of the Pittsburg steamboats, and the termination of the stage and packet routes for Cleveland. A fine bridge connects it with Rochester, and immediately beneath the bridge is a dam across the Beaver, forming the slackwater steamboat navigation to Fallston; and also creating an immense water power, at an ordinary stage of water in the Ohio river. Pop. 634.

ROCHESTER, formerly known as Bolesville, is directly opposite Bridgewater. The Pennsylvania and Ohio canal, connecting at Akron with the Ohio canal, and also the Pennsylvania canal to Erie, both have a common termination at this point. There is a depot of canal boats and steamboats here, many of which are owned here. The location is healthy and elevated, presenting a fine view of the surrounding villages and rivers. Population from 300 to 400. A considerable forwarding business is done here between Pittsburg and Ohio.

PHILLIPSBURG, directly opposite the mouth of Beaver, on the left bank of the Ohio river, was formerly owned by Messrs. Phillips and Graham, and connected with an extensive steamboat yard; but in April, 1832, Count De Leon and his associates, having seceded from the society at Economy, purchased the place, and occupied it with a German population, calling it New Philadelphia. They held it in common for a short time; but since the dissolution of their society, they live in families, with separate interests, pursuing the industrious and frugal course by which that people are generally characterized. Pop. 338. After thus disposing of Phillipsburg, Messrs. Phillips and Graham removed their steamboat yards to the opposite side of the Ohio, about two miles above, and started the village of

FREEDOM-the first beginnings of which are thus chronicled in the Beaver Argus, of May, 1832:

Rapid Work.-Messrs. Phillips and Graham purchased a tract of land from Gen. Lacock, on the Ohio river, on Monday of last week, laid out a town on Tuesday, and built fourteen houses in four succeeding days. At this place they intend establishing their ship-yard."

The place thus commenced now contains several manufactories; one for steam-engines and boilers; a boat-yard, where some of the largest and finest of steamboats were built, such as the St. Louis, Meteor, Gen. Pratt, and many others. There is a bend of the Ohio just at this place, and the village being built upon a hill gently sloping up from the river bank, presents a very lively appearance to the passengers coming down the river. Pop. 384.

ECONOMY is a German settlement on the right bank of the Ohio, 18 miles below Pittsburg, belonging to the Harmony Society. The village is arranged with broad rectangular streets, two parallel with the Ohio, and four crossing them. The log houses originally constructed have been replaced with neat frame or brick houses, of uniform size and at proper distances from each other. Each house has its garden, with shade trees and a pretty bower of vines around the door. A stranger is struck with the air of neatness without show which pervades every street.

The annexed view exhibits, on the right, one end of the large hall used for a museum, cabinet, &c. The upper story consists of one room called the Social Hall, where the whole society dine together in celebration of their yearly harvest-home, and other great occasions. A little beyond the hall on the same side is the residence of the venerable founder,

George Rapp. On the other side are seen the tower of the church, and several of the dwelling-houses. At the church the members meet twice on Sunday, and once on an evening during the week. Mr. Rapp delivers the discourse in the German language, which is generally spoken, although many members are acquainted with the English. A fine band of music, composed of many members, occasionally entertains the community with

a concert.

Their large flocks of sheep, cattle, horses, hogs, &c., all of good stock, are regularly taken care of, and stabled in winter, and are said to compare favorably with any in the west. In agriculture they are not surpassed, and their immense fields of grain, meadows, orchards, vineyards, nurseries of mulberry and fruit trees, elicit the admiration of all visiters. Each department of business is headed by a foreman, who is responsible to uphold the standing regulations, and act impartially to all members in the distribution of the necessaries of life.

