men of his time, having been county commissioner, sheriff and seven times a member of the Pennsylvania legislature. He was also the first president of the Wyoming (now the Wyoming National) bank of this city. He married Nancy Buckingham, of Windham, Conn.

Col. Charles Dorrance was born January 4, 1805, and died at the old family home in Dorranceton, January 18, 1892. At the time of his death one of the oldest representatives of one of the most prominent pioneer families in the valley, a direct descendant of one of the noblest lives sacrificed in the Wyoming battle on the fateful day of July 3, 1778, and one into whose veins the patriotic blood of patriotic ancestry infused a spirit akin to theirs, which kept their early struggles and hardships ever fresh in his mind and filled him with a desire to honor their memory in public exercises on each recurring anniversary of their sacrifice. The spirit was finally inspiration for the organization of the Wyoming Commemorative association, which, beginning with the 3d of July, 1878, has annually held appropriate exercises on the monument grounds, conducted by the Colonel as president of the association --a position which he filled from the time of its organization until his death. was proud of his ancestry, proud of their self-sacrificing devotion to homes and country, and in his declining years manifested a desire not only to do them honor himself, but to inspire those younger than he with the same patriotic impulse, so that when he should have passed away there would be others to take up his work and continue it with the same zeal that had characterized his efforts in its behalf.

He was born and always lived in the old homestead, surrounded by a beautiful farm of generous and productive acres, and his home has ever been one of the pleasantest and most attractive in the valley, noted for its hospitality, always offering a hearty, whole-souled welcome to the guest and imparting to the visitor the same genial, comforting feeling enjoyed by all the members of his household.

While he never sought official position, he was still more or less a public man and felt a keen interest in all that pertained to the public good. One whose wise counsels were largely sought, he exerted an influence upon almost all with whom he came in contact, and his life was one of industrious activity and marked success.

His military title, which he carried for about fifty years, was won in service with the Wyoming Volunteers, having risen from the position of captain through the successive grades to the rank of colonel. He was for a number of years one of the prison commissioners of Luzerne county, his appointment having been the last official act of Judge Conyngham, and served as president of the board during his several terms. At the time of his death he was president of the Wyoming National bank and of the Wilkes-Barre Bridge company, both of which positions he had held for many years, discharging their duties with marked ability. Both prospered under his wise and judicious guidance. The Wyoming National bank is to-day one of the most stable institutions of its kind in the country, and the son, as its head, proved a worthy successor to the father who preceded him by more than half a century.

It may be said of Col. Dorrance that those who knew him best found most in him to admire. Beneath an exterior that may at times have appeared cold and indifferent, there was a warm-hearted, generous and sympathetic nature, and while his charity was not of the ostentatious kind, it may not be said that a truly worthy subject was ever turned from his door empty handed, and many there are who have cause to cherish grateful remembrance of him for kindnesses that he had done. His friendship was stable and lasting, he recognized worth whenever and in whomsoever he found it, and in his mind industry, integrity and honesty of purpose were cardinal virtues and passports to admiration and favor.

Of his family surviving he left a widow, who was Susan E. Ford, youngest daughter of Hon. James Ford, of Lawrenceville, Pa., and five children-four sons and a daughter: Benjamin F. and J. Ford Dorrance, of Dorranceton; John, of

Keytesville, Chariton county, Mo.; Charles, of Chicago, and Mrs. Sheldon Reynolds, of this city, to whom, besides a generous bequest of worldly possessions, he leaves an honored name and the record of an unusually long life of business activity, indomitable energy, supreme usefulness and flattering prosperity.

The first time the writer of these lines ever saw Col. Dorrance he was presiding over the regular annual meeting of the Wyoming Commemorative association, July 3, 1891, at the base of the monument on the ground where is the dust of the fallen heroes. The grand old man, eloquent in every movement on the anniversary of that memorable day, and prophetic too in warning those younger men present that he was with them for the last time, at least officially, if not in propria persona, his noble face kindled with the fire of patriotism as he referred to the sacred ashes beneath the pyramid of stone above them. He counseled the younger generation to take up the good work that he was about to quit, and at each succeeding celebration to kindle anew the signal fires of liberty and patriotism. I could not but think that were it possible for the dead to know something of the movements upon earth-to see their descendants gathered at the base of their mausoleum, with this noble lineal representative of Col. George Dorrance presiding over the exercises of the day--they would know that the noble sacrifices of noble men were not in vain.

