X^^' a ' 1, % ^•\ 0- A"^' A^ ,0 o. nV -^- '%-. cS- \o^' oo' v V:. •-, ^^. : ,0 % * '. ,x^'^ V ^ % ^^^^ o ^A v^ v^^^. xQ<^<. "O .v^^ s>\ ^y. \^ ,^:^ ^> , V » , -^^^ ,\^\v/, *i. %'^^ ^ a I - V \ ^x '-C- ^' ' '^ 'o. "^ •-y' ,-0' • ^^^\- xOc. ^ .^' V / ^i HISTOKY OF LUMBIA AED MONTOUR COUNTIES, PENNSYLVANIA, THEIR TOWNSHIPS, TOWNS, CONTAINING A HISTORY OF EACH COUNTY; ETC.; PORTRAITS VILLAGES, SCHOOLS, CHURCHES, INDUSTRIES, BIOGRAPHIES; HISTORY OF REPRESENTATIVE MEN; OF PENNSYLVANIA, STATISTICAL CELLANEOUS Matter, E3DITEI3 BIT J. AND MIS- ETC. H- BJ^^TTXiE. ILIjTJSTI?..^TEr5. CHICAGO: A. WARNER 1887. & CO. CHICAGO: JOHN MORRIS COMPANY, PRINTERS, 118 AND 120 MONROE STREET. PREFACE. W -o-tl'^-"''g-""|frt/^^:J"glus by he more ,ngo smTounded o, these counties, and the Wyoming Valley at Sunbury, pages of these robbed tas settlements in the ^^ ^^ ^^^ ^"^"^^^ mucW^^^ 4estLnch," ..adaHnga—ewh^^^^^^^ development and its '« a ^^^'^^^^l^^^ZZ ^ g„„t, ^^^^^^,^''^ Ko pains have been ;P-f;;rp::;fre tLTeach other. to f of the Wilderness blossom li.e note the subsequent discharge o the inspiration to the faithful these counties, and ^^ J -— — -- fXriirri"^arm^To exploits P , -rShrhrt:^.^^^^^^^ .. ^°^ j^^il,; th „, Individual omit anythmg nor carelessness to ^^^^^^ rt have been preserved. . ^ attributed to be doubtless none, Errors will Id^^ken-but s dut»su^^^ proper equipment for the ^^^ ^^^^^^ the writer's lack of d.spos.t»a ™PP-^' °^ ^ ^1^^ that will betray a has ^-"'^^^tl^Lte it is hoped, the In the chapters upon —.ps of ^ J°u «^ ""''a .a^or ^ ^^^.^ .^ ^^^Tut'^^ttt^^*--'^^^^^^ ments gained in a In taking leave w^^^J^-^L of the subject tne the gentlemen of ^^^ sense of wishes to express his ^^ ^^^^ indebtedness to ^::^,,,y ,,a assistance the l^^J^^^^^^ mention for ^^^ ^ space fails to allow proper ^^'^^"^J^ engaged in this enterprise kindtheir they have shown those rep measure -^^2r:Z.J y some this volume may thatthe completeness of J m ness. 1887. Philadelphia, Penn., April, THE EDITOR. — — COJSTTENTS. PART I. HISTOBY OF PENNSYLVANIA. PAGE. CHAPTER I.—Introductory.—Cornells Jacob- William II.— Sir Peter Minuit, 1638-41. Keift, 1638-47. Peter Hollandaer, 1641-43. John Printz, 1643-63. Peter Stuyvesant, 1647-64. John Pappagoya, 1653-54. 23-33 John Claude Rysingh, 1654-55 1736-38. III.— John Paul Jacquet, 1655-57. Jacob Alrichs, 1657-59. Goeran Van Dyck, 1657-58. William Beekman, 1658-63. Alex. D'Hinoyossa, 1659-64 33-35 CHAPTER IV.— Richard Nichols, 1664-67. 75-89 CHAPTER X.— Robert H. Morris, liam Denny, VI.— William Markham, William Penn, 1682-84 Hamilton, VII.—Thomas Lloyd, 1684-86. Five John Blackwell, Thomas Lloyd, 1690-91. William Markham, 1691-93. Benjamin Fletcher, 1693-95. William Markham, 1693-99 61-69 James Penn, 1771-73. 98-104 1773-76 104-114 CHAPTER XIII.—Thomas Mifflin, 1788-99. Thomas McKean, 1799-1808. Simon Snyder, 1808-17. William Findlay, 1817-20. Joseph Heister, 1820-23. George Wolfe, John A. Shulze, Joseph 1829-35 1835-39 1823-29. Ritner, 114^121 CHAPTER XIV.— David R. Porter, 1839-45. Francis R. Shunk, 1845-48. William F. Johnstone, 1848-52. William Bigler, 1852-55. James Pollock, 1855-58. William F. Packer, 1858-61. Andrew G. Curtin, 1861-67. John W. Geary, 1867-73. John F. Hartranft, 1873-78. Henry F. Hoyt, 1878-82. Robert E. Pattison, 1882-86. James A. Beaver, 122-131 1886 1688-90. 1699-1701. Andrew Hamilton, 1701-03. Edward ShipJohn Evans, 1704-09. Charles pen, 1703-04. Gooken, 1709-17 1771. 1763-71. Wharton, Jr., 177778. George Bryan, 1778. Joseph Reed, 1778 -81. William Moore, 1781-82. John Dickinson, 1782-85. Benjamin Franklin, 1785-88 Commissioners, 1686-88. VIII.—William Penn, Penn, Richard CHAPTER XII.—Thomas 1681-82. 51-61 CHAPTER 89-97 John Penn, Andros, 1674-81. Cantwell, 1674-76. John Collier, Christopher Billop, 1677-81 41-50 1676-77. WU- James Hamilton, 1756-59. CHAPTER XL— John CHAPTER v.—Sir Edmund Edmund 1754-56. 1759-63 Rob- ert Needham, 1664-68. Francis Lovelace, 1667-73. John Carr, 1668-73. Anthony Colve, 1673-74. Peter Alrichs, 1673-74 35-41 CHAPTER George Thomas, 1738-47. Anthony James Hamilton 1748-54 Palmer, 1747^8. CHAPTER CHAPTER William Keith, 1717-26. 1726-36. James Logan, Patrick Gordon, 15-23 1633-38 CHAPTER PAGK CHAPTER IX.—Sir son Mey, 1624-25. William Van Hulst, 1625 -26. Peter Minuit, 1626-33. David Petersen de Vries, 1632-33. Wouter Van Twiller, Gubernatorial Table 69-75 PART 132 11. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. CHAPTER PAGE. I.—General Topography Geology — — CHAPTER and 3-38 Natural Divisions of the State Location of Columbia County Drainage Ways Local Topography Physical Changes Northern Glacier— Geological Terms Defined Glacial Characteristics The Ter- — — — — — — — minal Moraine Its Course Outlined Flooded Rivers Paleozoic System— Nomen- — Compared —Geological Structure Devonian Rooks— The Catskill— ChemungHamilton — Lower Helderberg — Salina and Clinton Series Fossil Iron Ore- Montour clatures — — Ridge Its Ore Deposits— f)utcrops South of the Susquehanna— Coal Measures— Typical Coal Section, etc. PAGE. II.— The Planting and Exten- 38-65 sion of the Early Settlements Aboriginal Occupants Penn's Policy Early Treaties Encroachment of Settle- — — — The Walking Purchase — French War— The Treaty of 1756—The Pontiac Conspiracy — Fort Stanwix Treaty (176S) Indian Trails — Moravian Missionaries — The First Settler— Indian Hostilities — Frontier Activities in 1778 — Wyoming Massacre — Defense of the Frontier— Hunter's Report Division of Public Sentiment — Depopulation of the Border — Peace and Immigration — Character of Earliest Settlement — Varying Nationalities — New Jersey Emigrants, ments etc. —— ——— CONTENTS, yi CHAPTER — III. PAGE. Organization PAGE. CHAPTER VIII.—Briarcreek Township and the of COINTY Borough of Berwick 191-207 Berwick-on-Tweed—Evan Owen — Owens- 65-97 Formation of Northumberland County ., Early Township Organization — — Division ville— Berwick of — — — Association. CHAPTER IX.—Centre Township 207-219 Process of Erection— Extent and Bound- — — — —The Van Campen Tragedy—Settlement Newspaper— Politics and — the Close of the CHAPTER v.—The Storm and — CHAPTER X.— FiSHlNGCREEK T0WNSHIP..219-224? Original and Comprehensive MeanName— Its Finally Restricted Political Significance Character of the First Settlement Daniel McHenry Set- The Columbia's Contribution to the Mexican Organization for the Civil War Enrollment and Drafts Opposition and the Advent of the Military— Arbitrary Arrests—The "Iron Guards" Career of the Sixth Reserves— In the Peninsular Campaign Antietam and Fredericksburg Forty-third (First Artillery) Regiment Capture of Brockway Chancellorsville and Meade's Campaign The Fifty-second Regiment The Eighty-fourth In the Gettysburg Campaign— One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment One Hundred and Thirty-second One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Emergency Men of 1862— Drafted Militia— Emergency Men of 1863 Contributions to the One Year Service The Medical Fraternity Medical Society Active Members of the — — — — — — — XL— SUGARLOAF AND Benton Townships 224-232: SuGARLOAF — Tenacity with which Descendants of the Original Settlers Have Remained in the Same Locality a Charac- First Birth and First Death- Fort McClure —The Lyon-Cooper Incident —Settlement at the Close of the War— Lud- wig Eyer's Town — Its First Inhabitants Taverns, Stores, Manufactures The Town in 1838 Incipient Development of the Iron Industry The Growth of Industrial Enterprises Travel and Transportation Facilities Increase of Population Municipal Organization Internal Improvements Public Schools The Academy— The Literary — — — — — — — — —The State — Normal School — Secret and Benevolent Societies — Churches — Ceme- Institute teries. CELA.PTER VII.—Scott Township 181-190 Hon. George Scott— Character and Nationality of the First Settlers— Fort —An Wheeler Incident of its Siege— The Melicks Subsequent Settlement The Mining Industry The Fisheries Light Street— Espytown Webb's Lane Boat Building— Internal Improvements Schools Religious Interests Methodist Churches The Presbyterian Church of Light Street The Lutheran Church of Espy— Evangelical Churches. — — — — — — — — — — Population of this Section teristic of the — Profession, etc. munity—The — CHAPTER — CHAPTER VI.—Bloomsburg 151-184 James McClure — A projected Quaker Com- — Christ (Disciples) at Stillwater. — — — — on Huntingdon Creek— Fishingcreek and Other Postoffices— Villages— Methodist Churches Reformed Churches Church of tlers — — — — ing of the — — — — — — Stress Pe124-151 War— First at Half-way House the Limestone Resources Centre ville —Methodist Churches Briarcreek Presbyterian Church Lutheran, Reformed, Evangelical and Baptist Congregations Fort Jenkins. Polit- riod War— The — Development of Favors Legislative and Congressional Changes, etc. ical — The Salmon, Aikman and Van Campen Families Indian Tragedies — Difterent Versions of the Story of the Salmon Family aries — — — — tion — Railroads — Agricultural Associations —The Press— Minor Periodicals— Character of the Early — — The (bounty's Pioneers Early Facilitiesjfor Travel and First Dwelling Places— Primitive Farming and Domestic Life Notes from an old Church Record Society of Friends— Presbyterian Church— Introduction of Methodism The Lutherans Other Religious Organizations Educational Beginnings—The Early .Schools of Columbia County Secondary Instruction Statistics Material Development Water Transporta- — — — — — — 97-123 — —Certain provement in the Appearance of the Town —Hotels and Stage Coaches— Political Organization—The " Codorus " and the " Susquehanna" Canal Excavations Manufactures in Briarcreek Township Evansville Foundryville The Jackson & Woodiu Manufacturing Company Business Interests—The Water Company The Bank Battalion Days Military Record — Secret Societies—Schools — Berwick Academy The Society of Friends Reformed, Lutheran, Methodist, Evangelical, Baptist and Presbyterian Churches— Young Men's Christian Development — Formally provement—The Turnpikes and Bridge— Im- — -' and Features of Domestic and Social Life Initiatory Steps in Promoting Internal Im- Nature of Formation of the Townships Lists of President and Associate Judges, and Members of the Bar County Officials. IV.— The Social Out migrants^to Briarcreek Township — — — of the People Asked— Result of the Elections — The Line of Division — Readjustment of Township Lines — Court-House, Jail and Other Public Buildings — First Court — Sketches of President Judges— Local Bar Murder Trial — Table Showing Order and CHAPTER Laid Named — Surrounding Natural Scenery— The Browns and Other Settlers— First Im- Columbia County Territory Its Boundaries Location of the County Seat — Opposition Manifested — The .Star of Empire — Township Development The County .Seat Contest Revived The Issue Forcibly Presented Vote 1/ ' John J. Godhard and His Family — William Hess, Philip Fritz, Christian Laubach, Ezekiel Cole and John Kile — The North Mountain a Famous Hunting Region — An Incident of 1836 — John McHenry's Experience as a Hunter — Hunting as a Business Farming Implements — Cole's Mills — Civil — — Traveling Facilities Herrington's Foundry— Schools PostotKces Saint Gabriel's Church Methodist Episcopal and Methodist Protestant Societies. Benton Organization of Sugarloaf^Causes of the Division Benton Erected Early SetSocial tlement The Penn Manor Lands Customs Schools The Newspaper as an Educator in Country Districts Postoffices Churches. Engineering — — — — — — — — — — — CHAPTER XII.— Greenwood and Jackson 234-245 Townships Greenwood— Geographical — Situation Original Ownership of the Land John Eves, the First Settler— The Journey with His Family Unsuccessful EfTort to Introduce Hogs— The Flight and Return— Other Early .Settlers—Roads Lumbering Millville Business Interests— Social and Secret Societies Rohrsburg Industries in the Vicinity Greenwood Churches Public Schools — — — — — — — — — Seminary. Jackson — Causes and Circumstances of its Sei)arate Poliiical Organization — Nature of the Tenure by which the Lands Were Held »/ ———— Vll CONTENTS. PAGE. —Settlement and Improvement— A Panther Adventure— Roads— Mail Routes and Postoffices— Waller—Schools—Churches. Pleas.\nt and 245-256 Orange Townships Mount Pleasant— Political OrganizationPopulation— The Mount Pleasant Road— 'CHAPTER XIII.— Mount Canby — Mordansville — Manufactures— Churches—Schools. Topography— Formaand Orange— Position Welliversville — Surveys— An Incident of Indian Adventure— German Industries— Slate and Iron The SettlersThe Buckhorn Tree— Buckhorn Villageof Travel — CHAPTER XV.—Madison and — 298-301 264-269 Madison — Geography and Topography of Madison— Indian History Associated with the Chillisquaque— TheWhitmoyer Tragedy — Stage —Formation of the Township Travel- Jerseytown-Industrial Featuresof the Surface— Exploits of Lyon— The Asylum Land Company— Erection of Pine—Sereno— Schools— F. & A. M. Society —Churches. 270-285 lin Townships Catawissa— Formation, Extent and Presof Orthography ent Limits of Catawissa— the Name— .James Le Tort- His Letter of Legend Lapackpitton's Town— The Minnetunkee— Quaker Settlement at Cata- — wissa— German Immigrants— "Tom Gau- "—The Furry Tragedy— Laying Out of Early Hughesburg, alias Catawissey " and Merchants— The Bridge— AssoBuilding Railroads— Manufactures— ciations—Extension of the Building Area— ger — — Coaches — Postal Facilities— Kernville—Rhoadstown Esther Furnace Slabtown XXII.— CoNYNGHAM Township 310-318 AND BOP.OUGII OF Centralia The Hon. John Nesbitt Conyngham—The Erection of this Township— The Red Tavern—Conflicting Land Titles— Girard's Pur- CHAPTER Mountain Coal and Iron Successive Opening of Col- chase—Locust •CHAPTER XVI.— Catawissa and Frank- " 301-310 —Numidia—Schools— Churches. Schools— Churches Hunters in the Pine Swamps— John CHAPTER XXL— Locust Township Formation— Land Warrants—Quaker Immigrants—A Mystery of the Forest— An Early Wedding— Roads— Mills— German ImStage migration — The Reading Road —Priority of Settlement in this Region Explained— An Anomalous Survey— Roads Pine— Character Township. The Natne and Formation — Surveys The Reading Road — Mills — Millgrove— Churches— Schools. Pine Town- ships 294-298 Physical Features— Alexander McCauley the Latof Abduction Harger— Andrew and ter by the Indians— Settlement— Political Organization Railroads— Coal— The TideWater Pipe Line— Beaver Valley MillsSchools Churches. CHAPTER XX.— RoARiNGCREEK Stage Route, Canal, and RailroadsRupert Formation of the Township The Methodist Schools Manufactures Episcopal Church. — CHAPTER XIX.— Beaver Township — Montour—Situation and Boundaries— Leon- — Township.... ...292-294 — — Churches. Rupert— Successive Highways — — —Schools. — Early —The — — Formation Topographical Characteristics First Settlement— Hauck's Furnace-Mainville Mills— Railroads— Mainville-Churches CHAPTER XIV.— Hemlock and Montour 256-263 ard 286-291 Formation— Physical Features—Early Settlers—The German Element— Founding of Mifflinville— The Town Plot— First Houses CHAPTER XVIIL— Maine cieties—Schools—The Academy. Schools CHAPTER XVII.— Mifflin Township Mifflin Mills. ufacturing Interests— Churches— Secret So- Townships —Schools. Churches. — tions— Abram Kline— Subsequent Immigrants—Early Industries— Cleniuel G. Ricketts, Proprietor of Orangeville— Its First Residents, Houses, Stores and Hotels— Incidents of Village Life— Business and Man- Hemlock — Erection Churches Franklin— Erection —Settlement— Schools —People, Stores, Hotels, etc.— " Lost Arts" South Churches Committee Town tion as a Political Division— Indian Tradi- , PAGE. Keed of Stronger Local Government—Internal Improvements — Business Interests Societiesand Benevolent Fraternal — Mills, Stores Company— The lieries — Statistics "of Coal Product for 1882. Centralia— The — • Head "—The Town — — — — Montana The Shanties Germantown Schools Character of the People Contrasted with the General, Soand Educational Status cial, Religious Elsewhere in the County. ties— Locustdale — biogbaphicaIj sketches— part PAGE. "..•-. 321 Bloomsburg (in alphabetical order) Bloomsburg (not in alphabetical order— T. C. 368 Harter, M. D.) 368 Beaver Township ., Hi •••;•;; Benton Township Briarcreek Township and Borough of Berwick.. 383 396 Catawissa Township ................. 411 Centre Township 428 Centralia of Borough Conyngham Township and 434 Fishingcreek Township 468 Franklin Township 464 Greenwood Township 484 Hemlock Township Bull's Laid Off— First Houses, Store and Postof Population— Borough Business Organization Development of Mollie Maguire Disturbauces Interests Churches— Fraternal and Benevolent Socieoffice— Increase — II. PAGE. Jackson Township Locust Township Madison Township Maine Township Mifflin Township Montour Township Mount Pleasant Township Orange Township Pine Township Roaringcreek Township Scott Township Sugarloaf Township 489 492 501 506 509 513 516 521 527 532 .533 538 — — CONTENTS. Yin- POBTRAITS-PART II. PAGE. ^ t -' ' : 145 Barton, Caleb Brown, E. B Brown, J. C Buckalew, C. R Buckalew, John W 63 253 Parti, 45 M " Creyeling, G. ^ Elwell, William r Ent, Wellington H •Eves, Ellis t. Eyer, Rev. W. J •^ Fortner, Benjamin w Funston, John A 91 181 33 43 163 2 199 73 P PAGE. ''Barter, T. C, M. Kester. A. P D 319 271 127 Knorr, Samuel Low, George L 289 M Low, E. W. McKelvy, William McReynolds, J 235 13 63 109 217 307 Neal, William Pohe, Joseph Pursel, Sylvester Snyder, Daniel Waller, Rev. D. J PAET Parti, 79 23 III. HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. PAGE. 3- 7 I.— Indians Their Characteristics— The Government's Treatment of Them— The Indians in the War of the Revolution—Their Depredations and Cruelties— The Curry Tragedy— Madame Montour. CHAPTER CHAPTER II.— Some of the Early Fami7-18 lies Their Primitive Ways— The Montgomerys —Col. Montgomery's Battalion— Gen. Montgomery's Sketch— Phillip Maus— The Gulicses, Gearharts, Wilsons and Other Pioneers —Early Blacksmith Shops, Factories, Etc. III.— Eakly History— County Organization— Public Buildings, etc..18-28 CHAPTER Origin of Its Name— Its First Survey, etc.— Ingress of Pioneers— Hardships of the Settlers— Primitive Navigation- County ReflecPublic Buildings Organization tions—Court House and Jail— Danville Hospital for the Insane. — — CHAPTERIV.— Description—Topography— 28-38 Geology— Agricultiire, etc Hills, Valleys, Rivulets and Plains— Iron Ore in the County— First Orchards, Cider Press— Pomology— Agricultural Mill and CHAPTER page. VIII.—Medical 61-63 — Regular Physician Early Medical Men and Their Students Drs. Strawbridge, Magill, Murray, Gearharts, etc. Physicians who have Registered in the County First — — Since 1881. CHAPTER IX.—Bench 64-66 .^nd Bar First Court in Danville First President .Judge and Associates First Officers of the Court, etc.— Earliest Lawyers to Locate in the County Judge Cooper, Sr., Judge Grier, Judge Lewis and Others Early Lawyers in — — — — the County. CHAPTER X.— Newspapers 66-72 Literary Pabulum of the County —Present The Columbia Gazette — The Express — The — — — — — — — — — CHAPTER XL— Officials and Statistics...72-74 Members ©f Congress —State Senators Lower House — County Commissioners Treasu rers — Sheriffs— Prothonotariei — Last Census of the County, and other Societies. CHAPTER v.— Internal Improvements 38-44 Necessity the Mother of Invention— An Settler's Experience Turnpikes— Canal—The Danville Bridge— Railroads. — Old CHAPTER VI.—Border Wars— War 1812- 44-51 15— Mexican War— Civil War, etc Montour County in All These Struggles —Its Complement to the War of 1814— The Danville Militia— The Danville Blues— The Light Horse—The Columbia Guards— The Montour Rifles— The First in War—The Baldy Guards— Second Artillery— Danville Fencibles— Company E, Sixth Pennsylvania Reserves— Companies A and K, Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia— Company F, National Guards. CHAPTER XII.— Danville Descriptive — Whom Founded Name —The Town — 52-58 Early Education Schools and School Buildings in Montour County— Recollections of J. Fraser— DanLimestoneville Instituteville Academy Free Schools— School Statistics, etc. — Statistics. 75-118 By, and Plat — The Delaware In— Phillip Maus and Other Early Pio— The Montgomeries— Early Mills and Other Industries — First Fourth of July Celebration — Early Preachings, Schools, etc. Early Physicians — The Early Dead in the Old Presbyterian Church Cemetery — Internal Improvements — Fifty-six years Ago The Canal and its Facilities — Incorporation as a Borough— Industries — Churches— Societies — Free Library — Water Works — Postoffice — Borough Officials. dians neers CHAPTER XIII— Townships Mahoning List of taxables, 1798 CHAPTER VII.—Schools A Disquisition on — Watchman The Danville Intelligencer The Daily Sun Der Tariff Advokat The DanThe Montour American and ville Democrat The Montour Herald— The Danville Record National The Weekly Record — The Daily Record The Medium The Independent The Mentor The Gem. 121-138 —The Danville Insane 121 Asylum —The Danville and Mahoning Almshouse. Anthony — 122 Early Church Its Erection and Name Meetings Preachers and Officers Col. Robert Clark White Hall— Exchange. — — — — — CONTENTS, IX PAGE. Derry Very Early — —Brady's Fort— Early Preachers — Borough of PAGE. First Permanent Settlement— The Curry Tragedy— Letter of Date 1783— Early Mills— The Maus Family—The Township Poor Farm—The Stutfelts— Churches—Mausdale. 125 Settlers Mills Pioneer Washingtonville Its Incorporation, Settlement and Early Days. — Limestone Its Location Maybkrry The Valiet and Other Families— Limestoneville and its History. Liberty Col. Thos. Strawbridge— The McWilliamses and Currys — Early Record — Early Settlers — The Oldest Church — Mooresburg. Valley 135 Its Boundaries— Formation and Name Topography First Settlements Census, 1880 Schools and Churches. 128 —Henry and Joseph Gibson — — Cooper Location Grovania. 128 Its — —Topography, West Hemlock New Columbia—Topography — Early BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES-PAST 141 Anthony Township Cooper Township Derry Township and Borough of Washington- 180 190 PAGE. Limestone Township Mahoning Township Mayberry Township Valley Township WestHemlock Township 193 198 ville PORTRAITS-PART 204 211 214 215 219 III. PAGE. '' Beaver, Thomas Boyd, D. Bright, Dennis Chalfant, Thomas M ; . ' '' ' ' i^ Corell, Joseph Hoffa, J. P., M. Holloway, W. K Hunter, Joseph Magill, W. 49 99 79 159 139 129 39 D H., M. PAGE. 19 ^ : 137 Set- III, page. Danville etc. tlers—The Crossleys, Sandels and Cromleys. 133 Liberty Township 137 Geology, i Maus, Philip F Morgan, Dan Morrison, H. S Newbaker, P. C, M. Ridgway, M. S M. D Strawbridge, James 29 109 149 D 69 119 59 Schultz, S. S., Van D., M. D 9 Alen, T. 89 2 D..... MISCELLANEOUS, PAGE. Map ot Columbia and Montour Counties Map showing various purchases from Indians Diagram showing proportionate annual production of Anthracite Coal since 1820 Table showing amount of Anthracite Coal produced in each region since 1820 Table showing vote for goyernors of Pennsylvania since organization of State Part I, Part 1, Part 1, Part 1, Part 1, 11 113 118 119 132 .— L LJ VA N CO. D: Uj / / LIME •y-^7^' '^^ Jfoarest HeHorvilleP.O. -^l',U W\ <^- ;S^-si Tfi r ,;;::^^"^v1MB^^C^ a V ^,.vw- KOARIX(»\ /* -^rp^r^irrm"ry epirtrrrtiaPd 1..--" -V^ocustQale ^ I _-•-, E K ;/0 \ f Ki'" PART I. istory«^Pennsylvania, BY SAMUEL P. BATES. God, that has given it i-ne through many difficulties, "will, I believe, it the seed of a nation. I shall have a tender eare to the government that it be well laid at first. i do, therefore, desire the Lord's w^isdona to guide me, and those that may be concerned "vvith me, that -we may do the thing that is truly -wise and just." " bless and nnake ----- WILLIAM PENN. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. CHAPTEE I. Introductory — Cornelis Jacobson Mey, 1624-25— William Van Hulst, 162526— Peter Minuit, 1626-33— David Petersen de Vries, 1632-33— Wouter Van Twiller. 1633-38. upon the American One was the desire continent, two motives were of amassing sudden wealth without great labor, %vhich tempted advejituroua spii'its to go in search of gold, to trade valueless trinkets to the simple natives for rich furs and skins, and even to seek, amidst the wilds of a tropical forest, for the fountain whose healing waters could restore to man perpetual youth. The other was the cherished purpose of escaping the unjust restrictions of Government, and the hated ban of society against the worship of the Supreme Being according to the honest dictates of conscience, which incited the humble devotees of Christianity to forego the comforts of home, in the midst of the best civilization of the age, and make for themselves a habitation on the shores of a new world, where they might erect altars and do homage to their God in such habiliments as they This purpreferreei, and utter praises in such note as seemed to them good. pose was also incited by a certain romantic temper, common to the race, especially noticeable in youth, that invites to some uninhabited jepot, and Rasselas and Robinson Crusoe- like to begin life anew. William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, had felt the heavy hand of persecution for religious opinion's sake. As a gentleman commoner at Oxford, he had been lined, and finally expelled from that venerable seat of learning for non-comf ormity to the established worship. At home, he was whipped and turned out of doors by a father who thought to reclaim the son to the more certain path of advancement at a licentious court. He was sent to prison by the Mayor of Cork. For seven months he languished in the tower of London, and, finally, to complete his disgrace, he was cast into Newgate with common felons. Upon the accession of James II, to the throne of England, over fourteen hundred persons of the Quaker faith were immured in prisons for a conscientious adherence to their religious convictions. To escape this harassing persecution, and find peace and quietude from this sore proscription, was the moving cause which led Penn and his followers to emigrate to America. Of all those who have been foundei's of States in near or distant ages, none have manifested so sincere and disinterested a spirit, nor have been so fair exemplars of the golden rule, and of the Redeemer's sermon on the mount, as William Penn. In his preface to the frame of government of his colony, he " The end of government is first to teiTify evil-doers; secondly, to chersays: ish those who do well, which gives government a life beyond corruption, and the early colonization INprincipally operative. 16 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. So that government it as durable in the world, as good men shall be. to be a part of religion itself, a thing sacred in its institution and end. For, if it does not directly remove the cause, it crushes the effects of evil, and is an emanation of the same Divine power, that is both author and object of makes seems pure religion, the difference lying here, that the one is more free and mental, the other more corporal and compulsive in its operations; but that is only to evil-doers, government itself being otherwise as capable of kindness, goodness and charity, as a more private society. They weakly err, who think there is no other use of government than correction, which is the coarsest part of it. Daily experience tells us, that the care and regulation of many other affairs more soft, and daily necessary, make up much the greatest part of government. Governments, like clocks, go from the motion men give them, and as governWherements are made and moved by men, so by them are they ruined, too. Let fore, governments rather depend upon men, than men upon governments. men be good, and the government cannot be bad. If it be ill, they will cure it. But if men be bad, let the government be never so good, they will endeavor * * * That, therefore, which makes a good to warp and spoil to their turn. constitution, must keep it, men of wisdom and virtue, qualities, that because they descend not with worldly inheritances, must be carefully propagated by a virtuous education of youth, for which, after ages will owe more to the care and prudence of founders and the successive magistracy, than to their parents for have, therefore, with reverence to God, their private patrimonies. * * * and good conscience to men, to the best of our skill, contrived and composed the To support power in reverence Frame and Laws of this government, viz. with the people, and to secure the people from the abuse of power, that they may be free by their just obedience, and the magistrates honorable for their For liberty without obedience is confusion, and obedijust administration. ence without liberty is slaveiy." Though born amidst the seductive arts of the great city, Penn's tastes were rural. He hated the manners of the corrupt court, and delighted in the homely " The country," he said, "is labors and iunocent employments of the farm. the philosopher's garden and library, in which he reads and contemplates the It is his food as well as study, and gives power, wisdom and goodness of God. him life as well as learning." And to his wife he said upon taking leave of her in their parting interview: "Let my children be husbandmen, and houseThis leads to wives. It is industrious, healthy, honest, and of good report. consider the works of God, and diverts the mind from being taken up with vain Of cities and towns of concourse, arts and inventions of a luxurious world. beware. The world is apt to stick close to those who have lived and got wealth there. A country life and estate I love best for my children." Having thus given some account at the outset of the spirit and purposes of the founder, and the motive which drew him to these shores, it will be in place, before proceeding with the details of the acquisition of territory, and the coming of emigrants for the actual settlement under the name of Pennsylvania, to say something of the aborigines who were found in possession of the soil when first visited by Europeans, of the condition of the surface of the country, and of (he previous attempts at settlements before the coming of Penn. The surface of what is now known as Pennsylvania was, at the time of the coming of the white men, one vast forest of hemlock, and pine, and beech, and oak, unbi'oken, except by an occasional rocky barren upon the precipitous mountain side, or by a few patches of prairie, which had been reclaimed by annual burnings, and was used by the indolent and simple-minded natives for The soil, by the annual the culture of a little maize and a few vegetables. We : I HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 17 accumulations of leaves and abundant growths of forest vegetation, was luxuand the trees stood close, and of gigantic size. The streams swarmed Where now are cities and with fish, and the forest abounded with game. hamlets filled with busy populations intent upon the accumulation of wealth, the mastery of knowledge, the pursuits of pleasure, the deer browsed and sipped at the water's edge, and the pheasant drummed his monotonous note. Where now is the glowing furnace from which day and night tongues of flame are bursting, and the busy water wheel sends the shuttle flashing through the loom, half-naked, dusky warriors fashioned their spears with rude implements of stone, and made themselves hooks out of the bones of animals for alluring Where now are fertile fields, upon which the thrifty farmer the finny tribe. turns his furrow, which his neighbor takes up and runs on until it reaches from one end of the broad State to the other, and where are flocks and herds, rejoicing in rich meadows, gladdeaed by abundant fountains, or reposing at the heated noontide beneath ample shade, not a blow had been struck against the giants of the forest, the soil rested in virgin purity, the streams glided on in majesty, un vexed by wheel and unchoked by device of man. Where now the long train rushes on with the speed of the wind over plain and mead, across streams and under mountains, awakening the echoes of the hills the long day through, and at the midnight hour screaming out its shrill whistle in fiery defiance, the wild native, with a fox skin wrapped about his loins and a few feathers stuck in his hair, issuing from his rude hut, trotted on in his forest path, followed by his squaw with her infant peering forth from the rough sling at her back, pointed his canoe, fashioned from the barks of the trees, across the deep river, knowing the progress of time only by the rising and setting sun, troubled by no meridians for its index, starting on his way when his nap was ended, and stopping for rest when a spot was reached Where now a swarthy population toils'ceaselessly deep that pleased his fancy. down in the bowels of the earth, shut out trom the light of day in cutting out the material that feeds the fires upon the forge, and gives genial warmth to the lovers as they chat merrily in the luxurious drawing room, not a mine had been opened, and the vast beds of the black diamond rested unsunned beneath the superincumbent mountains, where they had been fashioned by the Creator's hand. Rivers of oil seethed through the impatient and uneasy gases and vast pools and lakes of this pungent, parti -colored fluid, hidden away from the coveting eye of man, guarded well their own secrets. Not a derrick protruded Not a drill, with its eager eating tooth deits well-balanced form in the air. No pipe line diverted the oily tide in a silent, scended into the flinty rock The cities of iron tanks, filled to burstceaseless current to the ocean's brink. Oil exchanges, with their vexing, had no place amidst the forest solitudes. ing puts and calls,. shorts aud longs, bulls and bears, had not yet come to disturb the equanimity of the red man, as he smoked the pipe of peace at the council fire. Had he once seen the smoke and soot of the new Birmingham of the West, or snuffed the odors of an oil refinery, he would vvillingly have forfeited his goodly heritage by the forest stream or the deep flowing river, and sought for himself new hunting grounds in less favored regions. It was an unfortunate circumstance that at the coming of Europeans the territory now known as Pennsylvania was occupied by some of the most bloody and revengeful of the savage ti'ibes. They were known as the Lenni Lenapes, and held sway from the Hudson to the Potomac. A tradition was preserved among them, that in a remote age their ancestors had emigrated eastward from beyond the Mississippi, exterminating as they came the more civilized and peaceful peoples, the Mound-Builders of Ohio and adjacent States, and who rious, 18 HISTORY OF TENNSYLVANIA. were held among the tribes by whom they were surrounded as the progenitors, They came to be known by Europeans as the grandfathers or oldest people. the Delawares, after the name of the river and its numerous branches along which they principally dwelt. The Monseys or Wolves, another tribe of the Lenapes, dwelt upon the Susquehanna and its tributaries, and, by their warlike disposition, won the credit of being the fiercest of their nation, and the guardians of the door to their council housp from the North. Occupying the greater part of the tei'itory now known as New York, were the five nations the Senacas, the Mohawks, the Oneidas, the Cayugas, and the Onondagas. which, from their hearty union, acquired great strength and came to exercise a commanding influence. Obtaining firearms of the Dutch at Albany, they repelled the advances of the French from Canada, and by their superiority in numbers and organization, had overcome the Lenapes, and held them for awhile in vassalage. The Tuscaroras, a tribe which had been expelled from their home in North Carolina, were adopted by the Five Nations in 1712, and from this time forward these tribes were known to the English as the Six Nations, called by the I^enapes, Mingoes, and by the French, Iroquois. There was, therefore, properly a United States before the thirteen colonies The person and character of these tribes were achieved their independence. marked. They were above the ordinary stature, erect, bold, and commanding, of great decorum in council, and when aroused showing native eloquence. In warfare, they exhibited all the bloodthirsty, revengeful, cruel instincts of the savage, and for the attainment of their purposes were treacherous and crafty. The Indian character, as developed by intercourse with Europeans, exhibits some traits that are peculiar While coveting what they saw that pleased them, and thievish to the last degree, they were nevertheless generous. This may be accounted for by their habits. " They held that the game of the forest, the fish of the rivers, and the grass of the field were a common heritage, and free to all who would take the trouble to gather them, and ridiculed the idea of fencing in a meadow." Bancroft sajs: " The hospitality of the Indian has rarely been questioned. The stranger enters his cabin, by day or by night, without asking leave, and is entertained as freely as a thrush or a blackbird, that regales himself on the luxuries of the fruitful grove. He will take his own rest abroad, that he may give up his own skin or mat of sedge to his guest. Nor is the traveler questioned as to the purpose of his visit. He chooses his own time freely to deliver his message." Penn, who, from frequent intercourse came to know them well, in his letter to the society of Free Traders, says of them: "In liberality they excel; nothing is too good for their friend. Give them a fine gun, coat or other thing, it may pass twenty hands before it sticks; light of heart, strong aflections, but soon spent. The most merry crt^atures that live; feast and dance perpetually. They never have much nor want much. Wealth circulateth like the blood. All parts partake; and though none shall want what another hath, yet exact observers of property. Some Kings have sold, others presented me with several parcels of land. The pay or presents I made them, were not hoarded by the particular owners, but the neighboring Kings and clans being present when the goods were brought out. the parties chiefly concerned consulted what and to whom they should give them. To every King, then, by the hands of a person for that work appointed is a proportion sent, so sorted and folded, and with that gravity that is admirable. Then that King subdivideth it in like manner among his dependents, they hardly leaving themselves an equal share with one of their subjects, and be it on such occasions as festivals, or at their common meals, the Kings distribute, and to themselves last. They care for — HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 19 because they want but little, and the reason is a little contents them. In They are also free from our pains. revenged on us. They are not disquieted with bills of lading and exchange, nor perplexed We sweat and toil to live; with chancery suits and exchequer reckonings. their pleasure feeds them; I mean their hunting, fishing and fowling, and They eat twice a day, morning and evening. this table is spread everywhere. Their Heats and table are the ground. Since the Europeans came into these parts they are grown great lovers of strong liquors, rum especially, and for it exchange the richest of their skins and furs. If they are heated with liquors, they are restless till they have enough to sleep. That is their cry, Some more and I will go to sleep; but when drunk one of the most wretched speclittle this they are sufficiently ' ' tacles in the world." On the 28th of August, 1609, a little more than a century from the time discovery of the New World by Columbus, Hendrick Hudson, an English navigator, then in the employ of the Dutch East India Company, having been sent out in search of a northwestern passage to the Indies, discovered the mouth of a great bay, since known as Delaware Bay, which he entered and But finding the waters shallow, and being satisfied that partially explored. this was only an arm of the sea which received the waters of a great river, and not a passage to the western ocean, he retired, and, turning the prow of his little craft northward, on the 2d of September, he discovered the river which bears his name, the Hudson, and gave several days to its examination. Not finding a passage to the West, which was the object of his search, he returned to Holland, bearing the evidences of his adventures, and made a full report of his discoveries in which he says, " Of all lands on which I ever set my foot, this is the best for tillage." A proposition had been made in the States General of Holland to form a West India Company with purposes similar to those of the East India Company; but the conservative element in the Dutch Congress prevailed, and while the Government was unwilling to undertake the risks of an enterprise for which it would be responsible, it was not unwilling to foster private enterprise, and on the 27th of March, 1614, an edict was passed, granting the privileges of trade, in any of its possessions in the New World, during four voyages, founding its right to the territory drained by the Delaware and Five vessels were accordingly Hudson upon the discoveries by Hudson. fitted by a company composed of enterprising merchants of the cities of Amsterdam and Hoorn, which made speedy and prosperous voyages under command of Cornells Jacobson Mey, bringing back with them fine furs and rich woods, which so excited cupidity that the States General was induced on the 14th of October, 1614, to authorize exclusive trade, for four voyages, extending through three years, in the newly acquired possessions, the edict designating them as New Netherlands. One of the party of this first enterprise, Cornells Hendrickson, was left behind with a vessel called the Unrest, which had been built to supply the place of one accidentally burned, in which he proceeded to explore more fully the bay and river Delaware, of which he made report that was read before the This report is curious as disStates General on the 19th of August, 1616. closing the opinions of the first actual explorer in an official capacity: '*He hath discovered for his aforesaid masters and directors certain lands, a bay, and three rivers, situate between thirty-eight and forty degrees, and did their trade with the inhabitants, said trade consisting of sables, furs, robes and other skins. He hath found the said country full of trees, to wit, oaks, hickory and pines, which trees were, in some places, covered with vines. He hath of the first 20 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. seen in said country bucks and does, tui'keys and partridges. He hath found the climate of said country very temperate, judging it to be as temperate as this country, Holland. He also traded for and bought from the inhabitants, the Minquas, three persons, being people belonging to this company, which three persons were employed in the service of the Mohawks and Machicans, giving for them kettles, beads, and merchandise." This second charter of privileges expired in January, 1618, and during its continuance the knowledge acquired of the country and its resources promised so much of success that the States General was ready to grant broader privileges, and on the 3d of June, 1621, the Dutch West India Company was incorporated, to extend for a period of twenty-four years, with the right of renewal, the capital stock to be open to subscription by all nations, and "privileged to trade and plant coloaies in. Africa, from the tropic of Cancer to the Cape of Good Hope, and in America from the Straits of Magellan to the remotest north. " The past glories of Holland, though occupying but an insignificant patch of Europe, emboldened its Government to pass edicts for the colonizing and carrying on an exclusive trade with a full half of the entire But world, an example of the biting off of more than could be well chewed. the light of this enterprising people was beginning to pale before the rising Dissensions glories of the stern race in their sea girt isle across the channel. were arising among the able statesmen who had heretofore guided its affairs, and before the periods promised in the original charter of this colonizing company had expired, its supremacy of the sea was successfully resisted, and its exclusive rights and privileges in the New World had to be relinquished. The principal object in establishing this West India Company was to secure a good dividend upon the capital stock, which was subscribed to by the The fine furs and products of the forests, which had rich old burgomasters. been taken back to Holland, had proved profitable. But it was seen that if this trade was to be permanently secured, in face of the active competition of other nations, and these commodities steadily depended upon, permanent settlements must bo provided for. Accordingly, in 1623, a colony of about forty families, embracing a party of Walloons, protestant fugitives from Belgium, sailed for the new province, under the leadership of Cornel is Jacobson Mey and Soon after their ai'rival, Mey, who had been invested with Joriz Tienpont. the power of Director General of all the territory claimed by the Dutch, seeing, no doubt, the evidences of some permanence on the Hadson, determined to take these honest minded and devoted Walloons to the South River, or DelThe testiaware, that he might also gain for his country a foothold there. mony of one of the women, Catalina Tricho, who was of the party, is " That she came to this provcurious, and sheds some light upon this point. ince either in the year 1623 or 1624, and that four women came along wHh her in the same ship, in which Gov. Arien Jorissen came also over, which four women were married at sea, and that they and their husbands stayed about three weeks at this place (Manhattan) and then they with eight seamen more, went in a vessel by orders of the Dutch Governor to Delaware River, and Ascending the Delaware some fifty miles, Mey landed there settled." on the eastern shore near where now is the town of Gloucester, and built a Having duly installed his little colony, he refort which he called Nassau. turned to Manhattan; but beyond the building of the fort, which served as a trading post, this attempt to plant a colony was futile; for these religious zealots, tiring of the solitude in which they were left, after a few months abandoned it, and returned to their associates whom they had left upon the Hudson. Though not successful in establishing a permanent colony upon the — 21 HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. Delaware, ships plied regularly between the fort and Manhattan, and this became the rallying point for the Indians, who bi'ought thither their commodiAt about this time, 1626, the island of Manhattan estimated ties for trade. to contain 22,000 acres, on which now stands the city of New York with its busy population, surrounded by its forests of masts, was bought for the insignificant sum of sixty guilders, about $24, what would now pay for scarcely a As an evidence of the thrift which had square inch of some of that very soil. begun to mark the progress of the colony, it may be stated that the good ship " The Arms of Amsterdam," which bore the intelligence of this fortunate purchase to the assembly of the XIX in Holland, bore also in the language of O'Calaghan, the historian of New Netherland, the " information that the colony was in a most prosperous state, and that the women and the soil were To prove the latter fact, samples of the recent harvest, consistboth fruitful. ing of wheat, rye, barley, oats, buckwheat, canary seed, were sent forward, together with 8,130 beaver skins, valued at over 45,000 guilders, or nearly $19,000," It is accorded by another historian that this same ship bore also " 853f otter skins, eighty-one mink skins, thirty-six wild cat skins and thirty-four From this it may be rat skins, with a quantity of oak and hickory timber." Doubtseen what the commodities were which formed the subjects of trade. less of wharf rats Holland had enough at home, but the oak and hickory timber came at a time when there was sore need of it. Finding that the charter of privileges, enacted in 1621, did not give sufficient encouragement and promise of security to actual settlers, further concessions were made in 1629, whereby " all such persons as shall appear and desire the same from the company, shall be acknowledged as Patroons [a sort of feudal lord] of New Netherland, who shall, within the space of four years next after they have given notice to any of the chambers of the company here, or to the Commander or Council there, undertake to plant a colony there of fifty souls, upward of fifteen years old; one fourth part within one year, and within three years after sending the first, making together four years, the remainder, to the full number of fifty persons, to be shipped from hence, on pain, * * in case of willful neglect, of being deprived of the privileges obtained." " The Patroons, by virtue of their power, shall be permitted, at such places as they shall settle their colonies, to extend their limits four miles along the shore, or two miles on each side of a river, and so far into the country as the situation of the occupiers will permit." Stimulated by these flattering promises, Goodyn and Bloemmaert, two wealthy and influential citizens, through their agents Heyser and Coster secured by purchase from the Indians a tract of iand on the western shore, at the mouth of the Delaware, sixteen miles in length along the bay front, and extending sixteen miles back into the country, giving a square of 256 miles. Goodyn immediately gave notice to the company of their intention to plant a They were joined by an colony on their newly acquired territory as patroons. experienced navigator, De Vries, and on the 12th of December, 1630, a vessel, the Walrus, under command of De Tries, was dispatched with a company of settlers and a stock of cattle and farm implements, which arrived safely in the Delaware. De Vries landed about three leagues within the capes, " near the entrance of a fine navigable stream, called the Hoai'kill," where he proceeded to build a house, well surrounded with cedar palisades, which served The little settlement, the purpose of fort, lodging house, and trading post. which consisted of about thirty persons, was christened by the high sounding In the spring they prepared their fields title of Zwanendal Valley of Swans. and planted them, and De Vries returned to Holland, to make report of his — — proceedings. 22 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. But a sad fate awaited the little colony at Zwanendal. In accordance with the custom of European nations, the commandant, on taking possession of the new purchase, erected a post, and affixed thereto a piece of tin on which was traced the arms of Holland and a legend of occupancy. An Indian chieftain, passing that way, attracted by the shining metal, and not understanding the object of the inscription, and not having the fear of their high mightinesses, the States General of Holland before his eyes, tore it down and proceeded to make for himself a tobacco pipe, considering it valuable both by way of ornament and use. When this act of trespass was discovered, it was regarded by the doughty Dutchman as a direct insult to the great State of Holland, and so great an ado was raised over it that the simple minded natives became frightened, believing that their chief had committed a mortal offense, and in the strength and sincerity of their friendship immediately proceeded to dispatch the offending chieftain, and brought the bloody emblems of their deed to the head of the colony. This act excited the anger of the relatives of the murdered man, and in accordance with Indian law, they awaited the chance to take revenge. O'Calaghan gives the following account of this bloody massacre which ensued: ''The colony at Zwanendal consisted at this time of thirtyfour persons. Of these, thirty- two were one day at work in the fields, while Commissary Hosset remained in charge of the house, where another of the settlers lay sick abed. A large bull dog was chained out of doors. On pretence of selling some furs, three savages entered the house and murdered Hosset and the sick man. They found it not so easy to dispatch the mastiff. It was not until they had pierced him with at least twenty-five arrows that he was destroyed. The men in the fields were then set on, in an equally treacherous manner, under the guise of friendship, and every man of them slain." Thus was a worthless bit of tin the cause of the cutting off and utter extermination of the infant colony. De Vries was upon the point of returning to Zwanendal when he received intimation of disaster to the settlers. With a large vessel and a yacht, he set sail on the 24th of May, 1632, to carry succor, provided with the means of prosecuting the whale fishery which he had been led to believe might be made very profitable, and of pushing the production of grain and tobacco. Oq arriving in the Delaware, he fired a signal gun to give notice of his approach. The report echoed through the forest, but, alas! the ears which would have been gladened with the sound were heavy, and no answering salute came from the shore. On landing, he found his house destroyed, the palisades burned, and the skulls and bones of his murdered countrymen bestrewing the earth, sad relics of the little settlement, which had promised so fairly, and warning tokens of the barbarism of the natives. De Vries knew that he was in no position to attempt to punish the guilty parties, and hence determined to pui'sue an entirely pacific policy. At his invitation, the Indiana gathered in with their chief for a conference. Sitting down in a circle beneath the shadows of the somber forest, their Sachem in the centre, De Vries, without alluding to their previous acts of savagery, concluded with them a treaty of peace and friendship, and presented them in token of ratification, "some duffels, bullets, axes and Nuremburg trinkets." In place of finding his colony with plenty of provisions for the immediate needs of his party, he could get nothing, and began to be in want. He accordingly sailed up the river in quest of food. The natives were ready with their furs for barter, but they had no supplies of food with which they wished to part. Game, however, was plenty, and wild turkeys were brought in weighing over thirty pounds. One morning after a frosty night, while the little — " HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 23 was up the stream, the party was astonished to find the waters frozen and their ship fast in the ice. Judging by the mild climate of their own For several weeks they country, Holland, they did not suppose this possible. were held fast without the power to move their floating home. Being in need of a better variety of food than he found it possible to obtain, De Vries sailed away with a part of his followers to Virginia, where he was hospitably entertained by the Governor, who sent a present of goats as a token of friendship to Upon his return to the Delaware, De the Dutch Governor at Manhattan. Vries found that the party he had left behind to prosecute the whale fishery had only taken a few small ones, and these so poor that the amount of oil obHe had been inducefl to embark in the enterprise of tained was insignificant. a settlement here by the glittering prospect of prosecuting the whale fishery along the shore at a great profit. Judging by this experience that the hope of great gains from this source was groundless, and doubtless haunted by a superstitious dread of making their homes amid the relics of the settlers of the previous year, and of plowing fields enriched by their blood who had been so utterly cut off, and a horror of dwelling amongst a people so revengeful and savage, De Vries gathered all together, and taking his entire party with him sailed away to Manhattan and thence home to Holland, abandoning utterly the -craft over, settlement. The Dutch still however sought to maintain a foothold upon the Delaware, and a fierce contention having sprung up between the powerful patroons and the Director General, and they having agreed to settle differences by the company authorizing the purchase of the claims of the patroons, those upon the Delaware were sold for 15,600 guilders. Fort Nassau was ac and kicks and cuffs could be resorted to without the fear of retaliation; but no match in statecraft for the wily Stuyvesant. To the plea of pre-occupancy he had nothing to answer more than he had already done to Hudde's messenger respecting the government of Hades, and herein was the cause of the Swedes inherently weak. In numbers, too, the Swedes were feeble compared with the Dutch, who had ten times the population. But in diplomacy he had been entirely overreached. Fort Casimir, by its location, rendered ence, as ' ' 28 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA the rival Fort Elainborg powerless, and under plea that the mosquitoes had become troublesome there, it was abandoned. Discovering, doubtless, that a cloud of complications was thickening over him, which he would be unable with the forces at his command to successfully withstand, he asked to be relieved, and, without awaiting an answer to his application, departed for Sweden, leaving his son-in-law, John Pappegoya, who had pi'eviously received marks of the royal favor, and been invested with the dignity of Lieutenant Governor, in supreme authority. The Swedish company had by this time, no doubt, discovered that forcible opposition to Swedish occupancy of the soil upon Delaware was destined soon to come, and accordingly, as a precautionary measure, in November, 1653, the College of Commerce sent John Amundson Besch, with the commission of Captain in the Navy, to superintend the construction of vessels. Upon his arrival, he acquii'ed lands suitable for the purpose of ship-building, and set about laying his keels. He was to have supreme authority over the naval force, and was to act in conjunction with the Governor in protecting the interests of the colony, but in such a manner that neither should decide anything without consulting tho other. On receiving the application of Printz to be relieved, the company appointed John Claude Rysingh, then Secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, He was instructed to fortify and extend as Vice Director of New Sweden. the Swedish possessions, but without interrupting the friendship existing with the English or Dutch. He was to use his power of persuasion in inducing the latter to give up Fort Casimir, which was regarded as an intrusion upon Swedish possessions, but without resorting to hostilities, as it was better to allow the Dutch to occupy it than to have it fall into the hands of tbe English, "who are the more powerful, and, of course, the most dangerous in that Gov. Thus early was the prowess of England foreshadowed. country." Rysingh arrived in the Delaware, on the last day of May, 1654, and immediately -demanded the surrender of Fort Casimir. Adriaen Van Tienhoven, an aidede-camp on the staff of the Dutch commandant of the fort, was sent on board the vessel to demand of Gov. Rysingh by what right he claimed to dispossess the rightful occupants; but the Governor was not disposed to discuss the matter, and immediately landed a party and took possession without more opposition than wordy protests, the Dutch Governor saying, when called on to make defease, "What can I do? there is no powder." Rysingh, however, in justification of his course, stated to Teinhoven, after he had gained possession of the fort, that he was acting under orders from the crown of Sweden, whose embassador at the Dutch Court, when remonstrating against tbe action of Gov. Stuyvesant in erecting and manning Fort Casimir had been assured, by the State's General and the offices of the West India Company, that they had not authorized the erection of this fort on Swedish soil, saying, " if our people "Thereupon the Swedish are in your Excellency's way, drive them off." Governor slapped Van Teinhoven on the breast, and said, Go! tell your GovAs the capture was made on Trinity Sunday, the name was ernor that.'" changed from Fort Casimir to Fort Trinity. Thus were the instructions of the new Governor, not to resort to force, but to secure possession of the fort by negotiation, complied with, but by a forced For, although he had not actually come to battle, for the very interpretation. good reason that the Dutch had no powder, and were not disposed to use their fists against fire arms, which the Swedes brandished freely, yet, in making his demand for the fort, he had put on the stern aspect of war. Stuyvesant, on learning of the loss of Fort Casimir, sent a messenger to the ' HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 29 Delaware to invite Gov. Rysingh to come to Mant attan to hold friendly conference upon the subject of their difficulties. This Rysingh refused to do, and the Dutch Governor, probably desiring instructions from the home Governmeiit before proceeding to extremities, made a voyage to tbe West Indies for the purpose of arranging favorable regulations of trade with the colonies, though without the instructions, or even the knowledge of the States General. Cromwell, who was now at the head of the English nation, by the policy of his agents, rendered this embassy of Stuyvesant abortive. As soon as information of the conduct of Rysingh at Zwanendal was known in Holland, the company lost no time in disclaiming the representations which he had made of its willingness to have the fort turned over to the Swedes, and immediately took measures for restoring it and wholly dispossessOn the 16th of November, 1655, ing the Swedes of lands upon the Delaware. the company ordered Stuyvesant "to exert every nerve to avenge the insult, by not only replacing matters on the Delaware in their former position, but by driving the Swedes from every side of the river," though they subsequently modified this order in such manner as to allow the Swedes, after Fort Casimir had been taken, "to hold the land on which Fort Christina is built," with a garden to cultivate tobacco, because it appears that they had made the purchase with the previous knowledge of the compeny, thus manifesting a disinclination to involve Holland in a war with Sweden. "Two armed «hips were forthwilh commissioned; 'the drum was beaten daily for volunteers in the streets of Amsterdam; authority was sent out to arm and equip, and if necessary to press into the company's service a sufficient number of ships for the expedition." In the meantime, Gov. Rysingh, who had inaugurated his ' reign by so bold a stroke of policy, determined to ingratiate himself into the favor of the Indians, who had been soured in disposition by the arbitrary conduct of the passionate Printz. He accordingly sent out on all sides an invitation to the native tribes to assemble on a certain day, by their chiefs and principal men, at the seat of government on Tinicum Island, to brighten the chain of friendship and renew their pledges of faith and good neighborhood. On the morning of the appointed day, ten grand sachems with their attendants came, and with the formality characteristic of these native tribes, the council opened. Many and bitter were the complaints made against the Swedes for wrongs suffered at their hands, " chief among which was that many of their number had died, plainly pointing, though not explicitly saying it, to the giving of spirituous liquors as the cause." The new Governor had no answer to make to these complaints, being convinced, probably, that they were but too true. Without attempting to excuse or extenuate the past, Rysingh brought forward the numerous presents which he had taken with him from Sweden for the purpose. The sight of the piled up goods produced a prof ound impression upon the minds of the native chieftains. They sat apart for conference before making any expression of their feelings. Naaman, the fast friend of the white man, and the most consequential of the warriors, according to Campanius, spoke: " Look," said he, "and see what they have brought to us." So saying, he stroked himself three times down the arm, which, among the Indians, was a token of friendship; afterward he thanked the Swedes on behalf of his people for the presents tliey had received, and said that friendship should be observed more strictly between them than ever before; that the Sweden and the Indians in Gov. Printz's time were as one body and one heart, striking his breast as he spoke, and that thenceforward they should be as one head; in token of which he took hold of his head with both hands, and made a motion 30 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. " That, as the as if he were tying a knot, and then he made this comparison: calabash was round, without any crack, so they should be a compact body without any fissure; and that if any should attempt to do any harm to the Indians, the Swedes should immediately inform them of it; and, on the other hand, the Indians would give immediate notice to the Christians, even if it were in the middle of the night." On this they were answered that that would be indeed a true and lasting friendship, if every one would agree to it; on which they gave a general shout in token of consent. Immediately on this the great guns were fired, which pleased them extremely, and they said, ''Poo, hoo, Jioo; mokerick picon,^' that is to say "Hear and believe; the great guns are fired." Rysingh then produced all the treaties which had ever been concluded between them and the Swedes, which were again solemnly confirmed. " When those who had signed the deeds heard their names, they appeared to rejoice, but, when the names were read of those who were dead, they hung their heads in sorrow." After the first ebulition of feeling had subsided on the part of the Dutch Company at Amsterdam, the winter passed without anything further being done than issuing the order to Stuyvesant to proceed against the Swedes. In the spring, however, a thirty-six-gun brig was obtained from the burgomasters of Amsterdam, which, with four other crafts of varying sizes, was prepared for duty, and the little fleet set sail for New Netherland. Orders were given for immediate action, though Director General Stuyvesant had not returned from the West Indies. Upon the arrival of the vessels at Manhattan, it was announced that " if any lovers of the prosperity and security of the province of New Netherland were inclined to volunteer, or to serve for reasonable wages, they should come forward," and whoever should lose a limb, or be maimed, was assured of a decent compensation. The merchantmen were ordered to furnish two of their crews, and the river boatmen were to be impressed. At this juncture a grave question arose: "Shall the Jews be enlisted?" It was decided in the negative; but in lieu of service, adult male Jews were taxed sixty five stivers a head per month, to be levied by execution in case of refusal. Stuyvesant had now arrived from his commercial trip, and made ready for opening the campaign in earnest. A day of prayer and thanksgiving was held to beseech the favor of Heaven upon the enterprise, and on the 5th of September, 1655, with a fleet of seven vessels and some 600 men, Stuyvesant hoisted sail and steered for the Delaware. Arrived before Fort Trinity (Casimir), the Director sent Capt. Smith and a drummer to summon the fort, and ordered a flank movement by a party of fifty picked men to cut ofl" communication with Fort Christina and the headquarters of Gov. Rysingh. Swen Schute, the commandant of the garrison, asked permission to communicate with Rysingh, which was denied, and he was called on to prevent bloodshed. An interview in the valley midway between the fort and the Dutch batteries was held, when Schute asked to send an open letter to Rysingh. This was denied, and for a third time the fort was summoned. Impatient of delay, and in no temper for parley, the great guns were landed and the Dutch force ordered to advance. Schute again asked for a delay until morning, which was granted, as the day was now well spent and the Dutch would be unable to make the necessary preparations to open before morning. Early on the following day, Schute went on board the Dutch flag- ship, the j3alance, and agreed to terms of surrender very honorable to his flag. He was permitted to send to Sweden, by the first opportunity, the cannon, nine in number, belonging to the crown of Sweden, to march out of the fort with twelve men, as his body guard, fully accoutered, and colors flying; the common soldiers to wear their side arms. The com- 31 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. mandant and other officers were to retain their private property, the muskets belonging to the crown were to be held until sent for, and finally the fort was to be surrendered, with all the cannon, ammunition, materials and other goods The Dutch entered the fort at noon belono-ing to the West India Company. of war, and Dominie Megapcircumstance glorious and formality the with all Chaplain of the expedition, preached a sermon of thanksgiving on the following Sunday in honor of the great triumph. While these signal events were transpiring at Casimir, Gov. Rysing, at his royal residence on Tinicum, was in utter ignorance that he was being despoiled A detachment of nine men had been sent by the Governor to of' his power. Casimir to re-enforce the garrison, which came unawares upon the Dutch lines, and after a brief skirmish all but two were captured. Upon learning that the of the infort was invested. Factor Ellswyck was sent with a flag to inquire The answer was returned "To recover vaders the purpose of their coming. and retain our property." Rysingh then communicated the hope that they would therewith rest content, and not encroach further upon Swedish territory, for having, doubtless, ascertained by this time that the Dutch were too strong answer, evasive an returned Stuyvesant resistance. him to make any effectual It will be remembered that but made ready to march upon Fort Christina. reduction of the Swedes, the for given orders modified by the terms of the But the Dutch Governor's blood was Fort Christina was not to be disturbed. now up, and he determined to make clean work while the means were in his Discovering that the Dutch were advancing, Rysingh spent the whole hands. olensis, ' position to night in strengthening the defenses and putting the garrison in make a stout resistance. Early on the following day the invaders made their deappearance on the opposite bank of Christina Creek, where they threw up Forces were landed above the fort, and the fenses and planted their cannon. having been place was soon invested on all sides, the vessels, in the meantime, fort and brought into the mouth of the creek, their cannon planted west of the his garriand Governor the shut up securely thus Having on Timber Island. Rysingh could not in honor son, Stuyvesant summmoned him to surrender. to make a defense and resolved was it war of council at a and tamely submit, But their " leave the consequence to be redressed by our gracious superiors." of only consisted force his and round, one for sufficed barely supply of powder In the meantime, the Dutch soldiery made free with the property thirty men. invading their tomes. of the Swedes without the fort, killing their cattle and "At length the Swedish garrison itself showed symptoms of mutiny. The men were harassed with constant watching, provisions began to fail, many if they held were sick, several had deserted, and Stuyvesant threatened, that, which ended held was conference A quarter." no give to longer, out much for defense. by the return of Rysingh to the fort more resolute than ever hours for a twenty-four gave and ultimatum his in sent Stuyvesant Finally humane the evincing consideration for final answer, the generous extent of time is perhaps more what or army, invading the of commander the of disposition Before the expiration of the probable his own lack of stomach for carnage. " after a siege of fourteen days, durcapitulated, garrison the allowed, time than cannoning which, very fortunately, there was a great deal more talking poultry and swme, which goats, the of those except shed, blood no and ading, The twenty or thirty Swedes then the Dutch troops laid their bands on. drums beating, marched out with their arms; colors flying, matches lighted, down tne hauled fort, the of possession took and the Dutch and fifes playing, Swedish flag" and hoisted By their own." the terms of capitulation, the Swedes, ., , who wished , to • remain m • m the HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 32 country, were permitted to do so, od taking the oath of allegiance, and righta Gov. Ryof property were to be respected under the sway of Dutch law. singh, and all others who desired to return to Europe, were furnished passage, and by a secret provision, a loan of £300 Flemish was made to Rysingh, to be refunded on bis arrival in Sweden, the cannon and other property belonging to the crown remaining in the hands of the Dutch until the loan was paid. Before withdrawing Stuyvesant offered to deliver over Fort Christina and the lands immediately about it to Rysingh, but this offer was declined with dignity, as the matter had now passed for arbitrament to the courts of the two nations. The terms of the capitulation were honorable and liberal enough, but the Dutch authorities seem to have exercised little care in carrying out its provisFor Ry^ ions, or else the discipline in the service must have been very las. singh had no sooner arrived at Manhattan, than he entered most vigorous prothe capitulation to Gov. Stuyasserted that tlje property belonging to the Swedish crown had been left without guard or protection from pillage, and that be himself had He accused the Dutch not been assigned quarters suited to his dignity. with having broken open the church, and taken away all the cordage and sails of a new vessel, with having plundered the villages, Tinnakong, Uplandt. Fin" In Christina, the women were violently land, Printzdorp and other places. torn from their houses; whole buildings were destroyed; yea, oxen, cows, hogs and other creatures were butchered day after day; even tbe horses were not spared, but wantonly shot; the plantations destroyed, and the whole country so desolated that scarce any means were left for the subsistence of the inhab"Your men carried off even my own property, " said Rysingh, itants." " with that of my family, and we were left like sheep doomed to the knife, without means of defense against the wild barbarians." Thus the colony of Swedes and Fins on the South River, which had been planned by and had been the object of solicitude to the great monarch himself, and had received tbe fostering care of the Swedish Government, came to an end after an existence of a little more than seventeen years 1638-1655. But though it no longer existed as a colony under the government of the crown of Sweden, many of the colonists remained and became the most intelligent and law-abiding citizens, and constititted a vigorous element in the future growth of the State. Some of the best blood of Europe at this period flowed in the love for Sweden," says Bancroft, "their dear veins of the Swedes. mother country, the abiding sentiment of loyalty toward its sovereign, conAt Stockholm, they remained for a tinued to distinguish the little band. century the objects of disinterested and generous regard; affection united them in the New "World; and a part of their descendants still preserve their altar and their dwellings around the graves of their fathers." This campaign of Stuyvesant. for tbe dispossessing of the Swedes of territory upon the Delaware, furnishes Washington Irving subject for some of the most inimitable chapters of broad humor, in his Knickerbocker's New York, to be found in the English language. And yet, in the midst of his side-splitting paragraphs, he indulges in a reflection which is worthy of remembrance. "He who reads attentively will discover the threads of gold which run throughout the web of history, and are invisible to the dull eye of ignorance. * * * By the treacherous surprisal of Fort Casimir, then, did the crafty Swedes enjoy a transient triumph, but drew upon their heads the vengeance By the of Peter Stuyvesant, who wrested all New Sweden from their hands. conquest of New Sweden, Peter Stuyvesant aroused the claims of Lord Balti- tests against the violations of the provisions of vesant. He — "A 33 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. who subdued the whole to the cabinet of Great Britain, the whole exten of achievement, great By this Netherlands. more who appealed province of New Floridas, was rendered one ent re North America, from Nova Scotia to the mark the consequence: The hithBut dependency upon the British crown. and ^^--^ consolidated thus being scatteJed^colonies /tc'om^ ^^^ great and powerful check or keep them in awe, waxed ^^*^„^.f ^^?°°""^^^f But to shake off is bonds. enabled were country, mother the too stronsr for America prorevolution successful the h^re; the charn^of effects stopped not France, which produced the puissant duced the sanguinary revolution in despotism. French xu Rnnnnavte who Di'oduced the emigrants arrived, the TnMa^ch 16^6 the ship ''Mercury,'' with 130 of the Dutch conqiiest^ had no intimation ^overnSa'tSt^^^^^^^^ ordered to a landing, and the vpssel was prevent to made was An attempt disregarde^ and the co was order the but Manhattan, fepor to Stuyvesant at The debarred and acquired lands. ^J.^^-^^^.^l^ll^^^^ of the Dutch, and tne niin proceedings nosed to submit to these high-handed of thear differences^ discussion a heated fstersof thetwo courts maintained conquests, the government their force by hold to F ndini the Dutch disposed In that year vigorous measrest until 1064. of S^J^den allowed the claim to and a Aeet bearing Delaware, the upon claims its regain ures wertplanned to been obliged to having But, purpose. for the a military Yorce was dispatched abandoned. was enterprise the weather, of stress puTbac7on account of S ^ "^ m . -, Sb CHAPTEE T XT -P.TTT III. 1657-59-Goeran TAroTTET 1655-57-Jacob Alrichs, Van Dyck, D'HINOYOSSA. ''""5rwrL?rrBE?4AN;i658-63-A now under exclusive rr-^HF colonies upon the Delaware being appointed in November, was Jaquet Job^Paul Duteh Direc?;f D'erck Smid. ^^vgg ex-is^^^^ T 1657 1659-64. control of the If 5, as Vice The --V-^f^f.^'^^%^^^ SdiaXmpany, which had been obliged Swedes was sorely felt by the \\ e%\^^j^™f Amsterdam In payment of vesant. the Sicating with Stuyvesant upon dnly after Swedes, <=™s'''''"°f "" }*J^^^°*,^^"J3%"„o J,a^ee8 of the ™^,^T?.,;^ ' ^^ not have been Swed„h f;ZT^'J^ZZf.^!tS:u::not '""'"' disp eased had ^^ " ™^^ '^r'f^,.^al what SVad" adding long is whe^as words l':rdr ;S pX"d"S:n™:?dr.ed may be explained away. or lapse of time, forgotten, as a paren. preserved, not recorded are,in the written is too HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 34 Stuyvesant still remained in supreme control over both the colony of the and the colony of the company, to the immediate governorship of the latBut though settlements in ter of which, Goerau Van Dyck was appointed. the management of affairs were frequently made, they would not remain setThere was conflict of authority between Alrichs and Van Dyck. The tled. companies soon found that a grievous system of smuggling had sprung up. After a searching examination into the irregularities by Stuyvesant, who visited the Delaware for the purpose, he recommended the appointment of one general agent who should have charge of all the revenues of both colonies, and "William Beekman was accordingly appointed. The company of the city seems not to have been watisfied with the profits of their investment, and accordingly made new regulations to govern settlement, by which larger returns would accrue. This action created discontent among the settlers, and many who were meditating the purchase of lands and the acquisition of homes, determined to go over into Maryland where Lord Baltimore was offering far more To add to the discomforts of the settlers, " the liberal terms of settlement. miasms which the low alluvial soil and the rank and decomposed vegetation produced wasting sicknesses. When the planting of a new country engenders, was completed, and the new soil, for ages undisturbed, had been thoroughly stirred, the rains set in which descended almost continuously, producing fever and ague and dysentery. Scarcely a family escaped the epidemic. Six in New colothe family of Director Alrichs were attacked, and his wife died. " Scarcity of nists came without provisions, which only added to the distress. provisions," says O'Calaghan, " naturally followed the failure of the crops; 900 schepels of grain had been sown in the spring. They produced scarcely 600 at harvest. Rye rose to three guilders the bushel; peas to eight guilders the sack; salt was twelve guilders the bushel at New Amsterdam; cheese and butter were not to be had, and when a man journeys he can get nothing but dry bread, or he must take a pot or kettle along with him to cook his victuals." " The place had now got so bad a name that the whole river could not wash it clean." The exactions of the city company upon its colony, not only did not bring increased revenue, but by dispersing the honest colonists, served to who had laid claim to the lands upon Delaware, on notify Lord Baltimore account of original discovery by Lord De la War, from whom the river takes its name, and from subsequent charter of the British crown, covering territory from the 38th to the 40th degree of latitude of the weakness of the colonies, and persuade him that now was a favorable opportunity to enforce his claims. Accordingly, Col. Utie, with a number of delegates, was dispatched to demand that the Dutch should quit the place, or declare themselves subjects of Lord Baltimore, adding, " that if they hesitated, they should be responsible for whatever innocent blood might be shed." Excited discussions ensued between the Dutch authorities and the agents of the Maryland government, and it was finally agreed to refer the matter to Gov. Stuyvesant, who immediately sent Commissioners to the Chesapeake to settle differences, and enter into treaty regulations for the mutual return of fugitives, and dispatched sixty soldiers to the Delaware to assist in preserving order, and resisting the English, should an attempt be made to dispossess the Dutch. Upon the death of Alrichs, which occurred in 1659, Alexander D'Hinoyossa was appointed Governor of the city colony. The new Governor was a man of good business capacity, and sought to administer the affairs of his colony for the best interests of the settlers, and for increasing the revenues of the comTo further the general prosperity, the company negotiated a new loan pany. city ' ' — — 35 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. This liberal policy had resources. ^ith which to strengthen and improve its o. tb^uver moved above settled had The dlired effect. ^The Swedesrwho the city colony^ The Fmsand diaof lands the on homes acquired down, and retixrned and brought with them contented Dutch, who had gone to Maryland, settlers. , English some of the authority which seemed mter^ Discouraged by the harassing conflicts of all its minable, the^Yest'India Company transferred ^^^^^^^^^ to -^.--J^ of D Hmoyossa the visit upon and city, the of the river to the colony of goverBm;^* exclusive and entire Holland in 1663, he secured for himself the no longer subject to the authority of of the colonies upon the Delaware, being . . , ^ there being now a liberal terms of settlement, and Mennonite commuthither. attracted of stable government, emigrants were " Clergymen were not allowed to ]oin them, nor any ^iv came in a body. the Roman See, usurious ^Sracteblepeopleluch as those in communion with the milbelievers foolhardy Puritans, Quakers, Jews, Englis^h stiff-necked obliged " were They revelation.' pretenders to prospect ^^Tncouraged by A m lennium, and obstinate modern Magistrates were to receive no comclimate were regarded as exce and The soil the " on hnest peopled, the country would be the to take an oath never to seek for " not even a stiver. " pensation, Fent, and when sufficiently an office; face of the globe." OHAPTEE RTPTTAT^r, TTtohols IT. 1664-67-Robert Needham, 1664-68-Francis Lovelace, COLVE. 1673-74-PETER ALRICH9, ^'^67 73-JOHN CArT i668-73-ANTHONY 1673-74. the dawning of were scarcely arranged upon the Delaware, and complications new before in, ushered colonists the a better day for The America. in power Dutch began to threaten the subversion of the whole Cromwell Under seaboard Atlantic entire the English had always claimed Captain the New W orld. the Navigation act was aimed at Dutch interests of Charles I having army the in officer an been John Scott, who had of Connecticut, had visited obtained some show of authority from the Governor was ajxuxed population of where Island, Long of end the towns upon the west purchased large tracts of have to Dutch and English, and where he claimed setting up a authority his under unite to them land, and had persuaded King to be lonedthe "peti and government of their own. He visited England that the people thereof be or Island, Long of government invested with the By his ^'^F^^^^tation Assistants " allowed to choose yearly a Governor and " as to his majesty s title to the council, King's the by an inquiry was instituted deportment; management of the premises; the intrusions of the Dutch; their lastly, of the means necessary and government; and country; strength, trade or ^^/^^^^^^^-^^.^^^^ King, the to induce orfSrc^them to acknowledge and his F'^yer to the Scott of visit The country." them together from the inaugiiratmg of ^ pohcj, occasion the Kino- for a grant of Long Island, was AFFAIRS m m the attent on overthrow of Dutch rule in America. But to turned ^^^ been time "^P°^i.^^^^^^^ °,^^^^ of English statesmen had for some occupied, and a be lef thah Dutch txade territory which the Dutch colonies had inquiry James, was yielding great returns, stimulated which in the result^ed in the New World HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 36 Duke of York, brother of the King, who afterward himself became King, was probably at this time the power behind the throne that was urging on action looking to the dispossession of the Dutch. The motive which seemed to actuate He saw, as he him was the acquisition of personal wealth and power. thought, a company of merchants in Amsterdam accumulating great wealth out of these colonies, and he meditated the transfer of this wealth to himself. He was seconded in this project by the powerful influence of Sir George Downing, who had been Envoy at The Hague, under Cromwell, -and was now under Charles II. "Keen, bold, subtle, active, and observant, but imperious and unscrupulous, disliking and distrusting the Dutch," he had watched every movement of the company's granted privileges by the States General, and had reported every"The whole bent," says O'Calaghan,'' of this thing to his superiors at home. man's mind was constantly to hold up before the eyes of his countrymen the growing power of Holland and her commercial companies, their immense wealth and ambition, and the danger to England of permitting these to progress onward unchecked.'' After giving his testimony before the council, Scott returned to America with a letter from the King recommending his interests to the co-operation find On arriving in Connecticut, he was protection of the New England colonies. commissioned by the Governor of that colony to incorporate Long Island under Connecticut jurisdiction. But the Baptists, Quakers and Menuonites, who formed a considerable part of the population, " dreaded falling into the hands of the Puritans." In a quaint document commencing, ''In the behalf e of sum hundreds of English here planted on the west end of Long Island wee address," On his arrival etc. " they besought Scott to come and settle their difficulties. he acquainted them with the fact, till then unknown, that King Charles had granted the island to the Duke of York, who would soon assert his rights. Whereupon the towns of Hemstede, Newwarke, Crafford, Hastings, Folestone and Gravesend, entered into a "combination" as they termed it, resolved to elect deputies to draw up laws, choose magistrates, and empowered Scott to act as their President; in short set up the first independent State in America. Scott immediately set out at the head of 150 men, horse and foot, to subdue the island. On the 22d of March, 1664, Charles II made a grant of the whole of Long Island, and all the adjoining country at the time in possession of tho Dutch, Borrowing four men-of-war of the king, James sent to the Duke of York. them in command of Col. Richard Nicholls, an old officer, with whom was associated Sir Robert Carr, Sir George Cartwright, and Samuel Maverick, Esq., and a force of 450 men, to dispossess the Dutch. To insure the success of the expedition, letters were addressed to each of the Governors of the New England colonies, enjoining upon them to unite in giving aid by men and material to Nicholls, The fleet sailed directly for Boston, where it was expected, and whence, through one Lord, the Dutch were notified of its coming. The greatest consternation was aroused upon the receipt of this intelligence, and the most active preparations were making for defense. But in the midst of these preparations, notice was received from the Chambers at Amsterdam, doubtless inspired by the English, that " no apprehension of any public enemy or danger from England need be entertained. That the King was only desirous to reduce the colonies to uniformity in church and state, and with this view was dispatching some Commissioners with two or three frigates to New England to introduce Episcopacy in that quarter." Thrown completely ofif his guard by this announcement, the Director General, Stuyvesant abandoned all preparations for resistance, and indulged in no anticipations of a hostile visitation. Thus , " HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 37 were three full weeks lost in which the colonies might have been put in a very good state of defense. Nicholls on arriving in American waters, touched at Boston and Connecticut, where some aid was received, and then hastened foward to Manhattan. Stnyvesant had but a day or two before learned of the arrival, and of the hosScarcely had he issued ordei-H for bringing out his forces and for tile intent. fortifying before Nicholls scattered proclamations through the colony promising to protect all who submitted to his Brittanic majesty in the undisturbed possession of their property, and made a formal summons upon Stuyvesant to surrender the country to the King of Great Britain. The Director found that he had an entirely different enemy to treat with from Rysingh, and a few halfarmed Swedes and Fins upon the Delaware. Wordy war ensued between the Commissioners and the Director, and the English Governor finding that Stnyvesant not in the temper to yield, landed a body of his soldiers upon the lower end of the island, and ordered Hyde, the commander of the fleet, to lay the frigates Stnyvesant was standIt was a critical moment. broadside before the city. ing on one of the points of the fort when he saw the frigates approaching. The gunner stood by with burning match, prepared to tire on the fleet, and But he was restrained, Stnyvesant seemed on the point of giving the order. and a further communication was sent to Nicholls, who would listen to nothing The Still Stnyvesant held out. short of the full execution of his mission. inhabiUnts implored, but rather than surrender " he would be carried a corpse The town was, however, in qo condition to stand a siege. The to his grave." Propowder at the fort would only suffice for one day of active operations. The inhabitants were not disposed to be sacrificed, and visions were scarce. They were overheard mutthe disaffection among them spread to the soldiers. tering, " Now we hope to pepper those devilish traders who have so long salted us; we know where booty is to be found, and where the young women who wear gold chains. The Rev. Jannes Myapoleuses seems live to have been active in negotiations and opposed to the shedding of blood. A remonstrance drawn by him was finally adopted and signed by the principal men, and presented to the Director General, in which the utter hopelessness of resistance was set forth, and StnyveFavorable terms were arranged, and sant finally consented to capitulate. Nicholls promised that if it should be finally agreed between the English and Dutch governments that the province should be given over to Dutch rule, he would peacefully yield his authority. Tims without a gun being fired, the English made conquest of the Manhattoes. Sir Robert Carr, with two frigates and an ample force, was dispatched to The planters, the Delaware to reduce the settlements there to English rule. whether Dutch or Swedes, were to be insured in the peaceable possession of their property, and the magistrates were to be continued in office. Sailing past the fort, he disseminated among the settlers the news of the surrender of Stnyvesant, and the promises of protection which Nicholls had made use of. But Gov. D'Hinoyossa was not disposed to heed the demand Whereupon Carr landed his forces and for surrender without a struggle. stormed the place. After a fruitless but heroic resistance, in which ten were wounded and three were killed, the Governor was forced to surrender. Thus was the complete subversion of the State's General in America consummated, and the name of New Amsterdam gave place to that of New York, from the name of the English proprietor, James, Duke of York. The resistance offered by D'Hinoyossa formed a pretext for shameless plunder. Carr, in his report which shows him to have been a lawless fel- 38 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. low, says, "Ye soldiers never stoping nntill they stormed ye fort, andsae consequGiitly to plundering; the seamen, noe less given to that sport, were quickly v^ithin, and have g "ton good store of booty." Carr seized the farm of D'Hinoyossa, hi; brc- er, John Carr, that of Sheriff Sweringen, and Ensign Stock that of Peter Alrichs. The produce of the land for that year was seized, " Even the inoffensive Mentogether with a cargo of goods that was unsold. nonists, though non-combatant from principle, did not escape the sack and plunder to which the whole river was subjected by Carr and his marauders. boat was dispatched to tJieir settlement, which was stripped of everything, to a very naile." Nicholls, on hearing of the rapacious conduct of his subordinate, visited the Delaware, removed Carr. and placed Robert Needham in command. Previous to dispatching his fleet to America, in June, 1664, the Du^ke of York had granted to John, Lord Berkeley, Baron of Stratton, and Sir George Carteret, of Saltrum in Devon, the territory of New Jersey, bounded substantially as the present State, and this, though but little settled by the Dutch, had been included in the terms of surrender secured by Nicholls. In many ways, he showed himself a man of ability and discretion. He drew up with signal success a body of laws, embracing most of the provisions which had been in force in the English colonies, which were desiguated the Duke's Laws. In May, 1667, Col. Fi*ancis Lovelace was appointed Governor in place of Nicholls, and soon after taking charge of affairs, drew up regulations for the government of the territory upon the Delaware, and dispatched Capt. John Carr to act there as his Deputy Governor. It was provided that whenever complaint duly sworn to was made, the Governor was to summon " the schout, Hans Block, Israel Helm. Peter Rambo, Peter Cock and Peter Alrichs, or any two of them, as counsellors, to advise him, and determine by the major vote what is just, equitable and necessary in the case in question." It was further provided that all men should be punished in an exemplary manner, though with moderation; that the laws should be frequently communicated to the counsellors, and that in cases of difficulty recourse should be had to the Govi A ernor and Council at New York. In 1668, two murders were perpetrated by Indians, which caused considerable disturbance and alarm throughout the settlements. These capital crimes appear to have been committed while the guilty parties were maddened by liquor. So impressed were the sachems and leading warriors of the baneful effects of strong drink, that they appeared before the Council and besought its authority to utterly prohibit the sale of it to any of their tribes. These requests were repeated, and finally, upon the advice of Peter Alrichs, " the Governor (Lovelace) prohibited, on pain of death, the selling of powder, shot and strong liquors to the Indians, and writ to Carr on the occasion to use the utmost vigilance and caution." The native murderers were not apprehended, as it was difficult to trace them;, but the Indians themselves were determined to ferret them out. One was taken and shot to death, who was the chief offender, but the other escaped and was never after heard of. The chiefs summoned their young men, and in presence of the English warned them that such would be the fate of all offenders. Proud justly remarks: "This, at a time when the Indians were numerous and strong and the Europeans few and weak, was a memorable act of justice, and a proof of true friendship to the English, greatly alleviating the fear, for which they had so much reason among savages, in this then wilderness country." In 1669, a reputed son of the distinguished Swedish General, Connings- 3 39 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. another of his nationality, Henry marke, commonly called the Long Fin, with the language and habits of the with familiar and property, of man Coleman, a throw off the English rule and to insurrection endeavored to incite an was apprehended, and was Fin Long The supremacy. Swedish establish the sentence was commuted to his reconsideration condemned to die; but upon chams to was brought He letter B. the with branding to and whipping year, and was for a Sfcadt-house the in New Yoil, where he was Incarcerated Improvements in the modes of then transported to Barbadoes to be sold. New Castle was introduced. time to time from administer ng justice were Dut.es on Bailiff and six associates a by governed be to corpof-ation, made a to collect and appointed was Pringer Martin Capt. importations were laid, and ^ + +1. make due returns of them to Gov. Lovelace. , , xr^fi. declared war against the Neth. In 1673 the French monarch, Louis XIV, dethat upon down moved men 200,000 erlands, and with an army of over English with a power^ the force, land the with conjunction void country. In The aged Du Ruyter and waters. lu armament, descended upon the Dutch the meet to sea to boldly put ^i^^^^^^P- J^^^^SJ^f the youthful Van Tromp coast on the 7th and 14th of June naval battles were fought upon the Dutch forces were finally repulsed and and the 6th of Augustf in which the English inhabitants, abandoning their the In the meantime, driven from the coast. Deeminvited inundation. and sea. the back held which homes, cut the dikes them from wrenched possessions their ing this a favorable opportunity to regain Cornelius Commodores under fleet small sent a Dutch the ia the New World, to demand the surreuder of all Evertse and Jacobus Benkes, to New York, to be absent, and his happened Lovelace Gov. possessions. their previous but brief resistance, with surrendered representative, Capt. John Manning, Jersey and Long Island on East Esopus, Albany, from and the magistrates fealty to the returning Dutch powex. beino- summoned to New York, swore to Delaware, where the magistrates sent was Governor, as Anthony Colve, Praperty to his authority. themselves hastened to meet him and submit Lovelace returned to England, Gov. confiscated; was Government the English Be ore their deprisoners to Holland. and many of the soldiers were carried whostyledthemselves' The honoraBenkes, and Evertse Commodores pa ture Genera their high mightinesses, the Staters ble and awful council of war, for Highness, t^^P^mce of Orange,'' Serene his and Netherlands, . o the United foot, on the 12th of August, lb. commissioned Anthony Colve, a Captain of with all its appendences, Netherlands, "New of Gene/al to be Governor who had manifested Alrichs, Peter following, and on the 19th of September was apaBcendancy Dutch of Ms sabserviency and his pleasure at the returnDelaware. o laws was body A the upon Governor pointed by Colve Deputy established at InS m • m and three courts of justice were Capt. Manning ^^ ^-/'^turn o EnLewistown. New Castle, Chester and the fort at New York withSand was charged with treachery for delivering up "to have his sword broken martial court a by out rirsLnce and was sentenced incapable city hall, and himself rendered over his head in public, before the future in any public the for Majesty his serving Twearing a swJrd and of dr^wn up for his instruction, %iuh^%tv'olX:which had been affected so easily was of short duration^ between England and On the 9th of February, 1674, peace was concluded '• that whatsoever it was provided pacification of' articles Holland, and in the or have forts, or ^^^ ^e ^^^^^^^ fountrie;, islands, towns, ports, castles Europe, or out either Y^«^' broke war unhappy late the that sides since the time the same conproprietor, ^sewhZ, shall be restored to the former lord and f m m 40 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. dition they shall be in when the peace itself shall be proclaimed, after which time there shall be no spoil nor plunder of the inhabitants, no demolition of fortifications, nor cai'rying away of guns, powder, or other military stores which belonged to any castle or port at the time when it was taken." This left no room for controversy about possession. But that there might be no legal bar nor loophole for question of absolute right to his possessions, the Duke of York secured from the King on the 29th of June following, a new patent covering the former grant, and two days thereafter sent Sir Edmund Andros, to possess and govern the country. He arrived at New York and took peaceable possession on the 31st of October, and two days thereafter it was resolved in council to reinstate all the officers upon Delaware as they were at the surrender to the Dutch, except Peter Alrichs, who for his forwardness in yielding his power was relieved. Capt. Edmund Cantwell and William Tom were sent to occupy the fort at New Castle, in the capacities of Deputy Governor and Secretary. In May, 3075, Gov. Andros visited the Delaware, and held court at New Castle " in which orders were made relative to the opening of roads, the regulation of church property and the support of pi'eaching, the prohibition of the sale of liquors to the Indians, and the distillation thereof by the inhabitants." On the 23d of September, 1676, Cantwell was superseded by John Collier, as Vice Governor, when Ephraim Hermans became Secretary. As was previously observed, Gov. Nicholls, in 1664, made a complete digest of all the laws and usages in force in the English-speaking colonies in America, which were known as the Duke's Laws. That these might now be made the basis of judicature throughout the Duke's possessions, they were, on the 25th of September, 1676, formally proclaimed and published by Gov. Lovelace, with a suital)le ordinance introducing them. It may here be observed, that, in the administration of Gov. Hartranft, by act of the Legislature of June 12, 1878, the Duke's Laws were published in a handsome volume, together with the Charter and Laws instituted by Penn, and historical notes covering the early history of the State, under the direction of John B. Linn, Secretary of the commonwealth, edited by Staughton George, Benjamin M. Nead, and Thomas McCaiaant, from an old copy preserved among the town records of Hempstead, Long Island, the seat of the independent State which had been set up there by John Scott before the coming of Nicholls. The number of taxable male inhabitants between the ages of sixteen and sixty years, in 1677, for Uplandt and New Castle, was 443, which by the usual estimate of seven to one would give the population 3,101 for this district. Gov. Collier having exceeded his authority by exercising judicial functions, was deposed by Andros, and Capt. Christopher Billop was appointed to succeed him. But the change resulted in little benefit to the colony; for Billop was charged with many irregularities, " taking possession of the fort and turning it into a stable, and the court room above into a hay and fodder loft; debarring the court from sitting in its usual place in the fort, and making use of soldiers for his own private purposes. The hand of the English Government bore heavily upon the denomination of Christians called Friends or Quakers, and the earnest-minded, conscientious worshipers, uncompromising in their faith, were eager for homes in a land where they should be absolutely free to worship the Supreme Being. Berkeley and Carteret, who had bought New Jersey, were Friends, and the settlements made in their territory were largely of that faith. In 1675, Lord Berkeley sold his undivided half of the province to John Fenwicke, in trust for Edward Byllinge, also Quakers, and Fenwicke sailed in the Griffith, with a company of Friends who settled at Salem, in West Jersey. Byllinge, having 41 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. for the benefit of become involved in debt, made an assignment of his interest ]ointly with trustee become to his creditors, and William Penn was induced and he was Quaker, devoted a was Penn Lucas. Nicholas and Gowen Lawrie friends and Christian devotees of that earnest nature that the interests of his promoting became zealous he Hence interests. persoual own his were like might settlers that and government, orderly For its the welfare of the colony. Conof affairs, Penn drew up management the in stabilitv of assurance have est of inhabitants ^^ and freeholders proprietors, cessions and agreements of the Foreseeing ^^difficulty from chapters. four fortyin America" in Jersev New a line ot parprovince by divided authority, Penn secured a division of the straight north, through the tition from the east side of Little Egg Harbor, Penn s half was called country to the utmost branch of the Delaware River." along the New West Jersey, along the Delaware side, Carteret's New East Jersey settlers, as the the toward disposition and purposes ocean shore. Penn's he wrote at this time to a founder of a State, are disclosed by a letter which lay a foundation tor America: in then Hartshorn, Friend, Richard that they may Christians; and after ages to understand their liberty, as men for we put the power consent; own their by but bondage, not be brought into * * So every man is capable to choose or to be chosen no man in the people twelve or molested, in his estate, or liberty, but by condemned, to be arrested, estate his that but debt, for prison in men of the neighborhood; no man to lie to work; no man to be liberty at set be he and go, will it as satisfy, as far Lest any should be incalled in question, or molested for his conscience." of settlement unadvisedly, enterprise the in embark and home leave duced to whomsoever a desire to Penn wrote and published a letter of caution, "That in the thing before weigh would such plantation, intended this in be concerned and that remove, such any on conclude the Lord, and not headilv, or rashly, their near kindred and relations of love tender the to violence offer not they do their good wills; that but soberly, and conscientiously endeavor to obtain the Lord and good they go or stay, it may be of good savor before m "We ; whether people." OHAPTEE Sir Y. Edmund Andros, 1674-81-Edmund Cantwell, 1674-7C-John 77_Christopher Billop, Collier, 1676- 1677-81. New Jersey, as Trustee, and finally as part owner of in America. colonization of subject the in became much interested given much prayerful study he had and thither, gone had people Many of his just laws for seemand meditation to the amelioration of their condition by fortunate condition of a the pictured imagination His government. their happiness of his subjects, and State where the law-giver should alone study the rendering implicit obedience to on intent chiefly be should subjects his he had From his experience in the management of the Jerseys, iust laws. his ideas of government sucdoubtless discovered that if he would carry out his voice woilld be potential and his cessfully, he must have a province where land He accordingly cast about for the acquirement of such a will supreme. WILLIAM PENN, mg m the New World. Penn had doubtless been stimulated .,.-,his desires by the very roseate m country, counts of the beauty and excellence of the , its xi ^0+., o,, ac- salubrity of climate, its ^2 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. balmy airs, the fertility of its soil, and the abundance of the native fish, flesh and fowh In 1680, one Malhon Stacy wrote a letter which was largely circu lated England, in which he says: " It is a country that produceth all thino-s tor the support and furtherance of man, in a * * * I plentiful manner have seen orchards; laden with fruit to admiration; their very limbs torn to pieces with weight, most delicious to the taste, and lovelv to behold I have seen an apple tree from a pippin-kernel, yield a barrel of curious cider; and peaches in such plenty that some people took their carts a peach gatheriuir- I m could not nut smile at the conceit of it; they are very delicious fruit, and hang almost like om^ onions, that are tied on ropes. I have seen and know this summer, forty bushels of bold wheat of one bushel sown. From May till Michaelmas, great store of very good wild fruits as strawberries, cranberries and hurtleberries, which are like oui" biJlberries in England, only far sweeterthe cranberries, much like cherries for color and bigness, which may be kept till trnit comes again; an excellent sauce is made of them for venison turkeys, and other great fowl, and they are better to make tarts of than either goosoDerries or cherries; we have them brought to our houses by the Indian^ in great plenty. My brother Eobert had as many cherries this year as would have loaded several carts. As for venison and fowls, we have great plenty we have brought home to our countries by the Indians, seven or eight fat bucks !''*''' ^^"^ ""^^^'^ ^"^ ^"'^^^^ herrings after the Indian fashion. I' ^J^ '^""'f. * A\e could have tilled a three-bushel sack of as good large herrino-s as ever I saw. And as to beef and pork, here is great plenty of it, and o-ood sheep. The common grass of this country fpeds beef very fat. Indeedrthe couQtry, take it as a wilderness, is a brave country." r% The father of William Penn had arisen to distinction tne British Navy sent Cromwell's time, with a considerable sea and land force, to the West Indies, where he reduced the Island of Jamaica under English rule At the restoration, he gave in his adhesion to the royal cause. Under James, Duke of York, Admiral Penn commanded the English fleet which descended upon the Dutch coast, and gained a great victory over the combined naval forces led by Van Opdam. For this great service to his country, Penn was knighted, and became a favorite at court, the King and his brothor, the Duke holding him cherished remembrance. At his death, there was due him from tbe crown the sum of £16,000, a portion of which he himself had ad vanced for the sea service. Filled with the romantic idea of colonization and enamored with the sacred cause of his people, the son, who had come to be re garded with favor for his great father's sake, petitioned King Charles II to grant him, liquidation of this debt, " a tract of land in America, Ivin^ north of Maryland, bounded east by the Delaware Eiver, on the west limited as Maryhmd, and northward to extend as far as plantable." There were conflicting interests at this time which were being warily watched at court The petition was submitted to the Privy Council, and afterward to the Lords of the committee of plantations. The Duke of York already held the counties New Castle, Kent and Sussex. Lord Baltimore held a grant upon the southof with an indefinite northern limit, and the agents of both these territories viewed with a jealous eye any new grant that should in any way trench upon their rights. These claims were fully debated and heard by the Lords and being a matter in which the King manifested special interest, the Lord Chief Justice, North, and the Attorney General, Sir William Jones, were consulted both as to the grant itself, and the form or manner of making it. Finallv after a careful study of the whole subject, it was determined by the highest authority in the Government to grant to Penn a larger tract than* Me was m m m m he had asked ^^ HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA, unexampled liberality, in unequivocal and the charter was drawn with and with remarkab e minuteness of holding, terms of li?t and perpetuity of advantage of any double ^leanaug condetTn and that Penn should have the And and last section P^-^^^des: twenty-third veyed in the instrument, the tiue the concerning arise should ur question [fTerchance hereafter any doubt in this our present contained sentence or clause senCand melng^ an/word, things such that at all times and m all charter w^will ordain and command courts whatsoever our of any in allowed and iSoretlti^n be made thereof, unto the said Wilham adjudged most advantageous and favorable for Sfbe as when he finally reached the consummation of with almost dictatorial power over a invested hiswirhes and saw himself destined to become a populous ernpire country as' lar^e as England itself, feai-ful the most devout Chris lan spint, with tempered exultation was But that something do to led be might gl-eat power he fest in thTexerc^^^ of his Turner, he writes Robert friend, dear his To God. ihould be displeasing to dear fi'iends love in the Lord salutes thee and a modest way: "Mvtrue Thine I have, and for my parts. those in truth precious hat Tve the Lord's diswaitings, watchmgs, sohcitmgs and business hei^ know that after many was confirmed to me under the great seal "^Tt wt atyfnfdaTfor Penn S S STn council, this day my country name of Pennsylvania a with large powers and privileges, by the I chose New Wales befather. my of honor in it give name the King would for a head,asPenWelsh being Penn ?nT as this a pretty hilly country; but Buckmghamand Penn Cumberland, in WaL,^andVenrith ^f;roi7ein is the high which Pennsylvama this called ^'re the hthest l^nd ia England, Secretary, a Welshman refused the when proposed, I for or head woodlands; and they added Penn to it; and though have ilcalLd N;w Wales, Sylvania, altered, he to have it struck out and King the to weni imiich opposed it, and ffnMand m Z upon him; nor could twenty guineas move for I feared lest it he Unrie:r;tary to vary the name; it tiuly was to my in the King, as ^^f^^'^^^^^^t^^^ respect as a. as a vanity in me, and not communicate my mayest with praise. Thou father whom he iften mentions is ^ clear and just It proposals. my g'ant io Frfends, and expect shortly many difficulties, will, I beand my God, that has given it me through fh have atender care to the shall I anation. S'bless'nd make it the seed of Lfdit wast and would take it W be well laid at first." _ „„ +1,0+ r.f be t^^^/^-^-^^^l' that the western boundary should full degre^s^ fave west to from east Marvland- but the King made the width with the America, land, of " part, or tract, all that The cS^r limits were p-overcment, that ^ it Pen" had asked m ^^Ltth'eincttained as the same is bo-de\on the^as by De^^^^^^^^^ tne northwards of New Castle to^wn, unto Biver, from twelve miles distance latitude. .,-,,, flirAP and fortieth degree of northern +^i to exLd westward five ^g^^V" 'T^^'"'''':, *^ n^ th7„orth The .aM uorth the ou bonBded be to the said lauds from the said eastern bounds; and fortieth degree of northern lat™''^' bv the berfnuina- of the three and ^"J?e Cast twelve miles distance from New on the south bf a circle drawn at fortieth ^e of beginning the nortblrd and westward unto ^"ei-^-^'^^j'^Z the hm.ts of longitude above and then by a straight line westward to S latitude; ™°It™tiaent not that tne royal secretaries did s;ytent-'th'-»^^^^^^^ pTstrict of Columbia, "'' -f ""^-f 'i;^\gSn" greater part of Maryland and hence Baltimore, and the 44 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. slice of Virginia would have been included in the clear terms of But the charters of Maryland and Virthe chartered limits of Pennsylvania. Still, the terms of the Penn charter ginia antedated this of Pennsylvania. were distinct, the beginning of the fortieth degree, whereas those of Maryland were ambiguous, the northern limit being fixed at the fortieth degree; but whether Penn at the beginning or at the ending of the fortieth was not stated. claimed three full degrees of latitude, and when it was found that a controversy was likely to ensue, the King, by the hand of his royal minister, Conway, issued a fui-ther declaration, dated at Whitehall, April 2, 1681, in which the wording of the original chartered limits fixed for Pennsylvania were quoted verbatim, and his royal pleasure declared that these limits should be This was supposed to respected " as they tender his majesty's displeasure." But Lord Baltimore still pressed his claim, and the quessettle the matter. tion of southern boundary remained an open one, causing much disquietude to Penn, requiring watchful care at court for more than half a century, and and a good until after the proprietor's death. gather from the terms of the charter itself that the King, in making the grant, was influenced "by the commendable desire of Penn to enlarge our British Empire, and promote such useful commodities as may be of benefit to us and our dominions, as also to reduce savage nations by just and gentle manners, to the love of civil society and Christian religion," and out of "regard to the memory and merits of his late father, in divers services, and particularly to his conduct, courage and discretion, under our dearest brother, James, Duke of York, in the signal battle and victory, fought and obtained, against the Dutch fleet, commanded by the Herr Van Opdam in 1665.'' The motive for obtaining it on the part of Penn may be gathered from the following extract of a letter to a friend: " For my country I eyed the Lord in obtaining it; and more was I drawn inward to look to Him, and to owe it to His hand and power than to any other way. I have so obtained and desire to keep it, that I may be unworthy of His love, but do that which may answer His kind providence and people." The charter of King Charles II was dated April 2, 1681. Iiest any trouble might arise in the future from claims founded on the grant previously made to the Duke of York, of "Long Island and adjacent territories occupied by the Dutch," the prudent forethought of Penn induced him to obtain a deed, dated August 31, 1682, of the Duke, for Pennsylvania, substantially in the But Penn was still not satisfied. He was cut off terms of the royal charter. from the ocean except by the uncertain navigation of one narrow stream. He therefore obtained from the Duke a grant of New Castle and a district of twelve miles around it, dated on the 24th of August, 1682, and on the same day a further grant from the Duke of a tract extending to Cape Henlopen, embracing the two counties of Kent and Sussex, the two grants comprising what were known as the territories, or the three lower counties, which were for many years a part of Pennsylvania, but subsequently constituted the State of Delaware. Being now satisfied with his province, and that his titles were secure, Penn drew up such a description of the country as from his knowledge he was able to give, which, together with the royal charter and proclamation, terms of settlement, and other papers pertaining thereto, he published and spread broadcast through the kingdom, taking special pains doubtless to have the documents reach the Friends. The terms of sale of lands were 40 shillings for The question has been raised, why 100 acres, and 1 shilling per acre rental. exact the annual payment of one shilling per acre. The terms of the grant by We HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIi. 47 the royal cbarter to Perm were made absolute on the " payraent therefor to us, our heirs and successors, two beaver skins, to be delivered at our castle in "Windsor, on the 1st day of January in every year," and contingent payment of one-fifth part of all gold and silver which shall from time to time happen Penn, therefore, held his title only upon to be found clear of all charges." He could consequently give a valid title only by the payment of quit-rents. the exacting of quit-rents. Having now a great province of his own to manage, Penn was obliged to relinquish his share in West New Jersey. He had given largely of his time and energies to its settlement: he had sent 1,400 emigrants, many of them people of high character; had seen farms reclaimed from the forest, the town of Burlington built, meeting houses erected in place of tents for worship, good Government established, and the savage Indians turned to peaceful ways. With satisfaction, therefore, he could now give himself to reclaiming and setHe had of course in his published account of the tling his own province. But lest any should country made it appear a desirable place for habitation. regret having gone thither when it was too late, he added to his description a caution, " to consider seriously the premises, as well the inconveniency as future ease and plenty; that so none may move rashly or from a fickle, but from a solid mind, having above ail things an eye to the providence of God in the disposing of themselves." Nothing more surely points to the goodness of heart of William Penn, the great founder of our State, than this extreme solicitude, lest he might induce any to go to the new country who should afterward regret having gone. The publication of the royal charter and his description of the country attracted attention, and many purchases of land were made of Penn before That these purchasers might have something binding to leaving England. rely upon, Penn drew up what he termed " conditions or concessions " between himself as proprietor and purchasers in the province. These related to the settling the country, laying out towns, and especially to the treatment of the Indians, who were to have the same rights and privileges, and careful regard as the Europeans. And what is perhaps a remarkable instance of provident forethought, the eighteenth article provides " That, in clearing the ground, care be taken to leave one acre of trees for every five acres cleared, especially It could be desired to preserve oak and mulberries, for silk and shipping." that such a provision might have remained operative in the State for all time. Encouraged by the manner in which his proposals for settlement were received, Penn now drew up a frame of government, consisting of twentyThese were drawn in a spirit of unexampled four articles and forty laws. fairness and liberality, introduced by an elaborate essay on the just rights of government and governed, and with such conditions and concessions that it should never be in the power of an unjust Governor to take advantage of the people and practice injustice. " For the matter of liberty and privilege, I purpose that which is exti'aordinary, and leave myself and successors no power of doing mischief, that the will of one man may not hinder that of a whole counThis frame gave impress to the character of the early government. It imtry. planted in the breasts of the people a deep sense of duty, of right, and of obligation in all public affairs, and the relations of man with man, and formed a framework for the future constitution. Penn himself had felt the heavy hand He determined, for of government for religious opinions and practice' sake. the matter of religion, to leave all free to hold such opinions as they might elect, and hence enacted for his State that all who " hold themselves obliged 3 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 48 in conscience, to live peaceably and justly in civil society, shall, in no ways. be molested, nor prejudiced, for their religioiis persuasion, or practice, in matters of faith and worship, nor shall they be compelled, at any time, to frequent, or maintain, any religious worship, place, or ministry whatever. " At this period, such govermental liberality in matl"ers of religion was almost unthe colony of Rhode Island had previously, kaown, thoiigh Roger Williams under similar circumstances, and having just escaped a like persecution, proclaimed it, as had likewise Lord Baltimore in the Catholic colony of Maryland The mind of Penn was constantly exercised upon the affairs of his settlement. Indeed, to plant a colony in a new country had been a thought of his boyhood, for he says in one of his letters: "I had an opening of joy as to these parts in Not being in readiness to go the year 1651, at Oxford, twenty years since." to his province during the first year, he dispatched three ship loads of settlers, and with them sent his cousin, William Markham, to take formal posMarkham sailed for New session of the country and act as Deputy Governor York, and upon his arrival there exhibited his commission, bearing date March In the absence of Gov. An6, 1681, and the King's charter and proclamation. dros, who, on having been called to account for some complaint made against him, had gone to England, Capt. Anthony Brockholls, Acting Governor, received Markham's papers, and gave him a letter addressed to the civil officers on the Delaware, informing them that Markham's authority as Governor had been examined, and an official record made of it at New York, thanking them for their fidelity, and requesting them to submit themselves to the new authority. Armed with this letter, which was dated June 21, 1681, Markham proceeded to fhe Delaware, where, on exhibiting his papers, he was kindly received, and allegiance was cheerfully transferred to the new government. Indeed so frequently had the power changed hands that it had become quite a matter of habit to transfer obedience from one authority to another^ and they had scarcely laid their heads to rest at night but with the consciousness that the morning light might bring new codes and new officers. Markham was empowered to call a council of nine citizens to assist him in He brought a letter adthe government, and over whom he was to preside. dressed to Lord Baltimore, touching the boundary between the two grants, and On receipt of this letexhibiting the terms of the charter for Pennsylvania. An observation ter, Lord Baltimore came to Upland to confer with Markham. tixing the exact latitude of Upland showed that it was twelve miles south of the forty-first degree, to which Baltimore claimed, and that the beginning of the fortieth degree, which the royal charter explicitly fixed for the southern boundary of Pennsylvania, would include nearly the entire State of Maryland, and cut the limits of the present site of the city of Washington. "If this be allowed," was significantly asked by Baltimore, "where is my province?" He returned to his colony, and from this time forward an active contention was begun before the authorities in England for possession of the disputed territory, which required all the arts and diplomatic skill of Penn. Markham was accompanied to the province by four Commissioners sent out by Penn William Crispin, John Bezer, William Haige and Nathaniel Allen. The first named had been designated as Surveyor General, but he having died on the passage, Thomas Holme was appointed to succeed him. These Commissioners, in conjunction with the Governor, had two chief duties The first was to meet and preserve friendly relations with the assigned them. Indians and acquire lands by actual purchase, and the second was to select the That they might have a site of a great city and make the necessary surveys. m — HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. '49 suitable introduction to the natives from him, Penn addressed to them a declaration of his purposes, conceived in a spirit of brotherly love, and expressed in such simple terms that these children of the forest, unschooled in book The referlearning, would have no difficulty in apprehending- his meaning. ring the source of all power to the Creator was fitted to produce a strong im"There is a pression upon their naturally superstitious habits of thought. great God and power, that hath made the world, and all things therein, to whom you and I, and all people owe their being, and well being; and to \^hom you and I must one day give an account for all that we do in the world. This great God hath written His law in our hearts, by which we are taught and commanded to love, and help, and do good to one another. NoW this great God hath been pleased to make me concerned in your part of the world, and the King of the country where I live hath given me a great province therein; but I desire to enjoy it with your love and consent, that we may always live together, as neighbors and friends; else what would the great God do to us^jseho hath made us, not to devour and destroy one another, but to live soberly and kindly together in the world ? Now I would have you well observe that I am very sensible of the unkindness and injustice that have been too much exercised toward you by the peo})le of these parts of the world, who have sought themselves, and to make groat advantages by you, rather than to be examples of goodness and patience unto you, which I hear hath been a matter of trouble to you, and caused great grudging and animosities, sometimes to the shedding But I am not such a man, of blood, which hath made the great God angry. I have great love and regard toward as is well known in my own country. you, and desire to gain your love and friendship by a kind, just and peaceable life, and the people I send are of the same mind, and shall in all things behave themselves accordingly; and if in anything any shall ofi'end you or your people, you shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same by an equal number of just mea on both sides that by no means you may have just I shall shortly come to you myself, occasion of being oflended against them. at which time we may more largely and frcjely confer and discourse of these matters. In the meantime, I have sent my Commissioners to treat with you Let me desire you to be kind to about land, and form a league of peace. them and their people, and receive these presents and tokens which I have sent you as a testimony of my good will to you, and my resolution to live justly, peaceably and friendly with you." In this plain but sublime statement is embraced the whole theory of Will iam Penn's treatment of the Indians. It was the doctrine which the Savior the estimable worth of every of mankind came upon earth to promulgate human soul. And when Penn came to propose his laws, one was adopted which forbade private trade with the natives in which they might be overreached; but it was required that the valuable skins and furs they had to sell should be hung up in the market place where all could see them and enter into compePenn was offered £6,000 for a monopoly of trade. tition for their purchase. But he well knew the injustice to which this would subject the simple-minded "As the Lord gave it me over all and natives, and he refused it saying: great opposition, I would not abuse His love, nor act unworthy of His provi" a sentiment worthy to be treasdence, and so defile what came to me clean ured with the best thoughts of the sages of old. And to his Commissioners lie gave a letter of instructions, in which he says: "Be impartially just to all; Be tender of offending that is both pleasing to the Lord, and wise in itself. the Indians, and let them know that you come to sit down lovingly among them. Let my letter and conditions be read in their tongue, that they may see — — 50 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Be grave, they love not to be smiled on." their good in our eye. Acting npon these wise and just considerations, the Commissioners had no difficulty in making large purchases of the Indians of lands on the right bank of the Delaware and above tlie mouth of the Schuylkill. But they found greater difficulty in settling the piace for the new city. Penn had given very minute instructions about this, and it was not easy For seven weeks they kept to find a tract which answered all the conditions. up their search. Penn had written, " be sure to make your choice wliere it is most navigable, high, dry and healthy; that is, where most ships may bestride, of deepest draught of water, if possible to load and unload at the bank or It would do well if the river key's side without boating and lightening of it. coming into that creek be navigable, at least for boats up into the country, and that the situation be high, at least dry and sound and not swampy, which By is best known by digging up two or three earths and seeing the bottom." his instructions, the site of the city was to be between two navigable streams, and embrace 10,000 acres in one block. " Be sure to settle the figure of the town so that the streets hereafter may be uniform down to the water from the Let every house be placed, if the person pleases, in the countiy bounds. middle of its plat, as to the bi-eadth way of it, that so there may be ground on each side for gardens or orchards or fields, that it may be a green country town, which will never be burnt and always wholesome." The soil was examined, the streams wei'e sounded, deep pits were dug that a location might be found which should gratify the desires of Penn. All the eligible sites were inspected from the ocean far up into the country. Penn himself had anticipated that Chester or Upland would be adopted from all that he could learn of it; but this was rejected, as was also the ground upon Poquessing Creek and that at Pennsbury Manor above Bristol which had been carefully considered, and the present site of Philadelphia was finally adopted as coming nearest to the It had not 10,000 acres in a solid square, but requirements of the proprietor. it was between two navigable streams, and the soil was high and dry, being for the most part a vast bed of gravel, excellent for drainage and likely to prove The streets were laid out regularly and crossed each other at healthful. right angles. As the ground was only gently rolling, the gi-ading was easily One broad street. Market, extends from river to river through accomplished. the midst of it, which is crossed at right angles at its middle point by Broad It is 120 miles from the ocean by the course of the street of equal width. river, and only sixty in a direct line, eighty-seven miles from New York, ninety-five from Baltimore, 136 from Washington, 100 from Harrisburg and 800 from Pittsburgh, and lies in north latitude 39° 56' 54", and longitude 75° 8' 45" west from Greenwich The name Philadelphia (brotherly love), was one that Penn had before selected, as this founding a city was a project which he had long dreamed of and contemplated with never-ceasing interest. we have 51 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. CHAPTEE YL William Makkham, 1681-83— AVilliam Penn, HAVING gland, 1682-84. now made necessary preparations and settled his affairs in EnPenn embarked on board the ship Welcome, in August, 1682, in company with about a hundred planters, mostly from his native town of Sussex, and set his prow for the New World. Before leaving the Downs, he addressed a farewell letter to his friends whom ho left behind, and another to his wife and children, giving them much excellent advice, and sketching the way of With remarkable care and minuteness, he points life he wished them to lead. out the way in which he would have his children bred, and educated, married, and live. A single passage from this remarkable document will indicate its " Be sure to observe," in educating his children, " their genius, general tenor. and do not cross it as to learning let them not dwell too long on one thing ; but let their change be agreeable, and let all their diversions have some little When grown big, have most care for them for then bodily labor in them. When marriageable, see that there are more snares both within and without. of good life and good fame for piety they have worthy persons in their eye and understanding, I need no wealth but sufficiency and be sure their love be dear, fervent and mutual, that it may be happy for them." And to his children he said, " Betake yourselves to some honest, industrious course of ; ; ; ; ***** and that not of sordid covetousness, but for example and to avoid idleLove not money nor the world use them only, and they will serve you but if you love them you serve them, which will Watch debase your spirits as well as offend the Lord. against anger, neither speak nor act in it for, like drunkenness, it makes a man a beast, and throws people into desperate inconveniences." The entire letters are so full of excellent counsel that they might with great profit be committed to memory, and treasured in the heart. The voyage of nearly six weeks was prosperous but they had not been long on the ocean before thfit loathed disease the virulent small-pox broke This, added out, of which thirty died, nearly a third of the whole company. to the usual discomforts and terrors of the ocean, to most of whom this was probably their first experience, made the voyage a dismal one. And here was ""For his good conversation" says one of them, seen the nobility of Penn. " was very advantageous to all the company. His singular care was manifested in contributing to the necessities of many who were sick with the small-pox then on board." His arrival upon 'the coast and passage up the river was hailed with demonstrations of joy by all classes, English, Dutch, Swedes, and especially by his own devoted followers. He landed at New Castle on the 24th of October, 1682, and on the following day summoned the people to the court house, where possession of the country was formally made over jO him, and he renewed the commissions of the magistrates, to whom and to the assembled people he announced the design of his coming, explained the nature and end of truly good government, assuring them that their religious and civil rights should be reHe then prospected, and recommended them to live in sobriety and peace. life, ness. ; ***** ; ; — ; — 52 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. ceeded to Upland, hencefoward known as Chester, where, on the 4th of November, he called an assembly of the people, in which an equal number of votes was allowed to the province and the territories. Nicholas Moore, President of the Free Society of Traders, was chosen speaker. As at New Castle, Penn addressed the assembly, giving them assurances of his beneficent intentions, for which they returned their grateful acknowledgmen+s, the Swedes beiag especially demonstrative, deputing one of their number, Lacy Cock, to say " That they would love, serve and obey him with all they had, and that this was the best day they ever saw." We can well understand with what satisfaction the settlers upon the Delaware hailed the prospect of a stable government established in their own midst, after having been so long at the mercy of the government in New York, with allegience trembling between the courts of Sweden, Holland and Britain. The proceedings of this first assembly were conducted with great decorum, and after the usages of the English Parliament. On the 7th of December, 1682, the three lower counties, what is now Delaware, which had previously been under the government of the Duke of ^ork, were formerly annexed to the province, and became an integral part of Pennsylvania. The frame of government, which had been drawn with much deliberation, was submitted to the assembly, and, after some alterations and amendments, was adopted, and became the fundamental law of the State. The assembly was in session only three days, but the work they accomplished, how vast and far-reaching in its influence! The Dutch, Swedes and other foreigners were then naturalized, and the government was launched in fair running order: That some idea may be had its character, the subjects treated are here given: 1, Liberty of conscience; Qualification of officers; 3, Swearing by God, Christ or Jesus; 4, Swearing by any other thing or name; 5, Profanity; 6, Cursing; 7, Fornication; 8, Incest; 9, Sodomy; 10, Rape; 11, Bigamy; 12, Drunkenness; 13, Suffering drunkenness; 14, Healths drinking; 15, Selling liquor to Indians; 16, Arson; 17, Burglary; 18, Stolen goods; 19, Forcible entry; 20, Riots; 21, Assaulting parents: 22, Assaulting Magistrates; 23, Assaulting masters; 24, Assault and battery; 25, Duels; 26, Riotous sports, as plays; 27, Gambling and lotteries; 28, Sedition; 29, Contempt; 30, Libel; 31, Common scolds; 32, Charities; 33, Prices of beer and ale; 34, Weights and measures; 35, Names of days and months; 36, Perjury; 37, Court proceedings in English; 38, Civil and criminal trials; 39, Fees, salaries, bribery and extortion; 40, Moderation of fines; 41, Suits avoidable; 42, Foreign arrest; 43, Contracts; 44, Charters, gifts, grants, conveyances, bills, bonds an 1 deeds, when recorded; 45, Wills; 46, Wills of non compos mentis; 47, Registry of Wills; 48, Registry foi' servants; 49, Factors; 50, DefacerS; corruptors and embezzlers of charters, conveyances and records; 51, Lands and goods to pay debts; 52, Bailable offenses; 53, Jails and jailers; 54, Prisons to be workhouses; 55, False imprisonment; 56, Magistrates may elect between fine or imprisonment; 57, Freemen; 58, Elections; 59, No money levied but in pursuance of law; 60, Laws shall be printed and taught in schools; 61, All other things, not provided for nerein, ai'e referred to the Governor and freemen from time to time. Very soon after his arrival in the colony, after the precept had been issued, but before the convening' of the Assembly, Penn, that he might not be wanting in respect to the Duke of York, made a visit to New York, where he was kindly received, and also after the adjournment of the Assembly, journeyed to Maryland, where he was entertained by Lord Baltimore with great cere?nony. The settlement of the disputed boundaries was made the subject of formal confer- of 2, > HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA 53 two days spent in fruitless discussion, the weather becoming and thus precluding the possibility of taking observations or making the necessary surveys, it was agreed to adjourn fvirther consideration ence. But after sevei'ely cold, We may imagine that of the subject until the milder weather of the spring. the two Governors were taking the measure of each other, and of gaining all possible knowledge of each other's claims and rights, preparatory to that struggle for possession of this disputed fortieth degree of latitude, which was destined to come before the home government. With all his cares in founding a State and providing a government over a new people, Penn did not forget to preach the "blessed Gospel," and wherever he went he was intent upon his " Master's business." On his return from Maryland, Lord Baltimore accompanied him several miles to the house of William Richardson, and thence to Thomas Hooker's, where was a religious meeting, as was also one held at Choptauk. Penn himself says: "I have been also at New York, Long Island, East Jersey and Maryland, in which I have had good and eminent service for the Lord." And again he says; "As to outward things, we are satisfied the land good, the air clear and sweet, tho springs plentiful, and provisions good and easy to come at, an innnmerablo quantity of wild fowl and tish; in line, here is what an Abraham, Isaac and Jacob would be well contented with, and service enough for God; for tho fields are here white for the harvest. O, how sweet is the quiet of these parts, freed from the anxious and troublesome solicitations, hurries and perplexities * * * Blessed be the Lord, that of twenty-three ships, of woeful Europe! none miscarried; only two or three had the small-pox; else healthy and swift passages, generally such as have not been known; some but twenty-eight days, and few longer than six weeks. Blessed be God for it; my soul fervently breathes that in His heavenly guiding wisdom, we may be kept, that we may And then, as if reserve Him in our day, and lay down our heads in peace." proached for not having mentioned another subject of thankfulness, he adds in a postscript, "Many women, in divers of the ships, brought to bed; they and their children do well." Penn made it his first care to take formal possession of his province, and When this was done, his chief concern was adopt a frame of government. to look to the establishment of his proposed new city, the site of which had already been determined on by his Commissioners. Accordingly, early in November, at a season when, in this section, the days are golden, I'enn embarked in an open barge with a number of his friends, and was wafted leisurely up the Delaware to the present site of the city of PhiladelAlong the river was a bold shore, phia, which the natives called Coaquannock. fringed with lofty pines, which grew close down to the water's edge, so much so that when the first ship passing up with settlers for West Jersey had brushed against the branches, the passengers remarked that this would be a good place for a city. It was then in a wild state, the deer browsing along the shore and sipping the stream, and the coneys burrowing in the banks. The scattered settlers had gathered to see and welcome the new Governor, and when he stepped upon the shore, they extended a helping hand in assisting him up the rugged bluff. Three Swedes had already taken up tracts within the limits of the block of land chosen for the city. But they were given lands in exchange, and readily relinquished their claims. The location was pleasing to Penn, and was adopted without further search, though little could be seen of this then forest-encumbered country, where now is the home of countless industries, the busy mart, the river bearing upon its bosom the commerce of many climes, and the abiding place of nearly a million of people. But Penn did not con- — m HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 54 had as yet any just title to the soil, holding that the Indians only rightful possessors, and until it was fairly acquired by purchase froni them, his own title was entirely void. Hence, he sought an early opportunity to meet the chiefs of the tribes and Tradition fixes the first great treaty cultivate friendly relations with them. or conference at about this time, probably in November, and the place under It was at a seathe elm tree, known as the " Treaty Tree," at Kensington. son when the leaves would still be upon the trees, and the assembly was called beneath the ample shade of the wide-sweeping branches, which was pleasing to the Indians, as it was their cui^tom to hold all their great deliberations and smoke the pipe of peace in the open air. The letter which Penn had sent had prepared the minds of these simple-hearted inhabitants of the forest to regard him with awe and reverence, little less than that inspired by a descended god. His coming had for a long time been awaited, and it is probable that it had been heralded and talked over by the wigwam tire throughout the remotest bounds of the tribes. And when at length the day came, the whole population far around had assembled. It is known that three tribes at least were represented the Lenni Lenape, living along the Delaware; the Shawnees, a tribe that had come up from the South, and were seated along the Lower Susquehanna; and the Mingoes, sprung from the Six Nations, and inhabiting along the Conestoga. Penn was probably accompanied by the several officers of his Government and his most trusted friends. There were no implements of warfare, for peace was a cardinal feature of the Quaker creed. No veritable account of this, the great treaty, is known to have been made; but from the fact that Penn not long after, in an elaborate treatise upon the country, the inhabitants and the natives, has given the account of the manner in which the Indians demean themselves in conference, we may infer that he had this one in mind, and hence we may adopt it as his own description of the sider that he were its — scene. " Their order is thus: hath his council, the old The King sits in the middle of a half moon, and and wise, on each hand; behind them, or at a little distance, sit the younger fry in the same figure. Having consulted and resolved their business, the King ordered one of them to speak to me. He stood up, came to me, and, in the name of the King, saluted me; then took me by th-ii hand and told me he was ordered by the King to speak to me; and now it was not he, but the King that spoke, because what he would say was the * * * * King's mind. During the time that this person spoke, not a man of them was observed to whisper or smile; the old grave, the young reverant, in their deportment. They speak little, but fervently, and with elegance." In response to the salutation from the Indians, Penn makes a reply in suitable terms: "The Great Spirit, who made me and you, who rules the heavens and the earth, and who knows the innermost thoughts of men, knows that I and my friends have a hearty desire to live in peace and friendship with you, and to serve you to the uttermost of our power. It is not our custom to use hostile weapons against our fellow-creatures, for which reason we have come unarmed. Our object is not to do injury, and thus provoke the Great Spirit, but to do good. We are met on the broad pathway of good faith and good will, so that no advantage is to be takcm on either side; but all to be openness, brotherhood and love." Having unrolled his parchment, he explains to them through an interpreter, article by article, the nature of the business, and laying it upon the ground, observes that the ground shall be for the use of HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. . 55 " I will not do as the Marylanders did, call you children, or brothers only; for parents are apt to whip their children too severely, and brothers sometimes will di£fer; neither will I compare the friendship between us to a chain, for the rain may rust it, or a tree may fall and break it; but I will consider you as the same flesh and blood with the Christians, and the same Having ended his as if one man's body were to be divided into two parts." business, the speaker for the King comes forward and makes great promises " of kindness and good neighborhood, and that the Indians and English must live in love as long as the sun gave light." This ended, another Indian makes a speech to his own people, first to explain to them what had been agreed on, and then to exhort them "to love the Christians, and particularly live in peace with me and the people under my government, that many Governors had been in the river, but that no Governor had come himself to live and stay here before, and having now such an one, that had treated them well, they should never do him nor his any wrong." At every sentence they shouted, as much as to both people. say, amen. of writing by which they could record their dealings, but their memory of events and agreements was almost miraculous. Heckewelder records that in after years, tlaey were accustomed, by means of strings, or belts of wampum, to preserve the recollection of their pleasant inHe says, " They freterviews with Penn, after he had departed for England. quently assembled together in the woods, in some shady spot, as nearly as possible similar to those where they used to meet their brother Miquon (Penn), and there lay all his words and speeches, with those of his descendants, on a blanket, or clean piece of bark, and with great satisfaction go successively This practice, which I have repeatedly witnessed, continued over the whole. until the year 1780, when disturbances which took place put an end to it, The Indians had no system probably forever." of this, the "Great Treaty," was long preserved by the naand the novel spectacle was reproduced upon canvas by the genius of Benjamin West. In this picture, Penn is represented as a corpulent old man, whereas he was at this time but thirty-eight years of age, and in the very The Treaty Tree was preserved and guarded from height of manly activity. During the Revolution, when Philainjury with an almost superstitious care. delphia was occupied by the British, and their parties were scouring the country for firewood. Gen. Simcoe had a sentinel placed at this tree to proiect it from mutilation. It stood until 1810, when it was blown down, and it was ascertained by its annual concentric accretions to be 283 years old, and was, consequently, 155 at the time of making the treaty. The Penn Society erected a substantial monument on the spot where it stood. Penn drew up his deeds for lands in legal form, and had them duly executed and made of record, that, in the dispute possible to arise in after times, Of these purchases there might be proof definite and positive of the purchase. One is for land near Neshathere are two deeds on record executed in 1683. miny Creek, and thence to Pen^'pack, and the other for lands lying between Schuylkill and Chester Rivers, the first bearing the signature of the great In one of these purchases it is provided that the tract chieftain, Taminend. " shall extend back as far as a man could walk in three days. " Tradition runs that Penn himself, with a number of his friends, walked out the half this purchase with the Indians, that no advantage should be taken of them by making a great walk, and to show his consideration for them, and that he was not above the toils and fatigues of such a duty." They began to walk out this land at the mouth of the Neshaminy, and walked up the Delaware; in one day The memory tives, 56 and a HISTORY OF TENNSYLVANIA. half they got to a spruce tree near the month of Baker's Creek, when Penn, concluding that this would include as much land as he would want at present, a line was run and marked from the spruce tree to Neshaminy, and the remainder left to be walked when it should be wanted. They proceeded after the Indian manner, walking leisurely, sitting down sometimes to smoke their pipes, eat biscuit and cheese, and drink a bottle of wine. In the day and a half they walked a little less than thirty miles. The balance of the purchase was not walked until September 20, 17::58, when the then Governor of Pennsylvania offered a prize of 500 acres of land and £5 for the man who would walk the farthest. A distance of eighty-six miles was covered, in marked contrast with the kind consideration of Penn. During the first year, the country upon tiie Delaware, from the falls of Trenton as far as Chester, a distance of nearly sixty miles, was rapidly taken up and peopled. The large proportion of these were Quakers, and devotedly attached They were, hence, morally, of the to their religion and its proper observances. best classes, and though they were not generally of the aristocracy, yet many of them were in comfortable circumstances, had valuable properties, were of respectable families, educated, and had the resources within themselves to live They were provident, industrious, and had come hither contented and happy. Many brought servants with them, and well supplied with no fickle purpose. wardrobes, and all necessary articles which they wisely judged would be got in a new country with difficulty. Their religious principles were so peaceful and generous, and the government rested so lightly, that the fame of the colony and the desirableness of settlement therein spread rapidly, and the numbers coming hither were unparalleled in the history of colonization, especially when we consider that abroad ocean was to be crossed and a voyage of several weeks was to be endnred. In a brief period, ships with passengers came from London, Bristol, Ireland, Wales, Cheshire, Lancashire, Holland, Germany, to the number of about fifty. Among others came a company of German Quakers, from Krisheim, near Worms, in the Palatinate. These people regarded their lot as particularly fortunate, in which they recognized the direct interposition and hand of Providence. For, not long afterward, the Palatinate was laid waste by the French army, and many of their kindred whom they had left behind were despoiled of There came also from Wales a comtheir possessions and reduced to penury. pany of the stock of ancient Britons. So large an influx of population, coming in many cases without due provision for variety of diet, caused a scarcity in many kinds of food, especially Time was required to bi'ing forward flocks and herds, more than of meats. But Providence seemed to have graciously considered for producing grains. their necessities, and have miraculously provided for them, as of old was pro For it is recorded that the "wild pigeons vision made for the chosen people. came in such great numbers that the sky was sometimes darkened by their flight, and, flying low, they were frequently knocked down as they flew, in great quantities, by those who had no other means to take them, whereby the}supplied themselves, and, having salted those which they could not immediThe Indians were ately use, they preserved them, both for bread and meat." kind, and often furnished them with game, for which they would receive no compensation. Their first care on landing was to bring their household goods to a place For some, this was their of safety, often to the simple protection of a tree. only shelter, lumber being scarce, and in many places impossible to obtain. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Some made 57 for themselves caves in the earth until better habitations could be secured. John Key, who was said to have been the first child born of English parents in Philadelphia, and that in i^ecognition of which William Penn gave him a lot of ground, died at Kennet, in Chester County, on July 5, 1768, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. He was born in one of these caves upon the river bank, long afterward known by the name of Penny-pot, near Sassafras street. About six years before his death, he walked from Kennet to the city, about thirty miles, in one day. In the latter part of his life he went under the name of I'irst Born. The contrasts between the comforts and conveniences of an old settled country and this, where the heavy forests must be cleared away and severe labors must be endured before the sun could be let in sufficiently to produce anything, must have been very marked, and caused repining. But they had generally come with meek and humble hearts, and they willingly endured hardship and privation, and labored on earnestly for the spiritual comfort which they enjoyed. Thomas Makin, in some Latin verses upon the early settlement, says (we quote the metrical translation): "Its fame to distant counti'ies far has spread, And some for peace, and some for protit led; Born in remotest climes, to settle here They leave their native soil and all that's dear. And still will flock from far, here to be free, Such powerful charms has lovely liberty." But for their many privations and sufferings there were some compensating conditions. The soil was fertile, the air mostly clear and healthy, the streams of water were good and plentiful, wood for fire and building unlimited, and at certain seasons of the year game in the forest was abuudant. Richard Townsend, a settler at Germaatown, who came over in the ship with Penn, in writing to his friends in England of his first year in America, says: "I, with Joshua Tittery, made a net, and caught great quantities of fish, so that, notwithstanding it was thought near three thousand persons came in the first year, we were so providentially provided for that we could buy a deer for about two shillings, and a large turkey for about one shilling, and Indian corn for about two shillings sixpence a bushel." In the same letter, the writer mentions that a young deer came out of the forest into the meadow where he was mowing, and looked at him, and when he went toward it would retreat; and, as he resumed his mowing, would come back to gaze upon him, and finally ran forcibly against a tree, which so stunned it that he was able to overmaster it and bear it away to his home, and as this was at a time when he was suffering for the lack of meat, he believed it a direct interposition of Providence. In the spring of 1683, there was great activity throughout the colony, and especially in the new city, in selecting lands and erecting dwellings, the Surveyor General, Thomas Holme, laying out and marking the streets. In the center of the city was a public square of ten acres, and in each of the four A large mansion, which had been undertaken bequarters one of eight acres. fore his arrival, was built for Penn, at a point twenty-six miles up the river, called Peunsbury Manor, where he sometimes resided, and where he often met At this time, Penn divided the colony into counties, the Indian sachems. three for the province (Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester) and three for the Having appointed Sherifis and Territories (New Castle, Kent and Sussex). other proper ofiicers, he issued writs for the election of members of a General 58 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. Assembly, three from each county for the Council or Upper House, and nine from each county for the Assembly or Lower House. * This Assembly convened and organized for business on the lOth of JanOne of the first subjects considered was the nary, 3683, at Philadelphia. revising some provisions of the frame of government which was effected, reducing the number of members of both Houses, the Council to 18 the Assembly to 36, and othersvise amending in unimportant particulars. In an assembly thus convened, and where few, if any, had had any experience in serving in a deliberative body, we may reasonably suppose that many crude and impracticable propositions would be presented. As an example of these the following may be cited as specimens: That young men should be obliged to marry at, or before, a certain age; that two sorts of clothes only shall be worn, one for winter and the other for summer. The session lasted twenty two days. The first grand jury in Pennsylvania was summoned for the 2d of February, 1683, to inquire into the cases of some persons accused of issuing counterfeit money. The Governor and Council sat as a court. One Pickering was convicted, and the sentence was significant of the kind and patriarchal nature of the government, "that he should make full satisfaction, in good and current pay, to every person who should, within the space of one month, bring in any of this false, base and counterfeit coin, and that the money brought in should be melted down before it was returned to him, and that he should pay a fine of forty pounds toward the building a court house, stand committed till the same was paid, and afterward find security for his good behavior." The Assembly and courts having now adjourned, Penn gave his attention to the grading and improving the streets of the new city, and the managing the affairs of his land ofiice, suddenly grown to great importance. For every section of land taken up in the wilderness, the purchaser was entitled to a certain plot in the new city. The Kiver Delaware at this time was nearly a mile broad opposite the city, and navigable for ships of the largest tonnage. The tide rises about six feet at this point, and flows back to the falls of Trenton, a distance of thirty miles. The tide in the Schuylkill flows only about five miles above its confluence with the Delaware. The river bank along the Delaware was intended by Penn as a common or public resort. But in his time the owners of lots above Front street pressed him to allow them to construct warehouses upon It, opposite their properties, which importunity induced him to make the followingr declaration concerninor jtt "The bank is a top common, from end to end; the rest next the water belongs to front- lot men no more than back-lot men. The way bounds them; they may build stairs, and the top of the bank a common exchange, or wall, and against the street, common wharfs may be built freely; but into the water, and the shore is no purchaser's." But in future time, this liberal desire of the founder was disregarded, and the bank has been covered with immense warehouses, *It may be a matter of curiosity to know the names of the members of this first regularly elected Legislature in Pennsylvania, and they are accordingly appended as given in official records: Council: William Markham, <"'hristopher'^Taylor, Thomas Holme. Lacy Cock, William Haige, .John Moll, Ralph Withers, .lohn Siiucock, Edward Cantwell, William Clayton, William Biles, James Harrison, William Clark, Francis Whitewell, ,Tohn Richardson, John Hillyard. Assembly: From Bucks, William Yardly, Samuel Darke, Robert Lucas, Nicholas Walne, John Wood, John Clowes, Thomas Fitzwater, Robert Hall, James Boyden from Philadelphia, John Longhurst, John Hart, Walter King, Andros Binkson, John Moon, Thomas Wynne (Speaker), (iritlilh Jones, William Warner, Swan Swaneon; from Chester, John Hoskins, Robert Wade,deorge Wood, John Blunston, Dennis Rochford, Thomas Bracy, John Bezer, John Harding, Joseph Phipps from New Castle, John Cann, John Darby, Valentine Hollingswojth, Gasparus Herman. John Dcho,aef, James Williams, William Guest, Peter Alrich, Henrick Williams; from Kent, John Biggs, Simon Irons, Thomas Hatfold John Curtis, Robert Bedwell, William Windsmore, John Brinkloe, Daniel Brown, Benony Bishop; from Sussex, Luke Watson, Alexander Draper, William Futcherv Henry Bowman, Alexander Moieston, John Hill, Robert Bracy, John Kipshaven, Cornelius Verhoof. ; ; HISTORY OF PENxNSYLVANlA. and settlement fairly in operation, as Seeing now his plans of government Barnet and ^oitn ridii, uut onorale in the same manner with trees " length of the four seasons of at treats He then Xlfde Iphia fK^t^^ Of heir cuXms and their children T wl %lf:frirX'w of a wite. The tb gills stay wiin ^ : " The children will go very young ifSthe^arhS^ weai somemiu^ u^wu frmts, to hoe the ground, plant t^ey ^^^ j.^. j^_. ^^^^^ marrv at. if women, is about rrrsfe ;tlrCoV,sir"'^^^^^^ -Xath! i^/^ n ?sr:thffS^^^^^ :i their resemblance to the J«™-^,0^t'L\^^™ says^ tied here when he came he ^^S^ to trafaok. T!ieCt.ir'mostly inhabit those parts 60 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. of the town itself; but this I will say, for the good providence of God, that of all the many places I have seen in the world, I remember not one better seated, so that it seems to me to have been appointed for a town, whether we regard the rivers or the convenieucy of the coves, docks, springs, the loftiness and soundness of the land and the air, held by the people of these parts to be very good. It is advanced within less than a year to about fourscore bouses and cottages, where merchants and handicrafts are following their vocations * * I as fast as they can, while the countrymen are close at their farms. * bless God I am fully satisfied with the country and entertainment I got in it; for I find that particular content, which hath always attended me, where God in His providence hath made it my place and service to reside." As we have seen, the visit of Penn to Lord Baltimore soon after his arrival in America, for the purpose of settling the boundaries of the two provinces, after a two days' conference, proved fruitless, and an adjournment was had for the Early in the winter, when the efforts for settlement were to be resumed. spring, an attempt was made on the part of Peun, but was prevented till May, when a meeting was held at New Castle. Penn proposed to confer by the aid of counselors and in writing. But to this Baltimore objected, and, complainIn the ing of the sultryness of the weather, the conference was broken up. meantime, it had come to the knowledge of Penn that Lord Baltimore had issued a proclamation offering settlers more land, and at cheaper rates than Penn had done, in portions of the lower counties which Penn had secured from the Duke of York, but which Baltimore now claimed. Besides, it was ascertained that an agent of his had taken an observation, and determined the latitude without the knowledge of Penn, and had secretly made an ex par^te statement of the case before the Lords of the Committee of Plantations in EnThis state of the case created much gland, and was pressing for arbitrament. uneasiness in the mind of Penn, especially as the proclamation of Lord Baltimore was likely to bring the two governments into conflict; on territory mutuBut Lord Baltimore was not disposed to be content with diploally claimed. macy. He determined to pursue an aggressive policy. He accordingly commissioned his agent. Col. George Talbot, under date of September 17, 1683, to go to Schuylkill, at Delaware, and demand of William Penn " all that part of the land on the west side of the said river that lyeth to the southward of the fortieth degree." This bold demand would have embraced the entire colony, both the lower counties, and the three counties in the province, as the fortieth Penn was absent degree reaches a considerable distance above Philadelphia. at the time in New York, and Talbot made his demand upon Nicholas Moore, Upon his return, the proprietor made a dignified but the deputy of Penn. While he felt that the demand could not be justly susearnest rejoinder. tained, yet the fact that a controversy for the settlement of the boundary was likely to arise, gave him disquietude, and though he was gratified with the success of his plans for acquiring lands of the Indians and establishing friendly relations with them, the laying-out of his new city and settling it, the adoption of a stable government and putting it in successful operation, and, more than all, the di-awing thither the large number of settlers, chiefly of his own religious faith, and seeing them contented and happy in the new State, he plainly foresaw that his skill and tact would be taxed to the utmost to defend and hold his claim before ihe English court. If the demand of Lord Baltimore were to prevail, all that he had done would be lost, as his entire colony would be swallowed up by Maryland. The anxiety of Penn to hold from the beginning of the 40° of latitude was not to increase thereby his territory by so much, for two degrees which he ^1 HISTORY OF TENNSYLVANIA. settled and his new city of counties rapidly being peopled, So anxious was he eye his of apple the as regarded which he S welTas his Phaddphra own We luy teiertraagle o,e; it, he was willing to pay tor .t aga.n. But th.s possession of hi. to a crisie, and to force entry party from Maryland made torcble The owners. the off drove and noon 'the Plantations in the lower counties a copy of the answer of thither sent Philadelphia at Governor and Council south of the Delaware, with orders ?enn to Ba^Umore's demand for the land the to use hie influence to reinstate Castle, New at Sheriff to Wi of Penn, claim the stating succinctly and issued a declaration awl incm-sions in future trthe Durnose of preventing such unlawful continued '"'TheSonoVned favor^ly for the V^fV^'f G"»a)y ttocts never before Agriculture was being prosecuted as colony moral and inintelligent, An settlers. and herds Maddened the eyes ot the ''°l^nfupoTbl"gii*"mItters claim eariyn the%fr ie84 a Lm wTh, Zers °12VS duliois feomanrywas springing fJntZ Delaware from many lands. into existence. Emigrants were pouring The Government was becoming settled The proprietor had leisure to people. the with popular and only m his own domimons, not society, religious nUsopem tons lend tTtbe interests of his but in the Jerseys and in New York. CHAPTER T.^^r^ ^^^-Xth^'oTs iflszuftfi -Ft VII. Black'vell, 1688 VF Commissioners, 1686-88— John.691-93-Bm,AMm MAKKBAM. 'ro'I^^S?p.L..AM1693-99. Fletcher, 1693-95-WiLLiAM Markham, thickening, that a the indications, constantly ^^^^f.^^^^^^J^^^^^^^^^ of the disputed terri for possession crown the Id to be precipitated before and return to Encolony the quit decTded Penn early in the summer to this is no doubt that he took There interests. Jand to defend his in^periled country, new hxs in happy and contented imfeignrd reL^ as he, was^, witn ?h unieignea fteo step w however, other inducements J^^^^J T3UT W ' ^mg he might his acquaintance with the his friendship wfth James, and bigotry. of unfortunate victims do something to soften the lot of these ^^o^^s the Provincial Council of which By He accordingly empowered steady commissioned Nichola. Moore ^^^^^^^^^ Llofd was President, tJact in his Turner and John EcLley, Piuvmcial iam Welch, William Wood, Robert HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 62 two years; appointed Thomas Lloyd, James Claypole and Robert and warrants, and William Clark as Justice of the Peace for all the counties; and on the 6th of June, 1684, sailed for Europe. His feelings on leaving his colony are exnibited by a farewell address which he issued fi'om on board the vessel to his people, of which the following are brief extracts: "My love and my life is to you, and with you, and no water can quench it, nor distance wear it out, nor bring it to an end. I have been with you, cared over you and served over you with unfeigned love, and you I bless you in the are beloved of me, and near to me, bej^ond utterance. name and power of the Lord, and may God bless you with His righteousness, * * Oh! now are you come to a peace and plenty all the land over. * And now liberty and authorquiet land; provoke not the Lord to trouble it. Let the government be upon His ity are with .you, and in your hands. shoulders, in all your spirits, that you may rule for Him, under whom the princes of this world will, one day, esteem their honor to govern and serve in * * * And thou, Philadelphia, the virgin- settlement of their places this province, named before thou wert born, what love, what care, what service and what travail has there been, to bring thee forth, and preserve thee from * * go, dear friends, my love such as would abuse and defile thee! * again salutes you all, wishing that grace, mercy and peace, with all temporal blessings, may abound richly among you so says, so prays, your friend and William Penn." lover in the truth. On the 6th of December of this same year, 1684, Charles II died, and was succeeded by his brother James, Duke of York, under the title of James II. James was a professed Catholic, and the people were greatly excited all over the kingdom lest the reign of Bloody Mary should be repeated, and that the Catholic should become the established religion. He had less ability than Penn enhis brother, the deceased King, but great discipline and industry. joyed the friendship and intimacy of the new King, and he determined to use his advantage for the relief of his suffering countrymen, not only of his sect, the Quakers, but of all, and especially for the furtherance of universal liberty. But there is no doubt that he at this time meditated a speedy return to his province, for he writes: "Keep up the peoples' hearts and loves; I hope to be I long to be with you. with them next fall, if the Lord prevent not. Nc temptations prevail to fix me here. The Lord send us a good meeting." By authority of Penn, dated 18th of January, 1685, William Markham, Penn's cousin, was commissioned Secretary of the province, and the proprietor's Sec- Judges Turner for to sign land patents — retary. That he might be fixed near to court for the furtherance of his private as well as public business, he secured lodgings for himself and family, in 1685, at Kensington, near London, and cultivated a daily intimac)? with the King, who, no doubt, found in the strong native sense of his Quaker friend, a valued adviser upon many questions of difficulty. His first and chief care was the settlement of his disagreement with Lord Baltimore touching the boundaries of their provinces. This was settled in November, 1685, by a compromise, by which the land lying between the Delaware and Chesepeake Bays was divided into two equal parts— that upon the Delaware was adjudged to Penn, and that upon the Chesapeake to Lord Baltimore. This settled the matter in theory; but when the attempt was made to run the lines according to the language of the Royal Act, it was found that the royal secretaries did not understand the geography of the country, and that the line which their language described was an impossible one. Consequently the boundary remained undetermined til'i 1732, The account of its location will be given in its proper place. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 63 HaviBg secured this important decision to his satisfaction, Penn applied himself with renewed zeal, not only to secure the release of his people, who were languishing in prisons, but to procure for all Englishmen, everywhere, enlarged liberty and freedom of conscience. His relations with the King favored his designs. The King had said to Penn before he ascended the throne that he was opposed to persecution for religion. On the first day of his reign, he made an address, in which he proclaimed himself opposed to all arbitrary principles in government, 'and promised protection to the Church of England, Early in the year 1686, in consequence of the King's proclamation for a general pardon, over thirteen hundred Quakers were set at liberty, and in April, 1687, the King issued a declaration for entire liberty of conscience, and suspending the penal laws in matters ecclesiastical. This was a great step in advance, and one that must ever throw a luster over the brief reign of this unfortunate monarch. Penn, though holding no official position, doubtless did as much toward securing the issue of this liberal measure as any Englishman. Upon the issue of these edicts, the Quakers, at their next acnual meeting, presented an address of acknowledgment to the King, which opened in these " We cannot but bless anfl praise the name of Almighty God, who words: hath the hearts of princes in His hands, that He hath inclined the King to hear the cries of his suffering subjects for conscience' sake, , and we rejoice that he hath given us so eminent an occasion to present him our thanks." This addrepswas presented by Penn in a few well -chosen words, and the King re" Gentlepli* d in the following, though brief, yet most expressive, language: men I thank you heartily for your address. Some of you know (I am sure you do Mr. Penn), that it was always my principle, that conscience ought not to be forced, and that all men ought to have the liberty of their consciences. And what I have promised in my declaration, I will continue to perform so long as I live. And I hope, before I die, to settle it so that after ages shall have no reason to alter it." It would have been supposed that such noble sentiments as these from a sovereign would have been hailed with delight by the English people. But they were not. The aristocracy of Britain at this time did not want liberty of conscience. They wanted comformity to the established church, and bitter persecution against all others, as in the reign of Charles, whiib filled the prisons with Quakers. The warm congratulations to James, and fervent prayers for his welfare, were regarded by them with an evil eye. Bitter reproaches were heaped upon Penn, who was looked upon as the power behind the throne that was moving the King to the enforcing of these principles. He was accused of having been educated at St. Omer's, a Catholic college, a place which he never saw in his life, of having taken orders as a priest in the Catholic Church, of having obtained dispensation to marry, and of being not only a Catholic, but a Jesuit in disguise, all of which were pure fabrications. But in the excited state of the public mind they were believed, and caused him to be regarded with bitter hatred. The King, too, fell rapidly into disfavor, and so completely had the minds, of his people become alienated from him, that upon the coming of the Prince of Orange and his wife Mary, in 1688, James was obliged to flee to France for safety, and they were received as the rulers of — Britain. But while the interests of the colony were thus prospering at court, they were not so cloudless in the new country. There was needed the strong hand of Penn to check abuses and guide the course of legislation in proper channels. He had labored to place the government entirely in the hands of the people an idea, in the abstract, most attractive, and one which, were the entire — 64 PIISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. would result fortunately yet, in practice, he found most vexatious. The proprietor had not long been gone before troubles arose between the two Houses of the Legislature relative population wise and to his sorrow the just, ; results being in accordance with the requirements of Nicholas Moore, the Chief Justice, was impeached for irregularities in imposing fines and in other ways abusing his high trust. But though formally arraigned and directed to desist from exercising his functions, he successfully resisted the proceedings, and a final judgment was never obtained. Patrick Robinson, Clerk of the court, for refusing to produce the records in the These troubles in the government trial of Moore, was voted a public enemy. were the occasion of much grief to Penn, who wrote, naming a number of the most influential men in the colony, and beseeching them to unite in an endeavor to check further irregularities, declaring that they disgraced the province, " that their conduct had struck back hundreds, and was £10,000 out of his way, and £100,000 out of the country." In the latter part of the year 1686, seeing that the whole Council was too unwieldy a body to exercise executive power, Penn determined to contract the number, and accordingly appointed Thomas Lloyd, Nicholas Moore, James Claypole, Robert Turner and John Eckley, any three of whom should constitute a quorum, to be Commissioners of State to act for the proprietor. In place of Moore and Claypole, Arthur Cook and John Simcock were appointed. They were to compel the attendance of the Council; see that the two Houses' admit of no parley; to abrogate nil laws except the fundamentals; to dismiss the Assembly and call a new one, and finally he solemnly admonishes them, "Be most just, as in the sight of the all-seeing, all-searching God." In a letter to these Commissiouers, he says: " Three things occur to me eminently: First, that you be watchful that none abuse the King, etc. secondly, that you get the custom act revived as being the equalest and least offensive way to support the government; thirdly, that you retrieve the dignity of courts and to promulgatitig the laws as not the charter ; sessions." In a letter to James Harrison, his confidential agent at Pennsbury Manor, he unbosoms himself more freely respecting his employment in London than in any of his State papers or more public communications, and fi'ora it can be " I seen how important were his labors with the head of the English nation. am engaged in the public business of the nation and Friends, and those in authority would have me see the establishment of the liberty, that I was a small instrument to begin in the land. The Lord has given me great entrance and interest with the King, though not so much as is said; and I confess I should rejoice to see poor old England fixed, the penal laws repealed, that are now suspended, and if it goes well with England, it cannot go ill with Pennsylvania, as unkindly used as I am; and no poor slave in Turkey desires more earnestly, I believe, for deliverance, than I do to be with you." In the summer of 1687, Penn was in company with the King in a progress through the counties of Berkshire, Grlocestershire, Worcestershire, Shropshire, Cheshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire and Hampshire, during which he held several religious meetings with his people, in some of which the King appears to have been present, particularly in Chester. Since the departure of Penn, Thomas Lloyd had acted as President of He had been in effect the Council, and later of the Commissioners of State. Governor, and held responsible for the success of the government, while posTiring of this anomalous sessing only one voice in the disposing of affairs. It was difficult to find a person of position, Lloyd applied to be relieved. sufficient al'ility to fill the place; but Penn decided to relieve him, though- HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 65 showing his entire confidence by notifying him that he intended soon to appoint him absolute Governor. In his place, he indicated Samuel Carpenter, or if he was unwilling to serve, then Thomas Ellis, but not to be President, his will being that each should preside a mouth in turn, or that the oldest member should lie chosen. Pen 11 foresaw that the executive power, to be efficient, must be lodged in the hands of one man of ability, such as to command the respect of his people. Those whom he most trusted in the colony had been so mixed up in the wrangles of the executive and legislative departments of the government that he deemed it advisable to appoint a person who had not before been in the col ony and not a Quaker. He accordingly commissioned John Blackwell, July 27, 1688, to be Lieutenant Governor, who was at this time in New England, and who had the esteem and* confidence of Penn. With the commission, the proprietor sent full instructions, chiefly by way of caution, the last one being: " Rule the meek meekly; and those that will not be ruled, rule Avith authoi'ity." Though Lloyd had been relieved of power, he still remained in the Council, probably because neither of the persons designated were willing to serve. Having seen the evils of a many-headed executive, he had recommended the appointment of one person to exercise executive authority. It was in con formity with this advice that Blackwell was appointed. He met the Assembly in March, 1689; but either his conceptions of business were arbitrary and imperious, or the Assembly had become accustomed to great latitude and lax discipline; for the business had not proceeded far before the several branches of the government were at variance. Lloyd refused to give up the great seal, alleging that it had been given him for life. The Governor, arbitrarily and without warrant of law, imprisoned officers of high rank, denied the validity of all laws passed by the Assembly previous to his administration, and set on foot a project for organizing and equipping the militia, under the plea of threatened hostility of France. The Assembly attempted to arrest his proceedings, but he shrewdly evaded their intents by organizing a party among the members, who persistently absented themselves. His reign was short, for in January, 1690, he left the colony and sailed away for England, whereupon the government again devolved upon the Council, Thomas Lloyd. President. Penn had a high estimation of the talents and integrity of Blackwell, and adds, " He is in England and Ireland of great repute for and virtue." Three forms of administering the executive department of the government had now been tried, by a Council consisting of eighteen members, a commission of live members, and a Lieutenant Governor. Desirous of leaving the government as far as possible in the hands of the people who Were the sources of all power, Penn left it to the Council to decide which form should be adopted. The majority decided for a Deputy Governor. This was opposed by the members from the provinces, who preferred a Council, and who, finding themselves outvoted, decided to withdraw, and determined for themselves to govern the This obstinacy and falling out belower counties until Penn should come. tween the councilors from the lower counties and those from the province was the beginning of a controversy which eventuated in a separation, and finally in the formation of Delaware as a separate commonwealth. A deputation from the Council was sent to New Castle to induce the seceding members They had never regarded with favor the reto retuim, but without success. moval of the sittings of the Council from New Castle, the first seat of government, to Philadelphia, and they were now determined to set up a governability, integrity ment for themselves. 66 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. In 1689, the Friends Public School in Philadelphia was first incorporated, confirmed by a patent from Penn in 1701, and another in 1708, and finally, The with greatly enlarged powers, from Penn personally, November 29, 1711. preamble to the charter recites that as "the prosperity and welfare oE any people depend, in great measure, upon the good education of youth, and their early introduction in the principles of true religion and virtue, and qualifying them to serve their country and themselves, by breeding them in reading, writing, and learning of languages and useful arts and scieuces suitable to their sex, age and degree, which cannot be eifected in any manner so well as by erecting piiblic schools," etc. George Keith was employed as the first master of this school. He was a native of Aberdeen, Scotland, a man of learning, and had emigrated to East Jersey some years previous, where he was Surveyor General, and had surveyed and marked the line between East and West New Jersey. He only remained at the head of the school one year, when he was succeeded by his usher, Thomas Makin. This was a school of considerable merit and pretension, whei'e the higher mathematics and the ancient languages were taught, and was the first of this high grade. A school of a primary grade had been established as early as 1683, in Philadelphia, when Enoch Flower taught on the following terms: "To learn to read English, four shillings by the quarter; to write, sis shillings by ditto; to read, write and cast accounts, eight shillings by the quarter; boarding a scholar, that is to say, diet, lodging, washing and schooling, £10 for one whole year,'' from which might be highly prized, its cost in will be seen that although learning hard cash was not exorbitant. it Penn's favor at court during the reign of James II caused him to be suspected of disloyalty to the government, when William and Mary had come to the throne. Accordingly on the 10th of December, 1688, while walking in White Plall, he was summoned before the Lords of the Council, and though nothing was found against him, was compelled to give security for his appearAt the secance at the next term, to answer any charge that might be made. ond sitting of the Council nothing having been found against him, he was cleared in open court. In 1690, he was again brought before the Lords on the charge of having been in correspondence with the late King. He appealed to King William, who, after a hearing of two hours, was disposed to release him, but the Lords decided to hold him until the Trinity term^ when he was again discharged. A third time he was arraigned, and this time with eighteen others, charged with adhering to the kingdom's enemies, but was cleared by order of the King's Bench. Being now at liberty, and these vexatious suits ai)parently at an end, he set about ^pading a large party of settlers to his cherished Pennsylvania. Proposals were published, and the Government, regarding the enterprise of so much importance, had ordered an armed convoy, when he was again met by another accusation, and now, backed by the false oath of one William Fuller, whom the Pai'liament subsequently declared a "cheat and an iraposter." Seeing that he must prepare again for his defease, he abandoned his voyage to America, after having made expensive preparations, and convinced that his enemies were determined to prevent his attention to public or private affairs, whether in England or America, he withdrew himself during the ensuing two or three years from the public eye. But though not participating in business, which was calling loudly for his attention, his mind was busy, and several important treatises upon religious and civil matters were produced that had great influence upon the turn of public affairs, which would never have been written but for this forced i*etirement. In his address to the yearly meeting of Friends in London, he says: " HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 67 " My enemies are yours. My privacy is not because men have sworn truly, but falsely against me. His personal grievances in England were the least which he suffered. For lack of guiding influence, bitter dissensions had sprung up in his colony, which threatened the loss of all. Desiring to secure peace, he had commissioned Thomas Lloyd Deputy Governor of the province, and William Markham Deputy Governor of the lower counties. Penn's grief on account of this division is disclosed in a letter to a friencTin the province: "I left it to them, to choose either the government of the Council, five Commissioners or a deputy. What could be tenderer? Now I perceive Thomas Lloyd is chosen by the three upper but not the three lower counties, and sits down with this broken This has grieved and wounded me and mine, I fear to the hazard of choice. * * * for else the Governor of New York is like to have all, if he all! has it not already." But the troubles of Penn in America were not confined to civil affairs. George Keith, a man of conHis religious society was torn with dissension, siderable power in argumentation, but of overweaning self-conceit, attacked the Friends for the laxity of their discipline, and drew off some followers. So venomous did he become that on the 20th ol April, 1692, a testimony of denial was drawn up against him at a meeting of ministers, wherein he and his This was confirmed at the nest yearly meetconduct were publicly disowned. He drew off large numbers and set up an independent society, who ing. Keith appealed from this action of the termed themselves Christian Quakers. American Church to the yearly meeting in London, but was so intemperate in Whereupon speech that the action of the American Church was confirmed. he became the bitter enemy of the Quakers, and, uniting with the Church of England, was ordained a Vicar by the Bishop of London. He afterward returned to America where he wrote against his former associates, but was final- On his death bed, he said, " I wish a benefice in Sussex, England. then I am sure it would have been well I had died when I was a Quaker, for ly fixed in with my soul." satisfied with attacking the principles and pracmercilessly lampooned the Lieutenant Governor, saying that 'He was not tit to be a Governor, and his name would stink," and of the Council, that "He hoped'to God he should shortly see their power taken from them." On another occasion, he said of Thomas Lloyd, who was reputed " an impua mild-tempeved man, and had befriended Keith, that he was send him not did he "why him asked and Governor," pitiful dent man and a to jail," saying that "his back (Keith's) had long itched for a whipping, and that he would print and expose them all over America, if not over Europe." So abusive had he finally become that the Council was obliged to take notice But Keith had not been tices of his church. He of his conduct and to warn him to desist. Penn, as has been shown, was silenced and thrown into retirement in EnIt can be readily seen what an excellent opportunity these troubles gland. in America, the separation in the government, and the schism in the ch\u'ch, They represented that he had neglected his gave his enemies to attack him. colony by remaining in England and meddling with matters in which he had no business; that the colony in consequence had fallen into great disorder, and that ho should be deprived of his proprietary rights. These complaints had so much weight with William and Mary, that, on the21st of October, 16V)2, they commissioned Benjamin Fletcher, Governor of New York, to take the There was another motive province and territories under his government. the operating at this time, more potent than those mentioned above, to induce HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 08 King and Queen of New to put the government of Pennsylvania undor the Governor The French and Indians from the north were threatening the Already the expense for defense had become burdensome to New York. English. York. It was believed that to ask aid for the common defense from Penn, with his peace principles, would be fruitless, but that through the influence of Gov. Fletcher, as executive, an appropriation might be secured. Upon receiving his commission, Gov. Fletcher sent a note, dated April 19, 1693, to Deputy Gov. Lloyd, informing him of the grant of the royal commission and of his intention to visit the colony and assume authority on the 29th inst. He accordingly came with great pomp and splendor, attended by a numerous retinue, and soon after his arrival, submission to him having been accorded without question, summoned the Assembly. Some differences having arisen between the Governor and tbe Assembly about the manner of calling and electing the Representatives, certain members united in an address to the Governor, claiming that the constitution and laws were still in full force and must be administered until altered or repealed; that Pennsylvania had just as good a right to be governed according lo the usages of Pennsylvania as New York had to be governed according to the usages of that province. The Legislature being finally organized, Gov. Fletcher presented a letter from the Queen, setting forth that the expense for the preservation and defense of Albany against the French was intolerable to the inhabitants there, and that as this was a frontier to other colonies, it was thought but just that they should help bear the burden. The Legislature, in firm but respectful terms, maintained that the constitution and laws enacted under them were in full force, and when he, having flatly denied this, attempted to intimidate them by the threat of annexing Pennsylvania to New Y'ork, they mildly but firmly requested that if the Governor had objections to the bill which they had passed and would communicate them, they would try to remove them. The business was now amicably adjusted, and he in compliance with their wish dissolved the Assembly, and after appointing William Markham Lieutenant Governor, departed to his government in New York, doubtless well satisfied that a Quaker, though usually mild mannered, is not easily frightened or coerced. Gov. Fletcher met the Assembly again in March, 1694, and during this session, having apparently failed in his previous endeavors to induce the Assembly to vote money for the common defense, sent a communication setting forth the dangers to be apprehended from the French and Indians, aud concluding in these words: "Thatheconsidered their principles; that they could not carry arms nor levy money to make war, though for their own defense, yet he hoped that they would not refuse to feed the hungry and clothe the naked; that was to supply the Indian nations with such necessaries as may influence their continued friendship to their provinces." But notwithstanding the adroit sugarcoating of tbe pill, it was not acceptable and no money was voted. This and a brief session in September closed the Governorship of Pennsylvania by Fletcher. It would appear from a letter written by Penn, after hearing of the neglect of the Legislature to vote money for the purpose indicated, that he took an entirely diflTerent view of the subject from that which was anticipated; for he blamed the colony for refusing to send money to New York for what he calls the common defense. Through the kind offices of Lords Rochestei Ranelagh, Sidney and Somers, the Duke of Buckingham and Sir John Trenchard, the king was asked to h^ar the case of William Penn, against whom no charge was proven, and who would two years before have gone to his colony had he not supposed that he would have been thought to go in defiance of the government. King William , " - 69 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. as theirs, that answered that William Penn was his old acquaintance as well nothing to say had he that and ever, as freely as business his he mio-ht follow Penn was accordingly reinstated in his government by letters patent to him commissioned William Markdated on the 20th of August, 1694, whereupon he ham Lieutenant Governor. . . the called the Assembly, he disregarded the provisions of The grant. the annulled had Penn charter, assuming that the removal of in the old Assembly made no objection to this action, as there were provisions When Markham Accordingly, when the appropriacharter that they desired to have changed. was attached to it and passed. constitution new a considered, was tion bill organic law, the third constithe became This was approved by Markham and By the provisions of this Charles. King of charter the under adopted tution and the Assembly members, twelve of instrument, the Council was composed England, the ocean and France between war the During twentv-four. of declared, many of swarmed with the privateers of the former. When peace was were disposed to conprivateering, by profited richly had which crafts, these Judging that the peace tinue their irregular practices, which was now piracy. seizure, they were principles of the Quakers would shield them from forcible coming Complaints harbor. safe for Delaware accustomed to run into the was issued calling on proclamation parties, a these of depredations the of damaging to the magistrates and citizens to unite in breaking up practices so evil-disposed pergood name of the colony. It was charged in England that parties to it, and that sons in the province were privy to these practices, if not proof of its inefficiency, the failure of the Government to break it up was a Penn was and of a radical defect of the principles on which it was based. Governor much exercised by these charges, and in his letters to the Lieutenant effect reform. to vigilance ceaseless urged Assembly, and to his friends in the CHAPTER William Penn, 1699-1701-Andrew YIIL Shippen Hamilton. noi-3-EDWARD 1703-4-JoHN Evans, 1704-9— Charles Gookin, 1709-17. deharassing persecutions, and in favor at court, Penn BEING free from exremove with his family to Pennsylvania, and now with the termined to Accordingly, in July, 1699, he set sail, pectation of living and dying h«re. tossed about upon the and, on account of adverse winds, was three months fever raged there with yellow the colony, his Just before his arrival in ocean. the West Indies, but had great virulence, having been brought thither from An disappeared. been checked by the biting frosts of autumn, and had now writes thus ot it observant traveler, who witnessed the effects of this scourge, was "Great was the majesty and hand of the Lord. Great in his iournal: I saw no lofty nor airy countenance, nor the fear that fell upon all flesh. repartee to raise heard any vain jesting to move men to laughter, nor witty lusts and desires of the flesh mirth, nor extravagant feasting to excite the many hearts were humabove measure; but every face gathered paleness, and moment to fallen and sunk, as such that waited every bled, be and countenances to the bar and numbered to the grave. province Great joy was everywhere manifested throughout the summoned . ^ , at tHe arriv- HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 70 and his family, fondly believing that he had now como to the Assembly soon after landing, but, it being an inclement season, he only detained them loQg enough to pass two measures aimed against piracy and illicit trade, exaggerated reports of which, having been spread broadcast through the kingdom, had caused him great uneasiness and vexation. At the first monthly meeting of Friends in 1700, he laid before them his concern, which was for the welfare of Indians and Negroes, and steps were taken to instruct them and provide stated meetings for them where they could It is more than probable that he had fears from the first that hear the Word. his enemies in England would interfere in his affairs to such a degree as to require his early return, though he had declared to his friends there that he His greatest solicitude, consequently, never expected to meet them again. was to give a charter to his colony, and also one to his city, the very best that human ingenuity could devise. An experience of now nearly twenty years would be likely to develop the weaknesses and impracticable provisions of the first constitutions, so that a frame now drawn with all the light of the past, and by the aid and suggestion of the men who had been employed in administering it, would be likely to be enduring, and though he might be called hence, or be removed by death, their work would live on from generation to generation and age to age, and exert a benign and preserving influence while the State should exist. In February, 1701, Penn met the most renowned and powerful of the Indian chieftains, reaching out to the Potomac, the Susquehanna and to the Onondagoes of the Five Nations, some forty in number, at Philadelphia, where he renewed with them pledges of peace and entered into a formal treaty of active friendship, binding them to disclose any hostile intent, confirm sale of lands, be governed by colonial law, all of which was confirmed on the part of the Indians "by five parcels of skins;" and on the part of Penn by " several English al of the proprietor stay. He met goods and merchandises." Several sessions of the Legislature were held in which great harmony preand much attention was giving to revising and recomposing the constitution. But in the midst of their labors for the improvement of the organic law, intelligence was brought to Penn that a bill had been introduced in the House of Lords for reducing all the proprietary governments in America to regal ones, under pretence of advancing the prerogative of the crown, and Such of the owners of land in Pennsylvania as hapthe national advantage. pened to be in England, remonstrated against action upon the bill until Penn could return and be heard, and wrote to him urging his immediate coming Though much to his disappointment and soitow, he determined to hither. go immediately thither. He promptly called a session of the Assembly, and in his message to the two Houses said, "I cannot think of such a voyage without great rehictancy of mind, having promised myself the quietness of a For my heart is among you, and no disapj)ointment shall ever be wilderness. able to alter my love to the country, and resolution to return, and settle my * * Think therefore (since all men are mortal), family and posterity in it. of some suitable expedient and provision for youi' safety as well in your priviReview again your laws, propose new ones, and you will leges as property. find me ready to comply with whatsoever may render us happy, by a nearer union of our interests." The Assembly returned a suitable response, and then The first related to tlie appointproceeded to draw up twenty-one articles. ment of a Lieutenant Grovernor. Penn proposed that the Assembly should choose one. But this they declined, preferring that he should appoint one. Little trouble was experienced in settling everything broached, except the vailed, 71 HISTORY OF PENNSVLVANlA. union of the province and lower counties. Penn used his best endeavors to The new constitution was reconcile thfem to the union, but without avail. provided for t\ie instrument The 1701. October, of adopted on the 28th great reluctance, union, but in a supplementary article, evidently granted with separated at any be might territories the and province the it was provided that As his last act before leaving, he presented the city time within three years. always an object of Philadelphia, now grown to be a considerable place, and As his Deputy, he apof his affectionate regard, with a charter of privileges. pointed Andrew Hamilton, one of the proprietors of East New Jersey, and sometime Governor of both East and AVest Jersey, and for Secretary of the province and Clerk of the Council, he selected James Logan, a man of singular urbanity and streugth of mind, and withal a scholar. Penn set sail for Europe on the 1st of November, 1701. Soon after his and Anne of Denarrival, on the l8th of January, 1702, King AVilliam died, court, and that he at favor in himself found now He him. succeeded mark might be convenient to the royal residence, he again took lodgings at KensingThe bill which had been pending before Parliament, that had given him toii! entirely, and was so much uneasiness, was at the succeeding session dropped During his leisure hours, he now busied himself in never again called up. writing °" several useful and excellent treatises on divers subjects." when Gov. Hamilton's administration continued only till December, 1702, unite territories to the induce to endeavors he died. He was earnest in his with the province, thev having as yet not accepted the new charter, alleging without success. that they had three years in which to make their decision, but He also organized a military force, of which George Lowther was commander, for the safety of the colony. . • i, -c n executive authoritv now devolved upon the Council, of which Edwa,rd Conflict of authority, and contention over the due inShipper) was President. accomplishterpretation of some provisions of the new charter, preventea the in 1703; convened which Assembly the in legislation, ment of much, bv way of though in this body it was finally determined that the lower counties should This separation proved thereafter act separately in a legislative capacity. The the two bodies never again meeting in common. the bill to govern the American Colonies by regal authority tailed, was so strong yet the cTamor of those opposed to the proprietary Governors to have the deputies of selection the requiring passed that an act was finally Hence, in choosing a successor to Hamilton, he was obliged to royal assent. John Evans, a man of parts, of Welsh extracconsider the Queen's wishes. household, and not a tion, only twenty-six years old. a member of the Queen's arrived in the colwho appointed, was morals, exemplary of Quaker, nor even final, Though ony in December, 1703. Jr., who was number having been increased by author- He was accompanied by William Penn, of the Council, the elected a member ity of the Governor, probably with a view to his election. The fii'st care of Evans was to unite the province and lower counties, so though the final separation had been agreed to. He presented the matter come, were always had difficulty the which from counties, lower the welUhat But now the provincial Assembly, having willing to return to a fii-m union. dele^ of the obstacles thrown in the way of legislation by the become impatient They henceforward gates from these counties, was unwilling to receive them. remained separate in a legislative capacity, though still a part of Pennsylvania, conunder the claim of Penn, and ruled by the same Governor, and thus they was adopted, tinued until the 20th of September, 1776, when a constitution Delaware. and they were proclaimed a separate State under the name of 72 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. During two years of the government of Evans, there was ceaseless discord between the Council, headed by the Governor and Secretary Logan,on the one side, and the Assembly led by David Lloyd, its Speaker, on the other, and little legislation was effected. Realizing the defenseless condition of the colony, Evans determined to organize the militia, and accordingly issued his proclamation. "In obedience to her Majesty's royal command, and to the end that the inhabitants of this government may be in a posture of defense and readiness to withstand and repel all acts of hostility, I do hereby strictly command and require all persons residing in this government, whose persuasions will, on any account, permit them to take up arms in their own defense, that forthwith they do provide themselves with a good firelock and ammunition, in order to enlist themselves in the militia, which I am now settling in this government. " The Governor evidently issued this proclamation in good faith, and with a pure purpose. The French and Indians had assumed a threatening aspect upon the north, and while the other colonies had assisted New York liberally, Pennsylvania had done little or nothing for the common defense. But his call fell stillborn. The " fire-locks'' were not brought out, and none enlisted. Disappointed at this lack of spirit, and embittered by the factious tempei" of the Assembly, Evans, who seems not to have had faith in the religious principles of the Quakers, and to have entirely mistook the natiu'e of their Christian zeal, formed a wild scheme to test their steadfastness under the pressure of threatened danger. In conjunction with his gay associates in revel, he agreed to have a false alarm spread of the approach of a hostile force in the river, whereupon he was to raise the alarm in the city. Accordingly, on the day of the fair in Philadelphia, 16th of March, 1700, a messenger came, post haste from New Castle, bringing the startling intelligence that an armed fleet of the enemy was already in the river, and making their way rapidly toward the city. Whereupon Evans acted his part to a nicety. He sent emissaries through the town proclaiming the dread tale, while he mounted his horse, and in an excited manner, and with a drawn sword, rode through the streets, calling upon all good men and true to rush to arms for the defense of their homes, their wives and children, and all they held dear. The ruse was so well played that it " The suddenness of the surprise,'' says Proud, " with had an immense effect. the noise of precipitation consequent thereon, threw man)* of the people into very great fright and consternation, insomuch that it is said some threw their plate and most valuable effects down their wells and little houses; that others hid themselves, in the best manner they could, while many retired further up the river, with what they could most readily carry off; so that some of the creeks seemed full of boats and small craft; those of a larger size running as far as Burlington, and some higher up the river; several women are said to have miscarried by the fright and terror into which they were thrown, and much mischief ensued." The more thoughtful of the people are said to have understood the deceit from the first, and labored to allay the excitement; but the seeming earnestness of the Governor and the zeal of his emissaries so worked upon the more inconsidei-ate of the population that the consternation and commotion was almost past belief. In an almanac published at Philadelphia for the next year opposite this date was this distich: "Wise men wonder, good men grieve. Knaves invent and fools believe." Though this ruse was played upon all classes alike, yet it was generally believed to have been aimed chiefly at the Quakers, to try the force of their HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA, 73 and see if they would not rueh to arms when danger should really But in this the Governor was disappointed. For it is said that only appear. four out of the entire population of this i-eligious creed showed any disposition It was the day of their weekly meeting, and regardless to falsify their faith, of the dismay and consternation which were everywhere manifest about them, they assembled in their accustomed places of worship, and engaged in their devotions as though nothing unusual was transpiring without, manifesting such unshaken faith, as AVhittier has exemplified in verse by his Abraham Davenport, on the occasion of the Dark Day: principles, ', in the old State House, Sat the law-givers of Connecticut, Meanwhile dim as ghosts. Trembling beneath their legislative robes. 'It is the Lord's great day! Let us adjourn,' Some said; and then, as witli one accord, All eyes were turned on Abraham Davenport. rose, slow, cleaving with his steady voice This well may be The intolerable hush. The Day of Judgment which the world awaits; But be it so or not, I only know My present duty, and my Lord's command To occupy till He come. So at the post Where He hath set me in His Providence, I choose, for one, to meet Him face to face. No faithless servant frightened from my task. But ready when the Lord of the harvest calls; And therefore, with all reverence, I would say. He ' Let God do His work, Bring in the candles.' we will see to ours. And they brought them in," In conjunction with the Legislature of the lower counties, Evans was instrumental in having a law passed for the imposition of a tax on the tonnage of the river, and the erection of a fort near the town of New Castle for comThis was in direct violation of the fundamental compact, pelling obedience. and vexatious to commei'ce. It was at length forcibly resisted, and its impoHis administration was anything but efficient or peaceful, sition abandoned. a series of contentions, of chai'ges and counter-charges having been kept up between the leaders of the two factions, Lloyd and Logan, which he was pow" He was relieved in 1709. Possessed of erless to properly direct or control. refinement, and accustomed to the gay society and a good degree of learning of the British metropolis, he found in the grave and serious habits of the Friends a type of life and character which he failed to comprehend, and with which he could, consequently, have little sympathy. How widely he mistook the Quaker character is seen in the result of his wild and hair-brained experiment to test their faith. His general tenor of life seems to have been of a Watson says: 'The Indians of Connestoga complained of piece with this. him when there as misbehaving to their women, and that, in 1709, Solomon Cresson, going his rounds at night, entered a tavern to suppress a riotous assembly, and found there John Evans, Esq. the Governor, who fell to beat, ing Cresson.'" The youth and levity of Gov. Evans induced-the proprietor to seek for a He had thought of proposing successor of a more sober and sedate character. his son, but finally settled upon Col. Charles Gookin, who was reputed to be a man of wisdom and prudence, though as was afierward learned, to the sorrow of the colony, he was subject to fits of derangement, which toward the close of He had scarcely arhis term were exhibited in the most extravagant acts. rived in the colony before charges were preferred against the late Governor, and he was asked to institute criminal proceedings, which he declined. This 74 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. was the occasion of a renewal of contentions between the Governor and his Council and the Assembly, which continued during the greater pare of his administration. In the midst of them, Logan, who was at the head of the Council, having demanded a trial of the charges against him, and failed to secure one, sailed for Europe, where he presented the difficulties experienced in administering the government so sti'ongly, that Penn was seriously inclined to sell his interest in the colony. He had already greatly crippled his estate by expenses he had incurred in making costly presents to the natives, and in setIn the year 1707, tling his colony, for which he had received small return. he had become involved in a suit in chancery with the executors of his former steward, in the course of which he was conlined in the Old Baily during this and a part of the following year, when he was obliged to mortgage his colony Foreseeing the great consequence in the sum of £6,600 to relieve himself. it would be to the crown to buy the rights of the proprietors of the several English colonies in America before they would grow too powerful, negotiations had been entered into early in the reign of William and Mary for their purchase, especially the '' line province of Mr. Penn." Borne down by these troubles, and by debts and litigations at home, Penn sei'ionsly entertained the proposition to sell in 1712, and oftered it for £20,000. The sum of £12,000 was offered on the part of the crown, which was agreed upon, but before the necessary papers were executed, he was stricken down with apoplexy, by which he was incapacitated for transacting any business, and a stay was put to further proceedings until the Queen should order an act of Parliament for consummating the purchase. It is a mournful spectacle to behold the great mind and the great heart of Penn reduced now in his declining years, by the troubles of government and by debts incurred in the bettering of his colony, to this enfeebled condition. He was at the moment writing to Logan on public affairs, when his hand was suddenly seized by lethargy in the beginning of a sentence, which he never His mind was touched by the disease, which he never recovered, finished. and after lingering for six years, he died on the 30th of May, 1718, in the With great power of intellect, and a religious seventy- fourth year of hh age. devotion scarcely matched in all Christendom, he gave himself to the welfare of mankind, by securing civil and religious liberty through the operations of organic law. Though not a lawyer by profession, he drew frames of government and bodies of laws which have been the admiration of succeeding generations, and are destined to exert a benign influence in all future time, and by his discussions with Lord Baltimore and before the Lords in Council, he showed himself familiar with the abstruse principles of law. Though but a private person and of a despised sect, he was received as the friend and confidential advisee of the ruling sovereigns of England, and some of the principles which give luster to British law were engrafted there through the influHe sought to ence of the powerful intellect and benignant heart of Penn. know no philosophy but that promulgated by Christ and His disciples, and this he had sounded to its depths, and in it were anchored his ideas of public law and private and social living. The untamed savage of the forest bowed in meek and loving simplicity to his mild and resistless sway, and the members of the Society of Friends all over Europe fiocked to his City of Brotherly Love. His prayers for the welfare of his people are the beginning and ending of all his public and private correspondence, and who will say that they have not been answered in the blessings which have attended the commonwealth of his founding? And will not the day of its greatness be when the inhabitants throughout all its borders shall retium to the peaceful and loving spirit of HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 75 Penn ? In the midst of a licentious court, and with every prospect of advancein its sunshine and favor, inheriting a great name and an independeot patrimony, he tui'ned aside from this brilliant track to make common lot with a poor sect under the ban of Government; endured stripes and imprisonment and loss of property; banished himself to the wilds of the American continent that he might secure to his people those devotions which seemed to them re- ment quired by their Maker, and has won for himself a name by the simple deeds of love and humble obedience to Christian mandates which shall never perish. Many have won renown by deeds of blood, but fadeless glory has come to William Penn by charity. CHAPTER IX. Sir William Keith, 1717-2 >— Patrick Gordon, 17-36-36— James Logan, 1736-38 —George Thomas, 1738-47— Anthony Palmer, 1747-48— James Hamilton, 1748-54. 1712, Penn had made a will, by which he devised to his only surviving INsou, marriage, AVilliam, by his his estates in England, amounting all first some twenty thousand pounds. By his first wife, Gulielma Maria Springett, he had issue of three sons William, Springett and William, and four daughtei's Gulielma, Margaret, Gulielma and Letitia; and by his second wife, Hannah Callowhill, of four sons— John. Thomas, Richard and Dennis. To his wife Hannah, who survived him, and whom he made the sole executrix of his will, he gave, for the equal benefit of herself and her children, all his personal estate in Pennsylvania and elsewhere, after paying all debts, and allotiug ten thousand acres of land in the Province to his daughter Letitia, by his first marriage, and each of the three children of his son William. Doubts having arisen as to the force of the provisions of this will, it was to — — finally determined to institute a suit in chancery for its determination. Before a decision was reached, in March, 1720, William Penn, Jr., died, and while still pending, his son Springett died also. During the long pendency of this litigation for nine years, Hannah Penn, as executrix of the will, assumed the proprietary powers, issued instructions to her Lieutenant Governors, heard complaints and settled difficulties with the skill and the assurance of a veteran diplomatist. In 1727, a decision was reached that, upon the death of William Penn, Jr., and his son Springett, the proprietary rights in Pennsylvania descended to the three surviving sons John, Thomas and Richard issue by the second marriage; and that the proprietors bargain to sell his province to the crown for twelve thousand pounds, made in 1712, and on which one thousand pounds had been paid at the confirmation of the sale, was void. Whereupon — — the three sons became the joint proprietors. A year before the death of Penn, the lunacy of Gov. Gookin having become troublesome, he was succeeded in the Government by Sir William Keith, a Scotchman who had served as Surveyor of Customs to the English Govern ment, which capacity he had visited Pennsylvania previously, and knew f^-^inething of its condition. He was a man of dignified and coramandini', bearing, endowed with cunning, of an accommdating policy, full of faithful promises, and usually found upon the stronger side. Hence, upon his arrival in the colony, he did not summon the Assembly immediately, m 76 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. assigning as a reason in his first message that he did not wish to inconvenience the country members by calling them in harvest time. The disposition thus manifested to favor the people, and his advocacy of popular rights on several occasions in opposition to the claims of the proprietor, gave greai satisfaction to the popular branch of the Legislature which manifested its appreciation of his conduct by voting him liberal salaries, which had often been withheld from his less accommodating predecessors. i3y his artful and insinuating policy, he induced the Assembly to pass two acts which had previously met with uncompromising opposition one to establish a Court of Equity, with himself as Chancellor, the want of which had been seriously felt; and another, for organizing the militia. Though the soil was fruitful and produce was plentiful, yet, for lack of good markets, and on account of the meagerness of the circulating medium, prices were very low, the toil and sweat of the husbandman being little rewarded, and the taxes and payments on land were met with great difficulty. Accordingly, arrangements were made for the appointment of inspectors of provisions, who, from a conscientious discharge of duty, soon caused the Pennsylvania brands of best products to be much sought for, and to command ready sale at highest prices in the West Indies, whither most of the surplus prodiice was exported. A provision was also made for the issue <;f a limited amount of paper money, on the establishment of ample securities, which tended to raise the value of the products of the soil and of manufactures, and encourage industry. By the repeated notices of the Governors in their messages to the Legislature previous to this time, it is evident that Indian hostilities had for sometime been threatened. The Potomac was the dividing line between the Northern and Southern Indians. But the young men on either side, when out in pui'suit of game, often crossed the line of the river into the territory of the other, when fierce altercations ensued. This trouble had become so violent in 1719 as to threaten a great Indian war, in which the powerful confederation, known as the Five Nations, would take a hand. To avert this danger, which it was foreseen would inevitably involve the defenseless familes upon the frontier, and perhaps the entire colony, Gov. Keith determined to use his best exertions. He accordingly made a toilsome journey in the spring of 1721 to confer with the Govei-nor of Virginia and endeavor to employ by concert of action such means as would allay further cause of contention. His policy was well devised, and enlisted the favor of the Governor. Soon after his return, he summoned a council of Indian Chieftains to meet him at Conestoga, a point about seventy miles west of Philadelphia. He went in considerable pomp, attended by some seventy or eighty horsemen, gaily caparisoned, and many of them armed, arriving about noon, on the 4th of July, not then a day of more note than other days. He went immediately to Capt. Civility's cabin, where were assembled four deputies of the Five Nations and representatives of other tribes. The Governor said that he had come a long distance from home to see and speak to representatives of the Five Nations, who had never met the Governor of Pennsylvania. They said in reply that they had heard much of the Governor, and would have come sooner to pay him their respects, but that the wild conduct of some of their young men had made them ashamed to show their faces. In the formal meeting in the morning, Ghesaont, chief of the Senecas, spoke for all the Five Nations. He said that they now felt that they were speaking to the same effect that they would were William Penn before them, that they had not forgotten Penn, nor the treaties made with him, and the good advice he gave them; that though they oould not write as do the English, yet they could keep — HISTORY OP PENNSYLVANIA. 77 these transactions fresh in their memories. After laying down a belt of the table as if by way of emphasis, he began again, declaring that "all their disorders arose from the ase of rum and strong spirits, which took away their sense and memory, that they had no such liquors," and desired Here he produced a bundle of dressed that no more be sent among them. skins, by which he would say, "you see how much in earnest we are upon this matter of furnishing fiery liquors to us." Then he proceeds, declaring that the Five Nations remember all their ancient treaties, and they now desire that the chain of friendship may be made so strong that none of the links may This may have been a hint that they wanted high piled ever be broken. and valuable presents; for the Quakers had made a reputation of brightening and strengthening the chain of friendship by valuable presents which had He then produces a bundle of raw reached so far away as the Five Nations. skins, and observes "thai a chain may contract rust with laying and become weaker; wherefore, he desires it may now be so well cleaned as to remain brighter and stronger than ever it was before." Here he presents another parcel of skins, and continues, "that as in the firmament, all clouds and darkness are removed from the face of the sun, so they desire that all misunderstandings may be fully done away, so that when they, who are now here, shall be dead and gone, their whole people, with their children and posterity, ma^- enPresenting another bundle of skins, joy the clear sunshine with us forever." he says, "that, looking upon the Governor as if William Penn were present, they desire, that, in case any disorders should hereafter happen between their young people and ours, we would not be too hasty in resenting any such accident, until their Council and ours can have some opportunity to treat amicably upon it, and so to adjust all matters, as that the friendship between us may Hei'e he produces a small parcel of di'essed still be inviolably preserved." skins, and concludes by saying "that we may now be together as one people, treating one another's children kindly and affectionately, that they are fully empowered to speak for the Five Nations, and they look upon the Governor as the representative of the (Jreat King of England, and therefore they expect that everything now stipulated will be made absolutely firm and good on both sides." And now he pi'esents a different style of present and pulls out a they bundle of bear skins, and proceeds to put in an item of complaint, that get too little for their skins and furs, so that they cannot live by hunting ; they desire us, therefore, to take compassion on them, and contrive some way^ Then producing a few furs, he speaks only to help them in that particular. for himself, "to acquaint the Governor, that the Five Nations having heard that the Governor of Virginia wanted to speak with them, he himself, with some of his company intended to proceed to Virginia, but do not know the way how to get safe thither." To this formal and adroitly conceived speech of the Seneca chief, Gov. Keith, after having brought in the present of stroud match coats, gunpowder, lead, biscuit, pipes and tobacco, adjourned the council till the following day, when, being assembled at Conestoga, he answered at length the items of the chieftain's speech. His most earnest appeal, however, was made in favor of " I bave persuaded all my [Indian] brethren, in these parts, to conpeace. but your sider what is for their good, and not to go out any more to war young men [Five Nations] as they come this way, endeavor to force them ; and, because they incline to the counsels of peace, and iho good advice of their true friends, your people use them ill, and often prevail with them to go out Thus it was that their town of Conestoga lost their to their own destruction. good king not long ago. Their young children are left without parents all wampum upon ' ' ; ;. 78 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. their wives without husbands the old men, contrary to the course of nature, the death of their young the people decay and grow weak wo lose our dear friends and are afflicted. Surely yoii cannot propose to get either riches, or possessions, by going thus out to war for when you kill a deer, you have the flesh to eat, and the skin to sell but when you return from war, you bring nothing liome, but the scalp of a dead man, who perhaps was husband to a kind wife, and father to tender children, who never wronged you, though, by losing him, yon have I'obbed them of their help and protection, and at the same time got nothing by it. If I were not your friend, I would not take the trouble to say all these things to you." When the Governor had concluded his address, he called the Senaca chieftain (Ghesaont) to him, and presented a gold coronation medal of King George I, which he requested should be taken to the monarch of the Five Nations, " Kannygooah," to be laid up and kept as a token to our children's children, that an entire and lasting friendship is now established forever between the English in this coilutry and the great Five Nations." Upon the return of the Governor, he was met at the upper ferry of the Schuylkill, by the Mayor and Aldermen of the city, with about two hundred horse, and conducted through the streets after the manner of a conqueror of old returning from the scenes of his triumphs. Gov. Keith gave diligent study to the subject of finance, regulating the currency in such a way that the planter should have it in his power to discharge promptly his indebtedness to the merchant, that their mutual interests might thus be subserved. He even proposed to establish a considerable settlement on his own account in the colony, in order to carry on manufactures, and thus consume the grain, of which there was at this time abundance, and no profitable market abroad. In the spring of 1722, an ludian was barbarously murdered within the limits of the colony, which gave the Governor great concern. After having cautioned red men so strongly about keeping the peace, he felt that the honor ; mourn ; ; ; ; all his people was compromised by this vile act. He immedicommissioned James Logan and John French to go to the scene of the murder above Conestoga, and inquire into the facts of the case, quickly apprehended the supposed murderers, sent a fast ludian runner (Satcheecho), to acquaint the Five Nations with his sorrow for the act, and of his determination to bring the guilty parties to justice, and himself set out with three of his Council (Hill, Norris and Hamilton), for Albany, where he had been invited by the Indians for a conference with the Governors of all the colonies, and where he met the chiefs of the Five Nations, and treated with them iipon the subject of the mxirder, besides making presents to the Indians. It was on this occasion that the grand sachem of this great confederacy made that noble, and generous, and touching response, so different from the spirit of revenge generally attributed to the Indian character. It is a notable example of love that begets love, and of the mild answer that turneth av^ay wrath. He said " The great king of the Five Nations is sorry for the death of the Indian that was killed, for he was of his own flesh and blood. He believes that the Governor is also sorry but, now that it is done, there is no help for it, and he desires that Cartlidge [the murderer] may not be put to death, nor that he should be spared for a timo, and afterward executed one life is enough to be lost there should not two die. The King's heart is good to the Governor and of himself and ately : ; ; ; all the English.'^ Though Gov. Keith, during the early part of his term, pursued a pacific policy, yet the interminable quarrels which had been kept up between the As«embly and Council during previous administrations, at length broke out with ^ ,-.z ^ 'L^ 81 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. of powep had declared of moment relating to the public affairs without the advice and approbation of the Council," took it upon himself finally to act independently of the Council, and even went so far as to dismiss the able and trusted representative of the proprietary interests, James Logan, President of the Council and Secretary of the Province, more virulence than ever, and he who in the first flush "That he should pass no laws, nor transact anything from the duties of his high office, and even refused the request of Hannah This unwarrantaPenn, the real Governor of the province, to re- instate him. Why he should ble conduct cost him his dismissal from office in July, 1726. have assumed so headstrong and unwarrantable a course, who had promised at the first so mild and considerate a policy, it is difficult to understand, unless it be the fact that he found that the Council was blocking, by its obstinacy, wholesome legislation, which he considered of vital impoi'tance to the prosperity of the colony, and if, as he alleges, he found that the new constitution only gave the Council advisory and not a voice in executive power. The administration of Gov. Keith was eminently successful, as he did not hesitate to grapple with important questions of judicature, finance, trade, commerce, and the many vexing relations with the native tribes, and right It was at a time when manfully, and judiciously did he effect their solution. the colony was filling up rapidly, and the laws and regulations which had been found ample for the management of a few hundred families struggling for a foothold in the forest, and when the only traffic was a few skins, were entirely inadequate for securing protection and prosperity to a seething and jostling population intent on trade and commerce, and the conflicting interests which required wise legislation and prudent management. InIo colony on the American coast made such progress in numbers and improvement as did Pennsylvania during the nine years in which William Keith exercised the Gubernatorial office. Though not himself a Quaker, he had secured the passage of an act of Assembly, and its royal affir-mation for allowing the members of the Quaker sect to wear their hats in court, and give testimony under affirmation instead of oath, which in the beginning of the reign of Queen Anne had been withheld from them. After the expiration of his term of office, he was immediately elected a member of the Assembly, and was intent on being elected Speakei', " and had his support out- doors in a cavalcade of eighty mounted horsemen and the resounding of many guns fired;" yet David Lloyd was elected with only three dissenting voices, the out- door business having perhaps been overdone. Upon the recommendation of Springett Penn, who was now the prospective heir to Pennsylvania, Patrick Gordon was appointed and confirmed Lieutenant Governor in place of Keith, and arrived in the colony and assumed authority in July, 1726. He had served in the army, and in his first address to the Assembly, which he met in August, he said that as he had been a soldier, he knew nothing of the crooked ways of professed politicians, and must rely on a straightforward manner of transacting the duties devolving upon him. George I died in June, 1727, and the Assembly at its meeting in October prepared and forwarded a congratulatory address to his successor, George II. By the decision of the Court of Chancery in 1727, Hannah Penn's authority over the colony was at an end, the proprietary interests having descended to John, Richard and Thomas Penn, the only surviving sons of William Penn, Sr. This period, from the death of Penn in 1718 to 1727, one of the most prosperous in the history of the colony, was familiarly known as the " Reign of Hannah and the Boys." Gov. Gordon found the Indian troubles claiming a considerable part of his 5 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 82 In 1728, worthless bands, who had sti-ayed away from their proper by strong drink, had become implicated in disgraceful broils, in which sevei'al were killed and wounded. The guilty parties were apprehended, but it was found difficult to punish Indian oifenders without incurring the wrath of their relatives. Treaties were frequently renewed, on which occasions the chiefs expected that the chain of friendship would be polished " with English blankets, broadcloths and metals." The Indians foiind that this "brightening the chain" was a profitable business, which some have been uncharitable enough to believe was the moving cause of many of the Indian diflj. attention. tribes, incited culties. As early as 1732, the French, who were claiming the territory drained priority of discovery of its mouth and exploration of its channel, commenced erecting trading posts in Pennsylvania, along the Allegheny and Ohio Rivers, and invited the Indians living on these streams to a council for concluding treaties with them at Montreal, Canada. To neutralize the influence of the French, these Indians were summoned to meet in council at Philadelphia, to renew treaties of friendship, and they were invited to remove farther east But this they were un vvilling to do. A treaty was also concluded with the Six Nations, in which they pledged lasting friendship for the English. Hannah Penn died in 1733, when the Assembly, supposing that the proprietary power was still in her hands, refused to recognize the power of Gov. Gordon. But the three sons, to whom the proprietary possessions had descended, in 1727, upon the decision of the Chancery case, joined in issuing a new commission to Gordon. In approving this commission the King directed a clause to be inserted, expressly reserving to himself the government of the lower counties This act of the King was the beginning of those series of encroachments which finally culminated in the independence of the States of America. The Judiciary act of 1727 was annulled, and this was followed by an attempt to pass an act requiring the laws of all the colonies to be submitted to the Crown for approval before they should become valid, and that a copy of all The agent laws previously enacted should be submitted for approval or veto. of the Assembly, Mr. Paris, with the agents of other colonies, made so vigorous a defense, that action was for the time stayed. In 1732, Thomas Penn, the youngest son, and two years later, John Penn, the eldest, and the only American born, arrived in the Province, and were received with every mark of respect and satisfaction. Soon after the arrival of the latter, news was brought that Lord Baltimore had made application to have the Provinces transferred to his colony. A vigorous protest was made against this by Quakers in England, headed by Bichard Penn; but lest this protest might prove ineffectual, John Penn very soon went to England to defend the proprietary rights at cou.rt, and never again returned, he having died a bachelor in 174G. In August, 1736, Gov. Gordon died, deeply lamented, as an honest, upright and straightforward executive, a character which he expressed His term the hope he would be able to maintain when he assumed authority. hacL been one of prosperity, and the colony had grown rapidly in numbers, trade, commerce and manufactui-es, ship-building especially having assumed ex- by the SEississippi and its tributaries, all on the ground of tensive proportions. James Logan was President of the Council and in effect Governor, during the two years which elapsed between the death of Gordon and the arrival of his successor. The Legislature met regularly, but no laws were passed for lack of an executive. It was during this period that serious trouble broke out near tho Maryland border, west of the Susquehanna, then Lancaster, now HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 83 \ork County. A number of settlers, in order to evade the payment of taxes, had secured titles to their lands from Maryland, and afterward sought to be reinstated in their rights under Pennsylvania authority, and plead protection from the latter. The Sheriif of the adjoining Maryland County, with 300 On hearing of followers, advanced tc drive these settlers from their homes. this movement, Samuel Smith, Sheriff of Lancaster County, with a hastily summoned posse, advanced to protect the citizens in their rights. Without a conSoon afterward, flict, an agreement was entered into by both parties to retire. however, a band of fifty Marylanders again entered the State with the design of driving out the settlers and each securing for himself 200 acres of land. They were led by one Cressap. The settlers made resistance, and in an enThe Sheriff of counter, one of them by the name of Knowles was killed. Lancaster again advanced with a posse, and in a skirmish which ensued one of the invaders was killed, and the leader Cressap was wounded and taken The Governor of Maryland sent a commission to Philadelphia to prisoner. demand the release of the prisoner. Not succeeding in this, he seized four of Still determined the settlers and incarcerated them in the jail at Baltimore. to effect their purpose, a party of Mary landers, under the leadership of one Higginbotham, advanced into Pennsylvania and began a warfare upon the Again the Sheriff of Lancaster appeared upon the scene, and drove settlers. So stubbornly were these invasions pushed and resented out the invaders. Finally that the season passed without planting or securing the usual crops. a party of sixteen Marylanders, led by Richard Lowden, broke into the LanLearning of these disturbcaster jail and liberated the Maryland prisoners. ances, the King in Council issued an order restraining both parties from further acts of violence, and afterward adopted a plan of settlement of the vexed boundary question. Though not legally Governor, Logan managed the affairs of the colony with great prudence and judgment, as he had done and continued to do for a He was a scholar well vei'sed in the ancient period of nearly a half century. languages and the sciences, and published several learned works in the Latin tongue. His Experimenta Melcfemata de plantarum generatione, wTitten in Latin, Vv^as published at Leyden in 1739, and afterward, in 1747, republished in London, with an English version on the opposite page by Dr. J. Fothergill. Another work of his in Latin was also published at Leyden, entitled, Canonum pro inveniendis refractionum, tarn simpUcium turn in lentibus duplicum focis, After retiring from public business, he lived at demonstrationis geometricae. his country seat at Stenton, near Germantown, where he spent his time among In his old age his books and in correspondence with the literati of Europe. he made an English translation of Cicero's De Senectute, which was printed at Philadelphia in 1744 with a preface by Benjamin Franklin, then rising into notice. Logan was a Quaker, of Scotch descent, though born in Ireland, and came to America in the ship with William Penn, in his second visit in 1699, when about twenty-five years old, and died at seventy- seven. He had held the oflBces of Chief Commissioner of propei'ty. Agent for the purchase and sale of lands, Receiver General, Member of Council, President of Council and Chief Justice. He was the Confidential Agent of Penn, having charge of all his vast estates, making sales of lands, executing conveyances, and making collections. Amidst all the great cares of business so pressing as to make him exclaim, " I know not what any of the comforts of life are," he found time to devote to the delights of learning, and collected a large library of standard works, which he bequeathed, at his death, to the people of Pennsylvania, and is known as the Loganian Library. 84 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. George Thomas, a planter from the West Indies, was appointed Governor His lirst care in 1737, but did not arrive in the colony till the following year. was to settle tne disorders in the Cumberland Valley, and it was finally agreed that settlers from either col<:»ny should owe allegiance to the Governor t)f that colony wherever settled, until the division line which had been provided for was sui'veyed and marked. War was declared on the 23d of October, 1739, Seeing that his colony was liable to be between Great Britain and Spain. encroached upon by the enemies of his government, he endeavored to organize the militia, but the majoi'ity of the Assembly was of the peace element, and Finally he was ordered by the home it could not be induced to vote money. government to call for volunteei-s. and eight companies were quickly formed, and sent down for the coast defense. Many of these proved to be servants for whom pay was demanded and finally obtained. In 1740, the great evangelist, Whitefield, visited the colony, and created a deep religious interest among all denominations. In his first intercourse with the Assembly, Gov. Thomas endeavored to coerce it to his views. But a more stubborn set of men never met in a deliberative body than were gathered in this Assembly at this time. Finding that he could not compel action to his mind, he yielded and conThe Assembly, not to be outdone in magsulted their views and decisions. nanimity, voted him £1.500 aiTearages of salary, which had been withheld because he would not approve their legislation, asserting that public acts should In March, 1744, war take precedence of appropriations for their own pay. was declared between Great Britain and France. Volunteers were called for, and 10,000 men were rapidly enlisted and armed at their own expense. Franklin, recognizing the defenseless condition of the colony, issued a pamphlet entitled Plain Truth, in which he cogently ui'ged the necessity of organFranklin was elected Colonel of one of the ized preparation for defense. On the oth of Mav. regriments. but resigned in favor of Alderman Lawrence. l/4i, the Governor communicated intelligence of the death of John Fenn. the eldest of the proprietors, to the Assembly, and his own intention to retire from the duties of his office on account of declining health. Anthony Palmer was President of the Council at the time of the withThe peace party in the Asdrawal of Gordon, and became the Acting Governor. sembly held that it was the duty of the crown of England to protect the colony, and that for the colony to call out vohmteers and become responsible for their payment was biu'dening the people with an expense which did not belong to them, and which the crown was willing to assume. The French were now deeply intent on securing firm possession of the Mississippi Valley and the entire basin, even to the summits of the Alleghanies in Pennsylvania, and were They busy establishing trading posts along the Ohio and Allegheny Rivers. employed the most artful means to win the simple natives to their interests, giving showy presents and laboring to convince them of their great value. Pennsylvania had won a reputation among the Indians of making presents of Not knowing the difi'erence between steel and iron, the substantial worth. French distributed immense numbers of worthless iron hatchets, which the The Indians, natives supposed were the equal of the best English steel axes. however, soon came to distinguish between the good and the valueless. Understandins: the Pennsylvania methods of secnring peace and friendship, the Ttie the natives became very artful in drawing out " well piled up " presents. government at this time was alive to the dangers which threatened fi'om the A trusty messenger, Conrad Weiser, was insinuating methods of the French. sent among the Indians in the western pai't of the province to observe the plans of the French, ascertain the temper of the natives, and especially to HISTORY OF PEN.NSVLVANIA. 85 magnify the power of the English, and the disposition of Pennsylvania to give This latter policy had the desired effect, and worthless and great presents. wandering bands, which had no right to speak for the tribe, came teeming in, desirous of scoui'ing the chain of friendship, intimating that the Fi'ench were making great offers, in order to induce the government to large liberality, until this "brightening the chain," became an intolerable nuisance. At a single council held at Albany, in 1747, Pennsylvania distributed goods to the value of £1,000, and of such a character as should be most serviceable to the recipients, not worthless gew-gaws, but such as would contribute to their lasting comfort and well being, a protection to the person against the bitter frosts of winter, and sustenance that should minister to the steady wants of the body and alleviation of pain in time of sickness. The treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle, which was concluded on the 1st of October, 1748, secured peace between Great Britain and France, and should have put an end to all hostile encounPalmer reters between their representatives on the American continent. mained at the head of the government for a little more than two years. He was a retired merchant from the West Indies, a man of wealth, and had come He lived in a style suited to a gentleman, kept a into the colony in 1708. coach and a pleasure barge. On the 23d of November, 1748, James Hamilton arrived in the colony from England, bearing the commission of Lieutenant Governor. He was born in. America, son of Andrew Hamilton, who had for many years been Speaker of The Indians west of the Susquehanna had complained that setthe Assembly. tlers had come upon their best lands, and were acquiring titles to them, whereas the proprietors had never purchased these lands of them, and had no claim The first care of Hamilton was to settle these disputes, and allay the to them. Richard Peters, Secretary of the colony, a rising excitement of the natives. man of great prudence and ability, was sent in company with the Indian interpreter, Conrad Weiser, to remove the intruders. It was firmly and fearlessly done, the settlers giving up their tracts and the cabins which they had built, and accepting lands on the east side of the river. The hardship was in many cases great, but when they were in actual need, the Secretary gave money and placed them upon lands of his own, having secured a tract of 2,000,000 of acres. But these troubles were of small consequence compared with those that Though the treaty of Aix was supposed to were threatening from the West. have settled all difiiculties between the two courts, the French were determined to occupy the whole territory di-ained by the Mississippi, which they claimed by priority of discovery by La Salle. The British Ambassador at Paris entered complaints before the French Court that encroachments were being made by the French upon English soil in America, which were politely heard, and promises made of restraining the French in Canada from encroaching upon English territory. Formal orders were sent out from the home government to this effect; but at the same time secret intimations were conveyed to them that their conduct in endeavoring to secure and hold the territory in dispute was not displeasing to the government, and that disobedience of these orders would The French deemed it necessary, in order to estabnot incur its displeasure. lish a legal claim to the country, to take formal possession of it. Accordingly, the Marquis de la Galissoniere, who was at this time Governor General of Canada, dispatched Capt. Bienville de Celeron with a party of 215 French and fifty-five Indians, to publicly proclaim possession, and bury at prominent points plates of lead bearing inscriptions declaring occupation in the name of the French King. Coleron started on the 15th of June, 1749, from La Chine, 86 HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. following the southern shores of Lakes Ontario and Erie, until he reached a point opposite Lake Chautauqua, where the boats were drawn up and were taken bodily over the dividing ridge, a distance of ten miles, with all the impedimenta of the expedition, the pioneers haviu first opened a road. Following on down the lake and the Conewango Creek, they arrived at Warren near the confluence Here the first plate was buried. of the creek with the Allegheny River. These plates were eleven inches long, seven and a half wide, and one-eighth of an inch thick. The inscription was in French, and in the following terms, as fairly translated into English: "In the year 1749, of the reign of Louis XIV, King of France, We Celeron, commander of a detachment sent by Monsieur the Marquis de la Galissonitire, Governor General of New France, to re-establish tranquillity in some Indian villages of these cantons, have buried this plate of lead at the eontlaence of the Ohio with the Chautauqua, this 29th day of July, near the River Ohio, otherwise Belle Riviere, as a monument of the renewal of the possession we have taken of the said River Ohio, and of all those which empty into it, and of all the lands on both sides as far as the sources of the said river, as It is ruther for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to the cause for whichthey here gave the last full measure of devotion that we here highly resolve that the dead shall not have died in vain; that the nation shall, under God, have a new birth of freedom, and that the government of the people, by the people, and for the people shall not perish from the earth.' So soon as indications pointed to a possible invasion of Ihe North by the rebel army under Gen. Lee, the State of Pennsylvania was organized in two' military departments, that of the Sasquohanna, to the command of whick Darius N. Couch was assigned, with headquarters at Harri-sburg, and that of the Monongahela, under W. T. H. Brooks, with headquarters at Pittsburgh. Urgent calls for the militia were made, and large numbers in regiments, in companies, in squadrons came promptly at the call to the number of over 36,000 men, who were organized for a period of ninety days. Fortificationswere thrown up to cover Harrisburg and Pittsburgh, and the troops were movedi to threatened points. But before they could be brought into action, the great decisive conflict had been fought, and wn. caps, boots, watches, clothing and valuables were unceremoniously appropriated, and purses demanded at the point of the bayonet. As money was not in hand In less than a quarter to meet so unexpected a draft, the torch was lighted. of an hour from the time the first match was applied, the whole busisess part No notice was given for removing the women and of the town was in flames. Burning parties were sent into each quarter of the town, children and sick. which made thorough work. With the exception of a few houses upon the Retiring rapidly, the entire rebel outskirts, the whole was laid in ruins. command recrossed the Potomac before any adequate force could be gathered to check its progress. The whole number of soldiers recruited under the various calls for troops from the State of Pennsylvania was 366,000. By authority of the commonwealth, in 1866, the commencement was made of the publication of a history of these volunteer organizations, embracing a brief historical account of the part taken by each regiment and independent body in every battle in which it was engaged, with the name, rank, date of muster, period for which he enThis work was comlisted, casualties, and fate of every officer and private. pleted in 1872, in five imperial octavo volumes of over 1,400 pages each. In May, 1861, the Society of the Cincinnati of Pennsylvania, an organization of the officers of the Revolutionary war and their descendants, donated ^500 toward arming and equipping troops. By order of the Legislature, this sum was devoted to procuring flags for the regiments, and each organization that went forth, was provided with one emblazoned with the arms of the commonwealth. These flags, seamed and battle stained, were returned at the close of the war, and are now preserved in a room devoted to the purpose in precious emblems of the daring and suffering of that great the State capitol army that went forth to uphold and maintain the integrity of the nation. When the war was over, the State undertook the charge of providing for all soldiers' orphans in schools located in different parts of its territory, furnishing food, clothing, instruction and care, until they should be grown to manhood and womanhood. The number thus gathered and cared for has been «ome 7,500 annually, for a period of nineteen years, at an average annual ex — pense of some $600,000. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 131 At the election in 1866, John W. Geary, a veteran General of the late war. was chosen Governor. During his administration, settlements wei*e made with the General Government, extraordinary debts iDcurred dmnng the war were paid, and a large reduction of the old debt of $40,000,000 inherited from the A convention for a revision of the conconstruction of the canals, was made, This convention assembled in stitution was ordered by act of April 11, 1872. Harrisburg November 13, and adjourned to meet in Philadelphia, where it convened on the 7th of January, 1873, and the instrument framed was adopted on the 18th of December, 1873. By its provisions, the number of Senators was increased from thirty-three to fifty, and Representatives from 100 to 201, subject to further increase in proportion to increase of population; biennial, in place of annual sessions; making the term of Supreme Court Judges twentyone in place of fifteen years; remanding a large class of legislation to the action of the courts; making the term of Governor four years in place of three, and prohibiting special legislation, were some of the changes provided for. In January, 1873, John F. Hartranft became Governor, and at the election in 1878, Henry F. Hoyt was chosen Governor, both soldiers of the late war. In the summer of 1877, by concert of action of the employes on the several lines of railway in the State, trains were stopped and travel and traffic were inAt Pittsburgh, conflicts occurred between terrupted for several days together. the railroad men and the militia, and a vast amount of property was destroyed. The opposition to the local military was too powerful to be controlled, and A force of regulars was the National Government was appealed to for aid. Unfortunately, Gov. promptly ordered out, and the rioters finally quelled. Hartranft was absent from the State at the time of the troubles. At the election in 1882 Robert E, Pattison was chosen governor. The Legislature, which met at the opening of 1883, having adjourned after a session of 156 days, without passing a Congressional apportionment bill, as was required, was immediately reconvened in extra session by the governor, and remained in session until near the close of the year, from June 1 to December 5, without an agreement upon a bill, and finally adjourned without having This protracted sitting is in marked contrast to the session of that early Assembly in which an entire constitution and laws of the province were framed and adopted in the space of three days. November 2, 1886, James A. Beaver was elected governor. coming to passed one. HISTORY OF PENNSYLVANIA. 132 TABLE SHOWING THE VOTE FOR GOVERNORS OF PENNSYLVANIA SINCE THE ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE. 1806. 182!). 1790. Thomas George Wolf Joseph Kitiier George E. Bauiu Frauk R. Williams 27,725 2,802 Mifflin Artiiur St. Clair 1793. John W. Geary Hiester Clymer 78,219 51,776 6 307,274 290,097 Giles Lewis 7 3 i8(iy. Thomas F. A. 18,590 10,706 Mifflin Muhlenberg 1832. George Wolf Joseph Ritner 1796. Thomas F. A. Muhlenberg Joseph Ritner Goorge Wolf. Henry A. Muhlenberg 1,011 1799. Thomas McKean 38,036 32,641 James Ross David R. Porter Joseph Ritner James Ross, of Pittsburgh James Ross 47,879 9,499 7,538 .John T.J. 157,975 :!9,575 4,006 2 W. Shields Charles Nice Francis R. Shunk Joseph Markle 2 1 Julius J. 1811. Simon Snyder William Tighlman Scatt'ring.no record for 52,319 3,609 whom 51,099 29,566 Isaac Wayne G. Lattimer J. R. Rust 910 4 William Findlay Joseph Hiester Moses Palmer Aaron Hanson John Seller Seth Thomas Nicholas Wiseman Benjamin R. Morgan William Tilghman Andrew Gregg ,"* Scattering (no record) 66,331 59,272 ) 1 1 1 3 2 1 John A. Shulze Nathaniel B. Boileau Capt. Glosseader John Gassender Isaac Wayne 10 2 146,081 128,148 11,247 3 William F. Johnston Morris Longstreth E. B. Gazzam Scattering (no record) 1851. William Bigler William F. Johnston Kimber Cleaver 67,905 66,300 21 81,751 64,151 112 7,311 53 1 754 3 3 1 1 William Bigler B. Rush Bradford " 48 24 186,489 178,034 1,850 James Pollock 188,846 149,139 28,168 J. Andrew Shulze John Sergeant George R. Barret William Steel F. P. Swartz Samuel McFarland George F. Horton Scattering (no record) 12 F. Hartranft Cyrus L. Pershing R. Audley Brown James S. Negley Wendle W. Brown 304,175 292,145 13,244 1 Phillip 1 J. \ G. F. Reinhard G. D.Coleman James Staples 1 1 1 Richard Vaux 1 Craig Piddle Francis W. Hughes Henrv C. Tvler 1 1 1 Brown I George V. Lawrence 1 A. L.Brown 1 W. D.' 1878. H. M. Hoyt Andrew H. Dill Samuel R. Mason Franklin H. Lane S. Matson 319,490 297,137 81,758 3,753 2 1 1 R. L. Miller 1 H. Hopkins A. G. Williams Samuel H. Lane John Fertig James Musgrove Silas M.Baily J. 1 1 1 1 1 1 C. A. Cornen 9 3 Seth Yocum 1 A. S. Post E. Orvis 1 1882. Robert E. Pattison James A. Beaver John Stewart Thomas A. Armstrong Alfred C. Pettit Scattering 355,791 315,589 43,743 23,996 5,196 36 1 George W. Woodward 1886. 1 1 1 7 1860. Andrew G. Curtin Henry D. Foster A. G. Curtin 72,710 1,175 1,174 353,387 317,760 1,197 1 James A. Beaver Chauncey F. Black CharlesS. Wolfe Robert J. Houston Scattering 262,346 230,239 1863. 1826. B.Chase Edward 203,822 166,991 2,194 1857. William F. Packer David Wilmot Isaac Hazlehurst F. Hartrault Charles R. Buckalen John McKee D. Kirk 168,522 168,225 1854. James Pollock 1 George Bryan 160,322 156,040 Abijah Morrison 1 1833. Andrew Shulze Andrew Gregg Andrew Shulze John Andrew Shulze Andrew Gragg Andrew Greg J. 1 1848. 1820. Joseph Hiester William Findlay 4 1,861 1 1817. John John 130 .")04 113,473 763 18 Lemoyne George M. Keim F. J. 1 1875. 1 Francis R. Shunk .James Irvin Emanuel C. Reigart 1 Robinson William P. Schell 127,827 1847. 1,675 1814. Simon Snyder Lemoyne John Haney James Page J. 1-J'_',::;21 1844. j Jack Ross W. Tilghman Banks Lemoyne George F. Horton Samuel L. Carpenter Ellis Lewis 290,552 285,956 D. Kelly 1872. S. 1841. David R. Porter 1808. Simon Snyder James R'>ss John Spayd 94,023 65,804 40,586 1838. 1802. Thomas McKean W. W. 1835. 30,020 Mifflin John W. Geary Asa Packer 91,335 88,165 269,506 254,171 John Hickman 1 Thomas M.Howe 1 412,285 3 9 r.34 32,458 4,835 dfi PAET II. History of Columbia County, X A\^ -J ^^I'^J^. ^ History of Columbia County CHAPTER I. GENEEAL TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY. the Pennsylvania may be generally divided 1TOPOGRAPHICALLY, broad, three great region — the southeastern state of divisions of fersection, a tile valleys and scattered hills; the middle belt, some fifty miles wide and two hundred and thirty miles long, consisting of peculiarly symmetrical mountain ranges and narrow valleys; and a high western plateau deeply seamed by various water- courses. This It is with the middle belt that these pages are especially concerned. region is separated fi'om the earlier settled jjortion of the state by the Kittatinny range, through which the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers force their way along fertile valleys and rugged peaks to find their outlet to the sea. On the north and west the limit of this middle belt is defined by the Allegheny range, extending in a broad westward curve from the point where the lines of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania converge to the Maryland line in . into Somerset county, where passes out of the state. readily divided into four distinct districts: the Pocono wilderness, properly a part of the Catskill range, in the east; theanthracite coal region; the open country of the middle course of the Susquehanna; and the Juniata country. The mountain plateau on the western side of the Delaware is clearly identified with the Catskill range, and while it losessomething of the high altitude of that range at the Hudson, it still retains itsrugged characteristics. It is still a mountain wilderness, where deep recesses afford a safe retreat for wild animals, and laurel-fringed lakes supply the headsprings of the Lehigh. Between the Delaware and Lehigh rivers this range passes under the varying names of Poco, Pocono or Pohopoco, ending at the last named river in the Nesquehoning mountain. The anthracite region is a labyrinth of mountains, rising to elevations ranging from eight hundred to one thousand feet from their bases, and dividing this section into four generally recognized subdivisions. These are known as the Pottsville and Mine-Hill basins; the Shamokin and Mahanoy basins; theBeaver-Meadow mountain basins, and the Wilkesbarre and Scranton basins, or Wyoming valley. In this region the coal measures are generally found in sharp, rocky-sided ridges, which rise from the valleys to an elevation of some four hundred or five hundred feet, though three well marked exceptions are found in the small plateaus of Broad mountain, five miles wide and fifteen miles long, which separates the Pottsville and Mahanoy basins; the Beaver-Meadow moun it The region thus defined may be 4 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTV. wide and fifteen to twenty miles long, on top of which lie the numerous little Lehigh coal basins, side by side; and the Nescopec mountain, where it is crossed by the Lehigh valley railroads, and merges itself toward the east in the Pocono plateau. Each coal basin is found encircled by a great wall of conglomerate, outside of which is found a trough or vale of red shale, outside of which again runs a second and still higher mass of white sandstone, the outside flank of which is always fxirnished with a terrace of red sandstone. The mountains of this region are still covered with the original forests, which promise an abundant supply of timber for mining purposes so long as there shall be any need of it. The red shale valleys are slowly coming under cultivation, though, secluded as they are by their peculiar situation, their development must necessarily be slow. Here and there, however, they expand broadly and are mf)re generally cultivated, as Lyken' s, Deep and Mahanoy valleys, which together encircle the coal basins on the Susquehanna side Laurel valley, drained by the Little Schuylkill; Catawissa valley, between the Mahanoy and Beaver-Meadow coal regions; and Conyngham valley, watered by the Nescopec " No scenery can excel these earthly paradises, when, from the sumcreek. mits of the coal-bearing rocks, the spectator looks down upon the broad expanse of field, meadow and woodland, dotted with farm houses and barns; the deep red of the newly turned soil in strong contrast with the verdure of growing crops and groves, and the whole landscape bounded by the outside mountain wall, rosy in June with the rhododendron in full bloom, far as the eye can tain, eight miles — Teach. ' Columbia county is thus found to lie wholly within the anthracite region of the middle belt, though workable coal deposits have been developed within its limits only in the Conynghanj valley. Above the North Branch the territory of this county falls within the limits of what was originally called the Wyoming valley. In its present restricted signification the name is usually applied to a valley on the North Branch, some twenty miles in length and from three to four miles in width. In its broader application, it is used to designate that part of the middle belt embraced within the forty-second degree of north latitude, originally claimed and partly settled by Connecticut. The name is a corrui^tion of Manghu-auwama, an Indian term of the Delaware dialect signifying " large plains,'^ and is a fair characterization of the locality ' ' ' ' ' ' which ' ' was ajiplied. For, though the valley is greatly diversified by hill by upland and intervale, the broad river bottoms, extending in places to a distance of two or three miles from the river, justify the Indian title. Beginning where the Susquehanna emerges from a deep canon in the Allegheny range, the inclosing mountains recede, leaving broad spaces of fertile bottom lands on either side extending toward the southeast, until the river and valley of the Lackawanna is reached, when, turning somewhat abruptly to the to and it dale, southwest, the course of the river continues uninterrupted until the hills close in upon its course some twenty miles below Pittston. Through Columbia and Northumberland counties the valley again widens, but with less regularity than in Luzerne, until the united branches reach the open country below. Columbia county partakes of the broken character of the whole middle belt. Few of its elevations, however, reach the grade of mountain altitudes, though many of its hills afford a view of broad expanses of picturesque landscape. The Catawissa mountain, rising in places to the height of one thousand five hundred ieet, extends in a northwest direction from the Luzerne county line, separating the townships of Beaver and Roaringcreek, to the village of Catawissa, where the Susquehanna forces its way through a chasm probably formed by a convulsion of nature. North of the river the range takes a more westerly coui-se and grad- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. iially loses its 5 mountainous character in Montour county. Dividing Locust and is Little mountain with a parallel ridge south of it, Conyngham townships beyond which the Schuylkill region is reached. On the eastern side of the county the Susquehanna valley is defined on the south by the Nescopec mountain, the estention of which follows the general direction of the river through Luzerne. At Mainville, the Catawissa riverfinds a passage way through this range, beyond which the elevation is associated with the Catawissa mountain. South of Nescopec, Scotch run forms the dividing line between it and McCauley mountain which, in turn, is separated by Beaver run from Buck mountain in the soiatheast part of Beaver township. North of the river the more important elevation takes its rise in Orange township and is known as Extending - eastwardly the range divides, and Knob or Nob mountain. passes out of the county under the names of Huntingdon and Lee, forming In Luzerne county, Huntingdon takes the northern limit of the river valley. the name of Shickshinny where it closely borders the Susquehanna, and is pierced by the river at Charlestown just before it turns on its southwesterly Lee mountain is pierced by the river in Salem township, of Luzerne course. Along the county, and is known farther eastward as Wyoming mountain. northern boundary of Sugar] oaf is the main ridge of the Alleghenys, which here throws off a spur called Bald mountain. Elsewhere in the county the surface is greatly broken by a succession of hills of varying height and character, while winding about at their bases are which are cultivated by the industrious Fishing creek, with its numerous their homes. It takes tributaries, is the sole di-ainage way of the county north of the river. its origin in two branches, one of which enters the county from Lycoming at the northern point of J ackson township, and the other through a gap in the numerous runs, the people fertile slopes of who have planted here A little mountains from Sullivan into Sugarloaf township, where they unite. south of this point it receives Coles creek, and flowing southward receives Continuing its course with little deflection it receives West creek in Benton. Huntingdon creek, which rushes along the base of the mountain bearing the same name. Turning westward from this point it passes through the central portion of Orange, receiving the waters of Green creek at this point, from whence it follows an irregular course, forming the boundary line, in part separating Mount Pleasant and Orange, Bloom and Hemlock, and Montour and Little Bloom, and at last finding its outlet into the Susquehanna at Rupert. Fishing creek enters the county from Lycoming, and, forming the separating line of Jackson and Pine, Greenwood and Pine, Madison and Greenwood and Mount Pleasant, and Hemlock and Mount Pleasant, joins the main creek at the In point where the lines of Hemlock, Bloom and Mount Pleasant converge. its course. Little Fishing receives the waters of several mountain runs, such as To complete the enumBlack, Late, Lick, Shingle, Spruce, Bear and Spring. eration of the tributaries of Big Fishing, mention should be made of Painter's run in Sugarloaf, Raven' s in Benton and Fishingcreek townships, Spencer in Beside the Fishing, Benton, Stony brook in Orange, and Hemlock in Madison. the county north of the river is locally drained by several minor streams, which find their outlet in the Susquehanna, Briar (called by the Indians, Kaicanishoning) creek, one branch rising in Center and the other in the township bearing the same name, which unite near the village of Berwick and join the river about two miles lower down; Cabin run, rising in Center and flowing a direct covirse to the river, and Kinney's run, which empties at the foot of Market street in Bloomsburg, which early served raftsmen as a designation for the early settlement in Bloom. