CELEBRATION AT THE STAPLE BEND TUNNEL


The following is an article that appeared in the Ebensburg, PA newspaper, The Ebensburg Sky, in 1833. The sidebar offers additional information on specific topics contained in the article.
		CELEBRATION AT THE STAPLE BEND TUNNEL – ALLEGHENY PORTAGE RAILROAD The Ebensburg Sky – January 3, 1833 Of the event of a passage through being effected, on the night of the 20th of this month, December 1832. Agreeable to the usage amongst Miners, on effecting the junction of two important drifts, James and E. Appleton, the Contractors for the Tunnel and Section 7 of the Portage Railroad, gives celebration to the Foremen, Miners and Laborers employed on their works, on Tuesday the 25th inst. The North end of the Tunnel was tastefully decorated by the Miners with Laurel and a table set to accommodate about one hundred persons. After partaking of the good things attainable in the wilderness for a Christmas dinner, the company assembled in the Tunnel at 3 o’clock P.M. accompanied by Messers. Gorton & Johnson of the Engineer Corps; when the following toasts & c. were given: 1st. The event we celebrate – it is an opening through which the treasures of the east will flow to the west, and the endless riches of the vast west shall rush to the east. 2nd. The improvement of the system of our State – every foot of Canal. Rail Road and Turnpike, like an irrigating stream, shall enrich the country through which it winds, increasing the prosperity of the State. 3rd. George Wolf, the enlightened and patriotic Governor of our State – his talents and worth carried him safely through the whirlwind of recent political combination to the chair of the State. Drank with three times three cheers. 4th. James Clark, John Mitchell and Josiah White the Canal Commissioners – a trio of intelligence, experience and enterprise. Our public works could not me in better hands. Three times three. 5th. Samuel Jones Superintendent of the Portage Rail Road and Western Canal – an efficient and gentlemanly officer – he possesses the esteem of all who know him. Three times three. 6th. Sylvester Welsh and the Engineer Corps of the Portage Rail Road, vigilant, industrious and capable – they husband the state funds to the uttermost farthing. Three times three. 7th. The memory of James Stevenson formerly the talented President of the Board of Canal Commissioners. The improvement of his native state was the object that lay nearest his hear – the tear of joy sparkled in his manly eye when contemplating the completion of a perfect communication between our eastern and western cities. Pennsylvania will ever cherish his memory. Drank in silence, standing. VOLUNTEER TOASTS By James Appleton. Andrew Jackson, President of the United States, his recent Proclamation entitles him to the esteem of the people of the while Union, and every lover of freedom in every clime. It will crush the demon disunion in its embryo, and preserve these happy states a “band of brothers” still. Drank with enthusiasm and three times three. Song “Hail to the Chief.” By Thomas Gorton. The Tunnel and its Miners. In the spirit of manly enterprise they commenced the work with hammer and chisel in hand – by the aid of the plumb and line they made it fairly meet; and now may it meet the hearty response of our enlightened people. Song “I am a jolly Miner.” By James S. Johnson. The Contractors for t he Tunnel Section. May their enterprise be recompensed by the merited reward. Three times three. Song “A batchelor leads any easy life.” By Dr. E. Appleton. The United States of America, the happy land of our choice; free, enlightened and prosperous – an asylum for the oppressed of every country. May its Union and Constitution, founded in wisdom and interwoven in the affections of her citizens, continue “while water shall run and grass shall grow.” Drank with acclamation; 9 cheers. Song “Hail Columbia.” By Josiah Baylies, foreman. Our adopted citizens from every nation – may they fully appreciate the liberty, equality and independence they now enjoy. Here we have no privileged orders – no distinctions, but those arising from talent, industry, economy and worth. Come rest on my bosom.” 9 cheers. By Jacob George, foreman. The reform in Great Britain, the land of our Fathers, the veil is falling from the eyes of the people; they must, they will be free. Three times three. Song “In a far distant clime.” By Robert Kemp, foreman. The memory of the immortal Washington – may his example, so luminous, so devoted to his country’s good, ever excite the emulation of our statesmen. Drank standing, uncovered & in silence. By Jon O’Donnel, foreman. The Union of these United States, its effects cheer the hearts of the patriots in distant lands, who are striving to free their devoted countries from oppression. Paralyzed be the arm, prostrated the reason that would meditate its injury. We will preserve the Union, the whole Union. 