As I Walk Through Pennsylvania's Shadow of Death!!
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 17 янв 2022
- Did you ever see a road sign along the highway and wonder what it meant? Then when you stop to read it, the sign doesn't even know what itself means! Join me as I find a sign that fits this exact description... in the Shadow of Death!!!!!
(40.188467, -77.875517)
Weiser emigrated from Germany in 1710 to Schoharie Valley, south of the Mohawk River. When Weiser was 16, (1712) with his father's permission, he was adopted by a Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) half-breed named Shikellamy, an Oneida. During the time that he lived with Shikllamy he learned the Haudenosaunee language and customs. Shikellamy was later appointed by the confederacy as their 'ambassador' to the English. Weiser returned to his father's home a year later, married in 1720 and resided in New York until 1725, when he moved his family down the Susquehanna river to Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania. After his appointment in 1731, Shikellamy also moved down the Susquehanna to Shamokin, modern day Sunbury, and reconnected with Weiser. When Shikellamy traveled to Philadelphia for a council with representatives of the province of Pennsylvania, he brought Weiser with him. Weiser impressed the Pennsylvania governor and council, which thereafter depended on his services as an interpreter. Siding with the Haudenosaunee following the death of Wm. Penn, PA politicians, John Logan, Shikellamy and Weiser conspired to defraud the Lenni Lenape out of the rest of their PA lands and push them into the Ohio country. Turning the Delawares and Shawnee into their implacable enemies. No doubt many died trying to travel that path in the mid 1700s, through the end of the French and Indian war, and Weiser and Logan became quite wealthy from their land thefts.
Stuff you aren’t taught in school because it doesn’t fit there teaching what a shame I leave in the Mohawk valley in NY
Thanks for sharing this history. And yes, it is sad we are not taught this in school
Put it in today's times. We are taught to allow open boarders, care for and share all with those seeking a better life (the early Europeans were persecuted people and not soldiers). Shame on those who take up arms and not share the land and resources! Today they are the horrible ones. Think about how different things could be today if natives imbraced the migrants coming into the country and shared it open hearted. It certainly was big enough for both people. Looking back at history and hearing both sides, means the truth doesn't lie with one side but lies somewhere in the middle. Do you agree with open borders and coexisting or do you side with the natives and your land is yours worth dieing for?
A bunch of lies agreed upon.
Historically speaking the land ‘belongs’ to those strong enough to defend it. Multitudes of ‘native’ tribes were wiped out and enslaved by other tribes…so what has changed? A nation is defined by its cultural heritage and protection thereof…including borders! Those entering illegally are invaders…not undocumented workers or whatever your definition might be! Europe is suffering from open border invasion but is now awakening and are ‘repelling all boarders’ much to their credit!!! When will we do the same here???
I'm from PA. Southwest PA, near where the French and Indian War started when George Washington was involved in a scandal involving the murder of French Surveyors. His Native companions murdered them. We also had the start of the Whiskey Rebellion here. So, so much history in this state. I feel lucky to have lived here.
Not to mention the corrupt politicians
Uniontown native here as well. Jummonville is a great spot.
Bedford
Nice job on the video and diligent historical research.
@@paulhowell4316..15449 here...lol
You can still find the middle of nowhere in Pennsylvania. It’s a big beautiful state.❤
Yes it is!!!!
I love this stuff! Glad I found your channel. I am in NC. Love PA, NY, northeast in general. So beautiful
Glad you found the channel!! PA is so beautiful!
I have rode motorcycles on Rt. 522 many times that is a great motorcycle rode up through the gap. Beautiful scenery.
Slow down ! What is the speed limit, 55mph?
I also enjoy riding my motorcycle on 522...it's a beautiful road.
It is a nice ride up through there!
Conrad Weiser was my direct greatx7grandfather. Our family is in the book at the Weiser Homestead.
Driven past this sign many times and always wondered about this area. Thank you for shedding some light on this and for your interesting and well researched content. Subscribed!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it.
Enjoying all of your videos. Also enjoying the conversation it creates. Thank you for taking the time to create this content so listeners like me can sit back and be educated.
Glad you are enjoying them! I hope to continue to make more as time allows me.
