1850 Montour County PA Formation Petition

Rare 1850 Pennsylvania Political Petition Opposing the Creation of Montour County

Original manuscript remonstrance submitted to the Pennsylvania General Assembly by approximately thirty-seven residents of Anthony Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania.

The petition protests the proposed creation of the new County of Montour, arguing that dividing Columbia County would increase taxation, require new public buildings, and burden local citizens. The document is headed:

"To the Honorable the Senate and House of Representatives of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania"

and bears numerous original signatures of local residents, several identified by occupation including shoemakers, millers, and other tradesmen.

This petition was created during the contentious political battle that resulted in the formation of Montour County in 1850, one of Pennsylvania's youngest counties. Such documents provide a fascinating record of grassroots political participation and local opposition to county reorganization in the antebellum period.

Details:

Dated 1850

Anthony Township, Columbia County, Pennsylvania

Approximately 37 original signatures

Original folded filing endorsements on reverse

Historical opposition to creation of Montour County

Genuine nineteenth-century manuscript document

Condition consistent with age, including folds, toning, staining, and minor wear

An outstanding piece of Pennsylvania local history, county formation history, genealogy, and nineteenth-century political Americana.