The following history of the society is derived from various articles in Hazard's Register, and from verbal communications to the compiler:

"Mr. George Rapp and his followers, who now constitute the society at Economy, emigrated to this country from Wirtemburg in the province of Swabia; having left there, as they assert, on account of persecution for their religious opinions. Mr. Rapp arrived in this country in the year 1803, a year in advance of his followers, to look out a body of land on which to settle them. Accordingly he purchased a quantity of land in Butler co., and in a short time afterwards the company settled and improved it, and built a town which they called Harmony. They laid out a vineyard, built mills, raised sheep, and erected a large cloth manufactory, with which they succeeded well. But having the cultivation of the grape very much at heart, which appeared not to do so well as they wished, their merino sheep likewise not thriving so well, they transfer. red themselves to the state of Indiana, near the Wabash, where the climate was supposed to be more congenial to these leading objects of their wishes. Governed by these considerations, they bought a large body of land, sold their establishment at Harmony, and went down the river to the new purchase. There they cleared the land, built a beautiful village, erected a cotton and woollen manufactory, a brewhouse, a distillery and steam-mill. After remaining there some time, it was discovered that the change of climate and unhealthiness of the country called for a speedy retreat.

"The society therefore determined to return to Pennsylvania, and pursuant to that resolution purchased a large body of land on the Ohio, in Beaver co., about 18 miles below Pittsburg; here they commenced their operations about three years ago, (1825.) They cleared a spot of ground, on which they have built a handsome town, now consisting of about 130 houses; among these are

an elegant church, a large woollen and cotton manufactory, a store, a tavern, a large steam-mill, a brewery, distillery, tanyard, and various other workshops. Besides this they have a large and commodious house built for a concert-hall, of 120 ft. by 54 ft., arched underneath, in which they have a museum of natural curiosities, a collection of minerals, a mathematical school, a library, and a drawing school. They purchase from 60 to $70,000 worth of wool, and about 20 or $30,000 worth of other articles from the surrounding country, for manufacture and consumption." The Duke of Saxe Weimar, who visited the colony about the year 1826, says

"At the inn, a fine large frame house, we were received by Mr. Rapp, the principal, at the head of the community. He is a gray-headed and venerable old man; most of the members emigrated 21 years ago from Wirtemburg along with him.

"The elder Rapp is a large man of 70 years old, whose powers age seems not to have diminished; his hair is gray, but his blue eyes, overshadowed by strong brows, are full of life and fire. Rapp's system is nearly the same as Owen's community of goods, and all members of the society work together for the common interest, by which the welfare of each individual is secured. Rapp does not hold his society together by these hopes alone, but also by the tie of religion, which is entirely wanting in Owen's community; and results declare that Rapp's system is the better. No great results can be expected from Owen's plan; and a sight of it is very little in its favor. What is most striking and wonderful of all is, that so plain a man as Rapp can so successfully bring and keep together a society of nearly 700 persons, who, in a manner, honor him as a prophet. Equally so for example is his power of government, which can suspend the intercourse of the sexes. He found that the society was becoming too numerous, wherefore the members agreed to live with their wives as sisters. All nearer intercourse is forbidden, as well as marriage; both are discouraged. However, some marriages constantly occur, and children' are born every year, for whom there is provided a school and a teacher. The members of the community manifest the very highest degree of veneration for the elder Rapp, whom they address and treat as a father. Mr. Frederick Rapp is a large good-looking personage, of 40 years of age. He possesses profound mercantile knowledge, and is the temporal, as his father is the spiritual chief of the community. All business passes through his hands; he represents the society, which, notwithstanding the change in the name of residence, is called the Harmony Society, in all their dealings with the world. They found that the farming and cattle raising, to which the society exclusively attended in both their former places of residence, were not suffi ciently productive for their industry, they therefore have established factories.

"The warehouse was shown to us, where the articles made here for sale or use are preserved, and I admired the excellence of all. The articles for the use of the society are kept by themselves, as the members have no private possessions, and every thing is in common; so must they in relation to all their personal wants be supplied from the common stock. The clothing and food they make use of is of the best quality. Of the latter, flour, salt meat, and all long keeping articles are served out monthly; fresh meat, on the contrary, and whatever spoils readily, is dis. tributed whenever it is killed, according to the size of the family, &c. As every house has a gar. den, each family raises its own vegetables, and some poultry, and each family has its own bake oven. For such things as are not raised in Economy, there is a store provided, from which the members, with the knowledge of the directors, may purchase what is necessary, and the people of the vicinity may also do the same.