I just found this. Awesome stuff, I love PA (especially Western & Appalachian PA) history. I live & was raised in Altoona, PA. I didn't realize the true history of pre Altoona, Chief Logan's Valley, until the last few years. More recently, the historical significance of Coleman's Farm & primarily Thomas Coleman (Grandview Rd Altoona) and Bellwood & such. WHY? Why were we not taught all of this in school?!? It is all so fascinating! Anyway, thank you and keep up the good work!
You are welcome!! Altoona is full of history as well! So interesting! Glad you found the channel!
we were educated to perform labor source for govt/private partnerships we also now only notice maybe in local/state boasts of progress in "above board" tif district funny business
Tyrone native who lives in Bellwood now sending love! I 100% agree, why weren’t we taught this very interesting history of our area. Funny enough, my wife was living in Chief Logan Drive in Bellwood when I met her, and I always wondered why it was named that. Now I need to investigate.
@@bradleyschmidt2075 If you can find the book: "History of Juniata Valley" [or somewhat close to that title]. I read it about 5yrs ago & it was fascinating! Covered much of the area from Danville west to the Appalachian escarpment to include what's now known as Lewistown, Tyrone, Frankstown, Martinsburg, Holidaysburgh, Altoona, Bellwood, Chief Logan's Valley & such from early Colonial to before the 1850's. I believe it was written in the earlier 1800's. Even some Interviews/documentation one of the originals, of Mr. Bell, of Bellwood. I found it in a shop in Bedford in paperback. SUPERB!
Fascinating history pal. Well researched and well narrated. I appreciate your passion and share it. Will be catching up on your past presentations.
Nice! I'm in Chambersburg, and been past it many times! Great History! Conrad had 14 children, 7 who lived long lives. JJ
Peggy Ann brabnick is MY AUNT !!! THATS CRAZY thanks for the deep information on the town I love only 2 lives away from where you shot your video
You are welcome! Glad you enjoyed it!
Excellent history lesson! Very interesting and informative.
I go by here all the time and NEVER noticed this sign and I live over the Neelyton mtn in Spring Run PA
The sign can be hard to see sometimes.
I raced in Shade Gap years ago. Motocross in the mid to late 70's.
Nice!
@Davewilliamson5w For sure "the shadow of ☠ death"
Thanks for this fascinating episode. Our state has so much history and I appreciate your explaining it and bringing it to life.
Well said!
Love this state! Always wanted to live here and have sine 2003. It’s the best kept secret on the planet and I’ve been all over the place, some people don’t realize what we have here in PA. This is the place where the 4th of July started! Lots and lots of rich history in PA. About this same time Daniel Boone was living in Exeter PA, his boy hood home. He was also in that first battle of the 7 years war at Turtle Creek with Major Washington. Exciting times in the colonies for sure. Thanks for an awesome video!
Man! Chuck Berry wrote a song about Turtle Creek!
Pennsylvania’s shadow of death. I thought for sure this was going to be about Johnstown, Pa.
It's hard to believe that Johnstown was once a booming industrial powerhouse.
Nope, south central PA. Though I am sure Johnstown has a few places worthy of this title.
@@RamblinJer At some time or another all cities not of God, go that route...sorry men of the city works of man, can be set at nothing..breaking of brotherhoods made by man are like that to...Heads Up God Declared Stuff He Would Do, Ready When You Arrive, In His Kingdom
@@RamblinJer The Johnstown area had operating iron & coal mines in the late eighteen and early nineteen hundreds; I wouldn't say the industry that was here is a hard thing to believe. I can't say that the floods helped much though.
I now live in Maryland, grew up along the Yough River (small town with a like sign along the GAP bike trail proclaiming the very spot where Rufus Putnam built boats to float out to Ohio) and drive past this sign (to/from) on my monthly fly fishing journeys to several central PA streams. Traveling at 60+ MPH, I only get the glimpse of “SHADOW OF DEATH” while returning to Maryland.
I stumbled onto your channel, love the content and have subscribed after listen to your great narrative and researched back story; Master Class, well done!
Very interesting and informative, I remember the kidnapping.
