The first military encampment was held at Williamsport, on Woodward hill, in 1857, during the administration of Governor Packer. An act approved April 18,1843, authorized the adjutant general to furnish the "Lycoming dragoons, a volunteer company of cavalry, with holsters, pistols, sabres, and belts." Doubtless this was the company commanded by Major Piatt. It was called the "First Lycoming Troop," and he served as its captain for more than twenty years. William Piatt, who lived in sight of the famous hostelry, raised the first troop of horse organized in the county. The old Bennett tavern, above Linden, was the place of meeting for many years for the militia "to muster " Road Hall, in Washington township, where Squire Sedam kept tavern, was another place made famous by these meetings. There were a number of military companies in the county, and "training day" for the militia was always an event of more than ordinary importance while the militia system existed. Meginness, and John Swain are the only names remembered. There were very few from this county who served in the Mexican war. Another company, with many suffering from fever, was obliged to go into camp on Muncy creek, and several soldiers are reported to have died there. One company, which belonged in Huntingdon county, was entertained with an ox roast at Jersey Shore. On the return home they came the same way. These companies and trains traveled by both the State and Williamson roads via Wellsboro and the Block House. Several cannon were taken through by this route. Wagon trains loaded with supplies also passed here. Several companies from the lower counties passed through Williamsport on their way to Black Rock, and tradition says that barracks were erected here for their comfort, and that they tarried several days for rest. He was appointed a lieutenant and was killed at the battle of Lundy's Lane.
James Davidson, the Revolutionary surgeon, who lived near Pine creek. Among those who went out independently was Robert Davidson. The drafted men were assigned to different regiments. This was probably the Muncy company, as Gortner lived in that end of the county.īut if no organizations went from this county, a number enlisted in other companies and served at the front. A letter from the Governor to Stewart, dated September 22, 1812, acknowledges the receipt of a return of all the officers, and states that commissions had been sent for all but Captain Gortner's company, which could not be issued until it was known to what battalion it was to be attached. Lycoming was returned by Brigade Inspector Stewart as a frontier county, and he is reputed to have stated in after years that that was the reason why no companies were called. In the meantime citizens of Tioga and Potter counties petitioned the Governor, setting forth the threatening attitude of the Indians on the northwestern frontier, and praying that their counties should not be left unprotected. Neither is it known who the officers were. The strength of the other company is unknown. They were organized and uniformed, and their services tendered to the Governor, but they never were called into service. The Muncy company, according to a statement made by the late Isaac Bruner, (See Now and Then, December, 1874) consisted of between sixty and seventy men, and he was one of the number. One belonged at Muncy the other at Jersey Shore. That there were at least two companies organized and held in readiness, there seems to be no doubt. The division to which Lycoming county belonged seems to have been required to furnish 532 men, divided among the infantry, cavalry, and artillery. A statement of the commissioners for 1813 shows that they paid William Cox Ellis and William Wilson $300 for serving as draft commissioners. Abram Lawshe, of Jersey Shore, was major of the regiment, but the names of the other officers are not obtainable. John Burrows, of Montoursville, was major general John Cummings, of Williamsport, brigadier general, and Samuel Stewart, of Nippenose, brigade inspector. It was stated, however, that any "flank company or companies attached to any regiment, of a number equal to the number of militia required to be drafted from such regiment, may be accepted in substitution of such draft from the regiment." Lycoming county belonged to the Xth division, First brigade, of the militia apportionment. When war was declared the President notified Governor Snyder that the quota of Pennsylvania, out of 100,000 militia to be raised, would be 14,000 men, and to proceed with a draft immediately. In the former war the county was not called on to send any military organizations to the front. BEFORE proceeding to describe the part Lycoming county took in the rebellion, it is necessary to refer to the war of 1812-14, and the Mexican war.
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