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 6 Soiitih of the Susqiieliauna, the region embraced within Columbia county is The first drained by the Catawissa, Roaring creek and the Ten Mile run. named takes its rise in Schuylkill county, passes through the towhships of Beaver, Maine and Catawissa, reaching its outlet on the western line of the latter Its principal tributaries are Beaver and Scotch runs, which form township. the dividing lines south and north, of McCauley mountain in Beaver township. Roaring creek takes its rise in the township:) of the same name, meanders back and forth across the line dividing Locust and Roaringcreek townships, and taking a westerly course through Catawissa and Franklin, turns northward, forming the western limit of the county for a short distance, and falling into Its principal branches are the river about three miles below the Catawissa. the South Branch, which rises in Conyngham township, and after running through its entire length, turns northward to form the western boundary of Locust, and joins the main stream six miles from its mouth; Mugser's run, rising in Locust township and running westwardly, falls into the South Branch near the Franklin line, and Mill creek, rising in Roaring creek township and emptying into the South Branch near Cherington's. The general topography of the county is found closely connected with its geological structure, its higher elevations being found where the Focono or Pottsville conglomerates occur, low hills over the Catskill and Chemung area, and valleys wherever the Hamilton, Lower Helderberg or Salina extend, while the outcrop of the Oriskany and Clinton usually takes the form of ridges. The rock exposure in Columbia is thus found to include only No. 5, and upward, of the Older Secondary system. The geological structure of the state, however, is marked by great complication of form and variety of quality and The Lawrentian system, the oldest known to geologists, is represented age. in the South mountain, the Welsh mountain, and the Durham or Eastern hills. The Huronian system, following next in age, has not been recognized in Pennsylvania, but the Paleozoic or Older Secondary system beginning with No. 1, the Potsdam sandstone, and terminating with No. 18, the Coal Measures is magnificently developed through the entire state. The Mesozoie or Middle Secondary system, which spreads itself thinly over the last, is found in a belt of country embracing parts of Berks, Bucks, Lebanon, Lancaster, York and Adams counties. The Kainozoic, or Tertiary system, lies outside of the state, east of the Delaware river, in New Jersey, and forms the Atlantic seaboard, while the Drift terraces of the Beaver and other rivers in the northwest quarter of the state must be assigned to the quaternary age, or the age in which man appeared on the earth. At least three notable changes in the relative levels of land and sea have conDurtributed to the characterization of the geological structure of the state. ing the Protozoic ages Laicrentian and Huronian there was land and sea, as the conglomerates, sandstones, mudrocks and limestones all more or less converted by pressure, moisture, heat and chemical action into gneiss and granite, slate and marble abundantly testify. Where the sea spread itself and received its washings from the land is apparent; but where the land stood, which bordered on, or rose from the depths of that s^a, is not discoverable. It "^as in this period that the first of these great changes took place, preparatory to the deposit of the Potsdam limestone. The existing formations were upturned, eroded by the rivers, and deposited in the sea to be overlaid by the Paleozoic series. The subterranean floor of Pennsylvania, like that of most of the entire area of the United States, is formed of granite, gneiss, mica slate, and marble, laying at various depths beneath the siarface, from one to twenty thousand feet. Beneath the Anthracite coal basins, and the Broad Top coal — — — — — HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 7 basins, wells might be sunk to the depth of more than seven miles before reaching this subterranean floor. At this distance would be reached the rocks which form the Adirondack mountains of New York, the mountains of Labrador and Canada, the hill country of Lake Superior, etc. These rocks are everywhere characterized by the presence of immense beds of magnetic and specular iron ore and, no doubt, vast deposits of iron ore, exactly like those of lakes Superior and Champlain, exist beneath every county of Pennsylvania, but at depths which render them inaccessible. It is equally certain that the range of these rocks which still shows itself above the surface fi*om Easton to Reading, and from Carlisle to Harper's Ferry, was, in that early day, a range of mountains as high as the Alps or Andes are now. The porosity of silica in these rocks, however, and abundance of feldspar made th«ir erosion easy and rapid; their peaks were tumbled piecemeal into the ravines; the ravines were deepened and widened into valleys, until nothing now remains of what was then above the water level save what the explorer now discovers in these remains. Standing like islands in a general ocean, their fragments were rolled by rivers into the watery deep, forming the conglomerates and coarser sandstones of the Paleozoic system along their shores, while their finer mud was floated far out to sea. Other agencies doubtless contributed to this result, such as earthquakes of greater or less intensity, the great ocean bottom gradually subsiding as it received successive formations from the beginning to the end of the long Paleozoic era, which closed with the carboniferous bogs at the sea- level. The second great change then took place. The ocean no longer deepened, but the continent gradually rose into the air. All further deposits became impossible, and the coal-beds, which were formed at the sea level, were lifted, in some parts of middle Pennsylvania, to a height equal to the thickness of the whole Paleozoic system that is, 35,000 feet, higher than the highest summits of the Himalayas. In this movement the wet masses of the Paleozoic strata were thrown into waves; di-ainage in various directions was established; — erosion began, hydi'ostatic pressure forced the sea-water to issue in innumerable springs, and with frost above, and the undermining floods below, began a rapid work of destruction, which has lasted ever since. Nearly the whole area of the state, east of the Alleghenies, lost not only all its coal measures, but a vast majority of all the mineral strata underneath them. For scores of miles the entire Paleozoic system was excavated and planed down to the limestone (No. 11) at the base of the series, and along the center lines of some of the valleys, the old Laicrentian surface cannot be more than a thousand feet below the present surface. The destruction was greatest where the elevation was greatest, along the middle belt of the Appalachian range, though western Pennsylvania suffered somewhat in this general destruction. Out of this general disintegration of Paleozoic formations were created New Jersey and the tide- water country of Maryland and Virginia; and on the western side, the lower half of Alabama and nearly the whole of Mississippi and Louisiana. So that it appears that the Protozoic mountains were wasted to form the Paleozoic rocks of the interior, and they, in turn, have been wasted to form the Tertiary formations of the seabord. Whether the elevation of the continent took place suddenly at the close of the coal era, or somewhat before, and somewhat after that point of time, is not known; but that the uprise was local over large areas is evident, as it left extensive regions of the western half of the American continent still under water. In southeastern Pennsylvania an arm of the sea, with one cape at New York and the other at Trenton, stretched itsolf np into the land across what are now Berks, Bucks, Lebanon, Lancaster, Y'ork and Adams counties, penetrated to the- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 8 On heart of Virginia and North Carolina, reaching the confines of Georgia. the southeast side of this long salt-water bay ran the still lofty hill country of the Philadelphia-Baltimore-Raleigh gold-bearing rocks; and on the other rose Into this depression the loftier range of the South mountain and Blue ridge. were drained vast quantities of river sand and mud, charged with iron, forming the well-known brown building-stone of Newark and Norristown. The third principal change in the relative level of land and sea was occasioned by the additional rise of the eastern borders of the American continent, which drained this new red estuary, and elevated its brown beds to an unknown height in the air. At present, in spite of the destructive wear and tear which their upper beds have suffered since this movement took place, some of the rounded hill-tops stand as much as six hundred feet above the present tide-level. This waste of the New Red has furnished material for the deposit of Cretaceous and Tertiary formations of the seaboard, though the amount of erosion cannot be even estimated. Beside the enormous amount of wear and tear of the elements, similar to what may be observed in progress at the present time, the physical features of the country owe their character very considerably to another powerful agency, which, some forty years ago, was scarcely credited even by the well-informed. This was the great northern glacier, extending hundreds of thousands of The region of square miles in area, and several thousand feet in thickness. Hudson's bay has been suggested as the possible point of radiation, from which the different glacial streams proceeded upon their southerly course, and, from this or some other central point, a continu.ous ice- sheet advanced from the north across the Laurentians, the Adirondacks, the Catskills, and the successive mountain ranges of Pennsylvania. Another lobe of the same ice-sheet crossed Lake Erie, advancing into the western parts of the state, while the main body probably covered the entire northeastern part of the continent. The principal phenomena which afford a practical demonstration of this theory are the scratched and polished rock surfaces over which the glacier passed, the sha])ing and scratching of the fragments which were moved, and the transportation of boulders, which finally formed the moraines, now found regularly These phenomena deposited through the region of the glaciated district. were first observed and studied among the Swiss glaciers, and the facts thus obtained were found to be in general agreement with certain indications found in the rocks of the American continent. Other theories were, for a time, entertained, but one after another was found insufficient to account for the conditions presented, so that now, save a few who still cling to the floating iceberg theory, all scientists assent to the theory of a great northern glacier. Many topographical changes were effected by this agency; valleys were filled up, terraces were formed, rocks that were barren were covered with soil, minBy such eral resources were buried, and the lines of drainage re-established. means the economic character of the country was greatly changed, the glaciated region being rendered favorable to the farmer, and unfavorable to the miner. The general topography of the two regions, however, is very much alike, and the dividing line is only to be discovered by a close observation of the surface deposit. These deposits may be generally divided into two classes, those occurring The deposits of the in the glaciated area, and those lying south of that area. first class may be again divided into those made by ice and those made by water and the deposits of the second class may be divided into those of a In both classes of deposits the relafluviatile and those of oceanic origin. tive elevation above tide is a notable feature, serving, in many cases, to mark ; HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 9 important distinctions, both as to age and origin. The two classes of surface deposits meet one another in such river valleys as pass from the glaciated into the non-glaciated region; and it is in such valleys that the relation of the two classes of deposits to one another may be most satisfactorily studied. The great Norihern Drift, as it has long been called by geologists, is a scattered deposit of stones and clay, which, unlike the stratified gravels and clays of the river valleys, is a confused mixtui-e irregularly dumped over the ground, thick in some places and thin in others, and often unstratified and unsorted by water. It is an impure clay, filled with stones of all sizes and shapes, generally rounded more or less, yet often sharp. They lie at all angles, confusedly mixed together, and upon close examination many of them show fine striations. the majority of which are longitudinal. Large boulders are scattered through and upon this deposit, and are often many feet in diamStratified gravelly deposits are also present in large quantity. eter. This unstratified deposit has been called by the Swiss geologists till, a term which is used in the Pennsylvania reports to distinguish this unstratified stony clay from various other diluvial and di-ift deposits, which occur in the region covered by the Northern Drift, and which all overlie the till. The term drift is used to designate all detrital deposits which have been moved, by whatever agent, from their original occurrence, including, among other kinds, glacial drift river drift and frost drift, the latter term here designating such angular drift as creeps down any declivity through the successive freezing and thawing of the loose mass, aided by gravity. The Northern Drift designates those detrital deposits which, in the northeastern parts of America and northwestern parts of Europe, have generally been drifted in a southerly direction. The modified drift of some geologists is a general term, including such portions of the Northern Drift as have been assoi-ted by water- action. The till varies in depth from a mere sprinkling of boulders, by which it is sometimes represented, to a depth of a hundred feet or more. In northwestern Pennsylvania it is in many places two hundred feet deep. In more western states it is still deeper, a depth of three hundred feet having been reported in certain parts of Indiana. In eastern Pennsylvania, perhaps on account of the inequality of the surface and the numerous mountain ranges, it is seldom deep, and on many mountain sides is completely absent. It is usually abundant in this section, however, at the heads of valleys and in other slight depressions, and is more abundant in valleys on the north side of a mountain rano-e than on the south side. "Where a deep cut exposes a fine section of till, the lower portion is seen to be much more compact than the upper part, and of a This is probably the original condition of the deposit before bluish color. being loosened and oxidized by atmospheric agencies. The origin of the till has been explained in several ways, some holding that it is a ground moraine, formed underneath the glaciers by its grinding and abrasive action; some believing that large portions of it were dropped from the end of the glacier as it melted; and others that it was formed of material beneath the glacier, but deposited mainly near its margin, where the ice was less deep. The last view is probably more con-ect, for the upper portions of the till, especially in the western states, fi-equently show water-action. This deposit is in great part composed of local material, varying in composition with the geological character of the region. The far transported boulders lie, very fi-equently, at or near the surface of the till, as though dropped upon it from the upper ice. From the fact that the high summits in Pennsylvania are rarely capped by till, but, on the other hand, often hold far- transported boulders, it is inferred that the upper portions of the glacier were clean, bear- 10 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. ing only occasional boulders derived from a distance, while the bottom of the ice-sheet was continually grinding up the underlying rock, and filling it up with the debris. The origin of the Philadelphia brick-clays may be found, perhaps, in the muddy water which issued from the grinding base of the glacier. When the glacier sent out lobes across a low country, or when it crossed a great river valley, the till gives the strongest evidence of sub-glacial wateraction. The stratified drift deposits of the great Mississippi valley, and the sub- aqueous till of the St. Lawrence valley, indicate the presence of quantities of water circulating beneath the ice in those regions; but it cannot be too strongly insisted upon that the till occurring in the mountainous districts is unstratified and destitute of any trace of aqueous action. Another and more conclusive evidence to the former presence of a continental glacier is found in the terminal moraine. Every modern glacier pushes up at its foot a ridge of detritus, composed of rounded, angular and striated fragments of rock, which the ice has taken up at various points along its course and carried partly on top, partly below, to the point where the glacier comes to an end. It thus forms a terminal moraine, which may vary in elevation with the foot of the glacier, and on high ground may show no signs of water-action. Such a line is radically different from the level shore line of a body of water whose beach, even if non-fossiliferous and covered by iceberg-borne boulders, is mainly composed of stratified water-worn pebbles, and has terrace-like features quite unlike the rounded hummocks and interlaced ridges of a true of Pennsylvania moraine. Large terminal moraines may be seen in several parts of the Rocky mounand these,, sometimes several hundred feet high, furnish undisputable proofs of ancient glaciers. Moraines, sometimes three hundred and fifty feet in height, made up of angular debris and extending several miles out from the base of the mountains, occur along the Sierra Nevada. The moraines in the regions of South Park, Colorado, are very striking glacial features, and are even more conclusive than strial or scratched boulders. In fact, a terminal moraine tains, may be regarded as the one decisive proof of glaciation. By the discovery, therePennsylvania and in other portions of America of an immense terminal moraine, which, as a nearly continuous ridge of unstratified and glaciated material, crosses alike mountains and valleys, and forms everywhere on high land the boundary between the drift-covered and the driftless regions, the theory that the Northern Drift was deposited by a glacier of immense extent is entirely fore, in confirmed. In the study of the Swiss glaciers, it has been found that these great bodies of ice flow with a motion resembling that of a viscous body, the central portion flowing more rapidly than the sides, and the upper layers faster than the lower. The laws of this motion have been discovered, and theories of its cause enunciated by the great scientists, to the inestimable advantage of all students of similar phenomena. By reason of this onward and downward flow of a Swiss glacier, any rock fragments which fall on its surface, or, which are broken off by being frozen into the ice, are transported to the point in the valley where the glacier comes to an end. In this way a heap of detritus is gradually dumped down at the terminus of the glacier forming a ridge of unThis stratified glaciated material at right angles to the motion of the glacier. ridge of debris has been called a terminal moraine. The mass of debris accumulated under the glacier is the ground moraine, while the lines of waste at the sides of the ice stream are its lateral moraines. When two glacial streams, each having lateral moraines, meet, as is often the case in Switzerland, a medial moraine is produced, and extends from the junction of the two lateral mo- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 11 raines along the middle of the glacier in a line parallel to its motion. When a glacier retreats, these moraines, more especially the terminal moraine, may be left to mark its former extension. In dealing with a glacier of the size indicated by the remains of the great ice-sheet of America, and where projecting or bordering cliffs were probably wholly wanting, save, in its growth and decline, some representative of the ground and terminal moraines only are to be sought. Of the former, the till fulfills all the conditions, while of the latter, the conditions are fulfilled by the lines of di'ift hills, which constitute the terminal moraine in Pennsylvania. The peculiar topography characterizing these hills is unlike that produced either by wave-action, or by aerial erosion; while, on the other hand, it is identical with that characterizing: the moraines of modern Swiss glaciers. The great moraine shows itself at the heel of Cape Cod; makes the Elizabeth islands and Block island; runs through Long island from end to end; crosses Staten island; bends north at Amboy, and makes a wide curve through New Jersey to Eelvidere. In Pennsylvania beginning a mile below Belvidere, latitude 40° 49', it appears through the stratified drift as low gravel hills. These, winding up over the slate hills to the west, are soon developed into an accumulation of typical till, holding kettle-holes and filled with l^oulders. Bending in a great curve, first westward and then northward, it reaches the base of the Kittatinny mountain, three miles east of Wind-Gap. Ascending to the top of the Kittatinny mountain (1,600 feet A. T.); the moraine crosses over it, being well shown upon the very summit and, entering Monroe county, crosses the great valley between the Kittatinny and the Pocono, inclosing in its course several moraine lakes. Having crossed this valley and reached the base of the Pocono escarpment, it swings sharply back and around Pocono knob. Immediately afterward it ascends the steep face of the mountain to the wide plateau on top, two thousand one hundi-ed feet above the sea. Crossing the center of Kidder township. Carbon county, it reaches the gorge of the Lehigh river about ten miles north of Mauch Chunk, which it crosses at Hickory run. Without swerving fi'om its general northwestern course, it crosses Hell-Kitchen mountain, Cunningham valley and Nescopec mountain, in Luzerne county, and descends to the valley of the east branch of the Susquehanna river, which it crosses at Beach Haven. Here heaps of di'ift have been washed down the river into terraces. In Columbia county, after following awhile the base of Lee's mountain, it ascends to the summit (1,350 feet A. T.), crosses the high red shale valley and crest of Huntingdon mountain, and then descends the north slope of that mountain to the broad, undulating valley of Fishing creek. Taking a northerly course, it follows up the east bank of Fishing creek to the North or Allegheny mountains. From this point the moraine crosses Sullivan and Lycoming counties westward to Ralston, and Potter county to Olean. At Little valley, in the state of New York, it turns at a right angle and runs southwest to Beaver county. Across the state of Ohio it describes a great curve to the Ohio river above Cincinnati. After an excursion into Kentucky, it recrosses the Ohio river below Cincinnati, traverses Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Manitoba, and is lost in the unexplored country west of Bafiin's bay. The length of the line traced through Pennsylvania is about four hundi-ed miles, and, where undisturbed, the moraine is a ridge of loose rocks, sand and clay, a hundred feet high and several hundred yards broad at its base, its materials being fragments of all the surface formations collected and carried southward by the great ice- sheet in its movement fi'om Canada across the state HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTr. 12 of New York and the northern counties of Pennsylvania, and left standing in But lita disorderly heap along the line at which the ice -front melted away. tle of it, however, is left undisturbed, and, where typically developed, this accumulation is characterized by peculiar contours of its own a series of hummocks, or low, conical hills, alternate short straight ridges, and inclosed, shallow, basin-shaped depressions, which, like inverted hummocks in shape, are known as kettle-holes and has an average width of about a mile. When less typically developed, the moraine is distinguished from the glacial drift back of it by the greater size and number of its boulders, the more distant source of such boulders, and the more frequent striation of their surfaces. With the exception of a narrow district, which has been denominated the fringe, * the line of drift hills which crosses Pennsylvania lies at the precise Lying sometimes on an ascending slope, edge of the di-ift- covered district. — — sometimes on a descending one, sometimes crossing a narrow mountain ridge and sometimes forming an embankment across a valley, it rests against no barThe absence of stratification, the rier and represents no possible shore line. absence of drift wood or aqueous fossils, the angularity and striated surfaces of its enclosed stones, together with its topographical jDOsition and its peculiar contours, preclude any hypothesis of aqueous origin; while the fact jjroved by the stricB that its course is at right angles to the glacial movement, taken large and small in its course, in connection with the remarkable deflections — — — make it a true terminal moraine. The moraine enters Columbia county — at about the center of the north and tolerably well defined on the county line where it crosses a road leading northeast from Foundryville, about a mile and a half from that village. The line trends somewhat south of west, keepIt passes about a mile and a quarter ing along the base of Lee's mountain. north of the village, and is recognized by its boulders and striated fragments Northwest of Foundryville the line may be traced at each road it crosses. just above the Methodist grave-yard; across a small creek at the cross-roads, a mile farther west; and thence westward into Center township, just above the soiith line of Briarcreek township. It is road which runs nearest to the mountains. Throughout its coui'se in Briarcreek township the moraine can be recognized by the occurrence of boulders and striated pebbles, but not by any No ridges of di'ift, no kettle-holes or stratified special topography of its own. kames appear, and the till is thin, and boulders scarce. North of the moraine, moreover, and from there to the mountain back of it, the rocks are so bare, and the covering of till or boulders so intrequent and fragmentary, that the explorer will of ten find it difficult to determine whether he is in front or behind the line. Its feeble development here illustrates the general rule that in front of a mountOn the northern ain the moraine is small and the ground iincovered by till. side of such a mountain large accumulations of drift material, such as would have formed the moraine, are almost invariably found, but only such boulders as were carried over the mountain by the top ice were dropped where a terminal moraine would otherwise have been accii.mulated. In Center township the moraine runs south of west along the base of Lee's There is mountain, being easily recognized on the upper road to Orangeville. a sudden transition from the soil made up of broken shale, upon which no boulders are seen, to that made of an impure yellow clay filled with boulders and striated fragments. Near the Orange township line, on the upper road to Orangeville, the fields are completely covered by boulders, many of which At this point the moraine comes to an end and are over four feet in length. Found in Pennsylvania, ouly in ilie western couuiies. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 1^ appears to turn back on its course in ascending the mountain; the heavy for-ests, however, renders it impossible to trace it closely. All that can be confidently said of it is, that it crosses the combined Lee' s and Huntingdon mountain and finds its way into the Fishing creek country beyond. From independent observations, it is rendered probable that Lee's and Huntingdon mountains, diverging from their union in Knob mountain, projected two long sharp headlands eastward into the sea of ice, while an arm of the latter, ending in a narrow point, extended between the two headlands several miles west from theijr extremities. In its course across the wide valley between Huntingdon mountain and tli^s Allegheny mountain the moraine can be traced with great precision. A garter mile west of Asbury it turns northward toward Benton. It keeps oq the» east side of Fishing creek as far as Cole's mills, where, in crossing it, the moraine forms a great ridge extending obliquely across the valley of the creek. It then passes across Jackson township in a northwest direction to the comermade by Lycoming and Sullivan counties. Throughout the whole of this-coiirse the moraine is wonderfully well shown and has characteristic topoo-It leaves the base of the mountain at a schoolhouse one mile S. S. E.' raphy. of Asbury at the meeting of roads from Asbury and Jonestowi It here forms a distinct ridge, stretching diagonally across the valley of Huntingdon creek. Here deep masses of stratified drift rest against the western edge of themoraine and continue down the valley of the creek, becomin more shallow the farther it is from the moraine. Near the moraine this plain of stratified: drift, composed of water- worn pebbles— at least thirty feet deep has its surface molded into shallow ridges and depressions, all of which are parallel tothe creek and evidently made by water action. The moraine now trends to a point an eighth of a mile west of Asbury, where its edge is very sharply defined upon the road by the sudden change in The yellow till gives place to a red soil, formed' by the the color of the soil. decomposition of Catskill shales. Above Asbury the moraine turns somewhat • — two miles west of Bendertown, as high drift covered by large boulders and sharply defined on its edge. On the next road north of Asbury its limit is well marked near the forks of the road, about a half-mile east of Fishing creek. It is a curious fact, that although the moraine from Asbury to the Benton line runs so near Fishing creek, no drift whatever, stratified or unstratified, occurs in the valley of that creek. The slates and shales of No. VIII are exposed on both banks of the creek, and the sandy alluvium forming the fertile bottom land is perfectly local. The edgeof t he glacier must have been drained backward. g The moraine enters Benton township near the point where Raven' ere k crosses the township line, and then approaches within a mile of Fishing creek. It forms drift hills, covered by boulders of sandstone and conglomerate brought from the Allegheny mountain. Approaching Fishing creek still more closely, and bending somewhat east of north, the moraine passes along the western side of a hill which slopes toward the creek, a mile below Benton, and fi-om thence to the top of a high hill which forms the bank of the creek 'east of Benton. As in Fishingcreek township, the moraine has been drained backward into some of the valleys farther east these back valleys are in fact now filled by drift accumulations. A mile below Benton the moraine ends abruptly on the edge of a hill descending toward the creek, a fact at variance with any other hypothesis than that of a glacier as the cause of the moraine. The presence of strice and of transported boulders upon the summit of the Allegheny mountain to the north precludes also the idea of local glaciers. It seems probV east of north, passing not quite hills ; 16 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. able, therefore, that the continental glacier stopped just where it did simply because the inei'tia or moving force of the glacier, from whatever cause derived, Increased temperature was the only became exhausted at this point. barrier. In Sugarloaf township, at Cole's -creek postoflfice, Cole's creek joins FishThe moraine here forms fine conical hills in the center of the valley. At the bridge, north of this, the glaciated region back of the moraine is reached, and a fine view can be obtained of the back of the moraine, which appears steeper, more regular and better defined than the front. The moraine, stretching conspicuously across the valley from Cole's creek to Fishing creek, and ending abruptly near the bridge, can be seen for a mile or more from up the Hence to the base of the Allegheny mountain the valley is nearly flat, creek. and contains no drift hills. Crossing Fishing creek the moraine continues in a northwest direction across the southwest corner of Sugarloaf township, passing In near a school-house on a creek about two miles northeast of Polkville. some places the boulders are so large and numerous as to render the soil unfit ing. for cultivation. In Jackson township, as the moraine approaches the base of Bald mountain, It crosses the upper part of the township near the less finely developed. The till here is very thin and often absent east of the base of the mountain. moraine; but the occasional striated boulders prove the region to have been As already stated no drift occurs in fi'ont of the moraine, except in glaciated. In the valleys of Green, Little Fishing and other the vicinity of streams. creeks running southward, there occur boulders and sharp fragments of Pocono Although they often lie sandstone and boulders of Pottsville conglomerate. on high ground, such ground is always near a depression down which a great flood of water might have come, and they were probably brovTght to their locaNear Orangeville, where Huntingdon and Fishing creeks tion by floating ice. join, there is a plain of stratified river gravel nearly a mile in width. It forms a terrace twenty feet high at Orangeville and is composed of smoothed, often It was evidently deposited by a glacial flattened pebbles, overlaid by sand. From this point stream, which flowed along the valley of Huntingdon creek. the line of demarcation just touches the lower corner of Sullivan county and passes into Lycoming. it is It appears, therefore, that what is popularly known as soil is due, in the upper portion of the state, to the grinding process of this immense glacier, supplemented by the action of frost and rain, and the vast deposits of humus. Its original distribution was manifestly variable, in some places forty or fifty But this condition has been greatly feet deep, in others only a thin coating. modified by the never-ceasing action of the elements, so that in many places extensive erosion has taken place, and the eroded mass gradually distributed beyond the glaciated area as well as within it. The valleys of the streams are now the main receptacles of the original Drift, since the slopes have largely shed the deposit left on them. It is supposed that the glacier was succeeded by an epoch of flooded rivers. A geoeral rise of temperature took place all over the world the winter of the ice-age gave place to summer; unimaginable floods poured southward spreading their burdens of moraine stones, rounded and smoothed by attrition, and finer detritus over the lowlands; the mountains again appeared and valleys were When quieter times came, the Susquehanna and its tributary re-excavated. streams cut down through these post-glacial deposits marking their progress by the terraces which border their banks. Great heaps of rounded and polished boulders are found over a large por; " HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 17 Columbia county below the region marked by the moraine as the limit They occur alike in valleys, and on the summits of hills, which of glaciatiou. do not exceed an altitude of nine hundred and fifty feet above tide level, and are especially abundant over the low country which stretches from I'ishing creek westward to the "West Branch," along the line of the Milton and Watsontou-n anticlines. The majority of these transported boulders belong to the Pocono sandstones (No. X.), though all the rocks of this region are represented among them, from the conglomerates of No. XII down to the sandstones of the Clinton {No. V). The highest point at which these boulders have been observed is nine hundred and fifty feet above tide level, and this occurs two miles south from Catawissa, where they cover the summit of a ridge between Koaring creek and the Susquehanna river. It is supposed, therefore, that these boulders were transported by floating ice and other means in a great lake-like river, which flowed westward from the terminal moraine during the flooded river period, when hills, now rising eight or nine hundred feet above tide level, were submerged. Whatever were the means by which vast quantities of debris have been spread so widely over the surfaces of moderate elevation in localities lying outside of the region of glaciation, there is still another class of deposits that were certainly transported by the 'flooded rivers' which carried off the water from the melting and retreating glacier. These deposits are now found in great heaps of commingled sand, gravel and boulders of almost every size, fi'om four inches up to four and five feet, at many points along the Susquehanna, but are especially prominent at the junction of this river and its principal tributaries. Berwick is built upon a great boulder terrace, which extends a mile back from the river, at an elevation of fifty feet* above it. It forms a level-topped bluff* of that height on the river bank, and while it diminishes in height below Berwick, becomes gradually higher above the town, until it meets the moraine two miles above, in Luzerne county. Briar creek debouches at Berwick, and appears to have brought in much of this boulder trash, but it is suggested by independent observers that a much greater flood offered a more effective agency. It is believed that when the great change of temperature occurred, the tongue of the glacier, which occupied the wedge-shaped valley between Huntingdon and Lee's mountain, yielded a flood which finally broke the lower barrier on the south and cut two gaps in the latter mountain (225 and 270 feet deep) through which the pent-up floods escaped to the lowlands, depositing the plateau on which the borough now stands. At Bloomsbiirg, Fishing-creek valley unites with that of the "North Branch, and a wide stretch of plain is covered by boulder trash about their junction. Three terraces may be easily observed; the first, twenty feet above the river (470' A. T.); the second, forty feet above the river (490' A. T.), and the third, thirty feet above the last (520' A. T.) On the Fishing creek side, the second terrace is wanting, and there is an abrupt descent of fifty feet from the top of the third to the top of the first. The third terrace is covered with a deposit of clean reddish grey sand, fifteen to twenty feet deep, below which come gravel and rounded boiilders. The main portion of Bloomsburg is built on this third terrace, while the station of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western railroad is on the second terrace. No terraces higher than the third, above indicated, are seen at this point, but two miles below, very thick gravel beds are seen extending to an elevation of one hundred and seventy-five feet above the tion of ' ' *The state authorities seem to conflict upon this point. In Volume Z, of the geological reports. Prof. Lewgives the height as in tha text, and the elevation above tide-level as n6(i feet. In Volume G, G", Prof. White places the height of the terrace from the bed of the river at one hundred feet, and the elevation above tidelevel at 575 feet. is, 18 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Susquehanna. This same gravel deposit is frequently seen in the old vallev which leads from Rupert westward to Danville along the line of the Catawissa & Williamsport (Reading) railroad, and its top is generally found at about six hundred and twenty-five to six hundred and thirty feet above tide-level. The Paleozoic system, which underlies these surface deposits, is divided by Pennsylvania geologists into thirteen formations, which are indicated by the numbers from I to XIII. The series begins with the Potsdam White Sandstone No. I and follows in regular order; the limestone of No. II, with its brown hematite iron ores, lead, zinc, and barytes; the slates of No. Ill, which supplies the roofing slate quarries on the Lehigh; the sandstone of No. IV, forming Kittatinny, Buffalo, Montour's Ridge among many other mountains; the red shale of No. V, with its fossil ore beds; the limestone of No. VI., with brown hematite iron ore pockets, and lead; the sandstone of No. VII, usually forming a rocky ridge, but in Juniata and Perry counties rising to the dignity of a small mountain; the olive shales and soft green sandstones of No. VIII, with hydi-aulic lime rocks, fictitious coal-beds, occasionally valuable deposits of brown hematite, and in the northwest part of the state, reservoirs of saltwater and petroleum; the red sandstone of No. IX, forming terraces on the white sandstone mountains of No. X, such as the Catskill, Pocono, Mahonoy, Little, Catawissa, Long, Nescopec, Wyoming, Knob and other mountains; the red shale of No. XI, the white sandstone or conglomerate of No. XII, surrounding and supporting the coal basins, and forming Beaver-Meadow, Sugarloaf, Bu-ck and McCauley mountains in the anthracite region, the crest of the Allegheny mountain, and other coal-bearing mountains; and finally No. XIII. constituting a subordinate system of itself, and known as the coal measures. In this series, numbers I, IV, VII, IX, X, and XII, are massive sand- VIII and XI are and VI are numbers V, IX and XI, and all mountains in the state, save South mountain and the mountains which hold the coal are merely outcrops of numbers IV and X. rocks; III, V, chiefly limestone strata. slate or shale formations; II The red members of the series are This nomenclature is not invariable throughout the country, nor in this In the final report of the first geological survey of Pennsylvania, latin terms, signifying the course of the sun during a single day, were substituted for the numbers; in New York, the English nomenclature has been adopted; and in the W^est, owing to the confusion of the strata there, the whole series, from the Coal Measures down to No. VIII, is classed as the Carboniferous system. The real harmony existing between these different nomenclatures, and an approximate section, set forth by Prof. J. P. Leslie, is as state alone. follows ... . . . 19 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Thickness in Nomenclature Penn'a 1st Geological Beport. 6— I New York N. Y, Nomenclature Feet. I O f Chemung VIII. Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania. 500 Meridian sandstone 600 Pre-meridian limestone 350 Scalent limestone Wanting in Pennsylvania. Wanting in Pennsylvania. 2,600 Surgent red shales I Levant vrbite sandstone. 1,800 -; ( I:Portage . ' VL d r 250 Aurora calc. sandstone ) v ^ ) Shawnyunk ( f j Oneida conglomerate. Hudson slates \ Utica slates ^ . Black River limestone. a ^ Birdseye limestone o f Chazy limestone ? Calciferous sand-rock [^Potsdam sandstone i 250 200 400 500 100 gi'it L ( 200 1,000 Medina sandstone -j I I II. 50 Lower Helderberg limestone. 4 III. 400 galli grit Onondaga salt group Niagara limestone Clinlon group 400 Matinal black slates magnesian limestone 2,001 [Oriskany sandstone I iv.' . 550 Matinal limestone 1,500 1,200 group. group ^' ^ VII. V. 1,200 Matinal blue slates 5,500 Auroral 2,500 Genesee slates Hamilton slates Marcellus shales ? limestone I Upper Helderberg Schoharie grit § Cauda Levant red sandstone. Levant gray sandstone. . N.Y.). 1 in in . fr. Old red. (Catskill group). % Feet. New York Millstone Grit (eroded XI. X. IX. 600 Ponent red sandstone 3,200 Vergent olive shales 1,700 Vergent gray sandstones. 700 Cadent upper black slate. 1,100 Cadeut olive shales 800 Cadent lower black shale. 300 Post-meridian limestone.. Wanting Wanting Eroded from XIII. XII. 3,000 Coal measures 1,200 Serai conglomerete 3,000 Umbral red shale 2,500 Vespertine sandstone Thickness in 1,000 ) [ 300 i I 4,000 32,850 j Pri mal sandstone, (Pri mal slates I 50 10,850 In giving the thickness of these formations, it must be understood that they vary greatly in different parts of the area occupied by the two states. But the table illustrates the great thickness of the mechanical deposits toward the southeast, in contrast with their thinness in the northwest. The geological structure of Columbia county is found considerably more broken than that of the region farther north. In Wyoming and Sullivan counties, the rocks are practically horizontal, but as the latitude of Luzerne, Columbia and Northumberland is reached, the rocks are found thrown into arches so high as to expose the upper part of No. IV, in the latter county, and The into troughs deep enoiigh to preserve nearly the highest coal measvires. first of these flexures, noticed in passing into the county fi'om the north, are the White Deer and Milton anticlinals. These are the declining ends of the six anticlinals of the Buffalo mountains, which split up the Kisicoquilis valley, and of the "Seven mountains," north of that valley. A great fold comes eastward across the "West Branch," in the vicinity of Watsontown, which is locally designated as the AVatsontown anticlinal. It declines rapidly eastward and ends in the upper part of Northumberland county where it spreads the Salina beds over a considerable area. Four miles south of Watsontown, at Milton, another of the great Buffalo mountain anticlinals crosses the river eastward, passes through Northumberland and Montour counties, and enters Columbia in Madison township, passing eastward nearly through the center of the township. Here it brings uj) the Hamilton rocks in a valley two or three miles at the west, but which contracts toward the east, until near Little Fishing creek it is not more than a mile HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 20 Chemung rocks make ridges on the north and south from and a half wide. Crossing the Little Fishing, the Milton axis three to five hundred feet high. crosses the southeastern corner of Pine, in the vicinity of Millville, the Big Fishing just south of Stillwater, and enters Luzerne county near the northeast The dip of the rocks on the south side of corner of Fishingcreek township. this anticlinal is everywhere steeper than on the northwest, since it seldom exceeds twenty degrees on the north, but is often forty-five or fifty degrees on the south. This great difference does not appear near the crest of the arch, however, but begins to be noticed at some distance southeast from it. The Lackawanna synclinal, the name used to designate a great downward fold of the rocks, which, proceeding from the northeastern corner of Lackawanna county as a naiTow, shallow trough, gradually deepens and broadens toward the southwest, until in the vicinity of Wilkesbarre it retains the entire Coal MeasFrom this ure series, and possibly a small cap of the Pernio -carboniferous. point it begins to shallow and narrow up westward, so that at Shickshinny, fifteen miles southwest, the Coal Measures remain only in a narrow, triangular Westward from Shickshinny the axis of the trough area west of the river. runs along the center of the old drift-filled valley of West Shickshinny creek, But the Pocono with a mountain of Pocono sandstone both north and south. trough gradually narrows and shallows westward, until its two rims come together at Oi'angeville, and then the Pocono beds vanish in air, leaving the Catskill rocks to occupy the trough westward through the center of Mount Pleasant township, and along the northern border of Hemlock, which, in turn, tail oiit at the eastern edge of Montour county. The next fold in the rocks is found about four miles south from the last, and is much the greatest in this region. The axis of this anticlinal crosses the in Luzerne, about half way between the Big and Little North Branch Wapwallopen creeks, and passes under the town of Berwick, from which it The Lower Helderberg limestone is elevated to the surface takes its name. a short distance west fi-om Berwick, and it very probably first emerges near the eastern line of the borough, but has been eroded and its oiitcz'op deeply buried by the terrace deposits, which cover up all the rocks to a great depth in The Salina beds are brought up, one mile west fi'om Berwick, and that vicinity. then a low ridge begins along the crest of the arch, which gradually increases in elevation westward through the southern half of Center and Scott townships, becoming still higher across Bloomsburg township, where the Clinton rocks ' ' * ' come to the surface. The axis crosses Fishing creek one-half mile north fi'om the town of Bloomsburg, and about three hundred yai'ds north fi'om the Bloomsburg Iron ComFishing and Hemlock creeks trench squarely across this axis pany's furnace. in the vicinity of Bloomsburg, through large gaps in Montour's ridge, but westward from Hemlock creek the very hard Clinton iron sandstones and underlying siliceous shales arching over the crest of the fold, carry Montour's This conspicuous eleridge up to about eleven hundred feet above tide-level. vation along the crest of the Berwick axis is known as Montour' s ridge, westward from Bloomsbui-g, and is rendered all the more prominent from the fact that it is bordered on each side by the soft beds of the Salina and Hamilton, which weathering away into broad, low valleys along both the north and south slopes This axis is of the ridge, seem to increase the height of the latter by contrast. of great economical importance to this region, since it brings to the surface two belts of Loiver Helderberg limestone entirely across the county, and also those valuable iron-ore deposits of the Clinton, which have rendered Bloomsburg and Danville famous for their iron industries. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 21 synclinal is a term used to designate the downward which forms a great trough, about four miles and a half south of This is one of the most i"^markable basins which tiathe Berwick anticlinal. verses Pennsylvania, extending, as it does, through Huntington, Juniata, Snyder, Northumberland, Columbia and Luzerne counties, nearly to the Lehigh Through most of river, a total length of about two hundred and fifty miles. its course in middle Pennsylvania it is regular as to width and depth, but much As it approaches the Susquehanna from complicated by subordinate folds. Crossing the river at the the west, it begins to widen and deepen gradually. forks, it not only deepens, but becomes complicated going east, and widens in Columbia county into a group of basins separated by anticlinals. The two deepest of these basins (which taken together may be considered as representing the axis or bottom of the great trough,) hold the two projecting spurs of the Catawissa mountain. The other spurs of the mountain farther south represent other subordinate basins on the southern side of the great trough. In the Catawissa valley, the great trough is made up of numerous subordinate basins, in one of which stands McCauley' s movintain, and in others lie the anthracite basins of Black Creek, Hazleton, etc. A very strong anticlinal arch crosses the Susquehanna eastward, two miles This fold rapidly declines east of the river, where the above Selinsgrove. Lower Helderberg is soon covered by the Oriskany sandstone, and that in turn by the Hamilton beds. Traced eastward, the axis is found passing under the town of Elysburg, and thence in a direct line to New Media, in Locust township. At Roaring creek the Genesee beds are the lowest rocks appearing above water-level, and east of the creek these are covered^ by Chemung. At New Media the Catskill beds cover the lower formation, and this is covered in turn by the Pocono before the axis reaches the eastern line of Colambia county in the southern part of Roaringcreek township. Southward from this axis the dip increases, the Chemnng, Catskill, Pocono, Mauch Chunk and PottsviUe formations coming down, one after another, dipping from forty- five to fifty degrees, to the Coal Measures of the great Sham- The Northumberland fold of rocks, okin anthracite coal basin. The Devonian rocks are alone found in the upper part of Columbia, and cover more than three- fourths of its whole area. Of these are found the Catskill, Chemung, Hamilton, and perhaps the Portage, but so poorly defined that it is included under the Chemung in the reports. The thickness of this system gradually increases southward and probably reaches a depth of eight or nine thousand feet. Unfortunately for the economic advantage of the county, however, these rocks contain no valuable minerals of any description, in paying quantities, and all search for lead, silver or copper, of each of which there are traces, will undoubtedly prove fi'uitless. In their decomposition they subserve a valuable, if less attractive purpose, in furnishing the pi'incipal portion of the farming lands. The Catskill rocks (No. IX) are rather sharply separated at top from the Pocono-Catskill beds by the occurrence of red shales of considerable thickness, and a type of greenish gray sandstone; but while the top of this formation can nearly always be definitely determined, it is not so with its base in this region, as there comes in at the bottom a series of rocks having such a mixture of characteristics belonging to both of the joining formations, that it is difiicult to determine the exact line of demarcation. To bridge this difficulty, the report classifies these transition beds as an intermediate CatskillChemung group. The character of the rocks'is very changeable. In one section, more than two-thirds of the whole series may be massive-looking, greenish 22 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. isandstone, with, only thin beds of red shale interstratified, while only a few aniles distant the green sandstones disappear and in their stead are found very «&ick red beds. A general section compiled from the vicinity of Catawissa exhibiting so far as exposures could be obtained, may be found on page 57, of volTume G", of the second state report. The depth here is estimated at 4,330 ifeet. Save a narrow belt of Pocono, which caps the summit of North mountain, red Catskill covers the whole area of Sugarloaf township and a mile-wide The southern line of this red border .•strip of the northern part of Benton. ipasses regularly westward through Jackson and Pine townships, though from Jbhe line of Polkville southward the rocks belong rather to the Catskill'.CJiemung. A narrowing belt of Catskill enters the eastern side of the county, .the middle line of which is marked by the axis of the Lackawanna synclinal. The Pocono mountain, called Knob, covers the central portion to Orangeville, from whence it tapers to a point just west of the Mahoning creek. A band of Ahe Catskill borders the northern slope of the Nescopec mountain, and, following the trend of the Catawissa range, occupies the broad angle formed by its union with Little mountain, covering the larger portion of Franklin, Catawissa, Locust and Roaringcreek townships, and the southern half of Maine and Mifflin townships. The Catskill beds, when shaly aUd weathered down ,into a rolling topography, make a very good soil, which produces excellent crops of oats, grass, corn and, when enriched with lime, very fair crops of ^wheat. When the beds become very sandy, however, and massive green sandstones predominate, the country is barren. The rock next to the Catskill in extent of exposure in the county is the 'iJJiemung formation. The transitional beds which lie between these formations are well exposed abou.t half way between Rupert and Catawissa, a section of which may be found on page 03 of the report already referred to. The depth In the coloring of the geological ;at this point is eptimated at 1,007 feet. The top of maps, however, these beds are included in the Catskill formation. the Chemung has been fixed, for this county, by Prof. White, at the base of the lowest red bed, and all rocks below this to the top of the Hamilton are so classed. A section of this formation is exhibited on page 68 of his report, where he esThe Chemung rocks are finely exposed timates its thickness at 2,443 feet. along the Little Fishing creek, in Hemlock township, about a mile above the junction of that stream with the Big Fishing, and there the following su.ccession is shown: ' Ifche _ Feet. Red 1. sbale, base of Catskill- Chemnng group. TT-pT>"p>"R 50 2. Soft olive shales 3. Conglomerate, gray sandstone, with 4. 5. Olive shales, rather soft Hard, greenish, sandy, flaggy beds 6. Stony Brook beds, very flat (juartz pebbles 10 200 150 fossiliferons olive-green sandv shales 75 Lower: 7. 8. In Very hard, gray, bluish, and dark Genesee shales. Total thickness of olive sandy beds 1,875 Chemuvg this section appears a type of the Chemung 2,360 that is found at nearly every — point in this region where these beds are exposed two series of rocks quite different from each other in lithological character, taking the base of the Stony Brook beds as the dividing plane. The Upifer Chemung is from five to six hundred feet thick, and consists which readily breaks down when exposed to at- Ijargely of olive-green shale, : 25 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. mospheric influences, cnimbling into small chips and splinters, whicli soon deThe conglomerate is not a constant member of the series, but yet it compose. occurs in a great many localities at thirty to fifty feet below the top of the Chemung, being usually a grayish white rock, with small, somewhat flat pebAll rocks below the Stony Brook horizon bles of quartz scattered through it. may be classed together, so far as their lithological characters are concerned, since these are practically the same throughout the eighteen or nineteen hunThey are simply a monotonous succession of di-ed feet which complete them. dark gray, and dark olive -green and brown sandstones, and sandy beds half way between shale and sandstone, yet so hard as to make high ridges, and a succession of ragged cliffs wherever cut by the streams. In weathering they are usually broken into irregular and rather thick, si)linterThe base of this series rises suddenly like fi-agments, four to six inches long. and sharply from the valley of Hamilton beds, which always border it, and usually makes a high ridge of rocky, baiTen land overlooking the Hamilton valley fi-om a height of three to four hundred feet. There is a total and abrupt change in lithology at the base of the Chemung series, the hard, sandy beds of which give place to dark blue and blackish Hamilton shales and slate. This series varies so much in passing across this region from north to south, as to call for three entirely separate descriptions. The northern type is found in Columbia county north of the river, and is fully exposed on Little Fishing creek, in Hemlock township, two miles north from Bloomsburg. The following section, observed at this point, may be taken as typical of the character of this formation above the Berwick axis Feet. 1. 2. 3. 4. » dark blue and blackish shales and slates, sometimes slightly sandy, afld when weathered often bleaching gray or 375 even whitish TuUy limestone, a series of dull gray and bluish gray impure limeoften presenting and a huffish tint, stones, weathering with a 50 slaty appearance 400 Hamilton brown, gray and bluish gray sand shales and slates Marcellus shales, black and dark blue fissile slates and shales, some410 times getting gray at base Genesee slate, Total thickness of Hamilton 1,135 The Tully limestone of this series is never pure enough to bui-n, usually being quite earthy, breaking with a dull, irregular fracture, and often weatherThis series, as displayed ing to a light ashen, or even butfish gray color. north of the Susquehanna, is eminently a valley maker, since all of its components readily Ireak down and disintegrate into soil, the quality of which is excellent, some of the best farms in the county being situated on the Hamilton The river flows in a valley of these rocks from Hick' s ferry nearly to rocks. Rupert, a distance of nearly twenty miles, and they may fi-equently be seen extending in low ledges nearly across the bed of the river, notably at Berwick and Bloomsburg. South of the Berwick axis the Hamilton seems to greatly increase in thickness, and, if any reliance can be placed on the constancy of dip, this series must reach a thickness of two thousand to twenty-five hundred feet at Bloomsburg. South of the river the Hamilton retains the above typical character, save that in gaining in thickness several new members have been intercalated. It is not certain that there is this county or in the region, but any representative of the Cauda galli beds in on Big Fishing creek, about two and a half miles above Bloomsburg, there occur some beds down near the base of No. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 26 which so exactly resemble the lithological appearance of the Cauda gain that their identity with that formation seems not improbable. A band of Chemung, spreading from near Waterville to Asbury, enters the county from Luzerne, and, widening as it passes south westward, covers GreenThe Milton wood, Madison, and parts of Pine, Orange and Mount Pleasant. axis, which passes through the center of this bend, brings up an area of Hamilton rocks, which beginning in a point at Fishing creek, gradually widens toward the west, attaining a breadth of two or three miles in Greenwood and A narrow band of Chemung bordered by a similar band Madison townships. of Hamilton is found on the lower slopes of the Berwick anticlinal, and a wedge-shaped area of the former is found also in Locust township, along the axis of the Selinsgrove anticlinal, the corresponding Hamilton being found to the west in Northumberland. Along the line of the Berwick axis is developed that part of the Silurian system consisting of the Oriskany sandstone (No. VII), the Lower Helderherg limestones (No. VI), the Salina, Bloomsburg red shale and Clinton shales (No. The rocks which constitute the Oriskany series were not deposited everyV). where over this region, there being no representation whatever of them on Big They appear to be absent also from both sides of the Berwick Fishing creek. axis all along its course between Berwick and Bloomsburg; at least, not a single The outcrop or fragment of the rock is to be seen between the two localities. most eastern k cality at which this rock has been observed is the slate quarry Near this a quarry in the Lower Helderherg limeon Little Fishing creek. stone reveals four to six feet of cherty, brown sandy beds, overlain by the bluish black beds of the MarceUus, and underlaid hy a few feet of Stormville shale, which rapidly thins out to a knife edge and lets the Oriskany down in contact with the massive limestones of the Lower Helderherg. On the south side of the Berwick arch, the Oriskany blocks first make their appearance in the soil just west from Fishing creek, growing more abundant westward toward the Montour county line, where a tunnel has been driven Here a large through the Oriskany to reach the Lower Helderherg limestone. amount of Oriskayiy rock has been taken from the tunnel and now lies on the It consists of cherty, rotten, dirty yellow beds containing some lime, dump. and is quite rich in fossils. A ribbon-like band of the Lower Helderherg may be traced from the river at Berwick, whence, taking a slight curve northward to the latitude of Lightstreet, it passes in a nearly direct line westward to the west branch of the A similar band begins at the same point and follows the bank Susquehanna. of the river to a point nearly opposite Mifflinville, where the river in bending Beginning again at the point of the river's deflection, it folnorth severs it. A sumlows a direct course to Bloomsburg, crossing the river at Danville. marized section of this series, obtained in Cooper township at the eastern line VIII, of Montour county, is as follows: Feet. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Stormville Stormville Stormville Stormville shale conglomerate limestone. ... cement bed, etc Bos.sardville limestone Total.. 100 44 Ill 34 105 384 The Stormville shale, as usually developed, consists of ashen gray shales, and a considerable thickness of dark brown or nearly black beds, the latter ocInterstratified with these^ casionally making up nearly the entire thickness. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 27 are often seen thin beds of impure, shaly limestone, and occasionally some As shown in the above section the average thickness of this layers of chert. formation generally is not far from one hundred feet thick. At one locality on Little Fishing creek, about two miles north of Bloomsburg, it is seen thinThis shale seems to stand to the ning rapidly fi'om fifteen to only two feet. Oriskany sandstone above, and to the Lower Helderberg limestones below, in the relation of a transition series, connecting Nos. VI and VII, without properly belonging to either. The Stormville conglomerate is a very siliceous, calcareous sand-rock, and sand block' by It is called the occurs at the base of the Stormville shale. the quarry men, and is reported to be "as hard as granite." The beds immediately under the shale are often quite sandy, but only in the vicinity of Grove's quarry, for a mile or two on either side of the Columbia- Montour county line, do they look anything like a sandstone, though in one or two secOn weathered surfaces, where the tions sometimes cherty and usually massive. calcareous matter has leached out, some of this formation has the appearance of a coarse, porous sandstone; in other portions it looks more like chert or quartzite. The Stormville limestone is frequently shaly in its upper half, and occasionWhen massive, this is often too impure to burn into ally cherty near the top. lime or use successfully as a flux for iron, except when largely mixed with the purer limestone from the Bossardville group below. In fact there are only two or three quarries for a wide region where any beds above the Stromatopora horizon have ever been quarried for any pu.rpose. The latter bed, which generally comes near the center of the Stormville limestone, is designated from the number of Stromatopora concentrica which The it contains, being in fact simply a fossil reef of these sponge-like masses. bed in which they are so numerous is usually about ten feet thick and never more than fifteen, being nearly always quite massive, and standing out from the quarries as a cliff, in which the Stromatoporce are brought into relief by weathering, and occur in masses of every size, fi'om that of a saucer up to two This bed is usually rather siliceous, or at least is seldom feet in diameter. pure enough to warrant quarrying for burning into lime or for any other ' ' ' purpose. The portion of the Stormville limestone below this fossil bed often contains some very good limestone, and is largely quarried in Columbia county. The Bastard limestone is a term in use at nearly all the quarries in Columbia county to distinguish a light gray or buflSsh blue, very tough, impure limestone, which separates the good limestone found at the base of the Stormville beds from the still better limestones of the Bossardville horizon below. On account of its position between the two valuable portions of the Lower Helderberg series, its presence very often largely increases the cost of quarrying, since it must be broken up and removed as waste, or else either the upper or lower beds must be worked out in a long trench before the other can be Bastard limestone, reached by cutting through the wall of which then remains as a great overhanging ledge directly through the center of the quaiTy. At the Lime ridge quarries it is broken up and removed entire, some of it being used for building the piers of bridges and other rough work. The Bossardville limestone comes next below the Bastard horizon. The thickness of the whole mass does not usually vary much from 100 feet, and is the only stone from which the white lime for plastering purposes can be procured. But not all of this is good limestone, for there is often a band of impure layers, from twenty to thirty feet thick, or even more, near the center. ' ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 28 This valuable deposit is not exposed along the whole line of its upheaval, Its outcrop is often covered over but is well worth exploration to discover it. by an uncertain* thickness of surface trash, and could certainly be found anywhere between Berwick and the " West Branch" by a systematic search along In many localities it is doubtless so deeply buried as to its line of outcrop. render any attempt to quarry it impracticable, but there are many others where it could be itncovered and profitably mined. Lead and zinc have been found in considerable quantity just above the base of the Bossardville limestone, along the river between Sunbury and Selinsgrove Junction. The mine is reported to have been first discovered about 1843, and some of the ores shipped east in barrels on the Pennsylvania canal, but as the This same horiresults were kept secret, no one pursued the matter further. zon has furnished indications of the same ores about half-way between Lime ridge and Espy, where a drift was once run into the hill, near the line between It is reported that masses of Galena more than Scott and Center townships. a foot in diameter were taken from the rocks at this locality, but the ore was not found in quantity sufficient to waiTant a continuance of the effort. The Salina and Clinton series (No. V) make only a single belt across the county, the latter forming the uppermost part of the Montour ridge, which The top of this series appears on the mai'ks the line of the Berwick axis. surface near the center of Scott township, while next in order down the slope, A complete exposure of this series, along its whole extent, comes the Salina. or nearly so, can be seen only in one locality in this county, and that is where the Fishing creek cuts squarely across this formation, along the " Shafer road" to Lightstreet. The section here observed suggests the division of the Salina series into three —the upper, The first is used to designate middle and lower groups. the succession of huffish, pale green limestones, and tinny shales which make The base of their appearance immediately beneath the Bossardville beds. this group is placed at the lowest red bed, and as thus limited has a thickness G-ypsum has not been observed in this of three hundred and twenty-nine feet. gi'oup, though it probably exists in small disseminated particles, as this division sulphur stone, fi-om the fact that in an atof the series is locally known as tempt to burn the rocks into lime they gave off an intolerable odor of sulphur. The middle group is used to designate that portion of tlie Salina which consists of alternating red and greenish shales, limestones, etc. which also comes near the middle of the formation, and in the section observed has a thickness The lower group is a thick mass of red rocks, of four hundi'ed and seven feet. called in the state reports Bloomsburg red shale, and may be seen along the east bank of the Fishing creek in the cuts of the Bloomsburg Iron Company' Nearly its full thickrailroad, at the north line of the town of Bloomsburg. ness may be seen in this locality, but the green shales at the base of the middle group are not quite exposed in the fonr hundred and forty feet of beds measured here, and hence the entire thickness is possibly ten to twenty feet more. The Bloomsburg red shale is usually sandy, and often stands up in steep bluffs and cliffs, especially where it is cut by streams. The color is generally a very deep or dull red, though occasionally some of the beds are rather bright. When well exposed to atmospheric action some thin layers of apple-green shale are always interlaminated with the red beds. Often for several feet no lamination whatever appears, but the whole mass weathers away by breaking across the bedding into small, irregular chips, which gives the cliffs a peculiar groups ' ' ' ' , roughened aspect. 29 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. rocks, as a whole, like the Hamilton, make valleys along the This is finely shown in the continuous valley on either Montour ridge from the eastern line of Columbia county westward The soil made by these beds, especially the upper West Branch. The Salina line of their strike. side of to the ' ' ' ' The topography is althe most fertile in the district. ways gentle, and a large quantity of lime, as well as other elements of fertility, are set free when the rocks decompose. The Clinton series, as has been noted, is brought to the surface in Columbia This elevation is almost perfectly straight only on the arch of Montour ridge. and of very regular form. Its highest and widest part is in the vicinity of Danville, but it maintains a nearly level summit for a great length, east and Ita west, and declines at each end in a long gradual slope into the plain. greatest height is about six hundi-ed feet, and its mean breadth perhaps threeFrom its east termination near Espytown to its west, at the fourths of a mile. Susquehanna, four miles above Northumberland, the whole length of the crest is A low valley, generally less than half a mile very nearly twenty-seven miles. in width, lies immediately at the foot of the mountain, bounding it on each side, as it were, by a broad fosse. The Fishing creek has cut its way through the ridge in the vicinity of Bloomsburg, and exposes the following section of the Clinton series: and middle groups, is Feet. 1. Olive brown shales, limey beds and flaggy sandstones big vein, 10 to 12 inches. iOre, Limy and sandy shale, 2 3. Concealed and bands 4. Iron sandstone: feet, —fossiliferous..l50 ) 3 > Ore, little vein, 3 to 4 inches. ) olive sandy beds, together with some calcareous 150 Feet, (a.) Very hard dark-red or reddish brown sandstone contain- 10 ing 10 to 15 per cent of iron 25 > 60 Shales, yellowish-green, with streaks of red (c.) Dark Ijrown sandstone, containing thin streaks of lean 25 iron ore and some shales Pale yellowish green and olive shales to crest of Berwick axis, in Fishing creek 350 the gap of (5.) 5. Total thickess of Clinton (No. V.) exposed 713 Sections exposed at Danville give this series a thickness of 953 and 1,038 feet 8 inches, respectively. The Fossil iron ore of the above section has long been mined in the vicinity Bloomsburg, on both sides of Montour ridge, and is still largely drawn on The iron made from this ore is in for the supply of the furnaces located here. high repute and has long been greatly valued in the composition of gun-metal and for the manufacture of car- wheels. Near the surface the ore usually occurs as a loose mud-like deposit, and is then called "soft" ore. When followed farther below the surface, the soft' ore gradually changes to a compact limy rock, filled with fossils and containing much carbonate of lime, and is then known as hard' or " block' ore. If the beds be followed still deeper, the ore gradually grows poorer, in fact, an ordinary limestone containing ten to fifteen per cent of iron. The most of the ore from the fossilif erous horizon has been taken out in the vicinity of Bloomsbiu'g, except what may be mined from deep workings. The Iron sandstone does not seem to contain any valuable ores in the vicinity of Bloomsburg, east from Fishing creek. West fi*om Bloomsburg, in the icinity of Danville, however, this ore becomes quite valuable, and has long been of ' ' ' ' '. ' ' ' • HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 30 This sandstone is dark, reddish brown in color, and is a very It has been quarried on both sides of Montour ridge compact, hard "stone. just above Bloomsburg, and also on the summit of the same near the western It is excessively hard, and almost indestructible by line of Scott township. This rock forms the summit of Montour ridge fi-om atmospheric influences. the western line of Scott westward to the Montour county line, beyond which West Branch. the lower olive beds cover the rest of the mountain to the In describing Montour ridge as a regular anticlinal wave in the strata, it is not intended to convey the idea that it is perfectly symmetrical in its structure. It exhibits, on the contrary, important deviations from strict anticlinal symmetry. It is really constituted of two anticlinal crests, not precisely in a line with each other, one north of Bloomsburg declining toward the valley of Hemlock creek, and the other, and by far the longest, rising near this stream on the south flank of the first, and terminating near Northumberland. The j)ortion of the western division lying between the Mahoning and Hemlock creeks, about one-half of which comes within the limits of Columbia, is much less valuable for mining purposes than at Danville. The anticlinal rising to the east of the Danville gap has developed the lower strata upon the summit of the ridge, and the two parallel belts of Iron sandstone ore on its It is found necessary in all this part flanks are wider apart at their outcrops. of the outcrop, therefore, to pierce each base or slope of the mountain with tunnels, a necessity which essentially lessens the net proceeds of the mine, even if it should be found maintaining the richness and thickness which characterBut it is practically determined that this important ore, izes it at Danville. which constitutes the main portion of the mineral wealth of the Danville locality, becomes much reduced in thickness, and impoverished in its amount of oxide of iron. The eastern, or Fishing creek division, is a very regular and beautiful anticlinal, commencing a little west of Hemlock creek and terminating about It is thus about five miles long; its breadth three miles east of Bloomsburg. about three-fourths of a mile; and its height between four and five hundred feet. The only irregularity in its generally symmetrical oval form is along its north side, where a large segment has been scooped out of its base to form In their carving action the floods rea part of the valley of Fishing creek. moved from this flank of the anticlinal a very considerable portion of the bed of fossiliferous iron ore, which elsewhere mantle the whole north slope of the extensively mined. ' ' ' ridge. The vertical iiplift of this division of the ridge is some four hundred and than the more favorable points in the western division, a fact that fifty feet less In occasions several very important peculiarities in the condition of the ore. the first place, the ore bed of the Surgent lower slate (Clinton) is altogether absent at the surface, and can only be made accessible by means of a vertical shaft sunk over the crown of the anticlinal arch in the middle of the gorge of Fishing creek. Such a shaft, starting near the water le^el, would descend between one hundred and one hundred and fifty feet through the slate before it would reach the layer of ore. To construct such a mine shaft would not involve a cost at all commensurate with the importance of a productive bed of iron ore of the quality which the land in question usually possesses, but in the existing uncertainty respecting the dimensions of the bed, there is but little to induce such an enterprise. The next bed of ore in the ascending series is that of the Iron sandstone formation. This band of rocks spans the mountain at Fishing creek to a great elevation, and is very nearly of the type which it presents at Danville. - HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 31 It agrees in all essential features, save in that which is of chief practical interest, with the bed of siliceous iron ore. The very stratum, answering to the ore bed, can be recognized as holding the exact position occupied by the layer at Danville, but it does not contain more than half its proper proportion of the oxide of iron requisite to constitute an iron ore. In other parts of the outcrop of the sandstone, a precisely similar deficiency is discernible in the layers holding the horizon of the ore, and it may therefore be regarded as a definitely settled fact, that throughout all this portion of the belt the Iron sandstone ore, as such, has no existence. It would thus appear that the only available ferruginous stratum is the fossil iferous iron ore of the Clinton ore shales. Restricted, as this part of the chain would at first sight seem to be, as to its share of ore, it is, nevertheless, one of the most richly endowed of all these localities. Although the fossiliferous ore alone occurs above the water level, it is made, by the admirably balanced influence of a particular degree of elevation of gentle ciirvatiu-e, and of denudation in the anticlinal wave, to hold just that position which is nearly the most favorable that can be imagined for causing it to mantle the sides and ends of the ridge in an extensive sheet for producing the maximum amount of the soft or infiltrated ore, and for rendering its outcropping portion widely and cheaply accessible under a thin covering of loose superficial slate. In consequence of the oval form of the hill, connected with the gradual rising and expansion of the whole anticlinal, from Hemlock to Fishing creek, and its declension and contraction, thence to its termination, the ore laps broadly over both of its extremities, but does not rise high upon its north and south slopes. This produces, of course, a less amount of breast on the sides than at the ends. But there is a further difference in the value of the ores found in these two positions, growing out of the very different extent to which the ore in its respective places has been deprived of its excess of calcareous matter, by exposure to surface percolation. Along both flanks of the ridge, the inclination of the strata, exceeding very considerably the slopes of the surface, there is a rapid increase in the thickness and compactness of the slate formation reposing upon the ore bed; and consequently the depth to which the superficial infiltrations have had access is comparatively limited. Thus it is that in these positions we usually find the change from the soft or dissolved part of the bed to the compact, to occur at a point from thirty to forty yards below the actual outcrop. On the other hand, at the two extremities of the ridge, the ore bed mantles over and around the long and gently declining terminations in a dip which is much more nearly co'incident with that of the surface above it; and therefore a far wider outcrop of it is thinly overlaid by the slate, and penetrated and altered by the atmospheric waters. This circumstance, and the mu.ch lono-er breast of ore spread out where the inclination is thus gentle, confers a greatly superior value upon these terminal portions of the ridge. In proof of this assertion, it may be stated, that while on the sides of the mountain, the soft ore occupies but a narrow line, it covers almost the entire east point of the ridge. Actual excavations for the furnaces, and numerous exploratory shafts, render it almost certain that the soft ore spreads across the end of the ridcre in a continuous sheet, underlying, perhaps, some one hundred and fifty acres or more, at a depth below the soil in few places exceeding twenty feet. " The Bloomsbm-g Iron Company, owning two large furnaces in the gorge of Fishing creek, and using largely this soft variety of fossiliferous ore, possess upon this extensive ore estate rather more than two and a half miles of the outcrop of the bed along the sides of the ridge, and in addition about forty' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 32 five acres continuously nnderlaid by the soft ore tween two and three miles of Bloomsburg. in the east end of the hill, be- Each acre of the ore stratum contains, according to the most moderate calculation, not less than three thousand tons of ore, and the whole estate of ' ' company has upon it between two hundred and two hundi-ed and fifty thousand tons of the soft outcrop ore; while it is estimated that the quantity of the hnrd or calcareous fossiliferous ore in readily accessible positions amounts to When the admirable quality of the iron deseventy or eighty thousand tons. rived from a mixture of ores possessing a large proportion of the soft fossiliferous variety is considered, and the superior ease and economy with which it may be smelted, this whole east anticlinal district of Montoiu- ridge must be esteemed as one of the most fortunately-conditioned ore localities in the United the States. Beside these ore deposits, and the limestone which supplies a considerable quantity of lime and a limited quantity of rough building stone, no other minFarther south, as eral resources exist in Columbia county, north of the river. the rock exposures, already noted indicate, these resources are wanting, but their absence is amply compensated by the coal measures which have been preHere the sub-carbonserved in the southeastern portion of the county's area. iferous rocks form the surface, and coal is found in the McCauley mountain, and underlying the whole of Conyngham township, save a narrow belt along its northern line. This irregular area, including the McCauley, Big and Locust mountain basins is defined on the north and west by the elevations of Pocono sandstone, which, passing under the local names of Nescopec, Catawissa, Little and Line Western Middle mountain, form a continuous rim, and the western limit of the Coalfield. " This formation is pre eminently the mountain maker of this region. It usually begins at the top with a very hard grayish, or yellowish white sandstone, in layers from one to three feet thick, which sometimes contains small pebbles. Beneath this uppermost sandstone lie gray and green sandstones, It is interstratified with occasional beds of shale, one of which is often red. terminated below by a massive gray and yellowish white very coarse conglomerate, which, being usually quite different from anything to be found further down in the series, defines sharply the lower limit of the No. X rocks. This series is about six hundred feet thick in the Nescopec mountain, but southward from this point it increased to seven or eight hundred feet in Little mountain. This formation holds some thin streaks of coal, and thousands of dollars have been fi'uitlessly expended in the effort to find it here in paying quantities. Between the Pocono and Catskill is found a group of rocks to which the name of Pocono- Catskill has been applied. As a whole, this group is composed largely of green and greenish-gray sandstones, interstratified with which are often found thin beds of red shales, and a considerable bed of the latter It appears to be a transition formation often occurs at the top of the group. combining some of the characters of both Pocono and Catskill, and the geolo gist, unacquainted with its changing type, would at one time place them unhesitatingly in the one, and at another would feel sure that it belonged to the ' ' other. H * The above extract is taken from Prof. D. Rogers' report in Vol. I of the Pennsylvania Geological Report.'published in IS5-. Thi'^is re-published in Vol G7 of the Second Geological Survey of Pennsylvania (188.3), the early stages of the iron manufacture, the Danville-BlooinsProf. P. Leslie, with this comment: "In by J. burg outcrop of this ore was of greai importance; but as time went on and larger furnaces, fed with anthracite, called for richer ores, and in quantities which the small Clinton fossil beds were incapable of producing, its relative importance so diminished, and its cost of mining so increased, that Mr. Rogers' careful description of it In fact, our knowledge of it wa» is all those interested in it, whether capitalisis or geologists, can require. nearly as complete forty years ago as it is to-day." HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 35 The relation of these beds to the Pocono is shown in the gap at Catawissa creek through Nescopec mountain, in Maine township, where the following section may be observed: Feet. 1. Sandstone, coarse, gray, yellowish 2. Concealed 3. Massive, grayish white several beds 4. 5. 6. Feet, 30^ ^''j*^ I conglomerates in m p rocono fi'^n Obu | 300 J Gray sandstone, shales, and concealed with ] massive gray sandstone at base 300 '^^p ^"r t U'n 6io |-rocono-L/alskill. Sandstone, graj^ above, passing down into reddish beds at base 7,5 J Catskille red shale , . lOO In Little mountain, at Bear-Gap, the combined thickness of the Pocono and Pocono- Catskili beds is about twelve hundred feet, of which probably five hundred feet should be considered as belonging to the latter. The Mauch Chunk red shale (No. XI) beds extend westward in the narrow trough of the Wyoming basin, between Huntingdon and Lee mountains, until the latter come together near the eastern line of Columbia. This formation forms the Catawissa valley surrounding McCauley mountain, and has a thickness here of not less than two thousand feet. Between Little (No. X) and Big (No. XII) mountains, across the northern part of Conyngham township, the valley is formed by the Mauch Chunk red shale. The PotlwiUe conglomerate (No. XII), which underlies the coal measures, appears on the surface only on McCauley mountain, and in the valleys of the branches which unite to form the Little Catawissa creek. The Coal Measures of Pennsylvania, or carboniferous formation No. XIII of the Paleozoic system, are divisible into two series a lower and upper, separated by from three to five hundred feet of barren measures, and covered by an unknown thickness of shales and thin limestones, forming the rolling table-land of Washington and Greene counties, in the southwest corner of the — state, and the central hills of the Pottsville anthracite coal basin. The total original thickness of the whole carboniferous formation is unknown, for its uppermost deposits have been swept away. What is left may measure three thousand feet. The coal beds of the bituminous, the semi-bituminous and anthracite regions are the same, and the difference in the character of their products, as well as in the situation in which they are found, is due to the different degree of natural disturbance which affected the strata in the various parts of the In the slightly disturbed country west of the Alleghenies the coal beds are spread out in their original horizon; in the anthracite country these beds are contorted, broken, jammed together, turned over on their faces, and squeezed by enormous pressure, so as to disappear at one place, to swell out to three times their proper thickness at another, rendering mining operations most difficult and costly. They plunge to depths of two thousand feet below the water level, and suddenly rise again to hights more than a thousand feet above it, in a series of long and narrow basins, lying side by side, and ending invariably in two sharp points, one east and the other west, on the tops of state. mountains. that no general section can be constructed which approximate the facts to be found in the several parts of the state, or even the varying conditions to be found in the different localities in the anthracite region. A section observed at Scranton will illustrate the general appearance It is apparent, therefore, will of the series in the anthracite region. 10 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 36 Feet. 1 25 5 Shales 20 Shales Coal CoalH 7 Interval of saiulstoue and shales 90 12 80 6 50 15 40 G Coal Interval of sandstone and shales CoalF Interval of sandstones chiefly E Coal Interval of sandstone. D Coal 8 Interval of sandstone and top slate 60 6 50 CoalC Interval of sandstone B Coal 5 50 Interval of sandstone ajid slates Coal A —3 .^ Conglomerate XII At Pottsville the interval rocks are sometimes three hnadred feet thick. The harren measures are very thick and w^ell marked, and a great thickness of top-barren measures overlie the upper coals. There are about fifteen workable beds in They are this basin, with about ten smaller beds one or two feet thick. known by numerous local names, such as the Gate, the Tracy, the Diamond, the Orchard, Primrose, Holmes, Seven Foot, Mammoth, Skidmore, Buck The Sharp mountain beds were first tried and abandoned mountain, etc. more than fifty years ago, because of their crushed condition and vertical posThe Gate, Tracy and other top -beds of the series were then mined, and ture. almost always disastrously to the operators. The first extensive operations were upon the Diamond, Orchard and Primrose synclinals, a mile or two north of Pottsville, and on the center line of the Meanwhile, the superior value basin. These beds were pretty well worked out. of the gray and white ash beds of the lower series, leaning up against the side of Mine hill at gentle angles, was discovered, and all the great collieries of the Pottsville district have been established on these, and especially upon the Mammoth and Skidmore; the Mammoth being, in fact, three beds, which for several miles lie close enough to each other to be mined together, furnishing from thirty When to fifty feet of coal. Mahanoy and Shamokin regions were opened up, the principal The Mammoth located on the outcrops of these same beds. bed is the sole dependence of the Hazleton basin; it is also the great bed of the Wyoming valley; but in the country immediately north of Hazleton, the Buck mountain, or lowest notable bed of the series, is the great bed of the collieries, in thickness running from twenty to thirty feet, and in quality excellWithin a year or two a great bed, twelve to incr all the other anthracites. fourteen feet thick, has l^een discovered to exist near the bottom of the co7iglomerate at the west end of the Pottsville basin; its outcrop has been followed for many miles along the outside of the mountain, and large collieries are now This bed has been traced up the Maestablished on it in the red shale valley. hanoy, some miles east of Ashland, and is suspected to exist in force at the west end of the Black- creek and Wilkesbarre basins. The reports of the survey of the anthracite coal region, now in progress, do Western Middle Coalfield in which the mines of not cover that part of the Columbia county are situated, and the compiler of these pages finds it impossible, with the data at hand, to present any adequate statement of the coal reA brief general account of their development may be sources of the county. collieries the were all ' ' ' ' . . HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 37 found in the chapter on Conyngham township, and some idea of the relation of the coal beds in this region, with their average thickness, may be gained from the following typical section of the Shenandoah and Mahanoy basins: coal beds. ROCK. Ft. 1 Slate 2 3, Big Tracy coal bed Dark gray slate 4, Siliceous rock 5 Gray 6. 7. 8. 9. Diamond coal bed Dark gray slate Slate, with iron ore balls Light sandstone 16. Conglomerate Dark gray slate Little Orchard coal bed Dark gray slate Orchard coal bed Dark gray slate 17. Dark sandstone 18. Slate, 19. Primrose coal bed Dark gray slate, with Holmes coal bed 15. 20. 21. slate 22. Slate Coal bed 4 38 14 30 's 9 9 4 11 4 10 23 10 io 78 16 57 . 1 rock 62 12 ii "4 '3 10 6 4 Sandstone Slate 29. Mammoth coal bed, top member. 56 9 . 6 5 12 . 39 coal bed, middle '7 member 11 22 coal bed, bottom member Conglomerate 36. Slate 37. Skidmore 38. Slate is 6 8 6 coal bed 39: Sandstone 40. Slate 41. Seven foot coal bed 42. Slate 43. Sandstone 44. Slate 45. Sandstone 46. Conglomerate 47. Slate 10 11 3 6 8 3 42 6 4 8 6 11 9 8 11 9 178 188 191 215 226 304 320 377 385 486 498 505 509 511 573 573 630 639 652 691 698 720 735 743 750 756 760 770 781 784 791 800 803 804 813 856 862 874 Buck Mountain coal bed Total rock. " coal 71 75 114 128 5 9 9 ir;8 "9 '4 27. Mammoth Slate In. 4 8 60 64 iron ore balls 100 28. 33. total. Ft. 41 6 24. Slate 25. Siliceous 26. Slate 34. 35. 10 10 8 19 10 with iron ore balls 23. 30. Slate 31. Miunuioth 32. Slate In. 6 11. 14. 32 18 3 slate Dark gray 13. Ft. 4 10. 13. In. 6 10 3 3 7 11 ii '3 1 7 11 5 10 11 11 11 3 3 7 4 1| 10 6 5 3 r67 107 9 This section was compiled to accompany the map of the mines between Mahanoy City and Shenandoah, which is being published by the Geological Survey, and is supposed to be a typical section of the coal measui-es of that region. There are a great many changes between these two points in the thickness of the coal beds and the rocks which separate them. The section ' ' would represent more particularly the stratigi-aphy in the vicinity of the Ellancolliery. Although the Big Tracy bed is placed at the top of the sec- gowan HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 38 tion, there is, 125 feet of strata on top of at least, it." [2d Geol. Survey of AA, pp. 234-235.] [Note. The foregoing chapter Pa., Vol. is indebted to the various writings of J. P. Leslie, state geologist, Professors I. C. White, H. C. Lewis and C. A. Ashburaer, of the geologLiberty has ical survey, not only for the facts, but also for much of the phraseology. been taken' in making extracts from the reports, to adapt the language and selections ta the purposes of this work, and to such an extent that the usual quotation marks would have been misleading. This note, therefore, is intended to supply the place of such, marks. Ed.] CHAPTER 11. THE PLANTING AND EXTENSION OF THE EARLY SETTLEMENTS. after the planting of the first pertide of civilization reached the country which has since developed into the commonwealth of The first colony to Virginia' was planted at Jamestown in was some three-quarters of a century ITmanent colony on the continent that the densely wooded Pennsylvania. 1607; New Netherland was planted in 1615; the "Pilgrim Fathers" came in 1620; Connecticut was foimded from 1630 to 1636; Delaware in 1638; in 1674 New Jersey settlements began to line the eastern banks of the Delaware river, and in 1682 Penn's first colony settled on the site of Philadelphia. The settlers who thus made their way to the interior found here a vast forest of hemlock, pine, beech, oak and maple, broken only by the craggy face of some precipitous mountain or the widely scattered planting spots, which Within its the natives kept clear of the intruding forests by autumnal fires. recesses the natives reared their lodges beside its sequestered streams, and which came to them from the seaboard, little dreamed that the vague rumors portended the humbling of their power and the extinction of their race. The earliest of the Jesuit missionaries found the possession of the region defined by the great lakes and the St. Lawrence on the north, and the Potomac and Chesapeake bay on the south, divided between the two leading famThe Iroquois were the first to reach this region in ilies of the Indian race. the course of their traditional migration from the west, and settled in the lake Subsequently the Lenni Lenape, the great head of the Algonkin reo-ion. family found their way hither, and fixed upon the Delaware as their national Three branches only of this nation appear to have crossed the Allecenter.' ehenys, of which the Turtles and the Turkeys continued their migration to the sealDoard, where they planted their villages and remained until disposThe Wolf branch, better known by their English name sessed by the whites. Delaware, extending^ of "the Monseys," planted itself at the Minisink, on the the line of their villages on the east to the Hudson, and to the Susquehanna on the west. From this latter branch were derived the difPerent tribes which occupy the foreground in the early annals of the state. For a time the two great families lived on terms of friendly intercourse, but hostilities eventually broke out between them, which, by means fair and Delawares, as they were named by the foul resulted in the humbling of the formidable tribe in Pennsylvania most the family, latter the Of English. were the Susquehannas. The river which perpetuates their name marks thewhich they pushed their forays, pursuing their vicsite of their villages, from terror in the hearts of even thetorious career to the seaboard, and inspiring ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 39 Their successful career terminated, however, toward the warlike Iroquois. Their numbers were greatly diminished by close of the seventeenth century. the terrible ravages of the small-pox, and in 1675, it is said, they were completely overthrown by an unknown power, and di'iven from their ancient seats. They migrated thence to the Maryland line, where they came in contact with Here hostilities occurred, and were waged by the Susquethe Virginians. hannas with a persistence which resulted in their practical annihilation. Other kindred tribes occupied the places of the one driven out, though they appear to have done so only by permission or direction of the Iroquois. Dates in connection with the history of the North American Indians are of If the Susquehannas maintained their inde the most uncertain character. pendence so long as suggested, they must have been the last of the Lenni Lenape to do so, for it is generally accepted that long before this time the Iro- arms or artifice, had gained complete ascendency over the was accomplished is differently related by the dominant and subject peoples. It appears, however, that the growing power of the Algonkins suggested the necessity of confederation, on the part of the Iroquois, a measure which these astute natives were wise enough to accomplish. From this period their power began to increase among the Indian nations, and at the time of the whites' arrival exercised almost unquestioned authority over by force quois, Delawares. of How this They the aboriginal occupants of the country east of the Mississippi river. claimed, as conquerors of the different tribes, the absolute ownership of this vast territory, and parceled it out to Eiiropeans and aboriginees at their sovereign will and pleasure. The statecraft of these unlettered conquerors of the American forests finds a Warlike tribes were divided and kept prototype in the policy of the Romans. employed in further conquests or in reducing refractory nations, while all were When the whites placed under a close surveillance arid some form of tribute. established themselves upon the continent and demonstrated their power, many of the subject tribes were quick to perceive how they might profit by their friendship. Emboldened by such alliances, some of the Algonkin tribes resisted the boundless claims of the Iroquois, and much of the bloodshed and ravages of war inflicted upon the early settlements in all parts of the country resulted from a too general neglect of this change of attitude in the subject nations. Penn, fortunately wiser in this respect than many of his contemporaries, not only extinguished the claims of the dominant nation, but repeatedly purchased the rights of the native occupants, and thus saved his colony from much of the harrassing experiences which fell to the lot of less favored provinces. William Penn was well fitted by his early education and experience to entertain the highest regard for the personal rights and liberties of those whom fortune might place in his power, and he accordingly announced to the colonists who had previously settled within the limits of the teiTitory ceded to him, "that it hath pleased God in his Providence to cast you within my Lott and Care. But he assured them that though the undertaking in which he had engaged was new to him, yet God had given him an understanding of his duty ' ' He declared that they should be and an 'honest minde to doe it uprightly. governed by laws of their own making, and live a free, and if so disposed, a sober and industrious people and his determination not to 'usiu-p the right of any, nor oppress his person. These sentiments he embodied in a letter to the colonists in his new possessions, which he transmitted by the hand of William Markham. Contrary to the practice which was then generally observed, Penn did not ' ' ' ' ; ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 40 limit the operation of his principles of justice to the colonists, but "was influIn the language of Smith's enced by a purer morality and a sounder policy. " Laws of Pennsylvania, 'His religious principles did not permit him to wrest ' Pennsylvania by force from the people to whom God and nature gave it, nor to establish his title in blood; but under the shade of the lofty trees of the forest, his right was fixed by treaties with the natives, and sanctified, as it were, by smoking fi-om the calumet of peace. WhenlVIarkham was dispatched to America, in May, 1681, prominent among the provisions of his commission were instructions to negotiate with the natives At the for peaceable possession of the lands necessary for the new colony. same time the proprietor addressed a conciliating address to the Indians, ia which he expressed the most elevated sentiments. He declared to them that althouo-h the king of the country in which he lived had granted him a great province in their land, yet he only desired to enjoy it with their love and consent, that they might live together as neighbors and fi-iends; that he was not io-norant of the iinkindness and injustice too much practiced toward them by colonists who had sought to make great advantages for themselves, rather than to be examples of goodness and patience to them, and had thereby caused great But, he degrudo-ing and animosities, sometimes to the shedding of blood. clared, I am not such a man, as is well known in my own country; and if £e anything any shall offend you or your people, you shall have a full and speedy satisfaction for the same by an equal number of just men on both sides, that byno means you may have just occasion of being offended. These were not idle words, and resisting the most seductive temptations to vary from his liberal views, in the latter part of this year Penn formulated his promises to colonists and natives in a constitution, which was subsequently submitted to the settlers. province. It was cordially ratified, and became the fundamental law of the Markham held a conference with the Indians at Shakamaxon, July 15, The land 1682, and, it is believed, then first obtained a grant from the natives. thus obtained was included between the Neshaminy creek and the Delaware, and extended in a northerly direction to a point on the latter stream a short In the following November Penn distance above the mouth of Baker' s creek. and while there is no written, colonists, of company second a with had arrived evidence to the fact, a long line of well confirmed tradition indicates that the proHere he met prietor held another treaty with the Indians at the same place. the representatives of the Delaware tribes of the Lenni Lenape, of the ShawanNo concessions of ese and of the Iroquois tribes settled on the Conestoga. land were sought by Penn, but he established those friendly relations between the two races settled here, which, it is the proud boast of history, were never in- the soil of ' terrupted by either of the contracting parties. Various treaties, however, were subsequently entered into with the tribes occupyino- the neighboring lands, and not long before his return to England, Penn secured the services of Governor Dongan, of New York, in obtaining from the Five Nations a release of their claims to "all that tract of land lying on both sides of the river Susquehanna, and the lakes adjacent in or near the The conveyance was finally made to Penn, on province of Pennsylvania. This of one hundi-ed pounds sterling." consideration "in 1696, January 13, was but a preliminary step, however. Penn's sense of justice would not permit him to accept the Iroquois theory of ownership, and he wisely took measures to have this sale confirmed by the occupants, or heirs of the former occupants, of Accordingly in September. 1700, he obtained from the "Kings this region. name and or Sachems of the Susquehanna Indians, 'and of the river under that "lying and be region, this all of deed a thereof," sides both on lands lying ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUMY. 41 ing upon both sides of said river, and next adjoining the same, to the utmost confines of the lands which are, or formerly were, the right of the people or and a distinct confirmation of the nation called the Susquehanna Indians, bargain and sale effected with the Five Nations. Here the Conestoga Indians interposed their objections, refusing to recogPenn at once addressed himself nize the validity of the Dongan purchase. with unfailing patience to overcome this obstacle, and while in the province oa his second visit, procured from the representatives of the Susquehannas, Potomac and Conestoga tribes a full confirmation and ratification of both the preThis was in April, 1701, but notwithstanding Ponn's liberal vious deeds. measures to extingviish every just claim, the possession of this territory still continued in dispute. In their ignorance of the interior, Penn and his agents began their boundaries at certain well known natural objects, but indicated their extension into the unknown region by such vague tei'ms as, " to run two days' journey with an horse up into the country as the river doth go, " or northwesterly back into the woods to make up two full days' journey, " "as far as There is a tradition to the a man can go in two days fi'om said station," etc. effect that Penn himself walked out a part of the boundary designated in Markham's first treaty. Arriving at the mouth of Baker's creek, it is said, that he became satisfied that a line drawn from this point to Neshaminy creek would include land enough for his immediate purposes, and left the remainder to be finished at another time. Whatever the truth may be in this instance, there is no evidence that any similar lines, subsequently provided for, were similarly measured. Literally defined, these lines would have extended far beyond the expectation of either of the contracting parties, and as the country became better known to the colonists, more definite terms were employed to define the limits of these grants. To this end, after examining all former deeds, a treaty was entered into between sundry chiefs of the Delawares and the agents of the proprietor granting all lands between the Delaware and the Susquehanna from Duck creek to the mountains on this side Lechay. " This was consummjited in September, 1718; but the settlers, maintaining the authority of the original treaty lines, or ignoring all alike, pushed their improvements beyond the later line, much to the dissatisfaction of the natives. Their most influential chiefs remonstrated with the proprietary government, isolated cases of hostilities ensued, and the prospect of a general war appeared imminent, when wiser counsels prevailed. AVhile the new line seemed well understood on the Delaware, on the Schuylkill were confounded witli the mountains this side of Lechay the Kittatinny range, and settlers had planted themselves at Tulpehocken and Oley. This difficulty was finally adjusted in 1732, when Thomas Penn purchased the Tulpehocken lands, which now form the county of Berks. At other points of the line encroachments continued to form the subject of complaint, until in 1736, when, at a general gathering of the Iroquois, it was determined to put an end to the bickerings which had so long been sustained. Their representatives accordingly repaired to Philadelphia, and renewing old treaties, by the signatures of twenty-three of their chiefs, deeded to Penn's heirs all the said river Susquehanna, with the lands lying on both sides thereof, to extend eastward as far as the heads of the branches or springs which run into the said Susquehanna, and all lands lying on the west side of the said river, northward, up the same to the hills or mountains. The line thus established made the Kittatinny mountains the northwest boundary of the ceded lands, but on the Delaware the line established by the treaty of 1718 remained unchanged. This fact, however, did not exclude the unscrupulous land seeker. ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 42 - HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. At the time of the Tnlpehocken purchase a prominent land speculator a warrant for the location and survey of ten thousand acres had secured land in the Minisinks, forty miles above the Indian boiindary line. the same time the proprietor published proposals for the disposition of one hundred thousand acres by lottery, the prize-holders to No exception was made of the locate upon any lands not sold or settled. lands not yet purchased of the Indians, and settlers on such lands found the prizes of the lottery a valuable means of securing a valid title to their illegal improvements. All this provoked the indignation of the natives, but, as if this was not enough, an old claim was revived by which, under color of a treaty, the whole region as far as Shoholo Creek was seized. In 1686, Thomas Holme, agent and surveyor-general to William Penn, was said to have secured from certain Delaware chiefs a deed to certain lands to exThe tend one and a half days' walk from near Wrightstown into the interior. original deed has never been discovered, but in 1737 a musty old copy was brought forward, and two chiefs of the band occupying the region above the The proprietors at once advertised for site of Easton. induced to confirm it. expert walkers, offering five hundred acres and five pounds sterling to the one who should make the greatest distance in the time sjiecified. The walk took place in the latter part of September, 1737, with two Indians attending, ostensibly as witnesses for the Delawares. Three whites entered the race, but of the whole party two of the whites only reached the north side of the Blue mountains, the rest having been worn out and left behind. The next morning one of these fainted and fell, and the survivor pushed on to the Second or Broad mountain, some sixty-five miles from the starting point, where he arrived at noon. The outrageous character of When the walking party, atthis proceeding, was not lost upon the natives. tended by mounted relays provided with liquor and refreshments for the contestants, reached the Blue mountains, they found a great number of Indians But when they collected, with the expectation that the walk would end there. found there was still a half day's journey to complete the line, they were loud in expressions of indignation at what they considered a palpable fraud. A line was subsequently drawn from Broad mountain to the Delaware river, just below Shoholo creek, and the territory thus included claimed under the terms of the old treaty. The Indians, however, with one accord, refused to yield the lands, and the proprietary government, to avoid a hostile collision with the determined savages, had recourse to the Iroquois. They sent messengers to the dominant nation in 1741, acquainting them with their case, and claiming that, inasmuch as the whites had removed intruding settlers on the demand of the Iroquois, they should now use their authority in removing the Delawares from the lands thus purchased. In the following year, therefore, a delegation of the Six Nations, to the number of two hundred and thirty, appeared at Philadelphia. The Delawares were also summoned and the matter brought before the conference for decision. The finding of the Iroquois was a foregone conclusion. They had sold their pretended claim to the region, they were flattered by the invitation to act as arbitrators, and they could satisfy their vindictive hatred without personal cost. They promptly decided, therefore, in favor of the whites, and in a most insolent speech bade the betrayed natives to remove either to Wyoming or Shamokin. Beset before and behind, the remnant of Delawares and Shawanese had no other course to pursue than to obey, a part continuing their journey to Ohio. The expanding settlements still kept in advance of the Indian boundary of About <^<^^^^^^^'^ ^. r ^ -^^ ^ 45 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. and the demand for more room soon began to be urgently pressed. In 1749, therefore, a further cession of land was secured fi-om the natives, the representatives of the Six Nations uniting with chiefs of the Shamokin, Delaware and Shawanese occupants on August 22, in a deed granting the region north of the Kittatinny range on the east side of the Susqehanna, within the following limits: Beginning on the river at the nearest mountains north of the Mahanoy creek, and from thence extending by a direct line to the main branch Much of this region had of the Delaware at the north side of the Laxawaxen. already been pre-empted by adventurous squatters, while west of the Susquehanna, the line of settlements were scarcely less advanced although the line, purchase line on this side was still marked by the Blue hills. In 1753, the increased activity of the French in the valley of the Ohio began to create concern for the safety of the frontier. The enemy' s agents were known to be actively engaged in seducing the natives from their allegiance to the English; the Shawanese had yielded to their blandishments, and the DelaA general conference of repwares and Iroquois were known to be wavering. resentatives fi'om the threatened colonies was called to meet at Albany, and to this the Iroquois were also invited. The meeting occurred in 1754, and on July 6th the representatives of Pennsylvania secured a deed from the Indians for all the land within the state southwest of a line beginning one mile above the mouth of Penn's creek, and running thence "northwest and by west as far as the province of Pennsylvania extends, to its western lines or boundaries." In determining this line, however, it was found to strike The the northern boundary a short distance west of the Conewango creek. sold lands of the Shawanese, Delaware and Monsey occupants were thus from under their feet" contrary to the express stipulation of the Six Nations to these tribes. Nothing further was needed to completely alienate these savages, and but little more to precipitate these savages into a cruel and relentless ' ' war upon the defenseless frontiers. The defeat of Braddock, in 1755, decided the last waverer, and the border, from the Delaware to the Allegheny, was at once ravaged with tomahawk and fire-brand. On October 18th, a party of Indians attacked the settlers on Penn's creek, and cai*ried off twenty-five persons, after burning and otherwise destroying the improvements. Five days later, a company of forty-six men from Paxtun creek, led by John Harris, went to Shamokin to inquire of the Indians who the authors of the devastation were. On their return, while crossing Mahanoy creek, they were ambushed by hostile savages; four were killed by the enemy, four were drowned, and the rest put to flight. These incidents inspired the pioneers in this region with such terror of the savages that all the settlements between Shamokin and Hunter's mill, a space of fifty miles along the Susquehanna, were deserted. On the 13th of December, Weiser reported to the provincial government that the country about Reading was in a dismal condition. Consternation, poverty and confusion were everywhere apparent, with the prospect that the settlements would soon be abandoned. On the 16th, reports fi-om Bethlehem and Nazareth gave account of two hundred savages invading Northampton county, murdering the inhabitants and burning their dwellings. On Christmas, reports were received fi'om Conrad Weiser, who had been sent to Harris- ferry and who had gone thence up the west branch of the Susquehanna, that the Delawares at Nescopec had given that place to the French for a rendezvous, and frequent collisions had occurred between the hostile Indians and the white rangers. It is unnecessary to cite further details to illustrate the reign of terror and l)lood which devastated the frontiers, and carried consternation even to the there HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 46 The most vigorous measures for defense were employed. Bounties were offered for prisoners and for scalps of men, women and children of the enemy; a chain of block-houses was stretched along the Kittatinny hills from the Delaware to the Maryland line, and each garrisoned with twenty to seventy-five men. But by far the most effective in its results was an expedition, concerted in 1756, against Kittanning an Indian stronghold on the Alleghany river. The movement, under the direction of General Armstrong, was entirely successful, and resulted in the complete disorganization of the Indian conspiracy against the frontier. The savages were once more willing to treat, and a grand council was convened atEaston in November of this year. The high contracting parties were Governor Denny, on the part of the province, and Teedyuscung, on the part of the natives. Each leader was accompanied by a considerable retinue, the whites making special effort to impose upon the imagination of the Indians by the bravery of their martial display. A previous council had been held in July, but the attendance was small, and neither party was fully prepared to join issue. The more important business was therefore deferred until autumn. Meanwhile Armstrong's expedition had occurred, and the second meeting found the two parties ready to discuss their grievances. When questioned as to the cause of the dissatisfaction and hostility of the Indians, the eminent chief mentioned the overtures of the French and the illusage of the provincial authorities. He boldly declared that the very land on which they stood had been taken from the rightful owners by fraud and not only had the country from the Tohiccon Creek to Wyoming been thus taken, but several tracts in New Jersey had been similarly stolen from his people. And, subsequently, when the Six Nations had given them and the Shawanese the country on the Juniata for a hunting-ground, with the full knowledge of the governor, the latter permitted settlers to encroach upon their lands. Again, in 1754 the governor had gone to Albany to purchase more lands of the Six Nations, describing the lands sought by points of compass, which the Indians did not understand, and, by the profusion of presents, obtained grants for lands which the Iroquois did not intend to sell, including not only the Juniata, but also the west branch of the Susquehanna. W^hen these things were known to native occupants, they declared they would no longer be friends with the English, who were trying to get all of their country. This council lasted nine days, and resulted in a treaty of peace between the two parties. Compensation was offered for the lands taken by the walking purchase, but this matter was deferred until those especially interested could be present. A council for this purpose was accordingly held in July, 1757, when the whites resorted to a practice too common with them in such conferences. Rum was freely supplied, and strenuous efforts made to place Teedyuscung hopelessly under its influence. Through the aid of certain Quakers present this was prevented, and the whole settlement finally referred to the king and council in England. In the succeeding year another grand council was held at Easton for the adjustment of the whole question of Indian grievances, and representatives of the Six Nations, Delawares, Shawanese, Miamis, Mohicans, Monseys, Nauticokes, Conoys, etc. were present to the number of five hundred. The Iroquois had 'taken great offense on account of the independent treaty made by the Delawares and Shawanese in 1756, and had committed sundry outrages upon the settlements in the hope of embroiling the adjoining tribes with the whites. In this conference, also, they took great offense because of the prominence assumed by the Delaware chieftain, and it was only through the earnest efforts of the Quakers present that rum and intrigue with the^ citizeus of Philadelphia. — ; ' ' ' ' , 47 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. representatives of the Six Nations did not defeat the purposes of the conferTeedyiiscung, however, bore himself with dignity and firmness, and ence. eeciued from the governors of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and the principal Indian agents, who represented the whites, a release of all lands beyond the Allegheny mountains, purchased in 1754, and the lands on the ''West Branch." For the remainder the Indians gave a deed confirming the former purchase, more clearly defining its boundaries, and received additional compensation for the same. The following five years were marked by peace and prosperity on the PennIn 1762 the " chain of friendship" between the natives and sylvania border. whites was "strengthened" and "brightened" at a council held in Lancaster; the frontier settlements increased in population, and the Moravian missionaries extended their stations to Wyoming and vicinity, and re-established their mission And in 176'2, after eifecting a purchase of the Six Nations, at Gnadenhutten. andTwith'tEe consent of the neighboring tribes, the first company of Connecticut But this favorcolonists began their improvements in the Wyoming valley. The Iroquois had joined hands able state of affairs was not destined to last. with Pontiac, who found that, after the destruction of the French, the English, instead of receding to their old lines, had established themselves in the strongholds of their opponents. Amongr the first indications of the unfavorable change was the murder of Teedyuscuag in April, 1763. This is now believed to have been the deed of the Six Nations, but was charged upon the Connecticut settlers, with the intention of involving the Delawares in the predetermined hostilities, as well as to In the cover the course which their vindictive hatred had lead them to take. following October the same evil power destroyed the Wyoming settlements, and subsequently carried the fire-brand and tomahawk into every fi'ontier community. The fi'ontier was again depopulated, the dismayed pioneers fleeing with their families and movable property to the stronger stations at ShippensA series of partisan forays and reburg, Carlisle, Lancaster and Reading. prisals, characterized by the most barbarous exhibitions of revenge, on the In 1764, however, the part of both white and red men, marked the period. strength of the Indian conspiracy was broken on the Pennsylvania frontier by the well directed campaign of Colonel Bouquet. A treaty of peace, with a surrender of prisoners, was effected, and the matter of a ncAV boundary line referred to England for instructions. In the meantime the settlers returned to their abandoned improvements; traders once more carried their wares to the Indian wigwam, and the more adventurous squatter once more trespassed upon the unpurchased lands of the natives. The Indians began to renew their murmurs of complaint, and observant men began to fear a renewal of savage hostilities, when instructions from the crown were received and a council appointed to meet at Fort Stanwix for the adjustment of all difficulties. Few of the Indian nations, save the Iroquois confederacy, were represented, and the representatives of the latter alone signed the treaty and received the consideration given for the lands ceded, although by the terms of the deed it was made binding upon the dependent tribes." This one-sided bargain was productive of prolonged hostilities in the west, though, fortunately, not contested in Pennsylvania. By the terms of this cession all the province east and south of the following line was granted to representatives of the whites: Beginning on the northern charter boundary, where the east branch of the Susquehanna crosses, following the east side of the stream to a point opposite the mouth of Towanda creek; thence crossing the river and following up the course of said creek to its source lying north of what ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 48 was known as the Burnett hills; thence in a direct coui'se to Pine creek, and course to the west branch of the Susquehanna; thence following up the course of the said branch to a point nearest the site of the Indian town Kittanning; thence in a direct course to said town; and thence down the Allegheny and Ohio to a point where it crosses the charter limit of the province on the west. It was this purchase that formally opened up the larger part of the territory now included within the limits of Columbia county, but the eager advance of the adventurous pioneer had anticipated this action, and a considerable population was already to be found in the upper valley of the Susquehanna. As has been previously suggested, this valley, north of the river forks, had been assigned in the early days of the province to various dependent tribes of the Six Nations, and the whites found the Delawares, Shawanese, Conoys, Nanticokes, Monseys and Mohicans located along the course of the river in scattered villages, or visiting the valley on hiinting expeditions. Any attempt to more specifically locate the aboriginal occupants, from data now accessible, must prove unsatisfactory, but tradition points out the vicinity of Berwick, Catawissa and Bloomsburg as the sites of minor villages, while temporary camps were found elsewhere in the territory included within the present county limits. The great war-path of the Iroquois, in their forays against the Catawbas of the •south, traversed this region, and it was deemed especially important by the dominant nation to keep a close surveillance upon its subjects in this vicinity, Shikelthat they might not prove obstacles in the way of their expeditions. lamy, a prominent Cayuga chief, was therefore sent here in 1728 as a kind of colonial governor, who took up his abode in the native village of Shamokin, on the site of Sunbury. This village commanded the entrance to the valley on the south, as the character of the country made the early transportation by wheeled vehicles, or even pack animals, impracticable, and its importance to the natives may readily be understood by the number of trails which converged here. One led up the West Branch" from Shamokin through the gap in the Muncy hills to the principal village of the Monseys, the site of which is marked by the borough which perpetuates the tribal name. From this point the trail to Wyoming followed the course of Glade run to Fishing creek, at a point where Millville now stands, and thence along the Huntingdon creek, through the Nescoj^eck gap, and up the river to the Wyoming village. To the upper village of VV'yalusing, a trail continued up Muncy creek to its head, then crossing to the Loyalsock, half a mile from where the Berwick turnpike crosses, it passed near the site of Dushore, and struck the Wyalusing creek near the northeast corner of Sullivan county, and then continued to its destination. The trail which led to the villages on the upper branches of the " West Branch," also passed through the Monsey village, as did the one leading to the Shesheqnin village. The latter turned off from the first named trail at Bonser' s run, which it followed to its source, and then extending to the Lycoming creek near the mouth of Mill creek, followed the course of the stream to certain beaver dams, where it turned eastwardly and led along the course of the Towanda creek to the site of the village, on the Susque hanna. A more direct route led up the Susquehanna to the flats near the site •of Bloomsburg, and thence up the valley of Fishing creek to the vicinity of Long Pond, where it diverged to the northeast and, striking the upper waters of the Tunkhannock creek, followed it to its junction with the Susquehanna. All these trails found their outlet toward the settlements by way of Shamokin and the river, and, when first familiar to the whites, bore ample evidence of constant use. Beside these, only one important trail led to the southeastern set- down its ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. — 49 tlements the one from Wyoming to the forks of the Delaware, at Easton. The other route, however, was the one generally traveled to reach Philadelphia, the latter only coming into use after the extension of the settlements up the Delaware. To all other points, south and southwest, the Susquehanna trail was not only the great Indian thoroughfare for the occupants of the valley, but for the whole Iroquois confederacy. The development of the settlements in Pennsylvania was first along the upward course of the streams which emptied into the Delaware, and westward, Their progress to the in a somewhat narrow path, toward the Susquehanna. year 1718, is fairly indicated by the treaty line established in that year. Three years later, the Palatine settlement on the Tulpehocken was planted, and by 1735, the line of civilization had reached a limit well up to the foot of the Kittatinny range, from the Delaware to the Susquehanna. During the thirteen years following, the advance of the settlements was less rapid, and was chiefly noticeable in the region of the Delaware. In 1739, the celebrated GeorgeWhitfield began a settlement at Nazareth, and invited the newly arrived Moravians to join him. This gave rise to complaints from the Indians, and it was 8ubsequ.ently abandoned for Bethlehem. In 1743, however, the pious adventurers retui'ned to Nazareth, completed Whitfield's unfinished building, and established a flourishing colony there. Three years later Friedenshutten was founded on Mahoning creek (Carbon county), where a large number of Mohican followers of the Moravians were established. Here a large settlement gathered, and others elsewhere in the region; speculators secured and surveyed large areas of land, until the threatening attitude of the Indians finally brought about the treaty of 1749. Nine years elapsed before another important cession of land was effected, and in this interval the frontier settlements were gradually extended toward the mountains west of the Susquehanna, up the coui'se of that stream as far as Penn's creek on the west side, and Mahanoy creek on the east side. Settlements were effected on the upper branches of the Tulpehocken (now Lebanon county), as early as 1732; but along the Susquehanna the Moravians pioneered the way. In 1742, Count Zinzendorf came to Shamokin, where he was hospitably received by Shikellamy, and from thence went to Otzinachson, on the " West Branch, " where he met Madame Montovu* and other Europeans who had adopted Indian habits. In 1745, the Reverend David Brainerd visited Shamokin and found it a village of some fifty cabins, situated partly on the east and west banks of the river, and partly on an island in the stream. Its inhabitants, numbering about three hundred, were principally Delawares, and were accounted the most drunken, mischievous and rutfian-like fellows of any in these parts; and Satan seemed to have his seat in this town, in an eminent manner." Brainerd again visited the Susquehanna towns in the following year, and in his diary expressed a similar opinion of the whole Indian population. This place was prominently used as a resting place by the war parties of the Six Nations, in theii' forays against the Catawbas and other southern Indians, and about this time the Iroquois requested the governor of the province to allow a blacksmith to be stationed there, that they might be saved the trouble of seeking the services of those in the Tulpehocken settlements. This was granted, on condition that he was to remain only so long as they continued fi'iendly to the English. Anthony Schmidt was accordingly sent from Bethlehem, and in the spring of 1747, the Moravians sent missionaries and built a mission house. They appear to have had a strong and healthful influence over Shikellamy, the Iroquois viceroy, and probably had much to do with his continued faithfulness, to the English cause. ' ' ' ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 50 Notice of England's declaration of war against France reached the province on the 11th of June, 1744:, but the negotiations of the French with the Indians had been viewed with uneasiness by the colonists since 1728, and no effort was spared to hold the Six Nations and their dependent tribes true to their treaties Traders from the different colonies found their way to the of friendship. remotest nations east of the Mississippi, and gave fi'equent cause of complaint to the savages, whose taste for rum was beyond their self-restraint, though they repeatedly affirmed that it was through its influence that the unsci'upuloua trader robbed them and brought on fatal encounters which were constantly endangering the friendly relations of the two races. To these were added the irritation occasioned by the steady encroachment of the settlements upon lands This was allayed by purchasers fi-om time to not purchased of the Indians. time; but these, in the main, proved more satisfactory to the Six Nations thaa to the native occupants. In 1749, Shikellamy died, the Shawanese had withdi-awn to Ohio, and the Iroquois, under the seductive influences of French agents, began to waver in The regular alternation of encroachments and their allegiance to the English. purchases seemed likely to have no end, so long as the Indians possessed any lands, and the feeling began to gain ground among the savages that some other means must be sought to avoid probable extermination. Until 1755, the conflict between the French and English did not involve the Indians of the The success of the French in 1754, however, encouraged the Shawanese to join them, and Braddock's defeat in the following year precipitated upon the Pennsylvania border the first Indian war of its history. Its result interior. to depopulate the advanced settlements, and lead to a general concentration of those hardly less exposed. It was not until the treaty of 1768 opened the "new purchase " to settlers, that the frontier communities had regained the positions held at the beginning was On the conclusion of to make fresh advances. authorities sent a small party of settlers to the lands from which the Connecticut immigrants had been driven in 1763, with the hope of supplanting those who claimed the land, under an independent purIn February, 1769, chase from the Indians and the charter of Connecticut. a colony of some forty persons arrived from Connecticut and quietly reposA bitter controversy, characterized sessed themselves of their former claims. by wanton cruelty and gross injustice, was thus begun and persistently carried of the war, and were prepared this purchase, the provincial In the summer following the settlement at Wyoming, the first appeared in the territory now within the limits of Columbia county. The new lands found ready sale among the speculators, and but little of the It happened, therefore, land in this county was settled by the first purchaser. that the attention of John Eves, a resident'.of New Castle county, Delaware, was directed to this region by a Philadelphian, who had made a large purchase here. In the summer of 1769, he came on a tour of inspection; in 1770, he came with his son and prepared a home for his family, and, in 1771, took up his permanent residence within the territory now included in Madison town- on for years. settler ship. For about a year, this family were probably the only white occupants of the The trails were the only roads, and region now marked by the county limits. the sole dependence for indispensable supplies was Harris' ferry, or Shamokin, where, in 1756, Fort Augusta had been erected. The Eves did not long remain in such isolation, however. The Scotch-Irish settlements of the Kittatinny valley sent forth their surplus population along the "West Branch," while here and there a family turned inland to seek a home. In 1772, some Welsh fami- ; HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 51 from Chester county settled just south of the river, within the present Maine township. In 1774, improvements were made in what are now Beaver and Center townships, and in the following year in Madison It is impossible to determine the number of persons included in township. the settlements indicated, but probably it did not exceed one hundred. In 1772 the county of Northumberland was erected, with limits embracing an area from which more than a score of counties have since been formed. Its limits included the Wyoming settlement, which at this time proved a source of great concern, to those who bore official responsibility, and disturbance to the whole community. For a time, this matter engaged the public attention and tasked its energies, but the struggle for independence beginning to cast its shadows before, public activities were turned in another direction. Well founded apprehensions began to be entertained that the savages would become involved in the approaching conflict, and the colonial authorities made early efforts to secure their neutrality, but with no strong assurance of success. Such a state of affairs boded very serious consequences to this unprotected region, which lay in the very path of the powerful Iroquois. Late in the year lies limits of of 1775, and in the early part of the following year, the Wyoming settlers held unofficial talks with representatives of the northern Indians, who, while professing the most peaceful intentions, made their replies a tissue of complaints and protests against the erection of fortifications. On one pretext or another they sought to make occasion for the visit of the Indians, with a view, as the settlers believed, to turn their presence to a hostile account whenever it should suit their purpose to " dig up the hatchet." The only fort at this time was at Shamokin. This was garrisoned by a detachment under the command of Capt. Hunter, and served as a rallying point rather than a protection to the frontier, which was advanced some fifty miles to the north of it. Stockades were soon built, however, which became known as forts. Of these the Wyoming settlers erected, in 1776, the fort at Pittston; and one called after the builder, "Fort Jenkins," was erected on the west side of the river in the same vicinity. Northumberland county had also its Committee of Safety, * which lost no time in organizing those capable of bearing arms for the defense of the settlements. On the 8th of February, 1776, the gentlemen previously nominated by their respective townships, met at the house of Kichard Malone, at the mouth of the Chillisquaque. The committee thus constituted consisted of John Weitzel, Alexander Hunter and Thomond Ball, from Augusta township; William Cook, Benjamin Alison and Thomas Hewet, fi'om Mahoning; Captain John Hambright, William McKnight and William Shaw, from Turbut township; Robert Roble, William Watson and John Buckalew, from Muncey townphip; William Dunn, Thomas Hewes and Alexander Hamilton, from Bald Eagle township; W^ alter Clark, William Irwin and Joseph Green, from Buffalo township; James McClure, Thomas Clayton and Peter Mellick, fi'om Wyoming township none indicated from Penn's township; none from Mahanoy township; John Livingston, Maurice Davis and Hall, from Potter' s township and Walter Clarke, Matthew Brown and Marcus Hulings, from White Deer township. The committee organized by the election of Captain Hambright as chairman, and Thomond Ball as clerk. The first general business of the committee was to provide for the organization of a volunteer regiment. The county was divided into two parts, each of which was to raise a battalion the contingent ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ; : *0n June 30, 1775, the provincial assembly appointed twenty-five mea to act as a "Coimuittee ol Safety " who met on the 3d of July and orcanized, with Benjamin Franklin as president. Subsequently, aubsid ary committees were constituted in each county, which corresponded and acted in conjunction with the central committee. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 52 of the lower division to be oiScered by Samuel Hunter, colonel William Cooke,' lieutenant-colonel; Casper Weitzel, first major; John Lee, second major; and that of the upper division to be officered by William Plunket, colonel; James Mur; ray, lieutenant-colonel; John Brady, first major; Cookson Long, second major. Each battalion was to consist of six companies, each of which should number at least forty privates. The committee was changed once in six months, and but few members seem to have retained their positions more than one term. To judge from its record Some of its appointees proved of proceedings, it was not remarkably efficient. tories, and others do not appear to have been in accord with its administration. It had occasion to complain that recruiting officers from other counties took the balk of their fighting jjopulation into other organizations, and subsequent events proved that what stand was made against the enemy was effected largely by local leaders in their private capacity or by the continental forces. The Wyoming settlement raised and equipped two companies, of eighty-four men each, under the direction of the congress, but these were drawn to re-enforce Washington' s retreating army in ihe following winter. It is sufficient tci say that there was no bond of union between this settlement and the lower ones in Fortunately it did not the county, nor did their common danger beget one. serve the purposes of the savages to carry their hostilities in this direction in the first two years of the war, and it was not until the latter part of 1777 that an impending blow upon this frontier began to be credited. any particular share in the early movements to the They were probably included in residents of Columbia county territory. 'Wyoming township, but the undistui'bed condition of affairs did not demand more active duty than occasional musters, or a short scouting expedition. The relation of Moses Van Campen, whose house was then within the present limits of Center township, gives the only detailed account of affairs here, that can rumors of It is difficult to assign now be obtained. My first service was in the year 1777, when I served three months under Colonel John Kelly, who stationed us at Big Isle, on the west branch of the Susquehanna. Nothing particular transpired during that time, and in March, 1778, I was appointed lieutenant in a company of six-months men. Shortly afterward I was ordered by Colonel Samuel Hunter to proceed with about twenty men to Fishing creek, and to build a fort about three miles from its mouth, for tiie reception of the inhabitants in case of an alarm from the Indians. In May, my fort being nearly completed, our spies discovered a large body of Indians making their way toward the fort. The neighboring residents had barel}' time to fly to the fort for protection, leaving their goods behind. The Indians soon made their appearance, and having plundered and burnt the houses, attacked the fort, keeping a steady tire upon us during the day. At night they witlidrew, burning and destroying everything in their route. What loss they sustained we could not ascertain as they carried off all the dead and wounded, though, from the marks of blood on the ground, it must have been considerable. The incident related above was the first Indian attack on this frontier in the revolutionary war. Scouts of the enemy had previously been discovered about the Wyoming settlements, but always at considerable distance away, as if their purpose was to veil their real movements and to intercept any messengers who might be sent for succor. Authentic information having reached the board of war, however, of an attack on this region by a combined force of British and savages, some inadequate measiu'es were suggested to meet it; but the blow fell before the authorities could bring themselves to act decisively. In May, the scouts, who had hitherto invariably retired when discovered, piit on a bolder front and killed a settler near Tunkhannock. A few days later they fired on a party of six with fatal effect, but still no concerted action took place until the attack on Van Campen' s fort, which is locally known as Fort Wheeler. (^y^^-^^r^^zm^xrin) 1 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. s 55 It is probable that this attack was designed to destroy any hope of re-enforcement from below, that Wyoming might have reason to entertain. The success of the expedition was not conspicuous, and in June, therefore, an advance force was sent hither to distract the attention of the lower settlements, while the main attack was delivered at Wyoming. The settlers who had fled to Fort Wheeler remained there, and inclosed a parcel of ground not far from One evening in June, when some of the comthe stockade for their cattle. pany were engaged in milking, the sentinel on guard called attention to a suspicious movement in the bushes beyond the cattle pen. Examination developed the fact that a party of Indians were approaching the milkers with the intenVan Campen, who was still in command, quickly tion of surprising them. summoned a party of ten men, and succeeded in gaining a position between the savages and the milking party unobserved. Advancing to an intervening ridge, the whites came upon the Indians within pistol-range. A sudden volley killed the leader of the band, but did no execution upon the rest, who lost no time in getting beyond the reach of a second fire. In the meantime, the surprised milkers, startled by the firing, made a rapid race for the fort, while the discarded milk pails, flying in all directions, served to mark the precipitation of the stampede. On the 3d of July occurred the terrible massacre at Wyoming, the barbarous details of which are not excelled in horror by any other incident in the whole range of savage warfare. The few survivors of this disaster fled down the river or to the settlements on the Delaware, enduring the most heartrendering sufferings in their flight, and spreading the utmost consternation by the recital of their sad story. In the meantime parties of the enemy scouted through the whole region, murdering defenseless families and burning abandoned houses. Many of the settlers fled, never to return, and others fled to the most accessible stockade. On learning of this sad state of affairs, the authorities took prompt measures to stay the course of the victorious enemy. Colonel Hartley, of the Pennsylvania line, with a part of his regiment, was ordered to Sunbury at once. The cduncil directed four hundred militia from Lancaster, one himdred and fifty from Berks and three hundred from Northumberland county, to concen trate at the same place; and General Mcintosh, arresting the march of Colonel Broadhead toward Fort Pitt, directed him to march to Wyoming. Unfortunately, these ample re- enforcements came too late; the people of that settlement who had not perished were already flying or fled. Colonel Broadhead therefore^ halted at Sunbury, and took prompt measures to restrain the ravages of the enemy, and to infuse courage in the hearts of those still in the country. Scouts were employed in watching the Indian trails; reconnoitering parties were sent out daily, and detachments stationed at important points. One of these, "consisting of a major, two captains, one subaltern and eighty men, including sergeants," were posted at Briar creek, "a little below Nescopec.'* Encouraged by these measures, many of the refugees returned, and, in companies, attempted to save something from the general wreck of theii* crops. Hartley arrived about the 1st of August, and relieved Colonel Broadhead' forces; a few days later Colonel Z. Butler, with twenty continental troops and forty militia, reached Wyoming. Both officers actively engaged in secui'ing the settlements from the daily attacks of the savages. Additional re -enforcements were sent to Butler from Easton, and on the 9th of August Hartley wrote the former officer: "I expect another part of my regiment to join me every day, and some more militia. I have established a post, and a work is built, at one Jenkins's, about six miles below the Nescopeck falls. There1 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 56 a garrison there, which is to be strengthened to-morrow; when I am Shonld you not think re -enforced, my wish is to extend our post to Wyoming. yourself able to maintain yourself at AVyoming, you are to march your troops to Jenkins' fort, at the place I have mentioned. Colonel Hartley had fi-equent occasion to march in pursuit of marauding drive them parties of savages, but with no better success than to temporarily diligent commander reported that, notofP, and on the 1st of September this withstanding these efforts, "we are not certain we killed a single Indian." is now " Branch," In the latter^'part of this month, however, he led a force up the West " ButColonel with conjunction in Branch," North the to over and then crossing The stand at Sheshequin. ler, from Wyoming, brought the savages to a forces united the when loss, considerable with flight put to enemy was easily in July retired to Wyoming, where, on October 22d, the bodies of those slain now was even and impossible, found been hitherto had This •were buried. done hurriedly, amid constant alarms of an Indian attack. Colonel Hartley soon returned to Sunbury, leaving a small garrison in the destination than the fort, but no sooner had the retiring forces reached their plied their nefarious who savages, lurking by infested again whole region was from Sun•work with apparent impunity. On November 9, 1778, Hartley wrote bury to the executive council: has come down in force and invested Wyoming. the settlements on the Northeast Branch, as far as Fort Jenkins, where we have a small garrison, has supported itself for the Nescopeck About seventy Indians were seen about twenty two miles from here yesterday present prisoners yester•evening, advancing toward the forks of Chillisquaque; they took some * day With the sniall force we have, we are endeavoring to make a stand. Wyomino- I make no doubt, will make a good defense, but the garrison is rather too Should the enemy take that post. New York, Pennsylvania and Jersey will then small I am drawing some little force together, and to-morrow think too late of its importance. in a body and make will endeavor to attack those Indians on Chillisquaque, if they keep Wyoa movement toward Fishing creek, which will probably be of use to the people of ming. If Wyoming falls, the barbarians will undoubtedly approach these towns. The enemy within these ten They have burnt and destroyed clays all Neither congress nor council was careless of such appeals, but the demands difficult to all parts of the service were so urgent that the wisest found it dispose of the meager resources at command so as best to meet the rapidly Aid was forwarded to the commandant at Fort Augusta, arisincr emergencies. and every effort made to encourage enlistments, but all this fell far short of Even the severity of the winter put but a the necessities of the situation. upon the savages' cruel activity, and with spring check partial On the 25th their harrassing attacks were renewed with unabated vigor. of Fort vicinity in the living people the attacked Indians of party April, a of Jenkins, and took two or three families prisoners. The garrison, learning of the matter, promptly sent out a force of thirty men and rescued their unfortunate coyer friends, but the enemy, rallying in a body, drove the whites back to the of the fort with a loss of three killed and four badly wounded. After burning several houses near the fort, and killing the cattle to be found, they departed, taking a number of horses with them. The next day they attacked Fort Freenear Muncy hill," and ravaged the surrounding country. On the 17th land, Jenkins, and of May the savages again visited the settlements near Fort (Mifkilled and scalped a family of four persons across the river fi'om the fort In fact, there was not a day when Indians were not flin township). from ' ' some part of this frontier, who seemed to prowling about commit the most cniel depredations without fear of reprisal; and such was on the eve of breakthe growing discouragement that the county appeared the houses of but desolation, fire and smoke, Nothing was seen ing tip. seen ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 57 the inhabitants, who fled to the forts for protection, being biirned almost as soon as they were abandoned. Early in 1779, a campaign up the Susquehanna, under command of GenIn June the troops eral Sullivan, was projected against the Seneca Indians. concentrated at Wilkesbarre, the local forces being fully employed in convoyEven in the presence ing boats bearing supplies for the proposed expedition. of this force of three or four thousand troops, the savages boldly committed their depredations, almost within rifle-shot of the encampment, and it was not until the latter part of August, when the army had reached the Indian country and ravaged it with fire and sword, that this region had an interval of peace. In the latter part of October, the return of the victorious army was welcomed by the loud rejoicing of the inhabitants of the river settlements. Before the end of the month the army retired to Easton, leaving a greatly depleted German regiment to garrison the forts. The force was entirely inadequate for the purpose. There were but one hundred and twenty effective men, exclusive of ofiicers, and only sixty of these were available for frontier service, as the commanding ofiicer insisted on keeping one-half at the headquarters in SunForty men were therefore stationed at Fort Montgomery (in Montour bury. county), and twenty men at Fort Jenkins, while a company of fourteen local were stationed at a point on the " West Branch, " seventeen miles rangers above Sunbury. As winter set in, the people began to fear that Sullivan's campaign, severe Distressing as its results had been, had not broken the spirit of the savages. as the condition of the Indians must have been, there were no signs of their readiness to make overtiires for peace, and the borderers began to fear that they were plotting a bloody reprisal, though an early and heavy fall of snow made it probable that the blow would not be delivered before the spring. The On April 2, 1780, Samuel Hunter, countyevent confirmed these forebodings. lieutenant for Northumberland, wrote the president of the executive council ' ' ' ' as follows: The savages have made their appearance on our frontiers in a hostile manner. The day before yesterday they took seven or eight prisoners* about two miles above Fort Jenkins, and two days before that, carried off several people from about Wyoming. This has struck such terror to the poor scattered inhabitants of this county, that all the settlers above this will be in the towns of Sunbury and Northumberland before two days. Our •case is really deplorable, and without some speedy assistance being ordered here, I am afraid the county will break up entirely, as the German regiment that is stationed here is no way adequate to grant us the necessary relief required. And as for calling out the militia of this county, it is impossible to expect it in the present circumstances the inhabitants are reduced to; for if they miss getting spring crops put in the ground for the support of their families, they have nothing that can induce them to stay, except the council would order some of the militia from our neighboring counties to act in conjunction with a few continental troops that are here, and without something like this is done to encourage the people, I dread the consequences that may ensue. The case is quite altered with us from what it was this time twelve months. had a pretty good fort garrisoned at Muncy,of continental troops, Brady's fort and Freeland's, with our own inhabitants, but now we have but about forty or tifty at Montgomery's and thirty at Fort Jenkins, the latter of which was not able to spare men enough out of the garrison to pursue the enemy that carried off the prisoners. I suppose there was not above thirty Indians and tories in the party, and a pretty deep snow had fallen the night before, by which they could be easily tracked. I am sorry to mention this, as I have seen the time, within this three years past, that we could turn out some hundred of good woodsmen, but now the case is altered, as our county is quite drained of our best men. We To such appeals, and there were many of them, the reply of the council was sympathetic and judicious. They exhibited their situation, in which they were reduced to the painful necessity of listening to distress they could not Refers to the capture of the Van Campen party, the details for which may be found on page — Chap. IX. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 58 and to claims they could not satisfy. They declared that the poor people, like the wagoner in the fable, must put their own shoulders to the will endeavor, " they wrote, wheel as well as call on Hercules. to supply them with ammunition, provisions and such like assistance; we will give rewards to those who distinguish themselves in short, we will do anything to create that spirit which is so necessary in an Indian war, a spirit of hostility and enterprise, which will carry our young men to their towns. The lamentable deficiency among the majority of the settlers in this region was a conspicuous lack of this spirit. Bounties of one thousand dollars for scalps and fifteen hundred for prisoners were offered, and yet not a dozen claims of this kind were preferred here in the whole period of the war. Responsibility was divided, the citizens and troops were not in perfect sympathy, and too many of the settlers were totally unequipped for ,the duties and responsibilies which a state of hostilities devolve upon the pioneer. The enterprising settlers of Wyoming, notwithstanding their grievous losses and horrible sufferings, made few demands for assistance, and fewer complaints, and had not a base covetousness dictated the fatal policy of keeping the Wyoming companies away from the defense of their own homes and families, many lives that were lost, not only in Wyoming but elsewhere as well, might have been preserved. The community in Northumberland county was "strangely divided" in Whig, Tory, Yankee, Pennamite, Dutch, Irish and English insentiment, The general disall operating to interfere with the general success. fluence' like of the Yankee settlers at Wyoming found frequent expression in the official communications of the county authorities, and the people were "hardly restrained from complaint against the keeping up of that garrison. " At the same time they did not fail to urge their demands for assistance, to be drawn fi'om the militia of the lower counties, with a wearisome persistence which repeatedly called forth good-tempered rebukes from the sorely-pressed council. It was in vain the latter urged the recruiting of the home militia, offered high The bounties for scalps and prisoners, and sent comparatively liberal supplies. The German troops garrisoned a chain regular reply was a cry of helplessness. of forts from the east to the west branch of the Susquehanna (Jenkins, Montgomery, Bossley and Boone' s Mills), and seemed unwilling to leave their posts for any purpose. Scouting duty was performed by the militia and volunteers, but with little result, save the finding of burning ruins and cold trails and parties which went out in quest of scalps came back empty-handed, with a tale of conrelieve, ' ' We ' ' — ' ' ' — ; fused trails, they knew not where. summer of 1 780, the German regiment was withdrawn, and this region devolved upon the militia, under the command of which Some time led, in the the protection of General Potter. At the same time the council complained of the increasing demands of this section, declaring that the marked attention it had given this frontier had created a feeling of jealousy in other exposed communities, and it will, therefore, unavoidably happen that wrote the county lieutenant that your exertions must be considerable in the county, and that your reliance upon distant aid must also in some degree abate. In the meantime scarcely a day passed without its tale of murder and arson; isolated parties of savage marauders were frequently seen, and as the harvest time approached, lively fears were entertained that the region would be visited ' ' ' by a formidable force of the enemy. party of three partially realized. A was garrisoned by twenty emy turned militia. their attention to On the 6th of September, these fears were hundred savages attacked Fort Rice, which The whites returning a brisk fire, the en- burning the abandoned houses and unprotected HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 59 The alarm was stacks of grain, and the destruction or stealing of the stock. speedily carried to Sunbiuy, and a considerable body of militia mustered and marched to the scene of danger; but the savages had disappeared, and, as usually happened, there was no one present capable of tracing their course. The forces accordingly divided and went in every direction but the one taken by the enemy. On the next day they were heard of at Fort Jenkins, where they burned the stockade, abandoned houses and grain stacks, and slaughtered Fortunately, on the first alarm from Fort Rice the or di'ove off the stock. gan-ison of Jenkins, consisting of twenty militia, was withdrawn, as the additions made to the stockade for the accommodation of those who had gathered to it, made it untenable against a determined attack. The winter finally brought some relief to the harrassed community, and especial effort was made to organize a home force for the protection of the frontier. In the preceding June, the council had sent commissions and money Thomas Robinson was to aid in the organization of a company of rangers. made captain, and Moses Van Campen ensign, but the other commissions went a begging. Under such circumstances the recruiting was not likely April to be rapid, and in December Robinson could only report seven men. 12th he had secured forty men, but many of them were so much in want of all kinds of clothing that they could not do duty. In the latter part of May, he reported forty-seven men enlisted for the war, and eighteen for seven months. Another officer had raised fifteen men for seven months' service, and a third had secured twenty recruits for the same term. In February, 1781, Van Campen was promoted to a lieutenantcy, and signalized his accession to leading responsibility by praiseworthy activity. Captain Robinson, being neither a woodsman nor marksman, left the active command of the company to his more experienced lieutenant, and the company was thenceforward employed in maintaining a line of scouting posts fi'om the north to the west branch of the Susquehanna. In the spring of 1781, this company erected a fort near Bloomsburg, on the Widow McClure' s plantation, and there stored its surplus supplies. Notwithstanding these precautions, the enemy began their depredations early in the spring, and continued them, with their usual success, far into the ' * ' ' ' ' ' ' Many families, which had braved all dangers hitherto, now fled, and probable that no families remained in the territory now embraced within but the limits of Columbia county, save in the vicinity of McClure' s fort' even this was abandoned whenever a strong attack was threatened. The latter paxi. of the year, however, was marked by some successful counter- strokes by the whites, but these did not secure immunity from frequent depredations on the part of the savages, until winter brought the usual suspension of active summer. it is ' ' ' ; hostilities. In the subsequent years of the war, the brunt of Indian attacks fell on the settlements on the " West Branch " and in the vicinity of Wyoming, but the end was rapidly approaching, and the year of 1782 was less marked by savage inroads on this frontier, though occasional murders were committed, even after the British general had given his assurance that the savages had been recalled. In January, 1783, the great principals in the war ceased active hostilities, and in April peace was proclaimed to the American army. The savages did not lay down their weapons so soon, and some depredations are noted in this year, within the old-time limits of Northumberland county, but the people had become reassured, and were rapidly returning to their lands. Some of the improvements had been permanently abandoned by the terrified people, but in the larger number of instances the settlers, worn out by the anxieties 60 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the situation, had retired to Sunbnry or Northumberland to wait for These were the first to return. A little later some the return of peace. who had retreated to the older communities returned, and brought new settlers The treaty of October, 1784, removed the last barrier, and the with them. long pent-up tide of emigration flowed forth, each month marking a large increase in the settlements of the upper valley of the Susquehanna. The character of the lands in "the new purchase" was flatteringly set forth by those whose military duties had brought them hither, and these, with many others fi'om the older portions of the state, eagerly turned toward the country now opened for settlement. It was to this migration that Columbia county was indebted for its general settlement, the earlier settlers coming from the older counties of the state, and those of a trifle later period coming largely from west New Jersey. The people from the two localities were not essenThe Swede adventurers had been followed by tially different in character. the Dutch on both sides of the river, and a society, characterized to some With the accession of Penn extent by the institutions of each, had resulted. a new element was introduced, which temporarily gave ascendency to the English Quaker influence on both sides of the Delaware, but, as the news of the proprietor's liberal principles spread abroad, the victims of oppression "From England and Wales, from everywhere turned to this new asylum. Scotland and Ireland and the Low Countries emigrants crowded to the land On the banks of the Rhine new companies were formed under of promise. better auspices than the Swedes; and, from the highlands above Worms, the humble people renounced their German homes for his protection. Within the limits of Pennsylvania, the English Quakers came close upon Both Swedes and Dutch had made the advent of the earlier nationalities. isolated settlements here, however, when the Quakers of New Jersey, tempted by the natm-al attractions of the country, crossed the Delaware. Before Penn' 8 arrival, therefore, they had established settlements at Upland, Shakomaxon, and near the falls of the Delaware, opposite Trenton. The arrival of Penn's colonies re- enforced their numbers, and by the close of 1682, some twenty-three vessels had landed upward of two thousand more of their coEach year brought accessions to the number already here, and, religionists. until the great influx of Germans, were in numbers, as they long were in influMany of these people were persons of wealth ence, the predominant element. and distinction, and were induced to come to the new land only by the vigorThey were an industrious ous persecutions which oppressed them at home. and prudent people, and early placed the colony upon a flourishing and prosTheir settlements were made principally at Philadelphia perous foundation. and along the river, though a large proportion found homes inland in the These were principally from Sussex, the home of Penn, county of Chester. from Cheshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Northamptonshire, England. A considerable company of Welsh came in 1683, and, settling in Chester counThe names given the site of their settlety, joined the society of Friends. ments still perpetuates their memory. Of these, Uwchlan, settled under the auspices of David Lloyd, of Old Chester, contributed to the early settlement A company of German Quakers, fi'om Kresheim, was of Columbia county. also a notable addition to the early settlement of this county. Next to the Quaker immigration, that of the Germans was most important They were a hardy, frugal and in the early history of the commonwealth. industrious people, retaining their customs and language with such tenacity as to leave their impress upon society to the present, and spreading their influence over a wide scope of country through the migrations of their descendants. of 61 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Some of these people were among the earliest arrivals, but their numbers were not marked until about 1725, when it became so great as to excite some alarm lest they should "produce a German colony here, and perhaps such an one as They came princiBritain once received from Saxony in the fifth century." pally from the Palatinate, whence they were driven by religious persecution. Many fled to England for protection, where Queen Anne supported them from Hundreds were transported by the royal command to the public treasury. New York, whence they finally found their way to WestNew Jersey and Pennsylvania. Many of these persons, as well as of the English, Irish, Scotch and Welsh,, Ireland, and others to ern — persons unable to pay their own passage and sold to. as redemptioners term of service to defray this cost. The public alarm at the increasing number of Palatine and Irish immigrants, caused the imposition of a tax on all The such persons, and for a time the Germans were refused naturalization. latter continued to come, notwithstanding these discouragements and the great privations they suffered from the advantage taken of their ignorance and simIn 1755, their numbers were plicity by unscrupulous ship-owners and agents. estimated at upwards of sixty thousand, of which some thirty thousand were The rest were divided among the of the German Keformed denomination. Lutheran, Mennonite, Dunkard, Moravian, Quaker, Catholic and Schwenkenfeldter pursuasions, the first named being rather more numerous than any of The Germans at first settled in the lower parts of Bucks, Montthe others. gomery, Lancaster and Berks counties a little later their settlements extended up the Tulpehocken, in 1732. reaching its headwaters in Lebanon county. The Scotch and Scotch -Irish portion of the early population of the province came subsequent to 1719, and constituted an important element of the hardy came a ; The persecutions of the people who reclaimed the valleys of Pennsylvania. Protestants in Ireland under Charles I, which resulted in the massacre of 1041, drove many who had originally emigrated fi-om Scotland back to their In 1662, the "act of uniformity" bore with equal oppression native land. upon both Scotch and Irish, who promptly availed themselves of the asylum opened in the new world, and prepared the way for many others in the subsequent " troublous time. " The interval of toleration dating from 1691, waa and many alarmed schism bill, suspended in Queen Anne' s reign by the dissenters from Ireland and Scotland followed the path of those who had come earlier to America. Many of the Scotch and Scotch- Irish in this later migration found their way to Pennsylvania, settling at first along the Maryland line. They appear to have seized their lands by "squatter right," and as they occupied a contested region were tolerated on these terms for the protection they afforded the more remote settlements. They were subsequently viewed with some uneasiness by the agent of the proprietor, to whom it looked "as if Ireland was to send all her inhabitants hither, for last week not less than six ships arrived, and every day two or three arrive also. The common fear is, that if they continue to They were a come, they will make themselves proprietors of the province." somewhat intractable people, and having been tolerated in their first usurpaThey advocated the prinations, did not hesitate to extend their operations. ciple that the heathen had few rights which Christians were bound to respect, and seized the Conestoga manor, fifteen thousand acres of the best land of the valley, insisting that it was against the laws of God and nature that so much, They were land should lie idle while so many Christians wanted it to use. subsequently dispossessed by the sheriff and their cabins burned, but this temp>orary triumph of Indian rights returned some twenty-five years later to plague ' ' ' ' ' ' •^62 inSTOKY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the inventor" in the massacre of Conestoga. In 1730, they occupied Donegal, in the northwest corner of Lancaster county. From this point they extended their settlements northward, to which they gave the characteristic names of Paxton, Derry, Londonderry, etc. and to the west and northwest. They made no very permanent impression upon society, and subsequently lost a great part of their number by emigration to the south. The remainder have become assimilated, their native language has been lost, and as communities they have been generally supplanted by the Germans. The early settlement of Columbia followed the general order noted elsewhere, though this fact is rather a coincidence, than the expression of any natural law of development. The first settler was an English Quaker from New Castle county, Del. others only a little later came from the Welsh settlement at Uwchlan, fi-om the Dutch settlement at the Minisinks, from the German settlements in Berks county, from the Scotch-L'ish settlements, and , ; from New Jersey. Here the war intervened, and for several years the develof the county was arrested and even retrograded. But before the smoke •of burning houses had fairly cleared away, the tide of immigration again set in. The available Hues of travel undoubtedly had much to do in determining the character of the immigration, and these, largely the outgrowth of the necessities of the frontier, led to the older settlements. The oldest of these, therefore, followed the line of the Susquehanna from Harris' ferry to Sunbmy, and it was by this route that communication with the lower counties was principally maintained. Subsequently a road fi'om Reading to Sunbury, opment was opened, passing thi'ough Bear-Gap, which had the effect of leading some to early settle in Locust township. About 1787, a line of travel was opened from Easton to Nescopec falls, which opened this region to the emigration from New Jersey, to which Columbia county owed much of its early population. In the following year the Reading road branched off near the site of Ashland and led to Catawissa, a road that, in 1810, was established by the state. And in 1800, a road from Catawissa to Reading was laid out on a more direct route, which led to closer relations between the two places. A general relation may therefore be discovered between these facts and the character of the subsequent settlement of the county. The English Quakers who had been driven out returned in 1783, bringing others with them, though, in 1779, others of this class from Exeter had found their way hither by the same route. From 1779 to 1790, the emigrants from the Quaker settlements in Berks and Chester counties and from New Jersey were a marked proportion of those who came to the county, though there were other accessions in the meanwhile, and it is doubtful if they were at any time in the majority as to numbers. They were an intelligent and industrious people, and for a time wielded the predominant influence. They were notably strong at Catawissa and in Greenwood, but ;the character of the soil south of the river disappointed these thrifty farmers, and they began to emigrate, the larger 2:)art of them leaving, between 179G and 1804, for Canada and Ohio. In Greenwood they were better pleased and have remained, constituting a majority of the present population of that township. The German immigration set in about 1788 and, until 1810, continued with unabated vigor. These people came at first, principally from Berks county, though a few were fresh from their native land, and settled generally south of the river. Subsequent additions came from Lehigh and Northampton counties and settled north of the river. These settlers were generally a plain, plodding people, whose persistence has enabled them to overcome the stubborn toil and make fair farms where the natural difficulties have discouraged others. HISTORY OF COLUiMBIA COUNTY. 65 retain, in some parts of tlie county, many of their primitive customs and national characteristics, while in all parts they have generally retained their native language and constitute a large minority, if not a greater proportion of the inhabitants of the county. The New Jersey immigration was generally English, of the dissenting classes, and came in from 1785 to 1802, though some preceded the opening They are found almost entirely in that of the road from Easton by ten years. They part of the county which lies north of the river, and constitute, perhaps, a maTo these should be added a few who came from the jority of the population. Connecticut settlements farther up the " North Branch, " and others who were The not in any way identified with the different tides of immigration noted. present population is generally made up of the descendants of the first settlers. The usual changes have taken place, but of the something more than thirty thousand inhabitants in the county, by the last census, less than one thousand were born out of the state. In Conyngham the character of the people is somewhat affected by the locality; farming industries giving place to mining pursuits, has invited a mixed population of recent origin and of various nationalities. In Locust township a considerable number of Welsh immigrants came about 1840; they were recently from their native land, and were well-todo farmers; they retained their native language, and erected a church, but becoming dissatisfied with the locality, they removed in the fifteen or twenty years followiner. CHAPTER III. OEGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY. POLITICAL THEexpanding development of Pennsylvania followed in the wake of In 1682, the counties of Bucks, Philadelphia and Chester were formed with limits intended to include not only the populated area, but territory enough in addition to meet, for a considerable time to It was come, the growing necessities of the rapidly increasing immigration. not until 1729, therefore, that the extension of settlements and the purchase At of new lands from the Indians led to the erection of Lancaster county. that time the Susquehanna marked the western limit of the province, but the purchase of 1736 opened a triangular area west of the river, which was attached to Lancaster until the convenience of the increasing settlements in this region, in 1749, demanded the erection of York county, and a year later for The northern extension of these counties was the erection of Cumberland. limited by the Indian boundary line, marked by the Kittatinny range. Again the extension of settlements and the treaty of 1749 demanded new county organizations, and, in 1752, Berks and Northampton were formed to include in their jurisdiction the northern portions of the older counties and the newly acquired territory between the Delaware and Susquehanna rivers. Berks embraced the larger area, and, by the treaty of 1768, extended to the present In the meantime, the territory acquired west of northern limits of the state. the Siisquehanna by the treaties of 1754-8 had made the outlying county of Cumberland too large for the convenience of its inhabitants, and in 1771, Bedford was erected. A similar development was rapidly taking place east of the its settlements. 66 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Susqiiehanna, and, in 1772, Northumberland county was formed from the counBedford, Cumberland, Lancaster, Berks and Northampton, with an area which now constitutes twenty-six counties. Its limits are thus indicated: ties of Beginning at the mouth of Mahoutongo creek, on the west side of the river Susquehanna; thence up the south side of said creeli, by the several courses thereof, to the head of Robert Meteer's spring; thence west by north to the top of Tussey's mountain; thence southwesterly along the summit of the mountain to Little Juniata; thence up the northeasterly side of the main branch of little Juniata to the head thereof; thence north to the line of Berlcs county; thence east along said line to the extremity of the province; thence east, along the northern boundary, to tiiat part thereof of the "great swamp;" thence south to the most northern part of the swamp aforesaid; tlience with a straight line to the head of the Lehigh, or Middle creelv; thence down the said creelt so far that a line run west southwest will strike the forks of Mahontongo [there were two streams of that name] creek,_ wliere Pine creek falls into the same, at the place called the Spread Eagle, on the east side of the Susquehanna; thence down the southerly side of said creek to the river aforesaid; thence down and across the river to the place of beginning. This generous area has been successively restricted by the erection, in 1786, Luzerne county; in 1789, of Mifflin; in 1795, of Lycoming; in 1800, of Center; and in 1813, of Union and Columbia. The area included in the limits of the last named county had been variously divided, while under the jurisdiction of the original county, and to understand the lines on which it was erected it will be convenient to notice the development of the early townships. Northumberland was a county of magnificent distances, and the same characteristic marked its subsidiary divisions. Augusta township extended from Sunbury nearly to the "plains of Wyoming;" Bald Eagle was nearly seventy miles long; and Wyoming and Ttirbut were equally extensive. Of the earliest divisions of Northumberland, the townships of Augusta, Turbut and Wyoming, erected in April, 1772, included more or less of the subsequent area of Columbia. Augusta embraced the territory south of the river fi-om the forks nearly to Wilkesbarre; Wyoming extended from the line of little Fishing creek eastward along the river and included the territory in the bend of the Susquehanna; and Turbut included the area between little Fishing creek and the of ' ' ' " West Branch, " extending north ' indefinitely. In 1775, the area of Turbut township was restricted by the erection of Mahoning, and further curtailed in 1786 by the erection of Derry; in the same year, also, Chillisquaque was formed fi-om Mahoning. In the meantime a change had taken place south of the river. At the April session of the court of quarter- sessions for 1785> certain of the inhabitants of Augusta presented a petition in which they set forth its unwieldy proportions, which they conceived after a division would be large enough and sufficient for two townships," and suggested a line of division "to begin at the mouth of Gravel run where it empties into the northeast branch of the Susquehanna, and to extend up said run to the first large fork; thence up the east branch of said run a direct course till Shamo' ' kin creek between the plantations of William Clark and Andrew Gregg; from thence a direct line to a large deer-lick on the north side of Mahanoy hill, till it joins the line that divides the township of Augusta and Mahanoy." The court appointed commissioners in accordance with the request of the petitioners and at the August session, their report having been received and confirmed, the court ordered that the upper end of Augusta township be called and known as Catawassa forever." Notwithstanding the far-reaching character of the court's order, the new township next appears in the records as Catawessa, and subsequently as Catawissa, to which the popular taste has since restricted the name; but there is nothing in the character of official ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 67 orthography to preclude the idea that it may eventually travel the whole range of vowel sounds. The township thus formed was soon found to be too large for the convenience of its population, and in August, 1788, it was divided by a line "beginning at the mouth of little Roaring creek; thence up said creek to the head thereof; thence on the ridge to the south branch of big Eoaring creek; from thence up the said creek to Yarnall's path; thence a southeast course to the To the upper division the name of Ralpho was given, but a county line." This division still left Catawissa year later this was changed to Shamokin. thirty miles long and fifteen miles wide, and in April, 1795, and again in August of the same year, petitions were presented praying for a division of this township. Although the record of the court of quarter-sessions gives no intimation of the fact, the line suggested by the later petition was evidently adopted. This began "at a gap in the mountain by the river side called Aspy's gap; thence to Hartman's gap, in the Catawissa mountain; thence along the ridge of the said mountain till it intersects the Little mountain; from thence to the bridge over the Dark rvin (which said bridge is the first below the Catawiss^ bridge between that and Berks county line) thence the same coiu'se continued until it meets the Berks county line. The report of the commissioners appointed under this petition was delayed by one cause or another until 1797, when it was confirmed and the eastern division called Mifflin. In 1786, the formation of Luzerne county had divided the comprehensive township of Wyoming, and three years later it was ordered that 'so much of Wyoming township as is included in the county of Northumberland, on the division line between the county of Luzerne and the county af s' d. be henceforth called and known by the name of FisnixacREEK. " As early as 1793, there was a movement for the division of this township but it was unsuccessful but in April, 1797, the petition was renewed and the township divided by a line "beginning upon Little Fishing creek, opposite to the mouth of Black run near John Buckalew's mill; thence in a direct course to the south end of Knob mountain or Lee's mountain; thence upon the main edge of said mountain thence to interThis line was confirmed in August, and the sect with Luzerne county line. " new township thus formed to the south of it was named by the court "Green Briarcreek. In the following year a petition was presented for the division of Briarcreek, the line to be run at the discretion of the commissioners appointed by the court. The record does not give the report of the commissioners but subsequent events satisfactorily fix the line at tlie eastern boundary of the present township of Orange, and south in a direct course to the river. The new township was called Bloom after one of the county commissioners. In Januaiy, 1799, a petition was presented for another division of Fishingcreek, and commissioners were appointed to run a line "commencing at the mouth of Green creek, thence to the 'Narrows,' and along the same; thence in a direct course to the big bridge [ridge ?] and thence unto the North mountain. In the August session the report of the commissioners was confirmed and the new township named Greenwood. In the following year an attempt was made In 1801, a to erect the township of Center, but this proved unsuccessful. movement was made to divide Mahoning, and Hemlock was formed, though the record does not exhibit the line of division nor any confirmation of the commissioners' report. In April, 1812, the next change occurred. Fishingcreek was still twenty miles long and eight miles wide, and a petition was presented praying that this township should be divided by a line "beginning at a chestnut oak in the road leading from Thomas Conner's to Daniel Jackson's; thence south seventy degrees east, five hundred perches to the school-house on 's ; ' ' ' ; ; ' ' ' ; 68 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. plantation; thence east thirteen hundred and sixty perches to a white pine on the Huntington town line. This division was approved and the upper part erected into a township named "Harrison, after General Harrison. " There appears to have been a difference between the court and the people in the choice of a name for the new township, and whether the name found on the record was the result of an inadvertence or a determined overruling of the popular choice does not appear from the evidence now at command. It is said that SuGARLOAF is the name which appears upon the report submitted by the commissioners, and that this was the choice of the people. Whatever the facts in this respect may be, the name of Harrison was subsequently supplanted by its popular rival, and remains to this day, although authority for this substitution was not discovered in the records of the court. The townships of Bloom, Briarcreek, Chillisquaque, Catawissa, Derry, Fishingcreek, Greenwood, Hemlock, Mahoning, Mifflin, Sugarloaf and Turbut had thus been formed, when an act of the legislature, approved March 22, 1813, provided for the erection of Columbia county. The extensive area, comprised in Northumberland county, prior to the formation of Union and Columbia, rendered it certain that a division would, sooner or later, be made, and one or more counties be formed from it. Property interests were, therefore, not less active than the convenience of the people, in shaping the lines which ultimately constituted the limits of the last two counties. The lines of each were affected by the other, and the logical result was that the leading men of the two regions united to effect their several purposes in such a way as to serve mutual interests. At this time the disparity in outward advantages was not such as to prevent any eligible site for a village from hopefully entering the contest for metropolitan honors. The proprietors of the Mifflinville plat had early indicated the advantages of its position for a possible county seat; Eyersburg was a flourishing village, centrally located between Sunbury and Wilkesbarre; and Danville had the advantage of an unimportant preponderance of population. While all these points may be said to have been interested in the question of the formation of a new county, including this region, there was at this time, however, no open contest. The people settled in the upper valley of Fishing creek, were much interested in the whole question, as were the citizens of Eyersburg and Mifflinville, but these people, while persons of worth and local influence, were by no means equal to an advantageous contest with the influence of Danville, when the legislature was to be acted upon. The original limits of Columbia county were, therefore, settled practically, without consulting their preferences, and resulted in the following boundaries, which were to be in force "from and after the first Monday in September" (Sept. 6, 1813): ' ' Beginning at the nine-mile tree, on the bank of the northeast branch of the Susquehanna, and from thence, by the line of Point township, to the line of Chillisquaque township; thence, by the line of Chillisquaque and Point townships, to the west branch of the river Susquehanna; thence up the same to the line of Lycoming county; thence, bj^ the line of Lycoming county, to the line of Luzerne county; thence, by the same, to the line of Schuylkill county; thence, along the same, to the southwest corner of Catawissa township; thence, by the line of Catawissa and Shamokin townships, to the river Susquehanna; and thence down said river to the place of beginning. This act left the appointment of the three commissioners to fix upon the the proposed pulDlic buildings to the discretion of the governor, with the provision, however, that they should be "discreet and disinterested persojis, not resident in the counties of Northumberland, Union or Columbia." There is a tradition that, of the three thus appointed, one favored Bloomsburg, but circumstances were such that he failed to meet with his conferees, and they site of HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 69 selected Danville. As they were required to choose a site in Columbia county, as near the center as the situation thereof will admit, and were made competent to transact the business in any event, the absence of the third member ' ' ' ' probably had no important effect upon the decision. The commissioners' action met with a spirited remonstrance at once. Some professed to know that improper means were employed to secure the selection of Danville, and many more believed it upon more or less reasonable grounds. The people in the eastern portions of that new county thought that their interests had not been fairly consulted, and that Danville was not a materially better location than Sunbury. It was pointed out that the new seat of justice was only twelve miles from the old one, and that it was not as near the center as the situation thereof will admit. Operations were soon commenced to present the facts to the legislature, and request a relocation of the county seat, and on January 11, 1814, Leonard Rupert, then in the ''house," presented nineteen petitions, signed by 1,046 citizens of the county, praying for the removal of the seat of justice to Bloomsburg. The matter was referred to a special committee, which on February 2, 1814, reported in favor of granting the prayer of the petitioners. They agreed with the petitioners that the town of Bloomsburg on big Fishing creek, a pure and navigable stream of water, and only one mile from the river Susquehanna, will be more convenient and much more central. The committee held, also, that an examination of the map showed that the location of the county seat at Danville did not "comport with the meaning and spirit of the law." A resolution was offered that a committee be appointed to bring in a bill agreeably to the prayer of the petitioners, but it was laid upon the table, and died an easy death. In December, 1814, and March, 1815, similar petitions were presented, which met a similar fate, but another element was projected into the issue at this time, which materially strengthened the position of the petitioners. It appeared that the townships of Turbut and Chillisquaque had been included in the new county in opposition to the wish of nine-tenths of their inhabitants, and they came before the legislature with an earnest demand to be re-annexed to Northumberland. It is hardly probable that this was a part of any secret programme, as it would leave Danville in a far less defensible position to accede to this demand, but it was obviously better to do this than to incur their determined hostility by holding them in the new county, when their enmity could prove effective in aiding the cause of the partisans of removal, and on February 21, 1815, these townships were rejoined to Northumberland. However illogical, this action was accepted by many as an evidence of a previous bargain, and it was loudly proclaimed that these townships had only been included in Columbia for the purpose of insuring the location of the county seat at Danville. The seat of justice was now truly "on the very verge of the county, and the opposition came to the next legislature with great confidence in their ultimate success. But the Danville leaders were not to be so easily beaten. Realizing the weakness of their position under the new dispensation, they promptly effected a diversion in their favor, and on January 22, 1816, a law was passed reannexing apart of these townships to Columbia again. This partially restored the equilibrium of the country centering in Danville, but the county seat was still, in a marked degi'ee, west of a central location, and those of the people in favor of a removal, apprehending the determined character of the struggle, proceeded to organize for the accomplishment of their purpose. On the 15th of February, 1816, a number of townships sent delegates to Bloomsburg, pursuant to a call for the purpose of devising measures to obtain a removal of the seat of justice for said county, from Dan' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 70 Bloom was represented by Levi Aikman and more central location. Samuel Webb, Jr.; Briarcreek by John Stewart and George Kelchner; Catawissa by Major Joseph Paxton and William Brewer; Derry by Jacob Swislier and Marshal Gh-ton; Fishing creek by Daniel Bealer and William Bobbins; Greenwood by Abner Mendenhell and Henry Miller; and Sugarloaf by Philip The meeting organized with Hon. Leonard RuFritz and William Wilson. pert, as chairman, and Samuel Webb, Jr., as secretary, and resulted in the appointment of Paxton, Mendenhall and Webb as a committee to urge the en' ville to a ' ' for the seat of actment of a law granting the citizens the privilege of voting Each of the parties to the contest were represented in the legislative lobbies by determined partisans, but in these struggles the influence of Danville proved the stronger, and the party for removal was reguThe county seat had the weight of the legal profession of the larly defeated. county, which was then concentrated there; it had the only men of state reputation and influence and it had the preponderance of wealth and business, if The justice of the complaints seems to have not of population, in its favor. been generally recognized by the committees to whom the various petitions were referred, and favorable reports were generally made, but the legislature invariably defeated favorable action. In February, 1816, it was asked that a law be passed to suspend the erection of public buildings for one year, and that the people be authorized, in the meantime, to select a location for the county seat by popular vote; but this petition, though obtaining the sanction of the commitIn 1821, another determined effort was tee, was refused by the "House." The matter proceeded as far as the framing of a bill granting the pemade. In tition for the submission of the question to a vote, but it got no further. December, the matter was again brought up, referred to a special committee, who reported adversely, and there the matter rested for years. But the star of empire was gradually making its way eastward, and when most discouraged the partisans of removal were surely nearing success. The act of 1816, restoring parts of Turbut and Chillisquaque townships to beginning at the corner of Columbia, described the new boundary line as Point and Chillisquaque townships, in Columbia county; thence by the line of said townships along the summit of Montour's mountain, to where what is called Strawbridge' s road crosses said mountain; thence by said road to where the road fi'om Wilson's mills to Danville intersects said road; thence to the bridge over Chillisquaque creek at James Murray's; thence by what is called Harrison's road past Chillisquaque meeting-house to the corner of Turbut and The portions of Turbut Derry townships in the line of Lycoming county. and Chillisquaque townships thus restored were subsequently named Limestone and Liberty, respectively, and from this date forward the evidences of development were largely in favor of the eastern portion of the county. In April, 1817, the inhabitants in the eastern part of Derry, which then included the territory of the present townships of Madison and Pine, asked for the This was granted, the division line following the erection of a new township. present western line from the Lycoming county boundaiy to the eastern line of West Hemlock; thence along said line to the limit of Valley township; thence easterly to little Fishing creek. In the latter part of this year certain residents in Bloom, Greenwood and Fishing creek complained that the water of big Fishing creek seriously inconvenienced the people residing northwest of the creek, and often prevented their attending elections and other meetings for They petitioned, therefore, for the erecthe transaction of township business. tion of a new township from the contiguoiis portions of those townships lying on the north side of the river. Commissioners were appointed to examine the ' justice in said county. ' ' ; ' ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 71 matter, and, if they found it necessary, to report the bounds for a new townThe report confirmed the statement, and returned the specifications of ship. the proposed limits agi'eeable to the ones asked by the petitioners. These were generally described as beginning at the mouth of little Fishing creek, and up along said creek to the mouth of Robert Montgomery's tail-race; thence along the comb of the swamp ridge, including John Rodger's house, to the "Narrows" of Green creek; thence along said creek till it joins big Fishing creek; To this was also added thence along said creek to the place of beginning. " a small corner of Greenwood township lying on the southeast side of big Fishing creek, opposite Miller's mill," constituting a township of about twenThe report was confirmed on April 8, 1818, and the ty-four square miles. township named, from a prominent natiu'al object. Mount Pleasant. This sufficed for the growing population until the January session of the coui't of quarter-sessions in 1832, when "divers inhabitants of the township of Catawissa" represented this township was too large "for the inspection It was represented that the and supervision of the usual number of officers. broken character of the country required a great length of road, to keep which in proper repair was more than two supervisors could conveniently do; that the distance necessarily traveled to reach the place of election and town meetings, was so great as to cause great inconvenience to the voters, especially the aged and infirm, "thus, in effect, depriving such persons of the inestimable privilege of election;" that in population and area it was equal to two other townships in the county; and that it was practically divided by a natui'al barrier, which made its legal division the more desirable. These reasons were accepted by the court and its appointees who investigated the situation, and in April, 1832, the court confirmed the division line beginning at the line of Mifflin township, near the house of Jacob Fisher, and running thence a straight line to the house of Adam Gorrell; thence to the fulling-mill, late of John and Joseph Hughs; thence to Yoder's mill; and from thence to the mouth of Musser's run, which point is on the line of Northumberland." This is the northei'n line of the present townships of Roakingcreek and Locust, south of which was then erected a single township with the first mentioned name. In April, 1833, an application was made for the division of Hemlock, and a favorable report was made by the viewing commissioners, but the court found reason to set it aside and deny the petition; but in August, 1837, the petition was Complaint was then made that the township was too large for the renewed. convenience of the people in attending to public business that this inconvenience was increased "in consequence of several bridges [ridges?] running quite through the township, separating the inhabitants in a great measure, and compelling a large portion of the inhabitants to cross two of said bridges [ ?] to get to the election, settlement of jownship accounts, work the roads, etc." The "viewers" again reported favorably, and designated "the lop of the ridge, which extends from or near the late John Montgomery's mill, in Mahoning township, to Isaac Barton' s mill, on Hemlock creek, as the dividing line. This the court confirmed ii^ the November term of 1837, and named the part south of the line Montour. In April of this year it was proposed to annex a part of Greenwood to Sugarloaf, but this did not meet with favor fi-om the court, and in April of the following year it was proposed to form a new township from parts of each of The boundary line of the proposed township began at the the older ones. west side of big Fishing creek, at the division line between Sugarloaf and Fishing creek township; thence west to Thomas' sawmill; thence to follow the line between Greenwood and Madison north to the Lycoming creek; thence to ' ' ' ' ; ' ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 72 Lycoming county line east to the head- waters of West creek; thence West creek to place of beginning." This line was confirmed November, 1838, and the new township named Jackson. In the following follow tlie to follow said August, however, the people of Jackson, living in that part which was originally taken off of Sugarloaf, asked to be reannexed to the latter township. They represented that they were a majority of the people in Jackson; that the division January was made against and constituted a valid grievance. On was granted, leaving Jackson with its present their will, 31, 1840, this petition area. In the meanwhile a voting precinct had been formed fi'om the adjacent portions of Bloom, Mount Pleasant and Fishing creek, with the name of In the January session of 1839, the people of this preOrangeville precinct. Its proposed cinct asked to have it erected into an independent township. boundaries were rather irregular, and can be described only by the technical This began "at a stone heap on the top of the line of the commissioners. Knob mountain; thence north 55° west, 1,138 perches to a post; thence along the line of Greenwood, south 76° west, 683 perches; thence south 20° east, 980 perches to a point on Fishing creek; thence south 11° east, down said creek, 577 perches to a post below what is now McDowell's mill (formerly Jews' mill); thence along what is called the Summer hills, north 70° east, 620 perches to a post; by same north 76° east, 637 perches to a post in the line of Briarcreek; thence along same, north 1^° west, 637 perches; thence easterly to This line was reported in April, 1839, but was met place of beginning." The matter with a remonstrance, and both were ordered filed for argument. was thus delayed and kept under advisement until January 31, 1840, when the At the same sesreport was confirmed and the new township named Orange. sion of the court a petition was presented for the erection of a new township from Mahoning and Derry, and in the next August Valley was formed. In January, 1843, Catawissa was represented as still too large for the convenience of the expanding population, and the court was petitioned to form a new township of its western portion. The line, as confirmed by the court at a subsequent session in this year, began " at a chestnut oak nine perches below the mouth of Clayton's run;" thence to the run, and up its course to the forks; thence up the east branch " forty perches to a stone-heap," in the line between John Forten and Conrad Fenstimaker, and thence southerly to the This township was named Franklin, line of Roaring creek (now Locust). and included the present township of that name and Mayberry. In the following April Bloom and Briarcreek found that the population of their outlying territory had outgrown the early facilities, and asked the court to confirm two lines of division, the one to begin at the Susquehanna, on the line between the lands of Philip Miller and the heirs of Henry Trimbly, deceased, in Bloom township, and thence in a direct line northward to strike the Orange line the other to begin at the river, on the line between the lands of Alten Bowman and John Freese, Jr., in Briarcreek township, and thence northwardly in a The northdirect line to strike the Fishing creek line on the Knob mountain. ern boundary followed the line of Fishing creek township to the Orange line, and thence along said line of Orange to intersect with the northern end of first line mentioned. This proposition was met with a remonstrance, and in April, 1844, was referred to a second commission, which reported the same lines favorably, which, on November 25th, were "confirmed absolutely" by the court. On account of its situation the new township was named Center. The year 1843, was especially marked by the activity in township building, and in N^ovember a third township was projected, to be formed fi'om the out; ^^^.."rJ/,, wMi^' .^ / % J^^^ t^T^Lt-o^x-"^-'^*'*^-^ ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 75 A favorable report was had by the lying portions of Catawissa and Mifflin. viewers, but a spirited remonstrance caused the matter to be referred to a second commission, which returned a favorable report in August of the succeeding There were few natural boundaries, and the lines are therefore best inyear. dicated in the language of the report, which were to begin " at a hemlock on the bank of the Susquehanna, and near the mouth of Thresher's run; thence south 21° east 848 perches to a stone; thence south 16° east 494 perches to a stone heap on the summit of Nescopec mountain; thence continuing to the line of Schuykill County; thence along the same to the line of Roaringcreek township; thence northwardly along same to a black oak in Jacob Fisher's field, a corner of Roaringcreek township; thence by the same, south 65° west, 760 perches to a white pine; thence north 25° west, 1,358 perches to a beech on the bank of said river; and thence up the same 1,587 perches, to place of The township thus described was a quadi-alateral with a wedgebeginning. shaped appendage extending southeasterly to the Schuylkill county line. Several siu'veys were made, and each was strongly opposed, and it was not xintil November 25, 1844, that the objections to the above line were overruled and the repoi't of the commissioners confirmed absolutely by the court. In the final report the name of the township is written Maine, though the records quite as There is no evidence to show whether the one or often omit the final vowel. the other spelling indicates the idea of the sponsors of the new township. In 1845, there was a movement to divide Roaringcreek, but a commission reported adversely to the petition, and the matter was dropped. At the same term of court, however, there was presented a petition to divide Miiflin, which eventually proved successful. The Nescopec mountain had proved a barrier to the free communication of the people as the settlements increased south of it, created dissatisfaction in the collection and ajjpropriation of taxes. and The Paxton election precinct had been formed in the territory south of the mountain, which is occasionally referred to in the records as a "proposed proposed" until this date. but it was not officially township, In the report confirmed by the court November 22, 1845, the movmtain was made the northern boundary from the Luzerne county line to the line of Maine township; "thence down the summit of the mountain, south 75^^'' west, 138 perches to a chestnut oak corner; thence striking down the south side of said mountain, south 2G.T° west, 610 perches to a black oak in Jacob Fisher's field, a corner of Roaringcreek and Maine township," taking off the wedge-shaped appendage of the latter township and adding it to the proposed township. This was called Beaver, which still retains its original shape and area. In 1847, Derry was divided and Anthony formed. In January, 1850, SugarFive years before the same request had been made loaf asked for a division. and i-efused; but the growth of population now made the demand with such persistence that, notwithstanding the adverse report of the first commission appointed, it was finally divided in the summer term by a line starting on the county boundary three and three-quarters miles above the northeast corner of Fishingcreek, and thence north 88° west four miles and 146 perches, to a post on the Jackson line three miles and 160 perches above the southwest corner of Sngarloaf. South of this line the territory of the latter township was In the January term. Madison erected into a new township called Benton. also petitioned for a division of its area, the petition setting forth that it contained " four hundred taxables;" but the erection of Montour county solved this question in another way. The division of Columbia county, in 1850, was the final outcome of the struggle which was inaugurated in 1813; from that date to 1821 the contest ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 12 70 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. was scarcely intermitted; but from 1821 to 1833 the matter was not carried to In every the legislature, though the demand for removal had not abated. campaign this question formulated the test by which the candidates for county or legislative honors were tried' and their election contested, but the issue was, for a time, so confused by conflicting interests that no decisive resiilts could be obtained. In 1822, Columbia was made a separate district, from which two state representatives were elected, and the opposed factions being thus equally The representation of the county in the represented the matter was tabooed. In state senate also added to the difficulties of the partisans for removal. 1814, Northumberland, Columbia, Union, Luzerne and Susquehanna were united in a district with two senatorial representatives; but with Columbia divided and the others indifferent it was impossible to elect a senator pledged But while thiis hampered and delayed, the eastern faction of the to removal. county bided the time when natural decay or accident should bring up the , question of extensive repairs, or the appropriation for the erection of new buildino-s. This came in 1833, when the grand jury, at the November session, reported to the court that the public records were in great danger of being destroyed by fire for want of suitable protection, and recommended the erection This action aroused the opponents of the Danville locaof fire-proof offices. tion, who were determined that no public money should be appropriated Petitions for the removal of the countyfor the repair of the old buildings. seat were again vigorously circulated and numerously signed, and were preThese were so strenuously urged sented in both branches of the legislature. that bills to carry out the prayer of the petitioners were presented in each house, the one in the senate, however, alone coming to a vote, when it was defeated by a majority of eleven to fifteen. This issue was further complicated, in the meanwhile, by the ambition of Berwick to secure metropolitan honors. It was conceived that with the county seat so far west of a central location, that the outlying portions of Columbia and Luzerne could be brought together in a new county, with Borwick as the This ainbition was fostered by the Danville people, as efFect seat of justice. ually operating in favor of their interests, and so it occurred that the extremes This was especially true of the county united to defeat the central faction. from 1836 to 1840. In the first named year Columbia and Schuylkill counties were made to constitute a senatorial district, with one member, and Columbia, alone, to constitute a district, from which one member of the lower house was elected. The senator, elected in 1837, was a resident of Schuylkill, and, in the divided condition of Columbia at best, could be expected to do nothing. The representative elected in 1830 was from Berwick, as was the one elected in the following year. In 1838 and the succeeding year the representative was elected from Danville, and in 1840 the senator was a citizen of Berwick and an earnest advocate of the new county scheme. The Bloomsburg faction made an earnest ficht for the election of candidates favorable to its plan in these years, but had signally failed, and the sentiment was growing that it was no longer worth while to resist the inevitable. It was about this time that the Rev. D. J. Waller, Sr. came to Bloomsburg to take charge of several Presbyterian churches in this region, of which the one He found his congregation here at Bloomsburg was the most important. greatly in need of members of commanding social influence, and therefore visited Danville with the hope of inducing some Presbyterian business men to come to Bloomsburg, for whom there was an eligible opening. He was met at the outset with the question whether he favored the removal of the county-seat, and on expressing himself in the affirmative he found his church brethren en, ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. him m?cavaher treatment somewhat ^^'1^'P?^^ *o ^^^i^t 77 in his project for building up his charge. Such pastor, a man of gfeat dect activity and he gave his interrogator? to unde" 8 and that, stand thttTt'^^^ if they refused him the aid of a few business men, the people of Bloomsburg would take the county-seat. This sally was met wfthTriln They pointed to the success which had hitherto attended the effoxis of Dan: new nettled the and dec ared that they had the wealth and influence to maintain the con ^^^ '''' *^^ -«to effect his promised revolution in t^s own 'Z^^''"^'^' vil le, «— ^"^ ^'^^'^^ ^^ *^^ ^^y °f ^easiu-es for the accomr.b-Jn''HTi'**i'' '^''"'J'' plishment of the desired removal, but it was much to receive the fresh couiage and determined aggressiveness of the new member of the community, and the removal faction soon began the fight, which steadily brought it nearer to the In 1840 Daniel Snyder was ''' ^^°^-*^ew17^i'^"'"*r"^ elected o the lower house r^"^^ from Bloomsburg, and re-elected each year, unt' ^'^''^^'^ *« '^' '^^^ ^^*^r«^t«' was elected ^StdleT ?f 1 f"^'*"^' HeiKlley, of Berwick, and an earnest advocate of the new county scheme was the senate until 1844, when, the district being changed so as t"^ incite Lu zerne county instead of Schuylkill, William S. Ross wlis elected, who proved somewhat .favorable to Bloomsburg interests. In the meanwhle a vigorous agitation in which Messrs. Snyder, Funston, William McKelvy and cliailes H. Doebler were prominent, was maintained in the county: petitions were nu '"? f°™^:^.^^,*« '^^ legislature, and'th^iews anTargu: me'nts oYth^'"' ^^^ ^^ *^^ -°^* ^--^^^ ^^^P^^ brought to the attL. ^ m Z:%tf::ZZf''''' The townships most convenient to Danville are the follnwino- and a«H contain ^^^t *t, lollowing, the number of taxables, paying tax as follows: • Taxables. Derry township contains Mahoning * (including Danville) " Limestone Liberty ^ 351 ^ilf.fl 1,31-3 62 ?o7 ogs " V.'.".". Hemlock contains 337 Tax orrn Jo -rop ". taxables, one-third 'of ^^ aqI ^^ whom are nearer to Danville than to Bloomsburg, but none of them latter place from the Accommodated more than six miles at Danville.' ihe townships most convenient to Bloomsburg are: Mount Pleasant Bloom (including Bloomsburg) Briar creek 37363 $i:i^^ Taxables. _,, -,, 109 7^ 147 IV, ' .V^X ' Catawissa if^ Greenwood Ha Fishing creek Toq Madison If.^ g2 Mifflin Roaring creek .'::.::;: Sugarloaf ! Hemlock (two-thirds) Accommodated at .' .' ! Bloomsburg ." ! '. Tav *J,o-, \ ^H -1 r i';„ 1.07o 2<^^ 94 218 78 514 45 S fg ^,^2^8 608 99 2I8 54? .' ! ! ! . ** Hf ^^ 33 3,035 ^ |g g^j ^5 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 78 There is another view in which the relative position of Danville and Bloomsburg may be seen, and it shows conclusively, as we think, the propriety of removing the seat of jusEighteen hundred and forty-eight taxables residing in Bloom, Briarcreek, Mount tice. Pleasant! Greenwood, Fishingcreek, Sugarloaf and Mifflin townships, all pass through Bloomsburg on their way to Danville. Few of them have less than fourteen miles, and many of them from twenty to thirty-five miles' travel to Danville. A large majority of 657 taxables residing in Catawissa and Roaringcreek townships (say five-sixth.s) are at least four miles nearer to Bloomsburg than to Danville, and the remainder are not more than two miles further from Bloomsburg than from Danville— even one-third of the 350 taxables in Derry, which we have set down to the credit of Danville are nearer to Bloomsburg than to Danville, and the remainder are not more than two miles farther from Bloomsburg than from Danville. From Mahoning township, in which Danville is situated, containing 351 taxables the average travel to Bloomsburg will not be ten miles. Liberty and Limestone townships form the Western bounds of the county and lie north and south Limestone contains 121 taxables. Liberty contains 268 taxables these 389 of each other. will none of them have to travel more than eight miles farther to reach Bloomsburg than to reach Danville, and many of them not so far. We would further remark, that Danville is as far from the center of business as from the center of population in the count^^ It draws a large portion of its business and supplies from a neighboring county, by which it is almost surrounded, and thus acts as a continual drain on the circulating medium of the county. Scarcely a single dollar of the money expended by suitors and others attending court, can ever find its way back into the interior of the county there is no trade between them, and no reciprocity of interest between the inteOn the other hand, Bloomsburg is not only very rior of the county and its metropolis. near the center of territory and population, but it is also the center of business. It is the natural outlet, and commands the trade of Hemlock, Madison, a portion of Derry, Greenwood, Sugarloaf, Fishingcreek, Mount Pleasant, Bloom, and a portion of Briarcreek townships. It is also in the line of communication for a large portion of the county, with the markets of Pottsville, Mauch Chunk, and places below those points. — — and notwithstanding that argument, the Danville adherents had influence sufficient to defeat every bill introduced in the legislature to allow the people of the county to adjust the matter in accordance with the will of the majority. Some progress had been made in this time, however, and the election of Ross it For nearly ten years urged by petition "was this state of affairs existed, and. to the state senate, in 1844, removed the great obstacle to Bloomsburg inThe friends of the old county- seat terests in that branch of the legislature. were not slow to road the signs of their waning power, and at once brought into prominence the cost which the erection of new public buildings would imThis final argument of a desperate cause was promptpose upon the county. ly met by the Bloomsburg people, who agreed to donate the grounds and erect the buildings at their own cost, and on the 24th of February, 1845, an act to submit the question to a vote of the people was approved by the governor. on which should seat of justice, This act provided that tickets labeled be written or printed "for Bloomsburg," or " for Danville," should be deposited in a box especially provided for the purpose, at the various polling places, and that the people, at the next general election, should thus decide, for or In case that the vote should show a against the removal of the county-seat. majority for removal, it was provided that within three years after such elecat their own proper expense, tion, the citizens of Bloomsburg should erect, and that of the most approved plans, suitable buildings of brick or stone, the old public grounds and buildings should be disposed of, to repay the original subscribers thereto, the surplus, if any, to revert to the county treasury. The election was accordingly held in the succeeding October, and resulted in a majority of 1,334 in favor of Bloomsburg out of a total of 4492 votes, Berwick casting 107 out of a total of 184 votes, against removal. In November, 1847, Danville ceased to be, in fact, as it had in anticipation, the seat of justice, and the defeated faction ostensibly prepared their minds to acThe cejjt provincial obscurity with such consolation as philosophy might afford. convention held this summer, for the nomination of legislative candidates, met in ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 79 Bloomsburg. and prominent before the convention was Valentine Best, a citizen of Danville, and the editor of the organ of that faction in the county -seat He was an ardent advocate for complete reconciliation; the long contest. struggle had been stubbornly contested on both sides, the decision had been made, and the chasm mast now be not merely bridged over, but closed; henceforth he had no disposition to revive the issues now settled, and pledged himself, if elected, to devote his energies for the prosperity of the whole county. Such protestations were accepted by the victorious faction in good faith, and as a ratitication of peace an exchange of conciliatory olive branches Mr. Best was nominated, and eventually elected to the state senate. At the capital he found himself in company with sixteen whigs and sixteen fellow democrats, and evidently desirous of distinguishing himself, arrived at the conclusion that he had been providentially ordained to hold the balance of power. The duty of redistricting the state was devolved upon this legislature, and both political parties had made strenuous efforts to control the body for that purpose, but the whigs f-ound themselves in the minority. Accordingly, when the organization of the senate came up, Mr. Best made overtures to his political opponents, agreeing to give them control of redistricting the state, provided they would unite their votes with his own in making him president of the senate. In proper time Mr. Best was made president, and the whigs received — — their consideration. Whether the design of forming a new county had been conceived before the convention, or whether the success of his bargain suggested the plan to INIr. Best and his faction, are questions for which there is no sufficient answer at hand, but such a measure was soon introduced. It met with great opposition from the members of the legislatm-e, as the county was already small enough, but Mr. Best's position was such that for several weeks he held all business at a standstill until his favored measure was passed. It was but natural that the western faction of the county should forget the pleasant words of fraternal reconciliation uttered before the convention, and should give place to animated expressions of satisfaction. The eastern faction, on the other hand, could not restrain expressions of wi-ath at the action of the minority, but the whig faction did not fail to recognize that the party had received an ample quid pro quo. The line of division included in the new county little more than those who had o})posed the removal, and embraced all that part of Columbia county included within the limits of the townships of Franklin, Mahoning, Valley, Liberty, Limestone, Derry, Anthony, and the borough of Danville, together with all that portion of the townships of Montour, Hemlock, and Madison, lying westward of the following line:" ' ' Beginning at Leiby's saw-mill on the bank of the river Susquehanna; thence by the road leading to the Danville and Bloomsburg road at or near to Samuel Lazarus house; thence from the Danville and Bloomsburg road to the back valley road at the end of the lane leading from said road to Obed Everett's house; thence by said lane to Obed Everett's house; thence northward to the schoolhouse near David Smith's, in Hemlock township; thence by the road leading from said schoolhouse to the state road at Robin's mill, to the end of the lane leading from said road to John Kinnej^'s house; thence by a straight line to John Townsend's, near the German meeting-house; thence to Henry Johnston's, near Millville: thence by a straight line to a post in the Lycomiug county line, near the road leading to Crawford's saw-mill, together with tliat part of Roaringcreek township lying south and west of a line beginning at the southeastern corner of Franklin uylkill county line, at the northeast corner of Barry Provided, hotcever, that at no time hereafter shall any portion of the territory embraced within the limits of the county of Northumberland be annexed or attached township. now 80 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. to the said county of Montour, without the said county of Northumberland. unanimous consent of the qualified voters of the seat of justice for the act declared, among other provisions, that It was approved on the 3d of May, fixed in the borough of Danville. There was a good 1850, and was to go into effect on the 1st of November. deal of ill-feeling over the division, in the eastern part of the county, which The same ' ' ' is ' intensified by the fact that they regarded it a practical violation of the pledges volunteered by Mr. Best, and when the extent of the territory taken "Reoff was accui'ately known, there was a general determination to resist. peal" became the rallying cry and the dominant issue in the exciting campaign which followed. Best was a candidate for I'e-election, but was beaten by The final result, however, was not C. R. Buckalew by a decisive majority. This was repeal but a limitation of the territory set off to the new county. undoubtedly the wisest adjustment of the matter, for however unwise the division then appeared, and was subsequently proven, it would have been equally unwise to hold a vigorous minority in a relation which would have inevitably Accordingly, by an act approved January given rise to bickerings and strife. 15, 1853, the division line was so changed as to restore that part of Roaringcreek township taken off, and such parts of the townships of Franklin, Madison and Hemlock, which lie eastward of the following line. Be,^iunintJC at the Northumberland county line, at or near the house of Samuel Reader; was thence a direct course to the center of Roaringcreek, in Franklin township, twenty rods above a point in said creek, opposite the house of John Nought; thence from the middle of the stream of said creek to the Susquehanna river; thence up the center of the same to a point opposite, where the present county line between Columbia and Montour strikes the north bank of the river; thence to said north bank; thence by the present division line between said counties to the school-house, near the residence of David Smith; thence to a point near the residence of Daniel 8mith; thence to the bridge over Deer lick run, on thr- line between Derry and Madison townships; tlience by the line between said township of Madison and the townships of Derry and Anthony to the line of Lycoming County.* The division line of 1850 so dismembered the townships of Madison, Hemlock and Montour that some readjustment of township lines became necessary, and, in 1852. what remained of Madison, south of Millville, was attached in part to Mount Pleasant, and part to Hemlock, the old name adhering to that portion which extended along the county line northwest of Greenwood. By the act of 1853 the latter was renamed Pine, and the restored portion, with those attached to Hemlock and Mount Pleasant, were formed into a township under The division effected in the township of Roaringcreek by the the old name. act of 1850 was subsequently made permanent, the restored portion being named Scott. This was found to conflict with a township, north of the river, which was then under the advisement of the court, and a month later the name was changed to Locust. In May, 1853, the citizens of Bloom presented a petition to the court of quai'ter- sessions praying for the division of the townin order that the business at the election board may be diminished. ship, The commissioners to whom the matter was referred evidently found the reason assigned entirely sufficient for the purpose, and reported the dividing line, beginning " at a point in the middle of the north branch of the Susquehanna river, immediately opposite the corner and division line of the farms of Peter Mensch and Daniel Snyder," and thence in a direct line northward to the line ' ' ' ' constitutes the present western boundary of the county, but to complete the history of the eastern should be added, that by an act of the legislature, approved March 3, 1818, a section of the southeastern area of Mifflin and Catawissa townships was stricken off, and with a part of the adjacent area of Luzerne, was added to Schuylkill county. The division line began " at a corner In the line dividing the county of Columbia from the county of Schuylkill; thence extending through the township of Catawissa north ten degrees east, four miles and a half to a pine tree on the little mountain thence extending through the townships of Catawissa and Miftiin north forty-five degrees east, five miles to a stone on Buck's mountain and in a line dividing the county of Columbia from the county of Luzerne thence through the township of Sugarloaf in the county of Luzerne," etc. This boundary it ; ; , HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 81 Mount Pleasant township, near the hoiise of John Howery. This report was confirmed September 7, 1853, and the new township named Scott. The At this time the latter final township erected was formed, in 1855, from Locust. township was from twelve to fourteen miles long, and from eight to ten miles wide, '"the southern end being a stone-coal and mining region, and the northern end being a farming district." Commissioners appointed to view the town- of ship reported favorably, indicating a line of division beginning at or near where the south branch of Roaring creek, or the Brush-Valley creek, crosses the Northumberland line, thence two hundred and twenty perches north on to the Little mountain; thence easterly along the mountain to the Schuylkill county line. This report was confirmed in November, 1855, and the township named Conyngham for the president judge of that name, who then occupied the bench in Columbia county. In a subsequent petition it is stated that the township was erected in February, 1856, but there is nothing in the record of that term to warrant the statement. In carrying out their engagements, which were made a part of the conditions upon which the removal of the county- seat was effected, the Bloomsburg people acted in no niggardly spirit. AYilliam McKelvy and Daniel Snyder were the prime movers in this matter, and as soon as the question of removal was decided at the polls, entered actively upon the work of erecting a courthouse and jail. Elisha H. Biggs, who had made a libei'al subscription, owned the site of the Exchange Hotel on the south side of Second street, aod with a shrewd calculation of the main chance " boiight the lot opposite, of Robert Cathcart, for a thoiisand dollars. This lot he offered in payment of his subscription as a site for the proposed court-house. William Robinson, who owned the lot adjoining on the upper side, also donated sufficient land, so that after the alleys on each side were made, the building site contained about ninety feet front. The proffered site, in location and contour, was every way desirable, and promptly accepted. Mr. Snyder contributed two lots, fronting on Center street and extending back to the iipper line of the court-house lot, for a jail site, which were accepted. At this time the Presbyterian church were planning for their present house of worship, and Rev. D. J. "Waller, Sr. went to Philadelphia to secure approved drawings, by which to erect the two structures. Napoleon Le Brun drew the plans, which were scrupulously ' ' observed in the erection of both buildings. The court house was constructed of brick in the pure Ionic order of architecture, and for years was considered the model building of its kind in the interior of the state. It was forty by sixty feet in size, with the county offices below, and a court and jury rooms above. A graceful flight of stone steps in front led to a vestibule opening into the court room, which possessed the rare excellence of being perfectly adapted to the purposes for which it was designed. The passage way to the offices was made under the fi'ont platform, in the rear of the front steps. The cupola, which surmounted the ridge at the front end of the building, was designed for a bell and clock. The first was procured by the county commissioners in 1848, at a cost of some four hundi-ed dollars; the clock was provided somewhat later by private subscription. In the summer of 1868 the court-house was extended by an addition of twenty-five feet. The additional space in the upper story was devoted to rooms for the law- library, for the use of the jiidges and the jiuy. In the lower story the office accommodations were enlarged, and additional fire-proof protection for the records afforded. In the changes incident to this improvement the comb of the roof was raised without a corresponding elevation of the cupola, which destroyed the true architectui-al proportions. In 1882, a new clock supplanted the older 82 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. one, which had outlived its usefuhiess, and a year later, the steam heating system was applied to the building. In this condition the court-ho^^se still remains, attractive in its outlines and situation, confirming by the test of experience that the requirement of the act of 1845, to erect buildings 'of the most approved plan," was fully met. ' The jail was constructed of brick and stone, and combined the usual features of a jailor's residence, and prison. It was a two story structure, with no claim to architectural distinction, but was conveniently located, and generally well calculated for the purpose to which it was devoted. It served the county for thirty years, though its insecurity occasioned considerable complaint in later years. At this time there appears to have been a difference of opinion as to the necessity of a new prison between the constituted authorities and many of the people. Three successive grand juries had recommended the erection of a new one without eliciting action, but the county commissioners made it known that if another jury recommended action it would be taken, whatever the judgment of the officials might be. The fourth grand jury promptly sanctioned the action of its predecessors, aad in 1877, the commissioners began measures for erecting a new jail. For various reasons it was determined to abandon the old site, and "the Pursel lot, on Market below Third (less sixteen feet in the rear)" was conditionally purchased for the purpose at a cost of four thousand dollars. The abandonment of the old site, the character of the new one, and its cost, combined to give rise to severe criticism of the commissioners' plans. On the 21st of April, the proposals for the construction of the new prison, upon plans and specifications drawn by a Mr. Wetzell, were opened, and the contract awarded to Charles King. This action intensified the dissatisfaction of the critics, who rapidly included a large proportion of the people in their numIt appears that there were ten proposals offered, ranging in i^rice from bers. 141,075 to !S;119,025, and that the award was made to the next to the lowest bidder, at a price $5,900 higher than the lowest mentioned. It was at once fi'eely charged that there were grave reasons to suspect jobbery on the part of the architect; that his compensation, as provided by contract, was less than onethird the usual price granted to competent men of this class and that his influence against the acceptance of the proposal of the lowest bidder was inspired by the wish to secure a more pliable contractor. The commissioners were therefore urged to dismiss the architect, abandon the new, expensive and mud bottom location," and to either order a new letting, or promptly accept the lowest bid already offered. The commissioners refused to accept these suggestions, and on the 27th of April, a Bill of Complaint in Equity was presented to the court, asking an injunction to restrain the authorities from building on the Pursel lot, and from entering into a contract with King.' In the hearing had upon this question, the fact was developed that the proposed lot was too narrow for the structure as planned, and that this would require such modifications in the present plans and pi'oposals as to render any action by the commissioners upon the ones accepted, improper, and hurtful to the interests of the people, and a temporary injunction was granted. In the meantime D. J. Waller, Sr., had offered to donate a lot on Iron street, between Seventh and Eighth streets, and in July the commissioners abandoned the first site selected, and accepted Mr. Waller's donation. This site was open to some of the same objections urged against the other site that it was inconveniently distant fi'om the court-house, and on low, wet ground, but the commissioners were not to be moved from their decision, and the new prison was eventually located on this site. In the matter of construe; ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 83 it is charged), evaded the injunction of the court, different parte of the structure to various contractors, some of v^ere only a cover for King, and it was further objected that the mode tion, the commissioners (as by granting the whom agreed price of $50,975, gave opportunity to swell the expense to seventy thousand dollars. In all this controversy, it is due the commissioners to say, there was no distinct charge of venality against the county officers, and the gravest objection, which still remains to the prison, is the suspicion that the architect corruptly profited at the expense of the county, through the ill-advised persistence of those in finally adopted, instead of restricting the cost to the authority. The prison, as it now exists, is a somewhat picturesque stone structure, consisting of a rectangular residence, of a high basement and two stories, the plainness of which is relieved by a square tower in its middle front, from the top of which a good view of the town may be obtained. An oblong extension at the rear contains the cells, which are arranged in two tiers on either side of a corridor, lighted by skylights in the arching roof. The upper tier is reached by an iron stairway and gallery. In the basement are provided several unused apartments, designed for workshops; a place for the storage of fuel, for the steam-heating apparatus, and the dungeon. The arrangements for the proper comfort of those confined here appear complete. Baths, water-closet conveniences, ventilation, lighting, heating and range for exercise are well provided for, and may be economically applied. It is reasonably secure, each cell being metal-lined, within heavy walls of stone; the light is admitted through glassclosed slots, difficult of access, and too narrow to allow the passage of any human being. The doors to the cells are double, the inner one of strong metal grating and the outer one of wood, so combined that both are made secure by one lock, which is beyond the reach of the most ingenious criminal. This part of the structure is flanked on either side by a rectangular inclosure, the high stone walls of which form projecting wings back of the rear line of the residence part of the building. The whole structure has an appearance of massive strength, which might well cause the evil-doer to hesitate in a course likely to place him in confinement behind its walls. Several prisoners have escaped from it, however, but this was rather the result of carelessness than from any architectural default. The only other public buildings in the county are the several district poorhouses; the county has no eleemosynary institution of its own. In the early history of the county, those dependent upon charity for support were provided for under the general law by the several townships, and were farmed out. In later years this method was seen by many to be crude and unsatisfactory, and in 1866 an act was passed aixthorizing the people of Columbia to ascertain the sense of the citizens as to the expediency of erecting a poor-house for the use of the whole county. On submitting the question to vote it was found that only Bloom, Greenwood and Hemlock supported the project, and it was accordingly abandoned. In 1869, however, an act was passed authorizing the erection of a poor-house in Bloom, and provided also that, "at the request of any ten taxable inhabitants of any township in the county of Columbia," an election should be ordered to decide whether said township should join Bloom in forming a district for the purpose. Under that provision elections were held in 1870, by Scott, Greenwood and Sugarloaf, and these townships were united with Bloom in the enterprise. A farm of one hundred acres, on Fishing creek, in Mount Pleasant township, was procured, with comfortable buildings. There are two, a brick and a frame, the inmates occupying the former. "Water is supplied fi'om the creek by a windmill; two bath-rooms supply the means ' ' ' 84 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTV. In 1869, under a for cleanliness, and a furnace heats the whole building. special act of the legislature, the township of (^onyngham, with the borough farm of some seventy-five acres, in of Centralia, organized a district. A Locust township, was purchased, which, with all personal property belonging to this corporation, was, by a provision of the same act, exempted from all taxIn 1872 Madison township was authorized, by ation, save for state purposes. a special act, to form a corporation for the care of the poor, and under its provisions a farm of about one hundred acres was purchased, where its indigent citizens are now comfortably cared for. The removal of the seat of justice to Bloomsburg, practically marks the origin of a new county. Prior to this event, what is now Columbia county was overshadowed by the maturer settlement and greater influence which made the western section the seat of power. The promise of the future was with the eastern section. Its development was rapid, and its power steadily increasing, but it was not until it had acquired the county-seat and repioved Had the thither the public records, that the period of its tutelage ended. identity of the original county remained unimpaired by division, time would doubtless have exorcised the spirit of authority which naturally lingered about its vacant throne, but the formation of Montour intervened, and the deserted Columbia thus tribune was again rehabilitated with the insignia of power. found itself in possession of the old name without the hereditary title, or rather in the condition of one of an old partnership where, after dissolution, the one partner retains the firm name and the old account book, and the other takes the " old stand, " with the prestige and traditions which naturally linger about it. This fact is doubtless more apparent in retrospection than it was at the time of removal. There was nothing at that date to abate the sense of triumph, and the records were brought to Bloomsburg with great demonstrations of rejoicing. The crowning act of success accomplished, the more enthusiastic citizens gave themselves up to celebrating the event with ceremonies of a bibulous character, and, in the expressive phrase of the street, "painted" the new seat of justice a much deeper hue than a peach-blow tint. The first court was held in Bloomsburg in January, 1848, with Joseph B. Anthony as president judge. The original county was annexed to the middle district of the supreme court, and the eighth judicial district of the court of common pleas, comprising the counties of Northumberland, Union and Luzerne. Under the amended constitution, Columbia was placed in the eleventh district with Luzerne and Wyoming, and subsequently with Sullivan and Wyoming in the twenty-sixth. Under the constitution of 1872, Columbia and Montour were formed into a district, a relation that is still sustained. Of those who preceded Judge Anthony on the Columbia county bench, Seth Chapman was the first to occupy the place. He was appointed president judge of the Northumberland district in 1811, from Bucks county, and when this county was formed, in 1813, held the first court at Danville in the following January. He resigned in 1833, and was succeeded by Judge Ellis Lewis, a native of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania. Beginning life as a printer, he subsequently occupied the editorial chair, and finally studied law, being admitted to the bar at the age of twenty- five. Two years later he received the appointment of deputy attorney-general for Lycoming county; in 1832 was elected to the legislature, where he served with distinction on several important committees; in 1833 he was appointed attorney-general for the commonwealth, and later in the same year was appointed successor of Judge Chapman. For ten years he discharged his duties in this court with marked ability, and was then transferred to the bench of the second district. He was subsequently elevated to the po- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 85 supreme court of the state, and was afterward appointed one of a committee of three to revise the criminal code. On the 14th of January, 1843, Charles G. Donnel, of Northumberland county, was appointed to the vacancy on the bench of the eighth district, and held his first term in Columbia county in April, 1843. He died in the following year, after giving promise of future eminence, and receiving the respect of the bar by his dignity and lU'banity upon the bench. He was succeeded in March, 1844, by Judge Anthony, of Lycoming county. The latter began his legal career at Williamsport in 1818. In 1830 he was elected to the state senate, and, in 1834, to congress, to which he was reelected, two years later, by an unprecedented majority. In 1843 he was appointed judge of the court for the adjustment of the Nicholson claims, and in March, 1844, to the eighth district court. He discharged his judicial functions with great acceptability, deciding many important cases involving questions of considerable legal difficulty. He died in 1851, aud was succeeded by James Pollock. Judge Pollock was born in the borough of Milton, and began his education under the instruction of Judge Anthony. He was subsequently graduated from Princeton; studied law, and was admitted to the Northumberland bar in 1833 two years later, he was appointed district attorney, and in 1844 entered political life as a whig, being elected to congress from the thirteenth district, which was then strongly democratic. He was subsequently twice reelected, and served with credit upon the important committees of territories, ways and means, etc. In 1850, he was appointed president judge of the eighth judicial district, which then comprised the counties of Northumberland, Montour, Columbia, Lycoming and Sullivan. He held this position until the amendment of the constitution, making the judges elective, came into operation, when he declined a nomination for the place. In 1854 he was elected governor, the 'duties of which office he dischai'ged with such approval by the people that he was tendered a renomination; this he declined and resumed the practice of his profession. In 1860 he was appointed a delegate to the " peace congress " at Washington, and in 1861 was appointed director of the mint at Philadelphia. To him is originally due the motto, In God we trust, which is found upon the national coins. Resigning his office under the Johnson administration, he was reappointed in 1869, by President Grant, and continued to hold this position until 1882, when he was made collector of internal revenue. John Nesbit Conyngham succeeded Judge Pollock upon the bench of Columbia county. He was a native of Philadelphia, an alumnus of the University of Pennsylvania, and for thirty years presided on the bench with the dignity and urbanity of a gentleman of the old school." Elected in 1851, under the amended constitution, for the eleventh district, which included Columbia, he served on the bench of this county until 1856, when it was included in the twenty-sixth district. He resigned his commission in 1870, with the profound respect of the bar which practiced before him. On the formation of the twentysixth judicial district, Warren J. Woodward was appointed to preside over the new district, upon the recommendation of the several bars practicing in its courts. He was regularly elected to this position in October of the same year and served until December, 1861, when he resigned to accept a similar position in the court of Berks county. At the end of his tirst term in Berks, he was reelected, and served until the general election of 1874, by which he was transferred to the state supreme court, where he served until his death in 1879. Judge Woodward was born in Wayne county; obtained his early education at Wilkesbarre; served as printer and was subsequently connected with the Peunsylvanian at Philadelphia in an editorial capacity. He then studied sition of chief-justice of the ; ' ' ' ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, 86 law at Wilkesbarre, and for some fifteen years practiced his profession there with eminent success, possessing at the time of his elevation to the bench, the In the fall of 1861 A. K. Peckam was appointed to leading place at the bar. fill the unexpired term of Judge Woodward; he declined to be a candidate for the succeeding ofiicial term, and at the expiration of his commission resumed his practice at Tunkhannock, continuing until his death. In 1862 William Elwell was elected president judge of the twenty- sixth judicial district composed of the counties of Columbia, Sullivan and Wyoming, no candidate being named against him; and upon the expiration of his term, In May, 1874, Wyomin 1872, he was reelected without a dissenting vote. ing and Sullivan were created the forty- fourth judicial district, and Montour county was added to Columbia, the district still remaining the twenty-sixth. Upon his election, in 1862, he removed to Bloomsburg, where he has ever since resided. In April, 1871, Judge Elwell was chosen umpire to settle the difficulties between the operators and the miners in the anthracite coal regions, and his impartial judgment was accepted by all parties as a just and equitable soluHe has been frequently urged to become a candidate tion of the troubles. for the supreme bench, and he has been voted for in convention for that place; but he uniformly declined to authorize a canvas in his favor, for the office, not deeming it consonant with judicial propriety. And for the same reason he has refused to allow his name to be canvassed for the office of governor of the commonwealth, for which he has been frequently and warmly urged. On the expiration of his second term as president judge of the twenty-sixth district, the bar of the district unanimously and without distinction of party requested him to accept a third term, to which he consented; and the political convention of the democratic and republican party respectively, following the He was lead of the bar, nominated him to the office for the election of 1882. then again unanimously elected. It is believed that Judge Elwell has held more special courts than any judge now upon the bench. And in order to have the advantage of his legal learning and ability many important cases have been certified to Columbia county from other districts and tried before him. Among the many notable cases which he has tried are the Williamsport bond Tryon and Dall against Muncase Fisher against the City of Philadelphia son, and the celebrated Cameron will case from Union county, each involving the rights of parties to the amount of hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in On the appeal in all of which his opinions were affirmed by the supreme court. the will case, after elaborate argument by eminent counsel for the appellant, the decision was affirmed, the supreme court adopting the opinion of the court below as the opinion of that court, The Mollie Magnire case, growing out of the murder of Alexander W. Rea which was affirmed by the supreme court, of itself forms a large volume, and establishes many important questions on the law of homicide was tried before him. Numerous cases in equity in this and other counties have been heard and decided by him, and, with a single exception, their divisions have been susHis opinions, which appear in the state report, in the Weektained on appeal. ly Notes of Cases and other legal publications, are considered valuable additions to the legal literature of the time. It is worthy of mention that of all the cases in the court of oyer and terminer, quarter- sessions and orjDhan's court, not a single case from this district has been reversed during the more than twenty years he has been upon the bench. In counties of less than forty thousand inhabitants two associate judges are — — — — HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 87 elected whose chief business is to pass upon matters of county administration. They have also, in the absence of the president judge, jurisdiction in cases involving the relief of suitors, such as the stay of execution in civil cases, the granting of a writ of habeas corpus, and may, when united, overrule the president judge in the imposition of penalty in criminal cases. In questions of law simply they have no jurisdiction, and practically their activity is confined to county administration, in which each has an equal voice with the law judge. In the work to which the foregoing pages are indebted for the facts pertaining to the bench, Mr. Freeze thus refers to the local bar: "This is not the place, or we might add much matter to this division, of personal history and anecdote, of gentlemen who, upon the bench or at the bar, have given to our county a solid and honorable reputation at home and abroad of Robert Cooper Grier, who began the practice of the law in Bloomsburg, and rose to be an associate justice of the United States supreme court;* of William G. Hiirley, for more than forty years identified honorably with the bar of this county; of John G. Montgomery, a man of great power and eloquence, elected to the legislature and subsequently to congress, and who perished in the National Hotel disaster; of John Cooper, himself an eccentric and brilliant man, the son of Judge Thomas Cooper, renowned in the old world as well as here; of George A. Frick, second to none as a man, and as a lawyer of extensive and solid attainments; of Robert F. Clark and Morrison E. Jackson, who, among the younger members of the bar, achieved and maintained a position at the head of the profession in the county. Nor would it be difficult to select, from among the living, names whose sound will long linger in the memories of the young men of the bar, and whose courtesy, learning and chaste professional honor it would be safe to follow and ennobling to emulate." Of the present active members of the bar there are several whose legal acquirements and native talent make them friendly rivals for the second place, but by general agreement the Hon. C. R. Buckalew is facile princeps. He was born in Fishingcreek township; studied law with M. E. Jackson, and in 1843 was admitted to the bar. In 184:5 he was appointed prosecuting attorney, — an olfic3 he resigned two years later. In 1850 he entered political life, having been elected to the state senate for the district comprising the counties of Luzerne, Columbia and Montour. At the expiration of his first term he was reelected, and in 1854 was appointed special commissioner to exchange ratifications of a treaty with Paraguay. In 1856 he was chosen presidential elector, and in the following year was made chairman of the democratic state committee. In this year he was returned to the state senate, and in the following winter was appointed one of the committee to revise the criminal code. He resigned both positions in the summer of. 1858, however, to accept the appointment as minister resident of the United States at Quito. After three years' absence he returned to his home, and, in 1863, was elected to the United States senate. On his retiring from congress, he was again returned to the state senate, and in 1872 become candidate for governor of the state. In this campaign he was defeated, but was immediately chosen to a vacancy in the constitutional convention, made by the resignation of Mr. Freeze, who retired in his favor. In the intervals of his political career, Mr. Buckalew has practiced his profession with increasing success, and has found time amid all these demands upon his time and strength, to prepare and publish, in 1872, a work on "Proportional Representation;" and, in 1883, "An Examination of the Constitution of Pennsylvania." In the fall of 1886 he was elected from the eleventh district to the lower house of congress. 88 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. There have been no local cases before this court of more than temporary On Sunday, October importaace save the one arising out of the Rea murder. 18, 1808, the dead body of Alexander W. Rea, a citizen of Centralia in this county, and ageat for the Locust Mountain Coal and Iron Company and the Coal Ridge Improvement Company, was found in the bushes near the waterbarrel on the road from Centralia to Mount Carmel, riddled with bullets. He was last seen near that point on Saturday preceding. On the 17th of November, 1868, on the testimony of one Thomas Doorley, John Duffy, Michael Prior and Thomas Donohue were arrested for the murder and lodged in the Pottsville jail. After a habeas corpus hearing, the prisoners were sent to this county for trial. About the time of Donohue' s arrest, Patrick Hester went to Suspicion had already Illinois, where he had a brother and sister living. In the early part of January, 1869, Hester returned, fastened upon him. At the December sesto Bloomsburg and delivered himself up for trial. sion of 1868, a bill of indictment was found against Donohue, Duffy and Prior, and at the February session of 1869, a similar bill was returned against Hester, Donohue and Duffy. The case was called by the district attorney on February 2, 1869, the On motion of prisoners were arraigned and severally pleaded not guilty. counsel, separate trials were granted, and the commonwealth elected to proOn the morning of the 3d, a jury was empanceed against Thomas Donohue. E. R. Ikeler, district attorney, Linn neled, and the trial proceeded with. Bartholomew, Robert F. Clark, Edward H. Baldy and M. M. L'Velle repre^ sented the commonwealth, while John W. Ryan, John G. Freeze, Myer Strouse, S. P. Wolverton and W. A. Marr defended the prisoner. The theory of the i)rosecution was that this Saturday being a general payday in the coal regions, a party of assassins had concealed themselves at this point for the purpose of securing the money which it was supposed Mr. Rea would carry to pay the hands at the colliery. It was his custom, however, to pay the men on Friday, so that the messenger who brought the cash from PhilThis practice was of long standing, was adelphia could return on Saturday. well known to every one in the region, and had been followed on the day preIt appeared pretty certain therefore, that the perpetravious to the murder. tors of the crime were ignorant of the time of payment at the Coal Ridge ColThe liery, and were to be sought outside of the immediate neighborhood. trial of Donohue terminated on the 11th of February in a verdict of not guilty, and the prisoner was discharged. At the May term, 1869, the case of Daffy was tried and resulted in the On the same day, the eviacquittal of the defendant on the 11th of May. dence against Hester at that time being insufficient to convict, a nolle 2yrosequi was entered, and he was discharged. Prior was tried and acquitted. Seven years subsequently passed by, and no further clue to the murderers of Rea was discovered. At this time, there was a man named Manus Cull, alias Daniel Kelly, one of the most abandoned criminals, confined in the Schuylkill Learning that there wore suspicions of county jail on the charge of larceny. his having some guilty knowledge of the Rea murder, this man offered to turn Accordingly, state's evidence to shield himself from the threatened penalty. on his testimony, Peter McHugh and Patrick Tally were arrested in the fall of 1876, as participants in the murder, and Patrick Hester was re-arrested as an They were first lodged in the Pottsville jail, and on accessory before the fact. came On Wednesday, February 31, 1877, brought to this county for trial. 