Fraternity-Testvériség, 1958 (36. évfolyam, 1-11. szám)

1958-08-01 / 8. szám

6

FRATERNITY

THE HISTORY OF KOSSUTH, PENNSYLVANIA

Kossuth, Pa. — September 8, 1958

At a pleasant little crossroads on U. S. Highway No. 322 — more generally known as the “Lakes to Sea Highway” — Cleveland to New York — are located the Ashland Township School, a private dwelling, a gasoline service station and a small country store, similar to many in rural areas. This one differs in that it bears a sign —

“Kossuth, Pa.

Post Office Established in 1849.”

The history of this little village ties in closely with the development of Ashland Township, Clarion County, in which it is located, from the early part of the 19th century when the first known resident settled here.

In 1812, an act empowering the Governor to incorporate a company for a roadway was enacted, but because of the war, activity was postponed. The survey was finally made in 1818 by General Mead, following generally what was called Mead’s War Trail. Construction started that year and the roadway was completed in 1822. This was known as the Susquehanna-Waterford Turnpike, a toll road. Trees of small and middle size were notched at the roots, five and six at a time, compassed by a chain, and all pulled out together by mules and windlass. The first bridge over the Clarion River was a single span, constructed in 1821 by Moore of Northumberland. As soon as five miles of the road were completed, toll gates were put up to defray expenses. Three of the original mile posts on the old Turnpike are to be found along Route 322 near Kossuth, one of which was dedicated recently by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Stone House, close to Kossuth, erected in 1820 high on a hill with a commanding view, and still standing today in active use, was one of the original toll gates on the Turnpike, and later a stop on the stage coach route after the establishment of such transportation in 1823 by Bennett Brothers. This Turnpike was the main thorofare in northwestern Pennsylvania — Clearfied to Erie — and much of the present Lakes to Sea Highway follows the same route.

At one time the iron industry was predominant in this area, the first furnace in Clarion County having been erected in 1828, and the winter of 1841 having been one of the most stirring. Over 60 teams were employed in hauling the ore to nearby furnaces. In 1845, 31 furnaces were in use in Clarion County, contributing to its being known as “The Iron County”. Parts of old iron furnaces are still to be seen throughout the area.

The Kossuth Post Office was the first established in this section, and while unfortunately for historians, the Clarion County Court House, which had been completed in 1843, was destroyed by fire in 1859, there can be little doubt but that the Post Office was named in honor of Lajos Kossuth, who in that same year had led the revolt (in Vienna) and succeeded in establishing a democratic form of government in Hun-