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CATSKILL MOUNTAIN NE \VS. FRIDAY, ,fAN. 8, l$l& •\\ 5* ~-T Catskill Mountain News CLAKKK A. SANFORI), Editor end PuWJihet. TRKMH: ONI', DOLLAR I'F.R YFAR Pnynblo In A4»i>nr». N'n Hiit'-niiitlim (niton for le>a thfin (1 months PUBLISHED EVERY FRIDAY. Subscriber! to Tho News who full to re- r.-ivc ttit-ir pnpor at uny time will oblige m by n'P'lini: ItnmtalstS notice to thin office. Thi oxclmnRp column Is free to ell eubRerib- ei« who art paid In mlv»nc«. Ctijiy for clisnjre of sdvnrtliiemonta mnit rcucli this office Monrlny to lniure Insertion In isptic of current week. How The Village Went Down. We are in receipt of the following letter: We Farmers need awakening to the fact that we have unmistakably reach- ed the period where we must think and plan. I am one of the slow German farmers that had to bo shown, and I am now giving my experience that oth- ers may profit, for knowledge at the school of experience Is more expensive now than ten years ago, Twenty-nine yens apo I began my farm career. 1 had an old team and $&0. Our furniture was mostly home- made from dry-goods boxes, nea.'.y made chairs, cupboards and lounge covered with ten-cent cretonne by my idrl wife. We rented eighty acres. Being n boy of good liablts l got all needed machinery and groceries of our home merchants on credit, until fall crops were sold. The first year was a wet season and 1 didn't make enough to pay creditors. 1 went to each on date of promise and explained conditions, paying as much to each as possible, and they all carried the balance over another year. They con- tinued to accommodate mo until I was able to buy a forty-acre piece of my own. As soon as 1 owned these few acres the mail-order houses began sending me catalogues, and gradually I began sending my loose change to them, let- ting my accounts stand in my home town, where I had gotten my accom- modation when I needed it. We then had one of the thriftiest little villages in the state—good line of business in all branches, merchants who were willing to help an honest fel- low over a bad year, and a town full of people who came twice a week to trade and visit. Our little country town supported a library, high school. band, ball team, and we had big cele- brations every year. A farm near a live town soon doubles in value. 1 sold my forty acres at a big advance and bought an eighty, gradually add- ing to It until I had 200 acres of the best land In Iowa. 1 then felt no need of asking favors, and found it easy to patronize the mail-order agents that came almost weekly to our door. 1 regret to say that I was the first in the county to make up a neighborhood bill and sending it to a mail-order house. Though we not hit every once In a while, we got in tho habit of sending away for stuff. Gradually our merchants lessened their stock of goods—for lack of pat- ronage. Finally we began to realize that when wo needed a bolt quickly for machinery, or clothing for sickness or death, we had to wait and send away for it, which wasn't so pleasant. One by one our merchants moved to places where they were appreciated, and men of less energy moved In, Gradually our town has gone down: our business houses aro \tacky'' in appearance, a number are empty, our schools, churches and wailt.i are going down, we have no band, no library nor ball team. There is no business done In tin; town, and there are no taxes to keep things up. Hotel is closed, for lack of travel. (lo down to the depot when tho freight pulls in and you see the sequel in mail-order packages. Nine years ago my farm was worth ?l!ir, an acre; to-day I'd have a hard matter to sell if at $1G5 an acre. It is \too far from a live town\-—so every farmer has said that wants to buy. He wants a place near schools and churches, where his children can have advantages. I have awakened to the fact that in helping to pull the town down, it has cost me $.1,000 in nine years. Like the majority of farmers, I didu't figure far enough ahead. This son of business means the do- ing away of country towns. What will it mean to farmers to have only a few large cities at a distance of BOO or l.uoo miles? What are we going to do with our (hildren, who are demanding even better advantages than we had? Those cities we help to build return no favors; they take our money but offer no credit in time of need. If we want high schools, etc., we must raise the money and build near our farm homes, or send our boys and girls to tho cities at great expense, amidst temptations of which tho farm has no equal. Niether am I the only awaken log farmer. These mail-order agents that come lo our homes every week are becoming a nuisance and making it unsafe to leave women and children alone on the farm. With farm cordiality we take these strangers in- to our homes, oflen as one of the fam- ily, and we are sometimes paid in hav- ing them entice our girls to the city. Theso aro some facts that need con- sideration, and 1 have decided that tho safest proposition all around, Is for the country people to look alter their own interests, and build up their own country towns that bring value to theif farms. Let those who want lo patronize the city mail-order house go there to live, getting their living where I hey give their patronage. The re- mainder of my life will be givon to building up the home town that I help cd to mill down. Brother farmers, you can tnke my advice or get your knowledge the way 1 got initio.