7th, the trial began, Messrs. Hughes, Buckalew and District -Attorney Clark January appearing for the commonwealth, and Messrs. Ryan, Wolverton, Freeze, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 89 Brockway, Mahan and Elwell for the defense. The prisoners were formally arraigned, Tully and McHugh answering not guilty. For Hester, a special plea was presented, to the efPect that he had once been arrested and discharged for the same offense. This plea the court overriiled, and Hester entered the plea of not guilty. The three prisoners elected to be tried together. "Daniel Kelly," who was made a competent witness by a pardon from the governor, furnished the principal evidence against the accused, which is substantially set forth in the judge's charge to the jury, as follows: Daniel Kelly, an accomplice in the murder of Alexander W. Rea, has testified to facts, which if believed to be true, establish the guilt of all the prisoners. He says that robbery and murder of Mr. Rea was planned on the night of the 16th of October, 1868, the at the saloon of Thomas Donohue in Ashland, at the suggestion of Patrick Hester; that there were present at the conspiracy ten persons, viz. Patrick Hester, Peter McHugh, Patrick Tully, Ned. Skirington, Bryan Campbell, James Bradley, William Muldowney, Roger Lafferty, Jack Dalton and himself; that its object was money. Hester informed the others that Rea would go to Bell's tunnel the next day, and that there was money in it eighteen or nineteen thousand dollars; that the whole band had pistols; that for them, it was agreed to rob, but not to kill Mr. Rea; that they all stayed in Donohue's saloon drinking all night until nearly daylight, when all except Lafferty started out to meet Mr. Rea on the Mount Carmel road between Centralia and Mount Carmel; that Muldowney left them saying he was lame; that above the toll-gate, Hester and Skirington left, Skirington saying that he would [go to work in order to ward off suspicion, and Hester that he would go to Shomokin to buy hair to put in lime for plastering; that he there handed his pistol to Kelly saying, "your pistol is no good, take mine for I know it is sure;" that the money was to be divided between eight of them; that the two others for some reason were to have no part; that they were all members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Hester being bodymaster, whose orders, according to the practices among them, they were bound He says that the party of six arrived at the place known as the "Water-barrel " to obey. in the early morning, and were concealed by the side of the road; that Dalton being the only one of the party who knew Mr. Rea, went upon the road and was to give signal by raising his hatj after Mr. Rea had passed him; that they saw a wagon coming and went out by the side of the road, but as Dalton did not raise his hat, went back into the brush; that when Mr. Rea did come along they went out upon him, robbed him of his money, gold watch and pocket-book; that then he and Tully fired at him about the same time; that Rea ran and they all kept firing at him, McHugh following nearer than the rest, and nearer to the side of Mr. Rea, fired upon him; that deceased fell upon his face, and Tully put his pistol behind his ear and fired; that the party went upon the mountain and divided the sixty or seventy dollars found in the pocket-book; that he kept the watch and gave it to Michael Graham on the evening of the same day to^keep for him, telling him -^ * * * He further says that he saw Hester on the night of the it was Rea's watch. murder at Michael Graham's at a raffle; that Hester said the money was not worth dividing. He further testified that the day after, as he thinks, Thomas Donohue was arrested for the murder; that he, Jack Smith, Lafferty, Tully and McHugh went to see Hester, and that Smith informed Hester of Donohue's arrest when Hester replied. "It is near time that I should clear out," and that he left that night, and that the next night or two the witness, Tully and McHugh left for fear of being arrested. ' ' ' ' : — The trial lasted nearly three weeks, when the jury, after being out but a short time, returned a verdict of guilty. An application for a new trial failed, and the prisoners were sentenced to be hanged, the death warrants fixing August 9, 1877, as the date of execution. The case was carried to the supreme conrt and a stay of execution thus effected; but in December the supreme court rendered a decision sustaining the court below, when the case was taken to the board of pardons, which on March 19, 1878, refused to interfere. In the meantime, the governor issued alias death warrants fixing Monday, the 25th of March, as the date of execution. Up to within about two weeks of the date of execution all three of the men persisted in their protestations of innocence, but at this time Tully sent word to George E. Elwell, one of his counsel, requesting an interview. At this conference, the condemned man signified his intention of making a statement after the final action of the board of pardons was ascertained. On Tues' ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 90 had been informed that the last hope Tully was called upon, about nine o'clock at He then dictated a confession, which was read to him and received his night. signature. In it he confessed to his guilt and practically corroborated the evidence of Kelly, saying, "He swore to some lies, but most he said was true." The other men continued to assert their innocence until Sunday night, when McHugh rethey were informed that Tully had confessed the whole truth. ceived the information with apparent indifference, but Hester was completely confounded, and in a few moments both freely confessed their guilt. The gallows, borrowed fi'om the authorities of Carbon county, was erected in the western corner of the old jail yard, and at 11:15 a. m. on the day fixed, the penalty of death was inflicted upon the condemned men. The miserable wretch who bore such fatal evidence against his accomplices, at Bloomsburg, was subsequently made a witness in a similar trial at Wilkesbarre. In these trials he freely confessed to an appalling career of crime which justly merited the infliction of the extreme penalty of the law. His evidence was given without stipulated immunity by the authorities, and at the February term of court in 1878, full preparations were made ti;> try him for the murder of Rea, but at the urgent request of F. P. McGowan and others engaged in prosecuting the Mollie Maguire cases elsewhere in the coal region cases in which the chief hope for conviction rested upon the expected confession of accomplices, the prosecuting attorney allowed the second term after Under Kelly' s indictment to draw to its close without appearing against him. the rule, therefore, the prisoner was entitled to his discharge, and on ihe 18th of May, the court granted it, concurring in the judgment of the prosecutor who "To permit Daniel Kelly to escape without trial, will, in my opinion, said: give greater terror to the remainder of these criminals who are yet fugiThe event proved the wisdom of this policy. Crimitives from justice." nals were in constant dread lest some accomplice should save himself at the expense of the rest a condition of things which speedily precipitated Conviction followed arraignment with a rethe very danger they feared. morseless precision that struck terror into the hearts of the Mollie Maguires, and disrupted this nefarious conspiracy against human life. day, the 19th instant, after the prisoners for them in this world had failed, — The tables which follow afford a convenient means of reference to the facts more specifically stated in the foregoing chapter. The first table indicates the order and nature of the formation of townships. # \ % %, '% ^^. ^. 3^^^M(:kA<^ .. .. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 9E FORMED FROM. 1772 1772 1772 1775 1785 1786 1789 Turbut Wyoming. Augusta Northumberland county. Northumberland county. Northumberland county . .... Mahoniug . ,Catawissa. . Turbut. Augusta. Turbut. Derry Fishingcreek Briarcreek 1797, 1797. 1798. 1799. 1801. . Wyoming. Fishingcreek. Catawissa. . Mifflin Bloom Greenwood Hemlock ^Q,., loj2 1817 1818 Briarcreek. Fishingcreek. . Mahoning. iSugarloaf Fishingcreek. Derry. Green-wood, Bloom and Fishingcreek Catawissa. Madison Mt. Pleasant. Roaringcreek iMontou. 'Jackson 1^;^? ]^^' \^-'^ lo*" ^^^3 I Orange Hemlock. Greenwood. Fishingcreek, Mt. Pleasant and Catawissa. and Catawissa. Bloom and Briarcreek. . Franklin '^^^* Maine 18+4 . Center iBeaver iBenton l^l'i JJjO ]^~^ !o-o ]^^l ^°^'^ Bloom Mifflin . . and Maine. . Mifflin . Sugarloaf. iPine [Locust JMa'dison. Roaringcreek Bloom iScott iConyngbam I Locust. The courts of the county are known under the distinctive titles of quarter sessions orphans', oyer and terminer, and common pleas, with a iurisdic tion peculiar to each, but practically a single court engaged in the ' cation of different classes of legal question! The members ot this consisting of a president judge and two associates, were appointed by the governor unti a change in the constitution placed their selection, in 185^1 in , S Xidi "^"^ at foflows "^"'""''^ ^"""'^ ^°"^* ^^« been constHuted. ^^' • PRESIDENT JUDGES. APPOINTED. Seth Chapman E Us Lewis Charles G.Donnel Jan. iz^l'^^±}}''^y James Pollock Jan. July . wi'lllZ . ' ' . died" March 18' 18il died ::::'Slo;l8S expired. .Nov. 5, 1851 ;^i-phi8i4 1.5, 1851.' .'com. 15, 1851 19. nT^nSil Del lO^Sfi? District 1856 l,^'S-^«-Nov. -^^^^P'^^-?/^- 3, Ilr/ell; :;::::.:: ; . : : expir'e'd.'''No%.'g; 1862.. com. expired ;fc I, ,S: ASSOCIATE ; f ?"!: y^" JUDGES. John Murray (appointed), October 11, 1813. William Montgomery appointed), August 5, 1815 Leonard Rupert (appointed), June 27, 1816. William Donaldson (appointed), March 20, 1840. ^ RESIGNED. Oct. 10, 1833 Jan. 14. 1843 .' Oct. 14, 1833. 14, 1843 John N. Conyngham Nov. Warren J. Woodward. apptd. May WiHiHrn wu nam ^i^ell 'ETwdl'"™- 11, 1811 ' Nov 6 ^•- ' 86^ 187'> '« HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 94 George Mack (appointed), March 27, 1840. Samuel Oakes (appointed), March 0, 1845. Stephen Baldy (appointed), March 11, 1845. George H. Willits (appointed), March 12, 1850. John Covanhovan (appointed), March 12, 1850. Leonard B. Rupert (elected), November 10, 1851. Geo. H. Willits (elected), November 10, 1851. Peter Kline (elected), November 12, 185G. Jacob Evans (elected). November 12, 1856. Stephen Baldy (appointed). January 12. 1861. John McReynolds (elected), November 23, 1861. Stephen Baldy (elected), November 23, 1861. Peter K. Herbein (elected), November 8, 1866. Died Iram Derr (elected), November 8, 1866. James Kester (appointed), April 23, 1869. Charles F. Mann (elected), November 26, 1869. in office April Died in office, 1, 1869. January 24, 1870. Isaac S. Monroe (appointed), February 1, 1870. Isaac S. Monroe (elected), November 9, 1870. Iram Derr (elected), November 17, 1871. Died in G-eorge Scott (elected), December 3, 1875. Mayberry G. Hughes (appointed), April 26, 1876. Franklin L. Shuman (elected), December 8, 1876. Isaac K. Krickbaum (elected), December 8, 1876. Franklin L. Shuman (elected), December 8, 1881. James Lake (elected), December 8, 1881. C. G. Murphy (elected), December 8, 1886. James Lake (elected), December 8, 1886. office, THE BAR. The names follow the order of their admission. Robert C. Grier, Bloomsburg, deceased. William G. Hurley, Bloomsburg, deceased. James Pleasants, Cata-wissa, deceased. Samuel F. Headley, Berwick, deceased. Morrison E. Jackson, Berwick, deceased. Le Grand Bancroft, Bloomsburg. deceased. B. K. Rhodes, Bloomsburg, left the county. Charles R. Buckalew, Bloomsburg, practicing. Robert F. Clark, Bloomsburg, deceased. Reuben W. W^eaver, Bloomsburg, deceased. John G. Freeze, Bloomsburg, practicing. Elisha C. Thomson, Bloomsburg, deceased. Franklin. Stewart, Berwick, practicing. Ephraim H. Little, Bloomsburg, practicing. Alexander J. Frick, Bloomsburg, left the county. Oliver C. Kahler, Bloomsburg, practicing. Wesley Wirt, Bloomsburg, deceased. Agib Ricketts, Bloomsburg, left the county. Robert S. Howell, Espy, practicing. W. A. Peck, Berwick, left the county. Charles G. Barkley, Bloomsburg, practicing. Samuel Knorr, Bloomsburg. practicing. • April 10, 1876. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Hervy H. Grotz, Bloomsburg, not practicing. William H. Abbott, Catawissa, left the county. Charles B. Brockway, Bloomsburg, practicing. Wellington H. Ent, Bloomsburg, deceased. M. M. Traugh, Berwick, left the county. James K. Brugler, Bloomsburg, left the county. Peter S. Rishel, Bloomsburg, left the county. Michael Whitmoyer, Bloomsburg, left the county. M. M. L'Velle, Centralia, left the county. Russel R. Pealer, Bloomsburg, left the county. Elijah R. Ikeler, Bloomsburg, practicing. Charles W. Miller, Bloomsburg, practicing. George S. Coleman, Bloomsburg, deceased. J. B. Robison, Bloomsburg, practicing. J. H. James, Centralia, left the county. M. E. Walker, Bloomsburg, left the county. O. B. Melick, Lightstreet, not practicing. James Bryson, Centralia, left the county. Milton Stiles, Berwick, left the county. Le Roy Thompson, Berwick, left the county. John M. Clark, Bloomsburg, practicing. B. Frank Zarr, Bloomsburg, practicing. A. C. Smith, Bloomsburg, deceased. H. E. Smith, Bloomsburg, practicing. John A. Opp, Bloomsburg, left the county. AVarren J. Buckalew, Bloomsburg, deceased. George E. Elwell, Bloomsburg, practicing. Robert R. Little, Bloomsburg, practicing. Nevin U. Funk, Bloomsburg, practicing. William L. Eyerly, Catawissa, practicing. Charles B. Jackson, Berwick, practicing. P. Billmeyer, Bloomsburg, practicing. Levi E. Waller, Bloomsburg, practicing. T. J. Vanderslice, Bloomsburg, left the county. H. C. Bittenbender, Bloomsburg, left the county. W. H. Rhawn, Catawissa, practicing. William Bryson, Centralia, practicing. Paul E. Wirt, Bloomsburg, practicing. Frank Robert Buckingham, Bloomsburg, practicing. L. S. W'intersteen, Bloomsburg, practicing. A. L. Fritz, Bloomsburg, practicing. Andrew K. Oswald, Berwick, practicing. Jacob H. Maize, Bloomsburg. practicing. C. C. Peacock, Bloomsburg, practicing. Heister V. White, Bloomsburg, practicing. A. E. Chapin, Bloomsburg, left the county, John C. Yocum, Catawissa, practicing. David Leche, Bloomsbiirg, left the county. Guy Jacoby, Bloomsburg, practicing. Wm. Chrisman, Bloomsburg, practicing. H. Snyder, Orangeville, practicing. Wm. E. Smith, Berwick, practicing. Grant Herring, Bloomsburg, practicing. W. 85 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 96 A. N. Yost, Bloomsburg, practicing. C. E. Geyer, Catawissa. practicing. S. P. Hanly, Berwick, practicing. COUNTY OFFICIALS. The present constitution provides that county oflScers shall consist of a prothonotary, clerk of the courts, sheriff, register of wills, recorder of deeds, auditor or controller, treasurer, district attorney, coroner, surveyor, commmisIn sioners, and such others as may, from time to time, be established by law. the smaller counties the duties of more than one office was imposed upon one official, hence the double title of prothonotary and clerk of the courts; and Under the constitution of 1790, all register of wills and recorder of deeds. county officers, save the sheriff and coroner, wgre appointed by the governor without participation by the people; but by an amendment in 1838, it was provided that "prothonotaries and clerks of the several courts (except the supreme court), recorders of deeds and registers of wills shall, at the time and place of election of representatives, be elected by the qualified electors of each county, or the districts over which the jurisdiction of said courts extends, and shall be They shall hold their offices for three years, commissioned by the governor. if they shall so long behave themselves well, and until their successors shall be duly qualified." PIIOTHONOTARY AND CLERK. appointed 1813 George A. Frick appointed Mar. 15, 1821 David Petrildn John Russel " Jacob Eyerly " " " " " James Donaldson... James Donaldson. James Donaldson. . . Valentine Best.... Jacob assumed Ej'-erly elected, December 1 Jesse Coleman Wellington Ent Died Nov. R. H. Ringler 5, Jan. 14, 1824 Jan. 19, 1830 Jan. 8,1836 May 1, 1838 Jan. 10, 1839 Jan. 18, 1839 office elected Dec. " Dec. 1, 1, 1839 1863 1869 1871. appointed 1871 elected Dec. B. F. Zarr William Krickbaum. William Snyder . .. " " Jan. Jan. 1, 7, 7. 1872 1878 1884 REGISTER AND RECORDER. Josiah McClure appointed 1814 Hughes Rudolph Sechler John Cooper 1821 1824 1830 " 1836 .appointed Jan. 18, 1839 " Ellis " " Alexander Best Philip Billmeyer. Philip Billmeyer elected, assumed office 1839 Dec.l Charles Conner elected Dec. 1, 1842 " Dec. 1, 1848 Jesse G. Clark " Dec, 1, 1804 Daniel Lee " Dec. 1, 1863 John G. Freeze " Dec. 1, 1869 William H. Jacoby " Jan. 2, 1882 Geo. W. Steiner " Jan. 5, 1885 Geo. W. Steiner . By the constitution of 1790, is was provided that "sheriffs and coroners shall, at the times and places of election of representatives, be chosen by the citizens of each county; two persons shall be chosen for each office, one of whom for each, respectively, shall be appointed by the governor. They shall hold their offices for three years if they shall so long behave themselves well, and until a successor be duly qualified; but no person shall be twice chosen or Vacancies in either of the said appointed sheriff in any term of six years. offices shall be filled by a new appointment to be made by the governor, to continue until the next general election and until a successor shall be chosen and qualified as aforesaid." The convention of 1838 so far amended this section as to require the people to choose one person only for each office, who was to be commissioned by the governor. SHERIFF. Henry Alward, commissioned Januaiy 13, 1814. Joseph Prutzman, commissioned October 19, 1816. John Underwood, commissioned October 18, 1819. Died in office. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 97 William Robison, to fill vacancy, September 16, 1822. Andrew McReynolds, commissioned October 14, 1822. John Rhoads, commissioned October 22, 1825. William Kitchen, commissioned October 22, 1828. Isaiah Reed, commissioned October 24, 1831. Isaiah Salmon, commissioned October 25, 1834. William Kitchen, commissioned October 18, 1837. John Fruit, commissioned October 30, 1840. Iram Derr, commissioned 1843. Benjamin Hayman, commissioned November 5, 1846. Peter Billmeyer, commissioned October 24, 1849. John Snyder, commissioned 1852. Stephen H. Miller, commissioned 1855. John Snyder, commissioned 1858. Josiah H. Fui'man, commissioned 1861. Samuel Snyder, commissioned 1864. Mordecai Millard, commissioned 1867. Aaron Smith, commissioned 1870. Michael Grover, commissioned 1873. Died in office April 3, 1876. Charles G. Murphy, Coroner, was sworn in April 5, 1876, to' May 5, 1876. Charles S. Fornwald, appointed by governor May 5, 1876, to January,' 1877. John W. Hoffman assumed office January 1, 1877. XJzal H. Ent assumed office January 5, 1880. John Mourey assumed office January 1, 1883. Samuel Smith assumed office January 4, 1886. foregoing list b J^G^ f"'^^^ of officials is derived from a History of Columbia County, CHAPTER IV. THE SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT. n^HE evolution of a homogeneous and prosperous community out of the various social material first planted in the broken country of the Fishing creek valley, and in the valleys of the Catawissa and Roaring creeks, involved a slow tedious process which they only can fully appreciate, whose lives have touched both extremes. What one has written of the west may with equal truth be applied to the pioneers of the interior of Pennsylvania. "In that span of peaceful days there was no lack of noblest devotion to purpose; indeed the whole story of western settlement is one long tale of struggle and privation of courage and death. The fallen in this quasi peaceful campaign vastly outnumber the victims of war and count among them regiments of gentle women and defenseless children. Still the drama of life was never more than narrow and local; it was a period full of the sounds of pioneering whose echoes scarcely ever carried beyond the lines of township and county." The different factors of Columbia county's pioneer society came from widely separated localities; they were led to immigrate by a variety of motives, and varied as much in social prejudices, habits and conditions as -L The common in their nationality. object of all was the planting of a new home where patient, perse- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 98 vering toil would gain a moderate competence for old age, and provide greater There was no established rule for success advantages for a growing family. in this venture, and the problem presented by the unbroken forest contained new difficulties enough to develop the full individuality of the pioneer. The selection of a home-site was determined largely by accident. The chance acquaintance with one who had bought lands in the "new purchase " for speculation, or the emigration of a neighbor or relative led to the removal of many from the older settlements. Very often the purchase was made before examination of the country; in other cases a careful tour of inspection was made before the removal was decided upon; in many others, the general fever of emigration to newly opened territory seized the head of the family, and with little more consideration, property was disposed of, and with the proceeds of the sale and a few indispensable household articles, the family started toward the land of promise without definite aims. With the meager facilities for travel, the amount of goods brought was Carts and wagons made tedious narrowed to the things of pressing necessity. progress so far as Sunbury, but beyond that and by other routes, wheeled vehicles were brought forward only with great difficulty. Pack saddles were at first generally used,- and these were placed not unfrequently on oxen and cows as well as horses. Those whose location had not been determined by previous purchase were influenced by the settlements already made, and the character of the water and timber found, and many a grievous mistake was thus made. In their old home, a good soil had been found bearing a certain kind of timber, and they naturally sought a similar forest growth as a guarantee of a similar soil, The location once made and the family sometimes to be greatly disappointed. This consisted of the log brought forward, the rude shelter was provided. house for which the timber supplied ample material, and their experiIt required little aid other than ence the requisite skill in constructing. each family could command within itself, to rear this humble structure, but where there were other settlements within a few miles there was no lack Neighborhoods extended for miles about, and the accession of of assistance. numbers was too gladly welcomed to make the earlier inhabitants chary of lending a hand at the cost of what would now be deemed a great inconvenience. With willing and capable hands the house was erected in a day and occuwas not a laborious process. Setting things to rights pied on the next. A few wooden pegs di'iven into the logs supplied the scarcely needed conveniences of a wardrobe, and two larger ones over the fire-place furnished the common support for the rifle and powder-horn. The puncheon floor was not unfrequently a luxury afterward provided, as was also the loft flooring, reached by a ladder, but the fire-place was the one feature of the pioneer home that combined the characteristics of usefulness and luxury. It commonly faced the single entrance, was of ample proportions and built of stone, which the region amply provided. Above the genei-al reach of the flame, the throat was constructed of small poles imbedded in mud, and, gradually contracting in dimensions, was canied up to the height of the ridge-pole. The careful housewife brought ticks as well as bed clothing, and these, filled with dry leaves, furnished the bed until the first crop of corn supplied Besides bedding, indispensable agricultural implehusks to take their place. ments and a few culinary articles, there was only room in the restricted mode of transportation for the women and smaller children. Furniture was therefore lacking until time was had for its manufacture in the woods. This was made from the growing timber with the aid of an ax alone, or at best, with the single ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 09 Koiigh benches supplied the demand for seats, and addition of a draw-share. a higher one sufficed for a table, while the bedstead, a curious fixture of the It was said to go upon one leg, which cabin, was constructed in the corner. to those not initiated in the mysteries of pioneer life seemed an impossible feat, though simple enough when explained. One end of the outer side-rail and the foot-rail found support in the log sides of the cabin, while the ends, which met at right angles, were supported by a post firmly planted in the ground, which The foundation for the bed was constituted the only leg of the bedstead. made of a cord, if the family was so fortunate as to have one, otherwise of deei«-hide thdngs, layers of bark, etc. But little support could be expected fi-om the new farm in the first season, and dependence was had upon purchases to be made of the neighbors, whose The new-comer found no time for idling surplus crops had no other mark-^t. Every hand capable of wielding an ax was busily in the meanwhile, however. employed, from daylight till dark, in felling the timber, trimming off the limbs, and cutting it into rolling lengths, while the women and children gathered the It was not uncommon for the especially enerbrush into piles for biirning. getic family to carry on this work late into the night, by the light of the burnThe log-rolling was a neighborhood afPair, and such was the ing brush-heaps. general demand that for years each settler annually devoted some six weeks to the assistance of his neighbors in return for the aid similarly received. There was no room for theoretical farming at that day. The grubbing hoe preceded the plow, a great, heavy, wooden implement, with an iron point or coulter. In a soil ramified with uudecayed roots, such a tool barely scratched the surface, but siich was the fertility of the land that it literally needed but For many years the princithe tickling of the hoe, to laugh with a harvest. pal object of the settler was to "improve" his property, farming operations In fact, this was the only being carried on simply as a means of support. road to success. There was no market for surplus crops, nor was the rank Beside a few vegetables, corn alone was cultivirgin soil adapted to a variety. It revated, and constituted the main food suj)ply for both man and beast. quired less care to grow and harvest than any other cereal; it was avail aljle for use from the time the kernels were fit to grate; it was readily prepared for use by the crude means possessed by the pioneer, and every part of the crop served a useful purpose. , Ordinarily the support of a frontier family was not a serious question. Each settler brought more or less stock, which found ample support in the forest, and even in the winter scarcely needed the addition of such fodder as the Hogs fattened upon the abundant mast, and furnished a corn crop supplied. AYith plenty of milk, pork and meal, supplenutritious food for the farmer. mented by the game which stocked the woods, and the profiision of wild fruits, wholesome food was seldom wanting, nor even a touch of luxury. A patch of flax was early sown and. formed the basis of the family clothing, and while both sexes joined in the labor of convei'ting the raw material' into the finished garThe frontier ment, the greater part of this work fell upon the housewife. Housekeeping was crowded cabin has always been the scene of busy activity. into the smallest possible space, to give place to the spinning wheel and loom. Every woman took pride in such useful accomplishments as were involved in the preparation of the crude material, the manufacture of the fabric, and the The dress of the setfashioning of the wearing apparel of the whole family. Buckskin entered largely into men's wear, tlers was of primitive simplicity. but chief dependence was placed upon the liusey-woolsey, a combination of linen and wool, which was the product of the taste and skill of the women. 100 IIISTOllY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. footdress was homo made, and years elapsed before calico and " cowhide " ceased to be regarded as an almost unattainable luxiiry. The early social duties were of the simplest kind. Feeble settlements gradually expanded in isolated situations where some favoring stream or spring attracted the adventurous pioneer. The necessities of the case brought the community together for mutual assistance, but frontier life was too intensely practical to give place to mere display or sentiment. The sense of isolation Even the and mutual dependence encouraged cordial relations and a hospitality that measured by the stock in store. Amusements were allied to useful occupations. Quiltings. wool-pickings and spinning-bees were made up by the women, when the day was given to work and the night to games, the men coming in to share the entertainment and escort their wives and sweethearts home. House-raisings, log-rollings and husking bees were occasions when the men, after a hard day' s work, would spend the evening with the women invited in. But with all this social activity, society developed in the form of separate and independent communities. For years, the isolated settlements in the county were really farther aj^art than the east and the west are to-day. The larger social questions had not yet entered to overcome the difficulties of communication and the diffidence of national or educational prejudices. Perhaps the earliest of these fusing influences was the church. Most of the earlier pioneers had strongly cherished religious affiliations, and were thus brought together in some form of public worship. This bond of sympathy compacted the community, and eventually led to a more extended organization. The standards of that time, it is scarcely necessary to say, were far less exacting than those of a later day, and differed somewhat in different nationalities and different denominations. Many of the customs prevalent, while somewhat modified by the circumstances of a new country, were still easily traceable to the habit and customs inculcated in the father-land, from which the immigrant had come or was derived. The use of liquor as a common beverage was scarcely considered a question of morals, and a minister's account which contained charges for "half a hundred lemons" and "half a gallon of rum and bottles " was not deemed peculiarly significant. To become seriously intoxicated, however, was an off'ense to good taste, and in the case of a minister, if an old church record may be relied upon, called for an apology. In 1741, the presbytery of Donegal, Pennsylvania, after trying a pastor for di-unkenness rendered the following decision in the case: "We cannot find cause to judge Mr. Lyon guilty of anything like excess in drinking. * * * But inasmuch as his behavior had so many circumstances and symptoms of drunkenness, and inasmuch as he did not make any apology, or allege it to proceed from sickness, we judge that he is censurable; and yet, as we apprehend that the small quantity of liquor which Mr. Lyon drank might produce the above effect, after his coming out of the extreme cold into a warm house near the fire, we do not find sufficient cause to condemn him for drunkenness. " But if in Doubtless, a kindred feeling made them wondrous kind. "was not some respects the religious community of that period, the characteristics of which were not wholly lost a half-century later, were remarkably lax when viewed in the light of to-day, in other respects it was sufficiently severe to restore the moral equilibrium. Vanity, slander, and "vacuity of thought" were sharply rebuked. It is related that, in the time when the most prosperous settler aspired to possess nothing better than a hewed-log dwelling, several brothers, who were trained mechanics, conceived the idea of building a twoand-a-half story house of stone. It was a labor of love and prospered in their hands, and as it stood completed, towering above its humbler neighbors, the ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 101 its strange magnificence with awe, and called it "a story of its grandeur spread in ever widening circles, attracting people fi'om afar to look upon the new wonder, until the guardians of the public morals became alarmed and determined to discipline the ambitious brothers. Martin was selected as the head and front of the offending, and "having re- simple folk looked upon palace. The ' ' paired to the humble log cottage hard by the 'stately mansion, and organized the presiding bishop called the offender before the ecclesiastical the meeting, 'Martin was first questioned, upon conscience, to openly declare what court. He replied his intentions were in erecting so large, so gorgeous a dwelling?" 'consulted only his own comfort, and that he had no sinister that he had views. He was told, however, that in their view the house was too showy for a Menonite, and the discussion of the court turned upon the question whether the penalty should be severe censure or suspension from church privileges. At length, '"after some concessions and mutual forbearance" by the parties, it was resolved "that Martin be kindly reprimanded, to which he submitted. Thus the matter ended, and all parted as brethren. In 1781 a case is recorded, in which the principals were of the fair sex. One young woman had uttered some spiteful criticism of her social rival; both were highly' connected in church circles, and the session was so far embarrassed by this fact, that it felt obliged to refer the matter to the presbytery. A strongly contested trial ensued, but the church tribunal decided that the subject of criticismwas of "modest and excellent behavior," that the remarks precomplained of were shameful, and therefore ordered that the culprit sent herself before the pulpit and receive a solemn admonition. " The penalty was daly inflicted by the moderator of the presbytery, and white-winged Peace once more brooded over the church of Great Conowago. One more of many interesting incidents may be drawn from the same record, in which the Rev. Mr. Lyoa again figures before the presbytery. It was at the meeting immediately succeeding the one in which the accused was vindicated against the charge of drunkenness. This time the charge was a graver one, and one '' which did not appeal to the sensibilities of his judges. He was accused of whistling on the Sabbath. The evidence does not show that his musical efforts were boisterous, nor that his selections were irreverent, but the presbytery found sufficient evidence to convince its members that the offensive "whistling" indicated a vacuity of thought and a disposition at variance with the proper spirit of the Lord' s day, and the whole matter is closed by the significant entrj: "For good and sufficient reasons wholly dropped Mr. Lyon from the ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ministry. In all this there is much to excite derisive humor, but let us "Laugh where we must, be candid where we can." WitH all their foibles, the religious element of the pioneer community was a sturdy, honest and steadily-progressive people. It was from such a people that the pioneers of Columbia county were di-awn. The slow progress of that period had only slightly modified the idiosyncracies of the fathers in the sons, and the earliest society was thus not an unplanted field, but rather one where a struggling crop sadly in need of cultivation strongly invited the care of the earnest laborer. In the absence of regular ministers, the Society of Friends were best equipped for establishing public worship, and the presence of a considerable number of this sect at Catawissa led to the founding of a meeting there in 1787, which for twenty years continued to be the rallying point for the denomination in this region. A monthly meeting was established here in 1796, but in HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTV'. 102 1808 this was removed to Mnncy on account of an extensive emigration of the from Catawissa. In 17U5 a meeting was established in Greenwood, and In 1814 a monthly meeting was established at the a year later in Locust. A meeting was also established in 1800 at latter place and is still continued. Berwick, which continued with gradually diminishing strength until about The Society of Friends was more 1865, when it ceased to have an existence. firmly established, however, in Greenwood, where there are now two well supIn 1834 the different meetings of the sect in the county ported meetings. were associated in a half-yearly meeting established at Greenwood, and in 1856 the Muncy monthly meeting was transferred thither also. Although the name is retained and occasional meetings held in Locust and Catawissa, the chief activity of the denomination in this county is confined to Greenwood. The Scotch-Irish were an important element in the pioneer society of the state, and early gave prominence to the Presbyterian denomination, to which they generally belonged. James McClure, who came in 1772, was probably the first representative of this sect in Columbia county, but it was some years later before any organized effort was made to propagate its tenets here. In 1789 this region is mentioned under the name of Fishingcreek, in connection with neighboring localities, as in the presbytery of Carlisle. This presbytery had been formed three years before, but this region probably remained unoccupied until 1792, when the Rev. Mr. Henry was appointed to cultivate the field. Two years later the Rev. John Bryson was sent to this region and became pastor of Warrior's run and Chilliequaque, where he continued to serve for nearly a half In the following year, the Rev. John Porter was commissioned to century. start from Fishingcreek, and missionate up the river to Wyoming and Tioga Point. The names of the Rev. Benjamin Judd, Rev. Ira Condit, and Mr. William Spear, a licentiate, appear also as appointed, about this period, to missionate along the east branch of the Susquehanna. Revs. Messrs. Andrews and Gray The also performed greater or less amounts of missionary labor in this field. "* first church of this denomination, known as "Briarcreek," was organized in Center township some time prior to 1796, when its first place of worship was erected. In 1817 a second church was organized at Bloomsburg with three members, which immediately set about erecting a commodious church building. A third organization was effected at Berwick in 1827, and others in Orange in 1842; sect ' ' in Greenwood in the following year; in Scott, in 1853; in Sugarloaf, in 1858, to Benton; and one, in 1867, at Centralia. introduction of Methodism in Columbia county was probably through which was subsequently moved The the immediate instrumentality of Bishop Asbury, the founder of the Methodist Episcopal church in America. It was under his preaching in Northampton county, that the Bowmans were converted. They subsequently removed to the vicinity of Berwick, and it was probably through their representation^ that the bishop was led to come here. At this time he ordained these earnest men, who subsequently became such a power for good. Other itinerants who found their way here in missionary tours, were Revs. William Colbert, James Paynter, Morris Howe and Robert Burch, but they do not appear to have effected any permanent organization. " In Briarci'eek valley, about fonr miles distant from Berwick, resided Rev. Thomas Bowman, an ordained local preacher of the Methodist Episcopal Church, a man of fervent zeal and persuasive eloquence, who, with hia brother, Rev. Christopher Bowman, sowed pure Methodistic seed in all this region of country. In order that his neighbors might have the regular ministra-tions of the gospel, he fitted up the third story of his dwelling a stone house / — Historical Discourse by Rev. David J. Waller. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 103 —as a place of worship, and invited the Methodist itinerants to hold religious Here, in the year 1805, under the joint ministry of Rev. James Paynter and Joseph Carson, occurred a revival of great power and wideThe country for thirty or forty miles around felt the impulse spread influence. As a direct and immediate result of this religof this wondrous spirit-baptism. This point was made ious awakening, a class was organized in Berwick."* a regular appointment in the Wyoming circuit, which extended from Northumberland to Tioga Point. In 1806 it was attached to the Northumberland circuit, where it remained until 1831, when the church work had so spread, that the Berwick circuit was formed, embracing twenty- eight preaching places, Benton, Berwick, Bloomsburg, of which the following were in this county Buckhorn, Espy, Jerseytown, Lightstreet, Mifflinville and Orangeville. Since then its organizations have multiplied in the county until only two townships have none, while each of "the others have from one to five. The large German immigration which so conspicuously contributed to the settlement of the lower counties of Pennsylvania made its influence felt not only throughout the state, but also in other parts of the nation. The earliest of the Palatine settlers were generally Mennonites, but they formed a center arovmd which German immigrants of all classes and confessions rapidly gathered, extending their settlements into the surrounding country. In 1723 a considerable Lutheran emigration from New York took place, which resulted in the settlements on the Tulpehocken. These were rapidly reinforced by the vast numbers who continued to come from the Palatinate, Wurtemberg, Darmstadt and other parts of Germany. The latter accessions were generally adherents of the Lutheran and Reformed creed, though the former denomination had been well represented before their coming, by the Swede settlers on the east bank of the Delaware, and on the site of Philadelphia. 'Although deprived of the regular ministrations of the sanctuary, large portions of them, who were under the influence of religious principles, remained true to the faith in which they had been reared. They had brought with them from their native land their hymn books, catechisms, and manuals of devotion, which they faithfully read, endeavoring to keep alive in their hearts the spirit of piety, and anticipating a more propitious season, when the means of grace would be adequately provided. " Their circumstances had greatly improved in this respect before the period of Columbia county's settlement and the German settlers of this region were not long without the visit of earnest missionaries. Among the early Lutheran missionaries were Revs. Seeley, Sherrets, Plitt, Pauls, Kramer and Baughey, who organized churches in 1795 at Catawissa; 1805, in Briarcreek; 1808, in Locust; 1809, in Mifflin; 1810, in Hemlock; and in 1812, in Orange. It is now one of the most flourishing religious denominations in the county and numbers some eighteen organizations. Rev. Jacob Deiffienbach was the first minister of the Reformed church who systematically and zealously labored for the upbuilding of that denomination here. There were a considerable number of this communion among the early settlers, and a number of itinerants of the church had made occasional visits to this region, but they did not in all cases "walk worthy of their vocation," and effected little toward the organization of churches among the scattered settlements. Mr. Deifiienbach came to Bloomsburg in 1815 he was in the prime of life and preached at Bloomsburg in Mahoning, Catawissa, Briarcreek, Mifflin, and occasionally in Fishingcreek. His missionary labor extended over the whole extent of the county, and through him the church in this county was placed on a firm basis and took organic shape, and he may justly service therein. : ' ; ' ' *From the Berwick Methodist, March, 1882. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 104 In 1822 he removed to be regarded as its founder in Columbia county." Espy, and continued to preach until 1824, when he was confined to his bed He preached only in the German language with consumption to rise no more. and is said to have been an excellent singer. The church interests of this denomination were first associated in the Bloomsburg charge. In this Mr. Deiffienbach was succeeded, in 1829, by Rev. Daniel S. Tobias, who was assisted in 1844, by Mr. Henry Funk, who added a service in English. In 1854 the Rev. W. Goodrich succeeded and served the people faithfully for half a century. At the close of his ministry the charge consisted of six congregations, and by his advice these were divided between two, the Orange ville charge then being erected: the first consisting of the Bloomsburg, Heller's andCatawissa congregations, and the latter made up of the Oraugeville, Zion and St. James conscregfations. Since then the number of congregations has doubled, the church being thus represented in eleven of the twenty-three townships of the county. Among the New Jersey emigrants to Columbia county were many Episcopalians and Baptists, which led to the early organization of churches of these denominations. The Protestant Episcopal church was the earliest of the two to secure an organized representation in the county, the Rev. Caleb Hopkins being chiefly instrumental in this work. The church at Bloomsburg was founded in 1793, and about 1812 he established another in Sugarloaf. A third organization was effected at Jerseytown very early, but it has since passed away, leaving no record save that it was and is not. In 18G0 Rev. E. A. Lightner began to hold services in Catawissa, which resulted in the founding of a church there, and in 1866 the Rev. Washburn did a similar work at Centralia. The Baptist denomination was chiefly recruited from English emigrants and organized the first church of their faith in Madison, as early as 1817, through the labors of Revs. Wolverton, Smiley and Coombs. Two years later Revs. Joel Rogers and Elias Dodson organized a second one in Jackson, and about 1841 other churches were founded in Berwick and Bloomsburg. In 1851 an organization of thirty members was made in Center, and in 1886 another, of twelve members, was effected in Centralia. Some of the old church landmarks of these earlier organizations still remain. There are only three, however, two of which have practically been abandoned, while the third has apparently been outgrown. The most venerable of these links to the forgotton past is the old Quaker meeting-house at Catawissa. It M hewed logs prior to 1787, and in a plain unostentatious way still It is now seldom used, and it stands apart, a fit type of the plain, sturdy folk who once gathered there to worship. A similar structure in Locust township bears similar testimony to the honest workmanship and good care of the Friends, who have generally passed away. The third relic of that early day is the "stone church" in Briarcreek, erected in 1808 by the Methodists. was erected of defies decay. It is no longer used for the purposes of worship, but it is still in a good state of preservation and likely to outlive the century. The other denominations represented in the county are the Church of Chi'ist (Disciples), which organized its first congregation in 1837; the Evangelical Association, originating here in 1848; the Protestant Methodist,, in 1860; the United Brethren, in 1866; and the Roman Catholic, about the same time. The latter denomination celebra^^ed mass here as early as 1829, but all services were discontinued here after a time until 1844, when again for a short period services were held. Occasional services were subsequently held until the purchase of the present place of worship, since which they have been regularly held. In 1869 a second organization was formed at Centralia. The present distribution of churches may be gathered from the following table: HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. TOWNSHIPS. 105 106 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. This law was variously amended at commissioners were authorized to do so. different times, but its operation still fell far short of the results at which the In 1833 it was estimated that less than friends of public education aimed. twenty- four thousand children in the state attended school at public expense, and most of these were taught by very incompetent teachers. 'The schools were called 'pauper schools' and were despised by the rich and shunned by the poor; the children were classified as 'pay' and 'pauper' scholars; thus, the law practically separated the poor from the rich, and hence failed; for, in a republic, no system of education which makes a distinction on account of wealth or birth can have the sup];)ort of the people. The act of 1834 inaugurated in Pennsylvania what is distinctively known A society was formed in Philadelphia for as the "common school system." the promotion of education in the state, as early as 1827; a committee was set at work coi'responding with the leading men in every community and collecting statistics bearing upon this subject, and in this way a union of the most progressive sentiment was effected which resulted in the act referred to. In this the old distinction between pay and pauper scholars was abrogated; all taxable property was brought to the support of the schools, and their local management placed in the hands of a board of six district directors. This advance was not made without strong opposition, and in the following year a strong effort was made to effect tKe repeal of the act, but under the lead of the Hon. Thaddeus Stevens this effort was defeated. Some two hundred acts of the legislature on the subject of education had preceded the one of 1834, and in 1836 its efficiency was increased by wise amendments, but it has substantially remained unimpaired to this day, the wisdom of which is amply attested by the growing success of the system in the state. In the common school act, it was provided that each township should be This was subsequently found at liberty to adopt its provisions or reject them. to be unwise, and in 1849 this act was made applicable to every township, but until 1854 its efficacy was greatly hindered by the lack of power to enforce This was then remedied, and in 1857 its mandates by the school authorities. the general superintendency of the schools was separated from the office of the In the same year, the normal school law was secretary of the comm mwealth. passed, and has since grown into an important feature of the system. The state is now divided into twelve normal districts, in each of which are institutions primarily devoted to the education of teachers for the common schools. The first to be established under this law was the school at Millersburg, in Lancaster county, for the second district, and recognized, in 1859, by the state authorities. Others thus recognized are at Edinboro, in Erie county, for the twelfth district, in 1861; at Mansfield, Tioga county, for ttie fifth district, in 1862; at Kutztown, Berks county, for the third disti-ict, in 1866; at Bloomsburg, Columbia county, for the sixth district, in 1869; and for the first district, in 1871, at Winchester, in Chester county. In pioneer times, education in Columbia county was the actual companion of religion. The effort to dispense its blessings was the distinct outgrowth of the enlightened conscience, and found its most earnest and earliest support where public worship found a similar encouragement. The genius of the com' monwealth found a congenial home upon the frontier as well as in the older settlements, and the sect which was found earliest established here, became the first patron of the school. The first organized educational effort was probably made at Millville, in 1785, but this progressive sentiment was restricted by no sectarian limits, and primary schools multiplied, in Fishingcreek in 1794, in Benton in 1799, in the following year at Berwick, and elsewhere in the ; HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUMV. 107 county in rapid succession. The itinerant schoolmaster, the knight of the rod and bottle, had little if any place here. The early teachers were generally the younger members of families who had enjoyed more than the ordinary advantages for education, and, at the solicitation of neighbors, devoted a room in their restricted households for school purposes. When more liberal accommodations became necessary, the public school-house gradually supplanted the priThese were erected by donations upon grounds given, with vate school-room. scarcely a single exception, for the joint use of the church and school, and when still held, are subject to this joint ownership. act of 1(S34 met with some opposition in the county, its opponents contributing in the following year five petitions, having three hundred and This opposition was based upon the mistaken forty-four names, for its repeal. idea that in the general support of schools, one individual was taxed for the these plats, The especial benefit of another, and, among the Germans, that the tendency of such schools would be to displace their native language, to which they were greatly attached. No report was made by the county of the number accepting or rejecting the provisions of the act at this time, but in 1845 MiiSin and ValSince 1854 the characley alone were set down in the "non-accepting" list. ter of the common schools has made steady progress, and while there is still ample room for improvement they are not inferior to the average of the state. School-buildings are generally neat and comfortable one-story frame structures in the country, and two-story brick in the boroughs, with generally commo- dious and pleasant grounds. Secondary instruction had also an early beginning in Columbia county, the Berwick Academy being the pioneer institution in this movement. It was incorporated June 25, 1839, and was provided with a building in the same year. It received appropriations under the act of 1838, and flourished for a number of years, but was eventually merged in the public school system, its building The Millville High School was established in 1851 being torn down in 1872. became the Greenwood Seminary in 1861, and is still doing a good work. The Orangeville Male and Female Academy was incorporated March 11, 1858; was opened in the following year was conducted as an orphans' school during 1864-66, when it resumed its former character, and still enjoys a considerable local patronage. The Catawissa Seminary was chartered February 9, 1866. It was founded as an academy as early as 1838, and was fairly successful in its early history; but its career in its more ambitious departure disappointed its projectors, and about 1872 was suspended. The Bloomsburg Literary Institute was chartered in September, 1856. Its origin, however, dates back to 1838, when D. J. Waller, Sr. W^illiam Robison, Leonard B. Rupert and others were made a committee, by an informal meeting of the citizens, to provide for increased educational facilities for the community. The project gradually developed until through the influence of the gentlemen named, certain other citizens united in 1856 to form the " Institute." This was finally merged in the normal school, which is now justly the pride of the whole county. The following table, taken from the state report of 1885, will give a sum; , mary of the condition of the common schools: 108 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. J0UJ9TP JO "OK: ^ »»«>• m® (-<»=><='- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTV. From the same report Xumber in " " " " " " " " " " ascertained in regard to the schools that the which the books are uniform " " it is " " " 160 127 is read is drawing is taught is vocal music is taught is anj^ of the higher branches are taught bible Ill is employed is " " "females who have had no experience 29 1 is of males " " " who " " taught less . . & . 94 106 29 is than one year •. 4 56 is " " more " tivf- j't-itrs is intend to make teaching a permanent business is have attended a state normal school is " been graduated by a state normal school is 75 77 31 The connty superintendents who have served Columbia county under the law of 1854 are as follows: Joel E. Bradley, elected June 5, 1854. Reuben W. Weaver, appointed January 1, 1855. William Burgess, elected May 4, 1857. Lewis Appleman, elected May 7, 1860. AVilliam Burgess, appointed October 23, 1801. John B. Patton, apointed March 81, 1863. C. G. Barkley, elected May 4, 1863. C. G. Barkley, re-elected May 1, 1866. C. G. Barkley, re-elected May 4, 1869. William H. Snyder, elected May 7, 1872. William H. Snyder, re-elected May 4, 1875. AVilliam H. Snyder, re-elected May 7, 1878. J. S. Grimes, elected May 3, 1881. J. S. Grimes, re-elected May 6, 1884. Parallel with this religious and intellectual growth was a material development which made the former possible, and without which society would have remained isolated fragments jealoasly retarding, rather than unitedly reaching higher achievements. These influences served to compact and elevate the community in which they were supported, but there was needed something more to bring the separated settlements into closer relations, to build up a broader fellowship than that presented by sectarian limits, and afford incitement to the best use of the intelligence possessed and to be acquired. The demands of pioneer life, however, had the opposite tendency. The stern necessity which made every man the architect of his own fortune, rendered self-dependence an essential qualification for success. For years frontier life was a hand-to-hand struggle for existence, which left the pioneer little time to consider any broader interest than the support of his own family. Public improvements were thus held in abeyance until the farm was so far cleared and cultivated as to demand a market for its surplus yield. With surplus crops came those pioneer industries which relieved the family of some of the heavy work which an enforced economy had imposed upon it a service, for whichi the farmer was glad to exchange his otherwise unmarketable product. Thus grist-mills, saw-mills, carding machines, fulling-mills and whisky- stills,, gradually found a place in almost every community. The erection of these adjuncts of pioneer life led to the construction of These were at first only bridle trails,, roads by which they could be reached. and it was not until the era of stage lines that they were improved so as toAs the crops became diversified, and afford a passage for wheeled vehicles. the circumstances of the community improved, the more enterprising began to — 14 112 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. This was to be found only at Reading, Easton and Philadelphia. The latter offered the best advantages, and as early as 1787 a road was laid out from Berwick to Easton, fi'om whence the Delaware offered It was by this tedious route that the foreign the best means of transportation. traffic of the county was carried on for years; but as the community grew in numbers, and the number of settlements increased, the road to Reading was improved, and traffic found its way direct to Philadelphia by this route. This traffic was simply a system of barter, and was at first carried on by the individual farmer or by several neighbors who clubbed together to secure a year's supply of such things as the frontier farms did not readily supply. Out of It is related that such ventures the first stores originated almost by accident. John Funston, who was an early settler near Jerseytown, was thus in the habit of disposing of his wheat. It was his son Tommy' s business to do the marketing, and on one trip it occurred to him to purchase a half-dozen wool hats to bring back. The old gentleman was somewhat surprised to see this strange invoice, but they found such ready sale among his neighbors, that on the nest trip, he said: The young merchant improved on his father' Tommy, bring some more. advice, and not only brought back some more hats, but invested the whole proceeds of his load in a varied supply of those things most in demand on the frontier. It was thus that one of the earliest stores in the county began, and others were not slow to follow his example. The Susquehanna river very early. suggested the most eligible mode of transAt Marietta, portation, and the river traffic rapidly grew to large proportions. York-Haven and Columbia there were extensive saw-mills, and vast quantities As of timber were rafted from this region to find a market at these places. the product of these frontier settlements increased, the "Durham boat" was These were rude flat-boats first made at Durham, brought into requisition. Down stream they floated with the curbelow Easton on the Delaware river. poling and cordelling. These rent, but the upward voyage was made by were laden for the Baltimore market, and were frequently broken up at the end of their journey, and sold for what the lumber was worth. The volume of reach out for a better market. ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' this business suggested the establishment of better commu.nications with this upper country, and in 1S20 two steamboats were built by Baltimore capitalists This venture, however, terminated to develo[) the trade so laboriously begun. Other means of turning the disastrously and the enterprise was abandoned. It water-way to the advantage of commerce had been agitated and discussed. had been proposed to construct a series of dams across the river and thus make it available throughout the year, but this suggestion never got beyond the theThe movement for the construction of a canal oretical stage of development. along its course supplanted it, and in 1826 its construction was begun in CoThis was a branch or extension of the Pennsylvania canal lumbia county. which began at Harrisburg, where it connected with the Union canal, begun in The North Branch canal was completed 1791, but not completed until 1829. in 1830, and in the following year the first boat passed along its course. The canal system was of inestimable value to the commonwealth, and infused new vigor in every community located on its route, but there were regions inaccessible to this mode of transportation, the mineral wealth of which demanded equal facilities for shipment. It was out of this demand that the first railroad grew, and Pennsylvania shares with Massachusetts the honor of inaugurating a system to which the nation so largely owes its phenomenal deThe first railroad in Pennsylvania was completed in*1827, from velopment. Mauch Chunk to Summit Hill, but Christian Brobst, of Catawissa, had five He was a voars earlier taken a broader view of the usefulness of the railroad. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 113 man of limited school training, but nature had endowed him with rare foresight of a high order. It is said that the number of rafts floating down the river first attracted his attention, and anxious to build up the place of his residence, he began to reckon the advantage which would accrue and reasoning powers made to pass through Catawissa to its final destinatook accurate account of the river traffic and compiled statistics and arguments which commanded the attention of capitalists. His energy did not cease with this, however. Once assured of the advantage of a railroad he proceeded to demonstrate its practicability. He was not able to buy the necessary instruments for making the survey, much less to employ an engineer, but with some knowledge of the methods employed, gained by observation, by his own ingenuity he equipped himself for the work and ran out a practical line for the proposed road. Mr. Brobst possessed a He had a tin tube of Jacob' s stafP. " proper dimensions made, into the upper side of which he made small holes at either end. In these he inserted small glass vials 'puttied' fast, which, when half filled with water, enabled him to level his instrument. With this crude instrument he located and leveled a line which was considered by engineers subseqiaently employed a marvel of accuracy. His engineering skill did not enable him to get a practical route over the mountain, and the apparent necessity for an expensive tunnel balked his plans for the time. The projected road extended fi'om Catawissa to Tamaqua. In 1825 he got certain capitalists to view the proposed route, which made such a favorable impression on them that, in 1831, a company for the construction of the road was chartered. In the meantime he had enlisted the co-operation of Joseph Paxton, who was better fitted to deal with monied men, and in 1854, after overcoming great difficulties and discouragements, the first passenger train was greeted at Catawissa. It is now operated by the Philadelphia & Reading Company. In the meanwhile a second railroad was projected. Bloomsburg's future had been assured, and the canal had come to be looked upon as too slow. In 1852, therefore, William McKelvey, Charles R. Paxton, Morrison E. Jackson, John K. Groetz, of Columbia county, with othei's, were authorized to receive subscriptions of stocks and organized a company to construct a railroad from Lackawanna creek to Bloomsbm-g. Its route was projected from "the village of Scranton in the county of Luzerne, through the village of New Troy, Kingston and Berwick to Bloomsburg, with the privilege of extending it to Danville. Its authorized capital stock was $900,000, but Columbia was not a wealthy region, the undertaking grew on the company's hands, and in 1853 the company sought and received authority to increase the capital stock by an amount not to exceed $500,000, to borrow a sum not to exceed $100,000, and to extend its route to connect with the Pennslyvania & Erie railroad or Susquehanna railroad at Sunbmy, or at any other point in Northumberland or Lycoming counties. On January 1, 1858, the first train rolled into Rupert, At this point connection was made with the Catawissa road, and for about two years this was the lower terminus of the road In 1859 the company was authorized to borrow a sum not exceeding $400,000 to construct, complete and equip the extension to Sunbury. Northumberland was made its terminus, however, and is now operated by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Company. By an act passed April 15, 1859, Hendrick B. Wright, George M. Hollenback and others of West Pittston, and Ralph Lacoe, Simon P. Case and others of Montour county were authorized to receive subscriptions, and organized a company under the name of the "Wilkesbarre & Pittston" railroad. Its route was projected from the Lackawanna & Bloomsburg road, above Pittston, along if all tion. this trafl&c could be He ' ' ' ' ' ' 114 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. and near the Susquehanna river, on the east side to Danville or Sunbnry. It was required that the line between Pittston and Shickshinny should be first constructed, but in 1867 it was provided by a supplementary act that construction might be commenced at any point on the line, and the name of the company changed to Danville, Hazleton & Wilkesbarre Railroad Company. It was not finally opened until 1872, when it extended from Sunbury to Tomhicken. It was subsequently sold and reorganized as the Sunbury, Hazleton & Wilkesbarre Railroad Company, and is now controlled by the Pennsylvania company. It is forty miles long and does a good coal traffic. The latest completed railroad through Columbia county, like the first, is of home origin, but unlike the first it was carried through to successful operation by the energy, skill and resources of one man. Before the construction of the North & West Branch railroad the Lackawanna & Bloomsburg road had a monopoly of the greater part of the traffic in the county, and by its extortionThe people seemed ate charges proved a great obstacle to its development. He powerless until D. J. Waller, single-handed, showed the way for relief. had decided in his own mind that competition was the only effective remedy, and he relates that as he lay in his bed at night and heard the puffing of the struggling engines, the thought occurred to him that the formation of the valley indicated the other side of the river as the true route for a successful Upon his own responsibility he had a line surveyed on the south The result was that side of the river, and demonstrated the truth of his idea. railroad. was granted to himself, William Neal, James Masters, John McHenry, D. H. Montgomery and Robt. F. Clark to organize a company to construct a railroad from Wilkesbarre along the south side of the Susquehanna to a point opposite Bloomsburg, and thence by a bridge over the river and by in 1871 a charter J. the valley of little Fishing creek to Williamsport, with authority to construct a branch up big Fishing creek to connect with any railroad existing or proThe plan was a far-sighted one, and in many ways jected in Sullivan county. The road has been extended to still looks to the future for its fullest fruition. Catawissa, and connects with the Sunbury, Hazleton it Wilkesbarre road at Its immediate re that point, and is operated by the Pennsylvania company. suits were most happy, and have done more to bring the advantages of the railroads to the benefit of the people than all the other railroad enterprises combined. The Bloomsburg & Sullivan railroad, projected up the valley of the big Fishing creek from Bloomsburg, with the other terminal point still undecided, The Wilkesbarre & Western railroad is is now in course of construction. another line now in process of construction, and is projected from Wilkesbarre to Watsontown, but its course is not yet unalterably fixed. The effect of improved transportation upon the development of the county In fact, the year 1860 marks the beginning of a new era has been marked. in the history of both town and country, the course of which has been one of Improved methods of agriculture have been entertained, steady improvement. public improvements have been encouraged, varied manufactures have been introduced and placed upon a paying basis, and progressive thought has been There is undoubted promise of manifested in all the higher social activities. AVith an abundant supfurther development in these directions in the future. ply of excellent water, cheap fuel, and increasing shipi:»ing facilities, manufacThe county as a whole, turing interests must certainly continue to thrive. however, will continue to be predominantly agricultural in its character, but the impetus which an extensive manufacturing center at the county- seat would give to this industry, would greatly stimulate the awakened in the best methods of farming. interest already HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 115 A good evidence of the growing intelligence of the farming community is On the interest taken in the different agricultural societies in the county. December 8, 1868, a charter was granted to the "Columbia County Agricultural, Hortictiltural and Mechanical Association," on the application of B. F. Hartman, James Masters, William G. Shoemaker, Caleb Barton, Matthias Hartman, Jacob Harris, J. K. Ikeler, N. J. Sloan, Paleman John, E. R. Ikeler, C. G. Barkley, Joshua Fetterman, Thomas Creveling and Joseph P. Conner. The name was suggested by John Taggart. In 1885 the charter was so amended as to provide for perpetual membership; to remove the restriction to the authorized amount of receipts; and to empower the association to hold by purchase or lease. In the summer of 1855 Mr. John Taggart visited a country fair in the northern part of the state, and was so impressed with the benefit to be derived fi'om such an exhibition by the whole community, that on his return he began real- estate to agitate the question of securing He a similar institution for this county. was successful in interesting a number of gentlemen in the movement, among whom were John Ramsey, B. F. Hartman, Caleb Barton, William Neal and A consultation was eventually held by these gentlemen in I. W. Hartman. Personal soliciMr. Neal' s office, where it was decided to inaugurate a fair. and tation was made for exhibits of vegetables, fruits, farm products, etc. , after great effort sufficient were secured to warrant the opening of a "fair." The only exhibit of agricultural machinery was a grain- drill which Mr. Barton had used for several seasons, but the whole made a good beginning. The fair was held in Mr. Barton' s field at the foot of Second street, and the public road was used for the race course. The "grounds" were inclosed by a common rail fence, the admission fee was ten cents, and nearly the entire gate receipts were required to maintain the police service. There was sufficient left, however, to pay two dollars to B. F. Hartman, who was awarded the first premium upon a single driving horse entered. A fair attendance, with the general satisfaction manifested, encouraged the projectors of the enterprise and gave them good ground for mutual congratulation. A second fair was held in the following year in the field of Mr. Sloan, which now lies on the south side of Fifth and the west side of Market street. This exhibition was characterized by a marked improvement in the number and quality of the exhibits, the number in attendance and the financial returns. The third fair was held in grounds situated on Fifth street, between Market and East streets, and the fourth, on the grounds now used in the southwestern portion of Bloomsburg. This property was then leased at ten dollars per acre, and annual exhibitions have since been held here without interruption. In 1884 the race track was increased to a half mile in length, and the association admitted to membership in the National Trotting Association, and has since renewed its membership from year to year. In the summer of 1886 a new exhibition hall, fifty by three hundred feet, was erected, which, with ample stabling for horses and cattle and pens for smaller animals, render the equipment of the grounds superior to those owned by most of the local associations in this part of the state. During the first three years of this movement, each one interested worked upon his own plan. Lunaber merchants in town loaned material for the erection of sheds, etc. which were torn down after the exhibition, but after the organization, in 1858, some discipline was introduced into its methods. Since then the enterprise has steadily gained favor with the people, and the character of the exhibitions has steadily improved. The association is conducted on , strictly business principles. It neither pays dividends nor levies assessments, HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 116 the surphis going to make improvements in the grounds or to increase the premiums, every one of which, that has been earned, having been promptly paid. The original officers of the association were John Ramsey, president; Andrew Madison, secretary; Elias Mendenhall, treasurer. The present officers are: president, Samuel Camp; vice presidents, William Shaffer, J. M. DeWitt, Baltis Sterling, Jere Kostenbauder treasurer, J. C. Brown; secretary, H. V. White; librarian, Thomas Webb; executive committee, James P. Freas, John Appleman, Dr. A. P. Heller; auditors, K, C. Ent, J. P. Sands, George Conner; chief marshal, Capt. U. H. Ent. The Northern Columbia and Southern Luzerne Agricultural Association" was chartered on February 16, 1884, and held its first fair in the last week of Its grounds are situated in the southwestern subSeptember, in that year. urbs of Berwick, a village centrally located in the region to which it looks for Thus far it has been successful in its exhibitions, and in its financial support. returns. Its career has not yet demonstrated its probable future, but if supported by the adjoining county it will undoubtedly prove beneficial to the The Benton Agricultural Association " received f ai'ming community at large. its charter on October 3, 1885, and has held two fairs which give it promise of future success. It is questionable whether more than one fair can be profitably supported in a county of the size of Columbia, but if these different associations are the outgrovdih of the enthusiasm of the farming community, and not simply of the enterprise of energetic individuals, they cannot fail to produce lasting benefit. In all this progress the public press has borne its part of responsibility and labor, and there is no more powerful agency in stimulating progressive Since 1818 it has been a tendencies in a community than the newspaper. prominent social factor in Columbia county. On Saturday, May 2d, of this year, Mr. William Carothers issued the first number of the Berwick IndependA few of the earliest numbers were published in Nescopeek, ent American. but the establishment was then moved across the river and was subsequently In 1823 David Owen, son of the founder identified with Columbia county. of Berwick, came into possession of the paper, and with the change of ^ independent proprietor came a change in the name, the heading losing its characteristic. Orlando Porter soon succeeded to the ownership of the paper, but at the end of the year the issue of the Berwick American ceased. .The materials of the office were sold to George Mack, who on March 13, 1824, He subsequently changed issued the first number of the Columbia Gazette. the name to Berwick Gazette, and on September 18, 1830, sold an interest in the paper to John T. Davis, who subsequently became sole proprietor. Some time in 1834, Evan O. Jackson began the publication of the Berwick Argus, and the two papers maintained an existence until March, 1837, when Messrs. J. F. Wilber and P. S. Joslin purchased and consolidated them in the Berwick Sentinel. In the early part of the year 1838, Levi L. Tate became editor and proprietor of this publication; two years later A. M. Gangewere became associated in. the business, but in 1843 this relation was dissolved. With this change, the Sentinel seems to have been relieved, and The Enquirer put in its place. In 1845 B. S. Gilmore was associated in the ownership of the paper and took editorial charge, Mr. Tate going to Wilkesbarre to establish Two years later, Mr. Gilmore became sole proprietor and cona paper there. tinued its publication until the spring of 1849 when the county- seat having been removed to Bloomsburg, Mr. Gilmore removed his office to that place, and began the issue of a new paper. About a year after Mr. Wilber sold the Sentinel, and in company with Moses ; ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 117 HISTOKY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Davis, he began tbe publication of a small eight-paged paper, called the Independent Ledger. It continued a little more than a year, when it changed its name to the Conservator, with John T. Davis as editor and proprietor. This paper continued through the "Hard Cider " campaign of 1840, and then hid diminished light in obscurity. In 1843, on the dissolution of the firm of Tate and Gangewere, the latter established the Star of the North, and published it about a year when he sold The new prothe ofiice and publication to U. J. Jones and John H. Winter. prietors continued its publication until 1848, when they disposed of it to DeIn 1850 it again witt C. Kitchen, who changed the name to The Standard. changed owner and name, when it became the Telegraph, edited by John M. Snyder. In 1851 James McClintock Laird purchased it, and changed the name to The Berwick Citizen, which was published until 1853, when it was suspended, and the outfit sold. The Investigator was founded in the same year by Stewart Pearce and John M. Snyder. Mr. Pearce retired at the end of a month, but Mr. Snyder continued the publication until the spring of 1855, when Levi L. Tate became its purchaser. The name was changed to the Berwick Gazette, with Tate and Irwin as publishers. In 1856 Walter H. Hibbs purchased the paper, and in the following year he was succeeded by A. B. Tate, who published it until The latter published the 1860, when Jeremiah S. Sanders bought the paper. paper at Berwick until 1869, when it was suspended, and the material reits moved to Hazleton. ' In June, organ. 1871, however, the Snyders ventured again to establish a paper, which they called the Berwick Independent. It started out with an imposing array of editorial talent, Charles B. Snyder acting as managing editor, Frank. L. Snyder as assistant, J. M. Snyder as city editor, and so continued until September Mr. Bowman, having 1, 1879, when Robert S. Bowman purchased the paper. decided in early life to become a disciple of Johann Faust, entered, when eighteen years of age, the office of the Republican, at Bloomsburg, where he served an apprenticeship of three years, then returned to Berwick and bought out the Independent. In March, 1882, the Berwick Gazette, the third paper to appropriate the name, was established by J. H. Dietrick. On January 1, 1884, he sold the establishment to M. B. Margerum, who in September of the following year associated H. R. Reedy with himself, and the paper is still published by the firm of Margerum & Reedy. In Bloomsburg the first paper was published considerably later than in Berwick. This was the Bloomsburg Register, which made its first appearance under date of October 5, 1826, with James Delavan as editor and proprietor. In April. 1828, Thomas Painter purchased the paper and changed the name to Columbia County Register. This paper continued in existence until 1844, when it was discontinued. In 1837 the Columbia Democrat was established by John S. Ingrain, with whom F. S. Mills was early associated. In 1838 the paper was sold to Henry Webb, who conducted it until 1847, when it passed Mr. Tate retained the paper until 1866, into the possession of L. L. Tate. when he sold it to E. R. Ikeler. In the meantime, the Star of the North had been founded here. In 1849 B. S. Gilmore suspended the publication of the Enquirer at Berwick, and removed the material to Bloomsburg, where, in company with R. W. Weaver, he founded the Star of the North. Gilmore retired from the management in 1850, but Mr. Weaver continued it until his death some seven years later. It was subsequently sold to W. H. Jacoby, who conIt was then susducted it until the fall of 1862, when he went into the army. For some three years Berwick remained without an ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 118 pended until August, 1863, when he returned and resumed its publication. It was thus conducted until February, 1866, when E. R. Ikeler, having purchased both the Columbia Democrat and the Star of the North, consolidated these papers under the name of the Democrat and Star. On May 5, 1866, the first number of the Columbian was issued as the under the management of George H. organ of the Johnson republicans, During the campaign of 1866 a half sheet publication called the Moore. "Campaign" was issued by S. H. Miller & Co. and edited by E. H. Little as an organ of a certain political following. It was of only a temporary nature, but it indicated that the "organ" of the Johnsonian republicans did not satisfy their tastes, and as there were probably too few 'J. r' s' in the community to support the paper, after issuing thirty-five numbers, a company of democrats purchased it and placed J. G. Freeze in the editorial chair. A fresh start was made, and it was editorially announced that it would hereafter support the "Jeffersonian school of politics." Some six weeks later C. B. Brockway became associated in the business, and eventually bought up the stock and took entire charge and ownership of the paper. Ou the 1st of January, 1869, he bought the Bloomsburg Democrat and consolidated it with his own, under the name of Columbian and Democrat. The Democrat was the descendant of, or rather the Democrat and Star with a new name and editor. After conducting the latter some seven months, Mr. Ikeler had sold his interest to J. P. Sherman andW. H. Jacoby; Sherman had published the paper until January, 1867. Mr. Sherman then retired and Mr. Jacoby, choosing a new name, continued its publication until he sold out to Mr. Brockway. On the 1st of January, 1871, H. L. Dieffenbach bought the Columbian Democrat and published it a year, when In July, 1873, Mr. Dieffenbach again took Mr. Brockway resumed control. charge of the paper, but on October 1, 1875, Mr. Brockway and George E. ' ' ' ' , ' ' Elwell purchased the paper. They conducted the paper until October 1, 1875, place to J. K. Bittenbender. Since then Messrs. Elwell & Bittenbender have published the paper with increasing success. The Democratic Sentinel was founded in Bloomsburg in 1871, by Charles M. Vanderslice, and conducted by him with some success until 1885, when when Mr. Brockway gave William Krickbaum purchased it. The Columbia County Republican was established March 1, 1857, by Palemon John, who conducted it until 1869, when it passed into the hands of a stock company, with W. H. Bradley as editor. The paper was subsequently purchased by Mr. Bradley and Lewis Gordon, but in 1871 it was sold to D. In 1873 E. A. Beckley and John S. Phillips, the former acting as editor. M. Wardin bought the interest of Phillips, and soon afterward became sole proprietor. On August 1, 1875, James C. Brown purchased the paper ^rom Mr. Wardin, and has since conducted it. Other periodicals of transient character have had a brief existence here. Of these, the Bloomsburg Journal was founded by G. A. Potter in 1876. It was intended as an expositor of the temperance question, and beginning as a five-column folio, it expanded in 1881, to a quarto of twelve pages and finally reached sixteen pages. In September, 1882, Jacob Schuyler became half owner of the paper, which was reduced to a folio form, and in 1885 was moved The Herald of to Wilkesbarre, where it was merged into the Watch Fire. Freedom was a short-lived advocate of the freesoil doctrine, and had an existThe Sun was an ence here in the transition period preceding the civil war. ambitious venture in daily journalism. It was published in 1881, by A. B. Tate and W. H. Kahler, but was suspended after some eighty issues. In January. 1870, the Christian Messenger, a monthly periodical of twenty- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 119 la 1872 its title was changed to the four pages was founded by E. E. Orris. Messenger and Laborer, the number of its pages increased to thirty-two, and In January, 1875, this publication D. Oliphant added to the editorial staff. was changed to a four-page, twenty-four column weekly, and in the following In December, Oliphant October the publication office moved to Orangeville. retired, and the paper was discontinued. In the meantime W. H. Smith, in company with Orris, began the publication of the Independent Weekly at Benton. Its first issue appeared April 1, 1874; in October, 1875, it migrated with the monthly to Orangeville, where Smith and Orris dissolved partnership. On the first of April, 1876, the Independent Weekly, which was then conducted by Smith alone, returned to Benton, where it was published until September, 1877. It was then removed to Milton, where it has since remained, and is now published under the name of the Argus. In Catawissa the first newspaper enterprise was inaugurated in the spring of 1876, when the Catawissa Advertiser was published by Harry John and Joseph Rinard. The Advertiser did not survive to the end of its first volume, although it offered a new feature in the way of an original serial by "Virginia." It would be cruel to suggest that this mark of enterprise may be the cause of the fatal result, but whatever the cause, like the early riser to whom The News-Item is the second venthe poet Hood refers, it "died young." Its first issue ture in Catawissa journalism, and is a bright local newspaper. appeared on May 16, 1878, and was a five-column folio. In the spring of 1879 it was increased to twenty-four columns, and in 1881 to twenty-eight columns. It is a sprightly paper, devoted to the interests of its home town, and enjoys a merited prosperity. The long array of names in the above recital would naturally indicate to the casual reader a wonderful activity in newspaper enterprises here, but such a conclusion would be somewhat modified by the fact, which examination would But this number, on" develop, that there were only nineteen distinct ventures. account of the size and character of Columbia is su.fficient to excite inquiry. The fact that Berwick was at that early date the most important interior village of the county, and that its situation on the most important turnpike of that day promised to maintain its prominence in the future, probably led to It is not probable that its projecthe early founding of a newspaper there. tors had any idea of forcing the growth of the village, as the modern belief in the efficacy of the newspaper in this direction was not then developed, but such an enterprise was then a feature in all the large boroughs, and it was hoped that the natural gr()wth of the village would bear the venture on to fortune and ^ success. The early newspaper was really the people' s forum. Editorials had little or no space in them. Its news columns were devoted to foreign affairs, many The weeks and sometimes months old, and the congressional proceedings. miscellany consisted of stories and poetry, the original production of which was encouraged by the admission of every such contribution offered. But the most highly prized privilege accorded to the public was the liberal space granted to all comers for exhaustive and unrestricted discussion of every conceivable topic. Governmental affairs and policies constituted the most favored themes, but unlike the light-armed fusilade of modern newspaper criticism, the discussions of that day had in them the shock of armies, the crushing force of the battle-ax, and the crash of missiles hurled from a catapult. The proscription against articles not responsibly endorsed had not then been inaugurated, and vicious personal attacks were then universally tolerated which would now properly bring downiipon the offender condign punishment. Bat with all these objectionable HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 120 features, these old-time, polemic contributions were characterized by a remarkable knowledge of the constitutional history of the country, and were graced with classical quotations and allusions that would dc credit to a modern profesIt is said that the citizens of the United States are not at sor of languages. this day, with all their superior advantages of education, as thorou.ghly versed in the principles of their government, and as well qualified to perform their duties as citizens, as they were fifty years ago. If this be true, it may be found that in refining away certain crudities of taste and inelegancies of manner, some vigor of intellect has been lost. It was not until the period of Jackson's first administration that country papers generally began the development which has made the newspaper a so conspicuous element in society, and it is to this development that may be largely attributed the frequent changes in the name and owner that have occurred in Until this time, while the prevailing senthe difPerent papers of the county. timent of the region now embraced within the limits of Columbia county was undoubtedly in favor of the principles supported by the democratic party in politics, the only papers at Berwick and Bloomsburg, so far as they had a poIt was probably not litical individuality were supporters of whig principles. until 1832, that the Gazette, at Berwick, came actively to the support of the democratic faith, and it was five years later when the first paper was established From this time forward in Bloomsburg to advocate similar political doctrines. it has been considered a party necessity to have a regular exponent of its principles, and whenever the vicissitudes of business have extinguished the political beacon, or a heterodox editor has come into possession of a recognized successful efforts have at once been made to repair the loss. organ, Viewed from the standpoint of the newspaper, the democratic party in Columbia early achieved an embarrassing success. With the suspension of The Conservator, of Berwick, in 1840, and the Columbia County Register, of Bloomsburg, in 1844, began a period of twenty-five years in which no opposition organ (save The Standard for a brief period at Berwick, 184S-50) was published in the county. Such a condition of things invited competition, and democratic expositors were multiplied, which divided the party scarcely less than the business. Consolidations have three times been resorted to in this county only to find a new rival immediately in the field, and in the nature of things this experience is likely to be a fixed quantity so long as the conditions The supporters of whig principles were too weak in numbers to favor it. maintain a paper in the county, and so for years they generally subscribed for With the founding of the the "organ" of the party, published at Danville. republican party, the element which was naturally drawn to it, made it a far more vigorous political factor than the whigs had been. In 1857 it secured a representative publication, and gradually made such progress as to challenge the respect of the dominant party. In 1866 a gentleman was invited from Washington, D. C. to edit a paper in the interest of Andrew Johnson's policy, but it proved a signal failure, and after the publication of thirty-five numbers gave place to a democratic expositor. The more recent development of the newspaper, the independent journal," has also had its representative in the county. Instead of attempting to carry water on both political shoulders, the independent newspaper has here endeavored to secure the patronage of all without offending the political prejudices of any, an undertaking extremely difiicult to accomplish in the narrow field of county literature, under the present constitution of society. In Berwick the Gazette, and the News Item in Catawissa, are fairly successful examples of this class. The newspapers of Bloomsburg are more than ordinarily ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' , ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 121 good representatives of country journalism, and in typographical appearance, in true journalistic enterprise and editorial equipment would honor a much larger sphere. In the nature of the case, political honors have, with rare exceptions, been conferred upon the members of the democratic party. Until the question of the removal of the county-seat was finally settled, that issue dominated all others, and various considerations brought about the election of whigs to both branches of the legislature. In borough elections republicans are occasionally successful, but in contests for county ofiices, even where the dominant party is seriously divided, the republicans are too few to elect one of their own number, and have wisely refused as an organization to attempt to wield the balance of power. The eighth section of the act erecting Columbia county, in 1813, i)rovided that the inhabitants of the counties of Northumberland, Union and Columbia, shall jointly elect four representatives." Those elected in 1813 were Samuel ' ' Bound, Leonard Rupert, Thomas Murray, Jr., and George Kreamer; in 1814, David E. Owen, Robert Willett, Joseph Hutchison and Henry Shaffer. In 1815 Columbia county was made a separate representative district with one member, and James McClure was elected in that year; Samuel Bond, in 1816, 1817 and 1818; James McClure, 1819; John Snyder, 1820; John Clark, 1821. In 1822 Columbia county was constituted a separate district with two memand in that year AVilliam McBride and Alexander Colley were elected, and re-elected in 1823; John McReynolds and Eli Thornton, in 1824; John McReynolds and Christian Brobst, in 1825; John McReynolds and William McBride, in 1826; John McReynolds and Christian Brobst, in 1827; John McReynolds and John Robinson, in 1828. In 1829 Columbia county's representation was reduced to one member, and John Robinson was elected; Uzal Hopkins in 1830 and 1831; Isaac Kline, in 1832 and 1833; John F. Derr, in 1834 and 1835; Evan O. Jackson, in 1836; John Bowman (whig), in 1837; William Cost, in 1838 and 1839; Daniel Snyder (whig), in 1840, 1841, 1842, 1843; Thomas A. Funston (whig), in 1844 and 1845; Stewart Pearce, in 1846, 1847, 1848; Benjamin P. Fortner (whio-), bers, in 1849. In 1850 Columbia and Montour counties were constituted a district with one representative, and John McReynolds was elected; in 1851, M. E. Jackson; in 1852 and 1853, George Scott; in 1854, James G. Maxwell; in 1855, J. G. Montgomery; in 1856, Peter Ent. In 1857 Columbia, Montour, Sullivan and Wyoming were constituted a representative district, with two members, and Peter Ent and John V. Smith were elected; in 1858 and 1859, G. D. Jackson and Cakes; in 1860, H. R. Kline and Osterhaut; in 1861, L. L. Tate and Tutton; 1862 and 1863. G. D. Jackson and J. C. Ellis. In 1864 Columbia and Montour counties were constituted a district with one member, and W. H. Jacoby elected, and re-elected in 1865; Thomas Chalfant, in 1866 and 1867; George Scott, in 1868 and 1869; Thomas Chalfanf, — — — in 1870. In 1871 Columbia county was made a separate district with one member, C. B. Brockway electc>d. and re-elected in 1872 and 1873. In 1874, under the constitutional provision of previous year, Columbia county was given two members, and the term of service made two years; E. J. McHenry and S. P. and HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 122 — Ryan were elected; in 1876, E. J. McHenrv and Brown; in 1878 and 1880, T. J. Vanderslice and Joseph B. Knittle; in 1882, William Bryson and Thomas J. Vanderslice; in 1884, A. L. Fritz and William Bi-yson; in 1880, A. L. Fritz and James T. Fox. The state senatorial district in which Columbia county was first placed, was composed of Luzerne and Susquehanna, to which the new counties of Union and Columbia were added. This district elected two senators, Thomas Murray. Jr., and William Ross, the former being re-elected in 1814, the first senatorial election in which the new county of Col^^mbia participated. In 1815 the ninth senatorial district was composed of the counties of Northumberland, Columbia, Union, Luzerne and Susquehanna, with two senators to elect. Their term was four years, and were chosen alternately. In 1816 Charles Frazer was elected; in 1818, Simon Snyder; in 1819 a special election, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of Snyder, resulted in the election of Robert Willett; in 1820 Redmond Conyngham was elected. In 1822 Luzerne and Columbia were constituted the tenth senatorial district with one member, the first election under this chanoje occurring; in 1824, and resulting in the choice of Robert Moore. The tenn was changed to three years. In 1827 Moore was re-elected; in 1830 Jacob Drumheller was elected, and in 1838 Uzal Hopkins. In 1836 Columbia and Schuylkill were constituted the ninth senatorial district, with one mamber, and in 1837 Charles Frailey was elected; in 1840, Samuel F. Headley. In 1843 another change was made in the district, and Columbia and Luzerne were associated to form the thirteenth senatorial district, with one member. In 1844 William S. Ross was elected; in 1847, Valentine Best. In 1850 Columbia, Luzerne and Montoiu* constituted the sixteenth district, with one' senator, and C. R. Buckalew was elected, and in 1853 re-elected; in 1856 George P. Steele was elected. In 1857 Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Snyder counties were constituted the thirteenth district, with one senator. In this year Mr. Buckalew was again chosen, but resigned after serving one session. In 1858 Reuben Keller was elected to fill the vacancy, and in 1860, re-elected; in 1863 D. B. Montgomery was elected. In 1864 the counties of Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Sullivan were constituted the fifteenth district, with one senator. In 1866 George D. Jackson was elected, and in 1869, C. R. Buckalew. In 1871 Lycommg was substituted for Northumberland county in this senatorial district, the numbei' remaining unchanged, and in 1872 Thomas Chalfant was elected. The ^'.hange in the constitution in the following year required a new districting of the state, but this district suffered no change save in the number being changed from In 1875 and again in 1876 Allen was the fifteenth to the twenty-fourth. elected; in 1878, G. D. Jackson; in 1880 E. J. McHenry was elected to till vacancy occasioned by the death of Jackson; in 1882, W. W. Hart; in 1886, . Nerus H. Metzgar. For congressional elections Columbia was originally placed in the tenth district composed of the counties of Northumberland, Union, Lycoming, LuIn zerne, Bradford, Potter, Susquehanna and Tioga, with two members. 1814 William W^ilson and Jared Irwin were elected; in 1816, W^illiam Wilson afld David Scott; in 1817, Mr. Scott having resigned to accept a place on the bench, John Murray was elected to fill the vacancy, and in 1818 John Mu^rray and George ^Dennison were elected; in 1820, George Dennison and W. C. Ellis; in 1821, Ellis having resigned, Thomas Murray, Jr., was elected to fill the vacancy. Under the apportionment of 1822, the ninth district was composed of the HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 123 counties of Columbia, Union, Northumberland, Luzernp. Siisquehanna, Bradford, Lycoming, Potter, Tioga and McKean, with three members. In 1822 W. C. Ellis, Samuel McKean and Kreamer were elected in 1824 and 1826, Samuel McKean, George Kreamer and Espy Vanhorn; in 1828, Philander Stephens, James Ford and Allen Man-; in 1830, Lewis Dewart, Philander Stephens and ; James Ford. In 1832 Columbia and Luzerne were constituted the fifteenth congressional district with one member. In that year and in 1834, Andrew Beaumont was elected; in 183(3 and 1838, David Petriken; in 1840 and 1843, B. A. Bidlock. In 1843 Wyoming county was associated with Columbia and Luzerne, and the number of the district changed fo the eleventh. In 1844 and 1846 Owen D. Leib was elected; in 1848, Chester Butler; in 1850, Hendrick B. Wright; in 1851, J. Brisbin, to fill the vacancy caused by the death of Butler. In 1852 the district was numbered the twelfth, and comprised the counties of Columbia, Luzerne, Montour and Wyoming. In this year H. B. Wright was elected; in 1854, Henry M. Fuller; in 1856, John G. Montgomery; he died, however, before he took his seat, and in 1857 Paul Leidy was elected to fill the vacancy. In 1858 and 1860 George AV. Scranton was elected; he died in March, 1861, and in the following June a special election was held when H. B. Wright was chosen to fill the vacancy. In 1861 the counties of Bradford, Montour, Columbia, Sullivan, Wyoming and all of Northumberland, except Lower Mahanoy township, were made to constitute the twelfth district. In 1862 Northumberland was assigned to another district, and the remaining counties elected Henry W. Tracy; in 1864, 1866, 1868 and 1870, Ulysses Mercur; in 1872, Strowbridge. In 1872 Mercur resigned, and on December 24 a special election was held to fill the vacancy, Bunnells being chosen. In 1873 a bill was passed designating the eleventh district composed of the counties of Montour, Columbia, Carbon, Mom-oe, Pike, and the townships of Nescopeck, Blackcreek, Sugarloaf, Butler, Hazel, Foster, Bearcreek, Bucks, Roaringbrook, Salem, Hollenback, Huntingdon, Fairmount, Springbrook, and that part of the city of Scranton south of Roaringbrook creek, and east of Lackawanna river, and' the boroughs of Dunmore, New Columbus, Goldsboro, White Haven, Jeddo From this district, Collins was elected in 1874, Klotz, in 1878 and 1880; in 1882 and 1884, John B. Buckalew. and Hazleton. and re-elected in 1876;; Storm; in 1886, C. R. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 124 CHAPTER V. THE STORM AND STRESS PERIOD. THE did war of 1861-5 brought to the people of Columbia county as it whole country, an experience for which their previous training There was little of the piu'ely raartial afforded no adequate preparation. The first settlers were not the most successful Indian spirit to be found here. with the possible exception of fighters, nor did they number among them Van Campen any of the class whose achievements have embellished the tales They were peaceful and industrious farmers rather than of other borders. civil to the — — Indian-slayers; but such a character did not prevent their doing substantial During the war of 1812 service where duty called or danger threatened. Columbia was situated too far fi'om the scene of hostilities to be called actively AVhen the attack on Baltimore was threatened the militia was into service. rendezvoused at Danville, but was disbanded after a few weeks of camp- life. The requirements of the militia system, which was nominally maintained by the commonwealth for years, were at first met with a moderate degree of faithfulness, but the amusements of training-day gradually lost their charm, and the absentees numbered far more tban those who reported for duty on field and muster days. There was one company, however, which proved a remarkable exception. Its rendezvous was at Danville, and its original organization dated in 1817; and when, in November, 1846, the call for troops for service in Mexico came, it reunited its ranks fi'om all parts of the then county of Columbia, took the name of Columbia Guards, and offered its services to the governor. It was accepted, and on the 26th of December, 1846, the county authorities appropriated seven hundred dollars to uniform them and defray their expenses to Pittsburgh. They were escorted thus far by a committee of citizens, and under the command of Captain John S. Wilson were mustered into the service of the United States as a part of the Second regiment, on the 5th of January of the following year. They were at first commanded by Colonel Roberts, who was succeeded by Colonel Geary. Captain Wilson died on the 10th of April, 1847, at Vera Cruz, and the command devolved upon Lieutenant Frick, who led the company during the campaign. Their first engagement was at the capture of Vera Cruz, and the second at At the battle of ChapiilCerro Gordo, where they lost one man, John Smith. On approaching tepec they lost two men, William Dietrich and John Snyder. the city of Mexico, the defense of San Angelos, with all the military stores, was committed to the Guards; and on the 13th of September, 1847, they were among the first in the triumphant entry into the city. They retui-ned to Danville on the 28th day of July, 1849. The whole county turned out to welcome them, and such a demonstration as was then made had never been seen in Danville before or since. The Guards kept up their organization until the rebellion, and entered the union service under Captain Oscar Ephlin. On the expiration of their term of service they were honorably discharged, and the company disbanded. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 125 *The following is the muster roll of the Columbia Guards as the}' went into the United States Service for the war with Mexico: Captain John S. Wilson. Lieutenants First, Clarence H. Frick; second, Edward E. LaClere; third, William — — Brindle. Sergeants— First, George Charles Evans. Corporals — First, S. Kline; second, Jas. D. Slater; third, Robert Clark; fourth, John Adams; second, James Arthur Gearhart. Music Drummer, Thomas Clark; — Charles W. Adams, Alvin M. Allen, Jacob App, Geo. W. Armstrong, Frederick Brandt, Samuel Burns, Elam B. Bonham, Wm. Banghart. John Birkenbine. Samuel D. Baker, Francis Bower, Francis B. Best. William Brunner, Wm. H. Birchfield, Randolph Ball. Peter Brobst, Abram B. Carley, Michael Corrigan, Wm. Dieterech, William Erie, Daniel S. Follmer, Chas. W. Fortner, Robert H. Forster, Sewell Gibbs, Edward Grove. George Garner, fifer, John Smith; fourth, Jesse G. Clark. PRIVATES. Samuel Huntingdon, Adam Oliver; third, Heisler. Henry Herncastle, Oliver Helme, William S. Kertz, William King, Jerome Konkle, Charles Lytle Ira Lownsberry, Robert Lyon, John A. Lowery, Benjamin Laform, Benj. J. Martin, Jasper Musselman, Edward McGonnel, George Miller, William Moser, Archibald Moonej', Mahlon K. Manly, John G. Mellon," Alex M' Donald, Daniel Martial. Richard H. M'Kean, Charles Moynthan, Robert M'Almont. Hugh M'Fadden. Norman B. Mack, William McDonald, Casper Oatenwelder, Daniel Poorman, Peter S. Reed, Philip Rake, James A. Stewart, Peter M. Space, Jona R. Sanders, Oliver C. Stephens, Daniel Snyder, Edward Seler, Peter Seigfried, John C. Snyder, John N. Scofleld, William Swartz, Joseph Stratton, Wm. H. Sawaney. John A. Sarvey, Benj. Tumbleton, Adam Wray, Wm. White, George Wagner, Jacob Willet, Jerome Walker, George Wingar. Thomas Graham, James M'Clelland. Peter W. Yarn ell. Shepherd W. Girton, Tbe interest which kept up the organization of the Guards in Montour was not shared to any great extent in Columbia county; yet the president's call for volunteers, following Sumter's fall, met with an enthusiastic response. The presence of W. W. Ricketts, a former West Point cadet, had fostered a military spirit at Orangeville, and a company was quickly formed there and put in drill, but for a time others seemed at a loss how to proceed. A meeting, however, was called at the court-house, and addressed by Robert F. Clark in a speech that made the young men struggle for precedence in sabscribing to the enlistment roll. C. B. Brockway is said to have been the first man in the county to enlist, and others followed so that the complement of Rickett' s company was soon filled. Their services were tendered to the governor, but the state quota under the first call was already filled. Not to be put off in this way, the company chartered canal boats and went to Harrisburg, where they were subsequently accepted. There were but few meetings in the county to awaken enthusiasm. There was no call for them. Many volunteered without hesitation, and company after company marched to " the front. " Later on, however, the quotas were not so readily filled, and unfortunate dissensions arose, which, during and for a long time after the war, disturbed the peace and happiness of the citizens of the county. In the summer of 1862 a " war meeting " was held at the court-house in *The rosier, with some of the facts concerning the career of the company, of Columbia Counly," by J. G. Freeze. is derived Irom the ''History HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 126 the latier part of July, which requested the county commissioners to grant a Only two of the .bounty to each soldier that had enlisted from the county. commissioners were jjresent, and they very properly declined to accede to the request vintil assured of the approval of the county at large, and of their authority to do so under the law, but advised the calling of another meeting to Early in August a second meeting was held with a consider the question. This was in the forenoon. The commissioners met in the midsimilar result. dle of the day, but in the meanwhile another call for troops had greatly inThere was a creased the number to whom bounties would have to be paid. great difference of opinion on the subject throughout the county, and, still in Their doubt as to their authority, the commissioners refused to take action. decision was received by the momljers of the morning meeting with indignation, and a meeting was held in the afternoon at which the commissioners' action was u.nsparingly denounced. After the meeting, an altercation having taken place between a drunken man and a convalescent soldier, and the former having cheered for Jeff. Davis, Some dozen or more republicans he was pursued and maltreated by a mob. were arrested on a charge of riot, under a warrant issued by a justice of the peace of Hemlock township; the accused were taken there for a hearing and bound over for trial. The trial was had, and the accused were convicted, and No attempt was made to ensentenced by the court to fine and imprisonment. force the penalty, however, and the governor's pardon put an end to the matter. An enrollment was ordered this year, and the number subject to military duty was found to be 4,587; the quota, under all calls prior to Sei:)tember, 1862, was 1,447; the number in the service, at the same date, was 626, leaving a balance of 821 men to be supplied by draft or otherwise. The militia of Pennsylvania, as generally throughout the country, was There was a form of organization; a practically to be found only on paper. military tax was levied on each voter liable to duty, save those in volunteer companies, and C. M. Blaker, of this county, by the regular removal of his At the breakseniors, in 1861 had reached the chief command in the state. ing out of the war, the legislature revived and revised this organization, and The townships of in 1862 a draft was ordered by the state to fill its ranks. Catawissa and Pine, and the borough of Berwick, filled their quota with volunteers, biit in the other divisions of the county, the draft was drawn; a total of 695 men was drawn, 45 from Bloom, 49 from Briarci'eek, 40 fi'om Beaver, 27 fi'om Benton, 60 from Conyngham, 54 from Center, 50 from Fishingcreek, 4 fi'om Franklin, 45 from Greenwood, 25 fi'om Hemlock, 19 fi'om Jackson, 40 from Locust, 24 from Montour, 18 from Maine, 27 fi'om Mount Pleasant, 46 from Mifflin, 48 from Madison, 9 from Orange, 86 from Scott and 29 from Sugarloaf No opposition was manifested to this draft. In fact it had the effect of stimvilating enlistments in the national service, as many, when they found it necessary to enter the military service at all, preferred to avail themselves of the advantages to be derived from such enlistments. The drafts on the part of the general government, however, were not reThe first was di'awn at Troy, Pennsylvania, ceived with equal unconcern. September 17, 1863, and called for 634 men from Columbia county. In the spring of 1864, some trouble occurred between a company of " Home Guards," in Mifflin township, and a portion of the invalid corps, which the A conferenrolling officer for that township had summoned to his assistance. ence was finally had, at which it was agreed to allow a citizen of the village to proceed with the enrollment, unmolested, and this was done. . . ^^" () . /^^^-T^^^x^-^^-U-'^ HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 129' Similar companies were formed in Benton and Fishingcreek townships, but they never figured ofPensively as an organization in the history of the period. There was vague talk in these and neighboring localities, that there were places in the North mountain where a hundred men could successfully^ defy a thousand, and indefinite references to "the fort," where a stand would be made against any attempt to enforce the di-aft. This was undoubtedly^ mere gasconade, and no such stand was ever made. There was quite a number of drafted men who refused to report for duty, and they, with theii- fi-iends,. constituted a considerable element in the townships of Fishingcreek, Benton,. Sugarloaf, Jackson, Pine, and the neighboring portions of Luzerne and Sullivan counties. A half-secret meetings had been held by disaffected purpose of discussing the situation, and devising the safest means to obviate the difiiculties which now appeared to be daily growing more serious. There was no unanimity in the choice of measures. Some advocated hiding, others proposed the raising of money to procure substitutes, and each series of half-open, parties, for the finally acted individually upon their own suggestions. Early in August, 1864, Lieutenant Kobinson, of Luzerne county, with a squad of eight men appeared one evening near what is nowEaven's-Creek postoffice in this county, and attempted to stop by challenging a party of citizens, whom they met. They were fired upon by the challenge party and Robinson was fatally wounded. Shortly afterward, on August 13, 1864, a detachment of government troops arrived in Bloomsburg. for the purpose, it was said, of enforcing the draft, and went into camp on the fair grounds. This force was increased until it included Captain Lambert's independent company of mounted men; one section of the Keystone Battery of Philadelphia, under the command of Lieutenant Roberts; a battalion of infantry under Lieutenant- Colonel' Stewart; and a battalion of the Veteran Reserve Corps, aggregating, it is said, a thousand men. On the 16th of August, Major General- Couch, commanding the department of the Susquehanna, reached Bloomsburg, and on the sameday conferred with some of the leading republicans and democrats of the He was assured by prominent gentlemen of the democratic party, coui^y. that he had greatly misapprehended the situation; that there was no fort, there would be no resistance, and that ten men could arrest the delinquent conscripts as safely as ten hundred. J. G. Freeze was at length persuaded to carry to the recalcitrant drafted men the general' s offer to remit the charge of desertion in the case of all those who would report themselves on or before 12 p. m. on the following Saturday, and on the 17th, General Couch returned to Harrisburg, leaving Lieutanant- Colonel Stewart in command of affairs. The di'afted men did not report at the time appointed, and' on the following day a body of troops under command of Stewart proceeded to Benton. On Saturday, August 2Sth, Major- General Cadwallader arrived in Bloomsbui'g from Philadelphia, and assuming command, proceeded on the following day with another body of troops to join the advance detachment. On the 30th General Cadwallader was in Bloomsburg, to confer with' the leading supi^orters of the administration, and during that night, by his. orders, squads of troops were posted at various localities in the upper townships. Early on the following morning about one hundred arrests were made,, and the prisoners brought to a meeting house near the village of Benton, where a preliminary examination was held. Of the persons arrested fortyfour were held and dispatched under guard to Harrisbiu'g. These prisoners were treated with little consideration. They were compelled to make th& IS HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 130 eighteen miles from Benton to Bloomsbnrg on foot, while some, at least, of the Arrived at the connty seat, no delay was made in getting them cai's, and no attempt was made to interpose any legal obstruction This done, General Cadwallader explored the adjacent to their removal. country for evidences of forts and artillery, which exaggerated rumors had indicated were in that region, but which, it is needless to say, were not found. The general pronounced the whole thing a complete farce, and on the 7th The larger part of the troops was of September returned to Philadelphia. subsequently withdrawn, but the remainder was retained, and other arrests guards rode. on board the ' ' ' ' made from time to time. These summary proceedings on the part of the millitary authorities, natur- and properly gave rise to an investigation of their legality, and spirited measures were at once taken to secure the release of the persons arrested. On the 17th of October 1SG4, twenty-one of them were conditionally relieved from arrest. Among these twenty-one, five were previously discharged on account of sickness, one, however, having died in prison before his discharge had reached him. On the same day the trials of the remaining twenty-three were beally o-un before a military commission, organized at Harrisburg. The general accusation brought against all that were placed on trial was the same, and charged a citizen of Columbia county, Pennsylvania, did unite, that the accused, and many other disloyal persons confederate and combine with whose names are unknown, and form or unite with a society or organization commonly known and called by the name of the Knights of the Grolden Circle,' the object of which society or organization was and is to resist the execution of the draft, and prevent persons who have been drafted under the provisions of the said act of congress, approved March 3d, 1863, and the several supplements thereto, from entering the military service of the United States. This done at or near Benton township, Columbia county, Pennsylvania, on or about August 14. 1801, and at divers times and places before and after said Of those earliest tried seven were convicted. These were mentioned day. sentenced to terms of imprisonment ranging from six months, with labor, to two years. In one case the penalty was a fine of $500 or a year's imprisonOf the others, one was parment, and the prisoner elected to pay the fine. doned by President Lincoln, and five by President Johnson. Several others were tried, but acquitted, and the charge was subsequently withdrawn in the ' ' , , ' ' ' case of the Among rest. the citizens of Columbia county there still exist widely varying opinions in regard to the troubles in connection with the draft, and the sending of troops to the county. On one side it is claimed that there was organized and armed opposition to the draft, that menaces and threats were used against officers in the proper discharge of their duties, that in some townships Republicans were terrorized by threats of incendiarism and assault, that officers of the law were in many instances in sympathy with the law-breakers, and that military interference was On the other side it is necessary to restore order and enforce the draft. claimed that by means of a dishonest enrollment, it was sought to compel Columbia and other democratic counties to furnish more than their just quotas; that there was no organized opposition to the draft; that a reign of terror prevailed among democrats, which was instituted by republicans; that military interference was unnecessary, and was resorted to for the purpose of influencing elections that some of the soldiers sent to the county were guilty of gross outrages, and that many innocent men suffered arrest and imprisonment without It would be a difficult matter to prove the exact truth cause or warrant of law. ; HISTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 131 some of these charges. It is generally admitted, however, that in Columbia county as in many other parts of the north, some of the democrats were opposed to the prosecution of the war; that a considerable number of men attempted to evade the draft, and in some places concert of action was had for It is also admitted that the enrollment was very inaccurate, that that purpose. the force sent here and the large number of arrests were unnecessary, that power placed in the hands of irresponsible subordinates was exercised in a vindictive manner, and that one of the results of sending troops to the county was in regard to a considerable republican gain at the fall elections. Of the convictions before the military commission, all has been said when the decision of the United States supreme court, in the case of Lambdin P. Milligan is considered. What is there said of the petitioner in the case may be applied to the cases from Columbia county. On the third point in controversy the court said in part: It is claimed that martial law covers with its broad mantle the proceedings of the military commission. The proposition is this: That in a time of war the commander of an armed force (if in his opinion tlie exigencies of the country demand it. and of which be is to be judge,) has the power, within the lines of his military district, to suspend all civil rights and their remedies, and subject citizens as well as soldiers to the rule of Ms will, and in the exercise of his lawful authority cannot be restrained, except by his superior officer or the President of the United States. If this position is sound, to the extent claimed, then when war exists, foreign or domestic, and the country is subdivided into military departments for mere convenience, the commander of one of them can, if he chooses,within his limits, on the plea of necessity, with the approval of the executive, substitute military force for and to the exclusion of the laws, and punish all persons, as he thinks right and proper, without fixed or certain rules. The statement of this proposition shows its importance, for, if true, republican government is a failure, and there is an end of liberty regulated by law. Martial law, established on such a basis, destroys every guarantee of the constitution, and effectually renders the "military independent of and superior to the civil power" the attempt to do which by the King of Great Britain was deemed by our fathers such an offense, that they assigned it to the world as one of the causes which impelled them to declare their independence. Civil liberty and this kind of martial law cannot endure together; the antagonism is irreconcilable; and in the conflict, one or the other must perish. — Notwithstanding some opposition means unrepresented at the front. ' ' to the draft, ' ' There is Columbia county was by no no data at hand to show how many men she contributed to the army, nor how far she fell short of filling her assigned quota; but in eighteen regiments she was conspicuously represented in point of numbers, and in several others in a varying degree. And their patient endurance of the tedium of the camp, the toil of the march, and their gallantry upon the field of battle, constitute a record to which she may ever point with pride. On the afternoon of the 15th of April, 1861, the president's proclamation, with the summons of the state executive, was sent throughout the commonwealth, and the state' s quota of sixteen regiments was immediately filled by the tender of the militia, which had a more or less efficient organization. By the first of May the full complement of Pennsylvania was mustered, and a part already in Washington or at other threatened points. Among the earliest companies to form anew was the Iron Guard of Columbia county but such was the forwardness of the partially organized force of the state, that the offer of their services came too late to be accepted under the first call. There were twenty-five men, principally fi-om Bei-wick however, who gained admission in the Sixteenth regiment. They joined company C, which was recruited in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland county, and were mustered into the United States service on the 20th of April. After organization the regiment was ordered to Camp Scott, near the town of York, where it was uniformed and drilled. Upon the inauguration of the Shenandoah campaign ' ' ' ; ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 132 the Sixteenth proceeded to Chambersburg, where its equipment for field service was completed, and in June advanced across the Potomac with the leading In the battle of Bull Run it formed a part of the left of the line as division. It took part in the second movement, and had a part of the Fifth Division. slight brush with the enemy on the way to Martinsburg, where a halt for supOn July 15th the regiment moved to Bunker Hill, plies consumed several days. and two days later made a forced march toward Harper' s Ferry. At Smithfield, with its brigade, it took position to repel the attack of Stuart's cavalry, but after the passage of the army it again resumed its march, and encamped Here it remained until near the expiration of its that night at Charlestown. term of enlistment, when it proceeded to Harrisburg, and was mustered out of the service on the 30th of Jiily. On the 16th of April, General Patterson was appointed to the command of the Pennsylvania contingent by the governor, and a short time afterward General Scott gave him charge of the Department of Washington, consisting of the states of Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland, and the District of It was well known that in the Columbia, with headquarters at Philadelphia. event of a war, the leaders of the South determined to make the North the scene of hostilities, if possible, and when, on the 19th of April, the communication with Washington was cut off, in the absence of other orders General Patterson upon his own responsibility made a requisition on the governor of Pennsylvania for twenty-five additional regiments of infantry, and one regiment of cavalry, to be mustered in the United States service. The recruiting of troops, which had been suspended, was at once revived by the governor's proclamation and vigorously pushed, but when the interrupted communications were restored, the national authorities, unprepared to acThe attitude of cept more troops, countermanded General Patterson's order. Maryland, however, was a continu.al menace, and recognizing the danger to which the long line of border adjoining disaffected states exposed Pennsylvania, Governor Curtin called an extra session of the legislature to provide On the 15th of May, the governor was authorized to for the emergency. Reserve Volunteer Corps of the organize a military corps, to be called the Commonwealth, consisting of thirteen regiments of infantry, one regiment of They were to be organized and cavalry, and one regiment of light artillery. equipped as similar troops in the service of the United States, and to be enlisted in the service of the state for a period of three years or for the war, but liable to be mustered into the service of the United States to fill any quota Under this law the governor established under a call from the president. camps of instruction at Easton, West Chester, Pittsburgh, and Harrisburg; each county was assigned its quota, and the enthusiastic response everywhere made to the governor's call soon placed the full force in the course of preparation for active duties. On the 22d of April, 1861, ten companies were organized in different parts of the state under the first call for troops; the quota of the State having been filled before the tender of their services was received, they were not given transportation, but nothing daunted they proceeded to Harrisburg, where Reserve Corps " had In the meantime the they met each other in camp. been projected, and these troops with others maintained their organizations and awaited the demand for their services. The law authorizing the governor to accept them was subsequently passed, and in June, such companies as were not recruited to the national standard, sent out officers for recruits, and the companies thus brought together were organized on the 22d of June as The the Thirty-fifth regiment of the line, and the Sixth of the reserve. ' ' ' ' ' ' " HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 133 "Iron Guards" were mustered as Company A; their captain, W. Wallace was commissioned colonel; William M. Penrose, lieutenant -colonel; Henry J. Madill, major; and Lieutenant Henry B. M'Kean, was appointed Ricketts. adjutant. The regiment was assigned to camp duty, which it continued to perform On the 11th of July, compawhile perfecting itself in the manual of arms. nies A and K were supplied with Springfield muskets, the rest of the regiment being armed with Harper's Ferry muskets, and ordered to Greencastle, where On the 22d it proceeded to it received instruction in drill at Camp Biddle. Washington, and encamped east of the Capitol. From thence it moved to Tenallytown, where General M'Call organized his division of Pennsylvania Reserves. The Sixth (35th) was brigaded with Ninth, Tenth and Twelfth regiments of the Reserves in the Third brigade under the command of Colonel M' Calmont, and on the yth of October marched across Chain bridge to a camp near Longley. Until the 19th of December, a movement for the double purpose of reconnoissance and securing forage alone varied the routine of camp life. Early on this date, however, the brigade was ordered forward on the Leesburg pike, where it was soon involved in the first regular engagement with the enemy. The Ninth Reserve was posted on the right, the Sixth in the center, the Kane Rifles on the left, and the Tenth and Twelfth in reserve, While taking position they were fired on by the enemy from a battery posted on the Centreville road. A section of the Easton battery responded, and the Sixth was immediately ordered to advance. For a little time there was some doubt whether the attacking party were friends or foes, but their true character was soon discovered and a charge was ordered. At the word forward, the regiment bounded the fence in front, ci'ossed the open field and in a moment had driven him from his position in confusion, capturing one caisson and some prisoners. Private S. C. Walter, of Company A, was killed, and thus the Reseiwes won ' ' ' their first victory. But little occurred, save the constant ' round of picket and fatigue duty, to enliven the camp-life during the next two months. In February, 1862, Colonel Ricketts was discharged on account of continued ill-health, and, Lieutenant-Colonel Penrose having previously resigned, Major Madill was left in command of the regiment. On the 10th of March, the army having advanced to Centreville and Manassas, the Sixth marched sixteen miles, to Hunter's Mills, remaining there until the l-lth, when it was ordered to Alexandria. While here William Sinclair was made colonel, and Henry B. M'Kean lieutenant-colonel of the regiment. On the 27th of April the Sixth moved to Bailey's Cross Roads; on the 12th of May they reached Manassas Junction; on the 18th, moved to Catlett's station; on the 3d of June it reached Falmouth, where comfortable quarters were constructed from lumber obtained at a neighboring saw-mill. On the 13th of June the brigade embarked for White House, to join McClellan's army on the peninsula. On their arrival there was considerable alarm lest Stuart, whose forces were hovering in the vicinity, should attack the post, where vast supplies for the army had been accumulated. The Sixth regiment was therefore ordered to remain to guard the post, and was stationed at Tuntstall's station. On the 19th, five companies were ordered to fall back to White House, while the remaining companies threw up protecting earthworks. The flanking movement of the enemy, however, rendered White House no longer available as a base of supplies, and preparations were hastily made for its evacuation. On the 28th of June the advanced detachment of the regiment was recalled by urgent instructions, and their movement hurried by repeated orders. The en- 134 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. eniy followed, but made no attack, and the whole force, having embarked, proOn the 1st of July ceeded down the river by the light of the burning stores. the regiment reached Harrison's Landing, where the wagon-trains of the retreating ai-my began to arrive that night. On the 4th of July the Sixth was transferred to the First brigade and did On the 14th of August it skirmish duty alternately with the Kane's Rifles. A week proceeded by water to Acquia creek and thence by rail to Falmouth. From later it set off with its division for Kelly's ford, on the Rappahannock. thence the regiment proceeded to Rappahannock station and to Warrenton, where it went into camp on the 24th. The opposing forces were again centering about the field of Bull Run, and on the morning of the 28th, as the troops approached G-ainesville, they were suddenly assailed by a battery posted in a piece of woods. The Sixth was deployed as skirmishers and moved forward across an open field. No further demonstrations followed, and the regiment On the following day the dibivouacked that night on the Alexandria pike. vision moved to the front of the enemy's position, at Groveton, but while actively maneuvering to gain an advantageous position, the regiment was not engaged in any serious encounter. On the 30th the Sixth was ordered to support Cooper's battery, but was subsequently moved to the left, to cover the flank of In covering the retreat 'of Porter's corps, the Third brigade, of the division. which the Sixth regiment was a part, met and repulsed a vigorous charge of A little later the brigade was placed in support of the artillery, the enemy. which was massed on a hill. A brisk artillery duel ensued, but, after enduring this for a while, the enemy charged in force, to secure the road which lay beThe Reserves were immediately ordered to charge tween the opposing lines. They first reached the road, repulsed the rebels, and sent the coming enemy. them back in confusion. " In this charge the flag of the Sixth was shot from It was instantly taken by the the staff while in the hands of Major Madill. gallant Reynolds, who, holding it aloft, dashed along the line, the wind catchThe loss in this ing it as he turned and wrapping it about his noble form. " stubborn fight, including the three days, was six killed, thirty wounded, and eight missing. The regiment moved thence to Centreville, Annandale, Bailey's Cross Roads and Hunter's Chapel, to Munson's Hill. On the 6th of September the regiment took up its march to South mountain, across Long bridge, through Washington, Leesboro, Poplar Springs, New Market, Frederick City and MiddleArriving at the scene of action, it was posted on the extreme right of town. the army, and when the enemy was compelled to fall back on his supports, the This movement Sixth dashed up the mountain to gain the flank of the foe. "The top of the mountain was observed and the line still further withdrawn. was only a few hundred yards distant, and when reached would end the battle on Night was fast approaching and the battle raged futhat part of the field. Companies A and B, Captains Ent and riously for many miles to the left. Roush, were ordered out to seize and hold the knob of the mountain immeThey marched from the woods, passed the enemy's flank, diately in front. and, firing into it one volley, made straight for the mountain top. When within one hundred yards they received the fire of the enemy, protected by a ledge Immediately companies C, D and E, Capof rocks which capped the summit. tains Wright, Dixon and Lieutenant Richards, were ordered to their support, The and, forming to the left of the first two, the line advanced at a charge. numbers of the enemy were largely in excess of those of the Sixth,- but the five companies, restrained during the earlier part of the battle, dashed, like a steed The enemy,. released from his curb, against the very muzzles of their guns. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 135 staggered by the impetuosity of the charge, yielded the first ledge of rocks and retreated to the second, from behind which he delivered a most galling fire, causing the advance to reel under the shock and threatening its annihilation. The rebel line to the left, which had been passed by these companies, had in the meantime been compelled to yield to the persistent hammering of the other The cheers of the brigade were distinctly heard regiments of the Reserves. by both, when the rebels, broken in spirit by the severity of their losses and the determined front presented by the Reserves, fled down the mountain side. These five companies had performed an important service and driven before them in confusion the Eighth Alabama regiment. The loss Avas twelve men two killed, officers and thirty-nine men wounded. The regiment moved forward with its division to Antietam creek, where on the 16th, with "the Bucktails," it was engaged in a spirited contest with the enemy. In the early morning following, the rebels attempted to dislodge these regiments fi'om the position they had gained, but with no success until The Sixth, the giving way of other portions of the line exposed their flank. shielded by a piece of woods, still maintained their position although assailed in front and flank, and submitted to a concentrated fire of artillery. The enemy now desisted from the attempt to clear the wood, and, moving to the right, the division took a position in support of the artillery, where it remained the balance of the day unengaged, but still the target of the enemy's artillery fire. In this engagement eight men were killed, and among the wounded were four officers. On the retirement of Lee's army the Sixth marched to the Potomac near Here it remained until the latter part Sharpsburg, where it went into camp. of October, industriously perfecting its discipline and drill and gaining the reputation of being the best drilled regiment in the division. From this point the regiment proceeded again to Warrenton where it arrived on the 6th of November. On the 11th it again broke camp and marched through Fayetteville, Bealton station, Morrisville, Grove Church, Hartwood and Stafford to Brook's station on the Acquia creek and Fredericksburg railC. H. Colonel Sinclair was now in comroad, where it erected snug quarters. mand of the brigade, and. Lieutenant Colonel M'Kean having resigned, Major , Ent commanded the regiment. The Fredericksburg campaign began on the 8th of December, when the Sixth broke camp and marched to the north side of the Rappahannock, reaching the hills overlooking that town on the 11th instant. On the following morning it crossed the river about three miles below the city on a pontoon bridge, where a line of battle was formed at right angles with the river, the left of the brigade resting on it. At day-break on the 13th the pickets became engaged, and the Sixth led the brigade across a small stream and through a cornfield, in a dense fog, to the Bowling- Green road, where the line was re-formed. Here the enemy was found intrenched, and the brigade at once advanced to the attack, with the Sixth acting as skirmishers. One after the other, the three lines, though stubbornly contested, were taken. "The regiment had now lost more than one-third of its entire number, the brigade had suffered heavily, and Colonel Sinclair had been borne fi'om the field wounded, when the enemy was detected moving through the woods to the right in large numbers. At the same time a terrific lire of musketry was opened on the left of the brigade. The line began to waver, and no supporting troops being at hand, it finally yielded, and the regiment, with the brigade, fell back over the same ground on which it had advanced. In this battle, of the three hundred men who went into action, ten were killed, ninety-two wounded and nineteen missinof. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 136 the 20th of December, the regiment went into camp at Belle Plain. camp to participate in the " mud march, " and returned to remain Here it ^intil the 7th of February, 1863, when it was ordered to Alexandria. •did guard and picket duty until the 20th of June, when it moved, to take part Marching by way of Dranesville, Edward's in the Gettysburg campaign. Perry, Frederick, Uuiontown and Hanover, it reached Gettysburg at two o' clock It remained p. m. of July 2d, and made a charge from Little Round Top. Toward evening the in front all night, and on the 3d did skirmish duty. Sixth made another charge, recapturing one gun and five caissons, besides libIt remained on the skirmish line until erating a number of union prisoners. the afternoon of the -ith, when it was relieved and allowed to camp on Little Bound Top. In this engagement the regiment lost two men killed, and Lieutenant Rockwell and twenty-one men wounded. The regiment took part in the pursuit of the retreating enemy as far as Falling Waters, engag(5d in a continuous skirmish on the way, and from the 14th, until the 18th of August, the regiment i-emained here engaging in reconnoissances which involved occasional skirmishes, when it went to Rappahannock station. Here it remained until the loth of September*. In the meantime, among other 'Changes in the officers of the regiment, W. H. Ent had passed through the It was therefore under his command lower grades and been made colonel. that the Sixth proceeded on the 15th to Culpeper C. H., where it remained Two days later it crossed the river and took part until the 10th of October. in the engagement at Bristol station, having three men wounded with the enemy's shells. It shared in the various maneuvers of the army at this time, and on the 26th of November again met the enemy at New Hope Church. The Sixth was deployed as skirmishers and sent forward to the support of the cavalry. The left wing of the regiment was twice charged by the enemy, but It's loss was two killed and four wounded. "without success. December 5th, the regiment went into winter quarters near Kettle Run, At this "where it passed an uneventful experience until the 2yth of April, 1864. time it broke camp and entered upon the spring campaign, reaching the WilOn the next day the passage of the Wildei-ness tavern on the 4th of May. derness was begun, the Sixth being actively engaged in the fighting which took It had a slight skirmish on the 7th; at place on the 5th and 6th instants. Spottsylvania, on the 8th, it was engaged in heavy fighting, and on the 9th, moved to the right of the line and constructed rifle-pits; on the 10th it made two successful charges upon the enemy's works, and again on the 12th, ColoThe loss of the regiment in these engagenel Ent commanding the brigade. ments was thirteen killed, sixty-four wounded and nine missing. In all this active campaign the Sixth was found in the front doing valiant service, on the 22d capturing ninety men of Hill's corps. The battle at Bethesda Church occurred after the expiration of its term of service. Here the regiment was deployed as skirmishers, and had gained a position on the Mechanicsville road, when it was attacked by an overwhelming It then protected its position by a rifle-pit, which the force and thrust back. enemy charged with the determination to drive out its defenders, but was Although but about one hundred forced to retire with terrible punishment. and fifty strong, the Sixth captured one hundred and two prisoners and buried Colonel Ent and Captain seventy-two of the enemy in front of their works. Waters were wounded and nineteen men captured. On the 1st of June the regiment started for Harrisburg, and on the 14th was mustered out of the service. On the same day they reached Bloomsburg, where they were The following were those who returned: accorded an enthusiastic reception. On It left its , HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 137 Col. Wellington H. Ent, Adjutant George S. Coleman, First Lieutenant A. B. Jameson; Second Lieutenant H. J. Conner, commanding company; Sergeants James Stanley, W. S. Margerum; Corporals W. H. Snyder, Benjamin F. Sharpless, Joseph R. Hess, Marks B. Hughes; Privates Charles Achenbach, H. C. Bowman, Alfred Eck, Thomas Griffiths, Henry Gotschall, William Hollingshead, Sylvester Hower, Theodore Mendenhall, A. W. Mann, Baltis Sterling, George' Waters, Nelson Bruner, Joseph S. Eck, Charles S. Fornwald, Samuel G. Gottschall, P. S. Hamlin, J. H. Hughes, John Kern, Augustus Willard, William Raup, Abraham Shortz, Alexander Zigler, Emanuel Kurtz. To the Forty-third regiment of the line (1st Artillery) Columbia and Montour counties contributed some thirty- six men, but the officers who gave it a certain local character were from the former county and give it a claim to This regiment its glory that entitles it to extended mention in these pages. had its origin in the efforts of James Brady, of Philadelphia. On the 13th of April, 1861, he issued a call for volunteers for a regiment of light artillery. In three days he had thirteen hundi-ed men enrolled, but the tender of their Before this services was not accepted, as it was not a militia organization. decision was reached, however, the different companies, impatient with the delay, joined other regimental organizations until only some live hundred men remained. These were maintained by the officers and friends until the organization of the Reserves was authorized, when four companies were accepted and These were subsequently joined by four other compaordered to Harrisburg. It was ai'med and equipped by the nies, and the regiment organized in June. In August the regiment was ordered to state and the city of Philadelphia. Washington, when it was fitted for field service, and encamped east of the Capitol. From this point the different batteries were assigned to various corps and dMsions of the army. Battery F, in which Columbia and Montour counties were represented, "was furnished in the month of August, 1861, with horses and equipments, and four smooth-bore pieces, and was transferred shoi-tly aft.er to the camp of the Reserve Corps at Tenallytown. On the 12th of September, it was ordered to join General Banks' command at Darnestown, Maryland, and was never afterward in any way connected with the regiment or with the Reserves. On the 8th of October the battery was enlarged by the addition of two Parrott steel-rifled, ten-pounder guns, and immediately thereafter orders were received to move with the new secSoon afterward. Sergeant tion to Williamsport, Captain Matthews in command. Charles B. Brockway was elected second lieutenant, and placed in command of the detached section, and was sent to oppose the enemy making demonstrations A slight skirmish ensued, in which the great accuracy at Hancock, Maryland. of the rifled pieces was demonstrated, several men and horses of the enemy A few days later it being killed and wounded by the first shell discharged. was reported that the enemy were destroying the railroad in that vicinity, and Lieutenant Brockway was ordered to mask one of his pieces and open upon the party. The first shot struck the engine employed, and the second burst among the men, killing five and wounding twelve others. On the 20th of December, Lieutenant Rickett's section had an engagement at Dam No. 5, on the Potomac, where it was forced to retire after having one gun dismounted. In January, 1862, it joined General Lander's command and participated with signal effect in the fight with Jackson near Hancock. Until February, 1862, the guns were in service singly and in sections between Edward's Ferry and Hancock, but on the 20th the sections were united at Hagerstown, where new equipments were received, and the guns furnished HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 138 by the state were exchanged for six regulation, three-inch, rifled guns, toOn the 1st of March the morngether with new carriages and Sibley tents. ing report showed one hundred and nineteen effectives, officers and men, with On the same day it moved with Bank's advance one hundred and five horses. up the Shenandoah valley, and was prominently engaged in the actions at Bunker Hill, Winchester and Newtown, beside several reconnoissances in force. The battery encamped at Warrenton in the latter part of March, and fi'om In May it took part there took part in the general movements in that region. in the abortive attempt to cut off Jackson' s retreat, and on the 10th of August moved with McDowell's corps to stay the enemy's progress after the defeat of Banks. When Pope withdrew his forces across the Rappahannock, battery F was posted at the crossing to cover the retreat, where it did valiant service. It had two guns disabled and several horses killed, but the pieces were all bi'ought off. The batteiy was then ordered to Thoroughfare -Gap to dispute Longstreet's passage to reinforce Jackson. Brockway's section was pushed into position by hand, and held the enemy at bay until dark, when it was withdi'awn. On the 30th the battery was stationed on a hill near the Henry house. The rest of the guns were subsequently ordered elsewhere, leaving Brockway alone. A determined attack was made upon his position, and his supports having been driven away, his guns were captured, and all but three of its men disabled or captured. Another gun with a fresh detachment of men was placed under Lieutenant Brockway, with orders to fill " the chest with ammunition. " He was ordered to hold his position and maintain a slow fire until further instructed. This he did until dusk, when the enemy made a furious charge upon him. Supposing he was to be supported, he stoutly defended his position until he found himself and command in possession of the enemy. The union forces had safely crossed Bull Run in the meantime, and* Brockway' command was simply left behind to deceive the enemy. The ruse was entirely successful; the retreat was effected with the loss of one gun and caisson and eight men. Only one gun was saved, and the remnant of the command marched all night and encamped on the following day at Centreville. Here the guns and horses of an Indiana battery were turned over to Captain Matthews, and with them the battery was i^artially refitted. At the battle of Chantilly it was in line but not engaged. At South mountain the battery was not engaged, and on the 15th of September it encamped on Antietam creek. On the next day it was moved to the right, where it occupied a position in Rickett's division. It first occupied the historic position near the Dunkard church, in the rear of a cornfield. The enemy's fire was soon concentrated upon it and it was advanced. The enemy several times charged the position unsuccessfully. Most of the battery horses were killed or wounded, and of the men, four were killed and fifteen On wounded. the 23d Lieutenant Ricketts rejoined the battery from recruiting service; Captain Matthews left on account of sickness, and never returned. From severe service the battery had been reduced from a six-gun to a two-gun battery; the men were greatly redvtced in numbers and worn out with constant service, and the horses and equipments were equally reduced in effectiveness. Lieutenant Goldbad was dead, Brockway a prisoner. Captain Matthews and Lieutenant Case absent, prostrated by disease, and the men scattered by wounds, desertion and sickness. On the 1st of September, while encamped at Brook's station. Lieutenant Ricketts was ordered to Washington, where he obtained two guns, fourteen men and twenty-nine horses. On the lOth the battery was ordered to Falmouth, where it was posted to cover the laying of pontoon s 139 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. bridges. It remained here during the action of the next three days, and conWith the ending tributed conspicuous aid in the movement across the river. of this movement the battery retired to Belle Plain and went into winter quarters. Lieutenant Brockway was exchanged and returned to his command Early in January, 1863, the batshortly after the battle of Fredericksburg. tery was transferred to the Third division of the First corps, and upon the promotion of Captain Matthews, Lieutenant R. B. Ricketts was promoted to the captaincy. The movement upon Chancellorsville opened on the 27th of April. Battery F took part in this movement, and on the 2d of May was ordered to relieve Seeley's regular battery, which had sufPered heavily in the previous day's fighting. The enemy's line was only two hundred and fifty yards away, and Captain Ricketts was instructed to hold the position at all hazards. The battery was the center of repeated assaults, but its death- dealing engines each time forced the enemy to recoil with terrible slaughter. On the 13th of May, the battery was ordered to report to General Tyler, in command of the reserve artillery. On the 15th, the battery moved by forced marches toward Pennsylvania, arriving on the field of Gettysburg on July 2d, and taking position in fi'ont of the cemetery gate. It was almost instantly The battery engaged, and soon after was charged by the Louisiana Tigers. Captain Ricketts had been advised that the occupied an exposed position. enemy would probably make a desperate attempt to take it, and he was ordered He recognized the desperate charto hold his position to the last extremity. acter of the attack, and, charging his pieces with canister, poui'ed in deadly volleys at the rate of four discharges per minute. Never before defeated in a charge, the Tigers held on their way undaunted, and were soon among the guns bayoneting the gunners. The guidon was planted in one of the earthworks, and an officer of the enemy was in the act of seizing it when its bearer rode up and shot the assailant down. He leveled his revolver again, but before he could fire was prostrated by the enemy. The guidon at length fell into the hands of the enemy. Observing this, Lieutenant Brockway seized a stone and felled the captor to the ground. A scene of the wildest confusion ensued, and both conIt ended in the crushing testants struggled with the most desperate valor. defeat of the enemy, who, coming forward seventeen hundi-ed strong, retired with barely six hundred. The loss of the battery in this engagement was nine killed, foiu'teen wounded and three taken prisoners, one-half of the number actually engaged. In Mead's campaign, during the remaining months of 1863, the battery At Bristoe station it acted with especial gallantry, and was complimented in general orders. On the 22d of November, Lieutenant Brockway commenced re-enlisting the men for the veteran service, and soon after went into winter quarters. Early in January, 1864:, over one hundred men having been re-enlisted, they were re-enrolled on the 10th, remustered for After the expiration of three years, and granted the usual veteran furlough. their furlough, the men rendezvoused at Chester, Pennsylvania, where the company was recruited to two hundi-ed. About the 1st of March it returned to its old camp on Mountain run, and the surplus men were distributed to participated. other batteries. On the 4th of May, the army under the command of Grant again turned its march toward Richmond, and Battery F moved with it, crossing at Ely' ford. At noon of the 5th the enemy was met in the beginning of the Wilderness. Here the batteiy was early brought into action, and did especial execution with its percussion shells. With this battle began the series of movements. 140 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. which terminated at Petersburg. At Cold Harbor the battery was attached to the Eighteenth corps, and was sharply engaged. For six days the battery was in the line of battle without relief, but on the 8th of June it was returned to the Second corps. On the 11th, this corps reached the James river, and was soon in position before Petersburg. The battery took part in the diversion toward Deep Bottom, from which it returned to the lines about the city, and continued to take part in the siege until the final surrender. Qn the 3d of April it went into camp at City Point. From this place it subsequently went to Washington, where its guns and horses were turned over, and the company dispatched to Harrisburg. On the 10th of June, 1865, it was mustered out of the service. The Fifty-second regiment contained one company (company G) formed in Columbia county, and another (company A) in which a number of its citizens were enrolled. This regiment was recruited under the president's call in July, 1861, and was organized on the 7th of October, at Camp Curtin. On the 8th November it proceeded to Washington, and went into camp at Kalorama In January, 1862, it moved into comfortable barracks, where it remained until the 28th of March, when it was summoned to the field. It first faced the enemy at Lee's Mills, but was principally engaged in the flanking movement which caused the confederates to abandon their fortifications at Yorktown. On the 20th, with its corps, the regiment took position opposite Bottom's bridge, on the left bank of the Chickahominy, and on the 23d engaged with others in slashing timber to form a defense about the head of the bridge. On the 24th the Fifty-second took part in a reconnoissance toward Richmond, and, developing the enemy in force, it was deployed as skirmishers. A spirited tight ensued, and a partial success gained, but being under orders not to bring on a general engagement, the pursuit of the wavering enemy was not pushed. On the succeeding three days the force was cautiously pushed forward to within five miles of Richmond, and went into camp a half mile beyond Fair Oaks. The battle of Fair Oaks was fought on the 30fch of May. The regiment was greatly depleted by details at guard at different points, and from its advanced position came into action later than the rest of the brigade. It narrowly escaped capture, and behaved itself with such gallantry as to be honorably mentioned in the report of General McClellan. A month intervened before the regiment was again called into action. On the 26th the enemy attacked the right wing of the army, and on the following day involved the Fifty-second, which stood in water waist-deep. For five days the safety of the army depended on the brigade of which the regiment formed a part. The defense of the bridges in the White Oak Swamp was assigned to this command, and many of the men were compelled, during the most of this time, to stand of Heights. in the water up to their waists. ing, and finally to Yorktown. It retired with the army to Harrison's land- In December the Fifty-second was ordered to North Carolina, with the probable purpose of attacking Wilmington, but a severe storm at sea balked this plan. On the 29th of January, 1863, it proceeded to Port Royal, and on the 6th of April embarked for Charleston, but the naval attack failing, the regiment finally returned to Beaufort. On the 5th of July it took part in the expedition up the Stone river. Landing on the James island it was attacked on the 16th by a heavy force of the enemy, and on the following night, finding their assailants too powerful, the command was successfully withdrawn. On the next night, at dark, the regiment reached the head of Folly island, and siibsequently took part in the work of constructing approaches to Fort Wag- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. When ner. it was decided to carry the fort by 141 direct assault, the Fifty-second Fort Wagner on the beach and charge Fort Gregg, but the evacuation of the fort made this hazardous du.ty unnecessary. In December, 18G3, a large portion of the regiment re-enlisted, and was granted a furlough. Upon its retu.rn it was recruited to its full complement, newly armed, and attached to the Tenth corps. It was by some unexplained circumstance detained at Hilton Head. From this point it participated in several reconoissances, and in July, 18G4, took part in the vain attempt to capture Charleston. The attack on Fort Johnson was assigned to the FiftyThe approach was made by boat, but, owing to miscalculations, the second. fort was not I'eached until daylight. It nevertheless made the assault, but the gai'rison, only partially surprised, rallied in overwhelming numbers and captured the whole party that gained an entrance. One hundred and thirtyfive men were thus captured or killed, more than fifty of the former perishing in the Andersonville or Columbia prisons. The regiment remained on Morris island during the summer and autumn, working the heavy siege guns, and doing picket duty on the harbor. On the 18th of February, 1865, it was suspected that Fort Sumter was evacucated, and Major Hennessy, taking a select boat crew and the old flag of the regiment, cautiously scaled the old ruin to find it abandoned. He at once proceeded to Charleston and received its formal surrender. Here the regiment remained until Sherman's army came through the state, when it joined company, continuing to near Raleigh, where Johnson surrendered in April. A few weeks' duty at Saulsbury concluded its service, when it proceeded to Harrisburg, and on the 12th of July, 1865, was mustered out. In the Eighty-fourth regiment, company D was recruited chiefly in ColumIt was locally known bia county with some from Montour and other counties. Hurley Guards. as the The regiment was recruited from August to October, 1861, and in the latter month was organized at Camp Austin. It was ordered to Hancock, Maryland, arriving on the 2d of January, 1862, where it was armed. During the winter and spring it was employed in the Shenandoah valley with General Lander's command in opposing Jackson's movements. On the 23d of March, 1862, it was suddenly attacked and severely handled before other troops could be brought to its aid, and out of two hundred and sixty men who went into the fight, twenty-three were killed, and sixty-seven were wounded. The Eighty- fourth, after doing provost duty in the town of Berry ville until the 2d of May, joined in the general advance up the valley. The regiment had one or two sharp skirmishes, but was very much worn down by the laborious marching. On the 25th of June Samuel M. Bowman was made colonel of the regiment, and in the following month the regiment broke camp and joined Pope's army. It was present at the battle of Cedar mountain, but was not seriously engaged. On the 14th it joined in pursuit of the enemy; it took part in the movement to Thoroughfare -Gap, but took little part in the action there. At the second battle of Bull Run, it narrowly escaped capture, and when it arrived within the defenses at Washington there were scarcely seventy was ordered to pass ' ' * ' men fit for duty. Here it was assigned to light duty, remaining until the middle of October. In the meantime, through the efforts of Colonel Bowman, the regiment received about four hundi'ed recruits, and in October was ordered to rejoin the army. In the battle of Fredericksburg, which followed, the Eighty-fourth assaulted the works of the enemy, and received particular mention for " coolness, judgment and unsparing bravery" in General Carroll's report. In the HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 142 Chancellorsville campaign, the regiment, after severe marching for some five on the '2d of May, 1863, was brought in contact with the enemy. On the following day it became involved by the inclosing columns of the enemy, and only escaped capture by the most intrepid conduct, capturing some thirty prisoners while extricating themselves. In the Gettysburg campaign, the regiment was assigned to protect the corps train on its arrival at Taneytown, and immediately proceeded with it to Westminster, where it was employed in forwarding supplies. Upon the return of the army to Virginia it had numerous skirmishes with the enemy, and after the conclusion of the campaign at Mine run, returned to the neighborhood of Brandy station and went into winter quarters. In January, 1864, a considerable number of the regiment re-enlisted and were granted veteran furlough. On the 6th of February it started toward the Rapidan. On the opening of the Wilderness campaign, it proceeded with its corps by the Germania Ford. The regiment had several brisk skirmishes, and on the 12th of May it joined the corps of Hancock in its brilliant charge. Until the 14th of June each day brought its skirmish. On this date it crossed the James, and at once engaged in the operations of the seige. It took part in the diversion toward Deep Bottom returning to the lines in front of Petersburg it resumed its part in the It was attack, and later took part in a second diversion toward Deep Bottom. subsequently transferred to the extreme left of the line about Petersburg, and early in October participated in a desperate charge upon the enemy's works. In October, the men whose term of service had expired were mustered out, and the veterans and recruits were organized into a battalion, of four companies, which remained on duty until the 13th of January, 1865, when it was consoliThe battalion took part in the dated with the Fifty-seventh Pennsylvania. It was finally mustered out on the 29th operations on the Weldon railroad. of June, 1865. In the One Hundred and Twelfth regiment (Second Artillery), company F was largely recruited in Columbia county. On the recommendation of General McClellan, President Lincoln authorized the organization of a battalion of heavy artillery. This was afterward extended to a regiment. The rendezvous was established at Camden, New Jersey, and in January, 1862, the regimental Batteries D, organization was completed. and were ordered to Fort Delaware, and on the 25th of February the balance of the regiment was transferred to the defense of Washington. In the spring of 1864, although the regiment numbered more than eighteen hundred men, recruits still continued to come in, and it was accordingly determined to form a new regiment from the surplus men. Officers were selected from the members of the original regiment to command the new one so long as their services were needed, and then to be returned to the old organization. On the 27th of May, 1864, the original regiment was ordered to join the army of the Potomac, and on the 28th reached Port Royal on the Rappahannock. On the 4th of June it joined the Eighteenth corps at Cold Harbor. Being too large to maneuver as infantry, the regiment was divided into three battalions, company F being in the second battalion under the command of Captain Jones. On the 18th of June the Second battalion was ordered to join in a charge Owing to a failure on the part of on the enemy's works before Petersburg. other troops the battalion found itself isolated and a target for the concentrated fire of the enemy. Screening themselves in some tall oats, the men constructed a temporary defense with the aid of their cups and bayonets, and the line thus During the months of seized was afterward retained until the fall of the city. June, July and August, the regiment did arduous work in the trenches, losing in that time more than one-half its effective strengrth. 'days, ; G H HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 143 At Fort Harrison, on the 20th of September, the First and Second battalions of the regiment, under Major Anderson, were ordered to attack the confederate works in the rear; lack of support rendered the movement unsuccessful, and with ranks decimated by two hundred killed, wounded and prisoners, they were compelled to fall back, their gallant leader himself being among the slain. His commission as colonel reached regimental headquarters only one day later. Captain W. M. McClure, of company F, was appointed to the position of colonel, after the death of Anderson, and captain S. D. StrawOn the 2d of bridge was promoted to fill the position of lieutenant-coloneL December, the regiment was ordered to the Bermuda front, and while there, A large number of the in January, 1865, its original term of service expired. men having re-enlisted, however, these with recruits secured, soon enabled the regiment to show an effective force of over two thousand men. After the evacuation of Petersburg, it was assigned to duty in that city, and upon the surrender of Lee, a week later, the different companies were staWhen the departments tioned at various points in Virginia, as provost guards. were established, these troops were relieved, and on the 29th of February, From this place it pro1865, the regiment was mustered out at City Point. ceeded to Philadelphia, where the men were disbanded. The One Hundred and Thirty-second regiment (nine months' service) was recruited in the north central part of the state, and was composed of an unCompanies E and were recruited in Columbia usually fine body of men. county, and were locally known as the " Columbia County Guards " and " Catawissa Guards." They left for Harrisburg early in August, 1862, and were mustered into the service on the 14th and 13th, respectively. On the 19th the regiment proceeded to Washington, and were encamped near Fort Corcoran, on the Virginia side of the Potomac. On the 2d of September, it moved to Rockville, Maryland, and, on the 13th, made a forced march of thirty-three miles, reaching the battle-field of South mountain just as the fighting for the day closed. It participated in the pursuit of the enemy, and on the 17th was brought in contact with the enemy in close quarters. For four hours the regThe loss of the regiment iment maintained its position without wavering. was thirty killed, one hundred and fourteen wounded and eight missing. After the battle, it moved with its corps to Harper's Ferry, and encamped on Bolivar Heights. On the 31st of October, it joined in the movement on Fredericksburg, and in the attack of December, the regiment was ordered to charge the works on Marys' s Heights. In this trying ordeal they won the highest encomiums from its brigade commander. After this battle, the regiment encamped at Falmouth, until near the close of April, 1863. When the movement to Chancellorsville commenced, the term of service of a portion of the men had expired, but when the order to march was received, there was not In this fight, the regiment lost about a murmur, as they promptly responded. fifty killed and wounded. On the 14th of May, its term of service having fully expired, it was relieved from duty, and returned to HaiTisburg, where, on the 24th, it was mustered out. Company I, of the One Hundred and Thirty-sixth regiment, was recruited from Crawford, Centre and Columbia counties, the latter contributing some eighteen men. It was mustered into the service for nine months, on August 14th, On the 29th, the regiment was ordered to Washing1862, at Camp Curtin. ton, in the vicinity of which it was kept, until the Fredericksburg campaign. In the attack on the latter place, the regiment suffered a loss of one hundred and forty in killed, wounded and missing. It took part in the subsequent movements of this army, and in the battle of Chancellorsville saw some hard H HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 144 It was subsequently employed, chiefly in; fighting, and did excellent service. routine duties, and on the 29th of May, 1863, was mustered out. The repeated attempts of General Lee to effect a foothold in Pennsylvania were a subject of constant fear. The exposed condition of the state, which had suggested the organization of the Reserve corps, was not improved when the exigencies of the national cause called these troops to the front, and when the confederate army, after its victory over Pope, began to press northward, it became apparent that new efforts must be made for home defense. On the 4th of September, 1862, therefore. Governor Curtin called upon the militia to arm. On the 10th, the danger was more imminent, and a call was issued to all ablebodied men to provide their own guns and ammunition, and hold themselves in readiness to answer a summons to the field; and on the following day fifty thousand of this militia were called for. The people everywhere flew to arms. Columbia county sent out four companies of these "emergency men." Two in the Thirteenth regiment of the militia were mustered in as companies B and of 1862, from the 12th to the 17th, and were discharged on the 25th or 26th of September; a third was mustered on the 15th of September, as company G, in the Twenty-first regiment, and discharged in the last week of the same month. The fourth left Bloomsburg on the 22d of September, but was probably not mustered into any regimental organization. There were some twenty-five of these' regiments, besides a number of independent organizations, assembled They were rapidly concentrated at Hagerstown, Chamwithin two weeks. Happily the battles of South mountain and Anbersburg and Greencastle. tietam, on September 14th-17th, rendered the services of the militia no longer necessary and they were as quickly as possible disbanded. In the One Huudi-ed and Seventy-first regiment, of the drafted militia, Columbia county was represented by some dozen or fifteen, divided between This regiment was organized at Camp Curtin about the several companies. middle of November, 1862, and, on the 27th, left camp for Washington. From the capital it proceeded to Norfolk, and thence to Su.ffolk, Virginia. On the 28th of December it broke camp, and, under orders, went to Newbern, North Carolina, where it took part in the movements of the army in this region; until near the close of June, 1863, when it was ordered to Fortress Monroe. From this point it participated in a demonstration against Richmond in favor On the 3d of August, it proceeded to Harrisburg, of Meade at Gettysburg. where it was mustered oiit a few days later. In the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth regiment, of the drafted militia, companies A, H, I and a considerable number in F, were from Columbia The men assembled in Camp Curtin fi'om the 20th to the 25th of Occounty. tober, 1862, where, on the 2d of December, regimental organization was On the 5th of December, the regiment moved to Washington, and effected. on the 10th, proceeded to Newport News. About a week later, it marched to. Yorktown where it encamped, and on the 2yth went inside the fortifications and commenced drill and garrison duty. In April the regiment was ordered out to relieve a small garrison near Williamsburg, threatened by the enemy, In June it participated in a reconnoisbut there was no determined attack. The One Hunsance on the peninsula to Charles City and Providence ferry. dred and Seventy- eighth took part in the demonstration against Richmond in favor of General Meade at Gettysburg, and was in the column directed toward Here the regiment had a slight skirBottom's bridge, on the Chickahominy. It was soon ordered to Harrisburg, where, on the 27th of July, 1863, it mish. D was mustered out. In 1863 another ' ' emergency ' ' arose. The confederate victories at Fred- .^•C^'^'' ,<<^^' .V^ ^^ '^oM/' ^^^-^^=2-^^ ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTV. 147 ericksburg, in December, 1862, and on the field of Chancellorsville, in May, 1863, invited General Lee again to attempt an invasion of Pennsylvania. Some knowledge of this design came to the national authorities, and as a precautionary measure, on June 9, 1863, two departments were established, that of the Monongahela embracing that portion of Pennsylvania west of Johnstown and the Laurel Hill range, and portions of West Virginia and Ohio, with headquarters at Pittsburgh, under the command of Major-General W. T. H. Brooks; and that of the Susquehanna, comprising the remaining portion of Pensylvania, with headqu.arters at Harrisburg, under the command of Major- General D. N. Couch. These officers were authorized to organize departmental corps, and on assuming command they issued orders calling upon the people of the state to volunteer. Governor Curtin aided in this movement, but the call came when the farmers were busiest with their farm cares, and so many unfounded fears of invasion had been previously raised that the call was to a large extent unheeded. It daily became more apparent that there had been no mistake made in the judgment formed of the enemy's designs, and on the 15th of June the president called for fifty thousand men from Pennsylvania, to serve for six months. Troops began to arrive at the capital soon after, but there was still a reluctance to volunteer manifested, which Governor Cm'tin sought to overcome by granting the option to the men of being mustered for six months, or the emergency. Eight regiments were soon enrolled for the 'emergency, and meanwhile the threatening danger grew more imminent. At this juncture all reluctance passed away, and men came pouring into Harrisburg. The approaches to the capital were fortified. Chambersburg was occupied, and the militia was soon in contact with the advance of the rebel army. On the 26th another more pressing call was issued by the governor, and the people, alive to the real danger, flew The greater part of the troops assembled at Harrisburg were pushed to arms. up the Cumberland valley, part joining the army of the Potomac, and part standing in readiness to participate in the battle expected to take place at Williamsport. During the first three days of July, the battle of Gettysburg was fought, and with the defeat of Lee ended the danger of invasion, ^^'ith this the demand for further service on the part of the emergency men ceased, and in the months of August and September the majority of the men were mustered out. With few exceptions, they were not brought in serious conflict with the enemy, but they none the less rendered efficient service. Columbia county was represented by companies C and H, of the TwentyEighth regiment of militia, by company E of the Thirtieth regiment, and by companies and I of the Thirty- Fifth. Of the Two HiTndred and Ninth regiment, of the one year's service, company E was recruited in Columbia county. The regiment was organized on the 16th of September, 1864, at camp Ciu'tin. It was immediately ordered to join the army of the James at Bermuda Hundred and was employed in such duties as would free the more experienced troops for active operations. On the 17th of November it had a lively brush with the enemy in repelling an attack on the picket line. On the 24th it was transferred to the army of the Potomac, and during the winter was chiefly engaged in fatigue duty on the roads and fortifications. On the 25th of March. 1865, they were called into action by an attack of the enemy, and won high compliments from the corps commander for their gallantry and steadiness in a very trying situation. On the 2d of April, the regiment participated in a charge upon the enemy's lines, and notwithstanding it was exposed to a fearful fire of infantry and artillery, they pushed on unfalteringly, captured the line and held it. After the evacuation of Pe' ' ' ' ' ' H te HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 148 was employed in repairing the railroad track to NottoH. where it was held until the 20th, when it returned to City Point, and thence to Alexandi'ia, where it went into camp. On the 31st of May, its recruits were transferred to another regiment, and the balance of the men mustered out of the service. In the spring of 1805 a company was recruited in Columbia county for the Some eighteen or twenty of its members, however, were one year' s service. drawn fi'om Wyoming county. This was assigned to the Seventy-Fourth regIn March it joined the regiment, which iment, and designated as company H. was then doing garrison duty on the Baltimore and Ohio railroad, with headquarters at Green Spring. In the early part of April the regiment was ordered to Beverly, where it remained doing guard and picket duty until the 12th of May. It was then ordered to Clarksburg as guard for the stores deposited there. The headquarters were removed subsequently to Parkersburg, and the regiment detailed in squads and companies to guard the Parkersburg branch of It was mustered out on the 29th of August the Baltimore and Ohio railroad. at Clarksburg, and immediately sent to Pittsburgh, where it was finally disbanded. Another company was recruited in the county about the same time, which was mustered into the service and assigned in March. I860, as company B, to They served in the Albemarle district the One Hundred and Third regiment. in North Carolina, and were finally mustered out at Newbern, on June 25, tersburg, the regiment way C. , ' ' ' ' 1865. In other regiments there were from one to six or eight men from Columbia county, among which may be mentioned the Fifth, Fifty- Seventh, Eightieth, Eighty-First, One Hundred and Sixth, One Hundred and Fifty-Second, One Hundred and Sixty-first, and the Two Hundred and Tenth. war, Cohimbia county has rapidly deSince the disturbed period of the veloped. The county seat has been the center of progressive activity, and, with increased facilities for shipping, its natural advantages are certain to invite manufactures and interests which will eventually make the borough a large, Its beautiful and healthful location on the side of protecting thriving town. hills, with its view of hill, dale and river, will attract those who resort to such A beginning has been made in this scenes from the heat and dirt of the city. This institution has not always direction in the founding of the sanitarium. received the unqualified indorsement of the medical fraternity, but the natural advantages of the place will eventually overcome professional scruples or lead to the establishment of such as will meet the most intelligent scrutiny. It is difficult to give a complete resume of the growth of this profession in While the center of its influence is to be found at the county seat the county. important practitioners in there were many in the days of long country rides the remoter parts of the county, such as Doctor Parks, and there are such still. A resume of the profession in the vicinity of Bloomsburg and vicinity, however, while not including everyone in the county, will yet serve to illustrate the general career of the fraternity. There is no account of doctors here prior to 1807. In that and the folblazed the way' for the succession of lowing year, an enterprising Yankee This adventurprofessional gentlemen that have since graced the fraternity. ous knight of the pill-bag and lancet was Dr. Ethel B. Bacon, who was popuHe came from Kingston. At that time larly known as the Yankee doctor. tliere were few physicians, and his j)ractice extended to the headwaters of He stood high in the estimation of the people, but removed, Fishing Creek. in 1817, to W^ellsboro, where he engaged in farming. ' ' ' ' — — ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 149 About 1816 Doctors Townsend and Krider came to Bloomsburg. The former remained only a short time, but Doctor Krider continued his practice until his death. About 1818 Doctor Roe came and divided his time between He removed to a point further up Ebenezer Daniels and Harmon Gearhart came about apparently came lirst and was well established in the the practice of his profession and teaching. Fishing creek. Doctors 1823, though the former confidence of the people wissa and then gave the porary when the latter came. Dr. Daniels located at Catafollowing testimonial to his less experienced contem- : Catawissa, May 24, 1823. Having had an acquaintance with Doctor H. Gearhart ever since he commenced the study of Medicine and having frequently conversed with him on Medical subjects since his am entirely satisfied that he is eminently qualified to practice Medicine with safety and advantage to those who may be the subjects of his care, and with honor to himself and the profession. Ebenezer Dakiels. return from the University of Philadelphia last spring, I Mr. Daniels remained until about 1834, when he sold his practice to Doctor John Uamsay, and removed to Indianapolis. Mr. Gearhart died in 1833, with the esteem of those who knew him. The year of 1825 was marked by the prevalence of a bilious fever of unusual virulence throughout the county. In Bloom township alone there were seventy-one deaths. Doctor Ramsay was a large-hearted man, who was much endeared to the community by his sympathetic nature. He early took a leading place in the direction of public affairs, and was especially active in educational matters. He died suddenly in 1803, leaving the whole community to mourn Doctor William Petriken came here after the death of Mr. Gearhart. his loss. He was the son of Doctor David Petriken, of Danville, who had a great reputation, and was invariably called in to counsel on critical cases. His son, William, inherited his father's ability, and would undoubtedly have taken a high place in his profession, had not his career suddenly ended, in 1842, by a sudden death. David Scott located in Bloomsburg about the same time, and his name has been perpetuated as the popular designation of a subui'b of the town, where he built the first house. He subsequently removed to Kansas. Doctor Thomas Nastine practiced here for a short time about 1833; he subsequently went to Williamsport, and from there to St. Louis. Doctor Hawkins came here in 1846; he remained here only a short time, and moved to Michigan. George Hill located here about the same time, and remained three or four years in the practice of his profession, when he removed to Muncy. Soon after Doctor Hill came Doctor Thomas Butler, who was associated with the former in business. Doctor J. B. McKelvey began practice at Mifflinville in 1849; he soon moved to Graysville, Kentucky, some nine months later he removed to Arkadelphia, Arkansas, and in 1851 returned to Bloomsburg, where he is still practicing. About 1855 F. C. Harrison came to the county, and for a time practiced at Mifflinville. He had a large patronage, but subsequently went to Lewisburg, and engaged in banking. After his departure. Doctor Wells, of A\"ilkesban-e, About the same time, William H. Bradley lolocated there for a short time. cated at Bloomsburg, but soon abandoned his professional labors for the ediIn 1868 Doctor Reber began the practice of medicine in this place. torial field. Prior to his coming here he was a surgeon in the United States navy, and his varied experience during the war of the rebellion was an admirable school to fit him for the successfiil practice he now enjoys. Doctor Evans began the practice of the profession also in 1861, and still continues. Doctor A. L. Turner came from New York in 1870, and took charge of the sanitarium. In 1874 HISTORV OF COLUMBIA COUNTV. 150 Doctor F. B. Gardner came here from Tennessee. He was a surgeon of high rank in the Confederate service. In 1875 Doctor H. W. McKeynolds located in Bloomsburg, coming from Buckhorn, where he had practiced for a number of years. The Columbia County Medical Society had its origin in 1858. On July Slst of that year, a meeting of physicians was held at Bloomsburg, over which Doctor Ramsay presided, and to which the members of the profession in Montour Among the original members were John Ramsay, J. county were invited. K. Robbins, George Scott, J. D. Strawbridge, H. W. McReynolds, W. M. Beckley, F. C. Harrison, R. S. Lemington, W. H. Magill, Jacob Schuyler, D. W. Montgomery and George Yeomans. Messrs. J. K. Robbins, F. C. HarriIn the folson and J. B. McKelvey were appointed to frame a constitution. lowing month it was decided to make the society auxiliary to the state society, and to extend an invitation to the profession of Northumberland county to unite In view of this enlarged membership, the name was changed to with them. the Susqu.ehanna Union Medical Society; but on June 21, 1864, it was changed to Columbia and Montour Medical Society, and still later it was changed to its This society includes about one-fourth of the practicing physioriginal title. cians of the county. By the act of June 8, 1881, it was provided that the names of all medical practitioners, with their residence and name of institution by which their degree was conferred, should be recorded. Physicians practicing in the state since 1871, were permitted to continue, if not graduated by a medical school, and the blanks in the following table indicate those whose experience gave them legal The names of those who have moved are standing in the medical fraternity. omitted RESIDENCE. Catawissa John K. Robbing Bloomsburg J. B. McKelvey Hugh W. McReynolds.. Bloomsburg Bloomsburg Bloomsburg Bloomsburg Benjamin F. Gardner... Bloomsburg Bloomsburg Isaiah W. Willits Catawissa Luther B. Kline Jerseytown Thomas J. Swisher Berwick Alex B. McCrea Berwick George L.Reagan Jacob Schuyler John C. Rutter William M. Reber Frederick W. Redeker..Espy Orangeville Alfred P.Stoddart Jordan Brown Thomas C. McHenry J. Milllinville Benton Centralia Ralph M. Lashell ..Mifllinville Montgomery David H. Millville John B. Patton David H. Montgomery..MifHinville Millville John B. Patton Berwick Josiah Smith James K. Montgomery..Buckhorn Millville Abia P. Heller Pius Zimmerman 10, 1842 1848 8, 1848 March 7, 1843 March 3, 1855 March 10, 1863 8, March 11, 1861 March 11, 1875 March 9,1867 ISIarchlO. 1862 June 1, 1865 June, 1865 March 12, 1878 March 10,1850 March 12, 1870 March 30, 1870 March WAS CONFERRED. Homeopathic ^ledical College of Penna. Jefferson Medical College. Medical College of Virginia. Jefferson Medical College. Jefferson Medical College. .Bellevue Hospital Medical College, N. Y. Long Island Hospital Medical College, N. Y. University of Vermont. Jefferson Medical College. Hahnemann Medical College of Philadelphia. Jefferson Medical College. University of Pennsylvania. 23, 1869.. ..Philadelphia 10, February 1852 2, 1883 March April May 30, 1882 13, 1883 6, March March April 1869 28, 1878 1883 1886 1881 1, 2, March 3, March 11, March 12, March 12, College of Penna. Jefferson Medical College. Jefferson Medical College. Jefferson Medical College. University of Pennsylvania. Eclectic Medical College, N. Y. University of Pennsylvania. 22, 1854. ..Eclectic ISledical March, 1858 1870 1869 1873 Eighth Street. ..March 3, 1857 March 14, 1876 Berwick March 6, 1874 Berwick Catawissa M. D. Jefferson Mfdical College. University of Pennsylvania. University of Peiinsylvania. Pennsylvania Medical College. Philadelphia College of Medicine. University of Medicine and Sur.-cry. Philadelphia College of Medicine. February 23, 1869. ..Philadelphia University of Medicine and Surgery, April 1, 1854 University of Pennsylvania. Jefferson Medical College. March 13, 1880 March April Benton Benton INSTITUTION BY WHICH DEGREE OF 1852 10, February Catawissa Catawissa Rohrsburg W. T. Vance Norman J. Hendershott Bloomsburg. Frank P.Hill Everett W. Rutter March April April Numidia J. H. Vastine Charles C. Willits Berwick John W. Carothers Laforest A. 'Shattuck... Bloomsburg Mainville T. Steck Charles Rohrsburg. John G. Schaller Berwick. Gibson Samuel A. Orangeville George L. Jolly Numidia John C. Wintersteen Isaac L. Edwards Isaac E. Patterson William B. Bobbins David E. Krebs DATE OF MEDICAL DIPLOMA. Jefferson Medical College. Jefferson Medical College. University of Maryland, Baltimore. Jefferson Medical College. Jefferson Medical College. Jefferson Medical College. Pennsylvania Medical College, Philadelphia. Jefferson Medical College. Hahnemann Medical College, I'hihideliibia. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. NAME. RESIDENCE. Jonathan K. Goedner... Berwick. Catawissa B. Frank t^ha^pless Buckhorn Christian Leaker Bloomsburg Joseph K. M.Evans Orangeville O. A.Megargell Louis J. .•\dani3.... John C. Fruit Honora A. Bobbins Evausville Jerseyiown Btoomsburg DATE OF MED- INSTITUTION BY WHICH DEGREE OF ICAL DIPLOMA. March 23, 1880 March 12, 1877 March 5, 1859 June l.S, 1859 March 10, 1877 March 7, 1857 151 M. D. WAS CONFERRED. Jefferson Medical College. University of Pennsylvania. Jefferson Medical College. Castleton Medical College, Vermont. Jefferson Medical College. Jefferson Medical College. University of Pennsylvania. CHAPTER VI. BLOOMSBUEG. standing on the Ruj)ert and looking up the THE the northeast branch the Susquehanna, beholds scene spread out valley of hills beof a fore him which rivals in quiet beauty the most famous landscapes in the country. There is not in the distant profile of the Knob mountain, nor the less regular contour' of the river, hills, that asj^ect of grandeur presented by elevations of greater magnitude, but their proportions, and the general characteristics of the valley they enclose, harmonize perfectly at that point in the eastern horizon where they seem to converge. The town of Berwick is scarcely distinguishable in the diminishing prospective. At this point, also, the river comes within range of vision, apparently widening in its downward progress. The one street of the village of Espy is clearly distingu.ished from its situation in a notch at the foot of the hills. Bloomsburg is less distinct, and presents the appeaj'ance of a terraced grove, but this impression is dispelled by the spires and cupolas which rise above the surrounding verdure. The hills in the rear have been deeply serrated in the mining of iron ore; and this, with the columns of smoke and vapor which ascend on either side of the town, indicates one phase of the industrial character of the people. The Avinding channel of Fishing creek, for several miles from its mouth, and the village of Rupert form the foreground of this landscape view. Its aspect as a whole cannot fail to impress the beholder favorably. It is possible that more than a century ago the first settlers looked upon this valley with feelings of equal pleasure as far as the effect of natural scenery was concerned. The primeval forest had not yet disappeared before the encroachments of advancing civilization. swamp extended from Fishing creek for several miles to the east, and while this may have caused grave apprehensions as to the healthfulness of the region, its luxuriant vegetation did not mar the beauty of the landscape. number of islands in the creek, and the waterfowl wont to congregate there, may have attracted attention. The ceaseless plash of the river, the cautious movements of the deer as they brushed through this undergrowth, the stealthy tread of the savage or his shrill whoop and its answering echo such sounds as these broke the stillness which seemed to pervade everything. From an economic standpoint circumstances were not altogether favorable. The soil gave promise of great fertility, but years of labor would be required to bring it to a condition of tolerable productiveness with the rude implements of the period. The region was remote from any market for its products, and the broad channel of the Susquehanna was the only available highway of travel. When James McClure, in the year of 1772, looked upon observer, A A — . 152 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. home, it is possible that while he realized its advantages, he was also cognizant of the danger of thus living at such a distance from the limits of civilization and in a country as yet unmarked by its this as the region of his future influence. Some facts regarding his previous history may indicate the motives of his immigration. James McClure was of Scotch-Irish descent,^ and a resident of that part of Lancaster county then known as the Paxton district, but included since 1785 in Dauphin county. He was connected, by marriage, with Captain Lazarus Stewart, and with George Espy, the proprietor of Espytown. It cannot be definitely determined whether he took an active part in those exploits which have made the Paxton Rangers such conspicuous characters in the colonial border annals, or whether he remained unmoved by those outrages which incited his neighbors to armed hostility in defiance of the j-jroprietary government. That he was in active sympathy with his brother-inlaw. Captain Stewart, when the latter espoused the defense of the Connecticut colony at Wyoming, seems evident fi'om certain statements in a letter from Fort Augusta, by the military representative of the Penns, from which it appears, that, on Wednesday, May 10, 1769, James McClure, with several others, was encamped at the mouth of Fishing creek, en route for Wyoming. It is not further stated whether he reached Wyoming or not; but it seems probable that, for political reasons, his residence in Lancaster county was no longer agreeable, and that when a number of families from Paxton removed to Hanover township, in Wyoming, he went no farther than the mouth of Fishing creek, still, however, within the nominal boundaries of the " Town of Westmoreland." The tract upon which he located was surveyed in June, 1769, for Francis Stewart, who conferred upon it the name of Beauchamp. It was patented for Mr. McClure, in 1772, under the name of " McClure's Choice," and here, in a rude log cabin, James McClure, Jr., was born, in 1774, this being the first birth of a white child within the forks of the Susquehanna. The McClures were not the only settlers in this part of Wyoming township In the year of their arrival, 1772, Evan Owen and for any length of time. John Doan became their neighbors. They came from Chester county, with the intention of forming, at the mouth of Fishing creek, a community in which Evan their faith should predominate, as it subsequently did at Catawissa. Owen lived south of a small stream which flowed through the town of Bloomsburg, and near its source, John Doan's land adjoined the McClure tract. Samuel Boone, also a member of the Society of Friends, emigrated fi"om Exeter township, Northampton county, in 1775, and secured the title to four hundred acres of land, including the farm owned by one of his descendants. His land comprised the " Point" between the river and the creek, and extended along the banks of both. From all the evidence obtainable on this subject, it would appear that but three other families, the Claytons, Coopers and Kinneys, lived within the present limits of Bloomsburg, before the war of the Thomas Clayton was a Quaker from Chester county; Kinney was revohition. from New Jersey; nothing is known concerning the Coopers, except a tragic And thus, in the interval of incident in connection with the Indian troubles. comparative quiet which followed the French war, civilization was extended to But before the settlement had experienced the first severity of this county. the next struggle, the death of James McClure, Sr. deprived it of one of those most capable of acting in its defense. In abetting the schemes of Lazarus Stewart, the apparent disloyalty to his state was a vigorous, but palliative, remonstrance against the vacillation of the authorities in providing for the ' ' ' ' ' ' ' , ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 153 defense of Paxton; as a member of the committee of safety for Wyoming township, in 1776, he was equally vigorous in advocating measures for the protection of the settlements, although in the preceding year Colonel Plunkett had passed up the river with an armed force, and repassed the McClure plantation in hasty retreat, after an iTnsu.ccessful attempt to reduce Wyoming. His family did not rem^ain at their home long after his death. Among the victims of the Wyoming massacre, July 3, 1778, was Capt. Lazarus Stewart. With the assistance of friends his wife collected her household goods upon a raft supported by two canoes, and thus descended the Susquehanna with her family. Alarmed by her story of danger and desolation, Mrs. McClure collected her family and embarked in a similar craft. They reached Lancaster county in safety, and remained until the close of the war permitted a return In the meantime Fort McClure was built, consistto their respective homes. ing of a row of palisades around her house, for the double purpose of protecting it and affording a safe retreat for the neighbors in case of emergency. It is probable that during Mrs. McClure' s absence it was occupied by Major Moses Van Campen, who had married her daughter. The site of the fort is now marked by a dwelling-house on the farm of Douglas Hughes. An incident illustrative of certain phases of frontier life occurred during the last years of the war. Robert Lyon, a soldier at Fort Augusta, was sent from that place to Wyoming with a boat load of stores. He ran his canoe aground at the mouth of Fishing creek, and, leaving his dog and gun in it, started on to visit his affianced bride, the daughter of a Mr. Cooper. His movements were observed by Shenap, an Indian chief, and in his defenseless condition, he was easily captured and taken to Niagara. Here he was released through the mediations of a British officer, who, by a singular coincidence, was his brother. The fate of Mr. Cooper was less fortunate. The mysterious disappearance of Lyon made him an object of suspicion. He was arrested and placed in a canoe to be taken to Sunbury jail. A rifle belonging to one of the posse was dropped into the river by some accident, and he was accused of having thrown it overboard. In the altercation which followed, one of the men seized a tomahawk and buried it in his skull. He lived about twenty days, and expired in prison before Lyon's return had established his innocence. When the peace of 1783 finally relieved the valley of the "North Branch" of the harassing experiences of the five preceding years, immigration was again directed to this county, but the lower valley of Fishing creek did not immediately receive an increase of population. Thomas Clayton removed to Catawissa, and Evan Owen to Berwick, of which he was the founder. This would seem to indicate that other localities were considered preferable. There were still occasional additions to the community, however. About 1783 Elisha Barton became a neighbor of the McC lures and Boones. He was born in Virginia in 1742, from whence with his father he went to New Jersey. After his marriage, in 1766, he removed to Northampton county, and after a second marriage, he again changed his residence, emigrating this time to " Shamokin," by which name a large section of countly including this county was popularly known. He built the "white" mill, owned a large farm west of Bloomsburg, became justice of the peace, and was one of the most substantial citizens of this locality. Joseph B. Long, a Jersey emigrant, bought Owen's land upon his departure, and in 1795 he was succeeded in its possession by Ludwig Eyer, a native of Northampton county. In 1801 Joseph Hendershott and Andrew Schooley bought a tract of several hundred acres adjoining the river and east of the Kinney farm. They settled here the previous year, hav- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 154 ing previously lived at Belvidere, N. J. Mr. School ey disjiosed of his inter- Simon Wirtman, a native of Germany, a few years afterward. Jacob Wanich, also of German descent but a native of North Carolina, settled west And at this time the present limits of Hendershott some time prior to 1809. of Bloomsburg had become quite as thickly settled as any other part of the est to surrounding region. Apparently dissatisfied with the slow increase of population,. and doubtless intending to give a new impetus to settlement and improvement, Ludwig Eyer laid out the town of Bloomsburg in 1802, thus following the example of Evan Owen at Berwick, William Hughes at Catawissa, Christian Krenchel at MifflinBloomsburg, at that time, had no burg, and George Espy at "Liberty." existence except in the mind of its projector, if two buildings the Protestant Episcopal ChiTrch and John Chamberlain's hotel at the corner of Second street and Miller's alley may be excepted. There was also a deserted hovel with log chimney and clapboard roof on the south side of Second street below Market. Within a few years after the town was laid out, George Vance, a Scotch-Irish Presbyterian from New Jersey, built a cabin on the south side of Main street, the location of which was nearly identical with the terminus of East street at Abram Grotz removed from Easton in 1806, and built the house that place. occupied by C. C. Marr, at the southeast corner of Second and Iron streets. Christopher Kahler and John Coleman had formerly been neighbors of Grotz in Easton, and no doubt followed him on the strength of his representations. The former arrived in 1807; Coleman lived for two years in the tumble-down log house previously mentioned, and then removed from this temporary habitation to a more pretentious residence on the corner of Center and Third streets. With seeds brought from his former home he planted an orchard, which covIn 1800 Philip Mehrered the square of which his buildings occupied a part. ling, a native Hessian, opened a store in a house which adjoined the Central Daniel Snyder, formerly a resident in the Lehigh valley near Allenhotel. town, removed to the village in 1810, and bought the land adjoining Eyer's town plat from John Vance. And thus, by successive immigration from various parts of the country, Bloomsburg had become an incipient village; and in 1814 the population was distributed as follows: Henry Weaver lived in a one and one-half story log house on Front street between Market and West; George Frey lived on the south side of the same street near its intersection with West; at tiae forks, on the south side of Second street, was a one-story log dwelling owned and occupied by Daniel Snyder; Abram Grotz conducted his business as a hatter at the southwest corner of Second and Iron; a frame house on the east side of the Central hotel was occupied by Christopher Kahler; John Chamberlain lived in a frame dwelling on the site of Mover's drug store; John Hagenbuch's log house was situated opposite Kahler' s; Mrs. Moomey resided in a fi-ame building at the southeast corner of Second and Jefferson; a log house, at the northeast corner of Center and Second, was occupied by Fisher; John Hess lived in the one other house on the north side of Second street, at the location of Dr. McKelvey's residence; Caleb Hopkins' house was on East street below Third, and James Thornton lived in the red building still standing on the same side of that street. John Chamberlain was a tavern-keeper at the time M'hen every guest was expected to spend at least sixpence at the bar for the privilege of passing the His night with such comforts as the bare floor of the public. room afforded. establishment was a two-story frame building at the northwest corner of Second and Center streets. Casper Chrisman is remembered as the jovial host at a less pretentious building erected in 1810, which occupied the same site as its — — — HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 155 Conrad Hess was the proprietor of a public below JefFerson. The original predecessor of the Central hotel was a log building erected in 1818 by Philip Mehrling, who lost About the year 1825, his life by an accident in the progress of the work. The public house at this period Daniel Snyder built the "Forks" hotel. was an important social institution, not always possessing those attributes modern successor, the Exchange. house on Second street, usually ascribed to it at the present day. Philip Mehrling was the first merchant in Bloomsburg, and was a man of some wealth, judging by the standard of that day. A Mr. Bishop opened a store in 3810 at the northwest corner of Second and Center streets. John Barton was also a merchant about William McKelvey opened this time. the largest mercantile establishment the village had yet known in 1816, and during the sixty years following was prominently identified with the business In 1835 John Moyer, with a capital of one hundred interests of the place. dollars, inaugurated the di-ag business, which has steadily expanded to its Eyer & Hefley was the caption of a well known business present proportions. In 1843 the business career of I. W. Hartman house from 1835 to 1845. was begun in the old Arcade building. Local manufacturers at an earl}'^ period in the history of the town comprehended the shops of such mechanics blacksmiths, weavers, carpenters, etc. Industrial as formed the usual features of country villages at that time. enterprises of greater importance were the tanneries and wagon factory. Daniel Snyder came to Bloomsburg with the express purpose of establishing a tannery, but found himself so seriously embarrassed financially after pui'chasFortunately for ing land, that he was on the point of relinquishing the idea. the prospective enterprise, Mrs. Snyder was able to sell several pounds of butter every week; and taking a roll of some size he bartered it at the store for a Philip shovel, and was thus enabled to begin the work of digging the vats. Christman' s tannery was situated in front of a stone building still standing on Sometime in the Third street. William Robison was afterward proprietor. year 1816, a stranger came into the village and remained over night at a hotel. Stranger^ at this time so rarely appeared as to be regarded as objects of curiInquiry elicited fi-om him the fact that he was a osity, as well as suspicion. When the landlord suggested that he Yankee, and a wagon-maker by trade. should stay and make him. a wagon he was repeatedly refused the use of such tools as were needed by the different carpenters of the town, so great was the Finall}^ William Sloan agreed to give prejudice against New Englanders. him a bench. He obtained seasoned wood from fences on neighboring farms, and in due time the first one-horse wagon that ever appeared in Bloomsburg was driven through its streets by the proprietor of the inn, to whom it gave abundant satisfaction. Mr. Sloan at once incorporated the manufacture of wagons with his business and established an industry of some importance, He would considering the size of the town and the extent of its resources. dearborns into adjoining counties, send salesmen with a dozen or more and thus " Eyerstaedtel " became better known as the location of this factoiy than fi-om anything else connected with it. About the year 1832, it was proposed to begin the manufacture of plows, with John K. Grotz as managing Accordingly, he made a journey to partner of this branch of the business. The proLewistown, Mifflin county, the nearest location of a j^low factory. prietors refused to sell pattei-ns, but he bought a plow by strategy and started At Sweisfordtown, for home with his load on one of the famous dearborns. Union county, he sold the wagon. In this dilemma, he extemporized a sled by fastening the root of a sapling beneath the plow point, and thus traverse^ a dis- — — ' ' ' ' 156 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. It does not appear that the plow factory prostance of forty miles in one clay. pered as Mr. Grotz's efforts made it deserving. In this connection, it should be mentioned that about the year 1832 John Whitenight built a Union canalIt was sixty- nine feet long and eight boat on his lot in West Bloomsburg. feet wide. It was hauled to the "deep hole" in Fishing creek, floated to The following year, John Northumberland, and there launched in the canal. Barton and Isaac Green built a similar craft at the "ark" building and named it the " Water Witch." Isaac D. Gulick was master or captain. It was also taken to Northumberland to be entered into the canal. This seems to have been the extent of boat-bu^ilding in Bloomsburg; but before the canal was excavated, grain and produce were exported by means of arks a variety of river craft usually seventy feet long and sixteen feet wide the building of Samuel Ludwig and which constituted an important branch of industry. George Frey are remembered as master builders. The ark building was situated on Fishing creek, and the different stages of the work were as follows: The " stringle " was laid flat upon the ground and the bottom boards affixed thereto with wooden pins three-fourths of an inch in diameter. It required a force of thirty men to raise the bottom platform to a vertical position, when it was allowed to fall upon ground prepared for the purpose; the sides were secured by means of mortises, and the seams carefully caulked; when finally completed another force of men was summoned, and the unwieldy structui'e was launched. William McKelvey and John Barton were the largest dealers in grain, and usually shipped the ark as well as its cargo, both being sold when their destination was reached. About the year 1838 the culture of the silk- worm was agitated in many parts of this country. Among those who conceived the idea that golden possibilities could be realized were Robert Cathcart and William G. Hurley, of Bloomsburg. An orchard of the morns multicaulis, or Chinese mulberry, was The cocoonery was reported as in planted on the north side of First street. active operation in 1841 and about this time it seems to have lapsed into desuetude. The importance of Bloomsburg as an inland town increased as the settlement of the surrounding region became more compact, and the efforts of its citizens were directed toward improving its business facilities and extending In 1838 the population slightly exceeded three its manufacturing interests. hundred. In the size and appearance of the houses, there was a marked improvement over those first erected, many of which had been replaced by more McKelvey' s store and dwelling at substantial structures of brick and stone. the southeast corner of Second and Market streets, the Forks hotel. William Robison's hotel, Thomas Witlit's, John R. Moyer's, and Reverend George C. Market street extended from First to Drake's residences were built of brick. Third, and at either end a building fronted the open avenue, while the Forks It verily aphotel was similarly situated with reference to Second street. peared as though it was meant to circumscribe the growth of the town, by thus closing all the streets except such as were absolutely necessary for ingress and If productive of no other benefit, this arrangement prevented to some egress. extent that straggling appearance by which country villages are wont to apologize for being such; but the time had arrived when Bloomsburg should pass that period of its history forever. In the year 1822 a laborer in a field on the Montour ridge noticed a peculHe called the attention of his emiar color in the gi'ound he was plowing. ployer to this, and, when assayed, it was found that the soil contained an appreciable proportion of iron ore. Drift mining was at once begun, but for — ; — " 157 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. some years the product was hauled to furnaces on the south side of the Susquehanna, thus depriving Bloomsburg of the advantage it shovild have derived It was nearly twenty years before fi'om the mineral wealth in its vicinity. June 22, 1839, "The local enterprise realized that fact ancl acted upon it. Bloomsburg Rail-Koad and Iron Company " was incorporated by the legislature. The leading capitalists were Joseph Paxton, William McKelvey, Edward Miller, Thomas Hayes, Robert M. Lewis, Ellis Lewis and Charles G. Donnell. The country had not yet recovered from the financial stringency of 1838, and The rail-road connecting Ironthe furnaces were not completed until 1844. Irondale with the canal was the first work of this character in this county. dale furnaces have been supplied with ore fi-om Hemlock township until recent The years, when the supply has been drawn largely from Snyder county. name of the company has been so changed as to exclude the word Rail-Road. The management during the past third of a centiuy has been directed by E. R. and Y. P. Deinker, and the ownership of the plant continues with the original ' ' investors or their descendants. The discovery of ore on Montour ridge was followed by similar develop, ments regarding the hills east of Fishing creek. Here, too, its existence was found out by a trivial circumstance. While plowing on the side of a hill deeply seamed with water- courses, Jacob Melick allowed his plow to retain a uniform depth, and thus, when passing through a place where the surface soil had been washed away, he noticed, in the substratum, that peculiar color possessed by iron ore. December 27, 1852, an agreement was entered into by Mr. Melick, W^illiam McKelvey and William Neal, to erect and operate an anthracite fur- April 1, 1853, seventeen acres were purchased from Daniel Snyder and Joseph W. Hendershott, and on the same day ground was broken for the contemplated works, which were completed and put in full blast, for the first time, April 14, 1854. In 1873 the firm name was changed from McKelvey, Neal & & Co. to William Neal & Sons, its present style. The furnaces have been continuously operated, except occasional short periods when suspended for repairs. Prior to January 1, 1875, the gross aggregate product was one-hundred and seventeen thousand, nine-hundred and sixty-eight tons an average of one-thousand, eight-hundred and five tons per annum, which has been fully sustained since that time. Owing to the exhaustion of the ore deposits near Bloomsburg, the bloom furnaces are supplied mainly from mines in New Jersey. The transportation charges thus incurred are more than compensated by the advantage of a short transit from the anthracite coal region. While this branch of the manufacture of iron has become a permanent factor in promoting the growth of the town, the practicability of extending the In 1863 Messrs. industry in various directions has also been demonstrated. Sample & Taylor established a machine-shop and foundry. In 1871 the capital was increased, facilities enlarged, and the manufacture of mine-cars begun by the Columbia County Iron Manufacturing Company, successors The new firm became involved to the gentlemen who established the business. financially in 1873; the plant was sold by an assignee, and purchased by G. M. and J. K. Lockard, who had been foremen in the shops since they were first operated. In 1875 a part of their present quarters was first occupied, and in 1879 they became sole proprietors. In the same year a destructive fire destroyed a part of the works, causing a loss of many thousands of dollars. Within three months' time, the sit^ of the burned buildings was occupied by others of improved appearance. The succeeding four years were the most profitable in the career of this establishment. Upward of four thousand railroad cars were built, and the volume of business annually exceeded a million nace. , — ' ' ' ' 158 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. of dollars. In 1870 S. M. Hess began the manufacture of car- wheels, iron fencing, etc., and still continues in this branch of industrial pursuit. In 1875 Harman & Hassart inaugurated a business career which has now had an existence of more than one decade. The Eagle Iron Works have also become well known, through the energy of their proprietor, Mr. B. F. Sharpless. The origin of the carriage factory of M. C. Sloan & Bro. has already been explained. The oldest establishment of the kind in this section of country, its management continues to retain that energy with which Major William Sloan was wont to engage in everything he undertook. The Bloomsburg woolen mills were established in 1882 by S. A. Caswell, M. E. Caswell, H. C. Caswell and H. C. Halfpenny, and have been in successful operation since that time. The plant consists of a brick factory one-hundi-ed and twenty-four feet by sixty-four feet, engine house, -fourteen looms, and other ajoparatus of improved design. The value of the annual product has reached sixty-thousand dollars. The location of the mills is at the foot of W^est street, and was given as a bonus by D. J. Waller, Sr. The Bloomsburg School Furnishing Company was incorporated July 17, 1885, "for the purpose of maniifacturing school and church furniture, and doing general planing-mill, foundry and machine work." Among the pi'oject- W. Miller, W. S. Moyer and J. C. Brown. The Bloomsburg Planing and Cabinet Company succeeded November 1, 1886, to the plant of the Agricultural and Iron Works. Charles Krug's Plan- ors of this enterprise were C. ing-mills were first operated in 1880. Sashes, doors, frames, moldings, etc., constitute the product at these places. The industrial activity of Bloomsburg has resulted in great measure from the transportation facilities afPorded by the canal and rail -roads. The former was opened in 1831, and rapidly fulfilled the expectations of those who advocated state aid to public works. Its period of greatest usefulness to Blooms- burg was the decade immediately preceding the construction of the Lackawanna and Bloomsburg rail-road. This line of traffic was projected by citizens of Wilkesbarre, whose only way of reaching Philadelphia was the circuitous route via Scranton and New York. It was originally intended that Rupert should be the western terminus of the line, as the connection at this point with the Catawissa rail -road effected the main objects of the projectors. January 1, 1858, the first train of cars rolled into Bloomsburg, or rather passed it, as the line of the road was then quite beyond the limits of the town. For several years one regular passenger train and one mixed train, in which freight predominated, constituted the daily traveling facilities. The way in which accommodations were thus limited was due in great measure to lack of enterprise on the part of the officials of the road. Two trains daily were advertised in 1861, three in 1871, and four in 1881, from which it appears that an addition of one train daily has occurred for every ten years in the history of the road. It may fairly be predicted that Bloomsburg will become a rail-road center of importance, second to no inland town of its size in this state. This is inferred from its geographical position, and from the work in rail-road construction now 'in progress and approaching completion. The reason first given is purely theoretical the forty-first parallel of north latitude crosses the Susquehanna at the mouth of Fishing creek; this is approximately the latitude of both New York and Chicago, and if the prcfposed air-line route between those places "The New York, Bloomsburg and Western rail-road" should ultimately become an accomplished fact, Bloomsburg cannot fail to derive import•ance and advantage from it. When the Bloomsburg and Sullivan rail-road ; — — HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 159 has been completed, the county seat of Columbia will also become its comBut, returning to the consideration of things as they now mercial metropolis. exist, the business interests of Bloomsburg have materially improved since the The history of this road completion of the North and West Branch railway. fi'om its first inception in the mind of the Reverend D. J. Waller, Sr. to its present condition, is directly traceable to the tireless energy with which he He conceived the idea that a fought its battles and achieved its final success. road bed of uniform grade could be constructed at the foot of the hill on the south bank of the Susquehanna. Simon P. Case, a vigorous but unscrupulous man, had previously projected a telegraph line, merged it into a railroad, and finally, by deciding to tap the coal field at the Hazel region instead of at WyoMr. Waller ming, vacated the river route from Catawissa to Wilkesbarre. was one of those who had confidence in Case's rail-road, if not in its projector; he wi'ote a charter for the North and West Branch Rail-Road coihpany, and through the efforts of Hon. C. E. Buckalew, it received legislative sanction in May, 1871. This was but the initial step, however; ten years elapsed before the line was operated from Wilkesbarre to Catawissa. J. C. Brown was chief , engineer, and Samuel Neyhard assistant, in directing its construction. It is provided, in the charter of this compan}', that a wagon way may be constructed in connection with its bridge over the Susquehanna, and that upon the payment of one-fifth its cost by the commissioners of Columbia county, the company shall maintain it as a free bridge for public use. There is every probability that this bridge will be built in the near future, and Bloomsburg will then realize to the full extent what advantage can be derived from competing lines of railway. It seems unnecessary to state that the mercantile interests of inland towns receive an impetus from lines of travel which bring them into more direct communication with the commercial centers of the country. The retui'ns from the mercantile appraisements of May 1, 1886, show an aggregate of seventyone dealers, representing .every branch of business enterprise. similar exhibit in 1858 would not have shown one third of this number. There are two financial institutions the First National Bank and the Bloomsburg Banking Company. February 5, 1864, William McKelvey, William Neal, I. W. McKelvey, Robert Cathcart, Robert F. Clark, John K. Grotz, George Hughes, Lloyd Paxton and C. R. Paston formed a temporary organization and began to transact a banking bxTsiness. February 29, 1864, the Comptroller of the Currency issued his certificate authorizing such action; and, March 7, 1864, the bank was formally opened with C. R. Paxton, president, and J. P. Tustin, cashier. In 1868 Charles Conner and John A. Funston established a broker's office in Bloomsburg, which, in March, 1871, was merged into the Bloomsburg Banking Company, of which Mr. Funston was president; Charles Conner_, Joseph Sharpless, John G. Freeze and Wilson M. Eves were the first directors. It is a private corporation, with a capital of fifty thousand dollars, and a surplus equal to fifty per cent of the same. Both ai'e prosperous and successful institutions, and have greatly facilitated the general business workings of the community. The Bloomsburg Board of Trade, " founded for the encouragement and protection of trade and commerce," numbers among its members the leading merchants and other citizens of the town. It was incorporated May 12, 1886, with Hon. C. R. Buckalew, C. G. Barkley, D. W. Kitchen, I. W. McKelvey A — and I. S. Kuhn, In medical directors. circles, Bloomsburg Shattuck's Rest-Ciure Sanitarium. is well It known was as the location of Dr. L. A. originally established in 1870 by 160 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Dr. A. L. Tench, who was succeeded within a few years by Dr. A. L. Turner. His experience as a surgeon in the late war and as superintendent of Onondaga insane asyhim, rendered him exceptionally competent to treat nervous diseases with success. The location combines healthfulness, accessibility and eonDr. Shattuck assumed the management in 1882, genial natural surroundings. since when it has maintained a high character as a popular resort. As this iu lustrial development of the county seat progressed, the population increased, the building area was extended, and a different political organThe town plat laid ization followed in the wake of changed social conditions. off by Ludwig Eyer extended from First street to Third, and from West to East Mr. Eyer was (Iron) street, comprising thirty-two blocks of three lots each. not an exact geometer, but his good judgment is seen in the location of the town, the width and regularity of the streets, and their distance from each About the year 1815, the Eeverend Caleb Hopkins laid out a number other. Although this nominal addition comprised of lots on East street below Third. for years no other houses than the reverend gentleman's residence, it was known and recognized as Hopkinsville. * When the size and importance of this suburb became such as to really require a name, this designation was succeeded by the less complimentary one When the of Snaketown, for which East street has finally been substituted. canal was opened in 1831, Port Noble came into existence as the port of entry Daniel for Bloomsburg, and a road was made from Market street thither. Snyder's addition, the south-west corner of Second and East streets, between Anticipating an influx of laborers Iron and Third, was made about 1837. when the Irondale furnaces should begin operations, D. J. Waller, Sr., in 184-, laid off that portion of Bloomsburg, known as Welsh hill, from the prevailing nationality of its people, the northeast corner of Iron and First streets. On Dr. John Ramsay's addition adioins this on the south side of First street. the west side of the same street between Oyer and Murray alleys, Messrs. Cathcart and Hurley laid out a number of lots, after the failure of their In 1857 Catharine street was opened; the location of the depot cocoonery. of the Lackawanna and Bloomsburg rail-road had determined to a great extent Passenger the direction in which Bloomsburg has expanded since that time. trains stopped at the Market street crossing at first, but when negotiations for the purchase of land proved fi-uitless, a temporary station was built at East If this arrangement had become permanent, Bloomsburg a.s then exstreet. istino-. would have virtually ceased to be the business portion of the town. This was averted by the prompt action of D. J. Waller, Sr. who purchased a tract of land, and in 1859 gave the rail-road company the site occupied by its Since this time, the area between Fourth street and Seventh has stations. The extension gradually become one of the most beautiful parts of the town. westward has been popularly known as Scott- Town, from the fact that Dr. David N. Scott was the first person who lived below the hill on Second street The addition by and still considered himself a resident of Bloomsburg. Messrs. Rupert and Barton is bounded by Fourth, Iron and East streets, and Upon the erection of the Normal School building in 1869, Second the canal. , *The origin of the name Bloomsburg cannot so easily be explained. It is said that the name was suggested by certain of the old settlers who had formerly lived at Bloomsburg, N. J. Bloom township was formed from the western part of Brlarcreek in 1797 and so named in honor of Samuel Bloom, one of the county commissioners for Northumberland county at that time. It is said that when the name for a post-office was discussed, some of the citizens protested against Dyertown, notwithstanding their German nationality and respect for the proprietor. On the occasion of a fourth of July celebration in the wood above First street, some one, with excellent tact, called for three cheers for Bloomsburg at the instant when patriotic enthusiasm was at its height. In the excitement of the moment, the name made a favorable impression on the popular mind. It is not a matter of vital importance, but of curious importance, how the name originated, and the reader can best judge which of the explanations given is most plausible. : HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 161 was extended beyond the forks. Morgantown is the name applied to the company houses at Irondale furnace; while Eabbtown comprehends a number of similar structures at Bloom furnace, The population of Bloom township in 1820 was one thousand six hundred and twenty-six; in 1830, two thousand and eighty-one; in 1840, one thousand seven hundred and seventyfour; in 1850, three thousand one hundred and twenty-two in 1860, two thousand six hundred and sixty-eight; in 1870, three thousand three hu.ndred and The apparent decrease forty; in 1880, three thousand seven hundi'ed and two. in the decade ending in 1860 is explained by the fact that Scott township was not included in the census of that year. In view of this constant increase in population, it is matter of surprise that the township organization, established in 1797, and continued for seventythree years, was not sooner supplanted by a form of goverment better adapted Efforts to secure incorporation as a borough under to a compact community. The reathe act of 1834, were successively made and as frequently defeated. sons to which this may be assigned, is the situation of Bloomsburg within a farming region too small to constitute a separate township, and the great diversity of opinion as to what limits should be prescribed for the purposed borough. March 4, 1870, an act prepared by Hon. C. R. Buckalew, was passed by the legislature, in which the limits of the town are defined in a manner that com})letely obviates this difficulty, by the simple declaration, "that the Town of Bloomsburg shall hereafter include all the territory now included within the limits of Bloom township." It provides for a classification of real estate, based upon the situation of property in the built up or suburban portions of the town, or its use for exclusively agricultural purposes. The burden of taxation is thus distributed; farm lands are assessed at a rate equal to one-half, and suburban property, at a rate not exceeding two-thirds, respectively, of the highest rates of tax required to be assessed in each year. Cumiilative voting is authorized by this act, which thus provides in the only instance in this country, a method for securing proportional representations. The following is extracted from section fourth, of the act referred to, and sufficiently explains the distinctive features of this system of voting. street ; In any case where more persons than one are to be chosen in said town to the same the same time or term of service, each voter duly qualified shall be entitled to as many votes as the number of persons to be so chosen, and may poll his votes as follows, to-wit: First Where two persons are to be chosen he may give one vote to each of two candidates, or two votes to one. Second Where three persons are to be chosen, he may give one vote to each of three candidates, two votes to one candidate and one to another, one vote and a half to each -of two candidates or three votes to one. Third Where f.)ur persons are to be chosen, he may give one vote to each of four candidates, one vote and one-third to each of three, two votes to each of two, or four votes to one. Fourth Where six persons are to be chosen, he may give one vote to each of six candidates, one vote and a half to each of four, two votes to each of three, three votes to each of two, or six votes to one. offlce, for — — — — A town council, consisting of president and six members, is elected annuA list of the incumbents since the organization of the town has been compiled from official sources and is herewith subtended 1870 President, Elias Mendenhall members, Joseph Sharpless, Stephen ally. — ; Knorr, W. B. Koons, F. C. Eyer, Caleb Barton, C. G. Barkley. 1871 President, Elias Mendenhall; members, Joseph Sharpless, C. G. Barkley, Stephen Knorr, W. B. Koons, F. C. Eyer, John Rinker. 1872— President, Elias Mendenhall; members, Freas Brown, Stephen — HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 162 Knorr, Culob BarfcoD, B. Koons, rosignod. — ProsidcMit, 1875J Thomas, 1874 Hnrmau, 1875 C. Joliii S. Stonier, Stophon Knorr; W. MiUor, Samuel Knorr, James Dennis, J. H. Maize, ince W. members, J. S. Lonis Bernhard, Charles Evans, John S. Sterner. — President, David Ijowonberg; members, Joseph Hendt^rshott, P. S. K. Eyer, Louis Bernhard, Stephen Knorr, W. Peacock. — President, David Lowenberg; members, E. R. Drinker, G. W. J. Sterner, Eli Jones, Isaiah Hagenbuch, vice John Caduum, resigned. W. O. Holmes, AVellingtoh Hartman^ — — 187G President, David Lowenberg; members, Peter Jones, Isaiah Hagenbuch, E. 11. Drinker, Ct. E. Elwell, \V. O. Holmes, E. M. Knorr. 1877 President, David Lowenberg; members, E. K. Drinker, W. Rabb, W. O. Holmes, Peter Jones, G. W. Correll, G. E. Elwell. 1878 President, G. A. Herring; members, J. S. Evans, E. R. Drinker, W. Rabb, G. E. Elwell, B. F. Sharpless, W. O. Holmes. 1870 President, I. S. Kuhn; members, J. S. Evans, W. O. Holmes, G. M. Lockard, B. F. Sharpless. E. R. Drinker, W. Rabb. 1880 President, G. A. Herring; members, W. Rabb, J. S. Evans, B. F. Sharpless, Charles Thomas, George Hassert, W. O. Holmes. 1881 President, G. A. Herring; members, W. Rabb, George Hassert, J. K. Lockard, I. \V. Hartmau, G. AV. Correll, C. W. Neal. 1882— President, G. A. Herring; members, C. B. Sterling, W. Rabb, George Hassert, W. S. Moyer, L. E. Waller, I. W. Hartmau. 1883 President, G. A. Herring; members, C. B. Sterling, W. Rabb, George Hassert, I. W. Hartman, L. E. Waller, W. S. Mover. 1884— President, L. B. Rupert; members, C. B. Sterling, W. Rabb, Eli Jones, C. A. Moyer, Isaiah Hagenbuch, L. T. Sharpless. 1885 President, L. B. Rupert; membej's, C. B. Sterling, J. C. Sterner, Henry Rosenstock, C. A. Mover, Isaiah Hagenbuch, L. T. Sharpless. 1886— President, B. F. 'Zarr; members, C. B. Sterling, J. C. Sterner, — — — — — Henry Rosenstock, E. B Clark, L. F. Clark, W. J. Correll. The election of the lirst town council expressed an almost unanimous sentiment in favor of internal improvement. Little eifort had been directed to this object, and much had been misdirected. If one township supervisor attempted to correct the inherent muddy propensity of the streets, the conscientious scriaples' of jhis successor impelled him to immediately suspend road making operations on the score oi retrenchment. As early as 1793, the brook v as crossed at Second street by a pine bridge, a neighborhood affair which greatly convenienced people on their way to church. The first combined effort at street improvement w-as made in 1813, when the town was much excited over the prospect of becoming a county seat. As if to emphasize its eligibility, stumps were removed and the streets generally levelled. The commissioners appointed to select the county town visited Milton first; after preparing Bloomsbui-g for their reception, James McClure, John Chamberlain, Casper Chrisman, and others, rode over to Jersey town to meet them. Although it "was years before their object was finally attained, their efforts were not in vain. In 1838 the hill in Second street beyond AVest was deemed too steep for travel, and the public road followed the channel of the creek after a circuitous descent. The Port Xolile road at this time was narrow, crooked, and almost impassable After purchasing the land on either side of the road, Mr. in wet weather. Waller straightened its course, graded it as a private enterprise, and built a bridge over the rail-road as one of the conditions for the location of the station Market street was not fully opened until 1874, w^hen the at its present site. • ^^' ^ ^'^ ?' OUl^ d^A^yjLyO HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 165 The Forks hotel was Wells below Third street was removed. house of removed in the following year, and Second street extended to the Normal Center street was opened and extended from Second to School grounds. The grading of East street was begun in 1872, and this work has been First. extended to every street in the town, agreeably to plans prepared by Samuel Neyhard at the instance of the council. The initial effort toward establishing a fi e department was made in 18G8, when the Bloomsburg Fire Company, Two similar ( known as Friendship Fire Company No. 1 ), was incorporated. organizations have since been formed. The police service was established by the town council in 1870. While the process of improving the general appearance of the town was in progress, efforts were also made to provide public conveniences of a character which had not hitherto been attempted. May 9, 1874, the Bloomsburg Gas Company and the Bloomsburg Water Company were incorporated. Gas was supplied to private houses and business places, October 28, 1874; the streets were lighted with gas for the first time. May 1, 1875. The water company proposed to secure an adequate s.ipply. fi'om Stony brook, a small affluent of Fishing creek. Negotiations were opened with the municipal authorities to dispose of the franchise to them, but before this was effected, an act passed by the legislature, limiting the bonded indebtedness of boroughs, suspended this proceeding in a summary manner. August 14, 1877, a second water company was organized. The advantage of bringing water from such an altitude that the natural flow would raise it above the level of the town was strongly advised, but as no springs of sufficient volume and elevation are found in the immediate vicinity, a system proposed by Mr. Henry Birkenbine was adopted. The water is carried from Fishing creek into a well by a brick conduit. It is then pumped a distance of one-thousand, one hundred feet, into a reservoir, fi'om which it is distributed through the town. The water- works were completed in August, 1880. A public sewer was established in 1884 by the town authorities, the trustees of the Normal School and the county commissioners, conjointly. The Bloomsburg Steam and Electric Light Company was incorporated December 7, 1885. The Birdsall-Holly system has been used, and many residences and stores are thus heated with economy and convenience. The extent to which industrial and commercial pursuits have been developed in Bloomsburg, the character and efficiency of its local government, and the degree of interest manifested in public improvements, combine in establishing its claim as the most progressive town in the lower valley of the " North Branch Contemporary with its growth in population of the Susquehanna. and material wealth, it has become the educational center of this section of the state. There was little in its early history to indicate that it would reach its present jDrominence in this resj)ect. George Vance taught an English school in a log building on the site of the Protestant Episcopal church edifice in 1802, and about the same time, Ludwig Eyer taught a German school in a building at the north-east corner of Second and Market streets. Kobert Fields, William Ferguson, Murray Manville and Joseph Worden were among the immediate successors of these two pedagogues. On the introduction of the public school system, in 1842, school-houses were built in various parts of the town. Practically, there was no system of grading, nor any general supervision by any one. Consolidation was begun in 1870, when the Fifth street school building was erected at a cost of twelve thousand dollars, and first occupied with F. M. Bates as principal. Five years later, the Third street building was erected. I. E. Schoonover was the first principal of the schools of West Bloomsburg, after it was occupied. In 1885 it was decided to place ' ' 17 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 166 the schools of the town under one superintendent, and D. A. Beckley A regular course of study has been prepared, and elected to that office. the condition of the schools improved in various ways under his administration. The present (1886) board of directors is constituted as follows: J. J. Lawall, president; J. C. Brown, secretary; Stephen Krum, Isaiah Hagenbuch, William Kramer and Henry Rosenstock. The general unsatisfactory condition of the public schools led to many venall was tures on the part of teachers of more than ordinary acquirements in establishAn effort of this kind was made in 1839, when the building private schools. ino- at the corner of Third and Jefferson streets was first occupied for school "The standard of instruction was elevated, if judged by the purposes.* advertisement of the first teacher, to give instruction in the Hebrew language, which was not extensively pursued at that early day in Bloomsburg. But the teacher' s literary reputation dwindled, when, on perusing a copy of Shakespeare, he inquired whether this was the celebrated author of that name, and what were his principal works, and evinced his astonishment in the question, 'What, This teacher took his departure the same year (1839); these dialogues ?' " and, by the efforts of the citizens, Mr. C. P. Waller, a graduate of Williams college and subsequently a president judge in this state, was induced to come He remained two years, and left it in to Bloomsburg to found an academy. results of this effort may be traced far-reaching The condition. flourishing a The existence of the in all the subsequent educational history of the town. academy for some years after this was merely nominal. Teachers in the public schools during the winter months opened subscription schools in vacation. Joel E. Bradley, one of the most successful teachers who ever made teaching a profession, restored, to some extent, the high character and advanced standAbout the year 1854, B. ard of the course of study prepared by Mr. Waller. F. Eaton opened a classical school in the Primitive Methodist church building (afterward purchased by the parish of St. Colomba's church). It was continued the following year with such success that its friends began to consider meas- Reverend D. J. Waller prepared ures for making it a permanent institution. a charter, and William Robinson and others circulated it; after obtaining the signatures of A. J. Sloan, M. Coffman, E. Mendenhall, A. J. Evans, William M^cKelvey, J. J. Brower, B. F. Hartman, S. H. Miller, J. M. Chamberlin, Philip Unangst, Jesse G. Clark, A. Wltman, Michael Henderson, J. G. Freeze, Levi L. Tate, Peter Billmeyer, W. C. Sloan, Jonathan Mosteller, A. J. Frick, E. B. Bidleman, Robert F. Clark, A. M. Rupert, R. B. Menagh, W. J. Bidleman, Robert Cathcart, A. C. Mensch and H. C. Hoover, it was submitted to It provided for estabthe com-t, and confirmed at the September term, 1856. Bloomsburg Literary lishing and maintaining a school, to be known as the Institute." and the object of the corporation was defined to be "the promotion of education both in the ordinary and higher branches of English Unliterature and science, and in the ancient and modern languages." der the articles of incorporation, Reverend D. J. Waller, William Robison, Leonard B. Rupert. William Snyder, Elisha C. Barton, William Goodrich, D. J. Waller, Joseph Sharpless, John K. Grotz and I. W. Hartman were constituted a board of trustees. Mr. Eaton's school was continued in the building it It was subseformerly occupied for several years, when it was discontinued. quently opened in the old academy building, and there conducted with fair Lowry, D. A. Beckley, Henry Rinker and others. There success by of teachers, nor does it appear that the board of succession connected no was ' ' — trustees exercised control over the * management Reverend D. J. Waller's Presbyterian Centennial discourse. of its affairs. As a conse- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 167 depended altogether upon the attainments of whom executive ability was not a charthe so-called " Literary Institute " were not qiience, the character of the school and ability of the teachers, in some the prospects of always encouraging. Fortunately for the educational interests of this county, a new actor appeared upon the scene, when the condition of affairs seemed tu have reached the lowest ebb. This man was Henry Carver, a native of New York state, a self educated teacher, whose power of exerting an unconscious influence over the minds of those with whom he came in contact, was phenomenal. After serving as principal of an academy in his native state, in which capacity he evinced marked ability, he was placed in charge of the preparatory department of the University of California, and here his faculty for organizing was again manifest. He returned to his home in Binghampton, New York, and while making a pleasure tour through the valley of the North Branch, stopped for several days at Bloomsburg, impressed with the beauty of its natural environments. He made some inquiries regarding the general condition of tl_-j schools, and was introduced to Reverends D. J. Waller and J. R. Dimiir, Messrs. I. W. Hartman, D. A. Beckley, and others, who, after learning his character and profession, persuaded him to prolong his stay, and open a school. Its success surpassed any thing in his previous career, or in the school history of Bloomsburg. After continuing this school two years, Mr. Carver declined to remain any longer unless better accommodations were provided than the academy building then occupied. There was a general feeling of confidence in his methods, and measures for securing adequate facilities for the unrestricted gi'owth of the school were vigorously agitated; and, that the movement might properly crystalize, the charter of the "Literary Institute" was revived, May 2, 1866. William Snyder, John K. Grotz, L. B. Rupert, I. W. Hartman and D. J. Waller met at the latter' s study in the capacity of trustees, under the articles incorporating the Institute, and reorganized, with the election of D. J. Waller as president; I. W. Hartman as secretary JohnG. Freeze, Robert F. Clark and William Neal as trustees, to fill vacancies caused by removals of an equal number of the original board. At the second meeting, two days later, a committee was appointed to attend to the financial necessities of the undertaking, and another to secure a location for the contemplated building. The efforts of the finance committee were seconded by Mr. Carver with characteristic energy. This all important part of the work progressed to such an extent, that, June 16, 1866, a meeting of the stockholders was held in the court-house to decide the question of location. After some discussion, the consideration of this subject was postponed until the 22nd instant. On assembling in pursuance of adjournment, various portions of the town were suggested as most eligible for the site of the contemplated structure. When the matter was put to^ a vote, it was found that the sentiment in favor of the location proposed by William Snyder was almost unanimous. This was finally accepted in Au.gust, 1866, on the assurance that the owners of the Forks hotel would, at no distant, time, remove it, and extend Second street to the front of the Institute gi-oimds. It was formally resolved, the preceding July, to procure specifications and plans, and contract for the erection of a building at a cost not exceeding fifteen thousand dollars. This sum was six-fold larger than any one except Mr. Carver had ever thought of expending. The cost of the building and its fm-niture aggregated about twenty- four thousand dollars. Under ordinary circumstances the project would have collapsed, but the unremitting exertions of Mr. Carver were equal to the emergency. His faitli in its ultimate success never faltered, and acteristic, so that ' ' ' ; ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 168 was amply justified, when, on Thursday, April 4, 1867, the completed* structThe state of the ure was dedicated to the cause and purposes of education. weather was favorable to the enactment of the inaugural ceremonies in the That the connection between the old academy and the pleasantest manner. Institute in which it was thus merged might be properly indicated, a procession, consisting of a band of music, the members of the board of trustees, the clergy of the town, the parents of the pupils, the pupils themselves, and lastly, the faculty, formed at the academy building, on Third street, and proceeded to the Hon. Leonard B. Kupert, as president of the board of Institute building. After trustees, unlocked the door, and the procession entered in inverse order. mugic of an appropriate character, and prayer by Reverend D. J. Waller, Mr. Rupert briefly ou.tlined the progress of the work from its first inception Professor Moss, of Lewisburg, delivered the to the final accomplishment. The exercises of the evening were opened with prayer by dedicatory address. Reverend J. R. Dimur, after which, Hon. William D. Elwell spoke upon the past history and future prospect of the Institute, and emphasized the importance of continued effort on the part of its friends. Among the piipils who participated on both occasions, were many who have since risen to positions of honor and responsibility in the various walks of life. The initial step in organizing a corps of instructors for the Institute was made May 25, 1866, when Prof. Henry Carver was elected principal by the The first faculty was constituted as follows: Henry Carboard of trustees. ver, professor of civil engineering, intellectual and moral philosophy; Sarah A- Carver, preceptress, teacher of French, botany, and ornamental branches; Isaac O. Best, A. B. professor of ancient languages; Martin D. Kneeland, teacher of mathematics and English branches; Alice M. Carver, teacher of Two courses of music; Jennie Bruce, in charge of the primary department. study were arranged, in one of which scientific studies predominated, while It was proposed the classics were represented to an equal extent in the other. There was also a that four years shoiild be ample time to complete either. commercial department, and the first catalogue, issued] for the school year 1867-63, makes mention of the fact that lessons would be given in sewing. The liberal ideas of the principal were manifest throughout. The number of pupils in attendance and the general results of the school for this first term were fairly satisfactory. It ceased to be merely a local institution, and became well known in other sections of the state, and even beyond its limits. To those who were interested in educational matters the success of the Institute , was truly gratifying. The first year of active work was not yet completed, however, when a change in the character of the school was agitated. Hon. James P. Wickersham, state superintendent of common schools, passed Bloomsburg by rail shortly after the building was finished, and was favorably impressed with its The idea of erecting adconspicuous situation and symmetrical proportions. ditional buildings and couvei-ting the Institute into a state normal school seems to have occun-ed to him at once. He presented the matter to the board At a meeting of that body, March 9, 1868, it was ^^ Resolved, of trustees. that the trustees of the Bloomsburg Literary Institute agree to establish in connection with the same, a state normal school, under the act of assembly of the 2nd of May, 1857, and to procure the grounds and put up the necessary buildings as soon as the sum of seventy thousand dollars is subscribed by -reAt this and subsponsible persons, agreeably to the foregoing propositions. ' ' 'Properly speaking, it was not completed until the following year, when a bell, weighing two thousand, one hundred and seveuty-one pounds, was secured through the efforts of D. J. Waller, Jr., G. E. Elwell and Charles Unangst, who were then pupils. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. * 169 sequent meetings, plans and estimates for the proposed building were presented and discussed. A soliciting committee was alpo appointed; but from the meagre results realized through its efforts, it was evident that the project did That the views of not receive the co-operation of the entire body of citizens. all might be considered, a public meeting was held in the court-house, April Reverend D. J. Waller was called to the chair. It was found that 18, 1868. the opposition or indifference resulted from a misconception of the position taken by the trustees; but when it was explained to the satisfaction of all that the proposed change would not effect the academic character of the school, and thus contract its local advantages, and that its influence would be extended in the manner suggested, the meeting became as enthusiastic as it had preThis is sufficiently indicated by the following minute, viously been reluctant. Resolved, that the trustees of the which appears as part of its proceedings Bloomsburg Literary Institute be earnestly requested to purchase the necessary grounds and proceed to make an agreement to carry forward the enterprise of erecting the building required; that the plans submitted by Prof. Carver be recommended to the trustees for adoption; that it be recommended to let the building to Prof. Carver at his estimate of thirty -six thousand dolThis was submitted to the board of trustees the same day, and on the lars. " strength of the financial support thus assured, Hon. Leonard B. Rupert, Peter Billmeyer and F. C. Eyer were constituted a building committee and empowered to contract for the erecting of the building with Mr. Carver at his Subsequently, Hon. "William E. Elwell bid of thirty-six thousand dollars. and William Neal became members of the building committee instead of the last two namad. June 25, 1868, the corner-stone of the state normal school building was laid. The exercises were preceded by an address in Institute hall by Hon. The audience then proceeded to that part of the grounds where C. L. Ward. the foundation walls of the building formed the exterior angle of its two The exercises began with wings, and where the stone was to be placed. prayer by Reverend D. J. Waller, after which John W. Geary, governor of the state, placed the corner-stone in position, depositing within it documents relating to the history of the school, its charter, with the names of the trus' : ' and students, and of the state school board, contemporary issues of the local newspapers, a copy of the Bible, and specimens of currency, after which he delivered an address. Hon. William E. Elwell spoke in behalf of the board of trustees, and Hon. Leonard B. Rupert read a history of the Institute. Governor Geary placed the plans and specifications in the hands tees, the faculty and the latter, in accepting, promised to complete the work he thus assumed as rapidly as possible. Hon. James P. Wickersham addressed a large audience that evening on the general aspect of educational effort, particularly as directed in the preparation of teachers for teaching, which he eraphasized as the central object in the normal school idea. Mr. Carver pushed the work he had undertaken with his usual energy, and the biiilding was finished within nine months fi'om the date upon which the corner stone was laid. It remained for the state authorities to formally recogFebruary 8, 1869, the board nize the Institute as a state normal school. of trustees, through its president, Hon. Leonard B. Rupert, and secretary, Col. John G. Freeze, signified its desire that a committee should be appointed of Professor Carver, agreeably to the act of 1857, to consider the claims of their institution for The following named gentlemen conrecognition as a state normal school. Hon. James P. Wickersham, ex officio, Hon. Wilstituted this committee: mer Worthington, Hon. James C. Brown, Hon. George D. Jackson, Hon. Henry W. Hoyt; the superintendents of schools in the counties composing the 170 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. were nqtified, and Friday, February 19, was appointed as the day for The committee met on the day appointed; examined the the examination. everything pertaincharter, deeds, organization, methods of instruction ing to the character of the school, and embodied its conclusion in the following report: Bloomsburg, Columbia County, February 19, 1869. Whereas, The "Bloomsburg Literary lustitute," having made the formal application to the Department of Common Schools for the appointment of a committee to examine its claims to be recognized as tlie State Normal School of the Sixth District, according to the district — provisions of "An Act to provide for the due training of teachers for the Common Schools of the State," approved the 20th day of May, 1857; and Whereas, The undersigned, being duly appointed and authorized under said act, and having personally, and at the same time, on Friday, the 19th day of_ February, 1869, visited and carefully inspected said lustitute. and made a careful examination thereof of its by-laws, rules and regulations, and its general arrangements and facilities for instructing, and having found them to be substantially sucii as the law requires: Eteolved, That the "Bloomsburg Literary Institute " is, in our opinion, entitled to recognition as a State Normal School, with all the privileges and immunities enjoyed by other institutions of like character in this Commonwealth. WiLMER WoRTHiNGTON, Chairman. J. P. WiCKERSHAM, Secretary. George James D. Jackson. C. Brown. Henry M. Hoyt. Barkley, sup't. Columbia county. Gundy, sup't. Union county. William Henky, sup't. Montour county. C. G, C. V. The legal existence of the " Bloomsburg State Normal School of the Sixth District," dates from the anniversary of this report, February 19, 1869, although the proclamation from the department of public instruction was not promulgated until three days later. In his report for this je^r (1869), Mr. Wickersham states that the estimated value of the buildings and grounds was one hundred thousand dollars, and that the general equipments of the school were superior to those of any While this was no doubt true, the troubles similar institutions in the state. that immediately followed threatened to compel a suspension of the school. Mr. Carver's health was seriously impaired by his multiplied duties as princiHis departure from Bloomsburg, in pal, contractor and business manager. 1871, was quite unexpected to the trustees, who were thus obliged to assume At one time they personally oblihis liabilities in order to save the property. gated themselves for an amount exceeding twenty thousand dollars. Meetings were held every night for several months consecutively, and the whole board was resolved into a ways and means committee. Every circumstance seemed Every element of opposition that had ever existed seemed to discouraging. And when finally the crisis seemed to have passed, the boardassert itself. Monday, September 6, a ing hall was destroyed by fire, September 4, 1875. meeting of the citizens was held in the court-house: Reverend J. P. Tustin preHon. William E. Elwell stated the object of the meeting. It was a sided. There were those who favored critical period in the history of Bloomsburg. the application of the thirty thousand dollars of insurance, to the improvement of the property that remained, and an organization from which the normal school idea should be excluded; Reverend D. J. Waller was called upon to He did so with the force and vigor which the importance express his views. He stated that it was not possible that the school of the occasion demanded. could experience greater reverses and misfortunes than had already befallen it; financial that even under such a combination of unfavorable circumstances — embarrassments, unfortunate selection of principals, or the existence of a 171 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. — vacancy in that department the results had been only such as might be expected in the incipient stages of an educational enterprise; that the inducements which prompted their first effort were still operative, but as the opportunity was greater, so was their responsibility; that it required but the influence of that energy which the supreme importance of the hour should inspire to raise, Phoenix-like, a new building of larger proportions from the ashes of the old; and that the time would come when a thousand students would be •assembled on the hill for the pui-pose of securing an education. These remarks had the desired effect. It was unanimously decided to rebuild. Temporary accommodations were provided for the students. October 30, 1875, the cornerThe work of construction progressed stone of the new building was laid. rapidly, and on Wednesday, April 26, 1876, the building was opened for students. It has a fi'ont of one hundi'ed and sixty-two feet and an extension Its predecessor was L shaped, with a front of one of seventy -five feet. hundred and twelve feet in each direction. While the financial stringency of this period was a most perplexing probTheir constant inalem, it did not monopolize the attention of the trustees. ability to provide for the support of teachers necessitated frequent changes in There were ten instructors at the opening of the constitution of the faculty. the first annual term of the Normal School, and their respective dejDartments were as follows Henry Carver, A. M. Principal Mental and Moral Science, Theory and Practice of Teaching; Sarah A. Carver, Preceptress French, Ancient Langiiages; Botany, and Ornamental Branches; Isaac O. Best, A. M. Mathematics and Practical Astronomy Reverend David J. W. Ferree, A. M. John, A. M. Chemistry, Natural Philosophy and Physiology F. M. Bates, Superintendent of Model School Department, History, Geography, and Bookkeeping; James C. Brown, Assistant in Mathematics; Alice M. Carver, Instrumental Music; Hattie L. Best, Vocal Music; Julia M. Guest, Assistant in the Model School. When Professor Carver' s sudden illness, at the opening of the second term, left the institution without a principal, the duties of the position devolved upon James C. Brown. His efforts and Professor Ferree' s co-operation prevented the school from disbanding, and at length it successfully passed through the most critical period of its history. At his own request, Mr. Brown was relieved, December 20, 1871. At Mr. Wickersham's suggestion, C. G. Barkley assumed the principalship, and continued in that capacity until March He was suc27, 1872, when Reverend John Hewitt was elected in his stead. Conceeded at the commencement of 1873 by L. T. Griswold, A. M., M. D. cerning his administration it need only be stated that the financial management was such as to limit the expenses of the school to its income, or vice versa. In the judgment of the trustees it was thought best the change should be made, however, and for the school year of 1877-78 an entirely different faculty was elected, with the single exception of Professor Ferree, who retained his position as instructor in Higher Mathematics. The present faculty is constituted as follows: Reverend D. J. Waller, Jr., Ph. D., Principal Mental and Moral Science; J. W. Ferree, A. M. Natural Sciences; H. A. Curran, A. M. Rhetoric, Ancient and Modern Languages; William Nottling, A. M. Theory and Practice of Teaching; G. E. Wilbur, A. M., Higher Mathematics and History; I. W. Niles Music; F. H. Jenkins Grammar and Composition; Miss Enola B. Guie, M. E. Physical Culture and Elocution; J. G. Cope, M. E. Mathematics and Geography; Miss Dora A. Niles, Drawing and Painting; E. Gertrude La Shelle, M. E.— Model School; Miss Sarah M. Harvey Assistant in Model School; I. H. Winter, B. E. Geography and History. That the change in 1877 was judicious seems evident from the fact that the : — C , — — ; ; — — — — — — — — — — — — — HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 172 four professors, whose names appear in order from the head of this list, have been continuously connected with the school since that time. More than four hundred pupils wei-e in attendance during the term of 1885-86. During the existence of the schools, four thousand seven hundred and ninety- eight pupils were enrolled prior to July, 1886; four hundred and nineteen have graduated in that time, and twenty-five were prepared for colThese facts need no comment. lege and received since 1877. The present principal is a native of Bloomsburg, and a graduate of La He is a genFayette College, with which he was also connected as a teacher. tleman of extensive and varied attainments, of natural aptitude for teaching, His administration has been of rare executive ability, and fine social qiialities. eminently satisfactory. The patronage of the school has increased from year It has become an educational power, and influences to a great extent to year. the character of the public schools of a large section of country, Bloomsburg has been a prolific field for the organizatio'h of secret societies. Whenever a movement of this character has been inaugurated it has eventually Many of the organizations thus afifected have secured a representation here. succumbed to the absorbing character of these stronger rivals, thus presenting in the rise and growth of social institutions an illustration of the principle of The Masonic order alone has increased in survival of the fittest. the numbers and influence with the added years of its existence. The first regularly organized Masonic body in this county, Rising Sun Lodge, No. 100, was instituted June 16, 1804, by Israel Israel R. W. G. M., and George A. The first officers of Baker, G. S. of the R. W. G. Lodge of Pennsylvania. Lodge, No. 100, were Christian Brobst, W. M., William Parks, S. W., and John Curlee, J, W. The intense opposition to Masonry resulted in disbanding "Rising Sun" Lodge about the year 1830, The efforts thus relinquished were renewed in 1852, when Washington Lodge, No. 265, F. and A. M. was chartered, with William Sloan, W. M. Jacob Melick, S. W. and Christian The officers for 1885-86 were as follows: Robert R. Little, F. Knapp, J. W. W. M., John Appleman, S. W., George W. Bartch, J. W. A complete list C. F. Knapp, F. C. of the Past Masters of this Lodge is herewith presented: Harrison, M. D. J. A. DeMoyer, Agib Ricketts, John Penman, D. A. Beckley, R. H. Ringler, C. W. Miller, J. C. Rutter, M. D., Rev. John Thomas, S. Neyhard, W. O. Holmes, Rev. John Hewitt, A. C. Smith, J. V. Logan, W. W. Barrett, Theo F. Hayman, I. Hagenbuch, P. E. Knapp, W. T. Callan, C. K. Francis, D. W. Conner, V. N. Shaffer, P. S. Harman. The charter of Bloomsburg Chapter, No. 218, R. A. M., was granted July The officers named therein are as follows: D. A, Beckley, H. P ; 28, 1868. Paleman John, J. B, Robison, E, P, Lutz, and C, F, Knapp. Mount Moriah Council, No. 10, e. s. ex, & s. m. was originally organized under a dispensation granted December 27, 1857, but was chartered June J. C. F. Knapp, D. I. G. M. 14, 1864, with J, A, DeMoyer, T. I. G. M. The B. McKelvey, P. C. W. Jacob Melick, M. E. and E. F. Lutz, Recorder. following named individuals have been T. I. G. Masters: C. F. Knapp, P. M. E, P. Lutz; H, S, GoodP. G. M.; J. A. DeMoyer; F, C, Harrison, M, D. win, P. G. P. C. W. D. Lowenberg, D. A. Beckley, A. J. Frick, C, L. StowC. K. Francis, W. W. Barrett, W. J. ell, P. E. Knapp, G. W. Reifsnyder, ' ' ' ' , , , , , , ; ; , ; ; ; John Thomas. Crusade Commandery, No. 12, K. T., was formed by virtue of a dispensaThe origtion granted March 15, 1856, and received a charter June 8, 1864. J, B. Mcinal officers of this body were as follows: Christian F. Knapp, C. Jacob Melick, T. J. A. DeMoyer, P. Kelvey, G. F. C. Harrison, C. G. Scott, ; ; ; ; ;. 173 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Lewis George S. Gilbert, J. W. C. Bittenbender, S. W. E. P. Lutz, R. Enke, S. B. F. H. G. Thornton. W. Orient Conclave, No. 2, K. of R., C. of R. & C, was chartered February 16, Charles P. Early, F. V. R., and G. T. 1871, with C. F. Knapp, Sov. ; ; ; ; ; "Wheeler, Secretary. , Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite, in the valley of Bloomsburg, Pa. " consists of four distinct bodies, numbering a total membership of seven hundred. Bloomsburg is one of four places in this State where the Scottish Rite has been introduced, and this fact, with its large numerical representations, sufficiently indicates the energy and enterprise of the Masonic fraternity at this The ' ' place. Enoch Grand Lodge of Perfection, 14°, was instituted October 8, 1865^ and chartered May 19, 1866, with the following members: C. F. Knapp, George Shorkley, John Vallerchamp, Paleraan John, C. C. Shorkley, E. W. M. Lowe. F. G. Harrison, B. M. Ellis, J. R. Dimm, C. Bittenbender, E. P. Lutz and John Penman. Zeriibbabel Council of 16°, was instituted and chartered on the same dates, Its original membership consisted of John Vallerchamp, E. P. respectively. Lutz, C. F. Knapp, Paleman John, E. W. M. Lowe, S. G. Vangilder, John Thomas, J. R. Dimm, John Vanderslice and John Penman. Evergreen S. Chapter of Rose-Croix de H. R. D. M., 18°, was chartered May 19, 1866, with the following named officers: C. F. Knapp, John Vallerchamp, J. R. Dimm, Paleman John, S. G. Vangilder, C. C. Shorkley, E. P. Lutz and John Penman. Caldwell S. Consistor3% S. P. R. S., 32°, was chartered May 19, 1867. The following individuals were among the first members of this body: John Vallerchamp, Paleman John, C. F. Knapp, C. C. Shorkley and George Shorkley. Van Camp Lodge, No. 140, I. O. O. F. was chartered November 17, 1845, with Andrew D. Cool, N. G. Ephraim Armstrong, V. G. Edward Keifer, and George W. Abbott. Treasurer. Among the other S. Henry Webb, A. S. members at this time were Anthony Foster and Robert Cathcart. The latter died in Danville, in 1879, and was the last surviving charter member. Bloomsburg Council. No. 146, O. U. A. M. was chartered July 16, 1868, with the following members: Henry F. Bodine, Tobias Henry, Harman Kline, H. J. Evans, M. S. Houseknecht. M. M. Snyder, A. S. Crossly, Robert Roane, James M. Thornton, Frederick Gilmore, George Nicholas, I. K. Miller, J. S. Jacoby, Edward S.earles, William Thomas, Joseph Christman, M. M. Johnson, J. S. Evans, I. Hagenbuch, P. Welsh, J. Schultz, Henry Shutt, W. M. ; ; ; ; , Furman, John Culp, George Moyer and C. W. Miller. Bloomsburg Council, No. 957, Royal Arcanum, was organized by H. E. W. Campbell, D. G. R. of this state, February 26, 1886, with the following persons I. W. Willitts, G. A. Clark, Thomas E. Geddis, D. A. Beckley. C. H. Campbell, John F. Peacock, F. D. Dentler, L. F. Sharpless, C. S. Furman, S. F. Peacock. G. M. Quick, William Reber, W. H. Brooks, and C. W. as officers: Miller. A number of flourishing church organizations attest the religious character The people at any period of the history of the town. parish of Saint Paul's Protestant Episcopal church is the oldest religious orIts existence dates fi-om 1793, when Elisha Barganization in Bloomsburg. and activities of the ton appeared in the diocesan convention at Philadelphia as the representative of certain members of the church in Fishingcreek township, who had formed The object of his mission was to present a themselves into a congregation. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 174 request for the appointment of a rector; and in the minutes of the convention of the following year, the name of Reverend Caleb Hopkins appears as missionary in a field which embraced all the territory within the forks of the Susquehanna among other points, Saint Paul's church at Bloomsburg. About this time there was erected "on the west side of the grate road leading from Esq. Barton's to Berwick" a house for worship, the outward appearance of which suggested the workmanship of no artisan save nature herself in the unhewn logs which still retained that massive rotundity developed through years Its interior was scarcely less strikof exposure to wind and rain and sunshine. ing. Thei'e was neither fireplace, stove nor chimney. A charcoal fire burned on a rude grating before the chancel. The minister's face was either illuminated by the fitful flames or completely obscured by the ascending smoke, which found such outlet as the crevices in the roof or the chinks between the logs afforded. Upon the wall there was a constant play of fantastic forms, the shadowy outlines of rude benches and their occupants. Young people sneezed, while their parents and grand-parents seemed to experience no unpleasantness from the fumes of this primitive heating apparatus. The congregation assembled from all directions, and engaged in the service with that interest usually manifested when such occurrences Avere only occasional. Before mounting their horses for the homeward journey, current topics were discussed, and the social spirit of the worshippers expressed in hearty hand-shaking and kindly inquiries for absent ones. Churches at the present day are vindoubtedly far in advance of their predecessors of a century ago in many respects; but nothing has been gained in losing that simplicity which invariably characterized relig- — ious services at that period. The Reverend Mr. Hopkins bfliciated in this church at irregular intervals until 1805, when he resigned, August 4. 1806; at the conclusion of service, he was called to become stated minister. He was offered an annual salary of one hu.ndred dollars and the use of a glebe about to be erected by the Saint Paul and Saint Gabriel (Sugarloaf) congregations. He signified his acceptance, and entered upon the duties of the rectorship, October 1, 1806. From this time his field of labor was restricted to the churches at Bloomsburg, Jerseytown and Sugarloaf, and Saint Paul's congregation enjoyed greater frequency and regularity of religious services. Mr. Hopkins resided in that part of Bloomsburg properly known as Hopkinsville, until 1819, when his incumbency as rector ceased. Snowden succeeded him in 1820. The erecThe Reverend tion of a new church was vigorously agitated about this time, and Mr. Snowden took measures to have the parish incorporated as a protection to its financial interests. An act of the legislature under date of April 5. 1824, created the church a corporate body, with Daniel Pursel, Battis Appelman, Littleton Townsend, Isaac Green, Robert Green, Philip Apj^elman, Elias Bidleman, Peter Melick and John Barton, wardens and vestry. The Reverend ~ EWred succeeded Mr. Snowden in 1825, and was the last rector who ofliciated in the old church. It was replaced in 1827 by a frame structure with greater pretensions to architectural beauty, which was used as a place for worship during the ten years following. July 13, 1837, the corner-stone of the third building on this site was laid. This was one of the few brick structures in the town at that time, and one of the finest churches in this section of country. The next effort at church building was made in 1868, when legislative action was secured for the disinterment and removal of the dead fi'om that part of the burial ground at the corner of Second and Iron streets, upon which it was proposed to build. The acre of ground upon which the church and rectory are situated was secured by Elisha Barton, John Trembly and Edmund Crawford, the vestry, in 1795, from Joseph Long. The amount paid was five shillings. The — HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 175 The rechurch was nearly identical with that of the rectory. maining portion of the inolosure was used as a cemetery; hence the legislation site of the log and disinterment agreeably to its provisions. The corner-stone of the fourth and present church edifice was laid in September, 1868. The first service in Ten years the completed structure was held on Sunday, October 28, 1870. were required to liquidate the debt of eight thousand dollars that then reThere were presmained. Tuesday, June 28, 1881, the dedication occurred. ent on this occasion Reverends T. H. Cullen and J. Hewitt, former rectors; J. H. Black, G. H. Rockwell, C. E. Fessenden, H. E. Hayden, J. P. Carncross, C. E. Dodson, G. H. Kirkland, J. M. Peck, G. Gregson, and Bishop Howe. The certificate of the rector and vestry was read by E. R. Drinker, senior warden. Bishop Howe conducted the service. Reverend T. H. Cullen pronounced the sentence of consecration. The ceremonies throughout were of an interesting and appropriate character. In 1850 the parish came into possesThe proceeds sion of a house on East street, by the will of Elizabeth Emmitt. of its sale were applied to the purchase of a pastoral residence on First street. The brick rectory contiguous to the church was built in 1883, and occupied by the Reverend L. Zahner in that year. After completing a pastorate of ten years, he resigned in September, 1886. The vestry has elected Reverend William C. Leverett to fill the vacancy thus existing, and he has signified his acceptance. Saint Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran church has been known by that name since its incorporation, December 3, 1856, although known as Saint Paul's during the first fifty years of its history. During this period, the congregation worshiped in a church building at the corner of First and Center streets. This structure was built in 1808, and jointly owned by the Reformed and Lutheran churches. It was nearly square, with wide galleries on three sides and a high, "wine glass" pulpit on the fourth side. Its seating capacity was about five hundred, of which number as many people would be upstairs as down, when the house was crowded. After some years, its exterior was weather-boarded and painted white, and this improvement seemed to give it a new lease of life in the affections of the community. It was finally removed in 1861, but the two congregations still retain their joint ownership of the cemetery of which its site forms a part. This burial ground comprises about one acre, and was purchased for eighty dollars from Ludwig Eyer, who was a member of this church. Reverend Frederick Plitt is the first pastor of whom mention is made in the records, although the fact that Reverend Frederitze was here as early as 1800 and preached in the Episcopal church building, seems well authenticated. March 13, 1808, the church adopted a constitution of fourteen articles, signed by Mr. Plitt, as pastor, John Deitterick and Bernard Lilly, elders and trustees, and Bernard Stetler, deacon. The records were made exclusively in German until 1833, and part in that language for some time afterward. Public worship was conducted in German until 1835; from that time until 1851, this language was used alternately with the English. The transition was finally completed in 1851. under the ministry of Mr. Weaver. Mr. Plitt' s name appears at the head of a list of thirtv-eight communicants under date of May 1, 1808. From 1809 to 1816, Reverend J. Frederick Engel served the congregation as pastor. At the communion of April 23, 1815, the names of fifty-seven persons appear upon the records. Reverend Peter Kessler followed him and remained until 1829. Reverend Jeremiah Schindel was pastor fi-om 1830 to 1837. and Reverend William J. Eyer from 1837 to 1845. The latter was assisted during part of this time by Reverend Charles Witmer, who preached quite fi-equently at Bloomsburg. Reverend — HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 176 Monroe J. Allen assumed the pastorate from 1845 to 1847, when Mr. Eyer Reverend Philip Weaver succeeded him in 1851, but again became pastor. His immediate successor was Reverend E. A. Sharresigned two years later. The church building on Market street, since occupied by the congregarets. Jacob Eyer was the leading spirit in tion, was erected during this pastorate. this enterprise, in which he was ably assisted by David Stroup and John K. Grotz, the other members of the building committee. The building of so large and substantial a church edifice at this time speaks highly of the faith and liberalty of the people. It was dedicated September 2(3, 1857. In the autumn of the following year, the East Pennsylvania Synod convened at Bloomsburg, numbering among its members many of the most eminent LuthReverend J. R. Dimm, D. D. was pastor from eran divines in this country. 1859 to 1867. During his ministry the remaining indebtedness on the church building was paid, and the finances of the congregation further improved to Previsuch an extent that Bloomsburg was constituted a separate pastorate. ous to this time it had received pastoral care in common with neighboring congregations. Reverend B. F. Alleman, D. D. was pastor fi'om 1867 to 1872, Reverend J. R. Williams from 1872 to 1875, Reverend J. McCron, D. D., from 1875 to 1878, Reverend O. D. S. Marclay from 1878 to his death in 1881, and Reverend F. P. Manhast, the present incumbent, since June 1, Several thousand dollars have been expended within the past five years 1881. upon chancel and pulpit furniture, repairs to the church property, and a pipeorgan. And thus, under the leadership of an able ministry, devoted and efficient church councilmen and Sunday-school superintendents, the congregation has steadily developed to its present strength of three hundred and twenty five communicant members. A marked degree of interest and activity is manifested in Sunday- school work, while several organizations of a benevolent and charitable character are well sustained. As nearly as can be ascertained, the Reverend John W. Ingold was the first Reformed minister who preached in Bloomsbiu-g. Among the German immi, , body of Christians was numerously represented. The services Episcopal church building mentioned above. On one occasion, a large congregation had assembled outside the church, when they were summarily denied admittance. Upon the arrival of Mr. Ingold, he was requested to announce preaching in four weeks at a school-house to be built about two miles distant on Little Fishing creek. Not a tree had yet been felled nor any preparation made for the contemplated building, but it was completed within the specified time, and Mr. Ingold preached agreeably to appointment. The grants, this were held in the burial ground, in the rear of the site of this school-house, is still pointed out, and here repose many of the first settlers of this region in unmarked graves. The Reverend John Deitterich Adams succeeded Mr. Ingold about 1807, upon the death of the latter. It was decided to co-operate with the Lutherans in building a house of worship more convenient to Bloomsburg. The Reverend Jacob Dieffenbach preached the sermon at the dedication of this church. April 1, 1815, he received a call to become pastor at Bloomsburg. He accepted, and removed his family and household goods from Lynville, Lehigh county, to Espy, where a parsonage had been prepared for his use. His field of labor embraced Bloomsburg, Briarcreek, Mifflinville, Muncy, Nescopeck, Wapwallopen, Shamokin, Catawissa, and several minor points. He was a man of considerable intelligence, and exerted a degree of influence not usually possessed by clergymen at this period. He died of consumption April 13, 1825, but in the decade of his residence in Columbia county, he laid the foundations of all the Reformed churches within its limits. His immediate successor, the Rev- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTV. 177 erend Larosh, served the difPereat congregations for two years, when he fell a victim to malarial fever, then unusually virulent and prevalent. The Reverend Richard Fisher, of Catawissa, preached at Bloomsburg occasionally for a short period, but Reverend Daniel S. Tobias, who entered upon the pastorate, in 1828, and remained in charge until 1851, was the next regular pastor. He was assisted during part of this time by Reverend Henry Funk, who preached in Mr. English to the live churches which constituted the Bloomsburg charge. Funk resigned in 1854 and was succeeded the following year by Reverend William Goodrich. During his ministry the exclusively Reformed church building at the corner of Iron and Third streets was erected. He resigned in 1866, and in the same year a call was extended to Reverend L. C. Sheip. He accepted, and the charge was reduced to two congregations, which it numbers Reverend F. J. Mohr became pastor in 1868 and added several at present. other churches to his charge. In the space of three years he traveled more than four thousand miles; but finding^ this labor greater than his strength, he -resigned in 1871. Reverend T. F. Hoffmier was pastor from March, 1872, to Junel, 1876; Reverend G. D. Gurley, from 1876 to 1878; Reverend Walter E. Krebs, from May 3, 1878, to 1883, during which time the appearance of the church building and the finance.s of the congregation were much improved. Raverend O. H, Strunck assumed the pastorate in August, 1885. His work was quietly pursued, but was eminently satisfactory. In February, 1883, a unanimous call was extended to Reverend S. R. Breidenbaugh, then pastor at Berlin, Somerset county. Pa. He accepted and was installed on the evening of April 25, 1885, by a committee of classes consisting of Reverends J. S. Peters, G. B, Deehant, and A. Hantz. A debt, incurred in the purchase of a parsonage, has been paid during Mr. Breidenbaugh' s incumbency. This church is connected with the East Susqu.ehanna session of the Synod of the United States. Both bodies have met here— the former quite frequently, the latter on the occasion of its annual convention, in October, 1873. The Presbyterian element of the population of Bloomsburg and vicinity was originally connected with the old Fishingcreek church, the organization of which is still sustained in Center township. This church is mentioned in 1789 in the records of Carlisle Presbytery. Reverends Henry, Bryson, Porter, Judd, Condit, Andrews and Gray, were successively sent to missionate in the valley of the Susquehanna, and undoubtedly numbered among their hearers, at the Fishing creek church, the McClures, Kinney s, Sloans, Pursels, and others, who afterward formed the membership of the Bloomsburg church. Reverend Asa Dunham, a native of Middlesex county, N. J., and a revolutionary sol-/ dier, became a resident of the Fishing creek valley in 1798, and preached in the barn of Elias Furman, between Bloomsburg and Espy. The fact that public worship was thus held in the vicinity of the incipient village of Bloomsburg, and also at the Briarcreek church, would seem to indicate an increasing number of Presbyterians at the former place. Their religious privileges were convenient only through the courtesy of the German people or the Episcopalians, while their growing numbers emphasized the importance of a separate organization, and the building of a house of worship for their own use. Accordingly the Presbyterian church of Bloomsburg was organized in 1817, with James McClure, Paul Leidy and Peter Pursel, as elders. The congregation united with the Briai'creek and Shamokin churches, in extending a call to the Reverend Samuel Henderson, whose services should be divided equally among them. This call was made December 6, 1817, but the Bloomsburg congregation had already taken measures to provide their quota for his support. His energy was further manifested in the purchase of a lot at the west HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 178 It was decided that the of Third street for a cemetery and building site. church building should be two stories high, with galleries on three sides, and After the foundation that its dimensions should be thirty-sis and forty feet. had been laid, a controversy arose as to whether the entrance should be from the rear, agreeably to the custom of the neighborhood, or from that end of the The more modern ideas prevailed, although a change building next the street. was required in the work already done. While this structure was in course of erection, the trustees united in an agreement with the officers of the EpisAn instance in which the copal church for the use of their church building. announcements of the two clergymen conflicted has thus been described: "When a communion service had been appointed, and the Rev. J. B. Patterson had been published to preach on Saturday preceding, the Rev. Caleb Hopkins, the founder and rector of the church, wrote a note to Mr. Henderson, announcing that he wished to occupy the pulpit on that afternoon. The notice reached Mr. Henderson, on his coming to town, to meet his congregation, who were already gathering. Finding Mr. Hopkins in the little pulpit, which would hold but one, he ascended the steps and asked permission to publish a notice, which, being courteously granted, he announced that those who wished to hear the Rev. Mr. Patterson, would repair to the German church on the The whole congregation left. As the last were passing out Mr. Hopkins hill. Well, if ye will go, ye may. " said, despairingly, Mr. Henderson continued to preach at Bloomsburg until 1824, when he was succeeded by the Reverend John Niblock. Reverends James Lewers, Irvin sucCrosby. Mathew B. Patterson, Robert Bryson, and cessively assumed the pastorate, but found no encouragement to remain any length of time. The Reverend John P. Hudson's connection with the Bloomsburg congregation began in December, 1832, when he became stated supply, and subsequently regular pastor, until his resignation in 1838. The vacancy that ensued was temporarily supplied by Reverends Tobey and Daniel M. Barber, but the latter had established a flourishing boarding school for young ladies at Washingtonville and declined to relinquish it, although importuned to do so. At the instance of Reverend D. M. Halliday, of Danville, D. J. Waller, a licentiate of New Castle Presbytery, had preached once in Bloomsburg, in the summer of 1837; he was now invited to make his residence in the town, and take charge of a pastorate embracing the whole of Columbia county, with several preaching points beyond its limits. The call was tendered and accepted in the autumn of 1838, and May 1, 1839, the pastor was ordained and installed. The pastoral relations thus established continued through thirtythree years. What was then included in one pastorate has now been formed His house into five or six. Mr. W^aller's reminiscences would fill a volume. was the recognized stopping place for traveling clergymen, book agents, agents of benevolent societies, and other travelers of a miscellaneous character. He relates that that hospitality attained such proportions that occasionally more guests and conveyances left his house in the morning than left the hotel; and when the village landlord erected a new sign -board in hopes of thus emphasizing his claims upon the traveling public, some wags procured the old one and elevated it in a conspicuous place before the pastor' s dwelling. Upon the removal of the seat of justice to Bloomsburg in 1815, the future prospects of the town were supposed to be improved to such an extent as to require the erection of a new church building. The question of location was one of importance, and the different views entertained were widely different, and, unfortunately, equally pronounced. That the energies of the congregation might be concentrated on the erection of the church, and thus diverted end ' ' — HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 179 from the consideration of this delicate subject, the pastor secured financial aid from friends abroad and purchased the lot on Market street which is the presThe plans for its erection were prepared ent location of the church edifice. by Napoleon Le Brun. Its cost was about three thousand dollars. The last sermon in the Third street church building was delivered on the last Sabbath The new structure was dedicated on the following Wednesof August, 1848. day, on which occasion the pastor was assisted by the Reverend W. R. Smith. IVIr. Waller tendered his resignation in 1871; it was accepted and the reAfter an interval of one year, the Revlation terminated by the Presbytery. erend Stuart Mitchell, D. D. was installed as his successor, October 17, 1872. A parsonage was erected in 1880 on the lot formerly occupied by the old The subject of building a new church has been under consideration church. for some time, and a fund for this object has been accruing during this period. The erection of a more commodious church edifice certainly cannot be long , delayed. The first Methodist service in Bloomsburg was conducted by Reverends Geo. Lane, a former member of the Genesee Conference, who was obliged, in conHe preached in sequence of lost health, to engage in business in Berwick. This the Episcopal church, during a vacancy in the rectorship of the parish. was probably in the year 1829. In the autumn of 1831, while William Prettyman and Wesley Howe were stationed at Berwick, Reverend Alem Brittain visited Light Street and found it necessary to remain, although the presiding elAt Mr. der insisted that he should return to his circuit in Center county. It had Prettyman' s suggestion, Mr. Howe exchanged work with Mr. Brittain. meanwhile been publicly announced that regular religious services would be held at Bloomsburg, and on a Sunday evening in October, 1881, Mr. Brittain This was the first sermon preached* to a large audience in the school-house. A class delivered in Bloomsburg, after it had become a regular appointment. was formed in 1832, and consisted of Dr. Harman Gearhart, William Paul, Preaching at that Jesse Shannon, Delilah (Creveling) Barton, and others. time was held in a school-house, at the corner of Second and Iron streets. Subsequently, William Paul's carpenter- shop on Market street, between First and Second, became the place of meeting. In 1835, a frame church building was erected on Third street; this was replaced in 1857 by the brick structure that now marks its site. It was dedicated in December, 1857, by Bishop Levi Scott. Its appearance, both internally and externally, has been improved at various times since. An extensive revival was held at the dedication of the church in 1857, during the pastorate of Rev. George Warren, and again in 1869, under the leadership of Reverend J. A. Melick. The Primitive Methodist and Welsh Wesleyans were represented in Bloomsburg by strong congregations during the first prosperity of the iron industry. The African Methodist church seems to have become a permanent organization. A building site on First street was purchased in 1868, and a It is the place of worship of a flourfi'ame church building erected thereon. ishing organization. It has been thought proper in this connection to present the names of all the Methodist clergymen who have preached in Bloomsburg or the surrounding This section was embraced in Northcountry, by conference appointment. umberland circuit from 1791 to 1831, with the exception of the years 1799 and 1800, when it was included in Wyoming; Berwick circuit comprehended this territory during the fifteen years following; Bloomsburg circuit in 1847, and Bloomsburg station in 1862. Having thus summarized the changes in the ecclesiastical map, the list of ministers is herewith subtended: 1791, Richard 180 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Lewis Browning; 1792, James Campbell, William Colbert; 1793, James Campbell, James Paynter; 1794, R. Manly, J. Brodhead; 1795, James John Ward, Stephen Timmons; 1796, John Seward, R. Sneath; 1797, Parrott, Lackey, D. Higby; 1798, J. Lackey, J. Leach; 1799, J. Moore, B. Bidlack, D. Stevens; 1800, E. Chambers, E. Larkins, A. Smith; 1801, J. Dunham, G. Carpenter; 1802, Anning Owens, J. Atkins; 1803, D. Ryan, J. Ridgway; 1804, T. Adams, G. Draper; 1805, C. Fiye, J. Saunders; 1806, Robert Burch, John Swartzwelder; 1807, Nicholas Joel Smith; 1808, Thomas Curren, John Rhodes; 1809, Timothy Lee, Loring Grant; 1810, Abraham Dawson, Isaac PuflPer; 1811, B. G. Paddock, J. H. Baker. R. Lanning; 1812, George Thomas, Ebenezer Doolittle; 1813, Joseph Kinkead, I. Chamberlain; 1814, John Hazzard, Abraham Dawson; 1815, R. M. Everts, I. Cook; 1816, John Thomas, Alpheus Davis; 1817, Benjamin Bidlack, Peter Baker; 1818, Gideon Lanning, Abraham Dawson; 1819, John Rhodes. Darius Williams; 1820, John Rhodefe, Israel Cook; 1821, Marmaduke Pearce, J. Thomas; 1822, John Thomas, Mordecai Barry; 1823, J. R. Shepherd, M. Barry; 1824, R. Cadden, F. Macurteny, R. Bond; 1825, R. Cadden, R. Bond; 1826, John Thomas, George Hildt; 1827, John Thomas, David Shaver; 1828, Charles Kalbfus, William James; 1829, James W. Donahay, Josiah Forrest; 1830, James W. Donahay, A. A. Eskridge; 1831, William Prettyman, Wesley Howe; 1832, William Prettyman, Oliver Ege; 1833. Marmaduke Pearce, Alem Brittain; 1834-35, J. Rhodes, J. H. Young; 1836, J. Sanks, J. Hall; 1837, J. Sanks, George Guyer; 1838, Charles Kalbfus, J. Hall; 1839, Charles Kalbfus, Penfield Doll; 1840, James Ewing, William R. Mills; 1841, James Ewing, W. F. D. Clemm; 1842, Thomas Taneyhill, Joseph A. Ross; 1843, Thomas Taneyhill, Thomas Bowman; 1844, Francis N. Mills, W. L. Spottswood; 1845, John J. W. Bull; 1847, S. L. M. Couser, J. Turner; 1848, G. H. Day, J. W. Elliott; 1849, John W. Gere, P. E., G. H. Day; 1850, J. S. Lee, E. H. Waring; 1851, J. S. Lee, T. M. Goodfellow; 1852, Thomas Taneyhill, W. E. Buckingham; 1853, Thomas Taneyhill, J. A. DeMoyer; 1854, J. A. Ross, A. W. Guyer; 1855, J. Morehead, F.*M. Slusser; 1856, George Warren, S. Barnes; 1857, George Warren, N. W. Colburn; 1858-59, J. Guyer, T. Sherlock; 1860, F. Gearhart, A. R. Riley; 1862-63, D. C. John; 1864-66, R. E. Wilson; 1867, J. A. Price; 1868-69, J. A. Melick; 1870-71. B. H. Crever; 1872-73, N. S. Buckingham; 1874-75, J. H. McGarrah; 1876, J. S. McMurray; 1877-78, M. L. Smyser; 1879-80, E. H. Yocum; 1881-82, John Donahue; 1883-85, D. S. Moaroe, D. D. 1886, F. B. Riddle. The first efforts to establish the Baptist faith in Bloomsburg were made in 1840 by the Reverend J. Green Miles, who preached in the Methodist church He was then in charge of the Little building in April or May of that year. Muncy, or Madison church. He was given the use of the union meeting house, and preached, in all, six sermons. The next minister of this denominaIn January, 1843, he tion was Reverend William S. Hall, of Berwick. This was preached two sermons and baptized John Snyder in Fishing creek. the first baptism in Bloomsburg agreeably to the doctrine and practice of the Subsequently, Reverend Joseph B. Morris preached several Baptist church. At a still later period, and after times in the " Smoketown " school-house. the erection of tlie Welsh Baptist church. Reverend A. D. Nichols visited the town and preached several sermons. No continued and regular services were held in Bloomsburg until 1858, when Reverend J. R. Shanafelts, of Berwick, began to preach once in three weeks in the court hall. He delivered his first sermon October 3, 1858. In less than a year from this time a house of wor- Bowen, W. F. Pentz; 1846, John Bowen, ; <> z^-^-^ ^':i^-' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. It is ship was dedicated. quired a greater degree of dedicated July 11, 1859, preaching on that occasion. ward, deacon; John Snyder, 183 and substantial frame structure, and rethan would now be required. It was Reverends Joseph Kelley and A. F. Shanafelts The church was organized with Martin C. Woodclerk; Daniel Breece, treasurer, and nineteen members, of whom Martin C. Woodward, Sarah J. Woodward, Isaac Tyler, Susan Tyler, Harriet Roan and Lena Fidler were received by letters fi-om the Danville church; Sarah A. Philips, by letter from the Madison church; John Snyder, in a similar manner from the Berwick church; Richard Edward and Martha Edward, by letter fi'om England; Daniel Breece, Robert Roan, Elizabeth Cadman and Maria Logan, on experience; Margaret Derr, Mary A. Breece, Lucy Cosper, Mary N. Powell and Mahala Brittain, by baptism. The organization thus effected was constituted a Baptist church by an ecclesiastical council, composed of the following clergymen, representatives of eleven different churches: S. H. Mirick, A. J. Hay, O. L. Hall, E. M. Alden and A. J. a neat liberality Kelly. Mr. Shanafelts resigned after a three years' ministry. He was succeeded by Reverend J. G. Penny, who remained one year. Reverend G. W. Scott took charge January 12, 1863, and resigned in March, 1865. Reverend J. P. Tustin became pastor .March 15, 1865, and continued in that capacity for fifteen years. Reverend C. Wilson Smith took charge in the spring of 1882, and remained one year and six months. He was succeeded, in 1884, by Reverend D. J. R. Strayer. Since his resignation, in the autumn of 1885, Mr. Tustin has again become pastor, and continues in that capacity at this time Since the organization of this church two hundred and nine per(1886). sons have been received into membership by baptism, fifty-six by letter and twenty-six by experience a total of two hundred and ninety-one. During the same period a loss of thirty-two has been caused by death, of thirty-seven by expulsion, of sixty-eight by erasure, and of fifty-four by letter a total of one hundred and ninety-one. From a comparison of these figures it appears that the present numerical strength of this church is one hundred members. The first religious service in Bloomsburg agreeably to the ritual of the Roman Catholic church was held while the canal excavations were in progress, by Reverend Father Fitz-Patrick, of Milton. His successor at that place, Father Fitz Simmons, held mass on several occasions, in 1841, for the population attracted to Bloomsburg during the construction of Irondale furnace. Services were held regularly several times a month at the house of Michael Casey, on Iron street, below the hill and across from the culvert. Many of the workmen attended, and if they had remained permanently in the town, a strong organization might have been effected. After they left the town services were held at irregular intei'vals by the priests stationed at Pottsville, Shamokin, Sunbury, and Danville. Among this number were Fathers Sherdon, Murray, McGinnis, Smith, and Noonan, from Sunbury, and Schleuter, from Danville. Under their ministrations, a congi-egation was gradually collected. The need of a permanent place for public worship became apparent with every addition to its membership. The purchase of a stone structure on Third street, between Iron and Center, formerly occupied by the Primitive Methodists, was successfully negotiated. It was rebuilt in 1874, and the pastoral residence adjoining was purchased in 1883. Fathers O'Brien, Reilly, Clarke and McCann have been resident pastors. The parish of St. Columba's church also embraces several other points in this county where the R^man Catholic faith is represented by members, but not by regular- — — ly organized churches. 18 HISTOKY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 184 The success of the Evangelical Association in extending its borders is. largely due to the spirit of its leadership in advancing into new territory, esIn March, 1873, thetablishing missions, and taking up new ap})ointments. Central Pennsylvania Conference of this body decided to occupy Bloomsburg as a mission, attach to it several points in the vicinity, and place the whole under the pastoral care of the Reverend R. C. Bowersox. Six years pi-evious, in the winter of 1867, the Reverend U. W. Harris held the first service of this church in Bloomsburg, in the " Port Noble " school-house. A class was formed Among its members were Joseph Garrison, with George Rishel, leader. Houseknecht and Tobias Henry Garrison, George Rishel, Elijah Strohm, Henry. Public worship was held regularly, but the necessity of moving from one place to another greatly hindered the growth of the society. A lot of ground was purchased in 1873 for a building site; December 12, 1880, Bishop Thomas Bowman dedicated the brick structure erected thereon, and the conThe following gregation for the fii'st time worshiped in their own house. ministers have sustained pastoral relations with the Bloomsburg mission: 1873-74, R. C. Bowersox; 1875-76, J. N. Irvine; 1877, A. W. Sheuberger and J. S. Hertz; 1878-79, G. W. Hunter; 1879-80, L. K. Harris; 1880-81, S. E. Davis; 1882-84, S. P. Remer; 1885—, H. W. Buck. The Columbia County Sunday School Association is an organization which includes all evangelical sunday schools. It is auxiliary to the State and International Sunday School Association. It is the purpose of this organization to It has been encoui'age weak schools and to organize schools where needed. organized eighteen years and holds conventions annually in various parts of the The work of organizing an county, at which time its ofiicers are elected. association in each township and borough auxiliary to the county association has progressed until but four remain unorganized. At the time when Bloomsburg is best described as a country village, the burial ground of each congregation was in the rear of its church building. This arrangement continued until Rosemont Cemetery was incorporated. Messrs. D. J. Waller, Jacob Eyer, Joel Ruderow and the clergy of the Subsequently, the different detown were the leaders in this movement. nominational burial grounds have ceased to be used for that purpose, and except in the case of the German cemetery, the remains of those buried there have been disinterred and removed to Rosemont. CHAPTER VII. SCOTT TOWNSHIP. THEmade map of this county north of the river was. divided, and its eastern portion The latter was given the name which appears at the head of this chapter. conferred in honor of George Scott, then entering upon his second term as a member of the legislature from the district embracing Columbia and Montour It is inclosed beThis township is the smallest in the county. counties. last change in 1853, in the political when Bloom township was tween Fishing creek and the Susquehanna, on the north and south, and between The points of hisCentre and the town of Bloomsburg on the east and west. SCOTT TOWNSHIP. toric interest of which ment, the gi'owth of this its 185 sketch treats, are the circumstances of its settlethe industrial and social character of its villages, people. The early settlers were principally of English origin, and emigrated from West Jersey, and from the eastern counties of this state. Among this number the names of Melick, Bright, Henrie, Leidle, Webb, Brittain, Creveling and! Boone are still familiar. Peter Melick, the first of that name in this neigh- He lived on a fariaa borhood, emigrated from Jersey before the revolution. below Espy, which was purchased in 1774, from the proprietaries of the provHe enlisted twice in the continental army and passed the winter of ince. 1776-77 at Valley Forge. When the Indian troubles of 1778 threatened to> In the spring of that year extend to his house, he returned to its defense. Lieutenant Moses Van Campen was placed ip. command of twenty mea and diHe^ rected to build a fort on Fishing creek, for the protection of the frontier. selected as its site, a rising ground on the south side of that stream, about, three miles from its mouth, near the location of the paper mills. The Salmons,. The fort was loWheelers, Aikmans and Van Campens lived in the vicinity. cated on the farm of Mr. Wheeler, and has been generally known by his namet It was also popularly known as the "Mad Fort" from the appearance of its-, walls, which consisted merely of a frame work of logs covered over withi Its erection was timely; even before its completion a threatened^ earth. attack compelled the inhabitants to seek protection within its walls. PeterMelick was then living in a dwelling on the John Sherman farm below Espy„ The cellar excavation of this house is still pointed out near a pear tree, sixtyyards northward from the canal bridge. On the 17th of September, 1778, it. was burned by the Indians, the occupants having previously escaped to Fort Wheeler with such valuables as they could collect. It is related that the> enemy selected a feather tick from among his personal effects and fastened it upon the back of a pony. The latter became frightened, broke away from his. captors, and reached the fort with the tick, valued so highly by friend and foe^ During the night of siege that followed, the ammunition of the garrison was> Two privates, Henry McHenry and another whose name has not exhausted. been preserved, volunteered to go to Fort Jenkins and secure a supply. Al though the intervening country was infested with savages, they performed thejourney in safety and the fort was saved. Its protection was deemed insufficient however, and some of the families retired to Sunbury where they remained until the close of the war. * Other families had meanwhile made their appearance in the vicinity. About the year 1779 Henry with his wife andl children descended the Susquehanna from New York state in a canoe and! stopped at Wilkesbarre until the Indian troubles had cleared away. They then continued the journey in the same manner as before to the mouth of Fishing creek. A deserted log cabin within the present limits of Light Street was occupied as a dwelling. An acre of ground adjoining was planted in potatoes; but before the first crop had matured they were compelled to dig out for food the seed thus planted. When this supply was exhausted, wild potatoes in the swamps were eagerly sought after, roasted on the coals, and eaten with avidity. A parallel instance occurred in the experience of the Webbs,, who lived above the town of Espy. Levi Aikman had settled in Briar creek valley the previous year and gathered in his first harvest. The grain was put in a sack, and a son sent to take it to mill at Sunbury. He made the journey in a canoe, and on the return trip recruited his strength by eating a crust of When the fort was evacuated its one piece of ordnance, a small brasi swivel, was sunk in a deep bo)»^ imi The course of the stream has changed since then and all efforts to discover the missing eavvfruitless. Its traditional location is known as " Cannon hole." Fishing creek. Hon have proved 18(3 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. He reached the landing bread, the only provision he had taken from home. aearest his home at nightfall and carried the sack of meal to Webb'e. Mrs. Webb would gladly have given him supper, but there was no food in their home. He shared the contents of his sack with that family, and with several The ravages of disease were others before he reached home the next day. added to the hardship of insufficient food supply. Zebreth Brittain and Robbins made a visit to the region about 1782 for the pui'pose of buying lands. The former was attacked with smallpox; he died and was buried in the old Derry graveyard. His family was on the way to join him when they were apThey did not turn back however, but continued to their prised of his death. John Bright removed from destination and settled east of Light Street. Mount Bethel, Northampton county, about the same time, and became a neighMr. Bright had sent a son in advance to secure land but bor of the Brittains. he was attacked with the fatal small-pox and died without the care of fi'iends and kindred. Alem Marr located on a farm adjoining. And thus, through hardships and inconveniences from which none were exempt, the first representatives of some of the oldest families in the county became residents of Scott township The fertility of its soil is attested by the fact that every acre of ground The land that seemed least that was ever farmed is still under cultivation. The wealth adapted to farming has in some instances proven most valuable. This is particularly in these cases was beneath the surface and not upon it. true of the hills bordering Fishing creek where valuable deposits of iron ore have been found. Rodman, Morgan & Fisher, constituting the Duncannon Iron Company, purchased land from Samuel Melick and began the mining inThe ore was hauled to Espy and forwarded by canal. dustry in this section. The Bloomsburg furnaces have received ore from these hills since 1844. Matthew McDowell operated a furnace at Light Street for some years on a small The Light Street Iron Company engaged in a similar business but was scale. not financially successful. A paper-mill on Fishing creek, some distance below the town, has had a career of greater permanency. Thomas French piu'chased a grist-mill from John Barton about 1830 and converted it into an establishIt has passed thi'ough different hands for the manufacture of paper. and suffered many changes, but still retains its character as a manufacturing The lime ridge should be mentioned in connection with the mineral re point. The ridge has furnished employment for a nvimber sources of the township. It bears the of people and a small hamlet has been formed in consequence. poetic name of Afton, but its appearance is not likely to inspire the beholder. The cottages are substantial and comfortable, however, while two churches seem amply sufficient to minister to the spiritual wants of the population. Like the iron industry, the fisheries no longer possess the importance They were known, in order, from the mouth of Fishonce attached to them. ing creek to Mifflin rapids, as the Boone, McClure, Kinney, Hendershott, Kuders, Whitner, Greveling, Webb and Miller fisheries. Fishing seems to have begun about 1780 and reached its point of greatest importance fifty years later. Certain varieties once numerously represented are now practically extinct. The shad, gar-fish, salmon, and rock- fish maybe mentioned among this number. Lines used were from two-hundred to four-hundred yards in length and four The season began the or five yards in depth, with meshes two inches square. A statute law prohibited fish latter part of March and continued until June. ing on Thursdays in order "to give fish a chance for head- waters. " Two The hauls per day was the rule one in the morning and one in the afternoon. flats used were about twenty-five feet long, eight feet wide, and eighteen ment — SCOTT TOWNSHIP. 187 Two men were reinches high, provided with two stout oars near the bow. the seine, while two others paying out quired at each oar, one attended to Seven men thus constituted a fishremained on shore to adjust the land end. Two fiats were used to one seine at Webb" s fishery. It is said that ing crew. The price at this place nine thousand fish were once caught at a single haul. of shad in ISOO was six dollars per hundred; in 1830 it had risen to more People came to the river from all points to buy fish, than twice as much. bringing in exchange produce of every description corn, meat, peach cider, Both the fisheries and the ore industries have ceased whisky, metheglin, etc. to be important in comparison with their former influence upon the general business character of the people. One result of their existence was the growth of two villages Light Street and Espytown, from their respective locations in the iron region and on the The former originally consisted of two villages at each extremity river bank. In 1821 John Hazlett, Uzal Hopkins, William McCartey, of the present one. Lake and George Zeigler were living on the town plot of James McCartey, "Williamsburg." It was laid out by Philip Seidle, December 12, 1817, ' ' ' ' ' — — — of Front and Second streets, and Magdalene's alley parallel with the public road, and Catharine street. South street, Walnut, StrawThe hamlet berry and Cherry alleys crossing these at right angles. about a half-mile distant in the direction of Bloomsburg was rei)resented at this time by the blacksmith shop of Robert Gardner and the farm house of John Deaker. General Matthew McDowell came into possession of the Jew's mill about the year 1823, and established a post-ofiice under the and consisted name Benjamin Seidle was the proprietor of the mills of McDowell's Mills. an earlier period and popular usage was divided between the names of SeiAs is usually the case, the post-ofiico designadletown and Williamsburg. Mr. McDowell found his mill a profitable enterprise tion superseded both. and built another at the lower end of the town, previously mentioned as the location of a smithy. When he engaged in the iron business, this was sold He found the disto Reverend Marmaduke Pearce, a Methodist clergyman. tance of half a mile to post ofiice too long, and took measures to have it established at his mill. The location was changed and also the name, which became Light Street and so remains. Mr. Pearce was once stationed in Baltimore, Md. and lived on Light street in that city. This explains the origin of the name. The two villages gradually approached each other until they have become practically one. The town contains a number of stores and hotels, two flouring mills, three churches, a school building and a population of about three hundi'ed. It was a place of considerable business activity during the prosperous period of the iron industry and still retains more of this character than the average country town. Espytown has not experienced the frequent changes of name which characterized its neighbor; but the mutations in its fortunes have been equally unfavorable in their influence. It appears that in 1775 Josiah Espy purchased from the Penns a tract of about three hundred acres of land, including the site of the town that bears his name. He sold this to George Espy, his son, in the same year. The George Espy property is supposed to have been a twostory log house about twenty-four feet square, with two rooms below and one above, covered with shingles three feet long, fastened with wrought iron nails. It was situated on the Abbot lot, about one hundred yards from the house of William Carson and twenty yards from the towing path of the canal. It was built by Mr. Espy about 1785, and occupied by him until 1810, when he removed to Crawford county. Pa. In locating the town he seems to have at , HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 188 observed a notch in the river hill and a corresponding depression in the ridge he thus meant to secure the advantage of a roadvi^ay from Fishing creek to Catawissa which would eventually pass through those points. Directly on the line of this route he laid off twentyin the roar of his land. It is probable that live acres into sixty building lots, the length of the plot being eighty perches It is supposed that this was done about the year its width fifty perches. and 1800, for in 180'2 several lots in "the town of Liberty" were sold by Mr. The modesty of the proprietors was overruled by to various persons. the general practice of the villagers, which was confirmed in 1828 when a postAmong the residents of the office was established under the name of Espy. place at an early period were John Edgar, Alexander Thompson, John KenHinkle, John Haverman, Miller and Frednedy, Samuel McKamey, There were fourteen log-houses and twelve frame dwellings in <^rick Woeman. the town in 1826; the population at that time may therefore be estimated at onehundred and thirty. The first hotel was built about 1805 by John Kennedy, rebuilt in 185(3 by Hemy Trembly, and constitutes the present Espy hotel. Tn^ Espy frame house was owned by John Shuman, and was built of lumber sawed The first brick house was at the Elias Barton saw-mill in Hemlock township. In 1820 the people were supplied with water built in 1845 by John Hughes. from three wells, located respectively at the Woeman hotel and the houses of John Webb and Philip Miller. The latter was at the center of Main street at At this time the bog in the rear of the town was its intersection with Market. The Indian path consisted of two rows of yellow pine scarcely passable. logs and lead in the direction of Light Street. The swamp extended from the brook above Espy to the canal culvert, a mile from Bloomsburg. A corduroy road was laid by John Hauch in 1815 to haul iron ore to his furnace at MainAmong the attractions of Espy from 1810 to 1835 was Webb's lane, a ville. famous racing ground. Jockeys resorted thither from Sunbury, Towanda, The following "Wilkesbarro, and other places, to try the speed of their nags. anecdote of Reverend John P. Hudson is related in a historical discourse by the Reverend David J. Waller: "On a visit to his home in Virginia his father gave him a blooded horse, the speed of which, in carrying him from place to place in his wide circuit, gave the clergyman an inconvenient reputation for horseOn one occasion, riding along the river road, he passed over the manship. old race course at Webb's lane, when a shower of rain obliged a farmer to One horse, coming out of the field, took the loose his horses from the plow. Meeting the clergyman, under his umbrella, the Virtrack at his best speed. ginia courser promptly accepted the challenge, wheeled, and took his master a * John Gilpin ride,' with umbrella stripped backward in the wind, and disA wag, who saw the unique performance, tancing the pretentious plow horse. related to a listening company the story of having seen the preacher run his blooded horse against a famous courser of the neighborhood and win the race. A man of high pretensions who was present, but in whom charity was not a shining ornament, declared that it was just like those Presbyterian preachers. This brought oat the correct version of the affair, to the confusion of the caviller, and also evoked the confession of some young sports that they had often stolen the preacher's horse from his stable and tested him on that track at night. From an industrial point of view, the town has been equally well known on account of its boat yards, xibout the year 1834 George and Thomas Webb It was built a Union canal boat on their land at the lower bank of the canal. launched about three miles above Espy and christened " The Fourth of July." The industry thus begun It was about seventy feet long and eight feet broad. iirst ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 189 SCOTT TOWNSHIP. been continued with fluctuating energy until the present time. The boatyards of Barton & Edgar, Kressler & Vansickle, Fowler, Trousoe & McKamey, The works of the Pennhave at one time or another been locally important. sylvania Canal Company were established in 1873, and have gradually absorbed Manufacturing interests have also been represented by a similar enterprises. The first merannery, distillery, pottery, flouring mills, and brick-yards. chant was William Mann, a storekeeper from 1816 to 1818; C. G. Ricketts, Samuel Woeman, Woeman & Seraby, Cyrus Barton, Miles Bancroft, and Patricken, cover the period from 1820 to 1850 in their financial operations. lias About sixty individuals and firms have been engaged in business at various times. The citizens of Espy have displayed a degree of interest in improving the appearance of its streets. The Lombardy poplar was the first ornamental shade A single shoot was tree; it was superseded in 1836 by the weeping willow. brought fi-om a tree in front of the Forks hotel at Bloomsburg, and planted The planting of trees was in a similar position before Woeman' s tavern. pushed vigorously about 1868 by Mr. McCollum and others. Efforts have been made for some time to secure legal action for the erection of Espy into Should this be accomplished, the administration of its affairs by a borough. judicious hands would certainly be a benefit to the citizens in various ways. The first school in Scott township was established in 1805 with Messrs. Webb, Kennedy and Waters, trustees. The course of study included the alBetween 1830 and 1840 phabet, spelling, writing, reading and arithmetic. grammar and geography were added. Algebra and history became part of The first school-house stood on lot the coui'se sometime in the next decade. It No. 56, in Espy, the north-eastern corner of Market and Main streets. Was the only one for the town and vicinity within a radius of three miles. The •ceiling of its one room was eight feet high, and unplastered, while the other The three windows on each dimensions were twenty and twenty-four feet. Benches were made of slabs; threeside were filled with eight-by -ten glass. writing tables extended around three sides of the room a " John Heacock wood stove occupied the center; a tin cup and wooden water-bucket completed ; The educational interests of the the furniture of this temple of learning. township are well sustained, if the general appearance of school buildings and grounds may be regarded as evidence in this respect. The religious denominations represented are the Methodist, Episcopal, The oldest congregation of the Lutheran, Presbyterian and Evangelical. A camp -meeting at Huntingdon in society first mentioned is at Light Street. the autumn of 1819, was attended by Jacob Freas, John Brittain and others who lived in the vicinity of the village. They were converted and formed into a class by Reverend John Rhoads, who was then stationed at Berwick. Meetings were held at Mr. Brittain' s house for eight years befoi-e the society had become strong enough to build a place for worship. General Daniel Montgomery, of Danville, gave the church one -hundred perches of ground in 1827, at which time Paul Freas, John Brittain, John Millard, Samuel Melick and Pefcer Melick were trustees. The church building was erected the same year. In 1851 the church was incorporated, thus rendering a new deed necessary in order to give the corporate body the title to its property. Two years later, " in consideration of the love and veneration in which they hold the memory of Daniel Montgomery, and Christiana, his wife, and their desire that their pious and charitable acts should be confirmed," the heirs at law of William Montgomery executed a new deed. The old log structure was removed some years ago and replaced by a structure better adapted to the needs of a strong and increasino; cono-reo-ation. 190 HISTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, The Reverend Isaac John preached in Espy as late as 1828. Lorenzo Dow visited the place in 1833, and preached to a large congregation in the schoolhouse. The barking of dogs in an adjoining yard exasperated the reverend He announced with some indignation that he had come to gentleman. A gentleman from Light Street offered to preach to people and not to dogs. He declined in favor of Mr. Murray's take him to Slainville in a carriage. The first place for worship was built in 1838, and the present truck-wagon. It was dedicated by Bishop Thomas Bowman. structure upon its site in 1883. On the death of Reverend H. C. Chester, the pastor at that time, Reverend R. H. Wharton, succeeded him. Reverend J. Beyer was Mr. Wharton's successor. Reverend Richard Mallalieu has been in charge since August 20, 1886. Reverend William Weaver, a Lutheran minister at Bloomsburg from 1851 to A number of mem1853, preached occasionally at Espy during that period. bers of the Bloomsburg church were formed into a separate organization. Among those who were prominently identified with the movement were David Whitman, John Shuman, Samuel Kressler, John Kressler, J. D. Werkheiser, Cyrus Barton and Conrad Bittenbender. The last two named were constituted a building committee, and in the summer of 1853 a church building was dediReverends Philip Willard, William Weaver and the pastor were cated. Reverend E. A. Sharrets became pastor in 1853, present at the ceremonies. and remained in charge until 1860. Reverend J. R. Dimm was his immediReverend D. S. Truckenmiller was pastor ate successor, but resigned in 1863. from 1863 to 1867, J. M. Rice from 18(57 to 1872, J. M. Reimunsnyder from 1872 to 1876, William Kelly from 1876 to 1878, and E. A. Sharrets from that time until October 1, 1886, since when the pastorate has been vacant. The Presbyterian church at Light Street is not a regularly organized body. Its membership was originally connected with the Briarcreek church, but the distance from their homes to the place of worship prevented many from attendino". The Liarht Street church was built in 1853, but services have not been held with any degree of regularity in recent years. The Evangelical societies at Espy, Afton and Light Street are included in Bloomsburg mission, but were established while this territory was embraced in Columbia circuit. During the ministry of Reverend A. J. Irvine, he held occasional services in the Presbyterian church at Light Street, and in the winter of 1866-67 conducted a protracted meeting, which resulted in sixty conversions. Among the members of the first class were James Pullen, Thomas Bear and James Meradis. Measures were at once taken to build a chui'ch, and this was highly necessary as well as feasible in view of the membership that had been formed upon the first revival effort. August 4, 1869, the corner-stone was laid; Afton became a preaching the dedication occurred in the following winter. Worship was at first held in the school-house, but when this place in 1866. privilege was withdrawn, a church was built. The corner-stone was laid in May, 1872, and the conseci-ation of the church occurred in the following September. In the winter of 1875-76 Reverend J. A. Irvine was invited to preach in Espy. February 1, 1876, he began a protracted effort, in which one hundred persons were converted. Two classes were formed under the leadership of William Schechterley and William Heidley,with John McKamey and Clark Price as exhorters. Reverend H. W. Buck is the present pastor of Bloomsburg Mission, which embraces these appointments. BRIAKCEEEK TOWNSHIP. CHAPTER 191 VIII. BRIAKCEEEK TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF BERWICK. BERWICK-ON-TWEED, a borough of Northumberland county, England, It presents to-day, has existed fi'om an early period of British history. in its Gothic cathedral, fortified walls and massive battlements the characteristic features that might have impressed the visitor of two centuries ago. The general appearance of the town has sufPered no material change. Its circumference of fortifications has proven an effective barrier to the extension of its limits. Consequently the population not employed at home has been compelled to emigrate, and thus sever with reluctance endearing associations with the quaint In different states and widely separated localities, those who thus old town. went forth conferred its name on the settlements they established. Evan Owen was among those who sought to ameliorate their condition by removing beyond the seas. He was an ardent advocate of the doctrines of Fox, and was warmly welcomed by his co-religionists iipon his arrival at Philadelphia. When the land office was opened by the Penns in 1769 for the disposal of their recently acquired purchase, he was among the first to take advantage of the opportunity thus offered to secure lands at a merely nominal cost. In relying upon the fidelity and sagacity of the woodsman or explorer employed to seek out the best land he was not disappointed, as the selection at Nescopeck falls was certainly judicious. In 1772 he performed the journey from Harris' ferry to Fishing creek in a river boat, accompanied by Benjamin Doan and others, with the intention of establishing a Quaker village. The troublous times that ensued compelled them to relinquish the idea. In 1780 Owen returned and continued his journey above the mouth of Briarcreek, some distance fi"om the locality where he had previously settled. He finally decided upon a point opposite the mouth of Nescopeck creek as the location of the prospective town. Six years, however, elapsed before it was laid off, and during this period several families arrived and formed a small hamlet, conferring upon it the name of Owensville. In 1786 the streets were surveyed, and corThe propriety of their names Oak, ners established by blazing on the trees. Vine, Mulberry, Pine, Chestnut and Walnut is thus explained. When the complicated and cooflicting titles of Connecticut and other claimants were adjusted, part of the area originally embraced in the town plot was diverted from Owen's possession; it was included in Salem township, which in 1786 became part of Luzerne county upon its erection. The same year the townwas formally named Berwick by the proprietor, who thus expressed the attachment he still retained for his former home; like Berwick-on-Tweed, it was also in Northumberland county, and on the bank of a river already famous in — — history. The visitor to Berwick cannot fail to be impressed with the beauty and variety of natural scenery, which characterize the surrounding region in every direction. Northward the outline of Lee mountain is visible from the knob to its terminal point at Shickshinny; the Summer hills, geological formations of an anomalous character, appear in the foreground. South of the Susquehanna the Nescopeck range can be distinguished throughout a wide extent both east and west, while the river hills in the distance apparently approach HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 192 The deep gorges of the Catawissa, Nescopeck and "Wapthe line of its base. Above wallopen creeks relieve the monotony of an otherwise unbroken trend. the mouth of the latter " Council Cup " rears its crest and maintains a majestic silence concerning the mighty questions once deliberated there by a race The that has long since disappeared before the advancing tide of civilization. location of the town itself reflects credit on the excellent judgment of the proprietor. An elevated situation and perfect drainage preclude the idea of the mephitic miasms from the stream below seriously affecting the general healfchfulness of the place. The first inhabitants of Berwick appeared upon its soil during the period that intervened between Owen's first visit and the laying off of the town.* Two brothers, John and Robert Brown, had but recently arrived from England when Owen, who was then in Philadelphia, induced them to remove to his land on the Susquehanna. They reached Catawissa with no adventures other than those usually incident to the overland journey, but were compelled to transport themselves and their goods from that point to their destination in canoes, and this occasioned no little inconvenience and delay. A landing was effected The bluff was ascended with difficulty by an Indian at the Nescopeck rapids. path which marked the course of the road since opened. The household goods and meagre supply of provisions were deposited at the summit, and then they sat down on the trunk of a fallen tree and rested. But the satisfaction of having at last arrived at their destination could not idly be enjoyed. To add to the multiplied labors of the day, rain began to fall before provision had been made for such an emergency In recounting these particulars John Brown was wont to relate that their wives, overcome at the dismal prospect of thus passing the night without shelter, relieved their feelings in tears. There is a tradition current to the effect that the Browns passed the winter with only the temporary protection afforded by pulling the tops of trees together and covering them with bark; but this is altogether improbable, as the men were carpenters and well prepared to erect comfortable cabins. They did so at OQce; John Brown located on the north side of Front street, near Market, and Robert, nearly opposite, on the west side of Market. These were the first houses erected in Berwick. In 1786 Evan Owen built the next on the site of the St. Charles hotel. Samuel Jackson, his relative by marriage, located on the opposite corner. Josiah Jackson was a hatter by trade, and conducted his business on Front street below Market. James Evans, a millwright by occu.pation, became the next resident. John Smith and Henry Traugh complete the niimber of those who arrived at Berwick about 1786. It appears that Owen had just returned from . *Thomas Cooper, one of the Pennsylvania Commissioners under tlie act of 1799, known as the "Compromising Law, " in the performance of his duties wrote as follows: Northumberland, January 18, ]8it3. A part of the town of Berwick stands on a tract of land taken up under Pennsylvania by Evan Owen, who laid out that town, and who, I understand, is now at Lancaster makiog his coui plaints on the subject, aud who, to my knowledge, most egregiously exaggerates the importance of the case as will soon be perceived. A part of this tract and of the town of Berwick is included in the ''town of Salem." General .Steele, Mr. Wilson and myself directed Mr.Sambourne, the surveyor, to run out the lines of interference. They can give evidence respecting it. Mr. Sambourne's return to me makes the business quite insignificant, but whether more or less, I liad to decide on principles that have no relation to the quantum of the dispute. 1 held this case under advisement on the following ground; It appeared in evidence before me by the voluntary deposition of Evan Owen himself, that he made his commencement of settlement on the tract of land whereon the town of Berwick now stands, on the 10th day of May, 17S7, the confirmiiiglaw having passed on the 27th day of March preceding. It apeared to me that this confirming law was public and legal notice to him of an opposite and older title then recognized by the legislature and that he settled at his peril. He took up the land and settled it, knowing of a precedent title. THOMA.S Cooper. This communication would seem to establish a later date for the settlement of Berwick than that givea above. In the act of January 29, 1818, for the incorporation of Berwick, it is expressly stated that in 1786, Evan Owen laid out the town. It is also a well authenticated fact that certain of the first buildings were in these streets, as then located, which would hardly have been the case if settlement had followed this survey. Moreover, the land under dispute was merely that small, triangular portion of the original town plot included in the "Town of Salem, " aud it is not improbable that settlement may have been male here in May, li87 "which does not conflict with the author's statement regarding settlement in the present limits of the town. — ' BEIARCREEK TOWNSHIP. 193 an extended journey through the lower counties selling lots and endeavoring to induce families to remove to his town. He was fairly successful. Among others who became residents in consequence of these efforts was Joseph Stackhouse, a wealthy farmer from Bucks county. In the rear of his residence on Second street he planted the first fruit trees brought thither, with great care ;and trouble. The square between Second and Third, Mulberry and Vine, ultimately became a hixuriant orchard. Thomas Cole from New Jersey James Herrin, from Northampton county Benjamin Doan and Jacob Cooper, from Montgomery county, were also among those who removed to the town on the personal representations of the proprietor. The first indications of settlement and improvement in Briarcreek township became apparent about this time. A number of families removed from mount Bethel, Northampton county, near the Delaware river. Among the number appear the familiar names of Freas, Bowman, Hutton, Rittenhouse, Cauley and Mack. They emigrated in a body and entered the region in 1793, journeying by way of Bethlehem, Nazareth and Beaver Meadows. Mutual assistance was rendered in the work of clearing the land and providing temporary shelter. The tract upon which John Freas located comprised farms now -owned by Levi Garret and Henry Bower. On the land of the former a rude log cabin was built, the main room of which was used as a dwelling and an addition as a stable. Daniel Bowman and Wesley B. Freas own the tract originally occupied by Thomas Bowman. A substantial brick and stone structure, which superseded the log cabin first erected, was built in 1802 and was the first house of such material in this section of coiintry. Jesse Bowman settled on the river road at its intersection with Briar creek. William Rittenhouse secured the title to an extensive tract on both banks of the creek to a considerable distance above the junction of its north and west branches. It embraced the farms of Samuel Conner, William Hughes, Joseph Eck and William Freas. The Bower, Millard, Evans, Engle, Adams and Wartz families were also among those who arrived at an early period and located in various parts of the township. Jacob Mack, who possessed considerable knowledge of building, superintended the erection of many of the first houses. Certain features of the domestic and social life at this period strikingly illustrate the simplicity of the general style of living. The spinning-wheel and loom were of primary importance in every household. Linsey-woolsey and cassinette, homespun fabrics of coarse texture but excellent durability, were the usual materials for clothing. Wooden spoons and bowls, pewter knives and forks, constituted the table furniture. The gun and rod were indispensably necessary in providing for the wants of a family. A general partnership seems to have existed among the citizens. The two fisheries, Tuckey Hoe and Jacob' s Plains were the exclusive property of no one. Every bear killed was taken before Justice Owen and divided equally among the different families. When strangers appeared in their midst the elastic dimensions of the rude log cabin were so expanded as to comfortably shelter them. In 1805 a market house was built in the center of Market street, between Second and Third. The structure rested on massive wooden pillars, and was elevated sufficiently to allow the passage of horses and wagons beneath It was used for town meetings, elections, church and school purposes. The inhabitants of Berwick utilized the water of the river in performing the operations of the laundry. When the women repaired thither on wash days, the smoke and steam rising in artistic confusion from the kettles, and the appearance of so many garments of various colors may have suggested the idea of the decorations incident to a patriotic demonstration. Before the ; ; ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 194: HISTORY or COLUMBIA COUNTY. had been established in the vicinity leather was scarce and shoes corAs a measure of economy, church-going maidens respondingly high in price. did not put on their shoes until within sight of the church, and removed them One of the early preachers did not after service, going home bare-footed. He justified the sefully approve of this, and administered a caustic rebuke. verity of his censure by alluding to a direct command with regard to duly revThe first marriage solemnized in Berwick was that erencing "holy ground." That the social custom thus inaugurated of Annie Brown and Jesse Bowman. has become quite popular may be inferred from the fi'equent recurrence of these pleasant and interesting occasions. At the period of Berwick's first settlement, Northern Pennsylvania was a The means of communication with distant region of magnificent distances. As the population, productions points were slow, tedious, and inadequate. and wealth increased, there was an urgent necessity for better roads and more The citizens of Briarcreek manifested a direct routes to important points. deep interest in promoting internal improvements of this character. In 1787 Evan Owen was appointed to superintend the construction of a road laid out Two years from Nescopeck falls to the Lehigh by authority of the state. later the work was completed, and the Indian trail which marked the proposed March 19, 1804, the Susqueroute improved so as to be passable for vehicles. hanna and Lehigh Turnpike and Road Company was incorporated. The old Nescopeck road was transformed into a graded pike in 1805 at an enormous Andrew Shiner of Berwick was one of the contractors, and Christian expense. Bowman first traversed the road to Easton. The Susquehanna and Tioga Turnpike Road Company was chartered in 180G " for making an artificial road by the best and nearest route from Berwick, on the north-east branch of the Susquehanna, or from the mouth of the Little Wopehawley, to that point on the north line of the state which is nearest Newtown, on the river Tioga It was finally completed to Towanda in 1818, at in the state of New York." Among those an immense expenditure by the state and individual investors. prominently identified with both these enterprises were Nicholas Seybert, Andrew Shiner, Jesse Bowman, Jacob Mack, McKinney Buckalew and John, tanneries Bostian. A connecting link between these two thoroughfares of travel, the bridge The iniacross the Susquehanna, was early deemed important and necessary. tiatory movement was made in 1807, when the legislature authorized the formation of the "Susquehanna Bridge Company at Falls of Nescopeck." Au\ organization was efPected five years later with Abraham Miller, Sr., presidents John Brown, treasurer, and a board of managers consisting of Silas Engle,/ Thomas Bowman and Elisha Barton. The contract for the construction of the* When completed in 1814 it cost bridge was awarded to Theodore Burr. The length was 1,260 feet, and the structure rested on piers of $52,000. heavy planked timber. It was entirely desti'oyed by an ice fiood in the winter The managers forthwith delegated Jesse Bowman, one of their of 1835-36. number, to represent the interests of the company before the legislature. An appropriation of 110,000 was secured, and in 1837 the present bridge was erected. The efforts of Josiah T. Black, Samuel F. Headley, A. B. Wilson and Robert McCurdy, contributed largely to the celerity with which this was accomplished. A connected line of travel Avas thus established between Towanda and These roads, like many similar enterprises, although advantageous ta Easton. the section of country traversed, have not been productive investments to stockThe benefits conferred have not been commensurate with the capital holders. 195 BRIARCBEEK TOWNSHIP. tjonsuraed in their construction. It was a period, however, of high speculative excitement, not confined to the limits of any geographical section, or to any class of the people. The position of Berwick, at the terminal points of two turnpikes, and at their intersection with the route traversed between points on the river rendered The effect on its growth in size and it a place of considerable importance. The log cabins first erected were gradually population was at once apparent. superseded by structures of an improved and more substantial appearance. The first frame house was built by Robert Brown, and is still standing opposite Odd The first brick dwelling was erected in 1816 by H. Seybert, and Fellows hall. Brick buildings at the corner of is at present known as the St. Charles hotel. Mulberry and Front, and on Front between Market and Mulberry were built by Thomas Kichardson and Samuel F. Headley about the same time. John Brown opened the first hotel on the corner of Second and Market streets; the scrupvilous care with which neatness and cleanliness were maintained rendered it the favorite stopping place of travelers on the river road. John Jones was the next hotel proprietor; he was succeeded by Abraham Klotz and Frederick Nicely, and during the latter' s ownership it was first known as Cross Keys. " At a period anterior to the construction of the bridge, William Brien conducted a public house above its approach on the Berwick side. He also established a ferry, which was patronized by those who Golden Lamb, and crossed the river. John Jones, at the sign of the Samuel F. Headley, at the corner of Front and Mulberry, complete the list of hotel keepers at this period. The uniform prosperity enjoyed by this class of persons was largely derived from the stage travel. The time at which this began cannot be definitely determined. It did not assume a permanent character until 1810, when a mail Previous to that time the postmaster service was connected with the stage. at Wilkes-Barre designated certain private houses at Nescopeck and Berwick, and a post-rider distributed mail agreeably to his directions. Berwick first appears as a post-village in 1797 Jonathan Hancock carried the mail in 1800; and William Brien was the first regularly appointed post-master, receiving his commission several years later. In 1811 Conrad Teter was awarded a government contract for establishing mail coaches between Sunbury and Painted Post. He transferred that portion of the route between Sunbury and Wilkes-Barre to Miller Horton, by whom the first coaches between those points were controlled. In 1824, Miller, Jesse and Lewis Horton opened a new era in stage coach travel. They assumed control of a mail route from Baltimore to Owego, by way of Harrisburg and Sunbury. Four-horse coaches, substantial, comfortThe crack of the driver's able and attractive, rolled into Berwick every day. whip and the blast from his horn relieved the monotony of life in the otherwise quiet village. John Jones, tavern keeper, farmer and lime-bui'ner, became stage proprietor as well, by operating a line of coaches to Easton. The Joshua Dodson drove the first stage journey to that point required two days. A week was required to reach that point and coach from Berwick to Elmira. return. Joshua Kindy was toll-collector beyond Berwick on the Towanda road. Philip Abbot and George Root deserve honorable mention in connection with stage coach travel. The latter, a trusted and skillful driver, served in that capacity more than forty years. The turnpikes, the bridge and the stage enterprises did not so fully engross the public mind as to divert its attention fi'om the equally necessary considerIn 1797 the township of "Green Brierations of organized government. Creek" was formed, comprising the area included between the Susquehanna ' ' ' ' ' ; ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 196 line of Briarcreek's northern boundary extended to Little FishingThis was formerly included in Fishingcreek township, and prior to> creek. The erection of Centre in 1844 reduced Briarcreek to its. 1789 in Wyoming. The borough of Berwick was separated from it in 1850, prepresent limits. vious to which time elections for school officers were not held separately. and the When the borough was incorporated, January 29, 1818, burgesses, councilmen and high constables were the only elective officers for whom provision was made. The borough limits, as originally described, included the whole of the town plot as laid off by Evan Owen; subsequently, the eastern boundary was so changed as not to exclude that portion embraced in Luzerne county. Although the borough organization was a measure of unquestioned wisdoms and prudence, it was decidedly in advance of the general sentiment of th& citizens, and lacked character and efficiency during the first period of its. history. While the internal improvements already noted were absorbing the interest of the masses, the attention of others was directed to a question of equally This stream was declared serious import the navigation of the Susquehanna. a public highway by the provincial assembly in 1771, and a sum of money apThe Dui'ham boats, in which the first fampropriated to render it navigable. ilies ascended the river to Berwick, derived their names from Durham, a towns on the Delaware below Easton, where they were made. They were sixty feet in length, eight feet wide, and two feet deep, and drew twenty inches of water under fifteen tons burthen. When manned by four men with setting poles, a Yarioua boat progressed at the rate of two miles an hour against the current. improvements were attempted in the construction of boats. Isaac A. Chap- — It, boat at Nescopeck, and named it "Experiment." 1824, but was unwieldy in size and shape, and was. The farmers of Briarcreek, with those of the whole section, abandoned. resorted to rafts, arks, and other varieties of river craft in transporting their In April, 1826, the "Codorus," a steamwheat and flour to Baltimore. boat built at York Haven and commanded by Captain Elger, passed Berwick on A crowd of people collected oa its way to Wilkesbarre and Binghampton. the shore and cheered with much enthusiasm the craft that moved against The following month Captain Collins in the current with such apparent ease. the "Susquehanna," a boat of larger dimensions than the "Codorus," made^ On the afterthe second attempt to navigate the "North Branch" by steam. noon of May 3, 1826, the falls of Nescopeck were reached. These rapida were regarded as the most dangerous and difficult yet encountered. The memorable disaster that occurred at this point is thus described by Colonel Joseph Paxton, of Catawissa: "With our rich pine we succeeded in raising a full head The strength of the of steam, and set off in fine style to ascend the rapids. current soon checked our headway, and the boat, flanking towards the right bank of the river, struck a rock. I stood on the forward deck with a long asb pole in my hand, and was in the act of placing it in the water hoping to steady Two young men standing near wereher, when the explosion took place. blown high into the air, and I was hurled several yards into the water. I All that remained thought a cannon had been fired, and shot my head off. The mangled of the unfortunate "Susquehanna" floated with the current. bodies of her passengers and crew, some dead, others disfigured beyond recognition but still clinging to life, were taken into Berwick, where every kindness, was bestowed upon the unhappy survivors. This disaster conclusively demonstrated the impracticability of navigating the river by steam. The construction of a canal was at once discussed as the only feasible man built a "team" was launched in July, ' ' \ BRIARCREEK TOWNSHIP. means 197 of transporting the increasing productions to the seaboard. July 4, 1828, the patriotic demonstrations at Berwick were characterized by an unusually interesting featiu'e. The excavation for the " North Branch " canal was begun in the presence of a large concourse of people from various places along Several furrows were plowed by Nathan Beach and Alexander the river. Jameson. The former held the plow; the latter drove the oxen. The "Berappeared upon the scene in full military uniform. wick Gtiards The loose earth was removed with shovels, a blast was fired and a mass of rock shattered; the discharge of a cannon and several exhibitions of pugilistic skill added to Berwick was not benefitted morally by the conthe interest of the occasion. struction of the canal, if an inference may be drawn from the fact that there were fourteen drinking places in the place during that period. The first canalboat, the Wyoming, passed Berwick on the river in 1830, before the canal was opened for navigation. It is problematical whether the "Wyoming" may be called a canal-boat with propriety under such circumstances. The following year the " Luzerne " passed the town in the canal. In 1835 the " George Denison and Gertrude, packet-boats, were launched by Miller Horton and A. O. Cahoon, respectively, for the transportation of passengers between Wilkesbarre and Northumberland. The Lackawanna and Bloomsburg rail-road was opened through the town in 1858; and in 1882 the North and West Branch railway became a valuable addition to its commercial facilities. The manufacturing industries of Briarcreek at an early period present no William Rittenhouse built the first mill in this region. It is special features. still in existence, but has not been operated for many years. It stands within the angle formed by the confluence of the north and west branches of the creek, and receives its water-power by means of dams erected in both streams. Millard' s fulling mill was locally important at one time. Evan Owen attempted to utilize the water power of the river, and built a grist mill on its bank, but the attempt was a failure. James Evans engaged in a similar undertaking with better success, locating his establishment on Briar creek. Some half dozen houses clustered around this mill constitute the village of Evansville. George Mack established a foundry in 1825, and operated it on a small scale for some years. The homes of the operatives here employed form the scattered village of Foundryville. The first representatives of their respective vocations in Berwick were Benjamin Doan, tailor; Abel Dally, chair-maker; Hiram Inman, tinner; Henry Traugh, tanner; the Browns, cai-penters; Burlingame, cooper; Aquilla Starr, blacksmith; Bush, cloth-dyer; Joseph Stackhouse, butcher; Polly Mullen, weaver; Samuel Herrin, cabinet-maker; John Snyder, saddler; James Evans, wheel-wright; Roxana Cortright, milliner; Sleppy and Company, gunsmiths, and Marshall, silversmith. The initiatory step in conferring upon Berwick its present prominence in manufacturing circles was made in 1840, when M. W. Jackson and George Mack established a foundry at the corner of Third and Market streets. Their works comprised one building forty feet long and twenty-five feet wide, with a shed in the rear in which agricultural implements were manufactured. Fifteen men were usually employed. The machinery consisted of a blower and lathe, operated by horse-power. Robert McCurdy succeeded to Mack's interest in Louis Euke was associated with Mr. Jack1843, but retired three years later. son fi'om 1846 to 1849, and during this time the manufactui'e of heavy wagons received some attention. The firm of Jackson and Woodin was foi-med in 1849, W. H. Woodin being the new partner. The iron pipes, laid by the Berwick Water Company in 1850, were the first product of any magnitude manufactured at their works. Bridge castings were made for the Philadelphia and ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' 198 HISTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. Erie rail-road in 1858, and the number of operatives increased to fifty. Twenty four-wheel cars were built in 1861, thus inaugurating the most important Two men were able to build one car in a branch of the subsequent business. Improved machinery was secured, and the capacity increased to five week. cars a week, and ultimately to one a day. Additional shops were there erected, and in 1865 one hundred and fifty men were employed. A destructive fire reduced the works to ashes on the morning of March 17, 1866. The following day it was decided to rebuild. The hours that intervened marked a critical The result was awaited with anxiety by period in the history of Berwick. It was everywhere discussed with approving comevery citizen of the town. A period of building activity ensued. In 1869 two hundi-ed and fifty ment. men were employed at the shops. In 1872 the "long switch" was built, conMarch 1, necting the works with the Lackawanna and Bloomsburg rail-road. 1872, the Jackson and Woodin Manufacturing Company organized, with C. R. Woodin, president; C. G. Jackson, vice-president; Grarrick Mallery, treasurer; M. W. Jackson and W. H. Woodin, executive committee. The Berwick Rolling Mill Company was organized the same year; M. W. Jackson, C. G. JackThe pay-rolls son, G. B. Thompson and B. F. Crispin were its first officers. of these two establishments aggregate several hundred thousand dollars in the Thus have the insignificant proportions of the industry escourse of a year. tablished in 1840 expanded to their present comprehensive magnitude. To say that the growth of Berwick has been directly resultant from that of In illusits manufacturing interests would be the expression of a platitude. tration of this it may be stated that the population was four-hundred and fiftytwo in 1840; four-hundred and eighty-six in 1850; six-hundred and twenty-five in 1860; nine-hundred and twenty-three in 1870; two-thousand and ninety -four in 1880; and at this time (1886) probably more than three-thousand. The extent and importance of the business interests of Berwick followed in John Jones opened the first store about the wake of its increasing population. William Brien followed with the second, at his hotel. George Payne 1800. and Thomas Richardson removed from Boston in 1807, and both became merchants. The former located on the corner of Market and Second streets the Other busilatter on the west side of Second between Market and Mulberry. ness houses of local prominence at different periods were those of Matthew McDowell, J. & A. Miller, Wright & Slocum, Robert McCurdy, J. & E. Leidy, Stowers & Ellis, J. & J. Bowman, Clark, Deilly, Scoville, Rittenhouse & January 27, 1818, the Shuman, Headley, McNair & Co. and George Lane. legislatui-e authorized John Brown, John Vennet, Samuel F. Headley and Sherman Clark to organize the Berwick Water Company. Water was brought from Briar creek, two miles distant, in wooden pipes. The supply from this source was inadequate, and in 1841 George Mack. Samuel F. Headley and A. B. Wilson projected hydraulic works and perfected arrangements for pumping water from a spring below the hill. In 1848 the Water & Hydraulic Companies were consolidated. The decayed wooden pipes were replaced with cement and iron mains. Upon the reorganization of the company in 1883 the An instigeneral condition of its distributing service was greatly improved. tution of more recent origin and scarcely less importance is the First National Bank of Berwick. June 3, 1864, articles of association were properly drawn and signed by M. W. Jackson, P. M. Traugh, Jesse Bowman, S. B. Bowman, M. M. Cooper, Francis Evans, F. Nicely, A bram IMiller. W. H. AYoodin, M. E. Jackson, William Lamon and Henry Lamon, A charter was granted by the comptroller of the treasury November 10, 1864. December 1, 1865, an organization was effected, with M. W. Jackson president, and M. E. Jackson, ; SI.V*!*'''^'"'" '«>V ^3.^y?u Cr/?/l(^i)/^7iy^-^ij^. > / I / BRIARCREEK TOWNSHIP. 201 The capital stock, originally fifty-thousand dollars, was increased, 1865, to seventy-five thousand dollars. The din of peaceful industry has not always, as now, been unbroken by the mingled discord of military parade. The old ''battalion days " are remembered by the older citizens as topics of absorbing interest at the time of their occurrence. In the latter part of May in each year, infantry and cavalry, a cashier. Jamiary 3, motley crowd of men and boys in citizens' attire, paraded and maneuvered to the roll of the drum and the shrill notes of the fife. An ancient piece of ordnance, primed, polished and mounted, represented the artillery. The population was in attendance en masse training day was the gala occasion of all the year. James Pratt drilled the infantry; Matthew McDowell organized the ; company. John M. Snyder and John Bittenbender are remembered as George Kelekner and Christopher Bowman as majors. Berwick furnished a full quota of soldiers to the late war. A company of thirteen enlisted in May, 1861, and twenty-three for three years' service a short time afterward, while others joined the ranks at intervals during the war. A regiment passed through the town in April, 1861, and was greeted with enthusiasm. The remains of twenty-six soldiers repose in the Berwick cemetery. Two of this number, Moses Davis and James Pratt, were veterans of the revolution, three of the war of 1812, two of the Mexican war, eighteen served in the war for the union and one was a member of the National Guards. The military prestige of the town is still maintained to a certain extent. The Jackson Guards were organized in 1871, but disbanded in 1880. April 1, 1886, Julius Hoft, formerly a student at the Prussian military academy, organized the Berwick Guards, a juvenile company, C. C. Jackson, captain. Jackson Post, No. 159, Grand Army of the Republic, was chartered January 26, 1886, with the following members George A. Buckingham, J. T. Chamberlin, Samuel Simpson, D. W. Holly, Abner Welsh, Reuben Moyer, George Keenor, W. H. Morton, John Withers, R. H. Little, W. C. Barnard, Minor Hartman, Martin McAlister, Leroy T. Thompson, Tighlman Mahorter, S. C. Jayne, A. D. Seeley, W. J. Scott, Michael Thornton, John Wooly and E. D. Lepkicher. John H. Styer, Camp, No. 25, was instituted May 29, 1*882, with D. C. Smith, captain; E. P. Wolfe, first lieutenant; Harry Low, second lieutenant; David Thomas, chaplain; Augustus Low, surgeon; George Hoppes, orderly sergeant; Harry Barnard, sergeant of the guard; David Thomas, quarter- master; Jerome Pifer, color-sergeant; Albert Low, corporal. The various secret societies are also represented. Berwick Lodge, No. 246, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted July 23, 18-47, with Isaiah Bahl, N. G. O. H. P. Kitchin, V. G. Aaron Deitterich, secretary; James S. Campbell, treasurer. Besides these persons the names of Stewart Pearce, G. W". Nicely, William Brewer and B. S. Gilmour appeared among the list of first members. A hall was built in 1868-69 at a cost of twelve thousand dollars under the supervision of Hudson Owen, H. R. Bower and David Baughey. Knapp Lodge, No. 462, Free and Accepted Masons, was organized March F. E. Brockway, S. W. 2, 1872, with John H. Taylor, W. M. G. B. Thompson, J. W. The original members were John H. Taylor, Frank E. Brockway, George B. Thompson, C. G. Jackson, A. B. McCrea, H. C. Freas, C. R. Woodin, Samuel Hetler, Hudson Owen, Daniel Reedy, W. H. Woodin, Adrian Van Houten, R. H. Little, J. W. Driesbach, George W. Fisher, J. F. Opdyke, J. F. Hicks, S. B. Bowman, N. W. Stecker, Benjamin Evans, William Ross and Nicholas Seybert. The following persons have been Past Masters since the organization: John H. Taylor, F. E. Brockway, Joseph F. Hicks, Henry C. Augstadt, Jacob F. Bittenbendei", W. A. Baugher, B. F. first colonels, : ; ; ; ; HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 202 Crispin, Jr. , R. G. Crispin, John Everard, W. S. Heller and D. H. Thornton. 105, Patriotic Order Sons of America, was estabFebriiary 17, 1880, it was reorganized lished in 1869, but disbanded in 1878. with the following members: N. W. Dickson, W. A. Ross, C. A. Croop, S. C. Marteeny, F. R. Kitchin, C. E. Ross, H. C. Learn, F. S. Hart- Washington Camp, No. man, Anselm Loeb, Will H. Owen, W. M. Hampshire, Conway Dickson, J. W. Kurtz, J. S. Hicks, Charles W. Freas, F. P. Hill, George B. Kester, J. C. Deitterick, John W. Morhead, J. C. Reedy, J. M. Witman, William F. Rough, M. E. Rittenhouse, A. J. Learn, F. G. Hull, J. E. Frey, and H. Z. In April, 1886, the lodge first occupied its present comfortable Hempfield. The membership is more than one-hundred quarters on West Front street. and is steadily increasing. The schools of Berwick date from an earlier period than its military and The first school in Briarcreek township was opened in business institutions. In 1810 this school was removed to a buildthe old stone church building. Cordelia A. Preston, Daniel ing erected for school purposes at Foundryville. Goodwin, Morris Hower and John Arney were teachers at these places. The first school at Berwick was opened in 1800 by Isaac Holoway in the Quaker meeting-house. Prior to 1837 this building and the market-house were the David E. Owen, Doctors Dutlon and only houses used for school purposes. Roe, David Jones and James Dilvan are remembered as teachers prior to 1818; between that date and 1837, Messrs. Comstock, Hoyt, Richards, Crosby and for the education of youth Haik were their successors. Berwick Academy, in the English and other languages, and in the useful arts and sciences, and literature," was incorporated June 25, 1839, with Marmaduke Pearce, John Bowman, Thomas McNair, A. B. Wilson, George Mack and A. B. Shuman, Among the instructors connected with this institution were J. H. trustees. A biiilding was erected in Rittenhouse, George Waller and Joel E. Bradley. It was removed in 1872 and the pro1839 on the site of the market- house. The interest of the citizens in educeeds applied to public school purposes. cational matters is tangibly expressed in the commodious brick structures on Market and Third streets. The former was erected in 1872, the latter in 1886. D. C. McHenry has served as school director continuously since 1859, with Timothy Mahoney became principal of the high the exception of one year. school in the autumn of 1858; Michael Whitmire in 1859; Joseph Yocum in 1860; Henry Keim in 1861; J. G. Cleveland in 1862; Samuel E. Furst in 1863; Reece W. Dodson in 1864; William Patterson in 1865; J. H. Hurst in 1866; S. C. Jayne in 1867; H. M. Spaulding in 1868; H. D. Albright in the four years following and in 1874; J. G. Williams in 1873; C. F. Diffenderfer in 1875; A. H. Steesinl876; W. E. Smith in 1877 and the four succeeding terms; J. T. Bevanin 1882; L. T. Conrad in 1883; Amelia Armstrong in 1884 and 1885, and Henry G. Clark, the present jDrincipal. The various religious bodies were early represented in Briarcreek township. The Friends were the first to erect a house for worship. October 21, 1799, the ground was purchased upon which the brick structure that succeeded it is The following entry appears in the minutes of Catawissa monthly situated. meeting, November 11, 1800: "Friends of Berwick laid before this meeting in a serious manner, in writing signed by Aquilla Starr, a request for the privilege of holding a meeting for divine service on the first day of the week at April 25, 1801, the request was favorably considered the eleventh hour." but the meeting thus established has long since been discontinued. Evan Owen, Joseph Stackhouse, Andrew Shiner, William Rittenhouse. Joseph Pilkington and Joseph Eck were prominently identified with the afPairs of this meeting. ' ' BRIARCREEK TOWNSHTP. 203 A union house of worship was built in 1805 by the Lutheran and Keformed congregations of Briaicreek valley. This was the lirst effort in this direction made by either denomination in the county. A constitution for the joint ownership of this building was framed in 1807. Keverends Plitt and Adams were The English element of the Lutheran congregation subpastors at that time. sequently separated from it and became a distinct organization. The Reformed congregation has usually been connected in pastoral care with the Orangeville church. In the minutes of the Central Pennsylvania Conference for 187(3 the following appears from the pen of B. H. Creever, D. D., regarding the origin of Methodism in this section: In Brier creek valley, Columbia county, Penn., a mile or more from the north branch of the Susquehanna, and within four miles"of Berwick, may be seen a stone building forty feet front, as measured by the eye, and nearly or quite square. It is severely plaui, and might easily escape the eye of a traveler; but modest as it is, it is monumental, and, historically considered, is invested with an abiding interest. This plain house was the first completed church edifice belonging to the Methodists, within what are defined as the present limits of the Danville district. It was erected in 1^08. As a shrine of religious worship it has long been deserted; but, as a lingering fragrance hangs about the broken vase, so, around this deserted temple, linger still its sacred memories— memories of holy joy that once thrilled the hearts of its worshipers, and of gospel triumphs once celebrated within its walls. Events and incidents, thus commemorated, possess more than a local or passing interest; with others of similar import in adjacent territory, they constitute no unimportant part of the early history of a great denomination. The country extending for miles from this venerable shrine is in the highest degree beautiful, consisting of highly cultivated farms, held by prosperous people. When this church was built, the primitive forest of the river country had been but barely grazed by the axe (»f the adventurous frontiersman. Hemlock, pine, beech and maple towered aloft everywhere, in solemn grandeur, from Northumberland to the farthest reach of Wyoming. In the rear of the church is a rural burial ground, where lie— like warriors asleep on the field of their triumphs many of tlie moral heroes who did valiant service in the heroic era of Methodism. At a short distance from the church is a farm house, which likewise possesses historic interest. Like the sanctuary, it is of .stone, and so survives, while more perishable structures hav.e disappeared. It is of unusual elevation, having in some sort a third story. This was the home of Thomas Bowman, who, with his brother Christian, emigrated from Northampton county and settled here in the wilderness in 1793. This third story was a recognized place of worship, and became famous among the scattered saints years before the erection of the church. Here occurred, in 180.5, the first great revival of religion in the "North Branch " country, so far as it is embraced in this sketch. A spirit-baptism anj^where at that day was the signal for the gathering of God's people from great distances, and so by an irresistible impulse they met here, coming— some on horse-back, more on foot— from a distance of thirty or forty miles. — A direct and immediate result of this was the formation of a class at Berwick. The following persons were members: William Stahl, Jane Herrin. Rachel Traugh, Hugh Thompson, Nancy Thompson, Robert Brown, Samuel Steele, Sallie Steele, James Herrin, AVilliam Sisty, Mary Sisty, Andrew Petit and Benjamin Doan. Previous to this time Reverends William Culbert, James Paynter, Morris Howe and Robert Burch had preached occasional sermons. In 1806 Berwick appointment was attached to Northumberland circuit. In 1831 Berwick cirwas established, embracing twenty- eight preaching places in Columbia and Luzerne counties. In 1867 Berwick became a station. The class leaders at this time were Jesse Bowman, Isaac Smith, Amos F. Creasy, W. H. Woodin, M. W. Jackson and C. R. Woodin. Jesse Bowman, M. W. Jackson, H. C. Freas, W. H. Woodin, M. E. Jackson, Paul Fortner, W. J. Knorr, E. B. Hull and Isaac Smith constituted the board of stewards. Jesse Bowman, M. W. Jackson, Paul Fortner, M. E. Jackson, H. C. Freas, W. H. Woodin. J. AV. Bowman, James Jacoby and Isaac Smith were trustees. J. A. Gere was cuit pastor in 1867-68; F. B. Riddle, 1869-70; W. W. Evans, 1872-73; S. Creigh- 204 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 1874-75; J. H. McGarrah, 1876-78; M. L. Smyser, 1879-81; W. W. Evans, 1882-85; E. H. Yocum, 1885. Services were held in the second story of the market-house during the first Subsequently a store-room was fitted up years of the history of this church. In 1811 Hugh Thompson tenin a rude manner and used for this purpose. dered a room in his house on Second street for the use of the society. In 1817 a lot on the corner of Mulberry and Third streets was secured and the In 1845, the second brick structure now used as a dwelling erected thereon. Methodist church building was erected on a lot donated by Robert McCurdy. Gilbert Fowler, Samuel F. Headley and AV. McCurdy were the building committee. Reverend John Bowen was pastor at that time. February 19,1871, the present church edifice was erectedon the same site as its predecessor of a quarReverend Thomas Bowman, at present (1886) the senior ter century previous. bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church in this country and a native of BerHouses of worship have also wick, performed the ceremony of dedication. been built at Summer Hill and Foundry ville. The Evangelical AssociaHon has been represented in Briarcreek since 1826, when Reverends Seybert and Noecker conducted religious services at The Summer Hill church building was the house of George Zahner. Prior to this Daniel Kahr, Simon McLane, James Dunlap erected in 1 849. and others continued to preach at private houses. The Evansville church was The organizations at both points are connected with Columbia built in 1854. circuit. Jacob Hartzel, John Young, George Hunter, A. H. Irvin, S. D. Bennington, P. H. Rishel, H. W. Buck, S. P. Remer, A. W. Shenburger^ W. W. Rhoads, I. W. Pines and D. P. Kline have successively served as pastors. The first service of this church in Berwick was held in March, 1870, at the town-hall by Reverend P. H. Rishel. A class had been organized somewhat earlier. It was composed of Isaiah Bower, Hannah Bower, George P. Clewell, Susan Clewell, Elizabeth Clewell and Fannie Kirkendall. The meetings of the During this period, proclass were held in the hall until January 18. 1874. In February, tracted meetings were conducted with frequency and success. 1873, it was formally decided to build a church edifice. Isaiah Bower was constituted the building committee. January 1, 1874, the l^rick structure on Second M. J. Carothers, presiding street between Pine and Chestnut was dedicated. In March, elder, H. B. Hartzel and others participated in the ceremonies. 1875, Berwick and Beach Haven were separated fi'om Columbia circuit and constituted Berwick mission. W. M. Croman was appointed missionary. Under the pastoral care of Reverends J. A. Irvine, J. M. Ettinger, C. W. Buck and J. J. Lohr, the mission has become practically self-sustaining. The doctrines of the Baptist society were first promulgated at Berwick in 1842 by Reverend Joseph Morris, who preached in the Methodist church building. The onlv adherents to this faith in Berwick at that time were Levi L. Tate and Mrs, Silas E. Craig. In September, 1842, W. S. Hall, of White Deer, Union county, succeeded Mr. Morris. Services were held in a storehouse at the corner of Mulberry and Second streets owned by Saml. A. Headley, and fitted up for that purpose by him. Religious meetings were held continuously between September 10th and 15th, resulting in forty-two conversions. The following week the converts were baptized in the canal at the head of the At the conclusion of this lock in the joresence of a large concourse of people. ceremony the bridge was crossed, and the church formally organized in Williams grove on the opposite side. Levi L. Tate, John T. Davis and Abram Miller were elected deacons. Mr. Hall resigned the pastorate at the expiration of three years. During this period, a frame church edifice was erected; it has ton, BRIARCREEK TOWNSHIP. 205 subsequently been replaced by a brick structure of enlarged size and improved appearance. Reverends Rohrer, Worrel, Miller, Prentess, Brinsinger, Cattell, Caterall and Galloway have successively served this church. On Saturday afternoon, November 24, 1827, the Reverend Joseph M. OgJen, a Presbyterian clergyman, held a service preparatory to communion in the brick church building, which appears to have been regarded as a union meeting-house at that time. A congregational meeting was held at the close of the regular exercises and it was unanimously decided to form a district Presbyterian church. William Willson and Sarah Willson became members of this organization, having previously been connected with the church at Abington. Pa. Daniel Bowen was received from the old South Church, Boston; Isaac and Abigail Hart, from Wilkes-Barre, Pa., Mary and Eliza Polluck from the Deny church; the remaining members, Thomas and Eleanor Lockart, Emanuel Kirkendall and Rachel Beach had been received into the church by Reverend John Patterson on a previous visit. It was resolved that the articles of faith and covenant for admission of members at Wilkes-Barre and Abington be adopted and enforced in a similar manner. The organization was completed on the following Sabbath when Daniel Bowen, Isaac Hart and Thomas Lockart were installed as elders; and at a meeting of the session, February 19, 1828, a request was formulated for admission into Northumberland Presbytery. July 20, 1839, Reverend David J. Waller entered a minute upon the record of this congregation, in which he stated that the church had been for a long time without pastoral care and, as far as the manifestations of life were concerned, was virtually extinct. The only knowledge of the facts above stated had been learned from the Reverend D. Gaston, of Conyngham, who sent Mr. Waller the record in which they were embodied. It contained the approval of the moderator of presbytery, and he accepted this as sufficient evidence of the e.xistence of an organization, although but two or three of its original members were any longer residents of the town. At Mr. Waller's request, Reverend A. H. Hand took part of his extensive charge, entering upon his duties at Berwick July 7, 1812. He at once agitated the erection of a church building, and with such success that on the 7th of October, 1843, the completed structure was dedicated by Reverend George W. Yeomans, president of Lafayette College. Its appearance was greatly improved in 1881, when the building was completely remodeled and a tower of symmetrical proportions erected. The rededication occurred Jtily 10, 1881, when Reverends D. J. Waller, S. Mitchell. D. D., C. K. Canfield and L. M. Kumler participated in the ceremonies. Many pastoral changes occurred in the years that intervened between these two events in the history of this church. Mr. Hand resigned on account of ill health, and on the 14th of July, 1845, a call was extended to Reverend Alexander Heberton. He entered upon his pastoral duties the 1st of August of that year, and was installed November 25th following. Reverend T. K. Newton became pastor August IS, 1853, having for three years previous been seamen's chaplain at the island of St. Thomas. Reverend M. L. Kumler was installed as pastor July 10, 1881. His immediate predecessor was the Reverend James Dickson. Reverends James F. Kennedy, Morgan, Joseph Marr, Edward Kennedy, James M. Salmon and P. M. Melick have also sustained pastoral relations with this church. The Young Men's Christian Association of Berwick is an instiiution which affords rare opportunities for cooperative effort on the part of all evangelical denominations in svu-rounding voung men with healthful moral influences. The genius which had transformed the country village into a manufacturing , HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, 206 town turned with equal energy and success to the solution of a perplexing problem of social life how to restrain and direct the various classes of society which had populated its expanding limits and develop fi'om them a body of — useful citizens. The practicability of organizing christian eflPort for the attainment of this object was quietly discussed. The movement assumed tangible form in 1878, when, on the 9th of June, a meeting of the clergy and citizens was held in the basement of the Methodist church edifice, C. H. Zehnder, secAn organization was retary of Pennsylvania district, Y. M. C. A. presiding. effected by the election of C. Gr. Jackson, president, and Isaiah Bower, viceThe Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Co. manifested their interpresident. est in promoting the success of the Association in its incipiency by placing at , its disposal the third floor of their building, free of all charges for rent, light or heat. A reading room was here opened between the hours of 7 and 9 P. M. In June, 1879, C. H. Zehnder was appointed executive secretary, and a janiJ. F. Opdyke became presitor was employed to keep the rooms in order. The Jackson & Woodin Co. opened a reading room on the dent in 1880. second floor of this building, and purchased one thousand volumes as a nucleus Mr. A. G. Kimberley was elected librarian, and devoted his of a library. whole time to the task of systematizing the workings of the library and renderThe various departments of the work were susino- its results more effective. tamed with such effect as to fully compensate the projectors for their efforts. John W. Evans became president in 1882, and C. H. Zehnder the following In June, 1883, the "'Young Men's Christian Association of Berwick" year. was incorporated, with M. W. Jackson, W. H. Woodin, C. E. Woodin, B. F. Crispin, F. K. Jackson, S. P. Hanly, L. F. Bower, S. C. Jackson and C. H. Prior to this time the association had been an experiment; Zehnder, trustees. its projectors observed with complacency their confidence in the success of its methods gradually infusing itself into the minds of those who had at first been Its work had increased to such an extent as to require enlarged doubtful. unrestricted usefulness. officers of the association realized their requirements and took immediate measures for the erection of a hall. The following year (1884) C. R. Woodin deeded to the trustees a lot on the corner of Market and Second streets, and by an additional donation of eleven thousand dollars placed the Mrs. Lizzie Jackson followed with a institution upon a firm financial basis. facilities for its The executive W. three-story dwelling house on Market street and two-thousand dollars. Tao-o-art, state secretary, made personal solicitations with the board of trustees, The plan for a hall, sugfor^fiands to supplement these generous donations. gested bv Mr. S. Fraser and approved by the board of trustees, embodies all The new building was formally the latest ideas in association architecture. The general secretary at that time was Mr. S. T. dedicated April 7. 1885. Dimmick, who entered upon his duties May 21. 1884. In August, 1886, he was succeeded in this capacity by Mr. W. N. Multer. The financial exhibit (ending June 8, 1886) shows total assets of twenty'^seven-thousand nine-hunth-ed and thirty-one dollars and sixty-nine cents, larger in proportion to the population of the town than the assets of any other institution of a similar character in the world. A judiciously for the eighth year of the association selected library of three-thousand, five hundred volumes comprises works The a religious* scientific, philosophical and miscellaneous character. leading journals and magazines are constantly on file and are generally The manageread by those who are interested in contemporary issues. ment has this season added to its advantages a curriculum of study embracing courses in vocal and instrumental music, the modern and classic languages, bookof ' CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 207 keeping and penmanship, social and parliamentary etiquette, and physical culture. But the work of training mind and body is merely accessory to that higher culture of conscience which reaches its full fruition in the true nobility If the question of adequate returns be asked there of christian character. can be but one answer. The ablest mathematicians the world has ever produced could not compute the influence exerted by such institutions in molding individual character by surrounding pliant minds with a healthful, moral atmosphere. CHAPTER IX. CENTRE TOWNSHIP. certain citizens of Bloom and Briarcreek petitioned the court for INthe1843 erection of a new township to be formed from the adjacent portions of The court accordingly appointed Joseph each. George A. Bowman commissioners Brobst, Isaac Welch and to locate the boundaries agreeably to the In the succeeding January, these commissioners subterms of the petition. mitted their report with a plat of a township "to be called Centre," which was approved by the court, and its organization ordered. The township thus erected extended from the Susquehanna to the top of Lee mountain, which separates it from Fishingcreek and Orange; and from the valley of Briar creek on the east to Orange and Bloom, which then inThe regularity of its western boundary is broken by the excision cluded Scott. of its northwest corner in favor of Orange. Two distinct ranges of hills extending in a direction parallel with the course of the river, diversify the surface. A narrow, rugged valley ^parates Lee mountain from the Summer hills, and between these and Lime ridge is one of the most fertile valleys of the county, in which the west branch of Briar creek takes its rise. South of the ridge the surface slopes gradually down to the level lands of the river bottoms. This region was among the earlier settled sections of Columbia county. Here in the valley of the west branch of Briar creek, the Van Campen, Salmon, and Aikman families reared their homes, which were subsequently involved in the devastation which fell with savage cruelty upon the flourishing colony at Wyoming. In the year 1777 Alexander Aikman emigrated from New Jersey and built a cabin on the bank of a stream known from this circumstance as Cabin run. In the autumn he returned to Northumberland. The Van Campens and Salmons remained, relying on the forts in the vicinity for protection. In the spring of 1778 the house of the former was burned. Joseph Salmon was a near neighbor. Recognizing in the smoke indications of the presence of an enemy, he hastened from the field to his own cabin to take his wife and child to a place of safety. Between it and the clearing was a marsh crossed by a corduroy bridge. It was not until he reached this point that he observed the cabin already surrounded by savages. He approached near enough to see that his wife and child were prisoners, but that apparently their lives would be spared. Unfortunately the Indians discovered him; he sought concealment in the bridge, and th>y were unable to dislodge or murder him there, although several attempts were made to burn it. Exasperated with this failure, they ' ' ' 208 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. scalped his wife and then set her at liberty, while her infant child was inhumanly killed before her eyes.* The Van Campens wei-e reserved for a fate even more sanguinary in its details of savage ferocity. In the spring of 1780 the Indian disturbances having apparently subsided, several members of the family left Fort Wheeler to make preparations for rebuilding the house destroyed two years previous. About the same time a small party of Indians and Tories, after committing various depredations in the neighborhood of Wyoming, pushed down the river to Fishing creek. March 30th they reached the head-waters of the west branch of Briar creek. As the spring opened, the Van Campens, who had taken refuge in Fort Wheeler, determined to go out to their place, rebuild their destroyed cabin and put in crops for their future support. They appear to have been an exception among the settlers in their freedom from apprehension of molestation by the Indians, and left the fort in the latter part of March, the party consisting of Moses Van Campen, his father, a younger brother, an uncle, and his son about twelve years old, and one Peter Pence. The sequel, as related by Van Campen, is as follows: We hadbeeu on our farms about four or five days when, on the morning of the thirtieth of March, we were surprised by a party of ten Indians. My father was lunged through with a war spear, his throat was cut and he was scalped, while ray brother was tomahawked, scalped and thrown into the fire before my eyes. While I was struggling with a warrior, the fellow who had killed my father drew liis spear from his body and made a violent thrust at me. I shrank from the spear; the savage who had hold of me turned it with his hands so that it only penetrated my vest and shil-t. They were then satisfied with taking me prisoner, as they had the same morning taken my uncle's little son and Pence, though they killed my uncle. The same party, before they reached us, had touched on the lower settlements of Wyoming and killed' a Mr. Upson and taken a boy prisoner of the name of Rogers. We were now marched off up Fishing creek, and in the afternoon of the same day came to Huntington, where the Indians found four white men at a sugar camip who fortunately discovered the Indians and fled to a house. The Indians only fired on them and wounded a Captain Ransom when they continued their course till night. Haying encamped and made their fire we, the prisoners, were tied and well secured, "five Indians lying on one side of us and five on the other; in the morning they pursued their course, and leaving the waters of Fishing creek, touched the head-waters of Hemlock creek, where they found one Abraham Pike, his wife and child. Pike was made prisoner but his wife they painted and told Joggo, squaw, go home. They continued their course that day and encamped the same night in the same manner as the previous. It came into my mind that sometimes individuals performed wonderful actions and surmounted the greatest danger. I then decided that these fellows must die, and thought of a plan to dispatch them. The next day I had an opportunity to communicate my plan to my fellow-prisoners; they treated it as a visionary scheme for three men to attempt to dispatch ten Indians. I spread before them the advantages which three men would have oyer ten when asleep; and that we would be the first prisoners taken into their towns and villages after our army had destroyed their corn; that we should be tied to the stake and suffer a cruel death; we had now an inch of ground to fight on and if we failed it would only be death, and we might as well die one waj'' as another. That day passed away and having encamped for the night we lay as before. In the morning we "came to the river and saw their canoes; they had descended the river and run their canoes upon Little Tunkhannock creek, so called. They crossed the river and set their canoes adrift. I renewed my suggestion to my companions to dispatch them that night, and urged that they must decide the question. They agreed to make the trial; but how shall we' do it. was the question. Disarm them and each take a tomahawk and come to close work at once. There are three of us; plant our blows with judgment, and three times three will make nine, and the tenth one we can kill at our leisure. They agreed to disarm them *Another version of this story, and proliably the correct one, is as follows: When Mr. Salmon reached the house, the Indians were on the point of killing his wife and child. He interposed and had some influence with the chief, who promised to spare their lives and assured him of a safe return if he would accompany them as a prisoner. He agreed to do so, and remained in captivity more than a year. He accompanied the chief on his expeditions, but the latter never mentioned his promise "of granting the release, nor did Salmon dare do so. After following the chief alone through a whole night, they reached the summit of the North mountain at daybreak. Salmon recognized with joy the outline of Knob mountain in the distance. " Go," said his captor, " thus can Indians keep their i)romises." He did not hesitate to obey the command, and followed Fishing creek to his home, where he lived for many years. 209 CENTRE TOWNSHIP. and after that on<; take possession of the guns and fire at the one side of the four, and the other two take tomahawks on the other side and dispatch tliem. I observed that would be a very uncertain way; the first shot tired would yive the alarm; they would discover Peter Pence was I had to yield to their plan. it to be the prisoners and might defeat us. chosen to fire the guns. Pike and myself to tomahawk. We cut and carried plenty of wood to give them a good fire; after I was laid down one of them had occasion to use his knife; he dropped it at my feet; I turned my foot over it and concealed it; they all lay down and fell asleep. About midnight T got up and found them in a sound sleep. I slipped to Pence, who rose; I cut him loose and handed him the knife; he did the same for me and I in turn took the knife and cut Pike loose; in a minute's time we disarmed them. Pence took his station at the guns. Pike and myself with our tomahawks took our stations. That moment I was to tomahawk three on the right wing and Pike two oa the left. Pike's two awoke and were getting up; here Pike proved a coward and laid down. It was a critical moment; I saw there was no time to be lost; their heads turned up fair; I dispatched them in a moment and turned to my lot as per agreement, and as I was about to dispatch the last on my side of the fire Pence shot and did good execution; there was only one at the off wing that his ball did not reach; his name was Mohawke, a stout, bold, daring fellow. In the alarm he lumped off about three rods from the tire; he saw it was the prisoners who made the attack, and giving the war-whoop'he started to take possession of the guns; I was as quick to prevent him; the contest was then between him and myself. As I raised my tomahawk he turned quick to jump from me; I followed him and struck at him, but, missing his head, my tomahawlc struck his shoulder, or rather the back of his neck he pitched forward and fell at the same moment my foot slipped and I fell by his side; we clinched; his arm was naked; he caught me round my neck; at the same time I caught him with my left arm around the body and gave him a close hug, at the same time feeling for his knife but could not reach it. In our scuffle my tomahawk dropped out. ]\Iy head was under the wounded shoulder and almost suffocated me with his blood. I made a violent spring and broke from his hold; we both rose at the same time, and he ran; it took me sometime to clear the blood from my eyes; my tomahawk had got covered up. and I could not tind it in time to overtake him; he was the only one of the party that escaped. Pike was powerless. I always had a reverence for Christian devotion Pike was trying to pray, and Pence swearing at him, charging him with cowardice, and saying it was no time to pray, he ought to tight; we were masters of the ground, and in possession of all their guns, blankets, match coats, etc. I then turned my attention to scalping them, and recovering the scalps of my father, brother, and others, I strung them all on my belt for safe keeping. We kept our ground till morning and built a raft, it being near the bank of the river where they had encamped, about fift^een miles below Tioga Point; we got all our plunder on it and set sail for Wyoming, the nearest settlement. Our raft gave way, when we made for land, but we lost considerable property, though we saved our guns and ammunition, and took to land; we reached Wyalusing late in the afternoon. Came to the Narrows; discovered a smoke below, and a raft laying at the shore, by which we were certain a partj^ of Indians had passed us in the course of the day, and had halted for the night. There was no alternative for us but to rout them or go over the mountain; the snow on the north side of the hill was deep; we knew from tlie appearance of the raft ihat the party must be small; we had two rifles each; my only fear was of Pike's cowardice. To know the worst of it, we agreed that I should ascertain their number and give the signal for the attack; I crept down the side of the hill so near as to see their fires and packs, but saw no Indians. I concluded that iheyhad gone hunting for meat, and that this was a good opportunity for us to make off with their raft to the opposite side of the river. I gave the signal; they came and threw their packs on the raft, which was made of sniall, dry pine timber; with poles and paddles we drove her briskly across the river, and had got nearly out of reach of shet, when two of them came in; they fired; their shots did no injury; we soon got under cover of an island, and went several miles; we had waded deep creeks through the day, the night was cold; we landed on an island and found a sink-hole, in which we made our fire; after warming we were alarmed by a cracking in tlie crust; Pike supposed that the Indians had got on the island, and was for calling for quarters; to keep him quiet, we threatened him with his life; the stepping grew plainer, and seemed coming I directly to the tire; I kept a watch, and soon a noble raccoon came under the light. shot the raccoon, when Pike jumped up and called out: "Quarters, gentlemen! Quarters, gentlemen!" I took my game by the leg and threw it down by the tire: "Here, you cowardly rascal," I cried, "skin that and give us a roast for supper." The next night we reached Wyoming, and there was mucli joy to see us; we rested one day, and it being not safe to go to Northumberland by land, we procured a canoe, and with Pence and my little cousin, we descended the river by night. ; ; ; Fort Jenkins was erected in 1778, and became an important place of retreat for the settlers along the river. It appears that the fort was merely the house 210 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. of a Mr. Jenkins, barricaded and surrounded by a stockade. In September, 1780, a party of Indians from the Chillisquaque, having passed through the Fishing creek valley below Knob mountain, crossed the Summer hills through the defile of Cabin run and burned the cabin built by Aikman three years previous. Fort Jenkins had been evacuated by its garrison, who retreated to a point farther down the river. The Indians burned the fort, which was never rebuilt. In an appendix to the " Pennsylvania Archives," the following particulars concerning it are credited to a communication from Jacob Hill under date of October 2, 1855. "Its location was about twenty rods from the river, and about half the distance from the " North Branch canal. " It stood upon the very spot where my house now stands. There are no remains left above ground, but I think there might be some pieces of the logs found buried in the ground. There is a very low spot between my house and barn, which is said to have been the well inside the fort. There is also another such spot near my house, and about four rods from the former which is said to be the cellar of a house built by Jenkins; and in digging the cellar for my house my hands found a quantity of stone which I took to be the foundation of some building, among which were some brick of rather singular dimensions, four or five feet under ground. The fields in the vicinity are scattered with arrows such as Indians use." Upon the cessation of hostilities the sense of security and repose, so welcome to the weariecf settlers after the harrassing experiences of the preceding years, attracted to their depleted ranks a class of pioneers whose characteristic energy and perseverance gradually removed the traces of war and bloodshed. Alexander Aikman returned from New Jersey, whither he had removed with his family. In 1782 Benjamin Fowler, a young Englishman who had participated as a British soldier in the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown the previous year, traversed the distance fi'om New York to the Briar creek valley on horseback. Here he formed the acquaintance of a Miss Fowler, whose family had but recently entered the region. He conceived a strong attachment for her, and amid the multiplied labors of his first year on the frontier, found time to learn that his feelings were reciprocated. The marriage that ensued might be chronicled as the first in Centre township, if there had been a clergyman in the vicinity to perform the ceremony. Under the circumstances a journey was made to Reading, where the wedding was celebrated. In 1792 Frederick Hill purchased from Jenkins a tract of land embracing the location of the old fort. On the site of the original building: he erected a house and opened the Fort Jenkins hotel, then the only public house in the present limits of the county. The following year a number of families from Mount Bethel, Northampton county, attracted to the region by reports of its fertile soil, located in the valley of Briar creek. Among ihose who settled within this township were John Hoffman, Nehemiah Hutton and James Cauley. The same year Henry Hidlay, having secured the title to "Mendham," a tract "situate three miles northwest of the Susquehanna," removed his family and household goods thither in a covered wagon. These families journeyed from Easton by a road recently opened from that point to Nescopeck falls, across the Broad, Buck and Nescopeck mountains. Travel between different points along the river had increased to such an extent since the opening of the Fort Jenkins hotel, that Abram Miller, in 1799, established another. From its position midway between Bloomsburg and Berwick, it was afterward known as the Half- Way house. When a stage-line was established between Sunbury and Wilkesbarre, its land-lords became widelyknown for their hospitality and for the celerity and promptness with which an CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 211 Thomas Miller succeeded his father, exchange of horses could here be made. but the establishment reached the zenith of its prosperity under the management of Samuel Harman, who was proprietor at a period when stage travel was necessary for a large class of people. When the canal was opened, the narrow boat drawn by six horses, was regarded as a more rapid and comfortable conveyance than the coach, and received a fair degree of The decade immediately preceding the patronage during the summer months. construction of the rail-road, was the most profitable one in the finances of stage proprietors. The volume of travel was such as to give a lucrative business to sevSince the opening of the railroad in 1858 the Half- Way house eral companies. has ceased to be a place of popular resort, as the conditions under which it became such no longer exist. To the imaginative observer the quaint appearance of its broad porches still suggests the hurry and confusion of the old stage-expacket, a long, change. of Abram Miller is also associated with an early industry of Cenand one that has adapted itself to the changing characters of the circumstances under which it has been conducted. The tract purchased by him in 1799 embraced a portion of lime ridge, in which the strata of limestone were but thinly -covered by soil, and appeared in some places at the surface. This was conveyed to Quarries were opened and the stone reduced to lime. different points by means of flat-boats and wagons. A considerable portion was used in constructing the first brick buildings of Wilkesbarre. When the manufacture of iron was begun at Danville, Roaringcreek, Hemlock creek, Shickshinny and Wilkesbarre limestone for smelting purposes was obtained at this point. The canal-boat superseded the batteau as a means of transportation. The limestone was thus taken to Lackawanna in 1841, then at the head of navigation, and from there by a gravity railroad to Scranton, where it was used in considerable quantities for some years. The Millers, Abram and Thomas, operated quarries at the west end of the Centerville surface strata, John Jones its eastern, and John Knorr its central portion. Since 1854 Low Brothers have / The name tre township, controlled three-fourths of the product. The quarries are practically exhausted at sorae places, although still operated to a limited extent. The village indications on the map of Centre are somewhat misleading. Two or three locations are dignified as postoffices, where no villages are visible to the naked eye. An aggregate of dwellings variously known as Centreville and StoneyJ:own is somewhat more tangible. About 1845 several lime-kiln proprietors, desirous of securing better shipping facilities, purchased twenty-four acres of land bordering the canal. After erecting suitable wharves, the remainder of the land was disposed of to quarry hands as building sites on which some fifteen or twenty cheaply constructed dwellings were built. The name Lime Ridge applies exclusively to some half-dozen more substantial residences subsequently erected to the west of these. During the greatest activity of the lime business Centreville was a thriving hamlet, and still does considerable business, though many of its residents are now transferred from the quarries to canal-boats. Two stores, which conduct a thriving local trade, and two church buildings add to the attractiveness of the place. The denominations represented here are the Evangelical and the Methodist. The condition of the former is not as flourishing as formerly, a large proportion of the membership having moved to other points. The latter was organized in 1832 by Isaac Low, George Sloan, Henry Trembly and Aaron Boon, in a school-house at some distance from the village. Ten years later its present house of worship was built. A second structure for Methodist services was dedicated at Fowlersville, November 3, 1867. The congregations at both places are connected with the Mifflinville circuit. 212 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. The only society represented at Centreville is Centre grange, No. 56. Briarcreek Farmers Mutual Insurance Company was organized by its membership January 11, 1875, with Levi Aikman, president; Samnel Neyhard, secretary; and George Conner, treasurer. These persons have held their respective offices continuously to this time (September, 1886), and have condiicted the company's affairs through a decade of prosperous usefulness. Briarcreek Presbyterian church has existed fi"om a period compared with which the societies above mentioned are of but recent origin. Its history begins with the early settlement of the township. By indenture of August 19, 1796, Henry Hidlay conveyed to Andrew Creveling, George Espy and Conrad Adams, trustees of the Briarcreek Presbyterian society, an acre of ground for the location of a house for worship. It is probable that the latter was erected the following year, but this cannot be positively stated. The following names constitute a list of pew-holders, August 17, 1807: William Sloan, rJohn Freas, Moses Oman, William Hutchison, William Parks, Samupl Webb, Hugh Sloan, Tlie Samuel Bellas, Alexander Aikman, William Aikman, William Henderson. Benjamin Boone, Andrew Creveling, Daniel McCartey, John Kennedy, William Marr, John Bright, Samuel Creveling, James Hutchison, Joseph Brittain, Joseph Salmon, Ephraim Lewis, William Oman, Josiah McClure, James Fowler, Benjamin Fowler, John Stewart, Henry Hidlay, Levi Aikman and John Brittain. In 1792 the Presbytery of Carlisle appointed Reverend Henry to supply this congregation. Two years later, he was succeeded by Reverend John Bryson. Asa Dunham was pastor from 1798 to 1816. Reverends Henderson, Crosby, Lewers. Patterson, Bryson, Hudson, Waller, Hand, Williamson, Newell, Salmon, Melick, Dickson, Spear and Cantield have successively been the pastors of this organization. August 28, 1838, a new structure was dedicated on the foundation of the old one. In the burial ground adjoining are the graves of many of the original members. Lutheran and Reformed congregations have also worshiped in the Briarcreek church building. Reverend Isaac Shellhammer in 1816 was the first to minister to the latter. At a later date Reverend William Fox organized the former. With the Centre English Lutheran church, it forms part of Briar creek charge. Reverends Sharrets, Dim and Bergstresser were its first pastors. Whitmire Evangelical church and Briarcreek Baptist society, complete the number of religious organizations in the township. The first meeting of the former was conducted by James Fowler and Emanuel Kohe in David Fowler's house. Its first church building was erected in 1819; the second was dedicated August 29, 1880. The latter religious body was admitted to Northumberland Baptist Association in 1851, with John H. Worrell, pastor, and thirty members. It has generally been connected with the Berwick church. FORT JENKINS. site For the following interesting facts in relation on which it stood, the editor is indebted to Mr. to Fort Jenkins and the C. F. Hill, of Hazleton, at great pains to furnish the following details, not elsewhere to who has been be found in any published work: The following letter is from the Hon. Steuben Jenkins, of Wyomini^, recognized authority on early history of this portion of the state, especially of valley. He Pa., writes as follows: Wyoming, October Bear who is a Wyoming 2, 1886. Sir: In reply to yours of the 28th ultimo, I can add but little to the account of Fort Jenkins which Avill be found on pages 380, etc. of the "Appendix" to the Pennsylvania Archives. You are right in suggesting that Van Campen was " Big Indian" and his nar- CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 213 rative is a tissue of brag and falsehood, mingled with a little truth that makesjthe falsehood the greater deception. None of his statements are to be relied on. On Friday, 16th April, 1809, accompanied by Henry Woodhouse, Esq., of Wyoming, and W. W. Smith, president' of the board of county comm'rs of Luzerne county, I visited the site of Fort Jenkins. We found the site about a mile below Willow Grovestation, on the Lackawanna & Bloomsburg R. R., and just opposite the lower part of the town of Mifflinsville, on the opposite side of the river. The situation was high and dry and commanded a fine view of the country around and of the Susquehanna river, on the east. The location was beautiful and well adapted for defence. We were shown by the wife of Jacob Hill, who occupied the premises, the place of the well and one of the ditches of the fort. They are situated between the house and the barn, somewhat nearer the barn than the house. The land around it is of the first quality for farming purposes. The Hill family were not able to give us much of the history of the fort. They only knew that a family by the name of Jenkins came there before tlie revolutionarj' war, built a blockhouse, which in the early part of the war was converted into a fort; that they got tired of the place, there were so many Indians about, and built a boat and in that went off and left it, and the Hills afterward bought the place of them. After we had examined the premises around, we passed on down to upper Lime Ridge, where we fell in with an old man who gave us account of the fort and premises: Sometime before the revolutionary war, two brothers by the name of Jenkins built a blockhouse, which was afterward converted into a fort, by setting up saplings sharpened at the upper end, making a kind of stockade; that the Indians had a town on the opposite side of the river, at the mouth of a small stream; that during the war the Indians became troublesome, and under cover of an island in the river, they passed over to the island unseen, and from that point had shot and killed one of the brothers as he was down at the river. The other brother, with the women and children, got into a boat and passed down the river to Sunbury, and from there over the country to Berks countv, or Philadelphia, where they traded their title to the Fort Jenkins property to James Wilson, attorney at law, Philadelphia, who conveyed the same to Jacob Zoll, of Hamburg, Berks county, 15th of July, 1796, who conveyed the same to Frederick Hill, of Richmond, Berks county, 17th of June, .1797, the ancestor of the present owner. An entry under date of Thursday, September 14, 1780, in the journal of Lieut. John Jenkins, says: This day we heard that Fort Jenkins and Harvey's Mills were burnt.' This fort need not be confounded with 'Jenkins Fort,' in Wyoming, which was built by John Jenkins, Esq. The one at Wyoming is invariably called 'Jenkins Fort.' while the one about which I have written is invariably called Fort Jenkins." This lati,er was built as a 'blockhouse,' of hewed logs, closely laid together, and stockaded by the provincial authorities of Penns3'lvania, on land owned by James Jenkins, a merchant of Philadelphia himself and family afterward of Northumberland, Pa., at and near which place, and in Buffalo valley, they carried on merchandising, milling, farming and iron smelting. The following memoranda of title would seem to fix the dates when Jenkins obtained the land at Fort Jenkins and when he parted with it. I have in my possession a patent issued by John Penn, dated 25th Feb., 1775, in behalf of himself and Thomas Penn, for a tract of land called New Orleans,' situate on the westerly side of the N. E. Branch of Susquehanna river, county of Northumberland, beginning at a marked black oak at the side of the N. E. branch of said river; thence by Wm. Chambers' land N. 30° W. 304 perches; thence by vacant land S. 61° W. 166 perches to a pine, thence by Rev. Doctor Francis Allison's land S. 30° E. 312 perches to a white oak on the river, thence up said river to the beginning, containing 304f acres. Surveyed for Daniel Bees, 24 Oct., 1774, on warrant dated 24 Oct., 1774, who assigned to Jaines Jenkins 25 Feby., 1775." This is enough to give you dates, etc., besides what you have, and I will end this part of the case here. Hon. Samuel Freeman Headly gave me the following in reference to this " ' ' — the fort: "James Pratt was wounded at Fort Jenkins by a shot in the hip. He kept the As he was coming up from the river to the fort some person pursued him. There was a girl by the name of Utley outside of the fort milking a cow; he called to her to run ferry. for her life; she ran for the fort and arrived in it in safety; date not known. At the time of the invasion of Wyoming by the combined forces of the British tories and Indians, Capt. Clingman was in command at Fort Jenkins with a force of ninety men. He was sent for by express, the urgency and danger of the situation made known to him and his assistance with his command earnestly solicited, but he failed to respond. The force were Pennamites who felt no interest in defending the settlers, but rather were willing they should be destroyed, and so they left them to perish. Fort McClure was about a mile above the mouth of Fishing creek on the Susquehanna. Fort Jenkins was where I have stated, some six or seven miles above, and these were all the forts there were on the west side of the Susquehanna above Northumberland. Abraham Pike remained after the revolutionary war and settled in Lehman township, about 12 miles from Wilkesbarre and died a town pauper about 1834. Van Carapen had HISTOKY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 214 no farm. He settled on land under Pennsylvania, but I do not know tliat he ever owned what might be called a farm. j. .^. .^oa » My grandfather, Lieut. John Jenkins, in his diary says:— 1780, Apr. 4, " Pike and two were taken the that by Indians made their boys two and creek Fishing from men" escape by falling on the guard of ten Indians, killed three and the rest took to the woods and left the prisoners with 12 guns and about 30 blankets." Col. Franklin, April 4, says:— Pike and others returned, made their escape at Wysox on the ist; killed 3 Indians and took all their arms. Van Campeu. after describing the conflict with the Indians says, in his Falstafflan way, "Nine Indians were lying dead upon the ground." (Life, &c., of Van Campen, Page 305.) Van Campen was of Low Dutch descent and came there from Delaware river and was a neighbor of the Van Gordons, the Van Ashtines, Van Leers, etc. Two of the family were residents of this place for many years, leaving for Illinois about 1840. One Garret was a biacksmith, the other, Aaron, a general laborer. They were both great story tellers, and none too honest in general. Pike was a wanderer, settling and staying anywhere, never pretended to farm or own lands. Heave it for you to reconcile V. C. with the facts. to the fort. I would like the Jenkins surveys, deeds and title Yours respectfully. , . To . . Steuben Jenkins. C. F. Hill, Esq. Hazleton, Pa. Vacant B. O. Pine W. I'an .3043; / New .3G1. / Reese and allow. Cirleans' 'St. James'' Fort .Tonkins. Susquehanna. N. E. Branch of A draught of a tract of land called "New Orleans," situate on the westerly side of the northeast branch of the Susquehanna river, below and joining land surveyed for William Chambers in the county of Northumberland, containing three hundred and four acres and three-quarters of an acre besides the usual allowance of 6 per cent for roads, etc., surveyed the 26th day of November, 1774, for Daniel Reese in pursuance of a warrant dated the 24th dav of October, 1774. ^ r> CiiAS. Stewart, Bep. By ^ t^ c our. CENTEE TOWNSHIP. To Johu Lukeus, 215 Esqr., S. Gen'l. In testimony that the above is a true copy of the original remaining in have hereto set my hand and seal of office at Philadelphia'this 18th July, 1796. my Daniel Brodhead, The following is a brief of title to a tract of land in Centre O. Township. Columbia Co., Pa., called "New Orleans" on which js the site of Fort Jenkins. Surveyed the 21st day of October, 1774; Warrant dated 34th day of October, copy of survey herewith. New S. office I 1774. See Orleans. Patent James Jenkins dated the 25 February, 1775. In pursuance of a warrant dated the 24th October, 1774, there was surveyed for Daniel Reese a certain tract of land called "New Orleans," situate on the westerly side of the north east branch of Susquehanna river in the county of Northumberland. Beginning at a marked Black Oak at the side of the north east branch of the Susquehanna river, thence by William Chambers' laud north thirty degrees west three hundred and four perches to a marked Black Oak, thence by vacant land south sixty-one degrees west one hundred and sixty-six perches to a marked pine, thence by the Reverend Doctor Francis Allison's land south thirty degrees east three hundred and twelve perches to a marked White Oak at the side of the aforesaid branch, thence up along the side of said branch to the place of beginning, containing three hundred and four acres and three quarters and allowance, etc., under one penny per acre to Penn's. Daniel Reese by deed dated same day conveyed to James Jenkins. lurolled in Pat Book A. A. 15, page 107, the 27th Feby.. 1775. St. .Tames. Patent James Jenkins dated 25lh Feby., 1775. Inrolled in Pat. Book A A 15 naee'lOS ^ ^ the 27th Feby., 1775. Warrant dated 24th October, 1774, to William Chambers, a certain tract of land called St. James, situate on the westerly side of the north east branch of Susquehanna river in the county of Northumberland, beginning at a marked Red Oak at the side of the north east branch of Susquehanna river, thence by Philip Johnston's land and vacant land north thirty degrees, west three hundred and twelve perches to a marked White Oak, thence by vacant land south sixty-one degrees, west one hundred and sixty-eight perches to a marked Black Oak, thence by Daniel Reese land south thirty degrees, east' three hundred and four perches to a marked Black Oak at the side of the north-east branch aforesaid, thence up along the side of the said river one hundred and sixty-nine perches to the place of beginning, containing three hundred and three acres and three quarters and allowances, ' ' ' ' etc. Wm. Chambers by deed dated 24 Oct., 1774, granted to Philip Johnston. Philip Johnston by deed dated 25th Feby. instant granted the same with appurtenances unto James Jenkins in Fee under One penny per acre. I do hereby certifv the above to be true extracts taken from the records this 14th day of July, 1796, for Nath. Irwin, Esq., M. R. (Seal.) C. Hunt. InroUment office of Pennsylvania. Daniel Rees of the county of Philada 1 Deed Poll | to James Jenkins city of y in of the Philada Merchant. D»ted Feby 25th in behalf of himself and Thos Northumberland County, | J 1775. Witnesses Phil Johnston John Penn Consideration 100 £ a certain warrant obtained out of the Proprietary's land office for 300 acres more or less on the North East Branch of the Susquehanna and below and joining lands granted to William Chambers Wm. 1 New Orleans, [ J James Jenkins, and^Phebe, his wife of the county of Lancas- 1 | ter Pa. (^ Philadelphia Attorney. Tract of Land called ! Penn Patent to James Jenkins. Gentleman. Deed to James Wilson of the city Gray. j of \ J Dated 25 Feby 1775. July 27th 1781. Tract Land called New Orleans 304f acres Consideration 500 Pounds. Acknowledged before the Hon. William A Atlee one of the Justices of the Supreme Court of Pa Auo- 24 1781. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 216 Witnesses Stephen Chambers, Morgan Jenkins. Recorded in Northumberland County Oct 13 1781 Book James Wilson and Hannah his wife Deed to Jacob ZoU of Hamburgh Windsor Township county of Berks, Yeoman. Jacob Zoll 1 ^ | J "1 Frederick Hill of county of Berks, Pa. Yeoman. Two [_ in the said | | tracts page 286. 1796. of land New Orleans And St. James, * 400 acres. Dated June Two to Richmond township Date July loth B 17tli 1797. tracts of land the whole of tract called New Orleans 804| acres and part of the tract called St. James in all 400 acres. Consideration of 3500 Pounds Gold and Silver. J Witnesses Joseph Hoch, John Spyker. Acknowledged before James Diemer one of the Judges of the Common Pleas of Berks County Pa. June 20th 1797. Recorded on Northumberland County in deed Book K page 66 &c Jan. 33 1798. The following is a copy of a legal opinion given to Frederick Hill of his purchase from Judge Wilson, and evidently relates to the purchase of the Fort Jenkins Tract. "Frederick Hill, the purcluiser of a tract of land in Northumberland county the title of which is derived from Judge Wilson generally asks my opinion whether or not judgments against said Wilson can affect the aforesaid tract of land? ~ " To this I answer, " 1. That judgments against Mr. Wilson in the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia cannot. "3. That judgments in the supreme court of Pennsylvania against Mr. Wilson upon action brought within the original jurisdiction of said court cannot. "3. That judgments confessed in Northumberland county or generally judgments rendered in said county will bind the land aforesaid. "4. That judgments upon actions removed from any county into the supreme court will also bind the said land. " But as Mr. Wilson has constantly resided in Philadelphia it is not probable that judgments of the 3rd and 4th description have been rendered against him, therefore, I think Mr. Hill safe in his purchase. June 3rd 1797. (signed) Jno. Spayd." Frederick Hill settled upon the site of Fort Jenkins in 1797 about seventeen years after the fort had been destroyed by the Indians. He was the son of Leonard Hill of near Kutztown, Berks county Pa. and was married to Catherine Connor a sister to John Connor the tanner, of Briarcreek. good home had been built on the site of the destroyed fort by Judge Wilson to which Frederick Hill built a large addition and opened the Fort Jenkins Hotel, which he conducted until his death in 1823. In the year 1807 he was appointed a captain of the 6th company 113th Regt. Second Brigade of Ninth DivisHis commission bears ion of the Militia of the counties of Northumberland and Luzerne. date August the 3rd 1807, and was issued by the second governor of the State of Pennsylvania, Governor Thomas McKean. It is not known that a muster roll of Captain Frederick Hill's company is in existence although efforts have been made to find one; the following is a copy of a report found among his papers which gives the names of a number of persons who belonged to his company. " Absendees of Capn. Freaderick Hills Company the 113Regemont of Northumberland County Millitea Commanded by CoUonel Leonard Ruppert for not Attending Muster Fild Days in October 1807. — A & /-^-^-^ ^.^^^ FISHINGCEEEK TOWNSHIP. • 219 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 220 The division line between Fishin 1840 upon the ei-ection of Orange. ingcreek and Briarcreek became a topic of heated discussion, as the question at issue involved the making of roads over the Lee and Huntington mountains, and through the intervening Shickshinny valley. The northern or HuntingKnob mountain referred to in the ton range was finally decided to be the Huntington township, Luzerne description of the line as originally located. county, adjoins Fishingcreek on the east. There is a general similarity in the topography of both these townships, While thebut the circumstances of their settlement were widely difPerent. Connecticxtt Susquehanna Land Company was populating the region at the head waters of Huntington creek, the land speculator, the squatter and the settler were gradually possessing the valley at its lower course, and secui'ing^ Connecticut settitles from the proprietary and commonwealth governments. of their native state to the section east steady habits tlers transplanted the of the Luzerne county line; the pronounced Pennamite proclivities of their neighbors on the opposite side of the line appeared in marked contrast. It was not until the former had appeared in some numbers that settlement In the summer of 1783 Daniel in Fishingcreek township actually began. McHenry became the first settler in the valley of Fishing creek above OrangeOriginally a native of Ireland, and successively resident in New Jersey ville. and near Milton, on the " West Branch," he secured the title to a tract of land above the present location of Stillwater on the representation of a brother who was connected with the land office. He visited his purchase in 1783, carrying The gun with him a gun, axe, hoe and provisions sufficient to last six weeks. afforded protection from the dangers of the unexplored forest; the blows of his axe and the crash of falling trees re-echoed through its dark recesses; and when the work of clearing a small plot had been accomplished, the woodsman and hunter became farmer as well, and used his hoe in planting Indian corn, drawing the loose earth into a small mound and depositing the grains Mr. McHenry removed his family to their therein after the Indian custom. new home the following year (1784); and here, September 13, 1785, John McHenry was born. This was the first birth of a white child in this county north of Knob mountain. Abram The second family to enter this township appeared in 1786. Dodder, from Muncy, having bought the confiscated lands of Mr. Bartram, scrip at six cents per acre, removed thither and located on a tory, with Huntington creek at the mouth of Pine creek. His father came two years he died in 1790, and was buried in the Dodder later and settled near his son cemetery near Jonestown. So far as known this was the first death and burial of a white person in this section. Ludwig Smith removed from Berks county about 1800 and settled on Huntington creek adjoining the county line. A Mr. Craig, a former neighbor, continued to be such by occupying an adjoining tract. Henry Yaple, from Montgomery county, arrived in 1796, and Sebastian Kisner, a The former was a veteran of the revolutionary war. He was few years later. one of five brothers whose term of service was four years and nine months. Captain Weidman, his former commanding officer, owned land in this section, and transferred it to him at a merely nominal price. Sebastian Kisner removed from one of the lower counties and located on Huntington creek near Ludwig Smith in 1808. John M. Buckalew settled on the farm now owned by John M. Buckalew, Jr. Samuel Creveling and Samuel Cutter entered the change ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ; township in 1810 Richard Brown, Benjamin Jones and John Paden became Subsequent settlement has gradually same time. residents about the extended until the township has become quite as thickly populated as its agricult; . nSHINGCEEEK TOWNSHIP. 2'21 Benjamin Jones and Richard Brown built a gristural resources permit. John M. Buckalew operated a mill on Huntington creek in 1810 and 1811. saw mill in 1808. A woolen mill was established about 1820 by Kennedy on Little Pine creek. It has long since ceased to be operated, and Fishing creek continues to be an exclusively farming district. The antagonism between the Yankee and Pennamite was expressed in the selection of a name for the first post-office. It was strenuously averred by the latter that the stream known as Huntington creek (named in honor of a certain governor of Connecticvit) was the east branch of Fishing creek, and should Accordingly the post-office of Fishingcreek was be know by that designation. The name has not, established in 1815 with Benjamin Jones as post-master. however, received popular sanction. The stream will continue to be Huntington creek as long as it has an existence. Fishingcreek was at this time the only intermediate post-office on a mailroute of which Shickshinny and Jerseytown were the terminal points. The next postoffices, at Stillwater and Pealertown, were established about ISrlO by James McHeni-y and Daniel Pealer, respectively. Daniel McHenry succeeded to the Pealertown was changed to former in 1854: and is tie present incumbent. Forks in 1855, v^hen Bernard Ammerman became postmaster. It was reestablished under its former name in 1801; ten years later, J. M. Ammerman again became postmaster, and has continued the office to the present time under Van Camp post-office was established in October, 1857, its old name of Forks. He has held this position since then with George M. Howell as postmaster. continuously. Mail was first received by this route from Bloomsburg to Cambra. Runy on post-office was opened January 8, 1886, at the village of Asbury. Various names were suggested by the citizens, and successively rejected by the department. The name finally accepted is that of an ex-soldier and former resident of the village. Jonestown derived some importance from its position on the old turnpike. In connection with the latter it may be stated that John M. Buckalew graded one mile for the sum of three hundred and fifty dollars; and that, although the prerogative of collecting tolls fi'om the travel on this road has not been exercised by the Susquehanna and Tioga Turnpike Road Company for years, it has not forfeited its corporate existence. Moreover, an item of some thousands of dollars invested in this road by appropriation of the legislature, Asbury aspired to becoming the busistill appears in the assets of the state. ness center of the township, but the equally accessible positions of Stillwater and Pealertown prevented any one of them from reaching that distinction. Forks, Ikelertown and Bendertown also rejoice "in that strange spell, a name. " Christopher Pealer taught the first school in this township in connection with his occupation of weaving. Jonathan Colloy taught in a building erected for school purposes at Pealertown. A similar structure was also built near the location of Zion church. In 1885 Fishingcreek supported nine schools for a term of six months. The average attendance of pupils is about two hundred — and forty- nine. The establishing of the first churches in this section was contemporary with the appearance of the different denominations in other parts of the country. The first services of a religious character were conducted by John and Christopher Bowman, Methodist Episcopal clergymen from Briarcreek. These services were held at the house of Al)ram Dodder, but the time at which they began cannot be definitely determined. In 1812 the names of seven of this family appear on a list of the membership of the Southold Huntington church. Preaching was continued at Dodder's until school -houses were built. The Jonestown Methodist church building was erected in 1880. 222 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. John Andrews, Martin Andrews, Albert Ammerman and others removed from Rush township, Northumberland county, in 1836 and at once made arrangements for the holding of religious services by the Methodist itinerant clergyin charge of Berwick circuit. The first meetings were held men who were then at John Andi-ews' house, on the road from Asbury to Huntington. Subsequently, a schoolhouse west of Asbury was occupied. The church building was erected in 1848, Reverends John Tongue and William Gwinn being pastors at that time. The name of the founder of American Methodism was conferred upon the church previously organized, at the suggestion of John Andrews. The Stillwater church organization was being effected about this time in the house of Alexis Good, which stood on the bank of Fishing creek some distance fi'om that village. The meetings of the class were afterward held in the school-house at Stillwater. The corner-stone of a church edifice at that place was laid July 4, 1880. Both these churches are included in the Orangeville circuit. The following with reference to Reformed churches in this township, is presented through the courtesy of Reverend A. Houtz, who has been in charge of Orangeville pastorate for some years, and has collated valuable data regarding the introduction of that denomination into this section: Occasionally, in the latter part of his ministry (18'20-1822), Reverend Jacob Deiffenbach preached in private houses and in a school-house located where the old Pealer and Bellas graveyard is in Fishingcreek township. Tradition says he was a fine German preacher and an excellent singer. After his death Reverend John Nicholas Zeiger, who resided below Wilkesbarre, preached here from perhaps 1822 to 1825. His son occasionally filled his appointments. About the year 1825 there was a Lutheran Reformed church built at New Columbus. The Reformed congregation moved their place of worship to this church and procured the services of Reverend Isaac Shellhammer. Here they worshiped till 1840, 'when they moved to the Creveling cross-roads school-housa. Here they remaimed till 1852. The St. James church being now completed, they occupied iit and have continued there ever since. While the congregation was worshiping at the cross-roads school-house, the desire for some English preachings was expressed on the part of a few members. Accordingly Reverend H. Funk, who had already been preaching at the old log church where the present St. Gabriel church stands, was secured and he became the regular English pastor while Reverend Isaac Shellhammer remained their German pastor. They continued thus to have two regular pastors till the close of Reverend I. Shellhammer' s pastorate in 1858, when the transition from the German to the English language was completed. Rev. W. Goodrich became the immediate successor of Reverend H. Funk in 1854, and served this congregation with great acceptance and success till 1865. During his pastorate of this congregation he baptized sixty- seven and confirmed sixty-four. In the spring of 1866 Reverend E. B. Wilson took charge of his congregation and served them till 1868, during which time he baptized fifteen and confirmed eight. On the 1st of August, 1869, Reverend A. Houtz took charge of the congregation, and up to the present time (1881) baptized fifty-seven and confirmed sixty-one. In December, 1878, this congregation was incorporated under the title of St. James Reformed Church and adopted the constitution recommended by General Synod. " Thus the St. James congregation, at first like a tenant, moved from one place to another until it finally settled down permanently in its present house In its progress it has absorbed kindred interests and elements, of worship. and nowhas the form of a solid phalanx. Its membership is composed of sub' ' , ' FISHINGCREEK TOWNSHIP. 223 aud devout in their worship. Here Here are found unity of feeling, singleness of purpose, and great church attachment. Here parents generally bring their children to their church, have them baptized, catechized and confirmed. Here stantial material. all, from the all are attentive least to the greatest, sing. The members of this congregation are noted for their liberal support of their pastor and benevolent objects, also for their attendance; those coming three and four miles are as regular as those living near. This is a model congregation, and has commended itself to the observing and unprejudiced community. Within the last four years the congregation added a number of improvements to their church Ibuilding, and surrounded the graveyard with a neat picket fence." He thus speaks of Zion Reformed congregation: " The first regular Reformed service in this neighborhood was held in 1842 by Reverend D. S. Tobias in the old Stucker school-ho\ise located where the Zion graveyard is in Fishingcreek township. Previous to this time the few Reformed families in this locality worshiped either at the old IVIcHenry log church, located a short disIn the tance west of Orangeville, or at the old log church at New Columbus. winter of 1843, or about that time, Reverend Tobias was assisted by one RevThere lieing good sleighing erend Loader in holding a protracted meeting. As the school-house the people came from near and far in great sled loads. was too small they obtained permission to hold their service in the old church at Stillwater. After occupying this church one week, they were denied further During this privilege, and they were obliged to return to the school-house. revival a number made a profession of religion who subsequently became the virtual founders of the Zion congregation. This Stucker school-house continued from 1842 to 1857 as a preaching point, and the congregation, without church organization, was served by Reverends D. S. Tobias. H. Funk aud W. Goodrich. On the 17th of February, 1857, the Zionchiu'ch was dedicated, and on the following Saturday the Zion congregation was organized with thirty members: They were principally from Orangeville and St. James congregations. ' Stillwater Christian church (Disciples) was among the first of that denomIn 1835 Reverends John ination established in this section of the country. Ellis, J. J. Harvey and John Sutton associated themselves together to propagate its doctrines, and established preaching places from Union county to Luzerne. Mr. Sutton visited Stillwater at the request of certain persons there residing and preached occasionally during the two succeeding years. The success which attended his work was such that in 1838 a monthly appointment was begun and sustained. In compliance with the general desire of his people he made his residence among them. The material of an old log school house was purchased, and when rebuilt constituted the first parsonage in this region. On Friday, August 10, 1838, Reverends Sutton, Richards, Harvey, Philips and McConnell inaugurated a protracted meeting. It continued for some days, resulting in twenty conversions. Sabbath, Atigust 17, three persons were baptized; the ceremony was again performed four weeks later and twelve more accessions were made to the church. The interest in the revival culminated 8, 1838, when, after a sermon by Reverend J. S. Thompson, an organization was effected with twenty-nine members. The design of the organization is thus expressed: " That the believers in Christ may the better support the truth and in a united capacity let their light shine as a city set upon a hill that cannot be hid that they may watch over each other for good and not for evil; that they may meet together and improve the gift that God has given them, exhorting and teaching, comforting and strengthening each other in the December ; HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 224 faith of the gospel; and that they may thus grow up together, an holy temAugust 11, -1839, Moses McHenry and ple in the Lord, their living Head." Benjamin Morriss were deputed to present to the Pennsylvania Christian Conference a request for admission into that body. August 26, 1841, and August The discussions on both occasions 80, 1861, that body met with this church. resulted in disseminating their doctrines and strengthening the church. October 23, 1842, the lirst house of worship was dedicated. Reverends Rodenbaugh, The last service was held here May Hance, Miller and Sutton being present. A new structure marks the site of its predecessor. The following 27, 1877. elders have been regularly in charge of this chiu'ch: John Sutton, Theobald Miller, Jacob Rodenbaugh, J. J. Harvey, J. G. Noble, Zephaniah Ellis, E. E. Orvis and D. M. Kinter. It has been for years the religious center of this denomination in this region. CHAPTER XL SUGARLOAF AND BENTON TOWNSHIPS. SUGARLOAF. AN interesting and peculiar characteristic of the population in the extreme northern part of Columbia county is the tenacity with which the descendants of the original settlers have remained in the locality of their birth, while the Qu.aker settlers in the valley of Roaring creek and at Catawissa, with others of a different nationality and faith north of the Susquehanna, have been supplanted to such an extent that their family names are in many instances no longer represented. The larger proportion of the population of this section descended from those hardy pioneers who first reclaimed its soil for civiliThe passing years have witnessed the appearance of successive generzation. ations of Hesses, Coles, Kiles, Fritzes and McHenrys, apparently well content to remain where their ancestors had lived and where the circumstances of birth had placed them. One hundred years ago there lived in Williams township, Northampton county, a wealthy fanner whose name was John J. Godhard. He was an EngHis wife had died lishman, a patriot and a member of the Episcopal church. previous to the time at which this history commences, leaving her unfortunate husband to support, protect and educate a large family of daughters. If any part of the skill in the culinary arts displayed by their descendants in this section has been inherited from them, it may be correctly inferred that their education was rather useful and serviceable in its character than ornamental and liberal, while the symbol of an unknown quantity, which appears as their respective signatures to an old deed, affords additional evidence to the same effect. The custom of the period, as well as a virtual expedienc)'^ in this case, constrained the father to consent to early matrimonial alliances for his children, and thus relieve himself in a measure from the exercise of that care and solicitude of which they had always been the recipients, but which could not always The son-in-law who particube extended in view of the casualties of life. larly concerns this sketch was William Hess, while four grand-daughters of Mr. Godhard became respectively the wives of Philip Fritz, Christian Laubach, is 225 SUGARLOAF TOWNSHIP, With the exception of Mr. Fritz, who was enEzekiel Cole and John Kile. in business in Philadelphia, they were all engaged in farming in Williams and Forks townships, both of which border upon the Delaware river, A considerable part of the area while the Lehigh forms a mutual boundary. diy lands, which are not remarkably fertile though of both consists of the gaged ' ' ' ' fairly productive. There was a strong tide of emigration fi'om this section of country Berks and Northampton counties in Pennsylvania, and the contiguous portion of New North Jersey on the opposite side of the Delaware to the lower valley of the Branch." It was a hazardous undertaking for those who inaugurated this movement; but, relying on the favorable nature of their reports, those who followed could do so with much more certainty and satisfaction. Among this number was John Godhard. He sold his plantation on the Lehigh some time prior to 1789, and invested the proceeds in a tract of much greater extent at the It appears that this purchase was made at the head-waters of Fishing creek. The former had seriously iminstance of Philip Fritz and William Hess. paired his health by too close application to business, and wished to seek its recovery by engaging in other pursuits. The latter had a family of twelve sons and six daughters, for whose maintenance the limits of their farm on the dry seemed far too contracted. There were other members of Mr. Godlands hard' s family and those among his neighbors who were also interested in the new country, the security of which, since the fortunate issue of the late war, seemed to invite immigration. It was prudently resolved to personally investigate the advantages claimed for this region before finally deciding to make it Accordingly Mr. Godhard and those of his family already mentheir home. — — ' ' ' ' ' ' tioned by name, with William Coleman, Matthias Rhone, Benjamin Coleman and others of their neighbors, made a jom-ney on horseback to the valley of They explored that stream from mouth to source, minutely Fishing creek. examining the quality of soil, character of the land with regard to water, and This latter cirthe diflPerent varieties of timber which constituted its forests. cumstance was regarded as an infallible criterion of the other two, indicating the presence of a fertile or a sterile soil, and affecting the permanent character The price uniformly asked for lands was two dollars of the springs of water. an acre. It is hardly necessary to acquaint the reader with their final decision, which seems unaccountable at the present day. It must be borne in mind, however, that the river could not confer a great degree of benefit as a highway of traffic upon a region for whose productions there was no market; while the canal and railroads which parallel its course had scarcely an existence in the most progressive minds. The best judgment of the prospective settlers directed them to the region at present known as Sugarloaf and Benton townships as one of fertile soil, equable climate and abundant game. The following year (1 792 in all probability) the actual immigration occurred. The route pursued was the Susquehanna and Lehigh road from Easton to NesIn their progress up Fishing falls, laid out by Evan Owen in 1787. copeck creek they passed a few houses in the vicinity of Light Street, one at OrangeWilliam ville, the Klines above the Knob, and Daniel McHeniy at Stillwater. Hess owned a tract of land four miles in length, extending fi-om Coles mills to North mountain. He built a log cabin near a small spring, the site of which His sons, George, John, Anvis on land in possession of Andrew Laubach. drew, Tobias, Conrad, Frederick, Henry and Jacob took up their residences John in the valley of the creek above their father in the order of their names. Kile and Ezekiel Cole located in the immediate vicinity of William Hess. Christian Laubach settled at first in Montour township (then Mahoning) prior ( HISTORY OP COLUMBIA COUNTY. 226 and about two years thereafter removed to Sugarloaf township. John G. Laubach, his grandson, has succeeded to his land. When Leonard Rupert, the near neighbor of Christian Laubach in Montour township, had returned from assisting to move his effects to the North mountain country, he is reputed as saying that that region was certainly at the end of the world. Whether it was or not, Philip Fritz followed his relatives thither in 1795 and took possession of Fritz' s Hill. Jonathan Robbins arrived in the same year from Bethlehem township, Huntingdon county, New Jersey. He located upon land now owned by David Lewis and planted an orchard at that place with seeds brought from his former home. Two brothers of Mr. Robbins, Daniel and John, also settled to 1795, ' ' ' ' Godfrey Dilts and William Bird, from New Jersey, David and Jacob Herrington from New York, became residents of this section at a later period. James Seward, Jesse Hartman, James A. Pennington, Ezekiel Shultz, William Shultz and others have crossed from Fairmount township, LuThe population of Sugarloaf in 1800 consisted of the Hesses, zerne county. Kiles, Laubachs, Robbins and Coles. Excepting a comparatively small element of the inhabitants the same remark applies equally well to-day. The North mountain country has always sustained an excellent reputation among the patrons of gun and rod. The Fishing creeks and their numerous tributaries were literally alive with trout, if the stories of old residents may be credited. The successful angler was not, as now, an exceptional personage nor was The chase was pursued the shooting of a deer or bear an unusual occurrence. by some for adventure and by others for profit, while with the majority of hunters the two motives were combined. An incident of more than ordinary interest at the time occurred in the winter of 1836, and forcibly illustrates a phase of hunting experience of which it can be stated that there has not been At this time much of Sugarloaf township a similar occurrence in this region. was a wilderness, and game of all kinds was plenty. A deep snow fell in February, and after successively thawing and freezing, a crust was formed on the surface, which, as it was not strong enough to bear the weight of either deer or hunters, greatly impeded the progress of the former, while it placed the latter at no serious disadvantage. On a morning in the month of March, John Hoover, John Harp and Joseph Dugan, residents in Luzerne county, crossed over into Columbia on a hunting excursion. They traveled all day, and became so fatigued and exhausted that but one of their number, John Harp, was able W'hen he found that his to exercise himself sufficiently to keep warm. comrades could go no farther he left, them to seek assistance and finally reached the house of Robert Moore, to whom he made known their unfortunate con1VL-. Moore started with dition, but was unable to conduct him to them. food and stimulants and reached the perishing men by following Mr. Harp' tracks. Hoover was able to eat and drink, but Dugan was not. Both were unable to walk, and as Mr. Moore could not carry them himself he was obliged When he returned, Dugan was not to leave them in order to get assistance. He expired soon able to speak, although he still showed faint signs of life. The after being removed to Seward's tavern, but his comrade recovered. place where the men lay in the snow was a few rods west of where Alem White in this region. ; now lives. An instance of how two planters gratified their feelings of revenge, quite natural under the circumstances, and were well remunerated for so doing, occurred at an earlier date. The object of their vengeance on this occasion was a panther, and this animal in general seemed to have been most destructive in its incursions upon the cattle and sheep of the farmers. Frederick and Henry Hess found one of their cattle mangled by one of these unwelcome visitors, and took SUGABLOAF TOWNSHIP. 227 prompt action to punish tlie marauder. A steol trap was baited, and on thefollowing morning the brothers had the satisfaction of seeing this wily thief successfully ensnared. It was beyond the county line that the trap had been set; in order to secure the bounty of ten dollars, a crotched stick with a noose attached was thrust over the neck of the brute, which dragged the trap, nolens volens, a mile or farther into Sugarloaf township, and was then killed. John McHenry was the most famous representative of that class of hunters who were such as much from practical considerations as fi'om a keen enjoyment of the Born in 1785, he shot his first deer at the age of thirteen years, and chase. his last seventy years afterward, having killed in that time upwards of twothousand deer and a number of wolves, panthers, bears and smaller game. He took pleasure in recounting the varied experiences of his life, and was urged The old gentleman failed to have them compiled into a connected biography. to comprehend the interest such reminiscences would possess, and only replied that it might help young hunters. He preferred the 'still hunt, and could pursue the game with a stealth, caution and cunning rarely equaled. The only instance in which he admitted that his life was endangered was in an encounter with a bear at a narrow defile in the mountains. The brute had received the contents of one barrel of his gun, but was only infuriated by the wound. Rising upon his haiiDches he advanced upon the hunter in a threatening manner. IVIr. McHenry took aim with his usual precision, but to his surprise and discomfiture, the gun missed fire. He threw the weapon aside and advanced with his tomahawk for a life or death struggle with his dangerous foe. Several well aimed blows dispatched him, and his glossy coat was added to the trophies of his veteran antagonist. The latter, with numerous other professional hunters, spent several months of each year in the woods. They preserved the salable portions of the deer they had killed, usually by suspending them some distance from the ground on stout saplings bent over for that purpose. The saddles were collected and hauled to Philadelphia, where they were converted into money or such supplies as were needed in The households. back country mutual confidence placed in each other by these hunters, in thus leaving their game exposed and unprotected for days and weeks, suggests thoughts of a practical honesty which is not universally characteristic of human nature. The chase did not so completely absorb the energies of the people as to leave no time for the pursuits of a farming community. Agricultural implements were simple in construction, serviceable, durable and easily replaced. It may siirprise certain of the present generation to learn that much of the land was first broken with wooden plows, manufactured at the smithy and carpenter shop in the neighborhood. The first step in the transition to the present construction of the plow was the substitution of an iron point for one of wood, and the addition of a coulter to further strengthen the implement. Subsequently the wooden mould board was covered with sheet iron, which was regarded as a great improvement. John Knopsnyder was an expert workman in making plows. His services were not required for pitch-forks and harrows, which every farmer could make for himself. Grain drills and cultivators datetheir introduction from a comparatively recent period. The general status of Sugarloaf township as a farming region has been greatly elevated within tho past few years. A Grange is well sustained, and numbers among its membership the most progressive farmers of the region. Buckwheat is a staple agricultural product, and the flour manufactured here is well-known in various, sections of the country. Cole's mill was built some time in the last decade of the last century. The summer of the previous year was extremely dry. Vegetation suffered and ' ' ' * ' ' ' ' ' ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 228 There was at this small streams were literally absorbed by the intense heat. The volume time a mill on a branch of Hvintingdon creek in Luzerne county. of water in that stream was reduced to such an extent that the mill could not Catawissa thus became the nearest milling point, and continued be operated. The such during the following winter, which was one of unusual severity. farmers at the head-waters of Fishing creek resolved to have a mill, and they Four generations of Coles have successively owned the mill of that got it. Like name, and as many difPerent structures have occupied its original site. the Irishman's knife, which received a new handle one year and a new blade the next, but still continued "the same ould knife," the Cole's mills of to-day are nominally identical with the Cole's mills of nearly a century ago. A circiimstance in this connection illustrates the manner of laying out roads While Ezekiel Cole was building the fi-amework of his mill at this period. with a sound of axe, chisel and hammer, quite unusual in the quiet depths of the forest, a party of hunters from Huntingdon heard the noise from a neighboring mountain (or hill, in deference to popular usage), and descended to asThey were agreeably surprised to see the almost completed certain its cause. structure, and returned in a few weeks with their ox-teams and sled loads of No serious delays occurred in crossing the country, although it was grain. They avoided ravines and water covered with a hitherto unbroken forest. courses as much as possible, as the dense undergrowth and heavy timber there found would have greatly hindered their progress. They ascended hills by the steepest way if that was the most direct route to the summit, as there was then less danger of upsetting, and the view from the eminence thus gained aided The axe was used in removing obstacles where it was in directing their course. absolutely necessary; corduroy roadways were constructed in marshy places; and thus the first road eastward through Sugarloaf was laid out. It need It was traveled exhardly be stated that it was hilly to a remarkable degree. tensively for many years, but finally gave place to an easier and more direct The ox- teams have also been superseded to a great extent. People route. usually traveled on horseback to weddings, venison dinners, church, and in The carriage of the period would correspond attending other social occasions. " to the spring wagon of the present, excepting the springs, which were " D Elliptic shaped, seasoned white oak, and placed directly under the seat. The next springs were introduced about 1840 and at once became popular. addition to the traveling facilities of this region will far surpass anything in When the railroads under conthat direction that has yet been attempted. struction have been completed, the unrestricted development of farm, forest and mountain, will work such changes as must be relegated to the future his- torian for discussion. Herrington' s Foundry was established by Newton R. Herrington in August, 1866. The building is 26x50 feet, and they originally made sled shoes and plows. In 1882 a saw-mill was built in connection by the same party, and now they make plows, sled shoes, mill gearing, bells, shingles, etc. The capacity of the shingle and circular saw-mill is 4,000 to 5,00(3 shingles per day, if kept busy. Here they intend to continue the business in all its branches, and the place will be known as Pioneer Station, Coles Creek. While the past has witnessed gratifying progress in the material prosperity of the people, their educational advantages have correspondingly increased. Philip Fritz taught the first school in Sugarloaf township in a log building which marked the site of Saint Gabriel's church. The first house for school The public school system was established purposes was built on West creek. in 1837 with John Laubach, William Roberts, Matthias Appelman, Henry H. SUGARLOAF TOWNSHIP. 229 Eighty-eight Fritz, Samiiel Krickbaiim and William E. Koberts as directors. Two schools were started, Hess' and voters were present at the election. In 1885 there were seven schools in the township. Cole's creek. There are three post-offices in Sugarloaf Cole's Creek, Guava and Central. Central was established in 1836 under the name of Campbell, through the exUpon his removal the office was discontinued ertions of a doctor of that name. Joshua B. until 1850, when Peter Hess was commissioned as postmaster. Hess succeeded to that position in 1861, Henry Hess in 1876, and Elijah Hess in 1886. Cole's Creek was formerly known as Sugarloaf. Ezekiel Cole, Alinas Cole, Benjamin Cole and Norman L. Cole have successively been incum- — Guava was established May 11, 1883, at Andrew Laubents as postmasters. He has continued in charge of the office. These points are on bach's store. the mail route from Benton to Laporte, Sullivan county. While the industrial, social and educational character of the people was being formed, religious bodies were assuming a permanent and influential condition. The Sugarloaf log church was the only structure of its kind in the two It was begun in townships during the first fifty years after their settlement. 1810 and finished two years later, though not dedicated until July 15, 1828, when Right Reverend Henry M. Onderdonk performed the ceremony of conThe secration agreeably to the ritual of the Protestant Episcopal church. following names appear in An account of the subscribers to the building of " Saint Gabriel's church on a settlement had on the 26th day of December, 1812: Caleb Hopkins, W^illiam AVood, Ezekiel Cole, Matthias Rhone, James Peterman, John Keeler, Philii? Fritz, Jacob Cough, Conrad Hess, Henry Fritz, Uriah McHenry, John Kile, William Ozborne, George Hess, William Hess, Sr., Daniel Stone, Jacob Hess, John McHenry, Tobias Hess, John Knopsnyder, Andrew Hess, Cornelius Coleman, Frederick Hess, John Roberts, John Hess, Daniel Robbins, Levi Priest, George Rhone, Jonathan Robbins, William Edgar, Benjamin Coleman, Abraham Kline, Sr. Jacob Rine, Conrad Laubach, Peter Yocum, Abraham W^hiteman, William Hess, Jr., Samuel Musselman, Paul Hess, Jonathan Robbins, Henry Hess, William Waldron, William Yorks, Christian Pouts, Edward Roberts, Casper Chrisman, Emanuel W^hiteman, Daniel McHenry, Jesse Pennington, John Emery, William Willson. Thomas Miller, Frederick Harp, Benjamin Stackhouse, Silas Jackson, John Whiteman •and Jacob Whiteman. The structure was built of hewn pine logs, with galleries around three sides of the interior. After being occupied sixty-four years as a place of worship it was burned to the ground on Palm Sunday, April 9, 1876. It was jointly owned by Presbyterians, Episcopalians and Lutherans. The Episcopal chui'ch organization was effected July 1, 1812, when Christian Laubach and James Peterman were chosen wardens and William Willson, Jacob Rine, John Roberts and Matthew Rhone were constituted the vestry. Reverends Caleb Hopkins, Eldridge, Benjamin Hutchins, James De Pui, Burns, George C. Deake, Harding and John Rockwell have been connected with this church as regular pastors. On Easter Monday, April 17, 1876, a meeting of the congregation was held in the grove to consider ways and means for the rebuilding of Saint Gabriel's. Reverend John Hewitt of Bloomsburg presided, and Jacob H. Fritz was chosen secretary. On motion Thomas B. Cole, John Moore, Montgomery Cole, Benjamin Cole and John Swartwout were constituted a building committee. The corner-stone of the new structm'e was laid May 23, 1876. A number of clergymen was present, and Colonel John G. Freeze delivered an eloquent address. The dedication occurred May Reverend T. F. Caskey, now in charge of 1, 1877, Bishop Howe officiating. the American chapel. Dresden, preached on this occasion. Saint Gabriel's is Ihe only Protestant Episco]>al j^arish within a radius of twenty miles. ' ' ' ' ' ' , HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 230 Three other denominations, the Church of Christ (Disciples), Methodist Elders John Episcopal and Methodist Protestant are also represented. Ellis, J. J. Harvey and John Sutton introduced the doctrines of the sect first mentioned in the autumn of 1836, when they held a protracted meeting in It resulted in a number of conversions; four persons, Hess' school-house. John Kile, Richard Kile, Kebecca Cole and Sarah Steadman were baptized These were the first near Guava on the 8th day of December, 1836. accessions to this faith in Columbia county. In 1855 Elijah Fulmer, a local Methodist Episcopal preacher, conducted A number of persons a revival at the school -house near Central post-office. were converted and a class was formed. Ten years later, during the pastorate of the Reverend John A. DeMoyer at Berwick, he conducted a protracted efThis was fort, and at its close began to agitate the building of a church. forthwith accomplished, and the church named Simpson chapel, in honor of The appointment at this place is filled by the resident pasBishop Simpson. A second class was formed some time since, and with the aid of tor at Benton. Lower Hess' church was built. It other persons in the neighborhood, the is now the place of worship of a flovirishing Methodist Protestant society. The necessity for separate political organization, and the obvious con' ' ' venience and advantage of such an arrangement became apparent with theIn April, 1812, a petition gradual but permanent increase of the population. was laid before the court requesting a division of Fishingcreek township. It was granted and the name Harrison conferred upon the new division by The record does not show in what manner this was authority of the court. supplanted by " Sugarloaf," although it is obvious that the latter was sugThe record of elecgested from an important natural product of the region. This day a meeting was held at tions begins as follows: " October 1, 1813 the house of Ezekiel Cole in and for this township of Sugarloaf for the purpose of voting for by ballot, agreeably to law, the several township officers, one assessor and two assistant assessors; nineteen voters present;; to wit the candidates were as follows: for assessor, Philip Fritz, John Keeler, Uriah McHenry and James Peterman for assistants, Philip Fritz, JohnKeeler^ Philip Fritz was clerk of the meetAlexander Colley and Matthias Rhone. ing. At the second election, March 18, 1814, twenty-one individuals availed The several candidates themselves of the highest prerogative of citizenship. were, for constable, John Kile and Daniel Robbins; for auditors, Philip Fritz, Christian Laubach, James Peterman and Alexander Colley; for supervisors, Philip Fritz and William Willson; for overseers of the poor, John Roberts and Conrad Hess; for fence viewers, Jacob Rine and William Hess, Jr. for There were judges of the meeting, Alexander Colley and Christian Laubach. This waa at least fourteen office holders, two thirds of the number of voters. certainly the golden age with aspirants for political honors and emoluments, ' ' ' ' — — ; ; in this section. BENTON. for the erection of Benton was made in 1 845, but the Court. The imrejected the petition and also one of similar import in January, 1850. portunity of the petitioners was at length effectual, and in April, 1850, the^ The first move ninth township from the original area of Fishingcreek was formally erected. It was named in honor of Thomas H. Benton, then in the zenith of his power,, and warmly admired by his political coadjutors in this region. The eastern boundary of Benton was formed in 1786 upon the erection of Luzerne county; its western limit was established in 1799 as the eastern line of Greenwood; BENTON TOWNSHIP. 231 the line of separation from Fishingcreek was marked out in 1813 as the southern boundary of Sugarloaf and the division of the latter in 1850 was effected agreeably to the terms of the petition by virtue of which Benton was ; erected. Nothing of striking importance characterized the settlement of the latter township.* Benjamin Coleman bought land from Daniel McHenry about 1791, and was the first to improve what is known as the John Laubach farm. Jonathan Colley settled on Fishing creek prior to 1797, as is shown by the fact that his name appears in a list of purchasers at a vendue which occurred in The first house in which he lived was built across the brook from that year. Swartwout' s mill, where an old orchard of his planting marks the place. He was formerly a resident of Norristown, and was accompanied by- Peterman and The latter built the first saw-millf on the waters of the Jesse Pennington. upper Fishing creek. Joshua Brink, from New Jersey, settled upon a farm with which his name is still associated in that locality. Robert and John Moore entered this region when they were young men and tried the experiment of keeping " bachelor' s hall " on their lands at the sources of Raven and Little Pine <5reeks. A descendant of the former remarks that this was only a temporary expedient as they soon dissolved partnership and each began life on an indi- — vidual basis. William Eager, Samuel Rogers and John Keeler removed from Orange county, Daniel Whiteman, Peter Robinson and N. Y., and settled on adjoining farms. Jonathan Hartzel were among those who formerly lived here, but have moved to Seneca county, Ohio. Daniel Jackson improved a tract of land which embraced the site of the town of Benton. He lived upon it from 1800 to 1833, when his right of possession was successfully disputed by a rival claimant. It appeared that the lands for which Mr. Jackson held the title were situated on His house for many another Fishing creek in a distant part of the state. It now years comprehended all of the village of Benton that then existed. comprises about forty dwellings, two excellent hotels, a number of stores, a school building and two churches. Its central location in the midst of a fertile farming district and the prospect of soon becoming a rail-road point insure the continuance of its importance as an inland business town. Having thus outlined the settlement of this valley, certain contemporary The following features of social and domestic life should also be noticed. observations of a writer of this section apply equally well to both townships " It was not an uncommon thing to find a family included in this sketch. consisting of parents and fi'om six to a dozen children living in a house about twenty-two feet square with rooms and loft, the latter reached by a ladder. In the lower apartment were one and sometimes two beds (besides the trundlebed, which in the day time was pushed under the other), a bureau, a table, a few chairs, benches and cooking utensils. In the chamber were the beds for the *The Penn Manor Lands here surveyed Kovember 8, 1769, and consisted of two separate tracts of five hundred and thirty acres each. The warrantee names were James Athill and Francis Hopkinson. The warrants were Issued March 6, 1770, and the returns made the 13th day of the same month. These lands were said to be " situate on a large branch of Fishing creek, eight or ten miles above the end of Fishing creek mountain," or about two miles north of the town of Benton. "Putney Common" is the name applied to this manor in the original survey. fOn the night of ,Tuly 2, 1848, the waters of Fishing creek rose to an unprecedented height, destroying waterspout burst upon the mountain this mill and inflicting much damage upon property along its course. side near Central P. O. Trees were uprooted, huge boulders removed from their foundations, and such lesser obstacles as decayed logs and uneven surface completely obliterated. Where the full force of the deluge was experienced, the country presented the appearance of having been carefully swept. Aaron Lewis was living at this time in the valley of the creek but some distance from its channel; a jam of logs and defcm diverted the stream from its former channel, and placed his farm buildings at the mercy of the torrent, the violence of which swept away the foundations of his house and compelled its Inmates to seek safety on the roof. Not until five o'clock in the afternoon of the next day had the waters subsided suflBciently to permit their rescue. few rods from the site of Swartwout's mill was a similar structure owned by Isaiah Cole. It was entirely destroyed and one of the mill stones has not been found to this day. A A HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 232 larger children, surrounded with barrels, boxes and heaps of grain of variousAnd yet, as limited as the whole concern appeared to be, there waa kinds. room enouo-h for all, so easy is it to adapt ourselves to circumstances. There were buildincrs of larger dimensions, better divided and more comfortably arranged, but, compared with the spacious and beautiful residences that Nor waa dot the valley in all directions, their number was insignificant. their furniture more elaborate, judging by the standard of the present. Cooking stoves began to be introduced about 1835, the old ten plate serving for room stove if there was any place to put it. The great wide fireplace, with Here the its trammels of pot-hooks and hangers, was found in every house. good mother and grown up daughters over a roaring fire made of a huge back-loo-, front-stick and a pile of other wood— fried the meat, baked the Plain chairs, bottomed with hickcakes, and boiled the mush for the family. now ' ' — ory or oak splints, were the only kind used; even the rocking-chair was of the same style and material." The wants of the people were simple and readily Within the house^ supplied from the circumstances that surrounded them. the whirr of the spinning wheel and the clatter of the loom attested the reInclination as well as necessity compelled quirements of assiduous industry. the stronger members of the family to develop to their fullest extent the reMaple sugar and syrup were staple comsources of forest and stream. The sugar season was anticipated with the degree of interest now modities. It was scarcely less important, and felt in an approaching wheat harvest. would be equally profitable if it could be made to yield the returns realized fifty years ago. *Benton schools date from 1799, when Isaac Young opened a school in the Upon the close of this school another was opened vicinity of Benton village. in a private dwelling upon the site of Eli Mendenhall's barn, above the village. The first houses for school purposes were two in number, one being situated on West creek, and the other below the village. Hon. Alexander Colley sustained the same relation to public matters in general in this section as Philip He was a surveyor, a school teacher, a member of the Fritz in Sugarloaf. legislature, and at the time of his death, in 1881, was the last surviving member of the first school board. The propriety of mentioning post-offices as educational influences may perhaps be questioned, but in sparsely settled districts, where it is impossible to maintain schools more than five or six months in a year, the general intelligence Postal of the people is directly proportional to the circulation of newspapers. facilities were extended to this section in about 1836, when a mail route was established from Fairmount springs in Luzerne county, to Taneyville in LycomJames N. Park was ing, by way of Cole's creek, Campbell and Davidson. contractor, but Orrin Park usually carried the mail, traversing a distance of forty miles on foot, and experiencing considerable hardship in breaking roada Not until 1848^ in winter, and danger in walking foot-logs over rapid streams. twelve years later, had the amount of mail matter become too great to carry oa July 1, 1852, the route fi-om Pealertown (now Forks), was undertaken foot. by Mr. Parks. Stillwater, Benton, Cole's creek. Central and Davidson were Daniel Hartman was first postmaster at Benton. the intermediate points. upon the files of the department since Noappeared has O. P. Creek Raven vember 11, 1872, when Peter Laubach was commissioned to conduct it. O. M. Smith succeeded him March 9, 1886. During Mr. Daubach's incumbency Cambra. A daily mail h^as since it was on the line of the route fi'om Muney to and Cambra. July 17, 1886, Camp via Van Stillwater from established been R. T. Smith was appointed to take charge of Taurus post-office on the road from BENTON TOWNSHIP. 233: Fairmount Springs to Raveu Creek. The usual difficulty was experienced in selecting a name, and the projectors were finally compelled to go beyond the This office is connected with Raven Creek pale of civilization in their search. by a tri -weekly messenger seiwice. The organization of religious societies in Benton did not begin until the The character of the people in other respects was practically established. Methodist Episcopal church is represented by two churches, the Presbyterian, Church of Christ (Disciples), and Methodist Protestant by one each. The congregation last mentioned was disbanded a few years since, and the chiu'ch property is about to be sold by the general conference of that denomination. The building was erected in 1872 through the exertions of the Reverend A. E. The Christian church at the vilKline, then in charge of Pine creek circuit. lage of Benton was organized about the year 1849 by John Sutton with thirty members. Robert Colley and Elias McHenry were elected elders and have served continuously in that capacity to this time, 1886. A meeting-house was Reverends Theobald Miller, Jacob Rodenbaugh, J. J. Harvey, built in 1856. J. G. Noble, Zephaniah Ellis, E. E. Orvis, C. M. Cooper and D. M. Kinter have been pastors of this church. Mr. Ellis was the author of "The White^ Pilgrim, a poem widely coj^ied by the press at that time. The Methodist congregation at Benton village has worshiped in the frame church building erected by them in 1872, prior to which time the West creek church was occupied. A class of sixteen was formed in 1870, with William Y. Hess as leader. The place of worship of the Hamlin church was built in 1879, near the site of a similar structure built in 1845. The first class was formed about ten years previous with Charles Snyder, leader. Both congregations are embraced in Benton circuit, which formerly formed part of Bloomingdale. Reverend Gideon H. Day was the first pastor in charge of the former after the Reverend John F. Brown was pastor when the Benton church was division. built, and H. B. Fortner when "Hamlin" was rebuilt. Reverend S. P. Boone, the present resident minister at Benton, is a native of Luzerne county, and acquired his education at New Columbus academy and at GaiTett Biblical Institute, Evanston, Illinois. He was a teacher eight years prior to his entrance into the ministry. He is a man of progressive ideas and enthusiastic devotion to his work, which explains the success which has everywhere attended his efforts. Presbyterian services were probably held at Saint Gabriel's church in Sugarloaf as early as 1812; but, as no record was preserved, particulars canIn 1859 a number of persons fi-om Cole's mills and the surnot be given. rounding neighborhood petitioned the Presbytery of Northumberland, then in session at Berwick, for a church organization in that vicinity. In response to which, John Doty, Esq., Reverends D. J. Waller and John Thomas were appointed a committee to inquire into the propriety of such action. They met at the "log church " on Friday, August 12, 1859, and proceeded to organize a church consisting of Earl Boston, Frederick Laubach, James Willson, Simon W. Tubbs, Freas Conner and others. July 1, 1872, a congregational meeting^^ was held at Hamlin church, where services had been held for some time previous, as it was more convenient for many of the members. It was decided to build a new place of worship, and to change the name to " Raven Creek Presbyterian Church." Peter Laubach, Samuel Willson, Samuel Krickbaum and William R. Mather were constituted a building committee. November 7, 1874, the completed structure was dedicated. The congregation has usually been ' ' connected with the Orangeville pastorate. HISTOEY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 234 CHAPTER XII. GREENWOOD AND JACKSON TOWNSHIPS. GREENWOOD. GREENWOOD, one of the original snbdivisions of the county, and the fourth in order of time erected within its present limits, embraces an In a area of considerable extent between Little Fishing and Green creeks. strictly topographical sense the name is applied to a valley extending east and west between these streams, from the hills of Pine and Jackson to the more The larger regular elevations at the south, known as the Mount Pleasant hills. portions of the township of that name, and of Jackson, were embraced in the boundaries of Greenwood as originally defined in 1799; previous to that date, the region was included in Fishingcreek, and still earlier in the extensive township of Wyoming. It was during this early period of the political organization of Northumberland county that Greenwood valley ceased to be public land, and received Benjamin Chew, a prominent citizen of Philadelits first white inhabitants. phia, secured successive warrants at various dates for sm-veys in the Green creek valley, and eventually became owner of a tract the area of which approximated two -thousand acres. This tract was the largest in the county held by a single individual. The site of the town of Millville was originally possessed by William and Elizabeth McMean. Their applications for warrants were dated April 3, 1769, and the corresponding surveys were among the first in this region. This part of the township was also the first to receive settlement and cultivation. The title to the McMean tracts and others adjoining passed to Reuben Haines, a Philadelphia brewer, and from him, in 1774, John Eves purchased twelve- hundred acres of land for the sum of one-hundred and fortyfive pounds. There is a difference of opinion as to the time when he became a resident of the valley of Little Fishing creek, but the preponderance of evidence seems to indicate that he settled upon his land before the title was acquired or the purchase concluded. If this view is correct, his first visit to the region was made in 1769. Leaving his homo at Mill Creek Hundred, New Castle county, Delaware, and Folcrossing Lancaster county, he reached the Susquehanna at I£arris' ferry. lowing the river to Sunbury, he crossed to the east bank of the " West Branch, which he followed to a settlement near the present site of Milton. Here he made diligent inquiry concerning Little Fishing creek, and the location of He was unable to glean any information lands then owned by the McMeans. from the settlers, but two Indians offered to giiide him thither; they followed to Nescopeck, until they reached the foot the Indian trail from ye great isle When they had ascended to its of Fairview, an eminence overlooking Millville. summit, his guides pointed to the valley below, and Eves knew that he had at After examining the timber and last reached the vicinity of his future home. soil they returned that day to the Susquehanna, whither he continued his joiu'ney to Mill Creek Hundi-ed. The next summer he returned, and with his eldest son, Thomas, built a The following small log cabin in a ravine to the west of Little Fishing creek. ' ' ' ' GEEENWOOD TOWNSHIP. 237 spring he made his third journey fi'om New Castle county, accompanied this time by his family. They followed the same route as he on his first joui'ney, but, from the mouth of the Chillisquaque, were obliged to cut a road through the woods. Shortly after their arrival at the cabin, built the previous summer, an incident occurred which caiised some regret concerning the trouble taken in bringing hogs from Delaware. These animals found shelter in a bank of leaves among the branches of a fallen tree. The porcine community was one night invaded by an enemy from the forest, and one of its numbers died a violent death; the next day the di-ove went into the woods, apparently upon their usual foraging expedition, but failed to return at night. Some months later it was ascertained that they crossed the Susquehanna, and fi"om all appearances were progressing in a bee-line to New Castle county. The first effort to introduce hogs into Greenwood, was thus a failure. The abundance of all kinds of game, however, prevented any serious inconvenience in consequence. The family at Little Fishing creek were not utterly isolated, although their nearest neighbors were in the valley of the " West Branch. " Parties of Indians from Wyoming traversed the trail on visits to their dusky brothers at points farther west, passing and repassing the solitary farm, and bringing its occupants into constant contact with every phase of savage character. The opportunity to receive them with uniform courtesy and kindjiess was well improved. The presence of the family on an exposed frontier at a time when others found safety only in flight, and the refusal of John Eves, with others of the society of Friends, to take up arms when the war of the revolution began, caused the provincial authorities to suspect him of being a tory. Spies were sent to inquire into the matter, but the charge could not be substantiated. It was not sym})athy with the British, biit exceptional wisdom and kindness that secured for them an immunity from the ravages of the border warfare. The day after the Wyoming massacre, J.uly 4, 1778, a friendly Indian gave timely warning of the approach of danger. By noon of that day the household goods were on the wagon, and by nightfall the party reached Bosley's mills, a stockade on the site of Washingtonville. From this point the journey was pursued to Mill- Creek Hundred. In 1785 or 1780, the settlement of Greenwood valley was again begun. On their return the Eves found their buildings a mass of charred ruins, and the fields overgrown with biishes. Two houses and a mill were built, the latter being the first in the township. Piles at the side of the old mill race are still in a good state of preservation after the lapse of a hundred years. Others began to enter the township about the same time. Among these families appeal- the familiar names of Lemon, Lundy, Link, Battin and Oliver. The Lemons located about the center of the township. The Lundy family built a house in which Reuben S. Kich. a descendant, now lives. Jacob Link, in In the same year four brothers 1797, opened the first tavern in the township. Thomas, Samuel, John and W'illiam Mather, removed from Buffalo valley to Green creek. Joshua Bobbins, Archibald Patterson. George and William McMichael, native Scotchmen, settled in the same locality. The first road through this region followed the course of the Indian trail fi'omthe " West Branch" to Berwick. Until 1798 the trail itself constituted the only highway to the " North Branch. " In that year a road was sui-veyed from the river across the Mount Pleasant hills. At this early date, and to a greater extent dui'ing certain periods since, the Green and Little Fishing creeks have been the channels by which the timber on their banks has found its way to the Susquehanna, and thence to the mills at Harrisburg and Marietta. During autumn and winter, trees were felled, and logs collected where the banks of the 2 I ^ 238 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. They were here built into rafts of such shape streams were high and steep. when the stream's current had risen to a suiScient height these coxild be pushed mto the seething torrent below. Skillful piloting was required to conSometimes the fastenduct them safely to the broader channel of the river. ings of a raft would burst asunder, and the logs and driftwood form a compact dam, diverting the waters of the creeks into the meadows on their banks; or perhaps the jam would break, and the pent-up volume of water rush madly on The sluggish appearance of these streams in the with overpowering velocity. summer months cannot convey an adequate idea of their importance in years As early as 1820 an effort was past in connection with the lumber industry. made to obviate the danger of thus transporting the principal commodity of It was not until 1856 that the region by opening another road to the river. The legislature in that year the final success of this project was assured. made an appropriation for the construction of a road from Bloomsburg to The Laporte, in Sullivan county, through the valley of Little Fishing creek. extensive travel which has ever since passed over this highway proves its The year 1856 begins an era of rapid development necessity and importance. and improvement in the whole township, but particularly in the struggling vil- that lage of Millville. It had an existence, however, long before the first inception of the state road in the minds of its original projectors, and has completed the first century of its history, darting the beginning at the time when the Eves' mill was Thomas Eves succeeded his father in the ownership of the mill, and built. built the first house in the village on the site of a structure recently erected by Josiah Heacock. In this house, in 1827, David and Andrew Eves opened Four years later David Eves was commisthe first store in the township. sioned postmaster; Andrew Eves succeeded him; James Masters held the position from 1842 to 1849; George and William Masters were in charge from the latter date until 1886, from which it appears that during a period of more than fifty years but two families were represented in the list of incumbents. The mail was brought from Berwick until October, 1879, at first once, but Subsequently, a route was opened from Bloomsburg afterwai'd twice, a week. A daily mail to Sereno, and mail received at Millville three times a week. has since been established. The business interests of Millville are represented by a number of stores, In 1813 John Watson started a woolen factory. factories and planing-mills. The plant comprised two carding machines and a fulling-mill. Wool was brought here by farmers to be cleaned and carded; the process of weaving was performed at their houses, after which it was returned in the shape of " home- Chandler Eves succeeded Watson, and spun," to be colored and pressed. built a large brick structure on the opposite side of the water- course from UnfortiTuately, it has not fulfilled its promise of the site of his first building. The wagon factory established by an extensive manufacturing establishment. The wagons here made Charles Eves in 1837 has had a different career. have always sustained an excellent reputation for durability and superior finish. Under the management of John Eves, the present proprietor, the quality of Henry the work has not deteriorated from its high standard of excellence. Getty and William Greenly started a planing-mill in 1881; Shoemaker and Lore followed with another three years later. The lumber here manufactured market in the vicinity, or is shipped to various points. It is probable that these industries will be important and permanent factors in furthering the growth of the town. A striking feature of the business enterprise of this village, not often found finds a " GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP. 'DV.! in places of its size, is the " Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Millville. It was incorporated September 7, 1875. and organized the following month They have held with Joseph W. Eves, president, and Ellis Eves, secretary. For the their respective offices continuously to this time (September, 1886). six years preceding July 31, 1886, there was no assessment whatever, notNothing further need withstanding the low rate at which policies are issued. be advanced in proof of the prosperous condition of the company' s finances. Amid all this business activity, the social necessities of the people have not The Millville Reading Circle was organized in the winter of been neglected. In order to increase and ex1882-83, and met at the houses of its members. Good Intent Litertend its usefulness, it was subsequently merged into the ary Society." A large library has been collected through the co-operation of ' ' the citizens and public schools. Millville Several fraternal and beneficent societies are also represented. lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 809, was organized August 20, 1872, with twenty-one members. Its first officers were ElJis Eves, William Burgess and John Richart. After an existence of ten years the interest had abated to such an extent that Valley Grange, No. 52, is one of the oldest in the charter was relinquished. It was charterefl with twenty members, February 4, 1874, having; the state. The library owned by the association combeen organized the previous year. The grange numbers one-hunprises a number of judiciously selected works. dred members, and exerts an influence in the direction of more general intelligence among the agricultural community. J. P. Eves Post, No. 536, Grand Army of the Republic, was mustered September 3, 1886. by M. M. Brobst, A. D. C. as P. C, assisted by M. L. Wagenseller, of Post No. 148, Selinsgrove, William Mensch, T. F. Harder and J. M, The following is a list of its Seitzenger, of Hoagland Post, No. 170, Catawissa. members: James W. Eves, Henry J. Robbins, George W^. Belig, B. F. Fisher, Isaac M. Lyoos, John Shaffer, J. C. Eves, W. G. Manning, Emanuel Bogart, Jacob Derr, Henry J. Applegate, John Thomas, D. F. Crawford, Charles M. Dodson, William L. Caslan, W. H. Hayman, Richard Kitchin, George W. Perkins, John Applegate, Harvey Smith, John Krepneci and John M. Mordan. [J. P. Eves, in whose honor the post has been named, was a member of Company I, One Hundred and Thirty-sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was wounded at the battle of Fredericksburg and died in the field hospital. His remains found their last resting place in an unmarked grave on the banks of the Rappahannock.] Greenwood township comprises, in addition to Millville, three villages of minor importance Rohrsburg. lola and Eyer' s Grove. Rohrsburg is so named from Frederick Rohr, a Prussian who had fought against Bonaparte, and who It was included in secured the site of the town in 1825 fi'om Samuel Sherts. one of the Chew surveys. In 1826 the wheel-wright shop of Robert Campbell comprised all of the village that then existed. In 1828 Peter Venett opened a store in this shop, and, at a later date, Shoemaker and Rees became the second Rohrsburg Grange, No. 108, was organized February merchants of the place. The report of its secretary for the quarter 12, 1874 with thirty members. A commendable' ending June 30, 1886, showed a membership of eighty-four. degree of energy is displayed in testing and discussing various methods of : conducting farming operations. Industries of varied character have been established in the vicinity of Rohrsburg. A flouring-mill below the town on Green creek was built by Joseph Fullmer of Limestoneville, but this original structm-e has long since disappeared. In 1832 a fulling and carding-mill was operated on the same 240 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. For many years lumbering was a thriving business. In 1820, four brothers, Joseph, Jonathan, Isaac and William Lemon, started a They owned a tract of timber «aw-mill on Green creek below the village. In 1847 Kester Parker esextending three miles in the direction of Millville. It is still operated with a fair tablished a pottery on the Greenwood road. degree of prosperity. Eyer's Grove and lola are situated on the Bloomsburg and Laporte road and Little Fishing creek. The former comprises fifteen dwellings, a store and mill built in 1860 by Jacob Eyer on the site of a similar structure, erected At the latter place, in the winter of 1828, in 1807 by Robert Montgomery. Joseph and John Bobbins established a milling business. stream by Joseph Sands. The industrial development of Greenwood and growth of villages in No large town has grown consequence have been outlined at some length. within the limits of the township; no great manufacturing enterprise has ever The development of the lumber interests has largely resulted been attempted. from individual enterprises, and received capital and encouragement fi'om the Greenwood valley is a region of great fertility. The immediate vicinity. presence of an intelligent agricultural community, and the prospect of improved facilities for the transportation of its products, indicate a steady and permanent prosperity. It is a natural inference and a correct one that the township has religious and educational advantages commensurate with the wealth and intelligence of Six denominations of Evangelical Christians are represented in its people. ^ eleven different church organizations. The Society of Friends is first in order of time. A meeting house was built at Millville in 1795, and the indulgence of holding services at this place granted by Exeter (Berks county) monthly meetAt a meeting of a body similarly constituted at Catawissa, May 21, ing. 1796, Jesse Haines and Jacob Clayton, on behalf of Fishingcreek Friends, It was granted, and William requested the continuance of this indulgence. Ellis, Thomas Ellis and John Hughes were appointed to the supervision of affairs at that point. In 1799, at the instance of Catawissa Friends, the Philadelphia Quarterly established the Muncy monthly meeting, alternate sessions of which were held at Fishingcreek. In 1856 the name was changed to Fishingcreek monthly meeting of Friends, held at Millville. In 1832 Roaringcreek Friends suggested to Philadelphia yearly meeting the propriety of establishing a half-yearly meeting at Millville. The matter was referred to a committee consisting of John Foulk, Amos Basly, Ruth Pyle and Mary Pike, and on their recommendation Roaringcreek and Muncy were October 18, 1834, this body united into "Fishingcreek half-yearly meeting. " William convened for the first time. Thomas G. Rich was appointed clerk. Watson, James Millard, James Stokes and Benjamin Kester were elected deleIn 1845 an effort was gates to the ensuing yearly meeting at Philadelphia. made to incorporate Fishingcreek and Centre Chester county into Centre yearly meeting, but this was never effected. Since 1795 it does not appear that Fishingcreek Friends have deviated fi'om an established regularity in their appointments for religious services. These have been attended and supported during this period by successive generations of the families by whom they were commenced. A record of this character, unbroken for nearly a century, cannot be claimed by any other religious organization in the county. Methodism also found adherents among the early settlers of Greenwood The first service was held in 1809 in Thomas Eves' mill. A class of valley. eleven members was formed, among whom were William, Lydia, John and GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP. 241 Elizabeth Richie, Mary Richie and Jacob Evans, who was apFor sixteen years they held meetings in William Robbins' pointed leader. A house of worship was built in 1825, and after thirty-five years of use barn. was abandoned as unsafe. In November, 1882, the corner-stone of a new buildThe site of the first structure was at the forks of the roads from ing was laid. The adjoining burial ground is known as Greenwood Millville to Rohrsburg. cemetery. The second and third Methodist church buildings were erected in The pastors at this time were Reverends Joseph 1850 at Rohrsburg and lola. Eyer' s Grove and Chestnut ridge appointments S. Lee and George H. Day. Mary Bobbins, 1860 and 1881, respectively. of Rohrsburg has been a regiilarly organized body since 1843. Previous to that date the Presbyterian element of the population worshiped at Orangeville, and attended occasional services at school-houses in the vicinity. Finally application was made to the Presbytery of Northumberland for aid in efPecting an organization, and Reverends Williamson, ThomPhilip Sipley, Elias Smith, son and Boyd were appointed to that service. James Wilson and Charles Fortner were among the original members of the congregation thus formed, which for seven years met for service in William Mather's barn. In 1850 the church edifice still occupied was completed. This church forms part of the Orangeville pastorate. The Christian church at Rohrsburg was the third and last religious body formed at that place. August 4, 1870, Elder J. J. Harvey organized this conServices were held in Appelman' s gregation with a membership of thirty-one. This shop until the following year, when a house of worship was completed. In 1870 and 1871 Elders Harvey and society is also represented at Millville. were formed in The Presbyterian church occasional services in the school-room of the seminary. number of citizens assembled here to consider the feasiS. B. bility of erecting a church building for the use of all denominations. Kisner, R. M. Johnson and Josiah Heacock were appointed a committee to In November of the superintend the financial requirements of the work. same year the " Free- Church " was dedicated. At this place, in the autumn of 1881, Reverend F. P. Manhart organized the Millville English Lutheran church; a charge was formed embracing St. Paul's, in Pine township, and Cady's church, in Lycoming county. The most recent addition to the number of religious bodies is the Greenwood Evangelical church. April 22, 1 880, Reverend W. H. Lilly conducted The following year, through the its first service at the house of Eli Welliver. efforts of David Albertson and Wilson Kramer, a church building was erected. Radenbaugh held February 21, 1880, a The appointment is embraced in Waller circuit. The religious and educational institutions of a community are reciprocally related in various ways. With the Quaker settlers of Greenwood, schools and One end of their first meetchurches received an eqiial degree of attention. ing house was partitioned from the rest and used exclusively for school purIn 1708 Elizabeth Eves instructed the children of the vicinity in this The first room; Jesse Haines and John Shirely were among her successors. scho®l-house in the eastern part of the township was situated on the farm of Jacob Gerard. The school was subsequently removed to a building erected for its iise where Catharine McCarty now lives. If the Friends deserve honorable mention in connection with the early schools, much more should their later educational efforts receive favorable comment. In the year 1851 a number of citizens of Millville, influenced by a desire to provide for their children better educational advantages than the public schools could confer, erected a suitable building by their joint efforts poses. 242 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. and planned an institntion known as the Millville High- School. In the following year, William Burgess, a man of broad culture and liberal views, was He opened it in the autumn of 1852 called to the principalship of the school. Durwith an enrollment of thirty, and continued at its head for twelve years. ing this period, although the school as such was a complete success, it became involved to an extent that threatened to result in its permanent suspension. To avert this impending danger, the Greenwood Seminary Company was orIt ganized March 30, 1861, with a capital stock of five-thousand dollars. assumed the liabilities of the former management; made extensive improvements and additions to the buildings, and established the school on a firm financial basis. July 17, Professor T. W. Potts, of Chester county, took charge in 1865. Three years later William 1866, the property was leased to C. W. Walker. Burgess returned and remained until 1872, when he resigned to accept an appointment on an Indian reservation tendered him by President Grant. He During the winter of 1874-75 Florence •was succeeded by R. H. Whitacre. Heacock, of Benton, conducted the school. March 6, 1875, the trustees leased Professor the property to the Fishingcreek monthly meeting of Friends. Two years later the property Arthur W. Potter was employed as principal. reverted to the trustees, and R. H. Whitacre was again placed in charge. During the succeeding seven years the seminary was conducted only in the .summer. John M. Smith, Harold Whitacre, M. C. Turwell and A. L. Tustin mere the teachers during this period. At the opening of the present school year (1886) the Fishingcreek monthly aneeting of Friends has again become lessee of the property. The buildings and grounds have been improved in appearance, courses of study have been prepared, and every arrangement completed for the accommodation and instruction of a The management has not been disappointed. large number of students. August 16, 1886, the school opened with seventy-five pupils. Anna C. DorHer assistants are Roland Spenser and land, of Philadelphia, is principal. Frances Foulk. A normal class is under the tuition of Lizzie Hart, of Doylesiown, Sidney B. Frost and George L. Mears, of Philadelphia. Among those who have attended this school may be mentioned B. Frank Hughes, of Philadelphia; Charles B. Brockway and Thomas J. Yanderslice, of Bloomsburg, and J. B. Knittle, of Catawissa, all of whom have at various times been members of the state legislature. It remains to be seen whether the record of the seminary in the future will approach its usefulness in the past. The unwieldy proportions of Greenwood interfered with the convenient transaction of township business to such an extent that in April, 1837, a proposition to annex its northern portion to Sugarloaf was laid before the court. The petitioners met with better It was not favorably considered however. success the following year by requesting the formation of the new township of Jackson from the contiguous portions of Greenwood and Sugarloaf. Fishing «reek became its boundary on the east, and Little Fishingcreek on the west. This arrangement continued in force until January 31, 1840, when the area formerly included in Sugarloaf was reannexed to it, thus reducing Jackson to its limits as at present defined. Settlement does not appear to have advanced to this region until other portions of the county were marked by the presence of an aggressive population. To a certain extent this may be attributed to the nature of the tenure by which s JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 243 The Asylum Land Company, a syndicate of land specuthe lands were held. lators, secured a large tract embracing the whole of this township and the adjoining portions of Sugarloaf, Greenwood and Pine, and of Lycoming and The character and methods of such corporations at this Sullivan counties. period were not such as to recommend them to prospective settlers. This class of people feared, and not without reason, that after paying for lands on the representations of unscrupulous agents, they might find the titles defective, The existence of these circumstances, or perhaps fail to find their lands at all. the utter absence of good roads, and the distance from markets seemed insuperable obstacles in the way of advancing settlement. Not until 1800 did the smoke from a cabin reveal the location of a human habitation. Jacob Lunger removed from Northampton county in that year and settled on Green creek. In the autumn of 1805 Abram Whiteman made an improvement at the head waters of that stream, about four miles ficm the North mountain and the same distance from the southern boundary of the township. Jonathan Robbins, formerly a resident of Bethlehem township, Huntingdon county, New Jersey, entered this township about 1810, having rct'led in Sugarloaf, in 1795. In 1811 Paul Hess located north of Waller on a Irictof two hundred and forty acres. At this time Levi Priest was living southeast of that village, and George Farver on land bought in 1809 by John Conrad Farver of James Barber. These families comprised the population of the township at this time. Subsequent immigi'ation was drawn principally from Greenwood, although several families removed from New Jersey and the lower counties. The familiar names of Yorks, Golder, Waldron, Everhart, Campbell and Parker may be mentioned among this number. An incident in connection with the early settlement should not be passed unnoticed, as it afPords a striking illustration of the dangers incident to pioneer life, and the courage which characterized the early settlers. Abram Golder, Sr., had gone into a swamp near the present residence of Daniel Young, for the purpose of cutting hoop-poles. His only defensive weapon was a small hatchet, but no danger was apprehended, although it was known that bears and other wild animals infested the region. He had scarcel*^ begun his work when a panther crossed his path. True to his instinct Mr. Golder' s dog attacked the animal, while he himself called for a gun. Not waiting for it, however, he seized a large pine-knot, and when an opportunity was presented struck the panther's neck with such force that it fell dead at his feet. The animal measured eight feet from the nose to the tip of its tail. Mr. Golder' presence of mind was equaled only by the skill with which he delivered his blow. The first well constructed road through this section was opened from Unityville, in Lycoming county, to Benton in 1828. The first post-office, Polkville, was established on this road in 1848, at the house of John P. Hess near his present residence, one-half mile west from Waller. Lot Parker succeeded Mr. Hess in 1863, and the office remained at his house until 1860, when D. L. Everhart became postmaster. At the expiration of his term of 5ffice it was discontinued several years and was next established at Waller on the mail route from Benton to Muncy. The village comprised at that time a church building, school-house and store. The number of buildings has since increased to thirteen, while the fine location and central situation warrants the prediction that it will become a place of considerable local importance. Postal conveniences were extended to the southern part of Jackson in 1878, when the enterprising citizens of that region secured the services of a caiTier to bring their mail from Rohrsburg. December 22, 1879, Derr s post-office was established with A. J. Derr as postmaster at his store. 244 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. The introdiiction of cliiu'ch and school organizations followed in the wake of increasing population. John Denmark was the first teacher, and conducted his vocation in a log dwelling near the location of the Union church building school-house This school was opened in the winter of 1821-22. at Waller. was built in this vicinity the following year, and here John Keeler and William Yocum continued the work begun by their predecessor. The first house for Cornelius McEwen, Helen school purposes in lower Jackson was built in 1825. The Calvin, Joseph Orwig and Peter Girton successively taught at this place. The appearance township maintains four schools for a term of five months. of the buildings and grounds compares favorably with similar school establish- A ments in thickly settled localities. different religious denominations represented did not secure houses of As early as 1819 the township worship until a comparatively recent period. was visited by ministers of the Baptist denomination on their missionary tours The Joel Rodgers and Elias Dodson, the former a licentiate, through this section. the latter an ordained minister, regularly held monthly services, preaching in houses, barns, in the open air, in the woods and in school-houses, when thev Subsequent to this Samuel Chapin, Brookins Potter and were erected. Merrit Harrison made excursions fi'om Huntington, Luzerne county, and mainThey all labored withtained the appointments in Jackson for several years. They were plain, earnest men, and supported themselves out compensation. Elders William S. Hall and J. Edminster, by farming at their homes. preached occasionally, 1845-49. In 1852 Reverends A. B. Runyon and F. Langdon visited Jackson and held a series of meetings which resulted in a number of conversions. For some years previous to this time efforts had been made to build a house of worship. Upon the death of John Christian in 1849, who was deeply interested in this, the work stopped. Finally, September, 11, In the autumn of 1848 Rever1853, the completed structure was dedicated. end John S. Miller held a protracted meeting, and thirty or forty accessions were made to the church. The necessity of an organization became apparent. March 24, 1856, the Benton Baptist church was organized with a membership of nineteen* resident principally in Jackson, although twenty-two persons had been converted at the former place the preceding winter through the efforts of Reverend E. M. Alden. The following summer this church was admitted into Reverend J. Shanafelts succeeded the Northumberland Baptist association. The violent political agitation of the succeeding six years Mr. Alden in 1859. Reverends Alden, Furresulted in virtually disbanding this congregation. man, Zeigler, Stephens and Tustin preached occasionally. May 5, 1866, at the instance of Mr. Furman, a meeting was held at Benton to consider the proIt was at once decided to do this. priety of attempting a reorganization. John R. Davis and Theodore W. Smith were elected deacons, and John F. Derr, clerk. March 6, 1869, the name was changed to "Jackson Baptist church," which it still retains. The Sunday-school was organized in 1870. The resigRevernation of Mr. Tustin in 1872 severed his connection with this church. end Benjamin Shearer was pastor from 1873 to 1882. Mr. Tustin again became pastor in 1882, but was succeeded in the winter of 1885-86 by Joseph W. Crawford, a licentiate of the Northumberland Baptist association. Considering the difficulties under which the existence of this church has been maintained, there is much encouragement in its present prosperous condition. The Church of Christ (Disciples) of lower Jackson was organized in 1858 with eleven members, among whom were Luther German, Iram Derr, Thomas W. Young, and Absalom McHenry, all of whom had formerly been connected The following persons have suewith the churches at Benton and Stillwater. MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 245 cessively been its pastors John Sutton, J. J. Harvey, A. Reutan, Edward E. Luther German Orvis, Charles S. Long, C. W. Cooper and D. M. Kinter. and Iram Derr have been elders of this church since its organization. The church edifice in which this body worships was built in 1879, and dedicated in : November of that year by Reverend C. G. Bartholomew and John Ellis. The Evangelical Association is represented in this township by two organizations. The -older, at upper Jackson, was established by Reverends James Dunlap and Jeremiah Young. The former preached at "Hilltown" (Waller) in 1846. The first class was formed by Reverend James Seybert and consisted of George Hirleman, Henry Wagner, Michael Remly, David Remly and Frederick Wile. At this time the congregation was embraced in Columbia circuit, which included the whole of this county. The union church building at Waller was built in 1854. The Evangelical class at lower Jackson was formed in Reverends 1876 with nineteen members, and D. B. Stevens class leader. T. Shultz and C. D. Moore are at present in charge of Waller circuit. It is to be regretted that church buildings in this section were erected with an Though a necessary expedient at the time, this undenominational ownership. has done much to retard the growth of the different churches. James CHAPTER XIII. MOUNT PLEASANT AND ORANGE TOWNSHIPS. MOUNT PLEASAKT. PREVIOUS to August, 1789, the region at the junction of the two Fishing creeks was included in Wyoming township, Northiimberland county; during the succeeding ten years, in Fishingcreek fi'om 1799 to 1818, in Fishingcreek. Greenwood and Bloom. In January, 1818, the township of Mount Pleasant was erected, a comparatively small area north of Big Fishing creek being received from Bloom, and all that part of the township northward to the Mount Pleasant hills, from Greenwood and Fishingcreek. It was while the latter township comprehended this whole area that it began to show the results of settlement and improvement. Those features of the region which most favorably impressed the land-buyer were its strong growth of timber and inexhaustible supply of water. The nature and quality of the timber, particularly, was such as to insure a fertile soil and invite improvement and cultivation. Although distinguished at a later period by a strong German element, the population of the region soiith of the Mount Pleasant hills was originally composed of English people fi'om New Jersey. They werefrom Sussex county, in that state, and followed their neighbors who had located in the vicinity of Jerseytown. Not until the close of the revolution, however, and the establishing of peace and security on the border, did this section receive the attention of those who subsequently made it their home. It appears that Peter Eveland and Jacob Force were among the first to permanently locate here, the former near Welliversville, the latter at Kitchen's church, in the north-east part of Mount Pleasant township. Abram Welliver's land adjoined the farms of both of them, and embraced the site of the village which bears his name. Frederick Miller, a German from Northampton county, was the ; HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 246 proprietor of the village of Millerstown, but did not enter the township until a later John Mordan, who had lived in the same township of Sussex county, period. New Jersey, as Eveland and Force, followed them to the Mount Pleasant hills but removed a few yiears later to Little Fishing creek, where he built the John Kester located on first saw-mill in the present limits of the township. In 1798 a road was surveyed over the hill above the village of Mordansville. the Mount Pleasant hills to the Greenwood valley beyond; from that time unThe potil 1856 it was the only highway from north to south in the region, sition of the township near the growing towns of Bloomsburg, Orangeville, and Millville prevented the growth of any important villages on its own territory. Its exclusively agricultural resources and the inconvenience of distributing any products that might be manufactured, have not favored the establishment of industries of this character. Quiet country villages have, however, clustered round each of the two hoWellitels that formerly received the travelers on the Mount Pleasant road. versville, first known by that name when Thomas Wolliver was commissioned postmaster in 1857, comprises several substantial farm-houses, and the shops At Millerstown the first post-office in the township was of two mechanics. opened in 1831 by Frederick Miller, in the days when every package or letter was receipted to the sender, and the date of its delivery, its destination and Subthe amount of postage paid, reported to the department at Washington. sequently the office at this point was discontinued; it was again established in 1873 under the name of Canby, the year the gallant general of that name was treacherously killed. At this point a dozen houses, a place of worship and a school-building suggest thrift and prosperity. The last village to make its appearance was Mordansville, the nucleus of which was the saw-mill of John Mordan, built in the early years of the township' s settlement. The Mordansville woolen-mills, established in 1858 by Joseph E. Sands and Thomas Mather, have made the place a well known point. Mr. Sands became sole proprietor in 1860; on his death, in 1881, Charles S. Sands succeeded to the business. During the first years it was in operation farmers brought wool here to be carded, and after spinning, and weaving the cloth, returned it for the finishing touches of the fulling and pressing machines. Mr. Sands' enterprise and energy did not long submit to a process He early introduced improved of manufacture subject to so many delays. machinery, and was thus enabled to perform every process of the manufacture. The product of these looms found a ready sale in the coal regions of He established, also, this state, and continues to do so wherever introduced. the only store that still exists in the township, and secured for the community In a post-office, known first as Bear Eun but subsequently as Mordansville. addition to these features of the place, it comprises a number of private houses, two saw-mills, and the shops of various mechanics. The church buildings of Mount Pleasant township, three in number, are Two of the congregations are located near the old Mount Pleasant road. The former are known Methodist Episcopal, and one an English Lutheran. The Kitchen church-building was as the White and Kitchen appointments. erected in 1859, but services for many years previous had been held in the Welliversville school-house, and, previous to its erection, in the house of Harman Kramer. White's church-building was erected in 1875, during the pastorate of Reverend Frank P. Gearhart. The White^^Oman, Shipman, Melick and Hilbern families were connected with this organization during its eai'lier history. The English Lutheran church of Canby was organized November 18, 1859, ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 247 The in the Millerstown school -house by Keverend E. A. Sharrets, of Espy. The congregation is conpresent house of worship was built two years later. nected with the Espy charge of the Susquehanna synod. The early schools of the township, as well as its villages and churches, were formed near the old Mount Pleasant road. Peter Oman, desirous of providing some educational advantages for his children, employed an instructor Children of neighboring families were also to teach them at his own house. Subsequently three houses were built, located rereceived into this school. spectively on lands of Joseph Gilbert, Aaron K ester and Andrew Grouse. The substantia] appearance of some of the school-houses of Mount Pleasant, and the taste exhibited in the arrangement and shading of the grounds, evince a progressive spirit among some of its citizens. Orange is situated in the southern part of the fertile Fishing creek valley. There are two townships westward to the Montour county line; it is also the third township from Luzerne county. Its position in that part of the county «of Columbia north of the Susquehanna river is as nearly central as the irregular form and unequal area of the different townships permit. As elsewhere in creek here follows a winding channel, the current in its course Fishing some places splashing and foaming as it widens over a primitive bed of redshale or a sand-bar of its own creation; in others, quietly meandering along the base of wooded hills and in the shade of overhanging trees, whose reflection in the clear depths of the stream below is not disturbed by the slightest In this township the volume of the stream is considerripple on its surface. ably increased by the waters of Green creek, which enter it just above Orangeville, and several miles farther in its course by Stony brook, a smaller tribuAt the point of its junction with the former Fishing creek makes tary stream. a bold curve around the Knob mountain. This elevation is an interesting and peculiar feature of the topography. Rising abruptly from the low valley of the stream, the mountain continues in an unbroken trend for miles to the east. It is but a natural surmise that its regular crest formed the division line of the townships at its base; and this indeed it did at the time when Bloom and Fishing creek met each other, and Mount Pleasant adjoined both just across the creek. Now, however, the western extremity of the Knob has ceased to be a boundary, and overlooks on all sides the hills and valleys of the township of Orange. It is only since 1840, however, that this order of things has existed. Previous to that date the part of of Fishing creek and a line which passed just north of the present limits of the town of Orangeville was embraced in Bloom township that portion west of Fishing and Green creeks, in Mount Pleasant; and to complete the enumeration of the townships iu which Orange was originally included, the part east of Green creek and north of the Knob was within the limits of Fishingcreek. few years previous, in deference to the wishes of the electors of Orange south ; A the locality, about the same area had been formed into the election district of Orange. Previous to this change primary meetings were held at Light Street, while Bloom was the voting plac^ for the whole region. The obvious inconvenience of this arrangement suggested the propriety of the change, and the erection of the new township met with little opposition. The earliest mention of people living in this part of the Fishing creek valley occurs in connection with Salmon's capture by the Indians in the year 1780. It is said that the same party of savages with whom he joui'neyed as a prisoner murdered a family who then lived at the foot of Knob mountain on 248 • HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the bank of the creek. The rangers who followed from Sxinbury buried themangled corpses where they were found, on the east bank of the stream. Since then the channel has gradually crossed to the west side of the swamp, whose subsequent drainage has opened for cultivation quite a wide strip of land formerly covered with water. While plowing here a few years since some workmen discovered a human skull, and on further excavation unearthed two complete skeletons, which, however, ci'umbled to ashes when removed from their rude coffin of decayed logs. The people would fain associate the appearance of these "fearful guests" with the Indian outrages of 1780, and there seems a degree of probability that their view is correct. Following the coiu'se of the stream, the savages camped for the night under a spreading white oak tree on the point of land at the junction of Green, and Fishing creeks. The next morning two of their number left the camp, crossed Fishing creek, and after an absence of several hours returned with their blankets filled with a dark-looking substance apparently cut with tomahawks. They proceeded to melt it, upon which it was seen to be lead ore of a very good quality. This has induced the owners of the knob to make investigation concerning the presence of an out-crop of this valuable ore; but no discoveries of any value have as yet rewarded their efforts, although the Indians certainly obtained lead from such a deposit. The occurrence has always existed in the traditions of the locality, and seems fairly probable. About the year 1785 the region around Knob mountain was again invaded, this time by a party of peaceful immigrants. They journeyed from New Jersey across the Broad mountain to the present site of Berwick, and thence westward to the mouth of Fishing creek. Following its course north-ward they cut their way through the almost impenetrable wood from Light Street, then represented by a single house, and the farthest settlement from the river in the valley; pushing farther to a distance of three or four miles they reached their destination, and established their camp under the same tree and on the same ground occupied by hostile savages more than a decade before. The waters of the creeks subsequently washed away the point of land between thern; and irt a freshet about twenty-five years ago the tree itself was carried away by the resistless current. A sand-bar now occupies the place where it once stood. The party consisted of Abram Kline, his vvife, and a family of grown sons, some of whom were also married and accompanied by their families. They lived in their wagons and a tent beneath this tree diu'ing the first summer until a cabin was built. This first structure erected by them is still standing on the land of Hixson Kitchen, An important article of food was the milk from their cows. They felled lin-trees, the leaves of which served for both grass ' * ' ' and hay. During the second and third summers the united labor of the family had cleared a tract of considerable extent, and some wheat and corn was raised. The nearest mill was at Sunbui'y, thirty-five miles distant. When the wheat had been thi'eshed and cleaned it was put into sacks, which were securely fastened to the backs of several horses. The man in charge led the foremost horse, while the bridles of those behind were united by a rope to the load of the animal in front. Thus equipped the "caravau" wound slowly through the woods to the river, where the grain was transferred to a batteau or raft, and thus completed its journey. Subsequently a mill was built at Catawissa, and was a great convenience. Matthias, Isaac and George Kline built cabins for their families and farmed the region between the creeks just abov& their father's homestead. Thus was established what was, at this time, th& out-post of civilization in the Fishing creek valley. It was not until 1796, however, that Abram Kline, being firmly convinced ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 249 that the region was fertile and the climate healthful, secured a title for his By a waiTant of April 3, 1769, the tract had originally been surveyed for laud. This was one of the earliest surveys in the Fishing creek valHester Barton. Hester Barton subsequently married Paul Zantzinger, fi'om whom, under ley. date of April 21, 1796, the title passed to Abram Kline. The tract was of considerable extent, and adjoined the lands of Randall Mitchell, Jonathan McClure and Charles Smith in right of William Anderson. Including several tracts on both sides of Green creek, which the Klines secured by patents, their lands comprised an area of six and seven hundred acres. Other owners of lands north of Fishing creek were George Cutts, William Montgomery, Catharine Razor, Frederick Yeungling and Andrew Grouse. South of that stream were the tracts of Whitehead Jones, Thomas Christy, Richard Peters, Enos Randall and Abner Kline. Abram Kline and his sons did not long remain the only settlers within the present limits of Orange township. The Whites, Parks and Gulps followed from New Jersey; George and Frederick Rantz, James VanHorn, the Netenbachs and Weremans came fi'om Berks and Northampton counties. Peter Blank and Andi-ew Larish came fi-om New Jersey about 1800, and Samuel Staddon about the same time from Lancaster county. Ludwig Herring and the Vance and Patterson families arrived among the last years of what may be called the early history of the township. To lessen the labor of building houses and barns Abram Kline constructed a saw-mill before he had been in the region many years, in all probability prior The demand for sawed lumber, however, did not reach his to the year 1800. •expectations, and the mill decayed from disuse. It was abandoned and nearly all traces of it were obliterated seventy years ago. This mill was situated near the present site of Laurel-Hill cemetery. A few years afterward two Jews built a grist-mill several miles farther down on the site of a modern building now owned by John Hoffman. This mill was owned for many years by General McDowell of Berwick. Another old mill was built by Henry Geiger, but sold by him to Jacob Seidle in 1822; Wesley Bowman, the present owner, came into possession twenty-two years ' later. The road opened by the Klines fi-om Light Street to their homes was soon extended by the settlers who followed them to the settlements farther north in the Fishing creek valley. The trading point for all this region was Bloomsburg, as no town then existed farther up the valley of the creek. But in 1822 Clemuel G. Ricketts, a native of Fairview county, Ohio, conceived the idea of planting a town at the foot of Knob mountain. The advantages of this location for a commercial center lirst presented themselves to his mind; all the travel from upper Fishing creek passed this point, the base of the mountain and the channel of the stream being but little farther apart than the width necessary for a road- way. There was here a level plot of ground, hemmed in by the mountain, creek and surrounding hills, but amply large enough to accommodate the prospective growth of the town. With a sagacity, penetration and energy rarely equaled he began the work of laying out his town within a few months after entering Columbia county. He purchased fi-om Henry Dildine and others, heirs of Andrew Dildine. the ground on which the town of Orangeville now stands. This deed was dated March 15, 1822. The tract was included in a much larger one, originally patented to Thomas Minshall. His executors, William Crabbe and John Ewing, by indentui-e of May 14, 1793, conveyed it to Henry Dildine and John Frutchey, executors of the will of Andi-ew Dildine; and from his heirs, as above stated, it came into possession of Clemuel G. Ricketts. ^" 250 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY, When, in 1822, he bought the site of the town, a log building occupied' This was a farm, the site of the house owned by the late John Covanhoan. Another was farther down, house and was occupied by Abraham Eveland. along Spring run, just where the stable of the Orangeville hotel has since^ The lower timbers of this house were so rotten that it wa» been built. The former tenant, necessary to support the corner with a stout prop. Harman Labour, having vacated it, the proprietor of the town took possession and occupied it with his family until a more substantial habitation In the meantime, however, the course of the road, which could be erected. here made a curve round the foot of the mountain, was so changed as to be exactly straight; and, on either side, lots of convenient size w^ere laid Two of these, situated where Spring run crosses off and offered for sale. the road, a short distance from the house occupied by Eicketts, were bought by Elisha Boon, who at once erected a dwelling house and tannery, thus beginning a manufacturing industry when the town as yet hardly had an existHe pushed his new house to comence except in the mind of the proprietor. pletion as rapidly as possible, and in the same year (1822), having purchased the stock of goods of an Espy merchant, he removed them to bis house and opened the first store in Orangeville. Ludwig Herring was employed to bring a wagon load of goods from Philadelphia, and in the following year repeated the journey quite frequently. Daniel Melick built the third new house, which was at once occupied by The house Philip Snyder and Solomon Siegfried, from Northampton county. On the corner now is still standing, and is now owned by Mrs. Hayman. owned by Alexander B. Stewart, Clemuel G. Ricketts built the next house, in Just opposite, the proprietor now which David Fausey opened the first hotel. John completed a brick residence known at present as the Orangeville hotel. linger removed to the village in 1824, and built many of the first houses. Some interesting stories are related of the experiences of the people with It appears that the fastnesses of the Knob mountain were^ bears and wolves. Occasionally a black bear would comethe favorite haunts of these animals. down from the mountain, walk through the "town " with the most perfect unconcern and self-possession, and break into the swamp below; for at this time between the road and creek there was a dense growth of underbrush, with here and there the bare, naked top of a dead pine rising above the foliage and On one occasion the little daiighter of a farmer who lived the mire below. She ran down the road a just above the store was sent to bring the cows. short distance and returned with the news that she had seen somthing big and The first traveler over the road in the morningblack which was not a cow. For weeks afterward the mothers reported having seen the tracks of a bear. could not repress a feeling of uneasiness when their children were out of sight. It does not appear, however, that any loss of life resulted from the depredations of these fierce brutes. The number of houses in the town having increased to five or six, the estabThis involved the choice of a name as lishment of a post-ofiice was agitated. The sages of the village having, as usual, congrea necessary preliminary. gated in the store, the question was fi'eely discussed. Knobtown was suggested as significant of the locality; Rickettsville, as a deserved compliment to the founder, and " The Trap" in consideration of his foresight in locating the town where it intercepted all the travel from the region above. Mi. Ricketts observed that some of the old residents might enjoy hearing the familiar names of their former homes, and it appeared that some of those farther up the creek had come from Orange county, New York, and others fi'om Orange, New ORANGE TO\YXSHir. 251 Thomas Mills, his clerk, thereupon suggested the name Orangeville, once adopted, and has clung to the place ever since. Elisha Boon continued his tannery for many years. A distillery was once in operation on the same ground now occupied by the Methodist church-building. Benajah Hayhurst began the manufacture of farming inplements soon after. William Schuyler succeeded to the business in 1853, and continued it for After passing through various hands and experiencing succestwenty years. sive reverse and prosperity, the manufacturing industry is now conducted by White and Connor. The Orangeville plows and grain-threshers have a high reputation wherever introduced. Alfred Howell in 1853 opened an undertaking establishment. In 1855 James B. Harmon became proprietor and extended the business in various directions. He introduced the first hearse ever used in the region, and manufactured furniture for many years. The town at present comprises more than a hundred substantial homes, numerous stores and three church -edifices. All of the latter were preceded in the time of their erection by the old McHenry chiu'ch-building. It was situated about two miles west of Orangeville. Andrew Larish gave land for the church site soon after he entered the region in 1800; the church -building was erected about 1810, and was used as a house^ of worship by the Reformed, Lutheran and Presbyterian congregations for more than a quarter of a centixry. Among those who preached here were Reverends DieflFenbach of the Reformed chiarch; Baughey and Benninger of the Lutheran, and Patterson and Hudson, Presbyterians. In 1818 Harman Fausey fenced off a part of his farm for a burial ground. It had however been a place of interment five years previous. Edward McHenry came into possession of the farm in 1828, and increased the size of the grave-yard. The placa took its name from him. Among those buried here are Enzius Vance, Archibald Patterson, Frederick Rantz, Andi'ew Dildine and others of the first set- Jersey. which was at tlers of the region. In 1837 the roof of the church-building collapsed beneath the weight of a heavy snow. The 2 owner j)atent of large tracts of laud iu different parts of the state. The original designates the tract "Partnership," and locates it "on the North Branch Susquehanna, at the mouth of Fishing creek." Leonard Rupert's father-in-law, and transferred the title Michael Bright was him in 1801, thirteen years after his first occupation of the soil. Among those who followed him were the Tucker, Frey, Dietterich, Blecker, Lazarus Hittle and Leiby families, who located in the region beyond the river hill, appropriately known as ' ' Dutch valley. to ' Although separated from its nearest town by the broad channel of the Susquehanna, the region at the mouth of Fishing creek was not necessarily en- On the other hand its j^eople had rare facilities for learning at other places in the outside world. In 1786, and during the subsequent twenty-five yearg, Sunbury and Wilkesbarre were the seats of justice in the valley of the "North Branch," and the only towns of any importance in that section of the state. The constant stream of travel between these two points found a road near the river, its shortest and easiest route. From Danville to the moiith of Fishing creek, however, the course of this highway avoided the almost impassable river hills, and traversed the Dutch valley in their rear. At the muuth of Fishing creek the stream was crossed by a ferry. Although not a regular public-hoixse, Leonard Rupert's establishm its source at the Luzerne The region drained by this stream is a comparatively narrow valcounty line. The former terminates abruptly ley between Buck and McCauley mountains. a short distance from the point where these two streams unite. The latter is an interesting and peculiar feature of the topography. Rising to a considerable altitude above the surface of the valley at a point just within Columbia county, it extends westward in an unbroken trend for a distance of five miles, where, by a gradual slope, it sinks to the level of Catawissa creek; northward from the McCauley ridge is Nescopeck mountain a natural and effective barrier, appropriately utilized as the boundary between Beaver and Mifflin The regular and symmetrical proportions of these elevations aptownships. — pear in strong contrast with the varying characteristics of the Catawissa range. Distinguished by the spurs and foothills which mark its northern slope, it enAt its base the closes Beaver township within its semi-circular convolutions. Catawissa creek meanders through a region of unbroken quiet disturbed only iby the plash of its waters, or the shrill whistle of a locomotive as it rounds a A no less secluded retreat is the curve, or rumbles over a trestling above. valley of Scotch run, a small tributary stream whose course marks the lowest depression between the Nescopeck and McCauley mountains. A region of alternating elevations and depressions, with no advantages of fertile soil or accessible location, did not attract settlement and improvement As early as 1774, until the more desirable lands were no longer available. however, Beaver valley was entered by Alexander McCauley, an account of whose mysterious disappearance is given in the history of Locust township. It is said that at this time his nearest neighbors were in the vicinity of Catawissa, excepting a community of beavers, who erected a dam on the stream, which derives its name from this circumstance, a short distance above its Beaver swamps inThe region known as junction with Catawissa creek. cluded the area drained by both the affluents of this creek, Scotch run and Beaver run. The beaver, bear and deer were followed to these fastnesses by a class of men with whom danger and distance were no unfavorable consideraAlexander McCauley retired from the frontier in 1776, none too soon tions. to escape the ravages of the border warfare; but Andrew Harger, his neigh' ' ' 295 BEAVER TOWNSHIP. remained bor on Catawissa creek, with more courage than prudence, For some days his summarily abducted by a party of hostile savages. captors pursued their journey in a northerly direction, their destination apWithout any apparent parently being what was then known as Upper Canada. reason they turned about when they had reached a point in western New York, and after several weeks of suspense and anxiety Harger realized that he was He had somewhere in the vicinity of the north branch of the Susquehanna. now been in captivity nearly a year, but was not guarded as closely as at first. Embracing a favorable opportunity of escape, he made his way to the river by With a surprising night, and concealed himself beneath a pile of drift wood. degree of physical endurance, he kept his body beneath the water, while, through the crevices between the logs, his foes were plainly seen engaged in For seven days he continued his joui'ney, subsisting on such roots the search. and herbs as were nutritious, and on a maimed turkey he was so fortunate as to Greatly emaciated, he at last reached a frontier settlement wiser capture. by one year's experience as an Indian prisoner. Beaver swamps No attempt was made to resume the settlement of the No considerable number of people were until after the close of the revolution. Thomas Wilyet residents at the time Mifflin township was formed, in 1799. kinson, an Englishman, lived in a cave along Catawissa creek near the site of an Indian town and burying ground, but does not appear to have extended a very cordial welcome to the settlers who followed him and invaded the solitudes he seemed to have regarded as his exclusive property. James Van Clargan, the Klingamans, Oaks, Parig, Mensinger, Swank, Longenberger and Fisher The Van Clargans families were among the first to become permanent settlers. The farms owned by cleared the farm now occupied by Charles Michael. the Klingamans were claimed by Daniel Oaks, an Englishman from New Jersey, but his rights were disputed by Reuben Eyerly. Oaks and all his family were Eyerly was seen in the neighborhood the one night burned in their house. preceding evening; there was not, however, sufficient evidence to criminate him, and he was set at liberty. He was subsequently hanged on a similar charge. About 1810 JohnDalins, a German from Lehigh county, made an improvement Following the course of near Catawissa creek, at the foot of the mountain. the creek John Rarig, Ludwig Mensinger and John Hoats, from Berks county, John and cleared the land on what is now the Catawissa and Ringtown road. Christian Shuman, from Catawissa, erected a tannery and saw mill on the site of the present tannery at Shumantown. The route followed by these persons from the southern counties was the Reading road to Catawissa, and from that point a way opened by themselves This road was subsequently extended to Reading along Catawissa creek. but was not improved until 1852, although traveled extensively long before For many years the hotel of Adam Michael, at the foot of Buck that time. mountain, was a prominent place of social resort. When Mifflin township was erected in 1799 Mifflinville was the voting place for the population of Beaver valley subsequently the Paxton election district, so named in honor of Colonel Joseph Paxton, was formed out of the region south of Nescopeck mountain, and a voting place was established at Michael's hotel; finally in November, 1845, the township of Beaver was erected, comprising nearly the same area While these changes were previously included in the separate election district. being made in the political organization of the region, plans were being matured the execution of which promised to revolutionize the industrial character of its The object of those who projected these changes was the developpeople. ment of rich deposits of coal supposed to exist in the McCauley and Buck mountains. until ' ' ' ; HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 296 As early as 1S2<) the presence of coal in the McCauley mountain was an Ten years later Nicholas Biddle and others projected the established fact. Catawissa railroad, and graded various sections of the line in Beaver township. Not until 1853, however, was the road open to traffic and travel. The attention of capitalists and others was then directed to the coal measures of the McCauley and Buck mountains thus brought within reach of transportation facilities. By an act approved May 5, 1854, the McCauley railroad company was incorporated, the rail-road projected being a line five miles in length to eonnect the coal veins of McCauley mountain with the Catawissa rail-road. By an act approved April 27, 1855, Charles B. Penrose, LeeW. Buffington, M.D., and John C. Sims were constituted the Columbia Coal and Iron company. By the provisions of its charter the capital stock was fixed at five-hundred thousand dollars, and its oj)erations confined to Columbia and Montour counties. By an act approved April 19, 1858, the McCauley rail-road company was conThe construction of the solidated with the Columbia Coal and Iron company. rail-road and of an extensive coal breaker was begun, a tract of land embracIt ing two-thousand four-hundred acres having previously been purchased. embraces four tracts, originally surveyed for John Reese, John Brady, Jeremiah Jackson and Robert Gray, in pursuance of their warrants issued December In 1867 coal shipments from the McCauley colliery were begun. 