Family:Daniel Beal and Mary Lichty (1)

Township History Saltlick Township occupies the northeast portion of the county. To the north lies Westmoreland County. To the east lies Somerset County (from which it is separated by Laurel Hill). To the south is Springfield Township and to the west is the Chestnut Ridge, which cuts it off from Bullskin Township. The terrain is mountainous with an abundance of limestone, coal and iron ore. Flowing centrally from northeast to southwest is the chief stream, Indian Creek (formerly known as Great Salt Lick Creek) that empties into the Youghiogheny River near Connellsville. The larger tributaries are the Back, Poplar and Champion Runs. The township was created in December 1797. Having been part of Bullskin Township, the original surveys and lists of taxable are part of that township as early as 1788.

EARLY HISTORY OF SALT LICK Salt Lick is the northeastern township of Fayette county, and its inhabitants are principally engaged in the pursuit of agriculture, although there are areas of valuable mineral wealth embraced within its boundaries. Westmoreland bounds it on the north, Somerset on the east, Chestnut Ridge is on the west, and on the south lays the township of Springfield. The political existences of the township dates from December, 1797, at which time, in accordance with the petition "of sundry inhabitants of the Salt Lick Settlement in the township of Bullskin, praying for a division of said township and that the top of Chestnut Ridge may be the line of separation," the prayer of the petitioners was granted by the court, and the new township became a distinct political unit. Though now officially designated as Salt Lick it retained for years it's popular title "Yough", a name unauthorized but illustrating the tenacity of familiar usage. The name "Salt Lick" was suggested by the licks of salt that mark the principal watercourse in the township--that is, Indian Creek. The surface is mountainous, high hills attaining an altitude above the ordinary level, and in the west forming a plateau. Limestone exists in large quantities and coal appears along the line of the watercourses. The projected railroad up Indian Creek would develop the coal and other mineral resources of the township by rendering it accessible to market. The township consists of three small villages and one hamlet. (From Nelson's Biographical Dictionary of Fayette County.)

Additional Comments: I would like to find the burial places for Daniel and Mary Beal. Mary died between 1860 and 1870, probably about 1869. A newspaper article in Nov 1869 in Waterloo, IA indicates that Daniel disappeared in Chicago,IL on his way to IA. I know from obituaries that Jacob R. Berg is buried in Hopewell Cemetery. I wonder if his widow, Sarah Beal Martin is buried there as well? William L. Beal is buried in Mount Nebo Cemetery and his wife is in Hopewell Cemetery.

Saltlick Twp., Fayette, Pennsylvania

2nd Annual Beal Reunon 20 Aug 1932

Hopewll Cemetery, Saltlick Twp., PA

Saltlick Twp. Atlas 1872

Beal/Butterfield Family Bible

1.   Daniel and Mary were born, raised and married in Somerset, Pennsylvania. They moved to Saltlick Twp. about 1848-1851 and Mary died in Saltlick Twp., Fayette Co., PA abt 1869. Daniel probably died in Chicago, Cook, IL when he left PA and disappeared on his way to IA.