-Iowa Fu in Journal Hans Garbub. JAY GOULD'S HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY C&APTER XIV.—CONCLUDED. In (he mean time Captain Harper was returning' by the way ,,!• CI r V lie\ deeming that the safest route. As he was •ossing the hills'west of the white settlements on 1 he Doh> wnvo he came sudden v in contact with a party ot iitteen Vi ,'n who had benl at the recent battle. To lleo he knew would be death; lie therefore advanced boldly, gave them his hand, and succeeded m making them believe that he was their friend. Their leader he f knew we I, but, fortu- nately, he was not recognized in turn. lie learned Irom them, Iheir disasters at the lake, and learned that they were on their to a white settlement on the Susquehanna, probably lor way md the purpose of murder. He then shook liaiids with thehi, a hastened to a settlement a few miles distant, where a number of armed men-were making maple sugar. Supposing that the savages would encamp at the foot of the hill, on the bank of Schoiievus creek, the Captain had no trouble in persuading them to accompanying him in pursuit of the savages he had met. With two days' provision, they immediately started in pursuit, and just before day the next morning gained the top of the hill above the Indian encampment. Capt. 11. and his men descended, forded the creek, succeeded in laking away the guns of the enemy without awaking them, and took the whole of them prisoners, and safely lodged them in a fort, a few miles distant. Learning from them that (hey had left a party of nineteen in the Charlotte valley, Capt. Harper and his men determined to pursue them. They replendished their pro- visions, commenced their march, and on the second day struck on a fresh Indian trail. They advanced rapidly, and toward evening heard the report of a gun tit some distance in the forest. They then halted to refresh them and wait until the savage foes should encamp for the night. Soon after dark the Captain and his men advanced with the utmost caution 1 , and in about an hour discovered their encampment. Hours glidet slowly away, and yet several of the red men did not lie down. At length all but one appeared to be asleep. A slow ant cautious advance was soon commenced. Every man was instructed in case the Indians aroused, to take his station behind a tree, amid not_ to tire until the enemy came near enough to reach them with the muzzle of his gun. They all s muzzle of tns gun xaniined the priming of their guns and fixed their bayonets securely. A deep silence pervaded the dense forest of hemlock and pine. Not a breeze was perceptible, not, a leaf was moving on the trees. The moments were'full of suspense and deep anxiety. The recent murder of his wife and babe nerved the Captain for the combat. Courage, fearless and strong, nerved every man to death or victory. They drew nearer and nearer, The quick ear of the wakeful-savage soon caught the sound of their foot-stops on the dry leaves. A piercing war whoop started till upon their feet. They seized the arms and stood ready for action; lor a moment no motion agitated the parties, but the beating heart, and the purple current rushing through their veins, with a tenfold velocity. At length the savages commenced a slow and cautious movement towards the Captain and his men. They wor between the tire and the avengers of blood, each of whom marked his victim. Sure and deadly was the aim. Twelve o the warriors fell at the first tire, and three were mortally wounded. The whites advanced and surrounded the survivors. A short and desperate conflict ensued; the neneteen savages were all in a few moments locked in the embrace of death. The Captain and four of his men were wounded, but not dangerously. This tragedy was ended about 1 o'clock in the morning. Exasperated by these misfortunes, the fiendish Brant collected about U00 savage warriors, and made a descent on the fort in Schoharie. It was too strongly fortified to be taken by this force; but there were not men enough to make a sally. Learning their situation, Captain Harper disguised, himself, mounted a horse, and started for Albany to obtain aid. lie passed through the midst of the enemy as a tory by the name of Rosco. In the evening he stopped at a public house for refreslunent, where were several men wliose appearance was suspicious. He went into another room and locked the door. Shortly after, four tories, one of whom had recognized him, demanded entrance. He cocked his pistols, drew his sword, opened the door, and inquired their business. When informed they wished him, he coolly remarked: \Pass that door, and you are dead men.