The Mifflin County Insurrection of 1791: A Fight for Justice

A Crisis in Post-Revolutionary Pennsylvania

In September 1791, the quiet town of Lewistown, Pennsylvania, was thrown into turmoil when an armed mob stormed the courthouse, intent on forcibly removing Judge Samuel Bryson from the bench. The attack was fueled by resentment, personal ambition, and a dangerous disregard for the rule of law.

As the situation spiraled out of control, the arrival of Colonel Daniel McFarland and his militia turned the tide, restoring order and ensuring that justice prevailed. The events of the Mifflin County Insurrection would become a significant chapter in Pennsylvania’s early history, illustrating the challenges of maintaining law and order in a rapidly changing nation.

A Conspiracy Against the Courts

The trouble began when Samuel Bryson was appointed second associate judge of the Mifflin County Court of Common Pleas. His previous role as Lieutenant Colonel of the militia had placed him in a position to influence officer promotions, and his opposition to commissioning William Wilson and David Walker as militia colonels led to their deep resentment.

Determined to remove Bryson by force, Wilson and Walker gathered a force of 40 armed men and marched into Lewistown with a fife playing, their intentions clear: seize the judge from the courthouse, force his resignation, and exile him to the rugged terrain along the Juniata River.

The Riot Breaks Out

As the mob arrived at the courthouse, Judge Bryson quickly folded his robe and retreated to an adjoining chamber, avoiding immediate capture. Meanwhile, Judge Story, another magistrate who had learned of the planned attack, attempted to sound the alarm but was intercepted and forcibly detained by the rioters.

The situation escalated as Wilson and Walker’s men stormed the courthouse, overpowering court officers and seizing Judge Bryson. It seemed as though the mob’s plan would succeed—until the next day, when the tables turned.

Col. Daniel McFarland & The Militia Response

On the day following the riot, Colonel Daniel McFarland arrived in Lewistown with the local militia, prepared to confront the insurrectionists. He delivered a strong address condemning the riot and declared that his forces would defend the judiciary at any cost. His firm stance immediately changed the course of events.

The rioters, sensing their impending defeat, began to waver. Their courage quickly faded in the face of McFarland’s unwavering force. Wilson and Walker, once emboldened, now found themselves isolated as their support crumbled. In a matter of hours, the insurrection collapsed. The court reconvened, and the judges issued a formal statement thanking McFarland and his militia for their swift action, acknowledging their role in upholding the integrity of the judiciary.

But tensions in Lewistown had not fully settled. That evening, another group of armed men attempted to storm the local prison to free the sheriff, who had been detained earlier in the day. Rumors spread that reinforcements from Tuscarora Valley were on their way, threatening to escalate the violence. Fortunately, before another confrontation could break out, news arrived that the sheriff had already been released, preventing further bloodshed.

The Aftermath of the Riot

The Mifflin County Insurrection was a stark warning about the dangers of lawlessness and unchecked ambition. Had it not been for the decisive action of Colonel McFarland and his forces, the attack on Judge Bryson could have set a dangerous precedent for Pennsylvania’s courts.

McFarland’s swift intervention ensured that justice remained intact and that those who sought to overthrow the courts by force did not succeed. His efforts not only ended the immediate crisis but also served as a reminder that the rule of law must be protected, even in the face of violent opposition.

Postscript: Identifying Colonel McFarland

The Colonel McFarland who played a key role in restoring order in Mifflin County was most likely Colonel Daniel McFarland of Pennsylvania (1731–1817). A seasoned military officer, he had previously served as a Commander of Rangers in Monongalia and Ohio Counties in 1778 and was involved in militia efforts during the Revolutionary War. He also had ties to Washington County, PA, where he helped establish Fort McFarland around 1772.

While there was another Col. Daniel McFarland from Massachusetts, his known activities were centered in New England, making it unlikely that he played a role in the events of Mifflin County. Given the location and military background of the Pennsylvania-based McFarland, it is almost certain that he was the leader who quelled the 1791 riot.

Sources Cited

• The Mifflin County Insurrection, Primary Source Transcription, Freeman’s Journal/North-American Intelligencer, September 28, 1791.
• Col. McFarland’s Role in the Riot, Philadelphia Gazette of the United States, September 28, 1791.
• DAR Application Summary on Daniel McFarland, Nellie Elizabeth Phillips Trotter, Daughters of the American Revolution Archives.
• McFarland’s Military Service & Land Ownership, Daniel McFarland Facts Document.
• Biographical Records of the McFarland Family, Descendants of Daniel McFarland.