7. 1793. The same year Simon P. Case erected another breaker, and formed the Beaver Five years later the coal deposits at both points were creek Coal company. In September, 1869, both breakers and the track of the practically exhausted. McCauley rail-road were removed. The shaft of the Columbia Coal and Iron company is under lease from James Long, James Hunter and P. W. Shaffer, Allen Mann, who operates it to a limited extent to supply lo- its successors, to cal consumption. Although the mining of coal on the east side of McCauley mountain had resulted disastrously to the corporations which attempted it, Simon P. Case, having completed the construction of the Danville, Hazelton and Wilkesbarre rail-road, as pretended owner of a tract of land on the line of that road and the west slope of the McCauley mountain, leased the Glen City colliery to J. H. After several years of litigation between Losee for a period of ten years. Simon P. Case and George Longenberger, the latter secured a verdict in his The lease of J. H. Losee favor as rightful owner of the Glen City colliery. 1, 1881, when the colliery was suspended for five years. In 1886 James and Mary McAlarney completed improvements and repairs about the Adjoining works, which resumed operations under favorable circumstances. the Glen City colliery, Allen Mann and F. L. Shuman, as lessees of Long, Fisher and Shaffer, successors of the Columbia Coal and Iron company, operated the McCauley colliery from 1873 to 1876. With reference to the development of the coal product of Beaver township, it is only necessary to state further that Coxe Brothers & Company are the operators of a colliery at Gowen, in expired April Luzerne county, the excavations of which extend into Columbia county, folThe coal measures at this point have not, as lowing the Buck mountain vein. yet, been exhausted. In addition to the rail -road above mentioned, Beaver is traversed by the Tide-Water Pipe-Line, the features of which, as a factor in distributing an imThe portant commodity of the state, are of an entirely different character. economy and convenience of transporting petroleum from the wells to shipping points by means of pipelines was realized by the proprietors of oil-wells at an early period in the development of the oil region of Pennsylvania. Until 1880, In that however, no pipe-line of any extent had been successfully operated. BEAVEK TOWNSHIP. 297 year the Standard Oil Company practically demonstrated the feasibility of transporting crude petroleum long distances through iron tubes, the principle being to take advantage of the action of gravity upon the flov^ing liquid whenever possible, and surmount the obstacles of varying elevation by powerful With the object of lessening the expense of force pumps when necessary. transportating oil to distributing points on the sea-board, the Tide-Water Pipe Line Company in 1882 secured the right of way for a pipe -line from Rixford, in McKean county, to Tamanend in Schuylkill, a distance of one-hundred and Notwithstanding the violent opposition of rival corporations, eighty miles. the enterprise was successfully consummated in the autumn of the same year. The course surveyed enters Columbia county after crossing the Muncy hills, passes several miles north of Jerseytown and about the same distance south of Buckhorn, crossing the Fishing creek and Susquehanna at the mouth of the former The course of Catawissa creek is followed through the townships of stream. Main and Beaver. The mains are six inches in diameter, the cost of construcAlthough involving this enortion aggregating six-thousand dollars per mile. mous expense, the financial success of the enterprise may be inferred from the fact that it has reduced the cost of oil transportation to one-twentieth of the former freight charges. A telegraph lino connects the ofiSce of the general superintendent at Williamsport with the several pumping stations along the These are located at Eixford, McKean county; Olmstead, Potter route. county; County-Line and Muncy, in Lycoming; and Shuman's, in Columbia. The distance between the last named two is one-hundred miles; between Shuman's and Tamanend, the terminus of the line, seventeen miles. Owing to the presence of a considerable elevation between Shuman's and Tamanend, the pumping apparatus is there constructed on a larger scale than at Muncy. The altitude to be surmounted, and not the distance, determines the amount of force necessary to propel the stream of oil. Shuman's pumping station is situated in Beaver valley, near the line of The buildings and grounds comprise an area of five the Catawissa rail -road. acres. The plant consists of an oil tank, furnace and boiler, a steam engine and pumping apparatus. The oil tank is thirty feet high and ninety-five feet in diameter; wrought-iron plates, a half-inch in thickness, and a canvass roof enclose an air-tight compartment with a capacity of thirty-five-thousand barrels. The two pumps are capable, respectively, of elevating fifteen-thousand «nd ten-thousand barrels of oil in twenty-four hours to an altitude of onethousand three-hundred and twenty-five feet, the vertical distance from Beaver A battery of three Riter and Conley boilers, and a valley to the summit. Murphy smokeless furnace generate the power which performs this work, while the machine which applies it is a Holly engine of three-hundred horsepower. By means of an elaborate system of gauges, the superintendent is enabled to compute with mathematical exactness the amount of work performed by every pound of coal or gallon of water consumed. The buildings throughCleanout are equipped with every appliance of convenience and comfort. liness, order and discipline are everywhere apparent, the results of a rigid, personal supervision by Mr. F. G. Laner, who has now (September, 1886,) been superintendent for several years. The ceaseless whirr of the machinery is the only disturbing element in the quiet of the surrounding neighborhood. The present mill structure was commenced in 1876, Beaver Valley Mills. the old building having been destroyed by fire while the proprietor, F. L. Shuman, was at the Centennial at Philadelphia. In 1881 Mr. Shuman sold the mills to Charles Reichart, who was the proprietor until December, 1885, when he sold to Dr. A. P. Heller of Millville, who bought for his son, Sher' ' ' ' • ' ' — ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 298 man Heller, and April 1, 1880, the present fii-m, McHenry & Heller, was organized. The building is 36x40 feet, three stories high, and equipped with two run of buhrs, one chop stone, and the roller process for buckwheat. The power to move the mill is supplied from a dam across Catawissa creek. M.W. McHenry, one of the firm, is the miller. Failing to give more than a temporary impetus to the industrial pursuits of Beaver township, the erection of railroads has also failed to impart permanent In 1821 Isaac Davis taught benefit to the schools and churches of the region. the first school in the township, at Kostenbander' s mill. Four years later he opened another in his dwelling, in the southern part of the township. In the same year Henry Schell taught in a dwelling near Beaver church, and Adam Holocher near the old Michael hotel. Education was conducted by these pedagogues with a primitive simplicity admirably imitated by their successors at the present day. The first Methodist sermon in Beaver was delivered in the year 1815 in the house of David Davis. Reverends Dawson, Rhoads, Taneyhill and Monroe continued these services, the last named clergyman in the winter of 1822-23 Owing to a lack of harmony among its members, organizing a congregation. The house of worship is now occupied by an it was subsequently disbanded. Evangelical congregation. A union house of worship, built by the Lutheran and Reformed denominaBeaver Church. tions, has long been known as the Both congregations, have had many pastoral changes, and are now served by the pastors at Ringtown, Schuylkill county. ' ' ' ' CHAPTER XX. ROARINGCREEK TOWNSHIP. ROARINGCREEK, the third township formed from Catawissa, embraced,, erected in 1832, the townships of Locust and Conyngham in addition to its present limited area. A semi-circular spur of the Little mountain forms the eastern boundary, and extends farther only a short distance until it is merged into the Catawissa range. This natural barrier separates Roaringcreek from the adjoining county of Schuylkill. It formerly included the head waters of both branches of the creek, from which circumstance with great propriety it received its name. When this designation was first applied to the stream cannot be definitely ascertained. Under its Indian name of Popemetunk, it is mentioned at various times by early visitors to the region; but in the earliest warrants for surveys the Indian name is nowhere mentioned, the stream being always referred to as Roaring creek. In the year 1850 the township was reduced to its present limits by the form ation of Montour county. There had for some time been a desire for a division of the township; however, as may be learned from the history of Locust, the provisions, under which the division was at first effected, failed to entirely satisfy those most concerned. By a re-adjustment of the county line it was proposed to again include in Roaringcreek the territory taken from it; but meanwhile both divisions of the original township had elected their respective officers. This arrangement was abandoned in view of the complications which when KOARINGCREEK TOWNSHIP. 299 woiild have inevitably resulted, and the township has been neither increased nor diminished since 1850. Among the first persons who located within the present limits of Roaringcreek were Samuel Hunter and Bezaliel Hayhui'st. The former secured a patent under date of July 25, 1774, for a tract of land known as "Trout Springs" farm. He died in 1784, having made his will in a house on the now owned by John Whitner. From Alexander Hunter, who succeeded ownership of part of this tract, it passed into possession of George Randall, and from him to Abram Whitner, the father of the present owner. Other persons who secured tracts in the southern part of the township at the head waters of Roaring creek were Samuel Morris and Anthony Morris, Hugh and Michael Hughes, Francis Artilla and Barbara Artilla, Henry Hurtzel, Andrew Helwig, John Hemrninger, John Harmon, George Groh, George^ Duvald, Stephen Feabody and George Dewees. "Four Springs Farm," along Mill creek, was patented to Adam Zantzinger November 9, 1784, although the warrant for its survey had been issued ten years previous to that date. It adjoined the lands of Jonathan Pearson, Bartholomew Wambech and the Wilson and Robinson tract. Christian Immel, Peter Minnich, Frederick W^agoner, William Lamon and Christian Shultz owned the mountain lands above the Mill creek. What has since proved to be the best farming land in the township was originally surveyed for Matthew McGlath, Charles Truckenmiller, John McKay, Jacob Shakespear and land to the Thomas Fisher. Some of these persons, the Immels, Hayhursts, Hughes, and others, planted their homes here and are now resting in unmarked graves in the Friends' Roaringcreek burial-ground. Of scarcely a single tract can it be said that it remains in the family of the original owners. German families, the Whitners, Rarigs, Kunkles, Driesbachs, Houcks, Holstines, Kreischers and Songenbargers, followed in the wake of the Quakers, and rapidly gained the ascendancy in population and wealth. They followed the Reading and Sunbury state road from their former homes in Berks and Northampton counties to a point beyond Ashland where it was intersected by a turnpike leading northward; this was traveled to Bear Gap, in Locust township, from which the distance to the upper branch of Roaring creek was comparatively short and easy. A road from Catawissa direct to Reading, entering the present limits of the township at its northern boundary, and, crossing the Little mountain in a southeast direction, gave to the people on this upper branch the same advantages conferred by the turnpike to the people at the Gap, and by the other Reading road to the farmers midway between the two. At first, wheat was the only article for which there was any market; the best white wheat had to be hauled to Reading in order to be worth forty or fifty cents a bushel. Subsequently, when the orchards first planted began to bear, dried apples became a valuable commodity. Stage coaches were run on this road for a few years immediately after it was opened, about the year 1812. The advantages of an easier and shorter route over the older Sunbury and Reading road as far as Ashland, and thence to Catawissa, caused their transfer to the latter road. The highway to Reading through the valley of upper Roaring creek has certainly done much to develop the timber resources of the region. It has been, and is still the route over which nearly all the produce of the farms finds a market in the mining towns of Schuylkill county. The first mill in the township was erected about the year 1816, shortly after this road was opened. James Hibbs, Senior, was the proprietor, and the HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 300 is still known as Hibbs' mill. March 13, 1793, in partnership with Josepb Hampton, he bought a tract of land from John Nixon and Alexander Foster, Philadelphia merchants, who, under date of Sept. 26, 1783, had secured a patent for it. Judah Cherington in 1856 built the present mill, which is now owned by Peter Swank. Abner Hampton, a son of Joseph Hampton just mentioned, built a small mill on Mill creek some years after It subsequently came into possession of William the Hibbs mill was built. place Heupka, who removed it and erected the present building. It is now owned by John Mourer. A few houses were built around Hibbs mill, eventually forming the village of Mill Grove. Judah Cherington opened the only store in the township in 1859; it is now owned by O. W. Cherington, who, as the result of his energetic persistence, opened a post-office a few years since. It is the only one in the township and certainly a great convenience to the people. The Hibbs name is also associated with the first school in the township. In the year 1816, in a dwelling owned by Mahlon Hibbs, a son of James Hibbs, Senior, Joseph Stokes opened a subscription school. In the following year Thomas Cherington, a teacher of thirty-six years' experience in Bei'ks county, He was also a surveyor; a work on mathematics pre- entered the township. pared by him and still preserved in manuscript form evinces considerable ability and carefulness. It was for the purpose of instructing the family of his son Samuel, who was a mill-wright, that he was first induced to come over the mountains. He cheerfully took the children of neighboring families into his school, however, and continued it several winters. Samuel Cherington succeeded his father and remained a teacher for many years. In 1821 the school in Mahlon Hibbs' house was reopened by Charles Brush. David Chase was another early teacher. The first house used exclusively for school purposes was built in 1830 where number two school is now held. In this school-house for twenty -three years the only religious organization in the township held its services. The Roaringcreek appointment of the Methodist Episcopal church has had an existence of seventy years. Previous to the building of the school-house, people of this faith met in the barn of John Yocum, about a mile from the school -building, on the farm now owned by Elijah Horn. Mrs. Yocum' s family, the Maclntyres of Catawissa township, may well be called the leaders of Methodism in this whole section. Among those who worshiped here were Phoebe Dyer, J. J. Thomas, Joseph Jesse, and Ezra Yocum and Samuel Horn. The first preachers were Reverends Oliver Ege, Alem Brittain and Thomas Taneyhill. In the year 1853 measures were taken to erect a church-building. William Yocum, David Case, J. J. Thomas and William Rhoads, trustees, pushed the work with energy, and on the ninth day of June, in that year, the corner-stone was laid. The dedication service was held in the following autumn. The congregation since then has been served by Reverends Black, Tongue, Mendenhall, John Haughawant, Frank Gearhart, T. A. Cleese, S. V. Savage, John F. Brown and Jonathan Guilden. In 1873 William Yeager, who had but recently entered the township from Parks county, offered one-hundred dollars and an acre of ground to any denomination of Christians who would build a house of worship thereon. Two years later Reverend M. P. Saunders, of the United Brethren church, held a bush-meeting in the vicinity, which resulted in the conversion of fourteen The Free- Will congregation. United Brethren in Christ, was organized, and the erection of a church-buildinor on the land of Mr. Yeager at once persons. LOCUST TOWNSHIP. 301 It was dedicated in the autumn of 1876, and a revival held the followbegun. The pastors since have been ing winter increased the membership to sixty. Reverends S. R. Kramer, H. S. Gable and G. W. Herrold, at present in charge. It does not have Roaringcreek is distinctively an agricultural township. the rare advantage of an exceptionally fertile soil, nor are the markets for its But, in the tranproducts as accessible or convenient as would be desirable. sition from the log-houses and rude stables of fifty years ago to the substantial dwellings and barns of to-day; and in the contrast of the neglected, uninviting appearance of church and school buildings but twenty years ago with the com- fortable, attractive structures of the present, there are evidences of a material prosperity and certain progress, slowly apparent, but nevertheless permanent in its character. CHAPTER XXI. LOCUST TOWNSHIP. •^r^HE erection of Locust grew out of the controversy regarding the boundary between Columbia and Montovir counties. As at first defined Montour embraced nearly the whole of Roaringcreek township. But by a readjustment of the division line in 1853, Roaringcreek township, in Montour, became Scott, in Columbia. By this name it was known for about one month, "when, by act of assembly dated April 18, 1853, the name was changed to It is one of the eight townships originally embraced in Catawissa, Locust. when it was part of Northumberland county. In the year 1708 the proprietary government acquired the title to all the .i__ northeastern section of the state, the southern limit of this purchase in Col- umbia county being nearly identical with the southern boundary of Locust township. The earliest warrants for surveys in this section were issued the In these early records this region is mentioned as the valley Roaring creek, in Augusta township, Berks county. From the older settlements of Maiden creek, Exeter and Reading, within the present limits of that county, the early Quaker settlers, after weeks of toilsome travel, reached the Their first point was Harris' ferry; from here wilderness of Roaring creek. the journey was continued, partly by water and partly by land, to Catawissa, which was practically their destination. Warrants for surveys in this township were early issued in rapid succession, but there were comparatively few actual resident patentees until after the revolution. On the cessation of hostilities, however, the increased quiet and security of the frontier is indicated by the coming of many more families in 1785 than in any previous year. Among those now in the township were the Siddons, Bonsalls, Whiteheads, Hughes, Lees, Williams, Millards and Starrs. Their names are not even locally remembered. In their pronounced opposition to all ostentation, they would not suflPer the erection of a marble slab to perpetuate their memory. But in the early development of this fertile valley they have written a histoiy of untiring toil for which few of them ever received any adequate return. Pioneer life in this section was not devoid of adventure. To the labor of redeeming the waste places there was added the tear of wild beasts and still following year. •of 302 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. wilder men. An occurrence that created wide spread interest at the time, was He came from Edinburgh, Scotthe disappearance of Alexander McCauley. Fearing an land, in 1771, and settled in Beaver valley three years later. Indian raid, his wife and three older daughters returned to Harris' ferry. They were followed in the fall by Mr. McCauley, his youngest daughter, JeanIn 1783 they returned to the farm. In nie, and her brother, still younger. the autumn of that year his horses strayed away, and he followed them through the woods into what is now Locust township. At a hoiise near Roaring creek he obtained information which induced him to continue thesearch. He was never again seen. Twenty-five years afterward, twenty Spanish dollars and a number of silver buttons were found in a deep ravine near Bear Gap. He was known to have carried such money, but any connection between his disappearance and this discovery can only be matter of conjectiire. In 1769 Samuel Mears arrived at Philadelphia and settled near Valley In the winter of 1777-78 several American officers were quartered at Forge. June 6, 1787, his hoiise, and General Washington was a fi'equent visitor. he secured from the commonwealth a patent for land in the Roaring creek valIn March, 1794, his eldest son, Alexander ley, and at once removed thither. Mears, was married to Jeannie McCauley, who as a young girl has been menThe bridal party tioned as descending the Susquehanna eleven years before. left the house of William Collins near Catawissa, and rode en horseback to. The ceremony was here perthe prospective home of Mr. and Mrs. Mears. It was. formed, and was duly celebrated after the manner of the olden time. Cataone of the first marriages within the present limits of Locust township. wissa being the residence of the notary, and place of meeting for the Quakers, seems to have had a monopoly of these interesting occasions. The first roads were merely bridle-paths from house to house, converging This was the only point from to a rough wagon track leading to Catawissa. which supplies were to be obtained. That only a minimum quantity was needed is readily apparent when it is remembered that only home -spun was worn, and that the style of living was as simple as the avowed religious character of the^ people could make it. About the year 1798 Samuel Cherington, mill-wright of Maiden creek, erected a grist-mill and saw- mill for Thomas Linville on the site of the present one at Slabtown. It was the first in the present limits of the township, and was a great boon to the people. Shortly afterward he built a grist-mill for Nathan Lee on the site of one now operated by Jeremiah Snyder. The machinery for this mill was brought from Philadelphia. The money was carefully stowed in two wooden boxes, which were concealed between the linings of a wagon-top and thus taken to the city. During an extremely cold winThis was the largest mill in the whole region. ter just before the war of 1812, people resorted to it from all directions, as its strong water-power enabled it to continue after the ice had compelled others tO' stop. But at last it too stood still. Then Nathan Lee resolved on an expedient of which, too late, he saw the folly. He placed a mass of straw around' the water-wheels, and hoped, by firing it, to release them from their icy fetters. It In one hour his mill and its bins of grain and meal were reduced to ashes. almost resulted in a famine. About the time that these mills were built, and during the decade following, there was an influx of people from the same old county of Berks, but differing widely fi-om the Quakers who preceded them. They were Germans, some of whom had but recently come to this country, and by several years of service in the lower counties were obliged to redeem their passage money , LOCUST TOWNSHIP. 303 They entered the Roaring creek country by a road just Reading northward across the roountains. This was a shorter Many of these people at once route, biit not an easy one by any means. became proprietors. The price of land had appreciated from the twenty-five cents per acre, paid by the original patentees, to eight or ten dollars for cultiThe German element rapidly supplanted the Quaker, and has vated land. retained its predominance to the present day. The road fi'om Reading did not cease to be useful when the emigrants' load It forthof goods and small di'ove of domestic animals had passed over it. with became his road to market; and Reading, on the Schuylkill river and canal, superseded Catawissa and Sunbury as the "town" for this section. Great covered wagons loaded with grain and corn wound slowly over the Twenty bushels of wheat were load enough for two horses. The mountains. The price of wheat journey to Reading and return required eight or ten days. was five shillings (sixty-two and one-half cents) per bushel. About the year 1817 a sum of money was appropriated to improve the Reading road. Then a local strife of much bitterness ensued regarding its Caspar Rhoads finally induced the viewers to decide course in this township. on the upper road, which passed his hotel. The amount appropriated was not jet exhausted, and the lower road was also graded, to the satisfaction of all A line of stage-coaches appeared in 1825, Joseph Weaver being proparties. Benjamin Potts started an opposition line in 1839, and for some prietor. The opening of the Catayears both changed at Yeager's hotel in Slabtown. wissa rail-road rendered them no longer profitable, and they were soon afterward discontinued. The improvement of this Reading road led to the opening of the only manufacturing industry of any magnitude that has ever existed in Locust township. Directly after its completion, Esther furnace was built by Samuel Bittler. It was situated on land originally patented to Samuel Shakespear under date The tract was located "on Roaring creek, nineteen of August 17, 1773. now Sunbury. David Shakespear inherited the miles from Fort Augusta, land, and died in Newcastle county, Delaware. John Harland, as his executor, deeded it to Jacob Yocum, from whom it passed to the Bittlers. There was neither iron ore nor limestone in the vicinity, but an abundant supply of wood for charcoal, and a location near the Reading road were thought to comThe bulk of the ore was carted from the pensate for these disadvantages. The articles at first manufactured were stoves, and the Fishing creek valley. first cast-iron plows used in the region. Subsequently it was enlarged and leased successively to Trego & Co. Lloyd Thomas, and Fincher & Thomas. The opening of a canal along the Susquehanna made Catawissa the shipping point, and rendered the location less advantageous. In 1845 Samuel Diemer became lessee, and in 1861 proprietor. From him it has passed successively to John Richards, John Thomas, D. J. Waller, Sr. and Caspar Thomas, and is now owned by Jacob Schuyler and J. B. Robison. A crumbling wall, overgrown with bushes, marks the place where the last blast was taken off twenty years ago. About the year 1840 a new element, the Welsh, made its appearance in Among the families were the Watkins, Evans, Humphreys, Locust township. Reeses and Joneses. They bought farms with money brought from Wales; but after building a church many of them removed to the west and Canada. The character of the early settlers of Locust township, its exclusively agricultural resources and the absence of any rail-road, have not favored the growth of towns. A small village, however, clustered around each of its old hotels; before going farther. opened fi-om ' ' , HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 304 but since the stream of travel over the Reading road has been diverted in other directions, their growth has ceased, the erection of a new house, or opening of a new store occurring only at long intervals, as the clearing of the forests and increase of population required. The village of Slabtown was the first to receive a name. When Thomas Linvill began to saw lumber for the first houses, a few sheds were built of rough The name was suggested by their novel boards several rods above the mill. Linvill appearance, and is retained by the village that has succeeded them. bought his land from the Penroses, who secured it from James Lukens and John Pemberton, the original patentees. Lukens also sold a part of his tract to Andrew Trone, who built a log-house about the year 1797, a short time beHe opened a tavern at once, but in 1804 sold it fore the saw-mill was built. to John Yeager, who continued as landlord for many years. At that time Catawissa was the post-office for all this region. At Slabtown, however, there were postal facilities which were both appreciated and patronIn front of Yeager' s hotel, a box with a. ized by the farmers of the vicinity. Persons going to Catawissa would look sliding lid was fastened to a post. over its contents and take with them the out-going "mail; " on their return they would deposit what they had received at Catawissa in the box, retaining whatever was addressed to themselves, or to persons whom they would see on Everybody had access to the box. This postal service was. the road home. perfect in its simplicity, but its workings were hardly free from friction, unless the prying propensities of human nature have but recently been developed. The appointment of John Yeager as post-master and of a regular weekly carrier, did not immediately result in entirely discontinuing the old way of disAbout the year 1847 the post-office was removed to the tributing the mail. rival village of Numidia; but in 1855 it was again opened, and has been conThe village at present emtinued ever since under the name of Roaringcreek. braces about a dozen substantial houses, a store, hotel, school-house and church. The Roaring Yeager' s tannery has been in successful operation since 1837. creek is here spanned by an iron bridge, built in 1874, at a cost of one-thousand, five-hundred dollars. Shortly after Andrew Trone built his hotel oh Roaring creek, Caspar Rhoads built another about two miles father south, on the upper Reading road. Samuel Cherington subsequently built the mill now owned by William Snyder. The place has been known as Kernville since 1840, when John Kern became July 12, 1884, the post-office of Newlin was proprietor of the village hotel. established, but this new name has not yet entirely superseded the older one popular use. Caspar Rhoads succeeded in having one course of the Reading road opened past his property, but the stage driver obstinately persisted in preferring the That the family might yet share in the profits of this travel, Isaaeother. Rhoads, his son, in 1832 became landlord of a public-house on the lower The half-dozen road, built three years previous by Benjamin Williams. A post-office houses built around it have since been known as Rhoadstown. under this name was here opened fi'om 1855 to 1864, when it was removed to Numidia. in The latter village is geographically nearest the center of the township, surIt is situated on finest farms of the Roaring creek valley. rounded by the and it was his son-in-law, Peter land originally patented to Nathan Lee It was situated on the ground who built the first house in the village. In 1832 a store was opened in garden. Wintersteen' s Dr. by now occupied It was not the first in the township, however, as one had been this hotel. ; Kline, LOCUST TOWNSHIP. 30 5- kept by John Yeager at Slabtown five years previous. About the year 1835Elijah Price laid out the town and changed the name from Leestown to New Subsequently Anthony Dengler built the present hotel and store. Media. By his energetic efforts the post-office was removed to Numidia from Slabtown the local strife was renewed at frequent intervals, and in 1855 the in 1847 office for the southern part of the township was removed to Rhoadstown. It was again opened at Numidia in 1864, and has since remained there. A knowledge of the principles of Odd-Fellowship, gained from members of the order in other places, led to the formation of a branch of the society in Numidia. Good Will Lodge, I. O. O. F. was chartered April 17, 1847, but this charter was destroyed by fire and another issued four years later. George F. Craig, N. G. Henry Apple, V. G. Harmon Fahringer, secretary, and Christian Small, treasurer, are the present officers of the society. The lodge erected This hall was also, a hall some years ago at a cost of one-thousand dollars. used by another society until its meetings were discontinued a few years since. Camp No. 204, Patriotic Order Sons of America, was chartered December 13, 1873. The twelve. original members were D. N. Bachman, Joseph C. Knittle, William H. Moms, John Fetterman, John Gable, W^illiam H. Billig, David Fetterman, Charles W. Fisher, John H. Helwig, Albert Sevan, J. H. Vastine, Daniel Morris, Franklin Fetterman and Harmon Fahringer. Numidia comprises a number of comfortable homes, and a store, hotel, carriage-shop and smithy, the usual and necessary features of a country village. The Quaker pioneers of this region were characterized by a simplicity of life which permitted few wants their own efforts failed to supply; but, however well contented they may have been with the natural wealth of forest and farm, their industry was rapidly developing; they had a desire for general intelligence among their children which was never to any extent gratified. As soon as their numbers had so increased as to render it necessary, they erected a school-building and employed a teacher. The school-house was situated on the road from Newlin to Slabtown, near where the old Friends' meeting-house stands. William Hughes was one of the first teachers. In 1796 the school passed to the care of the Catawissa monthly meeting of Friends, by whom it was continued for twelve years. The German population did not seem so desirous of continuing this school as the Quakers had been to secure it. However, they patronized the meetinghouse school, which was subsequently taught by James Miller, and also others which had meanwhile been opened at Slabtown, Kerntown and Esther Furnace.. Among the early teachers were Joseph Stokes, Alexander Mears, Joseph Hughes, Isaac Maish and a Mr. Crist. In 1839 the public school question was voted upon, having been previously submitted to the people several times. The result was the establishment of public-schools, accomplished, it is said, by a majority of only one vote. Nine buildings for school purposes were erected that year in the districts known as Numidia, Beaver, Miller, Fisher, Wynn, Leiby, Eck, Deily and Furnace. This number has since been increased to thirteen. All the present buildings are in good repair many of them are furnished with a degree of comfort, care and taste in strong contrast with the forbidding, neglected appearance of their earlier predecessors. The first church-building, as well as the first school-house, was erected by the Quakers. It was built in 1796 on land adjoining their school-building. The ; , ; ; ; Exeter monthly meeting granted them permission to hold weekly meetings at least ten years previous; subsequently a preparative meeting was established, which in 1796 became part of Catawissa monthly meeting, and was known as 306 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. the Roaringcreek preparative. In 1802 Amos Armitage was appointed overseer of this meeting in place of Joseph Hampton, who had held the office for some December 24, 1803, John Hughes and Thomas Linvill were appointed time. to assist Isaac Wiggins in the care and education of certain poor children of December 12, 1804, Thomas Penrose succeeded Amos deceased Friends. The latter, with Job Hughes, Isaac Penrose, James Ai'mitage as overseer. Hughes and Samuel Siddons removed to Pelham, Upper Canada, the following Later in the same year Isaac Wiggins and Thomas Linvill removed to spring. Yonge Street, Upper Canada, and John Lloyd to Shortcreek, Ohio. February In the same 2, 1808, Bezaleel Hayhurst succeeded to the office of overseer. year he, with Thomas Penrose and Jeremiah Hughes, was appointed trustee The title to the property was to succeed Isaac Wiggins and Jacob Strahl. held in trust by these persons as long as any of their number was connected with this meeting; when the removal or death of some of them made such action necessary, a new board was appointed, to whom the title was transferred. In 1808 the Roaringcreek preparative meeting was attached to Muncy, the monthly meeting of Catawissa having been discontinued. In 1814, Muncy Friends having first made the request, the quarterly meeting of the society at Philadelphia established the Roaringcreek monthly meeting. This was a virtual re-establishment of the old Catawissa meeting under a new name, for it embraced Catawissa, Berwick and Roaringcreek, the original territory. Although miich reduced in numbers the Friends of the vicinity have held regular meetings in the Roaringcreek meeting-house until a few years since. For ninety years it has been a place of worship. The quiet of the burial ground, within its crumbling, moss-grown wall, and the quaint appearance of the house itself, suggest thoughts of a people whose peculiar religious ideas and customs were but the expression of a sincere and uncompromising regard for truth and virtue. In the year 1808 other religious teachdrs and preachers made their appearReverend John Dieterich Adams, a Reformed minister from Sunbury, ance. preached to the German people in a barn then owned by John Helwig, a short distance north of where Numidia has since been built. At the same place, and but a short time afterward, Reverend Frederick Plitt held services for the Lutherans. He rode on horseback from Philadelphia, and may be regarded as the pioneer minister of his church in Northern Pennsylvania. In October, 1815, Rev. Jacob Dieffenbach succeeded Mr. Adams, whose inconsistent life made the change necessary. About this time measures were taken to build a house of worship. Caspar Rhoads, George Miller and Matthias Rhoads were appointed a building committee. They bought a lot from Jacob Kline and began to build at once. In the fall of 1810 the new structure was dedicated. It had not been completed, however, and remained in an unfinished condition for fifteen years. For years after this religious services were held here once in every month by the two denominations, alternately. Denominational distinctions were not observed however; the whole church-going element of the German population attended all the services without regard to the liturgy used or the minister who preached. The privilege of hearing the Word expounded twelve times a year was too precious to be neglected. The succeeding Reformed pastors were Reverends Knable, Tobias, Fursch, Steeley, Daniels and Moore; the Lutheran ministers. Reverends Baughey, Benninger, Schindle and Eyer. Reverend Eyer' s pastorate began in 1837, and ended with his death in 1874, covering a period of thirty-seven years. During his ministry and that of Reverend Moore the present brick church build- LOCUST TOWNSHIP. 309 Reuben Fabringer, Leonard Adams, John Reinbold and Henry Gable were the building committee. Its cost was seven-thousand c"©!Reverend William Litzel lars. It was dedicated in the spring of 1870. became pastor of the Lutheran congregation in 1874, and in 1878 Reverend L. Linderstreuth, who was succeeded in 1881 by Reverend J. H. Neiman, at present in charge. Reverend George B. Dechant has been, since 1872, pastor of the Reformed church. ing was erected. Unfortunately the relations between the two congregations in recent years In the spring of 1882 the officers of the Lutheran have not been harmonious. congregation established a Lutheran Sunday-school in the union church-building. In July, 1883, the officers of the Reformed church, in a written protest, objected to the holding of a sectarian school in the house of worship jointly owned on the alternate Sundays, when its use for service belonged exclusively to them. An effort was made in 1885 to effect a peaceable settlement. It failed, however, owing to a want of unanimity among the Lutherans, and the matter has been referred to the civil court. A desire for religious services in English, on the part of persons not connected with the Society of Friends, led to the establishment of a Methodist congregation, or at least the holding of Methodist services, about the year 1835 at the houses of Nathaniel H. Purdy and Michael Philips, near RhoadsThe early pastors. Reverends Oliver Ege and Thomas Taneyhill, were towti. stationed at Sunbury. Two of the Methodist congregations in Locust township form part of the Previous to 1879 they were embraced in the Elysburg cirCatawissa circuit. The oldest, however, known as the Bear- Gap church, is still included in It has existed as an organization forty-five years, and is at presthat circuit. ent served by Reverend H. B. Fortner. The Slabtown congregation worship in a building erected by the Roformed Three years later a Methodist camp-meeting was held in church in 18-48. the vicinity; it resulted in the conversion of the most prominent of the Recuit. formed members, and many others. The church-building thereupon became a Methodist place of worship, and as such it is used at the present day. In 1864 the Welsh chapel appointment was begun by Reverend Franklin George Wheary was one of the first members. Some of the E. Gearhart. Quakers, and many English speaking persons from German families, speedily Reverends Henry S. Mendenhall, connected themselves with the organization. John F. Brown, T. A. Clees, John Guss, John Z. Lloyd, Thomas Owens and W. S. Hamlin have successively served this and the Slabtown appointments. In 1871 the services were held in a school-house. The discomfort of this arrangement led to the erection of Trinity Methodist Episcopal church. It was completed at a cost of twenty- two hundred and fifty dollars, and dediIsaac Dyer, Daniel Levan, Thomas Seaborne cated in the autumn of 1872. and William Kline were the trustees at the time. The Welsh chapel mentioned above was built in 1850 on lands given for The Welsh Baptists the purpose by James Humphreys and Michael Philips. It is now first occupied it, with Reverend William Jones as their first pastor. a preaching point for the United Brethren church. This religious denomination was the last to make its appearance in the township. There are at present two St. Paul's conother organizations in the township, St. Paul's and Fisher's. gregation was first served in 1866 by Reverend John Swank. The church-building was erected that year on land deeded to the church by John Richards. Fisher's church has resulted from a bush-meetinor held in the summer of 1883 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 310 by Reverend J. G. M. Herrold. Ground for a house of worship was secured! from Isaac Fisher. The new church-building will be completed before long. The increase in the number and efficiency of church organizations and schools has resulted from the changed condition of the people in general. The last twenty years have been marked by greater material prosperity than any two succeeding decades in the previous history of the township. Woodland has been cleared and brought under cultivation; judicious drainage has improved the farming land and increased its value, and with more comfortable homes there are also better facilities for the intellectual and religious instruction of the people. CHAPTER XXII. CONYNGHAM TOAYNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF CENTRALIA. CONYNGHAM was the seventh and last township formed out of the origiAfter being embraced successively in Roarnal territory of Catawissa. ingcreek and Locust, the extreme southern part of the county, at the FebruIt was named ary court, 1856, was erected into the township of Conyngham. in honor of the president judge. Honorable John Nesbitt Conyngham, and by an unforeseen coincidence the township which perpetuates his name was formed at the last session in Bloomsburg over which he presided. The propriety of this tribute in appreciation of his upright character and unswerving integrity is attested by his eminent ability and untarnished record as an impartial judge and an honorable man. Until the year 1830 Conyngham township, and indeed the western middle coal field, was known only as a wild, mountainous country, whose fastnesses were the haunts of the deer, the fox and the catamount. The region was not, The Sunbury and Reading state road passed however, entirely unknown. through Ashland, just at the foot of Locust mountain, and from that point a rough wagon track led over the mountains northward. About the year 180-4 the Red tavern was built on the top of Locust mountain by John Rhodeburger. Subsequently, when inl816orl817 the bridle path was so improved as to be really a good road, there was an almost ceaseless stream of travel past the Red house. Stage-coaches dashed down the level grade above, while the echoing horn inFour hosttensified the hurry and confusion of the always noisy tavern yard. lers emerged from the stable door, ready to grasp the bits and undo the fastenings of the coach horses the moment they were stopped; others brought out the relay that had been resting, and the coach was ready to renew the journey before the jaded passengers had scarcely become aware of the stop. A new driver mounted the box, deftly grasped the reins, uttered a quiet signal to start or noisily cracked his whip, and the coach disappeared in a cloud of dust. Nearly the whole of Conyngham township was surveyed about the year sevNo one, at that time, would have supposed enteen hundred and ninety-three. that beneath its rugged surface were the store houses of a vast mineral wealth. But during the succeeding thirty years rumors of discoveries of coal and iron began to be circulated and credited. The confirmation of these reports caused ' CONYJSGHAM TOWNSHir. 311 On various pretexts, a fever of excitement among the capitalists of the period. the land commissioners were induced to issue vi^arrants for the resurvey of some of the most vahiable portions of the anthracite coal region during 1830 and the following years. There are tracts of land in this township which are covered by two and even three titles from the commonwealth. Among the first to foresee the possibilities of wealth to accrue from the mining of a commodity, then hardly known, was that sagacious financier, Stephen Girard. April 30, 1830, he purchased from Horace Binney, James C. Fisher, Joseph Sims, Archibald McCall, Samuel Coates, Henry Pratt, John Steele, Paschal Hollingsworth, George Harrison, Abijah Hammond and Alison Walcott, trustees of the bank of the United States at Philadelphia, an extensive tract of land on the waters of Catawissa and Mahanoy creeks and the Little Schuylkill river. It extended into the southeastern part of Columbia county. Stephen Girard at once pushed the construction of roads and bridges through his new domain. Though left in an incomplete condition these substantial archways have defied the storms and floods of fifty years. He expected to find iron ore, and amass wealth from its manufacture the discovery of coal has given the college which bears his name apparently inexhaustible resources, surpassing even his most sanguine hopes. It was nearly a quarter of a century after the Girard purchase was made before any considerable quantity of coal was mined in Columbia county. The Locust Mountain Coal and Iron Company, the corporation which took the initiatory step in developing the region, and controls the most valuable coal land in the county at the present day, was not formed until 1842. In the year 1854 Mine Hill rail-road was opened to Big Mine run. Two years later MineRun colliery shipped the first coal over this road from Columbia county. In the same year Locust-Run and Coal Ridge collieries were opened, the former being operated by Repellier and Company, the latter by Longstreet and Company. The Hazel Dell colliery was completed in September, 1860; the CenThey were leased respectively by Robert GoiTell and tralia colliery in 1862. The Centralia breaker was bm-ned Sunday, OctoJ. M. Freck and Company. ber 21, 1866, and twice subsequently. In 1863, on the Girard estate, the Continental colliery was opened by RobIt was leased successively by Goodi'ich and Comert Carter and Company. pany and Gorrell and Audenried; it is operated by the Lehigh Valley Coal Company. Union colliery, on the same estate, was opened in the same year by John Anderson and Company. It is known as North Ashland, and is leased by the Philadelphia and Reading Coal and Iron Company. In 1865 the Le; high and Mahanoy rail-road was opened from M*t. Carmel to Mahanoy City, through the property of the Locust Mountain Coal and Iron Company. In the following year the Mahanoy and Broad Mountain rail- road was made availIn 1867 the Locust Run able for coal shipments from the company's works. colliery produced one-hundred and forty-seven thousand tons of coal up to that date, the largest annual yield of any colliery in the anthracite region. In 1869 Thomas R. Stockett was appointed chief engineer and agent of the corporation above mentioned. In 1872 he was succeeded by Lewis A. Riley. He resigned in 1880, and in 1881 Lewis A. Riley and Oompany leased the In the same year they erected the Logan Centralia and Hazel Dell collieries. About the same time Isaac May and Company breaker in South Conyngham. began to mine coal on Morris Ridge. From the geological report is compiled the following statistics in regard to the mine product for the year 1882, since when there are no reliable data available: 312 Name of colliery, 1882. HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. CONYNGHAM TOWNSHIP. 313 Three years later, in 1865, the Lehigh and Mahanoy rail-road, since known Lehigh Valley, was built through the town on what is appropriately known as Rail-Road avenue. With its entrance into the section several new colleries were opened and the town began to grow in size, population and wealth. In this very circumstance, however, there was an element of danger. The influx of people of different nationalities and conflicting creeds threatened to involve thecommunity in disorder and lawlessness, and demanded provision for a more stringent enforcement of the laws. Accordingly, at the February court, 1866, the borough of Centralia was incorporated. James B. Knittle was elected president of the town council ; L. S. Boner, town clerk and James Dyke, Chief Burgess of the town, an ofl&ce which he has held during the stormiest periods of its history. The persons thus elected officers of the borough, with other public spirited men, took measures to maintain and improve the state of order, and were, in as the ; the main, successful. An undertaking in which the projectors sought to prevent reckless and^. improvident expenditure by many of the operatives was the Centralia Mutual Savings Fund Association. It was organized Feb. 2, 1866, with E. S. Betterly, and a board of directors consisting of A. W. Rea, James Dyke, Henry W. Sable, Reuben Wasser, M. M. L'Velle, L. S. Boner, Joseph H. Dawes,. Edward Sweet, William James, William Peift'er, J. J. Hoagland, David Camp and John M. Belf ord. For a time its results were satisfactory and profitable but it subsequently became involved, and is now being closed by James Dyke. Although apparently a failure, it has certainly accomplished a good work. Many of the homes in Centralia trace their first inception in the minds of the ownersto the comfortable sum which had here slowly accumulated. One of the greatest disadvantages of the location of the town is the abseticeof an adequate water supply. To supply this want the Centralia Water Company was chartered in 1866. A reservoir was constructed on the side of Locust mountain, and wooden mains were laid to conduct the water to its consumers. In the course of a few years the pipes began to decay the expense of removing thenr and securing others of a more durable character seriously involved the company. Its property was sold on execution of Mayberry Hughes, and was bought by William Brydon Oct. 26, 1876. This transfer closed the first ten years of the company's history, and the result was total failure. From AVilliam Brydon, the property passed into possession of A. B. Fortner, Daniel C. Black, Edward Williams, Jr., A. K. Mensch, A. B. Willard and John W. Fortner. In. their hands the property has been much impi'oved and pays a fair return. The water supply of this company is obtained from springs in the vicinity of the town. The exhaustive pumping process necessary to keep the minesfree from water threatened to seriously affect their permanency. To meet theincreasing need for an absolutely inexhaustible supply of water the Locust Mountain Water Company was chartered October 24, 1881, with a capital stock of fifty-thousand dollars, to which the Lehigh Valley Rail-road Company largely contributed. A large dam was built across Brush valley run and a reservoir on the top of Locust mountain, while three miles of undergroundl mains connect the two. The works were completed two years ago and remove the possibility of any " water-famine " in the future. ; ; The borough organization, beneficial as it was in every respect, failed to curb? the spirit of ruffianism which asserted itself in the years which immediately followed. About the time it was effected, the Mollie Maguire troubles began in,' Schuylkill county. This organization, one of the most formidable that hasever existed in defiance of law, rapidly extended over a large extent of the ad- HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 314 On the 17th of October, 1868, Alexander W. Rea was murjoining counties. dered on the road leading from Centralia to a colliery of which he was superintendent. The object ostensibly was to rob him of some hundreds of dolThe murlars it was supposed he would have with him, as it was pay day. derers secured but ten dollars from his person and made good their escape. Ten years afterward, Hester, Tully and McHugh were tried and convicted as They were hung at Bloomsburg, March 25, 1878. accessories before the fact. This murder begins a period in the history of Centralia which had its parThere was a virtual reign of terallel in every town in the anthracite region. ror. Sentence of death seemed to be pronounced against every miner- boss who dared perform his duties and oppose the roughs. When the life of Alexander Rea, a man who had been identified with every project to benefit the miners and improve the town, could be sacrificed to the hatred and cupidity of designing villains, all security of life and property seemed to have disappeared. Many of the leading citizens fled. It was not safe to be in the streets after The outrages in Centralia night-fall, and hardly safer to remain indoors. reached a culminating point in 1874, when Michael Lanathan was shot in the streets, and Thomas Dougherty was murdered on his way to work. These tragedies occurred within a month of each other; both were shrouded in mystery, but every circumstance pointed with moral certainty to the "MaWith the disclosures of Mcguires " as the conspirators and perpetrators. Farland, the reign of law was once more established and Centralia shared in the feeling of security which soon became general throughout the whole region. Another phase of the lawlessness of the period was the frequent occurrence of incendiary fires. In March, 1872, a destructive fire consumed four blocks on the east side of Locust avenue. In the same year a half-square between Centre Raili-oad streets was reduced to ashes. Januaiy 12, 1873, a whole square on the west side of Locust was burned, leaving only three houses on that side of the street. In the four succeeding years, several business houses and private residences were burned, all of which with one exception were believed to be the work of incendiaries. Centralia has entered upon its period of greatest prosperity within the last few years. The discovery and development of rich veins of coal in the immediate vicinity give promise of labor for hundreds of men for years to come. It Comprises a population of about threa-thousand; a number of well established biisiness houses, distributing every commodity within the circle of the needs of any community; five congregations of evangelical christians, with an equal number of places of worship; a large and substantial school-building; and a number of benevolent and co-operative associations. The religious and social development of the people has made great advances in the past few years, and may be examined in detail. into Centralia in January of 1803, and was therefore the first denomination represented in the town. Morris Lewis was appointed leader of a class of eight by Reverend W. M. Showalter, who was then pastor at Ashland. Two years later Reverend N. W. Guire, from the same place, organized the Methodist Episcopal appointment of Centralia, formed a In April of the same year class, and appointed William M. Hoagland, leader. the appointment was connected with the Mt. Carmel circuit of the East Baltimore Conference. Reverend J. M. Mullen was in charge the three succeeding years. During the summer of 1806 the church edifice was begun by John James and Joseph Steel. Assisted by others favorable to the cause, they excavated the foundation without the expenditure of a single dollar. The cornerIn Febstone was laid in the autumn of 1866, by Reverend W. A. Stephens. Methodism was introduced CONYNGHAM TOWNSHIP. 315 ruary of the following year, the basement was completed and dedicated by RevDaring the pastorate of Reverend J. A. Dixon, the SunJ. B. Riddell. In March, 1869, Centralia station was established day-school was organized. by the annual conference and C. D. McWilliams, S. R. Nankervis and A. C. In 1871 the andience room was "Crosthwait successively appointed pastors. erend dedicated. Several other appointments were annexed to Centralia about this time. Reverends H. B. Fortner and Samuel Barnes served as pastors until 1873, when Centralia again became a station with Reverend A. H. Mensch as pastor. Being unable to sustain itself, the annual conference of 1874 again connected Reverends G. W. Lamed, N. S. Buckingham, G. it with its former circuit. W. Marshall, T. H. Tubbs, J. P. Benford, R. L. Armstrong and J. S. Buckley have been pastors since then. In 1883 it again became a station, and since then has increased in membership sufficiently to warrant the erection of a new churchbuilding. The next denominations to make their appearance were the Presbyterian and Protestant Episcopal. The former was organized July 31, 1867, by RevReverend L. L. Haughawant became first pastor and •erend S. W. Reighart. A church building was ministered to a congregation of eighteen members. It is an attractive, substantial erected at a cost of three -thousand dollars. Reverend J. H. Fleming became passtructure, and has a pleasant location. tor in 1871, and in 1874 Reverend J. Caldwell, who was succeeded in 1883 by Reverend J. F. Stewart, the present pastor. The Protestant Episcopal church •edifice was erected in 1867 at a cost of four-thousand dollars, contributed largely by Robert Gorrell and J. M. Freck. Bishop Stephens, of the diocese of Reverend M. Washburn was the first rector; he Harrisburg, consecrated it. His resigned in 1870, when Reverend Charles E. D. Griffith took charge. successors have been Reverends Robert H. Kline and D. Howard, the present incumbent. The parish of St. Ignatius' Catholic church, Centralia, is in the diocese of Harrisburg. Right Reverend J. F. Shanahan selected the Very Reverend Before the erection of the see of Harrisburg D. J. McDermott to organize it. the Catholic population of Centralia formed part of St. Joseph' s congregation at Ashland. Previous to Father McDermott' s advent no public service had been held He arrived in the place April 12, 1869, and the in the town by a Catholic priest. following Sabbath celebrated two masses in a school -house which has since been abandoned as unsafe because it stood on the verge of a " cave- in. The congregation was organized but there was no ecclesiastical property of any kind belonging to the Catholics of Centralia, and there was no money, for the miners had been on an eight months' strike and had not yet resumed work. The first property was acquired by the donation of four lots from the Locust Mountain Coal and Iron Company. The corner-stone of the church building was laid by Bishop Shanahan July 18, 1869. It was completed the following November. Father McDermott completed the pastoral residence in the next year. The church edifice, rectory and cemetery cost twenty-two thousand dollars. In 1872 the number of souls in the congregation numbered fifteen hundred. In that year Reverend Edward T. Fields became pastor; he remained in charge until his death in 1884, when he in turn was succeeded by Reverend James I. Russell, the present pastor. He is assisted in the work of the parish by Reverend J. A. O' Brien. During the twelve years of Father Field' s pastorate his assistants were Fathers Davis, McShane, Kenney, McKenna and Barr. The Baptist denomination has secui'ed a representation. In April, 1886, Reverend B. B. Henchy, of Girardville, organized a congregation of twelve ' ' HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. 316 members. A church building will be completed in course of a short time. spirit, and will no doubt have a The new organization has shown an aggressive prosperous and useful career. The secret societies represented in Centralia are the Odd-Fellows, Patriotic Order Sons of America, Miners' and Laborers' Amalgamated Association and Knights of Labor. Centralia lodge, I. O. O. F. No. 586, was chartered September 22, 1866, but this charter was burned, and another issued NovemA new hall is in course of erection on Centre street, above Lober 25, 1872. It will have two floors, one Its estimated cost is four thousand dollars. cust. of which will be furnished for public entertainments, thus meeting a long-felt want. The present membership is seventy-one. The officers are James Thomas, James Thompson, C. B. Spurr and Seth Thomas. Camp No. 106, Patriotic Order Sons of America, was organized in 1866 with thirty-six members. Its first officers were J, P. Hoagland, president; C. It was reorganized in 1872, G. Freck, secretary, and J. F. Scott, treasurer. and rechartered February 17, 1883, with twenty-four members. This membership has since increased to sixty. District 16, of the Miners' and Laborers' Amalgamated Association, was organized February 15, 1885, with one-hundred and seventy-five members. The district comprises four branches, and has a membership of about eight-hunAssembly 4641, Knights of Labor, was formed December 13 of the dred. same year. April 17, 1886, Assembly 6364 was organized. These two have a combined strength of two hundred and forty members. The central location of Centralia in the coal-field of the township has caused more than half of its population to collect within the borough limits or on the land adjoining, thus preventing the growth of other towns in the vicinSeveral small villages have, however, gathered around the collieries at a ity. Montana, Germantown and Locustdale were built in distance from Centralia. the years immediately following the opening of the coal-mines; but, for the reason just given, never approached in point of size their older neighbor, Cen, tralia. The village of Locustdale is situated in the adjoining counties of Schuyland Northumberland, as well as Columbia. The first buildings were erected in 1856 by George C. Potts and Company, the proprietors of the colliery still known by the name of its projector. The following year this colliery was first The growth of the operated, and in 1858 the shipment of coal was begun. village was energetically forwarded by J. L. Beadle, the first manager of the kill Mrs, A. S. Morehead, of Pottsville, in 1859 opened the first store. The first hotel, however, was built in the next merchant. 1840 by Jacob Brisel before any prospect of a village was apparent. J. S. Beadle and William Rearsbeck invented a device for the ventilation: of coal-mines, first adopted by the Potts colliery in 1860, but now extensively colliery. Mary Young was used. Montana was laid out in 1865 by Samuel Seidy. The Reno opened by Morris Robison and Company, gave employment ta many laborers, and the town rapidly expanded to its present proportions. The Red tavern, a great place of social concourse during the old stage days, has The United Brethnot outlived its usefulness, but is still fairly patronized. ren church, organized in 1871 by Reverend J. G. Fritz of Mt. Carmel, Northumberland county, meets in the school-house. The membership has increased The village of colliery, just to thirty-two. A new church-building is An enumeration out mention of ' ' now in course of erection. of the villages of the township is manifestly incomplete withstraggling collection of dilapidated houses; The Shanties. ' ' A CONYNGHAM TOWNSHIP. 317 appropriately bears this name; and about a dozen houses, of more substantial appearance, however, at the opening of an abandoned shaft of the same colliery have been known as Germantown, from the fact of several of the first, families being Germans. The oldest of the shanties was built on a Sunday in the summer of 1856, and the village of Germantown the following year. It now comprises about a dozen houses and a school building, whose predecessor was one of the first built in Conyngham township. The first school-house, however, was situated above Montana, where the road turns to descend into Bush valley. It was built about the year 1840, but even then there was hardly population enough to warrant its erection. The work of education was here pursued under difficulties of which only the pedagogue of that early day can form an idea. Unlike the generality of schools, then as now the attendance was discouragingly small. To the teacher this was a vital consideration, as his salary and the continuance of the school depended on the presence of a certain number of pupils. It is said that one of the first teachers was constrained under these circumstances to sometimes carry several small children to the school from their homes. It is possible, however, that even these difficulties would be an agreeable alternative if presented to the teachers of the over-crowded schools which have grown from this small beginning. The school at Locustdale was opened in 1859, with John Wagner as first teacher. The year previous, the first school building at Centralia was erected. It was subsequently engulfed in a " cave-in " of a coal mine. It was in this building that the Methodist, Catholic and Presbyterian churches were organized. For ten years it was the only place for public gatherings in the town. The commodious building which has succeeded it indicates a progressive and libat the site of the old Eepellier breakers among the citizens. Conyngham township is, in many eral spirit respects, unlike any other portion of ColGeographically, it is isolated. Its people are compelled, in order to reach the county seat, to make a circuitous journey of sixty miles by rail, or resort to the less convenient modes of travel near akin to the stagecoaches of forty years ago. Topographically, it is characterized by the Little and Locust mountains, two parallel ranges. The crest of the former is a natural boundary between it and the adjoining township of Locust; the southern slope of the latter extends into Schuylkill county. Between the two, and extending completely across the township from east to west, is the Brush valley, a deep, dark ravine, whose almost impenetrable thickets attest the propriety of the name. The Brush valley run rises from a spring on the northern slope of Locust mountain; within These a mile of this, to the south, are the head waters of the Big Mine run. streams are branches, respectively, of the Shamokin and Mahanoy creeks, two of the most important tributaries of the Susquehanna river. Their respective basins are thus determined by Locust mountain. In no other township of Columbia county is the surface so mountainous and rugged and utterly unfit for agricultural purposes. Nor has the mining of coal any where else umbia county. become an exclusive industry. For this reason more than any other there is a marked difference in the While the Quakers and Germans were general character of the people. bringing the valleys of Roaring and Fishing creeks under cultivation, the new settlers hurried over the Locust and Little mountains, relieved when the bold outline of the latter was behind them against the southern horizon. And when, a half century later, the population that first developed the resources of 318 HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY. these mountains finally began to arrive, it differed in nationality from that which had preceded it, and passed to the farming region beyond. The history of the people, their churches, schools and the towns they have built, is a history of a rapid growth of population with the successive opening of the different collieries of the region. T. C. HARTER. M. D. Biographical 'Sketches, CHAPTER XXIII. BLOOMSBURG. CHARLES GILLESPIE BARKLEY, attorney at law, Bloomsburg. is a native of that place, born January 30, 1839. When young he obtained an academic education, then turned his attention to mechanics and learned the trade of a carriage-maker, serving nearly three years of an apprenticeship with William Sloan & Son. When his term of apprenticeship was nearly expired, while engaged in the work, he met with an accident which for a time disabled him. He then returned to educational pursuits and prepared for the work of teaching, in which he engaged in 1857. In May, 1863, he was elected county superintendent of common schools, and in this office, being re-elected in 1866 and 1869, served nine years. He was a member of the first and second town councils of the town of Bloomsburg upon its organization in 1870. By appointment, from time to time, of the superintendent of public instruction, he has been since May, 1874, and still is, a member of the board of trustees of the State normal school of the Sixth District located at Bloomsburg. He is a member of the F. & A. M. In the First Presbyterian Church of Bloomsburg he has held for some years the position of elder, superintendent of the Sunday-school' and member of the board of trustees. In 1860 he entered upon the study of law with Col. John G. Freeze, and was admitted to practice in September. 1863. Since his retirement from the office of county superintendent, in 1872, he has given his entire attention to his legal profession. He married, June 3, 1864. Margery A. Wilson, a daughter of Samuel Bond Wilson and Margery (Strawbridge) Wilson, formerly of Washingtonville, They have three children: Mary Garrison Barkley. Josephine Montour Co.. Penn. Redfield Barkley and Jennie Wilson Barklev. Mr. Barkley is a descendant of the early His paternal ancestor, settlers of this county and State, of Scotch and Irish ancestry. Iddings Barkley, born at Churchtown, Lancaster Co., Penn., in 1781, of Scotch parents, married in 1803 Mary Jackson, a Quakeress, a native of a neighborhood then known as "The Forest," in Robeson Township, Berks Co., Penn. They (Iddings and Mary) lived at Pottsville, Penn., about two years, and in 1806 moved to a house at the •'Red Mill " in Hemlock Township, Columbia County, where the present mill house is built; thence to a houfee where the farm house of James Barton, deceased, now is, Montour Township, and from the latter place they moved to Bloomsburg. where he built and lived in the house first erected on the lot now owned and occupied by I. W. Hartman. Subsequently he became the owner of the lot at the northeast corner of Second and West Streets, and for many years in a long story and a half frame house which stood on West Street a few rods back from Second,"he lived and carried on the business of a cabinetmaker. Some years prior to his death he built the brick dwelling on the same lot now owned and occupied by K. C. Ent. In this latter house his wife Mary died in 1854, and he in 1857. Iddings Barkley was an active and prominent citizen of the early days of the township and county, and held numerous positions of trust, both public and private. His son. John J. Barklej-, the father of Charles G., married December 18, To them six children 1838, Rachel McBride of Hemlock Township. Columbia County. were born, Charles being the fifth. John J. Barkley died July 5, 1876, his wife Rachel having died April 8. precedinc:, both having lived useful and active lives in much esteem illin the county. The maternal grandfather and grandmother of Charles G. Barkley, iam and Mercy McBride of Irish ancestry, soon after 1800 settled upon a large tract of land, of wliich he was owner, in Hemlock Township, part of which, where the old buildings formerly stood, is now owned and occupied by Hugh D. McBride, one of their children. William McBride was active and proiuinent in public and private life, but died a m W ^ comparatively young man, his widow surviviua: him to old age. 322 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: BARTON FAMILY. from England to Thomas Barton was one America early who emigrated He settled in Virginia, his England to Hannah Clark, a daughter of three brothers in the eighteenth century. brothers in Connecticut. Thomas was married in of Daniel Clark, and he had ten children: Daniel, Elisha, Theophilus, Roger, Undrel, Thomas, Clark. Amelia, Sarah and Isabella. Amelia was the wife of Abraham McMurtrie and was the only daughter who married; she lived in New Jersey and became the mother of a large family, some of whose descendants are now living in Columbia County. Elisha was born in Virginia June 21, 1743; immigrated to Pennsylvania; in 1766 married Mary Simonton in Northampton County, who died leaving one son, Thomas. His second marriage occurred July 10, 1771, with Anna McCarty, who was born in New Jersey March 20, 1754. Her father came from Ireland, and her mother, Mary Paine, was a native of New Jersey. Elisha after his second marriage moved from Northampton County to Northumberland County, and from the latter to Columbia County about 1781, and located in the neighborhood of what is now Bloomsburg. He was a justice of the peace here and a farmer, and built what is known as the " Red Mill," and furnished the lumber gratis for He died September 12, 1816, and his widow the first Episcopal Church in Bloomsburg. January 11, 1828, and both are buried in the Episcopal churchyard. Their children were as follows: Mary, born December 16, 1772, married in November, 1795, to John Boone, and died November 2, 1796, of hydrophobia; Amelia, born October 2, 1774, died September 15, 1796; Elisha, born September 21, 1777, married March 22, 1806. to Rachel Miller, died August 26, 1815; Isaiah, born June 21, 1780, married March 1, 1810, to Mary Thornton, and died April 6, 1842; Hannah, born May 25, 1783, married in January, 1801, to James Boone, died July 6, 1859, in Geneseo, 111.; John, born May 10, 1785, married February 15, 1816, to Mary C. Kreider, and died May 23, 1856; Anna, born January 6, 1788. married December 13, 1821, to Abraham Klotz, died January 30, 1864; Sarah, born May 22. 1790, died September 12, 1796; Caleb, born November 26, 1792: married in 1823; Mary Craig, died December 30, 1863; an infant (deceased); Cyrus, born Maj' 3, 1796, married in December, 1826, to Catherine Brewer, and died March 8, 1862; Betsev, born January 30, 1799, married January 30. 1816, to William Robison, died June 9. 187f. CALEB BARTON, Bloomsburg. was born August 30, 1812, a son of Isaiah and Mary (Thornton) Barton, and a grandson of Elisha and Anna (McCarty) Barton. He was reared on the farm of his father, and in February, 1836, married Sarah, daughter of Peter Rupert, and by this union there were six children: Evelina B., born February 6, 1837, married to Dr. McReynolds; Mary (deceased); Thomas J., born September 28, 1841, married to Henrietta Guild; Catherine B., born March 10, 1842, married to Alfred Ale (reside in Warsaw, Ind.); Emma B., born May 24, 1844, married to John Moore (is now a widow and resides in Indiana); Anna B., born September 27, 1846, married to Thomas Webb, of Bloomsburg. The mother of this familj' died in September, 1854, and the father married, in February, 1862, Delilah Creveling, and he and wife now reside at Bloomsburg. Mr. Barton has followed agricultural pursuits all his life., and still owns a farm one mile from town, on the main road to Catawissa. where he erected a house in 1856, and resided until The old "white grist mill," owned by his father, is his coming to Bloomsburg in 1875. When Elisha Barstill the property of his descendants, our subject yet owning a share. ton, the grandfather, first came to the county, he located on the present site of the red mill, which he built, and lived in his wagon until his cabin was erected. Mr. Barton is a member of the Methodist Church. In politics he is a Republican. The parents of Mrs. Barton, John and Charity (Moore) Creveling, were born, respectively, March 10, 1772, and December 1, 1773. The former was probably a native of this county, his ancestors coming from New Jersey and settling near Esp}', this county, at an early date. Mr. and Mrs. Creveling had ten children: Martha, born February 1, 1790, married to John Mellick, died December 2, 1853; Margaret, born December 17, 1801, married to Dr. Herman Gearhart; Jonathan, born June 26, 1803, died in 1807; Andrew, born January 22, 1806, married to Ann Henry; Moore, born May 5, 1808, married to Mary Fowler, died December 13. 1881; John, born October 22, 1810, married to Sophia Roseberry; Jared, born January 24, 1813, died March 4, 1826; Delilah, born November 4, 1814, married to Caleb Barton; Nelson, born February 14, 18 married to Phebe Eck. Mr. and Mrs. Creveling died, respectively, August 27, 1827, and July 12, 1858, and are buried in Afton Cemetery near Espy, this county, formerly known as the Creveling burying-ground. MRS. MELVINA BARTON, a daughter of Daniel Snyder, and widow of Elisha C. Barton, was born July 1, 1818, in Bloomsburg. Elisha C. Barton was born in 1816 and was for several years a merchant with Leonard Rupert at Bloomsburg. He owned and operated a furnace at Paxinos, in Northumberland County, for six years, and later, while living at Lewisburg, owned and operated a furnace at Dry Valley. He died at Mt. Carmel, Penn., in 1878, leaving two children: Mary A., married to Jefferson M. John, of Shamokin, who died in 1877. He was a coal operator; read law at Sunburj', was admitted to the bar of that city, and practiced at Mt. Carmel. His two children are Helen and Barton. The second child of Mr. and Mrs. Barton is Matilda, who married Sanderson Lazarus. Elisha Barton was a stanch Republican, and himself and family early identified themselves with the Episcopal Church. — , 323 BLOOMSBURG. D. A. BECKLEY, superintendent of public schools, Bloomsburg, is a native of Union County, Penn., born December 25, 1833, a sou of Benjamin and Barbara (Stees) Beckley, the former of whom was long a merchant at Mifflinburg. Our subject obtained his early education in the academy of his native place, where he also prepared for college, and at the age of twenty or twenty-one years, became a student at Dickinson College. He graduated from that institution in 1859, delivering the German oration on that occasion. The same year he became principal of the Bloomsburg schools, holding the position for six years, and in 1865 was appointed by President Lincoln (two days before his assassination) postmaster at Bloomsburg, and was removed in October. 1866. "May 1, 1869, he was re-appointed by Gen. Grant, and held the office until removed by President Cleveland in June, 1885. He held the chairmanship of the Republican County Central Committee for Columbia County for ten years; was delegate to the noted conference nominating Grant for a second term, and also to the National ConvenHe was appointed by Gov. Hoyt in 1879 tion at Cincinnati, which nominated Hayes. chairman of the commission locating and building the Miners' Hospital near Ashland, this State. This was entirely an honorary position, and for three years occupied in its construction Mr. Beckley devoted a great part of his time. He is a Knight Templar; a member of the Royal Arcanum, Council No. 957, and is now Past Regent of the order at Bloomsburg. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for thirty-three years, and has served the church as Sunday-school superintendent for ten years, as well as Mr. Beckley was elected in 1885 superintendent of schools and in other official positions. Mifflinburg, re-elected in 1886. He has been twice married; first in 1860, to Miss Amanda Devling of Clinton County, Penn., who died in 1870, leaving two children, William and Annie. In August, 1873, Mr. Beckley married Ella Johnson, who has borne him one child, Jennie. In September, 1862, Mr. Beckley volunteered in the emergency service and served for about one month. His regiment was then ordered to Hagerstown, Md., arriving there while the battle of Antietam was in progress, but the emergency passing, it was discharged and returned home. In March, 1871, Mr. Beckley bought "the office of the RepubHe lican, and two years later sold out, but retained his position as editor for ten years. is a member of the board of trustees of the State normal school, having served as such for twelve years, and has always been active in his efforts to sustain and promote the best interests of that institution. LOUIS BERNHARD, watchmaker and When he was a year old in 1839. jeweler, Bloomsburg. was born in Bavaria, his parents immigrated to America, settling Here our subject in New York City, and a few years later in Wilkesbarre, Penn. passed his youth and early manhood, meanwhile obtaining a good education in the Wilkesbarre schools. Whenj seventeen years of age he began an apprenticeship at the watchmaking trade with John F. Jordan of that place, under whose instruction he remained several years, and in 1858 located at Bloomsburg, where he established the watchmaker's and jeweler's business, which he still continues. He exhibited at the county fair This, within 1859 a chronometer watch, all the parts of which were made by himself. out doubt, was the first watch ever made in Columbia County, and since then he has all of apprentices, made many. During his residence in Bloomsburg he has had eleven w^hom served their time and subsequently made a success of their vocation. Mr. Bernhard is also an architect, and has furnished plans for many buildings, among them the LowenCadman block, the Episcopal parsonage and his residence on Fifth Street. Even berg the iron fence surrounding his well kept and ornamental grounds was cast from designs drawn and furnished by him. In his house many evidences of his mechanical skill and artistic talent meet the eye, as he is also an artist in oil painting and a carver in marble and wood. Among the articles of the latter class may be mentioned a most elaborately finished case of black walnut, an astronomical clock of most intricate and perfect workmanship, which runs for two months after one winding, and valued at upward of $500; an elegant inlaid box for his drawing instruments; a large black walnut looking-glass framed elaborately carved, reaching from floor to ceiling; a center table, and many other handsome articles. His walls are hung with several oil paintings executed by himself, several landscapes representing some of the choicest scenery in the vicinity of Bloomsburg, also several copies of famous paintings, among them " Shakespeare and his Friends." of these paintings are well executed and denote a high order of artistic skill. He has Mr. also executed oil portraits of himself and wife and other members of his family. Bernhard has been a resident of Bloomsburg for nearly thirty years; is progressive and He married in public-spirited, and has served his vicinity as a member of the council. April, 1862. Anna J. Townsend, who has borne him six children: Annie J., Ida, Laura Mr. and Mrs. Barnhard are members of the E., Louis F., Carl G. and Lillian Mabel. Episcopal Church. He made a study of civil engineering at Wilkesbarre Academy, and completed his studies in New York City. W. BERTSCH, merchant tailor, Bloomsburg, is a native of Mauch Chunk, Carbon Co., Penn., and a son of Daniel G. Bertsch. a merchant tailor of that place. He began to learn the trade of cutter and tailor with his father, and remained with him until He carries a full line of gents' fine furnishing 1883, when he located at Bloomsburg. Germany, & AH GEORGE 324 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: goods of every description. In clothing bis business is all order work; is now in its ifourth year in town, and has gradually increased until he now does one of the best trades He was married, in October, 1884, to Miss Fleckenstine. Mr. in his line in the place. Bertsch is a member of Washington Lodge, No. 265, F. & A. M., Council No. 957, R. A. He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr.' Bertsch is an enterprising young business man of Bloomsburg, a thorough master of his business in all its branches, and makes a specialty of fine suits to order. For this class of work his long training under his father as a fashionable and scientific cutter makes him specially adapted, insuring the latest fashions and best fitting garments to his customers. In politics he is a straight Republican. FRANKLIN PIERCE BILLMEYER, Bloomsburg, district attorney of Columbia County, is a native of this county, boru December 31, 1853, son of Peter Billmeyer, who was sheriff at the time, residing in the old jail. The subject of this sketch obtained his early education at the schools of Bloomsburg and Bloomsburg Literary Institute, where he completed his preparatory studies for college. He entered Lafayette College in the second term (the Freshman class), in January, 1870, and was graduated from there in June, 1873. He was a member of the " Theta Delta Chi " fraternity, a popular student, a proficient in athletic exercises, class orator on public occasions, and was class historian and orator on graduating. After his graduation Mr. Billmeyer read law in the office of E. R. Skiler, was admitted to the bar in 1875, and the following spring began the practice of law at Bloomsburg. He has taken an interest in the politics of the county and State, and in September, 1877, was elected a member of and secretary of the board of trustees of the State normal school, and still serves in that capacity, the balance of the board being composed of men of fifty years of age and upward. In the spring of 1877 he was elected town treasurer, an office lie filled two years. In 1879 he took a prominent part in organizing the water-works, and in July was elected secretary of the citizens' meeting called toIn August a permanent organization was effectdiscuss the feasibility of the enterprise. ed, of which he was elected secretary, an ofiice he has continued to fill, and since 1881 he In 1881 he was again elected town treasurer for one year; in 1882 was has been treasurer. elected a director of the Rosemont Cemetery Company, and still fills the position; in 1884, for the third time, he was elected town treasurer; in June, 1885, he was one of the organizers of the School Furniture Company, was elected secretary, and as such is still serving. In September, 1885, Mr. Billmeyer was appointed district attorney by the court to fill a vacancy, and in November was elected to the office, being the present incumbent. He was also one of the organizers, in 1886, of the board of trade, and was elected its secretary.. He was also one of the proprietors of and is now a stockholder in the Oak Grove AssoMr. Billmeyer was married in December, 1879, to Anna D. Snyder, youngest ciation. daughter of Wm. Snyder, an old and prominent citizen and business man of Bloomsburg. They have one child, Helen May. JOHN K. BITTENBENDER, of the firm of Elwell & Bittenbender, proprietors of " The Columbian." Bloomsburg. was born in Centre Township, this county, June 4, 1854, a son of Conrad and Lovina(Knorr) Bittenbender, the latter of whom died October 14, 1875. They were the parents of three sons and one daughter. The father was a farmer, but moved to Bloomsburg in 1869, where he carried on aplauing-mill and lumber business, and He was treasurer for many years was one of the most substantial men of this place. of the Bloomsburg Lumber Company, and had charge of its financial affairs during its existtwo but years old his moved subject was parents to Bloomsburg our where he ence. When was reared. Up to 1870 he attended the schools of the borough, and graduated at the normal school in 1874. In 1870 he began to learn the traile of printer, and after graduating taught school for one year. In 1875 he opened a job printing office in Bloomsburg, which he conducted for three years; then sold out and became interested in a planingmill about a year. In 1878-79 he accepted the position of foreman in the office of The Columbian, and held it Our subuntil October 1, 1879, when he became one of the proprietors of the paper. ject married, January 19, 1881, Alvaretta, a daughter of I. S. Kuhn, and they have one son Claude K. The family attend the services of the Lutheran Church. SAMUEL VASTINE BOONE, farmer, P. O. Bloomsburgh, was born November 5, 1828. in the old homestead in Bloom, whrre he has always resided. The first of his ancestors to settle in this county was Samuel Boone, who was born in Exeter Township, seven miles below Reading, and came to this township about 120 years ago. He took up nearly 400 He acres, 123 of which being where our subject now resides, a part of the old homestead. was a member of the society of Friends and a man highly respected. He and his wife, whose maiden name was Eleanor Hughes, are buried in the Friends' burying-ground at Catawissa. Their son, Samuel, was the father of our subject, and was born September 3, He married August 18, 1813, Mary Vastine, a native of Rush 1786, in Bloom Township. SubTownship, Northumberland Co.. Penn., and a daugliter of Benjamin Vastine. He learned the blacksmith's ject's father inherited the farm and always resided there. trade though he was principally engaged in farming. He attended the Friends' meetings. He and wife had five children, four of whom lived to be married: Elizabeth, born July 3, 1815, became the wife of David Clark, and is now deceased; Anna, born December 19, — BLOOMSBURG. 325. was the wife of Andrew Clark and is now deceased; Benton, died aged twenty-three was born December 31, 1816; James, born March 5, 1821, married Anna Ohman and died aged forty nine, and Samuel V., our subject. The mother of this family died in Our 1835, and later the father married a Mrs. Slirock, by which union there was no issue. subject's father died October 9, 1863, and is buried by the side of his wife in the Friends' burying-ground at Catawissa. Samuel V. inherited the liomestead after the death of his father and there he yet resides. He married, October 23, 1856, Nancy, daughter of Gideon and Anna (Dodson) Post, and they had five children,four sons and one daughter Rosa Eleanor, who died in childhood. Of the sons, Samuel D. is the eldest, Josiah B. is the second. John S. is the third and Frank W. the youngest. Mr. and Mrs. Boone are both members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. JEREMIAH JOHN BROWER, merchant, Bloomsburg, was born in the village of BrowerTown, Union Township, Berks Co., Penn., April 10, 1821, asonof John Brower, and from him the village took its name. John Brower was the patentee of a grain scoop that had a very extensive sale, also of door locks and many other manufactured articles that were universally used. He was a native of Berks County. Penn., and a son of Abram Brower. The father of our subject was of German, the mother of Quaker descent. John and Frances (Millard) Brower had two children: Jeremiah John, and Matilda, who married Richard H. Jones, now a widow and resides at BrowerTown. Our subject was educated in the common schools and when seventeen taught school, which profession he followed eight years. He came to this county in 1839, where he resided until 1843; then for twoyeara kept a boarding-school at Brower Town. In 1846 he came to Catawissa, this county; from 1848 to 1850 he resided in Mifflinville, and in the latter year opened a general store in Bloomsburg, which he conducted nineteen years. He was elected in 1870 justice of the peace, and 1818, years; he — served ten years. He has also served as school director and has taken an active part in forming four building and loan associations, and is now treasurer and secretary of the Mutual Building and Savings Fund Association, of Bloomsburg. The first which became a success was organized October 19, 1867, and terminated in June, 1877, Mr. Brower being its president. Our subject was married in 1841 to Eliza, daughter of Dr. Eleazer Broth well, of Mifflinville. They have four children: Eleazer B. Brower, Frances J., wife of James K. Brugler, now of Butler, Bates Co., Mo.; Ada Eveline, wife of L. S. Wintersteen; Mary Eliza, wife of J. H. Lingle, of Belief onte, Penn. Mr. Brower established erected the building ocin 1881 his present business, trading in carpets, oil cloths, etc. cupied by him in 1868 at a cost of $25,000 and has occupied it since 1869. editor and proprietor of the Columbia County Republican, BloomsJ. C. burg, is a native of Mifflinville. Columbia Co., Penn., born April 29, 1848, a son of William N. and Loretta (Yonker) Brown. He was reared to the life of a farmer until about sixteen years of age, attending the schools of his township and a seminary at his native place. At the above age he became a student in Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, from which he graduated in the classical course in 1868, with the highest honors of his class. That year he accepted a position as teacher in the Bloomsburg Literary Institute, which subsequently was merged into the State normal school, and where he remained until January, 1872, serving the last year as principal. He then engaged in civil engineering and was on the original survey for the North West Branch Railroad, of which he was director six or eight years, and is still connected with the profession of engineering. August 1, 1875, he bought the office, presses and other material from E. M. Wardin, of the Republican, and has since conducted that paper. It is an eight-column quarto, and has a circulation of upward of 1,200; is Republican in politics as its name indicates. Mr. Brown is now a member of the board of directors for the proposed New York, Bloomsburg Western Railroad; has served the town as member of the school board nine years; is a member of the Methodist Church, and has been for several years a member of the board of trustees; is treasurer of the Columbia County Agricultural Society; is one of the managers of the school furnishing company; a director of the steam heating company. In 1884 he was elected and served as a delegate to the National Republican Convention at Chicago. Mr. Brown's ancestors were of Scotch descent, immigrated to America in the early part of the eighteenth century and settled on Long Island, afterward moving to Warren County, N. J. His great-great-grandfather, James Brown, was born November 12, 1718. His children were John Brown, born June 25, 1746; James.. Martha, Sarah, Daniel and Charity. John Brown was a blacksmith by trade and served as a soldier in the war of the Revolution. His first wife, Mary (Brugler) Brown, died in Warren County, N. J., October 3, 1793. He married for his second wife Mrs. Margaret Haines, October 21, 1794, and removed to Columbia County, Penn. He and his family settled about one mile south of Mifflinville in 1795, where he bought a mile square and resided until his death, September He had five children, all by his first marriage: James; Samuel, born April 2, 24, 1819. 1778, married Dorothy Nice, died October 12, 1823; Mary, who married Joseph Otto and moved to McKean County, Penn., where she died; Elizabeth, who married George Hess and moved to Benton Township, this county, where she died; Sarah married Henry Bowman and lived and died in Mifflin Township, this county. Samuel, above mentioned, was the grandfather of Mr. J. C. Brown, and at his father's death inherited the homestead. ; BROWN, & & 326 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: He was the father of the following named children: John; Margaret, who married Samuel Creasy; Sarah, married to George A. Bowman; William N.. born February 15, 1807, the father of Mr. J. C. Brown; Matthew; Elizabeth, widow of Alexander Thompson of Berwick, Penn.; James, who died when a young man; George B. and Elisha B. The old homestead of 130 acres is still owned by the Brown heirs, and has been in the family name The early Browns and their descendants were members of the for ninety-three years. Methodist Church, and were among the principal founders of the early Methodist congregation at Mifflinville. Only one of the fourth generation still resides at Miffiinville, Margaret Creasy; two more of that generation are living: George B., in Danville and Elizabeth Thompson in Berwick. William N. Brown (father of J. C.) was twice married, and by his first wife, Nancy Freas, live children were born: George, Albert, John F., Almira and Dorcas. His first wife died in 1846, and in 1847 he married Loretta Yonker, who bore him two sons and three daughters: James C. (whose name heads this sketch), Martha, Samuel C, Melissa J. and Victoria. Mr. Brown died September 17, 1876. and is buried in He had retired from farming in 1870 and l)uilt a house in the family lot near Mifflinville. Mifflinville, where he died and where his widow still resides. PETER BRUGLER, capitalist, of Bloomsburg, was born in Hemlock Township, this county, October 7, 1824, a son of John and Mary A. (Kinney) Brugler, and grandson of Peter Brugler, who came to this county, and settled at Limestone about 1790. He subsequently moved to Jerseytown, and thence to Hemlock Township, where he purchased 200 acres of land, on which he erected buildings and where he died, aged about ninety-four years. His wife also died there aged about seventy years, and both are buried He was of Dutch and his wife of Enin the Columbia graveyard. Hemlock Township. glish descent. John Brugler, the father of our subject, was born in this county, married Mary A. Kinney, a native of New Jersey. John was a farmer all his life and lived on and owned the homestead, to which he added until it consisted of 360 acres. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and an elder for many years. During the latter years of his life he resided at Bloomsburg, where he died, aged about sixty years. His wife died aged about fifty-nine years, and both are buried in Roseraont Cemetery. Our subject lived on the old homestead which was owned by himself and his brother, Elisha, until 1872, when he moved with his family to Bloomsburg, where he resided in a commodious residence on Third Street, engaged in the care of his estate and the loaning of money. He is a member of the Methodist Chiu-ch, and has officiated as church steward He married, July 16, 1862, Sue Billig, who was born February 18, for several years. They have had five children: 1842, a daughter of Daniel and Martha (Talbert) Billig. Anna May, Lizzie J. (deceased), John (deceased), Elmer and Martha. DANIEL BRYFOGLE, farmer, P. O. Bloomsburg, was born in Nescopeck Township, Luzerne Co., Penn., July 5, 1833, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Keen) Bryfogle, the former a son of Daniel, a native of Berks County. Daniel's father came from Germany. Jacob was a farmer in Luzerne County and owned 125 acres of land, where our subject was reared. October, 1854, Daniel Bryfogle married Emma Jane Gould, and they began keeping house the same year on ninety-three acres, owned by his father-in-law, in Salem Township. There they lived for eighteen years, and in 1873 they moved to this county and settled on 105 acres in Bloomsburg (now one of the finest improved and most productive farms in the county, the result of Mr. Bryfogle's labor and industry). He is a Republican, and, with his wife and family, a member of the Christian Church. They have had seven children: Sarah E., born in 1855, died in 18(32; Jacob J., born in 1858, died in October, 1862; Winthrope, born in 1863; Ellanora Viola and Ellen Estella (twins), born August 13, 1866 (EUea died at the age of one year); Stanley Grant, born August 4, 1869; Philip F., born September 25, 1874, died April 2, 1876. Mrs. Emma J. (Gould) Bryfogle was born November 18, 1832, and is a daughter of John and Sarah (Davenport) Gould, the former a native of Plymouth and the latter of Ithaca, N. Y. The Goulds were among the earliest The graudmotlier of Mrs. Bryfogle was a Lamareau, and married settlers of Plymouth. a Davenport. During the Indian wars, while her husband was with the army, she vras left alone at Plymouth, and in order to. escape from the Indians took a boat and, with her children and goods, rowed tiie whole distance to Port Deposit, where she arrived safely. Mrs. Bryfogle's father, John Gould, died September 27, 1883, and is buried in Beech Grove graveyard, Salem Township, Luzerne Count.y. His widow now resides with our subject. On their farm in Bloomsburg, Mr. Gould donated land for the Christian Church. This farm of ninety-three acres was willed to Mrs. Bryfogle by her father, but On her mother's side she is of French later she sold it to a brother, who now owns it. and German descent, while the Davenports were among the earliest settlers of this country. Ziba Davenport, her grandfather, built and owned the first hotel in Plymouth, and was the first to freight coal down the river to Port Deposit. He was also a colonel in the The father of Ziba, named Stephen, owned militia and was highly honored and respected. a large portion of the land where Ithaca now stands. was born in Fishingcreek Township, Columbia Co., CHARLES R. Penn., December 28, 1821. He received an academic education, taught school, was clerk in a store, studied law and was admitted to the bar of Columbia County, August, 1848. BUCKALEW BLOOMSBURG. He 327 Bloomsburg December, 1844, was appointed prosecuting attorney for ColumCounty and served from 1845 to 1847, when he resigned. He was elected to the State Senate in 1850 from the counties of Columbia, Luzerne and Montour, and re-elected from the same district in 1853. In 1854 he was commissioner to exchange the ratifications of a treaty with Paraguay, serving as such in the summer and fall of that year between sessions of the Legislature. Mr. Buckalew was chosen presidential elector in 1856 at the head of the Democratic electoral ticket for the Slate; was chairman of the Democratic State Committee in 1857 when Packer was elected governor, and was again the same year elected to the State Senate from the district composed of the counties of Columbia, MonThe following winter he was appointed one of the tour, Northumberland and Snyder. commissioners to revise the penal code of the State, which position and the office of senator he resigned in 1858, upon being appointed minister resident of the United States to the Republic of Ecuador. Under that appointment he resided with his family at the city of Quito for three years — 1858 to 1861. January 13, 1868, our subject was elected by the Legislature of Pennsylvania United States senator by a majority of one vote, and served as such for six years or until March 4, 1869. In the fall of 1869 he was elected to the State Senate for the fourth time from the district composed of the counties of Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Sullivan. In 1872 he was the Democratic candidate for governor of Pennsylvania, but was defeated upon the popular vote. Served in the Constitutional Convention of 1873, and took a leading part in framing the present Constitution of Pennsylvania. In 1876, his name headed the Democratic State electoral ticket. May 3, 1886, he was elected president of the Bloomsburg and Sullivan Railroad Company. In November. 1876, he was elected Representative in Congress from the district composed of the counties of Columbia, Montour, Carbon, Monroe and Pike, and parts of the counties of Lackawanna and Luzerne. In 1872 Mr. Buckalew published a volume upon " Proportional Representation," edited by Col. Freeze; in 1877 he contributed an article upon the same subject to Johnson's Cyclopa?dia, and in 1883 gave to the public an elaborate work upon the Consettled at bia stitution of Pennsylvania. liveryman, Bloomsburg, was born in Cambria, Luzerne County, R. C. Penn., July 9, 1836, a son of John and Rachel (Creveling) Buckalew. He was reared on a farm, where he remained with his father until 1862. In the spring of that year he enlisted in Company F, Seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Reserve Corps, and participated in many engagements; was through the Seven Days' fight, second Bull Run, Harper's Ferry and through Virginia, where he served on detached duty, taking part in several engagements and skirmishes; was at the battle of South Mountain and Antietam. He was mustered out at Philadelphia in the spring of 1865, having served just three years and three days. Returning home he remained there until 1871, when he went to York City where he was engaged by Dufais Walter, cotton brokers, one of the most prominent firms in that business in York. There he acted as shipping clerk and cotton sampler, for which oflEice he was licensed by the York Cotton Exchange. These responsible positions he held until 1879, on October 1 of which year he came to Bloomsburg, and the day after his arrival bought his present business. Mr. Buckalew married January 28, 1880, Mary E. Gager, who has borne him two children: Louis Walter and Lillian, aged respectively four and two years. liveryman, Bloomsburg, was born in Cambria, Luzerne Co., Penn., October 11, 1837, a son of John and Rachel (Creveling) Buckalew. He was reared on a farm, educated in the schools of the vicinity, and remained at liome until twenty-tive years of age, when he married, January 4, 1879, Mrs. Mears, nee Creveling. Mr. Buckalew came to this county in. April, 1869, and entered the employ of George Reiswick, in the livery business. October 3, 1879, he purchased it in company with his brother R. C, and since then they have conducted the business. They keep on an average ten single buggies, some carriages, and also run the stage lines to Rupert and BUCKALEW, New & New New AMOS BUCKALEW, & Western Railroad. ROBERT McREYNOLDS BUCKINGHAM, the Delaware, Lackawana Bloomsburg, deputy United States revenue collector for the Eighth Division of the Twelfth Pennsylvania District, including the counties of Columbia, Montour and Northumberland, is a native of Centre Township, Columbia County, born December 14, 1856. He was reared in the family of his grandfather, John McReynolds of Hemlock Township, this county, and completed his education at the normal school at Bloomsburg, graduating June 26,1873. He began to teach the same fall, and continued for four successive terms of ten months at Milnesville, Luzerne County. He then accepted the position of principal of Room No. 3, of the graded school of Bloomsburg for one term of nine months, and an unexpired term of four months at Mainville, this county. During part of that time he had given considerable attention to reading law, having registered as a student in 1876, with Charles G. Barkley, Esq., of Bloomsburg, and September 2, 1879, was admitted to the" bar at that place. In 1882 he was elected chairman of the Columbia County Democratic Standing Committee, and served one year. In 1883 he was elected district attorney, serving until September 1, 1885, when he resigned to accept his present ofllcial position. Since his majority Mr. Bucking26 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 328 ham has been an active participant in the politics of the vicinity, and an earnest worker Democratic party. was born April 10, 1815, in the parish of Effin, County Limerick, Ireland, and came to the United States in the sprin.ij of 1836, landing in New York. County, and finally came to Bloomsburg in 1842. His Columbia He settled in Catawissa, parents were Patrick and Ellen (Clarey) Casey. Mrs". Michael Casej% a daughter of John and Margaret (Griffith) Boice, Wtis born November 16, 1818, in Berks County, Pcnn., died June 30,"l878. Her grandfather was Abraham Boice, a native of Berks County, and a Revolutionary soldier and pensioner. He died in 1888. Her father, John Boice, and his brother, Abraham Boice, served in the war of 1813. John Boice settled in Roaringcreek Township, Columbia County, in 1840, and in Bloomsburg in 1847. Daniel Boice is the only one of John's children now living in Columbia County. Eight children have been born to Michael and Mary Casey: Margaret, born November 27, 1842, intermarried with Thomas Downs, who resides in Beaver Township, this county; John B., born June 1, 1844; Ellen, born April 24, 1846; Thomas P., born July 31, 1847; Michael J., born April 8, 1849; Edward, born August 6, 1854, died July 31, 1855; Joseph A,, born February 4, All of the above children are now living, and except 1857; William, born March 25, 1860. Margaret, reside at Bloomsburg, this county. JOHN B. CASEY, commissioner's clerk of Columbia County, Bloomsburg, was born June 1, 1844, a son of Michael and Mary (Boice) Casey, the former a native of County Limerick, Ireland, and the latter of Berks County, Penn., and a daughter of John Boice. John Boice was a son of Abraham Boice, and a soldier in the Revolution. Our subject was educated in the schools of Bloomsburg, also at Millville Seminary, and completed his Mr. studies by a course at the Crittenden Commercial College at Philadelphia m 1863. Casey served as deputy sheriff in 1877-78, and has, since 1879, held the office of commisHe was married December 29, 1868, to Masioner's clerk, a position he fills with credit. Edward, born June 14, tilda E. Murphy, and seven children have been born to them: 1870; John M., born March 25, 1872, died July 19, 1872; Mary E., born August 31, 1874; Matilda, born February 12, 1877; Michael H., born October 20, 1880; Charles, born February 17', 1883; Henry, born August 24, 1885. In politics Mr. Casey is a Democrat. The in the interest of the MICHAEL CASEY family attend the services of the Catholic Church. CASWELL. The Bloomsburg woolen-mill was established in 1882 by S. Alfonso and who were reared to the business from their j^outh. The factory is a brick structure 54x124 feet, three stories high, with a boiler and engine house 26x36 feet, and cost $15,000. It is fitted with fourteen looms and other machinery of the latest improved and modern kind for the manufacture of ladies" fancy dress goods, and is adapted to manufacture all kinds of work machinery, boilers, engines, etc., costing upward of $30,000. The establishment furnishes employment for forty hands, two-thirds being females, and turns out annually $75,000 worth in manufactured goods. They use only The facfine merino wool, buying mostly in the Philadelphia and New York markets. tory is still owned by the original proprietors, but has been operated from its completion by S. A., E. C. and Marcus E. Caswell and H. C. Halfpenny. Marcus E. Caswell died three months after the factory was completed, leaving a widow and one son Carlton A. Caswell, and since then the mill has been conducted by the three surviving partners, under the firm name of Caswell Bros. & Co. It occupies about one and three-quarters acres, located on the south end of West Street adjacent to the Delaware, Lackawana & Western Railroad, which land was given as a bonus to the firm, to induce them to put in the plant, by D. J. Waller. S. ALFONSO CASWELL, the senior member of this firm, was born in Douglass, Worcester Co., Mass., March 8, 1836, and when but twelve years of age was employed in a cotton-mill at Southbridge, Mass., and continued in that employment until seventeen years of age. He then engaged as an employe in the Granite woolen-mill at Burrillville, R. I., and at nineteen was given charge of a room as overseer. From that time until he was thirty-eight years of age he was employed as overseer at different mills, at times having fifty or sixty hands under his direction. In 1874 he formed a partnership with his brother, E. C, and George and William Youngman, and leased the Nippenose mills, in Edwin C. Caswell, — XX — Antes Fort, Lycoming County, which he conducted successfully for eight years. came to Bloomsburg EDWIN He then in 1882. CASWELL, partner in the Bloomsburg woolen-mills, was born in the Co., Conn., July 16, 1838, son of Whipple and Ohve H. (Blacknar) Caswell, the former a native of Douglass, Mass., born in 1808 and now residing in Bloomsburg; the latter was born in Abington, Conn., in 1812 and died in Antes They had nine children eishtboys and one girl— all of whom are Fort, Penn., in 1881. The third son, Edwin C., the subject of this sketch, at living except the youngest son. the early age of ten years commenced working in a factory in Woodstock, Conn., as "mule boy." At the age of fourteen his parents moved to Burrillville, R. I., where he had his first experience in a woolen-mill, first learning to weave fancy cassimere, then had the care of looms, and finally the art of weaving or designing, which requires a general knowledge of the whole process of the manufacture of woolen goods. After holding sev- town of C. Thompson, Windham — " BLOOMSBUEG. 329 eral positions as boss weaver in different mills in INIassacliusetts and Rhode Island, and in 1868 in the Johnstown (Penn.), woolen-mills he accepted a position as boss weaver and' designer in the lar^e twelve-sett Uxbridge woolen-mills in Uxbridge, Mass., having seventy-five hands under control. In 1870 he accepted a similar position in "Maple Grove woolen -mills, Adams, Mass., at a salary of $1,500 a year. In 1874 he commenced manufacturing along with his brother, S. A. Caswell, at Antes Fort, Penn., since which time their business operations have been identical. They are self-made men, and have realized their early ambition to own and operate a mill of their own, which they now have in successful operation. Jerome O. Caswell, the fifth son, is employed as boss dyer, and Miss L. Caswell, the sister, in the management of the weaving department. of the firm of Clark J. Son, dealers in dry goods, fancy goods, notions, etc., Bloomsburg, was born at Catawissa, November 4. 1829, a son of James and Sarah (Funston) Ciark, the former of was a native of Catawissa. and a son of John Clark, one of the original settlers of that place. Our subject, when young, learned the tinsmith's trade, which he carried on at Muncy, Lycoming Co., Penn., for several years. In 1868 he came to Bloomsburg, where he has been interested in various lines of business, and established his present enterprise in 1870. Mr. Clark has been identified with the business interest of Columbia County for nearly thirty-eight years, with the exception during that time ©f four or five years, part of which he spent in the army at Washington, D. C, during the Rebellion. When the " Exchange Hotel " was burned in 1869 Mr. Clark was the proprietor, and the following year, 1870, he established his present business which he has since continued. His stock is probablj' the largest of its kind in the county and its arrangements and appearance are equal to many pretentious stores in metropolitan cities. This establishment does an average business of from $2.5.000 to $30,000 per annum. Mr. Clark has the reputation of being an enterprising and public-spirited citizen, and one of the most substantial business men of the town. He has one son, who is asso-" ciated with him in the business, firm name being H. J. Clark Son. was born near Orangeville in 1815, and spent his boyhood davs the farm with his father. on At an early age he began as clerk in the Montoiir Hotel in Danville, and remained there several years. During his stay he identified himself with the Episcopal Church and formed associations with the best families of Danville; at his death he left Mrs. Brady, the widow of Samuel A. Brady the proprietor of the Montour House, in whose employ he was $1,000 as a reward for her kindness ia his delicate health. This was of great benefit to her in her declining years. a boy he was a clerk in the store of the late Judge Baldy, of Catawissa. He engaged in rnercantile business in Bloomsburg, and was subsequently elected register and recorder of Columbia County. He was appointed to adesk in the auditor-general's oflSce at Harrisburg and served for about seventeen years, antl in 1868 lie entered life insurance partnership with J. A. Funston. He was also identified with Mr. Funston in starting the Bloomsburg Banking Company. About the year 1872 or 1873 he went to live with his half-sister Mrs. Fisher of Orangeville, and died there in January, 1875, aged about sixty years. Hon. William Elwell and John A. Funston were selected in his will as executors of his estate. The inventory amounted to about $35,000; through the accumulation of interest and premiums on filing the account about one year after, the estate amounted to $42,000. He bequeathed to his half-sister. Mrs. Fisher, the semi-annual interest on $8,600 during her life, after her death said $8,600 is left in trust Avith his executors for the University of the South, at Sewanee, Tenn,, and to the three children of said Mrs. Fisher, viz. :'Lizzie, Jesse and Charles, $2,000 each, to be paid to them with interest when twenty-one years old. Mrs. Jane Brady, $1,000; Mrs. Rev. Robert Allen Castleman, $1,000; to his three namesakes, Charles Conner Sharplas, Charles Conner Evans and Charles Conner Tate, and his nephew, Millard F. Conner, each $500; to the rector and vestry of St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church in Bloomsburg for use of said church, $1,000; and the rest, residue and remainder of his estate to St. Paul's Protestant piscopal Church in Harrisburg, which enabled this parish to build a neat and comfortable church. The will was written and dated December 4, 1873. His executors purchased a lot in Rosemont Cemetery at Bloomsburg. where he was interred; a neat metallic fence incloses his lot. and a plain but substantial and beautiful Scotch granite monument marks his resting place. W. CORELL, retired, Bloomsburg, was born in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County, July 4, 1824, to John George and Susannah (Shock) The father was born in Northampton County and reared to farm life. He was Corell. twice married; first to ]\Iiss Beck, who died leaving one child, Elizabeth, who married George Winner of Columbia County, and died in 1883; his second marriage was with Miss Susannah Shock, who bore him twelve children, eight of are living: Sallie, widow of John Grover, in Monroe County; Philip, in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County; Joseph, in Mausdale, Montour County; Mary, wife of Jacob Snyder, in Lower Mount! Bethel Township, Northampton County; George W., our subject, Margaret Ann, wife of Jacob Darhone, in Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton Emma HENRY & CLARK, whom & CHARLES CONNER — — When E GEORGE whom County; Susan, widow of Robert Dunbar of Lebanon, Penn., and Henry, who resides in Republic, Seneca Co., Ohio. The deceased are Catharine, Samuel and two infants 330 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: wlio died unnamed. The father of this family died about 1865, aged eighty years. The mother died about 1863, aged seventy-four years, and both are buried at the new school Lutheran Church, Upper Mount Bethel Township, Northampton County. The latter was a member of that church, but Mr. Corell belonged to the Reformed Church. Our subject was reared at the place of his birth, and in his eighteenth year went to Richmond in the adjoining township of Lower Mount Bethel, to learn the trade of cabinet maker with Jacob Keefer. lie remained there three years and three months learning his trade, and after arriving at age was employed by Mr. Keefer as a journeyman for nine months, and then worked a year at his trade and carpenter work for John Wagner, in Upper Mount Bethel Township. He then moved to Bloomsburg, and for a while carried on carpentering, and in the fall of the same year, 1847, opened a shop and embarked in the undertaking and cabinet-making business. He conducted this for about twenty years, and then put in aline of furniture and conducted the business in this way until 1878, when he sold out to his eldest sons. About two years later the Farmers Exchange was organized, in which Mr. Corell bought stock, and since that time the business of the concern has increa.sed to about $100,000 per annum. August 8. 1883, he and his step-son, Lloyd, purchased a drug store in Hughsville, which is conducted by his step-.sou, under the firm name of Corell & White. Mr.Corell also owns forty acres of land left in Hemlock Township, after The latter he selling eleven acres in 1885; also eighty-three acres in Northampton County. He married in Northampton County, in rents,"but the former is supervised by Mr. Corell. 1845, Miss Amanda Mack, a native of Northampton County, a daughter of Samuel and Isabel Mack, who are both living in that township. Mrs. Corell died in 1870, and is buried in RoseBy that marriage there were ten children, four of whom mont Cemetery, Bloomsburg. died in infancy. The living are William J., married to Agnes Faust, and George Winner (these two sons are engaged in the furniture and undertaking busmess in Bloomsbvirg, succeeding their father); Mary, wife of Frank C. Casper, who lives at Pittston, where he conducts a job printing otlice; Isabel, wife of N. M. Hartman of Nauticoke, proprietor of The Sun (newspaper) office at that place; Albert Henry, who has a job office in Bloomsburg, and Edwin, who is employed by William Krickbaum. Mr. Corell married, February 28, 1871, Mrs. Mary Ann White, widow of Russell White, by whom she had four children, two now living: Cyrus, who lives at Cherokee City.Iowa, engaged in the bakery and confectionery business, and Lloyd M., who conducts the drug business previously menMr. and Mrs. Corell are members of the Methodist Church, as is tioned, at Hughsville. also the elder of their children, of which church Mr. Corell has been trustee for the past thirty years; was treasurer of the church from 1854 to 1884, when he resigned; has been He was a member of the borough council two terms; class-leader for twenty-five years. was school director of the township before it became a borough, and was tax collector of He is manager and treasurer of the Farmers Exchange, which the borough one year. positions he has held since the establishment of the institution. FRANK D. DENTLER,boot and shoe merchant, Bloomsburg, is anativeofParkville, St. Joseph Co., Mich., born March 7, 1851, a son of Franklin G. and Mary (Cathcart) Dentler, natives of McEwensville, Northumberland Co., Penn., the former of German and the latter of Scotch ancestry. The father, who was always engaged in the stock and f armbusiness, when a young man went to Michigan, and has lived nearly ever since in the vicinity of Our subhis present home, St. Joseph Co., Mich., where he owns some 300 acres of land. ject lived with his father on the farm until he was fifteen years of age, when he became a clerk with I. W. Pur.sel & Co., Schoolcraft, Mich., with whom he was engaged four The following two years he spent in the store of his uncle, Joseph Cathcart, at years. Clarinda, Iowa, and t!i3 next two j^ears at Constantine, Mich., in the store of Briggs & Davis; was then engaged one year with C. H. Gfiinsley at Schoolcraft, Mich. In 1874 he came to Bloomsburg and accepted the position of head clerk in the store of I. W. McKelvy, which he held seven years. In the spring of 1881 he established his present business in the building now occupied by the postoffice, and subsequeutly|built the block he now occuMr. Dentler married in 1873 Mary Pursel, daughter of Sylvespies, on Second Street. ter and Mary J. (Emmett) Pursel, and they have one son, William C. J. LLOYD DILLON, florist and seedsman and proprietor of the greenhouses on Normal Hill, Bloomsburg, is a native of that place, born July 7, 1851, and was educated in the schools of his native place. In 1867 his father bought a farm just in rear of the present greenhouses and, besides general farming, was extensively engaged in market gardening. From the age of sixteen our subject became interested in the raising and selling At twenty-one he became a partner of vegetables, for which he had a special liking. with his father, and as their business increased they annually grew a large quantity of lettuce in hot beds, but the amount of labor involved in procuring manure and protecting the beds from freezing, the impossibility of opening and working the beds in s<^vcre cold weather, made the cost of growing the lettuce very expensive. In the spring of 1875 our subject rented ground of his father and proceeded to build a greenhouse 20x60 with the view of having lettuce for sale all through the winter, and at a lower cost of production than in hot beds. This was the first greenhouse built in Bloomsburg and, when commenced, J. L. Dillon had less than |150 capital, part of which he expended for lumber. BLOOMSBURG. 331 and durina; mornings, evenings and odd spells, he ripped and worked by hand all the sash bars, planed and painted all the lumber and did the greater part of the work of building the greenhouse himself. The demand for lettuce not meeting his expectations, Mr. The partnership with Dillon began giving his attention to the raising of flowers. his father being dissolved, he devoted his entire time to the raising of flowers and small fruits. About that time the famous " sharpless strawberry" became known, and Mr. Dillon raised thousands of the plants, taking an active part in introducing them throughout this country and Canada, sending orders as far as Victoria, British Columbia. He bo'ughl in 1879 uearly ten acres of ground on Normal Hill, adjoining the grounds and northeast of the normal school buildings, and removed the old greenhouse to this site. He has since added four more and is now building the sixth. The present buildings have over 10,000 square feet of glass surface, and, when the new one is completed, there will be 12,000 square feet. The entire buildings are heated by steam from two twenty-horse power steam boilers, with pipes radiating in all directions and providing a uniform temperature during the coldest weather. The furnace and boilers are fitted with an automatic attachment tbat may be set or gauged to furnish a certain amount of heat, and requires no further attention for ten or twelve hours at a time. It is one of the first greenhouses in the country successfully heated by steam. The water supply is from an artesian well on the premises, sunk to a depth of 150 feet through the solid rock. (The windmill that now pumps the water from this well, also drilled the hole through the solid rock from which the water comes. The mill was first erected and by an ingenious invention of Mr. Dillon, the drill was attached to the wind power and thus the well was made. These greenhouses are the most extensive ones in central Pennsylvania as well as being the most successfully conducted.) In a greenhouse containing 3,600 square feet of glass, built in 1885 for raising carnations and for other purposes, Mr. Dillon gathered and sold ofE of 1,610 square feet 185,000 carnations, realizing from them alone in one crop enough t© pay for the entire cost of the greeenhouse and heating apparatus. The establishment cultivates every variety of flowering plants, but makes a si)ecialty of roses, verbenas and cut Mr. Dillon also ships large quantities of loose flowers to nearly all the large citflowers. It is one of the important industries of Bloomsburg and has grown ies of the country. steadily from its start in 1875 with an annual sale of !tS513, to the year ending July 1, Mr. Dillon was married in May. 1873, 1886, when the annual sales amounted to $4,500. to Eliza J. Barkle, a native of England, who came when young with her father, William Barkle, and settled in Bloomsburg. To this union three children were born: Alice'M. J. Lloyd, born January 31, 1882, and died April 8, 1882; and Max G. Our subject's father, Patrick Dillon, a native of Dublin, Ireland, immigrated to this country when eighteen years of age and located in Bloomsburg. He was employed for years as a clerk in the Irondale Iron Company and subsequently bought the farm above mentioned. He married Mary Emmerson (the mother of our subject), who was born in England, but came with her parents to this country when she was but a year old. They still live on the farm north east of the normal school. DRINKER, manager of the Bloomsburg Iron Company. Bloomsburg, was born near Clifton postoffice, Covington Township, Luzerne, now Lackawana, County, November 5, 1830. His ancestors were from England, and settled in Philadelphia about the time of William Penn, and one, Edward Drinker, was the first white cbild born where Philadelphia now stands. The grandfather of our subject was Henry Drinker, a direct descendant of the Edward above named. Henry was for many years cashier of the Bank of North America at Philadelphia, where he died about 1830. His wife's maiden name was Mary Howell, and tbeir son, Richard Drinker, the father of our subject, first came to Luzerne County with his brother Henry W., to take charge of a tract of 25,000 acres owned by their father. They received the charter for the railroad from Great Bend to Delaware River, now the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western. They also built fifty miles of turnpike in that county. In 1846 Riciiard moved to Bloomsburg, and bought a farm just adjoining the village. In 1854 he moved to Scranton and engaged in conveyancing and real estate business, and there died in November, 1861. He married Lydia, a daughter of John Wragg, a native of England, wlio came to this country aiiout the time of tlie French revolution; while on the ocean the ship was captured with all on board, and Mr. Wragg was detained a prisoner on shipboard a long time. Later he settled in Luzerne County, Penn., but died at Beloit, Wis., aged about ninety years. Our subject became identified with the iron business in 1846, being employed as an ofllce boy, and when seventeen became bookkeeper; continued as such for twenty-seven years, and for the last six years has been manager. He has served his vicinity in various local olfices, and was a member of the council for five yenrs; is a member of tiic Episcopal Church; he He was married to Martha Mend^nhall in 1859, and they have three chilis a F. & A. M. dren: Edward W., Richard C. and Lydia AV. In 1862 Mr. Drinker enlisted as an emergency man, and soon after went with his regiment to the front, arriving during the battle of Antietam, after which the regiment returned home and was disbanded. Francis Perot Drijnkek, brother of the above, was born in Luzerne, now Lackawanna, County, November 16, 1832. He became identified with the Bloomsburg Iron Com; - EDWARD RODMAN BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES: 332 in 1848-50, as bookkeeper, and lias acted in that capacity up to the present time, with the exception of a few intervals. He was a member of the Anderson Cavalry, a cavalry organization belonging to Philadelphia, Penn. This cavalry organization was at the battle of Murfreesboro.Tenn., at which battle Mr. Drinker was taken prisoner by Wheeler's rebel By them he was stripped of his uniform and accoutrements, and then paroled cavalry. and turned loose to shift for himself. After wandering about sick and without medicine or food, he finally reached Columbus, Ohio, where he remained for some time for exchange. He was finally discharged on account of sickness, when he returned home. Subsequently he enlisted again, and was at the battle of Gettysburg and in other engagements. He married in 1864 Miss Mary Chamberlain, who has borne him the following named children: Martha C, William W., Margaret, and Francis P., Jr. ELWELL, attorney at law, and one of the proprietors of the GEORGE Columbian, Bloomsburg, is a native of Towanda, Bradford Co., Penn., born in October, He was educated primarily in the 1848, a son of Judge William Elwell of Bloomsburg. Towanda schools, and prepared for college at Barker's select school in Philadelphia. In 1867 he became a student at Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., and took a three years' course in the class of 1870. After leaving college he accepted the position of teacher in the Fifth Street School, Bloomsburg, being so employed for one year and a half, and filled the chair of English literature at the normal school, also of French and German for a year and a half. He in 1873, in the meantime, began the study of law; hecame in the summer of 1873 a student in his father's office, and was admitted to the bar in September, 1874. He immediately formed a partnership with C. B. Brockway, and in 1875 they bought the Columbian, though still fully attending to law practice. In October, 1879, the partnership was dissolved, J. K. Bittenbender buying Mr. Brockway's interest in the paper, the firm becoming Elwell & Bittenbender, and since 1879 Mr. iSlwell has conducted his law pracOur subject married in October. 1876. Miss Mary A., daughter of I. W. tice alone. McKelvy. Mr. Elwel! is a member of the Episcopal Church, and has been a vestryman for the past ten years. In politics he is a Democrat; served in the town council four years, and was a member of the Democratic State Committee for three years. HON. WILLIAM ELWELL. president judge of the Twenty-sixth Judicial District of Pennsylvania, resident in Bloomsburg for the last twenty-four years, was born at Athens, His father, Dan Elwell, was a native in Bradford County, on the 9th of October, 1808. of Massachusetts, and his mother, nee Nancy Prentice, of Connecticut. They were of English extraction. Their lineage is traceable back to the time of Cromwell. His father was a carpenter and builder and a mathematician of considerable notoriety. He was an active promoter of the cause of education in the community in which he lived, his own children having the best advantages which the common schools and an academy of high standing afforded. He married Nancy Prentice at Athens in 1800. She was the daughter of Dr. Amos Prentice, a physician and surgeon in the army of the Revolution. Dr. Prentice suffered great loss at Groton, Conn., by the destruction of property by the soldiers of Arnold, the traitor, he and his family barely escaping with iheir lives. He afterward moved to Athens, Bradford County, where he died in 1805. One of his sons, William, after whom our subject was named, was a lawyer, whose books and papers on his death pany EDWARD It was the perusal of these, together into the hands of the father of Judge ElwelJ. with the fact that he was a namesake of his uncle, a lawyer, that inspired the young mind of the future judge with the idea of becoming a lawyer. His father died in 1868 at the age of ninety-four years, and his mother died in 1858 at the age of eighty-three years. They had eight children, William being the fourth child and third son. Two of the sons now dead were ministers, the eldest being an Episcopal and the fifth a Methodist clergyman. Two sons, the only members of the family now living, became lawyers and subsequently judges, one in Wisconsin and the other (our subject) in Pennsylvania, as first stated. He received a good academic education and continued his studies years after his school days. He began teaching school when but seventeen years of age, and taught for several years. In 1837, having previously acquired a knowledge of surveying, he was employed with the corps of engineers under Chief Engineer John Randall, engaged under tlie authority of the State in running advance or exploring lines on both sides of the North Branch of the Susquehanna River from the State line south, for the canal proposed to be constructed from the State line to tide water. The use of the compass and other practical knowledge acquired during the progress of that survey was afterward very beneficial to him in preparing ejectment cases for trial. In September, 1830, he commenced the study of law in the oftice and under the preceptorship of Hon. Horace Williston, a lawyer of the old school well versed in the principles of the common law. He came to the bar in the State of New York, and was familiar with equity practice and principles as administered by the courts of that State, under the administration of Chancellor Kent and other eminent judges of that day. On the 13th of February, 1833, Judge Elwell was admitted to the bar of Bradford County. He at once became the partner of his preceptor on equal terms, opened an office at Towanda and for the next sixteen years the firm continued in practice in the northern tier of counties. came BLOOMSBURG. 333 In 1849 the senior partner was appointed judge of the district. From that time until 1862 the junior continued the practice alone, retaining all the business of the old firm. In 1841 Judge Elwell was elected to the House of Representatives for 1842 from Bradford County. He was chairman of the judiciary committee of that session. That committee was composed of men of mark. Four of its members were afterward president judges, one became chief justice of the supreme court of the State, one was Thaddcus Stevens, afterward known in Congress as the great commoner, and one of them was subsequently minister to a foreign government. In the course of his practice Judge Elwell had been often employed to procure the release of persons from prison who had been committed for the non-payment of debts. Impressed witb the barbarity of the law which permitted arrest and imprisonment for such a cause, he, without a petition requesting it and without any public agitation upon the subject, prepared, introduced and reported from his committee a bill to abolish imprisonment for debt and punish fraudulent debtors. The bill as it came from his hands, containing many sections, was passed and became a law on the 12th of July, 1842, and stands upon the statute book to-day intact. The prison doors were at once thrown open and the poor debtor set free amid general rejoicing that a relic of barbarism had been swept away. The Judge was elected to the House for 1843 and served as chairman of the committee of ways and means, then the most important committee owing to the depressed condition of the finances of the State. In April, 1871, after a general and protracted strike of miners and other employes in the anthracite coal regions and all attempts at settlement or compromise had failed, the Judge was unanimously chosen by a joint committee, representing both the operators and He heard the parties for two days and the miners as umpire to decide between them. rendered his decision in writing which was acquiesced in by both sides. The strike was ended. Worii was resumed the rulings on all hands were considered eminently just, both as to control of the works and wages to be paid. Judge Elwell resided in Bradford County, when, in 1862, he was elected president judge of the district composed of Columbia, Wyoming and Sullivan. In 1872 he was re-elected. In 1874 Columbia and Montour Counties were made a separate district, of which he was continued the judge. In 1882 he was elected again without an opposing vote, as had been the case in the two preceding elections. He has been, it is believed, more frequently called to hold special courts in other districts than any other judge in the State. His decisions, which have undergone review in the Supreme|^Court, have with few exceptions been affirmed. In the criminal courts no case has been reversed. In equity and the Orphans' Court but three degrees have been either reversed or modified. Among the cases tried before the judge are some of the most celebrated of the time, to wit: The Williamsport bond case, amount involved more than half a million of dollars; the city of Philadelphia against Fisher, involving title to 12,000 acres of land; the Cameron will case; the trial and conviction of three Mollie Maguires for murder, whose execution, in connection with convictions in other counties, broke up the most desperate gang of murderers and outlaws that ever existed in this countr}^ The Judge is now, and has been for many years, president of the board of trustees of the State normal school at Bloomsburg, an institution in the prosperity of which he takes a deep interest. He has been twice married; in 1832 to Clamana Shaw, daughter of Loren Shaw, Esq., of what is now Waverly, N. Y. By this wife he had four children two of whom survive their mother, who died October 5, 1840, to-wit: William, ex-mayor of the city of Sheboygan, Wis., where he is largely engaged in the milling business and the plaster trade, and Clamana E., widow of P. H. Smith, who was a successful merchant of Plymouth, Wis., and State senator from the Sheboygan District, serving his second term at the time of his death. On the 19th of September, 1844, the Judge married Mary Louisa Thayer, daughter of Col. E. Thayer, of Watkins, Schuyler Co., N. Y. Six children have been born" of this marriage, four of whom are living: Ephraim W., agent of the Lehigh Valley Railroad at Towanda; George E., attorney at law, editor and co-proprietor of the Columbian newspaper establishment; Mary L., married to N. U. Funk, attorney at law, and Charles P., student. Two of the children died at Bloomsburg, one in its sixth and the other in its third year. The Judge and his family are members of the Episcopal Church. He is of a retiring disposition, enjoys the comforts of home, dislikes a crowd, is happy with his family, his books and his garden. He is an amateur gardener of the most enthusiastic type as all who pass his grounds can attest. He says he has voted fourteen times for the Democratic nominee for President of the L'nited States, and claims that he has voted seven times for the candidate that was elected. Although a Democrat of decided convictions, it has never been charged that his politics have in any manner influenced his judgment or decision in judicial proceedings. HON. PETER (deceased) was born in Roaringcreek Township, this county, February 11, 1811, a son of Charles and Elizabeth Ent. He was a carpenter and contractor, and during the later years of his life carried on mercantile business and also — ENT 334 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: iron furuace at Light Street. He was a prominent Democrat, one of the county commiswhen the county seat was removed to Bloomsburg; was collector of tolls at Beach Haven; was elected a member of the House of Representativs of Pennsylvania, and served two terms 1856-57, and was a delegate to the Democratic Convention at Charleston, in 1800. He died in 1876, at Light Street. UZAL H. ENT, bookkeeper, Bloomsburg, a son of the Hon. Peter Ent, was born January 18, l8o8. He obtained his education in the schools of Light Street, and enlisted October 1, 1861, in Company D, Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, as first lieutenant, and served until October, 1862, when he was honorably discharged on account of physical disability. He participated in the following engagements: Winchester, Port Republic, Cedar Mountain, Thoroughfare Gap and second Bull Run. On leaving the army he came home, and in 1863 enlisted as an emergency man; was made captain of Company H, Twenty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia and served about six weeks; was under fire at Hagerstown, Md., while following up Lee's army on its retreat to sioners, the Potomac. He then returned to Light Street, and was engaged in farming and milling for ten years. In 1879 he was elected sheriff of Columbia County, serving three now employed as bookkeeper in Krug's planing-mill. Mr. Ent was married Helen M. Martz of Pottsville, Schuylkill Co., Penn. They have six children: Alonzo M., Ramsay M., Oscar W., Nellie M., Jessie B. and Minnie E. Mr. Ent is a member of Oriental Lodge, 264, F. & A. M. of Orangeville, and also of the G. A. R. In politics he is a Democrat. The family attend the services of the Reformed Church. WELLINGTON H. ENT, deceased soldier, was born in Light Street, Columbia Co., Penn., August 16, 1834, and attended the common schools, and at Williamsport, Penn. He read law in Bloomsburg, and graduated in the same class with Postmaster-General Vilas, at the law university of Albany, N. Y., May 25, 1860, under the able instruction of President Reuben A. Walworth, and Profs. Ira Harris, Amasa J. Parker and Amos Dean. He was appointed, by the governor, notary public, December 5, 1860; was admitted to the bar of Columbia County at the September term, 1860. At the breaking out of the Rebellion he went to the rescue of his country, going in June, 1861, as first lieutenant in a volunteer company to Harrisburg, where he was chosen and commissioned as captain of Company A.. "Sixth Pennsylvania Reserves. He was subsequently promoted to the following offices in his regiment: After Antietam as major, September 21, 1862; after Fredericksburg as lieutenant-colonel. May 1, 1863, to rank from March 26, 1863; after Gettysburg as colonel, July 1. 1863, to rank from May 23, 1863; as brigadier-general United States Volunteers, March 13, 1865, for gallant conduct at the battle of the Wilderness, Spottsylvaniti Court House, Bethesda Church, Va. he served in the Third Brigade, McCall's Division Pennsylvania Reserves, September 16, 1861; reconnoitered beyond Dranesville, October 19-21, and Dranesville, December 20; With the Second Brigade, Second Division, First Corps, Army of the Potomac, 1862; advance on Manassas, March 10, 1862; advance on Falmouth, May 2; ordered to Peninsula June 13; with Third Brigade, Seymour's Division, Fifth Corp, guarding supplies at Tunstall's Station, and White House, June 14-29; transferred to First Brtgade, July 4; ordered to reintorce, the Army of Virginia with the First Brigade, Third Division, First Corps, in August; Gainesville, August 28; Graveston, August 29; Bull Run, August 30; South Mountain, Md., September 14; Antietam, 16-17; in command of regiment at Fredericksburg, December 11-15; Burnsides Second Campaign, January 20 and 24, 1863; with Twentysecond Corns in defense of Washington. Fe"bruary7 to June 25, and with First Brigade, Third Division of Fifth Corps, Jiine 28; Gettysburg, July 2-4; Bristow's Station, Va., October 14; New Hope Church, Noveml)er 26; Wine Run. November 26-30; Wilderness, May 5-7, 1864; Spottsylvania, May 8-12. In command Third Brigade, Third Division. Fifth Army Corps, May 10, 1864; Spottsylvania' Court House, May 12-20; Hanover, May He surveyed and 23, 26; North Anna, May 24-27; Bethesda Church, May 30 (wounded). laid out the first "Signal Camp" in the army, and Gen. Fisher, of Philadelphia, was placed in command of it; served for a time in the signal corps; mustered out June 11, 1864, as one of the most gallant officers of the war. In the course of the engagements he had two horses shot under him, and at Dranesville the heel of his boot was shot off. In the battle of the Wilderness he was four nights and three days without food, save what berries he could gather from the bushes, and at Bethesda Church his favorite warhorse, "Billy " (which died September 15, 1884, at the age of 29 years and 6 months), had a portion of hfs fetlock shot off, which, although in the thickest of the fight, was the only injury he received. At this same battle Gen. Ent's regiment was three times outfianked and compelled to retreat, and on each occasion the whinnying of "Billy" served as a signal to rally the men. He was appointed by the governor of Pennsylvania to visit the Army of the Potomac to receive the soldiers' votes, September 28, 1864; captain and brigade paymaster First Brigade, Ninth Division, V. C. P., June 1, 1864. Died November 5, 1871. He was married January 14, 1869, to M. E. Petrikin, daughter of Dr. W. H. Petiikin, and granddaughter of Hon. Daniel Snyder. This marriage resulted in one daughter Anna M. He was engaged in a furnace at Light Street after the war. In 1868 he was nominated and made the race for surveyor-general of Pennsyl- years, June and is 10, 1863, to ; — 335 BLOOMSBURG. vania but with his party was defeated. In 1869 he was elected prothonotary of Columbia County, and served creditably until his death. February 23, 1863, he wrote to Capt. Potter Asst. Adjt.-Gen. Hertzleman's corps as follows: "Sir— I have the honor C Alexandria, Va., since to represent that I have been in the Prince Street Hospital, the 10th inst., most of the time dangerously ill, and to request that an order be issued allowing me to be transferred to Washington City to report to Dr. Clynsier for Most respectfully your obedient servant, Wellington H. Ent, medical treatment. His mother, Mrs. Sarah Ent, had five sons, Major Sixth Regiment, P. R. N. C." surviving, suffering from all of whom she gave to the rescue of their country, only one bronchitis contracted in the army. In this work appears an elegant portrait of our subHe was a worthy A. F. A. M. was knighted ject, placed there by his estimable widow. April 19, 1864. At a regular conclave of Crusade Commandery No. 12, K. T., held at and C. F. their Asylum December 21. 1871, Sir Knights D. A. Beckley, J. B. Robison H & ; presented the following preamble and resolutions, which were unammously adopted. Knight Whereas, Providence has seen fit to remove, by death from our Asylum our late esteemed Sir called to Welliuston H. Ent and although no word or deed ol ours can now avail our brother who has been Knapp for the memory appear where the righteousness of Jesus Christ alone can secure everlasting life, yet in respect humble who was zealous in the advancement of the interests of our order, we do resolve; Ihat in the member ot submission of God's will we deplore the loss of a worthy officer of our Commandery, and a beloved of one thedisem""^"'/.Wferf, That in this dispensation of our Creator, while we commit to His merciful hands, an entrance bodied spirit ol our brother with hope that he may have joined, in the precious blood ol our savior, templars we are again adinto tlie blessed regions ot light and lile eternal, yet we rem^iber that as Knights path ot monished that in the midst of life we are in death, and that it is our duty ever to persevere in the honor, truth and integrity. ,,..,,• v, , a and bereavement, their in sympathy, our deep we tender Henolved, That to the family of the deceased may the God ot the widow and the orphan give them strength to bear up under the trials which their loss may newspapers for Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to the widow, and another to the Commandery to be publication. In testimony whereof we have hereunto set our hands and the seal of this 1871. affixed at Bloomsburg, "' Pa., this 22d day of December, Thomas E. Geddis. RUDOLH H-. KiMC.LE. John Thomas. C. F. Knapp, Becorder. FREDERICK CHRISTIAN EYER, merchant, Bloomsburg, was born Septem- His father. Rev. William J. Eyer, was born in Dutchess County, N. Y. January 4, 1803, in Lebanon County, Penn., and came to Columbia County when thirtyfour years of age, and in 1838, settled with his wife, Charlotte (Havemeyer) Eyer, at Catawissa. They were married May 7,1839, and their children were as follows: Frederick C, born September 15, 1830; Susannah C, born Atigust 18, 1834; Catherine, born January born 23, 1838; William, born December 7, 1843; Mary, born November 8, 1840, and Luther, \ork City, March 13, 1846. The father was a Lutheran minister and graduated in ber 15, 1830, New where he remained for a long time under the instruction of the Rev. Geisenhammer. In 1838 he took charge of the Lutheran congregation atCatawissa, Bloomsburg and RoaringHe was much loved creek, and acted as their minister until his death, February 9, 1874. for his many Christian and kindly characteristics, and was highly respected by all denominations. His wife died February 3, 1876, and they are buried side by side in the cemeterv at Catawissa. Before taking the above charges he had preached for the congregation Our at iiliinebeck, N. Y., for several years, and there his two eldest children Avere born. subject was educated in the schools of Catawissa and learned the trade of cabinet-making, but at the age of twenty-four opened a general store at Catawissa, which he conduct edj^six years. In 1861 he came to Bloomsburg and kept store two or three years; thence moved to Ashland, where he was interested in flour-mills. In 1873 he was appointed steward at the He returned State Hospital for the insane at Danville, and held that position ten years. to Bloomsburg in 18S3 and since has been interested in the clothing business under the tirm name of Evans & Eyer. Mr. Eyer married in 1861 Emma, of Catawissa, daugliter ot Reuben Lins. They had four children: Charlotte, died at the age of twelve j-ears; \\ arren H., Mary S. and Edward A. Mr. Eyer is a Democrat and served as a member of the town council tw^o terms; is also a member of the Lutheran Church. JAMES K. EYER, merchant, Bloomsburg, was born in Madison Township, a sou of Ludwig w\as a dyer by trade and owned Pliilip P. Eyer, who was a son of Ludwig Ever. the land and laid out the town of Oyertowh, now Bloomsburg, his dyeing shop, being located near the bridge leading to Hemlock. He later bought a farm near Black Run, where he also had a saw-mill and there resided until his death. He was a member of the Lutheran Church, and donated the land where the First Lutheran and German Reformed Churches were built; his son, Jacob, donated the land for the present Lutheran Church on Market Street. Philip P. Eyer was a carpenter and cabinet-maker by trade, a business he carried on many years at Black Run. He died in Bloomsburg in 1883, at the age of ninety-two years. His wife, Catharine Kenney, died at Bloomsburg and she and her husband are both buried in Rosemont Cemetery. They had ten children— five sous: James K., John A., Andrew J., F. Philip and Jacob (all deceased except J. K. and F. P.), 336 and BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: married D. Wilson; Rebecca, married Dr. Willits; CathaMary, died single, and Martha, wife of Amos Ohle. James K. Eyer was reared on a farm and in 1863 or 1863 came to Bloomsburg; iu 1844 he married Elmira HoUinshead of Catawissa. Mr. Eyer has the following named children, living: John Wesley, Harriet E.. wife of Mr. Noyer, and S. Lettie; five are deceased. Mr. Eyer has been a member of the Methodist Church for forty-five years and class-leader for nearly thirty years. In politics he is a Republican. JOSHUA FETTERMAN, retired, Bloomsburg, was born in what is now Locust Township, Columbia Co., Penn., January 20, 1815, son of George and Elizabeth (Soule) Fetterman. The father was born in Berks County, where he married, and coming to Columbia County bought land in what is now Locust Township, where William Fetterman now lives (the tract then consisted of 240 acres), and erected the buildings now occupied by his grandson. Here he followed farming until his death. He and his wife, Elizabeth (Soule) Fetterman, were the parents of ten children, five of whom are living: John, in Franklin Township; Joshua, our subject; Catherine, wife of Henry Harner. in Catawissa; Sarah, wife of William Yager, in Catawissa; Elizabeth, wife of Hamilton Fisher, also in Catawissa. The names of the deceased are as follows: Solomon, Henry, George, Jonas and Reuben. The father of this family died in September, 1860; the mother in April, 1844, and both are buried in Numidia Cemetery. Joshua Fetterman was reared in Locust Township, and assisted his father on the farm until seventeen years of age. He then went to Girardsville, Schuylkill County, and worked at the stone mason's trade, which he learned from his father. Three mouths later, accompanied with others, he went to Phoenixville, and engaged in m;ison work on culverts. He then w^orked for about a year on the high bridges of the Catawissa road, principally at the Mainville Bridge; thence he went to Franklin Township and worked on the construction of a furnace at the mouth of Roaring creek, and later on the erection of a furnace at Danville; thence to Rolston, and after a couple of months on construction there, returned to Danville and superintended the building of the Grove furnace in that city. He then contracted to build canal bridges in the Pennsylvania Canal, which engaged his attention until the following spring. He then went to Danville and engaged in the construction of the furnaces which now belong to the Reading Railroad. In 1842 he moved to Pottsville, and there was engaged as stone cutter and brick mason, doing considerable work for the Pottsville Bank, and in the following January returned to Columbia County and spent the winter in repairing furnaces. May 1, 1844, he came to Bloomsburg to superintend the construction of the Iron Dale furnaces, and here has since remained. He superintended them until 1881. In 1882 he was elected county commissioner of Columbia County, which position he held for three years. Since then he maybe said to have withdrawn from active labor, although he has superintended farming on a piece of land on the outskirts of Bloomsburg. He married in this county, August 25, 1844, Miss Rebecca Miller, of Columbia County, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Mostellar) Miller. Her parents came from Northampton County to Columbia County, and in Mifflin Township her father followed farming until about ten years before his death, when he removed to Mifflinville and led a retired life. He died in August, 1860. his v,'ife having preceded him about twenty years. To Mr. and Mrs. Fetterman six children were born, two of whom are living: Lizzie, wife of William Allen, a merchant of Bloomsburg, and Harriet. The deceased are William H., who died at the age of four months; Rachel Alice, died at the age of one year and four months; Charley Miller, died aged six years and five month.s, and Frances M. died August 12, 1886, aged forty years. Mr. and Mrs. Fetterman are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Fetterman is a member of Bloomsburg Lodge, A. F. & A. M. He owns a residence and business properties in Bloomsburg, including part of the Exchange Block, and has about four acres in the eastern part of the city. He also is interested in the company, owning and operating the lime quarries in Centre Township. COL. JOHN G. FREEZE, attorney al law, Bloomsburg, is a native of Lycoming County. Penn., born November 4, 1825, a son of James and Frances (Gosse) Freeze. The Freezes w^ere from New Jersey, and the grandfather, Peter Freeze, with his wife and family, settled in Northumberland County, a short time after the Revolution, in which conflict he served as a soldier in what was known as the " Jersey Line." He was a farmer, and lived and died at Tuckahoe. His son James was a miller "by trade; carried on business for many years, and died at Bloomsburg aged eighty-two years; his wife died aged about seventy-five years. Both are buried in Rosemont Cemetery. Col. Freeze obtained his education at the Danville Academy, and by private tutors, thus acquiring a good classical training. He began reading law in 1846 with Joshua W. Comly, Esq., of Danville: was admitted to the bar April 19, 1848, at Bloomsburg, and has since been in constant practice of his profession. He served as register and recorder of Columbia County from 1863 to 1869, and was a member of the constitutional convention in 1872. but resigned in favor of Hon. C. R. Buckalew. Our subject is generally know^n as Col. Freeze, a title he acquired through being appointed to Gen.Bigler's staff, on which he served with rank of lieutenantcolonel. In his practice he has been identified with, or had charge of many celebrated and important cases before the courts of this and surrounding counties, notably " Biggs »s. five daughters: Sarah A., rine, married William Pursel; BLOOMSBUEG. 337 Doebler," "Longenberger »s. McReyuolds," ejectments began in 1863 and continued in " one place or another until 1885; was also engaged in the defense of the " Mollj' Maguire cases. "Commonwealth vs. Patrick Hester and others." Col. Freeze was married in 1854 to Margaret Walker of Lancaster County, Penc, a daughter of Robert Walker of LancasOur subject and wife had a family of five children (all now deceased). They are ter. members of the Episcopal Church; he is a member of the standing committee of the diocese and chancellor of it. He is a member of the Pennsylvania Historical Society; the author of a history of Columbia County, and of a volume of poems, entitled "A Royal Pastoral," a 13mo. volume of upward of 300 pages. L. FRITZ, attorney at law, Bloomsburg, was born on the old homestead His great-grandfather, in Sugarloaf Township, Columbia Co.. Penn., August 30. 1850. Philip Fritz, lived on Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, and from that city he moved with his family to Columbia County about the year 1797, where he purchased a large tractof land. He was the first school teacher and justice of the peace in the northern part of the county, and was a great scholar and local public character of more than ordinary influence. His father, Jesse Fritz, present owner of the old homestead, which had been transmitted to him from his grandfather Philip, and his father, Henry, is a farmer, and has been justice of the peace for a number of years, which office he still holds. Our subject obtained an academic education at the Orangeville and New Columbus Academies and the Bloomsburg State Normal School, He began teaching school when about sixteen years of age in his native township; followed that profession for eight years, except part of the time during the summer months he assisted his father on the farm. In 1875 he took up the studj-^ of law in the office of Hon. C. R. Buckalew, and was admitted to the bar of Columbia County in May, 1878. In November of the same year he was admitted as an attorney at Scranton, Penn., but subsequently decided to make his home in his native county. He was appointed and served as deputy sheriff for three years, and was appointed by the county commissioners and acted as collector of taxes for the town of Bloomsburg in the year 1879, and was tendered the same position in 1880, but refused to accept. He was secretary of the town council of Bloomsburg for nearl}' three years successively, when he resigned, and was elected a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives in 1884, wliere he served on the judiciary general committee the most important in the House, and he was also appointed and served on several other committees. Among other good measures, he advocated and made a speech in the House in favor of equalization of taxaBut the bill failed to pass. Mr. Fritz was renominated in 1886 without opposition, ation. At this session he is also acting on the judiciary and was elected by a large majority. general committee, and is now taking an active part on the floor of the House and in the discussions before the several committees to which he belongs. He was married in 1879 to a daughter of A. J. Evans of Bloomsburg, and has one child a son about six years old. was born near Hagerstown, Md., May 7, 1816. He was bapREV. At an tized in infancy and confirmed in youth as a member of the Reformed Church. early period of his life he felt his heart drawn toward the holy ministry, and in order to prepare himself for the holy oflice, he entered Marshall College at Mercersburg in the eighteenth year of his ag'?. As a student he was diligent and exemplary. He graduated in 1841, and immediately entered the Theological Seminary, in which he took a full course, having spent, altogether, in both institutions nine years. Having finished his studies he became a licentiate and as such supplied Boonesboro charge for the space of six months In the fall of 1844 Mr. Funk was called as assistant in the absence of the regular pastor. English pastor to Rev. D. S. Tobias in the Bloomsburg charge, Columbia County, Penn. December 8, 1844, he was ordained to the holy ministry and installed in his charge at Orangeville by Rev. E. Kieffer and Rev. H. Harbaugh. a committee of the Susquehanna Classts. His field was large and laborious, but he served it for a space of ten years with great faithfulness and self-sacrifice. He married a daughter of Daniel Snyder, a well known and prominent citizen of Bloomsburg. She preceded him to the better world. They had one child which survived its parents N. U. Funk, of Bloomsburg. A few years before his death his health began to decline, but he still pursued his calling as best he could. At length a slow consumption had done its work and he "fell asleep in Jesus"' April 16, 1855, at the age of thirty-eight years, eleven months and nine days. His remains repose in the graveyard of the Reformed Church at Hagerstown. Mr. Funk was an earnest, zealous and faithful laborer. He preached very often, and it is said that he arranged one sermon for everj' day in the month, too much for his bodily strength. His field had been considerably desolated by distraction and division previous to his entering upon it. and much labor and wisdom were required to cultivate it. He. however, succeeded well, and the heritage over which he presided gradually put on beauty and strength under jNIuch of the fruit of his labors has only his ministry and that of his worth}- colleague. ripened since his death, and the hands of his successor have been greatly strengthened by the preparatory work performed by him. His preaching was solemn and solid, and always left a good impression. In his general character and life, Mr. Funk manifested the most excellent traits of a man and a Christian. He was amiable and modest, gen- ANDREW — — HENRY FUNK — 338 tie BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and humble, warm and God and the church. and sincere in his devotion to from earth there are many who cherish true in his friendships, childlike Though he passed earl3'- pleasant recollections of his beautiful life, and safely at home among the " Saints in Light." JOHN ALBEUt FUNSTON all who know him was born February 9, 1820, in feel assured that Madison Township, he is this count3%the birthplace also of his father, Thomas A. Funston, a son of John Funston, a native of Northampton County, Penn., whose father, Nicholas Funston emigrated in an early day from the North of Ireland to reside near Easton, Penn. The mother of our subject was Hannah, a daughter of Andrew Schooley of English origin, who was a native of New Jersey at Schooley Mountain. John Funston settled on and purchased a large tract of land soon after the Revolutionary war, near where Jerseytown has since been built, and there opened one of the tirst stores in the county, beginning with a limited stock of goods and a limited trade in a very sparsely settled region. By dint of energy, however, the business was successfully continued there and in Jerseytown by himself and sons for many years. John Funston died December 6, 1844, on o'ne of his farms near Jerseytown at the advanced age of ninety-two years, closely identilied with the church and after having lived a respected and useful life, having held the office of justice of the peace and many positions of trust and honor in his locality. His wife, formerly Mary Ateu, died Novembor 23, 1838, aged seventy-five years, the mother of ten children: Henry, who married Sarah Thomas; Jesse, who married a Miss Strawbridge; Thomas A., married Hannah Schooley; Nicholas, a bachelor; Rachel, married John Richart; Mary, married Jesse Barber; Sarah, married James Clark; John, who died young; Caleb, married Rachel Swisher and James Campbell, married Rachel Updegraph. The children still living are Sarah Clark at Catawissa, Penn., who still enjoys life'at the advanced age of eighty-six years, and Rachel Updegraph, the widow of James" C. Funston, living at Newberry, Penn. Thomas A. Funston was reared to mercantile pursuits, delivering grain and produce by team to Easton, Reading and Philadelphia, where he purchased goods for the store. After his marriage, however, he devoted himself to farming. He was an influential Democrat, served in many local oflices with credit and two terms in the State Legislature, by whose enactmehts the county seat was removed from Danville to Bloomsburg. After thirty years' agitation Thomas A. Funston died in 1874, aged eighty-three years, and left to survive him his widow, who died in 1879 aged seventy-nine years, both being interred at Jerseytown. They Avere blessed with ten children: John A., Andrew Schooley, now of Colfax, Wash. Ter., married to Sarah A. Ever; Mary Jane, married to Nehemiah Welliver; Martha A., married to Jacob Dieffen'bach; Sarah, who died when a young lady; Catharine H., of Bloansburg, widow of Rev. Henry Wilson; Elizabeth M., d'ied in early womanhood; Desdemonia W., married William Johnston; Wilbur F. and Susan, who both died young. John Albert Funston was educated at the common schools and at the Mifllinburg Academy, Union Co., Penn., kept by Prof. James McClure. He remained at home engaged in liis father's interests until twenty-five years of age, teaching school during the winter months. He then took tlie responsibility of making his own way tlirough life, doing so witli remarkably small capital, save industry, perseverance and a determination to succeed by deserving it. On solicitation he accepted, temporarilj^ a position in the L-ondale Company store near Bloomsburg, Penn., in the vear 1846; then, after a summer in Pottsville. he "took charge of the large store of Judge William H. Cool & Co., in Beaver Meadows, Penn. While there, in August, 1848, a proposition to purchase the store and stock of Richard Fruit, at Jerseytown, was, after a day's consideration, accepted, Mr. Funston taking charge of the'business September 16, l'848. Although supplied with limited capital, watchful care and discreet management soon placed his store and business on a profitable basis that met constantly increasing trade and respect. On account of failing health, in consequence of close application for eight years, the business was disposed of to Conrad Kreamcr, Mr. Funston retaining a private interest of one-third, and retiring to spend a few more years in collecting and securing outstanding del)ts and book accounts. Within the year after the store business was disposed of, Mr. Funston purchased what is known as the Phineas and, afterward. Thomas J^arber homestead, a rich tract of about 200 acres on the east branch of the Chillisiiuaque'Creek, which land he has leased to tenants for thirty years, three of whom realized a sufficient amount to enable tliem to purchase farms for themselves, one costing over $5 000. This tract was originally taken up by Joseph Galloway of the province of Marvland in 1769, who conveyed to William Patterson of Northumberland County, Penn., October 29. 1772, who sold to Robert McClenahan and he to Phineas Barber, January 10, 1787, 100 years ago, for £50. Phineas Barber then sold to Thomas Barber in 1830. and Thomas BaVber's heirs to John A. Funston in 1857. The tract originally contained 400 acres. Two farms of 100 acres each were sold to James Coats & Bro., both of which were afterward bought by John and Nicholas Funston. referred to above, and now owned and occupied by Jacob Coonfer and Jacob Wintersteeu. The old log house and part of the barn built 115 years ago, have until very recently been used, and only torn away to make room for the more commodious buildings now (1887) being erected. Mr. Funston then gave some attention to dealing in real estate, and owned several farms and properties in the vicinity of Jersey- BLOOMSBURG. 339 finally selling his store property to William Kreamer in 1865, and In tlie same year he rehis residence in Jerseytowu to Dr. Thomas J. Swisher in 1867. moved.to Bloomsburg and erected his present dwelling at Fifth and Market Streets, where was directed since 1868. In year 1868 attention to the high rate of the he has resided road and poor taxes for the township of Bloom, Bloomsburg being within this township town and Bloomsburg, and being unincorporated; roads and streets in town and township were insufficiently cared for, and under the then existing plan of providing for the poor and collecting and disbursing poor taxes, excessive amounts were required to meet the demands of a list of self-constituted and undeserving paupers, that under the mild and liberal methods then Seeing the demoralizprevailing, preferred to live on the community rather than work. ing effects of this high rate of. taxation and the accumulating debt, Mr. Fuuslon called upon the Rev. D. J. Waller, Sr., and after a short interview, a supplement was drawn transferring the act for the Luzerne Poor District to Bloomsburg. The move was approved citizens. The necessary enactment was passed by the Legislature appointing Mr. Funston, Mr. B. F. Hartman and Dr. J. Schuyler directors to buy a farm and establish a home for the poor. The list of over fifty paupers was reduced to sixteen, owing to an unwillingness to accept the new and comfortable home, and the rate of poor taxes reduced from 10 mills to 3 mills. The incorporation of the town of Bloomsburg was similarly effected. In 1868 the fire and life insurance firm of John A. Funston Co. was instituted, the late Charles Conner being associated with Mr. Funston. While in this business it was discovered that a banking business could be profitably carried on by the firm. The banking business soon followed and an extensive discount line was reached and prosperously maintained by the firm for some two and a half years without loss. Out of this private banking business grew the present Bloomsburg Banking Companj^ a flourishing banking institution organized in 1871 with a capital stock of $50,000, taken by fifty stockholders, and of which institution Mr. Funston is now and always has been a director and president. An unusual number of important positions of trust have been filled by Mr. Funston, among others that of county treasurer, to which he was elected as a Democrat by his party in 1860 and into which office his usual tact and ability were carHe took a very active interest in various improvements of the town of Bloomsburg ried. and county, and has been a member of the board of trustees of the State normal school at Bloomsburg since 1868; is president ofthe Bloomsburg water-works, Bloomsburg agricultural works and vice-president of the Bloomsburg Steam, Heat and Electric Light Company. He was married January 23, 1850, to Almira Melick of Light Street, Penn. He has three children: Sara M., married to Paul E. Wirt, attornej"- at law and inventor of the now widely known Paul E. Wirt fountain pen; Eva Lilien, married toH. O. Rodgers, born and reared at Ironton Iron Works, Ohio, but now of Hazleton, Penn., manager of the Hazleton, Mauch Chunk »& Pittston Oil Company; Charles W., remains with his parents and is engaged in the manufacture of agricultural implements etc., in Bloomsburg. The family are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church. We find in the possession of Mr. Funston a number of old papers and memoranda which had been in possession of his grandfather, John Funston, relating to the raising of money to build what was known as Christ's Protestant Episcopal and Lutheran Church, Derry Township, Northumberland Co., Penn., on the road from Jerseytowu to Millville; also the subscription papers with the names and amount subscribed by each person in pounds, shillings and pence, together with the original autographs of many of these pioneer church people and including several autographs of the Rev. Caleb Hopkins, the first minister of the Protestant Episcopal Church in this county, also letters and autographs of Bishop White, the first Protestant Episcopal bishop of the diocese of Pennsylvania, these different papers bearing various dates from 1790 to 1800. GROSS, beer bottler, Bloomsburg, was born in Sawarton, Rawnfolz, Bavaria, June 20, 1825, and came to the United States in 1860. He married in Germany, Philopina Young, and had four children born in the fatherland: Jacob, killed in Danville by a railroad accident; David, Margaret and Leanna, and the following named born in the United States: Daniel (deceased), William, Clara, Peter, Elizabeth and John. Mr. Gross first settled in Danville, and worked in a furnace. In 1871 he came to Bloomsburg and opened a bottling business, which he has since successfully conducted. Mr. Gross is a member of the Catholic Church, Mrs. Gross of the Lutheran. Politically he is a Democrat, and takes an active interest in the afl'airs of the county. K. GROTZ, cue of the oldest citizens and natives of Bloomsburg now living, was born October 22, 1810. in a frame house which is still standing on the southwest corner of Iron and Second Streets, built by his father, Abraham Grotz, in 1806. He began to learn the harness-maker's trade in September, 1826, and in 1833 opened a shop atlhe head of Market Street, where he followed his trade. In 1835 he bought the lot which is now occupied by the banking company; erected, the same year, a iframe shop, and the next year a dwelling. He carried on business there until 1856, though in 1849 he built the brick structure occupied by the bank. From 1850 he carried on a tannery business in Hemlock Township, retiring in 1870. Mr. Grotz goes back, with great distinctness, to 1814, and relates the names of people, the number of buildings in Bloomsburg at that by leading & PETER JOHN 340 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: time, as follows: A lop; house on First Street, occupied by Henry Weaver, where Mr, Tustin now resides; an old frame house, which is still standing on First Street near West, occupied by George Fry; at the Forks on the east end of Second Street was a one-story log house, owned and occupied by Daniel Snyder; a house on the soutiiwest corner of Second and Iron Streets, occupied by Abraham Grotz, still standing; a house occupied by Christopher Kahler, on the lot east of Central House; a frame one-half story, where Hendersliott's drug store now is, occupied by John Chamberlain; a log house opposite the Kahler House, owned by John Hageubuch; a one-story frame storeroom, opposite the southwest corner of Second Street, kept by Philip Mehrrling, afterward by William McKelvy, Cyrus Barton and E. H. Biggs, respectively. The last named tore down the old building and erected the present block: a hotel, frame, two stories, where the Exchange now is; a one-story frame on the southeast corner of Jefferson Alley and Second Street, occupied by Mrs. Moomey; a log house on the northeast corner of Centre and Second Streets, owned by Mr. Fisher; a frame twostory hotel on the northwest corner of Second and Centre Streets, occupied as a hotel by John Chamberlain, the first regular hotel in Bloomsburg. On the north side of Second Street there was no house nearer than where Dr. McKelvy now lives; it was a log house, occupied by John Hess. On East Street below Third was a place called Hopkinsville; an Episcopal minister named Hopkins owned and laid a out number of lots, and thus gave the place its local name. The Episthe land copal Church, a frame building, stood on the site of the present Episcopal Church parsonage; the church building was moved to the lot in the rear of the store on the southwest corner of Second and Centre Streets, and is now" used as a storehouse. The first wagon shop was established by Israel Wills on the southeast corner of the alley on Market between Second and Third Streets. The only school then was a one-story frame on the northeast corner of Second and Iron Streets. It was a subscription school, and ita The town as originally laid out by Eyer was from Iron first teacher was a Mr. Ferguson. John K. Grotz was one of the original stockholders and directors of the to West Streets. national bank in Danville. He resigned and became an organizer and director of the First National Bank in Bloomsburg. In 1870 he sold out his interest in the First National Bank, and was one of the organizers of the banking company, of which his son is cashier. Mr. Grotz has been treasurer of the Bloomsburg poor district for the last seven years. His wife, Elizabeth Fistu, died in 1883. There are three of their children living: H. H., Mary N. and Henry C. Abraham Grotz was a native of Northampton County, Penn., as was also his wife, nee Mary Kuhra. They came to Bloomsburg in 1806. He was a hatter by trade and carried on that business on the corner of Iron and Second Streets until 1832. He then moved to Stark County, Ohio, and bought a farm near Uniontown, where he and his wife both died. T.' L. GUNTON. proprietor of the marble works, Bloomsburg, is a native of Plainsville, Luzerne Co., Penn., born February 18. 1851. Thomas W. Gunton, father of our subject, moved from Plainsville to Bloomsburg in the spring of 1854, and established a broom factory. Here our subject was reared, and when seventeen years of age he went to Danville, and served four years at the trade of a marble-cutter, with Hon. Peter Hughes. His present business was established by Anthony Witman in the year 1853. His shop was located on Main Street, where Hendershott's drug store now stands. From this location he removed to the court-house alley, in the rear of the old log building, the present site of the Paul E. Wirt (formerly Brower's) building. Later on he located at the southwest corner of Main and Market Streets, where he continued until 1868, when he leased the ground and erected a portion of the wooden buildings now owned and occupied by our subject on the same street nearly opposite the last named location, where he continued business until his death in November, 1870. After his death the place was bought by the present proprietor, who began business December 27, 1870. Our subject now manufactures all kinds of monumental work in granite, marble and also granite and marble coping, posts, etc. His shops are fitted with steam power and machinery for polishing the largest pieces of stone or marble. It is the only business of the kind in the place, and Mr. Gunton does not only a portion of the work of the county, but also of the surrounding country, and has the reputation of doing first-class work and using the best He was married September 23, 1885, to Amanda Gunton (of no blood relationmaterials. ship), a daughter of Richard Gunton, of Wilkesbarre. Penn. Mr. Gunton is a member of the Lutheran Church. He owns a business lot on Main Street, where his shops are located, and a modern and commodious residence on Fourth Street, where he lives. C. HALFPENNY, one of the partners in the Bloomsburg woolen-mills, is a native of Laurelton, Union Co., Penn., born February 24, 1843, a son of H. S. and Julia Ann (Buck) Halfpenny. He began his experience in woolen-mills with his uncle, Mark Halfpenny, in his factory at Laurelton, when but fifteen years old, remaining six years. He then enlisted, February 24, 1864, in Battery F, Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, and served until January, 1866; then returned to Laurelton to his uncle's mill, which was destroyed by fire the same fall. His uncle then moved the business to Lewisburg, Penn., and he remained in his employ until 1870. He left there to take the position of overseer in the carding, spinning and weaving department in Larry's Creek woolen-mill, in HENRY BLOOMSBURG. 341 Lycoming County. In the above position be remained about two years and then became overseer of the carding and spinning department in the Nippenose Mills, at Antes Fort, Lycoming County, where he continued ten or twelve years; then came to Bloomsbufg, on the formation of the present partnership in 1882. Mr. Halfpenny gives his special attention to overseeing the carding and spinning department, in connection with his other He was married October 1, 1866, to Carrie D. Deckard, interests attached to the business. of Mifflinburg, Union County. They have one son. Grant D., now assistant foreman in the carding and spinning department of the Bloomsburg mill. The Halfpennys are of an old English family, and have been largely identified, through its various branches, in the manufacture of woolen goods. The grandfather of Henry C. Halfpenny immigrated to the United States previous to 1800, and settled in the neighborhood of Muucy. Penn. Four of his children learned their trade as manufacturers of woolen goods with Samuel Kogers, of Muncy, a very prominent and prosperous manufacturer of that place. The names of these four were Mark, now a prominent manufacturer and one-half owner of the Lewisburg woolen-mills; John (now deceased), who owned and operated a factory at Bells Mills, Blair Co., Penn.; James, formerly a partner with his brother Mark (died in 1885), and William R., who is devoting his latter years to farming. BENJAMIN F. HARTMAN, Bloomsburg, was born at Catawissa. January 10, 1812, and is a son of Thomas and Sophia (Leidenberg) Hartman. He has been a resident of Bloomsburg for fifty-two years, with the exception of four years he spent at farming two miles from that place. He is by trade a blacksmith, but has been engaged in a collection and fire insurance business since 1848. From 1865 to 1869 he acted as deputy United States revenue collector. Mr. Hartman was married in 1836 to Abigail Maria Pursel, who died in 1883 aged seventy years, a daughter of Daniel Pursel, of an old Columbia County family. Mr. and Mrs. Ilartman had two children: Henry H., who died aged two years, and Celestia, who married O. T. Wilson (she was born February 7, 1838, died in June, 1881, and is buried in Roseinont Cemetery; she left five children: Lilly H., Frank H., Arthur N. (killed in a mill in June, 1886), Harry S. and Charles P.) Mr. Hartman is a member of the Episcopal Church; has been secretary, treasurer and warden for twentyIn politics he is a Republican. five years. C. HARTMAN, merchant, Bloomsburg, was born September 18, 1822, in Catawissa, Columbia County. The Hartman family of Bloomsburg is descended from Nicholas and Isabella Hartman, of Baden-Baden, Germany. Their son, William, at the age of twelve or thirteen came to America September 14, 1753, locating temporarily at He Bristol, Bucks Co., Penn., and paid for his passage to this country after his arrival. was a tanner by trade, and later settled half-way between Bloomsburg and Berwick previous to the massacre of Wyoming. One day on his return from the mill he found his cabin in ruins, having been set on fire by the Indians. His wife had discovered the presence of the savages in time to escape with her infant child, and was overtaken by her husband while on her way to Catawissa. There they afterward settled. He was a man of very genial nature, kind to the poor, and a pioneer known far and wide as one of good He and his pioneer wife are both buried in the old Quaker graveyard at Catarepute. wissa. Here he was probably married, his wife's maiden name being Frances Reamy. He owned about 300 acres of land, which with the aid of his children he cleared up; he died aged about eighty-three years. He and his wife were Lutherans, parents of twelve children, of whom Thomas was the father of Henry C, the subject of this sketch. Thomas married Sophia Ladenberg. He was a nail-maker by trade, but during the greater part of He was an old line Whig in his life was a farmer in Montour Township, this county. His children were as follows: Charles, Benpolitics, and attended the Methodist Church. jamin F., Jane, Wellington, William, Daniel, Henry C. and Isaiah W. Henry C, a grandson of the first settler, was reared on the farm, and when young learned the chairmaking and painting trades, after completing which he served two months as a journeyman. He then began clerking for J. K. Sharpless at Catawissa, and October 10. 1848, opened a general store with his brother, I. W., which partnership continued twenty-one years. April 23, 1874, our subject opened his present store, in which he keeps a full line of carAugust 8. 1862, he was mustered in Company E, One Hundred and pets, oil cloths, etc. Thirty-Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for nine months, and served ten. He married in 1852 Martha F. McClure, a member of the Presbyterian Church. I. W. HARTMAN, merchant, Bloomsburg, was born two miles east of Catawissa, this county, October 20, 1825, a son of Thomas Hartman, a farmer of that locality. He was reared to the life of a farmer near Bloomsburg, and (his father having moved to Hemlock Township) was educated at the schools of the neighborhood until sixteen or seventeen years of age. He then attended the Catawissa school taught by Mr. J. J. Brower one session, and on leaving there, in August, 1843, engaged as a clerk with Eyer & Heffly, of Bloomsburg, in the building that Mr. Hartman now occupies. Five years later" he formed a partnership with his brother, H. C. Hartman, and opened a general store in the old Arcade Building, continuing there until 1855. During that time they bought the building where our subject had been employed as clerk, and there they carried on a general business under the firm name of H. C. & I. W. Hartman, until January 1, 1869. In that year our HENRY 342 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: subject bought his brother's interest, and conducted the enterprise alone until August, He then took in his son, Edwin V., as a partner, and the firm is known as I. W. 1883. Hartman & Son. This business, as will be seen, was established in 1848. The sales that year amounted to $12,000, and for many years averaged $;30,000 and upward per annum. Mr. Hartman has been longer in continuous business as a merchant than any other man He is a Republican and has served his vicinity in several offices in the in IBloomsburg. council; as school director; was superintendent and treasurer of Rosemont Cemetery twenty -five years. He and family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church of which he lias been class-leader, steward for twenty-seven years and trustee for many He married, February 26, 1850, Mary Melinda Ritter, of Bloomsburg, and they years. have had six children, four of whom are living: Anna I., Edwin V., Ada M. and Robert E. & HASSERT, car-builders, founders and machinists, Bloomsburg. This firm was established in 1875 by Peter S. Harman and George Hassert, who still conduct the business. Their first start was in a building 60x50 feet, which was occupied as a foundry and machine shop, where they manufactured plows and stoves and did custom work with an annual business of about |2,000. In 1879 the business had grown to such an extent that they were obliged to enlarge their facilities by erecting additional buildmgs, increasing their capacity and employing from twenty to thirty hands. At the latter date they added the building of mining cars to the business and have so continued u]) to date. They make all kinds of castings and custom work, repairing of threshing machines, and the business averages about $55,000 per annum. The foundry and shops are located on the south end of East Street, near the D. & L. R. R. HARMAN George Hassert was born in Reichensachsan, Hesse Cassel, Germany, November 5, He learned the trade of a mill1824, a son of George and Elizabeth (Wagner) Hassert. wright in his native country, and when twentj' years old enlisted as a soldier in the German Army. He served some six years and participated in several battles in the war between Denmark and Germany. In 1848 he was in the regular army at Baden, engaged He was wounded by a sabre in suppressing the rebellion, and was stationed at Carlsruhe. in the forehead and chin at the storming of Dabbelar Fort in Denmark. After leaving the army he immigrated to the United States and located at Philadelphia, where he worked at He came to Bloomsburg in 1856, and worked at his trade his trade for four or five years. He was married in Philadelphia, February until the present business was established. 12, 1854, to Magdalena Decker, and to them were born the following children: Charles W., Henry, Annie, Elizabeth, Emma, Ella and George A. Mr. Hassert is a member of the Lutheran Church; in politics a Democrat. Peter S. Harman was born in Orangevdle, this county, June 5, 1831, a son of George and Mary (Knorr) Harman. The father, a native of Northumberland County, was a very early settler in Columbia County, settling first at Mifllin and afterward at Orangeville. He was a tanner by trade for many years, and died at Orangeville in 1881. Our subject learned the trade of molder when but thirteen years old, with Louis H. Maus of Bloomsburg, and followed it until establishing his present business as above stated. In 1861 he began on his own account in Mahanoy City, Penn., where he started and operated a foundry'and machine shop for three years. Later he came to Bloomsburg and formed a partnership with B. F. Sharpless, under the name of Sharpless & Harman, which partnership continued four years, and, two years after dissolving the partnership, established his present business with Mr. Hassert. Mr. Harman was married in 1856 to Rebecca Freeze, and nine children were born to them, seven of whom are living: Grace, Fanny, Jennie, James Lee, Mary, John G. F. and Paul Zahner; Frank Freeze died aged five years, and Howard Feton at the age of three years. The family attend the Episcopal Churcli. In Harman is a Republican. G. A. HERRING, farmer, P. O. Bloom.sburff, was born in Orangeville, Columbia His greatCo., Penn., December 13, 1833, to John and Rachel (Snyder) Herring. grandfather, Christopher Herring, came from Germany and located in Berks County, Penn., where his son Frederick was born. The latter married, in Berks County, Miss Susan Bright, and they afterward removed to Columbia County, locating in Roaringcreek Township; thence to what is now Orange Township, bought land where Henry Melick now resides, and here lived until his death, which occurred in 1838, having been suddenly stricken with paralysis. He is buried in the Orangeville Cemetery. John Herring, father of George A., was born in Lynn Township, Berks County, and when a boy of about eight years was brought by his parents to Columbia County. With them he remained until he was married, when he bought a lot in Orangeville on which he moved, and there followed the trade of a carpenter and joiner. He has now been a resident of that place for upward of half a century. He married in this county Miss Rachel Snyder, also a native of Berks County, and who came to Columbia County with her parents when she was a To him and his wife nine children were born, six of whom are living: C. D., in child. Wilkesbarre; George A., our subject; Priscilla, wife of John S. Neyhart, in Wilkesbarre; A. B., in Owensville; Calvin, in Orangeville, and E. R. in Kankakee, 111. (the last two named are twins). The deceased are Rebecca, wife of Henry J. Knorr, and an infant unnamed. John Herring is still a resident of Orangeville, but his wife died May 11, 1882. politics Mr. BLOOMSBUEG. 348 She was a member of the Lutheran Church. He is a member of the German Reformed Church. Our subject was reared in Orangeville until the age of eighteen years, when he began to learn the molder's trade. He tlien came to Bloomsburg and for three years worked at his trade for Lewis Moss and also for Joseph Sharpless. He then went into partnership with his uncle, John Snyder, then slieriff of the county, and together they conducted the Excliange Hotel one year. The next two years he spent in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan and Illinois; then returned to Columbia County, and for the next two years worked at his trade. He then engaged in boat-building at Lime Ridge with a brother, C. He D., for three years and for the next two years carried on the same business alone. then moved to Shenandoah, Schuylkill County, and there engaged in mercantile business for twelve years, and for six years of that time was also engaged in the coal trade; thence he removed to Bloomsburg in April, 1876, and there carried on the tanning business until 188L In 1879 he bought a farm of 180 acres in Mount Pleasant Township, and, since giving up the tanning business, has farmed. He married, at Lime Ridge, May 9, 1861, Miss M.. A. Hess, a n;itive of Mifflinville, Columbia County, and a daughter of Daniel and PrisBoth her parents were natives of that township, but the Yobes were cilla (Yobe) Hess. originally from Berks County, where Mrs. Herring's grandparents were early settlers. Her father died July 29, 1850, 'and her mother October 24, 1880; both are buried "in Mifflinville Cemetery. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Herring, tliree of whom are living: Grant Stanley, married to Emma Jones (resides in Bloomsburg; he is a graduate of Lafayette College, of the class of 1883); Ida, attending Mount Holyoke Seminary, South Hadley, Mass., and John R., who was prepared for the college at the Bloomsburg Normal University and is now attendinij- the Lafayette College. The deceased are Florence GerMrs. Herring is a trude, who died at the age of three months, and an infant unnamed. member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Herring was county treasurer of Schuylivill County two years and was president and superintendent of the water compan}' at Shenandoah six years, and also superintendent of the gas company at that place; served in the town council six years; was treasurer of the savings fund for a like period, director of the Shenandoah Valley Bank six years, and treasurer of tlie Miners' Hospital fund at Shenandoah, one year. He has been elected to the position of town council, president of Bloomsburg four terms, and w^as assistant county treasurer of Columbia County six vears. He is a member of Shenandoah Lodge, No. 591, I.;0. O. F. and of Blue Lodge, No. 611. A. F. & A. M. at Shenandoah. He pas.sed all the chairs in the former lodge and was Past Grand Master a number of years; also held a number of offices in tlie latter lodge. He was one of the charter members of the Shenandoah Lodge, I. O. 0. F. GRANT STANLEY HERRING, attorney at law. Bloomsburg, is a native of Centreville, Columbia Co., Penn., born May 19, 1862. He is a son of George A. Herring, who was formerly county treasurer of Schuylkill County, Penn., where he resided, but isnowa resident of Bloomsburg. Our subject ol)ta;ned his preparatory education in Bloomsburg Normal School, and became a student at Lafayette College in 1879, graduating in June, 1883. He registered as a law student in January, 1883, with E. R. Ikeler, Esq.. and was admitted to the bar in February, 1885. On the same day he formed a partnership with his preceptor, and the firm is known as Ikeler & Herring. J. M. HESS, retired farmer, Bloomsburg, was l)orn at Wapwallopen, Luzerne County, February 22, 1823. to Jeremiah and Mary (Fenstermacher) Hess. The father was born in Easton, Penn., and came from there to Luzerne County with his parents, when a boy. He bought a mill property at Wapwallopen, ami operated it about eiglitor nine years; then traded it for a farm in Salem township, and later bought another place, part of which he sold, and for the last twenty or twenty-five years led a retired life. He was twice married; first to Mary Fenstermacher, who bore him ten children, eight of whom are living: Philip, near Fairmoimt Springs, Luzerne (Jounty: J. M., our subject; Nathan, in New Columbus, Luzerne County; Aaron W.. in Mifflinville; Reuben, in Town of Bloomslmrg; Polly, wife of Thomas Brady, in Salem Township, Luzerne County; Elizabeth, wife of Charles Hill, also in Salem Township, Luzerne County, and Catherine, wife of Reuben Hill, in Dixon. Lee County, 111. The deceased are Susan, wife of John Fenstermacher, and John. Jeremiah Hess died in 1877; his first wife died in 1857, and both are buried in Beach Haven Cemetery, Luzerne County. Our subject was six weeks old when his parents moved to Salem Township, and there he was reared to farm life. He made iiis home with his parents until his nineteenth year when he went to learn the blacksmith's trade with Charles Hagenbuch of Centre Township; but after nine months he abandoned the trade and went to Salem Township where he married. He then moved to Orange Township and commenced farming on his own account, renting his father-in-law's farm, which he bought twelve years later. There he resided until 1869. when he bought a residence property in Bloomsburg, and has since made it his home. He married, January 26. 1843, Miss Maria Pohe, a native of Mifflin Township, and a daughter of Joseph and Polly (Wolf) Pohe. The Pohes were early settlers of the county, and here the parents of Mrs. Hess passed their lives. Her father died September 5, 1880, in the ninetieth year of his age; his wife died in 1883, and both are buried in Mifflinville Cemetery, Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Hess, four of whom are living: George Wilson, married to Sarah Smith, 27 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 344 resides on Mr. Hess' farm; Mary Catherine, wife of Frank Cavanee, in Bloomsbiirg; Sarah Agnes and Jeremiah A., who is engaged in the shoe business in Bloomsbnrg. The deceased are Clarence, Sylvester, and two infants unnamed. Mr. Hess is a member of the Reformed Church, Mrs. Hess of the Lutheran. Mr. Hess is a member of Mountain Lodge No. 264, at Orangeville. He served as supervisor of Orange Township. WILLLIM H. HOUSE, surgeon and dentist, Bloomsburg, was born at Danby, Tompkins Co., N. Y., May 17, 1850, a son of Oakley A. and Julia Ann (Payne) House. His father was a farmer and is now living at Owego; he was also a veterinary surgeon and followed the profession for many years. Our subject obtained his education at Spencer Academy, Tioga County, N. Y., and when twenty-one began learning the carpenter's trade, but not finding it altogether to his taste, when twenty-two years old took up the study of dentistry with Dr. 11. T. Dearborn of Mecklenburg, Schuyler Co., N. Y. He remained with him about three years and then formed a partnership with his preceptor which continued one year. March 17, 1874, he located at Bloomsburg where September and has been continually in 1, same year, he opened a dental office on his own account, His office is fitted with all the modern appliances requisite to the practice up to date. and he grown into first-class office, has successful practice. Mr. House a completeness of a married, December 25, 1873, Miss Allie Bogart of Spencer, Tioga Co., N. Y., and a daughter of Isaac Bogart, a farmer of Spencer. They have had three children: Maggie J., died aged ten years, March, 1885; Jennie E., died February 4, 1885, aged about nine years. The former of meningitis and the latter of peritonitis, and Cora Belle, born March 29, 1881. The Doctor and Mrs. House are members of the Methodist Church. HIRAM C. HOWER, surgeon and dentist, Bloomsburg, was born in 1824, a son of John and Rebecca (Davis) Hovver. The family is an old one in the county and settled near Catawissa. The father, John Hower, was a soldier in the war of 1812. The Davises were also old settlers, Jonathan Davis, the grandfather of our subject, settling also near Catawissa. Dr. Hower was reared on a farm and learned the chair-making and painting He was educated at the schools of his vicinity, •trades, which he followed three years. and at the age of twenty-two began to study dentistry with his uncle, Dr. Vallerschamp, of McDowell's mills. After reading and studying with his uncle for about a year and a half, he opened a dentist's office at Light Street and subsequently at Wilkesbarre, where he was associated with Dr. Wadhams, but with the exception of two years since he began to The Doctor is an adept in the profession, .practice he has been located at Bloomsburg. and during the thirty-six years he has been in Bloomsburg he has acquired a large pracFor ten years from 1867 he kept a general store at Bloomsburg and at the same time tice. also was interested in the sale of reapers and sewing-machines which business he conducted while holding a large practice in his profession. He married Caroline, daughter of Oharles Ent, an old resident of Columbia County, and ten children were born to them, The living are W. Ella, married to Moris Mitchell of Camden, N. J.; ithree being dead. Emma, wife of John F. Caldwell of Bloomsburg; Rettie, wife of Erastus Conner of Nanti'Coke; Cora, wife of A. M. Wintersteeu, a dentist at Bloomsburg; Myrtie, Wilbur and Hiram Clarence, at home with their parents. Dr. Hower has the largest practice of any and sectian; is frequently called upon at his office to operate for people living !n Philadelphia and other portions of this State; as also frcmi New York City and other sections. While equal to the best in his general practice and diligent in acquiring all the latest improvements in his business, he is making a specialty of gold-filling in which he has no superior. is descended from Irish ancestry, who came to the United DOUGLASS States from County Tyrone, Ireland, in 1793. The first of the family to settle in Columbia County was Isaiah Hughes, who located with his wife, Henrietta (Tea) Hughes, in Douglassville, Berks County, at a very early period. They were members of the society of Friends and died in this county. Their children were as follows: Mary, died unmarried; Ann, died unmarried; Lydia, became the wife of Samuel Hartman, and George, who married Ann, a daughter of Err and Sarah (Dunlap) Harder. George and his wife became the parents of the subject of this sketch, and were both natives of this county, born October 'dentist in this HUGHES George 31, 1803, respectively, and were married February 1, 1823. They were both members of the Methodist his wife August 23, 1871. Church and were buried in what is known as the Friends' burying-ground in Catawissa, this county. He followed the wheelwright trade and also the foundry business at Catawissa for a number of years. They had seven children: Harriet, born November 8, 1823, died at the age of four years; Douglass, our subject, born December 27, 1825, married Novem ber 27, 1849, Matilda, a daughter of Stephen and Sarah (Fornwald) Baldy of Catawissa; Maberry, born July 21, 1828, unmarried; Marshall, born March 28, 1830, married Matilda Klutz, and died May 4, 1862; Ann Eliza, born February 29, 1832, and married Ransloe Boone; Marks Biddle, born July 19, 1834, and died, unmarried, October 14, 1859; Henrietta and Sarah (twins) born March 23, 1840 (the former married Edward Smith, and the latter Dr. Jacob Vastine of Catawissa, this county). Douglass Hughes learned the chair-making and painter's trades with his father, with whom be remained, except a year or two, until 1848. He then established himself in a chair-making and painting business, on the south18. 1798, and March died April 10, 1881, BLOOMSBURG. 345 corner of Iron and Second Streets, Bloomsburc^. and conducted it for seven years. then bought a farm one mile from town, on the Susquehanna River, where he lived In 1882 he moved to Bloomsburg, bought a residence, and in 1884, his for twent}' j'ears. present place, which is known as the "Bidleman property." Mrs. Hughes is a member of the Methodist Church, of which her husband is also an attendant. Thej^ are the parents of three children: Clara Augusta, born March 15, 1853, married John Waggenseller of Bloomsburg; Mary A., born June 2, 1854. married Alfred Harman of Catawissa, died in Ma,y, 1883, and George Marshall, born September 38, 1858, married Rose Farnsworth of Rupert, this county. ELIJAH R. livELER, attorney at law, Bloomsburg, was born in Greenwood Township, this county, February 37, 1838, a son of Isaac Ikeler, an old and respected farmer of that township, now deceased. Our subject at the age of sixteen became a student at the Greenwood Seminary. Millville. Subsequently he learned the miller's trade at Millville, and on completing it bought a part interest and continued the business until 1865, when he moved to Bloomsburg, meanwhile keeping up his studies. After coming here he registered as a law student with Col. John G. Freeze iu the fall of 1864. April 1, 1865, he became a regular student iu his office, and was admitted to the bar in May, 1867. In 1869 he was elected district attorney and served during the tirst of the "Molly Maguire " trials, and upon the town organization was elected its first treasurer. Mr. Ikeler is a Democrat and during the war was an active supporter of the Union cause. In 1865 he bought the Columbia Democrat and consolidated it with the Star of the North, and called the paper the Democrat and Star. He was connected with it one j^ear when he sold his interest and has since devoted his time exclusively to his profession. He marrtfed, March 33, 1863, Miss Helena Armstrong, a daughter of Ephraim Armstrong, of Bloomsburg. and a descendant of the Rittenhouses, of near Philadelphia. They have two children, Frank A. and Fred T., aged respectively eighteen and sixteen years. The ancestors of the Ikeler family in Columbia County were originallj' Germans and came to America in 1760. The great-grandfather of our subject was Joseph, who settled in Belvidere, N. J.; the name was Then spelled Eggler. He was a farmer, and on- the outbreak of the Revolution enlisted and served on He died iu New Jersey. His sou, Andrew J., was the founder of the the colonial side. family in Columbia County. He was married in New Jersey to Christiana Johnson, and was a magistrate in this county about the year 1835. He and his wife came the entire distance from New Jersej' on horseback, bringing with them their effects, and located in Greenwood Township. He took up about 1.000 acres, which still remain in possession of his descendants. He was a leading citizen and held many local and county offices. He died in 1854 aged eighty years; his widow in 1866, at the age of ninety-three. Both are buried in the family lot on the old homestead. He was for a long time colonel of militia; raised a regiment for the war of 1813 and led it to the field. His son. Isaac, married Mary Taylor, a native of New Jersey, and they became the parents of Elijah R. Isaac was a farmer and a highly respected citizen. He died in 1884 at the age of eighty years, and his wife in 1879, aged sixty-five years. Both are buried in Mount Pleasant Township, this county. CAPTAIN A. B. JAMESON, civil service. Washington, D. C, was born in Schuylkill County, Penn,. August 33, 1836, in tlie family of nine children born to Judith and Daniel Jamison,* eight of whom are living, four sons having given their services to the cause of the Union during the war of the Rebellion. The father removed with his family to Columbia County in 1839 and established the hotel known as "The Halfway House," between Bloomsburg and Berwick on the Susquehanna. This hotel was but short lived, however, to Mr. Jamison, for, having connected himself with the Methodist Church in 1843, he abandoned the business. Our subject attended the public schools until he was sixteen years of age, and then left his home to battle for himself with the realities of life. Later he secured about two years' schooling at Dickinson Seminary and the academy at New Columbus: then taught a district school one year. April 31, 1863, Mr. Jameson enlisted in Company A, Sixth Pennsylvania Reserves: was commissioned first lieutenant September 31, 1863, and breveted captain United States Volunteers at the battle of the Wilderness. At the battle of Antietam he received a contused wound of the knee joint, on account of quartermaster of which disability he was appointed acting the regiment, in which capacity he served during the last year of his service. After serving the full term of his enlistment (three years), Capt. Jameson left the army a cripple, and had, therefore, to accept a position in the civil service. He also commenced the study of medicine, in which he graduated from the University of Georgetown, D. C, Medical Department. March 5, 1867. Capt. Jameson takes pride in the fact that he has assisted in the adjustment of the accounts of the interest on the public debt; redemption of Government securities; funding and refunding of national loans caused by the war of the Rebellion, involving millions on millions in amounts passed upon, requiring fidelity to the Government and honesty and care in the settlements; and it can be truly said of him, without adulation, that he has always held the confidence of those under whom and with whom he has served in any capacity. Reared in the Calvinistic faith by consistent orthodox parents, our subject has had engrafted on •east He *A8 spelled by Capt. Jameson's father; correct spelling, however, is Jameson. BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 34G him pure Christianizing influences. In mature years, however, not being ahk? to subscribe iron-bound creeds and dogmas as advanced by Calvin, he sought what lie considered the more liberal, larger and broader faith, and became united with the Unitarian Church. DANIEL W. KITCHEN, manager of the Farmers Produce Exchange, Bloomsburg, was born in Rohrsburg, this county, in 1859, a son of Amos H. and Sarah Ann (McHenry) Kitchen. Amos H. was a son of Henry and Matilda (Davi.s) Kitchen, and Henry was a son of a pioneer, who first settled in this county in 17—, near Itohrsburg. He was a native of Ireland, a farmer by occupation, and a member of the Methodist Church. He took up some 400 acres in the neighborhood of Rohrsburg, where he resided many years and family of a thirteen children. Many his descendants are still leaving of found died, in Daniel W. educated at Starkey Seminary, Yates County, N. Y., and when this count3^ twenty-one began teaching, which profession he followed two terms. He then engaged as a clerk in the general store of William Masters, at Millville, and continued in his emplo}' for fifteen years. In 1883 he was appointed by the directors of the Farmers Produce Exchange as their business manager, and assumed charge in January, 1882, in the old building adjoining the present store. The annual sales then averaged about $1,000, but under the supervision of Mr. Kitchen the sales of the first three months amounted to $1(5,000. Shortly after he took charge a grain trade was established, which resulted in a regular grain market. In 1886 the present large three-story structure 73x42, was built at a cost of The Exchange has an annual sale of about $80,000, and regularly declares divi$7,500. dends from 6^ per cent upward. The business carries a general stock and requires the attention of four men, besides occasional outside help. The most of the produce is sold Mr. Kitchen married, September 2, 1873, Lizzie J. Warner of Muncy, at local points. a daughter of James Warner, and they have one child, Carola J. Mr. Kitchen is a strict temperance advocate and for many years was a member of and worker in the to tlie Good Templar C. A. organization. KLEIM, druggist, Bloomsburg, is a native of Philadelphia, born in 1847, son of Henry and Dorotha(EichoUz) Kleim, natives respectively of Hesse Cassel and the village of Eisenach, in Saxony, Germany. They came to the United States in 1846, and in 1857 to Bloomsburg, where they still reside, and where the father keeps a grocery store on Our subject obtained his early education in the schoolsof Philadelphia, and Street. pleted his studies at the Bloomsburg Classical School kept by Mr. Henry Carver. East com- He then learned the drug business with Moyer Brothers, serving a three years' apprenticeship, and soon after, in 1872, bought the present business from E. P. Lutz. He carries a full line of drugs, has a regular prescription business, and does one of the best trades of the kind in the town. He was first married in 1872 to Clara J. Seasholtz, who died in 1883 leaving one child Harry C. His second marriage took place in September, 1884, with Miss Addie Johnson. Mr. Kleim is a Democrat and an active worker in the interests of his party, and has served two terms as secretary of the Democratic committee of the county. He is now serving as director of the poor for Bloomsburg District. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. C. F. KNAPP, insurance agent, Bloomsburg, was born in the citj' of Besigheim, Wurtemberg, Germany, October 12, 1822, a son of John B. and So]>hia Dorathea (Konzman) Knapp, former of whom was born in the same city in March, 1784, and the latter in Stadten, August 9, 1791; they were married in April, 1814, at Besigheim. The father was a wine-dresser in his native country, and followed that occupation until April, 1831, when, with his wife and six sons, he set out for America, landing at Philadelphia on the 9th of August of that year. Here Mr. Knapp obtained employment in the glass works at Kensington, and twelve years later moved to Potts Grove Township, Montgomery County, where he purchased a farm and resided the remainder of his days. They had ten children, five of whom are living: our subject; Ernest, engaged in the stone and marble business inPhoenixville, Chester County; Charles A., a locomotive engineer in Philadelphia; Caroline D., widow of John Ellis Van Natta, residing in Philadelphia; John G., engaged in iron works in Pottstown, Montgomery County, and Jacob, a farmer near Pottstown. Montgomery County. The deceased are John David, Christian G., Louisa Clara,G. Gottleib and William F. John B. Knapp died in Montgomery County; his wife died in Potts Grove, same county, on the 26th of August, 1848, some years before her husband. Both are buried in the Swamp Cemetery of the Lutheran Church, Montgomery County. C. F. Knapp was nine years of age when the family came to Philadelphia, and in the schools of that When a boy he drove a horse on the towpath of the canal, city received his education. and later drove a cart on the construction of the Reading Railroad. At the age of twenty-one he came to Bloomsburg and worked on the construction of the first furnaces After their erection he went into the mines and helped to produce the first ore that here. was used in these furnaces. After three years he abandoned mining, apprenticed himself to learn all the branches of masonry, and spent about four years in acquiring a thorough knowledge of the business. He was then disabled by a fall, and later was appointed first assistant revenue assessor of this district, and served in that capacity during the adminisHe then en tration of President Lincoln, but was one of the first discharged by Johnson. gaged in the fire insurance business, which he has since followed, and is now the special — BLOOMSBURG. 347 agent and adjuster for the State of Pennsylvania for three companies, a position he has held since 1876. He married in Bloouisburg, October VS, 1846, Miss Maria Elizabeth Van Natta, who was born in Bloouisburg October 18, 1825, a daughter of Peter and Rosina Van Natta. Her parents were natives of Bloouisburg; her grandparents of New Jersey. To Mr. and Mrs. Knapp five children were born (four of whom are living): Caroline Margaret, wife of William F. Bodine, of Bloomsburg; Sophia Amelia, wife of Harvey Long, residing atNanticoke; Johu Ellis (deceased); Peter E., married to Clara Wicht (resides in Bloomsburg and assists Mr. Knapp in his insurance business), and Mary Catherine, married to George S. Bobbins, iu Bloomsburg. The family are all members of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Knapp is a Republican politically. He joined the I. O. O. F. in 1846, has held the secretaryship of Van Camp Lodge, No. 140, ever since, and for thirty-two years has held the o"ffice of District Deputy Grand Master of the order. He became a member of the Susquehanna Encampment, No. 60, in 1848, and was District Deputy Grand Patriarch for seven years. September 28, 1851, he became a member of Danville Lodge, No. 224, A. F. & A. M., from which lodge he withdrew and instituted Washington Lodge, No. 265, at Bloomsburg, of which he has been secretary almost from its organization; served as Deputy Grand Master eight years; He joined Girard Lodge, No. 214 iu 1854, became a Royal Arch Mason in Catawissa Chapter; from which chapter he withdrew and started. No. 218, at Bloomsburg, and has been a member of that organization up to date, serving live years as Deputy Grand High Priest. He has been secretary of Mt. Moriah Council, No. 10, R. S. & S. M., from its organization, served as Grand Master for Pennsylvania of that body from 1859 to 1876, a record equaled by no other living man. He became a member of Park Coramandery, No. 7. March 6, 1856, and started Crusade Commandery, No. 12, at Bloomsburg, and has served as its recorder almost from its organization; was installed as Right Eminent Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania at the city of Reading in 1860 and was Grand Lecturer of the State 1861-63. He received the A. A. S. rite, Caldwell Consistory, S. P. R. S. Thirty-second Degree, March 5, 1865. and was Commander-in-Chief of the same organization to December, 1885. When he retired from the service he was presented with a valuable silver service; was made Sovereign Grand Inspector General of the Thirty-second Degree and active member of the Supreme Council, September 18, 1872; was admitted to the order of the Knights of Rome and Red'^Cross, of Constantine, December 7, 1870; Past Grand Sovereign of the Slate of Penn,sylvania and Past Grand Master of the United States^of America, and received the Order of the Grand Cross, of which there can only be thirty in the Nation. SAMUEL KNORR, attorney, Bloomsburg, is a native of what is now Centre Township, this county, born December 24, 1836, and is a son of Henry D. and Sarah (Kelchner) Knorr, of the same township. Henry D. was a son of Henry and Margaret (Deitrich) Knorr, who was a son of Leonard Knorr, a native of Germany, and located in Centre Township about the year 1782. The father was a farmer, and prominent in the affairs of the township and county in an early day. He was a member of tbe Reformed Church. A great-uncle, John Knorr, had a large family, and owned a farm in Centre Township. One of his descendants, Mrs. Ann Hess, now lives at the mouth of Fishing Creek. Until the age of sixteen our subject remained on his father's farm. He then came to Bloomsburg and attended the higli school in the summer and taught schoo'l in the winter for two years. He then returned home and remained one year, continuing his studies and teaching that winter. Li 1856 he became a student in Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, where he remained two years, and in 1858 began to read law in the office of William G. Hurley of Bloomsburg, and was admitted to the bar in December, 1860. That winter he taught school, and immediately after the firing on Fort Sumter he enlisted, April 22, 1861, in what was known as the "Iron Guards of Bloomsburg," afterward as Company A, Sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserve Corps. Mr. Knorr served in the company as private and first .sergeant until October 6, 1861, when he was promoted to the second lieutenantcy of the company, in which capacity he served until October 28, 1862. He was then mustered out on account of physical disability. He was in command of the picket line in the advance, and opened the battle of Dranesville; was actively engaged in the Peninsula campaign, in the engagement at second Bull Run, and the battle of Sharpsburg. Disease contracted in the Peninsula campaign, followed by the fatigue and privations of the second Bull Run campaign, caused the sickness on account of which he was discharged. On his return from the service he went we.st and established an office at Davenport, Iowa. Three months later Lee invaded Pennsylvania, so abandoning his office Mr. Knorr returned home, in 1863, and recruited Companies A and I, Thirty-fifth Six weeks after the regiment %yas State Militia; was appointed major of the regiment. mustered out and returned home. In October, 1863, the Government began organizing colored troops, and Mr. Knorr was commissioned captain of Company A, Nineteenth He was on recruiting service at Baltimore Regiment, United States colored troops. From that date the regithat winter, and joined the Army of the Potomac May 4, 1864. ment was in a succession of constant engagements until June 17, when it took position in When the front of Petersburg, and participated in the charge on the rebel works. famous mine explosion took place, one-third of the regiment was killed. In December BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 348 they were transferred to Bornuula Hundred, where they repulsed a char^^e of the rebels. January 1, 1865, they became part of the Army of the James; were on siege duty at Fort Steadman; entered Richmond at Lee's surrender; assisted in putting out the fire, and in June, 1865, Avere sent to the Rio Grande. Mr. Kuorr was promoted to major October 5, 1864, and lieutenant-colonel February 27, 1865, and served in that capacity until he reHe at once opened an office at Bloomsburg signed, January 6, 1866, and returned home. and resumed the practice of law. He was one of the electors in 1868 in the election of President Grant, and was present at the inauguration. In 1869 he was appointed assessor of internal revenue for the Thirteenth Congressional District, and held it until 1873, when the office was abolished. Mr. Knorr has served the town as member of the council, of the school board, and the State as a trustee of the State normal school for thirteen years. L. Ettla, of Harrisburg, Mildred, now seventeen class, and Clifton C. His secyears of age, a student at Vassar College in the sophomore sister of his first wife. Ettla, a December with Mary A. 24, 1876. ond marriage occurred Mr. Knorr is a member of the Methodist Church. KNORR, blacksmith, Bloomsburg, was born in Milton, Northumberland Co., Penn., in 1837, a son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Brumheller) Kuorr, who settled in Briarcreek Township, this county, about the same year. Jacob followed agricultural pursuits, and resided during the later years of his life on a farm two miles north of Berwick, where he died in 1841. He left a fair estate; was a Democrat, and served his locality in various local offices. He was buried in Briarcreek churchyard, and his wife in Rosemont Cemetery. They were both members of the German Reformed Church. Stephen Knorr until his father's death lived on the farm, and when eighteen began learning the blacksmith trade. In 1848 he opened a shop of his own between the Exchange and Central Hotel; in 1861 built his present shop on the corner of Second and West Streets, and has He also conducts a wagon-making business in connection with since carried on both. blacksmithing. He married Minerva, daughter of George Fry, one of the first settlers of Bleomsburg, having come here when there were but three buildings in the place. Mr. and Mrs. Knorr'have four children living: Susan E., married to Edward Searle; Ida, widow of Christian R. Alleman; William E., married to Jennie Wintersteen; George S., married to Louisa Andes. Alice died at the age of sixteen months. Mrs. Knorr is a member of the Lutheran Church. Politically Mr. Knorr is a Democrat, and has served as member of the town council six terms, and president of the same one year, school director for about nine He has resided in years, and has held other local offices such as judge of elections, etc. town continuously, and all the custom blacksmiths, except one, now doing business in Bloomsburg, learned their trade with him. WILLIAM KRICKBAUM, editor of The Sentinel, Bloomsburg, is a native of Catawissa Township, this county, born September 18, 1835. His father, Henry Krickbaum. a farmer, owning some 200 acres of land in that township, died when our subject was but a year old, and his widow, Susan (Breisch) Krickbaum, married for her second husband, Benjamin Miller. William remained on the home farm with his mother and stepfather until twenty-one years of age, and during that time attended the common schools of the vicinity two months each year for several years; also two terms at Millville Seminary; subsequently He has been twice married, first in November, 1864, to Emma who died July 15, 1875, the mother of two children now living; STEPHEN at Williamsport, Dickinson Seminary, and one more term at Millville. Previous to his last term at Millville in 'March, 1857, he married Miss Judith, daughter of George Miller of Maine Township, this county. During his student days he had taught school, and followed that vocation before and after his marriage some twelve terms. From his majority he had always taken an active part in politics, and worked in the interest of the Democratic party, to which he is now and has always been an adherent, and in 1866, while still teaching, was appointed commissioner's clerk for Columbia County, a position he filled for twelve consecutive years, during a greater part of that time also acting as depuIn 1878 he resigned the clerkship to accept the office of ty treasurer and as sheriff's clerk. prothonotary, to which he had been elected the same year. He served two terms as prothonotary, and in 1884 was a candidate for a third term, and, although in reality having a majority of 175 was, under the limited system of voting in choosing delegates, defeated. For a period of upward of twenty-five years Mr. Krickbaum has been officially and otherwise prominently and influentially identified with the politics of Columbia County. Probably no man ever held public office in Columbia County who worked with a truer regard for the interest of the taxpayers and its public welfare than did Mr. Krickbaum through his long It is proverbial that, in his taking charge of the proservice to the county as an official. thonotary office, and indeed, from the first years of his service as commissioners' clerk, many fees in the sheriff's and prothonotary 's office which he thought exorbitant and an injustice to the citizens, were reduced through him to a lower and more considerate figure, and remained so during his official occupancy. April 12, 1885, Mr. Krickbaum bought the office and plant of ihe Democratic Sentinel at Bloomsburg. The paper was then 24x He has enlarged it to an eight36 inches, seven columns, and had a circulation of 600. page eight-column paper, size 26x40 inches, with a circulation increased in less than two years to 2,500 subscribers. The Krickbaums are of German extraction, and the first of the two terms BLOOMSBUEG. 349 family to settle ia the United States located in Montgomery County, Penn. The first to His wife's maiden settle in Catawissa Township was Philip, in the spring of 1794. name was Susannah Trexler of Hickorvtown. near Philadelphia, and of German parentage. He died in 1822, aged sixty-three years: his wife also died in Catawissa Township, and both are buried in "Catawissa Cemetery. CHARLES KRUG, proprietor of Krug's planing-mill, Bloomsburg, was born im Berne Township, Berks Co., Penn., November 11, 1848, a son of Adam and Ann Eliza (Eisanhart) Krug. of that county, former of whom, a farmer, died in that county; latter is Adam. Our subject was still living in Wliite Ear Valley, Union Co., Penn., with her son, reared on a farm, but when eighteen began learning the carpenter's trade; came to Bloomsburg in 1867, and in 18G9 began the business of contractor and builder. He purchased the plant of his present business in 1880. remodeled the buildings, refitted with new boilers and engines of forty-horse power, and the latest improved machinery, including two steam When running under full planers'^ one a twenty-six inch and the other a fourteen inch. headway the mill furnished employment to from forty to fifty hands. The principal articles of manufacture are doors, sash, blinds, sidings and all kinds of dressed lumber toorder. The establishment turns out annually $59,000 worth of business with a pay-roll to employes of about $12,000 per annum. Mr. Krug also does a large business in contracting and building and was awarded the contract for erecting the addition to the State normal school at a cost of $12,500 and upward. He also built the large school-house at Catawissa, the opera house at Bloomsburg, the E. 11. Ikeler house, Episcopal parsonage, and the large l)usiness blocks west of the "Exchange Hotel," the Furman Block, the "Derrick House," at Mahanoy City, and others too numerous to mention, having probably erected in Bloomst)urg and vicinity upward of a thousand buildings of diflferent descripAmong one of the lai-irest was the Lutheran Church at Milton, a brick structure tions. partly Goihic in style. Mr. Krug has been twice married; fir>t, in December, 1864, to Frances Ann Yeager, who died in Februarv, 1882, leaving ten children: Laura Agnes, who mirried Henry Jones; VVillitz, Edward, Cora, Celesta Ann. William. Morris, ArHis second marriage occurred in May, 1882. with Margaret Ana thur, John and Paul. Frederick, who has borne him three children Sarah. Julia and Helen. Mr. Krug is a : of the F. A. M., No. 265, at Bloomsburg; a member of the Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat. ISAAC S. KUHN, stock dealer, Bloomsburg, isanative of Northampton County,Penn., born at Easton in 1830, a son of Andrew and Matilda(Brutsman) Kuhn. The parents were descended from prominent farmers of that county who.se ancestors came trom Germany at an early day. Andrew Kuhn moved to this county in 1832 and settled in Bloomsburg, where he owned and operated a farm just back of the present normal school. He and his wifewere both members of the Lutheran Church, and later moved to Akron, Ind.. where they died. Our subject when young learned the harness trade at Easton and followed it for ten years. In 1855 he came to" Bloomsburg and established a butcher business which he continued for thirty years, but, the last two years, has been handling stock, shipping cattlefrom Buffalo, bringing to this market fifty or sixty carloads per season, averaging from twenty to twenty -four head per car. The family are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Kuhn married Susan Dengler, of Schuylkill Haven. Penn., in 1856, and they have six Mr. Kuhn D., May A., Lottie L. and Bessie R. children: Alvaretta V., Eliza M., is one of the most substantial citizens of Bloomslnirg. H. LITTLE, attoruev at law, Bloomsburg, was born March 23, 1823, im His father, George Little, moved with his family to Bethany, the State of New York. Wayne Co.. Penn.j when our subject was quite young, and there resided, carrying on n tannery until our subject was ten years old. He then moved to Montrose. Susquehanna Co., Penn., and engaged in mercantile business. Our subject obtained his early education at the schools of Montrose, and in his eighteenth year began reading law as a student in Little, of Montrose, Penn.. but completed his legal studies at Morris, the oflSce of Lusk Grundy Co., 111. There he was admitted to the bar in 1844, and practiced law in Joliet. same State, for two years. He then practiced two years more at Morris. 111., and while a resident of that place, on one occasion went hunting prairie chickens when his gun accidentally discharged, lacerating his arm in such a manner as to render its ampuiation necessary. In 1847 he returned to Montrose. Penn.. and in 1848 opened a law office at Tunkhannock. Penn. In 1849 he was appointed weighmaster on the canal at Birchoveu, and acted as such for two years. In December. 1850. he married Eliza Seybert, and in the spring of 1851 came to Columbia County, and located at Berwick, where he practiced He then came to Bloomsburg. and has been in continuous and his profession until 1860. Mr. Little is a Democrat; was elected district atsuccessful practice here up to date. torney for Columbia County in 1856. and re-elected twice, serving nine years in all, and In addition to his law practice is well known throughout the country as an able lawyer. with his son, R. R. Little, he also superintends and oj)erates a farm of 135 acres, located' He is a member of the Baptist Church. three and a half miles from Bloomsburg. R. LITTLE, attorney at law, Bloomsburg. was born at Berwick, this county, in May, 1852. He obtained his literary education at the schools of Bloomsburg member & Emma EPHRAIM & ROBERT 350 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and iTiuduiUed at tlx; nornial school in the el iss of 1871. He completeil his studies at Kocheslcr Utiiversity and llnindtoii College, Cliuton, N. Y., and then began the study of law in his father's otlice. In 1874 he was admitted to the bar, and in the same year began the practice at Bloomsljurg, in ])artnershlp with his father. He was elected district attorney of Columbia County January 1, 1878, and re-elected in 1881. serving six years. He is now serving as chairman of the Democratic standing committee of the county. In 1878 lie married Deboiah T. Tustiu, and one child was born to their union. He is a meml)er of tlie Baptist Church. GEORGE M. & JOHN K. LOCKARD, car builders, general nuichinists and founders, Bloomsburg. This important business industry was established iu 1863 by Semple & Taylor, who conducted a machine shop and "fourulry for some years, and in 1871 the ])lant was bought by the Columbia County Iron & Manufacturing Company. The latter enhirged the facilities somewhat and added car building, but, "becoming involved, in 1873 the plant was bought by M. W. Jackson, of Berwick, of the car-building firm of Jackson & Woodin. G. M. Lockard became identified with the business in 1871 as foreman ()f the wood department for the Columbia County Iron & Manufacturing Company, and in 1872 with J. K. Lockard, who had also become identified with the business, bought a one-quarter interest in the concern. On the closing up of the affairs of the •Columbia County Iron & Manufacturing Company they both returned to Berwick, and to the employ of Jackson & Woodin, with whom they had previously been engaged for upward of five years as foremen of different gangs of men in the car works. In 1875 they contracted.for and took possession of their present establishment, and in 1879 by purcliase became sole owners. In 1879 tlie buildings were destroyed by fire with a loss of 140,000. and only $18,000 insurance. The Messrs' Lockard immediately began erecting new buildings, which, wiih machinery ready fitted, were completed for work and under full iieadway within ninety days from the date of the fire, with' treble the capacity they had before. The following four years they built over 4,000 twenty-ton railroad cars, and amount of other work.' The business antuially amounted to nearly $1,000,000 and employed from 200 lo 250 men, with a pay-roll amounting to $10,000 per mouth. Since 1883 the work has been principally the building of mining cars, car wheels, mining supplies, etc., averaifing about $100,000 per annum, and employing forty to fifty men. The JNIessrs Lockard have won, while comparatively young, a foremost place among the business men of Columbia County, with varied and diversified interests extending even to Florida, wiiere G. M. Lockard has a farm of 175 acres in Marion County. There they made a visit in 1885. on the tnp crossing the Gulf of Mexico, visiting New Orleans, up the Mississippi to St. Louis, Chicago and other western points, and thence did a vast Jiome. Gkokge M. Lockakd was born in BriarcreeK Township, near Berwick, June 6, John ami Elizabeth (Seybert) Lockard. His father w.is a carpenter and our subject when but fourteen years old began learning the same trade. He obtained his education in the schools of the vicinity and completed his studies at the academy at New Columbus, Luzerne Co., Penn. subsequently he taught school during winters for five terms, and for about five years owned and operated a boat on the canal. ^ In 18G1 or 1862 he again returned to his trade, in the employ of Jackson & Woodin in the capacity above mentioned, and remained with them until he came to Bloomsburg. He married, April 7, 1864, Esther J. Tompson. Mr. Lockard is a Democrat and an active worker in the interests of his part};-; has served on various occasions as delegate to the county and State conventions, and has also been a mem!)er of the town council. He and his wife reside in a commodious house nearly opposite his place of business, and he also owns his old homestead at Berwick, this county. John K. Lockahd was born near Berwick, Columbia County, May 23. 1846, a son of Alexander and xVnn (Cope) Lockard. His father was a farmer and John K. remained at home until he was eighteen, when he learned tlie carpenter's trade, having previously received a good English education in the schools of the vicinity. After completing his trade he was employed in the car works of Jackson & Woodin, as before mentioned. He married, iu 1869 Celenda V. Edwards, who has borne him six children: Anna V., Jennie L., William C. Alexander T.. Leiha and Richard. Mr. Lockard is a Democrat, and 1835, a son of ; has served in the council of Bloomsburg. He lives on Fifth Street in one of the finest residences iu town, which he erected in 1884 at a cost of $15,000. It is built of brick, with a cement-finish, and finished inside throughout v^^itli black walnut, and supplied with all modern improvements. M. P. LUTZ, insurance agent. Bloomsburg, was born in Benton Township, Columbia County, January 13, 1841, to' Adam and Sidney (Travis) Lutz. His grandfather. Peter Lutz, was born in Berks County, Penn., and in 1810 came to this county and located in Benton Township on what is now the State road, one mile below Cainbra, where he bought a tract of land. This he improved, erected comfortable dwellings and here resided until his death. While in Berks County he married Catherine Belle's, and it was a few years later when they moved to this county. He died in 1831 and his widow in 1862, and they are both buried near Pealertown. Adam Lutz was the second son of Peter BLOOMSBURG. 351 our subject. He was reared in his native township, Benton, and his parents until his marriage, assisting on the farm and in the meantime learning the carpenter's trade. He married in January, 1838, Miss Sidney Travis, who was a native of Luzerne Countv, and after marriage moved to Fairmount Township, Luzerne County, where they bought a farm and resided four or five years. There Mrs. Lutz died, and her husband sokflhe property and resumed the carpenter trade until his second marriage, which occurred in Jackson Township. Columbia County, in January, He then located on tlie old homestead of his father and 1851, with Catherine Knouse. farmed it for six years. In IS.")? he bought a farm near the town of Benton, and there resided until the spring of 1861, when he removed to Benton and built a house in which and became the made bis fatlier of home with By his first marriage there were four children, three tinie of his death are living: N. A., wife of Geo. Hazlett. in Bloomingdale, Luzerne County; M.P., our subject, and F. M., in Benton Township. The deceased one was named Sidney Mary. By his second marriage there were also four children, of wliom three are living: N. A.. wife of Reuben Whitmire of Wilkesbarre; Clarissa C, wife of Sylvester Sollider, of Bloomsburg; and S. A., who lives in Centre Township; Phebe J. is deceased. Adam Lutz died in 1866 and is buried at Benton. His widow resides at Espy and is now the wife of Judge James Lake. M. P. Lutz was reared until the age of twenty years in Benton Township, and received his education in the common schools of his neighborhood at be resided until the of whom Columbus Academy, and took a commercial course at Kingston. In early life he asAt the age of twenty he entered the service of his country sisted his father on the farm. and remained until December, 1862. He then engaged in the furniture business in Benton until August, 1864, when he again entered the service and remained to the close of the war. He then returned home and embarked in the millwright business at Wilkesbarre In 1866 he engaged in the dry goods business, becoming a clerk until the fall of 1865. Frantz of Wilkesbarre with wiiom he remained over two years. with Coolbaugh the & then bought the interest of Mr. Reed, of the firm of Reed & Kennedy, and for one year engaged in the shoe trade, under the firm name of Lutz & Kennedy. He then sold ins interest in the shoe store and bought out the interest of A. J. Sloan, of Bloomsburg, and conducted a dry goods business, the first exclusive dry goods business in Bloomsburg, He and was the first merchant in the town to dress his windows. February 23, 1870, his was destroyed by fire, and in March he bought out J. J. Brower, general merchant, and again eneaged in dry goods. He conducted the business alone for four years, and then took in H. W. Sloan as partner, and the firm was thus constituted until April 1, 1885, when Mr. Lutz closed out his interest to his partner and embarked in the insurance business. He represents the branches of ftre, life and accident insurance, being insurance broker for his companies and agent for the Mutual Benefit Life Company, Newark, N. J. He married in Bloomsburg, January 13, 1868, Miss Anna A. Brockway, a native of Berwick, and a daughter of Col. B. S. Brockway. Mr. and Mrs. Lutz are the parents of two children: Charles B. and Frank E. He has filled all the ofiiees in the Odd Fellows' order, During also in the K. of P. and Good Templars, but is not now a member of any order. the war he was a member of Company A, Fifty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served in the Army of the Potomac under McClellan. He was in the engagements at Gaines Mill, siege of Yorktown, Williamsburg and Fair Oaks; at the latter place he was taken ill and removed to the hospital, and in December, 1862, was discharged on acstore count of disability. In August, 1864, he returned to the service, enlisting in Company A, One hundred and Ninety-ninth Penn.sylvania Volunteer Infantry, was promoted to sergeant and participated in the siege of Richmond, the operations about Petersburg and was present at the grand review at Washington, and carried home with him, as a memento of the struffgle, a rebel flag which he took at Richmond. THE McKELVY FAMILY. William McKelvy, a native of the North of Ireland, was the founder of the family of this name in Bloomsburg, Penu. His wife's name was Phffibe, and they located in Lancaster County, Penn., where the eldest child was born in 1782. The names of their children are as follows: John, born April 23, 1782; Mary, born September 1, 1783, married John Neal. January 11, 1791; and Elizabeth, born January 17. 17—. The father of this family having died, his widow, Phcebe, married James Boyd. She subsequently came to Bloomsburg to live, where she died a widow May 15, 1824. This family are from what is generally known as Scotch-Irish extraction, and Presbyterians in religion. The first of the family to settle in Columbia County was William McKelvy, a son of William and Phffibe McKelvy; was born in Lancaster County, January 11, 179l! His parents were in moderate circumstances and unable to give him much other than a common education. But he was possessed of uncommon energy and he set out from home with the determination to succeed. In 1810 he engaged as a clerk in tlie store of John Cark at Catawissa, with whom he remained until June 16, 1816. He then •opened a general store on his own account, at Bloomsburg, and fromth:it time for nearly sixty veai^s he was prominerttlv identified with the mercantile and other interests of the place.' He was reared a Presbyterian, and although never a member, worshiped in that church all his life, and always sustained an envial)le reputation as a citizen. He was progressive in every sense and liberal in support of public enterprises for the benefit of the 352 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: which he lived, and few, indeed, were those of any kind accomplished at Bloomsburg during his life or residence there, with which liis name was not prominently connected as a promoter. He erected the building on the southeast corner of Second and Market Streets for a residence and store in 1832, and which is now occupied by the bank, and which he occupied as a store and homestead for many yeare. He also erected a number of other buildings that still stand as a memorial of his handiwork. He was nut a politician in the general acceptance of the term, but was an ardent adherent of the Whig party during early and middle life, and later of the Republican party. He was never a seeker for or holder of any office, but served his vicinity in local offices, such as overseer He married, December 1, 1818, Elizabeth, a daughter of Isaiah Willitts of the poor, etc. of Catawissa, and by this union there were born the following named children: Martha, born June 28, 1822, married David L. McKinny; Harriet, born May 2, 1828, married Rev. A. A. Marple; Mary, born February 17, 1839, married John I. Hess, became a widow and married J. H. Harman; James Boyd McKelvy; Andrew Clark McKelvy, born October 9, 1826, died in December. 1850; I. W. McKelvy, born October 8, 1830, married Miss Elmira Barton; and Charles W. McKelvy, born Sejitember 13, 1832, married Miss D. William McKelvy and his wife, Elizabeth (Willitts) McKelvy, died, respectJ. Ramsay. ively, March 14,1875, and June 24, 1858, and arc buried in llosemont Cemetery at Bloomsvicinity in burg. JAMES BOYD McKELVY, M. D., Bloomsburg, is a native of tliat place, born He obtained his in September, 1824, a son of William and Elizabeth (Willi tt*^) McKelvy. literary education in the schools of Bloomsburg, and attended for one year Lenox AcadLenox, Mass. About the age of seventeen he became a student at Williams emy, at College, and was graduated from that institution in the class of 1845. The same year he began reading medicine with Dr. John Ramsay, of Bloomsburg, and subse(|uently attended the University of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia, where he received his diploma as a physician and surgeon in the spring of 1849. That year he began to practice at Mifflinville, relieving a physician there while on a vacation. Shortly after he opened an office at Kentucky, Penn., and nine months later located at Arkadelphia, Ark., where he opened an office and remained a year. He tiien returned to Bloomsburg, where he has been in the continuous practice of his profession to date, and occupies an enviable and honorable position as a physician and surgeon. The Doctor w^as married December 35, 1851, to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of George and Mary (Craig) Abbett of near Water Gap. They have had seven children: William, born November 17, 1852, educated in the Bloomsburg schools and graduated at the Medical University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, and is now practicing at Breckenridge, Summit Co., Col. George Abbett, born March 1, 1855, educated at Bloomsburg, and is now keeping a drug store at Millersburg. married Miss Nora Jacoby; Henry W., was born July 9, 1858. married Isabella Hunter Suydam, and is now in the wholesale drug establishment of Fuller & Fuller, Chicago, 111.; Elizabeth Willitts, born June 12, 1860, 'died June 15, 1864; Mary Craig, born April 29, 1862, died February 5. 1867; Martha Wilbur and Harriet Neal (twins), born April 7, 1865. ISAIAH W. McKELVY, a son of William and Elizabeth (Willitts) McKelvy. was born in 1830. He was trained to mercantile business and in the meantime obtained his education in the schools of Bloomsburg, and at West Chester, Penn. Later he became a partner with his father and William Neal, under the firm name of McKelvy, Neal & Co. in 1852, and in 1872 bought out his partners' interests, and he has since conducted the business alone, doing the largest trade in the place, averaging probably .$75,000 and upward per annum. Mr. McKelvy also owns and operates the flour-mill known as the "Red mill" on Hemlock Creek. It has a capacity of fifty barrels per day. He is also quite largely interested in freighting and transportation by canal, running a line of eighteen boats the whole length of the canal and its branches. Mr. McKelvy was married, in the fall of 1851, to Miss Elmira Barton. They have three children: Mary A., wife of George E. Elwell; Elizabeth W. and Charles W., both at home. CHARLES W. McKELVY, Bloomsburg, a son of William and Elizabeth (Willitts) McKelvy, was born September 13, 1832. He was reared to mercantile business in his father's store, and at the age of maturity moved to Catawissa, where he engaged in conducting a paper-mill, making book and news paper, etc. He then operated a flour-mill and farmed for twenty-five years. His wife, Deborah J. (Ramsay) McKelvy, whom he married June 16, 1858, was a daughter of Dr. John and Mary Ann (Downing) Ramsay. Mr. and Mrs. C. W. McKelvy have four children: Frank R., M. Louise, Anna and Josephine. Mrs. McKelvy is a member of the Presbyterian Church, which her family -dlso attend. In politics Mr. McKelvy a Republican. the father of Dr. McReynolds, was born near Watsontown, Northumberland Co., Penn., April 3, 1788. He was a son of Hugh and Elizabeth (Snoddy) McReynolds, both natives of Belfast, Ireland. Hugh was born in January, 1750 (the first Monday old style), was married October 21, 1784,'and died February 28, 1797. He served on the ContinentJil side during the Revolution, and after that struggle settled in Black Hole Valley near Watsontown. "He had a family of children as follows: Esther, who married Thomas Laird; Andrew, married to Jane Mann; John, married to Agnes is JOHN McREYNOLDS (deceased), BLOOMSBUEG. 353. McHard; Matthew, married to Lucinda Bennett; Robert, married to Susan Moyer; Eliza, married to Thomas Morrison; Isabella, married to Benjamin Hall, and Samuel, who went South and located somewhere in Kentucky, but of whom trace was lost. John McReywas a farmer, and soon after his marriage, August 11, 1814, he settled Derry Township, now in Montour County, and remained there until 1835, when he moved to Buck'horn, and in 1869 to Bloomsburg, where he died in March, 1880. Besides farming, he. after moving to Buckiiorn, kept a hotel. He was active in all public affairs and an influential Democrat. In 1824 he was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and re-elected for four more successive terms. He was again elected in 1850. He was nominated for Conto the State Legislature at Harrisburg, serving one term. gress by the Democrats in 1858, but defeated; was elected associate judge in 1861, served one term of five years, and declined re-election. Besides these positions, in 1843-44 he was supervisor of the North Branch Canal, and afterward was collector of tolls at Berwick for three years. He was a member of the electoral college in the election of President Franklin Pierce. He was also twice appointed by the judges of his judicial district as. one of the Revenue Commissioners for Pennsylvania, for the equalization of State taxes and served under two appointments. He and his wife were both members of the Presbyterian. Church. They are buried in Rosemont Cemetery, Bloomsburg. They had six children: twins, died in infancy unnamed; Elizabeth, married to Simon P. Kase and died in March, 1874; Mary, married to Joseph R. Vanderslice; Dr. Hugh W. (see sketch); Sarah Ann, married to William E. Buckingham. HUGH W. McREYNOLDS, M. D., Bloomsburg, is a native of Derry Township, Montour Co., Penn., born July 4, 1822, and is a son of John and Agnes (McHard) McReynolds. He received his literary education at the Danville Academy and at the select school of Andrew Foster, of Bloomsburg. He read medicine with Dr. A. B. Wilson of Berwick, and graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1848. Later he practiced with Dr. Hill a few months in Bloomsburg, then returned to college and took another course. In 1849 he began to practice at Catawissa, and continued for two years. He then went to Buckborn and practiced twenty-five years, and in 1876 came to Bloomsburg where he has since resided. The Doctor in 1875 was elected treasurer of his county^ serving three years; is one of the trustees of the State normal school for the Sixth District. The Doctor has a wife and two children. He and his family attend the Presbynolds, our subject, in terian Church. JACOB HENRY MAIZE, attorney at law, Bloomsburg. was born near Sunbury. Northumberland Co., Penn., August 14, 1845, a son of David O. E. Maize, a miller by trade, and for some time a merchant in Sunbury, but now a resident of Boston, Mass.. Our subject enlisted, August 23, 1862, in Company F, One Hundred and Forty-third Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry; was mustered in at Camp Luzerne December 4, 1862;. January 1, 1863, was promoted corporal, and soon after encamped at Fort Slocum near Washington. February 17, 1863, with his regiment, he was ordered to the front and assigned to the Third Division, First Army Corps. He participated in an expedition to. Port Royal, where a feint was made, and was under a brisk fire for some hours there, and was in the engagements below Fredericksburg and at Chancellorsville. The regiment marched nineteen days to participate in the battle of Gettysburg, and arrived there July 1. They were in the entire three days' fight, and during the first day Mr. Maize was color corporal, or guard around the United States' colors in the advance, where Gen. Reynolds was killed. About the time Gen. Reynolds was killed Col. Dana ordered an advance with the colors about fifty feet or more, and the colors placed on an elevation, which was done, and immediately after placing the colors on the elevation a shell struck the colors and tore them all to pieces. At the same time a rifle ball struck the hat of Mr. Maize and just missed his head. The enemy fought desperately to capture the colors, but were unsuccessful. There were two color-bearers and eight guards, eight of whom were killed and wounded, our subject being one of the two left unharmed. He personally seized the colors of his regiment, and triumphantly bore them during the balance of the day's fight, delivering them to his company's ofl3cers in the evening after their retreat to Cemetery Hill, where they encamped on the night of the first day's fight. The regiment lost that day from 400 to 500 men, killed, wounded and missing. On that occasion the colors were offered to him to carry henceforth, a promotion, however, he declined, preferring to handle his gun, an excellent piece that he had affectionately named "Old Sal," and on which he had carved his name. On this day's fight the men that were left of his company had all thrown away their rations for three days, except Mr. Maize, and these three days' rations were divided among the company, and was all they had to eat that night. During the succeeding two days' fight they subsisted on comparatively nothing. The afternoon of the second day they supported Sickles' corps, and the third day occupied the left center of the Union lines, and helped to repulse the rebel Gen. Pickett's famous charge. Mr. Maize was one of the men on that occasion at the "stonewall," where the rebel line was overthrown and turned back defeated. During this onset a comrade by his side was instantly killed, half of his head being shot off. the body falling partly against our subject. After this memorable battle, the results of which did so much to 354 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: stem the tide of rebellion, Mr. Maize was detailed on recruitin Troy. The father was born in Allegheny County and moved thence to Columbia Count}', where he still resides in Beaver Township. Subject's maternal grandfather, David Davis, was born in Columbia County and followed farmingunlil his death. Daniel E. was reared irs Beaver Township and remained with his parents until twenty-one years of age, when he started out for himself, rented a piece of land in Beaver Township, and, after farming for twoyears,bought the farm consisting of 212 acres where he has since resided. Besides farming he carries on lumbering to some extent. He was married November 13,1869, to Miss Nancy Jane Gearhart, a native of Columbia County, a granddaughter of Peter Gearhart, who was a soldier in the Revolutionary war and is buried in Mifflinville Cemetery. Her parents were Henry and Catherine (Buck) Gearhart, both natives of this county, former of whom died in Carbon County, latter is still living and makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Troy. Our subject and wife are the parents of six children; Charles Henry, Anthony Marshall. William Wesley, Elsie lola. Daniel Garfield and George Russell. Mr. and Mrs. Troy aremembers of the Methodist Church. CHAPTER XXV. BENTON TOWNSHIP. ELIJAH P. ALBERTSON, liveryman, Benton, was born at Stillwater, Columbia County, October 23, 1857. In 1861 he removed with his parents to Sugarloaf Township and remained with his parents on the farm until 1876. He then took a trip west and was gone about three years. Returning home he farmed his father's place, and June 23, 1879, married Mi.ss Ella, a daughter of Cyrus Larish of Sugarloaf Township. Four children have been born to them: E. Joe, Atta, Charley and Chancey. After his marriage Mr. Albertson continued to farm and in partnership with his father did some lumbering until 1884. He then received the contract to carr}' the mail between Benton and Bloomsburg. His commission will expire July 1, 1889. He continued to carry the mail and also drove stage between these places until the summer of 1886, when he hired BENTON TOWNSHIP. 375 to attend to that business and devoted his time to the livery luisiness in Benton. His father, Elijah J. Albcitsou, is a resident of Sus^arloaf Townsliip and was l)orn in Greenwood Township, Columbia County, March 18, 1819, a son of John H. .-md Jane (Kitchen) Albertson. June 13, 1841, lie married Sarah A., daughter of John and Martha (McHenry) Stiles. In 1865 he moved to the place he now occupies, purchasing eightyseven acres of the Robert Moore property. Tiiis has been highly improved and is now one of the nicest places in the township. To him and his wife uine children were born: Melissa J., wife of A. Fullmer, of MiUville: Alonzo B., Martha A., wife of William Kase; Clarence E., of Benton Township; Esther E., wife of William Keeler, of Cincinnati, Ohio; Mary E.. wife of Cliristian Rantz, of Lycoming County; John W., Elijah P.. Sarah A., wife of Samuel Pennington, of Catawissa. The parents are members of the Christian Churcli at Benton. Mr. Albertson has served in all the offices in the township. HIRAM ASH, farmer, P. O. Benton, was born in Fishingcreek Township, November 22, 1828, a son of Christian and Magdalena (Osderday) Ash. October 22, 1852, he married Mary Davis, daughter of John R. Davis (deceased). Until his marriage he remained at home, but after that event he engaged in wagon-making, removing to Benton Village. After a time he bought the farm of ninety acres on which he now lives, where he has made most of tlie improvements, and has a pleasant home. Here he has reared his children, eight in all, as follows: Christian D. (deceased), Dora A. (deceased), Elizabeth E. (deceased), John B., Hiram Thomas, Hosa R., Mary C. (wife of R. L. Sighfried. of Benton Township) and Minnie. Mr. and Mrs. Ash and family are members of the Hamline Methodist Episcopal Ciiurch. THOMAS BELLES, farmer. P. O. Benton, the eldest living representative of the Belles family, was born March 27, 1818, in Union Township, Benton Co., Penn. William Belles, grandfather of Thomas, was a native of New Jersey, and upon coming to Benton settled on what is known as the "old Belles farm," in 1820. He first settled in Shickshinny. Luzerne County, in 1813, where he kept hotel until his removal in 1820. He and his wife, Catherine Belles, are buried in the cemetery devoted to the family use. They had a family of twelve cliildren: Elias, Susan, Chrislena, Salloma, Catharine, Elizabeth, Maiy, Anthony, Simon, Andrew, Adam and Peter. Elias Belles, father of our subject, had a family of seven children, as foUow^s: Thomas, Elia^, Lydia (died April 19, 1826), Susanna (died in 1883), Margaret (died August 4, 1834), William, John (died February Thomas Belles removed to his present home April 2, 1844. He married in 19, 1832). Februaiy, 1844, Susan Ann Krickbaum, and eleven children were born to them, Lydia E., Mary C, Frances I., William L., Elias S., Samuel B., Isaac P., John W., Cyrus L., Sydney E. and Thomas F. Mary C, Samuel B., Elias S., Sydney E. and William L. are dead and lie buried in the Hamiline Cemetery. The farm consists of 130 acres, with at'out 100 acres under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Belles are members of the Hamline Methodist Episcopal Churcii, of which Mr. Belles has been class steward for manv years. DR. T. S. CHAPIN, dentist, Benton, was born June 1, 1851, in Luzerne County, Penn., where his early life was spent, and where his father, William Chapin, still resides. Like most country boys he was obliged to work on the farm, attending school when he could be spared, but still received a good education. At the age of nineteen he commenced the study of dentistry, and coming to Benton was engaged for a short time in the office gf Dr. Laubach. He then went to Bloomsburg, where for si.\ months he was in the office of Dr. H. C. Hower, and also for a time clerked in a store and w^orked at other busiHaving relatives in Michigan he went there in 1882 and worked in the city of ness. Schoolcraft; thence to Howell, where he entered the office of Dr. Wing, a prominent dentist, and was under his instruction for about four months. He then returned to Schoolcraft, and in 1883 to Benton, where he has since remained and enjoys a large practice, extending through Columbia, Luzerne and Sullivan Counties. His wife is a Miss Savage, daughter of Rev. George Savage, now of Muhlenburg, Luzerne County, but then a resident of Benton. EZEKIEL COLE was born where he now lives, son of Benjamin Cole, who came to the county in an early day. Our subject was married to Christena, daughter of Conrad Hess, and they then located east of Benton Village, coming in 1860 to their present place which compi-ises about 200 acres of well improved land. Mr. Cole has kept hotel since March, 1864, and since 1876 a general store. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have had a family of twenty children, thirteen now living: John, Lavina. Susanna, Clinton, William B., Alice, Christy Ann. Sarah L., Elmira, Mary E., Alfred, Delila and Charles W. Mr. Cole owns some one which was Clinton Cole, son the saw-mill built in 1832. of Ezekiel and Christena (Hess) Cole, was born July 8, 1842, near Benton, this count}^ on the old Cole farm. He was married Januaiy lO!^ 1869, to Miss Elnia E., daughter of William Y. Hess, and they had four children, three now living: Ella B., Dora R. and Arden B. (Hurley R. is deceased). After their marriage, j\Ir. and Mrs. Cole lived on the old farm till the spring of 1875, when they moved to near Benton, remaining there one year, and then came to their farm of 122 acres, which is rented, near the Thomas mill. Our subject and wife attend the services of the Evangelical Church. 29 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 376 NORMAN COLE, farmer and merchant, P. O. Cole's Creek, was born near where bis stands in this township, March 20, 1857, son of Alinas and Rhoda Ann (Kile) Greenwood Township, this county. He commenced business in November, of 1883, buying out W. B. Cole's general stock, and his store is near the old Cole mill. Mr. Cole was married March 13, 1873, to Miss Kate M., daughter of George Steadman, of Sugarloaf, and by her has four children: Nina C, Atta Maud, Luella G. and Perry Reece. V/hen first married our subject and wife moved to Raven Creek, and there remained one year; thence to Daniel Laubach's place, and from there to their present home Mr. Cole operated the farmfouly till 1884, and is now engaged in farming, storein 1875. keeping, and huckstering to Nanticoke and Wilkesbarre. STOTT E. COLLEY, farmer, P. O. Benton, is a sou of Alexander Colley, St., of whom so many speak, and whose record in the county will be found elsewhere. He was born November 6, 1813, and December 28, 1838, married Miss Sarah Hess, and has continued to reside on the same place where he was married, and where he owns 143 acres of improved He and wife have eight children, four living: Melissa, wife of Benjamin Peterman; land. William, living in Jackson Township; Alexander A., at home, and Wesley S. in Benton Village, a blacksmith. EDGAR, farmer, P. O. Benton, was born in Sullivan County May 31, 1839, a son of Andrew Edgar, a native of Town Hill, Luzerne County. His mother died in Thomas resided in Sullivan County until he enlisted in 1878, but his father is still living. 