I'll be checking out the other videos 👍
Weiser was the same age and may have known my great x 10 grandfather William Trindle, the original settler west of the Susquehanna 1728, after whom “Trindle Road” is named. He is buried in the cemetery of Silver Spring Presbyterian Church near carlisle.
Maybe!! That is a very cool history! I just did some research on a property along Trindle Rd and knew the road to be called that very early but didn't realize who it was named for.
@daveyrindle6473 wow I've got a Mennonite friend that lives on that road besides a nursery I guess you live on that road since you and the road have the same name?
My Mother grew up in black log valley. I have driven through there a thousand times.
Mine on Germany Valley Rd.
Shirleysburg
So grateful you posted this video, have enjoyed the comments as well. I just finished reading Paul A. W. Wallace's 1945 book: Conrad Weiser, Friend of Colonist and Mohawk. Weiser was an extraordinary man of his times. Weiser notes "Shades of Death" p266 and "Valley of Death" p367 as places he went through on his travels, but not the reason for the name. Again, thanks and I've now subscribed to your channel.
Being from Lewistown this is pretty neat. You should do the story of the 1000 steps.
Thank you!! I do need to do one on the 1000 steps!
Agree, as I am from Mt. Union!
BTW, I helped Peggy Bradnick with her book, and so have been immersed in that part of the county and its relatively recent history. Have to say, I immediately caught the possibilities of ambushes in the Gap itself, when I read the sign. I also will refer to a line in "Pride and Prejudice", ca. 1800, in which the word "shades" means "woods"; the word would have had that meaning for quite some time, given the context, and may bear on the name. Also, I should point out the many rough and difficult landmarks that were given names invoking the devil over the next century plus... until someone got tired of it out in Colorado and now we have Garden of the Gods.
Interesting history. Thanks for sharing. I drove through that area several months ago and was curious to the sign.
My Great Grandma lived in Shade Gap and I did too for a year or so. She was a school teacher there. I never noticed this sign!
I just subbed 😊
Thank you for subscribing!
My family is from Shade Gap also. Do you do any genealogy research.
Used to hunt there years ago when this all happened. Had a camp along Craig's run. Crazy times
You are also on Croghan's Pike, not far from the F&I War fort, Ft. Shirley. (Aughwick before the provincial gov't got involved). Croghan had many, many native Americans farming around that fort. I always thought Shadow of Death had to do with the fact that it's a great ambush spot close to the fort.
It might also have been a place where they sent the sick (smallpox) to die.
One correction, though. I think Thomas Mitchell's sleeping place is in present day Perry County.
Check out George Croghan if you want a mysterious character!
I have a lot of videos on the Black Boy Rebellion, which covers some of George Croghan. I also cover some history of Fort Shirley in my video on Hugh Mercer. Check them out! Thanks for watching! 😊
Excellent video really enjoyed watching this video and congratulations on 1K likes 👍 keep up the great work looking forward to seeing more content like this soon definitely will be watching more soon thanks again and have a great weekend
Thank you for sharing!! Very interesting!!!
You are welcome!
Iym from delco pa and our accent is spot on by our narrator you here in this history piece !
I drive that stretch of highway often. Gad to now know a little bit of the history of that area.
Glad you enjoyed it!!
Now I'm curious 🤔
I'll have to ask my uncle what he knows about this sign....
Cool video!!
I NEVER noticed this sign and go through Shade Gap weekly but you know I can't see for shit 😂
It's been over 2 years now , have you asked your uncle yet ?
When I was in 6th grade at Shade Gap Elementary school, we as a class published a hardback book on the history of Shade Gap. If memory recalls there was a story about an attack/hostile encounter between the Indians and settlers in Shade Gap. I cannot promise. Most of the info we published was based off of stories from the older generations of Shade Gap and then other were based of of already published information. I can't remember the last time I saw that book. I own a copy but have not seen it in probably 19 years.
I'd be interested to see that story. Past down information sometimes can be altered but usually has a basis in truth.
I live less than a quarter mile from here. The creek flows behind my house. I believe the massacre story. I was told about it when I purchased my property in 2002. My sons and I both have determined what you said..natural pinch point. There are cliffs straight across from where you stand.
