It's a simple recipe, and I don't know what they were called in the 19th century, but I cook them in cast iron and they are gooooood.
Peel (or not) and slice (or cube) a bunch* of potatoes. Rinse and pat dry.
Dice up a handful or two of onions.
Heat oil in skillet, then toss in the 'taters and onions. Cook on medium to medium high heat until that side is brown, then turn.
Cook that side until brown.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
If the taters aren't cooked through after turning them twice, turn the heat to low and cover the skillet. Keep a watch on them so you don't burn them.
When cooked through, serve!
If you cube the 'taters, you have to turn them more so all sides will be browned.
Try to keep from burning the onions. ( You can cheat and add the onions later, but I do them all at once.)
I like mine a little crispy and every time I make them it's different. Sometimes they suck up the oil so I have to add more.
*Bunch is relative. Could be two, could be a dozen. The 'taters and skillet don't care if there's a mound, you just have to turn them more so all the spuds are browned.

AnnieLee