\ He received no further molesta- tion at the house, but was fired at soon after lie resumed his journey, but was not injured. On his arrival at haed quarters, the commander dispatched a squadron of mounted men, who rode all night. The first intimation received in the fort of any assistance, was a furious attack on the enemy by the cavalry, just as the day dawned.—The troops in the garrison immed- iately made a sally; the rout was complete, the slaughter of the Indians dreadful, many of them plunging into the stream, reddening its waters with blood. Harpersfield was named in honor of this said Harper, who resided in this town during the or his the capture. He soon found the trail, and advanced rapidly About five o'clock, when on the top of a bold hill, he discovonx the party in the valley below. The fair captive was still abye, but expected that night would (dose her career forever. Her anticipated happiness had faded away: she thought an jiwfu fate was about to seal her doom. She said in her heart) fare )ther, lover, frinds, resigned herself to icted from the world. The images o her fond parents, her dear brothers, and of him, with whose soul hers had sweetly mingled, all passed in review before her imagination. She could only hope to meet them in heaven. The encampment for the night was soon arranged by the red men, during which, Murphy approached as near as pru- dence would admit, before the mantle of night should cover him, determined that if they attempted any violence to the young ladv, he would immediately rush upon them. With an eagle eye lie watched every motion. They built a large lire, prepared their last supper, find about ten o'clock tied the hands and feet of their prisoner to two poles, and were soon in a pro- found sleep. For a few minutes she struggled, but soon found she was unable to extricate herself. Her bosom heaved with sighs, her eyes rolled wildly in their sockets; she seeme< already on the torturing rack. Our knight was so near, ho could see all this by the light of the tire. It was too much for him to endure. He drew his knife from his scabbard, and ad- vanced with slow and cautious steps. He was soon discovered by the young lady, and motioned her to keep silence. He unbound and removed her and the guns to some distance, and enjoined her to keep silent, and if he became overpowered, to flee for her life; for he had determined to kill his hated foes, or perish in the attempt. With his tomahawk in one hand, and his knife in the other, he returned. Waiting a few mo- ments for their sleep to become more sound, he approachet their muscular frames. He plunged his knife into the hearts of three,—the fourth awoke, aimed a blow at Murphy with his tomahawk, which he parried, and cleft the head of the savage to the brain. As the Indian arose, the heroic gir instead of making her escape, seized a gun and rushed to the aid of her deliverer. But the work was done, and the heroic knight stood contemplating with a species of maniac delight, the quivering bodies, expiring in the agonies of death. The ligerated captive now gazed on the stranger. To her, all was inexplicable mystery. In a few words IK; explained the whole matter, and assured her of his protection back to her habita- tion. She lifted her hands and yes to heaven and exclaimed, \My God reward my benefactor!'' A flood of tears chocked further utterance, she clasped his hands in gratitude, and in- voked her God to command the richest blessings of heaven to rest upon him. That was the happiest moment of Murphy's life. His pleasure was purer and nobler, than if he had gained a crown or conquered a world. The Rubicon passed, he took the blankets, which had not been unpacked, and persuaded his faii^charge to take a little rest, which she much needed, after the'trying scenes she had passed through on that gloomy day. Although sleep came not to her on that memorable night, she felt refreshed when the day dawned. The sun arose in all the beauty of a June morning; not a cloud obscured the sky. They started for the block-house, following the track, where they arrived about three in the afternoon. No one knew that the gallant Murphy had gone in pursuit.of the captured girl. He had listened to their story the morning previous, with apparent indifference, with- out making any reply; concealing his design, fearing it might prove an entire failure. He was half suspected of being tory, and in league with the savages, who had abducted the young girl. He was a stranger, of whose business and distinc- tion they knew nothing. Under such peculiar circumstances, Iheir feelings can be but faintly conceived, much less described. It was a scene of thrilling interest, calculated to awaken the finest feelings of the human heart, the loftiest tones of unal- loyed gratitude. The