So sorry, I hit comment before my story was over. I have the (opinion only) that because it was such a great strategic attack/pinch point, that as you said, the settlers being deeply rooted in religion...prayed that exact prayer. Yea tho I walk through the valley of the shaow of death, I shall fear no evil. I believe it got that name due to the high number of Indian attacks on unwanted settlers "invading" their homes. Look up Burnt Cabins. It happened there. Black Log...similar. Our own government burned settlers cabins because they were built on Indian territory . This is folk lore only, but as you said. There is always some truth to the old tales. Thank you for considering us. Great video!
Interesting the 6 th graders wrote a book on the place, I wonder if the school or local libraries have a copy?
Bread and butter?
Are there any Sasquatch encounters in that area?
I grew up in Belleville and I remember when Peggy Ann was kidnapped. We had a record about her kidnapping. Enjoyed your video and learning about the history of the area since I am familiar with it.
Glad you enjoyed it!! Thank you!
Was that the mountain man?
@@stevewarfel5788 yes
@@verdashirk9819 Do you know any Millers or Bards from Shirleysburg?
Whenever videos about PA come up I give them a look.
Was just up that way last weekend. Went to Trough Creek then Raystown. I live about 15-20 minutes from Womelsdorf. I drove past the Conrad Weiser Homestead hundreds of times but never really knew too much about him.
Thanks for the PA history lesson.
I used to fish the Juniata river up there
I enjoyed your video.
Within the first 15 seconds, I said, "Shade Gap!"
Haha!! Thank you for watching!
Awesome! Howdy from Biglerville.
Glad you enjoyed it!
7:17 Womelsdorf. I'm 9th generation on our land in northern Chester County
Awesome!!
You can visit Conrad Weisers homestead in Wolmelsdorf.
The feed mill got a few more grain bins since last time I passed.
Just discovered your videos, and I’ve really been enjoying them. This is Mary and Souders for this is actually her husband barrysouders. My grandparents, Fred W funk, and LaVida funk actually lived not far from some of your videos that are in for Littleton. They lived on Forbes Road trail. I’m at the mall or so south of the high school the old school. They are in Fort Littleton. I wish you would make a video along Forbes Rd., Trail, and that would mean a lot to me. Thank you.
I am so glad you are enjoying my videos! Thank you so much for watching. Someday, I hope to do something on Forbes Road. Just need to find the time to do it.
Awesome video. Glad to have stumbled upon your channel. Subscribing now.
Greetings from Pa! Great vid!! 👍
Thank you!!
The sign looks like it has Lion Unicorn connected to Royalty, specifically British Royalty who were from German Royal Family. They changed their name from Hannover to Windsor during the planned Ww1 because it was too Germ
Any for the British people to Stomach. Best to you from Liverpool area NW England.
Greetings from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to the folks in Liverpool!! Thank you so much for watching! You made my day!! I am unsure on the history of that symbol but it is on our state flag. Maybe I should study that as a Pennsylvanian. I can tell you that William Penn founded PA after land was given to him by the British Crown for his father loaning ships to the British War effort. There are links to Britain in the Penn family but they were not royalty. Maybe I need to make a video on it!! Thank you for the observation and for watching!! Again. You made my day!
@@whatinthehistory5375 Rageagainstthemachine xUmmahChroma, Good place to start a History Lesson. Best to you and yours. Sue
Good point. I live on Rawlinsville Road in PA so your family left a legacy here!
@@susanrawlinson1885meant to respond to you Susan. So adding my greetings to you directly. Cheers!
PA also has a "shades of death" road which is pretty neat, in Avella Pa (Washington county) there are a few stories around it from author Tony Lavorgne
I noticed that a few of the names used by John Harris are creek and waterway names used in their respective areas today.
Hello Lula! I am unfamiliar with a lot of the little waterway names up that way but it wouldn't surprise me if they shared names with the places because a lot of destinations were named for mountains or creeks because they were natural road markers. Thank you for sharing your interesting observation! Hope you are doing well!!
I live in Allentown PA (in Lehigh County). I know families whose ancestors had their lands stolen in the walking purchase. I never understood how it was acceptable to use runners in an agreement specifying walking. Also I feel like Conrad Weiser has a presence here, but don’t recall how.