"Mr. Rapp finally conducted us into the factory again, and said that the girls had especially requested this visit, that I might hear them sing. When their work is done they collect in one of the factory rooms, to the number of 60 or 70, to sing spiritual and other songs. They have a peculiar hymn-book, containing hymns from the Wirtemburg psalm-book, and others written by the elder Rapp. A chair was placed for the old patriarch, who sat amidst the girls, and they commenced a hymn in a very delightful manner. It was naturally symphonious and exceedingly well arranged. The girls sang four pieces, at first sacred, but afterwards, by Mr. Rapp's desire, of a gay character. With real emotion did I witness this interesting scene. The factories and workshops are warmed during winter by means of pipes connected with the steam-engine. All the workmen, and especially the females, had very healthy complexions, and moved me deeply by the warm-hearted friendliness with which they saluted the elder Rapp. I was also much gratified to see vessels containing fresh sweet-smelling flowers standing on all the machines. The neatness which universally reigns here, is in every respect worthy of praise."

Since the visit of Saxe Weimar Mr. Frederick Rapp has died; the venerable father still governs the society.

In every thing useful the Economists are ready to adopt the most modern inventions; while in clothing their persons they eschew all modern fashions, and still adhere to the quaint patterns used among the German peasantry of the last century. The latter remark applies, perhaps, with

* Visiters at Economy are cautioned against making any inquiries upon this particular sub. ject, even in the most courteous manner, as they will probably be repulsed with an indignant anOn all other subjects they will probably be gratified by the courtesy and readiness of the members to impart information.-D.

swer.

more force to the females; the men generally wearing a plain uniform dress, of dark gray round about and pantaloons, with a hat of wool or straw, suited to the weather. Their manufacturing machinery is all propelled by steam. They commenced the culture of the mulberry and the manufacture of silk in 1828, with no other instruction or experience than what they could gather from the publications of that day. The white Italian mulberry and morus multicaulis were both used with success. They have now brought this manufacture to a point not surpassed in this country. In 1840 the product of silk was 2,389 lbs. cocoons, yielding 218 lbs. reeled silk; which they wrought into beautiful handkerchiefs, vestings, and a variety of other fabrics. They have spared neither trouble nor expense in importing the best machinery from England and France, and in obtaining instruction from foreign artisans.

About the year 1831, an adventurer from Germany, calling himself Count De Leon, insinuated himself into the good graces of the society so far as to become a member, with his family. He made various pretensions to special favors from heaven, and thought himself inspired and sent on a special mission to regenerate the Germans at Economy. He made large professions, and backed them up with larger promises. Taking advantage of the restraint upon the intercourse between the sexes, and certain jealousies that existed of the growing influence of the Rapp family, the count produced a lamentable schism. After much ill feeling, and bitter controversy relating to the subjects in dispute, the most important of which to the count was the property involved, the matter was amicably compromised in March, 1832, and articles were signed by which the society agreed to pay to the seceders $105,000, deducting $1,800 due the society by the count and his family. The count and his family were to move off in six weeks-the dissenters within three months.

The adherents to the count, who formed a considerable body, some 300 or 400, purchased Phillipsburg, and established a colony there under the name of New Philadelphia, to be governed somewhat upon the plan of the Harmonites, modified by the count. Time, however, unfolded the real nature of the count's designs, as well as the visionary credulity of his adherents; and the new colony as a joint-stock society was soon resolved into its original elements. The count with a few adherents fled down the river, leaving those who had been duped by his schemes, to make their way in life for the future upon the good old-fashioned plan of letting "each tub stand on its own bottom." Under this system Phillipsburg has become a thriving German town.

The society has had several written constitutions or articles of agreement between the indi. vidual members and Mr. Rapp, modified by the several removals and secessions which have oc. curred among them. On drawing up and digesting their present constitution, two eminent law yers from Allegheny and Beaver counties were called in to advise and assist. A strenuous effort was then made to break down the monkish restraint previously imposed, and to re-establish among them the institution of marriage; but the effort was decidedly voted down; and it is said the opposition to it came not from the aged, but principally from those members still in the vigor of life. The prohibition was even carried so far as again to separate those who had been married during Count Leon's secession, and who had rejoined the society.

