To Charles McElvey CMckel9043@aol.com and other MORSE researchers in Crawford County: Here are the references to that surname I found in the "History of Crawford County, PA, 1885." On page 203, in the history of Crawford County: "Oil Creek drains the whole eastern part of Crawford County. Its headwaters are located in Bloomfield and Sparta Townships, whence it takes a southward course. Oil Creek Lake in Bloomfield Township may be regarded as its principal source of supply, though the East Branch, which rises in Sparta Township and joins the main stream near Centerville, adds much to its size and volume. Soon after passing Tryonville, the stream bears off to the southeast, and upon reaching the county line at Titusville, takes a southern course, soon verging a little to the west, and unites with the Allegheny at Oil City. Its name was derived from the oil springs which exist along its banks, the product of which was gathered at the surface in small quantities and sold at an early day under the name of Seneca Oil, which was supposed to possess valuable curative properties. Oil Creek is thus described in 1789, under the head of "Mineral Water," by Jedediah MORSE, of Charlestown, Mass., in the 'American Universal Geography: 'Oil Creek, in Allegheny County, one hundred miles above Pittsburgh, issues from a remarkable spring, which boils like the waters of Hell Gate, near New York. On the top of the water floats an oil similar to that called Barbadoes tar. Several gallons may be gathered in a day. It is found very serviceable in rheumatism, in restoring weakness in the stomach, and in curing bruises and sore breasts. When drank, the water of the spring operates as a gentle cathartic. It is gathered by the country people and Indians, boiled and brought to market in bottles, and is deemed a most valuable family medicine." It's principal tributaries are Little Oil Creek, which, rising in Rome Township, flows south and empties into the main stream south of Hydetown; and Pine Creek, which crosses the southeast corner from Venango County, and joins Oil Creek in the southeastern limits of Titusville." On pages 245 and 246, in the same section: "One of the leading factors in building up the present flourishing dairy industries of northwestern Pennsylvania was the Dairyman's Association. On the 15th of April, 1871, the dairymen of Crawford and Erie Counties met at Venango and organized the "Crawford County Dairyman's Association," with the following officers: Joseph Blystone, President; H.C. Green, J.H. Blystone and Thomas Van Horne, Vice Presidents; D.H. Gibson, Secretary; J.H. March, Treasurer. The gentleman present who organized the association were: Joseph Blystone, Thomas Van Horne, Cornelius Van Horne, William MORSE, D.C. Root, D.H. Gibson, E. Chamberlain, George Thomas, J.H. Blystone, William Nash, D.M. Croush, G.W. Cutshall, J.T. Cook, J.H. Marcy, G.N. Kleckner, H.C. Greene, Darius Coulter, G.W. Brown, Adam Sherred, L.E. Townley, J.M. Bigger and S.F. Harned...." On pages 479 and 480, in the history of Titusville: "The place was beginning to assume the appearance of a little village, and the necessity of a public school building was felt. Accordingly Jonathan Titus donated a lot near the southeast corner of Pine and Perry Streets, Joseph L. Chase and others contributed materials, and a large frame building containing one apartment was erected in 1837. This school was supported partly by tax and partly by subscription. Its teacher in 1839 was William Sweatland, who was an excellent teacher and an indefatigable worker. The number of scholars were from 100 to 120. Besides two lengthy sessions during the day he held a night school for the benefit of the older pupils. Each evening would be devoted exclusively to one branch. School was also held Saturdays, and on each alternate Saturday a half holiday was given. Aspinwall Cornwall was the teacher in 1841. He was a skillful instructor, a resident of Venango County, where he died recently. Moses Porter, who settled at Pleasantville, Venango County, taught in 1842 and in 1843. During the next three years Edwin P. Byles, also from Allegheny Township, Venango County, taught the schools. In 1847 Hon. M.C. Beebe, of Pleasantville, was the teacher. The schoolhouse continued to be used until 1859. During the summer months the school was taught by women, prominent among whom were Misses Eliza MORSE, Mary Miller and Elizabeth Watson. Among the earliest School Directors after Titusville became a borough in 1847 were: E.P. Banning and S.S. Bates, Joseph L. and Edward H. Chase, John and Robert L. Robinson, William Barnsdall, F.B. Bruer, Charles Kellogg, R.C. Secton, Col. James K. Kerr and William Robinson." More to follow! Kathy Brubaker Volunteer Genealogist Linesville Historical Society kbrbkr@toolcity.net