next morning he left them, under a shower of invoked blessings and benedictions, and proceeded to his place of destination. He arrived safely in the neighborhood of the Mohawk river, where he killed several of the red men, and narrowly escaped being killed himself. Ashe was lying in ambush'he disco- vered an Indian, who from his actions he believed to be alone, and at once he shot him. Instantly two brawny warriors rush- ed upon him with uplifted tomahawks. One he brought to the ground, from the contests of the barrel of his rifle; the other advanced and aimed a blow at his head, which ho warded oil\ and plunged his knife o the heart of the savage. lie at once retreated to the fort at Schoharie, for fear he might in turn be ambushed. From thence he again returned to his friends at the block-house, and found them in great dis- tress. About two hours previous to his arrival two men, who were at work in the corn-field, had been taken by a party of Indians. The number of savages was not known; there were but five remaining at the place with them. Murphy com- menced an immediate but cautious pursuit. Early in the evening they dicovered the fire of their encampment, and discovered eight warriors who were preparing a war dance, and to wreak their vengeance upon their unhappy captives. As their preparations increased, Murphy and his comrades drew nearer. The prisoners were bound to a tree, around ORNRRAL AuVWRTlSINO niWTCHAT. AI)VRn'. Revolution, and enjoyed the esteem and respect of a valuable services in the Revolution. Harpersfield in Ohio was settled by his descendants, and named after him. We will now return to Murphy. Fromithe time of the battle of I'tsayantho, (liaprcrsfield,) he commenced fighting on his own hook. His thirst for revenge knew no bounds. He was a man of great muscular power, near six feet in height, of an iron constitution, and swifter on foot than any one thai ever pursued him. He obtained a double-barrelled rifle of the best kind. He carried the tomahawk and scalping-knife he ten took on the night he and Captain Harper killed the and could use them all as skilfully as any Mohawk. became a terror to the red men. His many iniraculou and bold exploits led them to believe that he was pro the Great Spirit. He hovered around them like a many of their braves fell beneath his brawny arm. most of his time in the woods alone, seeking his hated foe. '. Ik never hesitated to attack a party of three Indians, and not un- frequently dispatched the whole. His courage was as cool as his revenge was direful. Such was Murphy, a revenging foe of the red man—with a warm heart for his friends. The next day after the battle at the lake, lie prepared him- self, and pursued a party of Indians that retreated down the Delaware. On the 2d night, ho came in sight of their encamp- ment, and by the light of the fire, counted twenty-seven war- riors, some of whom were evidently wounded, lit! determined to wait until all was quiet, and make their hiunber less b\ one. This he effected about midnight, and retreated without hoi Indians, He soon i escapes ected by vulture; He spent pursued, as tin until he dispatdied his friends, who received him with joyfu fallen into the hands of his butchering int • night was quiet dark. He followed this party six of their number, when he returned to had .ted marts, tearing in ot;. They entri or, but all in lini to desist from such exposure to dan lie rested under an oath, and most fearfully aid lie per desired no angel's tear to blot it from tjje record, liands, but put upon it a high prize. ins knapsack ami started for fl fe m Ins then ivplenislieU vain, oriu it. ie held Mi his li He ....,, •. pn infill u urn i\uti|Mui;iv iiiui Marten ior Hie lulls bordering on the Mohawk river. On the 2nd day he arrived at a settlement of whites, who were much distressed for the loss of one of their number a few hours before. Early in the morning, a young lady had ventured outside the blockhouse uolk a cow, when four savages suddenly sprang upon her, dragged her to the woods. Her cries were heard, her ure eft a few days pro- to and _ frantic friends could see her struggles, but dared not venti the men who were able, had out, as a vious for the northern army, amoving whom were her fafhei two brothers, and a young officer, to whom she was no married in with grief, and Hiring beneath a short time. Her motl gave up her child as lost, lless hand of the the ru'thh engaged to ler was overwhelmed She fancied her ex- _- „. ... barbarians, perhaps writhing under the agonies of a slow lire, surround nions in human shape, drowning her crios with yells, No other heart beat higher or warmer for did that of Murphy. Like;a knight of chivalry h' pursuit. It was t' t-et ed i»y tie- their savage woman, than darLd off in \id elapsed sinci them faggots were placed; for the fire was to cap the climax oi the festivity of the savages. Dreadful must have been the sufferings of the victims, now beyond the