Ruffians, Hooligans, and Unsavory Types

 

Not even half way through a fascinating book entitled Hidden History of Northwestern Pennsylvania, and I have to share with you that I wish I had had this writer as a Pennsylvania History teacher back in the day. Jessica Hilburn knows how to write a story that brings the past back to life.  She also happens to be the Historian and Head of Reference of the Benson Memorial Library in nearby Titusville, PA. Just so you know.

Those of you who are from this neck of Penn’s Woods will recognize  Warren, Titusville, Pit Hole, Corry, and other places mentioned that may be either a town where you are right this minute or nearby … or ... perhaps you know these places from childhood memories.  But – even if you are not from this corner of Northwest PA, the stories retold in this small book are most interesting. Not much has been written about this area and most of the time we are good with that. But, that said -- I figure we are fortunate to have these recountings and highly recommend this small book of 150 pages or so.  And to think that some people say that nothing ever goes on around these parts... or ever has. 

Only 60 pages in and I have read of murderous quacks, axe murderers, railroad disasters, and the increasing popularity of spiritualism – including a reference to a memoir dictated posthumously by spirits using a Yost typewriter invented in Corry in the 1870’s.  Then there is a pleasantly detailed history of The Warren State Hospital – still in operation today, where treatment of the mentally ill took giant steps forward way back then in methods and philosophy thus changing the perception of mental illness and putting forth new and more appropriate and humane ways to help those suffering with a myriad of issues.

The part I liked best so far though is the recounting of how Titusville, afflicted at one point in time with “characters” of concerning reputation and worse, had come to the breaking point. Enraged citizens of his small town were brought to the point of considering swift and serious revenge on the evil doers – even erecting a gallows outside the courthouse in full view of those being “tried” for their misdeeds.  The townsfolk were especially concerned with those accused of arson who practically burned down the whole place.  Anyway, as the story goes -- the leaders of Titusville established a Vigilance Committee to mete out justice.   One hundred men were selected to round up “thieves, incendiaries, pimps, and harlots.”  In the end, cooler heads prevailed and the gallows were not needed, but all the ruffians, hooligans and unsavory types were rounded up and tried in one morning session.  One single morning. Imagine that!  Justice can be swift .  Anyway --  they were all sentenced to permanent expulsion from the town and were escorted by a large contingent of residents to the Oil Creek Railroad station where they were put on a train that was headed to nearby Corry. Upon arrival in the train station in Corry, the villains met up with a group of ruffians from Buffalo, NY who were headed to Titusville to “exact revenge” -- although -- since no one had been hanged, that revenge was not necessary. 

The Titusville newspaper speculated that a large party ensued.  

Speaking of news reports ... It is important to mention that The Titusville Herald reported throughout.  I have to say that the reporter had an amazing vocabulary and a good sense of sarcasm. I love both of those characteristics.  One headline on January 24, 1866 read, “Disreputables Smoked Out – Wholesale Expulsion of Pimps, Harlots, and Blacklegs -- A Thorough Moral Purgation”.  Impressive, right?  

Hmm... I wonder if history teaches us a lesson or two in all of this...?