Col. Mathias Hollenback was a native of Virginia, who heard of this wonderful valley and came to see it; a born merchant and trader, and by association and a strong love of justice and liberty, became in a brief time a prominent "Connecticut settler."

In 1771, when the whole white population on the east side of the river occupied a stockade at the point where Mill creek unites with the Susquehanna, Mr. H., then aged eighteen, was one of its inhabitants. Huts were erected around the inside against the upright timbers. One was possessed by Capt. Zebulon Butler; next in the row was the store, containing the humble beginnings of the object of this notice. A boarding hut, having two rooms, was the third in order, kept by Dr. Sprague, Mr. Nathan Denison, a young bachelor from Stonington, making one of the family. On the enlistment of two independent companies being directed at Westmoreland, congress appointed Mathias Hollenback an ensign. Sergt. Williams used to take pleasure in relating the battle at Millstone, and the daring spirit exhibited by Ensign H., when he led and cheered his men, wading the river waist deep to attack the British regulars, insuring victory. When danger to Wyoming became imminent, and congress turned a deaf ear to pressing calls for protection, throwing up his commission he returned, not to avoid, but to meet danger. The skill acquired by eighteen months' service in camp was imparted to the militia, and his undaunted and elastic spirit infused into all around him. When the invasion came, when that terrible descent was made by Butler and his savage allies, when the war tocsin rung, and the alarm trumpet sounded from hill to hill, calling to battle, young Hollenback was among the foremost who sprang to arms and prepared to meet the foe. Our little army was composed chiefly of aged, or very young men, hastily called together. An enemy, fearful for his numbers, and terrible for his ferocity, was descending upon them. A vast distance and howling wilderness intervened between the settlement and any hope of assistance. I was indeed the moment to try the firmness of a soldier. Nearly all who were able to bear arms assembled; and Mr. Hollenback took his station in the midst of them. But two, or nearer three to one, was hopeless odds; while the right under our gallant Butler, where Hollenback was stationed, was advancing, the left, outflanked by hordes of savages, was compelled to give way. Thrown into confusion, the retreat became a rout, which no human courage or conduct could arrest. Mr. Hollenback was among those who escaped to the river. Expert in all manly exercises, he swam to Monocacy island, and then to the eastern shore. Foreseeing the necessity of instant aid from abroad, mounting his horse, he rode all night, gave information to Capt. Spalding's company, which so tardily had been

permitted to advance, and with praiseworthy thoughtfulness, rapidly returned, laden with bread, for the relief of the flying widows and their suffering children. Imparting a saving morsel to one, and then hastening on to another starving group, he came, said the ancient people, "like an angel of mercy." Ever prompt at the call of duty, Mr. Hollenback was actively engaged in collecting the remains of the slain, and giving them the most decent burial circumstances at that time permitted. On the passage by the Connecticut assembly of a resolve, allowing Wyoming to make their own powder, Mr. Hollenback was looked to, to provide the requisite machinery. His arrival with the "Pounders" was spoken of by Mrs. Jenkins, with exultation, as an important event, for previously powder for the settlement was (chiefly) brought from Connecticut on horseback. After the enemy retired Mr. Hollenback was among the first to return and resume his former business. His shrewdness, foresight and enterprise soon had laid the sure foundation of his fortune. He was the first to establish a line of stores from Wilkes-Barre to the Genesee, along the Susquehanna river, and no man was better known through lower New York and all over northern Pennsylvania. At every principal point he established a store, and at such place would open a farm-carrying merchandise and commerce hand in hand. most valuable man in the frontier community; his large views and public spirit were nearly invaluable in their time. After the contention over the soil here had ceased, he received many marks of favor from the Pennsylvania authorities. He was connected with the early militia of the county and from this circumstance received his military title, but he was more widely known in the later years of his life as "Judge" Hollenback. On the organization of Luzerne county he was chosen one of the associate judges-a position he filled nearly forty years, to the hour of his death. He was a noted friend of public improvements, and no man watched with keener interest the building of the canal up the river. He was a rough, strong man of large ideas and swift performance. Born February 15, 1752, he died February 18, 1829, aged seventy-seven years.

