From Linesville History

Vernon Township shares with Mead the honor of the first settlement in Crawford. In 1788, when the primitive pioneer band of nine resolute
men penetrated the Western wilderness, after a weary march, they reached their journey's end on the 12th day of May, on the banks of French
Creek, opposite the Cussewago. Their First evening was passed beneath the canopy of a spreading wild cherry tree on the east side of the
stream near the present side of the creek. "This lovely valley," said Cornelius Van Home, "now redolent with life and industry, was then reposing
in the stillness of primeval solitude, with naught to designate it as the former residence of man save occasionally a deserted wigwam of the
aboriginal owners of the soil. They had already deserted its shady groves and murmuring streams, and retired still further into the wilderness."
The solitudes, remote from other settlements, were however uninviting, and the majority of the explorers sooner or later returned to the East.
Two located in what is now Vernon Township: John Mead and Cornelius Van Home. John Mead settled on the tract immediately above Vallonia.
His first cabin was built close to the west bank of French Creek, between it and the ravine, and just east of the present fair grounds. By
occupation he was a farmer. He died here in 1819 leaving five sons: William, Joseph, John, Asahel and Chambers, and one daughter all of
whom are now dead. David Mead first selected land immediately below him, but built his cabin on the site of Meadville, and became identified
with its growth and prosperity. Cornelius Van Horne settled about a mile and a half farther down the stream, on a tract of 412 acres, upon part
of which his son, Judge Thomas Van Horne, still resides. Cornelius Van Horne, like the Meads, had lands at Wyoming under the Pennsylvania
title; he proved his title in the Supreme Court and obtained a decision in his favor, but the anarchical state of the settlements on the disputed
lands rendered the dispossession of the rival claimants difficult, and securing from the Commonwealth a remuneration, he abandoned his lands
and sought a home in the West. He was a miller by occupation in Sussex County, NM, and served as a Lieutenant in the Revolution. He tarried at
the island for a time, but during the summer took possession of an Indian cabin, which stood on the tract he afterward patented. In October of
the same year he returned on a temporary visit to his mother in New Jersey. Indian depredations rendered the occupation of his tract for a few
years impracticable. His capture by the savages near Meadville and his subsequent escape are narrated in the early history of the county. When
quiet was restored he again settled on his tract, remaining till his death. The patent for it is dated February 27, 1800, and states that a
settlement was there made April 15, 1793. Mr. Van Horne was married in 1798 to Miss Sarah Dunn, of Meadville, and by this marriage had six
children. He died at the old homestead farm in 1846, aged ninety-six years.

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