Logstown… cool shout out.. 😊 I’m in Beaver county near there now…
I grew up playing in the house closest to that sign. It was my grandparents. Helen and Wendell. The irony was that it was my safe place.
Nice job. Great video… subscribed
Thank you!
I fished and hunted that area im from Philly likedand subscribed
If I remember, right there was also a murder at the Shade Gap Bluegrass Festival in the early seventies. Along with a recent case of a drug sale resulting in death charge . The Shadow of Death indeed.......
enjoyed your video!
Thank you!!!
Interesting video; thank you. :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
I've seen Conrad Weiser's name around in my travels, want to say part of I-78 is dubbed after him(not the Parkway), but not 100%. Need to learn more about PA's rich history, thank you for providing a lesson.
Fine job. Thanks. Nice hat.👍
Thank you!
Probabky beautiful in fall and summer there
It is!!
My grandparents lived in Robertsdale a small mining town a couple of miles from here. Beautiful area! Great hunting and fishing!
It is a nice area!!
hiked the Black Forest and Susquehannock trails. ran the God's Country Marathon twice. it's a great state.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil
I'm a Mellott from Pittsburgh but spent alot of time in the area growing up....Fulton County is definitely God's country. It seems like a time capsule down there until you see a Dollar General....lol
But great video....
Thank you!
What is a Mellott?
@@MalachiWhite-tw7hl😂. A last name 👍
But what does the Bullfrog on the mountain say ...?
Yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death I shall fear no evil, for I am the meanest SOB in the valley
🤣
my folks are from up there.still have family up there mt union, kistler,mapelton,mill creek and huntingdon. i stll hunt up on stone creek ridge, if you have heard of the brown family murders william and rossana were my 3rd greatgrande parents,my family goes back to the early 1700s in the juniata valley
Interesting- i commented on another video aboput walking purchase pitstop which is located in allen township, and on the original map it was deeded 750 acres top lynford lardner in 1742- next to his plot is conrad weiser plot. as you know lynford lardner has his hunting lodge in allentown pa at trexlar park in excellent condition- the frontier woods spot at walking purchse stenton tavern site was p[robab;y going to be a jewel for him but things didnt work that way up here in allen township. anyway- cool to see conrad name here too. rich people rule the world- going to buy lottery ticket
Glad you enjoyed the video! Conrad Weiser left a large legacy across PA but he always seems to fall by the wayside in modern history books.
PA doesn't get much sun anyway. All the highwaymen today are in Harrisburg.
Do any crops grow there?
Yes I live in Kittanning pa. WOW NEVER heard of shadow of death interesting
Glad you enjoyed it!
My folks were from Meyersdale, Somerset County.
Do you know any Millers from Shirleysburg?
I hunted turkey in that county. I was on a public game lands. Nice place!
It is a nice place.
Id love to see you visit Franklin, Venango County and do a bit on Fort Machault (French) and later Fort Venango (British) and what really happened there. From George Washington's visit warning the French about their excursions into the Allegheny and Ohio valleys and the massacre of the British soldiers and torture of Lt Gordon during Pontiac's Uprising. The Iroquois and Allies feigned a game of LaCrosse and the soldiers were watching and the doors were open on Fort Venango and women sat against the walls with weapons hidden under their blankets. The ball was purposely thrown inside the door of the fort and the women tossed the warriors their weapons and they took the fort in short order. Lt Gordon was tortured for days, slowly roasted at the stake. The fire was not built at the feet of the victim, but in a circle some 20 ft away, so they were slowly roasted alive, with the tormentors putting hot coals on them occasionally to make it more unbearable. The victim could circle the stake(pole) on rawhide leads, but could never escape the heat
Did not expect a professorial history lesson from a man in a camo hat. Well done. Why the spookie name? Weiser, a communicator, probably just named it with the 23rd Psalm in mind, because of the darkness of the place.
Thank you!! I can surprise sometimes! Even a backwoods country hick may know a thing or two. Haha
where was Shikellemy Boy Scout Camp?
Drive that stretch quite often to get to Orbosonia
It is a pretty drive up that way!
Nice
Thank you!
I subscribed
Thank you!