A

Col. John Jenkins was the son of John Jenkins, a magistrate and surveyor. Responsive to the first whisper of independence, the people of the valley assembled in town meeting to proclaim their hearty approval of the movement. The presiding officer at that meeting was Col. Jenkins; he was moderator, and in common with the other patriots assembled, devoted their lives and their sacred honor to the great cause of their fellow-man. Of that meeting and its resolves in behalf of liberty, Hon. Charles Miner has well said: "I would rather have those patriotic votes to show, as the work of an ancestor of mine, than the proudest patent of nobility ever granted by a king."

Col. John Jenkins was appointed tax collector, but was enrolled for military duty and was actively employed from first to last. He served the people with ability and fidelity in the Connecticut general assembly, when this was Westmoreland county. His neat and accurate records of surveys from Wilkes-Barre extending a considerable distance into New York, are the never-failing authority of civil engineers to this day. He was a democrat and nearly worshiped his ideal, Thomas Jefferson, while his friend and much a close companion in all those times that tried men's souls, Col. John Franklin, was an enthusiastic federalist. Here their political lines parted, but on the great question of liberty and human rights they were as the steel and magnet.

Of his capture while on a scouting expedition near Wyalusing, has been told on a preceding page. After a long and cruel captivity he returned and was the first to bring positive information of the invasion. The joy of the people at his safe return was turned to sudden gloom by the cloud then seen to be gathering in the north. He had been only recently married when captured. Mrs. Bertha Jenkins lived to the age of eighty-four years; died in 1841.

After the battle of Wyoming he joined Capt. Spalding's company and came in

with him under the command of Col. Butler. When the troops had advanced to the second mountain, within five or six miles of Wilkes-Barre, two parties were detached of ten men each, under Ensign M. Hollenback, to go down between the mountains and strike the valley opposite Nanticoke falls; the other, under Lieut. Jenkins, to go northerly and strike the river at Lackawanna. Ensign Hollenback saw a party of savages, who fled to their canoe; a shot from one of his rifles wounded an Indian, who sprang into the river, but was buoyed up by his friends till they reached the opposite shore, when he was carried off whether dead or alive, could not be ascertained. One of our men, bravely, perhaps rashly, swam the river, found marks of blood, took the canoe as a trophy, and returned to his companions. Ensign Hollenback then marched up to Wilkes-Barre and met the main body. Lieut. Jenkins, on arriving at the river at Pittston, wheeled to march down, when he encountered a party of the enemy. His orders were prompt, his conduct spirited. At the head of his men he advanced; they fired on the Indians, but their retreat was too rapid. A person with him assured us that the conduct of Jenkins showed that he was of true courage, an undoubted soldier-a character which he sustained throughout the war. Congress confirmed his appointment-issued his commission. -and he continued in active service till peace.

In 1779, when Gen. Sullivan advanced into the Indian country, Lieut. Jenkins was selected, for his activity, zeal, and knowledge of the country, for one of his guides; the arduous and responsible duty he performed in a satisfactory manner. Lieut. Jenkins was in the decisive battle of Newtown, and among the most efficient and useful officers of his grade in that campaign. He was always at the post of duty, of danger and of honor; and left the service, at its close, with the reputation of a faithful patriot and good soldier.

When peace came Mr. Jenkins became an active surveyor, and followed his compass, both in the Genesee country, and on the waters of the Susquehanna. In civil and political affairs he took an active part, and possessed a large share of public confidence. He held various civil and military offices in Luzerne-was commissioner of the county, member of assembly, colonel of militia, etc. When the great division in parties took place, Col. Jenkins zealously espoused the democratic side-while his distinguished friend and rival, Col. Franklin, took an active part with the federal party. For many years these two famous champions maintained a prominent lead, and were, in a good measure, the rallying points of the different parties. It was huzza for Col. Jenkins! Huzza for Col. Franklin! Both were respected, both beloved, both were men of unquestionable public virtue, capacity and patriotism.

Col. Jenkins died in April, 1827, aged seventy-three. In person he was of middle hight, stout, well-proportioned, framed for strength, endurance and activity combined; extremely hospitable, remarkably clever, yet grave, almost to austerity, in his looks when in thought or not speaking, but when animated in conversation there was patent the open window of a noble soul.

