Asylum Township Information

Date: 1793
Location: Bradford County, Pennsylvania
Surnames/tags: Bacon Eilenberger Homet

Fleeing the French Revolution

French refugees fleeing from the French Revolution settled the village of Azilum. Nearly forty families erected the village, where they remained until around 1800, when a large portion of them returned to France.

Short History of Asylum, Pa 1916 by J.W. Ingam:

Under the controlling influence of Robespierre, the National Assembly, had issued a decree commanding all emigrants to return under penalty of having their estates confiscated. When the strong hand of Napoleon Bonaparte assumed power, all Frenchmen were invited to return, and the restoration of their estates was promised. The postman who brought the glad news to Asylum waved his hat and shouted the tidings to all he met until he became hoarse. The colonists were rapturous with joy. Men hugged and kissed each other to the profound astonishment of American beholders. Some days were spent in feasting and then most of them commenced making preparations to leave the Pennsylvania woods for their beloved France. They did not go all at once, but returned across the ocean as fast as they could dispose of their property and obtain the means. They returned on the same route by which they came--down the river in boats to Catawissa, and from thence by land to Philadelphia.

Only two (Mr. Homet and Mr. Laporte) remained at Asylum.

Family Connection: Moses Eilenberger's daughter, Elizabeth married Seth Homet who was the grandson of Charles Homet mentioned above in the book.

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