Book Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1895 edition. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER ELEVENTH. LACKAWANNA COUNTY-S INCEPTION. The First Agitation--Condition of the Upper Townships--Selfish Antagonism-- The Project of -43-- Merrificld Starts the Ball -- Mr. Dunning-s Experiences--Some Premature Rejoicing--The Constitutional Convention -- A Son Takes up His Father.s Work --The "Sinews of War " --A Spirited Canvass and Victory -- A Speech of Rejoicing--The Location of the Court House-- Laying of the Corner Stone -- The Story of a Memorable Banquet. DEGREESHE story of the early efforts to secure a division of Luzerne County, and erect what has since become proud Lackawanna, with Scranton as its county seat, is one that dates back more than half a century, and is replete with interest, because it involves some bits of history concerning almost every man who was alive to the situation, when the possible development of this valley began to be seriously discussed. Several of those who were most active have lived to see the fruition of their labors, which ofttime seemed Sisiphean, and can recall with the utmost satisfaction the determined fight which they had to make against most adverse conditions. Three years before I came into the valley, the question of a division had begun to be agitated, and a sentiment was beginning to crystalize in what afterwards proved a sea of dissension for more than forty years. It generated two distinctive parties, which were constituted without regard to political affiliation, and Proteous-like, appeared in all the guises of opposition and obstruction that the selfish politicians of Wilkes-Barre could devise. The upper townships were almost a unit as to the propriety of separation. The only communication with the county seat was by the triweekly stage, the tedious wagon, or over the rough road on...