9 cheers. Song “The Star Spangled Banner.” By James P. White, foreman. The contractors of the Tunnel; enterprising and persevering men. May they be richly rewarded for their industry. 9 cheers. Song “The Manly Heart.” By James S. Johnson. The ladies whose presence give evidence of their approbation; may they live to partake with us the pleasures of the present importunities. 3 cheers. Song “Young loves dream.” By Francis Porter, foreman. The patriots of every clime; may their march be onward, till the people govern themselves, from east to west, and north to south. 3 cheers. Song “Scots wha hae wi Wallace bled.” By James Appleton. Our erring sister of South Carolina; we mourn over so much talent devoted to treasonable purposes – we weep over such high minds so deeply fallen. May her wild delerium quickly pass off her sane mind and return to remain forever. Drank in silence. Song “I’ll never mention him.” By Capt. John Bennett. The enterprising contractors for the Portage Tunnel, their perseverance and industry entitle them to the applause of all friends of internal improvement. By Samuel Hummel. The inhabitants of the Emerald Isle; warm hearted and generous; may they soon rise to the enjoyment of every privilege that belongs to educated man. 3 cheers. Song “Erin go brah.” By Evan Jones, miner. Wales, the land of health and industry. The improvements of Pennsylvania will bring many of her hardy sons to these mountains, who will make the ‘solitary place blossom as the rose.’ 9 cheers. Song “the Welchman he loves toasted cheese.” By Jonathan Bowen. James & E. Appleton our worthy employers, the anxiety manifested by them for the preservation from injury of all the men engaged on their works; by which, under providence, every man has been preserved uninjured in this Tunnel from its first commencement, entitles them to the respect of every philanthropic mind. 9 cheers. Song “Ere around the huge oak.” By Simon Richards, miner. The coal trade of Pennsylvania; may it convey warmth to the rich and the poor, and bring back prosperity to the merchant and collier. Song “Coal black Rose.” By S.T. Trimble. The ladies, their virtuous and elevating society esteems and rewards all our toils and cares. 3 cheers. Song “Tis lovely woman governs all.” By Jonathan Bowen. The memory of the heroes of the Revolution; may deep veneration for their sacrifices, virtues & actions ever fill the breast of each American citizen. Drank standing. Song “can I never forget thee.” By Wm. Stephens. Patience and perseverance will remove mountains, the favorite motto of our boss, James Appleton. We this day see it exemplified in looking through this Tunnel nearly 900 feet long of solid rock. 3 cheers. Song “a man’s a man for a’ that” By James Appleton. The memory of Dr. W.H. Lehman, the Clinton of Pennsylvania. The fruits of his gigantic mind, which projected our canals and rail roads, shall cause our children and childrens children to rise up and call his memory blessed. Drank standing and in silence. By Josiah Baylies. The Union, like the adamantine rock which is above us, beneath us, and on every side, it shall stand forever. 9 cheers. Song “Toast and tea, and three pound three.” By S.T. Trimble. James and Etherinton Appleton the contractors for this Tunnel and section; their enterprise, perseverance and energy manifested in conducting these stupendous works. From the letting to the present time, amidst al the difficulties of a wilderness and mountain situation, deserve the highest praise. Song “The lark’s early song does labor invite.” By Dr. E. Appleton. The management and men employed on this Section and Tunnel, their peaceable, industrious and orderly conduct entitle them to our appreciation and esteem. Drank with acclamation and 9 cheers. Song “Butter and cheese.” By Philip Stephens. May the wings of liberty never lose a feather. Song “A Christmas carol trio.” At an early hour the company separated in good order, well pleased with each other.
As contractors for Section 7 of the Allegheny Portage Railroad, brothers James and Thomas Etherington (Dr. E.) Appleton were responsible for one of the greatest engineering acheivements of the APRR. Given that the Tunnel has survived remarkably intact into the present increases the praise that the Appletons and their workers deserve. Though not numerous, there exists ample information of the various technical details of the Appleton’s accomplishment, however, details regarding the men themselves are few and far between. However, we do that James immigrated to the U.S. from England with his older brother Christopher in 1819. Thomas, the eldest brother, born May 4, 1784, immigrated two years later. During the time when they were also contractors on (and living at) the Tunnel, Etherington (Thomas) was also overseeing construction of locks at Bridgewater, PA where the Beaver Canal enters the Ohio River. The Appletons also used the Tunnel location as a location for a general goods store, which they sold to neighboring communities and advertised in area papers.
