“Pioneers of Second Fork” Press Release

“Pioneers of Second Fork”

by James P. Burke

Western Pennsylvania History Detailed in Thoroughly Researched New Book

WEEDVILLE, Pa. – See the early pioneer history of western Pennsylvania illuminated through the stories of 16 pioneer families who came to settle on the headwaters of the Susquehanna River at a place once known as Second Fork in Pioneers of Second Fork (published by AuthorHouse), the new book by James P. Burke.

Pioneers of Second Fork chronicles how the area progressed from Seneca Indian territory into established settlements. Burke’s true-to-life accounts give a vivid portrayal of the pioneers’ struggles, setbacks and accomplishments as they adopted their lives to the land.

Burke focuses in particular on 16 adventuresome family settlers of Second Fork, relating the history of their families, ancestry and descendants. He examines their diverse backgrounds, explores their reasons for settling in the western wilds of Pennsylvania and relates true-life experiences of these hardy individuals who brought civilization to this land.

“Investigating the undocumented mysteries of the past is similar to analyzing the remains of an old campfire pit,” Burke writes. “Only black, charred ashes remain of what once was a blazing fire. The smoke from the old campfire has long since disappeared into the atmosphere. The cracking sounds of hot flames dancing through the burning longs have long since vanished into memories of the past.” With the publication of Pioneers of Second Fork, Burke has rekindled the old campfire into an illuminating history of western Pennsylvania.

With its detailed descriptions of these pioneers’ families and their day-to-day lives, photos, articles and interviews, The Pioneers of Second Fork is a must-read for anyone interested in Pennsylvania history.

James P. Burke is the president of the Mt. Zion Historical Society and a member of the Elk County Historical Society. He currently devotes much of his time in developing the Mt. Zion historical park (See our MZHS website) dedicated to acknowledging and preserving the history and heritage of the Bennett’s Valley area once known as Second Fork.

AuthorHouse is the premier book publisher for emerging, self-published authors. For more information, please visit www.authorhouse.com

If you have any questions or would like to purchase an autographed copy ($19 plus tax) of “Pioneers of Second Fork”, please contact the Mt Zion Historical Society via email us at Mt Zion Historical Society.