was listed as a member of the Great Crossing Baptist Church on June 1, 1785. He purchased property in Fayette Co., Ky. on Nov. 29, 1789 and was among the inhabitants of Woodford Co., Ky. who petitioned the Virginia Legislature on Oct. 25, 1790 for a division of their county. His will was signed on July 1, 1789 and was probated late in the year 1800. The records of the Great Crossing Baptist Church reported him alive on June 1, 1800; but dead in Nov. 1800.

      5. [5F5] Daniel Applegate, born c1740; died c1812 in Allegheny Co., Pa. He married Mrs. Elizabeth ( Harvey ) Brown, born ; died c1816 in Allegheny Co., Pa., supposedly of German parentage. Her son, Frederick Brown, born Dec. 1, 1759; died , was apparently adopted and considered Daniel's son in his will. Frederick Brown married Christina Smith and their daughter, Ruth Brown, married William Applegate, Daniel's grandson and son of John Applegate. Daniel was apparently under age at his father's death and was bound out to learn "a useful trade". Just when he joined his brothers in Allegheny Co., Pa. is not known, but he probably joined his brothers as soon as he was released from "learning his trade". Daniel is supposed to have served in the Westmoreland Co., Pa. Militia or the Continental Line during the Revolutionary War, but did not receive a pension, probably because he died before the Act of 1818 which was the first act to take care of aging Revolutionary War veterans. He patented his land in Allegheny Co., Pa., calling it "Orchard".

      6. [5F6] Joanna Applegate, born ; died . She married on Mar. 11, 1737 to John Feavel, of Upper Freehold, husbandman, born ; died .

      7. [5F7] Alse Applegate, born ; died .

      8. [5F8] Jomine Applegate, born ; died .

Thus, three Applegate sisters (Ruth, Catherine and Jemina) and their husbands (John, Edward, and Robert) whose paths intersected during the Revolutionary War ended up in Brown County, Ohio.

"Many a tale was told by these three partiots when the log fires leaped high"