reach of hope, and about to be tortured by a slow fire. The firing of the faggots was made the signal of attack. At length the blazing torch was raised, the heroic party rushed upon the Indians, placed the muzzles of their guns to their heads, and blew them into fragments. Six of them were instantly killed, and the next moment the spirits of the other two joined their companions, in their journey through the air. The deliverance of the captives was unexpected, as it was joyful and soul-cheering. Of such thrilling scenes, nothing but experience can convey a correct idea, or draw a faithful picture. On the next day the party reached the block-house, where high-beating hearts and convulsed bosoms were awaiting the result of the bold expedi- tion. With open arms and joyful hearts the wives embraced their husbands, a Hood of tears spake the feelings of their enraptured souls, with an eloquence unknown to words. Murphy was the hero, who richly merited and warmly received the gratitude of all. In the same manner this enraged Irish- man, who was known by the cognomen of Indian-killer, con- tinued to harass and murder the Indians, until they were driven from their ancient haunts. To relate all his wonderful exploits would require a volume. He had many hair breadth escapes, was never taken prisoner, but once with Harper, nor dangerously wounded. He was much dreaded and feared by the Indians. He had a grat desire to wreak his vengeance on Brant. But that murderous tory always remained with the main force, and cautiously avoided danger. For the Indian warriors, Murphy had no sympathy. The squaws and papooses he never molested, nor would he stoop to sacrifice any but their fighting men. To the day of his death, he indulged in feelings of the most direful revenge toward the natives of the forest. At the restoration of peace, Murphy married and ssttled in Schoharie, but, in a few yars after that period, he lived on the Charlotte, bordering on Harpersfield, and remained there until his death, which is about twelve miles, as .ludson says, from I'tsayantho, or llarpcrsliold, where the battle was fought, which place he often revisited, until prevented by old age. It was there, that I often listened to his stories. That ground been enriched by the blood and moistened by the tears hundreds. During the Revolution three pitched battles fought there between the whites ami Indians, the hist of which was so disastrous to the red men, that they abandoned thai ground to their enemy, the whites. In that' beautiful valley now improved by cultivation, Murphy always appeared mated, and would \light his battles over again. of past life, with all their dreadful and thrillii would rush upon his meniorv, and often have I tears chasing each other rapidly down the furrows of Ins win worn checks. He lived to the age of about seventv-iivt beloved and esteemed by all, when hi, final leave of this world of vicissitude moulder in Schoharie, near where the i-tone is reared to tell |\ lirave inquisitive st| urn ol were am- he scenes ng interest, seen the big took its Iis_hones ot a rifvntijMlfld-. \' H. 1)3 tgaretville, .JNe A General Clearance Ladies' and Misses Coats and Suits Also Men's Overcoa Very Attractive Prices. Halpern Bros Margaretville & Griffin C< WHY NOT 1NVESTIGA It costs an owner nothing to consu on a Plumbing or Keating proposition does it obligate him to employ me, 1 does put him in a position to ascertai what I can do for my clients, and chances are largely in lavor of the intei being a profitable one both for the o and myself. Now is the time to have your HEATING PLANT put in order. FRED AYRES, Plumbing and Heatinj Margaretvill I Bell 'Phopie I; V. IN YOUR GRAND- FATHER'S DAY tlilB company was tt Its bcKlnnlnir. Ho lias Boon II r.row i.mil today Hub-Murk Rubbers aro tin- I'undurd of excel jenco, Building uppn tho solid rock of thorough r- (.<iin -M. lite factory ban expanded from a raodesl structure lo the largest ami best equipped, factory lit tho world. Hub-.Markn meet the i (acting demand for rubbers that fit and wear. Prom the selection of tbo irude rubber to the sclentiHc manipulation of ln- grodlentl and fabrics for the best lining) and intcrllidnuH, tho watch word l« perfection. That IIub-Muik perfection means maximum 0C01 >\»/ and .HI: i.i. M..11 to tho wearer. Muy \Hub-Mark\ to tho Horcman tvhtn yoi buy rubbers. They cost no more than any standard, llrat quality (foods. Hub-Mark rubln r footwear for men. women, boys nnd trlrhi Is backed by i sixty your reputation for Integrity and a vlricsro dutermlnallun to bold that reputation, These rubbers aro manufactured by the liqtturt Hub- bcr Shoe Company, Maiden, Mass. THE HUB-MARK IS YOUR VAI4 FOR SALE BY __ S. KORN, Arkville, & L. EUSSY & CO., Ma Motion Pictures at the Opera,House, Tomorrow Evening. Five Kxct-lhl.t !' > is will be sli iu. T. WINTER, Margaretville, N. Y. Insurance That Insures. In Best Companies and NO Aj |;.-ntial 1'iacAa Geor^g lasbrouck
