[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 134 (Wednesday, September 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO THE TOWN OF NEW BEDFORD

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. RON KLINK

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 24, 1996

  Mr. KLINK. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today 
to recognize the town of New Bedford on the occasion of its 200th 
anniversary celebration.
  New Bedford, located in northern Lawrence County, was settled in 1796 
by James, Thomas, and Andrew Black. The Black family established a 400-
acre tract which today encompasses the entire town of New Bedford. The 
town itself was named for Dr. Samuel Bedford, whose Bedford claim 
included portions of land in Mercer and Lawrence Counties.
  The original town, designed by Daniel Inbody, was laid out in 1818, 
and consisted of 89 lots. In 1827, a post office was established and 
other early enterprises included a grist mill, pottery, tavern, 
tannery, creamery, and distillery. The first school in the area was 
situated at Hopewell in the old building erected by the Presbyterian 
congregation. The town of New Bedford was a well-known stopping place 
for stage and mail coaches traveling between Mercer and Youngstown, OH.
  A beautiful, rural area, New Bedford lies hundreds of feet above the 
water level of the Shenango River. This close-knit community is home to 
some 300 residents, many of whom can trace their roots of the founding 
families of the town. Such early entrepreneurial spirit is today 
reflected in the pride, patriotism, and virtues of the citizens of this 
outstanding town. It is a pleasure and an honor to congratulate them on 
the occasion of this historic celebration.

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