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Sheshequin 1777-1902; C. F. Heverly; pub. 1902, Towanda, PA. p. 86 - 94 Samuel GORE & Sally BROKAW |
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This page is part of the Tri-County Genealogy Site by Joyce M. Tice No Unauthorized Commercial Use May Be Made of This Material Submitted by Pat HITTLE Gore |
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History of Sheshequin 1777-1902; Heverly; pub.1902, Towanda, Pa; pp. 86-94; SAMUEL GORE. See Also Pension Papers
Samuel GORE, brother of Judge Obadiah GORE, was born May 24, 1761 and removed from Connecticut with his father and brothers to Wyoming. He took an active part in the struggle for Independence, and his services may be best appreciated and understood as expressed in his own language. In Jan, 1832, he penned a petition to Congress, asking for a pension, in which, after a respectful address, he says: ... [1].
Mr. GORE was also a participant in the Yankee and Pennamite Troubles. When his brother removed to Sheshequin he accompanied him. In 1785 he married Sarah BROKAW, but did not bring his family to the new settlement until a couple of years later. The first winter after he settled in Sheshequin he was compelled to go via Wyoming to the Delaware river to winter his oxen, no means of doing so being nearer, his money to carry him a journey of 150 miles was an English crown. The paths were impassable, nearly, but on the fourth day he arrived at Wyoming, where he rested and prepared feed for his cattle for the balance of the journed by twisting hay into large ropes and fastening them around their bodies and necks. He packed his wallet with Indian johnny-cake and slung it upon his arm, and entered the great "dismal swamp." The snow was two feet deep and the weather severe. On the second day he had a creek to cross, so deep that footmen could not pass without wading. Mounting one of his oxen, he attempted to ride across, but the anchor-ice hit his legs, his steed played him false and left his rider to make his way out as best he could. He was now four miles from any house, his clothes were frozen and he alone in the depths of the forests and night approaching. He used to say he considered his chances for life more hopeless and desperate than when pursued by the yelling savages at Wyoming.
Mr. GORE settled on a farm of now D. W. CHAFFEE. He built a log house near the bank of the river and afterwards a large house on the main road near the present CHAFFEE resident. At this time there was no mill nearer than Wilkes Barre. His family were nearly out of provisions. He must supply their wants and was required to make the trip, nearly 100 miles, by canoe or dug-out. High water delayed him and the journey would occupy seven days, two down and five back. He bade his family good-bye, and with a God-speed from his wife, with the assurance that He would be merciful, he started on his tedious journey. The mother and children standing on the river bank, watched the canoe until it became a mere speck in the distance, then with heavy hearts returned to the cabin to begin the long and anxious vigil. During the journey down the river he encountered a terrific shower or cloud-burst. Seeing the storm approaching, he ran his canoe ashore, took out his grist and placed it on the bank. He then pulled the canoe up, turned it over the grist and himself crawling under, kept the grain dry and probably saved himself from drowning, Without further delay he reached Wilkes-Barre, and in due time he had his grist ground by the slow and tedious process of those days. This accomplished he started back on his laborious journey, poling the canoe against the strong current and heavy rifts, anxious as to the fate of his wife and little ones. After seven days alone in the wilderness with her little flock, surrounded by wolves and other wild beasts, the feelings of the mother upon seeing the approach of her husband can be better imagined than described.
In her "Early Times," Mrs. Perkins relates: "About 1790, Mr. GORE was coming home from Owego, where he had been to make some purchases, with his knapsack upon his back. He found the Indians quite numerous and hostile at Tioga Point, the river very high and could not cross it that night. For safety, he climbed a tree opposite the island and secured himself by a strap, where he stayed through the night. Early the next morning he went to the ferry with all possible stillness, where the ferryman took him across the river and he went on his way in safety." Mr. GORE was for many years a justice of the peace, and is said to have been one of the best magistrates in the country. He always decided a case on its merits, regardless of quibble or nice legal technicalities. He was very regular also in his domestic habits, retiring early and rising the same. A story is told of him, which illustrates both of these traits of character. A trail had come before him in which the examination had continued until the usual bed-time of the 'Squire. After the testimony closed, the lawyer entered into a long argument of the case, as was his custom, and the court, as was its custom at that time of evening, went to sleep. Towards the conclusion of the argument, the attorney discovered the somnolence of the court, and with some abruptness aroused him, intimating rather sharply, he wished the court would keep awake long enough to enter judgement. "I entered that before you began your plea." quietly yawned the court, pointing to the docket at the same time. The attorney subsided, while a hearty laugh went around the room at his expense. Mr. GORE was an extensive land owner having about 400 acres along the river and as much more on the hill. He died May 2, 1834. After his death, his widow received a pension. She expected a small amount only, and was very much surprised when $600 were counted down to her. With a sorrowful countenance and desponding tone, she said, "I don't know what I shall do with all this money. I don't want it."
Mrs. GORE, who was born April 10, 1764, died November 17, 1845. The Children of Samuel and Sarah GORE were: Samuel Kennedy, Silas, Sally M., Abraham B., Judith H., and Nellie V.
SAMUEL K., born December 4, 1786, married Calista, daughter of Avery GORE, died July 9, 1840. They had a large family of Children, the only survivor of whom is Daniel GORE, born in 1821, and a resident of the town, SILAS, born September 21, 1788, married Catherine ELLIOTT, died April 29, 1856. They also had a large family of children. Four of their sons Samuel, John, Silas, and Hollis, served in the Civil War. Samuel was killed at Fredericksburg; John died on the march, and Silas lost his life at Gettysburg. Mr. GORE lived at North Rome, where he died. SALLY M., born July 26, 1791, married Elijah TOWNSEND of Rome, had a large family; is buried at Bumpville. ABRAHAM BROKAW, born August 6, 1794; married Sally (born May 18, 1794, died December 15, 1875), daughter of Alexander KENNEDY, died autumn 1840. Their children were: Harriet N., (born November 27, 1818, married William J. LENT, died August 28, 1868); Fannie W., (born April 9, 1819, married William E. BULL, died February 11, 1895); Abraham (born July 31, 1822) occupies a portion of the original GORE Farm; Comfort C. (born July 20, 1925); Polly (born June 7, 1830, married Horace B. CHAFFEE); Lucy Ann (born August 8, 1832, married Bowen CHAFFEE). JUDITH H., born June 17, 1796, married Elias MINIER and occupied a portion of the homestead; died September 20, 1863. NELLIE V., born April 19, 1799, married Hiram MERRILL of Litchfield, died August 24, 1857.
1. (see Debbie Smiths account of this petition on the Tri-county Site provided by Joyce Tice).
This Book is owned by Mrs. Alice GORE Hunsinger a descendant of Samuel GORE and Sarah BROWKAW, their son Abraham Brokaw GORE and his wife Sarah KENNEDY, via their son Comfort Canedy GORE.
Happy Rooting, Bert & Pat GORE :) Alaska Submitted by Pat HITTLE Gore.
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