It is not easy, without more accurate data, to estimate the result of the operations of the Harmony Society, as an experiment in social organization. Setting aside entirely the religious aspect of the case, and estimating only the worldly comforts and wealth now enjoyed, and comparing these with their numbers, it is probable that the result would not show any increase over that attending the orderly and industrious management of a similar number of emigrant families on the plan of individual interest, and the relations resulting from marriage. They brought over with them, it will be remembered, from Germany, a considerable amount of money, and made their original purchases of land in Butler co. at the low rates of that day. Their numbers have been diminished by secession, the seceders taking away also a proportion of the property; and the increase by the ordinary mode of conversion to their peculiar plan has not been great. They now number about 400 or 500 individuals, principally middle aged and old people-equal to about 100 families. Each of these families has a comfortable brick or frame house and garden to dwell in; and since the secession there are some fifty or sixty dwellings standing idle as others than members of the society cannot occupy them. Their territory consists of a strip of very good land extending along the river about five miles, by about three fourths to one mile wide, embracing both bottom, rolling, and hill land, in all about 3,500 acres. Of this about one

half only is cleared; and this, it is said, is as much as the occupants can conveniently manage. This gives to each individual about three and a half to four acres of cleared land, and as much of woodland, or, a little farm of 35 to 40 acres, half of which is woodland. The family has then a comfortable dwelling-house and garden in town, a small farm of 40 acres, the privilege of a coal bank, a sufficient stock of cattle and tools, and an undivided share or 500th part of the commercial, manufacturing, mechanical, and scientific, and religious property in the village-together with more or less of loose change or money at interest. This is comfortable, to be sure; but is it any more, is it as much, as might have been expected for a hard-working, sober, and pious German family, who might have removed to Butler or Beaver co. in 1803, without any property to commence with ?-to say nothing of the happy circle of children and children's children that would be grown up and settled around them in 40 years.

DARLINGTON, formerly called GREERSBURG, a flourishing village on Little Beaver cr., nine miles northwest of Beaver, contains an academy, Presbyterian church, and 60 or 70 dwellings. It was incorporated in March 1820, under the name of Greersburg, and its name changed to Darlington in 1830. The coal found near this place resembles the celebrated Kennel coal of England.

FRANKFORT is a small village on the southern edge of the county, near which there is a mineral spring, much frequented by invalids. The spring is situated in a cool romantic glen, thickly studded with forest trees.

HOOKSTOWN, GEORGETOWN, PETERSBURG and MT. JACKSON, are also small villages in Beaver. Their relative position may be perceived by reference to the map.

BEDFORD COUNTY.

BEDFORD COUNTY, originally part of Cumberland co., was established 9th March, 1771. It then included the whole southwestern part of the state. The establishment of Westmoreland in 1773, of Huntingdon in '87, and Somerset in '95, reduced it to its present limits. Length, 44 m., breadth, 34; area, 1,520 sq. miles. The population in 1790 was 13,124, then including Somerset; in 1800, 12,039; in 1810, 15,746; in 1820, 20,248; in 1830, 24,502; in 1840, 29,335.

The following very correct description of this county was given by a writer in the Democratic Enquirer, in 1829.

The county of Bedford is mountainous and hilly, much of the land stony and broken, and in some places the soil yields but a niggardly return for the labor bestowed on it. Yet the rich burgher from the city who lounges in his carriage along the turnpike, or is transported with rapidity in one of our public stages, makes a thousand mistakes in his calculations about the sterility of our soil, and the shortness of our crops. While he is dreaming in his carriage of famine and cold water, could he be translated in a moment to some of our delightful valleys, he would there find large and extensive farms, abundant crops, comfortable houses, prolific and healthy families, and a greater abundance of every thing, than, perhaps, he himself is in the habit of enjoying at home. In many of our valleys there is fine limestone land, which is well cultivated, which affords our farmers an opportunity every year of taking a great quantity of surplus produce to market. The valleys near McConnellstown, Friend's Cove, and Morrison's Cove, are