Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/18

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CHAPTER III.,
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New York in 1770— Total popnlation of the colony at that period— Tryon and Charlotte counties erected— Their extent— Population of Tryon— First settlement German Palatines— Settlements made by them— Heldeburgh Hills— Origin of the name— Schoharie valleyIts settlement— Settlement at Cherry Valley— Privations of the settlers the first winter— Hair-breadth escape from starvation— Succored by a friendly Indian— Nativity of the early settlers— Harper family— Settle in Cherry Valley— Their influence with the Indians Harpers found a new settlement—Called Harpersfield—Obtain a patent—Surveyed—Mrs. Harper, the first white woman in the town—Constructs a log-house with her own hands—The first house in Harpersfield—Privations the following winter—^Providential relief from starvation— Slow progress of the settlement—Reception of new settlers—Settlement in Middletown, before the Revolution — Death of Dumond, by the Schoharie Guard—Brugher shot by the Indians while threshing buckwheat—His son taken prisoner—Release and return of the son to Middletown—Drowned while crossing the Delaware some years after—^Indian villages on the East Branch—Milling stories—Indian hunting-grounds—Beaver; peculiarities of the animal—Ancient apple-trees; anecdotes concerning—Pakatakan, an Indian village—Supposed signification of the name—Tribes of Indians who occupied Papagouck and Pepacton, other Indian villages—Historical communication of Dr. 0. M. Allaben.
CHAPTER IV.,
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Revolution— Early conflicts—Eloquence of Pitt in parliament—Advocates the cause of American rights—His efforts unavailing—Provincial Congress assemble—Eloquent appeal of Patrick Henry — EfiFect of his speech—Resolution of continental congress—George Washington unanimously chosen commander-in-chief of the American forces—His acceptation—Meetings of the inhabitants to express their sentiments—Vigilant committees—Organization of, in Tryon county—Influences brought to bear—Sir Wm. Johnston espouses the royal cause—His sudden death—His successors in oflice—Patriotism of the inhabitants of Harpersfield and Cherry Valley— First