1861, in Company B, Eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, third brigade, third corps, Army of the Potomac, and participated in the following battles: Bath (Va.), Hancock (Md.), Winchester (Va.), Port Republic, Slaughter Mountain, Rappahannock Station, Thoroughfare Gap, Bull Run, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Wapping Heights, Kelley's Ford, Mine Run(Va.), Wilderness.and was with Grant until discharged. December 18, 1864, front of Petersburg, he was wounded by being thrown from a mule and both ankles injured. He returned home after being mustered out and remained in Sullivan County about four years. February 4, 1866. he married Miss Rosanna M., of Sullivan County, daughter of C. B. Sperry. In 1869 Mr. Edgar came to Columbia County and bought fortyeight acres which he has since improved. Mr. Edgar is a member of the Grange, and politically a Republican. Benton, is a native of Lime Ridge, Centre Township, I. L. EDWARDS, M. D., Columbia County, born November 36, 1846, and is a son of William Edwards, who was Briarcreek Township, in born and now resides in Berwick. At the age of eighteen he entered the academy at Orangeville, where he spent two terms, teaching a part of the time. In the spring of 1866 he entered V/yoming Seminary in Luzerne County, Penn., where two years later he graduated in the literary course. Previous to entering the seminary he had taught one term at Wilkesbarre, and on leaving that institution he again taught at the same place. He began to study medicine in 1868 under Dr. P. M. Senderling, of Berwick, and later entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, from which he graduated in 1871. He immediately commenced to practice at Oranaeville, store Cole, now now THOMAS where he remained until 1873, when he came to Benton and remained two years. Thence he went to Berwick, remaining one year, when his attachment for Benton brought him back to the village, and here he has since resided. Dr. Edwards owns property beautifully located in the village, a nice residence, and also a farm near the village of seventytwo acres. He married, March 11, 1873, Sally, daughter of William Patterson, of Orange Township, and three children have been born to them: Myron P., Anna C. and Garrett. Dr. Edwards is a well posted gentleman, and is held in high favor in the village. HIRAM F. EVERITT. lumber dealer, Benton, was born in Northampton County, Penn., a son of James and Mary Everitt. The parents were of German descent, and reared a family of ten boys and six girls and are both deceased. Hiram F. was reared on a farm, and resided near Orangeville until 1853. He learned the carpenter trade and followed it until 1859, when he went into the mercantile business, and later, in 1873, the lumber business, which he has since continued. He also keeps a store. He married in 1854 Miss Hannah Stiles, by whom he had seven children: Mary A., Elliott B., Anna R., Nora M., Jennie M., Lizzie G. and Hervey E., all living but the eldest two. Mrs. Everitt died July 36, 1873, and our subject married. May 1, 1877, Elmira, daughter of Benjamin McHenry, and one child bles.ses their union, Tressie E. Mr. Everitt owns a farm near the village, on which there are two dwelling-houses, and also'owns a storehouse on said farm. During the late war he was drafted in the $300 draft, and paid over his $300 without complaint. He was arrested at his home on the night of August 34, 1864. and incarcerated in Bomb Proof No. 3, in Fort MifHin, for four months, and was discharged the same manner lie was arrested, without knowing any cause for arrest or discharge. JOHN HEACOCK, merchant, Benton, was born in Greenwood Township, September His father was a mechanic and followed 18, 1833, a son of Joseph and Margaret Heacock. building and millwrighting, and with him John worked until he was twenty-two years In 1855 John came to Benton and began clerking in the store of his brother, Samuel, old. with whom he remained until 1860. In 1866 he purchased the cabinet and undertaking business of S. C. Krickbaum and conducted it until 1870. From 1876 to 1880 he was BENTON TOWNSHIP. 377 postmaster, his brother, Samuel, being the postmaster. Our subject became postmaster Fel)ruary 1, 1881, and served as such until tlie incoming of the present administration; although the people wished him retained, he was dismissed. He married, June 17, 1880, Miss Hannah, daughter of William W. E. and Mary (Hess) Roberts. Mr. Heacock has suffered many years with rheumatism, incapacitating him from manual assistant labor. He is HIRAM a member of the Masonic fraternity. HESS, proprietor of the E.Kchange Hotel at Benton, was born in Centre Township, Columbia Co., Penn., January 28, 1821. a son of John Hess, Jr., whose father was John Hess also. The latter with his family(of which John, Jr., was the eldest) came to ColumbiaCounty from the "Dry Lands" and settled in Centre Township. He died in Centre Township about 1851, between seventy and eighty years of age. John Hess, Jr., settled after his marriage in Centre Township, later moved to Wapwallopen, Luzerue County, but returned in 1831 to this county. His wife, Mary Hogenbaoh, came with her people from the "Dry Lands" and bore her husband eight children. Of these our subject is the eldest, and when a young man rented land from Elias McHenry. At the time of his marriage he lived in Centre Township on the farm of his grandfather. He married Olive, daughter of Elias McHenry, in October, 1849. That jear he purchased a farm near Stillwater, of 108 acres, and in the fall of 1851 moved on it; it now consists of 130 acres under a splendid state of cultivation. Here they resided until 1872 when thej^ came to Benton and began keeping hotel across the street from their present location, and in 1873 moved into their present commodious quarters. In 1864, in connection with E. J. McHenry, Mr. Hess purchased the flouring-mill at Stillwater; operated it there two years and then sold out. In 1878 he bought 165 acres two miles below Benton, on Fishing creek, and in 1880 twenty-two acres adjoining, but in Benton Township; on this farm in 1884 they erected the finest house and barn between Bloomsburg and the North Mountain, costing upward of $5,000, and in securing so much valuable property Mrs. Hess has been a great aid. Two children blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hess: Francis M., born January 29. 1850, married in 1871 Cymantba Thomas (they have four children: Cora, Charley W., Warren and Ray) and Wesley M., born July 3, 1855, married in 1881 Miss Allie, daughter of S. P. Krickbaum (thej- have one child, Ray,) and reside on the farm two miles south of Benton. The E.xchange Hotel was built in 1872 by Hiram Hess. The main part is 20.\;40. three stories high and contains seventeen rooms, besides the public bailor ball room; another part. 20x35, two stories high, contains four rooms, three below and one above, besides a kitchen 14x18 as another addition. A barn 40x50 feet is also near, for the accommodation of horses. The hotel is situated on the corner overlooking the bridge roads and Fishing creek and is well known to the traveling public. Mrs. Hess is one of the best cooks in the State, and for forty miles around the people come to partake of her buckwheat cakes. No lady in the State knows better than she the wants of the traveling public, and the house is kept in perfect order. The bar is always supplied with the choicest wines and liquors. WILLIAM HULME (deceased) was born December 9, 1812, in Jefferson Township, Morris Co., N. J., a son of William A. and Susan (Strait) Hulme. The former was born May 5, 1770, in Passaic County, N. J., and died in Jefferson Township, Morris County, same State, October 25, 1829. The paternal grandfather of our subject w^as William Augustus Hulme, a native of England, who upon coming to this country settled in New Jersey, where he pursued his trade, that of a miller. His maternal grandfatlier, Christopher Strait, removed to Columbus, Ohio, and there he and uis wife are buried. William remained at home until the age of twentj'-two, when he moved to Luzerne Count}', Penn., and remained two years, engaged in charcoal burning to which he had been reared. Later he came to Columbia Countj'. March 10. 1836, he married Miss Mar}', daughter of Jonas and Elizabeth (Shellhart) Buss. Mr. Hulme remained with his father-in-law until April 4, 1843, when he went to Salem, Luzerne County, and there tended locks in the canal until the fall of 1846. At that time he was engaged witli William R. Maffet to superintend the work at the Blackman mines, and when the railway was built from Pitson to Hanley, forty-seven miles, he went to Greenville. At that time he formed a partnership with Hudson Owen, contracting and clearing $2,500. In 1852 he was engaged on the railroad by Mr. Pardee for six months, and in 1853 went to Nescopeck and worked in the store of J. W. Fry. In 1855 he again engaged with Maffet a short time on the canal, and again went to Nescopeck. There he engaged in erecting some buildings, having l)y this time a goodly start in worldly affairs. His first wife having died April 1, 1855, he married, June 18, 1857, Phoebe E., daughter of John Stoker, and one child was born to their union, Hilbert Hudson, born August 14, 1860. Hilbert H. was educated at Lafayette College, Easton, Penn., entering that institution in September, 1880, and remaining until December, 1882. His intention was to complete a course in civil engineering and he has drawn several contour maps. He intends, however, to follow agriculture iu which he is well posted, and is at present engaged in breeding Duroc-Jersey hogs from registered stock. To William Hulme's first marriage no children were born. His late residence in Benton dates from 1857; while passing through the beautiful valley he negotiated for the land at a good bargain and at once commenced improving it. The home place consists BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 378 of fifty-six acres of fine lanrl, all under cultivation, and the air of neatness and thrift which pervades the surround iu.irs causes the passer-by to remark: "This is one of the neatest places in the county." iNIr. Hulme also owned the first mill up the creek from Benton, formerly known as Cole's mill, and valuable timber land. He started out a poor, friendless, uneducated boy, but by thrift, exertion and careful business transactions he made his mark in the world. William Hulme died February 14, 18S7. at 9:37 A. M., and his remains were interred in Slauyher's Cemetery, near Nescopeck, Luzerne County. WILLIAM IPHER, farmer, P. O. Cambra, Luzerne County, was born in Huntington Township, Luzerne County, March 10, 1836, where he lived a part of the time before his marriage, which occurred September 21, 1863. Mrs. Ipher was Sibyl, the only daughter of John C. Doty, and was born in Benton Township, Columbia County, July 6, 1889. Her mother was Martha Benedict, who died March 24. 1842, and her husband followed, June 7, 1872. They are both buried in the family cemetery. Joseph Doty, grandfather of John C, settled in New Jersey upon coming from the mother countr}-. One of his children, David, married Sibyl Clark, and their family consisted of John C, Joseph. Jonas, Sarah, Anthony. Martha and Clarinda. Jonas Doty settled in Fishingcreek, and John C. The latter settled in the southeast part of the township and took up in Benton in 1840. fifty acres at first, subsequently adding until he owned about 300 acres, all of which fell Some of this land was very rough, but the coal which was disto his daughter Sibyl. covered on it made Mr. Doty quite wealthy. He was very strongly allied to DemoHis only child. cratic principles of government, and was a good and kind neighbor. Sibyl, with her husband, Mr. Ipher, own 345 acres of land and have three children: John D., born April 25, 1869; Sarah A., born July 8, 1873, and James W.. born Novem- ber 19, 1877. LAFAYETTE KEELER, farmer, P. O. Benton, son of George Keeler, was born near where he now lives October 20, 1849. His great-grandparents, John and Elizabeth (South) Keeler, were early settlers in this county. They came from Orange County, N.Y., and were born respectively December 11, 1764, and November 24, 1766. They were the parents of the following named children: Ebenezer, born November 16, 1788; Jane, August 12 1790; James, November 10,1791; Nancv. March 12, 1793; Mary, September 23, 1794; John, June 12, 1796; Elizabeth, March 28, 1798; Benjamin. December 20, 1797; Esther, August 3, 1802; Susanna, September 23, 1804; William, May 28, 1806; and Phebe, September 23, 1810. John Keeler married for his second wife Eleanor Wilson, who was born August 27, 1795, and bore him two children: Harriet E., born December 10, 1835, and Sarah Agnes, February 7, 1840. Ebenezer Keeler married a Miss Priest, and to them were born the following; Henry, born October 27. 1817; Jane, September 10, 1819; Elizabeth, May 24, 1822; John, August 2, 1824; George W. P., January 2, 1827; Dorothy, June 15, 1829; Levi, December 13. 1831; Elizabeth T., December 11. 1833; Magdalene. July 6, 1835. George W. P. was the second child born in Benton Township. He mar Their children were ried Elizabeth, born September 29, 1830, a daughter of John Fritz. Lafayette (our subiect); Levi F.. born August 16, 1851; Daniel E.. November 11. 1852; Harriet May 14, 1854; Magdaleua C, December 23, 1855; Leonard, February 18, 1857: Esther Jane, September 22.^1858; Clara, March 18, 1860; George B.. January 20, 1862; 16, 1864; Thomas, June 21. 1866; Mary Ann, January 2, 1868; Dorothv E., Magdalena died January 22, 1870; John 1869; Harry Bruce, July 29, 1872. E. died September 4, 1868, and Thomas, April 2, 1870. Lafayette (subject) in early life learned the carpenter's trade, which he followed until 1880. December 4, 1875, he married Miss Marv A., dau!;aged asateaclier jit Beach Haven, Luzerne County. The next summer he beu:ati the study of medicine under Drs. llittenliouse and McRay, and the following wintrr (IH66-6T) again taught scliool, continuing tlirough the summer also. He tlien entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, where he took his first course of lectures in the winier of 1867-68; attended tlie summer session and graduated in March, 1869. He commenced practice in Beach Haven, Luzerne County, whore he intended locating, hut moved to Laporte, Sullivan County, where he was employed by the tannery companies to practice among their people. He remained there until 1874, when he came to Benton and bought the real estate and practice of Dr. Chapin, who continued to " ride " with Dr. Patterson for one year. Our subject then formed a partnership with Dr. Elwards, which lasted four years, since which time he has been alone. The Doctor married, April 7, 1870, Miss Martha Seeley, a native of Salem, Luzerne County. Dr. Patterson owns a farm of sixty-five acres a short distance north of Benton and his residence in the village. SMITH (deceased) was born January 2. 1830, on the banks of the Susquehanna River, Hanover Township, Luzerne County, and w^as the eldest of ten children. His parents were of German descent and moved to Columbia County when he was fourteen years of age. He was reared on the farm and received a good common-school educa-' tion. In 184;^ he married Miss Charlotte A. Campbell, of Scotch descent. He was converted about 1842, joined the Methodist Episcopal CUiurch and served as class leader about thirtyfive years, or up to the time of his death. He contributed largely to church and church funds, and was a great pillar of support to the Hamline Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he was a member from the time of his conversion. After the death of his first wife he married Amanda L. Davis in the spring of 1884. He took a trip through the Western States and returned home in the summer of 1884 and died June 14, ISSo.^aged sixty-five years, rive mcmths and twelve days. He was buried in the Hamiline Cemetery. There were l)orn to the union of Aaron and (Charlotte A. (Campbell) Smith. Firman S., born January 27, 1844; Richard T., July 4, 184;j; William A. and Alice A. (twins), June 3, 1856, and died in infancy, and H. WiU)er, February 26, 1860. Firman S. S.mitii, P. O. Raven Creek, is a son of Aaron and Charlotte A. (Campbell) Smith, and was l)orn in Benton Township, Columbia Co. He lived with his parents on the farm assisting his father in the summer and attending school in Benton District in winter until he was nineteen years of age. He then attended school for one year at New Columbus Academy. Luzerne County, after which he taught school during the winter of 1863-64 in Benton Dislnct. He enlisted at Troy, Bradford Co., Penn., March 31, 1864, for three years or during the war, and was in the following engagements: Wilderness, Mine Run, Spottsyivania Court House, Va., North Ann River, Cold Harbor, and the charge in front of Petersburg, June 17 and 18, 1834. His company was later detached from the regiment to serve in mortar battery, and engaged in all the artillery movements in front of Petersburg, throwing over 6,000 shells in tiie rebel works and blowing up three magazines. The company was relieved frour the battery August 24, 1864, and ordered back to join the regiment. At Ream Station, Va., Mr. Smith was taken sick and sent to the division hospital in front of Petersburg; thence to City Point; thence to Fort Schuyler McDougall General Hospital. N. Y. furloughed November 1. 1864. and remained at homesick eighty-four days. He returned to the hospital January 23, 1865. and served as ward master at general kitchen department until discharged June 17, 1865. During the winter of 1865-66 he taught school, and in 1866 married Mi.ss Huld.di R. Dodson, tlie daughter of George and Hannah (Seely) Dodson. In 1867 Mr. Smith attended Commercial College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and graduated August 15 of the same j'ear. He engaged in mercantile AARON ; business at Mahanoy City in 1868. Subsequently he returned to BentonTownship, Columbia County, where he purchased and located on a farm, and has since been engaged in farming and teaching, having taught twenty-three terms. The following are tlie names of the children born'to Mr. and Mrs. Smith:" Lcnore E-itelle, b irn March b. 1867; Minnie Gertrude, born July 17. 1868; Aaron Raymond, born December 31, 1869; Fannie Evada, J)orn August 16, 1871. died Julv 10, 1875; Jennie Adrielle, born May 6, 1874; Ada and Eva (twins) born and died March 20, 1873; Ninolia Tlieberne born May 18, 1876; Susie May, horn May 1, 1879; Carrie Josephine, born March 28, 1881; Pei'millie liorn November 19, 1882, and Geraldine, born November 5, 1884. Mrs. Smith is of English descent on the paternal and German on the maternal side, and was born August 5, 1846. RICHARD T. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Taurus, was born July 4, 1845, in BentonTownship. and remained on the old liomestead until 1872. In 1873 he worked on the N. W. R. R., and in 1875 located on a farm in Briarcreek Township this county, one year, removing thence to Ncscopeck. He came to his present home in 1878, buying a farm of ninety-seven and a half acres. This was the George Dodson estate, is well cultivated and kept neat and tidy. Mr. Smith began teaching in 1869, and followed that profession for four successive winters, and again in 1875, since which time he has devoted his attention to farming, but still takes a groat interest in educational matters, and likes to see all modern improvements in school work succeed. Besides teaching and farming he has en- BRIARCREEK TOWNSHIP. 383 A.t •gaged in lunibcrinir for three years at Nescopeck, his family residing on the farm. present he is engaged in conjunction with C. A. Wesley in erecting a large planing-mill and sash and door factory at Benton this county. Mr. Smith married, February 5, 1870, Frances, daughter of George and Hannah (Seeley) Dodsou. and the following children have been born to their union: Torrence C, born January 31. 1871; Anna G., May 24, 1872; Edna G.. May 23, 1876; Verdie E.. December 4, 1877; Atta M., Mayo, 1879; Lane Mr. Smith is a member of the T., December 17, 1884, and Firman E.. November 13. 1885. George Dodson, the father of Mrs. Smith, I. O. O. F., and keejjs the Taurus postoffice. came to Benton Township in 1839 from Town Hill. He was born February 1, 1804, near Harveyville. Luzerne Co., Penn.. and died January 20, 1885, at his home at R. T. Smith's in Benton Township, Columbia Co., Penn. Until his marriage he made his home at " Dodson's mill," on Pine Creek, in Huntington Township, Luzerne County. July 10, 1828, he married Hannah Seeley. who was l)orn in Salem Township July 4, 1806. In 1839 Mr. Dodson and his wife came "to Benton Township, this county, where he took up a tract of land, 450 acres in all, covered with timber, and began to make a home out of the wilderness. Until 1866 he lived in a small house, which was situated across the road from the present residence of our subject. Later he erected the house which still stands there, but which has been greatly repaired. Here a larsre family was reared as follows: Susan B., born May 28. 1829; 'Mary'Ann, April 14, 1831; Elias E., February 2, 1833; Margaret S., December 5, 1834; James t., June 11, 1837; Charles M.. June 17, 1839: Caroline B., December 13, 1840 (died April 11. 1876); Chester S.. January 6, 1843; Hulda R.. August 5, lb46, and Frances A.. December 17, 1848. Mr. Dodson was a man universally esteemed in Benton Township, and his death was deeply regretted. He was true to his principles of right, very evenly disHis widcw makes her home with her positioned. and reared a family worthy of himself. daughter, Mrs. R. T. Smith. JOHN C. WENNER. farmer. P. O. Cambria, was born April 10, 1836, in FishingOur creek Township, near Bendertown, a son of Jacob and Leah (Kauff) Wenner. subject remained at home until his marriage, January 1, 1859, to Hannah, a daughter of They were William Savage and Mary (Clinerman) Savage of Fishingcreek Township. natives of Berks County, Penn., are l)oth deceased and buried in Fishingcreek Township. Mr. and Mrs. Wenner lived about two years in Fishingcreek before removing to their present home in Benton in 1861. The farm consists of seventy acres and is well improved; the house is comparatively new, having been built by Mr. Wenner, and is nicely located, making quite a desirable home. There are three children in the family, as follows: Rebecca, born December 9, 1859; Frances A., born November 28, 1861, wife of J. F. Ashelman: Sallie C, born March 23, 1864, wife of William Ashelman, all living near him. Mr. Wenner was engaged in school-'teacning a long time— from 1858 to 1882 and almost every winter found him in that capacity in Fishingcreek and Benton Townships. During the term of 1858-59, he taught the village school at Benton, but his health failing He is a correspondent to the he abandoned the profession and engaged in farming. Benton papers, and a friend of education. The family are identified with the Reformed church in Fishingcreek. — CHAPTER XXVI. BRIARCREEK TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF BERWICK. ENOS L. ADAMS, retired farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Briarcreek Township, son of Samuel and Esther (Hill) Adams, natives of Columbia County and of German descent. His great-grandfather came from Germany and located in Berks The County, and over 130 years ago bought 900 acres where our subject now lives. grandfather of Enos L. next took the homestead in this county, where he farmed all his life, and here also his son, subject's father, farmed. Enos L. is of the fourth generation now on this farm where he was born and reared. He owns 265 acres of land, beside three houses and lots in Berwick. He married in March, 1847, Margaret Kisner, a native of Luzerne County, and nine children blessed their union, eight of whom are living: Alice, wife of James Freas; Samuel. Kenny, Anna M., William. Elliott. Margaret and Fannie. Mr. and Mrs. Adams are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the -Orange and has held the office of townsliip assessor. GEORGE ASH, proprietor Briar Creek Excelsior Mills, P. O. Berwick. Tais mill was built in 1874, to take the place of one destroyed by fire, by Ruckle & Ash. The mill was owned bv that firna up to 18S0. when Charles Ash. father of George "Wesley,, bouglit the interest of Mr. Ruckle, and the i)laut is now owned by the Messrs. July 28, 1824, a WESLEY 384 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: Charles and George W. The building is 40x50 feet in ground area, and is three stories in height; is supplied with three run of buhrs; is run by water, and power is supplied Ifrom a turbine wheel. They have a dam across Briar creek from which the water is supplied. George W. Ash is the managing miller. George Wesley Ash. operator of Briar Creek Excelsior Mills, was born in Fishingcreek Township, this county, October 15, 1850, son of Charles and Sarah (Ruckle) Ash. Christian Ash, grandfather of George W., came to this county in the early days from Northampton County, Penn., and bouglit a tract of land along Briar creek, now known as the " Bower place." There he resided a short time, and then moved up into what is now Fishingcreek Township, where he bought a trantof iand now owned by William and Charles Ash, two of his Asli, and one-half tbe sons, and here he lived until his death. He died about 1879. his wife having preceded him in death by a number of years. They are Ituried at Zion Church. Fishingcreek Township. Charles Ash, father of G. W., was born in Northampton County, Penn., and was but a boy seven years old wlien his parents removed to this county. He made hi& home with his parents until he married, and then bought a part of the old homestead of his father, in Fishingcreek Township, where he has resided ever since. He was married in this county to Miss Sarah Ruckle, and they were the parents of nine children, of whom eight are living: George Wesley, William S., who lives in Briarcreek Township, this county; Pierce Wilson, who lives in Fishingcreek Town.ship. this county, farming his father's place; Harvey Reuben, who lives in Berwick, this county; Stewart Alexander, who works in the mill; Miles Wilbert. who lives on the old homestead, and with his brother. Pierce Wilson, farms the place; Thomas Elliott, who lives on the old homestead, and Florentine. Alvin Willits is deceased. The father of this family still resides on the old homestead, which was bought by his father when he came to Fishingcreek Amy Township. His wife died February ji9. 188G. andis buried in Zion Church graveyard. George Wesley Ash, subject of this sketch, was reared in Fishingcreek Township, this county, and when he had reached the age of nearly twenty-two years he went to learn the milling trade in the mill which stood on the site of the one he at present operates. This mill was then owned by his father and Mr. Ruckle, and wben it burned down and the new one was rebuilt he continued in the employ of the firm, and the second year after it was rebuilt he was the miller of the plant. The mill is now owned by Mr. Ash and his father. George Wesley and his brother, William, erected a distillery in 1883, and have operated it up to April 31, 1886, when Mr. Ash bought his brother William's share, and since that date has operated it himself. The capacity of this distillery is considerable. Mr. Ash and his father have an eight-acre lot in connection with the works, which he farms. He was married in thiscountv February 22, 1880, to Miss Amelia Freas. a native of Columbia County, and daughter of William L" and Fannie (Rittenhouse) Freas. Mr. and Mrs. Ash are the parents of one child. Wilbert Charles. Our subject is at present one of the school directors of Briarcreek Township, having been elected in 1884. DAVID BAUCHER. mason, Berwick, was born in Mahoning Township July 27, 1822, and is a son of .Jacob and Zena (Zimmerman) Baucher, natives of Schuylkill County, Penn., and of German descent. His great-grandfather came from Germany and located' in Schuylkill County. His grandfather followed farming and died in that countj'. Jacob Baucher was reared in Schuylkill County and remained there until he was thirtyfive years of age. He then moved to what is now Montour County and bought a farm in Mahoning Township, which he had operated by his sons. He was a millwright, which trade he followed nearly all his life. He died in 1827. He was the father of nine children, five of whom are living: Joseph, Nancy, Jacob, David and Thomas. Our subject was only seven years old when his father died, and he remained with his mother until he was twenty-one, in the meantime learning the mason's trade. In 1842 he came to Berwick and worked at his trade several years; then in partnership with Daniel Reedy he began contracting. After some years the partnershij) was dissolved and Mr. Baucher continued in business alone. In April, 1844, he married Rachel Sybert, a native of Luzerne County. They are the parents of eight children, five of whom are living: Fannie, wife of Frank Corkins; William E., Eliza, wife of Joseph G. Williamson; Lillie, wife of Sterling Dickson, and Gilbert. The deceased are Cordelia A.. Jane R. and Janetta. Mr. and Mrs. Baucher are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he is a member of the I. O. O. F., in which he lias passed all the chairs. He has been on the town council several terms, and school director; has also been constable. He is steward in the Methodist Episcopal Church. ISAIAH BOWER, merchant and real estate dealer, Berwick, was born in Briarcreek Township. Columbia Co., Penn. .March 19,1829, a son of George Michael and Mary (Zahner) Bower, natives of Columbia County and of German descent. His grandfather, George Michael Bower, was born in Germany; came to America when thirteen years of age and settled in Lehigh County along tlie Leliigh. He came to Columbia County in the latter part of the last century and settled in Briarcreek Township, at which time there was but one house in Berwick. He bought a large tract of land and there resided until his death. Both the grandfathers settled here. The grandfather, George Zahner, was a great hunter, and at the time of his coming, game was very plentiful. He first built a log cabin. The BRIARCREEK TOWNSHIP. 385> was then at Philadelphia or Reading. George Michael Bower was a trade, also followed farming and taught a school at his own house. prominent man in his day, he died in Briarcreek Township in December, 1863, in his eightyHis wife died about six years prior. Isaiah was reared on a farm and when third year. eighteen years of age went to learn ihe carpenter's trade and the building of threshing machinery. He was thus employed until 1852 when he came to Berwick and worked for Jackson Woodin two and a half years. He then rented their foundry and did all the manufacturing of plows, threshing machines, etc., for twelve years. In 1864 he engaged in mercantile business which he has since carried on, with the exception of two years he was engaged in running a foundry and manufacturing agricultural implements. He owns several small farms and a great deal of town property, also some in Nescopeck. In December, 1850, he married Hannah Hagenbuch. Mr. Bower has also been extensively engaged in the real estate business. He and his wife are members of the Evangelical Association, to which he has belonged for thirty-eight years. Berwick, was born in Briarcreek Township, Columbia Co., J. Penn., December 21, 1835; a son of Jesse and Anna (Brown) Bowman. His grandfather, the Rev. Thomas Bowman, Sr., was born in Bucks County in 1760, and in 1782 married Mary Treas, of Northampton County. In April, 1793, he and his family left the old farm at Mount Bethel, traveling by* wagon via Mauch Chunk, Nazareth and Lehigh, to make their new home in a wilderness country. They settled in Briarcreek Township, Columnearest market A weaver by & EDMUND BOWMAN, bia County, and occupied, temporarily, a log house near the site of the three-story Pilkington dwelling, situated upon the public road leading from Berwick to Orangeville. The grandfather was a Methodist preacher, wiiose talents were of a commanding order. Socially, he was very agreeable; humorous, apt at anecdote, keen in argument, ready of utterance and quick at repartee, and in a public address he was often powerful. Subject's father was the fourth son and child and was in his fifth year when his parents moved to Briarcreek. The next year he began to attend school and succeeded in acquiring a practical education. After his marriage he lived in Briarcreek eleven years, when he moved to Berwick Plains in 1820. Two years later the Rev. John Thomas, who was then preacher in charge of Northumberland Circuit, appointed him class leader of a little socicomposed of pious ety the neighbors who gathered on Sundays to hold prayer-meetings, Sunday-school and class meetings. In 1829 he was transferred to Berwick, where he continued his leadership until the close of his life, a period of almost fifty consecutive years. For fifteen years he had the chief management of the camp-meetings at a time when the ruder elements of society opposed Methodism in the spirit of hatred. He was held in high esteem by the entire community by whom he was called " Uncle Jesse." He was a director of a State bank at Danville for many years and also of the National Bank at Berwick, and through his personal efforts with the Legislature of Pennsylvania, a subsidy of $10,000 was secured from the State for the building of the present bridge across the Susquehanna River, at Berwick. In 1821 he was appointed captain of the first company of the Second Brigade, Eighth Division of the State Militia. He was recognized as a pioneer in the matter of higher education, and was among the first in the community to give his children a classical education. He was a member of the board of trustees of Dickinson College about 1847. In 1849 he sold his farm and moved to Berwick, resolved to live retired. He died in 1880, his wife's death occurring four years prior. The Bowmans were among the early settlers of the county and have been a noted family^in its history. Our subject's maternal grandfather Robert, with his brother, John Brown, were among the founders of Berwick, closely following Evan Owen. Robert had three children: John, who died young; Anna, who married Jesse Bowman, and Sarah, who became the wife of a Mr. Hicks and settled in Salem Township, Luzerne County. Edmund J. Bowman, our subject, is the youngest of his father's family and early evinced a taste for intellectual pursuits. He received liberal educational advantages, having attended Williamsport Dickinson Seminary; later graduated from DickinsonlCollege, "and at one time attained considerable local fame as a public .speaker. In his public lectures his subjects were well chosen and evidenced broad reading. In a recent newspaper notice he is spoken of as " one of the finest lecturers in the State." He never chose a profession, but as his pen productions were of a high order, he figured somewhat as a contributor and correspondent of the public journals. For some years his occupation was that of a school-teacher, and he served his country as a soldier in the civil war. He owns 160 acres of land, also property in Kansas City, Mo. He is the only member of the family unmarried. S. postmaster, Berwick, was born in Centre Township, Columbia Co., Penn., July 8, 1858. a son of D. A. and Jane S. (Clark) Bowman, natives of Pennsylvania. The latter, of Irish extraction, was a descendant of the Clarks of Revolutionary fame, her grandfather being a colonel during that struggle. Our subject's great-greatgrandfather, who spelled his name Baumann, came to this country from Germany when thirteen years of age. The grandfather, 'Jesse Bowman, was 'born in Northampton County, but came to this county in the latter part of the last century, took a large tract of land, and was among the first settlers of the place. He followed farming, and died in 1828. Our subject's father was born in Columbia County in 1803; was reared on a farm. ROBERT BOWMAN, 386 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: and followed agricultural pursuits. He was twice married, and was the father of eight children, tliree by his first wife and five by his second. Six of the children still survive: Caroline, Sarah A. (wife of Thomas F. Scliuyler), Charles S., George D. (married to Kate Kerns), John A. (married to Annie Large), Robert S. (married to Mary Isadore Gilroy). The deceased are Ezekiel and Jesse G. The father died in 1877, but "the mother is still living, and resides in Mifllinville. Robert S., our subject, was reared on a farm until twelve years of age, when his parents moved to the town of Mifilinville. There he attended school until he was eighteen years of age, when he entered the Republican otfice at Bloomsburg. He served.a tliree years' apprenticeship, and at the age of twenty-one, in 1879, came to Berwick and bought out the B/rwick Independent. Mr. Bowman was appointed postmaster at Berwick, under Arthur's administration, and took ciiarge of the office in that mouth. Oct )ber VS. 1881, he married Mary Isadore Gilroy. a native of Berwick, and their union has been blessed witli two childVen: Roy W. and Clark A. Mr. Bowman is a member of the Met'uodist Episcopal Church, and Mrs. Bowman of the Baptist. JONAS CRTSMAN, miller, P. O. Berwick, was born in Warren County, N. J., March 1881, a son of Jacob and Margaret (Hill) Crismati, natives of Warren County, N. J., and of English-German descent. His grandfather came from Germany, settled in New Jersey, built the first grist-mill in Warren County, and was extensively engaged in mill4, He shipped flour to all parts of the country, but chiefly to Philadelphia. He was very wealthy, and at his death his property was divided among his ten children. Our subject's maternal grandfather. Gen. Hill, came from England and settled in New Jersey. He was obliged to flee from his native country on account of siding with the colonies, and, after arriving in America, served in the Revolution under Washington. After the close of that struggle he built a mill and followed milling. Our subject'slfalher was born in WaiTen County. N. J., in 1795; was reared on a farm and engaged in milling, which he followed all his life. He served in the war of 1813, and while rejoicing over the election of President Harrison, in 1841, he was accidentally killed by the explosion of a cannon. ing. He was the father of ten children, five of whom survive: three reside in New Jersey, one in California, and one in Pennsylvania. Jonas Crisman was reared to the miller's trade, which he followed in New Jersey until coming to this State. He owned two or three grist-mills in New Jersey, and followed milling extensively. In 1883 he sold out, came to Columbia County, and purchased the grist-mill which lie is now operating. He also has the contract to run the stage from Berwick to Conyngham. In October, 1855, he married Ellen Gray, a native of New Jersey, and six children were born to them: Annie (wife of F. P. Freas), John (married to Mary Linaberry). Frederick, Frank, George and Virgil H. Mrs. Crisman is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Crisman is a F. & A. M. B. F. CRISPIN, Jr., teller of the First National Bank, Berwick, was born in Philadelphia July 21, 1847, a son of Benjamin F. and ERzabeth R. (Glenn) Crispin, natives of Philadelphia, and of English descent. His father was born August 1. 1834. and educated in Philadelphia, where he has always resided. Our subject was reared and educated in Philadelphia, and during the great excitement in oil circles, being then eighteen years old, he took charge of his father's business, while the latter was absent in the oil regions. He remained with his father until 1870, when he engaged as a partner in the firm of Lougacre & Co., in the printing and lithographing business. Thus he remained until the spring of 1873, when he came to Berwick and was employed as secretary of the Berwick Rolling Mill Company; was later elected treasurer, and held both offices until the mill closed in January, 1873. He then entered the First National Bank as teller, and in 1880 was elected one of the directors. In the spring of that year he engaged in the iron business under the firm name of Jackson Bros. & Crispin, in the manufacture of charcoal, pig iron, etc., in which he is still interested, the business being now conducted under the firm name of Jackson Iron Co. jMr. Crispin married, in 1873, Maggie, daughter of M. W. and Margaret (Gearhart) Jackson. Mr. and Mrs. Crispin are the parents of three children: M. Jackson, Clarence G. and Helen. The parents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Crispin is a member of the Masonic fraternity. R. G. CRISPIN, merchant, Berwick, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., a son of B.F. and Elizabeth (Glenn) Crispin, both natives of Philadelphia, and of English-Welsh descent. His ancestors came over from England in 1653, with William Penn, and located in Philadelphia. The grandfather, Benjamin, was born in Philadelphia, and there learned the saddler's trade, which he followed in his youth. In the prime of life he became quite a politician; somewhere about 1840 was speaker of the Senate and also served as lieutenantgovernor for some years. His latter years he spent in retirement,havin2c amassed a fortune. Our subject's father was also born in Philadelphia, and there attended school. He served as public weigher in that city for many years, and still resides there. Our subject, the third of eight children, was reared in Philadelphia until twenty-one years of age, and there received his education. At the age of seventeen he engaged in the insurance business, which he followed until leaving the city. In 1870 he came to Berwick and engaged an mercantile business, which he has since followed. He carries a general stock of dry BRIARCREEK TOWNSHIP. 387 goods, boots, shoes, groceries, etc., valued at |7,000. In September, 1873, he married Fannie Bowmun, a native of Columbia County. EMMOIi DIETTERICH, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Centre Township July 7, 1821, a sou of Lewis and Elizabeth (Hoofnagle) Dietterich, natives of Penn.sylvania and His great-grandfather came from Germany and settled in Nortiiampof German descent. ton County, Penn., where he resided until his death. He was among the first settlers of His son, Jacob, was a farmer and came to Columbia County in 1800, and that county. He owned a large tract of land, all_ timber, which required settled in Centre Township. many years of labor to clear. He was a strong Democrat in politics, and was sixty-four Subject's father was only ten yenrs old when his. years* old at the lime of his death. parents came to this county, and he used to take the grain on horseback to the old Rittenhouse mill. He was a carpenter by trade, which he followed all his life as long as he was able to work. He was the father of five children: Emmor, Stephen and Sarah (wife of Andrew Terwilliger), living, and Phoebe and Elias, deceased (the latter served in the Our subject was reared on a farm, civil war and died "a short time after his discharge). and has followed agricultural pursuits since he was seventeen years old. He farmed for his father until he was twenty-four years old. and then farmed on shares until he was twenty-eight. He bought the farm where he now resides in 1870, and owns seventy acres of good land in Briarcreek Township. He married, March 4, 1849, Mary Mosteller, and four children were born to them, two of w^hom are living: Edella and Dora, wife of Warren Terwilliger. The deceased are Clark and Lewis H. Mr. and Mrs. Dietterich are members of ^he Lutheran Church. He has served as school director, auditor, judge of elections and inspector, and was supervisor eleven terms. B. F. DREISBACH, dealer in pianos, organs and sewing machines, Berwick, was born in Roaringcreek Township, Columbia Co., Penn., October 30, 1837, a son of Nathan and Sarah (Levan) Dreisbach, natives of Pennsylvania and of German-French descent. His great-grandfather came from Germany and settled first in Philadelphia, and after several j^ears immigrated to Northampton County, where he died. Subject's maternal great-grandfather came from France and resided in the Wyoming Valley during the Indian massacre. Our subject's great-grandmother was captured l)y the Indians during the massacre and kept a prisoner eleven years. She had a little girl with her at the time, who was two years old. All the other children were burned to death by the Indians in the cabin. The great-grandmother was taken into Ohio and had tried to make her escape several times, but was always unsuccessful. She was compelled to many the Indian While the Indians were on a trading trip she made her chief, and bore him two sons. escape. Yost Dreisbach, subject's grandfather, settled in Salem Township, Luzerne County, in 1800, and was a millwright, which trade he followed most of his life. He bought a large tract of land in Roaringcreek, about 1,000 acres, which he divided among Nathan Dreisbach has followed millwrighting all his life, which was the his children. occupation of his ancestors. He now resides in Jonestown, this county, and is now engaged in mercantile business. He reared a family of eight children, six living: Mrs. Forniuger, Benjamin F., Mrs. Kunkel, Mrs. Hosier, Nathaniel and Albert. Our subject was reared on a farm until about two years of age, when he resided eight years in Kerntown, where his father was engaged in mercantile business. He then lived with his uncle, John P. Levan, four years, and later went to Ashland, Schuylkill County, where he clerked for fourteen years and had an interest in the business for two years. He was for three j'ears in partnership with R. P. Bellman, and then sold out on account of ill health and moved to Conyngham, Luzerne County, where he enaraged in mercantile business three years. He then moved to Fishingcreek, where he followed the same business two years. In the spring of 1877 he moved to Berwick, where he has since been engaged in his present business. He was employed as traveling salesman for a dry goods house in Philadelphia three years, and also dealt in musical instruments. He married January 7, 1867, Doretta Distlehurst. and they are both members of the Lutheran Church. He is also a member of the I. O. O. F. and of the G. A. R. In 1863 he enlisted in Companj'" C, Sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantrj', and served three months; then re-enlisted, this time in Company C. Fifty-first Regiment, and served one year. He was then drafted, but paid a substitute. He participated in the battles of Antieiam, Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Fredericksburg and several skirmishes. He was postmaster at Conyngham, Luzerne Covinty, three years. J. W. EVANS, insurance agent, Berwick, was born July 7, 1845, at Evansville, this county, a son of George and Rebecca (Shellenbarger) Evans, natives of Columbia County, and of Welsh descent on tlie father's side and German on the mother's. The first of the family settled in Briarcreek Township the latter part of tlie last centurj-, and his grandfather, James Evans, was the first millwright of the county. He built nearly all tlie old mills in this county, and also owned a large tract of land. Our subject's father learned the millwright's trade, which he followed a number of years, then learned the tanner's trade and built a tannery at Evansville, following the business until his death in 1870. His widow died in 1880. Our subject received a liberal education. At the breaking out of the Rebellion, when a mere lad, he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventv-eightli 388 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: in Capt. J. M. Buckalew's (a brother of the Hon. Charles R. Buckalew of Bloonis])urg) companj'. He rendered gallant service to his country in the ranks, where he served fourteen months, and was then honorabl}' discharged. At the close of his soldier experience he went to Hazelton and entered the large mercantile house of William Kisner, remaining three years; then he went toW\'oming Seminarj', at Kings- Pennsylvania Volunteers, Upon his graduation from this excellent inton, taking a full three years' course of study. stitution he received the appointment of teller of the First National Bank of Berwick, in which capacity he served .seven ,years with distinction as a financier and accountant. In 1877 he established the now well known Berwick Insurance Agency, which, by the way, Only old and well established is the most reliable and largest agency in Columbia County. He has had fire, marine and life insurance companies are represented by Mr. Evans. quite a number of heavy losses in each of these departments of insurance, which have been promptly and satisfactorily adjusted. At present he offers perfect security in the following first-class companies: ^Etuaof Hartford. Liverpool and London and Globe, Commercial Union of London, Phcenix of Hartford, Fire Association of Philadelphia, ^tna Life of Hartford, Springfield of Missouri, Fire and Marine. Any information by mail or tjtherwise will receive prompt attention by addressing Mr. Evans. He also is largely interested in real estate transact ions in this town. He has laid out and is offering for sale some building the upper end of Market Street, suburb of Berwick. Mr. Evans very fine lots at a is the president of the home Young Men's Christian Association, and a leading member of the Metiiodist Episcopal Church. He is a gentleman of fine business and social qualities, having hosts of friends at home and abroad, won by a genial disposition and uniform courtesy which always mark the true gentleman. He married, November 15, 1871, Anna E., daughter of Rev. Jared H. and Sarah B. Young. Mr. and Mrs. Evans are the parents of five children, one living John Harrison. The deceased are Daisy B., aged seven years; Sarah Y., aged five and a half years; Anna F., aged four and a half j^ears, and an infant son. Mrs. Evans is also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, and has passed all the — chairs. CHARLES C. EVANS, attorney, Berwick, was born in Briarcreek Township Coliimbia Co..Penn., January 10, 1858, a son of Francis and Jane (Lamon) Evans, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Welsh and Irish descent. His great-grandfather came from Wales, and his grandfather, James Evans, was born in this county in 1799. The latter was a millwright by trade, which he followed most of his life, and built nearly all the grist-mills in the neighborhood, some of which are still standing. He also was interested in agriculture, but never followed it extensively. He built and owned an oil-mill near Evansville, and died in Luzerne County, in June, 1879, in the eighteenth j'ear of his age. Our subject's father was reared on a farm and followed agricultural pursuits extensively until 1885, when he moved into Berwick, and Charles C. was reared on the farm and attended the disis now leading a retired life. trict school until 1874, when he attended the State normal school two years. In tlie winter of 1876-77 he taught school in the township of Briarcreek, and in the fall of 1877 went He then entered the office of the to Lafa.yette College, where he graduated in June, 1881. Hon. Simon P. Wolverton, of Sunbury, and read law under him for two years. July 14, 1883, he was admitted to practice^in the several courts of Northumberland County, and was subsequently admitted to the bars of Columbia and Luzerne Counties. August 23, 1883, he opened a law office in Berwick, where he has since remained. Mr. Evans is a man of He is a member of the Phi fine intellect and well fitted for the profession he has chosen. Delta Theta fraternity and of the Presbyterian Church. 'P. was born in Newport Township, JOHN M. FAIliCHILD, farmer, O. Berwick, Luzerne Co., Penn., October 6, 1853, a son of John and Martha (Line) Fairchild, natives of Luzerne County, and of German descent. His grandfather, Solomon Fairchild, came from Connecticut, and settled in Luzerne County, Penn., where he followed agriculture all his life. Our subject's father ali^o followed farming, and the farm owned by him, on which he first settled in Luzerne Count}', is now cut up into town lots for part of Nanticoke. He was the father of six children, four of whom are living: Henry, Alfred, Martha (wife of O. F. Ferns) and John M. The last named was reared on a farm, and remained with his parents until their death. He then took the homestead and lived on it until the spring of 1886, when he moved to Columbia County. Here he bought 148 acres where he now resides, in Briarcreek Township, and wliich are well improved. He has been twice married: first, in 1878, to Nettie Curtis, who died April 7, 1883; second occasion, January 27, 1884, to Clara B. Wolfe, who has borne him two children: Willie J. and Wesley B. Mrs. Fairchild is a member of the Reformed Church. OLAF F. FERRIS, farmer, was born in Mehoopany Township, Wyoming Co., Penn., March 21, 1848, a son of Simeon and Hiley (June) Ferris, natives, respectively, of Connecticut and New Jersey. The former moved to New Jersey, where he married and engaged in farming many years. He then immigrated to Wyoming County about 1820, bought a farm, and there resided until his death in 1875. He was the father of twelve children: Apollos, David L., Michael (deceased), Harriet (deceased), Jane, Henry (de- BRIAECREEK TOWNSHIP, 389 Levi (deceased), Emily, Charles (deceased). Clarissa. OJaf F. and Simeon Henry died in the service of his country, and Levi was Icilled at the battle (deceased). of Fair Oaks. May ol, 1863. Charles also died in the army. Olaf F. was reared on a farm, and remained at home until twenty-one years of age. He then commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, and followed it in Luzerne County, having moved to Nanticoke in In March, 1885. he moved to Columbia County, and bought 150 acres the spring of 1870. of valuable land about one-half mile from Berwick. There he built a large two-story house about a year prior to moving into it, and also owns another house on his farm, which he rents. Since then he has bought an adjoining farm of 133 acres, with good He was engaged in mercantile business in Nanticoke for about four years, buildings. and still owns an interest in it. He married, in January, 1875, Martha L. Fairchild, wiio bore him four children: Ada A.. John H., Martha E. and Olaf C. Mr. and Mrs. Ferris are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternity, K. T. and Grange. While living in Luzerne County he was a member of the town counHe has passed all the chairs in the Masonic lodge. He is also a member of the I. O. cil. O. F., having passed all the chairs in the lodge. He has represented the Masonic lodge for two years in the Grand Lodge. farmer. P. O. Berwick, was born in Briarcreek Township, May His 25, 1830, a son of Gilbert and Sarah (Freas) Fowler, natives of the same township. came from New York State and located in Briarcreek in 1775, grandfather, Daniel and was among the early settlers of that place. He bought a large tract of land, most of which was in timber, and the place now occupied by our subject was all scrubby pine Gilbert Fowler was born in trees, but is now one of the best farms in the neighborhood. He followed farming, and owned 1792, and always made Briarcreek Township his home. He was the father of seven children, four of whom are now at one time about 500 acres. Gilbert died in January, 1885, and his wife living: Andrew, Freas, Charles and Lyman. in 1878. Freas Fowler was reared on the farm, and received his education in Berwick. age, when he went into business with his twenty-two years of He remained at home until brother-in-law, keeping hotel at Berwick. He served as constable and collector of Berwick five years. In 1862 he took the homestead farm, and has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and in 1882 bought the farm, which consists of 129 acres of fine land. In 1858 Mr. Fowler married Sarah Hagenbuch, a native of this county, and one child blessed their union, Ida A. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler and daughter are members of the MethIn 1879 Mr. Freas Fowler was elected as one of the vice-presiodist Episcopal Church. dents of the Columbia County Agricultural, Horticultural and Mechanical Association, in which he served four successive years, and in 1883 was elected as president of the same association, in which he served three years successively. F. P. HILL, M. D., physician and surgeon, Berwick, was born in Centre Township, Columbia County, February 12, 1853, a son of John and Mercy (Hoffman) Hill, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather, Frederick Hill, settled in CenHis grandfather Hoffman moved to tre Township the latter part of the last century. Berwick, where he lived during the latter part of his life. Our subject's father followed farming in Centre Township until 1872, when he moved to Berwick, bought property and He was the father of eleven children, eight of whom are living: there has since resided. Sarah.wifeof Wesley Fortner; William, Phoebe, Ezra B. , Thomas G., Alice M., Hester A. and Frank B. Our subject was reared on a farm until sixteen years of age, and attended and taught school until he was twenty years of age. He took a course at Bloomsburg State Normal School and Williamsport Dickinson Seminary, where he graduated at the age of nineteen. He also took a course at the Wyoming Seminary, Kingston. In 1873 he came to Berwick and entered the office of Dr. R. H. Little as a student, and there remained until He graduated at Jefferson he completed his medical course in the spring of 1876. Medical College in 1876, after which he became a partner with his preceptor. Dr. R. H. Since then Dr. Little, and contiuued practice with him until his death in January, 1885. Hill has been alone and has a large and lucrative practice both as a surgeon and physician. Wesley, a member of the Methodist Church. in March, 1886. Hattie Episcopal He married farmer, was born in Columbia County, Penn., April 2, M. L. 1840, a son of Solomon and Mary (Miller) Housknecht, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather, Martin Housknecht, was born in Northampton County and moved to Luzerne County after his marriage, where he bought a farm near Butler and resided until his death. Our subject's father was born in Northampton County and has followed cabinet-making the most of his life. He resided in Bloomsburg about fourteen years and on the farm about six years. In 1875 he moved to Berwick, where he still resides, and is now in his {seventy -first year. His wife is living also, in her seventieth year. They were the parents of three children; of these our subject is the only «urvivor. He was reared in Mifflinville and there received a part of his education. He entered a store as clerk when he was fourteen years ;of age, and remained until he was twenty-nine. He also attended school at Bloomsburg and Union Seminar}% New Berlin. In 1869 he moved to where he now resides, purchased a farm, and has since followed agricultural pursuits. He married in November, 1862, Annie M. Hosier, and seven children -ceased), FREAS FOWLER, , HOUSKNECHT, 390 . BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: to them: Mary E., John S. (a bookkeeper in Philadelphia and a graduate of the College of Philadelphia), Fannie, Ezra, Addie, Freas B. and Charles C. Mr. and Mrs. Housknecht are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has served as auditor were born and assessor. JACKSON, proprietor of the rolling-mill, car shops, wheel foundry and: manufacturer of castings, etc., Berwick, his native place, was born January 28, 1815, a son of J. C. and Elizabeth (Doane) Jackson. His father was a native of Goshen, N. Y.. and his mother of Chester County, Peuu., and of the Quaker faith. His grandfather, Benjamin Doane, was born in Chester County, and immigrated to Columbia County in the latter part of the last century, settled at Berwick and followed his trade, that of a tailor, Our subject's father came to this place in the early part of the until his death in 1845. present century, and here resided until his death, in 1850. Our subject was reared in Berwick and educated at such schools as the neighborhood afforded in his youth. He began life for himself without a dollar, acting as clerk in a store for about six years. While in this position he gained a little more knowledge of business ways and determined In 1840, in connection with George Mack, he to embark in .some business of his own. started a foundry on a small scale for the manufacture of plows and plow castings, ketThe present site of his dwelling tles and almost everything that farmers would want. was at that time an orchard, and Berwick was very small. The partuei-ship continued bought out Mr. Mack took in Robert McCurdy as a Jackson and three years when Mr. partner, and continued thus about three years. He then l)Ou,!>ht out Mr. McCurdy and continued the business alone up to 1849, when he took in W. H. Woodin as a partner, and the firm continued under the name ofjjackson & Woodin up to 1873. The name was then changed to The Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Company, and incorporated under the laws of the Legislature, with Clarence G. Jackson and C. R. Woodin as the active men. our subject and Mr. Woodin retiring from active business. Mr. Jackson's son died May The company is now organized with 3, 1880, but the stock is still retained by the family. C. R. Woodin, president; G. Mallory, vice-president; Charles H. Zehnder, secretary, and M. W. Jackson and W. H. Woodin, executive committee. The foundry was first started on a very small scale, doing a business for the first few years of about $10,000 to $20,000 per annum. In 186(5 the t)uildings were all destroyed by fire but were immediately rebuilt. The firm worked night and day and their business increased very rapidly until now they do about $1,500,000 per year, and give employment to about 1,200 men when running at The firm also own and operate a large store and do a business from $100,full capacity. M. W. 000 to $125,000 per annum. The capacity of the rolling-mill is forty to fifty tons per day of finished iron or merchitnt bar iron. The car wheel factory manufactures from 150 to. 200 wheels per day, and in connection with the wheel foundry they manufacture all kinds of castings. The pipe factory runs twenty-five to thirty tons per day, from three ta twelve inches in diameter, used for water and gas. Wiien the works are run under full This gives some idea of the work capacity, 140 to 150 tons of pig iron per day are used. done by them. The car shops have a capacity of twenty cars per day. Mr. Jackson has one of the finest residence properties in the borough, beautifully located, and by industry and economy he has amassed quite a fortune. He has been twice married; first in 1839, to Margaret Gearhart, granddaughter of Judge Gearhart, a native of Northumberland County, who bore him seven children, two living: Marg?iret Jackson (wife of B. F. Crispm. Jr.) and Frank R. (married to Miss Amniprman). Mrs. Jackson died in 1871, and our subject next married in 1877, Mrs. Mary (Shuize) Gotwalt, niece of Gov. J. Andrew Shulze, of PennMr. and Mrs. Jackson are members sylvania, who has borne him one child, Mary Woodin. He is president of the First National Bank, and of the Methodist Episcopal Church. owns about 1,200 acres of land, and is quite extensively engaged in farming. He is one of the most popular men in Berwick, standing very high in the estimation of all who have had the pleasure of his acquaintance. COL. CLARENCE G. JACKSON, deceased, was born March 25, 1843, in Berwick, where he spent his early years. He was a sou of M. W. and Margaret (Gearhart) Jackson. At the age of fourteen he entered Dickinson Seminary at Williamsport, where, two years He then entered Dickinson later, he graduated with the highest honors of his class. College, Carlisle, where, at the age of eighteen he graduated at the head of his class. After his college career he returned home, wliere he remained during the eventful period covering the beginning of the civil war. At the age of twenty years he felt that it was his duty to aid his country -and entered the service, August 2. 1862. as second lieutenant of Company H, Eighty-fourth Regiment. January 2, of the following year, he was promoted first lieutenant, and passed safely through many sanguinary battles. At Chancellorsville he was captured by the enemy and taken to Libby Prison, where he remained many months, but not without making a daring attempt at escaping. He with his companions succeeded in getting away from the prison to the country, but was captured and brougiit back. Later he was exchanged and appointed to a ca])taincy, serving in that capacity At the battle of the Wilderness he was wounded and again until the close of the war. taken prisoner and returned to that prison from which he had been released but a short time before. His stay, however, was short, for he Avas included among 600 officers that BRIARCREEK TOWNSHIP. ;391 were taken to Charleston and placed under lire of the Federal cannon that thundered on them from Ft. Moultrie. From Charleston they were taken to Columbia and placed in a guarded field, with no roof to shelter them, and where Ihey dug underground cells for themselves. Our subject was finally exchanged and returned home to engage in a more peaceful occupation. In 1870 he was appointed major on Gen. Osborne's staff and later promoted to colonel on Gov. Hartranfl's staff. In 1879 he was honored by an appointment from Gov. Hoyt, making him quartermaster-general, which office he held at the time of his death. He was a delegate-elect to the convention at Chicago. Occasionally he appeared before the public as a lecturer, where he was always appreciated. At the time of his death he was vice-president of The Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Company, president of the rollirig-mill, a director of the First National Bank, and a member of the firms of Jackson. Woodin & Jackson, bankers, and Jackson Bros. & Crispin. He was a trustee of Dickinson College and of the State normal school at Bloomsburg, a director of the schools of Berwick, and a trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church, all of which positions he creditably filled. He was liberal in thought and deed and a liberal friend of the laboring class. He had just completed a fine residence at an enormous expense, in which he resided one year before his death. The firms with which he was connected have lost an able, active associate, the church a valuable and liberal supporter, the town a progressive citizen, and the county a loyal, patriotic and brave soldier. February 1, 1866, he married Elizabeth Sybert, by whom he had two children: Henrietta M. and Jane B. Mrs. Jackson is a liberal supporter of Christianity and a member of the MethodisS Episcopal Church. FRANK & R. JACKSON, director of The Jackson Woodin Manufacturing Company, in Berwick, November 10, 1850, a son of M. W. and Margaret (Gearhart) Jackson, natives of Pennsylvania. He was reared in Berwick and remained at home until he became of age. He received his education at Berwick, Williamsport and Mcchanicsburg. In 1870 he became interested in the firm of Jackson Woodin, and still retains an interest in the same; in 1880 he bought a third interest in tlie Jackson Iron Company in Union County, and is also one of the directors of the National Bank. He is treasurer of the agricultural society and trustee of the Y. M. C. A. Mr. Jackson married, September 3, 1873, Alice Ammerman, a native of Danville. They are the parents of one child, Catherine E, Mr. and Mrs. Jackson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a gentleman of fine education, very enterprising and has a host of friends. N. KISNER, druggist, Berwick, was born in Luzerne County, Penn., May 26, 1859, a son of Reubert and Cordelia (Seybert) Kisner, natives of Luzerne County, and of German descent. His great-grandfather came from Germany, and first settled in one of the lower counties. His grandfather lived in Luzerne County and there followed farming. Reuben Kisner was also a farmer, owned a farm in Luzerne County and died in 1882. His widow is yet living on the old homestead near Berwick, in Luzerne County. Charles N. Kisner was reared on a farm until eighteen years of age when he engaged in the drug business in Berwick, where he remained two years. He then attended lectures at the college of pharmacy, Philadelphia, Penn., tw-o terms. He then returned to Berwick where he has since been engaged in the drug business. He carries a stock valued at $3,500 and has a half interest in the business, his partner being I. E. Grove, who resides was born & CHARLES in Philadelphia. LEVI KURTZ, or more properly spelt Kutz, was born in Fork Township, Northampton Co., Penn., March 80, 1825, a son of Henry and Charity (Snyder) Kutz, natives of Pennsylvania. He is of German extraction, his great-grandfather having emigrated from Germany and being one of the early settlers of Pennsylvania. The father of the subjecS of this sketch served with honor in the war of 1812; he died in 1830, in the sixty-fifth year of his age, in Northampton County, Penn. There were ten children in the family of whom Levi and five older than he Henry, Millie (wife of Frederick Ullmer. residing in New Jersey), Jeremiah, William and Samuel— survived the father. In 1843, when nineteen years old, Levi came to Columbia County, then thinly settled, and began the world for himself. Having saved enough to buy a small farm, he followed the plow'for twelve j^ears. He traded the farm for a store in Foundryville, Columbia County, in 1858; but subsequently moved his store to Evansville, same county, where he remained until 1862, when he disposed of his store and removed to Berwick. In 1870 he established the Berwick Marble Granite Works. In 1879 he took his son, Jennings U., into partnership and the firm is now known as L. Kurtz & Son. In April. 1844, Mr. Kurtz married Elizabeth, daughter of Daniel and Annie (Moore) Schlabach. Twelve children were born to their union, of whom six are living: C. Louisa, Jennings U., D. Morris, Annie S., Kittle E. and S. Burton. GEORGE P. LEARN, retired farmer, was born in Luzerne County, February 7, 1819, a son of George and Mary Catherine Learn. His grandfather, Jacob Learn, was born in Northampton County, Penn., and lived and died in that county. He followed farming, and as the country was in a wild state, he had many diflicuitics to contend against. Indians were also numerous, and his wife and brother were killed by them.. George Learn, our subject's father, was born in Northampton County in August, 1788=. and resided there with his parents until he was twenty-six years of age. He then moved — & 30 392 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: to Luzerne Countj', where he engaged in farming until his death, at the age of sixty-two years. He married Mary Catherine Dreher, an aunt to Judge Dreher, of Monroe County. Our subject resided in Hanover, his native townsliip, until he was forty-seven years of March 31, 1850, he married Lenora Keller, age, and then moved to Columbia County. who bore him five children: Henrj- Clinton, married Rhoda Laubach; John M., married Mary Jane Mowrer; Alexander Jameson, married Ida Hess; Mary S.. wife of W. S. Ash, and Augustus Frederick, all of whom reside in Columbia County. Mr. Learn has served as overseer of the poor and school director. He and Mrs. Learn ai"e members of the Reformed Church. M. LEVY, clothing merchant, Berwick, was born in Alsace, France (now Germany), His father is 1853, a son of Joseph and Mary (Woog)[Levy, natives of France. still living in his native country, engaged in the mercantile business, which he has followed since a boy, and is now sixty-eight 3'ears old. He is the father of seven children, are living: Emanuel, Marx, Caroline, Jeanette and Flora. five of The deceased are David and Elise. Marx, our subject, was engaged in the mercantile business with until in France when the fall of 1873, that year he took passage on the his father in steamer " Queen," and after a voyage of seventeen days landed in the City of York. There he remained one year, engaged in mercantile business. He was then employed York dry goods house and sent west to travel, his points being Chicago, St. by a Orleans, and all the large cities, and was thus engaged about five years. Louis and then went to Philadelphia, where he was engaged about two years in mercantile iiusiness. In the fall of 1883 he came to Berwick and engaged in "the clothing trade, which he still follows. He carries a general line of clothing, boots, shoes, hats, caps, Srueks, etc., his stock being valued at about $7,000, insured. In March, 1882, he married Rosa Dukes, a native of San Francisco, Cal. Thej- are the parents of three children, two are living: Mabel and Arthur. Mr. Levy is a member of the Free Sons, and he of and wife are of the Jewish faith. L. McBRIDE, Berwick, was born in Columbia County, January 29, 1835. a son of Hugh and Mary (Mack)'McBride, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Irish descent on the paternal side. HughMcBride was born near Danville; has always followed farming, and now resides in Luzerne County, retired from active life. He was the father of seven children, four of are living: S. L., Sallie, Roxana and Margaret. Our subject was reared on a far.i and followed agricultural pursuits until 1861, when he came to Berwick, and has since been in the employ of The Jackson Woodin Manufacturing Company for fifteen years. He married, in i854, Caroline A. Taylor, and two children were born to April 2, whom New New New He whom SHADRACK whom & Fannie, wife of Thomas W. Sherwood, and Samuel H., married to Martha Mr. and Mrs. McBride are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. their union: Henry. GARRICK MALLERY, vice-president of The Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Com- pany, Berwick, was born in Mechanicsburg, Cumbei'land Co., Penn. His father, Garrick V. Mallery, a native of Jefferson County, N. Y., resided in Cumberland County, Penn., at his death in 1864, and was a nephew of Judge Garrick Mallery, who lived for a timeat^^ Wilkesbarre; was afterward judge of Berks County, and for many years a resident of Philadelphia. Our subject was reared and educated in Mechanicsburg, and came to Berwick in July, 1864. He entered the store of The Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Comtpany as clerk, which position he held until January 5, 1865. He was then promoted book- and retained that position until the reorganization of the firm 1873. He was then made treasurer, which position he held until December, 1883, when he was made vice-president of the company, and has since served as such, giving entire satisfaction. He married in October, 1872, Helen A. Hoyt, a native of Columbia County, who has borne him three children, two living Garrick, jr., and Pauline; the deceased one was named Earnest. Mr. and Mrs. Mallery are members respectively of the Methodist Episcopal and Pres])yterian Churches. W. ELLIS MICHAEL, dentist, Berwick, was born in Briarcreek Township, Columl)ia Co., Penn., August 30, 1857, a son of Stephen and Sarah A. (Gensel) Michael, natives of Columbia County and of German descent. His grandfather came from some of the lower counties and settled in this county in the latter part of the last century. Our subject's father was brought up on a farm and followed agricultural pursuits all his life. When he married he moved to his present place, where he has since remained; he bought 300 acres of land but has since divided it up, his sons purchasing a part of the homestead. *Our subject was reared on a farm and attended school until sixteen years of age. In the •spring of 1881 he entered the Philadelphia Dental College and graduated in the spring of 1883. In the spring of 1884 he located in Berwick, where he has since practiced. Prior to entering the dental college he attended and taught school. He married, February 14, 1884, Laura McHenry. Mr. Michael is an enterprising gentleman and he and bis wife are anembers of the Christian Church. GEORGE W. MILLER, farmer, was born in Maine Township, Columbia Co., Penn., April 15. 1839, a son of David and Susanna (Eaton) Miller, natives of Mifflin Township and of German descent. His paternal grandfather came from New Jersey and settled in Mifliin Township in the latter part of the last century, where he bought a farm and refkeeper of the company, iin — BRIARCREEK TOWNSajP. 393 was born in 1812 and remained in Mifflin Township unwhere George W. now resides, ani died March 28, 1873. His widow is yet living in her seventy-fifth year. George W. was reared on a farm and remained with his parents until he was twenty-two years of age. He was engaged by Reuben Miller as a traveling salesman, with whom he remained two years. His farm where he has alwaj's resided, contains 216 acres. He married in 1860 Mary A. Sitler, and seven sided until his death. til 1851, His when he moved fatlier to children blessed their union, six of whom are living: Dora, Delia P., Catharine A., Gertrude, Elizabeth and Robert C. Mrs. Miller is a member of the Evangelical Church. OWEN, superintendent of the Pennsylvania Canal of the Wyoming division, was born in Orange County, N. Y., January 25, 1811, a son of William and Nancy (McCord) Owen, the latter a native of Ireland. His father was a native of Orange County, N. y., but of Welsh descent. He was a tanner by trade and followed the'business during the earlj^ part of his life. He owned a tannerj^ and property in Middletown, N, Y. In 1819 he sold out and moved to Wyoming County, where he bought a farm and resided until about three years before his death, when he went to live with his .son, Hudson, at Berwick, where he died in 1855. His wife died in 1814. William Owen served in the war of 1812 and belonged to the Light Horse Company. He was a life-long Democrat and a man of prominence in his day. lie had a family of four children by his first wife, only one of whom is living Hudson, and by his last wife had five sous, three of whom are living: John, in Washington Territory; Shubel, in Wisconsin, and Boyd, in Dodge Centre, Minn. Our subject was only three years old when his mother died, and at the age of sixteen he was employed by the Delaware Canal Company at Port Jervis, N. Y., where he remained about one year. He was then emplo^'ed on the Juniata Canal for one year. In Januar3^ 1839, he went to Danville, Penn., and was employed by the Pennsylvania Canal Companj' and helped build the canal. He became foreman of one division and remained in that position until 1858, when he was appointed superintendent of the Wyoming division and has since remained as such. In 1836 he removed to Berwick, where he has since resided. When he moved to Danville he was appointed under a Democratic governor and it was necessary that the canal men should support that ticket, but when a Republican was elected, Mr. Owen was still retained in his position. He began to work for the company as a laborer, and since 1829 has held nearly all the offices of the company. He married in July, 1837, Emily Jackson, a sister of M. W. Jackson. To them were born seven children, four living: Frances (deceased), who was married to Robert Gilroy, a resident of Shickshinny, Luzerne County; Harriet, wife of Jerome Welcott, in Cold Water, Mich.; Saral), wife of Jeremiah S. McMurtrie; Augusta, wife of Abner Welch, and Ellen E., wife of H. D. Albright, in Union County. Mrs. Owen died in 1855, and in 1856 Mr. Owen married Elizabeth Jackson, a sister of his first wife, and five children were born to their union, four of whom are living: William, in Helena, Mont.; Kate, wife of Augustus Shuman, in Nescopeck; George and Annie. Mr. and Mrs. Owen are members of tlie church. He is also a member of the Masonic fraternitj^ and the I. O. O. F. He has been town councilman and school director for a number of terms and has been a life-long Democrat. MATTHIAS H. PETTY, farmer, was born in Wilkesbarre, Luzerne Co., Penn., November 25,1832, a son of William and Lydia(Stroh) Petty, natives,respectively, of Northampton and Berks Counties and of French descent. His grandfather, John Petty, came from Connecticut and settled in Northampton County, where he bought a farm and followed agriculture all his life. William Pettj" was born January 81, 1787, was reared on a farm and followed lumber dealing for eleven years in Northampton Count}', where he owned a tract of timber land. He immigrated to Luzerne County in 1827 and engaged in farming for about ten years for Judge Hollenbach; he then moved to Pittston and farmed five years; he then bought a tract of land in Hanover Township, Luzerne County, erected a grist-mill, which he operated until some time before his death, when he sold it and lived retired. He died in 1869 aged eighty-three years. His wife, who was born in 1797, died in 1883. Both were consistent members of the German Reformed Church. They had four children, three now living: Levi, in Colorado; Amie, wife of Peter Wagner, of PittsOur subject remained at home until twentyton, and Matthias H. (Peter is deceased). He farmed in Hanover Township, Luzerne County, three years of age, when he married. fourteen years and then moved to Salem Township, same county. There he bought a farm and'remained six years. In March, 1876. he moved to Columbia County and settled He bought a farm of sixty acres and has in Briarcreek Township, where he now resides. a fine residence, out-buildings, etc. He married December 28, 1S54, Mary Pell, a native of their union: Hattie, wife of James E. Smith; children blessed Luzerne County, and ten Amy; Samuel; William, a graduate of Long Island Hospital Medical College, Brooklyn, N. Y., and now a practicing physician; Charles M., Maggie, Mary, Lulu, Edith and Emma. Mr. and Mrs. Petty are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the •Grange and is overseer of the poor. While residing in Luzerne County he was justice of the peace one term. DANIEL REEDY, mason, w^as born in Columbia County, Penn., May 14, 1835, a son of Peter and Leah (Clause) Reedy, the former a native of Lehigh County, as was also his HUDSON — BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 394 mother, and bolh of French-German descent. His grandfather, Peter Reedy, came from France and settled in Lehigh County, Penn., where he resided for several years. He was a local evangelist and often preached away from home. He came to Columbia County, bought a farm near the Montour line, and there spent the remainder of his life. Peter Reedy was quite young when his parents moved to this county. He followed carpentering all his life, and was accidentally killed by a falling tree in 1843. His widow is yet living^ atthe age of seventy-nine years. They were the parents of six children, five of whom are living: Eliza, wife of Hiram Kitchen, resides in this county; Daniel (subject); Jeremiah, residing in Michigan; Josiah, in Columbia County, and Peter, a resident of Berwick. The deceased one was named Mary. Mrs. Reedy is a member of the Lutheran Church, of which her husband was also a member. Our subject was only seven years old when his father died, and he was put out to work for his board and clothes until he was thirteen. He then worked for two years at the rate of $3 per month, attending school in the winter. Until eighteen years old the highest wages he received was $8 per month. He then drove a team two years, hauling iron ore to Danville, and at this earned enough to take care of his mother. In 1855 he came to Berwick and learned the mason's trade and worked as journeyman for about ten years. He then, in 1870, began taking contracts for building in partnership with David Baucher, and so continued until 1879, when the partnership was dissolved. Mr. Reedy now has a good business and is doing well; he owns a In 1880 he took a pleasure trip west and fine residence in Berwick and also some land. was absent about two months. September 17, 1856, he married Martha J. Heavner, a native of Luzerne County, Penn. Eight children were born to them, seven of whom are living: Alice, wife of John D. Creary; Lillie E., wife of S. A. Peck; John C, Harry R., William J., Sadie and Daniel. Jeremiah is deceased. Mr. ar>d Mrs. Reedy are membersof the Methodist Church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., of the Masonic fraternity He has served as a member of the Berwick school board and borough and is a K. T. council several years; has also been assessor, treasurer and collector, and is treasurer of the board of managers of the Berwick fair. M. H. RITTENHOUSE, farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Briarcreek on the old homestead, December 25, 1836, a son of Henry and Rachel (Hulton) Rittenhouse, natives of Columbia County. His grandfather, William Rittenhouse, came from Philadelphia tO' Columbia County in 1794, and settled in what is now Mifflinville. He and John Kunckle In 1798 he removed to what is now laid out Mifflinville and there remained a few years. Briarcreek Township and bought two tracts of land, which were patented; both contained about 700 acres. In 1800 he erected a grist-mill on the forks of Briarcreek and operated it a number of years. He also built a woolen factory and saw-mill, which he conducted until his death. The factory was destroyed by fire, but the old mill frame is still standing. He always had his farming done for him; was very successful and had a host of friends. He reared a family of sixchildren. Of these Henry, subject's father, was the youngest He and inherited the homestead, where he resided until his death, engaged in farming. was born September 7, 1792. and died April 2, 1873. His wife was born in October, 1793, and died August 17, 1872. They were the parents of twelve children, eleven of whom are now living: Sarah, wife of William Eddiugs; Mary, wife of John Rittenhouse; Enoch; Margaret, wife of Asa Hull; William; Uzilla, wife of John Mosteller; Elizabeth, wife of David Kline; Hannah, wife of Wesley Freas; Nehemiah; Fannie, wife of William L. Freas and Morris H. Ann died July 12, 1881. Our subject, Morris H., Avas reared on a farm and remained home until his marriage, after whicht he resided seven years on the old homestead. In 1869 he moved to and bought the farm which he now owns and on which he still resides. He married 'July 31, 1860, Effle A., daughter of W. A. J. and Mary A. Mr. and Mrs. Rittenhouse are (Craig) Brittain, who were both natives of this county. the parents of four children, three of whom survive: Henry, Gertrude and Mary. The deceased was named Hattie. Mrs. Rittenhouse's great-grandfather, Silas Engel, was among He located in Briarcreek at a very early day and the early settlers of this county. followed farming. He came here from Philadelphia, where he was educated for the legal profession, but which he never practiced, although he did a great deal of business for the people of his day. THOMAS W. SHERWOOD, superintendent of rolling-mill, The Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Co., Berwick, was born in Montour County,' Penn., Feb. 3, 1856,a son of Eli and Ellen (Kemp) Sherwood, the latter a native of Pittsburgh and of English descent. His father was also a native of England and left his native country when he was twelve years of age. He settled with his parents near Danville when there were but a few houses He learned the puddler's trade in Danville and followed it until 1877, when in that place. he moved to Berwick, where he has since resided, and has charge of the puddling depart- He is the father of eleven children, eight of whom are livJoseph, Elizabeth, Benjamin, Anna, Bertha and Sallie. At the age of ten years our subject went to work in the ore mines, and after remaining there eight months left and went to school three months. He then went to work in the mills He then at Danville, at the age of eleven, carrying water for the puddlers two weeks. ran iron from the squeezer to the rolls about one year, and worked around the rolls five ment when ing: it is in operation. Thomas W., Mary, BKIARCREEK TOWNSHIP. 395 years in tbe same mill. He worked in Northumberland mills one year. In 1875 he came to Berwick and entered the employ of The Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Company. He was first engaged to help the puddlers, then squeezing the iron, until he received inAs soon as he was juries which necessitated his arm being amputated at the shoulder. able to resume work he was engaged in one of the offices, and there remained until the mill, which position of the rolling then appointed superintendent fall of 1878. He was he still fills. He married, in January, 1880, Fannie McBride, and one child has blessed Mrs. Sherwood is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. their union, Mabel T. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 240. SAMUEL E. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Berwick.was born in Mifflin Township Feb. 9, 1828, a son of Samuel and Jane (Engle) Smith, the former a native of New Jersey and the latter of Mifflin Township. His great-grandfathers on both sides came from England and fought with Wolfe at the capture of Quebec. They afterward settled in New Jersey, purchased a farm and followed agriculture. The maternal grandfather, John Engle, came from New Jersey to this county in the latter part of the last century, while he was a young man, remained a short time, made a settlement, returned to New Jersey, where he married; then came back to this county and resided until his death. During the Revolution he drove four horses to an ambulance, and on one occasion the heads of the two leading animals were taken off by a cannon ball. He was among the early settlers of Mifflin Township, and used to farm the old Henry Rittenhouse farm, now owned by S. J. Conner. Samuel Smith was quite young when he came to this county. He followed farming and was accidentally killed by a train of cars. He reared a family of twelve children, nine of whom are still living. Samuel E. was reared in Mifflin Township, and there remained untrl the spring of 1865; in 1866 he moved to where he now resides and bought a farm of seventy-one acres, on which he has made all the improvements. Part of his land is in the borough of Berwick. In 1850 he married Esther A. Hull, and they are the parents of four children, two of whom are living: Boyd M. and Ida M. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has served two terms as auditor, and has also served as supervisor and overseer of the poor. Our subject's maternal grandfather, while in the Revolution, was sent out to capture some cattle, which were in a field surrounded by a brush fence, and while thus engaged he received a buckshot wound. Mr. Smith's father owned the first iron plow in this countj', which he ordered made when he first settled at Mifiiin. His nearest market at that time was Easton; fifteen and twenty bushels of grain were counted a big load. J. D. THOMPSON,retired farmer, P. O. Berwick, was born in Berwick, Nov. 7, 1820, a son of Hugh and Nancy (Dodson) Thompson, the former of Scotch-Irish descent. His grandfather came from Ireland to this State at a very early day, and located in Berwick when there were but a few houses in the town. Our subject's father was only fourteen years of age when his parents moved to this county. He learned the potter's trade, but also carried on farming,, owning a farm near Berwick. He died at the age of eighty-eight years, and was the father of six children: Richard, Alexander (deceased), Susanna (wife of Oliver Ege), Jane (deceased), Joseph D. and Elizabeth. The last named was born and reared in Berwick, and remained with his parents until 1866, when he moved to the farm where he now resides. He owns sixty-five acres of good land, but originally owned a great deal more, which he has sold off as town lots. He has been twice married; first, in 1847, to Mary Bonam, who bore him one child, now deceased. His first wife died in 1854, and in 1858 Mr. Thompson married May Hull, who has borne him two children, Hugh and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has served as town councilman for a number of years. REV. E. H. YOCUM, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church, Berwick, was born in Columbia County. Penn., September 20, 1843, a son of Jesse and Martha (Mears) Yocum, natives of Pennsylvania and of German-Scotch descent. His ancestors, as far back as four or five generations,came from Germany, and first located in Berks County, but later moved to Columbia County during its early settlement, took up a large tract of land and carriedon farming extensively. Jesse Yocum was born in 1807 and was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he followed in Columbia County until 1849. He then moved to Union County, where he purchased a farm and remained a few years. He then sold out and removed to what is now Snyder County, which was then being organized. He moved next to the borough of Seliu's Grove, where he remained a short time; thence to Northumberland County, where he purchased a farm and resided until his death in 1872. His wife died in September, 1843. Our subject w^as but seven days old when his mother died. He remained at home until about seventeen y^ears of age, when he began teaching school; taught two years and also attended school. In 1860 he entered the old Bank of Northumberland, afterward organized as the First National Bank of Sunbury. He served the bank as clerk until the fall of 1866, when he entered Dickinson Seminary, Williamsport, where he graduated in the classical course in June, 1868. He returned to the bank at the solicitation of his former emplo3'ers, and remained twelve mouths. In March, 1869, he became a member of the Central Pennsylvania Conference of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He was sent to the Muhlenburg Circuit, Luzerne County, as his first appointment, and spent BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: 896 one year at this point; was next appointed to the Shickshinny station and served one year. In March, 1871, he was ordained a deacon, and at that conference was appointed to HazelHis next appointment was at Newberry, ton, where he served as its pastor three years. or Seventh Ward, Williamsport, where he remained three years; thence went to Tyrone, Blair Coiiuty, where he spent two years; thence to Bloomsbur^, where he also remained two years. In March, 1881, he was appointed presiding elder of the Williamsport District, in which office he served four years. In 1885 he was appointed pastor of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Berwick, which charge he still retains. March 21, 1871, our subject married Laura M. Caslow, a native of Harrisburg, Dauphin Co., Penn. They are the parents of four children, three living: George C, Lottie M. and John P. The deceased one was named Grace P. Mr. Yocum is a finely educated gentleman, and has made a host of friends. CHARLES H. ZEHNDER, secretary and superintendent of The Jackson & Woodin Manufacturing Company, Berwick, was born in Northumberland County, Penn., April 16. His grandfather came from Germany in the early part of the 1856, of German descent. present century. He followed his trade, that of a miller, nearly all his life, and was for some years a resident at Rupert, this county. Subject's father has spent most of his life in Columbia and Montour Counties; is also a miller by trade, and a resident of Danville. In 1874 he was employed as clerk in the Danville National Bank, which position he held He then went to Harrisburg where he was employed as assistant secuntil October. 1878. retary of the Y. M. C. A., and remained as such three months; thence moved to Norristown, where he was general secretary of the association for four months. He then re.'iigned on account of ill health, and in March, 1879, was employed as private secretary to Col. JackAfter that event he served in son, and remained in that position until the latter's death. same position for C. R. Woodin for some time, when he was elected secretary of the company, and still retains that position, and in December, 1885, was also installed superinHe is one of the active members of the Y. M. C. A., having been president of tendent. the association, and was managing trustee during the erection of their building and is, at present, one of its managers. CHAPTER XXVII. CATAWISSA TOWNSHIP. STEPHEN BALDY, merchant, Catawissa, was born in Tamaqua, Penn., January 20, 1860, a son of Peter R. and Sarah (Horn) Baldy, natives of this State and of Germi.n deHis grandfather, Stephen, engaged in mercantile business in Catawissa in the year scent. 1817, followed it for a number of years, but retired when he was getting old, and the remainder of his days was spent in serving the public. He was associate judge an(l jusHe was a faithful tice of the peace a great many years, and filled several minor offices. member of the Lutheran Church; politically a Democrat. Our subject's father, Peter, Reading Railroad was born in Catawissa, and has been an employe of the Philadelphia Company for a number of years, now holding the position of time clerk. Stephen Baldy came to Catawissa at the age of five years, and attended school until thirteen years of age, when he entered the store of W. P. Jones as clerk and remained four years. Since 1877 & he has been engaged in mercantile business, having bought out I. John & Sons, and during eighteen months of that time was associated with H. C. John as partner. Mr. Baldy carries a general stock of groceries, dry goods, crockery, etc. He owns a house and lot where he resides. He was married October 20, 1880, to Hallie R., daughter of John and Caroline Chrisman, and three children have been born to them: Helen, Lucy and Sarah. Mrs. Baldv is a member of the Episcopal Church. T. D. BERNINGER, painter, undertaker and dealer in furniture, P. O. Catawissa, was born in Columbia County, this State, January 21, 1842, a son of Aaron and Anna (Yost) Berninger, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather, who was born in Berks County, Penn., was a millwright and came to Columbia County, where he followed his trade until his death. Our subject's father was also bora in Berks County, and lis a millwright, but has followed the manufacture and repair of furniture for a number of years. He also carried on the furniture business in Maine Township for twenty years, and is now seventy years of age. He is the father of four sons. Our subject was reared near Catawissa, and when eighteen years of age served an apprenticeship at the chair and cabinet-maker's trades, and went to work in the Philadelphia & Reading shops at painting and car building, in which employ he spent twenty years. la CATAWISSA TOWNSHir. 397 April, 1883. he boueht out the stock of furniture of William Hartmiin, put in anew stock of furniture, and has since continued the business. The stock is valued at $3,000 and is insured at almost its value. Mr. Berninger married in January, 1866, Margaret Bowdoin, -who has borne him seven children: Anna M., William, Martha, Aaron, Maude, Susan and Tobias. Mr. and Mrs. Berninger and two elder daughters are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a member of the United American Mechanics' Organization. Mr. Berninger does house and sign painting and devotes his time almost entirely to his business, WW*l( employing four steady hands. WILLIAM BERNINGER. miller, P. O. Catawissa. was born in Maine Township, Columbia County, October 6, 1843. a son of Aaron and Phoebe A. (Yost) Berninger. natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather, Henry, was born in Berks County, and was a miller, which trade he followed the greater part of his life. He moved Our subject's father was to this county about 1825 and here remained until his death. born in Berks County, Penn.. and was ten years of age when his parents moved to this county. He is the father of four children; three of these reside in Catawissa and one in Mifflinville, Penn. Our subject was put to the miller's trade when about eighteen years old, and learned the same under Noah Crites in the same mill which he now operates. He worked for him eighteen months and then went to Franklin Township and worked in the Mendenhall mill for three years; thence to Roaringcreek, where he remained six years, and thence to Rupert, where he worked in the mill five years. In the spring of 1879 he bought his present mill from I. W. McKelvy, and has since operated it. The mill is in constant use except on Sunday. Mr. Berninger supplies the home trade and competes with some of the best mills in the State, both in price and quality. He has the combination process, three run of buhrs, one double roller-mill, (>ne twenty-inch underrunner, Ewell smutter, etc. The mill is run by waterregrinder, bolts, purifier, etc.. Home power and is equipped with all the necessary machinery. Franklin, his brother, is an employe in the mill, and has been working here more or h ss since Mr. Berninger purchased it. Mr. Berninger married, November 14, 1867, Matilda, daughter of Michael and Margaret Mensch. and they are the parents of seven children, lour living: Minnie B., Franklin, Lloyd P. and Vaughn. Mr. and Mrs. Berninger are members of the Lutheran Church. He owns eighteen acres of land south of Catawif^sa on which he has his mill and residence. He also farms to some extent. W. R. R., Catawissa, was born in Lakesville. A. BIBBY, agent, D. L. January 26, 1842, a .son of Henry and Sarah (Graham) Dorchester Co.. Md.. His father was born in Maryland ancl was a Bibby, and of Scotch-English descent. farmer, which occupation he followed near Lakesville, Md., until his death in 1860. Our subject was reared on a farm until he was fourteen years of age, when he entered D. In 1862 he W. Wells' store in Havre de Grace, Md., and remained seven years. went to Baltimore where he clerked in the store of George H. Edgar, until 1868, when he removed to Renovo, Penn., and entered the ofHce of the Philadelphia & Erie Railroad as clerk. There he remained until the fall of 1871, when he came to Catawissa and here W. R. R., as station agent, express and freight has since been employed by the D. L, agent, and operator of the' road— and the positions he has filled with perfect satisfaction He married May 23, 1872, Julia, daughter of to the company l)v which he is employed. David W. and Elizabeth (Boon) Clark, and three sons were born to their union: David Mrs. Bibby is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. B., Frank and Robert. JOSEPH BREISCH, farmer, P. O. Catawissa. was born in Catawissa Township, this His parents county, August 15, 1822, and is a son of George and Rebecca (Wall) Breisch. His grandfather. Jacoh Breisch, was were natives of this State and of German descent. His grandfather, Wall, was sold born in Germany and came to America at an early day. Our suitject's father was born in on board of a vessel to pay his passage to Ameiica. Montgomery County, this State, and came to Columbia County in 1802, locating where our subject now resides. He died on the place now owned by John T. Shuman. in 1870, and which he at that time owned. Joseph was reared on the farm and remained with his parents until 1852. In 1853 he married Harriet Miller, l)y whom he has five children: J. (married to Chas. W. Newhauser) and John E. (twins). Rebecca, Harmon and Regina. In 1852 Mr. Breisch bought the farm where his son John now lives, consisting of 153 acres, moved on it in 1854 nnd there resided uutil 1864, when he came to He and his wife are members of the Lutheran Church. his present place of 250 acres. E. BREISCH, farmer, P. O. Catawissa, was born in Catawissa Township, this county. November 3. 1854. a son of Joseph and Harriet (Miller) Breisch. natives of Pennyslvania and of German descent. His great-grandfather came from Germany at an early day and settled in Columbia County, where he owned a farm and followed Subject's father was born in this county; has Ix'en agricultural pursuits all his life. a farmer all his life, and is yet living on his farm. John E. was rearrd on the farm and remained at home until twenty-one years of age, when he married and moved to where he now resides and owns 155 acres of good land with about 100 acres under cultivation. He has been building during the last few years and now has one of the finest farm residences In this part of the county. He married, November 22, 1875, Lydia Fram, a native of & MATTHEW & & Emma JOHN . 398 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Schuylkill County, Perm. They are the parents of two children: Cora E., and Raymond E. Mr. and Mrs. Breisch are menil»ersof the Lutheran Church at Catavvissa. He is almember of the Grand Lodge, F. & A. M. in 1885 Mr. Breisch started a dairy business at which he has since been enga<;ed. He has a good, trade and keeps fifteen head of fine cows. CHUIST[AN E. CLiEWELL, merchant, Catawissa, was born in Catawissa, July 12, 1840, a son of Jacob and Eliza (Brobst) Clewell. natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather, Jacob, lived near Catawissa, was a farmer and owned two farms; he resided here until his death in 1862. Our subject's father came to Catawissa when a young man, also followed agriculture and lived on a farm adjoining the old homestead. He died in 1877 at his home. Our subject was reared on a farm, and remained with his parents until the war broke out. August 8, 1861. he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months under Capt. Brobst. He was in the battles of Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg, and after the expiration of nine months returned home, and until 1883 followed agriculture, which he was obliged to abandon on account of ill health. At the last mentioned date he moved to Catawissa, bought property, and engaged in mercan tile business, which he has since followed. He carries a general line of groceries, flour and feed. He married, July 30, 1863, Amelia Martz, by whom he has had six children, five of whom are living: Sarah C. (wife of Porter S. Sook), John, Anna, Ella and George. Mr. and Mrs. ClewelT are members of the German Reformed Church. Mr. Clewell has built up a good trade and is doing a thriving business. JACOB H. CREASY, P. O. Catawissa, traveling salesman for the notion house of File, Derr, Haney «fe Co., of Philadelphia, was born in Mifflin Township, thiscount3% October 7, 1838. He is a son of Levi and Catherine (Hartsell) Creasy, natives of Columbia County, Penn., and of German descent. His grandfather, Adam Creasy, was born in this county (Adam Creasy's) brother was a member of the Legislature in the early subject's father was reared in Mifflin Township, where he also followed farmJng. He was lieutenant of a military company during the war of 1812, owned about 200 acres of land, was a member of the Lutheran Churcii, and died September 15, 1876. Our subject was reared on a farm until about eigliteeu years of age when he worked at the carriage trade for about eighteen months. He was then employed as clerlv with Swank Grover, at Hobby, Luzerne County, for seven months; then moved to Berwick where he was engaged as clerk two years. In 1861 he engaged in mercantile business for himself in Catawissa Township for two years and nine months. He then formed a partnership with N. P. John, which continued until 1867, when the firm dissolved, and Mr. Creasy Sons, again conducted the business alone. In the spring of 1868 he sold out to I. John and in 1869 moved to Mifflin where he engaged in mercantile business until the spring of 1872, when he again sold out. The same year he returned to Catawissa and bought a cigar in 1780, and his times. Our & & at Berwick, which he conducted seven months, and again returned to Catawissa where lie has since resided. In Jul}', 1873, he was engaged by his present employers. He married January 23, 1866, Sarah E., daughter of Isaiah and Mary (Bitler) John, and they are the parents of four chiklren, two living: Milton B. and Harry B. Mr. and Mrs. Creasy are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church; he has been a member of the I. O. O. F. and American Mechanics and of the K. of P., but lately has dropped out. He owns a lot in Catawissa and 618 acres of good land. WILLIAM T. CREASY, farmer, P. O. Catawissa, was born in this township, February 23, 1856, a son of Nathan and Susanna (Krickbaum) Creasy; the latter was a native of Catawissa Township and of German descent. Tlie former's ancestors came from Germany and settled in New Jersey, whence they moved to this county about 100 years ago. Some settled about Mifflin Township, this county, wliere they farmed. Subject's grandfather William was one of the earlier settlers in Catawissa Valley, Schuylkill County. He was a farmer, whicli occupation he followed all his life, with the exception of the last few years, wiien he lived retired in Catawissa. He died in January, 1886, being in his seventy-ninth year. Our subject's father was born in Catawissa Valley, and was there After his marriage lie bought a farm where Henry L. now resides, and there rereared. mained until his death in 1881. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. His wife died in 1883. Our subject was reared on a faim and remained with his grandparents until twenty years of age. He graduated at Bioomsburg Normal School in 1875; began teaching when sixteen years old, and taught eleven terms. In 1876 he moved to where he now resides. He married, March 23, 1876, Sarah Jane Weaver, by whom he has three Mr. and Mrs. Creasy are members of the Lutheran f:hildren: Charles, Katie and Sadie. Church. He is a member of the Giange and is at present school director. He was one of the originators of the White Plymouth chicken, which breed now adorns his poultry yards. Mr. Creasy has three brothers and two sisters living, and two sisters dead. Catawissa Township, HENRY L. CREASY, farmer, P. O. Catawissa, was born September 12, 1861, a son of Nathan and Susanna (Krickbaum) Creasy, both of whom were horn and reared on the farm wliere our subject now resides. They :were of German descent, and were the parents of eight children, six now living: William T., Francis P., Elmira (wife of W. H. Hess), Heiirv L., Nathan and Dora. Our subject was born and and tobacco establishment m CATAWISSA TOWNSHIP. 399 reared on the old homestead where he now resides, and owns 135 acres of good land, all under cultivation. This farm originally contained 300 acres, but has been divided into two farms. Mr. Creasy was married in 1884 to Anna Sweppenhiser, of Centre Township, Mr. and Mrs. Creasy are this county, and one child has been born to them, Hiram W. members of the old Lutheran Church. He is an intelligent and enterprising farmer; has just commenced in life forliimself, butis^gifted with that energy which is sure to succeed. PETER B. ERVIN, harness maker, Catawissa, was born August 21, 1864, in Catawissa, a sou of John and Henrietta (Bodine) Etvin, natives of this county, and of German and English descent. His great-grandfathers came from the old country and settled in this county, near Catawissa, and Jonas Metz, a brother to his great-grandmother, was the The great-grandfather first farmer in the vicinity of Catawissa, and lived and died here. lived to be ninety-four years of age, and was a soldier in the Revolution. Our subject's maternal grandfather was a cabinet-maker but during the latter part of his life followed farming. His paternal grandfather, Isaac Ervin, is yet living at the age of eighty years; is stout and strong, and does a good deal of his farming. He owns a farm, a part of which lies in Locust Township and a part in Catawissa. He learned the mason's trade and worked at He helped to build the furnace at Danville, and, while so engaged, it in his younger days. he had three ribs broken and was otherwise injured. Our subject's father was born on the homestead in Locust Township, and learned the carpenter's trade. He served in the 'war of the Rebellion, and after marriage moved to Catawissa, where he since worked at his trade. He is now employed by the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, as car builder. Our subject was reared in Catawissa, attended school until seventeen years of age, and He then engaged for three years in the confectionlater was employed by T. E. Harder. ery business. In October, 1885, he commenced to learn the harness-making trade, and has since been engaged in making and selling harness. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church; is also a member of the P. O. S. of A. In politics he is a Republican. WILLIAM EYER, surveyor and draftsman of the Catawissa division of tlie Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, P. O. Catawissa, was born in that place in 1844, and is a son of William J. and Charlotte (Havemeyer) Eyer, former a native of Pennsylvania, latter of the city of New York. His grandparents on both sides came from Germany at an early day, and located in New York City, where they engaged in the manufacture of sugar, in which the Havemeyer family are still engaged, and have one of the largest manufactories His grandmother in New York. They have also a large sugar refinery in Philadelphia. Havemeyer was about ninety-eight years of age when she died; his grandfather died at the age of eighty years. Our subject's father was born in Selin's Grove, Snyder Co., Penn., and was reared on a farm until about twenty-one years of age. He began educating himself when young, studied for the ministry, and was ordained a minister of the Lutheran denomination. He came to Catawissa, where he was engaged in the ministry until his death. He was a man of noble qualities and beloved by all who knew him. Our subject was brought up in Catawissa and attended school until twenty years of age, when he commenced work at surveying for the Catawissa Railroad, at Summit Station, and was employed there two years. He was then engaged as station agent at Catawissa for six years; then entered the office of W. G. Yetter, division engineer of Catawissa He was married, division, as surveyor and draftsman, which po.siti®n he still holds. January 11, 1873, to Mary Ritter, a daughter of David and Eliza Ritter. Mr. and Mrs. Eyer are the parents of two children, John R. and Susan H. Mrs. Eyer is a member of the Lutheran Church. LUTHER EYER, farmer, P. O. Catawissa, was born March 12, 1846, son of Rev. William J. Eyer (whose sketch and portrait appear elsewhere), and was educated principally at Millersville, Lancaster Co., Penn. During the years 1868-69 he was engaged with Havemeyers & Elder, New York, in a sugar refinery, and in 1870 resumed farming in Montour Township, this county. In 1873 he was married to Jane, a daughter of David Clark, son of Andrew Clark," one of the pioneers of Columbia County. By this union Mr. Eyer has been blessed with four children: William, David, Kate and George. After marriage he settled on his farm in Montour Township, where he remained until 1880, when he bought property in Catawissa where he now resides, but still attends to his farm. He took anactive interest in helping to establish the present excellent school and building, of which institution he has served as school director. For ten years he has been a director of the Catawissa bank. In politics he is a Democrat. WILLIAM L. EYERLY, attorney at law. Catawissa, was born in Bloomsburg, Penn., August 18, 1852, a son of Michael F. and Eliza T. (Kluge) Eyerly, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His maternal great-grandfather came from Germany. His grandfather, Jacob Eyerly, was appointed, by Gov. Wolf, prothonotary of Columbia Count}-, which office he filled "for about thirty-five years. He died in Bloomsburg. Our subject's father was born near Danville, this county, but later moved to Bloomsburg, where he was employed as clerk in the prothonotary's office for a number of years. He was then employed with W. F. Clark, attorney at law, as clerk, with whom he remained several years. He then formed a partnership with Col. John G. Freeze, attorWilliam L. aiey at law, and was with him several years, but is now leading a retired life. 400 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: attended school at Bloomsbur,!^ until twenty years of age, when he graduated and entered Col. J. G. Freeze's law office in 1873 as a student. After two years of hard study he was admitted to the bar in September, 1874, and the same month located at Catawissa, where he has since been in practice, and is admitted to the supreme court. Mr. E.yerly was married, November 15, 1877, to Maggie M., daughter of John and Nancy Reifsnyder, and they are the parents of one child, Paul R., born May 15, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Eyerly are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Eyerly owns a house and lot on North Third Street. He is a member of the College society, and is one of the prominent men of his profession, to which he is well adapted. BENJAMIN P. FORTNER, of the town of Catawissa, was born in Locust Township. Columbia Co., Penn., October 81, 1811, a son of John and Sarah B. Fortner. Natives of Pennsylvania, the Fortner family are of Scotch descent, being the descendants of Lord Archibald Douglas, of Bothwell Castle, Scotland, whose only daughter, Isabella, having a desire to see this continent, prevailed upon her father to consent to her coming to America, in company with a lady friend, which they did, and while on their passage the vessel in which they were was seized by a piratical crew of Algiers and robbed of all their effects, and they were landed in New York destitute of friends or the wherewith to support themselves. It happened that a farmer from New Jersey met them, of whom they inquired what they should do, and he replied he would take them home with him, which he did. Isabella JDouglas resided with his family and married a man by the name of Fortner. and resided in New Jersey until their death. They had twelve children, one of whom, Jona.s, went to Canada during the Revolutionary war with England, as he wasprejudiced against the war. The grandfather of Benjamin P. Fortner was born in New Jersey, and at the breaking out of the Revolutionary war he enlisted in the army and served nine campaigns in the army under Gen. Washington; was in the battle of Brandywine; was in camp in Valley Forge all winter, and marched with his regiment on foot from Philadelphia to Yorktown, and was there at the surrender of the Briti'sh army. He moved to Columbia County near MifHinville, Penn., and he had three sons and four daughters: George, Andrew, John, Anna, Naomi, Frances and Mercy. He died near MifHinville, aged sixty-five years. His occupation was a farmer. Our subject's father, John, was born in Sussex County, N. J., and when about fifteen years of age moved with his father to Columbia County, Penn., and after marriage purchased a farm south of Catawissa, where he lived and died in his fifty-ninth year. He was the father of three children, two sons and one daughter, viz.: Benjamin "P., Jonathan and Martha B., who. died in 1837. Benjamin P. remained with his father until he was eighteen years old, when he engaged with Samuel D. Brobst, of Catawissa, as a salesman, with whom he remained until he was twenty-one years, when lie was elected constable, and served in that office two years. On March 5, 1835, he married Mary Davis, daughter of John and Sarah Davis, near Catawissa. In 1836 he and his father-in-law purchased a hotel at that place, which they lived in and kept as a hotel until 1838, at which time they sold the hoteL He then bought and ran two boats on the Schuylkill Canal, hauling coal from Pottsville to Philadelphia. In consequence of the completion of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad boating became poor, and he sold out and bid for and was allotted work grading otk the Tioga & Corning Railroad. After finishing, he, in 1840, got work on the Wisconsin Canal, and worked there until the work was abandoned, after which he bought a farm near Catawissa, which he resided on with his family until 1860 (which he yet owns), when he moved to Catawissa. having considerable property there, where he now lives a retired life. He was, while living on his farm, elected justice of the peace, and in 1849' he was elected a member of the Legislature from Columbia County, and served one term. At the commencement of the Rebellion he was appointed by President Lincoln internal revenue assessor for the Tliirteenth Congressional District of Pennsylvania, and served about two years, when he resigned and accepted the appointment of revenue collector for Columbia and ^Montour Counties, which he held for three years, after wiiich he Avas reelected justice of Catawissa. which office he still holds. His wife was the mother of ten children, five of whom are still living, viz.: Burton W., Alem B., Alice M. Millard, John W. and Sadie Myers. Four of her sons were in the army, either as volunteers or enlisted, one of whom died in the service in Camp Mary, near Washington, D. C, named Harrison Fortner. B. P. Fortner's father married Sarah Brooke, whose father lived in Columbia County, Penn. CLARK F. HARDER, contractor and builder, Catawissa, was born in Columbia County, Penn., September 28, 1841, a son of Thomas and Catherine (Feister) Harder, natives of Pennsylvania. His grandparents were among the first settlers of Catawissa Township, being here before the massacre at Wyoming. His maternal grandfather came direct from Germany to this country, and his paternal grandparents from Switzerland. His grandfather Harder was a blacksmith, which trade he followed a number of years. His grandfather Feister kept a hotel for a number of years where the Catawissa House now stands. They both took quite an active part in politics, the former being a Democrat and the latter a Whig. Our subject's father was born in Catawissa Township, and when quite young learned the blacksmith's trade which he carried on a number of years and CATAWISSA TOWNSHIP, 401 He owned a farm in Catawissa Township. He was a Republican also followed farming. He died in 1860. Our subject was only fourteen years of age when his father in politics. At sixteen years of died, and he then remained with his mother until her death in 1872. age he began to learn the carpenter and cabinet-maker's trades, which he had just mastered when the war broke out. August 6, 1862, he enlisted in Company H. One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers in the nine months' service. He served eight months, participated in the battle of Antietam, and after that engagement was detailed to take care of the wounded, but was taken ill and removed to the convalescent camp ia Virginia, where later on he was discharged on account of disability. After his discharge he went to Washington and wanted to join his regiment, but was refused. He arrived home one month before the return of his regiment and tried again to enlist, but would not be taken on account of disability. He then resumed his trade which he has since followed. In 1866 he built a planing-niill which he has since operated, and is doing a good He built seventeen houses in the summer of 1885, furnishing all his own mabusiness. terials and has erected more houses in Catawissa than any other man. He formerly owned seven houses and lots, but has sold off until he now owns but two, also a lot 100x80 feet on which his mill and wareroom (the latter 20x65 feet, two stories in height) stand. Mr. Harder married, March 11, 1868, Sarah Hayhurst, granddaughter of Stephen Baldy. and they are the parents of five children: Err, Edwin, Bessie, Jennie and Robert. Mr. and Mrs. Harder are members of the Lutheran Church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 60, Catawissa, and G. A. R., No. 170. He has held all the offices in the Odd Fellows lodge, having passed all the chairs. Mr. Harder is Republican in political views. THOMAS E. HARDER, proprietor of the mammoth furniture store, furnishing undertaker and embalmer, Catawissa, was born in Catawissa Township, this county, in December, 1843, a son of Washington and Mary (McAllister) Harder, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather Err was a blacksmith, and died in Catawissa. Our subject's father was born in Catawissa, this county, and was a wheelwright, which occupation he followed the most of his life. He died here in 1861. Our subject was brought up in Catawissa, where he attended school and learned the cabinet-maker's trade, which he followed until going into business for himself. He started on a small scale, and his business grew to such an extent that in 1888 he built a large four-story stone building, with basement and attic, at a cost of about $15,000. He manufactures furniture in the basement, and the balance of the building is stored with goods common to his line. His stock of furniture is valued at $12,000. Tliis building is a magnificent one, and the largest in this section of the country, which shows that Mr. Harder's business has been a success, and that he has won the confidence of the people by his honesty and low figures. He manufactures a great deal of his furniture, and does painting of all kinds. He is also engaged in the undertaking business. He married, in January, 1873, Clara Hamlin, by whom he has three children: Charles M., Guy W. and Pearl. Mr. Harder is a member of the Masonic fraternity, M. S. of A. and G. A. R., No. 170. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, serving nine months; was in the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, and at the end of nine months entered the Thirtieth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry as second lieutenant; was detached as sergeant-major of his regiment, which commission he held about three months during an emergency. He then enlisted in Company D, Third Heavy Artillery, and served two years. He was on detached service as paymaster's clerk, but previous to getting that charge served in the front at Fort Spring Hill, and subsequently at Dutch Gap Canal, but no very heavy engagements occurred. Mr. Harder, during his campaign, marched through Maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania, and during the battle of Gettysburg his regiment was to the left at Carlyle, and no doubt Harrisburg would have been captured haid it not been that his regiment aided to the success and headed the enemy off. Gen. Smith was the division general. Mr. Harder was a brave soldier, and never flinched where duty called. He is now one of the most successful busines.s men in this vicinity, and one of the leading men of Columbia County. He takes no part in politics, but sides with the Republicans. NELSON C. HARTMAN, farmer, P. O. Catawissa, was born in this county December 8, 1845, a son of Moses and Rebecca (Clayton) Hartman, the parents of the latter being among the early settlers of this county. Her ancestors came from Scotland and her husband's from Germany. Our subject's grandfather, Casper, was born in this county, his father coming direct from Germany, and settling where Nelson C. now resides about 1760, and taking up a section of land. At the outbreak of the Revolution he was thought by many to have been a Tory; he was a man of few words, strong ideas, orthodox in religion, and strongly opposed to war, but when the crisis came and one side or the other had to be recognized, his sympathies were with the American colonies. He was a tanner by trade, tanned hides for the Indians, and prepared all kinds of furs. He lived here until his death, after which the estate was divided, and Casper, the grandfather of our subject, got a third of the homestead and lived on it until his death. One of his sons moved on the great-grandfather's place. Our subject's father was born on the homestead of his father and after years bought the place where our subject now lives. He resided there BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 402 to Catawissa, where he died ia 1871. He are living: Harriet, wife of Nelson John, residing in Minnesota; Deborah, deceased; Nelson C, and Jane, wife of J. M. Smith, residing in Catawissa. Nelson C. was reared on a farm and remained at home until twenty years of age, when he went West through Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota and as far as the Rocky Mountains. After an absence of one year he returned home and was emReading Railroad as fireman for four years. He abandoned ployed on the Philadelphia Here he owns about 200 acres that, however, and went on the farm, where he now lives. of good land. February 16, 1870, he mai-ried Alice, daughter of Andrew and Anna parents of two children, Andrew and Harry Garfield. (Boone) Clark, and they are the Mrs. Hartman is a member of the Baptist Church. Mr. Hartman has served as school director several years. He has one of the finest farms in this section and one of the best residences, with all the latest improvements. M. HENKEL, D. D. Catawissa, was born in Point Pleasant, Monas REV. •Co., W. Va., April 12, 1820, and is a son of Rev. Charles and Mary (Siegrist) Henkel, natives of West Virginia. The first of the family to come to this country was Gearhart Henkel, who came from Frankfort, Germany, and who served as chaplain under Duke (not now known), and located at Germantown, Philadelphia, in 1735, where he resided He was found by the roadside until his death, which was occasioned by an accident. He was a Lutheran minisdead, and the supposition was that his horse had thrown him. ter. The generations back are Gearhart. Justice, Jacob, Paul, Charles and David M., the last being the sixth generation, and it may be stated that a number of the ancestors were Lutheran ministers. Paul, the grandfather, was the father of six sons, five of whom were ministers, and one a physician. The grandfather died in New Market, Shenandoah Our subject's father was the first Lutheran minister in Columbus, Co., Va., in 1825. Ohio. He moved from Columbus to Somerset, Ohio, where he lived until his death, which occurred in 1840. Our subject was still young when his parents moved to Columbus, Ohio, and was educated at the Capital Universitj'' of that place, where he also received his theological training. He graduated in 1849 and was ordained a pastor of the Lutheran Church. His first charge was at Goshen, Ind., when it was j'et in a wild state. He remained here only eighteen months, when he was forced to leave on account of sickness, and returned to the valley of Virginia until he had recuperated, when he took the charge at StewartsviDe, N. J. In 1859 he was called to Danville, Montour County, there organized and built Trinity Lutlieran Church and served as its pastor eight years. He was then called to Stroud.sburg, Monroe Co., Penn., where he organized and built He was then St. John's Church, in that county, and remained as its pastor four years. sent to Richmond, Va., to build up an English church, but his health failing him he was unable to accomplish his undertaking. He then moved to Mount Pleasant, N. C; thence to Nokomis, 111., where he remained six years, and, failing in health, he in 1882 moved to Catawissa, where he has no regular charge, but still delivers sermons. Mr. Henkel is a very able speaker, and has been engaged in this good cause since 1848. He married first, in September, 1849, Heleah Henkel, who bore him six children: Mary, wife of Rev. C. W. Sifferd; Leah, wife of Rev. A. L. Youut; Charles, married to Miss Lease, of Nokomis, Solon, William and Luther. Mrs. Henkel died in 1873, and he next married, in 111. November, 1875. Susan C. Eyer, eldest daughter of Rev. W. J. Eyer, of Catawissa. who was born in 1803, and came to Catawissa in 1838. He served as minister in the Lutheran Church until his death in 1874. Mr. Eyer was a noted man, an able speaker, and his death was deeply felt by his friends and family. Mrs. Htjnkel's grandfather, Frederick C. Havemeyer, opened a sugar refinery in the city of New York in 1823, and made it one of the largest concerns in that city. It is still in the Havemeyer name, and the family is also connected with a sugar refinery in Philadelphia. HILE, traveling salesman for A. Shumway Co., of Philadelphia, Penn., was born in Northumberland County, Penn., January 23, 1834, and is a son of James and Hannah (Campbell) Hile, natives of Penn.sylvania and of German descent. His great- about thirty years, but in moved was the father of four whom liis later days children, three of & C DAVID , — ; MINNER A & grandfather, Henry Hile, came from Germany and located near Sunbury, Northumberland Co., Penn., where he owned and cultivated two farms. He moved to Clearfield County and bought a farm where he resided until his death. Our subject's father, a native of Northumberland County, Penn., was a farmer, and resided near Sunburj^ for a number of years, when he moved to Clearfield County, where he followed farming until 1866 (previously he came to this county and bought a farm of 220 acres, in 1856, in Franklin Township, which he still carries on). He is seventy-seven }'ears of age. Our subject was reared on a farm and at the asre of twenty-four years, married and moved to Franklin Township, this county, where he engaged in farming for about four years. He then bought a farm in Catawissa Township, moved on it, farmed and operated a dairy. He was the first man to start a dairy in Catawissa, and continued it three years and two weeks. In 1869 he moved to Philadelphia, where he was employed by a wholesale tea firm for a short time. Then moved back to Catawissa, this county, and he and his brother. Amos, started a dry goods and grocery store in the place, which they conduced six j^ears. He was engaged with a Reading boot and shoe house for about four years, as traveling salesman. In 1877 he was em- 403 CATAWISSA TOWNSHIP. Shumway & Co., boot and shoe dealers of Philadelphia, as traveling salesemploy. He married, April 22, 1859, Hannah Fox, wlio has borne him three children: Elizabeth (wife of E. G. Sanburn, Jersey City), Anna B., and Elmer, who carries on a boot and shoe store in Catawissa. Mr. and Mrs. Hile are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Democrat. Mr. Hile owns a house ployed by A. A. man, and is still and Catawissa. lot in in their ALFRED HOWER, teacher, P. O. Catawissa, was born in Numidia, Penn., Novemson of Michael and Catherine (Bachraan) Hower, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His great-grandfather settled in Catawissa about the latter part of the eighteenth century and was one of the first settlers in this part of the country. He owned about 1,000 acres and lived and died here. Our subject's grandfather Sebastiaa was reared on the homestead, and while young learned the carpenter's trade, but later bought a farm near Slabtown in Locust Township, where he lived until his death which occurred in 1860. Our subject's father was reared near Slabtown, but had lived in the coal regions a part of his time. He moved to Numidia, where he lived until his death ia 1882. He was a blacksmith, which trade he followed the most of his life; also carried on farming to some extent. At the age of eighteen our subject learned the carpenter's trade at Shamokin, Penn., where he worked about a year. Previous to learning this trade he had taught two terms of school, and after completing his apprenticeship, again taught in He attended Bloomsburg Normal the winter and went to school in the summer. School, Greenwood's Seminary and Lowell's Commercial College at Binghampton, and graduated in 1874. In the fall of 1877 he moved to Catawissa, and resided here four years, teaching school. In 1882 he moved to Oranfeville where he lived two years, having the principalship of the graded school. In the spring of 1884 he moved back to Catawissa where he has since lived, engaged in teaching in the winter and working at this trade in the summer. He owns two houses and lots, and is at present engaged in building a twostory frame house. He married, December 4, 1877, Isabella, daughter of John T. and Mr. and Mrs. Hower are the parents of four children-. Catherine (Breisch) Shuman. John S., Lillian C, Laura Jennie and Warren A. Mr. and Mrs. Hower are members of the Lutheran Church. One of Mr. Hower's relatives was buiied in the cemetery here in 1802. PETER KERN, farmer, P. O. Catawissa, was born in Warren County, N. J., November 17, 1817, a son of John and Gertrude (Ridgeway) Kern, both of whom were born in Warren County, N. J., and were of German descent. His grandparents on both sides came from Germany, emigrating direct to Pennsylvania, where, however, they remained but a short time, when they emigrated to New Jersey where they lookup land and lived until their deaths. The grandfather died in his eighty-fifth year. He and his wife were highly educated in the old country. Our subject's father was born in Warren County, N. J., in 1809 and was in his sixty-eighth year when he died. He was reared Peter was reared on the homestead in his nato farming which he followed all his life. tive State, where he remained until married, when he and his father-in-law came to Pennsylvania and bought a tract of land where he now resides. This was in 1840. The tract was a very large one, and when it was sold Mr. Kern bought 120 acres of the estate on which he has since lived. He married, August 23, 1839, Jane Davison, a native of New Jersey, by whom he had seven children, five of whom are living: Emma, wife of George Teitsworth; Martha, widow of Hiram Cool (Mr. Cool was wounded in the service of his country at the battle of Antietam, a bullet entering under his eye and coming out at the back of his neck; he suffered from this for seven years, at times in intense pain, and died November 10, 1870. His widow and three children make their home with Mr. Kern Albert L., married to Matilta Rue; Ida, married to Wm. B. Snyder, and Norman G., a graduate of Bloomsburg Normal School); Easic D., married to Loretta Reinbold; John B., married to Hannah Traub; Margaret, wife of Rev. John B. Bodine; Jane and Lemuel are deceased. Mrs. Kern died April 1, 1884, deeply lamented by her husband. He is a member of the church; in politics a Republican. LUTHER B. KLINE, M. D., physician and surgeon, Catawissa, was born in Rush Township, Northumberland County, this State, December 24, 1842, and is a son of Harmon G. and Mary (Bassett)4Kline, natives of Pennsylvania and of German-Scotch descent. His grandparents came from New Jersey to Northumberland County at an early day, and engaged in farming until their death. Harmon G. Kline is a farmer and resides in Northumberland County, near Sunbury, where he owns a farm. Luther B. was reared on a farm until about eighteen years of age, when he taught school several years, and also attended the Sunbury Academy. In the fall of 1865 he entered Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, from which he graduated in March, 1867. In April following he came to Catawissa, where he began his now extensive practice and has since resided. He married, September 14, 1870, Desda W.. daughter of J. K. and Mary M. Sharpless. They and living: Charles S. are the parents of four children, two Grace E. Dr. and Mrs. Kline are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Lodge No. 349, Catawissa; has held the office of school director and is now serving his second term. Dr. Kline is a member of the State Medical Society and Incorporated County Medical Society. ber 10, 1851, a — 404 BioGRArniCAL sketches: WILLIAM J. MARTIN, farmer and brickmaker, P. O. Catawissa, was born in Saxony, Germany, April 24, 1825, a son of John and Catherine (Keel) Martin, natives of Germany, the former being a farmer. When fourteen j^ears of age our subject left school and learned the cutler's trade, at which he worked until nineteen years of age. He and his brother, Charles, then took passage in a sailing vessel bound tor America, and after a voyage of six weeks lauded in New York. There they separated, Charles going to Delaware, while our subject remained in New York and worked at his trade for two years. Jle then went up the Hudson and engaged in the manufacture of hames, receiving $1.50 per day, but after six months, not liking his associates, he returned to New York. There he again worked at his trade, receiving $3 per week and his board. In 1856 he moved to Danville, Penn., and worked in a rolling-mill one year, then came to Columbia County and hired on the farm of Judge Baldy, which he now owns; then worked a year for A. Feterolf; then, March 4, 1860, he married Susan M., daughter of Judge Baldy, and here has since remained. Our subject and wife have four children: Sarah B., George B. (married to Rebecca Fetterman, and residing in Bloomsburg, this county), Stephen B. and Lizzie. Mr. and Mrs. Martin and family are members of the Lutheran Church. He owns 140 acres of cleared laud and 100 acres of mountain land. In 1883 he commenced the manufacture of briciv, which he has since carried on. Mr. Martin introduced the " Martin Amber Wheat," in 1878, and took it to the Philadelphia State fair, where he sold it for ten cents per grain. He has taken the first premium in wheat at every fair for the county and REV. Stale. MYERS, P. O. Catawissa, was born near Easton, Northumberland Co., son of Abraham and Mary (Root) Myers, natives of Pennsylvania and of German-English descent. His great-grandfather on the maternal side came from -Germany and located in Bucks County, where he followed farming, and his grandfather, Philip, was a cabinet-maker and also carried on farming until his death at an advanced age, in 1883, near Easton. Our subject's father was for a number of years a justice of the peace at Bethlehem, Penn., but is now living a retired life. During his early life, in the Mexican war, he organized a militia company of which he was captain, and waited for orders, but was never called out, although he stood ready. He was captain in the militia for a term of years, also assisted in drilling companies during the civil war. He is now about sixty-eight years of age. Our subject was brought up as a clerk until about sixteen years of age, when he entered upon and pursued a course of study for the ministry. He then laught a number of terms, holding a State professional certificate. He entered the work of the ministry as a home missionary in 1868, and after continuing in tlie good cause for one year was ordained a pastor of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in 1869, but continued in the mission work for eighteeen months later. His first charge was organized by his efforts in Lycoming County, Penn., along the Allegheny Mountains. In 1870 he was called to a large field of labor at Turbotville, Northumberland Co., Penn and there remained during a successful ministry of nine years. In 1880 he was called to Seneca County, N. Y., where he labored two and one-half years, when, suffering from an attack of pneumonia, he was compelled forest, spending one year near Muncy, Penn. In May, 1883, he took charge of St. Matthew's Evangelical Lutheran Church, Catawissa. and has since been laboring here with acceptance and abundant success. He has taken a great Interest, wherever he has labored, in the building of new churches, and since coming here the church has been rebuilt and nicely furnished, while the membership has been doubled. Rev. Mr. Myers was married October 11, 1870, to Sadie J., daughter of Isaac and Mary (Sechler) Beeber, of Muncy, Penn. DAVID R. was born August 21, 1818, in Cheshire County, N. H.. and died August 31, 1875. His father, Joseph Randall, was a farmer, and moved to McDonough, Chenango Co., N. Y., when David was about six years of age. Some eight years later his father died, leaving him the eldest child and only son of a family of eight children, and but little propert}'. Young Randall thus found himself, at the age of fifteen, the head of a family who looked to him for support, with nothing to assist him in the struggle of life but his own perseverance of character, guided by the counsel of a devoted mother and the kind hand of a beneficent Providence. Left thus with seven sisters, he struggled on to support the family and educate himself. Daylight found him at his work, night at his books by the light of pine faggots. In this way he educated himself and supported his mother and sisters till he arrived at the age and acquired the necessary education to enable him to become a teacher, having passed a most flattering graduation from Oxford Academj', Oxford, N. Y. Asa teacher he labored with the same energy that had characterized him from boyhood, and at the age of twenty-six was elected superintendent of common schools for the county of Chenango. His labors in belialf of the common schools of Luzerne County, Penn., will ever be gratefullj' remembered by that people. Devoting his time and efforts to the cause of education in this capacity for two years, he then concluded to enter upon the study of law, and accordingly entered his name as a student in the ofiice of Hon. Ransom Balcomb, now one of the judges of the supreme court of the State of New York. This was in 1843, and he continued to read law with Judge Balcomb until 1846, being obliged, however, to devote much time to teaching U. Penn., January 23, 1847, , RANDALL CATAWISSA TOWNSHIP. 405 In 1846 Mr. Randall left his home and came to Hyde Park, to support liis famil}'. Luzerne Co. (now Lackawanna County;, commencing here to build up his fortune by teaching, and soon afterward entered ins name as a law student with Chai-lesH. Silkman, Esq., of Providence, now a portion of the city of Scranton. He was admitted to the bar of Luzerne County November 4, 1847, and opened an office at Providence, wuere soon his frank manners and ready business tact brought him clients, whose numbers increased up to the time of his sickness. Mr. Randall had all his life been a Democrat, aud in the fall of 1860 he was nominated as a candidate for Congress bj^ the Democracy of the Twelfth Congressional District of Pennsylvania, composed of the counties of Luzerne, AVyoming, Oolumbia and Montour. His opponent was Hon. George W. Scranton, the strongest man by all odds in his party, and who defeated Mr. Randall by a majority of 695 in the district where Col. Scranton had two jears before received a majoritj^ of 3,980. Upon the death of Hon. E. B. Chase, the district attorney of Luzerne County, Mr. Randall was appointed February 18, 1864, by Judge Conyngham, district attorney of the county until Upon receiving this appointment he removed to Williesbarre, the the next election. county seat. When the Democratic convention met in the fall of the same year he was unanimously nominated as the candidate for district attorney. He received a majority of 2,335 in the county. This was the last time he suffered his name to go before the people as a candidate for office. Upon the incorporation of the city of Wilkesbarre iu 1871, Mr. Randall was appointed chief assessor of the city by Hon. Garrick M. Harding, a Republican judge, upon the unanimous recommendation of the members of the city council and the commissioners of the county-, serving until his death. Mr. Randall was twice married, August 25, 1849, to Mary Child, who bore him four children (none of whom are living), and died February 7, 1855. March 5, 1856, he married Miss Elizabeth S. Emerson, of McDonough, N. Y., who survives him. She bore him seven children, of whom two sons, Charles E. and David V., and two daughters, Nettie E. and Jennie M., survive him. The qualities of the deceased endeared him to his friends and commanded the respect of He was a true friend and generous foe. Bluff, hearty and outspoken all who knew him. in his dealings with his fellows, he was honored and beloved, and has now left to his children the priceless legacy of an unstained name. The grave, dark and silent, has shut up from sight his manly form. His firm step and cheerful voice will be heard no more in the haunts of men; but the memory of his generous deeds, his kindly waj^s, his warm friendship, his heart}" humor, and his sturdy courage will be long remembered by those who knew him. Extract from Luzerne Legal Register. CHARLES E. RANDALL, of the firm of Randall & Yocum, editors and proprietors of the Vatmoissa News Item, Catawissa, was bcrn in Providence, Luzerne Co., Penn., November 4, 1856, a son of David R. and Elizabeth (Emerson) Randall. (See sketch.) His maternal grandfather, Moses Emerson, a merchant and miller, was a native of New HampHis paternal grandfather, Joseph Randall, was also a native of New Hampshire shire. and was a farmer. Our subject received his education at Wilkesbarre and at the age of seventeen had finished his course in the high school at that place, and was given his choice of a profession or a trade. He chose the latter and entered the office of the Luzerne Union, under H. B. Beardslee, where he served an apprenticeship of four years, after which he worked at his trade in that place until 1879. His health failing he went to White Haven and worked at his trade two years. In the fall of 1881 he came to Catawissa aud was employed as foreman of the Catawissa News Item until October, 1884. At that date he and John C. Yocum, Esq., purchased the office of G. E. Myers, and have since been the owners and proprietors of the Ntios Item, Mr. Randall conducting the editorial department and office in general. The paper is a newsy sheet, 24x36, seven columns, and has a circulation of 1,500. The office is supplied with a three-horse power engine, and is the best equipped and only one operated by steam in the county. In September, 1880, Mr. Randall married Lizzie M., daughter of Elijah and Sarah Search, and one child has blessed their union, Eugene Y. Mr. Randall edits the paper independent in politics, is well adapted to his chosen profession and gives satisfaction to all his readers. W. REIFSNYDER, merchant, Catawissa, born in Schuylkill County, Penn., March 24, 1848, a son of George and Harriet (Sharpless) Reifsnyder, natives of Pennsylvania and of German-English descent. His grandfather came from England; was one of the settlers under William Penn. His grandfather, Benjamin Sharpless, came to Catawissa at an early day and was one of the founders of the paper-mill here, and also of the Quaker Church; he owned and operated the mill for a number of years and died at the age of ninety-four years. Our subject's father was born in Montgomery County, this State, in 1804, and lived there but a short time; thence moved to Perry County and thence to this county, where he engaged in mercantile business for several years. He then moved to Schuylkill County and located at New Castle, where he carried on mercantile business, and there resided until he reared his family, which consisted of twelve children, five of whom are living: Mrs. William Hartman, Mrs. E* S. Jackson, (a resident of Scranton), George W. (our subject), Mrs. Isaac Hartman (a resident of Ontario, Canada), and Mrs. Charles Pearson (a resident of Berlin, Ontario). The father died in 1856. Our subject was about nine years of age when he came to Catawissa where he received his edu- — GEORGE BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 406 In 1874 he engaged in conducting tlie yiisquehanna hotel which he continued! proprietor of until 1883, when he embarked in mercantile business. He carries a general He married in line of dry goods and groceries, his stock being valued at about $5,000. December, 1870, Anna Kostenbauder, by whom he has had five children, three living: Samuel, Leonard and Karl. Mr. and Mrs. Reifsnyder are members of ihe Lutheran Church; he is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the G. A. R. In 1862 he enlisted in the State militia, and in January, 1864, enlisted in the Third Pennsylvania Artillery, and served until 1865; was one year on picket duty continuously, and the rest of the time served on detached duty; he served two years in the militia and regular service. He owns several properties in Catawissa; he is the best pigeon shot in the county. SOLOMON RIDER, farmer, P. O. Catawissa, was born in Montour County, Penn., in June, 1827, a son of John and Betsey (Berkhart) Rider, natives of Berks County, Penn., and His father came here at an early day and settled in Montour County, of German descent. "where he lived several years and then moved to Lycoming County, where he bought a farm and resided until his death in his eighty-eighth year. He was a soldier in the war of 1812. Mrs. Betsey Rider died in her eighty-sixth j^ear. She was the mother of fourteen children, twelve of whom are living: John; Katie (wife of Daniel Shuler); Samuel; Sarah (deceased);Peggy (wife of Daniel Miller, residing in Lycoming County, Penn.); Lawrence; Daniel (residing in Lycoming County); Rachel (wife of Cleaver Davis, residing in the West); Susan (wife of Jacob Hertman); Jacob (deceased); Solomon; Mary and Hannah, (twins). Our subject was only six years of age when his father moved to Lycoming Countyand vrhen eighteen years of age he came to Schuylkill County, located at Ashland and remained there about ten years, being engaged as stable foreman. He then came to Columbia County and bought a farm where his son-in-law now lives, and there resided for three years, when he sold' out and bought the farm of 112 acres adjoining; moved on it and there has since lived. He married, in October, 1848, Hannah Leiby, and nine children were born to them, two living; Mary J. (wife of William Davis) and Martin. Mrs. Rider is a. member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics Mr. Rider is a Democrat. WILLIAM H. ROBERTS, farmer, P. O. Catawissa, was born in Montour Township, this county, April 28, 1846, a son of Josiah A. and Anna M. (Clewell) Roberts, natives of Columbia County, and of Welsh-German descent. His grandfather, Edward, was reared near Philadelphia, and came to Columbia County at an early day, where he He was found dead, after a settled and cleared up a farm and resided until his death. storm, between Catawissa and his home, and the supposition is that he was killed hy lightning. He started out to purchase a knife for his grandson (our subject) but never reSubject's father was also born in Montour Township and was reared a farmer. turned. He is master of four trades, being a stone-mason, stone-cutter, plasterer and brick-layer. He owns a farm in Montour Township, and is the father of eleven children, nine of whoni. are living: William H., Harvey, Arthur, Sarah, Edw^ard. David, Anna, Clarence and Joseph E. William H. was reared on the farm, and attended school until after he wastwenty-one years of age. He worked for Sloan, in Bloomsburg, this county, a short time, and then started out for himself. After marriage he located near Danville, Montour Co., Penn., on a farm, where he lived one year. He was appointed keeper of the Columbia County poorhouse, but, finding it unsuitable to his taste, after one year moved back to the farm and remained three years. He then resided two years in Mechanicsville, Penn.^, and then moved on the Holfingshead farm where he remained for one year. In 1884 he bought the farm where he now resides, and which consists of 140 acres. This property He married, in September, 1868, Ellen Barnd, a is the old homestead of his mother. daughter of Charles and Elizabeth Barnd. They are the parents of nine children; Charles, Josiah, Frank, Andrew, May, Elizabeth, Mattie, Lutora and Roy. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts are members of the German Reformed Church; politically be is a Republican. K. ROBINS, M. D., P. O. Catawissa, was born in Sunbury, Northumberland: His parents, Aaron and Rebecca (Richardson) Robins, were County, April 14, 1820. natives of Pennsylvania and of English descent. His paternal ancestors came from England to this country with Wm. Penn. His paternal ancestors are traced to three brothers, cation. JOHN to this country from England; two of them remained at Rhode Island, and the His grandfather, Joseph Richardson, went into the to Philadelphia, Penn. Revolutionary war when about eighteen years of age, was wounded at the battle of Brandywine and suffered from lameness the rest of his life. About the time of the Revolution he had begun the study of medicine; but after that struggle turned his attention to who came other came farming, and owned two farms near Danville. Our subject's father was a contractor and He built the abutments for the Sunbuilder, which occupation he followed all his life. bury dam, which was a noted piece of work. He owned 200 acres of land in Michigan, a farm near Sunbury, another at Union Corners, a number of town and city proj^mies in different places, and was quite wealthy at his death, which occurred in Sunbury in John K. remained at home and attended the schools of his neighborhood. At the 1843. age of twenty years he commenced the study of medicine and graduated in the allopathiccourse at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1842. In April of the same year hewent to Shamokin, Penn., where he soon had a good practice and remained three years. 407 CATAWISSA TOWNSHIP. In January, 1846, he removed to Catawissa, where he has since enjoyed a very large practice. In 1874 he took his son, WilHam B., who is also agraduate of Jefferson Medical College, into partnership with him, and the firm has since been known as John K. Robins & Son. Dr. Robins married, in November, 1847, Jane, daughter of Joseph Brobst. Five children have been born to their union: Mary, wife of A. H. Sharpless; Ada; William B., married to Emma Cleaver; Joseph and Rebecca. Dr. Robins is a member of the Episcopal Church, and also of the Masonic fraternity. Lodge tSTo. 349, Chapter 272. He has held nearly all the ofHces of the Blue Lodge and Chapter, and is a member of the Crusade Knight Templars at Danville. I. H. SEESHOLTZ, merchant, Catawi'^sa, was born in Catawissa, Columbia His father Co., Penn., November 14, 1837, a son of Philip and Mary (Hull) Seesholtz. was a native of Pennsj'lvania and his mother of New Jersey, and both were of German descent. His paternal grandfather came from Germany and located in Northumberland County, near Sunbury, where he owned a farm and cultivated it until his death. Subject's father, a native of Northumberland County, Penn., was a potter, which trade he followed a number of years. He came to Columbia County about 1830 and located in Roaringcreek, where he resided several years, and then moved to Catawissa, bought property and followed his trade a few years. He then bought a couple of farms and turned his attention to agriculture, which he followed until his death in 1872. He lived He was the father of the in one house over fifty years; was a Republican in politics. following named children: Matilda, Piifaler, Jeremiah S., Christian B., James M., the Wilderness), and Sarah (who the battle of Edmund H., Isaac H., William was killed at C. Sharpless. Our subject attended school until 1859, when he read medicine and attended two courses of lectures at Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia. In April, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Sixth P. V. C, "Iron Guards," and served under Capt. Wallace Ricketts. He was appointed and served as second lieutenant six months; resigned and enlisted in Company H, Ninety-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was soon commissioned first lieutenant; in a short lime he resigned and joined Company C, One Hundred and Eighteenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, and rose to the position of captain. In June, 1865, he was mustered out. He participated in nearly all of the battles of the Army of the Potomac; was wounded September 20, 1862, at Shepardstown, Va., by a gunshot, which disabled him from duty for three or four months. He was. again wounded by a gunshot in 1863, at Peeble's farm. Capt. Seesholtz was a brave soldier, to which is due his promotion. At the close of the war he returned home and engaged in mercantile business, which he has since carried on. He keeps a general line of merchandise and fertilizers, and his stock is valued at f o.OOO, insured. He owns four houses and four town lots and his store building. He married, in November, 1880, Martha Poland, and they have one child, Sarah P. Mr. and Mrs. Seesholtz are members of the church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the G. A. R., Post 170; is serving as quartermaster, and has held most of the ofl[ices of the post. He is a member of tiie school board of which he was president in 1885, and is its present secretary. Politically he is a Republican. H. SHARPLESS, clerk, P. O. Catawissa, was born May 29. 1852, a son of John and Sarah Ann (Harder) Sharpless, natives of Catawissa. Benjamin Sharpless, grandfather of our subject, came to this county while a young man. and was one of the originators of the Catawissa Paper Company, with which he was connected until his death in 1855. At the time of his death he was ninety-tbree years old, and his wife had preceded him a number of years. They are buried in the Quaker Cemetery at Catawissa. Our subject's father was reared in Catawissa, and in early life was employed in the papermills. He erected the building which is now known as "the corner drug store," there kept a general stock of goods and operated the store until his death in 1868. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Catawissa. His wife died in 1852 and is buried in the Quaker Cemetery at Catawissa. Both were members of the Society of Friends. Our subject was reared in Catawissa and received his early education in the schools of that place. In 1861 he entered the Kingston Seminary where he spent two years, and in his nineteenth year became a student at the Westchester Classical Institute, where he also spent two years. He then returned to Columbia County and commenced business in a store, building on what was then known as " the Willetts farm," but now as " the Sharpless farm." He continued in this place doing business for three years, when he came to Catawissa and entered the employ of C. F. Harder, with whom he remained until taking his present position CAPT. R GEORGE Truckenmiller, in May, 1886. He was married at Catawissa November 23, Schmick, a native of Norristown, Penn., and a daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Baldv) Schmick, natives of Catawissa, where the latter still resides, the former having died in Korristown, in 1855. where he was general manager of the canal. Mr. and Mrs. Sharpless have four children John, Gilbert, Kate and Anna. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican-Democrat. FRANKLIN L. SHUMAN, associate judge, Catawissa, was born in Beaver Valley, Penn., October 6, 1834, a son of Christian and Elizabeth (Hendershot) Shuman, both natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His great-grandfather came from Ger- with A. S. 1873, to Miss Ella : 31 408 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: early day. His paternal grandfather, John, was one of the early settlers of Catawissa ToAvnship, and here purchased a farm where he lived until his death. He was a 'leading citizen and a substantial Democrat. Our subject's father. Christian, was born and reared in Catawissa, and when about eighteen years of age, moved to Northampton County, this State, where he learned the tanner's trade and worked He then moved to Beaver Valley, this county, where he bought a mill at it some time. In 1855 he property, which he operated several years, and also carried on tanning. many at an He owned three farms, a grist-mill. entered mercantile business at the same place. He at one tannery, store and hotel, all of which he had in operation at the same time. period possessed considerable wealth, but owing to misfortunes it w^as very much reduced As a Democrat he took a deep interest in politics, and, although at the time of his death. never an aspirant for office, had a great influence over his Democratic friends. His death occurred in 1885. Our subject was reared in Beaver Valley, this county, where he attended school until he had reached the age of nineteen years. Being of a very ambitious character he longed for something higher and made up his mind to do something for himHe commenced to work for his father at one thing or another on his farm, in the self. store and the mill, and so continued until he was married, when he engaged in the lumber business, keeping hotel at Beaver Valley, which industry he carried on until 1873. In the meantime he had owned a half dozen farms, but disposed of them, except twenty acres In 1870 he built a house in Catawissa into adjoining Catawissa, which he still retains. He then erected a large which he moved, but which was destroyed by fire June 7, 1885. two-story frame house, built on the same spot, in which he lives at present. He had only resided here a short time after his first move when sickness attacked his family, and he was compelled to abandon his home here and seek other quarters. However he was not long in making up his mind, so he moved back to his old home in Beaver Valley, and again embarked in mercantile business, to which he soon after added coal trade, also carrying on a number of trades while living here. He moved back to Catawissa in 1875 In 1881 he bought the Zarr farm, which consisted of forty where he has since lived. acres, adjoining Catawissa, and laid it out in town |lots. which is known as "Shuman's addition," on which there have been erected over 100 houses within the last few years. The schoolhouse, one of the finest in the county, is also built on this addition. In 1884 he put in water-works in the town, which he and his sons control and are the individual In the owners of, although, under a chartered company, it is all in the Shuman family. fall of 1885 he laid out a new cemetery in Catawissa in the'east end of Shuman's addition. and performing serving first term his In 1876 he was elected associate judge, and after He hisduty'so manfully, he was re-elected in 1881, and is now serving his second term. several July 27, 1854, Angeline, the peace terms. He married, justice of been has also daughter of Minessa and Susanna (Hosier) Michael and to them have been born four children, only one of whom survives Paris H., married to Ada Boyer. Mr. and Mrs. Shuman are members of St. John's Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat. He has probably done more for Catawissa since living here in the way of building it up than any other man in the vicinity. In educational interests, public improvements and all that pertains to progress and advancement of the town, Mr. Shuman has taken an active and prominent part, and the record of his life will live, in the memory of those whose rugged ways he smoothed and softened, after he has passed away. M. A. SWANK, merchant, Catawissa. was born in Catawissa Township, this county, May 6, 1845, a son of Jacob and Lydia (Waterhouse) Swank, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather, George, lived in Northumberland County, Penn., where he owned a farm and followed agricultural pursuits all his life. Our subject's father was born in Northumberland County, and was a brick-maker by trade, w'hich he followed until coming to this county, in 1838, and for a number of years thereafter. He was then employed by the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad for about eleven years; then took up farming and gardening, which he has followed since. He resides about two miles east of Catawissa, -where he owns a farm; is now in his seventieth year, but hale and He was the father of nine children, si.x of whom are now living: Sarah Getchey, stout. Martin A., Wellington, Elwood, Clara Irwine and Anna Getchey. Our subject was reared on the farm, but, being crippled, never worked much on it. He attended school until he was about eighteen years old, and remained at home until the spring of 1877, when he engaged in rnercantiie business in Catawissa, and here has since remained. He carries a general line of groceries and dry goods valued at $5,000; has quite an extensive trade and is one of the leading merchants of the town. He married in 1881 Louisa Geist, by whom he bad two children: George and Ethel. Mr. and Mrs. Swank attend the services of the Church. E. M. TEWKSBURY, farmer, P. O. Catawissa, was born in Brooklyn, Susquehanna Co., Penn., September 10, 1837, a son of Reuben and Martha (Cory) Tewksbury, the former a native of Vermont, the latter of Rhode Island. The family is of pure English descent, dating back to the early history of England. Among the London merchants was John Tewksbury, one of the oldest friends of the Scriptures in England. As early as 1513 he had become the po.ssessor of a manuscript copy of the Bible and had attentively — ' CATAWISSA TOWNSHIP. 40'9" studied it. Being a man of understanding, clever in all he undertook, a ready and fluent speaker, and liking to get at the bottom of everything, Tewksbury, like Monmouth, became very influential in the city of London, and one of the most learned in the Scriptures of any of the evangelicals. Our subject's grandfather was born in Massachusetts. Reuben Tewksbury moved to Susquehanna County, Penn., witii his father, Sergt. Tewksbury, in 1803, and there resided until his death in 1861. He was a farmer and owned a good farm. Our subject was reared on a farm, and remained witli his parents until fifteen years of age, when he entered Harford University, Susquehanna County, Penn., from which he graduated after three years' hard study. His next pursuit was teaching school in Dauphin County, near Harrisburg, Penn., where he taught one term in the winter of 1855-56. In the summer of the latter year he came to this county and taught school in Catawissa Township. He was engaged in teaching school and farming up to 1869, when he bought the farm of 160 acres, where he has since remained. Tliis farm was taken up in 1772 by David Shakespeare, who bought it from Thomas and John Penn, proprietors of Pennsylvania. They paid £10 18 shillings for the whole tract of 218 acres. It is one of the oldest farms in the section, and is known as "Shakespeare Springs." eighteen miles north of Ft. Augusta (Sunbury). This section was then in Northumberland County, and it is said to be the oldest title paper for many miles, having been patented during the reign of George III. The next deed was from David Shakespeare to Joseph Mclntyre, recorded August 26, 1797, but was sold in 1796. The next transfer was a will and deed byJoseph Mclntyre to his heirs and deed of heirs to William Mclntyre, April 29. 1816. The first heirs were William Mclntyre, Mary (wife of John Yocum), Rachel (wife of Jacob Fox), Patience, Sarah and Eleanor, and were the heirs among whom the estate was divided. The next deed is given by William Mclntyre, April 9, 1840, to William H. Davison, from New Jerse}% the father of E. M. Tewksbury's wife. This deed covers a tract of about 400 acres. The next title is by a will made in 1849 by William H. Davison to his wife during her lifetime. After her death the farm fell to Barnett D., Jane (wife of Peter Kern). Mary (wife of John Osburn), Elizabeth (wife of Lemuel Titsworth). Sarah This family were C. (wife of Franklin Titsworth) and Ellen (wife of E. M. Tewksbury). The tarm was divided among them in tracts by deed of aboveall born in New Jersey. named heirs of AVilliam H. Davison, deceased, to Edward M. Tewksbury, bearing date April 1, 1869, who retams the 160 acres. One part of the original tract is owned by Peter Co. at the same date. Kern; 120 acres and sixty-five acres were deeded to Billmeyer Mr. Tewksbury was married July 3, 1858, by the Rev. D. J. Waller, to Ellen Davison, by whom he has two children: Martha D. and Eugene D. The family are all members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Tewksbnry is a prominent and successful citizen. He was run over by a team of horses and suffers from lameness. In addition to his other business he operates a dairy, and has been in that business for nine years. He is a member of the Grange, in politics a Democrat; and now (1887) a member of the board of county auditors, having been elected by a leading vote on the ticket. WILLIAM H. TUTHILL, yard-fqreman of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, Catawissa, was born in Orange County, N. Y., November 2. 1833, and is a a son of Harris and Mary (Duzenberry) Tuthlll, natives of the State of New York and of French-German descent. His grandfather was born in the above named State and was a farmer, as is Our subject, at also Harris Tuthill. who is yet living in Orange Count}', N. Y. twenty-five years of age, went to Tioga County, N. Y., and engaged in farming five In the spring of 1864 he came to Catawissa and was employed by the Catawissa years. Railroad Company as a laborer with a gang of carpenters, building shops, and worked, himself up to different positions until he was promoted yard-foreman, which oflice he has He is one of the company's trustworthy men and an held for about seventeen years. active railroad man. He was married in December, 1858, to A. E. Cornwall, a native of They have an the State of New York, and they are the parents of one child, Mahala. adopted daughter, Annie E. Mrs. Tuthill is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Tuthill politically is a Democrat. He owns two houses and lots in Catawissa. JOHN AVALTZ, farmer, P. O. Catawissa, was born in Schuylkill County, this His father State, September 21, 1830, a son of John and Magdalene (Schmidt) Waltz. was a native of Wurtemberg, Germany, and his mother of Alsace, France. The former left the old country about 1823, landed in Baltimore and then came to Chester County, this State, where he remained for some years; then moved to Schuylkill County, where he married and lived a number of years. He came to Columbia County, bought a lot in Maine Township, where he lived about fifteen years, when he moved to Mifliiu Township, and there resided with his daughter until his death, at the age of eighty-three years. Our subject was reared in Schuylkill County until about five years of age, when he came Heto this county with his parents and remained with them until he was twenty-one. was then employed on the Lehigh Valley Railroad for about fifteen years in Carbon He then came to Catawissa and was employed by the Catawi.ssa' County, this State. Railroad Company for about ten years. In 1871 he moved to where he now lives where he had previously bought a small farm. He at once commenced to improve the place and He now owns seventy acres of good land on which built a fine barn at a cost of $1,100. & 410 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: he does all kinds of trucking. Mr. Waltz has the name of being the best berry (" Big Bob" and " Sharpless") raiser in this country, making it a specialty. He ships berries as far as California, and has raised some of the finest in the country, eight making a quart. He was married in 1857 to Anna L. Shuman, who bore him two children, Cv^ighlon S. and AlfrettaJ H., and died iu 1865. He next married, in 1869, Barbara Ritter. Mr. Waltz and wife are members of the Evangelical Church. He formerly was a member of the K. of P. W. G. TETTER, division engineer of the Catawissa division of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, Catawissa, was born in Columbia County, Peuu., 'December 10, 1838, a son of Lewis and Harriet B. (Gearhart) Yetter, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German His grandfather, John, a shoemaker by trade, lived in Catawissa, where he descent. served as justice of the peace for a great many years. Our subject's great-grandfather. Samuel, came from Virginia and settled near Catawissa, where he followed farming until He served as major under George Washington, and after the war located near his death. Catawissa. Subject's father was born in 1811, and during his early life learned the trades of chairmaker and painter. He afterward took up surveying, which he followed about He served for thirty-five years as justice of the peace, and as notary thirty-five years. public for a long time, and had settled up some forty-five estates at the time of his death. He was a substantial Republican. He was the father of five children, three of whom are now living: William G., Albert and Mrs. Hannah A. Decker. He died January 24, 1880. Our subject was brought up iu Catawissa, and attended school until about twenty years of age, when he took up surveying under:ihis father, and followed it until September 20, 1862. He was emplioyed by the Catawissa Railroad Company as rodman. which position he held until 1865, when, on June 10 of that year, he was appointed roadmaster of the Catawissa division, a responsibility he held until 1877, when he was promoted to engineer, which office he held until 1882, when the title was changed to " division roadmaster" until 1885, when he received the title of '" division engineer." While serving as roadmaster he did a great deal of railroad building for the company, and in 1871 built the extension line from Milton to Williamsport, and also several short branches. He has been an active railroad man since in the employ of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Company. He has an interest in the Catawissa Bridge Company, owns two houses and lots Mr. Yetter married, March 19, 1867, Diana, in Catawissa, and also two lots in the town. daughter of Seely and Sarah (Shoemaker) Swartwood. Mr. and Mrs. Yetter are the parents of two children: Harriet and Harry. Mrs. Yetter is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Yetter is widely known all over the Slate, is connected with the signal service, is prominent in his county, and has hosts of friends. W. A. YETTER, proprietor of the Susquehanna House, Catawissa, was born in Mainville, Penu., June 11, 1849, a son of Isaac and Mary (Kostenbander) Yetter, natives of the same State. His grandparents on both sides, farmers, came from Bucks County, Penn., to this county, where his paternal grandfather settled in Franklin Township and there died. Our subject's father first settled in Franklin Township, but later moved to Maine Township, where he still resides, and is now about eighty years of age: his wife died iu NovemThey were parents of eleven children, of whom survive Elizabeth, wife of ber, 1885. William Hauk; Esther, wife of William T. Shuman; Matilda, wife of John Stokes; Jacob B. Alfred; Wright A. and Boyd. Our subject was reared on a farm, and at the age of eighteen learned telegraphy, and was given an office at Fairview on the Lehigh Valley Railroad. After a short tune he was appointed telegraph operator and assistant freight agent on the Catawissa Railroad (now the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad), which position he held five months, when he was promoted to an agency at Ringtown, for the same company. He occupied that place about two years, when he accepted a position as operator on the Central Railroad of New Jersey, which, however, he resigned after a short time With that to accept a more remunerative one on the Lehigh & Susquehanna Railroad. company he remained five months, when he was appointed to a position with the Catawissa Railroad Company, and remained with them until 1872, when the road was changed With the latter company he remained as station agent at to the Philadelphia & Reading. Summit for about two years; then was transferred to Williamsport, where he acted as superHe was then transferred to a intendent's clerk and car agent for three and a half years. better position and increased salary at Temple, Berks County, where he acted as station agent for four years and a half. In September, 1883, he took charge of the "Susquehanna House " at Catawissa, which hotel he has since conducted, and which is first-class in every Mr. Yetter married, November 10, 1875, Harriet Reifsnyder Keller, and five chilrespect. dren were born to this union: Robert E., Hobert R., Desdamona, Marshall and Isaac. Mr. Yetter is a member of the Masonic fraternity, Lodge No. 349. In politics he is a Republican. JOHN" C. YOCUM. attorney at law, Catawissa, was born in Roaringcreek Township, Columbia Co., Penn., April 23, 1854, a son of Elijah and Jane (Campbell) Yocum, natives of Pennsylvania and of German-Scotch descent. His grandfather, Capt. John Yocum, ; came from Germany to Amercia when quite young, and settled in Roaringcreek TownHe ship, this county, where he purchased a farm and followed agriculture all his life. CENTRE TOWNSHIP. 411 He was a very large man and always a good farmer and owned considerable land. took great delight in showing his strength, and it is thought his life was shortened by overdoing himself. He died at the age of fifty-two years, in the prime of life. He was a Democrat poiiiically, which is rather remarkable, as all his children except the father of our subject, who was always a Democrat, are Republicans, and was a consistent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject's father was a farmer and also He owned three saw-milis in Locust Township, this county, and started dealt in lumber. At the time of his death he in life wiili not money enough to buy a team of horses. owned l.^OO acres of land. He died in 1883, in his sixty-ninth year. He had been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church until the war when, politics being introduced Our subject was reared on a farm into the pulpit, he became disgusted and withdrew. but was engaged in the lumber business with his father until seventeen years of age, when he entered Ebysburg Academy, which he attended four terms. He then entered Lebanon Valley College at Annville, Penn., where he graduated from the classical department in 1879. Previous to that, however, he had taught four terms of school at intervals during the college course. In 1880 he entered the office of the Hon. Charles R. Buckalew at Bloomsburg, with whom he read law two years, and was admitted to the bar in December, 1881. In April, 1882, he came to Catawissa, and has since been practicing law here. Mr. Yocum is a very able attorney. He married, October 28, 1885, Fannie C, daughter of Jacob S. and Louise Killinger, a native of Annville, Lebanan Co., Penn. Mr. Yocum is a member of the United Brethren Church, and Mrs. Yocum of the Reformed Church. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, No. 349, Catawissa Lodge; in politics a Democrat. Mr. Yocum is the owner of a tract of land in Locust Township in timber, and the house and lot where he resides. In October, 1884, he and C. E. Randall purchased the Catawissa News Item, which is a neat seven-column, four-page sheet, and has a circulawas tion of 1,500. DANIEL ZARR, Jr., farmer, P. O. Catawissa, was born in Berks County, this March 17, 1835, a son of John and Catherine (Sline) Zarr, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His ancestors came from that country and settled in Berks County where Ihej^ followed farming. His grandfather, George, lived in that county for a number of years, later moved to Columbia County nearly a century ago, bought a farm and built the stone house in the south end of Catawissa, which is now owned by Frank Shumau. There were but two or three houses in Catawissa when he moved here. Our subject's father was born in Northampton County, Penn., and came here when a boy, but remained onl}^ a short time; then he moved to Berks County, where he remained a tew years and, about 1835, returned to Catawissa where he resided until his death which occurred in July, 1881, at the home of his son Daniel. He had been drafted in the service of his country, but the war closed before he was called to the field. He was the father of nine children, six of Avhom are living: David, John, Benjamin, Joel, Daniel and Jeremiah. Three daughters are dead. Daniel was only a babe when his parents moved here, and he remained at home until he was of age, attending school. He then worked for anybody and everybody in order to support his parents, whom he cared for till their death. In 18^81 he bought a farm of eighty-three acres of good land, where he now^ resides. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, and is an intelligent and enterprising citizen. State, CHAPTER XXVITT. CENTRE TOWNSHIP. LEVI AIKMAN, farmer, P. O. Light Street, was born in what is now Centre Township, this county, on the farm on which he now resides, on IMarch 4, 1816, son of Levi, Sr., and IMargaret (Hutchison) Aikman, the latter of whom was born in Northampton County, Penn., her father being a farmer; she was reared in Northampton County, and, her parents dying when she was a child, slie afterward came to this county. Her ancestors were of Scotch-Irish extraction. The Aikman family are also of Scotch-Irish extraction, Alexander Aikman having emigrated from the North of Ireland to this country. He came to this county from Morris County, N. J., during the progress of the Revolutionary war, about 1777 or 1778. He had been previously married in New Jersey to Miss Mary Lewis, and they came to this county with th^'ir children, among whom was Levi Aikman, Sr., father of the subject of this sketch. With him also came three brothers. He located on a tract of land which he purchased, the land on which Levi now resides 412 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: ijeiiii? part of his original purchase, although he himself located about a half mile east. Tliere were but few settlers in this vicinity when he came, probably a couple of families, and he found his purchase, which is in the Briar creek valley, covered with a very heavy growth of timber. He commenced by cutting down trees enough to hew out the logs for u culnn in which he could domicile his family, and, this task accomplished, he set about clearing up a farm in the heart of the wilderness. Here there were bears and wolves in large jiumbers, and Levi Aikman, Sr., often related to his family in later days that when he came deer were more plentiful than are sheep at the present day. He became quite expert Jn deer hunting, and killed quite a number of bears during the time he lived in the county. When Alexander Aikman tirst came out he was accompanied only by his three sons, and after getting his 900 acres located, his cabin built and three acres of turnips planted, he and his sous went back to the neighborhood of Sunbury, Northumberland County, to bringout the remainder of the family who had been temporarily left there. While they were at that place making prei)arations to return to this localit.y, the Indian war broke out. .rendering it unsafe to venture back to their then western home. So when Alexander Aikman received an offer from a man who wished to purchase a part of his land, he sold 600 acres. He afterward often related how the compensation he got for this large tract was realized from the sale of thirty yards of tow cloth, he having been obliged to Take his paj- in Continental money. They then returned to Morris County, N.J. After the Indian troubles, however, the family came out to this county, and here Alexander and his wife lived until their death. The former died in the latter part of the last century; the latter survived him some time. They are buried in Scott Township, but not in a regular •cemetery, as there was none in the county at the time of their death. Of their seven .children Levi, Sr., was the second in order of age. Born in New^ Jersey in 1766, he was but a boy when his parents came to this county, and as he grew up he also witnessed the /gradual progress of what is now Columbia County. He macle his home witii his parents until he was married. He had received some educational instruction in New Jersey, liut -on coming to this locality the meager educational facilities of that day allowed him but a month or so more of schooling. He spent his l:)oyhood days here at work on his father's ifarm, and when he was about thirty years of age he was married to Miss Margaret Hutchison. Before his marriage he had bought the land on which his son Levi now resides, and on which he had previously done some work, and after his marriage lie and his wife settled on this land. Here he followed farming until about fifteen years before his death, after which time he lived a retired life. They were the parents of eight children, of whom two .are living: Levi, subject of this sketch, and James Emmett, born April 19, 1819. and who makes his home with Levi. Those that died were Sarah, wife of George Hidlay; Esther, wife of Abraham Willett; Elizabeth, died at the age of three or four years; Mary, wife of James Dewitt; John Wilson and Margaret. Levi Aikman. Sr., died in 1846, being preceded in death by his wife some six or eight years. Thej^ are buried at the Hidlay Union Church. Levi Aikman, subject of this sketch, is next to the youngest of their eight children. He was lioru and reared on the tract of land where he now resides, has always made it his home, and has only removed once, and that time out of an old house into a .new one. He was reared to farm life, and received the advantages of the schools of his day. He taught school three teims when a young man, but did not like the occupation, and afterward gave his attention to farming. He was married in Hemlock Township, this county. April 24, 1849, to Miss Elizabeth Ohl, a native of Hemlock Township, and daughter of John and Lena (Girton) Ohl, the former of whom came when a bo.y with his parents to this county from Montgomery County, Penn.: the latter was Ijorn in Hemlock Township, but her parents came from New Jersey. The Ohls were originally of German, the Girtons of English, lineage. Henry Ohl, grandfather of Mrs. Aikman, was a captain in the Revolutionary war. He died at the age of eighty-six years, and is buried in the Lutheran cemetery, in Bloomsburg, as is also his wife. The parents of Mrs. Aikman are both deceased, her father dying in 1855, at the age of sixty-three years, eleven months, and her mother in 1869, at the age of seventy years. They are buried in Rosemont Cemetery, Bloomsburg. Mr. and Mrs. Aikman are the parents of four children: John Hervey, a graduate of the State Normal School, Bloomsburg, Penn.; Lena Margaret, wife of Arthur C. •Creasy of Centre Township, this county; ClaVa Elizabeth, wife of H. V. White, attorney :and grain dealer, of Bloomsburg, Penn., and Mary Alvernon. Mr. and Mrs. Aikman are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Aikman was identified in times past with the Whig party, and cast his first vote for Henry Clay. He is now a Republican. J. E. An Peter Hayman remoyed here from Berks County; made a settlement there resided until his death in 1832, at the age of seventyis now Orano-e Township and Benjatwo years ^His wife was Sayilla Hall, and their children, John, Jonas, Joseph, min Abigail Mary Maria, all of whom are married and settled in this county and reared when young. John married Marfamilies except Joseph, who was accidentally killed Maria. Peter, Phebe, barah, garet Overderf and seven children were born to him: Elisha, John and Amanda. John resides in Michigan; the others settled in this county, and Boone; Maria Elisha John and Amanda are the only surviyors. Amanda is the wife of C. married Jeremiah Pursel; Phebe married Joseph Fry, and Sarah became the wife of J, thirty years He lias ' ; m D Miller PETER HAYMAN, farmer, O. P. Rohrsburg, was born in Orange Township, December 20 1836 the younoest of the sons bora to Jonas and Mary (Miller) Hayman. To Jonas was born in Berks County, Penn., about the year 1799, son of Peter Hayman Albert, Peter Jonas and Mary were born eight children: Joseph, Benjamin, Jacob, Jesse, Township to Greenwood Esther and Mary, all now living. Jonas removed from Orange Ikeler, also made the imnear Rohrsburo" 'and built the mill now owned by Johnson H. provements on the Ikeler farm; he owned the farm owned by John Black and built the improvements on the same. He operated a distillery for several years; after the distillery on and mill burned down he rebuilt the mill, which he ran for several years, carried at home farming and died in 1867; his wife died several years previous. Peter remained He was married, in 1862, until twenty-five years of age, when he embarked for himself. in 1872, leaving one child Anna, to Ann daughter of James^Mather; Mrs. Hayman died was with Savilla, wife of William Kester, of Iowa. Mr. Hayman's second marriage Bruce, daughter of Daniel Kitchen, and by her he had six children: Minnie L., Norah M., Willie F. and Ha M. Willie is deceased. After marriage he spent one A John farm he now- owns, year in Fishiiigcreek Township engaged in farming, then bought the H., owned by Phiiip Reece, consisting of fifty acres. Mr. Hayman is a member of the P. ofTwo year, and served in the also of the Presbyterian Church^ He was in the army one Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. township, on the ISA'^.C HEACOCK, farmer, P. O. Rohrsburg, was born in this Heacock homestead, June 20, 1824, eldest son of Enos and Mary (Ogden) Heacock; has pursuits; also always been a resident of the township, and been engaged in agricultural and introducing fertilizers for many years been engaged in selling farm machinery For several years he farmed the homestead, but, since 1858, has amono- the farmers married Octobeen a resident of his present farm consisting of eighty-three acres. He was Lydia (Lundy) Harvey, ber 5 1853 to Mary Jane, eldest daughter of Benjamin C. and township. Of their the latter a daughter of Stacy Lundy. one of the pioneers of the (married Alverna four children reared to maturity (three are living): Harvey E. Charles C. are Kelchner, and has one son); Stacy L.; Charles C. and AnnaS. Harvey E. and Dr. Stacy both commercial men and represent a woolen manufactory at Wilhamsport. received his diploma while L died June 6. 1881; he had just graduated with honors, and on his death bed. He was a young man of rare promise, a thorough scholar, a Christian gentleman, esteemed by all who knew him. on -.00-7 *i „ ALFRED HEACOCK, farmer, P. O. Greenwood, was born December 20, 1837, on the farm he now owns, the second son of Enos and Mary (Ogden) Heacock. He grew to manhood on his present farm, which he took charge of in 1865 and came into possession of in first, February 1876 and which consists of ninety-four acres. He has been twice married; daughter 22 1865 to Martha J. Mather, who was born in Schuylkill County, Penn., the She died eight months after marriage. Mr. Heacock married, as his of' Jesse Mather. Townsecond wife Mary E daughter of John Ruckle. She was born in Mount Pleasant children: Lizzie, Harry ship this county,' and to her and her husband have been born four Grant Enos Raymond and Lattimer. Politically Mr. Heacock is a Republican. JOSIAH HEACOCK, miller, Millville,was born September 20, 1841, on the homestead The first of the name to settle here w^as Josiah, who came from Northin this township ampton County, Penn., but the family came originally from New Jersey. His wife AbiJeremiah, Amos, Jesse, Enos, gail J Green, bore him the following children: Joseph, part of Richard Hannah. Rosanna, Lavina, Mary and Sallie. Josiah settled in the south Heacock. Enos married the township on the farm now occupied by his grandson, Alfred and Mary Ogden who bore him six children: Isaac, Sarah A., Rachel, Elizabeth, Alfred township. Josiah Josiah all of whom were born on the homestead, and still living in the business, remained on the homestead until his eighteenth year. He learned the milling began on and worked at it for some time in Luzerne County near Kingston. In 1864 he W ; _ , , GEEENWOOD TOWNSHIP. 473 own account. In 1870 he associated with George Masters in operating the Millville which partnership continued until in September, 1871, when Masters died. In 1882 Mr. Heacock bought out the entire interest, and tooli charge April 1, 1883, and has since been owner and proprietor of the same, and is doing an excellent business. He has been twice married; first to Mary E. Ikeler, a native of Fishingcreek, and a daughter of Williim Ikeler. She died in 1868, leaving one child Minnie. His second wife was Hannah G. Lawton, daughter of William G. Lawton, and by her he had two children: Myra (living) and Sara (deceased). Mr. Heacock volunteered twice in the service of his countrj. ihis imills, — Politically he is a Kepublican. W. W. HEACOCK, merchant, P. O. Millville, was born in this township, April 16, second son of C. S. and Hannah (Watson) Heacock. He was reared in this ^township. At an early age he entered the store of William Masters as clerk, and clerked for him about fourteen years, learned the business thoroughly, and in recognition of his services and ability he was taken as partner March 27, 1884, under the firm name of Masters & Co., which still exists. They are doing an excellent business, and are among the leading merchants in the county. He was married, May 4, 1876, to Sarah, eldest daughter of To them have been born four children, three living: Lulu, Mellie and LillS. B. Kisner. ian; deceased: Zella, aged four years. ABIAH P. HELLER, M. D., Millville, was born in Hemlock Township. April 9, 1829, the only son of James and Hannah (Phillips) Heller. James was born February 20, 1801, in Lycoming County and died in this county at the age of seventy-four years. His father, Jacob, was from Lancaster, Penn., of Scotch ancestry. Dr. Heller's maternal grandparents were Abiah and Sarah (Guess) Phillips, to whom were born six children: George W., Hannah, Martha, David, Marian and Henry G. To James Heller and wife were born two children, Abiah and Margaret Ann; the latter married Samuel Harriman and located in Lycoming County; she is now deceased. Our subject was left motherless at the age of four years and was brought by his father to this township in 1839. When sixteen years of age he left home and obtained employment among the farmers in the and attended school in summer season the winter. At the age of nineteen he began teaching and his earnings he gave to his father to assist him in paying for his farm. When Abiah P. attained his majority and began for himself he had nothing, and was in debt for his suit of clothes. Shortly after he began the study of medicine with Dr. P. John of Millville, and pursued his studies until his graduation at the Pennsylvania Eclectic College, February 22, 1854. He located in Centre County, Penn., and began the pracThere he continued three years, when he returned to this county tice of his profession. and succeeded his preceptor, Dr. P. John, who had removed to Bloomsburg. Here Dr. Heller has since remained, and has also, in addition to his practice, attended to his farm. November 28, 1854, he married Susan W., daughter of Benjamin and Priscilla Eves, by whom he has had three children. Benjamin, the eldest, died when five years old. The living are James Sherman and Frank Wellington. JOHNSON H. IKELER, retired, P. O. Rohrsburg, was born February 5, 1813, in this township and is descended from one of the early settlers of this part of the county. William Ikeler, the first of the family to settle here, came from New Jersey and located on the farm now occupied by George Ikeler, about one century ago. He married a Miss Barnhart and by her had four children: Andrew, William, Elizabeth and Barnabas, all of whom settled in this township, except Barnabas. Andrew married Christian Ann, daughter of Isaac Johnson, who came from New Jersey. To Andrew and wife were born six children: Elizabeth, William J., Margaret, Isaac, Andrew J. and Johnson H., all of whom settled in this county. Andrew, the father of our subject, was born April 18, 1773, and died November 24, 1850; his wife was born in 1774 and died December 29, 1865. Mr. Ikeler was not a member of any church, but gave liberally to all Christian denominations. He was a Democrat and served as commissioner and supervisor, and also held other township offices. He was a colonel in the militia and was called out in the civil war, but after twelve days' service returned, as he was not required. Johnson H. began farming at the age of twenty-two years, when he took charge of the farm on which he lived until the spring of 1881. He then moved to Rohrsburg and has since led a retired life. He yet owns the homestead farm and another south of the town, and also a mill property, which he operates. He married, October 31, 1834, Maria, daughter of Jonathan Lemon, and they have reared six children: Christian Ann, Emeline, William P., Elmira, Iram B. and Elizabeth. Emeline married Reuben Appleman, and resides in Illinois; Christian Ann married Joseph Reece, and died in 1866; William resides in Greenwood; Elmira married Henry E. Mather; Iram B. resides on the homestead; Elizabeth is the wife of Dr. T. C. McHenry._ Mr. Ikeler since Buchanan's time has been a Republican; has served twenty years as justice of the peace and deputy revenue assessor for six years; has also held other offices and been prominently identified with the interests of the township for many years. He was never defeated for any office. He is not a member of any church society but gives liberally to all charitable causes. WILLIAM P. IKELER, farmer, P. O. Rohrsburg, is descended from one of the prominent families of Greenwood Township, where he was born December 22, 1838, on 1853, the BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 474 Ikeler and remained at home the Ikeler homestead. He is the eldest son of Squire J. H. He then married Savella Goho, a native of Mifuntil he was twenty-four years of age. and Anna (Hess) Goho. Three months after his flin Township and a daughter of Jacob has since been engaged marriao-e Mr Ikeler located where he now resides, and where he He owns 113 acres, which he has brought under a high state of cultivation. in farrning Raymond To him and Mrs. Ikeler six children were born: Milroy B., clerking at Millville; Otto P., William H. and Clarence H. Politically Mr. Ikeler is a RepubG Vinnie engaged with his farming and stock lican, but gives little attention to politics, being W IKELER, farmer, Millville, is descended from a prominent family He is the youngest 1844. of this township, and was born on the homestead, February 11. resided on the homeson of Johnson H. Ikeler, was reared to farming and has always Sallie, daughter of stead engaged in agricultural pursuits. He married January 10, 1877, AUnas Cole of this township. Mrs. Ikeler was born in Sugarloaf Township, and spent age of sixteen; she has the early part of her life in school-teaching— the first term at the Mattie Ellsworth. borne her husband four children: IrmaB., Jessie C, Jay Harold and and of the P. ot H., Mr. Ikeler is a member of the I. O. O. F., Mountain Lodge, No. 264, No. 52, Millville ^~, ^n-^ ,^ i^r ^ t.i * IRAM BENTON JAMES L JOHN, merchant, Millville, was born May 17, 18o2, m Mount Pleasant Township son of James M. and Hannah (Kester) John. He was left fatherless while an manhood. At the age infant and was reared under his mother's care until he arrived at taught school and of eighteen he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, but later school, and in the clerked for Ellis Eves & Bro. one year. He then taught and attended Co. and remained about one sprin"- of 1876 engaged in business with Isaac Underwood & business year^ In 1877 he went to Half Moon, Centre Co., Penn., and then embarked in then went to on his own account, in which he continued one year and nine months. He April, 187J, he Sereno Columbia County, where for six months he conducted a store. In he came went to Lairdsville, where he remained five and a half years. October 31, 1884, has since remained engaged in to Millville erected a store and other improvements, and Jesse and Lydia mercantilei business. August 31, 1876, he married Edith, daughter of and Brand L. (Parker) Heacock. They have four children: Watson I., Jesse M., Mary H. conveyances Mr. John has a livery in connection with his store and furnishes horses and at reasonable rates on short notice. t farmer, P. O. Millville, is descended from the Johnsons who were grandfather, w;as the early settlers of Columbia County. John Jacob Johnson, his British and brought to America a native of Germany; was enrolled in the service of the Deeming their cause a just one, he watched his opportunity, to fight the colonists. He of the war. ioined the American forces and served as a cavalryman until the close pension. was wounded during his service in the cheek and leg and subsequently received a County, and Soon after the close of the Revolution he came to what is now Columbia He was by trade a tailor, and married Mary Barnlived for several years at Orangeville. Catherine (who married hart who bore him six children: Barney, Jacob, William, the wife of George Kline), Elizabeth (married Harmon Kline), and Sarah (who became Nevp Jersey, Georle Snyder). William, the father of Ira, was born February 7 1788, in Elizabeth and died January 24, 1877. He married Jerusha, a daughter of Robert and children: (Robbins) Richart. William was a tailor, and to him and wife were bora six Sarah (wife of Demar Johnson), Minerva (wife of William McMichael); Phi- IRA JOHNSON , i i, among Wesley R., and Ira. Ihe lastlena L. (wife of Jackson Robbins), Arsintha (wife of James Manning) with named was born May 21, 1822, one mile east of Millville, and when young worked He niamed to farming. his father at the tailoring business, but later gave his attention sons blessed their Sarah, daughter of Michael and Catherine (Snj-der) Thomas, and two union': Charles Britton and Arthur Wilson. , ^ ^ ^ , t i io iqqo ^, Ar.^T. MonJuly 19, 1830, WILLIAM KARSCHNER, retired farmer, P. O. lola, was born Madison) with bis partour Township, near Danville, and moved to Pine Township (then farm now owned by ents when nine years of age. His father, Michael, located on the Karschner William There were only eight acres of improved land on the place when Mr. fifty-four years purchased, paying $2 per acre; he died here August 25, 185:3^ aged and Anna (Lox) Subiect's mother's maiden name was Dorothy Ann, daughter of George to be grown: John, Sechler. To Michael and Dorothy were born eight children who lived on the Mary William, Anna, Michael, Levi, Elizabeth and Elihu. William was reared since owned and earned it on farm,' and took charge of it at his father's death; and has Charity (Dildine) He was married October 6, 1856, to Margaret, daughter of Philip and his Mr. Karschner located in lola in the summer of 1885, and has since rexited Kline Church), Episcopal farm He has four children living: Loyd (a minister of the Methodist killed at the sawElmer, Alvaretta, and Riley H. Boyd, the second son, was accidentally member of the Methodist mill at lola June 17, 1885. aged twenty-five years. He was a wife and daughEpiscopal Church, and esteemed for his many qualities. Mr. Karschner, Church. ter are members of the Methodist Episcopal ,.• . ^ 1 n„ KESTER, butcher, Millville, was born in Mount Pleasant, Columbia U>., father his succeeded he family, the of youngest the Penn February 24, 1828, and, being m AARON 475 GKEENWOOD TOWNSHIP. on the homestead, where he remained until 1851. He then came to Millville, and for five years worked in Eves' wagon manufactor}% after which he returned to Mount Pleasant and resumed farming, continuing until 1883. He then returned t© MiUville and again worked He next began the butchering business with his son, S. W. Kester, continues, meeting with great success. January 10, 1853, he married Esther, Mr. and Mrs. Kester have three daughter of Richard and Esther (Caldwell) Pollock. children Alvina J., Richard C. (who resides on the homestead in Mount Pleasant, and married Clara E., daughter of Matthew Kindt), and Samuel W. (who married Pet Ikeler, Pleasant Township J. Ikeler). The Kester family came to what is now Mount dau"-hter of John Kester, the grandfather of Aaron, was born in New Jersey, about the year 1T90. in the manufactory. which he still : A July 31 1744, and died in July, 1835. His wife, Hannah Webster, was born March 19, 1747 and was the daughter of Benjamin and Rachel Webster. Their children were Rachel, Ann Samuel, Hannah, Mary, William, John, Benjamin, Ruth, Joseph and Aaron. The New last named became the father of our subject, and was born August 2o, 1787, Jersey At the ageof three years he came with his father to Mount Pleasant Township, Columbia County, Penn. He married Tamar, daughter of Amos and Mary Parker^^and to them were born the following children, who arrived at maturity Sarah, John, Hannah, Amos P., Anna, Jacob, Mary E., Aaron and Tamar J. NICHOLAS KINDT, farmer, P. O. Greenwood, was born August 30. 1812, in RhenWhen a young man he learned the blacksmith trade and left the land of his ish Prussia birth in 1831, arriving in New York in September of that year. Going to Erie, Penn., he worked three years at his trade for James Little, who was engaged on some public works In the spring of 1835 he left Erie, and after working a short time at differat that place. ent places between Erie a^ New York, he came to this county to visit his uncle, Frederick Rohr, of Rohrsburg. Liking the country, he concluded to remain, and worked that winter for John Richart. He next opened a shop for himself at Rohrsburg, and plied his trade continuously until 1863, when he located on the place which he now owns, and engaged in farming. November 23, 1837, he married Marion, daughter of George McMrs. Kindt was born in this county, December 29, 1810, and has borne her husMichael band the following children George P.; Euphemia, deceased wife of John Kitchen Elizabeth, died at the age of seventeen Maria L. is the wife of Richard Kitchen. Mr. Kindt attends to the farm himself, and, is still as vigorous of mind and body as a man of thirty He and Mrs. Kindt are though beginning poof, has secured for himself a competency. both members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an elder for many years. He is a Democrat in sentiment, but the principles embodied in the platform of the Prohibition party meet his approval. Mr. Kindt's parents were John and Henrietta (Rohr) Kindt, who had a family of eight children Adam, John, Peter, Nicholas, Anna, Beebe, Mary and Matthias, all of whom reared families except Anna. Four of the above came to Adam settled in New Orleans Mary married a Mr. Major who was murthis country dered in California for his money (his widow now resides in Allegheny County, Penn.); Matthias located in Mount Pleasant Township. SAMUEL B. KISNER, blacksmith, P. O. Millville, was born March 16, 1828, MadJohn Kisner was born ison Township eldest son of John and Susan (Battin) Kisner. December 9, 1800, at Maidencreek, Berks County, at the foot of Blue Mountain. John was a son of Leonard Kisner, born at Maidencreek, Berks Co., Penn., and came to Spruce Run at an early day, and settled there in 1806 he married Elizabeth, daughter of John Buck. To Leonard and Elizabeth Kisner were born Jonas, Elizabeth, John, Jacob, Anna and David. All reared families except Anna, who died of small-pox. John was reared in Madison Township. He married Susan Battin December 30, 1824, and they had Elizabeth, married Phineas Sarah, wife of J. P. Smith, in Rohrsburg five children Welliver, in Madison Township; Samuel; Anna C, wife of James Welliver, in Greenwood Henry, died aged twenty-four years. Samuel Kisner moved to this township in 1846, and learned the blacksmith trade. In 1849 he began business for himself, and in 1851 he came In 1878 he took in his son Henry, and the to Millville, and has since carried on his trade. firm is now S. B. & H. W. Kisner. Samuel Kisner was married, December 9, 1847, to John, residing Martha, daughter of Amos and Mary Parker. They have nine children Roy, a miller, residing at lola Sarah, wife of W. W. Heain this place"; Elijah Henry cock Susan, at home Mary, married G. McHenry, at lola Kate, died aged seventeen Amos, died at the age of one year. In politics Mr. Kisner is a Republican. RICHARD KITCHEN, Millville, was born in this town March 7, 1837, the eldest son of Henry Kitchen, who was born in this township February 26, 1801, on the farm now owned by G. W. Utt. September 17, 1829, Henry married Elizabeth Demott, who was born September 9, 1807, and died August 16, 1853. Henry died November 23, 1863. They had a family of seven children, all living: Mary J., who married Uriah R. Harrar and settled in Muncy; Richard; Harriet, wife of W. A. Thomas, of this township; Sarah, resides at Welliverville, the wife of Isaac Kline: John Amos, in Mount Pleasant TownRichard was •ship, and McKelvy, in Washington County, Kas., engaged in farming. reared on the farm, and in 1862 enlisted in Company H. One Hundred and Seventyeighth Regiment, and served nine months. He returned home and the next year, Sep- m : , ; : ; : : ; : m . ; ; ; : ; : ; ; ; ; ; ; ; BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 476 tember 20, 1864, married Maria, daughter of Nicholas and Marou (McMichael) Kiudt Mrs. Kitchen was born in this township February 31, 1847, and has borne her husband one child, Clinton A. The latter resides on the home place, and in 1886 married Agnes daughter of Jonas Miller. Mr. and Mrs. Kitchen are members of the Baptist Church. NEHEMIAH KITCHEN, farmer. P. O. Rohrsburg. was born July 16, 1844, in Fishingcreek Township, to Daniel and Hannah (Shively) Kitchen. He was reared on the farm, and there r'^maincd until December, 1872, when he moved to this township and erected the buildings on the place now occupied by him, which is a part of the old homeHe married, March 1, 1866, Margaret C. Lemmon, who was born in Greenwood, a stead. daughter of Jonathan and Margaret (Lockard) Lemmon. They have two children livHarry D. died at the age of three months. Mr. Kitchen ing: Dora Jane and Elmer L. has eighty-six acres of valuable land under a fine state of cultivation. He is a RepubHe is a member of the lican, and was elected justice of the peace in the spring of 1885. Grange. KRAMER, farmer, P. O. Rohrsburg, was born March 29, 1814. near Stillwater, Penn., and when two years of age was brought by his parents to Orange Township. Seven j^ears later he was brought to Fishingcreek, where he remained until He then purchased property in Rohrsburg, and carried on mercantile busi1866. ness for about eight years. In 1873 he retired from that business, and the next year moved to one of his farms, where he has since been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Although he began poor he now owns three fine farms. He married. December 27, 1838, Sarah, daughter of Reuben and Catherine (Miller) Davis. Mr. and Mrs. Kramer had ten children, as follows: Matthias; infant (deceased); Mary Ellen (deceased); Elmira (deceased); Philip D. (deceased); an infant (deceased); Minerva Alice (deceased); an infant, deceased when born; Sarah E. and Alexander S. Sarah E. was the wife of Thomas J. Bender, and left two children, Bessie M. and EflBe M. Matthias, the eldest son, has one Mr. Kramer politically child. Atta M. Alexander 8. married Anna Everett, of Benton. The Kramer family came from New Jersey to this county, locating is a Greenbacker. in Fishingcreek Township about 1798, when George Kramer came with the Kline family. George married Sophia Kline in New Jersey, and Abram Kline, a brother of Sophia, George and Sophia Kramer had ten children: married a sister of George Kramer. Matthias, Morris, Charles, William, Harmon, Samuel, Abram, George, Anna and Betsey. All reared families and settled first in the county, but later some of them moved west. Matthias was born in 1774, and married Mary Ann McCray, a daughter of Alexander McCray, a seaman who sailed the ocean for years. To Mr. and Mrs. Kramer the following named children were born: Sophia, William, Sarah, George. Mary, Alexander (whose name heads this sketch), Abram and Rebecca, all of whom settled in this locality except ALEXANDER ; MATTHIAS KRAMER, farmer, P. O. Rohrsburg. is one of the descendants of the early pioneers, and was born September 21, 1839, in Fishingcreek Township, eldest son; of Alexander Kramer. He was reared in the township in which he was born, and remained here until his marriage, which event occurred in the fall of 1865, to Louisa, only daughter of Edward Albertson. Mr. Kramer lias a snug farm one-half mile below Rohrsburg, and is a successful farmer. They have but one child, AttaM. Mr. Kramer, wife>ud daughter are members of the Christian Church. G. retired farmer, P. O. Derr, was born February 22, 1814, \n The family Yorkshire, England, a son of Benjamin and Anna (Goldthorpe) Lawton. WILLIAM LAWTON, embarked at Liverpool May 21, 1828, and landed at Philadelphia July 6, 1828, having been six weeks and four days on the voyage. They remained for a lime in Schuylkill County, Penn., and in the fall of 1832 came to this county. William G. learned the builder's trade, which he followed several years, but subsequentl}" gave his attention to farming. In 1839 he married Sarah A., daughter of Robert Fainman, and thirteen children blessed their union. Mr. Lawton came to the farm he now occupies in 1851, but is now living retired from active labor, spending the evening of his life in the quiet of his home. Politically he is a Democrat and has filled several oflnces of trust in the township, and in the fall of 1871 was elected commissioner of the county. He is a member of the Christian Church. ELIJAH LEMON, retired. Greenwood, was born December 10, 1818, on the Lemon homestead, where he grew to manhood. John Lemon, a native of New Jersey, was a wagon-maker by trade and was employed during the Revolution repairing army wagons. After the close of that struggle he turned his attention toward seeking a location, and about 1790 came to Greenwood Township, Columbia County. Here he purchased 300 acres, out of which fine farms have since been made. That year he planted about two acres in wheat and erected a small cabin. In the fall he returned to New Jersey, and in the spring, coming again to this township, found that the deer had eaten his wheat. The Indians were hostile and he again returned to Jersey, but came again to his farm in the spring, bringing with him his sons, George and Joseph, and this time made a permanent location. By his wife, Elizabeth Titmon, he had a large family as follows: George, Joseph, Jacob, Balse, Jonathan. Jacob, Isaac. James, William, Michael, Betsey, Catherine- GEEENWOOD TOWNSHIP. and Sally, all of i77 whom settled here, except George, Jacob and Balse. William, the father of New Jersey and came here with his father. John Lemon carved our subject, was born in his name and the date of his coming upon the back of a turtle, which was seen about one score of years ago by his grandson. Elijah, and many times since and never over a hundred yards from the same place. William married Elizabeth Parker, daughter of John Parker, and by her had ten children: Sarah, George, Elijah, Elisha, Malinda, Samuel, Lucinda, Elizabeth, William and Frank, all of whom, except Elijah, moved west and settled in Illinois and Wisconsin. When he was sixteen years of age Elijah left home and bought his time from his father for $8 per month until he attained his majorit}'. He then began to learn the millwright's trade with Marshall Kinney, and after completing it, began on his own account, contracting, which he followed for over tifty years, retiring about 1884. He married in the fall of 1839, Eleanor, daughter of Amos Parker and a native of this township. To them were born the following children: Mary, Elmira. Harvey. William, Anna, Frances R. Mary is the wife of Wesley Morris; Elmira is the wife of B. F. Battin; Harvey resides in Muncey Valley, a millwright by trade; Anna is the wife of Bartley Heacock; Frances R. is the wife of Calvin Demott. and William died when a young man. Mrs. Lemon died in 1871. Mr. Lemon next married Elizabeth, daughter of Fred Derr. Mr. Lemon is a member of the Christian Church. "JONATHAN LEMON (deceased) was born in New Jersey about the year 1790, son of John Lemon. Jonathan married Margaret Lockard, and by her he had the following children: Eliza, deceased; Harriet, married Thomas Reece and resides in Cass County, Neb.; Sarah J., wife of Lorenzo Mendenhall, of Allen County, Kas. Margaret, married M. Kitchen; John; Jacob, farming in Cass County, Neb., and Jonathan. Jonathan, Senr., settled in the township where the Lemon brothers resided one-half mile west of Rohrsburg, was engaged in the lumber business for many years and carried on the saw-mill, which he rebuilt, being first built by his father in 1802. He was a soldier in the war of He died in 1852. John Lemon 1813, and his widow survives him. drawing a pension. was born March 19, 1833, on the farm, and has always lived here. He was married to Mary, daughter of David Kitchen. Thej^ have no children. John Lemon has been engaged in operating a saw-mill and farming, and has recentlv sold out to his brother Jonathan. URIAH P. McHENRY. retired. Millville, was born September 34, 1838, in Fishingcreek Township, the ninth in a family of eleven children. He remained at home on the farm until he was sixteen years of age, when he went to Stillwater and worked in Col. Kline's grist-mill. There he learned the miller's trade, and afterward worked at farming In 1847 he began for himself, worked in Cole's mill for a time, and in in different places. 1849 went to Danville, where he remained one year; then went to Huntingdon Creek and for four years; thence to West Creek, where he remained about Jones' mill in worked This mill was then purchased by Mr. Kimball, and Mr. five years in the Heacock mill. McHenry remained with him three 3'ears and operated the mill. He then conducted tlie Robbins mill in this township, but, his health failing, he engaged at buhr dressing. He then returned to the mill at Stillwater, where he had learned his trade, and remained about two years. He then purchased a farm and carried on agricultural pursuits, also attending to the mill. While here he purchased a half interest in the mill, and continued there until the spring of 1874, when he came to Millville and purchased an interest in the Masters & Heacock mill. He then formed a partnership with Mr. Heacock, under the firm name of McHenry & Heacock, which lasted until the spring of 1883. Mr. McHenry then sold out his interest and purchased the Hayman mill at lola, which he has since conducted, and hires a miller to attend to it, having retired from active labor. He married, July 4, 1855, Elizabeth, daughter of Enos Heacock. They have no cliildren of their own, but a niece of Mrs. McHenry, daughter of Josiah Heacock, known as Minnie McHenry, given to them by her mother at her death, has since lived with them. H. GAIL McHENRY, miller, P. O. lola, comes of a family of millers; his father, Moses, is a miller, and his two brothers, Ruggles and Charles, are also millers. Gail was born December 7, 1856, in Huntsville, Luzerne County, and when one year old removed with his parents to Fishingcreek, where he lived seven years, then moved to Roaringcreek, where he commenced learning his trade at the Mendenhall mills, and when competent took charge of the mills. In December, 1880, he came to E3'er's Grove and had charge of the mill three years, and in the spring of 1883 he associated with U. P. McHenry He was married in October, in the lola mills, and has since been in charge of the same. They have two children: Myrtle and 1883, to Mary Kisner, daughter of Samuel Kisner. Uriah. They are members of the Christian Church. JOHN McMICHAEL, farmer. P. O. Millville, was born June 14, 1818. on the farm now owned by J. M. Denmott. which was formerly a part of the old McMichael homeHis father, George McMichael, was born in Scotland in 1773, and died May 29, stead. He came to America and settled in Greenwood Township, Columbia" Co., 1860. Penn., about 1801. He married Agnes, daughter of William and Elizabeth McMichael, Mrs. McMichael was born in 1779 and died April 1, 1866. a distant relative of the family. To her and her husband were born ten children, as follows: Jane, Verronica, Euphemia, Seven of these reared James, Marian, Elizabeth, George, Agnes, John and William. ; BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 478 Verronica married Ed. Henrie; Marian married Nicholas .Kindt; Elizabeth families. the wife of Robert Nixon, and Agnes married Samuel Stetler, all of whom settled in this section of country. Our subject married at Jerseytown, January 9, 1844, Sarah Ann, daughter of Henry Bombay. For several years after his marriage, Mr. McMichael worked at different places and at various vocations, hut flaally purchased the old homestead and and has since engaged in farming. Mrs. McMichael was born located thereon, December 80, lS2i, in Roaringcreek Township, and has borne her husband three children: Mary E. (who resides in Delaware County, Penn., the wife of Joseph R. Kester, and has four children: Raymond, Stewart, Bertha and Clara); Rosetta, married Harmon became Mordan, of Mount Pleasant (has two children— Myron and Erma,) and Beujamau F., who farms the homestead and married Mrs. Clara Kramer, the daughter of F. E. Rote. Mr. McMichael has for many years been a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church; has always been a Republican, but believes in the final triumph of the Prohibition parly. WILLIAM MASTERS, storekeeper, Millville, is descended from one of the prominent families of the township, and was born November 8, 1841, in Millville. His father, George, David a son of David Masters, was born November 3, 1810. in Madison Township. married Mary Eves, who bore hini eight children, of whom George was the eldest. When and learned town the this miller's trade the latier was fourteen years of age he came to in his father's mill, with George Hepler, and was given entire charge when he was sixteen years of age. He tiien continued for nine years in charge of the mill until 1835 or 1836. In 1849 the mill was destroyed by fire, when George Masters and John Betz bought the site and built the mill that now stands in the town, and which they continued for several years. In 1835 George Masters engaged in merchandising with Samuel B. Mather, which partnership lasted about nine years, when Mr. Mather retired and Mr. Masters continued the business alone until 18o7, when he disposed of a half interest to his son David, and in 1863 disposed of the remainder to William Masters, who continues the business. George remained half owner of the mill, however, up to the time of his death, September 14, 1871. His widow died September 16, 1886; she was born March 31, 1808. Mr. Masters was a prominent member of the Society of Friends. He left several pieces of David Masters, brother of William, went to Philadelphia in 1870, is successreal estate. fully engaged in business on Market Street, and has a tasty home on Baring Street. West Philadelphia. E. MATHER, farmer, P. O. Greenwood, was born August 37, 1842, in His grandfather was Pottsville, Penn., only son of Jesse and Julia A. (Merrill) Mather. Jesse Mather, who married Margaret Shively, by whom were born Henry, Sallie, Hannah, Henry E. came to Greenwood when sixteen years Betsey, Samuel, John, James and Jesse. Henry's father of age and h is since lived on the farm his grandfather Jesse settled on. died iu 1859. his widow surviving hiri one year. September 22, 1834, Heur}^ E. married Almira M., daughter of JohnsoiTH. Ikeler, of this township, and to thom have been born three children; Bertha Z., Jesse and Truman. Mr. Mather is a Republican and a member of the P. of H.. also of the I. O. O. F. MORRIS, farmer, P. O. Greenwood, was born in ]\Iount Pleasant Township, Columbia County, in 1837. son of John Morris. June 4, 1863, he married Mary E. Lemon, daughter of Elijah and Eleanor (Parker) Lemon. Mrs. Morris was born in this township August 14, 1840. and she and her husband have four children living: Ella, John, Wilhelmina and Eckley E. William E. died at the age of eighteen months; Harry D. at the age of three weeks, and Francis J. at the age of five months. In the spring of 1876 Mr. Morris located on his present farm, which was a part of the original Lemon tract. It consists of sixty-seven acres, and here Mr. Morris is engaged in agricultural pursuits, but is a blacksmith by trade. Mr. Morris has been elected and has served as poor director of the district composed of Scott, Sugarloaf, Greenwood and Bloom; as assessor, assupervisor, as school director, and overseer of the poor, and has served as tax collector by appointment. MUSGRAVE, deceased, was born February 7, 1803, in this township, a son of Aaron and Sarah (Woodrow) Musgrave. Aaron, Sr., was born February 17, 1760, and became the father of the following children: Isaac; Ann, who became the wife of Daniel Smith and removed to Fishingcreek Township; Rachel, wife of Joseph Kester, of Mount Pleasant Township; iNIarv, married William Kester. and moved west; Isaac and James, September 18, 1833, our settled in Mouni Pleasant, and Aaron, settled in this townsliip. subject married Sarah, dausrhter of D iniel and Mary Force. She was born August 8, 1799, and bore her husl)and four children: Daniel. :Mary Ann, Sarah W. and William McKelvy. Mr. Musgrave was an honored and respected msmber of the community among whom he had resided since his marriage. He was a consistent member of the Christian Church, and He died in November, 1871, his widow politically a Republican, thougli not a partisan. surviving him until August 14, 1877. Of their children. Mary A. died iu 1863, the wife of Hiram Kester (left three children: Aaron M., Thomas C. and William Alpheus. all of whom removed west); Daniel resides in Mount Pleasant Townshij^ and William McK., who took charge of the homestead farm in 1873 and conducted it until 1878. At that time the place was sold and he purchased the property where he now resides. He has acquired a competence and lives in comfortable circumstances with his sister, Sarah W., who keeps house for him. HENRY WESLEY AARON GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP. 479 B. PATTON, Millville, was born April 9, 1833, in Rush Township, NorthPenn., a son of Joseph R. Patton, who was born April 10, 1797, in Joseph R. was a son of John Patton, who came Briarcreek Township, this county. from New Jersey when a young man, married Mary Richart and located in Briarcreek Township, on the Susquehanna. He was a house carpenter and to him and his wife were born three sons and two daughters: Joseph R. Catharine, who married Jacob DeMott and settled in Madison Township; Margaret also settled there, the wife of Jeremy Welliver; John settled in Danville and died there leaving four children; Samuel removed to Mason County, 111., and is now deceased. Joseph R., the first named, married Sarah De Witt, daughter of Isaac De Witt. To them were born nine children: Oliver P., Margaret, William G., Louisa J., Isaac D. and Mary L. (twins), John B., Joseph M. and Sarah C. (twins), all of whom except Louisa J. reared families. Louisa married Squire Jacob Terwilliger and resides in Light Street. John B. was reared on the homestead and left home at the age of nineteen and attended school, first at Millville and later the Wyoming Acadenay. He then taught school some years to enable him to attend college, which he entered in 1854, and graduated in 1860 at Lafayette College. After srraduating he taught for a time in Columbia Academy, and while there, in December, 1860, married Mary M., daughter of James Masters. In the spring of 1861 he went to Parkesburg and took charge of the Parkesburg Academy for one year, but the outbreak of the civil war took away many of the students and the school was temporarily closed. Dr. Patton then came to Millville and for eighteen months was associate principal of the Greenwood Seminary. In the spring of 1864 he took charge of a select school at Orangeville for one year. This school was broken up by an arbitrary act of the soldiers sent to put down the [so-called Fishing Creek confederacy at the instigation of partisans of a rival school. In the spring of 1865 he went to Montana Territory, opened a school in Virginia City, and also engaged in mining for one year; then conducted a drug store at Bannock City for a time. In 1868 he returned to this county and completed his medical course. He began to practice at Sereno, but after six months, finding an opening in Sullivan County, Penn., went there andremained until 1872. He then came Dr. and Mrs. Patton have to Millville and has since remained practicing his profession. two children: James M., Francis J. H. PHILLIPS. Among the old time millers of Columbia County is Mr. Phillips, P. O. Eyer's Grove, who was born January 6, 1825, in Bucks County, Penn., the DR. JOHN umberland Co., ; ALLEN whom were born Moses, Aaron, Robert, David, Thomas, Rachel, Mercy and Elizabeth. Thomas married Sarah Phillips, and by her had eight children that lived to be grown: Joseph, Allen H., Andrew J.. Harrison, Alraira. Rebecca, Eliza, and Jane. Allen H., when fifteen years of age, went with his uncle David to learn the miller's vocation at Perryville, in Northampton Countj', and since that time has been constantly ena-aged in that business, not having lost a year's time, principally He was married in 1845, to Sarah E. Eves, daughter in Columbia and Montour Counties. of Milton Eves; she died leaving three children: Milton, Thomas and Charles, none living but Milton, a teacher in Simpson College, Iowa. He married for his second wife Margaret Schuyler; she died leaving five children: Alfred C, now a physician in Booneville, Iowa; Thomas L., a farmer in Madison Township; Louis S., milling with his father at Eyer's His third wife was Grove; Samuel, telegraph operator in Danville; Ada M., at home. Rebecca, daughter of Isaac Welsh; by her he has one child, Isaac, on the farm. His present wife was Mrs. Runyon, daughter of Daniel Welliver. He came to Eyer's Grove the last time in 1883; and has since been a resident. He carries on a farm in Madison Township. second son of Thomas Phillips, to In politics he is a Republican. JOSEPH W. REECE, farmer, P. O. Rohrsburg, was born February 15, 1829, in this Nehemiah Reece was the pioneer of the family to settle in Greenwood TownHe came from one of the ship, and from him are descended all of the name now here. lower counties and took up the land now owned by our subject, about the year 1800. He married Marv Eves who bore him a large family, nine of whom reared families: Edith, John was born Philip, John, Hannah, Nehemiah, Sarah, Louisa, Aaron and Mary. January 1, 1801, was reared to manhood in this township and became the father of township. Joseph W. He married Mary, daughter of Joseph and Catherine (Adams) Whitaker, and He died after his marriage located on this farm where he spent the remainder of his life. March 25, 1858, his widow surviving him until October 10, 1879. They reared to maturity Philip was five children: Joseph W., Nehemiah, Philip, Margaret C. and Benjamin. killed by a horse when sixteen years old; Nehemiah resides in Iowa; Margaret married Thomas Mather and reared four children. Joseph W. remained at home until attaining his majority, after which he worked for some years on a farm and clerked in store at Millville. January 28, 1858, he married Christiana, daughter of Squire J. H. Ikeler. and He then «ettled on the farni now owned by W. P. Ikeler, where he remained four years. located on the old Reece farm, where be has since resided. Mrs. Reece died October 12, Mr. Reece next 1866, the mother of three children: Gula E., Johnson H. aud Benjamin. married Mrs. Elizabeth Parker, daughter of Jolin and Mary Rautz. She died March 9, Mr. Reece then married his present wife, Deborah 1871, and by her liad one cliild, John L. Warner, a naiive of Muncy and a daugliter of James and Julia Ann ('Jones) Warner. Mr. 480 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: Reece has made all the improvcmeuts on his ])laee, 120 acres. His house is the fourth one erected on he owus abd which consists of farm since Nehemiah Reece lived wlii<:h llie there. REUBEN L. RICH. Millville, was born September 19. 1833, on the farm which owns, a son of John G. and Lydia (Lundy) Rich, the latter a dautrhter of Reuben and Esther (Bunting) Lundy, who were the parents of eight children. John G. and Lydia Rich were the parents of ten children: Mary A., Sarah, Benjamin, William, Reuben L., Esther, I Lundy, Henry, Jane, and J. Gillingham. Reuben L. now resides on the Lundy farm, upon which his grandfather, Reuben Lundy, settled in 1792; the house now occupied by Dr. Rich was built in 1798, and a pear tree which still bears fruit was planted in the same year. Benjamin Rich, the paternal grandfather of the Doctor, married Sarah Gillingham, and to them were born four children: John G., Sarah, Ann and Benjamin. John G.«was born about 1801 and came to this township when a young man. He was a tanner and later carried on tanning in the valley for years, and died in 1873. His wife died ten years prior. Reuben L. was reared in this township and began the practice of dentistry in 1855, but since 1869 has been also engaged in farming. He married, December 27, 1864, Elizabeth, second daughter of James Masters. They have three childrtn living:^nna Watson, Mary L. and Bessie A. Willie died in 1881, aged nine years and six rnonths; John and Harry died in infancy. Dr. Rich is a member of the A. Y. M. He and his wife belong to Valley Grange, P. of H., and the Society of Friends. JACKSON ROBBINS. The Bobbins family take rank among the early settled famiJoseph Robbins, grandfather of our subject, married lies in Greenwood Township. Catharine Harris, by whom he had nine children six sons and three daughters: William, Jerusha (married to William Snyder), Vincent, Hannah (married to William Eves), Joseph, John, Catharine (married to John Sibert), Robert and Jesse. John Robbins, father of our subject, was born on the homestead now owned by the latter, and married Mary, daughter of John Mannon, whose wife was a Demott. The children born to John and Mary Robbins were Jackson, Sarah (married to James Demott), Catharine (married to George B. Thomas), Charlotte (single) and Ira. Our subject was born on his farm in 1832, and with the exception of three years' residence in Fishingcreek Township, this county, has lived continuously on the farm where he was born. He has been twice married: first to Paulena L., daughter of William Johnson; at her decease she left four children: Robert, Elizabeth (married to B. Mannon, of Eyers Grove), Harriet (married to John Barber, of Stillwater), and John. Robert and John reside in Greenwood. Mr. Robbins' second wife was Anna Beckford, by whom he has the following named children: Mary. Louis, Samantha, Efiie, Orra and George. VIRGIL D. ROBBINS, farmer, P. O. Greenwood, was born January 9, 1832, in Madison Township, on the old Barber farm. He is the eldest and only surviving son of William Robbins, who was born about 1784, being a son of Joseph Robbins, a native of New Jersey. Joseph reared a large family, as follows: Vincent, William, Hannah, Jerusha, Robert, John, Joseph, Jesse and Catherine, all of whom lived to rear families except Joseph and Robert. Vincent moved to Canada, Jerusha married William Snyder and moved to Indiana; Catherine married Samuel Seibert and settled in this township, as did the others. William, the father of Virgil D., was born in Greenwood Township about 1784, and married Sabrina Teeple; she was born September 30, 1805, in New Jersey. After his marriage William removed to Madison Township and engaged in farming until His wife died in 1841. April, 1842, when he came to this township, and here died in 1871. Of their seven children, but four lived to be grown: Sarah J., who married John Christian and located in this township, as did the others; Lucinda, who became the wife of George W. Derr, and William O. The only ones now living are Virgil D. and Sarah J. Our subject remained on the homestead until the spring of 1883, when he located on the farm which he now owns. He married, November 29, 1855, Mary Ann, daughter of John and Jane (Edgar) Staley. Mrs. Robbins was born September 19, 1833, in Pottsville, Penn., and has borne her husband five children: William P., married to Efiie Battin, daughter of B. F. Battin; Emma Jane, wife of Thomas Smith, resides in Jackson Township; John C. married Emma Manning, daughter 'of William Manning; Diebald and Charles O. at home. Mr. and Mrs. Robiiins are members of the Christian Church. FRANCIS E. ROTE, farmer, P. O. Millville, was born on the border of MadThe Rote family came to this townison Township, near Millville, January 16, 1827. ship prior to 1800. Francis, who was born October 5, 1775, was the pioneer of the name in this county, and was of German descent. He married Mary Welliver and had six children who grew to maturity: Charity, William, Margaret, Daniel, AbiHis wife was born gail and Elizabeth, all of whom were born near Millville. November 20, 1782, and died June 20, 1855. William, who married Elizabeth Eves, daughter of William Eves, became the father of Francis E. They reared but two children, our subject and Sarah, wife of E. B. Brower, of Bloomsburg. Francis E. was reared in this neighborhood and began to hold the plow when ten years of age. He married, March 11, 18.52, Asenath, daughter of Milton and Mary Eves. After his marriage he located on the farm which he now owns, and where he has since resided. He has four Dr. he now — GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP; * 4811 first married Philip Ki-amer, and after his death Ben McMiehael, resides in this township; Marv resides in Madison Township, the wife of R. L. DeMott; Henry is a farmer, at home, a'nd William, unmarried. Izora. the daughter of Clara B. and her first husband, resides with her grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Rote. B. SHULTZ, farmer and miller, Rohrsburg, is descended from one of the His grandfather, Daniel ShuJtz, settled here prior to 1800' early families of this township. and located three-quarters of a mile from Rohrsburg, when the place was a wilderness. He married Elizabeth White, who bore him Philip. James, Isaac, Samuel, John and Sarah. Daniel died April 80, 18o2, aged eighty-three years, one month and twenty-eight days; his wife, Elizabeth, died March 2-i, 1853, aged eighty-eight years and three months. Subject's great-grandfather was Philip, whose ancestors came from Germany and settled Philip died April in New Jersey and later removed to this locality, as mentioned before. aged eighty5, 1816, aged seventy-five years; his wife, Barbara, died September 20, 1828, four years. James, the father of John B., married Elizabeth, daughter of Jacob Stucker and Catherine (Peeler) Stucker. Four children were born to them: Ellen, John B., CathEllen resides in Orange Township, the wife of Daniel Kline; Cathererine and Esther. ine married John Moore and resides in this township; Esther married John H. Parker and The father of this family was a farmer, which pursuit settled in Greenwood Township. he followed until his death; he died May 23. 1826, aged twenty-six years, eight months, sixteen days; his widow, Elizabeth, died July 17, 1873, aged seventy-seven years, seven months, four days. John B, was born Aug. 17, 1821, on the homestead near Rohrsburg. He was reared a farmer and when of age turned his attention to the management of the mill, which he now owns and which he conducted up to 1884, when his son assumed charge of He married Hettie, a daughter of Jonas and Mary E. (Miller) Hayman. They have it. two children livina, Jonas and Lestie. Jonas resides with his parents, married to Dora-. Henry. They have one child, Lelie Maude. Lestie is in Iowa, the wife of Clark Khne. children living: Clara B., and JOHN a member of the Grange. painter and trimmer, P. O. Millville, was born August 24, 1841, in Turbotville, Northumberland Co., Penn., eldest son of Isaac and Caroline (Keener) Stadler. August 23, 1850, his father dying, he was placed in the care of strangers, and was brought up by a strict Presbyterian, who gave him good school advantages and. who had designed to tit his protege for the ministry, while Tillman had aspired to become a physician. This conflicting of previously formed plans resulted in an estrangement between the two, and Tillman, having received the elements of a classical education, and being ready for the second year in college, now gave his attention to teaching, and continued until the breaking-out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted April 24, 1861, in Company G, Eleventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for three months. After serving his time he returned home and was prostrated with camp fever for several weeks, but, Mr. Shultz is a Democrat and TILLMAN STADLER. after teaching one term of school, gained his health, and August 1, 1862, enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Thirty-first Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, for nine months, and was promoted to first sergeant. After serving out his time he went out with Company C, Two Hundred and First Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry (time of enlistment one year), as color corporal, and served until the close of the war, being for six months of the last enlistment on detached duty as chief clerk of court marAfter returning from the service he went to Lewisburg, Penn., tial in Alexandria, Va. and worked under instructions as carriage painter and trimmer. After his graduation he worked in various localities in the State, and since the fall of 1868 he has been permanently located in Millville in charge of the painting and trimming department in the noted Millville Wagon Manufactory. He was married in 1867 to Elmira, daughter of Peter Fogleman. They have two children: Frank and Ada M. Mr. Stadler is a member of the Christian Church; of the A. Y. M., Bloom Lodge No. 264; of the L O. O. F.; and. the G. A. R., Bryson Post No. 225.. AUGUST STAUDER, tanner, Rohrsburg, was born September 17, 1837, in Reistenhausen, Prussia, a son of Frederick and Elizabeth (Hoenig) Stauder. His parents had a. family of five children, August. Caroline, Frederick, Rosa and Delia, none of whom came to America except August. At the age of thirteen August began to learn the tanner's trade, serving five years' apprenticeship, after which he traveled for five years and worked in many places. In 1864 he landed in New York and worked in the Steinway Piano Manufactory for some months; then went to Elirabethtown, N. J., where he worked in a tannery, returning after a year to New York, where he worked at his trade. A year later he went to Scranton and worked for some months in Huntsdale and Wilkesbarre, Penn., and in the latter place was foreman in a large tannery. He then moved to Light Street, where he worked as foreman for a time; then moved to Briarcreek and for four years worked for Joseph Conner, and during the four years saved $1,999, and with the money came to Rohrsburg and purchased the tannery of Perry Smith, and eighteen- acres. Here he has since resided and has added to his land from, time to time until now he has ninetytwo acres. He has erected the principal buildings and operates the tannery. He married, Fry, who was born in this county, a daughter of Frederick. September 22, 1874, Sarah Fry. Mr. and Mrs. Stauder have four children: Maggie, Rosa, Joseph and Bertha. Mr. Stauder is a member of Albright Church, and politically is a Democrat. K BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 482 GEORGE W. UTT, Penn., May 26, 1837, the August 15, 1805, in farmer, P. O. Rohrsburg, was bora in Northampton County, fourth son of David and Mary (Evans) Utt. The former was boru Northampton County; the latter born June 27, 1801. When •George W. was two and a half years old he came to this county with his parents and located in Greenwood Township one mile north of Rohrsburg, where he remained until .he was of age. At the age of twelve years he began to work out and assist in the maintenance of the family. He received a good education, taught school several years, and in 1861 enlisted in Company F, Second Pennsylvania Artillery (112ih inline). "Shortly after he was made sergeant and promoted, Maj^ 4, 1863, to second lieutenant. Later he was commissioned first lieutenant and finally captain in Battery I, One Hundred and Eighty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He was wounded in front of Petersburg and discharged on the expiration of his term of enlistment, receiving the following commendatory letter from his commander: Headquarters Provisional Brigade, Defences of Bermuda Head, Va. December 29, 1864. ) v ) bearer, George W. Utt, lieutenant Battery F, Second Pennsylvania Artillery, has day been honorably discharged from the service of the United States by reason of ex- The this It affords me pleasure to state that during his connection with the regiment he has always performed his duties faithfully and efficiently. While in command of his company in the trenches on the Petersburg front, m July last, he was severely wounded by a fragment of one of the enemy's shells. W. M. McClure, Colonel 2d Penn. Art. Comd'g. Upon his return home he farmed one year, and in 1866 purchased a farm. He has been twice married. His first wife, Mary E. Appleman, was born in Fishingcreek Township, a daughter of Philip Appleman. She bore him three children— Philip C, William Ernest and Mary A.— and died April 28, 1872. His second marriage was with Sarah A. Keller, also born in Fishingcreek Township, a daughter of John Keller. She died July 18, 1886, the mother of eight children: Laura M., Ella M., Susan J., Anna B., Grace E., Etta, James G. and George F. Politically Mr. Utt is a Democrat, and has served as school director two terms. He is a member of the Christian Church, in which he has been an piration of his term. elder since 1875. VAN J. CLYDE HORN, farmer, P. 0. Rohrsburg, was born February 15, 1853, in this township, eldest son of James Van Horn, who was a son of James and Polly (Wilson) Van Horn, whose offspring were Betsey, Sallie, Ella, Nancy, Charity, James, Joseph and William. James Van Horn, father of J. C., was born May 8, 1819, in Orange Township, and died April 15, 1886; his wife was Margaret C, daughter of John and Letty (Miller) Wilson. Letty being a daughter of Joseph and Margaret Miller. Mrs. Van Horn survives her husband. Our subject resides on the homestead, engaged in farming. In 1878 he married Maria, daughter of William and Mary Ann (Hurtman) Blish. They have one child, Elmer Dovle, born April 3, 1881. In politics Mr. Van Horn is a Democrat. JAMES O. WARNER, farmer, P. O. Millville, was boru February 23. 1857, the only son of James and Julia (Jones) Warner. James Warner was born in "Lycoming County, Penn., in 1805, a son of Benjamin and Deborah (Kitely) Warner; Julia (Jones) Warner was born in 1814, in Lycoming County, Penn. James Warner was a farmer and also carried on mercantile business. He died in 1867, a member of the Society of Friends. To him and his wife were born six children: Mary, Deborah, Sarah. Susan, Elizabeth and James O. Mary is the wife of James Whipple, of De Kalb County, 111. Susan, wife of Edwin A. Whitacre, also of De Kalb County, 111. Deborah, wife of Joseph W. Reece, near Rohrsburg; Sarah, wife of Joseph W. Eves, of Millville; Elizabeth is the wife of Daniel Kitchen, of Bloomsburg. James O. is the only male representative of the name. When he was but ten years of age his father died and he remained with his mother. He came here in 1875, attended and taught school two terms and worked on the farm, and in 1879 purchased the farm he now owns, consisting of eighty acres on the edge of Millville. He was married August 26, 1884, to Laura E., daughter of Charles W. Eves. She died May 17, 1885, leaving no issue. JACOB E. WELLIVER, merchant, Ej^er's Grove, was born in Madison Township, August 1, 1836, son of John and Anna (Eyer) Welliver. John Welliver was born about the year 1801, son of William Welliver, who came from New Jersey and settled in Madison Township at an early day. Severaljchildren were born to William Welliver, among whom was John, the father of our subject, and who was reared in Madison Township; he married Anna, daughter of Ludwig Eyer, by whom he had seven children: James, Uriah, Catharine, Jacob E., Jeremiah, Elizabeth and John. Jacob E. was reared in Jerseytown, and when a young man clerked for several years in different localities, came to this place in 1874, and succeeded William Eyer in the merchandise business, and has since carried on a general store. He has had charge of the postoffice several .years, and has been postmaster since 1881. He was married to Almira, daughter of "Philip and Rachel (Dye) Cottner. They have five children: William, Loyd, Clyde, Irene and Jay. In politics he is a Democrat. REUBEN WILSON, retired, Millville, was born February 12, 1806, in the old house ; ; GREENWOOD TOWNSHIP. 483^- Montour County, where the Wilsons were among the early John Wilson came from England prior to the Revolution, in which struggle he sided with the colonists. After the Revolution he taught school, and resided for a short time in Schuylkill County, Penn. He then came to what is now Montour County, Penn., settled about four miles north of Danville, where be opened a farm in the wilderness. He owned nearly 300 acres and resided there the remainder of his life. His wife Phoebe bore him the following children: Hannah, Thomas, Rachel, Sarah, Phoebe, John and Ann, aJl of whom reared families except Ann. Thomas married Susanna Russell, of Irish descent, and by her had nine children: William, John, Reuben, Elizabeth, Priscilla, Thomas, Mary, Rachel and Martha, all of whom except Thomas reared families. Elizabeth married John Willetts; Priscilla was the wife of Benjamin Eves; Mary married Isaac Pursell;. Rachel became the wife of Francis Eves and Martha married Reuben Crossley, and all Reuben and Martha are the settled in what are now Montour and Columbia Counties. only ones now living. The former was born in Montour County and there grew to manhood. His health being poor, his parents feared that he was not strong enough to farm and they sent him to learn the tanner's trade, which he worked at in intervals with farming. He married January 27, 1831, Sarah, daughter of Chandlee Eves, and after naarriage settled on a farm in Madison Township and engaged in farming forty-three years. In 1875 he came to Millville, and here has since resided. The following are the names of his children who grew to maturity: Harriet,rwife of Reece M. Esk; Rachel, wife of A. P. Young; Elizabeth, wife of James Rote; Mary, wife of Levi Pilkington, in Iowa; Anna, wife of William Potts, in Chester County; Sarah is unmarried and resides with her sister Mary in Iowa; Thomas C. resides on the home farm in Madison Township. Reuben is built by bis grandfather, in settlers. the only one of the family who attained the age of seventy. He is now in his eighty-first year and is hale and well after an active business life, in which he has been successful. He Politically is a prominent member of the Society of Friends, and Speaker in the same. is a Republican, but was former]}^ a Whig; he has been devoted to Prohibition princiMrs. ples for over forty years, and looks for the final triumph of the Prohibition party. Sarah E. Wilson died September 23, 1878. in Val WILSON, farmer, P. O. Millville, was born September 19. 1830, His father, John Wilson, was also born there and marley Township, Montour County. To ried Frances H., daughter of Jacob W. Moss, whose wife was Sarah W. Simpson. John Wilson and wife were born eleven children, nine of whom lived to be grown: Sarah (deceased), Thomas, John M., Susan W., Francis M., Elizabeth (deceased), Nancy, RobThe parents of Thomas died in Montour County, ert M., Margaret, Mary L., Charles. where they were born. Thomas remained on the home farm until he was twenty-seven years of age, at which time he married Mary Eves, daughter of John K. Eves. In 1857. the same spring of his marriage, he moved to the farm he now owns, which was a part of the JohnK. Eves farm. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson have four children; John F., married Arabella Statton, has two daughters and resides in this township; Joseph M., residing in Iowa; Norris and Frances H., at home. Mr. Wilson owns two good farms. In politics he is a Republican. A. PHILIP YOUNG, farmer, P. O. Millville, was born near Benton, Penn., November 17, 1835, the youngest of four children— that reached maturity born to Abram and Ann (Peterman) Young. Abram was a native of New Jersey, and, removing to Columbia County, Penn., located near Benton, where he engaged in farming' until his death in 1872, at the age of eighty-seven. He was for more than thirty years a justice of the peace and took an active part pertaining to the improvement of the section in which he lived. He was not sectarian but inclined to the Baptist faith. Politically he was a Democrat. Mrs. Young was born in Montgomery County, this State, of Revolutionary stock, and at this date, February, 1887, still lives with remarkable physical and mental powers, at the age of nearly ninety-six years. Of the four children that grew up, Mercey Ann, the eldest, became the wife of Mathias Roberts and died without issue; Aaron went to Illinois, Whiteside County, in 1851, married, engaged in farming and has several children; Sarah, married Eli McHenry and resides near Benton. A. P. was reared to farming and on attaining his majority ca'me to Millville to attend school at the Greenwood Seminary; engaged in teaching in the public schools, and finally in the seminary, taking an active part in teachers' institute, educational meetings and all measures to advance the standard of intelligence. He then made a trip'south and west, returning in the fall of 1860, and a j'ear later purchased the farm which he now owns, on which he has made many valuable improvements, raising the land from a run down barrenness to one of fertility. The title " Old Briar farm " does not now apply to it. He married in 1861, Rachel, daughter of Reuben Wilson, one of the prominent representatives of the Society of Friends in this place. To Mr. and Mrs. Young were born four daughters: Alice, after graduating from the Bloomsburg Normal School and teaching two years, became the wife of Alfred H. Potts of Parkesburg, Chester County, where she now resides; Ella, also a graduate of the same school; Emma and Marj'. Mr. Young takes great interest in improving the blooded stock of his neighborhood, and has a select herd of registered Jersey cattle. He is among the foremost men in the Grange organization, and hns occupied the position of Deputy Master in his county for six years; has also been identified with the I. O. O. F. THOMAS — (33IO&EAJHICAL SKETCHES: 484: CHAPTER XXXIII. HEMLOCK TOWNSHIP. STINSON L. BUOBST, farmer, P. O. Buckhorn, is a grandson of Jacob Brobst,who was Northampton Count}', and later removed to wliat is now West Hemlock TownMontour County, where he died August 29, 1873, aged seventy-seven years and a resident of ship, in His widow, Ellen Brobst, is still living in Bloomsburg. Their son, Daniel, the father of our subject, is the eldest child, and in early life learned the trade of shoemaking in Danville, at which he still works in winter. His home is in Valley TownHis wife, Rebecca (Johnson) Brobst, was born in Northampton ship, Montour County. •County, and became the mother of eight children, three of whom died young. The living are Edward D., Benjamin F., Martin" L. (all living in this township). Marietta (single and Mr. and Mrs. Brobst have for many years been living with her parents) and Stinson L. members of the Lutheran Church in Valley Township, in which he has been elder for over ten years, and has the confidence and respect of all who know him. Stinson L. is In early life he worked at farm-the eldest of the family, and was born October 32, 1850. ing, and when he was thirteen years old he moved with his parents to West Hemlock, where they remained. Their house was destroyed by fire three years later. The family then moved to Frosty Valley, where, until he was twenty j'ears old, our subject worked in the mines in summer and on farms and attending school in winter. He completed his education in his twenty-first year, at Millville Seminary, Greenwood Township, this county, and then taught school in Jackson Township four mouths, and for three years, subsequently, worked in the mines. He then resumed teaching, w^hich he followed four winter terms, returning to the mines for three or four years. At the end of that time, in company with his three brothers, he bought the farm on which he now resides, to which he moved a year later, and which has since been his home. November 15, 1879, he married Miss Emma J., daughter of John and Susan Hartzel, of Mahoning Township, Montour County. She had always lived with her parents until her marriage. To this union three children have been born: Mabel G., Charles E. and Lloyd H., who live with Mr. Brobst has been clerk of the school board for five years, and is an their parents. industrious young man who stands deservedly high in the community. DEIGHMILLER, farmer, P. O. Buckhorn a sonof Henry Deighmiller.Sr., who came from Germany and settled in Bucks County, where he owned a farm, on which our subject was born. In 1848 he sold the farm there and removed to this county where His widow, Anna he bought the farm on which his son now resides, and died in 1861. Barbara, died in 1883. They had seven children, four of whom died young. Two daugh Anna was the wife of Christopher Kuster, and Eliza was ters died after being married the wife of Augustus Rabb. Henry is the only survivor, was born August 10, 1843, in Bucks County, and was six years old when his parents came to this county. In 1865 he left home and worked on farms in this township for the following eight years, when he teamed and threshed for two years, and kept hotel at Light Street for one year. He then returned to Hemlock and remained a year, after which he farmed in Carbon County for two years he then returned to the old homestead, on which he has since resided, farming May 5, 1864, he married Miss Margaret Carrol, it and threshing in fall and winters. daughter of Charles Carrol. She was born in this township, but lived until grown with her parents in Carbon County. Mr. and Mrs. Deighmiller have eleven children, all of whom are now living Hannah. William, Ada, Charles, Minnie, Bertha, John, Sally, Maggie, and Ellie and Nellie (twins). They are all living with their parents. DENT, farmer, P. O Buckhorn, was born in Pine Grove, Schuylkill County, Penn., July 13, 1845. His father, William, was a native of England and owned a farm in Montour County, but spent most of his life in the ore mines. His wife was Susan Weldie, of New Jersey. He died in 1865, but his widow is still living, aged seventyone years, and makes her home chiefly with her son, Theodore. They had twelve children, three of whom died young one, Albert, was killed by an explosion in the ore mine The living are William, where he was working, at White Oak Hollow, this township. who is superintendent of the mines at Milnes, Page Co., Va. Charles, who resides in at that Montour County, and is of the ore mines place; Weldie, who is a boss Chulask3^ Franklin P., miner in this township George Henry, a farmer in Hemlock Township who resides in Buckhorn; Elizabeth, is wife of Job Coslett and resides in Kingston, Penn., and Jane, wife of Franklin P. Baum, who resides in Bloomsburg. Theodore is the third He married, November son, and remained at home until he was tweuty-four years old. •six months. who is HENRY ; ; ; : THEODORE ; ; ; ; HEMLOCK TOWNSHIP. 485 Miss Cornelia, daughter of William Clinton, who was formerly a resident of Mrs. Dent is Michigan, and is now living with Mr. Dent, and is eighty-eight years old. thirty-five years of age and the mother of the following named children Charles Albert, living their Jennie, May, Bella and Mary, all with parents. Mr. and Mrs! Robert Russell, Dent are members of the Lutheran Church at Buckhorn, and he has been for three 3'ear3 superintendent of the Sunday-school connected with the church. EDWIN JONES, farmer, P. O. Buckhorn, is a native of the city of Bristol, England, and his recollections extend back to what is considered by Americans quite ancient hisHe remembers the death of King George III, the accession and reign of George tory. IV and William IV, and the coronation of Queen Victoria. In 1851 he left England Tvith his family, landing in the city of New York in September of that year. While in England he followed the occupation of a miner, chiefly of iron ore, and also followed the same here until four years ago, when he abandoned it. The first place he worked in this country was in Danville, Montour County, where he was in the employ of the Montour Iron Company until 1859, when he removed to the farm whei'e he now resides. This property he had purchased in December, 1857, and is a portion of the so-called " Old Judge Montgomery Tract," on which he subsequently erected a dwelling and suitable outbuildings. Shortly after coming to this county he began cleaning up his land, and two or three years later cultivating it. He built a house in 1859, for which, in 1875, he substituted his present dwelling- June 3, 1838, he married, in South Wales, Miss Martha Davis, who was born in Wales of English descent, and died Maj^ 24, 1883, aged sixtyseven years. They had four children born in Wales, three of whom are yet living; one died in Wales; another was born in this country but is also deceased. The living are Dorcas, wife of James Gulliver, a farmer of this township; Delilah, wife of William Somers, lives with her father, and Edwin, married to Martha Everett, and lives in Valley Township, Montour County, engaged in mining. Mr. Jones is a member of Frosty Valley Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he has been trustee and steward, and for some years a class leader. He has brought up his children to follow in his footsteps, and now, in the evening of his life, is awaiting, with the tranquilit}'' of a true Christian, his translation to a higher and better life. N. PATTERSON MOORE, wagon-maker and justice of the peace, Buckhorn, is descended from an Englishman, who came to this country long before the Revolution, and settled in New Jersey near the Delaware River. On the outbreak of the Revolution he cast his lot with his adopted country, as did also his son, Samuel, the grandfather of our subject. Samuel was born in New Jersey in 1752; entered the army and served under Washington, with whom he wintered at Valley Forge and crossed the Delaware. After the war he moved to Northumberland County, where he remained until 1813, when he came to Madison Township, Columbia County, and lived until his death in 1840. He was a successful farmer, a man of fine business abilities and an elder in the Prsebyterian Church at New Columbia. His wife was Sarah Farley, also a native of New Jersey, and they had a family of nine children: Abraham F., Caleb, George, John, Catherine, Nancy, Ellen, Phebe and Hester. John, the father of our subject, was born in Northumberland County in 1797, and died in West Hemlock Township, Montour County, in 1868, aged seventy years. When he was sixteen years of age his parents moved to Madison Township, this county, where he remained until he was twenty-six years old. He then moved to a farm in West Hemlock Township, Montour County, where he died. He was a farmer all his life and for about fourteen years conducted a distillery, also raised and dealt in fine A few years before his death he was elected a commissoner of Montour County, 'horses. but resigned on account of ill health. He married in 1831, Joanna, daughter of Matthias Appleman, then living in Montour County. She was born in November, 1803, on the farm, where she died in 1878, aged seventy-five years. Their children are N. P. (subject), Matthias A., Samuel C. L., Abraham Grier, William Boyd, John M., Sarah, Mary Ellen and Margaret, who died in infancy. Our subject was born on the farm in Madison Township, March 17, 1824, and was reared on the farm in West Hemlock Township until eighteen years of age. He then began to learn the wagon-maker's trade, which he has followed almost ever since. He established his shop in Benton in 1848 and there resided fourteen years; in 1862 removed to Buckhorn where he has since remained. In 1869 he was elected a justice of the peace, and is now serving his fourth consecutive term, and has June 6, 1848, he married Miss Araminta, also been mercantile appraiser for this county. daughter of Isaac Kline of Orange Township, who was born November 25, 1835, and six children have been born to their union: Mary Joanna, a teacher, residing with her parents; Elmira Ellen, died in infancy: John Willit. married to Miss Mary Penman, of Bloomsburg, and now lives in Topeka, Kas. Isora Lavina, taught school three years and lives with her parents; Charles Herbert, who is now in a store in Fishingcreek Township, ;and Lizzie, who is teaching school in Buckhorn. As indicated by his repeated re-elections, Mr. Moore is held in considerable repute by his neighbors. SAMUEL OHL, farmer, P. O. Buckhorn, is a grandson of Henry Ohl, who came to this country from Germany many years ago and settled in Berks County, where his son, also named Henry, the father of Samuel, was born. Henry, with his brother, John, 28, 1868, : ; 486 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: tract of 300 acres, a part of which is the farm now occupied by our subject. This land was then mostly in timber but he cleared the greater part of it. and it is now a Henry married Catherine, daughter of Daniel Mericle of Madison Township, fine farm. and eleven children were born to them, viz.: Elizabeth, widow of George Smith, now living in Bloomsburg with her son; Eli, married to Joanna Stouffer, and living on a part of the homestead; Henry, living in Michigan; Catherine, widow of Daniel Smith, living near Buckhorn; Mary, wife of Seth Shoemaker, Uving in Buckhorn; Sallie Ann, who was mar- bought a ried to Esau Shoemaker of Buckhorn and died leaving two children; Jesse, who had resided in the West, came home on a visit and died at his brother's house; Rebecca, who was married to Geo. Hittle, and died near Buckhorn, leaving one child; an unnamed Samuel is the second child and was born Janinfant, and a son who died when a child. uary 29, 1820, in a house which stood near the site of his present residence. He has never He married, December 25, 1845, Maria B. lived off the farm on which he was born. Straub, daughter of Adam Straub of this township, who was born December 30, 1826. To this union eleven children have been born, three of whom died in infancy and HarThe living are: Thomas J., who married Sarah, daughriet L. when fourteen years old. ter of John Betz, of this township, and now residing in Pittsburgh; Eli J., who is married to Amanda Musgrave. of Greenwood Township, resides in this township; Margaret, wife of Hugh Appleman, living in Hemlock Township; Amos, single and living in JPittsburgh; Sarah S., single and living'with her parents; Anna E., also living at home, and S. Howard, who is married to Miss Mary Yocum of this township, and works for his father. Mr. Ohl has applied himself closely to his farming pursuits, refusing to accept any office. He and family are members of the Grange; he is a member of Van Camp Lodge, No. 140 of Bloomsburg, and, with his wife and family, a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been an elder for several years. ELI OHL, farmer, P. O. Buckhorn, a brother of Samuel Ohl, whose sketch appears above, was born April 15, 1826, on the home farm. In his youth he worked at home until the age of twenty-one, when he began working on his own account, partly at home and In 1856 he went with Mr. Straub to for five years for Adam Straub, in this township. Michigan, where he remained until the fall of 1857 engaged in farm.ing. Returning to this township he resumed work in this neighborhood, and bought a piece of land which belonged to his father's estate. On this he subsequently built the house in which he now March 25, 1858, he married Miss Joanna, lives, and which has since been his home. daughter of Samuel Stauffer, then of Madison Township. Mrs. Ohl's father died several years ago, but her mother is still living in that" toAvnship, aged seventy-seven. Mr. and Mrs. Ohl have five children: Austin S., unmarried and a farmer in Michigan; William Clark, who makes his home with his parents and works at farming in this township; Franklin Leroy, also at home; Mary Emma, wife of Hiram Bogard, in Mount Pleasant Township, and Ada Lenora, who is living at home. Mr. Ohl is not an ardent politician, but votes with the Democratic party. He and his wife and some of his children are members of the Lutheran Church at Buckhorn. SYLVESTER PURSEL, farmer, P. O. Bloomsburg, is a grandson of Jonathan He first Pursel, who emigrated from New Jersey in the latter part of the last century. located on the farm now owned by his grandson, James Depew Pursel. The farm on which Sylvester lives was owned by his maternal ancestor, whose name was Green, and who later sold it to his son-in-law, Daniel Pursel. Shortly after this he died, and the wife of Jonathan Pursel dying about this time also, the two old people married, and lived on Jonathan's children were all by his first wife, Nancy, and none the Depew Pursel farm. Daniel bought the place where Sjivester now lives, from his father, and are now living, Sylvester was born in this house in 1816 built the stone house in which he now resides. and has never had any other home. Daniel was a blacksmith by trade and also farmed. He started poor, but by industry and hard work, helped by an equally careful and industrious wife, amassed a competence, owning this farm and the one owned by Isaac G. He was a strong man in many respects; a consistent Pursel, now living at Buckhorn. member of and attendant at the Episcopal Church in Bloomsburg. He died about 1852, aged eighty-three years. His wife was Mary Green, who was also from New Jersey. She died during the civil war, aged ninety-one j^ears and one month. (A year before, when ninety years of age, she knitted a large number of stockings and mittens for the soldiers.) They had twelve children, one dying in infancy. The others were John, who died at his son's, in Montour County, aged ninety-three years; Dennis, died three or four years ago, aged ninety-one years; Hester died in Lycoming County; Jonathan died in Canada; Robert lives in Michigan, aged eighty-eight; Daniel died several years ago; Annielives in Ohio; William resides in Montour County; Abigail Maria died iu Bloomsburg; Isaac G. Our subject, whg is the youngest of the family, resides in Buckhorn, and Sylvester. was born October 11, 1818, and has always been a farmer, working on the home farm unSince then he has stuck closely to it until til his father's death, when he inherited it. about five years ago, when he gave up the active work on it to his son, D. C. Pursel. June 4, 1840, he married Miss Mary Jane, daughter of Alexander Emmitt of this township, who was born May 11, 1820. They had seven children, four of whom died in infancy; HEMLOCK TOWNSHIP. 