Page:History of Delaware County (1856).djvu/51

DELAWARE CaUNTY. 27 Seneca, Steuben, Tioga, Tompkins, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates. The entire population of Tryon county at its formation did not exceed ten thousand whites, and these were exclusively confined to the eastern portion ; of which it may be said that it contained some comparatively, for that early period, flourish- ing settlements. But the reader will do well to bear in mind the distinction between what was called a flourishing settle- ment at that early period and the present time. It needed not then some rich and favoured section of the State, with its railroads, canals, and all the modern improvements of art — with its fine farms, rich farmers, and flourishing mechanics — with its beautiful and stately edifices ; its numerous churches, academies, and school-houses, to merit that appellation. It was rather where the first phase from a savage state to civili- zation had been passed; where a few pioneers had centred together, and where, by dint of unremitting toil, they were enabled to enjoy some of the necessaries and luxuries of life — where, at the close of day, the hardy, toil-weary, care-worn parents assembled with their children around the wide fire- place in the humble log-cottage, in unalloyed enjoyment — there was then no, the rich and the poor ; no the high circle and the low circles ; no superb mansion standing out in con- trast with the humble cottage of the poor. All was unity and harmony; the same feelings swayed every heart — kindness; the same impulses throbbed every soul — hospitality; every thing beat in unison with the spontaneous sentiments of love. Such is a description of a flourishing settlement in the primi- tive history of our country ; and of such we say a few existed in Tryon county at its formation. The county seat was located at Johnstown, a place of early note, as being the resi- dence of the old baronet. Sir William Johnston, a man of military fame; having distinguished himself in the wars of the northwest, with the Indians. He was also His Majesty's