Col. George Palmer Ransom, son of Capt. Samuel Ransom, was hardly fourteen years of age at the commencement of the war of the Revolution, yet he was among the first to shoulder his musket and go forth to battle for freedom. In the dead of winter, in 1777, as a member of his father's company, he marched out to join Washington's army. Capts. Ransom's and Durkee's companies, when they were sent to Washington had about eighty men each; attached to no regiment or brigade, but acted as independent, and were, therefore, always in the more exposed and dangerous positions. They went to Morristown by way of Stroudsburg; thence to Millstone. The enemy were at Brunswick, about an hour's march distant. The enemy came out in considerable force to forage, carrying three pieces of cannon. They were attacked, routed and forty-seven wagons and 130 horses taken from them. In the engagement Justice Porter was almost cut in two by a cannon ball. Capt. Ran

som brought to Wilkes-Barre one of the wagons as a trophy. The property captured was divided among the soldiers and amounted to about $4. each. The two independent companies during the following summer suffered much from sickness. Colton, Worden, Austin and James Smith had returned or were on a furlough. The companies were at Brandywine and Germantown and the bombardment of Mud fort, and then stationed at Woodbury, and a portion of them on detached duty, and exposed to the enemy's hottest fire, where Constant Matthewson, of Ransom's command, was killed. They wintered at Valley Forge. The news now began to reach them of the threatened invasion, and some of the men came home, some of the officers resigned, and the two companies were consolidated and placed under Capt. Simon Spalding.

Young Ransom remained with Capt. Spalding, and without the saying, one can well imagine what a heavy heart he had when he bade his father good-by, as he was about to return to his home and the defence of his fireside. They were their last words together on earth. Capt. Samuel Ransom was but forty-one years of age when his noble life was the bloody sacrifice upon the sacred altars of home and liberty. Capts. Ransom and Durkee live forever! Linked together in immortality, as in life in the service of your fellow-man, your chivalry and endurance were not in vain!

Capt. Spalding's company, with whom was Private Ransom, was on the day of the battle, July 3, at Merwine's, and met the flying inhabitants, and in. August, under Col. Butler, marched into Wilkes-Barre. Ransom was present for duty and served in all of Gen. Sullivan's expeditions, and was in the battle of Newtown.

The gallant young soldier was taken prisoner by the British in December, 1780. An old man named Harvey, and Bullock, Frisby, Cady and Elisha Harvey were taken at the same time. From a diary kept by the young man it is learned that he was taken in February, 1781, to Canada, forty-five miles above Montreal, on the St. Lawrence, on an island, where were 166 Americans, guarded by tories. All were subjected to the most cruel and brutal treatment; scourged, flogged, starved and exposed to the bitterest weather, without bedding and sufficient clothing. He then says:

"We remained here till the 9th day of June, when myself and two others, James Butterfield and John Brown, made our escape from the island and laid our course for Lake Champlain. The 11th, at noon, we came to the lake, and three days after we got to a settlement at Hubbertston, Vt.-the next day to Castleton, to a fort from that to Pultney, where I had an uncle living. My companions went on to Albany, and there proclaimed the cruelty of the Scotch officer. It was published in the papers; a flag was dispatched to remonstrate against such abuse of our men, and we had the pleasure to hear, not long after, that MacCalpin was tried and broke, the prisoners being called as witnesses against him.

"After visiting his relations at Canaan, Conn., of which he was a native, Mr. Ransom returned to Wyoming, and soon after joined his company, attached to Col. Butler's regiment, stationed at West Point, where he remained till honorably discharged, at the close of the war.

"From that time to this (1845) Mr. Ransom resided at Plymouth, upon the beautiful Shawnee flats, perhaps the richest portion of Wyoming. He was called by the votes of his fellow-citizens to command the regiment, which his knowledge of military tactics well fitted him to maneuver and discipline. Having served his country during the dark hours of the Revolutionary contest long and faithfully, unambitious of office, he lived respected and beloved. Hardships endured while in the service, combined with age, affected his limbs, so that he helped himself along with two short staves or crutches.

He was strongly made, broad chested, and active in early life. He sprang quickly and he moved fast who got ahead of him then. His life and cheerfulness in the most gloomy hour diffused itself in good humor and spirit through the whole company.