487 the others are Mary, born December 37, 1851, aud is wife of Franklin D. Dentter, a shoe anerchant, of Bloomsburg; Emily, the second daughter, was born April 27, 1854, and died August 6, 1856; the only surviving son is Daniel Clark Pursel, who was born June 19, He is married to Miss Mary Alice, daughter of Charles Dietrick, of Buckhorn. He 1857. now works his father's farm. Mr. and Mrs. Pursel are Episcopalians. He was for many years a member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, and has the record of an honest man and upright citizen, GEORGE RUSSEL, farmer, P. O. Buckhorn, was born December 1, 1817, in Northampton County, Penn. His father, Robert Russel, was formerly a resident of Northampton County, but moved to this county, locating first in Bloomsburg; later at the forks, and subsequently bought the place now owned by Reuben Guild, which he afterward sold to the Iron Companj-. He then bought the farm now occupied by his son George, in Hemlock Township, near Buckhorn. He died in February, 1882, aged eightyeight years and nine months. His wife, Sarah Miller, died many years prior. He was a carpenter by trade, but after coming to this county gave most of his attention to farmHe was an active, upright man, a strict member of the Episcopal Church in Bloomsing. burg, and universally respected. He was the father of seven children, of whom two are now living. The deceased were named as follows: Sarah and Caroline, who both died in ^arly life; Harriet was the wife of William Gillespie of this township, who is also deceased; Mary was the wife of William Clinton, who is living with his son-in-law, Theodore Dent; and Aaron, who died unmarried. The surviving are Elizabeth, wife of Reuben Foulk of Northumberland County, and George, the subject of this sketch. The latter was an infant when his parents came to this county, and he has all his life been a farmer. He worked for his father until he was forty years old, when he rented his farm and worked it until his father's death. He then inherited the new brick house which his father had built, and fifty acres of land, which, with fifty acres he had bought adjoining, gives him a fine farm. In October, 1878, he married Miss Mary, daughter of John Neitownship. They have no children. Mr. Russel is a member of the Grange, and he and Mrs. Russel are members of the Lutheran Church in Buckhorn. He takes but little part in politics and would not hold any ofllce, preferring to give his time and Jiart of this attention to his farm. AARON SMITH, farmer, P. O. Buckhorn, was born in Frosty Valley, August 7, David and Catherine (Heiner) Smith, who came to this county from New Jersey, and were among the earliest settlers of this part of the county. After living here awhile David Smith, who was born Marcli 31, 1781, bought a farm near where his son now resides, and which is owned by Peter Werkheiser, the country at that time being a wilderAfter living on the place for some time he rented a farm in Frosty Valley, where ness. he lived until 1840, when he moved to Briarcreek and resided two years; then moved to the farm where his son Aaron now lives, which he bought some years before, on which there had been a house. Here he resided the remainder of his life, dying October 23, His wife died about 1832, and later he married Annie Liedy, of this township, 1856. whose family were old settlers in this part of the county, but have now all emigrated west. By his first wife Mr. Smith had a large family, of whom the following are living: John, in Illinois; Samuel, in Michigan; Isabella, wife of Samuel Holder, resides in Milton, Northumberland County, and Aaron. Our subject worked on the farm until he was eighteen years old, when he learned the milling trade, which he followed eight years. He then resumed farming, which he has since followed. In the fall of 1858 he bought the home farm from the estate, and has since resided there. January 1, 1843, he married Rachel Fowler, daughter of William Fowler, of Nescopeck, Luzerne County, and the following namedchildren were born to their union: Boann,born January 3, 1844; Sarah Alice, 1821, a son of born April 26, 1845, wife of Charles Tittle, of Bloomsburg; Fanny Dianathy, born May 5, September 14, 1857; Ella Udora, born September 26, 1854, wife of George Erwin, and resides in West Hemlock Township, Montour County; Emma Jane, born April 26, 1850, married William Gulliver, and died April 11, 1872, leaving one child; Hugh W., born February 9, 1857, married Mary Gillaspy, and died October 11, 1885, leaving one child; Clara Bell, born September 15, 1862, died March 23, 1863, and Norman Ellis, who was born June 11, 1847, and worked for his father until he was of age. March 3, 1870, he married Miss Mary, daughter of Levi Cox, of Bloomsburg, and who was born March 20, 1851. They have had five children: Lucius C, born May 14, died August 14, 1871; Edith Lavina, born August 15, 1872; Nellie Irene, born May 15, 1874; Hugh Otis, born August 19, 1877, and Lizzie Iri, born April 21, 1882. Mr. Smith has held several township offices, and was sheriff of the county one term. He is now warmly interested in the prohibition cause, and was a delegate to the State convention of the Prohibition party which was held at Harrisburg in August, 1886. He and Mrs. Smith are members of the Baptist Church in Madison Township, and he is spoken of by his neighbors as a straightforward, plain-spoken man, and one whose word can be relied upon. He has been superintendent of the Union Sunday-school at New Columbia for twenty years past. When David Smith first came here there was but one log cabin where Berwick now stands, and he often used to tell of 1846, died 36 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 488 the difficulties and hardships he encountered in assist making a home, having no one to- him. EVAN THOMAS, Mount Pleasant Township, and grandfather both resided. The latter, Thomas Thomas, having fingers shot off in a fight with the his by a Revolutionary soldier, was crippled English and Indians. He died about twenty years ago in his one-hundredth year, and his descendants yet repeat the stories he told them of the hardships he endured while fighting for freedom. His son. John C, the father of Evan, was born in the State of New York, and came to this county, settling in Mount Pleasant Township, where he was marHe died four years ago, aged seventy-three ried, and where his children were born. His wife was Miss Eliza, daughter of Frederick Miller, of Mount Pleasant Townyears. Their children are Hiram, who resides ship, and died in 1860, aged seventy-four years. in Mount Pleasant Township; Elizabeth, wife of George Keller, of Millersburg, Juniata County; Susanna, wife of William Beers, of Bloom Township; Catherine, married to Lawrence Hartman, of this township: Hester, wife of Lewis Girton, also of Hemlock; Sarah Margaret, who was the wife of Emanuel Wood (the latter was accidentally killed in a mine, and she is now married to William Weber, of Juniata County); William, who is unmarried, resides in Mount Pleasant Township; Frederick, who died young, and Evan In early life our subject worked on a farm and (subject) who was born May 16, 1885. also in the ore mines until 1870, when he rented a farm and cultivated it until 1880, when he bought the place on which he now resides. In 1860 he married Miss Mary, daughter of David B. Wagner, of this township. Eleven children were born to their union, one of whom died young. The living are John, William, Jacob, Lewis, Hiram Lester, Edward, Charles, Sarah, Hannah and Rosanna. Mr. Thomas is not a politician; has never held office, but has attended strictly to his own business, and votes the Democratic ticket this county, where farmer, P. O. Buckhorn, was born in his father regularly. DAVID B. WAGNER, farmer, P. O. Buckhorn, was born on the farm where he now His grandfather came from Germany over a hundred years resides, October 22, 1814. ago, and was one of the first settlers of Columbia County, taking up a tract of over 600 This tract is now divided into nine farms. acres adjoining the present farm of David. His son, Isaac, was the father of our subject, and was twenty -.seven years old when his parents came to this county, and shortly after, in 1801, he married Elizabeth Betz, of Madison Township. He then bought 100 acres of land adjoining his father's, on which he resided until his death, in 1861, at the age of eighty-eight years. His wife died when her youngest child was ten years old, and Isaac then married Mrs. Sarah Leidy, who survived him three years. Mrs. Elizabeth Wagner had nine children who arrived at years of maturity, and several who died in infancy. The former were Abraham, now deceased; Isaac, a resident of Madison Township; Dinah Ann, deceased; Labright, also deceased; Margaret, residing in Indiana; Elias, deceased; Sallie Ano, widow of Benjamin Bomboy, and resides in Bloomsburg; Mary Elizabeth, widow of Jacob Latchaw, who was killed while in the Union Army, and David B. Our subject has been a farmer all his life, but the last year has retired, his son-in-law, Evan Thomas, carrying on the farm for him. In Four and April, 1835, he married Mary, daughter of Michael Stecker, of this township. a half years later she died, leaving one child, Henry William, now living in Schuylkill In 1840 Mr. Wagner married Sarah Ann. daughter of Jacob Girton, of Madison Township, and the following children w^ere born to their union: Mary Elizabeth, wife of Evan Thomas; Catherine Matilda, wife of William Mericle, of Madison Township; Jacob L., married to Lucy, daughter of John Welsh, and resides in Northumberland County; Isaac, who died when eight years old, and Hannah, the youngest County, Penn. child, who lives with her father. six years, also school director; is a in which he has been elder Mr. Wagner has been supervisor of his township for member of the Presbyterian Church at New Columbia, thirty years. MATHIAS WHITENIGHT, Mordansville, Penn., was born Sr.. farmer, P. O. Buckhorn, same State, August 16, 1811, and is one of a family of fourteen children, but two now living. His father was born near Easton, and came to this part of the State when a young man, settling at Buckhorn, where he married Rebecca Hoffman. Both have been dead many years. Their children now living are our subject and Catherine, wife of Aaron Miller, of Hemlock Township. Our subject was but five years of age when his father moved to the place where he now resides and which has since been his home, he inheriting it on the death of his father. He married, in 1838. Miss Mary Ann Kline, and for some time previous to that event, worked in the still house of William McKelvy in Bloom. To him and his wife fourteen children were born, ten of whom are living: Henry William, living in Michigan; George, in Madison Township, keeper of the poorhouse; Maria Catherine, wife of Amos Heller, of Madison Township; Rebecca Jane, who was married to George Beagle, and after his death to John Tanner, of West Hemlock, Montour County; Mathias, who owns a farm adjoining his father; Mary Ann, wife at of John Howell, of this township; Susanna, wife of Henrj^ G. Frane, of Mahanoy City; Mahala Elizabeth, wife of Charles Smith, of Catawissa: John Wesley, who is single and lives with his brother-in-law, John Howell, and Isaiah McClellan, who is married to Miss- 489" JACKSON TOWNSHIP. Jennie Purcel and resides with his father. Mrs. Whitenight died July 25, 1879. Mr. of the Ge-man Reformed Church at Jerseytown. YOCUM, farmer, P. O. Bloomsburg, Penn., a son of John and Jane (Soper) Yocum, was born in 1830, in Shamoliin Township, Northumberland County, where he resided until he was thirteen years old. He was reared on tl e farm and at the age of sixteen began to learn the blacksmith's trade with Samuel Shick, and after comHe then began for himpleting his apprenticeship worked as a journeyman until 1858. In 1871 he bought the self, and followed his business in this township for tt irteen years. Drinker farm, which he has greatly improved, and in farming and stock raising has been very successful. In 1858 he married Elsie, a daughter of Jacob Shoemaker, an old resiMr. Yocum is dent of the county. The children born to this marriage all died young. a prominent member of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bloomsburg, of which he is a He is also a member of the Grange.' Politically he is a Democrat. trustee. Whitenight is a member DANIEL CHAPTER XXXIV. JACKSON TOWNSHIP. IRAM DERR, farmer, P. O. Derrs. was born in Madison Township, Columbia Co., son of James and Nancy (Kitchen) Derr, former of whom, a native of Anthony Township, Montour County, died in Tennessee, latter a native of Madison Township, this county, and a daughter of William Kitchen, who was born in New Jersey. Judge Derr lived in Madison Township, this county, and there learned his trade (chairmaker), serving a five years' apprenticeship, and in 1831 went to Orangeville, where he bought a house and pursued hio business till 1836; then was elected constable of Bloom Township, serving two years; then moved to Rohrsburg in the spring of 1838, where, tilL 1841, he kept hotel; thence came to Jackson Township, and located on Little Fishing: creek. Tht re he built a saw-mill, and in the fall of 1843 was elected sheriff of Columbia. County, his residence being in Danville till 1848. He then returned to the saw-mill, and In in 185^ moved to his present home, which was under improvement except buildings. the meantime he was elected commissioner in 1853, serving till 1856; was also justice of associate judge, being re-elected in since elected 1871, which the peace, and in 1866 was time he has not been in public life. His home farm consists of 116 acres; healsoowns558 acres in Jackson Township, and 100 in Greenwood Township. Judge Derr's first wife was Leah, daughter of Joseph Welliver, whom he married October 26, 1831. She died February 16, 1874. The children born to this union were John F., George W., Nancy K., Andrew J., Frank, Mary W., Calvin, James D. and Effie. Our subject next married, August 29, 1876, Mrs. Elizabeth C. Watts nee Lunger. The family, excepting John F., are members of the Church of Christ, of which Mr. Derr has been a member since 1857. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN F. DERR, farmer, P. O. Derrs, was born September 22, 1832, son of Iram Derr. He attended the common schools and the academj' at Bloomsburg, and in his nineteenth year commenced teaching and lumbering, former in winter, latter in summer. He was married in 1853, and 'continued lumbering till 1862, when he went to farming on the place where he now resides (adjoining his father's property), where he owns fifty-eight After moving here he served two terms as school director, and eight years as jusacres. He was then appointed storekeeper and gauger tice of the peace, resigning July 15, 1885. by the Government. During this time he has taught twenty-seven terms of school, teaching winters sixteen terras in his own district. Mr. Derr was married to Rebecca, daughter of John Christian, of Pine Township, this county, and by her he has two children: Mary A. (wife of James S. Woods, in Schuylkill County, Penn.) and Ida F. (unmarried). Mr. Derr has been a member of the Baptist Church for twenty-five years. In politics he Penn., June 4, 1811, — is a Democrat. FRANK DERR was born January 2, 1840, at Rohrsburg, this county; was drafted and served in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Regiment; was mustered in and out at Harrisburg; was married February 4, 1864, to Miss Julia A Shultz; resided at Rohrsburg and followed millwrightin^ and carpentering until 1873; then moved to Jackson where he has been in the lumbering business. The children born to our subject and wife are Laura, Leah, May, Minnie, Earl and Fred. The family attend the services of the Christian Church. In politics Mr. Derr is a Democrat. DANIEL L. EVERHART, farmer, P, O. Waller, was born in Northampton County, Penn., December 23, 1823, and came to this county in 1836, first locating in Orange TownJ. in the service in 1862, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 400 His parents were Jacob and Elizabeth ( Anawalt) Everhart, former of whom, a son of Isaiah Everhart, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., and died in Orange Township, one mile and a half north of Light Street. They were members of the Lutheran Church and had a family of six children: Daniel L., Wilhelmina A., Augustus, Sarah K. Luther J. and Anna S. Of these only Daniel L. and Augustus live in Columbia County. Our subject lived at home until he was twenty-two years old, then moved to Berwick, this county, where be learned milling and worked about eighteen months; then went to Nescopeck, Penn., and worked six months; thence to Wapwallopen for three months; then for a time in an iron mine at Bloomsburg; and thence to Light Street where he worked in the mill with William Brown, whose daughter, Mary E., he married in May, 185L Mr. and Mrs. Everhart resided nine years at Light Street before he opened a hotel at that place, which he kept nine years. Thence they came to his farm of 112 acres ( the home farm ) and 124 in woodland. Mr. and Mrs. Everhart have reared five children: Clara, wife of Z. A. Butt; The family attend the services of the MethCharlie, Alverda H., Abner C. and Alvaretta. odist Episcopal Cnurch. In politics Mr. Everhart is a Democrat, and held the office of supervisor for one year. He was also postmaster from 1866 to 1872 at Polkville, which is now He ;is a member of the I. O. O. F. and the Encampcalled Waller (Columbia County). A. M. He served nine months in the army during the war of the ment, and is an A. F. Rebellion. HIRLEMAN, farmer, P. O. Waller, was born in France, near the German border, son of George and Dorothy (Wet tling) Hirleman, former of whom had been a soldier under Napoleon Bonaparte during the war with Russia; he died in January, 1885, aged one hundred years and one mouth. Mrs. Dorothy Hirleman died in February, 1882, Their familj^ consisted of seven children: George. Henry, Philip, at Pottsville, Penn. Magdalena, Sarah, Barbara, and Louisa, who died on the ocean. The family sailed for America from Havre de Grace, France, April 27, 1829, arriving at Philadelphia after a voyage of forty-two days, and a few days thereafter moved to Pottsville, Penn. Our sub ject came from there to Columbia County, January 26, 1846, and settled at what is now Waller. He purchased seventy-five acres of timber land which he improved, and now He married, at Sunbis farm of ninety-six acres is one of the best in Jackson Township. bury, Penn., Barbara Fry, who was born near Mr. Hirleman's birthplace, and came to America at the same time as the Hirlemans. To this union were born the following named children: Sarah, Louisa, Henry H., Emma, George, Jacob, Magdalena, Daniel, Samuel, Philip and Alice. Henry H. was born in Schuylkill County, Penn., and now He was mai-ried January 13, 1870, to Elvira Hess, daughter of Joseph O. lives in Waller. Hess of Sugarloaf Township, this county. He built his present dwelling in Waller in 1883, and kept store in the village for a considerable time, but on account of failing health had to sell out and take up farming and huckstering. The subject of this sketch commenced business for himself running from 1839 to 1845, a canal-boat in the coal trade, from Pottsville to Philadelphia, New York, Wilmington, Governor's Island and Long He owned a deck boat of about seventy tons burden, valued at |1,000. In 1845 Island. he was employed by the Pha?nix Company on the railroad driving a five-mule team, hauling coal from Broad Mountain to Schuylkill Haven. Removing to his farm in 1846 he commenced buying and driving stock to Schuylkill County; was also in the lumber, shingle and produce business. Mr. Hirleman has served his township eleven years as school director and treasurer; six years as supervisor, besides other minor offices. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. In politics is a Democrat. JAMES W. KITCHEN, farmer, P. O. Guava, was born in Greenwood Township, Columbia Co., Penn., December 24, 1826, son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Van Horn) Kitchen, who settled in the northwestern part of Sugarloaf Township in about 1849. Here Samuel bought 136 acres of land and died. His widow is living in Jackson TownThey had seven children: Cyrus, in Crawford County, Penn.; •ship with her son Calvin. James V/., Isaiah, in Nebraska; William, in Putnam County, Ohio; Calvin, in this township; Mary J., wife of J. Lewis, in Crawford County, Penn.; Beulah, wife of G. H. Hess, an Crawford County. James W. was married April 12, 1849, to Catharine, daughter of William Stephens, and she died January 2, 1867, the mother of four children: Jasper, Elmira (deceased), Sevilla, wife of William Yorks, and Mary E., wife of William Hawthorne, of Crawford County, Penn. Our subject married on second occasion October 17, Mr. Kitchen came from Jackson 1880, Mrs. Sarah C. Fritz, daughter of William Rhone. Township in 1851, and settled where he now lives, about four miles northeast from WalHe was elected justice of ler, and here owns seventy-eight acres of improved farm land. the peace and served ten years; was school director eleven years, and filled other minor a Democrat. In politics he is offices. RANTZ, retired farmer, P. O. Rohrsburg, one of the prominent men of Jackwas born near Orangeville, this county. May 3, 1811, son of John, Sr. (a Township, son farmer) and Elizabeth (Hit tie) Rantz, the latter of wliom survived her husband and became the wife of Joseph H. Robbins. Shortly after the birth of our subject the family removed to Rohrsburg, thence came to Jackson Township, eventually locating on the place where John F. Derr now resides, and here the father died in March, 1822, the owner of ship. & GEORGE JOHN 491 JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 200 acres of land. Our subject lived till 1825 on the old place, but his mother, on marrying the second time, in 1823, moved to the place where John Rantznow lives. Joseph H. Robbins owned seventy-six acres, now the property of our subject, who has added thereto till he possesses 300 acres (at one time he owned about 400 acres). The Robbms family (mcluding our subject) moved to Ohio in 1836, and there Mr. and Mrs. Robbms both died. In 1838 Mr. Rantz returned and built his house and barns. October 22, 1843, he married Mary, daughter of John Christian, and by her had four children: Elizabeth, married to John L. Parker, who was killed at Fort Gregg during the war of the Rebellion, leaving one child, Laura Mary, wife of Lee Belles (Mrs. Parker then married Joseph Reece, by whom she had one child, Lundy, and she died when the child was four days old); Jacob, Penn.; Rebecca, a merchant in Rohrsburg, this county; Christian, in Lycoming County, wife of Francis Albertson, of this township. Mr. Rantz has lived on his present place ever since his marriage. He learned his trade, that of stone-mason and plasterer, when nineteen years old, and followed this business until 1885, when he retired. He worked seven years on locks and bridges, and helped build a stone bridge across the Schuylkill at Black Rock Tunnel near Phcenixville. Penn. Both as a government contractor and an He taught school five terms during agriculturist Mr. Rantz has been very prosperous. Our subject is a member of the Christian Church at Derrs. In politics he is a his life. Republican. , GEORGE REMLEY, _ , ^ rrr ,, farmer, P. O. Waller, residing three miles, north of Waller, is a son of Michael and Mary (Hartman) Remley, former of whom was born in 1802, and came to Jackson Township in 1840; he died at Stony Brook, near Light Street, this county, Februarv 20, 1886 (his father, also named Michael, came from Northampton County to Centre Township, this countv, three miles east of Orangeville, in 1800, and died near the Knob Mountain while residing with his sister Elizabeth, wife of George Sidler). Mrs. Marv Remley was a daughter of George Hartman, who died on the old homestead in Jackson Township in 1875 or 1876. When Mr. Remley came to this township in 1840. he bouglit 120 acres of land in the woods, and there reared a family of ten children: George; Anna, wife of Henry Gettv; Sarah, wife of Henrv Golder; Mary, wife of George Getty; Matilda, wife of Gotleib VVagner; Susanna, wife of George Hess; Rebecca, Avife of William Swyu; Daniel, who died in the army; Emanuel and Catharine. George married Januarv 14. 1854, Catharine Schutz, who was born near Coblentz, Prussia, and they lived on their present place, part of the old homestead, where he has now 78 acres of well improved land. Mr. and Mrs. George Remley reared a family of ten children: Michael; John W.; Mary (deceased); Margaret;' Rebecca; G. B. McClellan; Samuel; Hannah; Emma, and The family attend the services of the Evangelical Church. Mr. RemStella (deceased). ley is a member of Jackson Grange, No. 210; has filled several offices and is now serving, his third term as supervisor. He was in the army during the war of the Rebellion, serving twice, first time nine months, and second eighteen months. MICHAEL S. REMLEY, farmer, P. O. Waller, son of George Remley, was bora December 7, 1854, on the old homestead where he now lives. He remained and worked) at home until he was nearly twenty-one years old; then went to Bremer County. Iowa, where he remained five years. Returning in 1880 he married, April 9. 1881, Miss Mary M. Kline, who was born in Fishingcreek Township, this county, near Stillwater, only child of Charles and Lavina (Kline) Coleman, former now living at New Columbus, latter a daughIn 1882 they came to their present location, where Mr. Remley ter of Matthias Kline. bought fifty-three acres of land, and erected a good house. Our subject and wife have three children: Jay, Coy and Amy Grace. Mr. Remley is a member of Jackson Grange, No. 210. JOHN YORKS, farmer, P. O. Waller, was born May 5, 1807, in New Jersey, son of He lived under tlie parental roof until he was twenty-one years of age, and then (1828) commenced working on the canal at Penn's Creek, below Selin's Grove, Penn., and in 1829 on the canal at Berwick, continuing to work on the railroad. He William Yorks. on his present place, having bought fifty acres of land from Jake Keeler, woodland, which he cleared up and improved. He now owns sixty acres. Mr. Yorks married Lucy, daughter of Daniel Ashelman, and by her has had twelve children, three of whom died in infancy. Those surviving are Martin. Wesley, Emanuel, Emeline, Eliza, Franklin, Sutton. Peter and Martha. Our subject's father, William Yorks, was of Low Dutch descent, and came from New Jersev. settling in Fishingcreek Township, this county. His children Avere John, Samuel, Thomas, Joseph, Catharine, Mary. Hannah and in 1791. Benjamin was born in New Jersey, married a Miss Hall, and together they Elizabeth. moved to Fishingcreek Township, where he rented a farm two years, then came to this township, and in 1820 settled where D. S. Everhart now lives. He bouglit 1U6 acres of land and died in Lycoming County, Penn.. at the residence of Mrs. Eliza Clemmens. His wife died at the residence of her son Henrv. JOSEPH YORKS, farmer. P. O. Waller, son of Joseph Yorks, Sr., was born February 12, 1823, in Sugarloaf Township, this county. When only a month old he lost his father, and when about six years old he was put to live among strangers in Luzerne County, and came to Jackson Township when about eleven, and remained until lie was sixieea settled in 1831) all 492 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: when he returned to Sugarloaf Township. In 1853 he married Hannah, daughter of Ephraim Parker, and they lived at the mill of William Yorks, in Sugarloaf Township, whic;h mill he operated himself until coming to this township in 1860, though he continued carrying on the mill until 1867. Mr. Yorks bought the laud he now lives on in 1851 or 1852, and improved the place with his own hands. He has here the nicest builddngs in the township north of Waller. He also owned other lands in the township. Mr. and Mrs. Yorks are the parents of five children: William L. Martha F., wife of William A. Fritz, in Sugarloaf Township; John L. Henry E. and Joseph P. Our subject has .filled several township offices such as supervisor, school director, etc. In politics he is a years old ; ; Democrat. William L. Yorks, son of Joseph Yorks, was born in Sugarloaf Township, June and was educated in the schools of Jackson Township and at Millville Seminary. At the age of seventeen he commenced teaching school, and has taught every •-winter, excepting three, since 1870. He remained under the parental roof until his marriage, December 24, 1874. with Miss Savilla, daughter of James W. Kitchen, and by this unnion there is one child, Leslie W., born July 4, 1875. In 1875 Mr. Yorks and his young wife came to their present home where he owns sixty two acres of well improved land. Me has filled various offices and is at present auditor. 4, 1853, "^ CHAPTER XXXV. LOCUST TOWNSHIP. JONATHAN BEAVER, farmer, P. O. Mill Grove, was born in what is now Locust Co., Penn., October 24, 1838, to Daniel and Esther (Marts) Beaver, the former a native of Berks County, Penn., and the latter of this county. When Daniel Beaver was about six years of age he came to this county with his father, who was a tanner, which trade he followed while living in Berks County. On coming to this county the latter kept tavern in the same house where Jonathan now lives, which is a stone structure, built in 1806. He afterward 'turned his attention to farming and in his last years lived retired. He died at the age of eighty-six years. Daniel, the father of Jonathan, •was a farmer; married and lived and died in this county. His death occurred June 22, his sixty-tifth year, in the house where our subject now lives, and was buried in 1871, Numidia Cemetery. His widow resides in Roaringcreek Township, this county. Our subject was reared and spent his life on the old homestead where his grandfather settled. He worked with his father until 1867, wiien he bought the farm of ti'fty-two acres. He was married in Northumberland County, Penn., December 31, 1870, to Margaret Johnson, a native of Northumberland County," and a daughter of Samuel and Achsah Johnson; her parents are both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Beaver have no children of their own, but have an adopted son, Harvey, and a girl whom they have reared, Mary. Mr. Beaver and son, Harvey, are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and his wife of the Danville Baptist Ciiurch. Politically he is a Democrat. CAMP, farmer, P. O. Numidia, was born in Northumberland County, Penn., December 15, 1828, a son of Benjamin and Mary (Henkel) Camp, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His great-grandfather came from Germany and settled in Berks County, Penn., whence his grandfather emigrated to Northumberland County, and followed farming until his death. Our subject's father was born in Northumberland County and there remained engaged in farming and the carpenter trade. He moved to this countyabout 1830, settled in this township, and engaged in farming until his death in 1872. His wife died about four years prior; both were members of the Lutheran Church. Our subject was brought up to the carpenter's trade which he followed until about thirty-two years of age. He followed contracting about twenty-two years, taking contracts for building coal breakers, and erected two very large ones in Schuylkill County, containing over 600.000 feet of lumber, and also several smaller ones. He resided twentytwo years in Schuylkill County, a part of the time in Pottsville and a part in Ashland. In 1863 he enlisted in the militia, and was out two weeks, at the battle of Antietam. In the fall of 1865 he came to Columbia County, settled on the farm where he now resides, and built a fine two-story frame house, which is one of the best in the township, and the improvements on the place are all first-class. Mr. Camp owns 106 acres of good land. He married, in January, 1850, Harriet Henkel, who has borne him nine children, five of •whom are living: Lucinda, wife of Edward Cleaver; John H., married Clara Cherington; Township, Columbia m SAMUEL _ 493 LOCUST TOWNSHIP. Camp are members married Mary Balig; Lincoln and Elmira. Mr. and Mrs. this township nine years, and is one of of auditor as served He Church. Lutheran ^f the '^' P. O. Roaring Creek, was born.in Columbia County ^ELuIh c'crEAV^^^^^^^^^^^ Cleaver, natives of Penn. and of Penn.. March 18, 1833, a son of Joseph and Sarah (Case) came from Scotland in 1-86, and :Scotch-(Holland Dutch descent. His great-grandfather His maternal ancestors, six generations back, came Settled n New Jersey where he died. and settled in New (the exact date taken from the old records) £,m Holland in Columbia County, Penn., His ancestors on both sides came from that State to Jersey he engaged in The grandfather, David Cleaver, settled in Catawissa where about 1806 place ^nd the only one at that mercantile business; was among the first merchants of that 400 or 500 acres-which He also owned several farms in Franklin Township-some time. Susquenanna House,_ as the known Catawissa in hotel brick the built He out he rented business all his life after coming to this mercantile in engaging it, SonduSed never but John and David Sunty HeTared sii children: Rebecca, Elizabeth, Elijah, Joseph, Adam Case came about whom are now deceased. Sublect's maternal grandfather bought a farm along the Catawissa the same time and settled in Catawissa, where he He reared a family of thirteen children, as Creek He carried on farming all his life. Jacob,. Nathan, Malan Christian follows: Elizabeth, Hester, Sibilla, Jonathan, William, Four of these are yet hving: Christian at Havre de ton Sarah, Rebecca, Susanna. widow of John Manley, in Grace Md; Jonathan, in Illinois, married a Miss Cox; Sibilla, Shamokm. Peiin Adam Case Danville Penn.. and Rebecca, wife of Richard Douty, in subject, was born in Catawissa Towndied January 29. 1848. Joseph, the father of our After his marriage he settled brought up a farmer, and also did teaming. sWp> and there followed farming all his life, in what is now known as Franklin Township, and His widow died January 27, 1834. owrng a farm at the time of his death, February 33.(deceased)^ Harriet (deceased), Mati They were the parents of five children: Eliza 1856 and Rebecca (deceased). da (wife of Allen John, in Mahaska County. Iowa). Elijah C. he remained with his Our subject was only eleven months old when his father died and In 18o2 he four years. mother until sixteen vears of age, when he hired himself out for Township which he Smmenced life for himself, and rented a farm in Roaringcreek Matilda keeping house for him. After cultivated one year before his marriage, his sister, and then moved in o Catawissa Ms marriage he remained on the same farm one year, the spring of 1857, he moved to Township, where he remained two years laboring. In He has of land. where he now resides and purchased the farm consisting of 104 acresHe married, March made all the improvements on the place, all of which are hrst-c ass. Cool. Mr. and Mrs. (Smith) 1853 Martha A. Cool, daughter of Philip and Hannah now ^^^"gj^^^sley M. BritCleaver are the parents of nine children (eight of whom are Mary J Perry) Nelson E Curtis ton W. (married to Sarah Ernest), Charles L. (married to Hannah L. Wesley M. is a graduate (deceased), Clarence Grant, Joseph C, Rosie A. and Normal School, and both courses (degrees: B. E., M. E.; B. S.. M. S.) of the Bloomsburg 1886. classical course; Nelson E. is a graduate of alsoagSarfroS has attended, three years. Dickinson the collegiate preparatory course of Bloomsburg; he Mr. Cleav.r has served a^ school director College, Carlisle, and will graduate in 1887. of the Methodist Episcoone tirm He and his wife and five of their children are members Catawissa. Dunngthe civil war he served pal Church. He is amember of the G. A. R. at Volunteer Militia, and was at Camp in Company I. Thirteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania In politics he is a KeBiddle and Cold Springs, near Hagerstown during an emergency. Andrew C , S ' SS M wi • S m farmer, P. O. Pensyl, was born in Columbia County, Penn.. Febfather was a native of Carlisle ruary 4 1853. to John and Maria (George) Earnest. The At the age of Columbia Co Penn.. and there learned the trade of a blacksmith. in which he cartwenty-one he moved to Columbia County and built a blacksmith shop, farm duiing the latter part of his life ried on his trade a number of years. He bought a After coming to this and followed agricultural pursuits until his death. January 30. 1883. her home with Elias. makes county he was married to Maria George, who is yet living and in Locust TownHer husband is buried in Numidia churchyard. Our subject was reared His father willed him the farm shin where he has always resided on the old homestead. making in all ninety three acres at of eighty-three acres, to which he has since_ added, present. He has made farming his occupation. . t f in what is now Locust OLIVER EVANS, farmer, P. O. Roaring Creek, was born father His Evans (OUver) Sarah and Evan of son 1834 July 13, Township this county. grandfather was a native of Pennsylvania and his mother of New Jei^ey. His paternal settled in what came from Wales and his grandmother from England. His grandfather on the farm adjoining where our subject now reis now Locust Township, in this county, farming until his He bought a tract of land about a century ago and followed February sides. 23. 1815. December 15. 1831. Subject's father was born in 178o. married ^"^ELIAS EARNEST, . . , . ; death. and settled on the farm now owned by his son. called upon to act as arbitrator, etc. was often ; He was a prominent man in his day. and was well educated for his time taught ; BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 494 school for a number of years, and was looked up to by his neighbors. Politically he His death occurred December 22, 1843. Sarah, his wife, died December 13, a Whig. she had made her home in the house 1878, aged ninety years, two months and ten days where Oliver resides from the time she began housekeeping until her death. She and her husband were the parents of ten children, nine of whom lived to manhood and womanhood (six are still living): Mehetabel, widow of George Hughes, of Catawissa Jane, wife Harriet Oliver Lavinia, widow of Thomas Beckof Peter.K. Mensch, in Roaringcreek and Mary, widow of Charles Dyer, in Roaringcreek. John died er, in Plymouth, Penn. October 26, 1817 Ann, wife of Enoch Wolverton, died in April, 1860 James E. died in the service of his countrj', in the regular army, at Camp Curtin, Harrisburg, Penn., November 21, 1862 Sarah, wife of Amos Strausser, died October 12. 1886, in Franklin Our subject was reared on the farm where he now resides and which County, Mo. has always been his home. It consists of fifty-eight acres of good land. He was married February 28, 1861, to Deborah A., daughter of John C. and Rachel (Hibbs) Myers, natives of Northumberland County, Penn., born before Columbia County was takes from Northumberland. Mr. Evans and wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In Mr. Evans has in his possession an old pocket-book that bepolitics he is a Republican. longed to his grandfather Oliver. It is probably over one hundred years old and contains receipts dated 1772, and other papers dated more than one hundred years ago. WILLIAM FETTERMAN, farmer, P. O. Numidia. was born in his present residence. Locust Township, January 16, 1842, a son of Jonas and Mary A. (Barriuger) Fetterman, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather George came here from Berks County over a century ago, and settled on the place where our subject now lives. He took up about 1,000 acres of land and first built a little log cabin in which he lived a number of years. He also built the present residence of our subject about three-quartersof a century ago, and was among the first settlers of this county. He was a stone-mason by trade which he followed during the early part of his life, but later followed farming. He was the father of eleven children, five of whom survive, viz. Elizabeth Fisher, Sally Yeager, Catharine Hamer, John and Joshua. The father of this family died in 1859, and is buried in the cemetery of the Evangelical Church, of which denomination he was a member. Jonas Fetterman was born on the farm where his son, our subject, now resides. He was a farmer and remained on the old homestead which he owned at the time, of his death. After that event our subject bought the homestead, where he has always resided. This farm was taken up, cleared, etc., by the Fetterman family and is still owned by the name. In 1862 William Fetterman enlisted in company H, One-hundred and Thirtysecond Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months. He participated in other engagements at Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville, which were hard-fought battles. He married, October 21, 1873. Catharine Lewis, and they are the parents of three children: Lizzie, Nola and Hattie. Mr. and Mrs. Fetterman reared a family of seven children, of whom the following are still living: Catherine, wife of David 5. Helwig; Rebecca, wife of William Stefnogh, residing at Berwick, this county; Charlotte, wife of Amandus Billeg; Henrietta, wife of Michael Fetterolf. Mr. Fetterman's farm now consists of 123 acres; his grandfather took up a large tract, but sold it all off with the exception of 200 acres at the time of his death. DAVID HELWIG, farmer, P. O. Roaring Creek, was born in Columbia County,, Penn., April 30, 1838, a son of Peter and Charity (Martz) Helwig, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His great-grandfather came from Germany, and his grand- was ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; : father, Frederick Helwig, came from Berks County to Columbia County about 1800, and settled near Catawissa, where he bought a large tract of land and lived until his death. He was quite an extensive farmer in his day, and very successful. In his political views he is a stanch Democrat. Our subject's father was born in 1801; was reared to the shoemaker's trade, which he followed off and on; also learned the mason's trade, at which he worked for several years. After his marriage he settled on the farm where Peter Helwig now lives, and there resided for a number of years, when he sold out and moved to Catawissa, and lived a retired life until his death in 1881. His wife died some years before. They were the parents of nine children, five of Avhom yet survive: David, William, Eliza, Peter and Mary (wife of Daniel Fenstermacher). Our subject was reared on a farm, and at the age of twenty-four married and commenced business for himself. He farmed year later he until 1873, when he bought the farm of fifty acres where he now resides. moved on it and added to it, until now it consists of eighty acres of fine land. He erected a good residence and a fine barn at a cost of about $3,000. He married, in May, 1867, A Sarah, daughter of George Graig and Martha (Fox) and the following named children were born to them: Henry, wife of Ida Gaston; Joseph W., married to Sarah Wagner; Maria, wife of Galen Yeager; George B. McAmsey; Charles; Hannah (deceased), Sussn, Maude and Edward. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Helwig has held the office of school director and tax collector. C. HENRICKS, farmer, P. O. Numidia, was born in Prussia, Germany, February His father 1847, a son of Joseph and Sophia (Drifs) Henricks. natives of Germany. followed farming in the old country, and in 1867 with his family took passage on a sail- 6, ^^^ LOCUST TOWNSHIP. iogvesselatHambvug and landed in New Y^^^^^^ Se^e%^?siS aSlil fl^hS w^lJe^rikM trade, and f^^oj^^^^^^^^^^^^Xd'!^^^^ Our subject then learned the carpenter's years, ?^h«f„li«3\^S'^.S;iL ent residence, with the exception of about two in Cook is stiH livmg and ^^^^^^^^^jj mother his but Ashland, in 1869 in His father died '^uVi J: stuwn^^^^^^^ <;hildren, six of whom are °ine of parents the were They County, 111. Caroline, ^i^/ ^^ John; Blanch; Joe wife of Rechor, Charles J^^f/Jf eonS^Ung of 1^^^ and Sophia. In 1880 our subject bought the tarm ^l^^f.^fi^^ochildren were'bon to following cuarenw« April 8, 1869, he married Minnie Hans, and the acres. (deceasedyyilliam,Chri^^^^^^ ?Sem: Frederick, John (deceased), Charles, Hannah the Lutheran i^nurcn, Mr. and Mrs. Henricks are members of gast, Martyn and Emma. and he is also a member of the Grange. „K^^r, ;t, T nnmt Township. Locus^ HERBEIN, miller, P. 0. Roaring Creek, was Jorn in natives of Catherine and ^ K. this county. August 12. 1841, a son of Peter (;f^°;f ^^^^^'^i" and ^^ame/i^.™ great-grandfather His Berks-County and of German descent. .^''Xut i815, can.e to this settled in Berks County, whence his g^^ncifather David f "77j^«S,\l,eA a le^^^^ lUor S^i^t-m a operated and property a settled in Slabtown. bought which bought a small farm, and a few years later a tract of land on ^J^^^jI'^Yej^j.^ed the he^e^ Our%ubjecfs father was but a small boy when the ^amiy moved sevencSren: 1869, the t^lf "^^ of ^^/^^ g^rah T. miller's trade, which he followed all his life, and died Rolandus, Albert, David, Susan, Peter, Mary A (wife «J <^^«/.f.^tunlil outbreak the oui until Uie Our subject was reared to the miller's trade, and worked for his tf^^^iGuards in the nine Catawissa of the Rebellion, when in August, 1861, he enlisted in the months' service. They went from Catawissa to Harrisburg; thence ^^ Wa^f "^g'^'Jlerbeiii t p .„ ^nd and participated in their first battle at Antietam. After that .fngap"^^.^; at Hai per si^ji^ y-^^^ was seized with typhoid fever, and was taken to the field hospital ^^^^"'J;^;' home. him lay there some weeks when his father came and took , :„ed about a remam he where hospital ^.^_ ery he took a relapse and was moved to Harrisburg month; was then taken to Little York, where he remained ^"^^^^ .^'^.'.fSas After a from suffered since charged; then he returned home, and has Mr. ^^^l^?^t 'awor\i being ,,^" „.„„ his return he engaged in milling until 1880, when he retired, several "^'^'I'fdirector^^s^ scb^l Herbein has served as townshtp auditor, judge of elections and ^^ ^t^^"'^ . terms. In 1883 he was messenger in the House of Representatives ^^g Qe,.. is ^ married, in November, 1866. Lucy A. Fetterman. Mrs. Herbem ™^oT Numidia. In man Reformed Church. Mr. Herbein is a member of the I-O- V" V' r, duu ami ai small tract politics he is a Democrat. He owns his lot and residence ii; blabtown, „ of woodland containing about eighteen acres. , county. „„oiTin this this^^^^^^^^^ SILAS H. JOHNSON (deceased) was born in Roaringcreek Township August 28, 1809, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Roberts) '^ol^^^^^'/'tn and n canie trom Holland County, Penn., and of German descent. His great-grandfather ^^ ^^^ from came ";;, his great-grandmother from AVales. His grandfather and there f^l^f^^J log ui umbia at an early day and settled in Mine Gap, where he built a s^aU came j^^^^j^ father s subject Our lived until his death, making baskets and brooms. ^^^^^ bou ni a he where Township, County in 1806. and settled in Roaringcreek ^^^^^^^^^^ stone-nidsuu a was He years. of Joseph Strahl and there resided a number ^^ tueu the trade in early life. Later he moved to Locust Township, and t^eif ^^^^ -^^^^ ROLANDUS f m • was the father of fourteen children, four of whom survive: Levi, resiamg ^^ j^^^_ Wis.; Martha, in Numidia. Columbia Co., Pean.; Silas H. and ^^^'^"','\'.rade which Pet"*-! -^^ than W. Black. Our subject was reared on a farm and learned the cai ^oiiv un^ ^^ ^^ he followed for five or six years. He was then employed on public ^^ ^^ »^^ acr*^^one-halt years, and saved up enough to buy a farm of twelve and acres, bougnt ui too small to plow and too biff to hoe. so he sold it and ^^^ ^^ ^.g_ ^ u pa ana it. sold With that purchase also he was displeased, and accordingly ^^^^^ ^^^ acres in a i ^. . '^ ceived on the farm he now owns. He first bought ninety;three ^^^^ This farm ^fs all iini^"^.^^ ^^^^^^ at the time of his death owned 155 acres of good land. ^ ou an it cleared He consequence was that he had to begin in the woods. ^^ now the^secon^ house which is still standing and is over fifty years old. There /^^ ^^^^^ ot nis u result the was accumulated buildings on the farm and all that he g^rbara and economy. He married, in November, 1831, Eliza, daughter o\ J^^°"sevi. J^^of whom children (Fisher) Runk. Mr. and Mrs. Jonhson were the parents of eight_ in /s^ are living: Henry B., in Oliphant, Luzerne County; George l^'i^f^^^'yt^Jo-^, k. jn ^K-inMounfCarmel, X^wa; Mary E.. wife of Henry T. John, Mount J'^^^i JjJ,^^ied in ^ Marshall County, loVa Lizey and Isaac C. residing in this township Mrs Jf f f ^^Ylntvre i° is burie 1876, a life-long member of fhe Methodist Episcopal Church, and ^J^^fi^^^^^ fill ajacaiiY.^.^^^ Cemetery. Mr. Johnson served as justice of the peace a short time to ^^ directoi^ ^J- " , , also supervisor of the township and served six years as school ^f resiaeni. of t^^^J) his death, which occurred February 12. 1887. Mr. Johnson was one qua tnree over for it of with the interests W ; ^ f . , Columbia County, having been identified of a century. In politics he was a Republican. 496 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: DANIEL LEIBY, Sr., (deceased) was born in Northumberland County, Penn., in June. 1808, a son of Frederick and Catherine (Pensyl) Leiby, natives of Pennsylvania and His grandfather, Frederick, came from Germany when quite small of German descent. -with his parents, and settled in Shamokin, Northumberland Co., Penn. He was a cooper, a weaver, a farmer and a "Jack of all trades." He owned a farm and was quite extensiveHe moved °,to this county about 1818 and settled ly engaged in agricultural pursuits. where Joseph Carland now resides, and bought a large tract of land on which he made He all the improvements, and the houses which are yet standing are built of brick. served in the war of 1812. His wife used to load a couple of sacks of grain on her horse and take them to the mill at Hamburg, being three days on the round trip. Daniel, our subject, was about twelve years old when his parents moved to this county, and remained After his marriage he settled at Slabtown, where he lived at home until he became of age. two years. In 1847 he bought tlie place where Daniel, Jr., now resides, it all being timber. By hard labor for many years he accomplished a great deal, cleared it all off, built a house and barn and here lived until his death in December, 1883. He was twice married; first to Mary Yost, by whom he had five children, two living, Elias and Jeremiah. The deceased are Reuben, Catherine and George W. Mr. Leiby next married March 13, 1853, Susanna Dilleplaw, a native of Oley Township, Berks County, and of French descent. Her grandparents came from France and settled in Berks County, where they purchased farms and followed agricultural pursuits. Eight children were born to his second mar riage, seven of whom survive: Daniel, Jr., Jackson, Mary E., Hannah, James M., Emma and Andrew. By a former marriage Mrs. Leiby was the mother of two children, Sarah and Margaret. Mr. Leiby was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church, in which he was deacon and elder for many years, and always took a deep interest in religious affairs. He had a host of friends, and was often called upon by his neighbors to "doctor" their horses and cattle, to cure snake bites, etc. He had held a number of township offices, and was looked up to as a thorough Christian man, honest in all his dealings, and was deeply mourned by his family and friends. Daniel, Jr., was born March 14, 1853, and remained at home until of age. He worked out a few years, and in the winter of 1885 bought the old homestead consisting of 140 acres. He was married March 25, 1875, to Rebecca Elizabeth Stine, and seven children were born to them, five of whom are living: Maggie S., Nettie V., James E., Susan M. and Grover Cleveland. The deceased were Nora A. and an infant. Mr. and Mrs. Leiby are members of the Presbyterian Church. DAVID LEIBY, farmer, P. O. Pensyl, was born in Shamokin Township, Northumberland Co., Penn.. December 22, 1822, a son of Frederick and Catherine (Pensyl) Leiby. His father was a native of Greenwich Township, Berks Co., Penn., and his mother of Shamokin Township, Northumberland County, and of German descent. His grandfather, Pensj^l, was born in Reteberg, Germany, came to this country when ten years of age and settled with his parents in Northumberland County, where he followed farming all his life. His grandfather Leiby was born in Berks County, but moved to Northumberland County about 1775, where he followed farming all his life, and was among the first settlers of that county. Our subject's father was born in Berks County, and moved with his father to Northumberland County, where he lived until 1817, when he came to this county and settled near Numidia, in Locust Township, where he bought 150 acres of land which was patented. He liv-ed on it nearly twenty years before paying for it, and never paid any rent. The laud was nearly all timber, and he had a hard time clearing it off; bears and panthers at that time were also numerous. He died on this farm in 1868, and is buried in Numidia Cemetery. He was a soldier in the war of 1812, for which his widow drew a pension for a number of years. He was the father of the following children: Daniel (deceased), George (decea.sed), John, David, Samuel, Hannah (wife of Solomon Rider), Sarah (widow of Jacob Hoover), and Polly. David, our subject, was only five years of age when his father moved to this county, and remained with the latter until his death. In 1865 he bought the farm where he now lives, consisting of 150 acres of laud, and has lived here since. When a boy he worked hard for his father, helping him to clear the land, and by his industry alone has acquired all that he now owns. He married, in February, 1850, Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and Maria Raup, and to them were born eleven children, eight living: Caroline, wife of Michael Stine; Lloyd married Amanda Stine; William H. married Catherine Honerberger; Abram L. married Catherine Mowry; Maliala, Hannah, Ida I. and Minui A. Mr. Leiby and family are members of the Presbyterian Church. His ancestors figured prominently in Northumberland County, and his father was a prominent early settler of Columbia County, of which Mr. Leiby is a substantial citizen. P. SAMUEL LEV AN, farmer, P. O. Newlin, was born in what is now Locust TownOctober 21, 1827, a son of Benjamin and Mary (Poe) Levan, natives of Pennsylvania, and of French descent. His great-grandfather, with three brothers, came from France, and settled iu the lower counties of Pennsylvania, where they lived and died. His grandfather, a farmer, was born in Berks Count.y, Penn., came to this county about a century ago, and bought a large tract of land on which he built and resided until his death. Benjamin Levan, subject's father, was a large land owner, and built the stone ship, this county, LOCUST TOWNSHIP. 497 residence now occupied by John Levan. This is now three-quarters of a century old, and was- in its early days considered a very elegant home. Benjamin used to keep as many as six horses, employing a large number of hired hands, and was in his time the most extensive farmer in his neighborhood. He died about 1845, in Centre County, Penn., and his wife in the State of Illinois, where she is buried. They were the parents of eleven Our subject was •children, only three of whom are living: John, Samuel P. and Daniel. reared on a farm, and remained at home until fourteen years of age, when he hired out on a farm. He burned charcoal one summer and chopped wood one winter, and worked at Michael Mowry's five years, until he became of age, when he got a suit of clothes and $100 in money, and was sent to the ministry. He was connected with his brother in Numidia and Kerntown in mercantile business for three or four years, and also di-ove a huckster wagon over the county when it was still thinly settled. After his marriage he moved to where he now resides, and renled the place for twelve years, and at the end of that time bought the farm which he still owns, consisting of 127 acres. He was drafted October 16, 1861, in Company I, One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, served nine months, and paid $100 for a substitute. He was married, in September, 1856, to Charlotte Fox, who bore him six children, four living: Wilson, Laura, Ruth ana and Kimber, and died in July, 1883. Mr. Levan married, in March, 1885, Rosanna Giible, by whom he has one child Frank T. Mr. and Mrs. Levan are members He is also a member of the Grange; has been inspector of of the Methodist Church. elections, and is one of the prominent and successful farmers of Locust Township. DANIEL P. LEVAN, farmer, P. O. Numidia, was born in Roaringcreek Township, this county. May 21, 1831, a son of Benjamin and Mary (Poe) Levan, natives of Pennsylvania and of French descent. His great-grandfather and two brothers, who were all Huguenots, left France on account of religious persecution, and settled in Berks County, Penn. His grandfather, Daniel, was born in Berks County, and while young moved to Northumberland County, took up a tract of land, but did not remain, coming to Columbia County, and settling in Roaringcreek Township, where he owned a large tract of land. He lived here untifhis death, engaged in farming. Our subject's maternal grandfather, Poe, served in the Revolutionary war. Our subject's father was born in Berks County, and came with his parents to Columbia County, where he became a large landholder and an extensive farmer. He died in Centre County, Penn., in 1842, and his wife in Stephenson County, 111., where she is buried near Freeport. (For further ancestral history, see sketch of S. P. Levan.) Our subject was reared on a farm, and at the age of eleven j'ears went to live with his sister Mary, with whom he remained about five years. At the age of seventeen he commenced to learn the blacksmith's trade with Casper Shutt, at Slabtown, and served three years. He then followed his trade about twenty-four years, a part of which time was spent in Schuylkill County. In the fall of 1864 he moved to where he now resides, bought forty-two acres and put up all the improvements, which are — He gave up his flrst-class and extensive, and now owns ninety-five acres of good land. trade in 1874, and has turned his attention since that time to farming, at which he is successful. He has been twice married; first in May, 1857, to Anna Stokes, who was accidentally killed in 1858 by being thrown from a wagon, her skull being fractured. In May, 1860, he married Sarah J. Christian, who bore him ten children; Anna (wife of Henry Perry), Rebecca (wife of Charles S. W. Fox), Flora A., Walter, Elmer, Amy S., D. Raymond, William C, Emma C. (deceased), and Benjamin F. (who was killed by lightnnig in 1878, when ten years of age). Mr. and Mrs. Levan are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is also a member of the Grange. His great-grandparents and grandmother (then an infant) were captured by the Indians in Berks County, taken to Valley, Luzerne Co., Penn., and kept a prisoner for seven years. The parents became separated and the mother had to marry a chief to save her life. When she and her cliild were aided in escaping, she returned to find her husband married again, he believing that she had been killed. LEMUEL PARRY, farmer, P. O. Bear Gap, was born in the southern part of Wales, April 9, 1822, a sou of Lemuel and Eleanor (Daws) Parry, also natives of that country, where tlie father lived and died. Prior to coming to America our subject worked on a farm and also in the iron works. In 1851 he left his native country, took passage in a sailing vessel at Liverpool, G. B., and after a voyage of five weeks and three days, arrived in New York. Thence he came to Penn.sylvania and remained about a month at Tamaqua, after which he went to Minersville, Schuylkill County, and worked in the mines until 1866. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantrj', under Capt. Leib of Ashland, and served nine months, participating in the battles of Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. In the spring of 1866 he moved to where he now resides, and bought 135 acres, on which he has made nearly all the improvements, and has one of the nicest residences in the township. He married, December 24, 1854, Joann Powell, a native of Carmondale, whose parents were also natives of South Wales. To Mr. and Mrs. Parry eleven children were born, eight of whom are Mr. living: Lemuel, John, William, ilary E., David, Clara E., Even T. and Chester A. Parry commenced life in this country with very little capital, but by industr}^ and hard labor has acquired a comfortable home. his Wyoming BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 498 THOMAS SEABORNE, merchant and farmer, P. 0. Newlin.was born in the county of and Catherine (Harper) Seaborne, They were the parents of of Welsh descent) and both natives of England. Hereford, England, (the latter November nine children: William, 8, 1842, a son of Philip John, Catherine (deceased), Elizabeth (deceased), Margaret, Thomas, Mary, Anna, Jane (deceased). The father who was a farmer, died in June, 1886. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native country and also worked in the fireworks in Wales. At the age of twenty-four he took passage at Liverpool for America, and after a voyage of eleven days landed at New York. May 33, 1866. He intended making Chicago his destination, but finding his funds insutScient he stopped off at Minersville, Penn., and worked in the mines one year. He then farmed three years for a man who wanted an English farmer, after which he married and moved to Columbia County, where he rented a farm in Locust Township. After six months he moved to Centralia, and there engaged for six months in mercantile business until 1872, when he bought the property where he now resides. Here he engaged in mercantile business until 1874, when he sold out his stock to Lee & Rhodes, moved to Ashland, Penn., and again engaged in mercantile business until January, 1877. At that time he moved back to Newlin, where he has since been engaged in mercantile business, carrying a general stock. He was married, in November, 1869, to Margaret Bryant. Mr. and Mrs. Seaborne are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He owns forty-six acres of land and his store building and residence, and his way of doing business is sure to lead to success. WILLIAM B. SNYDER, of the firm of Snyder Bros., merchants, Roaringville, was born in Locust Township, this county, June 29, 1858, a son of Mayberry and Margaret (Yeager) Snyder, natives of Pennsylvania and of English-German "descent. His grandfather, John Snyder, came from New Jersey to this county at an early day and located in Mifflin Township, where he bought a farm, and died in 185J. His maternal grandfather, Yeager, was a stanch Democrat, and took an active part in politics; served one term as commissioner of this county. Our sabject's father was born in Mifflin Township, this county; moved to Locust Township in 1847, and purchased afarm in 1866, where he has since resided and is still engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is the father of two children: William B. and John W. Our subject was reared on a farm and received a liberal education. In 1882-83 hewasclerkin thepostoffice and store of Jacob Yeager at Slabtown, and December 1, 1884, with his brother John, embarked in mercantile business, which he has since continued under the firm name of Snyder Bros. They started on a small scale, but their business soon increased, when they were obliged to seek more roomy quarters. They recently finished a fine two-story building, 26x32, with tilass front in store-ioom, erected at an expense of $2,000. The Messrs. Snyder are enterprising young men, and deserve great credit for their manner of conducting business. William B. was married to Ida J. Cool December 1, 1886. SOLOMON STRAUSER, farmer, P. O. Roaring Creek, was born in Northumberland County, Penn., August 15, 182;") a son of Peter and Mary (Adams) Strauser, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather, Casper Adams, came from Germany, settled in Northumberland County, where he bought a large tract of land, and followed farming all his life near Elysburg. Our subject's father was born in Berks County, Penn., and while young went co Northumberland County, where he followed farming a number of years. In 1834 heremoved to where our subject now resides, bought 100 acres of land, to which he af terward'added, and there lived until his death in 1856. He was the father of ten children, four of whom are living Mary, Solomon, Levina and Peter. Our subject was reared on the farm at the age of twenty-three married and moved to Slabtown, where he worked by the day for one' year. After liis father's death he bought the farm, of 111 acres and moved on it, where he has since lived. He married, August 15, 1847, Louisa Helwig, who has borne him eleven children, seven of whom are living: David, John, Nathaniel, Sarah (wife of Richard Adnms), Elias, Harney and Elizabeth. Mr. and Mrs. Strauser are members of the church. He served as overseer of the poor and has been supervisor eight years. ELIAS H. WHITNER, merchant, Newlin, was born in Roaringcreek Township, this county, March 28, 1853 a son of John and Catherine (Helwig) Whitner, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His great-grandfather, who was a minister of the gospel, came from Germany. His grandfather, Abraham, was born in Berks County and came to Columbia County about 1810. He was one of the earliest settlers in Roaringcreek Township, where he bought a tract of land and remained engaged in agricultural pursuits until his death. He at one time was a large land-owner, having what now constitutes three farms. Our subject's father was born in Roaringcreek Township, in 1827, and was reared to farming. After the death of his father he came into possession of the old homestead, which he still retains. He is the father of three children Mary, wife of Cornelius Felterman Elias H., and Sarah, wife of John D. Reinbold. He and wife are members of the Reformed Church. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained at home until sixteen years of age, after which he spent his time in teacliing and attending: school and various other avocations, until the spring of 1881. He then engaged in mercantile business atMillgrove, in partnership with O. W. Cherington, and thus continued until the spring of ; : ; ; : ; LOCUST TOWNSHIP. 499 when Mr. Whitner sold his interest to his partner and started in mercantile business He carries a general stock valfor himself at Newlin, which he has since followed. ued at $3,500, insured. He married, April 8, 1880, Flora E. Cherington, who has borne him four children, two of whom are living Lulu and Claudia. Mr. and Mrs. Whitner are members of the Reformed and Methodist Episcopal Churches, respectively. He is postmaster at Newlin, having been appointed June 20, 1884, the office having been established July 12 of the same year. He owns the building in whieh he has his store and resMr. Whitner is an enterIt is a two-story structure, erected at a cost of $2,000. idence. prising gentleman, courteous and genial, and enjoys a good trade. In politics he is a Republican. DR. J. C. WINTERSTEEN, physician and surgeon, Numidia, was born in Mifflinville, this county, May 8, 1862, a son of Joseph O. and Lydia (Wolf) Wintersteen, natives of Pennsylvania, and of Scotch-German descent. His grandfather, Robert, was born in Scotland, came to this country when a young man and settled in New Jersey, where he lived until his marriage. He then moved to Columbia County, Penn., and settled in He and his wife are both buried in Mifflin Township, where he resided until his death. Our subject's father learned blacksmithing when about fourteen Mifflinville Cemetery. years of age, and has since followed that trade. He built a shop and residence in MifflinIn connection with his trade he also ville, where he has lived for about sixty years. attends to auctioneering. To him and his wife twelve children were born, nine now living: Dora, wife of Jeremiah Maury; Jordan; Laura; Lloyd, an attorney at Bloomsburg; Susan, wife of Dr. I. A. Fetherolf, residing in Mazeppa, Union County; Mattie C, wife of W. C. Hartsell; Rush G., husband of Nan Schweppenheiser; John C, married to Fannie A. Shuman, and Minnie A. The deceased are Fannie, William H. and Warren H. Our subject was reared in Mifflinville, where he attended the schools until nineteen years of He then read medicine under Dr. J. L. Shuman, of Wapwallopen, and after his age. death his preceptor was Dr. B. F. Gardner, of Bloomsburg. In the fall of 1884 he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and graduated in the spring of 1886. In April of the same year he bought the practice of G. V. Means of Numidia, and is just now establishing himself as a practicing physician and surgeon, for which profession he is well November 26, 1883, he was married to Fannie, daughter of George A. and qualified. Mary A. (Yost) Shuman. Dr. and Mrs. Wintersteen are parents of two children: Fred B. and George A. The Doctor is a member of the I. O. O. F. Mrs. Wintersteen is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. LIVINGSTON YEAGER, tanner, Slabtown, was born in Locust Township, this county. May 22, 1847, a son of John Yeager, who married a Miss Byerly, and both were His grandfather, John, came from natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent. Berks County to Columbia County when quite young, settled in Slabtown, and built the He followed tanning several years, and then first tanyard in this section of the county. kept the first hotel in the village of Slabtown in a little log cabin. He was a shoemaker by trade, owned four or five farms, and resided here until his death. Our subject's father was born here, and reared to the tanning business, which he followed until his death in Livingston Yeager was reared in Slabtown, and when a boy learned the tanning 1867. business with his father. At the age of twenty-two he commenced for himself, and worked for his brother Millington in the upper tanyard for about four years. He worked at Elysburg, Light Street and Bloomsburg, and in the spring of 1881 took possession of his father's old tanyard, and has conducted it very successfully to the present time. In February, 1869, he married Joanna Laubach, and five children have been born to them: Kersey, Clarence, Ezra, Charles and Minnie. Mr. and Mrs. Yeager are members of the Presbyterian Church. YOCUM, farmer, P. O. Elysburgh, was born in Roaringcreek Township, this county, September 8, 1848, a son of Elijah and Jane (Campbell) Yocum, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. (For ancestral history see sketches of Elijah L. and E. Yocum.) At the age of twenty-one our subject married and settled where he now resides and where he has since remained, and owns 150 acres of land. He married Johanna, daughter of James and Hannah Hile. Mr. and Mrs. Yocum are the parents of eleven children, seven of whom are still living: Daisy E., John W., Ezra E., William Alven, CJlaude C, Raymond E. and Henry Hile. Mr. and Mrs Yocum are members of the United Brethren Church; he has been a member of the school board one term, and was elected and served one term, in 1885, as constable. In politics he is a Democrat. Our subject is descended from an old and prominent family of the county. EZARIAH YOCUM, farmer, P. O. Bear Gap, was born in Roaringcreek Township, this county, February 8, 1851, a son of Elijah and Jane (Campbell) Yocum, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Elijah's maternal grandfather, Mclntyre, first settled in what is now Catawissa Township, on the place now owned b}^ E. M. Tewksbury, and known as the Mclntyre farm. He was one of the first settlers of the county, the Indians being quite numerous at that time, and died in Roaringcreek Township. Elijah, subject's father, a farmer and lumberman, moved into Locust Township about 1855, and settled where his son, E. L., now resides, and owned over 1,000 acres, which he divid1883, : OBEDIAH BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: 500 ed before his death. Mr. Yocum was a man of great business capacity, and died Iq Joanna, wife of Phineas Thomas; Sarah, wife of John Johnson; Obediah; Ezariah; John and Elijah L. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained at home until twenty-two years of age when he married and settled down where he now resides. He owns 386 acres of land, of which about one-half is under culMr. Yocum has made nearly all the improvements on his farm, and built a large tivation. two and one-half story frame house in 1876, which is one of the finest residences in the He married in 1873, Joanna Hummel, and four children were born to them: Samplace. uel C, Ester J., Laura B. and Emma D. Mr. and Mrs. Yocum are members of St. Paul's United Brethren Church. In politics he is a Democrat. ELIJAH L. YOCUM, farmer, P. O. Elysburgh, was born in Locust Township, this county, July 31, 1859, a son of Elijah and Jane (Campbell) Yocum, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His grandfather first settled in what is now Catawissa Township, this county, on what is known as the Mclntyre farm, and was one of the first settlers of Elijah, our subject's father, was at one time a large land owner, having this section. about 1,500 acres of land. He was engaged in farming and lumbering and was one of the most successful men in the county in business affairs. He owned two saw-mills, and sometimes had steam saw-mills on his place. He died January 19, 1882, the father of ten children: Elizabeth (deceased), Johanna, Jesse (deceased), Caleb (deceased), Sarah, Obediah, Ezariah, John C, an infant unnamed (deceased) and Elijah L. The mother of this famOur subject remained with his parents ily is yet living and resides with her son, Elijah L. until his marriage, then resided with his mother until the death of his father, and now Mr. Yocum has a finely improved lives on the old homestead consisting of 175 acres. place and is an industrious citizen. He married, December 34, 1879, Sarah J. Yost, and their union, William child has blessed E. Mrs. Yocum is a member of the Methodone In politics Mr. Yocum is a Democrat. ist Episcopal Church. NICHOLAS A. YOCUM, of the firm of Yocum & Brother, merchants, P. O. Bear Gap, was born in Northumberland County, Penu., September 6, 1854, a son of Peter M. and Eliza G. (Gilger) Yocum, natives of Northumberland County, and of German descent. His grandfather, Gilger, a farmer, came from Germany and settled in Northumberland County. Our subject's father, Peter, was a farmer during the greater part of his life, and was also engaged in mercantile business a few years, but is now living a retired life. His wife died August 5, 1881. Our subject was reared on the farm on which he worked (except two years spent at painting) until 1881. when he engaged in mercantile business with H. M. Yocum. which partnership still continues. He married, February 4, 1882, Clarissa He and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal and United BrethJ. Thomas. ren Churches, respectively. In politics he is a Republican. Henry M. Yocum, of the above named firm, was born in Northumberland County, Feb. Our subject was reared on the 19, 1845, a son of Peter M. and Eliza G. (Gilger) Yocum. farm, where he remained until eighteen years of age. In 1863 he enlisted in the State militia, and served about four months: in March, 1864, he enlisted in Company B, One Hundred and Eighty-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close He participated in a number of battles, of the war under Capt. A. B. Brown, of Danville. among them Cold Harbor and front of Petersburg, the most of his army life being passed At three miles west of Petersburg his company went in in Virginia and West Virginia. with fifty-six men and came out with twenty-two. He was mustered out July 9, 1865, returned home and remained on the farm about five years. In 1870 he began clerking for Peter Yocum, witli whom he remained eight years. He then farmed two more years, and in 1881, in partnership with his brother, Nicholas, bought the store of Peter Yocum and engaged in mercantile business. They carry a general stock, valued at about $2,800, and 1881, the father of ten children, six living: trade. Our subject was married, December 25, 1865, to Mary A. Brofee, who has borne him six children: Elsie, Ida, Wesley, Kimber, Curtis and Bessie E. Mr. and Mrs. Yocum are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a Republican; was elected justice of the peace in 1880, and held that oflJice five years. The mother of Mrs. Yocum came from Philadelphia and her father from Ireland. DANIEL YODER, farmer, P. O. Roaringcreek, was born in Northumberland County, Penn., July 12, 1847, a son of Abraham and Catherine (Troutman) Yoder, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. His father's great-grandfather came from Germany and settled in Berks County, where he resided several years and then moved to Schuylkill County, bought a tract of land, farmed and kept the old tavern at Mount Pleasant, but later left the place and went to Delaware County, Ohio, where he died. He never received anything for the farm he left, which was afterward taken up by other parties who discovered coal on it, and it became a valuable property. Our subject's father was born in Berks County, but spent the greater part of his life in Schuylkill County. He owned several properties, and in early life followed lumbering and teaming. In 1867 he came to this county and settled in Locust Township near the foot of the Little Mountain, where he bought some mountain land, and resided until his deatli in July, 1880. He was the father of eleven children, eight living: Aaron, who served in the civil war and lost a limb; Daniel, Samuel, Hannah, Leah, Rachel, Elizabeth and Susan. Our have a large and increasing MADISON TOWNSHIP. 501 was reared on a farm and remained at home until twenty-two, when he went west, visiting Iowa and other Western States and was absent about six months. year after his return he settled in Frackville, Schuylliill Co., Penn.. on land belonging to him, where he resided about five years following the lumber business. In 1875 he bought the farm where he now resides, and which consists of 106 acres of good land. He has made He was married, September 17, a great many improvements and built a barn 35x75 feet. 1871, to Sarah A. Long, and they are the parents of eight children, seven of are living: Sylvester, Esther, Daniel L., Abraham, Joseph, Wellington and Rachel C. Mr. and Mrs. Yoder are members of the German Reformed Church as are also Sylvester and Esther. Our subject served two years as superintendent of the Lutheran Reformed Sunday-school a union school. In politics he is a Republican. DR. PIUS physician and surgeon, Numidia, was born in Mifflin Township, Columbia Co., Penn., November 9, 1854, a son of Jeremiah and Clarissa (Miller) Zimmerman, natives of Wurtemberg, Germany. Before coming to this country his father traveled through France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Australia, working at his trade, and in 1850 took passage in a sailing vessel at Hanover, Germany, and came direct to York, where he remained about one j'^ear, working at his trade. While there he met the lady who afterward became his wife, and who came to this country in 1851. He went from York to Philadelphia, where he worked at his trade about one year and then took a trip to Mifflinville, and remained some time buying property and making arrangements to build. He then returned to York, where he married, and with his wife came to Mifflinville, and here remained until the spring of 1867. They then moved to Ringtown, Schuykill Co., Penn., where he now resides engaged in harness business. He was three times drafted during the civil war; the first time into the nine months' service, and had proceeded as far as Harrisburg, when he was taken ill and removed to his home, receiving a certificate from the physician. He lay about one year before recovering, and was again drafted, but paid his quota; the third time he prepared to leave for the field, but the war closed before he was called. Our subject was reared to the saddler's trade, and attended school during the winter until he was eighteen. He then taught seven winter subject A whom — ZIMMERMAN, New New New and two summer terms. He read medicine about two years before he entered the medical college, hi.s preceptor being Dr. H. D. Retchler. In the fall of 1880 he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and graduated April 2, 1883. The following October he established himself as a practicing physician and surgeon at Numidia, where he has since continued. He enjoys the confidence of the people and has a large practice. He is a pleasant, genial and courteous gentleman. He was married December 1, 1885, to Lillie, daughter of Wellington and Sarah (Hurst) Yeager. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat. CHAPTER XXXVI. MADISON TOWNSHIP. GEORGE BEAGLE, farmer, P. O. Mordansville, was born June 16, 1816, near NeuAmerica with his brother in 1840. He had learned the miller's trade before leaving the old country, and when he came to this country he engaged at work in Boss Seibert's mill in Salem, Luzerne Co.. Penn., where he worked nine months; he milled in several places, and for several years operated the Montgomery mill at Eyer's Grove; he then abandoned milling, and located on the farm he now owns in 1854, which he had purchased in 1850, and since tliat time he has been engaged in agricultural pursuits. Ho was married in 1844 to Magdaline, a daughter of Jacob Copp, whose wife was a Heinbach. Mrs. Beagle died March 4, 1879. Of eight children born to them, five are now living: John H., in Iowa; Frederick, in Mt. Pleasant, Penn.; Robert, in Greenwood Township; Rebecca, wife of Henry Miller (deceased), and Almira, keeping house for her father. Mr. Beagle owns a three-fourths interest, in the Beagle mill located in Hemlock Township, also the hotel at Eyer's Grove, and several lots in the town. He spends his time on his farm in the culture of grapes, quinces and other small fruits, and is also successful with bees. He is a member of the German Reformed Church, and in politics a Democrat. stadt, on the river Aish, in Bavaria, and came JOHN to BLLHIME, farmer, P. O.Mordansville. Michael Bilhime, grandfather of our subject, was born in Sussex County, N. J. he was a soldier of the Revolulion, was a bearer of dispatches for Gen. Washington, and in making his way across the mountains to Valley Forge was severely frozen, wliicli incapacitated him for active duty, aud he received an ; 502 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: He married Elizabeth, sister of Daniel Welliver, came to what is Milton, and located in the fall of 1776 on Muddy Run, where he made his settlement and was repeatedly driven off by the Indians, having to return to New Jersey for protecHe had one son and one daughter. His son tion, but after the war he was unmolested. John married Mary, daughter of Valentine Christian, and of the eleven children born to them eight grew to maturity, viz. Catherine, Jared, Elizabeth, Sarah, Michael, Christian, John and Rebecca. John, the subject of this sketch, was born on Spruce Run in December, 1819; here grew to manhood, and when twenty-eight years of| age married Harriet, daughter of Edward and Elizabetli (Sechler) Morrison. After his marriage he engaged in farming on the homestead, subsequently moved to where his grandfather settled, then moved to Mahoning Township, (then in Columbia County) where he remained two years, and in 1857 he located on Black Run Junction, settled by Jacob Snyder in 1701. and has since resided here. He has four children: Franklin, Elizabeth, Clarence and Woodward B. Elizabeth married Judsou Wintersteen, of Montour County; Franklin is a merchant tailor and resides in Turbotville; Woodward B. resides in Upper Hemlock, engaged in farming; Clarence is at home. Mr. Bilhime is one of the substantial citizens of Madison honorable discharge. now : Township. JOHN CHRISTIAN, stone-mason and farmer, P. O. Mordansville. Among the early Madison Township was the Christian family. The pioneer of the family was Valentine Christian, who was a fifer in the war of the Revolution; his people were in this county prior to the war, and were at one time driven out by the Indians. He married a Miss Robbins and reared several children. The father of our subject was John Christian, who married Frances, a daughter of Jacob Welliver, and to them were born four children: Mary, Rebecca, Jacob and John. John was born October 14, 1829, in this township, and moved to Pine Township with his parents when ten years of age, and when nineteen went to learn the trade of stone-mason with John Rantz; worked at the journey work several In 1855 he married years, then moved back to this township in 1852, where he located. Sarah, daughter of William and Sabrina (Teeple) Robbins. They have two children: Clark and Boyd, both at home. Clark married Hannah J., daughter of Nelson Kitchen, and they have two children. In politics Mr. Christian is a Republican. CYRUS DeMOTT, farmer, P. O. Eyer's Grove. The pioneer of the DeMott family was Richard, who came from New Jersey to this county fully one century ago, and located on the farm now owned by John and David Shultz. Richard was born in 1755, and died May They reared the following named children: 26, 1827; his widow died August 5, 1849. Mary, Rosanna, John, Sarah, Rebecca, Isaac, Jacob, Abigal, Richard. David, William and Elizabeth. Jacob, father of our subject, was born September 9, 1792, in this township; he married Catharine, daughter of John Patton. After his marriage he settled on the farm now owned by Cyrus. He served as justice of the peace, and before the counties were divided was commissioner of the county, also supervisor of the poor; was a member of the Baptist Church for nearly sixty years, serving as deacon and elder. To Jacob DeMott and his wife the following named children were born: Mary, Margaret, John, Rosanna, Sarah, William, Cyrus, Samuel, Catharine, Harriet and George. The father died February 11, 1886, in his ninety-fourth year; his wife died in 1869. Cyrus was born in 1834, and was reared on the homestead. In early life he served an apprenticeship as carpenter, and followed the trade for fifteen years; then bought a farm in this township and farmed six years; then rented the farm for a time, and in 1876 purchased the home place, where he has since resided. In 1862 he enlisted in Company G, One Hundred and Seventy-first Regiment, and served nine months. He was married in 1868 to Annie L. Heller; she died in October, 1873, leaving no children. In 1880 he married his present wife, Antoinette Mr. DeMott is a member and clerk of the Baptist B., daughter of George W. Suplee. Church. FREDERICK DERR, farmer. P. O. White Hall, was born October 12, 1804, on the farm he now owns, which was improved by his father, George Derr, who bought a tract of about 241 acres of the first occupants, the Sutfin brothers. The deed was executed in George Derr was born in 1817, but George Derr had occupied it several years previous. 1777, and married Mary, daughter of William Carnahan, by whom he had three children: Frederick, Margaret and Jane. George Derr, the father, spent his days on this farm and died at the advanced age of eighty-one years; his wife died several years previous. Frederick, the subject of this sketch, remained on the farm until he attained his twentyeighth year, then went to Bay County, Mich., and worked at the carpenter's trade (which he had learned before leaving home) working at this vocation twenty-five years in that place; while here he married Elizabeth M. Clarke, a native of New Hampshire; she died He returned to this county in 1858, at the time of his father's in 1842, leaving no issue. death, located on the home farm, and has since been a constant resident of this farm. He was married, the second time, to Ellen, daughter of Jacob and Mary (Bogart) Welliver. Mr. Derr has no children. FRANCIS EVES was born in Madison Township, Columbia County, about the year 1820, son of Parvin Eves. He was reared to manhood on the farm now owned by Wilson Eves, and here lived several years, then moved to Millville, where he died about 1884. He settlers of MADISON TOWNSHIP. 503 married Rachel Wilson, who died the same year as her husband. They had five children: Matilda, Anna, Wilson, Martha, and Mary. Wilson was born October 25. 1850, and when in his " teens " moved with his parents to this township, and settled on the farm he now owns. He married Sarah J., daughter of Peter Wolf. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson Eves have three children: Charles W., Howard C. and Fannie. THOMAS H. GINGLES, farmer, P. O. Jerseytown. The Gingles family came to this county shortly after the Revolution. The name of the grandfather was James Gingles, a native of New Jersey; he purchased the property now owned by the family in Madison Township on September 15, 1795, of James Starr, the same being patented by him, Starr, on July 17, 1795. James Gingles married Martha Doak, by whom he had three sons and John Gingles, father of our subject, one daughter: Robert, Jane, John and James. was born August 17, 1793; he married Martha, a daughter of Thomas and Sarah Adams, who was born July 8, 1807; her parents came from Ireland in 1803; was married and settled on the present homestead in 1838. To John and Martha Gingles were born seven children, six living to be grown: Martha J., Sarah A., James. Mary, Thomas H. and William A. Thomas H. was born October 24, 1839, was reared on the farm and has always lived here. Thomas has never married. ALBERT GIRTON, is a son of John Wesley Girton, who Madison Township, Columbia Co., Penn. subject was George Girton, who came from His son, John (great-great-grandfather of Albert), farmer, P. O. Jerseytown, was born March 31, 1821, on Dutch Hill, The great-great-great-grandfather of our in England, and settled in New Jersey. was the father of the following named children: Stephen, George, William, Jacob, Esau, John and Marshall. The last named was the great-grandfather of Albert, and came to township at an early day, settling on Dutch Hill. He kept a hotel here several years, and married Miss Ellen Kinney, who bore him the following children: William, John, To William and his wife Elizabeth were born Andrew, Marshall, Catharine and Margaret. Ellen, John, Wesley, Euphemia, Elizabeth, Ira, Anna, William L. (who was a soldier in the civil war, and was killed in battle) and Shepherd (who was a soldier in the Mexican war, and died there). John Wesley Girton married Hannah Flick, daughter of Daniel and Catherine (Lilly) Flick, by whom he had three children, viz.: Albert, Mary F. and Charles. He settled on this farm in 1861, and remained here until his death, January 3, For several years previous to his coming here he had 1877; his widow yet survives him. been engaged in the carding and fulling business, and operated a factory in Montour was member of the a Methodist Episcopal Church for many years, and in County. He Albert Girton, who resides on the home farm, was born in politics was a Republican. Montour County, July 34, 1846, and came with his parents to this township, where he has since resided. He married Gertrude, daughter of George W. Suplee, one of the well known residents of the county. They have one child, Raymond. Mr. Girton is a member of the Baptist Church, and politically a Republican. He takes an active interest in this the affairs of the township, and school director. farmer, P. O. Buckhorn. was born August 7, 1837, in Hemlock Township, a son of George and Margaret (Fox) Hartman. John Hartman, his grandfather, immigrated to this place from Berks County, made his settlement in what is now Hemlock Township, and there reared a family whose descendants have grown up in the forks of the Susquehauna. Elisha grew to manhood in Hemlock, and remained with his parents until twenty-four years of age, when he married Mary E., daughter of Daniel Ernest. Mr. Hartman located in Madison Township in 1864, and purchased where he now resides, the place being known as the Ludwig Young farm; he has since purchased the J. Bechtel farm, and is a successful farmer. Mr. and Mrs. Hartman have two children: Anna U. and John H. He^is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics a is ELISHA BIGGS HARTMAN, Democratic. ERASTUS HENDERSHOT, farmer, P. O. Jerseytown. is a son of John Hendershot, a native of Madison Township, born March 18, 1803, who was the second son of William, who was a son of Michael Hendershot. whose children were Isaac, Jesse, William, John, Phoebe, Margaret and Sarah. To William Hendershot, grandfather of Erastus. were born George, John, William, Michael, Ralph. Henry, Robert, Erastus and Sarah. The wife of William was Mary, daughter of William Kitchen, who married a daughter of Col. Bodine of Revolutionary fame. John Hendershot, father of Erastus, married Mary, a daughter of William Welliver. John is yet living; his wife died April 25, 1834. The children born to them were Elizabeth, Sarah, Mary and Erastus. The latter was born in Jerseytown, July 16. 1832, and married Mary, a daughter of Daniel and Sarah (Eyer) Welliver. After his marriage he located on the farm he now owns. Mr. and Mrs. Hendershot have seven children: Gershom B.. William B., Emma J., Charles H., John C, Ada L. and Anna C. In politics Mr. Hendershot is a Republican. He owns 115 acres of land. AMOS JESTER, raiser, P. O. MordansvlUe, was born in Mount fourth child and second son of a family of ten children born to Aaron and Tamar (Parker) Kester. The subject of this sketch was brought up in Mount Pleasant Township, remaining at home until about twenty-four years of age, when P. Pleasant Township. July farmer and stock 18, 1817, 37 504 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: went to Greenwood Township, and for twelve years lived with his brother-in-law, Charles Eves. Then he returned to Mount Pleasant and remained on the homestead about two years. In December, 1854, he married Anna W., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Ogden) Kester; the following spring he located on this farm. He has 129 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Kester have had three children, two living: Alvaretta, wife of L. P. Kline, of Mount Pleasant; Moro, a student. Teressa (deceased) was the wife of L. P. Kline. Mr. Kester has achieved success, and secured for himself a competence and a good name. CONRAD KREAMER, farmer and merchant, P. O. Jerseytown, was born November 28, 1824, in Philadelphia, the eldest of a family of seven sons born to Conrad and Catharine (Bowman) Kreamer. The Kreamer family are of German origin. Conrad, the father of our subject, came from Germany when a young man and located in Philadelphia, where he lived until the year 1832, when he removed to this county with his family, and located He had ten children, six of whom reared in this township on land which he purchased. Conrad was reared to maturity on the farm his father located upon, and after families. twenty-one years of age he worked out at $8 per month during the summer, and $5 for the winter months. He afterward secured a horse, and then another, and with a team he began farming, and from this small beginning he became wealthy, and now ranks among^ the well-to-do farmers in Columbia and Montour Counties. He came to Jerseytown about the year 1855 and located on this place; previous to this he was for twelve years engaged He began merchandising here in the huckstering business, also bought and sold lumber. He has about 1,500 acres of at the time of his coming, which he has since carried on. land divided into eight farms. He was married in 1856 to Mary, daughter of Ivan and Margaret (McBride) Hendershot. To them have been born ten children: Maggie J. (deceased), William E., Ida C, John J., George F., Charles A., Anna C, Evan H., Florence and Louis. McCOLLUM, farmer, P. O. Jerseytown, was born June 8, 1817. one mile northwest of Jerseytown, the youngest son of Ephraim and Catherine (Seibring) McCollum. The grandfather of our subject, John McCollum, was a soldier in the Revolution, and his son Ephraim, father of Hugh, was a teamster during a portion of that struggle. To John McCollum and wife were born four children: Jacob, a physician, died unmarried; John and William (both went north and settled in New York State), and Ephraim, who came to this county about 1796, settled where J. M. Girton now resides, and here reared his family. He died December 12, 1830; his wife, Catherine, died August 27, 1841. Of the ten children born to them they reared eight: John, David, Jacob, Ann, Betsy, Ephraim, Margaret and Hugh. Hugh was born and reared in this locality, and when sixteen years of age learned the tanner's trade in the yard his son, Ephraim Warren, now owns. He was married March 2, 1841, to Mary C, daughter of Allen and Catherine (Fruit) Watson. They have had four children: Catherine, wife of James Beugler, in Williamsport; Margaret J., died aged seventeen; Sarah A., wife of Judson Axe, in thia township, and Ephraim Warren. The last named is his father's successor in the tannery, and has owned and operated it since he was twenty-one years old. In 1882 he was burned out, but at once rebuilt and is now doing a good business. Mr. McCollum and entire fam ily are members of the Presbyterian Church. JOHN MOSER, farmer, P. O. White Hall, has been identified with the interests of the township for many j'ears. He was born January 19, 1822, in Amity Township, Berks^ Co., Penn., son of Peter and Anna (Steinrock) Moser, to whom twelve children were born, ten of whom were reared. John was reared on a farm, and came to Derry Township with his father, when he was eighteen years of age, and remained with his father until he was twentj'^-nine. He located on the farm he now owns about the year 1856, and has since resided here. He married Margaret, daughter of Daniel Crumley, and by her he has had nine children, six living: Henry, residing at Turbotville; Daniel, in Montour County;. John W. and Peter at home; Emma, wife of John Ellis, in Montour County, and William H. at home. Mr. Moser has three farms. He is prominent in church matters, and one of the liberal-minded citizens of the township. J. L. MOSER, farmer, P. O. White Hall, was born June 18, 1828, in Amity Township, Berks Co., Penn., and was raised on a farm. After he attained his majority he went toReading, and there learned the carpenter trade, which he followed until about 1855. when he came to Montour County, and for a time located near \Vasliingtonvilk\ where he followed his trade for a time, and then bought 700 acres in the north part of Madison Township, and built a small house on the same in 1856; in the spring of 1857 he moved on the place, and here he has since resided; has cleared 100 acres out of the same tract, and since sold off until he now has about 200 acres under good improvements, having excellent. farm buildings. He was married September 4, 1851, to Anna M., daughter of George and Lydia (Kline) Smith. They have five children: George, Louisa, Emma, Levi and Sadie. George is fireman on the Erie Railroad; Louisa is wife of S. Gardener, in L^'coming County; Emma, wife of Levi Fortner; Levi and Sadie are at home. Mr. Moser is a member of the Lutheran Church at Washingtonville. lie is a Republican in politics. WILLIAM MASTELLER, farmer. P. O. Buckhorn. was born February 19, 1830. in Northumberland County, Penn., son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Shultz) Masteller, to whom lie HUGH MADISON TOWNSHIP. 505 were born nine children: Joiin, Mary, Rebecca, William, Margaret, Sarah E., Jane, Paul and Jacob. William came to this county in the spring of 1856, with his wife to whom he was married the year previous. Her maiden name was Sarah Ann Heller, daughter of John and Mary Ann (Richard) Heller. In 1856 William located on the farm where he now resides; he owns another farm in Hemlock Township. Mr. and Mrs. Masteller have six children living: Harvey, married and resides in Hemlock Township; George, a teacher and member of the Reformed Church, lives at home; Warren, Claudius, Eva and Mary, all at home. SAMUEL REICHARD (deceased). Frederick Reichard, father of the above, was of German descent, came to what is now Madison Township, this county, and settled on the farm now owned by his grandson, John Reichard, married a Miss Gross and reared seven children to maturity, viz.: Samuel, Isaac, John, Hannah, Polly, Katie, Teney. Samuel was born on the farm about 1801, grew to manhood here, and was married to Christina Taylor, daughter of John and Barbara (Hittle) Taylor, who reared three children one son and two daughters. After Mr. Reichard married he settled on the farm, and lived here until his decease which occurred in 1856; his widow yet survives him, residing on the home farm. There were eight children born to them: Simon, Ellen, Jacob, Elias, John, Harriet, Matilda and Amos; all married and reared families except John, who resides on the homestead farm with his mother, and is engaged in farming pursuits. Samuel Reichard was a consistent member of the Lutheran Church, and was a man highly esteemed in the com- — munity. JACOB SHOEMAKER, contractor and farmer, P. O. Mordansville. The Shoemaker the early settlers in this county. The pioneer was Abram Shoemaker, who came from Jersey and located in Columbia County. His wife was Margaret Mellick, by whom he had nine children: Mary, Andrew, Jacob, Kate John, Isaac, Michael, Margaret and Abram. Jacob, the father of our subject, was born July 14, 1789, and married Martha Kinney, and to them were born ten children: James, Elsie, John, Abram, Philip, Jane, Margaret, Jacob, Elisha and Levi. Jacob, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Madison Township on a farm, and at twenty years of age began learning the carpenter trade, which he followed for six years; then engaged in farming, which he carried on continuously until about 1878, since when he has carried on his trade. In 1873 he located on the farm he now owns, which he has carried on since in connection with his trade. He married, August 13, 1857, Mary, daughter of Cornelius Vanhorn. Mrs. Shoemaker died March 11, 1886, of pneumonia. To this union were born seven children: Ida, Jane, Elnora, Townsend, John, Harriet and Warren. Mr. Shoemaker has been a member of the Methodist Church about thirty years. Mrs. Shoemaker was a member of the same. In 1884 Mr. Shoemaker was elected director of the poor. J. C. SHULTZ, farmer, P. O. Jerseytown, was born inMontour County May 22, 1843, the eldest son of William and Eliza (Kinney) Shultz. William Shultz was born February Eliza was a daughter of Rev. John Kinney, son of James Kinney, an old Rev14, 1814. olutionary soldier. Peter Shultz, subject's grandfather, married Sallie Robbius, and they had the following children: William, Jonathan, Jacob, James, Henry, Dr. Benjamin F., Mary and Peter; all reared families. To William Shultz and his wife Eliza were born the following named children: John C, Dr. P. H. (deceased), David A., Sarah E. and Oliver P. John C. came to this township when eighteen years of age. At the age of twenty he began life for himself, farming the homestead farm. He was married May 25, 1865, to Mary J., daughter of William and Sallie (Kitchen) Johnson. They hive four children: Harry E., Ada B., Beryl B. and Sadie F. Mr. Shultz has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for twenty years, and is trustee of the same. A. C. SMITH, farmer, P. O. Jerseytown. John Smith, the great-grandfjther of A. C, was born April 11, 1750. He married Nellie McFall, by whom he had ihe following children: Henry, Francis, John. Elizabeth, Margaret, Hugh, Elisha B., Anna and Alexander M. Henry was the grandfather of A. C, and by his wife, Mary Creveling, he had the following children: John, Henry, Jackson, Creveling, Margaret, Kl-j^iior, Elizabeth, Delilah, Mary, Martha and Nancy, all of wliom were reared to maturity. John, the father of A. C, was born in this township, and married Margaret Sheep, and to them family was among were born Henry J., Mary J., John W., Andrew C, William E., Elizabeth E. and Thornton A. Andrew C. was born,October 20, 1849, in this township, and February 17, 1870, married Mary, a daughter of J. M. and Susan (Brugler) Girtou. After marriage he settled in this township, where he has sinc« resided, locating on the farm owned by Susan (Brugler) Girton's heirs, consisting of 176 acres, known as the John Brugler farm. He has three children: Susan M., Lloyd G. and Emma M. He is a member and trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church. SILAS WELLIVER, farmer, P. O. Jerseytown. The Wellivers rank among the pioneers of Madison Township. Daniel Welliver came here from New Jersey, and located on the farm now owned by his grandson Silas. His wife was a Robbins, and they reared a large family, whose names were William, John^ Obadiah, Jemima, Rebecca, Sallie, Charity and Polly. Daniel, the father of Silas, married Sarah Eyer, who bote him eight children, viz,: Catharine, Silas, Phineas, Abigail, Lucinda, George W., Mary and Charity. 506 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: E who resides on the homestead, was born October 37, 1821; he married Mary Of the four children born to them there are now livFruit, who died November 31, 1871. ing: Miles, farming the homestead; Sallie, wife of Wilson Derr, in Lycoming County; and Robert, a druggist, recently graduated from the College of Pharmacy in PhilSilas, adelphia. THOMAS CHALKLEY WILSON, farmer, P. O. Millville, was born November 2, of the well known residents of this county. Thomas C. was reared on the farm he now owns, consisting of 123 acres, and has always resided here. He was married May 4, 1875, to Hannah, daughter of James and Mary (Roth) Mather. They have no children. In politics Mr. Wilson is a Prohibitionist and takes an active part in the cause. 1847, son of Reuben Wilson, one CHAPTER XXXVII. MAINE TOWNSHIP. D. BODINE, justice of the peace, Mainville, was born in Catawissa TownColumbia Co., Penn., November 26, 1849. His parents, Peter and AnnaM. (Vought) Bodine, were natives of New Jersey, but removed with their parents to this county when young, and were married at Catawissa by Squire Bald^^ The former died in 1865, but the latter is living at the age of seventy-eight years at Catawissa. Our subject, the 3'oungest in a family of ten, was reared in Columbia County and has alwaj^s made his home here, with the exception of a short time spent at Kingston, Luzerne Co., Penn. He received his education at the common schools of Catawissa, and at the age of fifteen J. ship, years commenced clerking for the firm of J. K. Sharpless & Son, at Catawissa, with whom he remained three years. He then went to Kingston, Luzerne County, where he clerked for about six months, when he came to Centralia, this county, and clerked for William Torry about the same length of time. He then returned to Catawissa and again entered the employ of Sharpless & Son, with whom he remained three years. In 1875 he came to Mainville and engaged in mercantile business until the spring of 1884, when he sold out to W. M. Longenberger. Mr. Bodine was elected school director of Maine Township about He was elected justice of the 1880, and .served for three years as secretary of the board. peace of Maine Township in 1880, served his full term, and in 1885 was again elected to the At Iris first election he succeeded W. T. Shuman, who had filled the position position. Mr. Bodine married at Renovo, Clinton CountJ^ this State, May for twenty- five years. 1, 1879, Miss Eliza Sharpless, a native of Columbia County and a daughter of J. K. and Mary M. (Harder) Sharpless. Both parents are living at Catawissa. Mr. and Mrs. Bodine are the parents of two children; both are living: Ray S. and Anna M. Squire Bodine is a member of the Sons of America, having joined in 1870. He was State Marshall in the State Camp of the order one year, and was first member initiated by the Catawissa Camp, and one of the charter members of Washington Camp, No. 258, at Mainville, in which camp he has filled all the chairs. He is a Democrat politically, and has several times been a delegate to the county conventions of that party. The family attend the services of the Methodist Church. WILLIAM S. FISHER, farmer, P. O. Mainville, was born in what is now Maine Township, Columbia County, March 7, 1836. His parents, John and Judie (Kiefer) Fisher, were born in Berks County, where they were also married. They later removed to Columbia County where they passed the remainder of their lives. About 1851, while coming ;back from Mainville with a load of planks, etc., the father, while attempting to guide his four-horse team, was run over by a wheel of the wagon and killed. His widow died on the 15th of March, 1885. and both are buried in Fisher's C^jurch Cemetery. William S. was reared in Columbia County and has always made it his home. He remained'at work with his father until the latter's death, after which he remained at home one year. He then worked on the farm, etc., until arriving at the age of twenty-five, when he bought a piece of land and settled down to farming for himself. In the meantime he had commenced his education in the common school of his district; then attended Dickinson Seminary, WilliamsHe then taught school five port, one term, and later one term at Millville Seminary. terms before commencing farming and after that two terms more. He married, in this county, in February, 1861. Miss Mary Margaret Breisch, a native of Columbia County and a daughter of George and Rebecca (Wahl) Breisch. Her father is dead and is buried at Catawissa, where her mother still resides. Mr. and Mrs. Fisher are the parents of ten children: George Alpheus (a teacher in the common schools for the past three years), MAINE TOWNSHIP. SOT Horace M. (a stenographer and telegrapher in the employ of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, at Richmond, Va.), Fannie R. (wife of William C. Stevenson, who is engaged in. manufacturing woolen goods at Nescopeck), John L., Sarah Margaret, Pearles J., EmersonMr. and Mrs. Fisher and family are T., Irene E., William Claude and Bertha Maude. members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Fisher now has 109 acres of land, of which about 100 are in cultivation. He has served as school and election officer, and has held other township offices. He is clerk of Union Immanuel Lutheran Church, and has been for over twenty years, having been appointed by Rev. W. J. Eyer, father of Mr. Eyer of CataMr. Fisher's brother, Daniel, who lives at Limestone, was clerk of the church a. wissa. number of years previous to that time. F. P. GROVER,farmer P. O. Mainville. was born in Columbia County.Penn., September 1852, a son of Michael and Catherine (Miller) Grover, both natives of Columbia County 10, where they spent their lives. The father died April 2, 1876, and is buried in the Milflia Cemetery. The mother now lives with our subject. The latter was reared in Columbia County, and has always made it his home. He married, in 1876, Miss Sarah Hartzell, a native of Columbia County, and a daughter of Henry and Sarah (Breisch) Hartzell, the whom is dead; the former resides in Maine Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Grover were the parents of five children, of whom four are living: Blanche Victoria, Mazy The deceased one was an infant. Mr. Elmira, Harry Gilbert and Annie Florence. Grover has about 150 acres of land, of which about 120 are under cultivation. TheGrover family were early settlers of Columbia County, having come here no;arly threequarters of a century ago. JOSEPH HARTZEL, farmer, P. O. Mainville, was born May 9, 1823, a son of MichThe father ael and Elizabeth (Fisher) Hartzel, both natives of Berks County, this State. was a son of Peter Hartzel, a native of Germany. The mother was born in Berks. County, Penn., and was a daughter of Peter and Sarah (Yocum) Fisher, the former a native of France and the latter of England. Michael Hartzel, and wife both came with their families to Columbia County in the early part of the present century, and here they married and spent their lives. The grandparents of Joseph are buried in St. John s CemHis father died about 1855 and his mother in 1883. The former etery at Catawissa. Our subject was is buried in Fisher's Church Cemetery, and the latter at Catawissa. reared to farm life, and has always made Columbia County his home, now owning and farming the place which his father cleared. Joseph married in Columbia County, November 20, 1845, Miss Matilda John, a native of Columbia County and a daughter of Hiram and Catherine John, both now deceased. Her great-grandfather settled in this county iiii Mr. and Mrs. Hartzel are the parents of ten children, 1770, being one of the first settlers. seven of whom are living: Martha Jane, wife of William Keiger, residing in Mainville, this county; Alvaretta, wife of Charles Phaler, of Catawissa, this county; Fannie, wife of John A. Shuman, residing in Maine Township; Margaret Ellen, wife of Anderson Shuman, residing in Maine Township; Joseph Albert, married to Jane Shuman, residing in> Maine Township; Hettie and Charles Franklin. The deceased are Emma, Clara and Harvey. Mr. Hartzel has ninety-five acres in his home tract, and two other tracts of sevMr. and Mrs. Hartzel and family are enty-five and ten and one-half acres, respectively. members of Union Immanuel Church. He has held local offices in his township, including that of supervisor, four or five terms. KOSTENBAUDER, P. O. Mainville, was born in Mifflin Township, Columbia Co., Penn., August 30, 1839, a son of Henry and Sarah (Hartzell) Kostenbauder, both of whom died in this county— the former May 10, 1855, aged fortyfive years; the latter, March 14, 1848, aged thirty-one years, and they are buried in Union Emanuel Churchyard, near Mainville. Martin V., the eldest of four children, was reared, in Mifflin and Maine Township, this county, and has always made this county his home. He married April 27, 1876, Miss Susan L. Rhawn, a native of Catawissa Township, ColumHer bia County, born April 11, 1839, a daughter of Casper and Catherine (Crook) Rhawn. father was born near Halifax, Penn., reared in Liverpool, same State; died March 4, 1883,. and is buried in Greenwood Cemetery, Catawissa. Her mother was born in 1819, irt Catawissa Township, where she now resides. Our subject and wife are the parents of two children: Catherine E., born October 27, 1878. and Jennie Robbins Kostenbauder, born April 6, 1882. Mr. Kostenbauder enlisted on the 13th of July, 1861, in Company A, Sixth Pennsylvania Reserves, and was assigned to the First Army Corps, Gen. George A. McCaull of Lancaster commanding, and served in the following engagements: Dranesville, Whitehouse Landing, Savage Station, Seven Pines, Chickahominy Swamps and Malvern Mr. After that came the evamation of Harrison's Lauding 1)y McClellan's forces. Hill. Kostenbauder was discharged December 31, 1863, on account of disability,on pajuns issued by surgeon in charge, J. Simmons, of Davis Island Hospital. On account of the hardships endured in the defense of his country. Mr. Kostenbauder returned to his honie greatly reduced in health, and is now totally blind, which is wholly due to the hardships he underwent while in the service. The maternal grandparents of Mrs Kostenbauder were born in Reading, Berks Co., Penn. Her grandparents were in this State when theIndians were still numerous, and witnessed many stirring events in its early history.. latter of MARTIN VAN BUREN 508 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: William L. Kostenbauder, a brother of our subject, was drowned in Nescopeck Creek, Luzerne County, Penn., September 2, 1850, a^ed nine years. Our subject and wife are members of the German Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat. NATHAN MILLER, farmer, P. O. Mainville, was born in what is now Maine TownThe ship, Columbia Co., Penn., December 18, 1832, to George and Eve (Cocher) Miller. family were originally from Berks County, Penn., and the grandfather of Nathan conducted an apple distillery on his place in the early times. Both grandparents died in this county, the grandfather in the fall of 1862, the grandmother a number of years prior. Both are buried in the Union graveyard at Mifflinville, this county. The parents of Nathan died in this county, his father in Mifflinville about 1878, and his mother about 1863; they are buried in the Union Immanuel Churchyard in Maine Township. Our subject was reared in this township, and has always made Columbia County his home. He commenced working for his father when young, and remained with him until twenty-one years of age. After that he worked for his father one year for pay, that being his first work for compensation. After leaving his father's employ he rented laud in Orange Township, this county, where he farmed a place for live years. He then went to Centre Township, but after he had been there three years, his mother dying, at the request of his father he returned and farmed the home place, where he has since resided. The first year he followed agriculture in Centre Township he raised 1,121 bushels of tiue wheat on forty acres of laud, for which he received from $1.25 to $1.50 per bushel. When Mr. Miller moved to the place he found very little improvement, the residence at that time being the now building which he uses as a woodshed. He has eighty-two acres on his home place, nearly all which is highly cultivated, and he has put up good and substantial improvements. He also has two other places of 54 and 106 acres respectively. He married in this county, November 30, 1854, Miss Catherine A. Nuss, a native of Columbia County, and a daughter of Charles and Chanty (Miller) Nuss, both deceased, and buried in the Union Immanuel Churchyard. The former died in 1877, and his funeral sermon was the first one preached in the Union Immanuel Church. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of ten children, of whom eight are living: George A., married to Tenie Constable, residing in Ottawa Count}% Kas.: Harrison D., married to Mary Henry, residing in Mifflin Township, this county; Lewis H., married to Dell Steely, residing in Maine Township, this county; Oscar F., in Nescopeck. Luzerne Co., Penn., learning the tailoring business; Nathan B., learning telegraphy; David Montgomery; Ida Eudora and Ella Catherine; Charles and Alice are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the German Reformed Church, Immanuel Union. J. B. NUSS, of the firm of J. M. Nuss & Son, proprietors of the Mainville mills, P. O. Mainville, was born near Mainville, Columbia Co., Penn., October 28, 1850. His parents, John M, and Mary (Gearhart) Nuss, are also natives of this county and reside at Mainville. Our subject has made the county his home, with the exception of four years spent the in Philadelphia. He received his education at the common schools of his township and Williamsport; also attended for one year Dickinson Seminary, and later the State Normal School at Bloomsburg for four j^ears. He then taught for five winter and two summer terms in a select school. In 1872 he went to Philadelphia and engaged with John J. Lytle as accountant, and after that with Smedley Bros., with whom he remained until January, 1876, when he returned to Columbia County and became identified with the milling business, in which he is at present engaged. He married, January 12, 1881, Miss Ada A. Shuman, a native of Mifflinville, Columbia County, and a daughter of George Shuman; she died December 25, 1885. Three children were born to their union: Gerald Astor, who died at the age of seven months, and two who died in early infancy. Mr. Nuss atttends the services of ihe Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat. WILLIAM H. OTT, farmer, P. O. Mainville, was born near Williamsburg, Northampton County, May 10, 1833, a son of David and Mary (Evans) Ott. The parents were born in Northampton County, and when William H. had reached the age of about seven years they removed to Columbia County, locating in Greenwood Township, where they spent the remainder of tt^eir lives. The.mother died February 17, 1866; the father July 2, AVilliam H. was 1886, and both are buried in Dewitt Cemetery, in Greenwood Township. reared in Columbia County, where in 1860 he married Miss Henrietta E. Brown, a native of this county and daughter of Jacob Brown. She died in 1868. By that marriage there were four children, of whom one is living, Mary Catherine. The deceased are Edwin Brown, Eleanor Fulton and Jacob Luther (twins). Mr. Ott married his present wife in March, 1870. Her maiden name was Susan Schell, and she was born in Columbia County, Penn., a daughter of Edmund and Esther Schell, both living at Beaver Valley, this county. Mr. Ott enlisted in the latter part of December, 1861, in Battery F, One Hundred and Twelfth P. V. I., Col. Angeroflf, afterward under Col. Gibson. Thej' were first assigned to the defenses of Washington; in the summer of 1864 they were sent to the front and detached to the Eighteenth Army Corps, Gen. Smith. Mr. Ott was with his command in a number of minor engagements, also at the blowing-up of Fort Hell at Petersburg. He was discharged in the winter of 1864-65 at Virginia, and then returned home after three years of service. Politically he is a Republican. 509 MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. WILLIAM K. SHUMAN, farmer, P. O. Catawissa, was born in Columbia County, Penn., in 1849, son of John F. and Catherine (Breisch) Shuman, both natives of Columbia County and now residents of Catawissa Township. Our subject was reared in Columbia County and has always made it his home. He lived with his parents up to the time of his marriage, when he and his brother, J. C, bought a farm in Maine Township, which was conducted by J. C, while William K. remained on the home farm, which he bought William K. was in the spring of 1885, having sold out his interest in the other farm. married in this county April 18, 1871, to Miss Emma J. Hess, a native of Columbia County and a daughter of Philip and Catherine Hess. Her parents are residents of Espy, Columbia County. Mr. and Mrs. Shuman are the parents of two children, both living: Min nie Eudora and Charles S. Mr. Shuman has about 145 acres of land, of which between ninety and 100 are under cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Shuman are imembers of Immanuel Union Church. He has been supervisor of Maine Township for two terms and is a Democrat politically. SHUMAN, farmer, P. O. Mainville, was born in what is now Maine Township, Co., Penn., October 31, 1854, a son of Rudolph and Susannah (Seidel) Shuman, both born in Columbia County, where they lived until their death, the former dying in October, 1881, the latter in August of the same year; both are buried in Immanuel Union Churchyard, in Maine Township. The father was a farmer in the latter part of his life, but previous to that was a merchant, an iron master, having for many years operated an iron furnace and forge near Mainville. Our subject was reared in Columbia County and has always made it his home. He commenced his education in the common schools of his district and finished in the normal school at Bloomsburg, where he attended eight terms. During the time of his attendance at the normal school he had taught two terms in Schuylkill County, North Union Township, and Maine Township, Columbia County, respectively. After finishing his schooling he taught three more successive terms in Maine, then one term in Beaver and two more in Maine. He was then married, March 19, 1878, to Miss Fannie Hartsel, a native of Columbia County and a daughter of Joseph and Matilda (John) Hartsel, members of early families, and now residing in this township After marriage they (see page 507). Mr. and Mrs. Shuman have one child Clyde. J., A. Columbia — located where they now reside, which is the old "Shuman homestead," and where our subject commenced farming. He is at present secretary of the school board of Maine Township, having been a member of the board and its secretary since 1884. Mr. Shuman has 156 acres of land, about 125 of which are under cultivation. He and his wife are members of Immanuel Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Democrat. The Shuman family were among the early settlers of this county, and the grandfather of our subject was, in the early times, owner of very large tracts of land in this vicinity, making his home where W. M. Longenberger now resides in Mainville. CHAPTER XXXVIII. MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. ELISHA B. BROWN (deceased) was born near Mifflinville, Penn., May 13, 1819, the youngest child of Samuel and Dorothy Brown, and died September 23, 1885. His greatgrandfather, James Brown, was born in England, November 12, 1716; coming to America, he settled on Long Island, but finally moved to Warren County, N. J., where he owned a large tract of land extending three miles along the Pawlins Kill from near Columbia to Hainesburg. His son, John, the grandfather of our subject, married Mary M. Brugler, and immigrated to Pennsylvania in 1795, and purchased 400 acres near Miflainville, for which he paid about $5,000. At the age of eighteen, Elisha B. Brown engaged in mercantile pursuits with Samuel Creasy and John Brown, the firm name being Browns & Creasy, and thus continued for forty-four years. The firm of Browns & Creasy was established in 1838. The business was purchased of Robert McCurdy for nearly $8,000. Their patronage embraced a large extent of territory. Mr. John Brown died in 1856. He was succeeded by Mr. N. B. Creasy. " Creasys & Brown " appeared upon the new sign. It was a peculiarity of this firm to hold at all times a large cash surplus to be available in emergencies. Samuel Creasy died in 1873. In 1882 E. B. Brown retired. The business then passed under the exclusive control of N. B. Creasy. During the Presidency of Gen. Harrison, in 1840, our subject was appointed postmaster of Mifflinville, and with the exception of six months he held the office as principal or assistant until his death. As a business man he was eminently successful. He possessed a superior mind enriched by reading and obser- 510 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: was positive, accurate and true, his judgment was held in high esteem,and his counwas frequently sought. He never deserted a friend. He was a man of principle, honor and strict integrity, and lived and died an exemplary Christian. In 1845 he married MarHer mother dying when she was a child, she found a tha, daughter of John H. Bowman. home with her grandfather, John Freas, nearBriarcreek, Columbia Co., Penn. Her father immigrated to Michigan in 1837, and became identified with the business interests of the territory, engaging in mercantile business and building several large flouring-mills; was one of the founders of the village of Colon and the town of Three Rivers, and became a member of the Legislature. Mrs. Brown, besides having the advantages of the schools of her neighborhood, attended an academy at Catawissa under the charge of a Mr. BradShe is a voluminous reader and preserves the vivacity of her youth in a way that is ley. remarkable. The three children born to herself and husband are still living: J. Jordan, Dorothy N. and Martha B. J. Jordan Brown was born March 31, 1848. He attended a select school taught by Hiram Hutchison, and afterward completed a course at Williamsport, Dickinson vation; sel Seminary, graduating in 1867. He then attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College, and took the degree of M. D. in the spring of 1870, and since that time has been practicing his profession at Mifflinville. He has written some able articles for the medical press. While at college he took a special course in operative surgery under the personal supervision of Prof. William H. Pancoast, and has gratified his taste in this line by doing some work rarely performed in a country practice. We might mention among these operations, those of double hare-lip and cataract. In 1880 he married Miss Mary, daughter of David F. Brands, of Hackettstown, N. J. She attended Blair Academy and Schooley's Mountain Seminary; is talented with the brush and her works of art do her credit. Calm and self-possessed, she is the sunshine of her circle. Dorothy Nice, second child of Elisha B. and Martha (Bowman) Brown, is a namesake of her paternal grandmother, who was of a family of Nices living near the Delaware Water Gap. She is endowed with a delicate nervous organization rendering her very susceptible to aesthetics, but inherits her father's latent force. She spent two years at Wyoming Seminary, where her talent for music was developed and was rewarded by flattering commendations. She has the Brown characteristics of being strongly attached to place and Philadelphia, friends. Martha Bowman, the youngest child, of Elisha B. and Martha (Bowman) Brown, gave evidence in childhood of superior mental strength. She developed a taste for business, and upon the death of her father assumed a large share of the financial management of the family. She possesses many of the mental characteristics of her father. Her memory is seldom surpassed and she is a close observer of men and things. Her common sense and native vigor of mind avail her and more than compensate for the want of a collegiate education. M. M. HARTZEL, farmer, P. O. Hetlerville, was born in Mifflin Township, Columbia Co., Penn., February 2, 1845, a son of Jonas and Mary Magdalena (Heller) Hartzel, both natives of this county. John Jacob Hartzel, grandfather of our subject, came from Northampton County, Penn., about 1813, and located in Roaringcreek; thence came to Mifiiin Township, one year after. He was a cooper by trade but bought a farm in this township, on which he put up a cooper-shop and carried on coopering and farming for many years, but gave up the cooperage about thirty years before his death. He died about September, 1867, aged ninety years, ten months and four days, and is buried at Mifflinville. He was twice married; first to Miss Nuss, and second to Mrs. Harpster, but survived both. Jonas Hartzel, father of our subject, learned the cooper trade when a boy from his father, and followed it five or six years, when he gave it up and turned his entire attention to farming. He was actively engaged at farm labor until the time of his death; he died June 9, 1881, aged sixty-five years, seven months and seventeen days, and is buried at MiflUinville. His wife died November 13, 1879, aged sixty-one years, five months and ten days, and is buried by the side of her husband. Our subject was reared in Columbia County, and followed farming on the home place until he arrived at the age of twentytwo, when he went to Berwick and commenced to learn the carpenter's trade. He then worked at car building until 1868, when he went to Nanticoke and worked for two years on the construction of the breaker for the Susquehanna Coal Company. He then returned to Berwick, and was engaged at car building until the spring of 1881, when he bought eighty-five acres of laud which had formerly belonged to his father, and this land he has since continued to farm. He married in Mifflin Township, in April, 1871, Miss Frances Ann Longenberger, a native of Butler Township, Luzerne County, and a daughter of Simon and Lucinda (Kikendall) Longenberger, both deceased and buried at Mifflinville. Mr. and Mrs. Hartzel were the parents of four children, three of whom are living: Lulu May, Minnie Florence and Clarence Bruce. The deceased one was named Wilson Montgomery. Mr. Hartzel is a member of the Grange, and has been a member of other organizations. He is also a member of the Old School Lutheran Church; his wife of the Baptist denomination. In politics he is a Democrat. He is serving at present as a school director. MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP. 511 MICHAEL HELLER, farmer, P. O. Hetlerville, was born in Mifflin Township, Columbia County, September 8, 1823, a son of Christopher and Susannah (Lantz) Heller. The former was a native of Hellertown, Northampton Co., Penn., and was there reared tofarm life; was also married there and afterward removed to Columbia County, where he His It was about 1816 when he came to this county. lived the remainder of his life. father, Michael Heller, the grandfather of our subject, was a soldier in the Revolution and Columbia to coming Christopher followed farming after served under Washington. County, and put up a blacksmith shop, where he did his own smith work. He died about December 14, 1861, aged seventy-six years, and is buried in the Mifflinville Cemetery. His widow died May 4, 1872, aged eighty-four years, and is also buried at MifflmviUe. Our subject was reared in Mifflin Township and has always lived on the place where he now resides, and which his father settled upon coming to this county. He farmed with his father until the retirement of the latter, when our subject took the entire charge of the farm. His father willed him eighty-five acres, and since that time he has^ added sixty-three acres more. Our subject married in Columbia County, March 13 1847, Miss Mary Ann Heller, a native of Columbia County, and a daughter of Michael Her parents are both deceased and are buried at Mifflinville. Mrs. Heller died Hetler. She bore her husband seven children, four of in 1863, and is buried at the same place. whom are living: Francis Whitney, married to Mary Elizabeth Heller (they reside at Wapwollopen); Hiram Wesley, a resident of Montrose, Susquehanna County, this State; Christopher Columbus married to Anna Dodson (tiiey reside at Hazleton, Catherine, t The deceased are John Madison, Harriet Alice Penn.), and Sarah Mr. Heller's second marriage took place February 15, 1864, with and an infant. Miss Elizabeth Smoyer, a native of Columbia County, and a daughter of Peter Smoyer. Her parents are both deceased. By this marriage the following children were born: Alfred Bartley, Amandus and Wilson Arnolphus, living. Rush Monroe, Martha Minerva, William Harvey and an infant unnamed are deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Heller are members of the German Reformed Church, of which he was for many years deacon. He is now overseer of the poor and is serving his third year in that capacity. He is a Republican and was twice elected to the position notwithstanding the fact that the township 13^ He is a over ten to one Democratic, and although he made no effort to be elected. member of the I. O. O. F., Lodge No. 246, Berwick, and has passed all the chairs in the lodge. AARON W. HESS, hotel-keeper, Mifflinville. was born in Luzerne County, Penn., November 30, 1827, a son of Jeremiah and Mary (Fenstamacher) Hess, the former a native of Wilheim Township, Northampton Co., Penn., and the latter of Luzerne County, same The father came to Luzerne County with his parents when but eight years of age, State. learned the miller's trade and later erected a mill at Wapwollopen, Luzerne County. After operating the mill for a couple of years he traded the property for a farm on which he lived for the remainder of his life. He died in 1880 aged about eighty-five years, and during the last twenty-five years of his life had lived retired, attending to his farm. His wife died in 1860, and both are buried in Beach Haven Cemetery, Salem Township. They were both members of the Reformed Church, and were the parents of thirteen children, ten of whom are living, and of which Aaron W. is the seventh child and made his home with his parents and worked with his father until the age of twenty-one, and from that time until twenty-five worked at home in the winter and boated in the summer on the canal from Wilkesbarre to Baltimore and Philadelphia. He had a boat built, of which he was the owner, and with which he was engaged during the time mentioned in the coal and lumber carrying trade. He married, January 2, 1855, in Beaver Township this countv. Miss Esther Bittenbenner, a native of Luzerne County, and daughter of Jacob and Catherine (Nuss) Bittenbenner, both deceased, her father being buried near Shamokin and her mother at Nescopeck, Luzerne County. For the first two years after The his marriage Mr. Hess and his wife lived on his father's farm in Luzerne County. year after marriage he discontinued business on the canal and sold his boat. On removing from Luzerne County he located in Mifflin Township, Columbia County, where he had purchased a farm of 113 acres. There he lived for eight years and then removed to Mainville and took charge of the hotel now conducted by Mr. Longenberger, which he had also purchased. The next spring he sold both the farm and hotel and came to MifflinThis was ville where he bought the hotel property which he now owns and conducts. He and his in the spring of 1867, and Mr. Hess has since continued at the same stand. wife were the parents of six children, two of whom died in infancy. The living are Clara Adora, wife of A. W. Snyder, a merchant at Mifflinville; Harvey Wilbur, a traveling salesman for J. C. Bright & Co., shippers and dealers in oil— he also learned the jeweler's trade at Hazleton; Milton J., studying dentistry with Dr. Ervin of Catawissa, and George W., learning the jewelry business at Hazleton. Mrs. Hess is a member of the Lutheran Church, as are most of the family. Mr. Hess owns thirty-five acres outside the corporation besides ten or twelve acres in lots and residence property in Mifflinville, also a house and lot in Mountain Grove. He was overseer of the poor for two years. In politics he is a Democrat. About two years after our subject's mother died his father married Widow Ruckle, who died shortly after his death. BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 512 L. B. KOEHLER, farmer, P. O. Mifflinville, was born at Nescopeck, Luzerne Co., Penn., May 18, 1854, a son of John George and Catherine (Heller) Koehler. His father was a native of Saxe-Coburg, Germany, and his mother of Bethlehem, Penn. The former learned the trade of pump-making in his native country, and at the age of twenty -six took his departure for America, coming direct to Luzerne County, Penn. After remaining a year he sent for his family, and his father, mother, two brothers and sisters came over and settled in Luzerne County, where his parents died and also one of his brothers. He carried on pump-making and also owned his farm, which was conducted by his sons. He died in Luzerne County on the 2d of February, 1884, and is buried at Black Creek, Luzerne "County. His widow died May 3, 1885, and is buried alongside her husband. Our subiect was reared at Nescopeck and made it his home until coming to Columbia County in the spring of 1885. He farmed his father's place until 1882, when he purchased it and continued to farm until coming to his present location. He was married at Conyngham, Luzerne Co., Penn., June 12, 1874, to Miss Catherine Biltenbender, a native of Black Creek Township, Luzerne County, and a daughter of Jonas and Caroline (Lutz) Bittenbender, former a native of Luzerne County, latter of Columbia County, and are still residents of Black Creek Township. Mr. and Mrs. Koehler were the parents of six children, of whom four are living: Caroline, Jonas Marcellus, Adas and Cora May. The deceased are •Clara Idella and an infant unnamed. Mr. Koehler has over seventy-two acres of land, of which about sixty-eight are cultivated. He and his wife are members of the Old School Lutheran Church, still retaining their membership at Black Creek Church, Luzerne County. WILLIAM J. NUNGESSER, proprietor of the South Mifflin Mills, P. O. Mifflinville, was born in Mifflin Township, Columbia Co., Penn., January 23, 1851 a son of George and Phtebe (Eckroth) Nungesser, both natives of this county. The former followed farming until about 1881, when he sold the farm and mill to his son (our subject), with whom he remains retired from business. His wife died on the 1st of July, 1878, and is buried at Mifflinville. Our subject was reared on the farm where he now resides and which was settled by his grandfather over a century ago, which makes quite a record for one family on one piece of ground. Our subject spent his early life at farming his father's place, and about a year after the construction of the mill he commenced learning the milling business, after which he acted as the miller of the plant until 1881. He then bought eighty-six acres, and hiring a miller, devoted his attention to farming. In the spring of 1885 he resumed milling and now carries on both occupations. He was married in the county, December 25, 1874, to Miss Ellen Bredbenner, a native of Columbia County, and a daughter of Conrad and Hannah Bredbenner, residents of Beaver Township. Mr. and Mrs. Nungesser are the parents of three children Martha E., George C. and James J. Mr. Nungesser is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and his wife of the Old Lutheran. In politics Mr. Nungesser is a Democrat. ; : J. N. PEIFER, merchant tailor, Mifflinville, was born in Georgetown, Northumber- land Co., Penn., December 12, 1834 a son of Nicholas and Mary (Fetterholf) Peifer, both natives of Lower Mahanoy Township, Northumberland Co., Penn. The former was a tailor, which trade he followed until his death he is buried at Georgetown. The latter resides at Mahantondo Station, Dauphin County, this State. J. N. was reared in Georgetown, and at the age of twelve years commenced to learn the tailor's trade with his father, and worked with the latter until he had reached the age of eighteen years. He then :Started for himself, opening his first shop in the Mahontondo Valley, and conducted it about a year thence went to Sacramento, Schuj'lkill County, where he worked at journey work until the following spring, when he worked on the canal and boated that summer. In the iall he took a trip to Stephenson County, 111., and worked at farming and tailoring until 1855. He then went to the Madison County (Wis.) lumber regions, and was engaged in rafting on the river about seven months. In the fall he went to Rockwell, 111., and worked at tailoring that winter, and in the spring worked in his cousin's brickyard in Monroe County, Wis. He returned to Pennsylvania in'the fall of 1856, and worked with his father until 1857. February 19, of that year, he married Miss Catherine Shafer, a native of Northumberland Clounty, Penn., and a daughter of George and Sarah (Ressler) Shafer. Her father was accidentally killed, but her mother is still living in Jackson Township, Northumberland County. After his marriage he started a shop for himself at Hickory Corners, same county, and continued it until the war, when he enlisted in Company B, Sixth Pennsylvania Reserves. He served with the regiment until April, 1862, when he was discharged, having participated in the battle of Dranesville. He then returned home, where he remained until March 12, 1864, when he again enlisted, this time in the 'Thirty-fourtli Independent New York Light Infantry, field battery, captain, Jacob Rcemer. They were assigned to the Army of the Potomac and served in the following engagements Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, Salem Church, Gaines' Farm and Cold Harbor. They were before Petersburg from June 17 to August 19, and September 30, 1864, served in the defense of Petersburg and participated in the operations resulting in the fall of Richmond. Mr. Peifer was also present at the grand review at Washington, and was discharged June 26, 1865, and returned home. His first wife died May 6, 1865, the motiier of three children Jerome Wilson and Mary Ann, who conduct a shop at Nescopeck, Luzerne County, and ; ; ; : : MONTOUR TOWNSHIP. 513 Catherine, deceased. Mr. Peifer removed to Mifflinville in tlie fall of 1865, and from 1867 January 30, 1866, he married Mrs. Fry, to 1876 resided in Rockport, Carbon County. daughter of George Miller, and by this marriage four children were born Ulysses Grant, a cutter at Watsontown William Thomas, a tailor Ella Matura Jane and John Jacob He and Astor. Mr. Peifer is a member of the C. G. Jackson Post,No. 159, at Berwick. family are members of the Lutheran Church. SCHWEPPENHEISER, farmer, P. O. Mifflinville, was born in Mifflin Township, Columbia Co., Penn., January 3, 1833, a son of John Jacob and Rebecca (Sutton) Schweppenheiser, the former a native of Columbia County, this State, and the latThey lived in this county until their death. John ter of the State of New Jersey. Schweppenheiser followed farming during life, and died February 30, 1866; his widow died in September, 1880, and both are buried in the Mifflin Cemetery. Abraham was reared in Mifflin Township, and has always made his residence at the old homestead, and farming his occupation. He married, in Lycoming County, on the 34th of May, 1847, Miss Elizabeth P. Clark. Her parents are both deceased, and are buried in Lycoming County. Mr. and Mrs. Schweppenheiser are the parents of seven children, of whom six are living: Catherine, wife of C. R. Henderson, in McDonough County, 111.; Ella, wife of George Milton Lehman, in Mifflin Township, this county; Lydia Alice, wife of Aaron A. Bredbenner, also in Mifflin Township; Martha, wife of Jacob Knecht, resides in J3erwick, this county; Miranda, wife of R. S. Wintersteen, Mifflinville, and Wilmina Jane. Mr. Schweppenheiser has ninety acres of land, all of which is under cultivation. He is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, and his wife of the Methodist. He has served as supervisor two years and as school director of Mifflin Township eighteen years. In politics he is a Democrat. (deceased) was born near Mifflinville, this county, October 13, 1810, to JACOB Peter and Nonie (Fortner) Yohe, the former a native of Berks County, Penn., and the latter of N ew Jersey. Both came to Columbia County when young; here they were married, lived and died, and both are buried in Mifflinville, the former died about 1855 and the latter about 1851. Jacob learned the milling trade when a boy at the Mifflinville mills, and when he had reached manhood and finished his trade his father built the Yohe or Mifflin mills, which Jacob conducted for his father until the latter's death. About two or three years after that event Jacob purchased the mill property, which he conducted until one year before his death. He was then elected county treasurer and served two years, after which he lived retired until his death. He married, October 18, 1836, Miss Rachel Brown, a native of Columbia County, born February 13, 1814, and a daughter of John and Elizabeth (Lunnenberry) Brown, both of whom were born in the State of New Jersey, and were there married before coming to Pennsylvania. The former was a farmer in New Jersey, and followed that occupation after coming to Columbia County. Besides Rachel, there were ten other children, of whom six are living, including Mrs. Yohe. Mr. Brown died in this county in February, 1863; his wife had died some years prior. Mr. and Mrs. Yohe were the parents of eight children, two of whom are living: Margarei, wife of Luther Hutchins (had ten children, four living), at Rock Glen, Luzerne Co., Penn., and Marshall, who resides with his mother. The deceased were named as follows: John "Wesley, whose widow and two children survive him; Ezra; David Brown; Ashbol Gwynn, whose widow and two children survive him; Naomi Jane and Benjamin Fortner. Mr. Yohe died August 39, 1871, and is buried at Mifflinville. He was a man much esteemed, and enjoyed a large and favorable acquaintance thi-oughout this section of country. He was a member of the Methodist Church; his widow is a member of the same at Mifflinville. : ; ; ABRAHAM i YOHE CHAPTER XXXIX. MONTOUR TOWNSHIP. PETER A. EVANS, treasurer of Columbia County, P. O. Bloomsburg, was born in Montour Township, this county, January 15, 1846, a son of Issachar M. and Maria (Appelman) Evans. He was educated in Bloomsburg at the old seminary, and in 1865-66 completed his studies at Dickinson Seminary. He then returned to the old homestead in Montour Township, where he has been engaged in farming up to the present time. From the time of attaining his majority Mr. Evans has taken an active part in politics and has served his vicinity in many local offices. In 1880 he was appointed United States census enumerator for his district. In 1883 he served as a delegate in the State convention BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 514 which nominated Gov. Pattison. In 1884 he was nominated and elected treasurer, receiving the largest majority of any candidate on the ticket. In 1873 Mr. Evans married Samantha, daughter of William White, of Scott Township. He and family reside Id Montour Township on the homestead, which was formerly owned by his grandfather, Peter Appelman. The Appelman family is one of the oldest in the county. The father He was born of Peter was Matthias, who settled in Millwell shortly after the Revolution. near Trenton, N. J. The great-grandfather, Mark Evans, was a native of Lancaster County, and came to this county in 1816, settled in Greenwood Township, and was a member of the Society of Friends; he was a carpenter, and also engaged in farming and lumbering. Jacob, his son, was also a carpenter until middle life, when he adopted farmIn 1856 he was elected associate judge and served one term, and also served in several ing. He was a member of the Methodist Church fifty-five years, and a church local offices. officer many years, and ministers of that denomination made his home their stopping Our subject is a member of the Grange and of the I. O. O. F. place. FRANK L. FAUST, operator of the White mill, Montour Township, P. O. Bloomsburg, is a native of Hemlock Township, this county, born in 1858, a son of John and Julia (Sheppard) Faust. In 1874 he began to learn the milling business in what is now called the Red mill, and after seven years' experience, in 1881, opened up in the same business on his own account at his present location, one mile from Bloomsburg, having leased the mill for a number of years. The White mill has four run of stone, one wheat, two choppers and one for grinding buckwheat. It is fitted up in the most modern style on the buhr system, and turns out the finest qualities of wheat and buckwheat flour. Mr. Faust does a custom business and sells to the home trade and the merchants in adjoining towns. In 1882 he married Hannah Allegar and three children have blessed their union: Wilbur, Edith and Arthur. Mr. and Mrs. Faust are members of the Lutheran Church, and he is a member of the American Mechanics Lodge at Bloomsburg. GEORGE W. MEARS, D. L. & W. R. R. Agent, Rupert, was born January 3, 1848, a son of Alexander and Phoebe (Knouse) Mears. He was reared in Bloomsburg and vicinity and educated in the schools of the neighborhood. July 4, 1861, he enlisted in Company A, Sixth Regiment, Pennsylvania Reserves, Volunteer Infantry, was mustered into service at Harrisburg and the United States service at Washington, D. C. July 27, 1861, he participated in the battles of Dranesville, Second Bull Run, South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericksburg (where a bullet struck his belt plate, knocking him down, which caused him a severe bruise), Gettysburg (the last two dajs ), Mine Run, where he was wounded by a piece of shell on the shoulder joint, necessitating the amputation of the left arm at the shoulder. He also participated in many other engagements throughout Virginia, Maryland and Pennsylvania, and May 1, 1863, was promoted to the rank of sergeant. He was mustered out June 11. 1864, having served three years; on leaving the army he learned telegraphy and was employed five years in the Lackawanna & Bloomsburg Railroad office at Danville, and in 1871 was appointed agent at Rupert for the D. L. & W. R. R., and has also acted as telegraph operator and express agent. He married, in 1870, Mary A. Appelman, who bore him five children Wellington E., died in infancy; Elmer A., Howard R., Ottile and Ulvsses G. The last four are living. JOHN S. MENSCH, "farmer, P. O. Bloomsburg, was born May 9, 1839, a son of Michael and Margaret (Shuman) Mensch. He was reared on the farm and received a good education. December 27, 1859, he married Matilda, daughter of Daniel and Hannah (Cleaver) Zarr, and born January 13. 1840. After marriage he engaged in farming and in October, 1881, bought his present place of 150 acres al»out two miles from Bloomsburg, in Montour Township. Mr. and Mrs. Mensch are members of the Episcopal Church at Bloomsburg. He is a Democrat and has served his township in various local offices; was school director of Catawissa three years; is interested in the Agricultural Society in which he served one year as a member of the executive committee. To him and wife were born thirteen children: Flora, born October 17, 1861; George, August 13, 1863; William, January 6, 1865; Clara, September 20, 1866; Daniel Z., August 19, 1868; John Harrv. July 8, 1870; Margaret, February 17, 1872; Morris C. S., September 16, 1873; Charles, April 16, 1875; Ada, January 5, 1877; Frank, July 28, 1879; Guy, February 21, 1882, andMaybury Hughes, : March 2, 1886. All are at home except George, who is a railroad engineer. The Menscli family is an old one in Columbia County. The great-grandfather of cur subject was John Mensch, who settled near Catawissa with his family about 1800. His farm was situated at the mouth of Roaring creek and consisted of 400 acres, about 160 of which are still in the hands of his descendants. His son, John, lived on the old homestead, and eventually, partly by inheritance and partly by purchase owned the entire tract. He was an honored citizen, a member of the Lutheran Church, and died about 1873, aged eighty-four years. WASHINGTON M. MONROE, manufacturer, Rupert, was born at Muncy, Penn., September 3, 1838, a son of Isaac S. and Elizabth (Davis) Monroe, who settled in Catawissa in 1832. The father was foreman on the construction of the Pennsylvania Canal, and later was extensively engaged in the lumber business. He was an influential Democrat until 1861, when he became identified with the Republicans. He served a» MONTOUR TOWNSHIP. 515 associate judge of the county six years, and during the war was United States Assessor of Internal Revenue for three years. He attended the Friends' meeting, but was not a member of that society. He was born in Woodstock, N. H., b.ut came to Pennsylvania when about twenty years of age, and thereafter made it his home. He married at Catawissa, and to him and wife seven children were born, only three of whom lived to maturity: Sarah J., wife of Peter R. Baldy, and now deceased; Mary E., wife of Austin H. Church, at Ashland, Penn., and Washington M. Our subject was reared at Catawissa, and obtained his education at Pottstovvn Hill school, taking a three years' course. In 1861, with his father, he established the business of manufacturing powder kegs at Rupert, and His father dying in 1879, our subject assumed full in 1866 was admitted as a partner. charge and has since conducted the business. Since its start the factory has turned out 90,000 twenty-five pound kegs annually, valued commercially at about $30,000, giving employment to eleven men. Mr. Monroe married, in 1861, Ellen B. Leonard, who was born near Reading, Berks County. Four children blessed their union: Elizabeth, Mary C, Ellen and Irene, all living at home. Mr. and Mrs. Monroe are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He is agent for Dupont's Powder Company for the counties of Columbia, Montour, Snyder, Union and Northumberland. LLOYD PAXTOX, farmer, P. O. Rupert. The Paxton family of Columbia County is descended from an English family of that name, who came from England with William Penn and settled in Buckingham, Bucks Co.. Penn. The first of the family to come to Columbia County was Jonas Paxton, born June 25, 1735, ard Mary (Broadhurst) Paxton, his wife, who was born December 31, 1754. They settled at Catawissa, where they both Their son, Joseph, was born in Bucks County died, he in 1796 and she April 5, 1838. February 3, 1786, and came to this county with his parents when he was quite young. He was a tanner and carried on that business for many years successfully at Catawissa. He was a leading man in his day and acted as general manager in business matters in his vicinit}'. He was also a private banker to some extent. Joseph Paxton was the principal originator and projector of the Catawissa Railroad (now the Philadelphia & Reading). He succeeded in interesting Nicholas Biddle, the president of the United States Bank at Philadelphia in the railroad, and under their joint efforts the road was built. He owned considerable land in the neighborhood of Catawissa, and took a deep interest in agriculture, owning a fertile farm in Bloom Township. He also introduced some of the first short-horn stock in the county. He was a regular attendant at the Friends' meeting at Catawissa and had charge of the settlement cf many estates. He was a Whig politically, and a personal friend and correspondent of Henry Clay and Daniel Webster, autograph letters from both being found among his effects. He died at the beginning of the civil war, which filled him with regret, and was thought to some extent to have hastened his death, which occurred August 21, 1861. Joseph Paxton married Catherine Rupert April She was a daughter of Leonard Rupert, and, on the death of her husband, 24, 1809. moved to the old Rupert homestead, which had been purchased by her grandfather, Michael Bright, in 1784, in Rupert, Montour Township, where she has since resided. December 25, 1886, she was one hundred years old, and supposed to be the oldest living person in Columbia County. Llojd Paxton, a grandson of Leonard Rupert, now owns the homestead tract at Rupert, which was bought by Michael Bright, his great-grandfather, In 1774. JOHN SQUIRE G. QUICK, farmer, P. O. Rupert.was born in Rush Town3hip,NorthCo., Penn., January 19, 1824. His ancestors were of German descent and settled in Jersey long before the war of the Revolution. John Quick, his grandfather, was a soldier in that struggle, in which his maternal grandfather, Samuel Moore, was sergeant. John and Nancy (Hummill) Quick located in Rush Township, Northumberland County, soon after the close of the Revolution, and there died in February, 1824. His widow died at the home of her son. John H. Quick, in Rupert, in 1831. John H. Quick was born in Warren County, N. J., in 1789. and married Elizabeth Moore, who was born in 1791. They became the parents of our subject, and bought the farm now occupied by him, in 1829. There they passed the remainder of their lives. The father was a Democrat, and served his vicinity in various local offices, and in religious belief was a Presbyterian, as was also his wife. He died in 1852, and his wife in 1850, and both are buried in Rosemont Cemetery at Bloomsburg. The old homestead of 140 acres is still owned by their son, our subject, and is located just adjoining the village of Rupert. John G. Quick was reared to farm life and from the age of six or seven years has resided at his present home. He is a Democrat and has always been an active worker for the interests of his party; has served in all local offices, except those of supervisor and assessor; was for twelve successive years secretary and member of the school board and for twenty-five years has acted as justice of the peace. In that time he has tried upward of 500 cases, only two of which were ever appealed; in one ofthe.se his judgment was sustained in a higher court, the other was withdrawn. Squire Quick married, in 1853, Sarah Mover, and one child, Minnie, has blessed their union. Mrs. Quick and daughter are members of the Episcopal Church. 'The Squire is a member of the F. A. M., of Catawissa, and of the P. of H. and has been secretary of the Farmers Produce E.xchange at Bloomsburg since its origin. umberland New & BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 516 , CHAPTER XL. MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. SILAS CLARK BEAGLE, blacksmith, Mordansville, was born at Mordansville, Mount Pleasant Township. Columbia Co., Penn., April 8, 1863, son of Leonard and Margaret (Mordan) Beagle. Michael Beagle, grandfather of our subject, emigrated from Ger- had reared the most of his family, came directly to Columbia County and located about a quarter of a mile north of Mordansville, when the surrounding country was yet very wild. His wife's maiden name was Rebecca Margaret. When they located at the point mentioned they put up their improvements, consisting of a frame house and buildings, the house being now occupied by Hiram Bogart. Here Michael Beagle died about 1872, his wife having preceded him by one or two years. They are buried in Dutch Hill Cemetery. Leonard Beagle, brother of our subject, was born in Germany, and when he was fifteen years of age his family immigrated to the United States and located in Columbia County. He spent the remainder of his life in many to this country after he Mordansville and vicinity. He was married in this county to Margaret Mordan, by whom he had one child, Silas Clark. Leonard Beagle enlisted in the nine months' call, and, after serving his time out and coming home, he enlisted in Company H, Thirty-second Heavy Artillery, though they served as infantry. He was with his regiment until the time of his death, which occurred in camp from fever brought on by exposure. His remains were sent home to his family and buried in Dutch Hill Cemetery with.the honors of Silas Clark war. His widow, now wife of Michael Hawk, resides at Eyer's Grove. Beagle was reared at Mordansville, and at the age of over seventeen years commenced to learn the trade of blacksmith at Harmon Severson's shop. He worked there between two and three years, then came to Mordansville and built his present shop, which he has conducted ever since. He does all kinds of blacksmith repair work, ironing of wood work, He was married in this county November 23, 1882, to Miss Eva Jane Hippenstlel, a etc. native of this county, and daughter of Peter and Sallie Hippenstiel, residents of Mount Pleasant Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Beagle are the parents of two children: Howard Ammerman and John Franklin. Mrs. Bieagle is a member of the Lutheran Church. SAMUEL HARTZEL, farmer, P. O. Light Street, was born in Mount Pleasant Township, this county, November 12, 1834, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Delong) Hartzel. Jacob Hartzel was born in Northampton County, Penn., was there reared, and thence came to this county when a young man, and shortly afterward bought land where Samuel now resides. He cleared up this land and farmed it, and also followed the trade of shoemaking (which he had learned in Northampton County) after coming here until his death. He was married in this county to Mrs. Elizabeth Stouffer, nee Delong, widow of John Stouffer, and they were the parents of two children: Joshua, in Mount Pleasant TownThe father of this family died in October, 1878, his ship, this county, and Samuel. wife in March, same year. They are buried in Canby Cemetery, Mount Pleasant TownSamuel was reared in Mount Pleasant Township, and has spent his ship, this county. He has always made lifetime of over half a century at the place where he now resides. farming his occupation, though he assisted his father to some extent shoemaking, and He was married in this county in June, also occasionally followed the carpenter trade. 1857, to Miss Christiann Straup, a native of this county, daughter of Jonathan and CathStraup, both deceased, latter buried erine (Clauser) at Canby, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Hartzel are the parents of four children, three now living: Jacob Harvey, married to Samantha Sitler (they live in Centre Township, this county); Anna Mary and Lucinda Rebecca. The one deceased was an infant unnamed. Mr. Hartzel has about 115 acres of Mr. and Mrs. Hartzel attend the land, all of which lies in Mount Pleasant Township. Lutheran Church, of which she is a member. He is a Democrat politically, and has held the office of school director and supervisor. ELIAS HOWELL, retired. P. O. Light Street, was born in Limestone Township, Montour County, Penn., September 27. 1825. son of William and Anna (Titus) Howell, former was born in Jersey in 1802, and the latter dying during our subject's inof fancy, his uncle, Vinson Dye, took him to raise. In 1810, when William was but eight Jersey to what is now Limestone Township, years of age, his uncle removed from Montour Co., .Penn., and with him William lived, assisting on the farm until he had reached the age of eighteen years, when he went to learn the trade of stone-mason and While living there he was married to Miss Anna plasterer, in the same neighborhood. whom New New MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 517 and in 1836 they removed to Mount Pleasant Township, this county, where he bought 150 acres in the same neighborhood as the present farm of his son, Elias. He then devoted almost his entire attention to farming, doing only his own mason work, following agricultural pursuits until about ten years before his death, when he lived a retired life. Mr. and Mrs. William Howell were the parents of eight children, six now living: Mary Ellen, wife of William Hower, in Luzerne County, Penn.; William, in East Nanticoke, Penn.; Edith Ann, wife of William Bowman, in Carthage County, Mo.; Robert C, in Mount Pleasant Township, this county, John V., in Bloomsburg, Penn., and Elias. The father of this family died April 1, 1874. He and his wife are buried in the Bloomsburg Cemetery. Elias Howell, 'subject of this sketch, was ten or eleven years of age when the family removed from Montour County to what is now Mount Pleasant TownIn the spring of 1843 he went to Bloomsburg to learn the blackship, this county. smith trade with William Sloan, and worked with him two years; then went to Montour County, where he resided two years; then returned to this county, and for some seven or eight years worked by the day for different farmers; then went into the mines in Bloom Township, this county, and was there engaged thirteen years at contract work. He then bought eighty-four acres of land in Mount Pleasant Township, this county, and commenced farming; also leased a limestone ridge near by, put up a kiln, and for six years was engaged at that business as well as farming. After that time he gave his entire attention to farming until the spring of 1881, since which time he has lived a retired life, renting his farm. He was married in this county in November, 1846, to Miss Emeline Andrews, a native of Columbia County. She died April 19, 1885, at the age of tifty-nine years, three months, nineteen days, and is buried in the Vanderslice graveyard, Hemlock Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Howell were the parents of eight children, four now living: William, married to Emily Laubach, in Hemlock Township, this county; John, married to Mary Whitenight, also in Hemlock Township; Anna Margaret, wife of Peter Melick, in Mount Pleasant Township, this county; Isaiah Willetts, married to Catherine Wolf, on the home place. The deceased are Sylvester, Robert Francis, James Franklin and Clarence Lloyd. Mr. Howell is a member of the Methodist Church. His wife had also been a member of that church from her fourteenth year to the time of her death, forty-five years. He is at present collector of Mount Pleasant Township, which office he has held since 1880; has also been treasurer of the school board for six years. He has held the office of supervisor for three years, and overseer of the poor four years. He is a member of Light Street Grange, No. 31, P. of H. THOMAS P. Mc BRIDE. Bloomsburg, steward of the Bloomi Poor District, composed of townships of Bloom, Scott, Greenwood and Sugarloaf, was born in Berwick, this county, January 17, 1819, son of John and Edith ('Gossner) McBride. Nathaniel McBride, grandfather of Thomas P., came to this coimty in the early days, and located in Hemlock Township, where he bought and cleared up land. John McBride, father of our subject, was born in this county and reared here to faj-m life. He afterward abandoned farming and gave his attention to the mason's trade, following that occupation principally at Bloomsburg. He was also engaged on the work of the Catawissa Railroad. He was married in Berwick to Edith Gossner, and they were the parents of thirteen children, of whom six are living: Thomas P.; Maria, widow of John Banghart (she lives in Lime Ridge, this county); Alexander, in Hughsville, Penn.; Elizabeth, wife of Solomon Smith (they live near Three Rivers, Mich.); Mary, widow of Henry Crum (she lives in Bloomsburg, this county), and Franklin P., also in Bloomsburg. The father of this family died in 1858, the mother in 1844, and both are buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Bloomsburg. Thomas P McBride, subject of this sketch, was reared in this county, where he has always made his home. When he was nine years of age he went to work on the farm of Isaac Coon, where he was employed three years. He then began boating on the canal between Bloomsburg and Philadelphia, and for three years followed that occupation. He then commenced to learn the tailor trade with B. Rupert of Bloomsburg, with whom he was employed about eight years. He then bought a canal boat and engaged for himself in the coal carrying trade between Bloomsburg and Baltimore. He was thus employed about two years when he sold his boat and was engaged the next year in the store of L. B. Rupert, and for the next year boated with William Morril. He then went in partnership with Elias Mendenhall, and was engaged with him in boating for four years. He then removed to the lumber woods in the upper end of this county, where Mr. Mendenhall had purchased a tract of land and superintended the farming and lumbering at this place for fifteen years. Later he bought fifty acres of land near Rohrsburg to which he moved, and farmed it three years. March 28, 1876, he was appointed steward of the Bloom Poor District. He did not find the farm in very good condition when he took charge, but he has brought the place up to a high standard by constant improvements, and now it is a credit to the county. Since he has taken charge there have been four boards of overseers, and as Mr. McBride has retained his position all this time, it is ample evidence that his administration has been HatisfactorJ^ He was married in this county September 8, 1858, to Miss Amanda Bobbins, a native of this county, daughter of Margaret Robbins, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. McBride are the parents of four children, of whom two are living: Urban us, Titus, BIOGKAPHICAL SKETCHES: 518 married to Prebella McHenry, in Light Street, this county, and Margaret, wife of Jacob John and Mary are deceased. Mr. McBride Hirleman, in Bloomsburg, this county. is a Democrat politically. H. MASON, farmer, P. O. Canby, was born in the city of Philadelphia son of William and Parthena (Wetherill) Mason. There were three brothers in the Mason family who came over in the "Mayflower" and landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620. Capt. John Mason, who is so prominently spoken of in history, is the one of these brothers from whom Charles H. is descended. The great-grandfather of our subject was Ebenezer Mason. He had a son, also named Ebenezer, who was the grandfather of Charles H., and was born at Ashford, Conn.. March 37, 1749; was married June 2'6, 1774, to Mary Hastings, who was also born at Ashford, Conn., December 17, 1752. They were the parents of eleven children, as follows :^Rufus, born May 23, 1775, died July 29 1776; Mehetabel. b. August 23, 1776, d. April 1, 1800; Rufus, b. May 3, 1778. d. September 10 1812; Eliphalet, b. June 23, 1780, d. March 11, 1853; Ebenezer, b. October 2, 1782 d May 10, 1873; David, b. July 27, 1784, d. August 29, 1848; Alva, b. August 9, Februarv 28, 1844; Mary, 1786' d April 21, 1863; William, b. February 17, 1788, d. CHARLES June 11, 1815, December 14, 1866; Chester, b. June 10, 1793, d. November 29, 1845; June 7, 1795, d. April 26, 1882. The father of this family died July After his death his widow removed to 25, 1824, and was buried at Ashford, Conn. Monroeton, Bradford County, where she died in September, 1834, and is buried there. William Mason, father of Charles H., was born and reared at Ashford, Conn., and on arriving at a suitable age, went to Hartford, where he learned the art of woodengraving, and in 1810 removed to Philadelphia where he followed it, being the first in that line in the Quaker City. He followed this art a number of years and then commenced the manufacture of philosophical instruments, such as air-pumps, electrical maHe conducted that business until sevenchines, etc., including a telescope for himself. teen years before his death, when he gave his attention to art, instructing in drawing and designing, and this he followed until his death. Among his designs was an ideal one, which he called the " inventor's head;" it is in the shape of a human head, formed entirely of mechanical appliances, and so constructed as to be a good likeness; although very minute in its detail, it was drawn with a lead pencil and shaded with India ink. Charles H. Mason has a photograph of the drawing in his possession. Among others who studied designing, etc., under William Mason were Thomas U. Walters, the designer of Girard College, and John Troutwine, a noted civil engineer. Mr. Mason was married in Philadelphia to Parthenia Wetherill, a native of Salem, N. J., born January 3, 1793. They were the parents of seven children, of whom six are living; Samuel Rufus, in Dodge County, Neb.; Charles H. and Margaret Ann, wife of William H. Strickland, in Reading, Penn. (twins); Mary Delia, wife of Samuel C. Hays, in the stationery business in Philadelphia; Amanda Jane, widow of John Dainty (she lives at Beverly, N. J.); Catherine Wetherill, widow of Nathan Stern Beekley (she lives in Philadelphia); William Morrison (twin to Mrs. Beekley) is deceased. Mr. and Mrs. William Mason, parents of the above, are buried at Philadelphia. Charles H. Mason, subject of this sketch, was reared in Philadelphia and tliere educated. At the age of seventeen he went into the country in Bucks County, where he served an apprenticeship of five years on a farm. In 1836 he went to Monroeton, Bradford Co., Penn., and there worked at different employments, farming, rafting on the river, lumbering and teaching school, and in 1842 went to Hill's Grove, Lycoming Co., Penn., where he resided until 1846, moving theuce to Shrewsbury, same county, where he lived until 1849. In that year he came to Mount Pleasant Township, and operated a saw-mill on Fishing creek for'one year. From that time until 1852 he worked by the day. At the latter date he began to learn the carpenter and millwright trades, and on completing bis instruction went into the millwrighting business as journeyman with Marshall G. Kinley of Bloomsburg, this count3^ and for seven years worked with him most of the time. After that he worked at carpenter work until 1880, when, his wrist being broken, he abandoned that work, and since then has done little else than attend to the farming of his lot. He married June 16, 1841, Miss Mary Tingley, a native of Hughsville, Lycoming Co., Penn., born March 30, 1821. She died March 8, 1876, and is buried in the Lutheran cemetery at Canby. By that marriage there were eight children, seven now living: William Chester, in Mount Pleasant Township, this county; Jeremiah M., in Wichita, "Wichita Co., Tex.; Martha Jane Craven, wife of John McMuUen, in Knoxville, N. Y.; Nelson Winfield, in Holland, Lucas Co., Ohio; Samuel Rufus, in Toledo, Ohio; Sarah Elizabeth, wife of William A. Wait, a druggist in Sugar Notch. Luzerne Co., Penn., and Isaiah Willett Hartman, a salesman in the carpet store of Hudson & b. May 26, Margaret, 1790. d. b. Simington, Detroit, Mich. Amanda Melissa, the second born, is deceased. Mr. Mason was again married December 16, 1877, this time to Catherine Ann McCaslin, widow of Marvin McCaslin of Montoursville, Lycoming Co., Penn., and daughter of John and Jane Dudder, natives of this county. Her grandfather was from New Jersey. Her father died January 17, 1883, aged seventy years, ten months and three days, and was buried at Canby, this county. Her mother died February 22, 1837, aged twenty-five years. Mr. and Mrs. Mason are members of the Lutheran Church. In politics he is a Republican. MOUNT PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 519 PHILIP MILLER, farmer, P. O. Eyer's Grove. was born in what is now Madison Township, this county, September 24, 1834, son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Welliver) Miller. Daniel Miller, who at the time of his death was one of the oldest citizens of this county; was born Jersey, about twenty miles from Easton. He was reared to farm life June 10, 1784, in and March 10, 1809, he was married to Betsey Welliver, who was four years his junior. He enlisted for two years in the war of 1813, but after bein^ in the army little over a year, he grew tired of a soldier's life, and gave a man f37 to serve his time out. In 1830 he with his wife and four children removed to Pennsylvania. They first lived on the farm now owned by John McMichael in Greenwood, this county, and afterward in several places in Greenwood, Madison and Mount Pleasant Townships. In September, 1864, he and Jersey, their old home, but the latter taking sick, it was four his wife took a trip to months before she could return, and from this illness she never fully recovered. They four are now living: Aaron, in Hemlock Townwere the parents of nine children of ship, this county; Sarah, widow of Martin Kilgress, in Lycoming County, Penn.; Henry A., in Mount Pleasant Township, this county; and Philip. Robert, Nancy, wife of Samuel Neyhart, Effie, wife of George Whitenight, John and Phoebe Ellen are deceased. The father of this family died in February, 1880; the mother died February 17, 1874. They are buried in Ikeler's graveyard,Mount Pleasant Township. Philip Miller.subject of this sketch, was reared in this county to farm life, and made his home with his parents until his marriage, after which event, his parents leaving that place, he farmed it for two years afterward. He first bought land in 1861, purchasing fifty acres where he now resides, to which he has since added about five acres more. He was married November 2, 1848, to Miss Ann By this marriage there were two children Wesley B., Keller, who died on April 7, 1853. married to Miss Ida B. Shumaker (they reside in Madison Township, this county) and Mr. Miller again married December 12, 1861, Miss Elizabeth Francis B. (deceased). By this marriage there Keller, a native of this county, and daughter of Henry Keller. were four children, one now living, Jennie. The deceased are Rosa Clemintine, David Masters and Warren. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Methodist Church. Mr. Miller has held the offices of school director and supervisor of Mount Pleasant Township. (deceased) was born July 18, 1811, in Mifflin Township, Columbia E. New New whom : JOSEPH SANDS His ancestors came from England, the pioneer of the name being John Sands, who was obliged to leave his native country on account of religious persecution. He settled in Berks County, Penn., and from him are descended all of the name in this county. The father of our .subject was John, son of Daniel, who was a son of the pioneer John. Joseph E. when a lad was brought by his parents to Briarcreek Township, Columbia County, and during his minority worked for Andrew Hunlock,who carried on a woolenCo., Penn. While in his employ he learned the business thoroughly, and in 1835 came to Oreenwood Township. That year he married Esther Lundy, and three years later came to what is now Mordansville, and built a woolen-mill, which is now operated by his son, He carried on that business up to the time of his death, which occurred February C. L. mill. He had visited the above city with his son 1881, of apoplexy, at Philadelphia. Charles to buy goods, and while there died very suddenly, while making his purchases. He was buried with Masonic honors, of which fraternity he was an honored member, and In speaking of his remains now repose in Orange Township, in the McHenry Cemetery. Mr. Sands he can well be called a representative man in Columbia County. In politics postmaster at first he was a Republican though not a partisan. He was appointed the this place, and in 1875 was elected county commissioner, and served with credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He was generous and liberal, and his hand was ever He was a successful business man, and ready to contribute to the wants of the needy. was always in the front when the general interests of the people were at stake. He reared a family of seven sons and one daughter, all of whom married. Three of the sons •served their country in the civil war, and Mr. Sands, himself, went out with the militia 34, when the Southern forces invaded the State in 1863. L. SANDS, president of Mordansville woolen-mills, Mordansville, was son of Joseph E. and Esther born near Rohrsburg, this county, December 16. 1849 (Lundy) Sands. John Sands, grandfather of our subject, came to this county from Berks County, Penn., in the early part of the present century. He was born in Berks County, and there learned the miller's trade, and when he came to this county he went to Mifflin Township, where he was the miller of Brown's mill, near Mifflinville, for a number of From there he removed to near Orangeville, and operated the Bowman mill a numyears. ber of years, and from there removed to Greenwood Township and run the Fulmer(nowthe Alinas Cole) mill and while connected with this mill he fell dead from apoplexy while working in the orchard near by. His death occurred in June, 1856. He was married in this county to Miss Hannah Eck, of Briarcreek Township, also a member of an early setShe survived her husband about seven j'ears. They are buried in the Mctler's family. Henry graveyard, in Orange Township, this county. They were the parents of six children, four now living: Mary, in Greenwood Township, this county Ann, wife of Baltis Girton, now living in Aledo, 111.; Uzilla, widow of James Strong, who was in the service of. the Union, and was killed at Fort Fisher— she lives at Dushore, Sullivan Co., Penn.; CHARLES ; ; 38 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 520 Emma and Joseph E. are deceased; Horace lives at Wyalusing, Bradford Co., Penn. Joseph E. Sands, father of Charles L., the second in order of age of these children, was born in Mifflin Township, while his father was the miller at Brown's mills. He made his home with his parents until he had reached the age of eighteen years, and then went to work to learn his trade in the woolen-mill of Andrew Hunlock.Briarcreek Township, this county. He learned the trade there, and when he had obtained a thorough knowledge of the business he erected a woolen-mill of his own, one mile north of Rohrsburg, on Green Creek. He worked that mill until 1856, but as the woods around became cleared up the creek began to fail, and finally he found it impossible to run the mill with the water of In 1856 he erected a mill on the banks of Little Fishing creek, in Mount that stream. Pleasant Township, which forms the nucleus of the present Mordansville woolen-mills. He operated this mill until about one week before his death, when he sold it to Charles He was married in this county to Miss Esther Lundy, a native of this county, L. Sands. and daughter of Henry Lundy, and they were the parents of ten children, seven now livHenry H., in Hemlock Township, this county; William E., in Mount Pleasant ing Township, this county Thomas E., also in Hemlock Township Anna Margaret, wife of W. W. Eves, one of the firm of Ellis Eves & Brother, merchants at Millville. this counCharles L. Joseph H.. in the hardware business in Bowling Green, Ohio (he is married ty The deceased are Elijah to Mary Turner, a native of Wood County, Ohio), and James P. and John (twins), and Susannah. The father of this family died February 24, 1881, while strong Union man during the war, and business trip. He was a on a at Philadelphia went out with the militia at the time of the invasion of the State by ihe Confederate His widow died September 3, 1886. They are buried in the McHenry graveyard, forces. Orange Township, this county. The mother was a member of the Christian Church the Mr. Sands had held the office of commissioner of Colfather was a Friend by birthright. umbia County from 1876 to 1879. He was the first postmaster of Mordansville, which position he held until his election as commissioner. He was a well known man in Columbia County, and commanded the respect of even those who differed from him in his views. Henry H. was Of his children, three were in the service of the Union during the war. twice a volunteer, at first in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteers, and while in the regiment participated among others at the battles of Antietam, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. The second time he enlisted was in 1864, in Company D.Two rtundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Infantry, and was in the battles of Hatcher's Run, Gravelly Run, Five Points, and the regiment participated in the movements about Petersburg which resulted in the fall of that stronghold and Richmond, and the surrender of Lee also participated in the grand reunion of the victorious armies of the William E. was in the Union at the national capital at the close of the war. He served with his regiment One Hundred and Third Pennsylvania Infantry. from February, 1865, until the close of the war. Thomas E. was in the independent cavalry, and was engaged principally in the civil service department. Charles L. Sands, subject of this sketch, was reared in this county, and made his home with his parents until he was eighteen years of age, and then went to work at the carpenter's trade with Abraham Dildine, of Orange Township, this county, with whom he was engaged one year. He then returned to his father's home and lived there until 1871, when he began dealing in horses to some extent, and obtained the contract for building the stone work He then rented a of the Wilson bridge across Little Fishing creek, which he constructed. farm in Mount Pleasant Township, this county, which he carried on until 1875, when he removed to Millville and commenced in the livery business, and established the first stage It was thought at that time that this stage line would line from Millville to Bloomsburg. not pay, but he made the business remunerative, and it is so to this date. He closed out selling out to Humphrey Parker, and then camt; to this business in the spring of 1880, Mordansville and helped his father operate the mill until the following spring, when he bought the mill. He then added new machinery and in the spring of 1886 enlarged the mill by the erection of an addition. He carried on the business alone until 1888, when M. J. Elder obtained an interest in the operation of the mill, and the firm remained Sands & Elder until the spring of 1886, when William H. Hagenbuch obtained an interest, and the The capacity has been increased, since Mrstyle of the firm is now C. L. Sands & Co. Sands bought the mill, from 6.000 to 25.000 pounds. Mr. Sands was married in this county May 13, 1871. to Miss Mary Zeigler, a native of the county and daughter of Daniel and Catherine Zeigler. both deceased and buried in the Canby graveyard. Mount Pleasant Elizahetii Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Sands are parents of three children Maude, Maggie Alverda and Joseph E. Besides the woolen-mill interests, Mr. Sands is also engaged in farming, having land aggregating 162 acres in Mount Pleasant Township, on which he carries on farming. He is justice of the peace of Mount Pleasant Township, having been elected in the spring of 1884. He was '>ne of the vice presidents of the Columbia Countv Agricultural, Horticultural and Mechanical Association from the spring of ; : ; ; ; ; ; ; : 1881 to that of 1886. P. SANDS, JAMES Township, this county, merchant and postmaster, Mordansville, was born in Greenwood 24, 1854, and made his home with his parents until his. October • ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 521 marriage, which took place December 20, 1877. He received his education in the public schools of Mount Pleasant Township and at the Greenwood Seminary, Millville. When a boy he assisted his father in the woolen-mill and store and learned the trade in the mill. In 1875 his father gave him an interest in the store and the firm was J. E. Sands & Son until November, 1879, when James P. bought the interest of his father and conducted the business alone until August 14, 1883, when he sold an interest to Howard E. Eves, and the firm was Sands & Eves until March 19. 1886, when Mr. Sands bought the holding of his partner and has since conducted the business alone In September, 1886, he commenced the erection of a new building for a store and residence, 27x40 feet He carries a complete line of general merchanin ground area and two stories in height. dise, his stock being valued at about $4,000. He was commissioned postmaster at Mordansville by Marshall Jewell, postmaster, in December, 1875. He is at present connected with the schools of Mount Pleasant as director, and has also held the position as auditor of the and Mechanical Association. He was marColumbia County Agricultural, Horticultural ried in this county to Miss Susan A. Eves, a native of this county, daughter of Benjamin K. and Mary W. (Welliver) Eves, both natives of this county, former of whom died im this county in June, 1879, and is buried in the Friends burying-ground, at Millville; latter resides with a sister at Williamsport, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Sands are the parents of four children, three now living: Justin Earl, George Eves and Mary Esther. Mildred Lucy Mr. and Mrs. Sands are members of the Society of Friends. He is a memis deceased. ber of Oriental Lodge, No. 460, A. F. & A. M., at Orangeville, and jhas held the oflfice of Junior Warden. JOHN H. WOLF, farmer, P. O. Bloomsburg, was born in Bucheneu, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, May 23_, 1827, son of Henry and Magdelina (Schen) Wolf, former of whom followed farming in his native land until coming to this country. John H. was reared to farm life, and became agent for a wine house, in whose interest he traveled through a number of German States and into France. In 1851 some young friends of his came to America, and located at Hazleton, Penn., and as they wrote back favorable accounts of the country, our subject was induced to make up his mind to try his fortunes in the New World. He had received a good education at home in his native town, going as far as the course of the normal school in Bloomsburg. In 1853 he went to Bremen in company with friends and relatives, and there taking a farewell leave of those he had known during his youth, he took passage on a sailing vessel bound for New York, which he reached after a tedious voyage of fifty-eight days, there being little or no wind. Arriving at the Empire City, he went directly to Luzerne County, where he was engaged in the mines for six years, and then came to Montour County; here he bought a farm of forty acres in West Hemlock Township, where he remained, farming the place until 1871, when he moved to the old Paxton place of 148 acres in Mount Pleasant Township, which he bought in 1881, and here now resides. He was married at Hazleton, Luzerne County, in 1854, to Miss Louisa Heck, a native of Diedenshausyn, Hesse Darmstadt, Germany, and a daughter of Michael and Catherine Heck. She came to this country on the same ship with Mr. Wolf. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf are the parents of nine children: John J., married to Willetta Brumstetler, living in Mount Pleasant Township, this county (he is a graduate of the State Normal at Bloomsburg); Henry C, married to Mary Shive, in Bloomsburg; William; Otto; Frank; Kate, married to Isaiah Howell, in Mount Pleasant Township, this county; Mary; Lizzie and Lillie. Mr. and Mrs. Wolf are members of the Lutheran Church. He is supervisor of Mount Pleasant Township. He takes an active interest in public affairs, and has held some official position almost since coming to this country. He was seventeen years in the church council, and a short time after coming to this country was elected school director, to which he refused a re-eleclion after holding the position eight years, and in 1885 was elected to his present position. He is a member of Light Street Mr. Wolfs mother died in the December following his Grange, No. 31, P. of H. departure for America, and in 1857 his father came to this country and located in LuzerneCounty. He died at Fillmore, Carbon County, in 1884. CHAPTER XLI. ORANGE TOWNSHIP. GEORGE W. APPLEMAN, farmer, P. O. Welliversville. was born on the farm wherea son of George and Rebecca (Kinney) Appleman, the former a native of Montour County, the latter of New Jersey. To George and he now resides. November 10, 1840, 522 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Rebecca were born six children that grew to maturity: Matthias, Isaac K., Amanda, David, George W. and Emanuel. Amanda is the wife of Hiram Bowman; David resides in Wisiconsin; Isaac K. in Mount Pleasant; Matthias in Bloomsburg; the others in this township. 'George W. was reared on the farm. He taught school several years during the winters and remained with his parents as long as they lived. He married, in January, 1881, Elizabeth McHenry, a daughter of John and Sabiua (Conner) McHenry. He has two Mr. Appleman owns 140 acres of land and is a member of children: Edith and Arthvu" R. the Grange. EMAiSTUEL L. APPLEMAN, farmer, P. O. Welliversville, was born on the homestead Columbia County, June 2, 1848, the youngest son of George and Rebecca Appleman, and was reared to agricultural pursuits. February 6, 1872, he married Elizabeth J., daughter of Samuel Gillaspy. She was born near Rohrsburg, and to her and husband have been born four children: Fannie Udella, Lulla May, Charles Orval and Hubert Harold, the latter dying September 27, 1881, aged six months and six days. Mr. Appleman has a farm of 100 acres, which is highly improved and one of the best in the townBoth Mr. and Mrs. Appleman are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, ship. He is a member of the Grange. with which they have been identified since about 1885. Mrs. Appleman was born September 14, 1850. in Greenwood Township, a daughter of Samuel and Charity (Van Horn) Gillaspy. She has five sisters and two brothers, all of whom are living in" the county except Ida, the wife of Ellwood Kester, of Audubon County, Iowa, and James, in Montour County. WESLEY BOWMAN, farmer, P. O. Orangeville, was born in Mifflin Township, this county, October 3, 1818. The Bowman family came originally from Switzerland, whence Wesley's great-grandfather came to this country and settled near Delaware Water Gap, Northampton Co., Penn., and died near Newberry in 1830. He had four sons: Jesse, John, Christopher and Thomas. Thomas was the father of Henry, Christopher, John, Of these, Henry was the father of our Jesse, Wesley, George, Sophia, Sarah aqd Susan. He removed with his subject, and was born in Northampton County, Penn., about 1785. 1800. was Sarah, daughter of James Brown, and His wife father to Briarcreek about There he after marriage they moved to Mifflin Township, where he engaged in farming. His widow survived also built a mill and passed the remainder of his life, dying in 1828. They were the parents of fifteen children, thirteen of whom lived to be until 1868. grown: Samuel, Christopher F., Thomas, John, George L., Henry, Manassah, Wesley {subject), Mary, Peniniah, Seth, Hiram, Lavinia, and all of these, save John, married and reared families. AVesley remained in Mifflin Township until he was fourteen years of age. Later he operated a mill for his uncle, and in November, 1839, married Mary Ann Williams, daughter of Samuel and Maria (White) Williams. In 1844 Mr. Bowman located where he now resides, on what was known as the Frutchy tract, and ^in the fall of 1868 He has about seventy acres in the mill tract. He built Bowman's mill on Fishing creek. has had four sous and one daughter: Righter R., Henry C, Taylor Z., Millard F. and Anna M. Righter R. died in 1871. He and Henry C. served in the civil war, both in the Sixth Regiment Pennsylvania Reserves. CAPT. HARRISON J. CONNER was born in Orange Township, Penn., December 9, 1841, the eldest son of Isaiah Conner, who was born in Centre Township in 1812, son of John Conner, a Pennsylvanian by birth. Subject's mother's maiden name was Catharine, daughter of Reece Millard. Three children were reared to maturity: Harrison J., Miliard F. and William T. Isaiah Conner died in 1855; his widow is yet living. Harrison J. worked in the tannery with his father when young, and the war breaking out he enlisted as a private in Company A, Sixth Regiment of Pennsylvania Reserves, for three 5^ears. served out his time and filled every position up to second lieutenant in his_ company. After serving out his time he was commissioned first lieutenant, and was in Company G, Third Regiment United States Veteran Volunteers, Hancock's First Army Corps; After his return home he visited ^served until the spring of 1866, coming out as captain. the West; was elected justice of the peace" and is now serving his second term. JOSEPH CRAAVFORD, farmer, Orangeville, is descended from one of the early settlers of Columbia County, and was born in Mount Pleasant Township, September 25, 1818. His father, Joseph Crawford, was born in 1778, and was the second white child born in Northnmborland County, in a fort. Joseph, Sr., was a son of Edward Crawford, of Scotch deOur subscent, whose ancestors came from Scotland and settled in the lower counties. ject's mother was Elizabeth, daughter of Andrew Mellick. Subject's father was reared to farming, and he and wife had eleven children, nine of whom were reared to maturity: Edward, Andrew. John, Joseph, Stephen, Mary, Catherine, Elizabeth. Sarah Ann. Our subject remained on the farm until he was twenty-seven years of age. In 1842 he married Catherine, daughter of Harmon and Anna ( Evland ) Labour, and in 1846 located on his farm in Mount Pleasant, where he resided until 1877. He then located in Orange Township and there he has since remained. He has been successful; owns several farms, and has a competence for his declining years. To him and wife nine children were born, five of whom are living: Clinton, Harmon, William, Alfred and Anna, All reside in this county except Harmon, who is in Russell County, Kas. Another son, Joseph F., was killed in New Mexico in December, 1880, and three died of diphtheria in 1866. in ORANGE TOWNSHIP. 523 WILLIAM DELONG, retired, Orangeville, was born March 3, 1813, in Orangeville, there were but a few houses in the place. When eighteen years of age he began learning the shoemaker's trade, and followed it continuously until 1884, since which time he has lived retired. He began poor but by patient industry and economy acquired a competency for his declining years. He married in February, 1842, Rebecca Labenberg, born in Catawissa, daughter of Lewis Labenberg. Four children were born to this union: Perry, engaged in the harness business; Mary, wife of Sylvester Hutton; Jerome B. and Clement, in the tin and hardware business. Samuel Belong, father of our subject, was an early resident of Sunbury and a son of John Delong. Samuel married Elizabeth Plank and they became the parents of Edward, Henry, William, Jesse, Mary and Catherine. Edward and Catherine removed to Northampton County, where the former died; Jesse moved to Luzerne County, while William and Henry settled in Orange Township; Mary is the wife of Henry Faus, and resides in Ohio; Catherine never married. Our subject is a member of the Lutheran Church and has been since he was eighteen years of Politically he is a Greenbacker. age. DeWITT, farmer and stock dealer, P. O. Rohrsburg. was born JOSEPH in Orange Township, this county, January 5, 1846, the youngest child of Isaac and Nancy B. (Stewart) DeWitt. Isaac was born in Rush Township, Montour County, was a wheelwright by trade and also followed farming. In 1851 he located one mile north of Rohrsburg. He reared a family of five children: Amanda, Clinton K., James M.. Williamson M. and Joseph. Amanda married Jacob Terwilliger, of Light Street; Clinton and James The father died are farmers in Fishingcreek; William.son M. died in January, 1885. July 9, 1875. Joseph F. remained at home until about the age of twenty-five. In 1875 he purchased the property where he now resides, and which has since been his home.. He is engaged in farming and stock raising and also in huckstering. He married, in Three children 1867, Susan A. Reece, daughter of T. J. and Mary (Reeder) Reece. bless their union: Cora B., Thomas E. and Stella M. One died in infancy. DeWITT, merchant, Orangeville, was born at Light Street, Penn., February 13, 1851, a son of John H. and Caroline (Mears) DeWitt. John H. was born near Light Street in Orange Township, a son of Isaac and Mary (Haughauat) DeWitt, and two weeks after his birth was taken by his grandfather, Abram Moore. He lived with him until he was eighteen years of age, when he returned to Light Street to learn He married in 1849 and died March 11, 1857; his widow surthe trade of a wheelwright. vived him until 1881. To him and wife were born four children: Alpheus M., George B.,. Lillie M. died in childhood. Hester A. married Boyd Henry and Lillie M. and Hester A. located in Light Street; George B. married Jennie Lamon, located in Plymouth and died in February, 1881. Alpheus M. is now the only male representative of the family, and was but six years old when his father died. He was reared by Abram Moore in Greenwood until nineteen years of age. Later he attended the normal school at Bloomsburg during the From 1879 to 1881 summer, and taught school in the winter and farmed in Greenwood. he clerked in a store, and in May of the latter year set up in business for himself, in partDeWitt, which nership with George S. Fleckenstine, under the firm name of Fleckenstine association continued until December.jl883. Mr. DeWitt then started on his own account in the building which he now occupies. He carries a general stock of merchandise, drugs, hardware, paints, oils, etc., and does a good business. He married in February, 1880, Mary S. Conner, who was born in this township, a daughter of Samuel and Mary living, (Achenbuch) Conner. They have one child Mary; Harold C. died at the age of four years. Mr. DeWitt is a member of the Reformed Church. B. DILDINE, farmer, P. O. Welliversville, is a son of Andrew Dildine, who was born near Bloomsburg, this county. Andrew was a son of John and married Ruth Bogart, daughter of Abram and Margaret (Creeger) Bogart. To them were born four sona and six daughters: Elizabeth Ann, Abram B., John O., Margaret, Jacob, Isaiah, Amanda, Sarah J., Mary E., Ruth. Abram B. was born May 27, 1816, on the Reichard farm, and lived here until he was thirteen years of age. When twenty-one years of age he began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed several years, and becoming a contractor did an extensive business. His first wife died April 26, 1878, quite suddenly of heart disease. After her deal h he abandoned contracting, returned to his children and engaged in farming. In June, 1883, he married Mrs. Eliza Freece, who was born in this county, a daughter of Henry Hoomel. By his first wife he had nine children: John A., Ruth C, Celestia A., Sarah M., George W., Dora J., Mary A., Joseph C. and Amanda A. His first wife was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which he and his present wife are also members. Mr. Dildine is a member of the Grange; politically he is a Democrat. ISAAC K. DILDINE, farmer, P. O. Welliversville, the youngest son of Andrew and Ruth (Bogart) Dildine, was born in this county June 3, 1826, and when six j-ears of ao;e came with his father to this township. He located on the farm now owned by Reece ^IcHenry, a part of which tract is now owned by our subject. Isaac remained at home until twenty years of age and farmed for his father. He first married, December 6, 1853, Angeline B. Hughes, who was born June 26, 1829, in this county, a daughter of Charles and Mary (Rhodes) Hughes. After marriage he located on the farm he now owns. Mrs. Dil- when PATTON ALPHEUS MOORE & ABRAM BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 524 dine died March 20, 1863, tlie mother of three children: George H., Charles H., Anna E., and of these Charles H. is the only one now living. The other children died of diphtheand were buried in one grave. Decemria George March 31, and Anna E. April 1, 1863 ber 6, 1868. Mr. Dildine married Mrs. Angeline Drake, a native of this county and a daughter of Peter Knorr. To this union one child, Cora B.. was born, September 12, By her former husband, Col. Levi 1871, and died of diphtheria December 18, 1881. Drake, Mrs. Dildine had three children: Winfield Scott, McKindra L. and Laura M., in Ford County. Kas., the wife of Frank P. Vandeislice. Col. Drake was a soldier in the Forty-ninth Ohio Infantry, and was killed at the battle of Stone River, being in command of the regiment at the time of his death. lie also served with distinction in the Mexican war. McKindra L. was killed August 9, 1877, in the Rocky Mountains, at the battle of Big Hole by the Nez Perces Indians. He was an orderly and a brave soldier. Winfield S. served during the civil war and returned home unscathed, and is a practicing phyMr. Dildine is a member of the Methodist sician in Erviile, Muskingum Co., Ohio. Episcopal Church, and Mrs. Dildine of the Presbyterian Church, at Orangeville. JAMES B. HARMAN, justice of the peace, Orangeville, was born in Orange Township, October 17, 1833, a son of George and Mary (Knorr) Harman. His father was a ifative of Northampton County, Penn., a son of Henry Harman, of German stock. James the cabinet-maker's trade, of which he was master at the age of twenty. He B. learned then bouglit out Alfred Howell, with whom lie had learned the business, and has since conducted the same. He married Harriet, daughter of Judge Covanhoven. Mr. and Mrs. Harman are the parents of four cliildren Lawrence C. and William W. in Leavenworth, Kas., and George H. and Delia. Mr. Harman was elected justice of the peace in 1862, and has since occupied that position, and has also held nearly all the other township offices. He is a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church, and a member of the A. F. & A. M., Lodge No. 460, also of the R. A. and Commandery. GEORGE W. HESS, farmer, P. O. Orangeville, was born July 16, 1845, on the farm where he now resides, and which he owns. His father, Jeremiah Hess, was born in Salem, Luzerne County, and married Maria Poe. George W. was reared to agricultural pursuits and took charge of the farm in the spring of 1869. He married October 15, 1868, Sarah Smith, a native of Luzerne County, born in 1845, a daughter of Samuel Smith. Mr. and Mrs. Hess have live children Maria C, Clarence M., Samuel S., Ernest E. and Joseph M. They are members of the Reformed Church. Mr. Hess is a Democrat in — — : : politics. GEORGE LEONARD JOLLY, M. D., Orangeville, was born in Kingston District, Luzerne County, Penn., September 16, 1855. At the age of twelve he began his self-sustaining career. He received the advantages of the common schools and afterward attended the high school, and later took a full academic course in Beaumont, Wyoming County. He then came to Orangeville where he studied Latin and Greek under the instruction of Rev. Canfield, and finally nearl}' completed his course in Lafayette College, and soon expects his degree A. M. He then returned to this place and taught in the academy for nearly five years, during which time he began reading medicine with Dr. O. A. Megargell, and afterward graduated with honors at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Md., in the spring of 1883, also receiving a duplicate from Jefferson Medical College of Philadelpliia. He began to practice at Wapwallopen with Dr. Shumau, who shortly after went to Florida to recruit his health, leaving his practice to Dr. Jolly, who remained three years, coming in February, 1886, to Orangeville, where he purchased the residence and practice of Dr. C W. Ammerman. Dr. Jolly is in every respect a self-made man, for which he deserves credit. He has now a large practice which is increasing rapidly. March 10, 1885. he married Miss Sadie J., a native of Luzerne County and a daughter of Thomas B. Case. The Doctor and Mrs. Jolly are Christian people. A. H. KITCHEN. farmer.P.O. Orangeville. Amos Hickson Kitchen was born in Greenwood Township, September 22, 1826, the eldest sou of Daniel and Allace (Smith) Kitchen. The grandparents were Wheeler and Sarah (Hickson) Kitchen, the former a native of New Jersey. Wheeler and his wife had nine children: Daniel, Henry, Samuel, Joseph, Sarah, Mary, Jane, Rachel and Anna. Daniel was twice married; first to Allace Smith, who bore him four children: Amos H., Sarah A., Daniel and Samuel. When he was quite young Amos H. removed with his father to Fishingcreek Township, where he remained until he was twenty-four years of age. August 7, 1849, he married Sarah McHenry, who was born in Fishingcreek Township June 14, 1827. After marriage Mr. Kitchen removed to Greenwood Townsliip and located on a farm, remaining until April 3, 1873. He then removed to his present place, but still owns the homestead in Greenwood Township. He and Mrs. Kitchen are the parents of five children: Daniel Wheeler, Amos P., Clemuel B., Margaret J. and John V. Daniel W. resides in Bloomsburg, the manager of the Farmers' Exchange store; Clemuel is engaged in railroading, and Margaret is the wife of Howard Kline, and resides in Wood Count}', Ohio. COL. HIRAM R. KLINE (deceased; was born in this township December 27, 1815, on the farm now occupied by A. H. Kitchen, and was a descendant of one of the representative families of Columbia County. His grandfather, Abram Kline, immigrated to — OKANGE TOWNSHIP. 525 America from Germany prior to the Revolution, located in New Jersey and then moved westward to what is now Orange Township, Columbia Co., Penn., settling here when the county was a wilderness. His children were Harmon, Abram, George, Matthias, Isaac and Elizabeth. Isaac was the father of Hiram R. and married Marj% daughter of Abram Willett, and by her had ten children: Charity, Sarah, Abram, Elizabeth, Lavina, Hiram R., Peter, Almira, Arminta and Mary. Hiram R. married October 31, 1842, Rebecca, daughter of John and Mary E. (Fehr) Achenbach, who was born December 25, 1817, in Briarcreek Township. At the age of thirteen she moved with her parents to Orange Township. After marriage Mr. Kline moved to Raven creek and for five years was engaged in milling. He returned to Orange Township and engaged in farming until the spring of 1877, when he moved to Orangeville and led a retired life. He died suddenly of apoplexy May 29, 1881, while on a trip to the farm. He was a stanch Democrat, for years was weighmaster of the North Pennsylvania Canal, and in 1860 represented the county in the Legislature. He was an excellent singer and taught vocal music in his early manhood. He was a consistent member of the Presbyterian Church and an esteemed citizen in the community in which he lived. He left a widow and four children: Mary E., wife of Joseph K. Moyer, resides in Centre County, Penn.; Sarah J., is the wife of Rev. A. Houtz; John Howard, married Maggie J., only daughter of A. H. Kitchen; Harriet A., married John F. Mengle. JAMES M. LONG, hotel-keeper, Orangeville, was born October 12, 1847, in Huntington Township, Luzerne Co., Penn., a son of Joseph F. and Sallie (Shay ) Long. The father was born April 7, 1810, in Luzerne County, a son of Abram Long. The mother was born June 29, 1824, in Seneca County, N. Y., a daughter of Samuel and Sallie (Fowler) Shay. The Shay family came originally from Ireland, and the maternal great-greatgrandfather of our subject married a sister of Lord Fitzgerald, of Scotland. Joseph F. and Sallie Long had four children: Charles, James M., Abram and Harris, the last named being deceased. Charles served through the civil war as an artilleryman and is now a minister of the gospel of the Christian Church, and is stationed at Youngstown, Ohio; Abram resides in Espytown. After his marriage Joseph F. located in Luzerne County and engaged in farming. In 1850 he removed to Greenwood and conducted a foundry there. He died May 25, 1879 his widow yet survives him. James M. was reared to farming and learned the molder's trade, at which he worked fourteen years. September 8, 1864, he enlisted in Company D, Two Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteers, Second Division, Fifth Corps, and received an honorable discharge at the close of the war. He returned home and worked for three years in the lumber woods of Sullivan County. He then came to Benton and drove stage three years and afterward engaged in farming. In the spring of 1886 he came to Orangeville and took charge of the Hagenbuch Hotel propIn 1865 he married Arminta J., daughter of Daniel J. and Elizabeth (Taylor) erty. Phillips. They have two children Emma and Bert E. CYRUS McHENRY, farmer and surveyor, Orangeville, was born September 12, 1821, a son of Edward and Sarah ( Cutter) McHeury. The former was born November 1, 1789, in Orange County, N. Y., a son of Thomas McHenry, who was a soldier m the Revolution, and whose ancestors caule from Ireland. Our subject's motlier was born in Northampton County, Penn., in 1791, a daughter of Samuel and Mary ( Cole ) Cutter. Thomas McHenry, the grandfather of Cyrus, came with his wife and family to Columbia County, in 1791, and located in Fishingcreek Township. The children of Edward and Sarah McHenry were Keturah, Samuel. Cyrus, Thomas, Mary, all of whom lived to be grown and all reared families, except Keturah. Cyrus was reared to farming and learned surveying from his father, with whom he remained until the latter's death. He resided on the old homestead until 1886, when he moved to town and has since lived retired. June 9, 1864, he married Mrs. Rebecca Hagenbach, who was born in Centre Township March 13, 1833, a daughter of Henry and Susanna DeLong. The former was born in Berks and the latter in this county. Mr. and Mrs. McHenry have three children Edward, Sadie and Emma Edward resides on the homestead Sadie is a dressmaker in Bloomsburg, and Emma at home. Mr. McHenry still attends to special calls for surveying. Politically he is a Democrat. Mrs. McHenry's father was a son of Andrew DeLong, whose wife was a Metzler. Her mother was a daughter of Andrew and Elizabeth (Yoxstimer) Seibert. Henry DeLong and wife had four children that grew to maturity: Peter, Rebecca, John and Elizabeth. O. A. MEGARGELL, M. D., P. O. Orangeville, was born May 18, 1836, in Wayne County, Penn., a son of Joseph Megargell, who was born near Philadelphia and who married Abigail Hewett. Our subject's paternal grandfather was also named Joseph and was twelve years old when the British occupied Philadelphia. His maternal great-greatgrandfather was Capt. Dethic Hewett, who was killed at the massacre of Wyoming. The Megargells are of Scotch origin; the Hewetts of Welsh. John Hewett, son of Capt. Dethic, was the first sheriff of Luzerne County, Penn. Joseph Megargell, father of our subject, was born June 20, 1803, and died in 1876. His wife was born July 7, 1817. They became the parents of seven children: Orville Albinas (subject), Thomas J., Martha R., Alice L., Mary E. and Joseph H. living, and Dethic, now deceased, who served in the Sixth ; : : ; ; 526 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Pennsylvania Reserves, Company A, in the civil war. Thomas J. is a merchant in Scranton, Penn., and Joseph is a merchant at Big Rapids, Mich.; Martha is in the millinery business at the same place, and Alice is the wife of Dr. Vance, of Rohrsburg, this county. The others are deceased. Orville A. was reared on the farm and came to this place with He his uncle, John Megargell, with whom he remained until he was fifteen years of age. then worked at home and at the age of seventeen began teaching school. He then took 1856 and continued studies until spring of in his graduatin the medicine the study of up ing in June, 1859, at Castleton, Vt. In July of that year he began practice in Luzerne County where he remained 'until May, 1861; then he came to Orangeville. and there he has since remained. November 3, 1859, he married Rebecca, daughter of Samuel and Dr. and Mrs. Megargell have three children: Lillie, Fannie and Phoebe Achenbach. George Mc. The Doctor is a member of the A. F. & A. M. of theR. A. C., and of the Commandery at Bloomsburg. JOHN NEYHARD, farmer, P. O. Orangeville, was born in September, 1817, in what is now Centre Township. His father, Christian Neyhard, was born near AUentown, Lehigh He settled in Centre Township and Co., Penn., and removed to this county about 1800. engaged in farming. His wife, Elizabeth Seager, bore him eight children: Solomon, Lydia, Mary, Freney, David, Daniel, Hannah and John; all of whom settled in this county except Lydia, who moved west. John was reared on a farm and has been twice married, first to Sally Ann Evans, a daughter of Benjamin Evans and a native of this county. Mrs. Neyhard died in September, 1843, leaving one child, Lavina, wife of O. B. Herring. His second wife was Esther V. Fleckenstine, a daughter of Jacob and Margaret Fleckenstine. To this union nine children were born: Francis, who was accidentally killed on the railroad, December 33, 1867; Margaret, Anna E., Mary, Isaiah, Amos, William H., Aggie and Esther C. Mr. Neyhard on coming to this county purchased eightyfive acres, whicli was a part of the Kline tract. He and Mrs. Neyhard are members of the Reformed Church; politically he is a Democrat. AARON R. PATTERSON, farmer, P. O. Orangeville, a member of one of the representative families of this county, was born April 6, 1833, in Greenwood Township. His grandfather, Archibald Patterson, was a native of Scotland, and on immigrating to tiiis country located in what is now Greenwood Township. He was twice married, but his first wife, Effle, from whom is descended this branch of the family, bore him the following children: Archibald, John, Aaron, William, George, ESie, Jane and Ann, all of whom reared families and settled in the county, except Jane who moved to Pottsville. William was the father of Aaron R., and was born in Greenwood Township, January 17, 1803. February 9, 1826, he married Charity Ann Kline, who was born October 9, 1804. William died July 36, 1853, and his widow August 4, 1883. Eight children were born to them, as follows: Abram W., Aaron R., Matthew B., Daniel M., Mary E., Isaac E., Sarah L. and Effie E. Aaron R. removed to this township with his parents during his minority, and for several years carried on milling for his father at Stillwater, Fishingcreek Township. After his father's death he returned to this county, and later, December 31, 1859, married Sarah E. Kline, who was born in Greenwood Township, January 29, 1831. Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Patterson: Anna A., William H., Frank W., Charles E. and Lizzie. Mr. Patterson has resided on his present farm since 1857, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and is a ready worker in wood and iron. He and Mrs. Patterson are members of the Presbyterian Church at Orangeville. M. B. PATTERSON, farmer, P. O. Orangeville, is the third son of William and Charity Ann Patterson, and was born June 4, 1835. He was reared in Orange Township to agricultural pursuits. December 37, 1860, he married Nancy C. Youngs, a native of the Dominion of Canada, and a daughter of Abraham and Susanna (Horton) Youngs. Mr. Patterson is engaged in farming, and having no children of his own has adopted two. He is public spirited and identified with the Presbyterian Church at Orangeville, in which he is a ruling elder and recording secreta^J^ GEORGE N. SMITH, tinner, Orangeville, was born in Luzerne County, Penn., in 1849, the third son of Conrad and Julia Ann (Watman) Smith. Conrad was a native of Bavaria, a blacksmith by trade, and emigrating to this country settled in Luzerne County, Penn., where he remained until 1868. He then came to this county and located in Orangeville, where he died in 1873; his widow in 1874. They had a family of four sons and four daughters. George N. began to learn the trade of tinner with his brother, and worked for the latter in this place for three years. In 1873 he bought his brother's interest, and has since continued in the business himself. He married, September 24, 1873, Blanche P., daughter of Jonas Kisner. Mr. Smith is a member of the I. O. O. F., No. 364, Mountain Lodge; is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has been identified witli the business interests of Orangeville for eighteen years, and makes a specialty of iron tin roofing and spouting. DR. A. 'P. STODDART. Orangeville, was born in the city of Philadelphia, June 25, 1857, a son of John A. and Mary C. (Kennard) Stoddart, the latter a daughter of Rev. Joseph H. Kennard, a prominent divine of that place. Our subject was educated in Philadelphia, commenced reading medicine in 1877, and graduated from the Hahnemann PINE TOWNSHIP. 52T He then beffan the practice of his profession in a hos10, 1880. He then moved to this county pital of his native city, where he remained a short time. and engaged in the practice of his profession in this township, where he has an excellent Eatronage. He married in April, 1883, Lizzie B., daughter of Joseph Lilley, of Light treet. Dr. Stoddart is a zealous member of the Masonic order. Oriental Lodge, No. 460, Medical College March A. Y. M. MILES A. WILLIAMS, tanner, Orangeville, was born March 15, 1827, a son of DanR. and Elizabeth (Corastock) Williams. The father was a native of Sussex County, N. His mother was a daughter of J., and a son of John Williams, of Scotch-Irish descent. Zebulon Comstock, who was saved in the Wyoming massacre on account of his plump appearance as an infant. Miles A. was reared in Luzerne County up to 1846, when, in April of that year, he came to this county. In 1843 he commenced learning the tanner's trade in Luzerne County, and later commenced business for himself in this township and county, in partnership with Samuel Achenbach, which continuedjuntil 1853. He then superintended one year for Alexander Creveling, in Centre Township, this county. He then returned to ()rangeville and worked one year for Isaiah Conner, when he erected a building and engaged in business for himseif. His business has constantly increased since then, and he now tans about 700 or 800 hides a year. In November, 1853, he married Lavonia, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Green) Covanhoven, They have four children: Laura, Warren W., James L. and Edith. Harvey 8. died May 22, 1885, aged eighteen years, six months and six days; Elizabeth died at the age of three years, and John H. died in infancy. Mrs. Williams died July 25, 1882, a Christian woman. Mr. Williams is a member of the F. & A. M. and has been the second master in Oriental Lodge, No. 460. Since 1856 he has been identified with the Republican party. iel CHAPTER XLII. PINE TOWNSHIP. EMANUEL BOGART, farmer, P. O. Pine Summit, was born in Catawissa, this county. May 18, 1828, son of Jacob and Elizabeth (Moyer) Bogart. The paternal grandof Emanuel, Nicholas Bogart, was of German descent, .served as|a captain in the war father of the Revolution, was taken prisoner, imprisoned in a church, and died while a prisoner. To Jacob and Elizabeth Bogart eight children were born: Maria, Joshua, Emanuel, Israel, Noah, Harriet, Sarah and Margaret. Our subject when a boy came to Lycoming, here grew to manhood and for several years followed lumbering; also operated a sawmill. In 1854 he went to Canada, returned the same year, still followed the lumbering business; but finally, in 1858, purchased the farm he now owns, of 100 acres, since adding until he has 136 acres. He was married in October, 1856, to Maria, daughter of Philip and Sarah (Albertson) Shoemaker. They have seven children: James B., David C, Cora J.,. Sarah E., Susan J., Clara B. and Eva Lena. They attend the services of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Bogart was member of Company A, Ninetieth New York Volunteer Regiment. First Brigade, First Division Nineteenth Army Corps, in the late war. Held the oflSce of school director for twenty-one years; also several years as supervisor. In politics he is a Democrat. JACOB CHRISTIAN, farmer and miller, P. O. Derrs, was born in Madison TownJacob reship, .June 12, 1825, the eldest son of John and Frances (Welliver) Christian. moved with his parents to this township when a boy, was reared to manhood on the farm, succeeded his father at his death, and has since resided here. He was married in September, 1848, to Martha, daughter of Chester and Rachel (Mellick) Smith; she died September 1, 1884. To Mr. and Mrs. Christian were born nine children: Theodore S., John C, Thomas H.. J. Judson, Mary E., William B., Howard S., Justin L. and R. Euphemia. Mr. Christian has been for several years engaged in lumbering, operates a saw-mill, and has a chopping-mill in connection with the saw-mill. Of late years he has given more attention to farming. He and nearly all the family are members of the Baptist Church; he has been trustee and also held other ofiices; has served the township in official relations. SAMUEL J. ECKMAN, farmer, P. O. Sereno, was born August 25, 1889, in Lancaster County, Penn., only son of Samuel and Barbara (Krug) Eckman. When twelve years of age, Samuel removed with his parents to Sullivan County, and was here reared to maturity and farming pursuits. Beginning at the age of eighteen he worked for two years in the lumber woods, and at the age of twenty he went to leai-n the carpenter's trade, S28 BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES: which he followed tor twenty years. He came to this township and purchased the farm he now owns, having over 180 acres, which he has largely improved and brought to a good state of cultivation. He was married December 26, 1861, to Hannah Fought, daughTo this union have been born eleven children: ter of Jacob and Julia (Kricher)"Fought. Charles, Julia, Mary, Jennie, Willie, Bessie, John, May, Pearl, Blanch and Ella, who died in her fourth year. In connection with his farming Mr. Eckman carries on a shingleHe and Mrs. Eckman are members of the Lutheran mill and manufactures birch oil. Church, with which he has been officially connected. Politically he is a Republican, and secretary of the school board. EZRA EVES, farmer, P. O. Sereno, was born in Madison Township, March 28, 1838. «on of Parvin and Annie Eves. He was reared in Madison Township until he attained When he was twenty-two his majority, and then removed to Greenwood Township. years of age he was married to Phoebe, daughter of James and Mary A. (Rhodes) Mather. later he removed to Lycoming County, Two years remained here three years, and engaged In 1868 he returned to Greenwood Township, and located on the Patton in farming. farm where he lived five years. Then he moved to Pine Township, and for seven years lived on the Ashton farm, now owned by William Masters. In the spring of 1883 he located on the farm he now owns at Sereno, where he is engaged in farming. He has three children: Chalkley G., Lena and Louella. The eldest child, Willie A., died at the age of six and one-half years; the last four died in infancy. EVES (deceased) was born in Millvilie, February 1, 1804, and November 18, 1838, he married Esther, eldest of a family of fourteen children born to Joseph and Mary (Kline) Lemon. In the spring of 1842 Thomas and his wife came to Pine Township and purchased of James Leggott the farm now owned by J. L., which was settled and improved by Philip Yeager. Here he engaged in farming, and for several years operated a «aw-mill and manufactured lumber. Here he died March 29, 1864; his widow, Esther, yet survives him. Three children were born to them: Simon (died July 17, 1861, aged twenty-one years, nine months, and fifteen days); Mary A., married to John V. Welliver; and Joseph L. Joseph L. was born October 8, 1853, and with the exception of two years, has always lived on the farm. He married Sarah, daughter of Benjamin and Mary (Applegate) Biddler. Mr. and Mrs. Eves have one son, Henry W., born August 27, 188.5. F. FOWLER, P. O. Pine Summit. The Fowler family are of English extraction, and were among the early settlers of Columbia County. Benjamin Fowler, the grandfather of John F., was a British subject, and when a boy came as a servant to one of the officers who came to America to fight thejcolonists. After the war was over he learned the blacksmith trade and settled above Espy, in this county, followed his trade and farmed also. He married Deborah, a daughter of David Fowler. To Benjamin and Deborah were born the following named children: James, David, Daniel, Benjamin, William, Gilbert, Sarah and Nancy. David, the father of John F., died in 1876, aged ninety-one years. He reared four children: Catharine, Sarah, John F. and Sophia. John F. was born in Centre Township, May 2, 1813, was reared to farming, and operated his father's farm until 1842, when he came to this township and purchased the farm now owned bj^ N. L. Moser. He remained here until 1866, when he purchased the farm he now owns. May 29, 1836, Mr. Fowler married Julia A., daughter of John Fortner; she died January 29, 1866, leaving seven children: Dorcas F., Mary E., Alvin C, Sarah E., David, Jeremiah R. and William M. Mr. Fowler married for his second wife, January 10. 1867, Hannah M., daughter of Joseph and Mary (Sparks) Houghton. By this last union he has two children^ Herve}^ O. and Mattie M. J. R. FOWLER, farmer and distiller, was born in this township March 17, 1854, the sixth child and the third son of John F. and Julia (Fortner) Fowler. He was reared on the homestead farm, and remained under the parental roof until twelve years of age; his mother dying when he was young, he left home and learned the puddler's trade at Danville, and worked in the rolling-mill for several years. In 1875 he engaged in the lime business in Muncy Township, Lycoming County, remained here until the spring of 1880, when he came to this township but continued the lime business until 1881. In 1880 he started the distillery here at Pine Summit, which he conducted until 1883, when he located on the farm he now owns, which w-as purchased of Fowler Lyons, consisting of ^50 acres and has since been engaged in farming. The place has been much impi'oved by him, a new barn being built, one of the best in the township. He married Eliza Lathlean, born in Sourleo, England, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Dunn) Lathlean. Mr. and Mrs. Fowler have one child, Lillie Dunn. Mr. Fowler is a member of the I. O. O. F., lola Lodge No. 711, and is secretary of the same. GORDNER, retired farmer, P. O. Unityville, was born September 27, 1809, in Moreland Township, Lycoming County,son of Daniel and Catharine (Neufer) Gordner. The parental grandfather of John was Jacob Gordner, who came from Berks County soon after the Indian war, and located in Muncy Creek Township, Lycoming County, was shot and scalped by one of the Indians remaining after the war. He had five sons Peter, John, Philip, Daniel, George and several daughters. Daniel, the father of our subject, was five years of age when his father was killed by the Indians. He grew is THOMAS JOHN JOHN — — 529 PINE TOWNSHIP. farm and remained here for many years. He was twice marHis second wife, Catharine bv whom he had six children. Neufer, the mother of our subject, bore him seven children John, Hannah, Katie, Henry, Jonathan, William and Esther. John, our subject, remained on the home farm until his marriage in the fall of 1833, when he came to his present residence; he first bought 200 acres which was covered with timber, afterward added 200, and kept on until he had 450 acres. The first year he lived here he brought his bread and meat from Lewisburg, and his feed from Limestoneville; he soon cleared land and had grain to sell. His wife, Catharine, bore him nine children: Hannah (wife of Jacob Chamberlain); Sarah 530 BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: Isaac, all of whom reared families excepting Edward. The father these children were young, and his wife married Peter Moury and removed ta with a portion of the children. The only ones that settled in this locality were Solomon and Joseph. Joseph was born December 15, 1795, in Sussex County, N. J., and was brought by his parents to this county when an infant, and for several years lived at Millville; then came to this township and here grew to manhood, and spent his entire life in this neighborhood. For seventy years he was an efficient member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was the principal founder of the church in his neighborhood. He was drafted in the war of 1812, but his services were never required. He accumulated quite a large property, but backing his immediate friends caused his estates to become greatly embarrassed before his death. His wife's maiden name was Paugh, and to them were born six sons: Robert J., Wesley, Isaac P., Ezra S., Joseph B. and Richard W. Joseph Lyons died September 15, 1886, after two days' illness, being ninety one years old;, his wife died at the advanced age of eighty-five years. Richard Watson, the youngest son, was born in 1832, and has always lived in this township. He clerked in a store some time, then engaged in farming and lumbering for several years. In 1866 he began merchandising at Pine Summit, and has since continued. He is also engaged in farming, and for some years carried on huckstering. He has been twice married, first to Phoebe Houghton; she died December 23, 1875. To them were born four children, three living: William, Park and Sallie. His second wife was Susanna, daughter of James and Margaret Fannsworth. He was drafted three times, and volunteered twice, but on account of legal Hannah, Esther and died when New York technicalities was released on the two first drafts, and when the third draft came he was already in the service as a volunteer. He has served as deputy and postmaster (with the exception of one year, when he was justice of the peace) since the establishment of the office here, and has been township auditor. In politics he is a Republican. JAMES MASTERS, farmer, P. O. Sereno, was born September 28, 1812. the second son of David Masters born in 1783. near Kennett Square, in Chester County. James Masters was the grandfather of our subject, and married Margaret Salkelby whom he had five children— three sons and two daughters, viz. Isaac, Sarah, Martha, David and John. All lived to be grown and raised families. Sarah married Samuel Kester— they rode to Berks County on horseback to be married by the Friends' ceremony; Martha married Andrew Eves, son of John Eves, the pioneer; Isaac married Paul Kester's daughter, and subsequently moved to Ohio John was a rambler, and never made a permanent settlement David married Mary Eves, a granddaughter of the pioneer, and settled in Madison Township on Spruce Run, adjoining lands owned by the pioneer Eves, and the Demotts. (The place is now owned by Conrad Kreamer.) This he settled in 1791, there being no improvements on the place. He here made his settlement and lived until he died in 1832, aged eighty-four years and some months. He built a saw -mill here, and his son David added to this a carding machine, subsequently a clover hulling machine, and finally his son Joseph converted the hulling-mill into a chopping-mill. "David was eight years of age when he came with his father to that place: there he grew to manhood and married Mary Eves, daughter of Joseph, who was a son of John Eves, the pioneer. To David and Mary were born George, James, Sarah, Joseph, Margaret, Parvin, Mary, Elizabeth, all living to be grown. George married Margaret Mather, settled in Millville and had four children Sarah, David, Mary M. and William. Sarah married Daniel Rote, and located near Millville Joseph married Sarah Edwards, and subsequently moved to Muncy, Penn.; Margaret married Benjamin Warner, and located in Muncy Valley Parvin resided in Philadelphia, was thrice married, rearing children from each wife; Mary married George D. Keller, settled near Watson farm, first in Light Street, Columbia County, and ran a blacksmith shop in Northumberland County, and afterward at Muncyborough; Elizabeth married Morris Ellis, a descendant of William Ellis, one of the early settlers of Muncy Valley James married January 1, 1835, Abigal, born March 3, 1812, daughter of Francis and Mary Rote, the latter of whom was a daughter of Daniel Welliver, one of the early pioneers of Madison Township. After James was married he moved to below Eyer's Grove, and operated the old Dreiblebissmill, owned then by Frick, Paxton & McKelvy; this he operated until 1837, when he moved to Millville and took charge of the grist and saw mill owned by his father; this mill he conducted until about 1841, when on account of failing liealth he then rented the mill, and for four years clerked for his brother George and his partner, Mather. Then on account of the mill losing trade by his absence in 1845, he again took charge, and gave it his personal attention until the spring of 1849; then the mill burning down, he quit the milling business and came to Sereno in December, 1849, embarked the mercantile business, and carried this on until 1857, when he discontinued the store and engaged in farming. He purchased the farm, in 1850, in Greenwood Township of, 107 acres, and in 1858 purchased the farm of 228 acres in Pine Township, where he now resides, and has since been engaged in farming pursuits, having about 240 acres, and has been successful in his business. He has six daughters and one son Mary, Elizabeth, Francis, Catharine, Sarah E., Margaret A. and Susan. Mary is the wife of Dr. J. B. Patton Elizabeth is the wife of R. L. Rich Francis resides at home, and married Orpha, daughter of Wilson M. Eves of lola, Penn. (he has two : ; ; : ; ; ; m : ; ; ; 531 PINE TOWNSHIP. cfhildren, Alfred and Marion) of John Eves, the ; Catharine and Margaret are both single ; Susan is the wife wagon manufacturer. NATHAN L. MOSER. farmer, P. O. Pine Summit, was born in Amity Township, Berks County, September 4, 1833, fourth son of George and Mary (Ludwig) Moser. Nathan was brought up on the farm of his father, reared to agricultural pursuits, and continued on the homestead several years after he attained his majority, having charge of the farm. His father died in March, 1862, and he was one of the executors of the estate, remained one year after and settled up the estate, then went to Mahanoy City, where he was engaged in merchandising about two years, and the business proving unsatisfactory on account of the stoppage of the coal works, he sold out and came to Columbia County and purchased the farm he now owns, consisting of 155 acres, well improved, having good farm buildings and pleasantly situated. He was married to Ellen, daughMr. and Mrs. Moser have five sons and three ter of Joseph Nagle and Sarah (Keifer). daughters: Mahlon K., Wellington, George, Albin, John, Olivia, Anna, Virdilla. Mr. Moser is a Republican in politics and a member of the Lutheran Church. ROBERT POTTER, farmer, P. O. Sereno, was born in this township, April 19, Robert Potter, his father, came from England to this country about the year 1828; 1838. his wife was Jane Boot, and their family consisted of the following named children: Ann, William, Joseph, Thomas, John, Charles, Mary J., Fannie, Henry and Robert. Robert was the youngest of the family and remained on the homestead until twenty-five years of age, when he came to Sereno and learned the tanner's trade of Samuel Scattergood; was foreman and worked in the tannery for several years. He purchased the farm he now owns in 1876, and has since been engaged in farming pursuits, now owning a good property, which he has acquired through his diligence and economy. By his first wife, Mary E., daughter of John and Nancy (Welliver) Bennett, seven children were born: Elizabeth, Marietta, Charles, Susan, Edward, Clyde and Bertha. His present wife was Sarah, daughter of Asa and Elizabeth (Falls) Wetheral, and to this union have been born three children: Carrie, Frank and Reba. His eldest daughter, Elizabeth, married Henry Greenly, of Millville, and Marietta married Benjamin Drake, of Light Street. <;!harles removed to California. farmer, P. O. Sereno, DAVID ROTE, was born September 13, 1832, in Madison Daniel and Sarah (Masters) Rote. He resided here until March, 1886, when he purchased the farm he now owns, known as the John Bruner farm. He married Mary, daughter of George Welliver; his wife Elsie was a daughter of Simon and Mary (Robbins) Kinney. The Kinneys were from New Jersey, and among the early setMr. and Mrs. Rote have two children: Sarah E. and Anna E. tlers in Pine Township. HIRAM SCHULTZ, farmer, P. O. lola, was born in Greenwood Township, July 25, 1816, eldest son of John Schultz. The latter was a tanner by trade, which he followed for several years. He bought 339 acres and settled on the farm now owned by Ezra Eves, near Sereno, and here he died. He reared six children: Hiram. Daniel, Lydia, Melinda, Harriet and Zebulon. Hiram was married first November 10, 1837, to Sarah Houghton, daughter of Joseph and Mary (Crysters) Houghton; she died leaving six children, five now living: Joseph. Mary J., John, Julia and Sarah E. He next married October 4, To this last union the following 1851, Harriet, daughter of Benjamin and Rebecca Watts. named children were born: Charles W. (in Trenton, N. J.), Clarence W. (residing in this township), Samantha (wife of Jeremiah Howard), Woodward, Emma (wife of William <3rreenlee, of Millville), Savilla (wife of John W. Cox, of Nebraska), and Lawson. Mr. Schultz settled here in 1837, when the land was covered with timber; this he cleared, and now has ninety-six acres in all. He has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Ohurch for fifty years, and has held several ofiicial positions in the same. In politics he Township, is eldest son of a Democrat. PHILIP WESLEY SONES, P. O. Sereno, sawyer and foreman of the Benfield Mills, Moreland Township, Lycoming County, son of Peter and Savilla ( Lowe ) Sones. The paternal grandfather of P. W. was named Peter, as was also his great-grandfather, the latter of whom served through the Revolution arj^ war, and lived to the advanced age of ninety-eight years. Phillip W. was reared in Moreland Township until ten years of age. when he removed with his parents to Sullivan County; he learned the carpenter trade which he followed a few years, and about the year 1853 he located in this township, purchasing the farm he now owns, and has since engaged in lumbering; for several years he has been foreman and sawyer in the Benfield mills. In May, 1853, he married Mary Ann, daughter of Lewis and Catharine ( Hunter) ChamberThey have five children: Calvfn L.. Sarah C, Susan E., Lewis E. and Mary E. lain. was born May 20, 1832, in Mr. Sones is a member of the Evangelical Association, also of the lola Lodge, I. O. O. F. has been school director tor twenty years, and is overseer of the poor. In politics he is a Democrat. ABRAHAM TITMAN, farmer, P. O. lola, was born in Greenwood Township, March The grandfather of our sub1, 1843, the eldest son of Isaac and Beulah ( Kline ) Titman. ject was Abraham Titman, whose wife was Jane Robbins, and to them were born three <;hildren. Abraham was among the early settlers and for several years kept a tavern on 532 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: the place now owned by Humphrey Parker, on the Greenwood road; he was a farmer, also operated a saw-mlU and carried on lumbering. Our subject was reared in Greenwood Township, where he lived until he located on the farm which he now owns, consisting of 100 acres; he came here in 1865. He married Emma, daughter of Philip Shoemaker, and they have one son, Walterji., born March 26, 1868. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church at lola. PHINEAS WHITMOYER, farmer, P. O. Pine Summit, was born May 27, 1840, in Franklin Township, Lycoming County, son of Eli and Catharine (Reed) Whitmoyer, whose offspring were four sons and four daughters, viz. Euphemia (now Mrs. J. T. Crist); Phineas; Lydia (Mrs. John Gordner); William, Emanuel, Rebecca, Isabella S. (now Mrs. Sylvester Hill), and Charles W., all of whom save Phineas settled in Lycoming County. Phineas left home at the age of twenty-one. and when twenty-five married Maggie, daughter of Benjamin and Deborah (Welliver) Wintersteen. After his marriage he lived for several years in Lycoming County engaged "in farming, a portion of the time being on the homestead farm; subsequently removed to Pine Township and purchased the farm he now owns, which formerly belonged to his father-in-law, Mr. Wintersteen. He was for Mr. and Mrs. Whitmoyer have two children: Benseveral years engaged in lumbering. jamin and Nora. R. P. WHITMOYER. farmer, P. O. Pine Summit, was born September 18, 1840, son The father was a blacksmith and built the first of Simon and Sallie (Kisner) Whitmoyer. He died here in 1849, aged forty-nine years, three shop that was erected in this region. months. Hiswidowdiedat Charlevoix, Mich., in 1885, aged seventj'-f our years, four months and five days. She was a daughter of Michael Kisner, whose father, John, came from GerOur many. Simon was a son of Conrad Whitmoyer who settled here at an early day. subject's great-grandfather came from Germany, and had two sons; both settled at Berwick, Penn. Conrad had fifteen children: John, Joseph, Polly,'Caty, Mary, David, Lyda, These children William, Betsy, Michael, Simon, Eli, Adam, Susan Hess, and Ephream. move d with their parents to Lycoming County at an early day, there settled and reared families. R. F. was left fatherless at an early age, but remained with his mother until the breaking out of the Rebellion, when he enlisted, September 12, 1861, in Company F, One Hundred and Sixth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, served three years, when he re-enlisted in the same company, remained until the close of the war, and was discharged He was in about twenty-five general engagements; was captured Januas first sergeant. ary 22, 1864, at Petersburg, and was nearly six months in Andersonville, but was finally paroled in November, 1864 All of his brothers, five in number: Leonard, Michael, Clark, Galord, Amos and their sister Rebecca were in the war, and his brother-in-law, Thomas, was killed in the last battle of Petersburg. Richard returned from the war and bought He was married September 28, 1865, to the old homestead, where he has since lived. Elizabeth, daughter of Philip and Sallie (Albertson) Shoemaker. Mr. and Mrs. Whitmoyer have seven children living: Sallie, Frank G., Orpha R., Lynn S., Clay, Blanche, He is a member of Bryan Post No. 439, Sylva; Galena died aged eighteen months. In politics he is a located at Unityville, Lycoming Co., Penn., also of the P. of H. Republican. : CHAPTER XLIII. ROARINGCREEK TOWNSHIP. DANIEL W. RARIG, farmer, P. O. Mill Grove, was born in Roaringcreek Township, Columbia Co., Penn., September 1, 1848, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Whitner) Rarig, His paternal grandfather came from natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Germany and settled in Schuylkill County, where he remained engaged in manufacturing shingles and farming until his death. His maternal grandfather came to Columbia County Catain the early part of the present century, and settled in Roaringcreek Township. wissa was then the nearest market, and he used to ride thither on horseback, taking his produce with'.him, 'receiving six cents per pound for butter. He owned a large tract of land and followedfarming all his life. Our subject's father was born in Schuylkill County. After his marriage he moved to Columbia County, and bought a farm in this township, where he lived until his death, in June, 1874; his widow died in June* 1886. Our subject was reared on a farm and remained at home until he was married, when he worked one year at the carpenter's trade. In 1872 he moved to where he now resides and bought 100 He married, February 9, 1868, acres, but now owns eighty-nine, having sold off the rest. SCOTT TOWNSHIP. 533 who has borne him eight children: Henry, Elizabeth, Ulysses, Oscar, and Daisy May. Mr. and Mrs. Rarig are members of the MethHe has served as county and State tax collector for eight j^ears, odist Episcopal Church. school director for eight years, and road supervisor. Mr. Rarig is one of the prominent men of the county, and hns been in office ever since he has been old enough to vote, wliich shows that he gives satisfaction as an office holder. He is the agent of the Buffalo Phosphate Company. Mary E. Hoffman, Emma, John W. S., Effle CHAPTER XLIV. SCOTT TOWNSHIP. AARON BOONE, P. O. Espy, was born in Columbia County February 14, 1815, a son of Benjamin and Margaret (Creveling) Boone. His grandfather, Benjamin Boone, was a cousin of the renowned Daniel Boone, of Kentucky, and was the first of the family This to settle in Columbia County, locating in Centre Township on 300 acres of land. tract was bounded on one side by the Susquehanna River, and extended a mile back. He a prominent man in his day. He was reared in Berks County, near Reading, and was son the father of our subject, was the age of eighty-one years. His Benjamin, died at a farmer, and also carried on an extensive shad fishery, employing seven men from Easter until June. He inherited from his father 150 acres of the old homestead, and there died He and his wife are buried in Heidler's churchin 1851, at the age of sixty-three years. yard. At the age of twenty-three, Aaron Boone married Mary, a daughter of Samuel whose family was also among the pioneers of this county. Mrs. Boone died two children, Charles A. and Samuel W., who are still living. Mr. Boone's second marriage took place in 1850, with Hannah Wagner, who bore him five children: Shepperd R., Olin S., Paul Anthony, Jesse Edmund, and Mary K., all of whom are now living. Mr. Boone has been for over fifty years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and has served for many years both as steward and class-leader. He remembers with distinctness the establishment of nearly every Methodist congregation in the section extending from Bloomsburg to Berwick, and has donated money for every Methodist Church building that has been erected in his lifetime within this vicinity. The house that his grandfather lived in, in Centre Township, was built in 1790, and is still standing; the barn was erected about the same time, and is also in a good state of preservation. He also recollects in 1822-23 when great numbers of the people were The canal at this point was begun in 1827 and finished in carried off by typhus fever. 1831, and our subject's father helped carry the line in surveying the county lines in this and other parts of the State. Bear, deer and wild fowl were very numerous at that Webb, Sr., in 1849, leaving time, and his father used to make a yearly hunt for the larger game, supplying his family with venison. The road where Afton now is was then known as " Webb's Lane," and was a famous place in early days for horse racing. In the ridge near by are beds of lead and zinc which were worked in an early day, some on our subject's land. Mr. Boone owns 160 acres north of Afton, also a nne residence and lot at Afton. For many years he was engaged in boating on the canal. G. W. CREVELING, merchant at Afton, P. O. Espy, was born in the immediate neighborhood, December 19, 1833, a son of Thomas and Elizabeth (Ruckle) Creveling. His father died in September, 1835, while on a trip west, at or in the vicinity of South Bend, G. W. lived on a farm close by Afton until he was about Ind. The mother died in 1856. eleven years old; from that time in Espy until 1861, receiving his education, in the meanAt the age of thirteen years he engaged at time, in the common schools of that place. boating as driver on the Pennsylvania Canal, afterward as bowsman, steersman, then captain; afterward, in 1853, he bought a half interest in a boat, then the whole of it, and in 1855 owned two boats and freighted between Pittston, Baltimore, Philadelphia and intermediate points. He continued thus until 1856, when he abandoned active boating, though still owning a boat and liiring a man to run it. Before the age of twenty-one he had accumulated about $3,000. In the fall after closing boating, in 1856, he began to keep Creveling, with whom he remained four years. In April, books in the office of Fowler 1857, he became part owner of the Limestone Ridge, near Espy, and has since been interested in shipping limestone. March 16, 1858, he married Frances M. Millard, a daughter of Josliua K. Millard, -of Espy. In 1861 he personally assumed charge of shipping limestone at the Ridge, and in March, 1884, he and his brother, Alfred, established the present store at Afton. In 1867 he bought out his brother's interest and contin\ied alone until 1873, when he took E. C. Trembly as a partner, and continued until 1877, since which time he & 534 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: has been alone. Mr. Creveling enlisted as an emergency man in 1863 for ninety days, and He is a Republican and has served in the United States service for about sixty days. Mr. and Mrs. Creveling have two children: Charles his vicinity in various public offices. M., born August ::i4, 1859, an assistant in the store and limestone business, and Edna M., born July 5, 1875; another daughter died in 1865, aged three and a half years. Mr. Creveling is president of the Espy Lime & Cement Company, and was formerly its secretary and treasurer. He owns 110 acres of highly improved land in Centre Township, valued at $140 per acre. He was the architect of his elegant residence at Afton. The following are the children of Thomas Creveling: Eli, who married Jane Heidley, and died in 1866; Isaac, married Rebecca Hogenbuch, and died in 1884; Eliza Ann, married to Henry Trembly, and died in 1879; Rebecca, died in infancy; Lavina, married H. L. Gearhart, and died in 1875; Thomas, Jr., died unmarried, in 1881; Alfred, married Mary M. Worman, and resides at Harrisburg, Penn.; Georgej W., resides at Afton, Penn., and John, died at the age of three years. George W. and Alfred are the only survivors. Now at the age of fifty-three years G. W. is about making arrangements to get out of active business with a sufficient competence, his health not being very good. G. CREVELING, Esq., Espy, was born May 19, 1826, one and a quarter miles north of Espy, and is a son of Andrew and Rebecca (Waters) Creveling. He was reared on a farm and educated at Espy. He has been three times married, first, in 1847, to Hester Willett, who died, the mother of two children, living: Rebecca R.and Ardelia E. His His third marriage was with Mrs. second wife was Louisa M. Kuhn, who left no children. Catherine Everts, nee Ruckel, by whom he has one child, Clinton R. During his early life Mr. Creveling was a farmer, but in 1856 or 1857 embarked in the mercantile business with E. F. Richart, and in 1858 and 1859 carried on the business alone. Subsequently he engaged in the limestone business for several years, and for the last twenty-five or twentyconducted a 1865 was six years has butcher business. In he elected a justice of the peace and has since served in that office, making twenty-two years of service. The Squire is now secretary of the Susquehanna Manufacturing Company at Espy. J. HARVEY CREVELING, lumber merchant, P. O. Bloomsburg. was born in Columbia County October 17, 1830. The first of his ancestors to settle in this county were John Creveling and Charity, his wife, who located in what is now Scott Township. John owned a farm just east of Bloomsburg. He was from New Jersey, and he and wife were members of the Society of Friends. The famous "Creveling grape," well known throughout this country, was propagated by Mrs Creveling, the original vine being still in good bearing condition, running over a large pear tree near the residence. Mr. and Mrs. John Creveling are both buried in Creveling Cemetery. Their son. Andrew, inherited the old homestead and married Ann I. Henrie, a daughter of Archibald and Sarah Henrie. Andrew was born January 22, 1806. His wife died in 1863, leaving a large family, six of whom are now living. He subsequently married Mrs. Hikox, then Mrs. Harvey, and was then married to Mrs. Fine, and died September 1, 1886, and is buried his first wife in the Creveling Cemetery. by the side of He took an active part in public matters; was captain and later major of the militia, and was widely known as an enterprising and substantial citizen. He and his first wife belonged to the Episcopal Church. was HERMAN When his father retired from active business, J. Harvey bought the old homestead of 135 acres for $22,000, including a one-half interest in a timber tract near New Philadelphia of 125 acres. He married, November 27, 1856, Susan A. Conner, and three boys and five girls blessed their union: Andrew, married Annetta Hartman, a daughter of Wellington Hartman; Sarah; I. Conner; Anna I.; Mary; Lulu; Susan A., and Harvey Scott, all living Mr. Creveling is a member at home, the married son carrying on the old homestead farm. of the Presbyterian Church, and has served his township as school director and in other local offices. He moved to Bloomsburg in 1886 and has partially retired. He has carried on the lumber business for fifteen years on West Creek, in Jackson and Sugarloaf Townships and .still owns seven-twelfths of 372 acres of timber land there. WILLIAM E. DIETTERICH, merchant, Espy, was born in Centre Township, Columbia Co., Penn., Februaryj28, 1847; a son of John and Susannah (Schug)Dietterich. He was reared on a farm, received his early education at the the schools of his vicinity and finished his studies at the normal school, taking a course of nine months. In 1871 he began business on his own account at Espy, in partnership with T. W. Hartman and Thomas Thompson, under the firm name of W. E. Dietterich Company. They opened an ice-cream saloon with a capital of $45. At the end of a month Mr. Hartman withdrew, receiving $45 as his share. At the end of two months Mr. Dietterich bought out the remaining partner for $118, and in the fall took his brother in as a partner, added groceries to the business, which was conducted under the firm name of W.E. Dietterich & Brother. At the end of nine months our subject bought his brother out, in 1873 added a general line of goods, and has since conducted a successful business. In 1882 he built his present fine store and residence at a cost of upward of $3,000. The business is one of the best in Espy, and averages upward of $5,000 per annum. Mr. Dietterich is a Democrat and has served his vicinity as school director for several years, and is also a member of the Lutheran Church. He married, May 30, 1872, Mary E., a daughter of David and Harriet & SCOTT TOWNSHIP. 535 Whitmire, of Espy. Mrs. Diettericli was born October24, 1850; she has borne her husband one child, Henry Clay, born July 2, 1881. DAVID GEISIINGER, postmaster, Espy, was born in Orange Township, in 1845, to Samuel and Elizabeth (Fleckenstine) Geisinger. When David was five years of age his father died, and he then went to live with Joseph Pohe, with whom he remained until the, age of sixteen, attending the common schools. From that time he made his own way in the world, and when nineteen, in 1864, enlisted in Company E, Sixteenth Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and served in the Rebellion some ten or eleven months, or until the close of the war. He participated in the engagements at Stony Creek and Amelia Springs, where he was Avounded in the left wrist by a gunshot and in the head by a saber cut. He remained disabled for some time and his wounds are often troublesome at He was principally engaged in skirmishing and scout duty. Mr. Geisinger this date. has been twice married first, in 1868, to Elizabeth Bupp, who died the same year, and March 9, 1871, he married Mrs. Margaret Kisner, whose maiden name was Creveling,a daughWilliam H., ter of H. G. and Margaret (Wellett)Creveling. They have had three children born December 4, 1878, died Decembers, 1877; Harold D., born January 14, 1875, and Ardelia E., born March 29, 1877. Mr. Geisinger was appointed postmaster at Espy July 17, 1886, and is the present incumbent. Mrs. Geisinger is a member of the Lutheran Church, which the family attend. By her first husband Mrs. Geisinger had one child, Leroy Kisner, born November 5, 1868, died November 8, 1883, at the age of fourteen years. Mr. Geisinger is a Democrat, and has held several township offices. PROF. FRANCIS HECK, P. O. Light Street, is a native of Monterey, Schuylkill Co., Penn., born in 1856, a son of John W. and Rebecca (Hartline) Heck, of that county. He received the advantages afforded by the schools of his vicinity until the age of fifteen, when he became a student at Freeburg Academy. After teaching one term at the age of seventeen, he continued his studies at the Freeburg Academy, preparatory to entering college. When nineteen (in 1875), he entered Lafayette College, and was graduated from that institution in June, 1879. On leaving college he engaged in teaching at Paxinos. Northumberland Co., Penn., as principal of the public schools. He there continued two years, and then came to Columbia County, in 1882, where he [taught a select school for one year and acted as the principal of Orangeville Academy, for two years, which position he resigned in 1885. In the fall of that year he became identified with the Democratic ISentinel, having cnarge of the educational columns of that paper. Prof. Heck for the past year has taught a select school at Light Street. SAMUEL McKAMEY, foreman of the Pennsylvania Canal Company's boat yards, Espy, was born in that place, October 16, 1830, a son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Caldwell) McKamey. His parents were natives of Ireland, and coming to the United States, .settled in Plymouth, Luzerne County. The father was a weaver by trade, and followed it all his life. He and wife were Episcopalians; he is buried in the Episcopal graveyard at Bloomsburg, and she in Espy Cemetery. At the age of eighteen, Samuel began to learn the carpenter's trade, which he followed two years. He then bought a boat and followed boating and freighting on the Pennsylvania Canal for eighteen years, over the whole length of the Pennsylvania & Erie Canals. In 1863 he enlisted as an emergency man, in Company I, Thirty-fifth P. V. I., and was in service six or seven weeks. After giving up the boating, Mr. McKamey worked at stair building for .several years, and in 1873 was employed by the Pennsylvania Canal Company at Espy. In 1883 he was appointed foreman of their yards. He is a member of the Methodist Church, and has been B. Hic^s, who died twice married. His first wife, whom he married in 1856, was Martha in 1875, leaving five children; his second marriage took place in 1876, with Mrs. Samantha Morgan. His children are as follows: Jennie, Anna, Sally, Blanche and Susan (the last named died at the age of five years). Mr. McKamey's brother, Alexander, served as lieutenant in the Mexican war, and was promoted to a captaincy. His uncle, James Caldwell, went out as captain of his company and was killed at the battle of the city of Mexico. BENJAMIN MILLER, retired farmer, P. O. Espy, was born in Scott Township, this county, May 24, 1818, son of Philip and Mary (Seidle) Miller. Jacob Miller, grandfather of Benjamin, was born in Berks County, Penn., following farming, and lived there until his death. His father came from Berks County, and took up algood deal of land there, and also lived there the rest of his life. Philip Miller, father of Benjamin, was born and reared in Berks County to farm life. He was married in Berks County to Miss Mary Seidle, a native of Berks County, of German descent. They came to this county in 1812, bringing with them their family, which then consisted of one son and one daughter. They located at Espy, where Mr. Miller engaged in inn-keeping, which he abandoned and bought a farm in this township, which is now owned by Jesse Hoffman, and there located and followed farming until about ten years before his death, when he lived a retired life. He died January 1, 1872, at the age of eighty years, and is buried at Afton. His wife died May 8, 1852, and is buried in the Lutheran Reformed Church Cemetery, Bloomsburg. They were the parents of six children, of whom four are living: Benjamin; Mary, widow of Andrew Jingles, living in Maine Township, this county; Harriet, wife of Joseph 39 ; : 536 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Breisch, livinj): in Catawissa Township, this county; Regina, wife of Oscar Wolverton, Benjamin was reared in Columbia County, living in Northumberland County, Penn. where he has always had his home. He made his residence with his parents until he was married, and after that event moved into another house on the same farm, which he worked, lie lived there until he bought his present farm of nineteen acres. He was married in this county February 19, 1857, to Miss Catherine Ale. They came to this county from New Jersey and settled in Greenwood Township, where they resided until their death. The father died November 1, 1880, and the mother March 1, of the same year. They are buried at Kitchen's Church, Mount Pleasant Township, this county. Mr. and Mrs. Miller were the parents of one child, Jeanetta, who died when nine months old. They reared an adopted child, Sallie, now the wife of William Hoffman. They are also rearing another little adopted girl, named Mamie. Our subject and wife are members of the Lutheran Church. He is assistant superintendent of the Methodist Sabbath-school at Afton. In politics he is a Democrat. hotel-keeper. Espy, was born April 11, 1841, in what is now Locust Township, but what was then a part of Roaringcreek, and was reared to farm life. His father died when he (subject) was but sixteen years of age and being the eldest of six brothers and one sister, he took charge of the farm and conducted it for his mother for two years. He then began to learn the shoemaker's trade with Hamilton Fisher at Slabtown, but did not complete the trade. He then was employed by his uncle, George Martz, at Light Street for nine months, after which he returned home and attended school. He then worked one season for Clint Mendenhall, and attended another term of school. January 1, 1861, he engaged with Solomon Artley, for one year, for $108. January 2, 1863, he married Lavina, Mr. Artley 's daughter, and then took the homestead and worked it for two years. From that time he began taking a prominent part in politics and then moving to Franklin Township, purchased a lot of thirty-four acres from Mr. Artley, and resided there two years. He then sold that place and bought sixty acres of the old homestead of his mother, on which he erected a house, barn, etc., and resided seven years. His motherin-law dying, he moved to the Artley homestead (rented his own place and sold it a year later) and remained two years, when he purchased the Hipky mill in Roaringcreek, and still owns it and is interested in running it. He lived at the mill seven or eight years, and in 1883 was elected by a large majority, sheriff of Columbia County; entered the office the first Monda}"^ in January, 1883, and served until the first Monday in January, 1886. The first of the following April he moved to Espy, where he rents the hotel. He owns twenty-eight acres and the mill. Mr. and Mrs. Mourey have had six children, five of whom are living: Mary M., wife of J. M. Kunkle; Solomon; Clara, married to A. W. Long; Michael; Sarah E. and Lavina May (the latter died at the age of one year and three months). Mr. Mourey also owns 130 acres of timber land in Roaringcreek, and some ten lots at Montandon. He is engaged in attending the hotel, mill, and other property. (deceased) was born in Albany Township, Berks Co., Penn., Sep- JOHN MOUREY, JOSEPH POHE His parents came to this county when he was but a boy. When he 19, 1790. arrived at sixteen years of age he was apprenticed to Larry Ruck, in Bloomsburg, to learn the shoemaking trade. After finishing his trade he went to Mifflinville, borrowed $10 to buy a kit of tools, and traveled about among different families, mending and making shoes. Mr. Pohe followed his trade until a few years ago. In 1831 he removed from Mifflinville to Centre Township, where he resided until his death (1880). His $10 borrowed capital grew into seven farms, besides over $30,000 which he lost by insolvents. He preserved a hammer handle which had been worn off by the use of his hands as he plied his trade. Mr. Pohe's father was a captain in the Revolutionary war. His mother and grandmother were captured by the Indians when the former was but seven weeks old, and remained captives for eleven years, until by the aid of a fur trader they made their escape. Two children are dead and six survive their aged father, and in this volume appears a portrait which was placed there by them. His wife, Mary (Wolf) Pohe, died in 1835. He was a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Pohe's successful life is a good illustration of what may be accomplished by a faithful pursuit of one's vocation. He passed peacefully away, thus removing another of the old " land marks " from his com- tember munity. STEPHEN POHE, farmer, P. O. Espy, was born in the town of Mifflin, September The father came 1835, a son of Joseph and Mary (Wolf) Pohe, both of Berks County. to this county about 1800. He was a shoemaker by trade, but was an extensive landholder in Centre and Mifflin Townships, owning some 1,000 or 1,100 acres. He was born in 1790, died in 1880, a member of the Lutheran Church, and is buried in Mifflin graveyard; his wife, who died in 1835, is buried by his side. Stephen learned the shoemaker's Later he engaged trade, and at the age of twenty-one took charge of his father's fariii. extensively in freighting on the canal, operating some eight or nine boats between all points for three years, and for the next nine or ten years carried on the boot and shoe business at Mifflin. In 1865 he enlisted in Company A, Seventy-fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and participated in quite a number of skirmishes. He served in the Army of the Potomac, and was mustered out in October, 1865. He then began farming 145 acres in 6, SCOTT TOWNSHIP. 537 Centre Township, which he still owns, and continued thus employed until 1886. He has always been interested in politics and has served his township in various local offices. In 1878 he was nominated by the Democratic party for county commissioner, and elected by a large majority. In 1884 he was re-elected, and is the present incumbent. He is a man of fearless convictions, and works for the best interest of the people. Mr. Pohe married, in 1856, Sarah H. Hess, who died in 1866, and five of her children are living: Francis L., Joseph R. and Charles L. (twins), and Alice Budora and George McL. Sally died at the age of one year. Mr. Pohe married, in 1867, Mary A. Hess, who has borne him two children: Seymour and Minnie G. FREDERICK W. REDEKER, M. D., Espy, is a native of Striiken, Prussia, and was born November 13, 1853, to Henry William and Caroline (Reiraer) Redeker. His parents came to the United States in 1854 and settled in Philadelphia, where the father is .still engaged in the cabinet-making business. Frederick W. was educated in the schools of Philadelphia, and at the age of twenty-one years began reading medicine with Dr. G. W. Metzger, of Hughesville, Lycoming Co., Penn. In 1875 he became a student at the Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, and graduated in 1878. He then began the practice of his profession at Exchange, Montour County, and in 1880 located at Espy, where he soon established a successful practice. Dr. Redeker married, in 1874, Louise Pfaff, a native of Philadelphia, and four children have blessed their union: Caroline, Lillian, Laura and Raymond C. Dr. and Mrs. Redeker are members of the Lutheran Church. WILLIAM C. ROBISON, retired farmer. P. O. Espy, was born near his present residence January 23, 1836, a son of John and Margaret (Christman) Robison. The former was the first of the family to settle in Columbia County, locating in Bloomsburg, where he married, and in 1834 located in Espy. He was State supervisor of canals for four or five years and owned the farm of 140 acres just north of the present depot at Espy. He bought the place about 1834 and resided there the remainder of his life. During his early manhood he used to freight goods by team between Bloomsburg and the cities of New York and Philadelphia for the McKelvys and others; the trip, driving both ways, occupied three or four weeks. By trade he was a tanner and operated a tannery near where the Catholic Church now stands on Third Street, in Bloomsburg. He was successful in acquiring a competence; was an elder of the Presbyterian Church for many years, and an honored life member of the Board of Foreign Missions of that .church. He was elected and served one term in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, and always affiliated with the Democratic party. He died in 1871 at the age of eighty years, and his widow in January, 1885, aged eighty-four years. Both are buried in Rosemont Cemetery. They had a family of ten children, only five of whom are now living: Mary E., Huston, William C, Martha (wife of C. A. Moyer), and Lovilla (wife of II. W. Kitchen). The William C. has been twice married; old homestead is owned by William C. and Huston. She died in the spring of 1869, and first in 1868 to Mary, daughter of Philip Achenbach. he married Laura, daughter of Dr. William Case, of Espy. Mr. Robison in June, 1885, of the Presbyterian Church; politically member is a a Democrat, and has served his vicinity in the school board for several years. He enlisted in 1863 in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, took part in the battle of Antietam and served until the expiration of his term— nine months. He was mustered out at Harper's Ferry, Va., and during a part of his service was a corporal. ALEM: BRITTON white, merchant. Light Street, is a native of Fishingcreek Tp., Columbia County, and was born on the old Buckalew homestead. May 9, 1833, His father was born in Light Street, March 25, to Joseph and Lydia A. (Bobbins) White. 