At the same time there was a big push for modernization and manifest destiny, there was also a movement for philosohpizing and the natural world. Ralph Waldo Emerson was a big figure, and started a big movement on philosophy and respecting the natural world. Perhaps there are some druids, ranger, and magic-users who are against the mechanized progress, and fight it on any terms.

Also; here is a link to the pathfinder page on Gremlins.