1802 - 1806
At the corner of Union and Water Streets stood the old Johnson house, at this time (1873) the residence of Charles Miner.
Just above, at the western base of the redoubt, stood the slab and board cabin of Molly McGalpin. She was an Irish woman, and had two sons, Dan and George, who had enlisted in the 16th Regiment under Cromwell Pearce, and served with credit during the War of 1812.. Here ends the geography of River Street. (James A. Gordon)
Just above, at the western base of the redoubt, stood the slab and board cabin of Molly McGalpin. She was an Irish woman, and had two sons, Dan and George, who had enlisted in the 16th Regiment under Cromwell Pearce, and served with credit during the War of 1812.. Here ends the geography of River Street. (James A. Gordon)
Prior to 1830
Arnold Colt lived on the Northeast corner of River and Union. He was born 10 September 1760 at Lyme, Connecticut; learned blacksmithing, and came here in 1786. He married Lucinda, daughter of Abel Yarington. Served as Ensign in the company of infantry commanded by Captain Samuel Bowman, which was sent into Western Pennsylvania in 1794, to assist in quelling the "Whiskey Insurrection". Was County Sheriff, 1798 - 1803, and County Assessor, 1799. In 1801 he opened "a house of entertainment on the banks of the Susquehanna, in the house lately occupied by Thomas Wright, Esq." This was on the spot now stands the Lehigh and Wilkes-Barre Coal Company.
He was a large contractor in the building of the Wilkes-Barre and Eastern Turnpike, opened in 1806. In 1814 he opened a boarding house and tavern where is now the Fort Durkee Hotel, being succeeded about three years later by Archippus Parrish, who ran it until it was burned in 1830. Mr. Colt then moved to his house at Union and River streets, where he died 21 Semptember 1832.
He was a large contractor in the building of the Wilkes-Barre and Eastern Turnpike, opened in 1806. In 1814 he opened a boarding house and tavern where is now the Fort Durkee Hotel, being succeeded about three years later by Archippus Parrish, who ran it until it was burned in 1830. Mr. Colt then moved to his house at Union and River streets, where he died 21 Semptember 1832.
1840's
On North River street first was Harry Colt a land surveyor who lived on River street. This place was occupied for many years by Dr. Ingram. (J. Bennett Smith)