Pres. Jackson's proclamation, given only days earlier on December 11, 1832, refers to the controversy surrounding the Tariff Bill of 1832. Acting on the principal of Nullification penned by VP Calhoun, the South Carolina legislature declared on October 22, 1832, that unless a compromise was reached, on February 1, 1833, the tariff would be null and no law in that state. Jackson, bucking his tendency toward state's rights, asserted that this defiance "prescribes to the people of South Carolina a course of conduct in direct violation of their duty as citizens of the United States, contrary to the laws of their country, subversive of its Constitution, and having for its object the destruction of the Union." Other sections of this proclamation also foreshadow the oncoming Civil War. From the language of both the Proclamation and Appleton's toast, we can see the fear of a divided U.S. almost 30 years before the start of the Civil War.
Three years prior to the completion of the Staple Bend Tunnel, the Indian Removal Act was passed by Congress on May 26, 1830. After months of debate, Andrew Jackson signed the bill into law. In a message sent by President Jackson to the Choctaws and Chickasaws, he indicated that, as a friend, he planned to move the people west of the Mississippi to a "land of their own, which they shall possess as long as grass grows or water runs." It was the Indian Removal Act which resulted in the infamous Trail of Tears. Unfortunately, Jackson's promise only lasted until the early 1900s, when they then were forced to move to other reservations.
“Hail Columbia” was originally written for the inauguration of George Washington by Joseph Hopkinson in 1789 and is currently played as an introduction for the Vice President. Hail Columbia, happy land! Hail, ye heroes, heaven-born band, Who fought and bled in freedom's cause, Who fought and bled in freedom's cause, And when the storm of war was gone Enjoy'd the peace your valor won. Let independence be our boast, Ever mindful what it cost; Ever grateful for the prize, Let its altar reach the skies. Firm, united let us be, Rallying round our liberty, As a band of brothers joined, Peace and safety we shall find. ...
"The Manly Heart" was a popular air based on a piece (Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen) from Mozart's "The Magic Flute"(Die Zauberflöte). One of its many variations became a popular Welsh folk tune, which is likely how the Tunnel workers came to know the song.
This Scottish tune was written by Robert Burns in 1794, and is based on the same historical tale as the modern movie "Braveheart." “Scots wha hae wi Wallace bled.” SCOTS wha hae wi' Wallace bled, Scots wham Bruce has often led, Welcome to your gory bed, On to Victory! Now's the day and now's the hour, See the front of battle o'er, See approach proud Edwards power, Chains and slavery, Wha will be a traitor knave, Wha can fill a coward's grave Wha will be so base a knave Traitor coward turn and flee, Wha for Scotlands King and laws Freeman's sword will strongly draw Freeman stand or freeman fa Caledonian on wi' me By oppressions woes and pains By your sons in servile chains We will drain our dearest veins But they shallóóshall be free Lay the proud usurper low Tyrants fall in every blow Liberty's in every blow Forward let us do or die!
It is likely that the Capt. John Bennett that offered the toast is the same Capt. Bennett of Blairsville, who captained a 4-piece section boat, the C. Garber. This boat was the first of its kind to loaded from the water onto a railway truck by use of a short incline. However, sources also note a John and William Bennett operating a frieght service, so it is possible the Capt. Bennett of Blairsville refers to William.
Isaiah 35: 1 -- The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them; and the desert shall rejoice, and blossom as the rose.
The toasts given by Samuel Talmage Trimble reflected the special relationship that Trimble had with the Appleton family. Only a couple months after the celebration, Samuel Trimble married Matilda Betsey Appleton, the daughter of James Appleton, on March 16, 1833. Appropriately, they were married at the Tunnel.
Patience and Diligence, like faith, remove mountains --William Penn
What though on hamely fare we dine Wear hoddin grey an a’ that Gie fools their silks and knaves their wine A man’s a man for a’ that. -- Robert Burns
In November 1829, upon the creation of Lehman Township, Pennsylvania, the Sessions the Court ordered; " Confirmed by the name Lehman in respect to the memory of Dr. William Lehman of Philadelphia a distinguished friend and advocate of Internal Improvements ".