Jefferson
township has existed in its present limits since April, 1850. The first
settlers came about 1798. Robert McDonald and John Mitchell
are
said to have settled near the east line of the township about the same
time. Robert Fruit established the family of that name in this township
early in the following century.
Jefferson township was the seat of many minor industries. The
old Clay furnace, which helped make history in the iron industry of
Pennsylvania, was located on the western edge of the township. Along
the course of Lackawannock creek to its junction with the Shenango at
Big Bend were several mills, among them a woolen mill. The abundant
forest growth and the ample water power of the river and small streams
made lumbering and kindred manufactures profitable occupations.
Big
Bend once aspired to be one of the largest towns of the county. It was
surveyed in June, 1808, by Joseph Morrison, and during the canal days
its prosperity was considerable.
Charleston was platted in 1838
by Henry Campbell. A postoffice was established, called Hill, in March,
1858, the first postmaster being Ephraim Gundy, who was likewise one of
the first merchants of the place.
Source: Twentieth
Century History of Mercer County, 1909, page 171
|
| Transformation of Jefferson Twp. |
| Formed in 1850 from Delaware Twp |
|
|
