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| THE NAME - JACOBS CREEK Just how this stream received its name is not positively known. History tells us that on account of the brackishness of its water and the many salt licks that were located along its borders, it was called "Salt Creek" by the early explorers. It also states that "Jacob, an Indian Chief by the name applied to him by the English Americans, had his wigwam betimes along the Yough River and Jacobs Creek, after whom the stream was called." George Dallas Albert in his History of Westmoreland County page 26 says that a large tract of land in East Huntington Township, not far from Ruff's Station on the Southwest railroad is designated in old warrants as "Jacobs Swamps." Thus confirming the tradition that the old warrior once resided in this section. Jacob was a relentless foe of the white settlers, his last residence was at Kitanning. In 1756 Colonel Armstrong attacked and destroyed this Indian Stronghold. Captain Jacobs commanded his Delaware warriors at this place and fought bravely. When the town was fired by Armstrong he with others of his men were shot while attempting to escape. It is said his body was identified by a pair of boots which was given to him by the French, and also by his scalp which he wore "bobbed" in a peculiar manner. EARLY INDUSTRIES - SALT WORKS Various industrial enterprises have been associated with the history of this valley. Among the first were the manufacture of salt and iron. By the treaty of Fort Stanwix in 1768 this region was opened for settlement and many people from the eastern part of the state were locating in this "land of promise". Both salt and iron were in demand, they were expensive and hard to procure, hence men of enterprise naturally sought means to supply these demands. George Dallas Albert in his "History of Westmoreland County", says that, "Foremost of the wants of these early settlers was the want of salt." He also states that "in the Youghiogheny region, twenty bushels of wheat was not thought an unfair exchange for a bushel of salt; or a cow and calf for a similar amount." As late as 1806 a barrel of salt sold for $14.00 in Pittsburgh. At that time most of the salt was brought from Hagerstown, Winchester and Chambersburg. |
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