Haughenbaugh's (Shade Gap kidnapper) personal effects are still on display at the PA State Police Academy in Hershey to this day.
Did people refer to him as the mountain man?
@stevewarfel5788 good question. I'm not sure.
@@dmontrose7446 My mom grew up on Germany Valley Rd just down from the graveyard on the other side. Her mom was Blanche Miller...my grandfather we called Pappy Soup.....loved Cambells cream of chicken. I cant remember his first name now. 2 uncles still alive further down Germany Valley. Ronald Miller Donald Miller. Her sister was Faye Bard married to Mike Bard. Plenty more. uncle ron had 2 girls 1 boy. Aunt faye 2 girls 1 boy. On and on and on.
Swimming at Allen's Valley when we came to visit. My mom moved to Lancaster. Also went to one creek to swim....cant remember. Went to Orby for ice cream
Incredible memories.
@@dmontrose7446 Googled it. Yes they called him the mountain man. Uncle Ron, Don ,Mike all had their deer rifles walking the hills to find that girl.
They say. It's from the roads cool of or are frozen they never get sun lite, so they never thaw properly.
Better than passing thru
Scotrun PA 👀 & trying to explain the name. "🤭,,
Its weird to be called "Shadow of Death" and the have two state prsions right near this..... [Sci Hun. SCI Smithfield..]
Where exactly, was The Whiskey Rebellion ?
It looks like West Virginia. Very Rural
Down in the Hollow
Read Loudons's Inidan Narratives, that migh be why its called Shadow of death
I have read Archibald Loudon's Indian Narratives! It was pretty gruesome at that time.
... I shall fear no Exton?
I only see one mountain on either side
part of my soil is there...should visit maybe.
Awesome
I live in north west new Jersey
Nice!! Thanks for tuning in!
Black ice 🎉
I live near Valley Forge, PA
STEAING LAND PAYED GOOD NICE HOUSE
Lost history 😢
Indian was the Lenape pronounced Len ah pea , not as he said it . They were part of the 5 nations, with Mohawk and Iroquois.
Thought this was going to be about Centralia.
Nope, but that would make for a cool video too!
I thought so too! Centralia is truly walking through the shadow of death!
Pennsylvania area was known as the shades of death. (Native or settler, I don't know) Snakes, lions, bears, terrain that few can get through. Lost.. Many ways to die. Wyoming valley was referred to as slaughter Valley. Because of the battles and mass death there. The place has its own depressing atmosphere, that seems to lift when you leave the area. Something you just feel. A sign needs to be placed entering the valley.. "Abandon all hope"!
totally agree. the hollows of WVA and the 'hells' of the Smokies. maybe that's why they cut every tree down except one acre..
I respectfully disagree LOL. I LOVE Western Appalachia PA...the history, lore, mountains, valleys, remoteness, weather, OLD TIMES GRIT of where America REALLY started...LOVE IT! And yes, I live here & will be placed in the ground here :)
PA a long time ago was a war zone on the frontier of America, that is true. But it is those events that helped drive those people to eventually rebel against Britain and help bring forth the "American Experiment." That gloomy history of PA had its purpose.
@@whatinthehistory5375 the state is still depressing and suffering population loss.
i left it 4 years ago and only wish it had been sooner. i tell folks it's a great place to teach your kids the intricacies of football.
if you ride the backroads of PA you will need to dodge the piles of tires and discarded shingles etc. that people dump in the woods.
you can have it. i'm long gone.
all my old buddies are complaining of ticks and Lymes disease now. i never saw a tick in 50 years in PA.
now they swarm there.
@@stephenmorton8017where did you move to
Can't wait to hear this one lol
I think the Valley of fDeath should be Lucerne County.
Uh….Luzerne? Lucerne is in Switzerland.
There is a town Lucernemines in Indiana County, but yes it is Luzerne County.
@@Paladin70 👍 NEPA native.
Means No Sun Darkness most of time
Have you checked back to what the Indians may have called it, a lot of names of places came from the indians.
I never found a record on what they called it but Shadow of Death seems to be very Christian in origin. Many names in the area, however, are Native American in origin.
Ligonier Pa
That sounds like an Indian name to me.