1800, and is a son of Peter and Elizabeth (Britton) White, who settled in this county some time previous to 1800. Peter owned a farm near Light Street; was a Presbyterian and probably of Scotch-Irish ancestry. He died in 1808 and is buried in the old Lutheran graveyard at Bloomsburg; his widow died some twenty years later and is buried by his Joseph White married Lydia A. Bobbins, who was born December 6, 1813, at a side. place called lola, in Greenwood Township. They were married April 15, 1830. Mrs. White was a daughter of John Robbins, a pionerer of Greenwood Township, where he was justice of the peace and surveyor for many years. John Robbins was a son of William Robbins, a native of New Jersey, and settled in Greenwood at a very early date. His wife was Mary Woodard, and both died in 1850, within six weeks of each other and are buried in the old Methodist burying-ground,in Greenwood Township. Our subject's parents had eight children: Sarah C, Alem B., Melesa J., John A., Mary E., Anna A., Harriet M. and Eliza R. The mother of this family died December 7, 1851, and her husband then married Deborah Fowler, December 13, 1853, who bore him two children: Florence P. and Joseph E. The father died December 2, 1858, and is buried with his first wife in Greenwood Township. His widow lives with her son-in-law, H. N. White, at Afton. Alem B. obtained his education at Greenwood Seminary, and, when eighteen, began teaching school, which he followed until 1865, mostly in Bloom Academy and at Catawissa, also in Greenwood Seminary. In 1865 he became interested in mercantile business as clerk for J. J. Brower, Esq., and in 1866 opened a store at Ashland, Schuylkill County. This he conducted for two and a half years, and was afterward with Mr. Creary at Light Street, ; BIOGBAPHICAL SKETCHES: 538 years. In 1871 he bought the general stock of Peter Ent, and subsequently bought the buildings and grounds. Mr. White in earlier life was a Democrat but since the war he became identified with the Republican party, but is now a Prohibitionist. He was appointed postmaster at Light Street under Gen. Grant's second administration, and resigned the office in 1883. having served over eight years. He is a member of thirty-seven years' standing of the Methodist Church, and has served as steward and trustee for upward of Alem B. White was married March 23, 1869, to Esther E. Geisinger, who fifteen years. was born September 24, 1843, a daughter of Samuel Gei.singer of Orange Township. two CHAPTER XLV. SUGARLOAF TOWNSHIP. JOSHUA B. DAVIS, farmer. P. O. Cole's Creek, was born in Benton Township, this county, September 4, 1842, son of Thomas Davis, who was a son of Reuben Davis, who came to Columbia County, Penn., in an early day, locating at Catawissa, thence moved to Bloom Township and in 1815 settled on Raven Creek, Benton Township; he took a good farm there and cleared it up out of a wilderness, and died there July 3, 1858. His wife was Catherine Miller, and they had eight children: John, Mary, Thomas, Catherine, Ellen. Sarah, Elizabeth and Anna. Solomon and Richard Davis, brothers of Reuben, were also settlers in Columbia County. Our subject lived in Benton Township until his mairiage, when he settled on Coles Creek. He married December 31, 1863, Harriet E., daughter of Jacob Harrington of Sugarloaf Township, this county, and they had eight children: Kate E., wife of Herbert Hess; John W., deceased; Thomas W., Ernest G., Walter B., LenaG., Emma B. and Alice P. Mr. Davis owns 250 acres of land in Upper Coles Creek, where he settled in 1867 and lumbered until 1880, since which time he has farmed almost exclusively, except in the season of manufacturing "oil of birch." In politics Mr. Davis is a Democrat. THE FRITZ FAMILY. This highly respectable family, so well known, need more than a passing mention. "Fritz Hill "is known all over Columbia County. The first settler on this historic spot was Philip Fritz, who came from Philadelphia to this county in 1795; he settled on the east branch of Fishing Creek, near where Thomas Fritz now lives, in the vicinity of Central, and in 1797 he removed to the old homestead at present occupied by Jesse Fritz. This land was his wife's heirloom. She was Charlotte Deborgur, also a native of Philadelphia. Henry Deborgur and his wife Elizabeth had six children: Mary, Charlotte, Henry, Catherine, Esther and Jacob. The tract of land contained 400 acres and was divided among the six children, and Philip, of course, controlled the property left by his wife. On this farm they reared their children, in the woods, away from everything but "real nature," living in obscurity and without any advantages of schools. The children born to them were Henry H., Charles, Philip, Samuel, George, John, Ezekiel, Nancy, Betsey, and Maria; all of whom grew to maturity, each having a large family. The eldest of these children, Henry H., was born June 28, 1786, and in 1814 was married to Margaret Roberts, who was born October 18. 1794. Both lived to a good old age at the old Fritz settlement in what is now Sugarloaf Township. They were the parents of the following named children: John, born July 27, 1815; Charlotta, November 13, 1816; George, May 1, 1818: Jacob H.. January 30, 1820; Josiah, February 2, 1822; William, August 30, 1823; Jesse, June 8, 1825; Martha, June 20, 1827; Sarah, May 21, 1829; Mary A., May 2, 1831; Elizabeth, January 25, 1833; Margaret, May 8, 1835; Rachel, April 15, 1839. All of these married except Sarah. George, the third in order of age of these thirteen children, was born at Fritz Hill, where he spent his early days. He was there mai-ried in November, 1841. to Elsie Hess, who was born November 19, 1820, daughter of Henry Hess. In the second year after their marriage they located at their present place of residence. They were the parents of the following named children: Eu- phemia, born November 9, 1842; Lydia A.. August 20, 1844; William, March 29, 1846; Thomas B., October 5. 1849; George W., June 10, 1852; Joe W., October 28, 1854; Susan J., August 5, 1857; Alonzo P., July 20, 1860; Welbert E., September 15, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. George Fritz are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church and he is a local preacher of that denomination. He is an active citizen and has been intrusted by his fellow citizens with a number of township offices. He is the owner of sixty-seven acres of land. Jacob H. is next in order of age to George. He was also born at tl^ old homestead on Fritz Hill. On the 15lh of February, 1846, be wfis united iu SUGARLOAF TOWNSHIP. Amanda Laubach 539 they were the parents of the following children: Willa dentist in Michigan; Rosella (Hess), lives in Michigan; LaFayette, who died in infancy; Amandus, married and now a resident of Sugarloaf Township; Theodore, a druggist in Michigan; Alice ( Metzgar) lives at Millville; Erastus, a resident of Sugarloaf Township; Bedell, died at the age of sixteen years; J. A., a dentist and resident of Michigan; C. E., a photographer in Benton; Perry L., a druggist in Michigan Flora A., a teacher, and John M., who resides with his parents. Jacob H. Fritz, who spent his whole life at farm work and in his early days used a flax broke, swingling knife, threshing club and other like primitive farming implements. For fifty-two years he swung the grain cradle. In his school days he trudged through snow two and a quarter miles to the log structure where school was held. He received little assistance from outside sources and had to hoe his own row from boyhood. At the age of twenty-one he received his first office and the voters of the township have never suffered him to be without oflBcial position since that time, every office in the township being entrusted to him except that of supervisor. He has also been coroner of Columbia County, and jury commissioner; also lieutenant in the militia. But the discharge of his official duties has not prevented him from bettering his condition in a financial way, and the poor boy of forty years ago is now the possessor of 300 acres of land and a comfortable home. For half a century he has been an active member of the Episcopal Church, and for thirty-five years of that period has guided the destinies of the church Sunday-school as its superintendent. He has also been vestryman, secretary and treasurer of the church, and St. Gabriel's Church owes to his efforts much of its present prosperity. The only living children of Philip Fritz, Sr., are Samuel and Ezekiel,who resides in Susquehanna County. He was married in 1824 to Sarah Spencer, now deceased. They were the parents of nine children: Maria, Nancy, Andrew J., Ellas, Jefferson, Aaron R., Hiram, Gearhart and Cyrus. Aaron R., the sixth of these children in order of age, was born in Benton Township, this county, March 23, 1836. He was married May 29, 1873, to Miss Rebecca A., daughter of Hiram Baker, of Jackson Township. Mr. Fritz is a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge, No. 746, at Benton. He is the possessor of 100 acres of land. He farms this land, but his principal occupation is and has been lumbering. For nearly a century the Fritz family has been identified with Columbia County and its history, and some of its members have witnessed almost its entire transformation from a primitive wilderness to its present prosperous condition. JESSE FRITZ, farmer, P. O. Cole's Creek, was born June 8. 1825, and was married January 8, 1848, t» Miss Sarah Dills, daughter of George Dills, Sugarloaf Township, this county, whose wife was Sophia Hess, and the following named children were born to them: John W., November 8, 1848, now in Jackson Township, this county; Andrew L., August 30, 1850, an attorney in Bloomsburg, Penn. Alvaretta, November 25, 1853 (died November 3, 1857); Drusilla, November 2, 1856, wife of Jasper Lewis, on Cole's creek; Rachel E., February 5, 1859, wife of William Sutliff, of Luzerne County, Penn., and Sheridan S., August 9, 1865. Mrs. Fritz died March 5, 1881, and he then married, June 29, Our subject lives on the old homestead, 1883, Mrs. Rosanna Girton, nee Rosanna Hess. commonly known as "Fritz Hill," which has been his home since he was a boy. He eighty-nine acres owns of land. In 1880 Mr. Fritz was chosen justice of the peace, and has since served the township in that capacity. In politics he is a Democrat. E. S. FRITZ, farmer, P. O. Cole's Creek, was born in Sugarloaf Township, Columbia He lived with his parents until 1858, Co., Penn., January 19, 1832, son of Samuel Fritz. in which year he was married to Miss C. J., daughter of William Seward. Our subject and wife, when first married, lived on Cole's creek, where they owned a farm; then moved to the saw-mill owned by Hughes, and there remained four years; then came to their present place of 107 acres, .seven miles north of Benton. Mr. and Mrs. Fritz have two children: Americas S., a teacher by profession, born March 28, 1860, and Esther born March 14, 1866. Our subject is a member of Benton Lodge, No. 746, I. O. O. F. He is town clerk, which position he has held for years; also overseer of the poor, and for six years has been one of the school directors, having served as secretary of the board for three years. JESSE farmer, P. O. Cole's Creek, was born March 8, 1821, in Fishingcreek Township, this county, son of Frederick H. and Elizabeth (Best) Hartman; former was born in Northampton County, Penn., in 1792, latter died when our subject was two years old. He is of German descent. Jesse Hartman lived in Fishingcreek Township till he was twenty-one years old, then moved to Fairmount Springs, Luzerne County, where he followed shoemaking seven years; he then came to this township, settling on the farm of 100 acres he now occupies. This he has improved and built on, and now has about fifty acres under cultivation. Mr. Hartman married, March 7, 1844, Miss Lydia, daughter of George Gearhart of Fairmount Springs, and they have the following children: Minor, a shoemaker in Berwick, this county; Fletcher, at home; Rufus A., in Sugarloaf Township; Franklin P., in Cole's Creek, this county; William, in Sugarloaf Township; Alvira, wife of Matthew Phenix, in Cameron County, Penn.; Anna, wife of E. G. Clearfiejd County, Penn. Adelade aR4 Jeanette, at home, Ri;ssel, Mr. Hartman, in marriage with iam S., who ; is ; ; A HARTMAN, m ; , BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 540 His son, Minor, was also a 1862, performed nine months' service in the Union Army. Our subsoldier of the late war, having served during the greater part of the struggle. ject has served the people of the township in the capacity of constable and supervisor In politics he is a Democrat. RUFUS HARTMAN, O. Pairmount Springs, was born August 13, eighteen years old and went up " West Branch." working a number of years lumbering. He has worked at Berwick, this county, He came to his present home in several years in building cars, doing the wood work. 1885. Mr. Hartman was married August 23, 1878, to Miss Ida, daughter of EleazerZaner, have two children: Arvilla G., born December 29, and they County, at Colley, Sullivan Mr. Hartman has invented a very useful piece 1879, and Lewis M., born March 18, 1881. of machinery, a railway gate, which is being tested at Berwick at present, and the future looks bright for the inventor. ALVIN A. HARVEY, farmer, P. O. Fairmount Springs, Luzerne County, was born at Fairmount Springs, May 15, 1841, son of Alfred H. and Margaret (Steadman) Harvey, former of whom was a native of Huntington, Luzerne Co., Penn., born in 1812. Our subject married November 4, 1863, Sarah, daughter of Earl Boston of Benton Township, this county, and they lived in Fairmount, Luzerne County, two years after their marriage, and then they came to Sugarloaf Township and settled near the " Five Points," where he now lives. One feature worthy of mention is the good horses owned by our subject. His children are Bettie, Nora and Phebe D., the two oldest teachers, and were educated in New Columbus, Luzerne Co., Penn. In politics Mr. Harvey is a Republican. JACOB W. HERRINGTON (deceased) was born in Rensselaer County, N.Y.,June 10, 1799 son of Jesse Herrington, a native of Massachusetts, and who came to Pine Creek, Huntingt(>n Township, Luzerne Co., Penn., in 1821. Our subject, in 1836, came to Upper Cole's creek, this township, where he had obtained a tract of 500 acres of land. Carried on the lumber business and manufacturing shingles by the "shaving" process until 1841, in which year he erected a saw-mill adjoining that of J. B. Davis, to whom he sold his mill in ;1866. Mr. Herrington then remained retired the rest of his life, dying October 1, 1878. In 1827 he married Miss Elizabeth, daughter of Thomas Baker, who was born at Kingston, in the Wyoming Valley, and at one time owned half of the Island there. Thomas was present at the massacre of Wyoming, and his father was killed in a battle with the Pennamites and Indians at Tillbury Creek, near Plymouth, during the Revolutionary war. The Baker family came to [Huntington Township, and here Mrs. Herrington was born. She died June 16, 1883, the mother of the following children Milton, born April Mary M., May 11, 1830 Eltruda, June 28, 1832 Newton, August 5, 1834; John, 30, 1828 January 7, 1837; Amanda R., May 7, 1843, and Harriet E., April 3, 1845. Newton was married October 26, 1856, to Miss Melissa Dildine, who was born September 27, 1838, and died July 14, 1885, and by her had the following named children: Herbert Alice A.; Jacob W. died May 15, 1864 Frances E.; John E. JOSHUA B. HESS, farmer, P. O. Central, was born November 4, 1835, on the farm known as the Henry Hess, Sr., place, and is a son of Henry Hess, Sr. April^ 1, 1869, he married Eda Amanda, daughter of Abram Sorber, of Union Township, Luzerne Co., Penn., and they lived on the old home farm till 1877, when they moved to their present place. Mr. Hess has seventy-five acres of the home farm and 125 of timber land." Our subject and wife have had the following six children Jennie B. (deceased), Herdick B., Lizzie O., Ira T., Alie G. and Grover Cleveland. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. For fifteen years Mr. Hess was postmaster at Central. HENRY C. HESS, P. O. Central. Charles Hess (deceased) a shoemaker by trade, was born in Northampton County, Penn., and came to this county, locating in Bloom Township, where he married Nancy Gulp. He resided in the townships of Bloom, Hemlock and Mount Pleasant, and in 1833 moved to Espy, this county, where he died that same year, and was buried on the hill at Bloom, in the old cemetery laid out by Mr. Eyer. Mr. and Mrs. Hess had a family of eleven children, all living; Rachel, married to Fred Fnitchie (they resided in Northampton County, Penn., where she is'still living, at the age^of seventy-five); Aaron, also in Northampton Township (was a member of the Legislature in 1862 and 1863), married Margaret Rundyo, of Northampton County; Elisha, in Ross Township, in Luzerne County, married Mary Scott, now deceased; Joseph, in Fishingrreek Township, this county: Elizabeth, in New Jersey; Catherine, wife of Abram Hess, in this township; Henry C; Shadrach, residing in Benton Township, this county, with his daughter Adelia; Lenah, wife of Abram Nicholas, in Northampton County, Penn.; Charles, in Ross Township, Luzerne Co., Penn.; Margaret, wife of Mr. Broadt, in Michigan. Henry C. was born May 24, 1821, at Bloomsburg, and lived in the neighboihood of Bloom until he was thirteen years old, when became to this township, wheie he commented carpentering with Peter Hess, which trade he has since continued. He was married February 3, 1842, to Rhoda, daughter of Henry Hess, who gave him a lot on which he (Henry C.) built a house. They had one child, Elmira, born November 9, 1842, wife of David Kocher, and tLey have seven children: Mary E., Lenora M., Wellington E., Isabella, Grace, Malcolm O. and Warren. Mrs. Henry C. A. 1851, a son of Jesse farmer, P. Hartman. He left home when ; : ; ; ; ; ; : 8UGAKL0AF TOWNSHIP. 541 Hess died September 10,1885, and is buried at St Gabriel's Church. Mr. Hess has been a two terms. In politics he is a Democrat. ANDREW LAUBACH, Guava, was born January 10, 1826, in Mount Pleasant Township, this county, son of Frederick and Mary (Lurish) Laubach. He was twice married, first time February 22, 1848, to Nancy Britton, of New Columbus, Luzerne Co., Penn., by whom he had the following named children: John Britton, born Januarys, 1849, a dentist in Benton, this county; Mary E., born July 24, 1850, wife of G. L. Hess; Almira, born October 2, 1851, wife of Westbrook Howell, in Michigan; Clarence, born July 6, 1853, married to Martha Cole, who was born May 3, 1863 (they have the following children: Horton, William H., Glenn, Freeze and Emma); and Nancy, born March 10, Mrs. Laubach dying March 22, 1856, our subject married for his second wife, Feb1856. ruary 17, 1857, Emeline, daughter of William Stephens, and to this union five children were born: Benson, born April 27, 1858, in Lairdsville, Lycoming County, Penn.; Edwin F., born December 4, 1859, married to Mary E., daughter of William Belles, of New Columbus, Penn. (they have one child, Nora B.); Nora Catherine, born September 9, 1862; Sarah Eugenie, born May 12, 1865, died March 1, 1868, and William B., born April 15, 1870. E. F. Laubach after his marriage lived two years in New Columbus, Penn., and was in the hotel business during 1884 and 1885, coming to Guava April 1, 1886, where he has since remained. In politics Mr. Laubach is a Democrat. JAMES N. PENNINGTON was born in Fairmount Township, Luzerne Co., Penn., December 20, 1834. Jesse Pennington, grandfather of James N., came to what is now Columbia County from Montgomery County, Penn., in 1801, after his marriage with Rebecca Colley, daughter of Jonathan CoUey. Upon their arrival they settled in what is now Benton Township, south of Swartwout's mill, and while living at this location their son Jonathan, father of James N., was born August 21, 1804. Jonathan was married October 9, 1826, to Phoebe H. Tubbs. They were the parents of eight children Nathan T., Jesse R., Sally Ann, James N., Mary E., John C, Alex R. and Lolie B. Of the five sons, four served their countrv in the war of the Rebellion; Nathan T. was a volunteer in the Sixteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry John C. enlisted August 13, 1862, in the One Hundred and Forty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Alex R. was a volunteer in the One Hundred and Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. James N. was married July 4, 1859. to Miss Eliza, daughter of John Laubach, who bore him the following children: Nathan W., Charles B.. Winfred S., Phebe B., Mary C. and John N. Mrs. Pennington died in 1871, and in 1874 Mr. Pennington was married to Sarah C., daughter of J. C. Hess, and to the latter marriage have been born the following children: Harry E., Jared D., Lizzie P., Martha P., Chester A., J. Horton. In 1862 James N. was drafted into Company A, One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. At the close of his term of service he returned home, but in 1864 he enlisted in Company H, One Hundred and Ninety-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was mustered in at Philadelphia in September. He was mustered out June 4, 1865, at Arlington Heights. His first battle was at Lewis farm. He was wounded in the left thigh and hand at Five Forks. He served in the final campaign of Grant's army until Lee surrendered at Appomattox. Mr. Pennington is a member of Post No. 283, G. A. R., and of Fairmount Springs Grange and P. of H. JOHN ROBERTS came tO' Benton Township, this county, from near Norristown, Penn., about the same time as the Coles and Hesses, settling near the Ira Thomas mill. He owned at one time a tract of 472 acres of land, but sold all except seventy-two acres. He died in November, 1834. He had two sons: John and William, and four daughters: Margaret, who married Henry J. Fritz; Catharine, who married A. A. Kline; Lillie, who married Mathias Rhone, and Nancy, who married George Kline, of Ohio. John went to Mercer County, Ohio, thence into the army where he died. William was born near Norristown, Penn., and came to the county when very young, and died on his farm February 25, 1854. He married Elizabeth, daughter of Matthias Rhone, and she died in 1876, the mother of the following named children: John, Matthias, George, Hannah, Susanna, Wilson W., Samuel, Sarah Jane, David and Lemuel. William Roberts purchased of his father about 400 acres of land, and built thereon a log house and a log barn. He cleared about 100 acres, and just before his death sold 173 acres. Samuel, his son and the subject proper of this sketch, was born November 18, 1834, where he now resides, and has always lived there. When a young man he learned the wheelwright trade, and this he followed until 1856, when he took up farming, which he has since made his chief occupation. In 1881 he commenced the manufacture of lumber, buying the timber, and this he still carries on. He bought 116 acres of the old homestead, and another 116 acres, part of the latter belonging to the old John Roberts property; also has a half interest in 102 acres in Pine Township, this county. He cultivates about 100 acres. On his farm Mr. Roberts has one of the best orchards in the county, situated above Orangeville, containing 1,000 trees, which in 1881 yielded 1,500 bushels of apples, being mostly late or winter apples of the best variety. He manufactures the apples into cider, and makes vinegar for the markets. Mr. Roberts was married October 15, 1856, to Rebecca, daughter of Philip Fritz, and by her he had ten children: Rhoda. wife of A. C. Hess, in Michigan; Charity, justice of the peace : ; ; 542 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: wife of Philip Hirleman, in Jackson Township, this county; George "W., who naarried Agina Runger; Elizabeth C, wife of Scott Laubachs; Charles W.; William F.; Rosa M.; Peter; Laura and Lillie. Mr. and Mrs. Roberts and four of their children are members of the Methodist EoiscoDal Church. In politics he is a Democrat. JAMES M. SHULTZ, farmer, was born February 26, 1828, in Benton Township, this county, son of Samuel and Mary (McCarn) Shultz, latter born in Philadelphia. Daniel Shultz, the father of Samuel, came to Greenwood Township, this county, from Northumberland County, in 1808. Their children were Mary C. (deceased wife of James Kile). Hugh (deceased), Rebecca (widow of Peter Applegate), William (deceased), Eliza (wife of Ezra Stephens). The father died in October. 1827, and the mother in May, 1834. Our subject was reared in Fairmount Township, Luzerne Co., Penn., till he was seventeen years old, when he came to this township and learned the carpenter and millwright trade of Peter Hess, for whom he worked in all seven years. After this he followed lumbering four years; then again worked at his trade on his own account till 1870, in which year he again took up lumbering, which he followed till 1874. since when he has engaged excluHe located on his farm in 1868, having bought 174 acres which sively in farming. he still owns. Mr. Shultz m.arried, February 5, 1850, Elizabeth, daughter of George Mosteller, and they had eleven children: Charity, wife of William Clinger; Lany (deceased); Eliza, wife of Moses Savage; Samuel (deceased); Peter K. Mary, wife of A. Cole; Richard; Henry Allen (deceased); Eldora; Rena M., and Philip. Mr. Shultz was elected supervisor in the spring of 1885, and has served as constable. PETER K. SHULTZ, farmer, blacksmith, etc., P. O. Central, was born March 30, 1856, in this township, near Central. He lived under the paternal roof until 1878, on November 17, of which year, he was married to Miss Helen, daughter of Collins Sutliflf, who settled in this township and died on the property where Conrad Hess lived. When of age our subject learned blacksmithing at Cole's Creek with B. F. Peterman, and after finishing his apprenticeship commenced his trade at Central, where he worked two years (till 1883), then moved to his present place, having bought seventy-four acres of land, the Sutliff property, at that time all woodland, and here he has now the finest place between Benton and the North Mountains, all the improvements having been made by his own exertions. He has about twenty acres cleared. Here he has also built a shop, in which he does blacksmithing and general woodwork repairing. Mr. and Mrs. Shultz have two children: Hurley G. and Marvay Dane. The family attend the services of the Methodist Protestant Church. In politics Mr. Shultz is a Democrat. EZRA STEPHENS, farmer, P. O. Central, was born in Sugarloaf Township, Columbia Co., Penn., January 31, 1820. His father was a native of Connecticut, and descended from ancestors who came over in the Mayflower. The great-grandfather of Ezra in an early day moved from Massachusetts to Connecticut, where the grandfather died, and from which State the father of Ezra went to the State of New York when nine years of age; there he lived until the age of nineteen years, when he settled in Columbia County, Penn., where he remained until his death. His birth occurred in 1798. Ezra Stephens lives at present in Jackson Township, attending to the saw-mill of A. Stewart, located in the northwest corner of the township. His life has been spent in Sugarloaf Township (except during his term of service in the army), where he cleared up a large farm in his time, and now owns a good property. October 16, 1862, he was drafted in the United States service, and served until August 11, 1863, during which time he was at Fortress Monroe, Newport News, Yorktown and Whitehouse Landing. He was a preacher at one time in the Methodist Church, but has to some extent abandoned the calling. Mr. Stephens has reared a family of seven boys and two girls. ; PART History "of III. Montour County. "^"^'^'^.J^. ^y^l a.d'.^^c — History of Montour County. CHAPTER I. INDIANS. CIVILIZATION struck the native savages of this continent tike a bh"ght. tribes and their strong bands of waixiors and hunters, fiercer than any wild beast and as untamable as the eagle of the crags, have faded away, and the remnants of the once powerful and warlike nations are now huddled upon reservations, and in stupid squalor are the paupers of our nation, begging a pitiful crust of bread, or in cold and hunger The awaiting the allowances doled out by the Government for their support. swiftness with which they are approaching ultimate extinction, the stoicism with which they see and feel the inevitable darkness and destiny closing upon them and their fate is the most tragical epic in history. Soon their memory To real history they will give no completed will be only a fading tradition. chapter, because they did nothing and were nothing as factors in the grand march of civilizing forces. They gave the world no thought, no invention, no idea that will live or that deserves to be classed with the few things born of the human brain that live and go on forever. As a race they had no inherent powers of self- development or advancement. Like the wild animal they had reached the limits of their capacity, and had they been left here undisturbed by the white race, they would have gone on indefinitely in the same circle Such are nature's resistless laws that the march savages breeding savages. of beneficent civilization is over a great highway paved with the bodies and broken bones of laggard nations nations who pause within the boundary line Nature tolerates separating the ignorant savage from intelligent progress. It wastes no time in Lo, the poor Indian. none of this sentimental stuff of them removes futile tears over the suflPerings of ignorance and filth, but and lets the fittest survive, and to them belong the earth and the good things Ignorance is the worst of deformities, and it is sickness and premathereof. Knowledge is simply the understanding ture death to any people or nation. In the briefest words, this is all there is of of the physical and mental laws. It is not in reading Latin or Greek, no more is it in metaphysical matheit. matics the committing to memory of books or the other thousand and one things that were once so eagerly memorized and esteemed the perfect wisdom. The one characteristic that will ever redeem the memory of the Indian race from contempt is his intense love for his wild liberty and his unconquerable res olution never to be enslaved a menial drawing the wood and receiving the He would sing his death song and blows of the lash from a master's hand. When penned ny die like the greatest of stoics, but he would not be yoked. The great and populous — ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' — — lA HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 4 as a criminal, he beat against the iron bars like the caged eagle, and slowly perished, bnt died like an Indian brave, and rejoicing that thus he conld escape the farther tortures that to him were far beyond death itself. The treatment of the red men by the Government has not been wise and generally was not just. Often crxielly robbing them —not in the sense we took their lands, because their title of priority amounted generally to no did the possession of the nest of bumble bees, or the migrating birds — more than and buffaand game, and loes but Government traders swindled them of their pelts, furs gave them the worst evils of our civilization whisky, powder, lying, deceit Government agents and missionaries preached and enjoined and hypocrisy. upon them our splendid Christian code of morals, and the busy traffickers robbed swindled and debauched and murdered them without hindrance or rebuke. Our National Indian Bui'eau has, from its foundation, been the failure of the age a failure hon'ibly expensive in our public treasury and the blood and lives Earnest and noble missionaries took their lives in their hands of our people. and went among them, carrying the Cross of our Lord and Master. Often entire tribes would in a day, after hearing the first time the story of Calvary and the Cross, profess religion, ask to be baptized, and in a body, because for the moment Christians. But they were Christians as they understood it, and when Joliet had thus converted a tribe, they adopted the flag of the Cross, and with ^his war banner, a talisman of victory and death to their enemies given to them by the great Manitou, they went gladly forth on their holy mission for This was but ignorance, the intense credulity of ignorance trying to scalps. cleanse the filthy body by putting on clean clothes, that only soiled the clothes and did not clean the body at all. It was an attempt to make these people moral and Christianize them by commencing the wrong way. The first thing to do was to give them comprehension, if possible, some rudiments of true knowledge to see the difference between truth and error, and then better morals would The Government made even a worse mistake of themselves inevitably follow. treating with them as independent nations, and at the in its use- of them same time as national wards, to be fed, clothed and armed independent people, public paupers, under distinct rules and laws of government; giving them lands and taking them from them at will; penning them up, like the great western cattle ranches, and sending them agents and traders to feed them on rotten food and cheat them; fill them with the fiery liquid of hell to stupefy and drive them to starvation and death. When this long and terrible tragedy has been played out to the end, the curtain rang down upon the last sad scene, then will' not some philosopher rise up and tell the world how all this mistake could have been mostly spared us? On behalf of our people and Government the way was plain and simple, when the Anglo-Saxon placed his foot upon this continent never to take it up, had taken possession of it by right of discovery and piu'chase and organized his government, had he simply said to the Indian, as to his own people, you are one us not a voter, but a citizen and so far as liberty and property are concerned, you are under the same laws as the white man and none other; you must obey the law and be a good citizen, otherwise we will punish you as we do our own. Now live as you please, but you must support yom-selves or starve. This rich world is before you, take care of yourselves and we will protect you as we protect ourselves, no more and no This plan, it seems, was too plain and simple for our fathers, or for us less. Yet it is among the fundamental principles of all just and wise to adopt. A good government should be neither a hangman nor a great governments. boarding-house keeper. It was not made to feed and clothe its people, nor anybody; nor is it an institution for the distribution of alms. A man is a dem- — — — — — — — HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 9 agogue of fearful proportions, or one of amazing ignorance, -wbo believes that it is the duty of the Government in the abstract, to tax one citizen in order Such fallacies are a monster perversion of to feed and clothe another citizen. all healthy ideas of the purposes for which governments were institut ed among men. Infuse the people generally with siach notions of the powers and duties of rulers, and dry rot, decay and dissolution await it. In the disposition of this important question it seems that William Pena and Lord Baltimore were more than a century in advance of their age. Their treatment of the Indian is the fairest page of our two centuries and a half of contact with that people. In pity for the ignorance of these children of the forest, they leaned to error's side often in their great charity, justice and integ rity in all transactions concerning them; paid them their prices for their possessions, respected every right of theirs and often, rather than reach a fatal If there disagreement, repaid them for what they had already purchased. was any advantage, they gave rather than took it; approached them with In return for kindness and fatherly love rather than the rifle and the stake. all this the people of Pennsylvania should have been spared the tomahawk and the murderous incursions upon their scattered and defenseless frontier settlements. But they were not. A savage knows little of gratitude. His ideas of commerce are simply to sell you anything you want, regardless of whether he owns it or not, and he tries to collect again and again every time he fancies he needs it, the price of the purchase. In 1768, at Fort Stanwix, the Six Nations, in solemn treaty sold to the proprietaries what was then erected into Northumberland County, now embracing The whites eleven rich and populous counties of this portion of the State. took peaceable possession of their piirchase, the Indians retiring to the hills, but for years many still remained within the boundaries of the "new purchase." A. village of Delawares remained where Danville now stands, at the mouth of Mahoning Creek. It was a feeble and harmless remnant of a once powerful race, that had been conquered and nearly destroyed by their more powerful enemies of the five tribes. The terrible ordeal of the war of the Revolution was swiftly approaching and the Indians in the hills lent a willing ear to the emissaries of Great Britain, and the murderous raids down the beautiful valley of the Susquehanna, and the bloody massacre of the Wyoming are to us the sad memories of the Indians' treachery and shocking cruelties. In 1776-77 the raids and murderous forays of the painted savages caused such alarm and terror among the people of this wild region that all who could get away fled for their lives to the older settlements or to the stockades and forts nearest at hand. A chain of forts had been erected along the lino of our northern borOne of these was at Washingtonville and the other was Fort Mead. At der. this long distance of time we~can have but little appreciation of the dread apprehension that for these long years rested upon these hardy borderers, especially the women and children, like a hideous nightmare. The Indians continued these depredations and retreats to their mountain fastnesses until the expedition of Gen. Sullivan in 1779, which cleared this portion of the borders oT both the British and Indians, driving them as far north as Ithaca, Newton anfi Painted Post, in the neighborhood of Elmira. Thus, in the year 1780 the settlers were enabled to return to their homes in Montour County and resume their peaceful avocations of subduing the forests and planting their virgit fields. In May, 1780, Robert Curry and his wife were traveling on horseback on way from Northumberland to the Mahoning settlement, and when near midway of the two places they were attacked by the savages. He was killed their C HISTORY OF MONTOUE COUNTY. and scalped, his skull being broken into fragments by blows with the tomaShe was taken prisoner. They greatly admired her jet black hair. heap pretty squaw, and promised they would not They told her she was hurt her. When night overtook them and they went into camp, they tied her hands and feet with hickory bark. When the savages were sound asleep, she cut the bark from her wrists and ankles with a pair of scissors that she had concealed, and which the captors had failed to find in the search of her person. She then stole away and fled for life into the darkness. She had gone no great distance when she was missed, and they commenced a vigorous search with She saw she was pursued, and hastily concealed herself in lighted torches. They passed over the trunk of the tree, and as they the top of a fallen tree. did so kept crying out, "come out squaw, we see you. " But she lay only the closer in her hiding-place, satisfied they had not seen her. After a long search they abandoned further efforts, and soon broke camp and continued their journey. When convinced they were well gone she ventured out and returned to the place where was her murdered husband. She had her husband's mangled body brought to Danville, and buried in the old, first cemetery, the third interment in this old graveyard. The Indians approached a hawk. ' ' ' ' cabin (the exact spot nor the name of the family cannot now be definitely known, but it is supposed it was near the north line of Montour County), they found there a mother and two daughters. They murdered the mother and took the daughters prisoners; they started to attack another settler's house, when the eldest girl prisoner told them not to go there as there was a number of white men assembled there for mutual defense. The Indians cautiously reconnoitered, and found this was true, and they seemed pleased at this caution given them, and concluded they would not murder the girl, but promised her protection. They were about to murder her young sister, however, who they said was too small to make the journey to Canada, where they were going. The older sister now begged and entreated to spare her little sister, promised that she would carry her in her arms when she could not keep up; that she shoiild not delay the party in their travels. The Indians listened to her earnest pleadings, and spared the child on condition that she would carry her when she could not travel fast enousfh or gave out. One of the men cut off a portion of the eldest girl's dress, and made a band to put over her shoulders, in which the yoxing one was placed. When they camped that night he made her a pair of moccasins, which were of great service in the toilsome journey. Many times the party attempted to steal horses on which they could expedite their journey, but without success. They were obliged to keep in the rear of the settlements on the way, and, as expert thieves as all Indians were, they suffered often seriously for food. Amid all these weary marches and sufferings the brave girl, without a complaint, bore the weight of her sister, and the party finally reached Montreal in safety. Here they remained a year when the elder sister was exchanged and returned to her home, but was obliged to leave her sister in captivity. One of the Indians claimed they could not part with the child, that his squaw had come to love her, and they must keep her. This was the last her friends ever heard of her. The returned captive afterward married Mr. Davis, of Limestone Township. In 1782 three boys were passing along the road or trail, loitering and playing. When they turned and started home, one of them, named David Carr, loitered behind until the other two passed out of view, when he was pounced upon by the Indians from their hiding-place in the bushes close by, and carried off a captive. He remained a prisoner with the savages several years. HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 7 MADAME MONTOUR. A name destined to forever remain in America, not so much for who she was or what she did, bnt because her name has been given to this county, to Montour's Ridge, Montoursville, and many other places of historical interest, that will keep it ever green and fresh in the minds of all people. Already you may ask the average citizen here in Montour County, the young generation of course, and they can not tell you whence the name is derived. It is She was a white but little the historian now can tell you of Madame Montoui'. woman by birth, and an Indian by adoption and choice. What her maiden name was is not known. She had the name of Montour from her dusky husband, Roland Montour. As the name is clearly French, Roland must have been given a French name by the French settlers in Canada, and even his Indian name, if he had any, is as completely lost as is the Madame' s. Her superior intelligence, it seems, manifested itself even to the dull brains of the savages, ere she had long made her home among them and become one of them, and they yielded much to her superior powers. That she never turned renegade to her own race is the one fact that has preserved her gratefid memory, and is the sole cause of the name of Montoiu" being now known to mankind at all. It is not known how long Roland lived after their marriage. It seems they had four children, one, a daughter, who married an Indian, and at one time lived near Shamokin. There were tkree sons. Some chroniclers have tried to identify Madame Montour to be that squaw, "the old fuiy Queen Esther," but this evidently was incorrect. The Madame was ever friendly to the whites, and had it in her power, especially in the meetings of the whites and Indians, in forming treaties. The esteem with which in her day she was regarded, may be somewhat inferred by the verbal message sent by Gov. Gordon by his deputies. Give kindest regards to Madame Montour and to her He said estimable husband, and speak to them to the same purpose. Count Zinzendorf speaks in terms of great praise of her in his account of the Indian troubles in the Wyoming. She took an active part in the treaty of Lancaster in July, 1774. This was a very important agreement with the Six Nations, and it is proper to concede more to Madame Montour in bringing the Indians to ' : ' than to any one else. two sons, one of whom lived to be a much respected man in his day, looking much more like a sun-tanned French officer of the army than a agree to She it left dirty Indian. Where Madame Montour and probably never will died and where she was buried be ascertained. CHAPTER is not now known, II. SOME OF THE EARLY FAMILIES. WE dawn of the second century since the first settlers came to now Montour County. The only record these sturdy people make of themselves, for the contemplation and pleasui'e of their pos- are in the what is had time to terity, was almost trials and "we tools, money solely by the works of their hands amid can but poorly appreciate now. Without machinery, difficulties or the 1 HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 8 rudest appliances of civilization, they bad to carve outtheir way against appalling obstructions. That they did it, not only well, but at all, is one of the marvels in the history of the human race. The world's " seven wonders " that have passed down for the admiration of so many ages are, in the aggregate and abfloating bubbles compared to that of stract, but childish, simple nothings the continental conquerors these liberators of the human race, who builded, no doubt, wiser than they knew, but yet who built for all ages and for all manThe sublime story of these simple, grand men and women has never kind. Their been properly told, is not understood by their descendants of to-day. memories have been grossly neglected and too often now their wonderful story has passed away forever with their decaying bones. The few mentioned in this chapter include but a small portion of those whose family names should be indelibly stamped upon the pages of the history of Montour, yet these few names include about all, in connection with the accounts of many others in diflFerent parts of this work, of whom it is possible now to give any definite and reliable information. To write the history of the early days of what now constitutes Montour County and to write the history of the Montgomery family would be mostly Gen. Wm. Montgomery wrote this upon the blank one and the same thing. "August 3rd, 1809. By the goodness of divine leaf of an old family Bible: Providence, I have this day numbered seventy-three years," (not noticing the and it is but right that I should leave a record of something change of style) I was the third son of Alexander of God's goodness to me in so long a life. and Mary Montgomery, who both died leaving me an orphan of ten or eleven years old." From Mr. A. F. Russel it is learned that Alexander and Mary Montgomery had eight children seven boys and one girl. William, Daniel and Margaret Montgomery emigrated to Northumberland County together from Chester William was born August 3, 1736, and died in May, 1816, at the County. William had become a prominent man in his green old age of eighty years. He was a member of the '• Asnative county, Chester, before the Revolution. sociators" and a delegate in a convention "of the people of the Province of Pennsylvania," assembled in Philadelphia, January 23, 1775. He was again a delegate of the convention that assembled in Carpenter's Hall, Philadelphia, He was now " Colonel " Montgomery. June, 1776. In June, 1776, Col. Montgomery's battalion, the Fourth Chester County serving its toiir Militia, 450 strong, was in New Jersey, and it is supposed was in the battle of Long Island in August, 1776. Then his regiment became known as the "Flying Camp." In 1773 he came to Northumberland County, and November 26, 1774, is the date of the deed of J. Simpson to W^illiam Montgomery for 180 acres of land on Mahoning Creek, north side of the east branch of the Susquehanna, called Karkaase. This is the land on which Danville was originally laid out. He removed his family to this place in 1776 or early in 1777. Here his youngest son, Alexander, was born October 8. 1777. He was a fearless borderer of brawn and brain admirably suited to the turbulent times that were then upon the country, and that in consequence of Indian raids weighed so heavily upon the outer settlements. In 1779 he was a member of the Assembly from Northumberland County. In March, 1780, he voted for an act "for the gradvial abolition of slavery." In 1784 he was elected by the Assembly a member of Congress; resigned February 7, 1785. In 1785 he was appointed president judge of the district composed of Northumberland and Luzerne Counties. In 1787 he was appointed a commissioner to execute the acts of the Assembly entitled "an act for ascertaining and confirming — — — — ' ' — ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 11 Connecticut Claimants the lands by them claimed to certain persons called In December, 1787, he was appointed deputy in the county of Luzerne, etc." surveyor of Northumberland and Luzerne Counties; when he received this appointment he resigned his office of president judge of the courts. In 1791 he was induced to accept a commission of justice of the peace. These last two named acts are strong character marks of the man himself. In 1808 he was ' ' Northumberland County standing: William Montgomery, Republican-Democrat, 2, 793, and for the Federal candidate, 220. This is the briefest outline of his military and official life, but his|permanent greatness and fame should rest chiefly upon his domestic, commercial and agricultural labors. To the little colony of settlers he was much like a careful and protecting father. He boldly ventured upon any scheme of merchandising or manufacturing that promised to yield good fruits to the people. In an address to his neighbors in the dawn of this century he told them that these hills were full of iron, and he believed there were those listening to him who would live to see here great iron factories, employing vast numbers of His prophecy became laborers and yielding boundless wealth to the country. entirely realized. He established here the first saw, grist and woolen-mills, the first store, and in fact the first of almost everything that gave such a powerWe cannot better conful impulse to the building up of the town of Danville. clude this account than by completing the quotation from Gen. Montgomery's own words with which we commenced this sketch: "I early married Margaret Nivin; she was all that could be expected in a woman she was pious, sensible and affectionate she lived with me about thirteen years and had issue, Mary, who died at twenty-three years of age; Alexander, who died in infancy; Margaret, who died in the same year with her sister; • William, who is still alive and has a large family, is about forty-seven years old; John, who is about two years younger and has also a large family; Daniel, who is still two years younger than John and has a family; Alexander, who presidential elector, the vote of ; ; died about one year old. About tw^enty-two months after her decease I married Isabella Evans, a most distinguished and delightful woman, by whom I had issue, Robert, born in April, 1773; Hannah, born the 22d of January, 1775; Alexander, born The three former October 8, 1777, and Margaret, born January 8, 1784. are still living, but she died soon after her marriage with Thomas Woodside. Their mother was called away fi'om me in August, 1791, and in April, 1793, I married a worthy and eminent woman her maiden name was Boyd, and she was the widow of Col. Mathew Boyd, by whom she had issue, John, who died with the dysentery, aged about twenty-three years; also, Rebekah, who is married to Rev. John B. Patterson, lives happily and is raising a fine family. But I have had no issue by my present wife nor has any uneasiness arisen in consequence of it. Nor can it be said that any of my children have had stepmothers, being always treated with as much tenderness and respect as they Another instance of my happicould have expected from their own mothers. ness and for which I ought to be very thankful is the untarnished morality of my children, and the peace and harmony that has always subsisted among ' ' ; them. "Through all this long life I have been abundantly provided for, have enjoyed honor enough unsought by any other means than honestly endeavoring to do my duty to my God and my country great health and much comfort, retaining my natural powers with little diminution until about five or six years past., But I hope that goodness and since when I feel sensibly the advances of age. mercy which, have followed me through life will not forsake me when gray hair.s — HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 12 appear, but continue to conduct me down to death, after which, through the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ alone and the merc}^ of God our Savior, I hope to obtain eternal rest and happiness. "Wm. Montgomery. Note ' ' care. this year the woolen factory at Danville established under my ' Daniel Montgomery was the third son of the above Gen. William fifteen years old when his father brought his family to DanWhen only twenty-five years old Daniel opened, under the guidville to reside. Soon he was the ance and assistance of his father, the first store in Danville. This first store buildtrusted merchant and factor of a wide circle of patrons. November 27, 1791, Daniel ing was where the Montour House now stands. Montgomery married Miss Christiana Strawbridge. The next year he laid out The new town received its the town of Danville the part east of Mill Street. baptismal name from abbreviating his Christian name through the partiality of From this time until his death he was the most prominent his customers. man in this part of the State; elected to the Legislature in 1800, at once taking his father' s place as a trusted leader in public enterprises and politics of his district. By leading men throughout the State he was recognized as a man of great influence in wisely shaping public affairs. During his actual political life of many years he carried on his extensive mercantile establishment, purchased and owned large tracts of land. In 1805 he was lieutenant-colonel in the Eighty-first Pennsylvania Militia. He was appointed major-general of the Ninth Division, Jiily 27, 1809. He was the chief promoter in the building of turnpike roads in this portion of the State. Elected to Congress in 1807 as a Democrat, he served out his term ably and acceptably and declined a re-election. Gen. Montgomery, and was — He worked efficiently for the division of Northumberland County and the erection of Columbia and Union Counties Danville was made the county seat of Columbia County and the father and son donated the land for the county buildings, and contributed largely in money toward their erection. In 1823, though strongly urged by prominent men all over the State, he declined In 1828 he was appointed one of the canal to stand for the office of governor. commissioners, and while in this office the great internal State improvements were inaugurated, and among others the North Branch Canal was located and well advanced toward completion. He was a large stockholder and a strong promoter of the Danville Bridge Company, comj^leting the bridge in 1829. He originated the j^roject of the Danville & Pottsville Railroad and was first j^resident. Amid these varied positions of trust, great labor and responsibility he, like his father, was a noted farmer. Gen. Daniel Montgomery died at his residence inDanville, Friday, December 30, 1831, aged sixty-six years. The old family Bible bears the following record of his children Margaret, born October 18, 1792, died April 1, 1845, unmarried; Isabella, born August 1, 1794, died October 11, 1813. unmarried; Mary, born July 26, 179(5, died September 2, 1797 Thomas, born July 19, 1798, died February 22, 1800 Hannah, born October 16, 1800, married to J. C. Boyd, May 1820; William, born January 11, 1803, died January 23, 1873, aged seventy, bachelor; Polly, born February 6, 1805, married to Dr. W. H. Magill, May 1, 1828 (thev have two sons and three daughters); Christina, born March 1, 1809, died May, 26, 1836, unmarried; Daniel Strawbridge, born July 2, 1811, died March 26, 1839. Philip Maus was born in Prussia, 1731. In company with his parents he came to Philadelphia in 1741, being then ten years old. He attended school and soon he could speak and write both English and German fluently. In 1750 he was apprenticed to the trade of manufacturing stockings, a circumstance ; : ; ; HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 13 that enabled him in the times of the Revolution to greatly aid and benefit the country. Within five years after he commenced to learn his trade he established himself in the business, conducting it with great success for the next twenty years, when His brothers were the troubles with the mother country suspended operations. The latter became a prominent surgeon in the Fredrick, Charles and Mathew. war and was with Gen. Montgomery in his expedition into Canada, and when Montgomery fell before Quebec he aided Col. Burr in carrying Dr. Maus served through the entire war of independence. away his body. Phillip Maus married Frances Heap, a native of England, a most estimable wife, mother and friend. When his busingiss furnished him the capital he inThe patents from Thomas and vested it in the purchase of 600 acres of land. John Penn are dated April 3, 1769, and are among the earliest in what is now Montour County. The proprietaries reserved a perpetual quit rent of two pence per acre, which was paid until the commonwealth compensated the Penns The tract of land lay in the rich and became the proprietor of the lands. and fertile valleys of Valley Township. At the time of the purchase it laid on the outer fringe of the settlements, and hence no improvements were made on But as soon as peace and safety perthe property until after the Revolution. mitted, Mr. Maus brought his family to this place and for more than thirty Tears it was his home. The children of this happy union were George, born 1759; Elizabeth, 1761; Phillip, 1763; Susan, 1765; Samuel, 1767; Lewis 1773; Charles, 1775; Joseph, 1777; Jacob, 1781. Duringthe Revolution Mr. Mauswas an active and earnest patriot. He formed the intimate acquaintance, which •extended to the end of their days, of Benjamin Franklin and Robert Morris. Mr. Maus invested very largely of his ample fortune in furnishing clothing to tb ^ army, took his pay in continental money, and of this money, when it became Baskets full of this old valueless, he had several thousand dollars on hand. currency 'may yet be found in the possession of Phillip F. Maus. What would a modern army contractor think if he was to hear this story ? Here is a letter that now possesses a historical interest: Philadelphia, 9 Octo, 1776. send you theballanceof the price of 8 doz pairs of buckskin breeches I bought of you, having paid you £9 in advance, the ballance being £14;^ ;is. which he will pay you on delivering him the goods. If you have any more to dispose of he will contract with you for them, and I shall be glad Phillip Maus. if you and him can agree. Your humble servant, Mr. Samuel Updegraflf, Sir: — By the bearer, Mr. Joseph Kerr, I Leather breeches, moccasins and hunting shirts of the same were the clothing of some of the grandfathers of many of our most aristocratic and exclusive people of fashion and wealth of the present day. Could the rehabilitated form of one of these appear in his buckskin jerkin well soiled in the service of camp and field and, unkempt and unwashed, appear in some of our modern parlors unannounced, would not the cooing Charles Augustus and Floritina faint dead away? At the close of the war his fortune was so reduced, as he had expended his good gold for materials to manufacture clothing for the army and took his pay in what was in the end valueless Continental money, that he turned his attention to his land in this county, and came here in 1782. He found the infant settlement of Danville, which had then been founded by Daniel Montgomery and his brother William, consisting of a few log cabins and half a dozen families, nearly all from the southeastern portion of the State and the western part of New 'Jersey. His lands, when he then looked upon them, presented a mass of verdure and deep, tangled wild woods, stretching along the northern base of Montour' s Ridge, with the Mahoning flowing through them. He brought HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 14 with him from Philadelphia two carpenters, and his son Phillip and his own willing hands were the means at hand to clear away the great forest, and make He erected the first cabin in Valley Township. Its site his beautiful farm. was on the right bank of the stream nearly half a mile from the present He contracted the clearing of other parts of his land, but then the stone mill. Indian troubles commenced, and the people in these unprotected parts had to Before leaving the place everything they flee to Northumberland for safety. could not carry away, such as implements, tools, etc., was carefully buried and secreted from the Indians. The place was then rented to Peter Blue and James Sutphel, the bargain being that the lessees were to return and occupy the lands Mr. Maus and family remained in Northas soon as it would be safe to do so. umberland only a brief time and then proceeded to Lebanon, where he remained one year; then returned to Northumberland, remained three or four years, and then came back to the Mahoning settlement. Phillip F. Maus, now living in Mausdale, in this county, is the son of Joseph and Sally Montgomery Maus and is the grandson of Phillip Maus, one of the first settlers in what is now Valley Township and of whom there is an extended sketch in the chapter entitled "Some of the Early Families." The direct line of descent to young Phillip Eugene Maus, now of Mausdale, is as follows: Phillip Maus, his son Joseph, then Joseph's son Phillip F. and then Phillip F.'s son Phillip E. Maus. Joseph Maus was born in Philadelphia, October, 1777, and came to this county with his parents when about eight years He married in 1808 Sallie, daughter of John Montgomery, of Paradise old. farm. The issue of this marriage were Phillip F., born September 27, 1810, and John M., born in 1812. Joseph Maus died July 26, 18B7. Sallie Montgomery Maus died May 20, 1872. John M. married Rebecca Gray, who was born in 1812 and married in 1833. Phillip F. Maus married Sarah Grallaher, of Lycoming County, in May. 1838. Of this marriage there were six children four boys and two girls all of whom except Phillip E. died in infanc}'. Mrs. Sarah Gallaher Maus was a daughter of William and Margaret Grallaher, who were early settlers in what is now Lycoming County. They were of ScotchIrish deiscent. The history of the Maus family elsewhere in this book is very nearly a complete history of the county fi-om its first settlement to date. John C. Gulics was Ijorn in Mahoning Township, December 1, 1807, the son of John and Mary (Gearhart) Gulics, natives of New Jersey. Grandfather Jacob Gearhart was a Revolutionary soldier, attaining the rank of captain, and was long in the service under Gen. Washington. John and Mary Gulics had five children, of whom one only is now living. Nathaniel and Sarah (Bond) Wilson were of the early settlers in Columbia County, Liberty Township. They were natives of Pennsylvania, of ScotchIrish descent. Nathaniel was a soldier in the war of 1812-15. Descendants of the Bonds and Wilsons are now citizens of Montour County. One grandson, James Wilson, is a clerk in a store in Danville. Samuel Kirkham how that name brings up the writer's school days and " parsing grammar." Pennsylvania must have bred great grammarians Lindley Murray was a native of York County, and Mr. Kirkham was a teacher in the Danville school in 1819-21. It is said what little grammar Mr. Lincoln ever knew he got from Kirkham' s grammar. — — — — Daniel Frazer came here in 1790. He purchased a farm of John Frazer acres. Here he resided thirty-eight years, or until his death. All the south part of his farm is now in the corporate limits of Danville. He was a most estimable farmer and his death was mourned by a wide circle of friends. In 1824 he built his stone residence which is still standing in good repair. 100 s . HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 15 Ellis Hughes came here a school-teacher, and for some time taught in the He schoolhouse a short distance from where the Montour House now stands. was appointed register and recorder by the governor, and served to the public' He died in 1850. entire satisfaction. William Hartman came to Danville in 1814, a chairmaker at that time a very convenient kind of workman to have in a community where three legged He died in 1851. stools were chiefly the seats of honor. November 24, 1784, is the date of the oldest record extant containing a parIt was a subscription paper, drawn by tial list of those who were first here. Gen. William Montgomeiy's hand, and entitled "Preaching Subscrij^tion." It was not especially sectarian and as all men in those days were deeply religious in faith and pined for the expounding of God' s word, it is quite probable that the list contained nearly every head of a family then in the county, who was able to subscribe toward the desired fund. It is an interesting relic. To their descendants it is a kind of "Declaration of Independence signers," and it is due their memories that their histories, so far as can be now obtainable, be gathered up. The list is here given in full, and following it is such an account of their descendants as the writer has been enabled to gather from some of our oldest citizens. Following is the document and the amount respectively subscribed: — We, the subscribers, promise to pay the several sums annexed to our names into the hands of such person as shall be named by a majority of us to receive and collect the same, to be set apart as a fund for the encouragement and promoting the preaching of the Gospel among us at the settlement of Mahoning. Done this twenty-fourth day of November, 1784. £ David Subingall Peter Blew 3 7 6 7 6 John Evart John Black 10 Daniel Kelly Peter Rambo 1 " 7 7 15 7 7 7 Jno. Irwin David Carr Jacob Carr Gilbert Voorhes Wm. Montgomery, Jr James Henry William Grav Asahel Fowler Benjamin Fowler Robert Henry James Grimes '. Martin Todd Peter Melick Wm- Montgomery 7 Barry s 7 6 1 Jno Wilson Jos. £ d s Emmitt Jas. Emmitt Charlie McClahan Jno. 6 6 1 13 John Emmet John Clark Andrew Cochran ] I Alex. McMullan.. 6] Thomas Giles Robert Giles 6 6 3 15 7 6 7 6 17 6 1 2 6 15 5 7 6 1 j | 1 j { William Lemar. William Moreland . John Wheeler.... Levi Wheeler 15 10 1 10 15 d HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 16 It is said that some of the descendants of Peter John Evart lived in Frosty Valley. His son Melick live on Fishing Creek. John lived and died on the There is one daughter surviving, living at Danville. old home place. John Black lived in Derry Township, where he died many years ago. John Emmet lived in Frosty Valley. He removed to Bloomsburg. It is told that he was one of the believers in the wild story that the Indians before There was a they left these parts buried vast treasures of gold in this hill. further wild superstition that those who attempted to dig and find the hidden treasure would be stricken by the spell of the dusky ghosts, and would flee away in terror and pine away and die. A man named Runyon, it was gravely related, went there to dig after Emmet had fled and left his digging impleHe too fled in terror before the spooks and went off and died. ments. William Clark, in company with his brother John, kept Clark's tavern^ The building was burned down which stood where Brown's bookstore now is. Tom Clark, son of William, lived here, and died aged eighty in 1835 or 1836. Several of the grandchildren of William Clark are now here. years. Andrew Cochran died many years ago. His son Preston was reared in this, county and moved away and died. William Crowle was a stone-mason and helped build the old still. Thomas Gaskins and family were among the earliest settlers here. He had six children: John, Jonathan, Thomas, Mrs. Polly McMullin, Mrs. Betsj Of these John was born here in 1775 and Forsyth and Rachel (unmarried). His son, William G. Gaskins, was born in 1817, and is now a died in 1856. resident of Danville. to the Danville Insane Asylum was the homeThere was a large family of children. Of these, CathJohn Gaskins, whose descendants are now residents of The property now belonging of the Gulics family. arine Gulics married Danville. John Deen, Sr., the first of the name in the limits of this county, cameHe was born in Philadelphia December 22, 1783. When he here in 1790. — his father was lost at sea a seafaring man in command of a His mother, Eleanor (Frazier) Deen, was a native of Scotland. Some Joha of the Fraziers were of the earliest settlers in this portion of the State. came to this county with his uncle in his seventh year. The widow married John Wilson. She died in Danville, October 1, 1827. in her sixty-sixth year, and was buried in the old Presbyterian cemetery. Here John lived fi'om the time he came, with his uncle, Daniel Frazier, whose log house was on the hill side a little east of Bloom Street, near the present site of the Reformed Church, Here, at the his farm covering the ground that is now the Fourth Ward. short-termed subscription schools, John acquired what education he possessed. Ir> In 1796 he was apprenticed to Mr. Hendrickson to learn blacksmithing. 1809 he married Miss Mary Flack, daughter of Hugh and Susan Flack, who was The Flacks were a large family, born near Washingtonville in April, 1785. and their descendants are intermarried with many of the pioneer families. The father on the maternal side of the Flacks was McBride, another of the McBride settled on a very early settlers in what is now Montour County. • farm at what is now White Hall. In 1809 Mr. Deen and wife came to Danville. The town was then a mere hamlet of log buildings scattered over the territory west of what is now Church Street and south of the canal. He occupied the corner now occupied by G. M. Here he had his smithey shop; here Shoop, where he lived until 1814. three of his children were born, viz. Thomas, who died at the age of five years, John and Julia Ann. He then purchased ground on the opposite side of the- was an infant vessel. : HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. IT Montgomery. He here erected what is now the eastern end of the frame house now owned by his eldest daughter, Mrs. Julia Ann Bowyer. Here he lived the remainder of his life. The work in a blacksmith shop in those days was very different from that but very little machinery; everything had to be hammered out of to-day on the anvil, and charcoal was the only fuel used. Mr. Deen's account books are still in the possession of the family and here are recorded business transactions dating back to so long a period as now to possess much historical interest. As an instance, between 1820 and 1830 here are some of the prices for his work: "Setting pair horseshoes, 12^ cents; pair steel-toed shoes, 58 cents; toeing old shoes, 12^ cents: pair of shoes (not toed) 46| cents; mending bridle-bit, 12i cents; 12 screws, 59 cents; laying a hammer with steel (both ends) 46| cents; ironing a two-horse wagon, $15; laying an ax with cast steel, 70 cents." Bar iron at that time was worth $100 to $120 per ton. At this time buckwheat was selling at 30 cents to 35 cents a bushel. In 1824 wheat sold for $1.87|^; 11 yards blankets, $10. 31; potatoes, 12i^ cents; muslin, 14 cents; a day's plowing, with two horses, $1.40. Soon after making his residence here he obtained an interest in a fishery located above the mouth of Mahoning Creek, and also one in Gulp' s Eddy, above. The fish caught here at that time were many and of the best quality, shad weighing as high as seven pounds, and salmon weighing fifteen pounds and rock- fish thirty pounds. The best fish sold at 6 and 7 cents a pound. The women made the twine of which the nets were made, as they then also made the clothes worn by men and women. The spinning-wheel and the loom were then to be heard in almost every house. The first woolen factory was erected in Danville more than fifty years ago. It was on Mahoning Creek, at the Northvimberland street crossing. This is wandering slightly from the subject of this sketch, but at the same time it is suggested by gleanings from Mr. Deen's old account book. His close industry and economy brought him prosperity, and in 1 820 he purchased of Gen. Montgomery the land running eastward along the south side of Market Street, paying $100 per acre for it. This was stony ground, not fit for cultivation. It was once a great place to pick blackberries. It has long been covered with the fine improvements we now see there. In 1826, in addition to his business of farming and his large blacksmith shop, he purchased of the patentee the right to manufacture threshing machines and opened a factory. These were evidently good machines and well made, as Mr. A. J. Still, grandson of Mr. Deen, informs the writer that he saw one of them in 1868 and it was still fit for service. Mr. -Deen had contracts on the canal, then being constructed, as well as on the river bridge. When the canal was opened he owned and ran a boat thereon in the coal trade. At an age when ordinary men retire largely from active business life, he built a tannery on the river near Church Street. January 5, 1852, his faithful helpmeet departed this life. After a long and useful life, widely esteemed, and beloved by a great circle of family and friends, he breathed his last July 16, 1864, leaving behind seven children. His oldest son, John, married Jane Hutton and died in 1874; four of his children are still living. Julia Ann, aged seventy-three years, is the wife of John Bowyer. James mai-ried Margaret Sanders; Jane married Thomas Brandon; Hannah married Kev. Amos B. Still, and has but one son living, A. Judson and Perry, the youngest son, married Mary Jane Ritchie; after her death he married Jane Fullmar. Susan, the youngest of the family, married Isaac Tyler: she died in 1865; three of her children are now street of Daniel — ; living. Freqiient mention of the Frazers (sometimes spelled Frazier) occurs in other HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 18 Daniel Frazer was born May 2, 1755, and married Sarah parts of this work. She died in 1775; he was again married. His second wife Wilson in 1772. was Isabella Watson, whom he married on the sixth day of February, 1777. He died in Danville on March 26, 1828. His children were Charles, Emma, Margaret, James, Alexander, Sarah, Jane, William, Christiana M., Agnes, Daniel and Thomas, all of whom are dead, except Christiana, who married Enos Miller, who died in 1870. His descendants reside in Montour County, New York, and Michigan. He came to this place about 1790 and purchased of John Frazer 100 acres of land in the southwest part of his 284-acre tract. On this land he resided thirty -eight years, until his death in the seventy He was an honest and industrious farmer, enjoying third year of his age. For a long time he resided the respect and confidence of his fellow citizens. at the base of the hill, near the site of an old Indian trading post, and a very In 1824 he _^built the substantial stone short distance north of the spring. All the southern portion of his farm is now residence which is still standing. within the corporate limits of Danville. CHAPTER III. EARLY HISTORY— COUNTY ORGANIZATION— PUBLIC BUILDINGS, ETC. MONTOUR is among commonwealth the youngest of the sisterhood of counties of the of Pennsylvania, as well as being one of the smallest in territoiy, but with all this a rich atid precious jewel in the cluster of sixtyIt was named in honor of Madame seven counties of this Keystone State. Montovir, of whom an account is given in the chapter entitled Indians. On the fifth day of November, 17G8, the provincial authorities purchased the Indian title to the district embraced in the present counties of Northumberland, Montour, Lackawanna, Wayne, Wyoming, Susquehanna, Bradford, S^illivan, Lycoming, Union and Centre, all of which were embraced in the These eleven counties were of county of Northumberland, erected in 1772. The nethemselves a rich empire at the hands of the resolute Anglo-Saxons. Immediately thereafter the first gotiations were conducted at Fort Stanwix. On the third of April following the surveys were made by the proprietaries. lands were opened to settlers; and so eager was the desire to secure possession in the new territory, that over two thousand applications were filed the first The first survey in what is now Montour County was made February day. On this spot, at 22, 1769. A part of this tract is where Danville now stands. the mouth of the Mahoning, there was a small village of Delaware Indians. The Indians did not wholly Here, it is said, the venerable Tamanund dwelt. abandon their village until about 1774. For at least fifteen years they remained secure in their rocky fastnesses and sometimes descendin the hills hereabout Prior to this purchase the ing in their murderous raids upon the settlements. Indians permitted no invasion of their grounds by the whites, save as travelers, with much jealousy and no great good will traders and trappers and hunters The whites looked upon this fair territory and they coveted toward the latter. it. A few daring adventurers had explored its grand old forests, its broad fer- — — -£70 •?7„ HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. tile valleys, its cool sweet waters, boiling from its many 21 springs, forming the murmuring mountain streams and purling valley brooks, and its forests and streams filled with game and fish, and they told their neighbors and friends of the wonderful country that lay waste and waiting the pale faced avant couriers of civilization; and the story spread among the people and filled them with eager desire to visit and to own this beautiful and promised land. To this new purchase, at once it was opened to the hardy settler, there was a rush of immigrants that to that time had hardly had an equal in suddenness and numbers. In four short years after the opening of the country the immigration was so large that the machinery of civilized government was an imperative necessity, and a nucleus of a town had been formed at Sunbury and this place was fixed upon as a county seat and home for courts and the paraphernalia of law and justice. This was done in 1776, or a little less than eight years after the people were permitted to come here. Circumstances fixed the abode of the new people along the banks of the Susquehanna Kiver, following up from the bay the main stream and its two branches where it forks and spreads out in ' * ' ' These streams were the only highways that the people could use to and from other settlements. This was the case for several years. They found here the few Indian trails, and in crossing the mountain ranges and the often precipitous foot hills, they were often guided by these in shaping their course over the courytry and across the streams. In winter when the streams were fi'ozen over, the necessities of the border settlers had cut out dim paths over which on caravans of pack-horses they transported articles of commerce to and from the settlements. This primitive style of transportation grew with the wants of the new country, and men engaged regularly in the business, employing sometimes extensive trains of horses. Two men would attend the train, one in front, a bell on the lead horse and the other man in the rear, keeping all in line and moving along in single file. Regular pack-saddles were provided and the average load for a horse was Thus with slow and toilsome step would the caravan wind about 250 pounds. its course across hill and dale, bearing its burdens braving the winter storms and the severest weather, and often the swollen streams with their raging, angry waters, and sometimes a sudden encounter with the red savages in ambush to loot the train and scalp the drivers. Following these pack-horse paths came the first roiigh roads over the rocky hills and unbridged streams, that were used during the long winter months for hauling sleds over. The ice then bridged the streams, and bore the heaviest loads in safety. This was a marked era of improvement in the gi-eat problem of transportation to be in turn improved and bettered by fairly laid out roads, bridged streams, and sometimes for short distances regular turnpike roads all gradually developing toward the present grand system of canals and railroads that now fly like the wind over the country, across the continent, over and through the loftiest mountain argosies laden with the wealth of the world's best civilization. Today we reap where one hundred years ago these hardy and adventurous pioneers sowed. Thus we can trace step by step how this wilderness was opened, and the grand improvements we now see were slowly and painfully wrought out. In the summer season all merchandise was brought up the river, in what were called Durham boats, and every inch of the way up the long and crooked stream was gained only by the hardest kind of manual labor. Durham boats " were like a double end canal boat, or two boats lashed together, and were propelled up stream by men pushing by long socket poles, or by sail when it was possible to use it. By river or by trail over mountain and defile there wei'e no public houses of entertainment by the way to shelter from the different courses. — — ' ' ' ' ' ' 2A HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 22 "night and storm and darkness " these travelers, but in time there came th& sparsely built cabins and here the traveler, where chance made it possible, could stretch himself upon the bare floor with feet to the open fire, and in security sleep out the night of storm and in the morning pay his reckoning with But few of them could have afforded to pay for a warm meal on a sixpence. The average personal expenditure from the the way to Beading and back. Susquehanna to Reading the nearest trading mart would be two or three It is well there were then no comfortable hostelries on the way ofshillino-s. fering their tempting retreat to the travelers, for such was their enforced economy that they could not have availed themselves of their benefits and they would have only increased the i)ainful contrasts of their exposure. March 22, 1813, Columbia County was created out of the territory of Northumberland County and the county seat was fixed at Danville. There was some contention about the location of the shiretown as Danville was said to be in an inconvenient place for the majority of the people of the new county, who lived in the north and northeast portions of the county. In order to more evenly adjust matters and remove their objections to Danville, in 1816 Columbia County was enlarged on the west by additional territory taken from Northumberland County, extending its lines to the west branch of the river. Again the county lines were readjusted in 1818 by taking off a small portion of its ter- — — It goes without the saying that ritory in the formation of Schuylkill County. the people of the county had the usual contention in regai'd to settling the permanent county seat. In such matters there are nearly alwaj- s conflicting in- and clashing claims. Men build golden dreams as to the j^romised value of such town locations in increasing the value of their property, while the facts are in the end the location of the county seat has but a small influIt depends upon the surroundings ence in building up thrifty growing cities. and upon the enterprise and judgment of the first settlers as to where in the county is to be built the leading city. All over the country can be found deplaces given over to the owls and bats and where waste and sisertecf villages lence broods undisturbed, that were once county towns, over which men had wrangled in heated controversy. By act of the Assembly, May 3, 1850, the county of Montour was formed. terests — Section 2 provides as follows: "That all that part of Columbia County included within the limits of the townships of Franklin, Mahoning, Valley, Liberty, Limestone, Deny, Anthony and the borough of Danville, together with all that portion of the township of Montour. Hemlock and Madison lying west of the following line, beginning iat Leiby's saw-mill on the bank of the Susquehanna; thence by the road leading to the 'Danville and Bloomsburg road, at or near Samuel Lazarus' house; thence from the Danville and Bloomsburg roadto the Rock Valley at the end of the lane leading from said road to Obed Everett's house; thence by said lane to Obed Everett's house; thence northward to the schoolhouse near David Smith's in Hemlock Township; thence by the road leading from said schoolhouse to the State road at Robin's mill to the end of the lane leading from said road to John Kinney's house; thence by a straight line to John Towsend's, near the German meetinghouse; thence to Henry Johnson's near Millville; thence by a straight line to a post in the Lycoming County line, near the road leading to Crawford's mill, together with that part of Roaringcreek Township lying south and west of the line beginning at the southeastern corner of Franklin Township'] thence eastward by the southern boundary line of Catawissa Township to a point directly north of John Yeager's house; thence southward by a direct line, including John Yeager's house, to the Schuylkill County line at the northeast corner of Barry Township." The act then proceeds to provide that never, no never shall any portion of Northumberland County be annexed to said county of Montour without the unanimous consent of Then there occurs a clause fixing Danville as the all the voters of Northumberland. county seat. Section 3 provides that the people of Danville shall pay all the costs of the court* * Annexed the county of Montour to the Eighth Judicial District of house and jail. the commonwealth. HISTOEY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 23 Section 14 provides that all that portion of Madison Township lying in the new coun* * That the portion of ty shall be erected into a new township called Madison. Hemlock Township in the new county shall be erected into a new township called West * * Hemlock. All that portion of Montour Township in the new county shall be a new township called Cooper. * * That part of Roaringcreek Township in the new county shall be called Roaringcreek Township. These new townships were made election districts; elections to be held in Madison at the house of John Welliver; West Hemlock, Burtis Arumine; Cooper, Jacob Rishels, Thomas Ritters; Roaringcreek, David Yeager. The act appointed commissioners to locate the boundary line of the county as follows: Abraham Stroub, David Rockefeller and Isaiah B. Davis. January 15, 1853, the Assembly passed an act to change the location of the line between the counties of Columbia and Montour. Section 1 provides as follows: That Roaringcreek Township, in Montour County, and such parts of the townships of Franklin, Madison, and West Hemlock, in said county, that lie east of the adjusted line of Columbia and Montour Counties shall be, and the same are hereby re-annexed to the county of Columbia as hereinafter prescribed and established, shall be re-annexed to the county of Columbia. The act ,then described the new county line between the two counties as follows: Beginning at the Northumberland County line, at or near the house of Samuel Readen; thence a direct course to the center of Roaring creek, in Franklin Township, twenty rods above a point in said creek opposite the house of John Vought; thence down the middle of the stream of said creek to the Susquehanna River; thence to the middle of said river; thence up the center of the same to a point opposite where the present county line between Columbia and Montour strikes the north bank of the river; thence to the said north bank; thence by the present division line between said counties to the schoolhouse near the residence of David Smith; ihence to a point near the residence of David Smith; thence to the bridge over Deerlick run on the line between Derry and Madison Townships; thence by the line between said townships of Madison and Derry and Anthony to the line of Lycoming County. John Koons, Gilbert C. McWaine, of Luzerne County, and Bernard Reilly, of Schuylkill County, were appointed commissioners to run and locate the new line. Section 4 changed the name of Franklin Township, in Montour Countj^ and made it Mayberry. Section 5 provides that so much of shall hereafter compose a part of West Madison Township as remains in Montour County Hemlock Township. As stated above, the West Branch of the Susquehanna was the original western boundary line between Columbia and Northumberland Counties. This included Turbot and Chillisquaque Townships, and by putting these townships into the new county it made it possible to name Danville as the county seat with fairness as to the accessibility in the lay of the territory to the county town. Afterward, however, these two townships were re-annexed to Northumberland County [full particulars of this may be found in the preceding history of Columbia County] with this territory transferred back and the western line of Columbia County readjusted as it is now, the western line of Montour County. Danville was considerably to the west of center of the county, and then at once commenced the agitation by the people of the northern and eastern portion for the removal of the county seat from Danville to Bloomsburg. The large They could outrate the bulk of the voters lay in that part of the county. friends of Danville. They would regularly elect the county officers, running the But Danville had able and astute manelections almost solely on this issue. agers men of powerful influence, and so the contest went on until 1845 when the county seat was taken from Danville and Bloomsburg gained the coveted This triumph of the friends of Bloomsburg was not without its effects prize. upon Columbia County. The friends of Danville at once commenced the vigorous agitation of a new county to be taken from Columbia's territory, and in live short years complete success crowned their efforts and thus it came about that Montour County was formed and Danville by undisputed right again became a county seat. Danville having triumphed over Bloomsburg and Milton in being designated as the county town, she found herself confronted with the rather difficult task of providing ways and means to erect the required county buildings jail and — , — 24 HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. Her citizens, as well as all the people of this portion of the new court-house. county, were stirred to energetic action by the fact that they must not allow a loophole to the enemies of Danville, who were alert for any pretext on which to The new county made an appropriation base a removal of the county seat. toward the buildings of $1,050. The other money was made up by private Three or four subscription papers were circulated early in 1814. subscriptions. Two of these are still extant. They were duplicates and read as follows: We, the subscribers, promise to pay into Daniel Montgomery, James Maus and Alem Marr, for the purpose of erecting the public buildings in Danville, the county seat for the county of Columbia, the sums respectively annexed to our names; nevertheless, in case the whole subscription be not appropriated for the 2'>urpose aforesaid, the subscription of each subscriber shall be refunded in proportion to the sum subscribed. Here was prudent forethought, indeed, on the part of those old fellows, characteristic of the time and the men that sounds curious to men of this age, when such a thing as expenditures falling short of appropriations are an undreamed of possibility, much less a probability. The principal names to this subscription paper are of suificient interest to preserve to posterity: DanMontgomery, $1,000; William Montgomery, $1,000; Joseph Maus, $100; Phillii? Goodman, $100; Alexander Montgomery, $100; James Longhead, $100; John Montgomery, $75; Alem Marr, $50; William Montgomery, $50; David Petrikin, $50; John Deen, $35; Eobert McWilliams, $25; John Evans, $25; Wm. Clark, $25; William Mann, $25; Peter Blue, $20; Peter Baldy, $12; David Williams, $10; James Donalson, $10; John Moore, $10, and others $22. A total of $2,944. This generous subscription was sufficient encouragement to commence the Gen. D. Montgomery made an estimate of the building of the court-house. The committee to receive and disburse the money was Gen. cost, $2,704.96. Montgomery, Mr. Marr and Mr. Maus. Messrs. Montgomery and Marr were too deeply engaged in their own affairs to give the matter attention, we are With his wonted energy he told, so this duty devolved alone upon Mr. Maus. entered upon the task employed workmen, opened stone quarries, brick kilns, purchased timbers, hardware, glass, paints and needed materials of all kinds. His only resource for boarding the workmen was to establish a boarding-house. In person he collected the subscriptions, superintended the work, paid all bills, and his unremitting energy and toil soon witnessed the triumph of his labors. Of those who worked upon the building the following names are all that can now be recalled: Daniel Cameron, a Scotchman, was a carpenter in charge of that part of the work; Tunis Gearhart, James and Joseph Crosley, stonemasons; William and Gilbert Giberson, brick-masons; chief plasterer was His home was in Danville. Isaac the jolly Hibernian, Michael Rafferty. The Edgar, assisted by Asher Smith and John Cope, made the brick. other employes on the building, their particular posts not being known, were John Bryson, John Strieker, Edwin Stocking, Alexander Johnson, Benj. Garretson, Nehemiah Hand, William Lunger, Peter Watts, Peter Snyder, Fredrick Harbolt, James Thomas, William Doak, D. Henderson, B. Long and T. Haller. The total cost of the building was $3, 980. 80. It was commenced in April, 1815, and completed in September, 1816. Looking over the old accounts there is one item, the bare mention of which It reads Sixtyis significant of the change in men' s minds of then and now. iel Thomas Woodside, $100; — ' ' : four gallons of whiskey, $64." One ' of the strong citstoms of the times is Men then supposed that in order to work manifested in this expense item. All partook of their they had to have their liquor as regularly as their meals. It, was the mark of hospitable friendship. stimulants, laymen and ministers. HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 25 after the first comers had got fixed to really live in comfort, to offer all visitors And at one time it would the bottle and glass as a pledge of hearty welcome. have been a severe judgment, indeed, of one against his caller to have forgotThe farmer, as soon as possible, erected upon his ten this friendly token. farm a still, and of corn, rye and Wheat he distilled a strong, rough, yet pure, whisky; and of his fruit, especially apples and peaches, he made apple- jack and pious bigots, austere in brandies. These were a hardy race of nation builders their religious tenets and practices severe of conscience and relentless in the pursuit of sin; and in order that no sin might escape, punishing the most innocent pleasures. Splendid types of the church militant, full of the fire of patriotism, devoted to the death to liberty, and as honest as they were fearless! They ate heavily of a diet that was mostly meat; they were rugged men and women, They knew nothto whom life and their Christian duties were stern realities. ing of the refinements and effeminacy of modern times; had these been brought to them, they would have despised them. They had mostly fled from the dire religious persecutions of the old world; had felt the heaviest hand of persecution the cold dungeon, the stake and the faggot. These they had left behind them, to brave the solitudes, the malaria, the wild beasts and vipers, and the yet more deadly tomahawk and scalping-knife of the cruel and pitiless wild savages of the forests. What a school in which to rear this new people of nation builders! Look out over the fair face of the earth to-day and behold what these simple children of destiny have given us the magnificence and magnitude of their work and the poverty and paucity of their means at their command. No men the woiid ever possessed had more thoroughly the courage of their convictions. Their faults and frailties leaned to virtue's side. As severe as they were in their judgments, the same cast-iron grooves they gave to others they applied with even less charity to themselves. They came of a race of religious fanatics and martyrs, and the eldest of them were born in Europe when even the most highly civilized portions of the world were in the travail of the ages the age of iron and blood. An age when shoemakers rose from their benches, tailors from their boards, an,d coopers dropped their hoops and staves and unfurled the banner of the Cross, gathered the sans culottes about them, seized the greatest empire in the world, and chopped off the king's head with no more awe than sticking a pig. An age when all men were intensely, savagely religious. Great wars had been fought for religion. Gunpowder had been invented with its civilizing explosive powers. Marching, fighting armies, when not fighting, held religious meetings, and illiterate corporals mounted the rude pulpits and launched their nasal thunders of God's wrath at the heads of their officers. Men kneeled down in the streets and prayed and gathered crowds and preached their fiery sermons to eager listeners. The churches were filled three times a day on Su.nday with earnest, solemn people, and prayers and singing of psalms were the only sounds to be heard in the towns or, for that matter, in the country. Nearly every man was a church policeman or a minister of God, his baton or license bearing no great red seal of state or chui'ch or institution; but, inspired of heaven, he became a flaming swoi'd at the garden' s gate against jthe entrance of all sin and all pleasure. In 1682 gin was invented, and how quickly men learned to make and use it! The fighters and meat eaters drank and gorged themselves with the fiery fluid. To their coarse, strong animal natures it was but a variety of their sulphurous sermons in liquid form. Gin shops were opened, and signs over the doors invited men to "come and get drunk for a penny; and very drunk, and free straw to sleep off the intoxication, for two pence. A part of the duties of those we now call bar-tenders was to seize those who fell in a — ; — — — ' ' HISTOKY OF MONTOUE COUNTY. 2G stupor and by the heels drag them to the straw, where they were laid by their During the great London riots, when the mob held the sleeping companions. city for three days and nights, rioting, murdering and burning, they would rifle stores and shops, roll the barrels of gin to the front doors, knock in the heads and pour the liquid contents into the street gutters, until these became running streams of gin but little less fiery and fatal than the hissing Women and toddling children flames of fire above in the burning buildings. gathered about these gutters of flowing gin and filth, and lying upon the ground drank, gorged and died, many of them just where they lay and drank, while many others staggered away a few feet, fell and were burned in the city's conflagration. Of all this world's travail sublime. God was came fatalism —a fatalism simple, inappeasably angry at his children, not so terrible much and for their conduct as for their eiTors in their creeds. His infinite power was only paralleled by His infinite hate. But one in a thousand, ten thousand or a million was elected, and all else were damned before creation and to all eternity. Such was the powerful alembic that so slowly through the ages and the generations distilled the blood that has lifted our civilization and placed it upon the high plane where it is lo-day that brought liberty and the freedom of the bodies and souls of men, that wrested this continent from the savage and the wild beast and erected the empire of thought over brutish force and cruel ig- — norance. From this apparent digression, and it is only apparent, we return to the completion of this chapter with a brief account of the other and present county buildings that have been erected. The present court-house was built in 1871. It occupies the grounds of the old building with the additional grounds where the building of the Friendship Fire Insurance Company stood. The total cost of ground and building was The contractor and architect was Mr. O'Malley; the brick work was $55,000. done by B. K. Vastine, the stone work by F. Hawke & Co. It is a very substantial and commodious building, plain, strong and yet handsome in its outThe first floor is occupied by the commissioner's rooms, the lines and finish. different clerks, recorder, sheriff and a grand jury room. The second floor is the main court room and jury rooms. The whole is well furnished, with all the modern conveniences and appliances for the carrying on of the county's The vaults for the records are large, comfortable rooms, and are legal affairs. ample enough to store away the record books for the next and most probably the * following succeeding century. The large and solid stone jail was built in 1817-18 by Charles Mann, conIt has two cells on the first story and two on the second also a spatractor. cious and roomy residence under the same roof for the sheriff. Its solid appearance and high stone wall around the part running back from the residence portion ought to frighten all the daring of the jailbirds of the country; perhaps it does, yet like distress these unfortunates will be always with us, the one consolation being that Montour County can boast of a smaller per cent of these than almost any other community. The Danville Hospital for the Insane is an imposing building located on what had been known as the about one mile northeast of Pinneo farm, Danville. On the 13th of April, 1868, the Legislature passed an act for the establishment of the hospital, and appointed a locating commission, composed of J. A. Reed, Traill Green and John Cui'wen. After visiting various localities in the district, for which the proposed hospital was intended, it was finally The Pinneo farm decided that Danville was the most suitable in all respects. ; ' ' ' ' HISTOKY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 27 some 250 acres was accordingly purchased, the citizens of Danville contributing a bonus of $16,000. On the 23d of April the commissioners had appointed John McAi-thur, Jr., architect, and soon after they chose Dr. S. S. Schultz, superintendent, a position be has filled ever since May, 1868, with great credit The corner-stone of to himself and to the complete satisfaction of the public, the hospital was laid by Gov. John W. Geary on the 26th of August, 1869. The building proper is 1,143 feet long. The center building is 202 feet deep. They range from three to five stories in height. The wings contain 350 rooms The chapel is a large and beautieach. Altogether there are about 800 rooms. ful chamber and will seat 600. It is also the lecture-room and is furnished The wing connections are enclosed with iron with a piano and an organ. doors, and the building contains every department necessary to an institution where so many unfortunates find a home: ofiices, bath-rooms, dining-rooms, Iron and slate are extenlaundries, kitchen, storeroom and many others. sively used in the construction of the building, in order to strengthen it as well The stone in the exterior walls are as to guard against the danger of fire. from the well known quarry on the premises. The door and window sills and lintels, as also the carriage porch, are of the Goldsboro brown stone from York County. The brick in the partition walls were furnished by numerous maThe roof, kers of the neighborhood and were laid by Ammerman & Books. the kitchen floors and other apartments are of the best Peach Bottom slate. The water tables and quoins are a beautiful white stone from Luzerne County and contrast pleasantly with the darker material of the main wall. It is not the design here to enter into details beyond that which will give the reader a general idea of the complete and substantial character of the building, and its manifold appointments, necessary to serve the purpose for which it was erected. Its water and gas supply, its heating and ventilating apparatus, its sewerage and all similar improvements essential to the health and comfort of the inmates are excellent. Governed by a complete system of laws and regulations, this institution stands on the front line of modern improvements, dispensing in an eminent degree the blessings for which it was designed. In connection with the various appliances of convenience, comfort and economy the visitor will also note the beautiful buildings, fitted for their several purposes, that have sprung up around this main edifice, solid, artistic and presenting a miniatui'.e The order or style of architecttu'e is the city of surpassing beauty and taste. Romanesque. The hospital was opened for the reception of patients by pubThe lic announcement of Dr. Schultz, the superintendent, in October, 1872. From that first patient was admitted on the 6th of November, following. period to the present time hundreds have been admitted and shared its benefits. Many have been discharged cured, many others have been improved, and others Dr. S. S. still continue to receive its scientific and humane ministrations. Schultz, who has managed the institution since its organization in 1868, still remains in his responsible position. He has manifested not only the skill to treat successfully all possible cases in the various forms of insanity arising from physical or mental causes, but in addition to the qualities of the physician he has manifested executive abilities of the highest order in the general management of the institution. Dr. Schultz is general superintendent, assisted by Drs. Seip and Hugh Meredith. March 5, 1881, a fire broke out in the building and destroyed all the female and one-fourth of the male wards and the center buildings. It originated on the second floor of the wards nearest the center, in a closet used for the storage of fire-hose and the stand-pipe connected with the general water of HISTOKY OF MONTOUK COUNTY. 28 supply. Before effective connections with hose could be made with neighboring stand-pipes, the cornice and roof and timbers became involved and the fire for the time was inaccessible. Fortunately this section of wards was at that time not used by patients, being in the hands of the painters for repairs. There were 220 male patients at that time in the hospital. In the confusion nine of these escaped the care of their keepers, and some returned in a few days and others made their way to their homes. There were 172 women inmates. They were temporarily taken care of in the outbuildings until they were removed to Harrisburg or Warren Hospitals. No fatal exposures occurred to any of the patients. The sum of $209, 116.01 was realized from insurance companies, and at once the work of rebuilding was commenced, important improvements and changes being introduced. Among other changes were iron beams and brick arches, and the making the attic and other floors fire-proof large bay windows were added to all the rebuilt wards. Thus the entire center building was made fire-proof somewhat less in depth than the old building, and placing the kitchen in the rear of it, without any story over it; and reducing the central stories by about one-half in their dimensions; and i^utting up a suitable building for storage in the rear. These structural alterations were not expensive but greatly added to the good purposes of the building itself. The entire center building was rebuilt from the foundation and, as indicated above, greatly improved throughout, and was ready for occupancy early in 1884. This great institution and its beneficent work are largely, and in many respects solely, the results of the ripe intelligence and eminent management of Dr. S. S. Schultz, who has had the exclusive control from the beginning to the present. A rich and prosperous government can only pour out its wealth in behalf of its poor, unfortunate insane and build a place of retreat and refuge for them. The value of the benefaction, however, at last depends upon those who manage and control the affairs of the institution and its pitiable inmates. Here are required rare executive qualities and irreproachable integrity, as well as the clearest understanding of "ministering to minds diseased." In these respects the Danville Insane Hospital may be the fitting and perpetual monument of Dr. Schultz, telling how truly and how well he performed life's greatest work incomparably greater than if he had won great battles, dethroned kings or ruled empires. ; — — CHAPTER IV. DESCRIPTION— TOPOGKAPHY— GEOLOGY— AGKICULTURE, ETC. THE rich little county of Montour is of itself, just as it came from the hand Maker, an interesting and pleasant study interesting to him who loves the swift- flowing crystal rivers, the babbling valley brooks, the mountain torrents of leaping crystal waters, the mirror-like lakelets, with their white, pebbly bottoms, the grand mountain ranges, their rounded hills sweeping away in endless forms and windings into the far distant, quiet, soft blue hills fantastic, beetling, rocky and awe-inspiring sometimes, but mostly sloping from the valley at an even, gentle angle, and rising so gradually that as they pierce the low fog- clouds it seems as though the deep mists come down to rest upon their quiet, solid tops instead of the hills rising to them. Here and there the great of — its ; range, with its granite ribs, has been cut in twain by the pent and maddened '~« V- •» HISTOEY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 31 waters, the Cyclopean work, as grand Dame Nature does everything, commencing in the long-ago geological ffions, the waters slowly rising, slowly accumulating, imperceptibly mounting the sides of the opposing rocky barriers till at last a trickling little stream, with hardly force enough to move a straw apparIt starts like a poor blind insect on its course, ently, starts over the top. timid, meandering, stopping at every pebble or clod against which it blindly bumps its head; turning back, turning to pass around, momentarily hesitating, the silent forces behind it ever coming on, it breaks over or through the small obstruction and, with its gathered energy, rushes straight upon the next obThe little driblet slowly and tortuously makes its way across the struction. obstruction, the first scattered raindroi^s plunge over the opposite sides, then commenced the Titanic struggle of the soft and foamy, volatile waters with A God has set in battle the the impregnable, hard mountain of solid granite. weakest against the strongest, and the waters tear the granite rocks into impalpable dust and scatter them in the world's bottomless seas; and now the battle is ended, and in its rocky, clean bed at the base of the mountain gently murmurs the sparkling stream, the laughing, sweet waters, with ever and anon along its course, quiet, deep jdooIs, reflecting as the most polished mirror the trees, the vines, the mountain forest' s foliage and the blue and boundless is canopy of Heaven. Bright little Montour County beautiful, beautifully faced little Montour! We hail and crown thee Queen of, the festival of the foliage. Look, behold This is the 25th of October; any year, every year, it comes with the regThe spring flowers have passed away, the golden harularity of the seasons. — I — the fi-uits of the flowers so vests are gathered, plenteous, bounteous, luscious fragrant, so life-giving to ail animate nature; the summer's work is done, the hot, brassy heavens are softened with the autumnal haze and then most appropriately is the festival of the foliage the grandest, most glorious of all Sweeping away up the winding valley, crowning to the season's crownings. the water's edge the streams and the lakes, clambering up the slopes of the hillside and the mountain's range, is the most entrancing panorama of the tinted foliage that human eyes ever beheld. Threading these hillsides, resting — here and there and gazing out upon lovely nature and every angle youi- eye turns upon, it bz'ings the awful impression that certainly all this has been just The impressions wrought upon the observer, as the dropped from heaven. were those of I'ichness, warmth, color, quietude, gifted Poe said of Arnheim, softness, delicacy, daintiness, voluptuousness, that suggested dreams of a new race of fairies, laborious, tasteful, magnificent and fastidious; but as the eye traced upward the myriad-tinted slopes from its sharp junction with the water to its vague termination amid the folds of overhanging cloud, it became, indeed, difficult not to fancy it a panoramic cataract of rubies, sapphires, opals and golden onyxes, rolling silently out of the sky." Describe it who can. Who ever will ? So profuse, so massive, so boundless and so variegated this master work that the pen falls from the nerveless What grasp while the soul is enraptured and enthralled in silent admiration. but the poets dream of a new race of fairies could thus pencil and tint a world! Turn and look yonder at the western slope of the grand old ridge along the range of curving hills as they look toward the setting sun great, rolling billows of smokeless flame, swelling, gently sweeping away, entrancing visions following each other like the swift rolling waves of the ocean, passing endlessly beyond the horizon line. Beautiful Queen of the autumn foliage, we ' ' ' ' ' ' — and bless thee, peerless one! While the external beauties of the hail fair face of the county are in some re- 32 HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. spects not to be excelled, in the world hidden beneath this surface is wealth wealth in plant food for the farmer and in like unto the famed Golcondas Montour Kidge passes through the entire iron ores for the manufacturer. From its base to the Susquehanna River is a broad and rich valley of county. Passing to the north of the ridge is a broad belt of limeagricultural lands. stone land reaching to the Muncy hills ranging along the north line of the — The whole is admirably drained by Mahoning and Chillisquaque county. Creeks and their tributaries. Mr. Rodgers, esteemed the best authority on the subject, says of the iron ore in the county: "From the Narrows to the gap of Mahoning Creek at Danville, the length of outcrop of the two ores on the south side of the mountain does not exceed about That of the hard ore is considerably the longest, and as the iron half a mile. sandstone containing it outcrops much higher on the ridge than the other ore, the quantity of this exposed above the water level exceeds that of the latter many times. In this part of the ridge, the average length of the slope or breast of the iron sandstone ore above the water level alone is probably more than 200 yards; that of the fossiliferous ore is materially less, while, for reasons already shown, the depth of breast of the soft and partially decomposed The position of the hard ore may not average more than 30 or 40 yards. ore, in the vicinity of the gorge of the Mahoning is shown in our transverse section of the ridge at that place. By inspecting the vertical section, which I have introduced of the iron sandstone formation analyzed in detail, the reader will perceive that while the red sandstone members include two or three excessively ponderous layers, rich enough in iron to be applicable as iron ores, the thickest of these the only bed, indeed, which is of sufficient magnitude to be wrought at the present day accompanies the lower bed of sandBut stone, and has dimensions varying from fourteen to eighteen inches. there is another formation here developed, in which beds of iron ore are disThis is the Surgent older or lower slate, this stratum possessing in coverable. Montour Ridge a thickness of about 700 feet. Its ore has the form of a very ferruginous sandstone in one or two thin and continuous layers, occupying a horizon, near the middle of the formation, between 350 and 400 feet below its superior limit. Scarcely any difference is perceptible either in aspect or com- — — It position between the ore now referred to and that of the iron sandstone. is a sandstone with a large proportion of peroxide of iron diffused among the particles, and, like the other bed, includes numerous small flat fragments, or pebbles of greenish slate, which by their disintegration leave the surface of the blocks, wherever the weather has had access, pitted with little elongated holes, forming one of the most distinctive features of these two ores. This ore-bed of the lower slate outcrops near the summit of the ridge on the east side of the Mahoning Gap at Danville, arching the anticlinal axis at an elevation of Traced east and west about 300 feet above the bed of this transverse valley. from the Notch, the overlying slate saddles it, and conceals it from view wherever the mountain is low and narrow; but wherever the anticlinal rises or — wherever, in other words, the wave in the strata increases in breadth and height the ore no longer closes over the axis, but forms two separate lines of out crop, one on each gentle declivity between the summit and the shoulder, formed by the outcrop of the iron sandstone. In the vicinity of Danville, the thickness of this layer of ore is not such as to make it of much importance, so long Judging as the thicker and therefore cheaper beds furnish an ample supply. from the fragments at the point of outcrop I infer its size to be between six and eight inches. The facility and cost of mining it will of course depend upon — HISTOEY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 33 and depth of covering, and will vary with each locality. " One section of the strata at the Mahoning Gap represents the entire mass of the mountain as consisting there of the two Surgent slates and their included iron sandstone, while the calcareous or ore shales, with their fossiliferous ore, The upper beds of the Levant white sandrest low at the north and south base. stone have not been lifted to the level of the bed of the Notch, though their depth beneath it cannot be considerable. This proves a sinking of the axis fi'om opposite the Narrows to this point; but when the ridge is examined still farther east, it becomes apparent that between the Mahoning and Hemlock the anticlinal rises and swells again, causing the hard ore of the slate to diverge into two outcrops, and the belts of the iron sandstone to recede. About half way between those two streams is probably the neighborhood in which the section of the mountain has its greatest expansion, and the two belts of the iron sandstone are farthest asunder. " Let us now, before advancing any further east, attempt an estimate of the quantity of iron ore above the water level within a given length say one mile in the vicinity of Danville. of outcrop "I shall reject from my present calculation both the ore of the older slate and the compact unchanged fossiliferous ore the former as being too thin and deeply covered to be profitably mined, and the latter as too poor in iron, and too calcareous, to be, under existing circumstances, adapted to the smelting several conditions connected with the dip — — ; furnace. "If we assume the soft fossiliferous ore of this neighborhood to have an average thickness of from sixteen to eighteen inches, which is probably not far from the truth, we may consider each square yard of its surface to represent Let us now adopt the estimate I have already about one ton of weight of ore. given of the depth to which the ore stratum has been converted into this soft Each yard of length along the outore, and accept thirty yards as the limit. crop will then be equivalent to thirty tons of the ore, and one mile of outcrop This amount, it will be understood, is irreshould supply about 52,800 tons. Turning now to the hard or silispective of elevation above the water level. ceous ore of the iron sandstone, we shall find one mile of the outcrop bed to It is obvious that the offer a far more enormous quantity of available ore. whole of the bed is convertible to use, since the composition of the ore is such as to make it fit for the furnace without it undergoing any solvent action, of The only limit to the depth to which, indeed, it is scarcely susceptible. which it may be profitably wrought, is the cost of mining it, and since this element is materially increased the moment we pass below the water level of the locality, it will be expedient to restrict our present estimate to the quantity of It has been stated that in the vicinity of the the ore above this natural line. Mahoning Gap, the average length of slope or breast belonging to the iron sandstone is about 200 yards on the south side it is somewhat greater, while on This is equivalent to 200 tons of the north side it is probably as much less. ore to each yard of the outcrop, the ore bed being from fourteen to sixteen inches thick. One mile of length of outcrop will therefore yield 352,000 tons of the ore above the water level. All that portion which is in this position is therefore nearly seven times as great as the similar part of the soft fossiliferous ore. The two ore beds together represent more than 400,000 tons in a single mile of outcrop; but as, from the anticlinal form of the mountain, there is a double line of outcrop for each kind of ore, it is clear that one mile of length of ridge must contain, upon the supposition of no deep ravines or notches intervening, the amazing quantity of 800, 000 tons of ore. It is to be remarked that in the fore; HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 34 going statement I exclude the consideration of the ravines, which interrupt at fi'equent intervals the general line of the outcrop of the strata, and reduce materially the amount of ore above the vsfater level. "An abatement of one-eighth from the quantity as above computed, on the supposition of a perfectly continuous outcrop, will probably more than compensate for the amount thus lost. With this reduction we shall still have, in one mile of the ridge, 700, 000 tons of good ore. The ore estate attached to the Montour Iron Works of Danville, embraces, if I am correctly informed, a total length of outcrop of the iron sandstone ore of 2,200 yards, equivalent alone to 385,000 tons; the whole quantity of the soft fossiliferous ore I estimate at 45,000 tons, making the entire amount of ore available under existing circumstances 430,000 tons. Such is the apparently enormous extent of the mineral wealth of this favored locality. The rich mineral deposits are, then, in Montour's Eidge, and this ridge and the Muncy Hills constitute the elevated and broken lands in all that part of the county north of the river. As only Mayberry Township lies south of the river, its topography is given in the account of that township. Much of these hills is arable land. This was evidenced to the first settlers by the density of the vegetable growths covering them. But in many places the hillsides are too abrupt and others too stony for the labors of the husbandman. All surface soils are originally formed by the decay of the rocks, this first producing water plants and the short mosses, and these extract food fi-om the pulverized rocks, the water and the air, and thus comes nature' s laboratory that makes all the variety of soils in the world. Thus, in the long, inconceivably long ago geological ages, commenced the preparation for the farmer and the manufacturer that we now see here those thrifty factors in the problem of life. Can you think a ' ' — much ? You cannot, any more boundless. In extent of time, past or of space are things that are not thinkable. The results, not the time or the how, of these wonderful forces of nature are the practical questions that concern us all. Here is formed everything that develops or grows the warmth of the sun, the air, the rocks and the soil, the water and the climate are the resistless and ever working forces, molding the round globe, the oceans, rivers, mountains and valleys, as well as the most delicate flower, the sweet laughter of childhood, the cyclone, the volcano or the earthquake. The kind of cattle or horses you will raise, the kind of people that will grow in any particular place, what they will know and how they will think, the kind of houses, farms, schools, churches and in short the form and quality of their civilization, are all foretold by the rocks, the soil, the water, climate and the humidity of the air of that particular place. The finest quality of limestone underlies all the arable portion of the level lands of the county. Here is quarried the limestone for the Danville iron mills, the Montour Iron Works having a railroad track to the A. F. Russell quarry, as well as a branch of this track extending to their ore beds. When the pioneers came here, in addition to the many other obstructions that confronted them, they were ignorant of the nature of rocks and soils as applied to husbandly. Like the average man now their education in this important respect had been wholly neglected. They had what they now call educated men, a chance one, who could read Latin and Greek, but de'il the bit could he aid the farmer in telling him where or what to plant upon any given million, less a billion, a trillion, or a quadi'illion than you can think that the universe has bounds or is — — He understood Took's mythology through and through wonderfully educated! but, except by painful experiments, the farmer had to go to the ignorant Indians for the slight information obtainable. He was left to commence spot. — HISTOKY OF MONTOUE COUNTY. 35 his experiments in the new world aided, often handicapped, by the recollection The first efPort was pretty of how his father had done in the old world home. much chance work, but the penalties of ignorance were unerring and severe. It is supposed that as early as 1787 some of the pioneers of Mahoning planted small orchards; at least a few seedling fruit trees from seeds they had thoughtfully brought with them. By the year 1812, it is asserted, by those who can go back that far in memory, that there were tolerably abundant crops of fruit raised to supply the home demand. One of the first to plant an orchard was Gen. William Montgomery. This orchard was in the immediate vicinity of the old stone mansion-house, now northeast corner of Mill and Bloom Streets, and extended to Ferry Street or beyond it, and north beyond Centre Street. It was composed chiefly of apple At the corner of the orchard, trees, with a few peach, pear and cherry trees. near Ferry Street, stood a cider-mill and press, all of the olden style. The mill was composed of a wooden wheel, six feet in diameter and a foot thick, with a shaft through the center, the wheel revolving in a circular trough or In this groove the apples were placed, and by applying horse- power groove. to the shaft, passed the wheel over and crushed them to pomace; this was then placed in a press of rude and simple construction, and the cider was expressed from it. This was the first mill of the kind in the county. It continued in use until 1816 or later. From the cider apple brandy was distilled. Cider-royal was made by addThe cider-royal was a favorite ing a few gallons of whisky to a barrel of it. liquor with the young who had not been educated up to the full appreciation Cider, with the addition of apples, was boiled down to appleof whisky. butter. To make this, required constant boiling for about twenty-four hours. The services of a young lady and gentleman were usually called into requisition on such occasions, and they generally found stirring apple-butter to be no uncongenial employment. Another early orchard was that of Gen. Daniel Montgomery, on the eastern side of Mill Street, partly on the ground now occupied by the Montour House. The trees bearing the choicest fruit were plainly designated by the number of clubs lodged on their branches by trespassers who took delight in stolen fruit. Mr. Phillip Maus had a large orchard on his farm on the northern slope of an eminence between his homestead and the forks of the road to Mausdale. It contained good but not the choicest fi'uit. It was one of the first planted in that vicinity. His son George devoted much attention to its care and culture, and by building fires at many places in the orchard at times of late frosts, supposed he several times saved the crop of fruit, or part of it from perishing with the cold. Beyond this orchard, on the Mooresburg road, were the small orchards, of Justus Strawbridge, Lewis Maus and Colin Cameron, of young and vigorous trees. The next in date, probably 1791, was that of Mr. John Fraser on the north Bloomsburg road, and extending back beyond Pleasant Street, and between D and F Streets. In this extensive orchard there was much choice fruit, all grafted from the Burlington nurseries, then or subsequently famous under the management of William Coxe, the distinguished pomologist and author of "The Cultivation of Fruit Trees." It made a fine appearance, and was in full bearing in 1815. Several trees near the house were almost of forest size, and produced excellent crops. The Pennock was a large apple, with seven synonyms: the Newtown Pippin, a famous keeper; the large and rich side of the Vandervere, a native of Wilmington, with its eighteen aliases; the luscious HISTOKY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 36 Harvest apple, earliest of them all; the Rambo, a native of Delaware, a favorite, which around Trenton was popularly styled the bread- and- cheese apple; the Romanite, a small apple but a great keeper, of a dark cranberry color; the golden-hued Porter apple; the Maiden's Blush, a native of Jersey, the most beautiful of them all; the Winesap, the Greening, the Russet, the large and luscious Spitzenberg, the Pearmain, the Doctor apple, which originated in Germantown, and others. The Priestley apple had its origin in Northumbei'land, but was not very highly prized here. On the eastern side of the orchard was a row of cherry trees, which bore profusely, and afforded a good supply of that fruit for the neigborhood. Near iDy there was also a number of peach trees, bearing fine crops of that luscious fruit. Mr. Daniel Fraser had an orchard just east of his stone mansion; it was planted at a later period than the others; the trees were young and thrifty, and bore good fruit, and were in good bearing in 1820. These were all Philadelphians, who had in that fine market acquired a just Some of appreciation of good fruit, and made laudable efforts to procure it. the trees were obtained in that city, some at Burlington and some at NorthIn the latter place several English emigrants had introduced umberland. many choice varieties of fruits, and devoted much care to their successful cultivation. Mr. Paul Adams, a mile or two northeastwardly from Danville, had a small prolific orchard, chiefly of winter apples. Michael Blue had a noted peach orchard, it was between two and three He was a Jerseyman, who came from a land where miles out on the hills. they then understood much of the art of raising peaches. A public meeting was called in the old court-house Agricultural Societies. on the 18th of February, 1856, to organize the Montour County Agricultural The following officers were elected: Thomas R. Hull, president. Society. Vice-presidents, Phillip F. Maus, Valley; C. Garrettson, Danville; Robert Patterson, Liberty; P. Wagner, Limestone; D. Wilson, Anthony; E. Haas, Deny; J. Sheep, West Hemlock; G. Shick, Mayberry; William McNinch, Cooper; Secretary, James McCormick; corresponding Jacob Sechler, Sr., Mahoning. librarian, B. K. Rhodes, and treasurer, D. M. secretary. Dr. C. H. Frick The board of managers were John Best, George Smith, James G. Boyd. McKee, James McMahan, Jr. A. B. Cummings, Jacob Sheep, A., F. Russel, Stephen Roberts, William Henry, William Yorks, Jacob Cornelison, Edward Morison, J. M. Best, Mayberry Gearhart, Joseph Levers, John Hibler, Samuel D. Alexander, Robert Blee, William Snyder; E. Wilson, secretary. but — ; , The fair in that year was held at the mouth of Mahoning Creek. The anIn the course of time, nual fair was subsequently held at Washingtonville. however, some difference arose between the town and a portion of the country. The result was a split and the organization of another society, known as the Northern Montour Agricultural Society. The headquarters of the latter is at The Montour County Washingtonville, where the annual fairs are held. This society Agricultural Society holds its meetings and fairs in Danville. purchased ground fi-om Waterman & Beaver, on the Mausdale road. It has been fenced and a good track has been made. The society lingered, sometimes doing fairly well and sometimes otherwise On May 8, 1872, a regular charter was procui-ed, and this is for some years. the proper date from which is to be reckoned the present agricultural society By the provision of the charter the following were the first officers at Danville. President, W. J. McKee; vice-presidents, William Yorks and Charles Fen- HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 37 stermacher; treasurer, Isaac Amerman; secretary, William K. Halloway; corThe execuresponding secretaries, Charles W. Eckman and Nathan Brittain. tive committee consisted of John Derr, Sr. Alfred S. Sidel, David F. Gouger, William McNinch, H. W. Houpt, James N. Miller, Emanuel Sidler, Jeremiah Wintersteen, William Sechler, D. M. Shultz, Adam Geringer, M. D. L. Sechler, Bernard Dougherty, David Grove. 1872^President, W. S. McKee; vice-presidents, W. C. Yorks, Charles Fenstermacher secretary, W. K. Halloway; treasurer, Isaac Amerman; recording secretaries, Nathaniel Brittain and Col. C. W. Eckman. 1873 President, William Yorks; vice-presidents, Charles Fenstermacher, William Angle; treasure!*, W. R. Halloway; recording secretary, Wilson M. Gearhart; corresponding secretaries, E. G. Hoffman and James McCormick. 1874 President, D. F. Gouger; vice-presidents, Chris Ernest, Frank Sidler; corresponding secretaries, E. G. Hoffman and W. K. Halloway; secretary, W. M. Gearhart; treasurer, Isaac Amerman. 1875 President, M. D. L. Sechler; vice-president, Nathan Fenstermacher; treasurer, Isaac Amerman; corresponding secretaries, W. C. Johnston and Adam Geringer; recording secretary, Charles M. Zuber. 1876 President, Thomas Beaver; vice-presidents, M. D. L. Sechler, William Yorks; treasurer, Isaac Amerman; recording secretary, John Sweisfort. 1877 President, M. D. L. Sechler; vice-presidents, Emanuel Sidler, Fredrick Kuiss; corresponding secretaries, E. G. Hoffman, William Sidler; recording secretary, J. Sweisfort; treasurer, Nathan Fenstermacher. 1878 President, Peter Mpwrer; vice-presidents, Caleb Appleman, William Mowrer; treasurer, Nathan Fenstermacher; corresponding secretaries, Daniel Leidecker and E. G. Hoffman; recording secretary, J. Sweisfort. 1879 President, William Bertz; vice-presidents, Caleb Appleman, William Mowrer; recording secretary, J. Sweisfort; treasvirer, N. Fenstermacher; corresponding secretaries, M. D. L. Sechler, William Sidler. 1880— President,. Emanuel Sidler; vice-presidents, John Moore, Jacob Sandal; treasurer, Nathan Fenstermacher; recording secretary, William L. Sidler; corresponding secretaries, Wilson M. Gearhart, J. Sweisfort; representative to the State Board of Agriculture, M. D. L. Sechler. 1881 President, Dr. S. Y. Thompson; vice-presidents, James Shultz, Thomas Cole; secretary, W. L. Sidler; corresponding secretaries, W. M. Gearhart, W. K. Halloway; treasurer, Jacob Sandal. 1882 President, S. Y. Thompson; vice-presidents, John Benfield, G. B. Runyan; treasurer, James McCormick; secretary, W. L. Sidler; corresponding secretaries, W. K. Halloway, W. M. ;_Gearhart; representative to State Board, M. D. L. Sechler. 1883 President, Samuel Y. Thompson; vice-presidents, M. D. L. Sechler, Caleb Appleman; secretary, W. M. Gearhart; corresponding secretaries, W. K. Halloway, John K. Geringer; treasurer, Jesse C. Amerman. 1884 President, John Benfield; vice-presidents, S. Y. Thompson, M. D. L. Sechler; secretary, W. M. Gearhart; corresponding secretaries, W. B. Baldy, John C. Patterson; treasurer, Jesse C. Amerman. 1885 Pi-esident, M. D. L. Sechler; vice-presidents, B. B. Antrim, Frank Sidler; secretary, W. M. Gearhart; corresponding secretaries, W. B. Baldy, Elias Knerr; treasurer, Jesse C. Amerman. 1886 President, Peter Mowrer; vice-presidents, David P. Diehl, Jacob Sandal; secretary, W. B. Baldy; corresponding secretaries, W. M. Gearhart, j^?^'*^ John Hendricks; treasurer, Jesse C. Amerman. The Northern Montour Agricultural Society was organized in 1871, and is , ; — — — — — — — — — — — — — HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 38 located in Washingtonville, where the society is comfortably fixed with grounds, tracks and suitable buildings, in the heart of as fine an agricultural district as can be found in the State. For several years meetings were held in various places. In 1879 it was removed to its present location on the farm of Gideon P. Dietrick, in Derry Township, where the society has leased thirteen acres of land, on which they have an exhibition hall 50x80 feet, erected in 1886, large sheds and They have a fine half-mile speed track and other suitable buildings. It is not at present a joint stock grounds for stock and horse exhibitions, etc. They association, being owned entirely by the gentlemen who are its officers. intend, however, to apply to the Legislature for a charter, and to make the company a regular stock association. The fairs have been uniformly successful and are yearly increasing in interest and in the number of exhibitors and Its officers are president, Peter Dietrick; secretary, Charles E. attendance. Shires; treasurer, David Smith. CHAPTER V. INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. MONG the many serious obstacles that confronted the early settlers was want of feasible highways for travel and communication with the older settlements, means of transportation to supply the people until they could proThe exduce the necessaries to keep want and hunger fi'om their cabin doors. A .ll\. the uberant forest growth, the treacherous waters of the streams, the rugged, rocky hills made the country an unknown world to be explored only by the most adventurous backwoodsmen, the fearless nomadic trappers and hunters who could pilot their way by the north star, or, when the heavens were di-aped in heavy The people followed clouds, by the moss growing upon the trunks of trees. the streams into the dark unknown world, laboriously pushing their primitive In the winter the streams were fi'ozen over and water crafts against the stream. then in the spring and summer came the great freshets and the droughts and The people had generally but small stores to bring with them, low waters. and such were their difficulties to overcome on the way that had they had great The little stock of salt and supplies they could not have transported them. corn or wheat for bread was often exhausted weeks or months before more was grown or could be procured. The men fished and hunted to supply meat, and many a pioneer family has been compelled to live for long and painful periods The writer has heard experiences in this way, of of time upon meat alone. how they would have lean turkey or venison and fat bear meat. The lean meat they would feign was bread, and the fat bear meat. But no imagination And sometimes to the could be active enough to prolong this make-believe. Then, indeed, accumulated horrors of pioneer life came grim, gaunt famine. Here was the slow accumulathe cup of bitter dregs was filled to overflowing. What a brood of birds of evil omen spreading their wings tion of horrors. over the land When we add to this malaria, disease and death that have lurked in wait upon the occupants of all new countries, and that wei'e ever ready to spring upon these intruders of the primeval wastes and blast them with its poisoned breath the dense forests, the gnarled old oaks and the deep ! ; #' "-'**-^!»Ls % >o. •^^> ^-^^"Cyf /^.^^^^^^iT HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 41 rooted pines of the hills and the dense forest verdure and tangled growth of the valley, the tortuous streams and their angry, raging waters that flung their headlong course across the dim trails of the immigrant, and when once crossed threatened to ever fence him out from a return to friends and civilization; the soft footed beasts lying in ambush for prey, or whetting their sharp gleaming teeth, and shrieking and howling in famishing hunger that gave them dangerous courage; the impenetrable forest growth filled with animal life, the tops and branches of the trees crowned with birds of song and variegated plumage in happy content, carolling their songs of liberty to the skies; the bodies of the trees covered with countless and often poisonous insects, and upon the ground and on the branches of the trees the softly gliding reptiles spotted with deadly beauty. And now to crown all, and worse and more deadly than all these terrors that confronted the settlers, were the red devils in black paint, the cunning, stealthy, cowardly, pitiless murderers who slowly tortured their helpless victims, men, women and sucking babes with outrages, mutilation and the refinement of inflictions that must have always made death a most welcome and happy refuge to the poor victims. When all these terrible obstacles had been well mastered and the pioneer had cleared his little patch of ground, built his one-roomed log cabin and begun to feel the happy impulses of having a home though never so humble yet the fruition of the day dreams of his life, it was his own, and it covered and protected his household goods yet his victory was not complete and his happiness was not to be undisturbed. Then impended and sometimes came the more terrible enemy, gaunt famine, who sat at the rude board table and laid his long bony hand upon the curly headed darlings, blanched the cheek and dulled the eye of the loving wife and mother converting her cooing lullaby and the sweet, rippling laughter of childhood into a wail a weak and dying cry for bread. Where is there a more mournful chapter in all history than that of the terrible sufferings from famine of the colonists of Jamestown and Plymouth ? In a somewhat milder form the sad story followed the advance settlers in the wilderness. The average pioneer would have his family usually, and but little else. And now, nearing the banks of the northern Mississippi, you can find in every county old settlers " who can tell you of the pains of want and hunger that hemmed them about in the early days. How the little stores that they carried to their new homes were exhausted or destroyed in the storms or raging streams, and how the men would hunt for game, and the women and children would tend the little truck patch and watch the growing pumpkins or corn or other early vegetables, or hunt nuts, berries and roots, or anything to sustain life. A venerable old lady told the writer of her experience in childhood, one long summer, when herself and the other children often ate the pumpkins before the bloom had fallen entirely off; how the first ear of green corn came to them like a ray of joy and hope and was devoured raw, and what perfect happiness was in that family, grown gaunt and sickly for the want of healthy food, when the corn finally hardened enough for the tin grater that gave them truly the bread of life. In the long course of time and slow tortures the grain for bread would be grown, then the grater would give way to the mortar and pestle, and in time the far-away horse-mill or watermill would be the Mecca for long and hard voyages with the grist to grind. To go to mill would be a week' s hard labor, and then your own horse and hands would, after waiting sometimes a day or two for youi* turn, have to slowly grind your own grist. Food that now we would hardly feed our pigs on was then procured by the constant and active struggle of every chick and child of the household. Coarse and mean as the best food then was, it came to — — — ' ' 3A HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 42 What a these poor famishing children of the wilds like manna from heaven. grim vein of humor there was in the old pioneer's story of going to mill, as he related it at an " old settlers' " meeting a short time ago. It was in the winter, and he had to make the long journey with his grist, provender and The outfit made a full load. After many days' food loaded into an ox cart. travel, sleeping under his cart at night, facing the extremes of weather and It was broken and winter storms, he eventually reached the little horse-mill. nearest mill, which he next the his journey to up took He o-rind. not could finally found, and after waiting three days reached his turn, ground what he and his team had not eaten, and started home; then was delayed by swollen streams and blinding storms, until everything in his cart was devoured except an old And thus he drew the horse blanket and some skins that were his bedding. vivid pictnre of going to mill and starving on the way home pioneer experi- — ences ! But thus our nation was cradled. The first dim and devious trails were as early as possible supplemented by wagon roads, that were surely at first difficult enough to travel over cut oui The people annually set apart several days with a team and an empty wagon. to come together and work ^^pon the roads, and then put up rough, poor bridges these were generally washed away the first high water that came. But nothing daunted they would be rebuilt the work done the best they could and other betterments were made to the wagon roads. Slowly, indeed, did these essential improvements progress, but finally passable roads and bridges were constructed on the main lines of travel and transportation. The organization to build the Centre Turnpike, extending from Beading to the Susquehanna Biver opposite Northumberland, was perfected in 1808. One of the active promoters and managers of this daring and important enterThe work was pushed with sleepless prise was Gen. William Montgomery. It was a work in its day and times as great as was the building of the energy. Union Pacific Bailroad in these days. In 1814 a turnpike road from Danville to Bear Gap, where it connected These were important and beneficent with the Centre Turnpike, was built. The promoters were public works, gained only by the most heroic struggles. ' ' ' ' — — ' ' ' ' — the foremost men in the country the great benefactors of their age. In 1820 the great State internal improvement system was inaugurated. That year a citizen of Danville, Daniel Montgomery, was appointed one of the canal commissioners, of which he was elected president. He exercised much influence While he was in over the direction and building of the canals then constructed. The survey was made in this position the North Branch Canal was located. In 1832 the first water was 1826-27, and the work contracted early in 1828. turned in, and a boat that year was loaded with wheat in Danville and taken to the Sweetwater the boat itself being built in Danville. The line of the canal as originally built was from Lackawanna Creek to Columbia, a distance of about 150 " There was only three feet tonnage at first, and by raising the path miles. increased to the and by di-edging the canal bottom the depth of water has been It continued to be the property present gauge of between six and seven feet. of the State until about 1854, when it was sold, and is now a part of the possessions of the Pennsylvania Bailroad. The building of the canal was an important era in this part of the State. It invited men and capital to come and take advantage of what was going to be a rapid rise in values and more, what was going to be a day of swift development of public and private enterprises of all kinds. The canal, as all men could It would open a see, would let in here the light and sunshine of civilization. — ' ' HISTORY OF MONTOUK COUNTY. 43 cheap and easy highway of transportation. It would bring together the great and rich deposits of iron ore of this place and the fuel of other places for its manufactiire. And responsive to this came here men and capital, operatives and laborers, and every day, almost every hour, visible signs of growth of the most substantial and cheering kind were to be seen on every hand. Such a thing as a monopoly was then mostly unknown and unseen in this country. The writer talking to a mechanic who had worked in •Danville from the opening of the canal to the present, asked him what he then had to pay for coal, and was told that he bought coal then for $1.50 a ton and now pays $3. 50. This at first view is unaccountable, especially when we remember that three railroads pass Danville in addition to the canal. The Danville Bridge Company was chartered January 2, 1828, "to build a bridge across the Susquehanna at the town of Danville." The following was the company in its first organization. President, Daniel Mont- gomery; treasurer, James Longhead; secretary, John Cooper; managers, John C. Boyd, William Colt, Peter Baldy, Sr., William Boyd, Andrew McReynolds and Robert C. Grier. On the 3d of March in the same year a contract was made for the construction of the bridge with John P. Schuyler and James Fletcher, who at once commenced the work, and in January, 1829, it was completed, being accepted by the company in February, as finished according to contract. The governor was notified of the fact, as the State originally held a small amount of stock in the bridge. Daniel Hoffman was elected the first toll collector at the annual salary of $65. Previous to the 14th of March, 1846, eleven dividends had been declared; on that day the bridge was swept away by a flood in the river. Daniel Blizard was carried down on a fragment of the bridge and was rescued with great difficulty near the old stone house. Subsequent to that date no dividend was declared until 1863. After the loss of the bridge in the great freshet of March, 1846, a contract for its rebuilding was made with Chester Evans and David N. Kownover; but Evans disposed of his interest to Kownover and the latter alone carried on and finished the work. This second bridge stood the storms and floods until 1875 when it too was swept away by the high waters and the floating Catawissa bridge, that was washed against it with such force as to lift it up when the The bridge was waters bore it away on the 17th of March in that year. H. F. Hawke & Co. did the stone work at once rebuilt in the ensuing season. and the superstructure was erected by the Smith Bridge Company, of Ohio. The toll collectors from the first opening of the bridge to the present time were Daniel Hoffman, Rudolph Sechler, E. Mellon, Isaiah S. Thornton and Joseph Hunter. Mr. Joseph Hunter took charge in 1851. The bridge is one-fourth of a mile in length, with a covered footway on each side, entirely shut out from the roadway. The present officers are president, A. J. Frick; secretary and treasurer, J. C. Grove; managers, W. H. Magill, A. J. Frick, Isaac X. Grier, "Wilson Officers are elected anMetter, G. M. Shoop, B. R. Gearhart, Amos Vastine. nually. The Catawissa Railroad, now the Catawissa division of the Philadelphia & Reading Railroad, extends from Tamanend to Williamsport, passing through the mountainous and romantic portions of Schuylkill and Columbia Counties for a distance of about forty miles, until it reaches the village of Catawissa. Between Catawissa and Rupert it crosses the North Branch of the Susquehanna River, and at Rupert Station connection is made with the Delaware. Lackawanna & Western Railroad. Leaving the river at this point, the line takes a direct coiu'se across a beautiful farming country for a distance of seven miles HISTOEY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 44 From Danville to Milton, sixteen miles, the route lies through a At Milton it connects with the PhilaErie Railroad; at Hall's Station it connects with the Muncy Creek to Danville. fertile section devoted to agriculture. delphia & Railroad. The Danville, Hazleton & Wilkesbarre Railroad was commenced in 1868 and completed in 1871. The active promoter and organizer of this enterprise was S. P. Case, its first president. The line extends from Sunbury, where it connects with the Philadelphia & Erie, Northern Central, Lewistown &. Sunbury & Shamokin division of the Northern Central Railroad, to Tomhicken, where it connects with the Lehigh Valley Railroad. Mr. Case encountered heavy opposition, when he commenced to build his road, from other interested corporations, but without money and with but small credit he overcame every obstacle. The road is now a part of the great Pennsylvania system, and is run and operated by this company. The Montour Iron Works has a track passing up Mahoning Creek a short distance and then a branch leads off northeasterly to the company' s ore beds the These are private tracks for the purother leads to the Russell rock quarry. pose of the company that built them. The Lackawanna, Williamsport & "Western Railroad was built and long known as the Lackawanna & Bloomsburg road. It became a completed railroad in 1858 and is one of the most important and convenient lines of transIts termini are Scranton and Northportation that touches Montour County. umberland distance eighty miles. It is leased and operated by the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Railroad Company. The Wilkesbarre and Western Railway is now in the course of construcThe termini of this road are Watsonville and Shicktion across the county. Building was commenced in the spring of 1886, and the work proshinny. This is an indegressed rapidly, passing through this county to Millville. pendent organization and is built in the interest solely of its projectors and It passes near Washingtonville and will open up transportation owners. facilities to the finest and richest portions of the county. ; — CHAPTER BORDER WARS— WAR VI. 1812-15—MEXICAN WAR— CIVIL WAR, the pioneers the military border troubles kept THE our angry disputes with England about the impressment alive spirit of of ETC. until the sailors brought Then followed the Black Hawk us into conflict with that power a second time. war, the Florida war, the Mexican war, and more recently the most deplorable In all these conflicts the people of Montour County did of all, the civil war. not falter, they did their duty, they bore a fair and chivalrous part in them A number of military companies was organized at different periods and all. an early day. In 1814, when the British fleet lay off the coast threatening Baltimore, Gov. Snyder ordered the militia of Northumberland, Luzerne and Columbia About 1,000 men were soon collected, all Counties to rendezvous at Danville. under the command of Maj. Post, of Luzerne County. He appointed Joseph at * ' : " : HISTOKY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 45 This young army was stationed in Danville about two quartermaster. When weeks, when 500 of them were ordered to Northumberland County. they were ready to go to Baltimore and were expecting orders to do so every hour, the good news came that the British had been defeated and had sailed The battle ground was thus transferred to New Orleans and with their fleet. Maus ' ' Johnny came marching home. ' — The Danville Militia. This is the first company of which there is any We only know that at the close of the last record, and that is unsatisfactory. war with England it was flourishing and well organized. It then numbered 100 members rank and file and was commanded by Capt. Samuel Yorks, who Thomas W. Danville Blues. had seen active service as lieutenant in the Others are forgotBell was one of the subordinate ofiicers of the company. ten, a century having almost obliterated the recollection of those early citizen' ' ' soldiers. ' — This was a rifle company commanded by Capt. Isaac The Danville Blues. The names of its members can only be recalled in part. The imBlue. perfection of the roll is a source of regret, as it would be a great satisfaction to all, and especially to their descendants, to know the names of those who so freely responded. The following is a portion of the roll John Dugan. John McCoy. John Mills. Abner Moore. Asa Moore. Isaac Blue, captain. Herbert W. Best. Isaiah Blue. Colin Cameron. Daniel Cameron. Alexander Campbell. Edward Morison. David Petrikin, surgeon. Sanders. Jacob Sechler. Samuel Yorks, lieutenant. This company was in active service on the frontier in 1813, and was stationed at Black Rock, where it suffered severely from the malignant fever, then known as the Black Rock fever. Some of the members died with the fever One of the notwithstanding the skillful efforts of Dr. Petrikin in their behalf. victims of the epidemic was Alexander Campbell. The Light Horse was a company of light dragoons commanded by Capt. Clarke of DeiTy. This company of cavalry was a great favorite of the people in its palmy days. Many of the most enterprising young men of the county, who were the cavaliers of that day, were members of the " Light Horse. Well armed and equipped, their spirited and showy horses, their tine military dress and thorough di'ill, led by their gallant captain, with Trumpeter Sanders in his gay, scarlet uniform in the van, sounding his clarion notes to the great delight of juvenility, they made the day of parade one of the great gala days, And right fortunate were ranking with Christmas and the Fourth of July. the boys who were permitted to go to Washingtonville to witness the regimental parades in that ancient village. The organization of the " Light Horse" dated back to 1810, and although not mustered into service during the war that followed, they had promptly volunteered, and were highly indignant when the Government refused to accept their services. The members of this brilliant cavalry company have all passed away. The last survivor of the gallant chivalry a great age. their war horses through the streets of Danville has Many of them attained who so gloriously rode He was almost ninety years of age following particulars as his recollection of the roster long since departed. John Blue. James Boyd. Lucas Brass. Elisha Barton. Isaac Bear. Charles Clark, captain. when he gave the James Donaldson. John Donalson. William De Pew. HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 46 King. Charles Evans. Charles M. Frazer. Charles Frazer. William Kitchen. Daniel Montgomery. Lewis Maus. Joseph Maus. Robert Moore. Thomas Moorhead. John Gulicks. John Gaskins. James Hamilton. Kipp. Peter Pursel. William Sheriff. James Stevenson. Henry Sanders. Daniel Woodside. James Woodside. Thomas Woodside. — This company was organized in 1817, and was long It embraced many of the enterprising and patriotic the pride of the county. young men of the community. The muster roll at the organization of the company or very soon thereafter, has been preserved, and is as follows: Columbia Guards. John Anthony. William Barber. Samuel Baum. Daniel Barber. John Best. Anthony Boon. Matthew Blackwell. William Clark. Thomas Thomas Clark. Colt. William Colt. James Colt. William Cathcart. Isaac Cornelison. James Carson, captain. Alexander Donaldson. William Donaldson. William DePew. Frederick Frick. Fisher. Thomas Charles Goodman. William G. Hurley. Ellis Hughes. Jacob Hibler. Samuel Huntington. Jared Irwin. Adolphus Kent. Amos E. Kitchen. John Lundy. Asher Lyon. Daniel W. Montgomery. John Montgomery. Henry Marshall. John Moore. Charles Moore. Andrew Y. Moore. Burrows Moore. Samuel Moore. Thomas Moorehead. Hugh McWilliams. Hector McCallister. William S. Maus. Gideon Mellon. Matthew Patterson. George Potter, captain. John Pervin. Orrin Sholes. Jacob Sechler. Savage. John M. thiel. Casper Thiel. Samuel Underwood. David Woodside. Robert Woodside. Jacob Wieman. Isaac Warner. Thomas Wiley. James Wilson. Charles Wilson. John Young. Grier. The Colambia Guards, together with the Northumberland Artillerists, Capt. Priestly, the Warrior Run Infantry and others, constituted the Northumberland and Columbia battalion of volunteers, commanded by Maj. R. Coleman Hall. In the summer of 1823 there was a battalion parade in Danville, on the then open ground between Bloom and Center Streets. Dr. W. H. MaThe parade is said to gill, then a young man, was surgeon of the battalion. have l^een the grandest military display ever witnessed in Danville. The Columbia Guards were first commanded by Capt. Potter, and subsequently by Capts. Carson, Colt, Best, Wilson and Frick, until 1846, stretching over a period of about thirty years. In that year the first call was made upon the citizen soldiery since the organization of the company. Prompted by a patriotic desire to serve their country in the Mexican war, their services were ofFered and accepted, and the Columbia Guards, under the command of Capt. Wilson, numbering ninety-four, rank and file, were mustered into the Brown fell service of the United States on the 28th of December, 1846. at Matamoras, like a hero in battle, and the banks of the Rio Grande had starry drunk the blood of a Ringgold, and they hastened to the defense of the banner," many, alas! to return no more. The first engagement of the Guards was at the storming of Vera Cruz, and there, at the opening of their brilliant campaign, the lamented Capt. Wilson His died on the 10th of April, 1847. Capt. Wilson was a model ofiicer. remains were brought home and bui'ied with due honors among his family and kindred. From Vera Cruz, the company, under the command of Dr. C. H. Frick, proceeded in the victorious march of Gen. Scott toward the city of Mexico. In the battle of Cerro Gordo they took a prominent part, and lost one of their number, John Smith, who was killed by a musket ball in storm' ' : HISTOKY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 47 At the bloody battle of Chapultepec they lost two more of ing the heights. their comrades William Dietrich and John Snyder. On approaching the capital of the enemy, the defense of San Angelos with all the military stores a post of distinguishing honor and vast responsibility and of peculiar danger was committed to the Columbia Guards, and on the 13th of September, 1847, they were among the fix'st in Gen. Scott's triumphant march into the city of the Aztecs and the halls of the Montezumas. After an absence of nearly two years, when Mexico was conquered, they retiu-ned to Danville on the 28th of July, 1849. little time developed the fact that most of those who returned had con- — — — A tracted the diseases of an uncongenial climate, and one by one they have Jesse G. Clarke, Ad. Ray and their lamented commander, the passed away. noble-hearted Dr. Clarence H. Frick, followed on that returnless march to the music of the tolling bells, beyond the reach of war's alarms. A remnant only survive, but they, too, are treading the down-hill of life, and form into line reveille, and they, too, ere long will rally to the last with the platoon already advanced beyond the river. When the company returned it was reorganized; captain, George W. Forrest. After Capt. Forrest removed to Lewisburg, Oscar Ephlin was chosen captain. Under his command they entered the Union Army, where the brave reAfter cruits who filled the places of the veterans had a taste of actual service. serving their time they were honorably discharged and disbanded as a company. The elder members in Mexico, and the younger in the war for the Union, have made for themselves a record that is alike honorable to themselves and to the county. The flag of the Old Guards, riddled and torn in the Mexican campaign, is still displayed on public occasions, and always calls forth the warmest feelings of patriotism and local pride, as its tattered fragments proclaim the heroism of On one octhe brave men who followed it through the battle and the storm. casion it caught the eye and was instantly recognized by Gov. Geary, while addressing a mass meeting; and none will ever forget his glowing tribute to the Old Guards, which the sight of their well known flag inspired. The following is the roll as mustered into the United States service for the ' ' ' ' ' ' ' Mexican war CAPTAIN. S. Wilson. John LIEUTENANTS. Clarence H. Frick, First lieutenant. Edward Second lieutenant. Second lieutenant. E. La Clerc, William Brindle, SERGEANTS. George S. Kline, James D. Slater, Robert Clark, Charles Evans, First sergeant. Second sergeant. Third sergeant. Fourth sergeant. CORPOKAXS. John Adams, James Oliver, John Smith, Arthur Gearhart, First corporal. Second corporal. Third corporal. Fourth corporal. MUSICIANS. Thomas Clark, Jesse G. Clark, Drummer. Fifer. ' HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 48 PRIVATES. W. Adams. Charles Samuel Huntingdon. Adam Alvin M. Allen. Jacob App. George W. Armstrong. Frederick Brandt. Samuel Burns. Elam B. Heisler. Henry Hecncastle. Oliver Helme. William S. Kertz. William King. Jer(>me Konkle. Charles Lytle. Ira Lownsberry. Bonham. William Banghart. John Birkenbine. Samuel D. Baker. Robert Lyon. John A. Lowery. Benjamin Laform. Francis Bower. Francis R. Best. William Brunner. William H. Birchfleld. Benjamin J. Martin. Jasper Musselman. Randolph Edward McGonnell. Ball. George Miller. William Moser. Archibald Mooney. Mahlon K. Manly. John G. Mai Ion. Alexander McDonald. Peter Brobst. Abram B. Carley. Michael Corrigan. William Dieterech. William Erie. Daniel S. Follmer. Charles W. Daniel Martial. Richard FI. McKean. Fortner. Robert H. Forster. Norman B. Mack. William McDonald. Casper Oatenwelder Daniel Poorman. Peter S. Reed. Philip Rake. James A. Stewart. Peter M. Space. Jonathan R. Sanders. Oliver C. Stevens. Daniel Snyder. Edward Seler. Peter Seigfried. John C. Snyder. John N. Scofield. William Swartz. Joseph H. Stratton. William H. Swaney. John A. Sarvey. Benjamin Tumbleton. Adam Wray. William White. George Wagner. Sewell Gibbs. Edward Grove. George Garner. Charles Moynthan. HughMcFadden. Jacob Willet. Jerome Walker. George Wingar. Thomas Graham. James McClelland. Peter Robert McAlmont. W. Yarnell. Shepherd'W. Girton. In the war with Mexico the guards were Company C, in the Second Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, commanded by Col. afterward Gov. John W. Geary. Montour Rifles. This company was organized in Danville on the 13th of July, 1855, under the command of Capt. J. J. Zuber. August Fogel was first lieutenant and M. Rosenstein was second lieutenant. In 1859 Capt. Zuber was promoted to a majorship, and some adverse influences caused the dissolution of the company. Most of its members entered the United States service; the greater portion enlisted in Company E, Sixth Regiment Reserves. The company was commanded by M. K. Manly. John Horn was one of the lieutenants of Company E. Tlie First in War. The first military company that left Danville for the war was recruited and commanded by Capt. William M. McClure 100 men. They enlisted for three months and honorably served their time. They were in the battle of Falling Waters and had one member killed, whose name was Amos Zuppinger, one of the first soldiers killed in battle. Capt. McClure afterward commanded Company F, in the One Hundi'ed and Twelfth Artillery, and for brave conduct was subsequently promoted to the position of colonel of the regiment. The Baldy Guards. This company was organized in Danville and mustered into the service of the United States on the 25ih of September, 1861, under the command of Capt. Joseph F. Ramsey. The best elements of young and vigorous manhood in Danville were embodied in this company, nor did it The company was disappoint the ardent hopes of the friends it left behind. named for P. Baldy, Sr. an old citizen of Danville. They were attached to the Ninety-third Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, and were designated as ComTheir first battle was on the Peninsula, at Willpany of that regiment. iamsburg, and they subsequently were in all the sieges and battles of the Army On the resignation of of the Potomac until the closing scene at Appomatox. Capt. Ramsey in 1862, Charles W. Eckman became captain of the Baldy Guards on the 21st of October, that year. — — — — , H ^'J-^l^L->^ t^/ 6-^' 1^^^^) HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 51 On the promotion of Capt. Eckman, Joseph H. Johnson was made captain, and served in command of the Baldy Guards to the close of the war. The officers of the company, when mustered into the service September 25, 1861, were Joseph F. Ramsey, captain; Leffred H. Kase and Charles W. Eckman, lieutenants; James Auld, quartermaster. Second Artillery. Company F, One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, or Second Pennsylvania Artillery, was organized in DanA large portion of its members was ville by Capt. William M. McClure. of Danville and vicinity. This regiment served with much distinction and did much hard service during the war. Danville Fencibles. This company was organized in Danville in 1862, unThis company was in the bloody der command of Capt. Joseph E. Shreeve. battle of Antietam and there it lost seven in killed, namely J. M. Hassanplug, D. Van Ronk, Jacob Long, Daniel Klase, Samuel Hilner, Hiram Hummel Among the latter were James and John Gibson. Eighteen were wounded. The Foster, John Leighow, George Lovett, Charles Flick and D. R. Shutt. company was attached to the One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment Pennsylvania Volui^teers. Officers. Joseph E. Shreeve, captain; George W. Van- — — : — After the battle Norris, second lieutenant. Shreeve was promoted to major of the One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment, and Charles N. Norris was made captain of the company. Company E, Sixth Pennsylvania i?eserfes, was organized in Danville under command of Capt. M. K. Manly, one of the survivors of the Mexican camRichards paign. Charles Richards and John Hoi-n were the lieutenants. Among the privates in this subsequently became captain of the company. company were William Keiner, who lost a leg; Nicholas Frazer, killed at Harrison's Landing; Jacob Miller, lost a foot; Ernest Aderhold, lost a leg. When the rebels invaded the North there was an emergency call for troops, when every county and township in Pennsylvania quickly responded. The Thirteenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Militia was speedily recruited, and advanced to the front to meet the invading foe. Montoui- County furnished two companies for this regiment as follows: Company A, with following named officers: Captain, John A. Winner; John C. Perrin; first first lieutenant, W. A. M. Grier; second lieutenant, sergeant, John G. Hammer; second sergeant, Simon Lyon; third sergeant, Elias Knerr; fourth sergeant, T. C. Hullihen; fifth sergeant, William R. second corporal, William T. Pursell first corporal, Robert Adams, Jr. Ramsey; third corporal, John W. Thatcher; fourth corporal, Benj. W. Vastine; fifth corporal, Geo. L'win; sixth corporal, Samiiel Earp; seventh corporal, John Werkheiser; eighth corporal, Samuel Haman; quartermaster-sergeant, gilder, first lieutenant; Charles N. of Antietam Capt. ' ' ' ; Reuben Riehl. Company K, with following named ' ; officers: Captain, William Young; first Alfred Melon; second lieutenant, Alfred B. Patton; first sergeant, M. B. Munson; second sergeant, A. Jerome Harder; third sergeant, Geo. W. Ramsey; fourth sergeant, Alexander Hofner; first corporal, Alfred Yerrick; second corporal, Hugh P. Liphart; third corporal, Lewis Byerly; fourth corporal, William Miller. The expedition went as far as Hagerstown, and were in the service two weeks when they retiu-ned to Danville and were mustered out. Company F, National Guards, was organized in Danville in 1878; was first commanded by Capt. P. E. Maus, and was mustered as Company F of Capt. Maus rethe Twelfth Regiment, National Guard of Pennsylvania. signed in 1880, and J. Sweisfort was elected captain of the company. lieutenant, HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 52 CHAPTER VII. SCHOOLS. HERE we approach How the subject of vital interest to every one. best to rear oiir children, give them sound minds and bodies, fit them to live the best lives, and equip them for the struggle of life, is the one overshadowwell-poised mind in a healthy body is the suing problem of existence. A be looked upon in this world. For thousands of years the its schools with but little variations in the fundamentals in all For nearly eighteen hundred years the present system of pietistie that time. schools has been carried on, with variations so slight in the material parts as hardly to be perceptible. A little more than one hundred years ago came the Swiss school-teacher, Pestalozzi, who alone to that time was great enough to question the old and supposed divine processes of education, and for himself think and act in behalf of mankind. Like every daring doubter and thinker he lived centuries in advance of his age, and the educators of to-day will sing their feeble paeons to the great Swiss and then drop into the most ancient ruts, only covering the ragged pits and yawning chasms of the highway with thinly spread varnish of supposed perfected improvements in the schools. Educators and school officers are always beset with the imminent danger of becoming mutual admiration societies, and when they reach this beatific state it is pure folly to expect any thus afflicted to attempt to venture into new highways or question the j)erfection of anything that has come to them fr-om the fathers. Blunt and rugged old Thomas Carlyle said: " Nature gives healthy children much, how much! Wise education is a wise unfolding of this; often it unfolds itself better of its own accord. If the young mind ever does the better unfold itself of its own accord," then the schools are neither infallible nor perfected institutions. Then great educators must bestir themselves not in portraying the beauties of glittering superstructures built upon these ancient foundations, but in replacing what is rotten by sound timbers. The interest of every father and guardian of the young on the subject of education must be increased; the knowledge widened until they can make intelligent demands upon the educators, and then only will the real schools come. They are not perfect now. Grant all the most enthusiastic claim for them they are still very imperfect workers in the great cause of civilization. No comment can equal the recent startling questions that have been asked by a few of the world's real thinkers, " Do the schools increase insanity ?' such as Does education educate ?" "Do they sometimes destroy health?" "Does the schoolroom ever overwork and break down the pupil?" "Does it really give knowledge?" Should the public free school pass beyond the three rudimentary branches of education?" "Are strictly graded schools the crowning glory or evil of our system ?' Here are great and important questions. They have not been asked by fools or the enemies of education. How does Nature proceed about the work of wisely unfolding the rich gifts of heaven to healthy children? Who can answer? Yet she knows best; she will not be thwarted. She is not a loving old fool that can be wheedled or cheated, cajoled or bribed out of pursuing her unalterable, inexorable course in everything even the premest thing world has had to ' ' ' ' — ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' — school and its master. HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 53 This will strike the reader as an unusual mode of introduction to a chapter giving some account of the schools in the county. They are not arguments nor They are a few of the many thousands assertions about the system of schools. of questions that should be fully considered on the subject, intended as mere hints to thoughts that the reader may arouse in his own mind and think out for If in a single one they do arouse a healthy investigation in a mind himself. energetic enough to pursue the subject to the end, impartially surveying it from all sides and in every light, tracing to their sources cause and effect, then Simple and crude as are these this book will not have been printed in vain. hints, they involve the whole science of biology, the most profound and intricate questions of life, and he who even tolerably well studies and unfolds them will take his place in history as the world' s greatest philosopher. The public free schools have been a gradual growth in this country. Our At first they had born in the wildwood, rocked on the wave. fathers were The children of that age mostly were of neither schoolhouses nor teachers. In time came necessity left to "unfold " for themselves their gifts of heaven. the three months winter subscription school, taught by some stern old ScotchIrish preacher in a floorless and windowless log cabin, where the youths came long distances along paths that crossed often streams that were bridged by a log felled across them. A dollar's worth of school books would then be a complete outfit for the highest-roomed pupil, and this kit passed down the line to younger brothers and sisters, till the entire family household had passed out Until the establishment of the batten door of their school-day alma mater. the public schools in 1834, the outfit of a pupil was a Webster's spelling-book, a Testament, a Dobold's arithmetic, a slate, a goose quill, and a few sheets of Puncheon benches without backs, a log cut out and oil foolscap paper. paper over it was the improved window. Ten long dreary hours were spent under the eye of the master, who at all events would compel the poor young But one general theory then martyrs to keep their books before their faces. prevailed in rearing children: task them to the utmost and "spare the rod and spoil the child" were the most elevated ideas of fathers and teachers. Life was then rough, rude, but earnest and solemn. Of the early schools in Montour County Mr. William Henry, in his report to the State school superintendent among other things says there were no The first of which there is any account was schools known prior to 1790. built in 1793 by James Montgomery, father of Hugh K. Montgomery, assisted by the few scattered settlers then here, the building stood near the Milton & James Danville road, and but a short distance from the present county line. Montgomery was the fir.st teacher, and this fixes the fact that he was the real ^ How long this first pioneer teacher in what is now Montour County. The supposition is there were no other teachers building stood is not known. In 1797 a rude log house was built on the road taught there except him. leading from Danville to Bloomsburg, on the ground occupied by the late William Yorks. This building had neither floor nor chimney. The roof was rough beams covered with branches, leaves and earth. David Davis, of ValMr. Hewitt was then the ley Township, was an attendant here in 1800. teacher. The next building of which there is any account was built in 1806 in Washingtonville Borough, particulars of which are given in the chapter on ' ' ' ' ' ' ' Derry Township. recollections of J. Fraser, as published some years ago, differ from He gives substantially this account of the It is of sufficient interest to give the first school and teachers and pupils. substance of it. The Mr. Henry's statement somewhat. HISTOKY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 54 The old log schoolhouse was built about 1785. It was twenty The tire-place admitted wood ten feet long. Desks were made feet square. of a single There were about twenty pupils at most board along the side of the room. boarded around. Mr. Gibson, a settled inhabiattending. The teachers tant of Danville, taught among the fii'st and longer than any ether one. The following patrons are known of this earliest school William and John Montgomery, John Sechler, John Fraser, Thomas Osborn, William Sheriff, Thomas Stevenson, John Gulic, Geo. McCulley, Edward Morrison, Murdo Morrison, John Simpson, Paul Adams, John Evans, Phillip Maus, Joshua Halleck, John and James Emmitt, Alexander Ewing, Dr. Forrest, John Hill and the Sanders, Blues, Moores, Woodsides, Cornelisons and Colts. Three months in the year was the term of school. At different periods the names of the pupils that can now be recalled were John, Jacob, Samuel and Harmon Sechler; Archibald, John, James and Eobert Woodsides; Jacob, Isaac, James, Ann and Mary Cornelison Jesse Simpson, Mary, Margaret and Charles M. Fraser, and their cousin, Charles Fraser; Samuel and John Huntington; Isaac, Peter, Samuel and John Blue; Asa, Samuel and Charles Moore; Abbie, Josiah, Griffith and William Phillips; Joseph and Jacob W. Maus, Charles Evans, John McCoy, Jefferson and Eobert Montgomery, the Sechlers, Erasers and Montgomerys were the only ones living near enough to the school to go ' ' ' ' : ; home for the noon meal. The fuel for the school was supplied by the windfalls on the school lot, and was cut by the boys at nooning. Often the boys were taken away before the term was out to help sugar making. In 1802 a new schoolhouse was erected on ground donated by Gen. Montgomery. Here Andrew Forsyth taught, also John Moore, who afterward became a Danville merchant, Thomas W. Bell and Col. Don Carlos Barret. The latter went to Texas, where he became an eminent lawyer and statesman, and with Houston was one of the Lone Star State' s triumvirate. The last survivor of Gibson's pupils, Jacob Sechler, died in Danville ' ' ' Christmas day, 1880. In 1813 there were three schoolhouses between Danville and Milton, a distance of fifteen miles, and there were then not more than eight in what is now Montour County. Then all schoolhouses were built by the voluntary help of the inhabitants, whenever enough children were within reaching distance to justify the movement. On a certain day the inhabitants assembled, went to work, and in a few days the primitive schoolhouse of the olden time was in existence. Among the teachers who taught in the county prior to 1813 was Andrew Forsyth, a gentleman of an eminent Scotch family, a soldier of the war of the Revolution, and an intimate friend of Gen. Washington. He made great sacrifices for the cause of liberty. He had amassed considerable wealth when the war broke out, but placed everything upon the altar of his adopted country and lost it. When the war was over he came to Danville and taught school until his death in 1814. It is supposed, from certain papers found after his death, that he taught here about six years. The last school which he taught was at Mooresburg, where he engendered the disease that caused his death. After the formation of Columbia County education received a fresh impetus, especially in Danville, the new county seat. Mahoning Township at this time had three schools, to wit: West Danville, East Danville and Mahoning. The ground for the West Danville school was given by Gen. Daniel Montgomery, the founder of the town; for East Danville and Mahoning schools the land was given by John Sechler, one of the oldest settlers in the county. These schools were under the supervision of six trustees, who had charge of the buildings. ' HISTOKY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 55 teachers were generally elected by the citizens, who came together at a the trustees. If a stranger wished to become an applicant, the trustees either examined him themselves or appointed some competent person to perform the duty. But little attention was paid to the schools when once they were opened, and three or four months' terms per year constituted the time of The call of holding them. In 1806 Mrs. Eleanor Best opened a subscription school, which she continued successfully until 1824. Some of her old subscription books are said Among others whose names appear in her list of pupils are to be still extant. Daniel Fraser, Daniel Montgomery, Samuel Yorks and Joseph Cornelison. She charged $1.50 a quarter per pupil. She taught spelling, reading and writing. In this little primitive school were laid the foundations of men who have left their names indelibly impressed upon the history of the country. This little school performed one thing well that was what it pretended, and all it claimed to teach the pupils was taught them in such a way that it was never forgotten. After 1816 the following were some of the noted teachers up to the time of the establishment of the public schools: Thomas Belle, Don Carlos BaiTet, Samuel Kirkham, L. C. Judson, Abraham Lillie, Michael Sanders, Ellis Hughes, Michael Best, Isaac Mower. When D. C. Barret taught in the West Danville school, it is reported that Samuel Kirkham, assisted at one time he had one hundred pupils attending. by Ellis Hughes, wrote his English grammar while teaching in the Danville Ellis Hughes was permanently settled here; his reputation was that school. of the best educated man ever in the county up to that time. He came fi'om Catawissa in 1820; he was a good surveyor as well as a teacher; he was appointed register and recorder by the governor for the new county of Columbia. A schoolhouse that he taught in some years stood near the Montour House, He did all his teaching nearly on the spot now occupied by the Record office. prior to 1832, and for years examined for the different trustees all teachers who applied. He was deeply interested in his life work, educating the you^ng, and he also took an active part in the State internal improvements. He filled with He died in 1850. His distinction many places of public trust during his life. descendants are some of the most respected citizens of Danville. The schools of the rural districts were deprived, on account of the sparseness mostly of the settlers, of many of the advantages of the schools in the town, as primitive as were the best of the town schools at that day. The rural teachers were generally transient and migratory ih their habits, and the ability of the people to pay often compelled them to work for wages that were very small indeed. In none of them were any attempts made to teach more than the true basis of an English education; spelling, reading, writing and ciphering to the rule of three was the boundary line of the most ambitious attempts in the words of the ancient school philosopher and trustee, when he announced with impressive dignity that he required all applicants to be able to teach the "three r's" "reading, riting and rithmetic." " The Old Center Stone Schoolhouse" in Liberty Township was built in 1823, and stood a prominent school land-mark in the county until 1872, when it was destroyed by an incendiary fire. The ground was given jointly by James Strawbridge, father of Dr. J. D. Strawbridge, and here the Doctor received the foundation of his education. James Aiken, at one time widely known as Pennsylvania's rural poet, was one of the principal teachers in this building. James Aiken was preceded by James Laferty, whose assistant was a polished Irishman named Duncan. The first schoolhouse in Washingtonville Borough was built in 1806 a fi-ame ; ' ' ' — — — HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 56 building that is still standing and is now nsed as a residence. The first teacher in this building was Abraham Barry, followed by John Craven, John Moore, The principal promoters of the Mr. Allen, John Reilly and Mr. Hutchinson. school in Derry Township at this early day were Col. Thomas Moorehead, Thomas Eobertson and Samuel Brittain. Danville Academy was instituted in the year 1818; the ground was donaA two-story brick building was erected under ted by Gen. Wm. Montgomery. the auspices of the Presbyterian Church, which elects trustees for its supervisIt has been from its building a chief instiion and the care of the property. tution of learning in the county, and some of our best edvicators have been conThe prominemt ones of the early teachers were Mr. Painter, nected with it. R. P. Catley, Isaac Grier, S. P. Johnson, John B. Patterson, A. Wood, Mr. Nelson, E. W. Conkling. In 1855 this first building was replaced by the presRev. J. ent two -story brick structure, and new and better furniture supplied. E. Bradley, afterward one of the publishers of the Montour American, was the first principal of the school in the new building; succeeded by Joseph W. Weston, Mr. Marr, Mr. Wynn and the present teacher, John M. Kalso, who has been at the head of the institution since the year 1871. Limestonville Institute is a substantial brick edifice erected in 1862, under the control of an association of stockholders, for the purpose of establishing a classical high school to be called the Limestonville Institute. The first officers elected were, president, W. D. Weidenhauser; secretary. Rev. Lucien Cort; treasurer, A. S. Wagner trustee, David Davis. The school opened with a goodly attendance of students under the tutorship of Rev. L. Cort; he was succeeded by Mr. Alden, Mr. Brown, of Gettysburg, William G. Ritter, Chas. S. Albert, J. E. Shadle, J. B. Bergner, and then Prof. Pullen and wife, of Philadelphia, were in charge. This very short summary is about all that can now be gleaned by the chronicler of the schools down to the period of that great movement that resulted in establishing the free ^hools. ' ' ' ' ; FKEE SCHOOLS. In 1 830 the first steps were taken in what is now Montour County to secure The school laws then in a wider and better system of general education. force were very objectionable and defective. Complaints began to be expressed on all way sides. All institutions of learning displayed activity in a sporadic and these short efforts were generally followed by long spells of These were some of the things that started first the languor and languishing. Meetings were called where an interchange of ideas project of fi'ee schools. was had, and at these first meetings and discussions of the subject, as a matter of course the friends of free schools found themselves in the minority. May 23, 1834, Isaiah Reed, then sheriff of Columbia County, including what is now Montour, issued his proclamation, with regard to the public school only, the timely action of the county commissioners. On the 8th of meeting was held in the court-house in Danville relative to a general school system of education, by Nicholas Gouger, Andrew Ikeler and John Yeager, county commissioners, together with school commissioners from six township of the county, among whom were Hugh McWilliams, of Liberty Township, John Fatton, of Mahoning, and William Carnahan, of Derry, now embraced in this county. A vote was taken with the following result: For schools, John Patton and William Carnahan. The report of the meeting says, They agreed to levy a tax of two-thirds of that of the county tax for school purposes in Mahoning and Derry Townships." A majority of the delegates at this meeting were opj)osed to the measure. law, for June a ' ' HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 57 The friends of the cause continued to agitate the question, accomplishing nothing definite until the year 1836. On May 2 of that year, the county commissioners and the school delegates from the several townships met at the court-hovise in Danville in conformity to the " act of Assembly prescribing a general system of education by common schools." The meeting was called to order by Andrew Ikeler, and the roll call of the delegates was had to vote on this subject, with the following result: For schools, Fredrick Frick, Mahoning William Dale, Liberty James Johnston, Derry, and Samuel Oakes, Limestone. The county commissioners then voted; for A motion schools, Andrew Ikeler and Iddings Barkley against, John Yeager. was then made to raise a tax eqvial to that of the county tax Mahoning, Liberty, Derry and Limestone voting in the affirmative; this was reconsidered, and a motion to levy a tax equal to three-fourths of the county tax prevailed, Mahoning voting for the whole tax. Saturday, May 21, 1886, a meeting of the taxable inhabitants of Mahoning Township was, in pursuance of public notice, held in the house of Thomas Clark in Danville for the purpose of ascertaining whether the inhabitants of the township were in favor of levying an additional tax for common-school Benjamin McMahan, president of the board, purposes for the year 1836. The following resolution was presided, and Fredi-ick Frick was secretary. after long discussion adopted. ; ; ; — Resolved, That the meeting be in favor of levying an additional tax for common school purposes for the year 1836 equal to one-fourth of the county tax assessed for said, year; that the school directors be requested to have the same collected if necessary; and that the proceedings of this meeting be signed by the officers and published in the Danville Intelligencer. In 1837 the State appropriation to the county amounted to $659.16; distributed as follows: Derry Township, 350 taxables, received $226.58; Liberty Township, 268 taxables, $173.50; Limestone, 121 taxables, $78.32, and Mahoning, 341 taxables, $220.76. The early school records of the districts are unfortunately lost or destroyed. From the best information to be had it is believed that the four townships (Derry, Liberty, Mahoning and Limestone) accepted the law about the same time, with the view of receiving the pecuniary aid of the State. After its establishment the organization of the schools depended mainly upon men who had but little experience in education; and the law was imperfectly underTherefore the system was not stood by the officers who were to enforce it. generally looked upon as a success, and opposition was soon manifested, which continued until after the enactment of the law in 1854 creating a new school officer, and giving additional powers to the directors in enforcing the law. In 1837 Samuel Bond, James McMahan and James Perry were members and Ellis Hughes, Benjamin McMahan, John Patton, McDonald Campbell and Fredi'ick Frick, of Mahoning Township. There are at present 57 schoolhouses in the county, 24 brick and 33 wooden buildings, and are situated as follows: Anthony, 5 wooden and 3 brick; Cooper, 2 fi'ame; Danville, 5 frame, 4 brick; Derry, 6 frame; Pine Grove (a small of the school board of Liberty District, taken off of Liberty), 1 fi'ame; Liberty, 8 frame; Limestone, 1 frame, 5 brick; Mahoning, 4 frame, 1 brick; Mayberry, 2 frame; Valley, 6 frame; Washingtonville, 1 frame; West Hemlock, 3 frame. Tabular statement for the year ending June 1, 1886, of the number of pupils in the districts, and the average cost for the same: district 58 HISTOEY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. No. Male ^"Vh.'^S(^Wuu„,„^ &7ro l'e.-:i'7orT<- HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. CHAPTEK 61 VIII. MEDICAL. SICKNESS was here before the learned physician and his pill bags. Malaria up from its lairs along the streams and valleys of the country, disturbed by the axe and the plow of industry, and it said to the pioneer, "shake." He fought it off as best he could with teas, dogwood, wild cherry and boneset, by prayers and penance, and no doubt often appealed to the horrid practices and swindling devices of mendicant quacks and their nostrums and charms the negro voudoo, the Indian medicine man, the white quack. The practice of medicine has greatly changed in the past century. People are stronger, healthier and longer lived now than they were a century ago. The life of a generation has been extended ten years. What one greater fact can be pointed to in the world' s history ? This, too, in the face of the fact that people now live less in the open air and sunshine than ever before. Great epidemics have been nearly mastered and this began to come about when our fathers ceased to rely upon prayers and penance, and fell upon the simple plan of cleanliness, better ventilation, better cooked food and better sewerage, healthful recreation and exercise. It is said the first regular physician to locate in what is now Montoui County, was Dr. Foster, the date of whose coming to Danville can not be positively fixed. Of his descendants, Mrs. Valentine Best, his granddaughter, is a citizen of Danville. Dr. David Petrikin was born in Bellefonte. He came to Danville at an early day, studied medicine and here for many years practiced his profession. He was elected to Congress and served two terms, 1837-41. He died January seemed to rouse — 1849. Dr. Bohan R. Gearhart located in Danville to practice his profession in 1842. He first settled in "Washingtonville, this county, and after remaining there a short time, came here. He graduated from Jefferson Medical College in 1839 or 1840. He died in May, 1855. Dr. Dowell and Dr. Magill were here at the same time, and, while not the 3, first, were here very early. Among the students of Dr. Petrikin, Danville' s first young men to study their profession were Herman Gearhart and Alexander C. Donaldson. James Dale Strawbridge, native of Montoui* County, residence, Danville, was in the continuous practice fi'om 1847 to 1860; was then some years surgeon in the United States Yoiunteers and fi'om 1867 to the present in the practice in Danville. He graduated in the University of Pennsylvania in 1847; received the degree of A. B. at Princeton College of New Jersey in 1844, and A. M., 1847. Dr. Strawbridge has long been one of the most eminent sui'geons and physicians in the county. He was a sui'geon in the army during the war, was captured and held prisoner for some time in Richmond. In the army he soon reached the high position of surgeon of a corps. After the war he was elected to Congress where he served to the entire satisfaction of his constituency, 1873-75. His greatest reputation is as a surgeon, his eminence here winning him a name and fame co-extensive with the entu-e State. 4A HISTOEY OF MONTOUK COUNTY. 62 William H. Magill located in Danville in 1818, where he was for manyyears one of the leading physicians in this portion of the country. He married, in 1828, a daughter of Gen. Daniel Montgomery. R. S. Simington located in Danville in 1854, and here commenced his long and brilliant career. He was surgeon in the Fourteenth and Ninety-third llegiments of Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served with great distinction. At |ihe close of service he resumed his practice in Danville. In 1866 he was elected Durgess of the borough, afterward associate judge in the Montour Court; after five years' service was re-elected. Dr. Strawbridge tells us his recollection of the 2:)hysicians who were prac'.cing in this county when he came here in 1847 is as follows: Dr. W. H. Magill, Dr. John Murray (his widow is a resident of Danville), Dr. Bohan R. Gearhart (.TQentioned elsewhere), Dr. Wesley R. Gearhart (he was an uncle of Wilson M. Giarhart, the present prothonotary). Dr. Isaac Hughes (his widow a resident of Daiville) and Dr. Clarence H. Frick, who is noted elsewhere more fully. Physicians who have registered in the county since 1881, under the act requiring physicians to register: Soiomon S. Schultz, born in Berks County, Penn. He is one of the attending physicians in the Danville Insane Asylum. He has been in continuous practice nearly thirty years. He graduated in the University of Pennsylvania, March 29, 1856; also received degrees of A. B. in the college of New Jersey, Princeton, in 1852, and A. M. in 1855. Alonzo Ammerman, a native of Danville, where he resided and practiced until his death, January 19, 1886; graduated fi'om the University of Pennsylvania March 12, 1875; graduated fi'om the "State Normal School," Mansfield, Ohio, in 1872. Francis Eugene Harpel, born in Berks County, Penn., resides in Danville where he has been continuously fifteen years; practiced in Shamokin and Pennville before coming to Danville; graduated from Hahnemann Medical College in 1871. James Ogelby, born in County Fermanagh, Ireland; residence, Danville, where he has been in the practice eighteen years; received his degree from Jefferson medical college March, 1868. Robert S. Simington, born in Lycoming County; residence Danville; been in active practice thirty-three years; received degree from the University of . Pennsylvania in 1854. George J. Grauel, a native of Prussia; residence, Danville. James Dallas Mausteller, born in Montour County; residence to time of death, August 26, 1883, in Danville; graduate of University of Pennsylvania March, 1871. Jacob H. Vastine, born in Northumberland County and located in Danville. In the practice twenty-eight years; graduate of Jefferson medical college 1858, and in New York Ophthalmic Hospital 1859-60; removed to Catawissa. Isaac Pursell, native of Northampton County; residence Danville; in pracgraduate of University of Pennsylvania. in Danville, where he resides; in the practice twenty years; student in Long Island Hospital, Brooklyn. Jacob P. Hoffa, native of Northumberland County; resides in Washingtonville, where he entered the practice after his graduation at Jefferson Medical College, in March, 1876. Montraville McHenry, a native of Columbia County; resides in Exchange, Montour County; graduated at Burlington, Vermont, 1878. William E. Reed, native of Lycoming County; resided in White Hall; graduate of Jefferson Medical College, 1880; removed from the county. tice forty years; Samuel Y. Thompson, born HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 63 Charles F. Evans, born in Pittston; resided in Danville; practiced his proMcLeansboro, 111. Peckville and Canaan, Penn. graduate of American Medical College, St. Louis, Mo., 1876; left the county. Hugh B. Meredith, born in Bucks County; residence Danville; graduate of University of Pennsylvania, 1877; first practiced in Doylestown and then came fession in , ; to Danville. Philip C. Newbaker, born in Dauphin County; graduated from Jefferson Medical College, March 12, 1869; resides in Washingtonville. Benjamin Franklin Shultz, a native of Columbia County; residence Danville; graduated from JeflPerson Medical College, 1854. Charles Delcamp, born in Schuykill County; left the county. John H. Sandel, native of Montour County; located in the practice in Danville; removed to Schuykill County; gi-aduate of Hahnemann Medical College^ 1882. Jeremiah K. Bowers commenced practice, 1865; student of American Philadelphia University, Philadelphia; he has left the county, residence but temporary. Mandeville O. Greenwald, a native of Allentown, Penn. residence Mooresburg; graduate of University of Pennsylvania, 1872. Boardman P. Backus, born in New York; was but temporarily in the county. Francis H. Sinning, of Washington County; temporary. J. Brooks Follmer, same. Henry C. R. Morrow, born in Erie County, N. Y. located in Exchange, Montour County; graduate of University of Buffalo; died in 1886. John Montgomery Baldy, born in Danville; graduated University of Pennsylvania, 1884; removed to Philadelphia, where he is now in the practice. Michael Servetus Seip, born in Easton; is attendant in Danville Insane Asylum graduated from University of Pennsylvania, 1876 received degree of A. B. in Lafayette College. ; ; ; ; ; William Elmer Ritter, a native of Lycoming County; resides in White Hall; graduated from Jefferson Medical College, 1885; was student in Williamsport Commercial College. Eben True Aldrich, born in Lowell, Mass. physician in Danville Insane Asylum; graduate of Long Island College Hospital, Brooklyn, 1880. Nathaniel Whitaker Yoorhees, Jr. born in Hunterton County, N. J. residence Danville; graduate of University of Pennsylvania, 1883. John R. Kimerer, nativity Nashville, Ohio; residence Danville; graduate at College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, 1885. Daniel Edward Kiess, born in Lycoming County; residence Washingtonville; graduate of College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, 1886; his diploma endorsed by Chirurgical College, Philadelphia, and signed Peter S. ; , ; * ' Keyser, Dean." David E. Shoemaker, born in Butler County; resides in Washingtonville; graduated from Sunbury High School, 1881, and at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, 1886; endorsed by the Medico Chirurgical College by order of the faculty. HISTOKY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. '''64 CHAPTER BENCH AND court THE house on the first Chapman IX. BAR. in Danville was held in the second story of the log wareriver bank, a few doors east of Mill Street, in 1814, Hon. Northumberland County, president judge, and Gen. William associates. Primitive as were the surroundings, there were proper dignity and decorum about the coui'troom, and upon the rude bench and at the bar wei*e talents of not only respectable but a Henry Alward of Milton was the first sherifp. The coui't, the high order. members of the bar, the ofiicers, the juries, and witnesses and parties to suits, Seth of Montgomeiy and Hon. Leonard Eupert, now be ascertained, have all passed away. The first prothonotary was George A. Frick, who filled the place for many years, and then located as an attorney in Danville, where he long continued in successful practice. * Of those who came to Danville to court in the practice of the law were Charles Hall, Charles Maus of Berlin, Hugh Bellas of Sunbury, Samuel Hepbui'n of Milton, Mr. Bradford and George M. Porter of Centre County, James Carson of Philadelphia, Ebenezer Greenoughof Sunbury, one of the most eminent lawJudge Thomas Duncan and Judge Charles Huston came here yers of his day. They were from Centre County. Both were afterward memto attend courts. William G. Herely of Bloomsburg, James Pleasbers of the supreme court. ants of Catawissa, Alexander Jordan and Charles G. Donnell of Sunbury, atThis tended court in Danville regularly until they each went on the bench. so far as can does not include all the visiting attorneys, but the list is as complete as we can now make it. The first lawyer to locate in Danville was Alem Marr. He graduated at Princeton College in 1807, studied his profession and came to Danville in He was a fair lawyer, and noted for his industry. He represented 1813. He retired from the practice and rethis district in Congress, 1829-31. moved to his farm near Milton, where he died many years ago. His mind had entirely broken down some time before his death. The second lawyer to flaunt his sign to the gentle breezes here was Ebenezer Greenough, who came here from Suubuiy. He was noted as a learned and able lawyer, a He removed to Sunbury, where he died. His ripe scholar and great jurist. George A. son, William R. Greenough, is now practicing law in Sunbury. Frick, who is mentioned above as the first prothonotary, was one among the Of all his contemporaries he continued the first lawyers to locate in Danville. He reached the age of eighty-four years and died longest in the practice. He in 1872. Legrand Bancroft located here from one of the Eastern States. in active practice many years, and removed to Pottsville, and eventuwent to some of the new Western States or Territories, but exactly where is None of his posterity are here. James Pleasants was for years a not known. was allv He lived in Catawissa. Among the early familiar figure in our courtroom. and eminent Danville attorneys were Judge Cooper, the brother of Judge John Judge Cooper, Sr. was in a large and successful practice here until Cooper. his death. Attorney John G. Montgomery married Miss Cooper; Mr. E. H. Baldy , For most of these particulara and reminiscences we are indebted largely to ancient documents furnished by Mr. A. B. Still. W. Comly, and to the venerable Hon. Joshua HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 65 The great American jurist, Judge Robert C. Grier, married a granddaughter. was at one time a citizen of Danville. While here in practice he was appointed judge of the district court of Pennsylvania, at Pittsburgh, and in a few years thereafter appointed associate jiidge of the United States Supreme Court. He was a native of Cumberland County, Penn. born March 5, 1794; died in Philadelphia at the age of seventy-six years. He was graduated in Dickinson College in 1812, when he located in Northumberland County, and was admitted to After remaining the bar in 1817, and commenced the practice in Bloomsburg. there a year he removed to Danville, where he soon obtained a lucrative and extended practice. He was appointed judge in 1838, by the governor of the commonwealth over the Allegheny Court, and lived in Allegheny until 1 848. President Polk appointed him to the United States Supreme Court in 1846. He was. a great jurist, and in the highest sense of the term a patriot and Democrat. His brother, M. C. Grier, continued to reside in Danville to the time of his. , death. In 1833 Judge Ellis Lewis was president judge of this, the Eighth Judicial and occupied the position with distinction eight years. He was sucThen ceeded by Hon. Charjes Donnell, who served ten years when he died. Joseph B. Anthony became president judge. He died nine months before his ten years' term expired, and Judge James Pollock was appointed to fill out At the next regular election Alexander Jordan was elected the unexpired term. to the office; was re-elected and completed the two terms, or twenty years^ In 1872 Judge William A. Rockafeller was elected to the office and continued' When thisin the presiding office as long as this was in the Eighth District. was changed to the Eleventh District Judge John M. Cunningham became Then again Alexander Jordan filled the office. In turn he president judge. was succeeded by Judge Eockafeller. Then Judge William Elwell, the present The county associate judges are president judge was elected to the office. Dr. R. S. Simington and John Benfield. Joshua W. Comly, the eldest son of Charles Comly, merchant, was born in Philadelphia, November 16, 1810. Removed with his parents to Milton in 1820,.. where he was prepared for college in the academy of Rev. David Kilpatrick. After his graduation in 1827 he commenced the study of law in the office of Judge Samuel Hepburn, and was admitted as an attorney in the courts of Northumberland County. November 17, 1830, when he was twenty years and one day old. He was admitted to the practice in the supreme court of Pennsylvania inMay, 1833, and located in Orwigsburg, Schuylkill County, in February, 1831. In the fall of 1834 he removed to Danville, where he has since resided. Heretired from active practice in 1882. Paul Leidy was one of the leading lawyers of Danville and held a high: position in the respect and confidence of the community. He represented this district in the Thirty fifth Congress of the United States. He had also served as prosecuting attorney of Montour, held many positions of trust, and died respected by his fellow citizens. A. J. Frick, born in Danville, 1838, received his education in the schools here and in Westmoreland; studied law with William G. Hurley, and was admitted to practice in 1855; now retired. Daniel W. Rank read law with Robert Hawley, in Muncy, and was admitted to practice April 21, 1859. He located in Millersburg until August, 1861 in 1872 removed to Scranton. where he remained ten years, and in 1882' came to his present residence in Limestonville. He was elected district attorney in 1884. W. C. Johnston was admitted to the practice of law in 1839, in Columbia. District, ; HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 66 He was County. is located in Jerseytown about one year and then came to what He has been recorder since the county was organized. was born near Catawissa; came with his father's family to now Montonr County. Rhodes B. K. Here he attended Mr. Hughes' school, read law with John When the county seat was taken to BloomsCooper and was licensed in 1842. burg he went there and remained until 1852, when he returned to Danville, where he has remained since. Isaac X. Grier read law in the office of E. H. -Baldy; was admitted in 1861, and located in Danville where he has been continually in the practice. He is now partially retired on account of his health. H. M. Hinckley read law with I. X. Grier, entering his office as a student in 1872, and was licensed to practice in May, 1875, and at once formed a law partnership with his preceptor. Mr. Hinckley graduated in Princeton College Danville in 1825. in 1874. Edward Sayre Seminary Gearhart, a native of this county, graduated in in 1876, attended Princeton College in 1880, read Wyoming law in the office & Hinckley and was admitted to practice in 1881. James Scarlet and Frank C. Angle compose the law firm of Scarlet & AnThis, while not among the oldest firms practicing law in Danville, is gle. in the front rank in success and amount of business they have to look after. of Grier CHAPTER X. NEWSPAPERS. "^TO less than two dailies and four weekly papers, besides occasional short_LN| lived publications, some weekly and some monthly, constitute the home literary, political and philosophical pabulum of the good people of the county. These are classed as two political organs and four independent. This strongly marks the recent tendency of that spirit of political independence that is the wholesome outgrowth of the last quarter of a century. But a few years ago all our daily and weekly publications were strictly organs merely of a political party, the best of them showing the strong bias of party faith, and telling always a one-sided story scaling down the truth on one hand and highly coloring facts on the other hand. That day of vicious party publications has — happily passed away. We have party organs yet, but the spirit of public independence has invaded their columns, and it is no uncommon thing to see even "organs" lashing with whips of scoi'pions the outrageous and flagrant doings even of their own party managers or public men. The humblest voter is beginning to sometimes dare to vote his free sentiments. Party lines are being broken up, and the shallowest- pated torchlight bearer and the loudest rallying shouter have begun to reflect " cin bono?^' But as every rose must have its thorn every sweet its bitter, we should be patient with the awful fact that we now hear much more of money in elections buying voters, etc. than was known to our forefathers. The first paper published in Danville was the Columbia Gazette, started in 1813 by George Sweeny. Anew county had just been formed, and Sweeny was the bold pioneer printer who ventured to complete the paraphernalia of — — — ' HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 67 We new county by bringing here his printing office. were not able to find even a stray copy of this first paper. It was doubtless a small and quiet affair, with a cramped and dingy office, its font of small pica type, distributed mostly in the "hell box," without a word of local news (at that time local news had not been invented), and for months and months not a line of general the editorial, but made up of clippings from papers weeks and months old, dry sermons, and a few staggering, crazy of religious books and sermons ads. "were the general features of a newspaper of that day. They were curious affairs to look at now, and as an evidence of the prevalent idea of that time, the writer went patiently over the weekly files of a paper published in another county of this State during the war of 1812-15; and as the paper was Federalist in politics, and the people of its county took an active and patriotic part in the war, yet there was not a line in the three years' issue of the paper referring to the part enacted by the people of its county. But there were frequent allusions to that political monster. President Madison. And yet these old files possess a great interest to the compiler of history of this day. Their very advertisements are historical pictures of the people of that time. The tone of these, the subjects they treat of, as well as the character of the clippings republished, are all open windows through which you can look at that interesting people who have passed away. It is not known how long Mr. Sweeny published the Gazette, but it could not have been more than a year probably. In 1815 Jonathan Lodge established the Express. In a short time he associated with him Mr. Caruthers, and the firm of Lodge & Caruthers carried on the business. At one time they employed Judge Cooper as editor. In 1820 George Sweeny again entered the field of journalism and established the Watchman. His office was for some time on the corner of Ferry and Market Streets, now occupied by the residence of Dr. R. S. Simington. It seems that then there were two papers, and Judge Cooper edited one and Sweeny the other, and with savage goosequills they frequently roasted each other in a reckless manner, but in a Pickwickian sense. The oldest of the papers now in the county is that stanch old Democratic organ, the Danville Intelligencer, founded by Valentine Best in 1828. Mr. Best has linked his name imperishably with that of the county. As told else"where he was the political and foster father of Montour County. His paper commenced as the Democratic local organ, and to this hour it has kept its faith, although its founder has long since been sleeping in the silent city. He fought manfully the Whigs until the party died with an equally fearless courage he fought the Republicans until he himself died. He was a much abused man in his time, even sometimes persecuted by enemies and deserted by supposed friends. But through triumphs and defeats he possessed the courage of his convictions, and when aroused he asked for no quarter, but dealt his assailants many a vigorous and valiant blow in return. He died in 1858 in the editorial harness. His life work here was a great boon to the paper, and his memory "will be long cherished and respected. After his death the paper was published for some time by Oscar Kepler in the interest of Mrs. Best. In September, 1858, the concern was purchased by a number of the leading Democrats, who bought shares, and placed J. S. Sanders in editorial charge. He was a good workman, and introduced many improvements in the mechanical department. He continued in control until 1862, when he resigned to go to Berwick to take the control of a paper in that place. He was succeeded by the present proprietor, Thomas Chalfant. The office became the individual property of Mr. Chalfant soon after he took control, and so continues to the present. The Intelligencer has been an able and consistent support of the Democratic ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ; HISTOEY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 68 The best evidence of its standing and influence party since it was founded. is given in the fact that Mr. Chalfant was postmaster under the last Democratic administration which expired in March, 1861, and after Republican control of twenty-four years he was again at once appointed to the place with the advent to power of the Democrats in 1885. Daily Sun. A sprightly five-column folio; Volume I, No. 1, was published November 5, 1883, by Charles Chalfant and D. H. Shields; is issued from the When the paper was three months old Mr. Shields withIntelligencer office. drew and the present editor and proprietor, Charles Chalfant, assumed entire It is a morning paper, independent in politics, sprightly and breezy charg#. in its local and general editorial pages, and has a paying and liberal patronage This is the second daily paper started in advertisements from oui" people. in Danville, and already it is an assured success as a business venture, and one of the permanent concerns of the county. Danville Democrat. This was established in August, 18-40, by Charles Cook. Its original name was the rather top-heavy title of Danville Democrat and A very elaborate name in a new paper always gives the apTariff Advocate. Mr. Cook was a man of pearance of being afflicted with hydrocepholus. When he quit Danville he entered the Government employ in ability. Washington City, where he died in 1874. During the Presidential campaign of 1844, he also issued a German paper, called Der Tariff Advokat. Mr. Cook battled manfully for the Whig party and the tariff until 1864, when he Mr. Cook must have found many sold his printing office t§ Joel S. Baily. warm supporters, as is evidenced in a long career as publisher in a day when many pitfalls lay in the paths of newspaper men. In 1845, while in the Montgomery building, his office was destroyed by fire; the old hand press, as the building burned, fell through the floors to the cellar. It was recovered, rigged up in fair shape again, and for many years continued to do the press work as of old. Mr. Baily continued the paper some years when its lights were finally and forever extinguished. Possibly it heard so much of the cry of that ran over the land, or that other slogan of Free trade and sailors' rights competition of unpaid slave labor, or possibly it heard not well enough the that other savory and toothsome watchword, "Two dollars a day and roast beef" to encourage it to, in the language of Mrs. Chick, "make an effort," and so it turned its face to the wall and died. At the same time Mr. Baily purchased the Democrat he bought the American and consolidated the two concerns. This brings us to the account of that paper. The Montour American was founded December 11, 1855, by D. H. B. Brower, one of the strongly marked characters of the Danville press. At that time the Whig and Democratic parties each had their able organs; the veteran journalist for the Democrats was Hon. Valentine Best, and Charles Cook was ably battling under the colors of the Whig party. As independent journalism was yet unknown, we can readily see that Mr. Brower found it difficult But after it had to discover good standing room in any of the existing parties. been going a few months Fremont became the national standard bearer of the new Republican party, and here was the American'' s opportunity, which it eagerly embraced its good fortune had come, and so completely did the American cover the entire ground of organ for the Republican party that it has held the undisputed place for thirty years, and still holds it, and promises by its vigor and ability to continue securely fortified in its position indefinitely. In 1859 He changed Mr. Brower sold his office to George B. Ayers, of Harrisbui'g. the name to Montour Herald. Mr. Ayers continued to publish it for a season and then closed the office and returned to his old home. Mr. Brower pur- — ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ; m4,:y/:U^^^ ^^^ 71 HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. In chased the material and again resumed the publication of the American. the meantime its temporary decline and suspension had induced other parties to After a short time the two papers were constart another Republican organ. solidated under new proprietors. Mr. Brower sold the American to Joel S. This transfer Baily, and Charles Cook sold the Democrat to the same party. and consolidation took place in January, 1864. Mr. Baily in the same year sold to Mr. Brower, who continued in control until 1871, when the ofl&ce was sold to W. H. Bradley and Lewis Gordon, and as an evidence of the growth in value of the concern, the price paid was $5,000 cash, the original office being valued at $600. In February, 1876, Mr. Gordon sold his interest to Joel E. Bradley, and in November of that year Mr. Bradley sold his interest to Edward The paper was then published by Bradley & Baldy. In May, C. Baldy. 1878, E. C. Baldy sold his interest to W. B. Baldy, and the new firm of Bradley and Baldy published the paper until April 1, 1883, when W. B. Baldy purchased Bradley's interest and became the sole editor and proprietor, as it is now published. The Montour American is the able and reliable Republican organ of this county. In the days of the Whig party it was Whig, and at the birth of the Republican party, it was Republican. It has been ever true to the interests of its party, watchful, vigilant and fearless in its defense, yet, even in the times of our bitterest partisan conflicts, it has been courteous and dignified toward its political opponents. — The Danville Record. Mr. Brower says that in 1876, A. P. Fowler having purchased the printing office of S. P. Kase, the Danville Printing Company was organized, and The Danville Record started, with Mr. Brower, editor, (the first number issued March 16, 1876), which position he filled for two years, when circumstances compelled the sale of the office, and the office passed into the hands of new owners. TJie National Weekly Record. James Foster, Harry Vincent and Victor A. Lotier having purchased the materials of the old Danville Record, commenced the publication of The Weekly National Record, April 1, 1878 a sevencolumn folio, independent in politics and as sprightly and vigorous a young paper as can be found anywhere. It was most cordially welcomed by the public. Foster and Vincent sold their interest to Victor A. Lotier, the present editor and proprietor, who had already given evidence that he was a born newspaper man. October 3, 1879, such was its patronage as to compel its enlargement, and it was made a nine-column folio, the columns 26 inches in length. It espoused the cause of the greenback party, and by the sheer force of its ability compelled the respect of its political foes and the warm admiration of its friends. The Daily Record. Such were the demands upon the weekly Record that Mr. Lotier felt called upon to again increase his facilities to accommodate his patrons, and May 23, 1881, he issued the first number of the Daily Record. It was a five-column folio, and was supposed by many to be a bold and daring — — — venture. But the proprietor had carefully estimated its chances, it seems. The^ paper was a complete success fi'om the day it was started, April 17, 1882; the press of business called for its enlargement to a six-column paper, its present size. The daily and weekly, under Mr. Lotier' s able management, are indewith charity pendent in politics, saying their say in a manly fearless way, " for all and malice toward none. The Medium. Mr. Brower after he sold out his interest in the American started the Medium, a semi-weekly paper. It struggled and buffeted the waves on the troubled sea of journalism for nearly a year and fell to sleep. Theoffice was purchased by the Danville Printing Company and they started the ' ' — Independent. HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 72 — The Independent. Mr. Brower was placed in the editorial chair. The PrintCompany bought a lot of new materials, went in debt therefor, and in nine months after the Independeyit was started it was seized for debt and sold by the The office sheriff. The office then passed into the hands of S. P. Kase. was closed and remained idle for some time. The Mentor. In 1873 this paper was started by D. H. B. Brower, R. W. They had leased the old InEggert, John Lesher and William H. McCarty. dependent office. The paper was short lived and expii-ed inside of a year. Richard W. Eggert, sole editor and proprietor; was first issued The Gem. November 30, 1885 a sprightly local paper, of five columns, folio, and independent. It is issued every Saturday, and in mechanical make-up is a model ing — — -of taste — and elegance. CHAPTER XL OFFICIALS AND STATISTICS. what FROM Congress now Montour County, there have been seven members of Gen. William Montgomery was in the Third Congress, The next in succession was his 1793-95; served one session and resigned. is elected. Daniel Montgomery, elected in 1806 to the Tenth Congress, Alem served his term, but peremptorily declined a re-election. Then Marr was elected in J 828 to the Twenty-first Congress, 1829-31. Dr. David Petrikin was elected and served two terms, the Twenty-fifth and John G. Montgomery was elected in 1856, Twenty-sixth Congress, 1837-41. He was a victim Thirty-fifth Congress, and died just before taking his seat. of the noted hotel poisoning at the National Hotel, in Washington, just before To fill the place made vacant the inaugvu'ation of President James Buchanan. by the death of Mr. Montgomery, Dr. Paul Leidy was elected. Dr. J. D. Strawbridge was elected in 1872, to the Forty-fifth Congress, 1873-75. He is now a resident of Danville, actively engaged in the practice of his chosen Gen. 1807-09. son. He profession. State Senators. — Valentine Best was elected State senator from Columbia and Luzerne Counties in 1850. To him is due, chiefly, the distinguished honor of the formation of Montour County. He was a newspaper publisher in Danville, and a warm partisan of the borough in all questions affecting the place as the county seat, and when Bloomsburg carried off the prize, he, among others, only redoubled exertions to score even with the people of the northern part of the county, who had carried the day in the long contest triumphed — and left Danville to weep over her departed official eminence. He was an oat and out Democrat of the Jeffersonian kind. When he took his seat in the Senate a position he had won on the county seat question, and by his own tireless energy and good judgment he fo^^nd that there was some fine work to be done in order to carry through the sole measure for which he had gone forming a new county. He perceived the relation of the two to the Senate The Whigs political parties was such that without his vote there was a tie. were ready to vote for his new county, if they could gain any of their ends by such combination. He closed at once with them, and by their votes and his own, he was elected Speaker, and thus he was enabled to triumphantly push through the bill for the erection of Montour County. — — — HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 73 didn't they call this Best County? Certainly, it would have been a interesting story of how it came into existence, as well as the most suitable adjective in the world, descriptive of its territory. 1851-56, 1858, 1870-72— C. R. Buckalew, the present member elect of Why name perpetuating the Congress from this district, 1857-59— George was senator. P. Steele. The district was then composed of Luzerne, Montour and Columbia. 1873-75— Thomas — Chalfant. — 1880 Elias T. McHenry. District Lycoming, Montour, Sullivan and Columbia. 1882-86— William W. Hart. 1887— Verus H. Metzger. LOWER HOUSE. 1850 Benjamin P. Fortner, Columbia County. 1852 M. E. Jackson, Columbia and Montour. 1853-54, 1869-70— George Scott. 1855— J. G. Maxwell, Columbia and Montour. 1856— John G. Montgomery, Columbia and Montour. \ — — 1857, 1867-71— Thomas Chalfant. 1863-64— John C. Ellis. 1859-60— Samuel Oakes. — 1872 Dennis Bright. 1873-74 Jesse Amerman. 1875-76 James Cruikshanks. 1877-78— James McCormick. 1879-82— P. C. Newbaker. 1883 James McCormick. — — — ^ 1884— Dr. J. P. Hoffa; re-elected November 2, 1886. COUNTY OFFICERS. Present county officers are, sheriff, James O. Frazier; prothonotary, Wilson M. Gearhart; register and recorder, William C. Johnston; treasurer, George W. Peifer; commissioners, Isaac Amerman, Frank G. Blee, George W. Asians; associate judges. Dr. Robert S. Simington, John Bentield; district attorney, Daniel W. Rank; surveyor, George W. West. William C. Johnston, who has just been re-elected clerk and recorder, was the first person elected to that position when the county was formed in 1850, and has filled the office by re-election from that time to the present. When he fills out his present term he will have been in the office forty years. The same may be said of G. W. W^est, the county surveyor. He too was elected to his office on the formation of the county; has just been re-elected and at the end of his present term will have been in the place forty years. Evidently these two men have been efficient in their positions and eminently satisfactory to the people. — Commissioners. 1850, Samuel Yorks, James McMahon, Samuel Shick; In 1852 Galbraith resigned as clerk, and board apclerk T. J. Galbraith. pointed George W. West; 1851, David Yeager was elected commissioner; 1853, David Wilson; 1854, Jacob Sheep and William Snyder; 1856, Abraham Wagner; 1857, Robert Davison; 1858, William McNinch; 1859, Daniel Ramsey; 1860, William Sidel; 1861, Charles Fenstermacher; 1862, Isaac Amerman; 1863, John Moore; 1864, John Derr; 1865, Isaac Amerman; 1867, James Shultz; 1868, Andrew C. Russell; 1869, John Dildine; 1870, William Yorks; 1871, James Woodsides; 1872, Peter A. Mowrer; 1873, Frederick 74 HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY, Kniss; 1874. David Grove; 1875, William J. McKee; 1876, full board wasAuld and George W. Derr; the clerk then was E. G. Hoffman; 1879, Isaac Amerman, Stephen Smith, Frank G. Blee; Clerk Lewis Kodenheffer; 1880, Georg§ D. Butler was appointed clerk; 1882, Isaac Amerman, Frank G. Blee, George W. Askins; 1883, John C. Peiffer was appointed clerk. The last named commissioners and clerk are the board as constituted W. McKee, J. now. J. — Treasurers. 1850, first treasurer elected was George Mears; 1853, Joseph Dean; 1855, Daniel Reynolds; 1857, Frederick Blue; 1859, William G. Gaskins; 1861, Edward Morrison; 1863, Abraham Wagner; 1865, William McNinch; 1867, Jacob Sidel; 1869, Isaac Amerman; 1871, Emanuel Sidler;. 1873, W^illiam Madden; 1875, Bernard Dougherty; 1878, Samuel Blue; 1881, George W. Peifer; 1884, James L. Brannen; 1887, George W. Peifer. Sheriffs. 1850, first sheriff elected was Daniel Frazier, elected for the term of three years; 1854, Thomas Pollock; 1857, Edward Young; 1860, Frederick Blue; 1863, Edward Young; 1866, Jacob Shelhart; 1869, R. C. Russell he died during his term, and W.C. Young appointed by the governor to fill the vacancy; 1871, Daniel Billmeyer; 1874, Edward Young; 1877, James M. Miller; 1880, Jacob Shelhart; 1883, Nathan Shugart; 1886, James O. — — Frazier. — Prothonotaries. First elected, 1850, William S. Davis, elected for term of three years; 1854, Hiram A. Childs; 1857, George D. Butler, re-elected twice, serving nine years; 1866, William O. Butler, served until first Monday, January, 1876; 1876, William M. Gearhart was elected, and by re-election has continued to hold the office to the present time. His present term of office will expire in January, 1888. STATISTICS. By the last United States census the population of Montour County as follows: Total, 15,466. In detail it is as follows: is given * Antliony Township Cooper Towjiship Danville Boroui,^h Derry Township Liberty, including Mooresburg Village [Mooresburg Village] Limestone Township, including village [Limstone Village] Mahoning Tov/n.ship Mayberry Township Valley Township West Hemlock Township Washinstonville Borough Under the apportionment 1,042 383 8,346 841 1,166 99 731 59 1,141 230 1,014 395 203 of the State of 1874 the county of Montour one member of the lower house of the Legislatm-e. The county is in the Twenty-fourth Senatorial District, composed of the counties of Lycoming, Montour, Sullivan and Columbia. It is in the Eleventh Congressional District, composed as follows: Columbia, Montour, Carbon, Monroe and Pike Counties, and the townships of Nescopeck, Black Creek, Sugar Loaf, Butler, Hazel, Foster, Bear Creek, Roaring Brook, Salem, Hallenbeck, Huntington, Fairmount, Spring Brook, and that part of the city of Scranton south of Roaringcreek and east of the Lackawanna River, and the boroughs of Dunmore, New Columbus, Goldsboro, White Haven, Jeddo and Hazelton. elects ' HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. CHAPTER 75 XII. DANVILLE. NESTLING in the narrow jet rich valley of the Susquehanna is the borough of Danville, just now rounding out its first century. In its story is pretty much all that is of interest in our country since the establishment of our inde- pendence, that is, its growth and history are at least cotemporary with that At the foot of the town flows the gentle of our present form of government. blue Susquehanna, with picturesque Montour's Ridge winding by to the north; the stately and venerable Bald Top bracing its rocky supports up against the town itself, the Montour Iron Works crawling up partly on its feet, and sending its steam and smoke rolling gracefully up the hillside^Titan and Cyclops South of the river rises Blue Hill, and further along the river side by side. valley is Mahoning creek as it has cut its way through Montoui- Ridge, and empties itself in the river; and across the river to the east, the west, north and south, are as fine landscapes, as gentle, wild and varied scenery as the eye ever rested upon. Standing close up to the foot of Bald Top (the bare pinnacle can only be seen by ascending to it) it looks steep and rugged enough for a frowning fortress, grimly watching over the safety of its foster-child, Danville at its feet bustling with busy life and roaring and clanging its great machinery, while the beautiful valley, with its farms and groves and fruit and ornamental trees, stretches away in the distant quiet like a pastoral dream. Where, we know not, is there a spot that so combines the useful and the beautiful as this? Pass around to the southwest of Bald Top and you see the Dark Ravine, and there is also the precipice that has been called the Lover' s Leap but as there are lovers' leaps elsewhere, and as lovers even of the pale face persuasion are now occasionally leaping for life in fi'ont of an irate boot or shot gun, the old stereotyped edition of the Indian legend is threadbare and tiresome. The town was founded by Gen. Daniel Montgomery, and at first his store, his father's grist-mill, on Mahoning Creek, and the half dozen cabins about it were called Dan' s town it thus became eventually Danville proper. The land •embraced in the original town plat was 120 acres, extending fi'om Chestnut to Church Streets and fi'om the river to the base of Montour's Ridge, and was surveyed by George Jewel, April 3, 1769. September 16 of the same year it was purchased of the provincial proprietaries by Turbut Francis. In May, April 15, 1783, John Simpson and wife 1782, he sold to John Simpson. (Ann Grimes) conveyed the tract to William Montgomery, consideration £600. The tract below Chestnut Street, including the mouth of Mahoning Creek, contained 180 acres and was a part of the proprietary manor (that is, lands reserved as private property by the Penns). This tract was conveyed to Rev. Richard Peters and John Lukens. The Delaware Indians had long had a village at the mouth of Mahoning Creek. The Indian's instinct led him naturally to pitch his village of wigwams at what afterward was always an eligible town site for the whites. Nearly every great city on the continent was at one time a great Indian rendezvous, extending from New York to San Francisco and Vancouver's Island. An ancient and correct map of all the Indian places of great councils, dances ' ' ' ; ' ' — ' ' HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY, 76 and gathering places, would show a wonderful coincidence in their locations and the present great cities of the country. The early Indians were migratory, simply following the buffaloes, and to one understanding the habits of these animals, as they would gather in immense herds and start on their long voyages, and their peculiar maneuvers when coming to a river of stopping here for some time and finally, driven by hunger, they would begin circling and bellowing at the water's edge, each time as they came opposite the water the inner ones pushing those on the outer line nearer and nearer the water until finally into it, when one would take the plunge and start for the opposite bank and all would follow; and thus it was that the buffaloes were the engineers to the Indians, and the Indians in turn performed a like ofiice for the whites. On the north of the tracts above indicated the land belonged to John MontAfterward these gomeiy, and that on the northeast to Amos Wickersham. The lands on the tracts became the property of the Frazers and the Yorks. These land titles fix pretty definitely the southeast belonged to the Sechlers. first owners of the lands now occupied by the borough, and also indicate some of whom were the first settlers. Phillip Maus, who came just after the close of the Revolutionary war, has He thought there left on record his first impression of the place on seeing it. Montgomery' were then about half a dozen cabins at what was then called Mahoning SettleSoon after this it came to be known as the Landing. ment," and by this name it continued to be called until after 1792, when Gen. The territory embraced in his town Daniel Montgomery laid out the town. plat was that now lying between Mill and Church Streets and from the river In 1776 Gen. William Montgomery had built his log house that to the canal. It stood near the large stood so long as the first notable building in the place. In this log house stone mansion he afterward built that is still standing. Alexander Montgomery was born in 1777, and by a singular coincidence, he died in 1848 in the room where he was born. Jacob Gearhart had, at an early day, established a ferry across the river. The ferry house stood a little above Ferry Street. This pioneer ferry was the first step taken toward building the present splendid bridge that spans the ' * ' ' ' ' river. Sechler, father of Jacob Sechler, next laid out that part of the town The next land added to the town was by William Montgomery, that part below Mill Street to Chestnut Street. It was of this He also addition he donated thirty lots for the purpose of an academy. Gen. Daniel Montgomery donated donated the ground for the court-house. John above Church Street. the jail lot. The town was laid out by Gen. Daniel Montgomery in 1792, as said above. The Montgomerys were the sole spirits of its first formation and growth, saving the natural accretions of population drawn to this portion of the new The coming here of the earliest strong purchase after that was made in 1868. influential men was due mostly to the misfortunes that then overtook nearly the prominent actors in the Revolution, the financial ruin by the depreciation This ill luck was the good fortune of Danville and of the Continental money. what is now Montour County. W^hen Daniel Montgomery conceived the great idea of opening a store here in addition to his father's mill, there naturally opened to his mind the equally important proposition of laying off a town. He was then a very young man, but his vision was long ahead and clear. He could anticipate what was wanted, and set about supplying that want. mill, a store, a place to buy and sell, a place to have bread ground without and all A — HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY, 77 the way to Philadelphia or Reading, a trip then more tedious and by far to make than to cross the continent now, were strong inducements to settlers. Soon after the store and mill were established, their existence here and the fact that this was Dantown, had its influence in bringing Mr. Deen and his blacksmith shop a convenience almost as great to the people as the mill and the store. Then the settlers north and south of the river began to make real wagon roads to reach the town with their wagons, whereas, before there was anything here to sell or any one to buy, they could make their rare trips to the place by means of the trails and paths along the devious way. The mill, the store and the blacksmith shop continued so steadily to bring people into the wilderness that we find as early as 1806 the Government established here a postoffice. Then surely did the good people felicitate themselves their lucky good fortune was about full and complete. Once a week, what a luxury, a pony mail passed to Sunbury and back to the old settlements and to Philadelphia and to all the world. The postage on a letter was then 25 It took two weeks at the shortest to send a letter and get a return cents. from Philadelphia or anywhere else, but what a vast improvement was that to these people hungry for news fi'om friends, in the wilderness. Gen. William i Montgomery was the first postmaster. The fame of the new town began to I then spread abroad in the land. In Scott's geography of 1806, he makes men- * tion of it in these words "A small post-town on the east branch of the Susquehanna, at the mouth of Mahoning Creek. A store, a mill, a blacksmith shop and a postoffice! No pent up Utica could contract her power," and therefore in 1807 the patriots of Danville and vicinity held a great Fourth of July celebration, and unconsciously they were blessed by the absence of fire-crackers and brass bands. In that day it was only supposed that preachers could speak in public, or at least that they were the only men that knew anything to talk Hence these poor fellows usually had to do all the public speaking, about. preaching' and burying, and take their pay in the general gratitude, with a trace of dried beans, hickory nuts and coon skins to make caps for the boys of But to return to our subject of Danville's first Fourth of July the household. celebration. But few particulars of the occasion can now be learned. There was no permanent record made of it, and those who were present are now all dead. Gen. Daniel Montgomery was president of the meeting; James Laird, vice-president, and Andrew Russell, secretary. The remembrance of but one of the toasts offered has come down to us. This is interesting as indicating something of the politics of the early day. Jefferson and Hamilton had then joined issue on very much the identical questions that have divided parties from that time to the present. The two political parties were the Federalists and Republicans or Republican-Democrats. In the year 1807 there was a slight defection, or a threatened split in the Democratic party in this State over the question of supporting Simon Snyder. Some favored Spoyd for the office and these were called in derision by the Regulars (now sometimes called Mossbacks or Stalwarts) "Quids." James Boyd offered the following toast: "The Quids a jackass apiece to them, and a snail's horn for a spur, so that each going all difficult — — : — mule may ride his own ass." (Great applause— all standing.) The sting of the sarcasm in this was no doubt fully understood by those who heard it read. But this is not what we quote it for. It is something of an index of the political feeling here at that time. The people were generally Democrats. That is, with Jefferson Ihey believed in the divine right of the people to rule themselves. The Federalists on the other hand desired to copy more closely after the British form of government in other words, more power in the government — HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 78 They believed that JeflPerson was an irreligious and politically a bad man; they said he was fresh from France, where he had become imbued with the ideas of French revolutionists, infidels and all that was bad; that the government was at last the only safe power to trust, and that it was its province to regulate everything in politics, religion and social life. The Adamses, of Masachusetts, and Jefferson, of Virginia, represented these conflicting poIn communities where there was a division on these political litical ideas. In an old file of a Pennsylvania paper of about •questions, passions ran high. 1815, the writer of these lines read a long and verbose communication, giving an account of the local preacher having read the Sunday previous the proclacentralization. mation of Madison, announcing peace between this country and Great Britain. charged that the divine had nailed the word of God to the desk and had desecrated lifted up that political monster, Madison; had preached politics the sanctuary; in short, had committed the mortal sin. These old fellows were a very religious, stern and dogmatic people. Their ancestors had been the victims of the most awful religious persecutions in the old world; they had been fugitives from the dungeons, the gibbets and the stake and faggot ears cut oft', tongues cut out, and branded as felons on the forehead that is, those who had not been burned to ashes over slow fires. There was much iron in their blood, and almost any of them had been ever ready Their to die, without wincing, the most horrible death for opinion's sake. politics were but a second edition of their religion. And in either it was nearly impossible for them to tolerate any shadow of opposition to their cherished noHence when political opinions were once formed they struck their roots tions. deep in their strong natures. With an Eastern devotion they worshiped their political idols, and their hated enemies were little short of devils incarnate, and for them they seized the sword of Gideon and smote his majesty hip and thigh. But in all of them, thank God, was an intense and consuming hatred of tyrThis had passed down in their blood from father to son through genanny. Here happily for erations, ever growing in its intensity and added powers. us, for all mankind, were the seeds bearing the fruits of our nation' s liberties. We have stated the era of the coming of the mill, the store, and the blacksmith shop in the proper order of time and importance to these pioneer people. In otu- chapter on schools it may be seen that the schoolmaster and the itinerant The little floorless, windowpreacher preceded even these prime necessaries. less, brush covered schoolhoiise had been built, and here the master of the He ; — — The schoolbirch and ferule expounded the mysteries of the alphabet. teacher was an awfully great man, but he stood second to the preacher, great The average person at that time was of those who supposed all as he was. Such hallucinations passing perfect wisdom was lodged in the preacher. through the ages had made preachers very dogmatic in expressing their judgments and men very credulous in accepting them. The good man stood between God's flaming sword and poor, trembling, fi'ightened humanity. By night and by day, on the roadside and in the dark wilderness, at all times and everywhere, he pleaded with God to turn aside the ciip of bitter dregs from the people, and in his sermons he would confess with tears in his eyes, and with choking sobs, that God was inappeasable that the furies of hell had been unchained for a thousand years, and they stalked over the land gathering human Mill and store and blacksmith shop and teacher fagots for the eternal fires. and preacher were all and each important things in their day, filling imperaThey would all be very insignificant affairs now, but tive wants in their time. in their day and time they well performed the great part given them to do. Bless their shades! — V>^4^ HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 81 Almost the first stroke of the woodman's ax disturbed the malaria of the valleys along the streams where it had brooded for perhaps ages, and sent it riding upon the wings of the wind carrying disease and death to the helpless people, making the doctor, his nauseous medicaments, his bleedings and hotDr. Foster was water, toast- water and elm-water a commanding necessity. the first, it seems, to heed the cry of these poor people, and came to Danville. Of his descendants are Mrs. Valentine Best, now of Danville. And side by had been prepared a little post town, side, even before the first days of the the silent city, then a goodly distance from the town, plot of ground for the rude forefathers of the now apparently nearly in its very center. Here hamlet sleep." Before towns, mills, stores, blacksmith shops, schoolhouses or churches are provided, in all places in the world, wherever there is resident humanity, among the first is always the compulsory law of nature that compels a proIt is so written on the face of nature vision for a resting place for the dead. Life, existthe law of ceaseless change, from dust to life, from life to dust. change, change, change. The vast clock of God ticks off those ence, death inconceivable cycles of time, those immeasurable geological ages in one; the changes are the birth, the death, the decay— the smile of happiness, the sob of woe, but all is only change, eternal and ceaseless change; that is the economy, the very existence of nature, with the same laws everywhere in the universe, It is nature' s way as well as applicable to everything animate and inanimate. Nothing is more common than death; it reaches all creation's highway. everything, and being so, it cannot be an evil. It is a base and bad education that imbues the mind with terrors of its approach, that points it as the king of Because it may be sweet to ten'ors, that thinks of it with loathing and horror. live, it does not perforce follow that it is the one supreme bitter to die. Nature Anything so common, so universal, could not be so made. did laot so make it. To the tired and exhausted form, what is so sweet as the approach of sleep, and death is but the dreamless sleep that, undisturbed, goes on forever. communed with the early dead in the old Presbyterian Church Cemetery the other day, wandering between the little mounds and the white slabs of marble, here and there, where first began to gather the denizens of "the Silent in this, then far away, wilderness. City It was then outside, away out fi'om the haunts of the living; dow the little three-acre plot of ground is nearly in It is now fenced up with a low brick wall the center of the city of the living. upon two sides, a barbed wire fence supplanting the brick wall that encloses two sides, and a high board wall on the other sides, and the gates are securely locked, and no more interments are to be made there. Already some of the sacred dust has been resurrected and removed to the newer place of burial, still away further upon the outside of the towns. Soon, no doubt, all will be ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' — • — We ' ' removed. Who now known. It is said the third grave body of poor Curry, who was so brutally The grounds have been well kept by the fi-iends of miu'dered by the Indians. the dead, but the first stones that marked the resting places are gone. The earliest legible stone now standing bears the date 1801. There are dates of earlier burials than this, but the stones were placed over them recently. On many of the older stones the lettering is now very dim, and on some already illegible. So swiftly does time corrode and destroy the monuments builded by the hands. Nations, cities and bronze and granite monuments are but ephemeral things, and truly, as Lord Bacon has well said, the impressions of the types are the one enduring thing they are like ships that sail between 6A dug was first in the place buried here was is not to receive the — HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY, 82 the vast seas of time, making one nation partake of the thoughts and illuminaThe poems of Homer have come down to us through nearly tions of another. The printed sheets of paper, 3,000 years without the loss of even a syllable. the frail records of papyriTs outlast the adamant, and are capable of being ever Frail, valueless sheet of renewed, and these alone are self- perpetuating. white paper, blown about by the winds; a flash of flame, and it is gone like the snowflake on the river, yet touched with the type and you are the one human conThus how trivance that may outlast all other work of the human hands. wisely it is ordered; the humblest may have to their memory monuments that will outlive the pyi'amids or the costliest mausoleums ever reared to potentate or king. There were certainly burials here prior to 1784, and yet, as we have said above, there is no legible stone in it of an earlier date than 1801, and it is not could find the names of absolutely certain this date can be correctly read. but three persons who were present at the Fourth of July celebration, 1807. In passing through this old, first graveyard, it was suggested to our minds in reading the inscriptions that here we could almost call the roll of that meeting, and we noted the following: John Sechler, died October 5, 1831, aged ninetytwo years; Christina Sechler, born January 11, 1750, died October 5, 1825; John Sechler, Jr., died July 16, 1844, aged seventy-two years; Barbara, daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth Sechler, died January 6, 1807;. mother Elizabeth Sechler died February 11, 1846; Sarah H. Sechler, died November 4, 1849; Herman Sechler, born October 4, 1793, died July 20, 1826; Jacob P. Sechler, died July 31, 1842; Hannah Sechler died January 7, 1829; Christina, wife of George Bert, died April 29, 1836, aged thirty-three years; Peter Kolb died January 5, 1845, aged seventy-four; Anna, wife of Thomas D. Siglar, died December 7, 1843 Rev. John Patterson, died May 8, 1843, aged seventy; his wife, Rebecca, died January 20, 1842, aged sixty; the son, John B. Patterson, died September 23, 1832, aged twenty one; John Boyd, died August 29, 1801, aged twenty-four (the "01 " is so indistinct that this is not certain); Gen. William Montgomery died May 1, 1816, aged eighty; William Montgomery, Jr., born January 8, 1784, died at the age of twenty-two years; Gen. Daniel Montgomery died April 30, 1831, aged sixty five; his widow, Christina, died November 15, 1848, aged seventy-seven; their daughter, Isabella, born August, 1794, died October, 1815; Daniel Strawbridge Montgomery died March 26, 1859, aged twenty -seven; Margaret (Montgomery) Woodside, born January 8, 1784, died aged twenty-two; Alexander Montgomery, born October 8, 1777, died May 29, 1848; Sarah Caldwell Watson, born May 13, 1815, died March 25, 1849; John Thomas, born May, 1802, died August 7, 1855; John Russell died June 6, 1851, aged seventy -three; his wife, Catharine F. died April 27, 1846, aged sixty-six; of their childi-en, Robert died September 26, 1816; James F., died July 11, 1841; Daniel Cameron died March 16, 1831, aged fifty-five; Catharine Cameron died July 11, 1849, aged ninety-two; Mary (Childs) Cameron, relict of Daniel, born July 17, 1795, died July 14, 1873; John Gulic died November 2, 1837, aged sixty-six; Mary, his relict, died October 2, 1848, aged seventy-four; Isaac Gulic died April 29, 1862, aged sixty; Margaret, wife of John Gulic, born October 1, 1803, died October 20, 1855; Gilbert Voris died March, 1797; Jane Voris, October, 1816; James Childs, born June 16, 1793, died January 10,, 1871; John Childs, born February 12, 1798, died December 12, 1867; Esther K. Childs died May 28, 1849, aged sixty-three; Margaret Childs died December 1, 1834, aged thirtyfour: Mary Gragg, wife of John Childs, died July 31, 1846, aged eighty- five; Andrew Childs died May 7, 1864, aged seventy-four; Elizabeth, wife of James- We ; , HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY, 83 Childs, born July 10, 1809, died October 11, 1875; James Kreaption, born 1796, died July 13, 1875; Thomas James died December 17, 1863, aged seventy- eight; his wife, Elizabeth, died October 12, 1865, aged seventy-two; James Everett died Febniary 18, 1859, aged seventy- eight; his wife, Isabella, died January 19, 1849, aged seventy-one; their daughter, Fanny, died January, 1829; Obed Everett, born July 22, 1786, died March 30, 1852; Mary, born November 20, 1789, died April 14, 1852; Daniel Barton died April 27, 1808, aged seventy-one; his daughter, Emele, died November 5, 1819, aged thirteen; Thomas Cousart died August 29, 1853, aged fifty-nine; Robert Curry, born December 21, 1775, died December 14, 1857; his wife, Mary, died November 21, 1848, aged fifty-seven; William Curry, born June 16, 1778, died November 9, 1852; Jane Curry died April 21, 1825, aged seventy-five; Jane McWilliams died August 4, 1808, aged thii'ty; Elizabeth McWilliams died January 9, 1813, aged sixty-four; Mary, wife of William Caldwell, died December 15, 1853, aged seventy -seven; Andrew Clark, born in 1752, died ia 1831; Mary, his wife, died August 3, 1806; their daughter, Florence, bora May 19, 1792, died May 28, 1841; Catharine, consort of OrrinSholes, died June 8, 1826, aged thirty-eight; Bridget, wife of Cyrus Sholes, died February 19, 1820, aged fifty-seven; Thomas Lemon died December 9, 1849, aged sixtytwo; James Lemon died January 6, 1843, aged thirty- seven James Lemon, Sr,, died December 11, 1842, aged eighty-five; his wife, Rachel, died August 21, 1840, aged seventy-five; William Lemon died January 3, 1847, aged thirtyeight; Lucinda Lemon died September 3, 1849, aged twenty-two; John McCullough died November 15, 1832, aged fifty-two; Jane (Crawford) McCullough died September 12, 1853, aged sixty-six; George Miller died October 20, 1843, aged sixty-three; Edward Hathaway, born November, 1819, died ; December 1875; Peter Blue died March 19, 1826, aged seventy-four; Mary September 28, 1838, aged seventy-nine; Hon. William Montgomery, son of Edward William, died January 8, 1846, aged seventy-three; his wife, Jane, died October 29, 1807; Daniel W. Montgomery, son of William, died August 28, 1830, aged thirty-nine; Capt. John S. Wilson died at Vera Cruz, April 12, 1847, aged thirty-five: he was captain of the Columbia guards; Joseph Cornelison, born May 17, 1789, died August 18, 1851; Lettia Cornelison, born July 7, 1778, died September 16, 1863; Sarah Cornelison, wife of E. Adams, died September 13, 1852, aged twenty-seven; on a broken stone that lies prone upon the ground is this: "Anna Grier departed this life September 10, 1828;" Robert C. McWilliams died March 4, 1832; Daniel Frazer died March 26, 1828, aged seventy- two; his wife, Isabella, died January 19, 1856, aged seventy-nine; Jane died January 2, 1828, aged twenty; Margaretdied March 19, 1824, aged twenty-six; James died March 19, 1836, aged thirty six; Jacob Shultz died August 13, 1863, aged sixty-nine; his wife, Elizabeth, died August 26, 1858, aged fifty-five; Elizabeth, wife of Jacob Snyder, born May 19, 1827, died October 2, 1853; Hugh McWilliams, born 1799, died 1877; John Sundry, born July 22, 1799, died September 17, 1858; Stuart Cornelison, born May 12, 1831, died July 30, 1881; Benj. Gearhart died October 22, 1865, aged sixty-one; Mary Gearhart died November 12, 1867; Benjamin Gearhart died February 22, 1854, aged forty-four; Abner Pittner died October 21, 1867, aged fifty-three; Mary, his wife, died August 22, 1867, agod fiftyeight; John T. Nervine, born July 6, 1829, died November 13, 1872; Phoebe Agnes, wife of Isaiah Blue, died January 28, 1864, aged twenty-nine; Lucinda, daughter of John H. Russell, died April 14, 1851 Margaret, daughter of Alexander and Jane Montgomery, died March 18, 1876, aged fifty-eight; Jane Boyd, relict of Alexander Montgomery, died March 8, 1876, aged ninety-three;. 8, (his wife) died ; 84 HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. Best, born February 20, 1799, died December 19, 1870; Mary, relict of Russell, died November 11, 1866, aged eighty; Robert G. Russell, died August 15, 1872, aged fifty-three; Valentine Best, born March 8, 1801, died October 28, 1857; John C. Boyd died October 18, 1849, aged fifty-six; Hannah M. Boyd, his widow, died December 24, 1864, aged sixty-four; Charles R. Reynolds, born September 12, 1818, died May 7, 1842; Ann Maria Reynolds, born September 13, 1820, died January 2, 1839; Thomas Reynolds, born February 10, 1788, died August 8, 1880; Mary M., his wife, born May 20, John Andrew 1791, died January 6, 1877; James N. Nolan, died March 31, 1857; Hannah Blue, born May 10, 1788, died April 6, 1870; John Blue, born March 7, 1788, died September 25, 1861; James Voris died May 24, 1866, aged seventy-eight; Anna Gray Voris died April 26, 1881, aged ninety-two; John Voris died April 5, 1848, aged thirty-five years, ten months; Elizabeth (Gulic) Wagner died October 27, 1842; Abraham Gulic died March 4, 1852; Priscilla Gulic died March 4, 1852, aged seventy-five; Daniel Cameron died March 16, 1834, aged fifty-five; Catharine Gulic died January, 1840, aged ninety-two; Robert Moore died March 20, 1871, aged sixty-six; Hugh McBride died December 2, 1808, aged sixty-eight; Mary McBride died December 3, 1818; Nathaniel McBride died June 30, 1821, aged fifty-seven; William Garrett, died September 20, 1842, aged fifty-nine; Sarah, his wife, died June 5, 1856, aged sixty-six; Elizabeth Ross, born April 11, 1761, died June 26, 1816; Jane Ross, died July 1, 1820; David Moore, born May 10, 1765, died March 12, 1829; Mary, born May 7, 1773, died August 16, 1825; M. C. Grier, died December 25, 1878, aged seventy; Isabella, J. M. died June 12, 1850, aged thirty-eight; John M. Mulfinger, born 1809, died May, 1869; Thomas Hays, died May 15, 1840, aged thirty-five; George Gearhart, son of George and Phoebe, died May 17, 1817, aged seventy-eight; Phoebe Gearhart, died June 21, 1845, aged fiftytwo; A^cilsa-G«arhart, died March 13, 1813, aged thirty -two William C. Gearhart, died September 15, 1834, aged thirty-four; John Frazer, died August, 1821, aged seventy; Mary, his wife, died 1823; Eleanor, wife of George Wilson, died October 1, 1827, aged sixty-six; Rudolph Sechler, born February 22, 1773, died June 26, 1857; Susanah Sechler, died September 20, 1871, aged ninety years, nine months, two days. T!ie first rush of immigration to this portion of Pennsylvania had been The Wyoming mas•effectually stopped by the incursions of hostile Indians. The first wave of sacres are a shocking chapter in the history of that time. pioneers had but touched this outer border when the mutterings of the swarming red devils from their hilly fastnesses sent the wildest alarms among the Danville was perforce deserted, and the most hapless and helpless settlers. This was a serious loss to the of the people went to the forts for protection. people; it was precious time to them gone in the clearing of their little truck It must patches, and preparing homes and providing food for their families. have taken some time to partially make amends for the sacrifices they made. This seriously retarded the early growth and building up of the town. Thus the eighteenth century passed and the present dawned, and six years of this cenIts tury had come and gone before a postoffiee was established in the place. The produce of the farmer was at growth was uncertain and slow until 1828. low prices and far from markets, with but the most primitive means of transGen. William Montgomery had portation over the most difficult highways. had a grate made in his house after his own original idea, and was practically showing his neighbors that coal could be used as fuel. The avenues of commerce here had not then been opened. The people rafted lumber or rather logs (down the river, and for some time this was practically the only real commerce , ; HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 85> Early in the twenties the subject of a canal began to be talked carried on. The people had never heard of a railroad. about in a vague, in '-^finite way. They had only just heard of the steamboat, but their information and ideas of But the canal they understood and fully appreit were vague and nebulous. It was the great and perfect highway to the markets of the workL ciated. The most daring thinkers of them no doubt anticipated the day when steamboats would ply the waters of the Susquehanna.* But from these day dreams This was the they would ever turn to the subject of a canal to Danville. About the year golden probability that argued itself into certainty at last. 1820 the subject of a canal began to be seriously agitated. In 1826 the Gen. Daniel MontState entered upon a system of internal improvements. gomery, most fortunately, was that year appointed one of the canal commisIn 1826-27 the canal was sursioners, and became president of the board. veyed and located, and in 1832 the water was turned in the canal was comAnd the great era in the history of the town then dawned the year pleted. — — 1832. FIFTY- SIX YEARS AGO. from Danville in 1831, and on the fiftieth anniFrazer removed Mr. John versary of his departiire for "my own, my native land," he jotted down his recollections, and the picture he recalls of the people of that distant day is The following is the substance of his recollections: very interesting. "The population of the village was then 740; the buildings numbered eighty; most of these were dwelling-houses on Water, Market and Mill Streets. They were bounded by the river. Church Street, Sechler's Run and Factory Street; these limits were very much less than the present area of the boroughThey were chiefly frames, but many of the primitive log buildings yet remained- The brick buildings were the courthouse, Goodman's Tavern, Dr. Subsequently Petrikin's and Mr. Frick's residences and Mr. Baldy's store. many brick structures were erected, all, or nearly all of which remain. The pursuits of the citizens were confined to the ordinary mechanical trades, the professions, and, for so small a population, a large amount of merThere was scarcely a germ of the manufacturing interest which chandising. has grown to be of such vast importance since that day. About 1817, on Market Street, near Pine, William Mann manufactured nails in a primitive way by The bars or hoops of nail iron were cut by a machine worked by a hand. treadle with the foot, and by a second operation the heads of the nails were formed by a blow or two with a hammer; by unremitting industry, I suppose a workman could produce as many nails in a month as one can now, by the aid And this simple, modest manufacture was the of machinery, in a single day. precursor of the immense iron manufactures of the present time, which has earned for the place a high reputation excelled by few in that industrial pursuit, and it has been the cause of the rapid increase of the population of the place, so that it now more than equals all the residue of the county. The nucleus of the settlement, around which the accretion of population was subsequently gathered, was American, originating during the last two decades of the last century by emigi'ation from southeastern Pennsylvania, To these were added, southern New Jersey, Sunbiuy and Northumberland. from time to time, European emigrants chiefly German, British, Irish and Swiss, a few French and Dutch, possibly some Danes and Swedes. Of British ' ' ' ' — *In 1824 the " Codorus," a little steamboat, actually arrived at Danville on an experimental trip up the The town rejoiced, and a great holiday was had; the officers were fed an^l toasted at the old Cross Keys Hotel that stood on the bank of the river. Everybody attended, everybody rejoiced the long night had broken away. The l>oat proceeded on her way to Berwick, and there exploded her boilers, killing some of the crew. The boat and the bright visions of navigating the river were gone, never to return. Susquehanna. — HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 86 emigrants up to that date I do not recollect a single Welshman, although they soon after became a most important element of population employed in the These apparently discordant elements soon yielded to the iron manufacture. potent attraction of association, so that early in the present century the homogeneity of the young and vigorous community was assured. Seldom did any This uniformity extended both to religpeople enjoy a more happy harmony. They derived their revealed theology from the Bible, as ion and politics. expounded by the followers of Calvin and Knox; their moral theology from the Presbyterian pulpit, the Westminster catechism, and, to no inconsiderable Paradise Lost, extent, from Milton's which was received as a commentary by some, as a supplement by others. With what awe they read: ' ' Of Providence, foreknowledge, will, and fate; Fixed fate, free will, foreknowledge absolute. Bunyan' s Pilgrim' s Progress was also a work of great authority. The were very limited; neither Aristotle, nor Pliny, nor Buffon were in demand; but '^sop's Fables,' 'Weem's Life of Washington,' 'Cook's Voyages, and Riley' s Narrative were among the most popular books for miscellaneous reading. Shakespeare' s Plays were placed on the index purgatorius by some, and few advocated their general use. The venerable Dr. Nott, who was president of Union College for the unprecedented term of sixty-two years, used to say to the students If you want to get a knowledge of the world and human nature, read the Bible; but if you will read any other books, read Homer and Shakspeare. They come nearer Moses and Paul than any others I am acquainted with.' 'Fox's Book of Martyrs' was esteemed a much more suitable book for youthful readers than the great English bard; they were also allowed that most captivating of boys' books, Robinson ' ' ' * libraries ' ' ' ' ' ' : ' Crusoe. " All were not Calvinists under the wise and judicious pastorate of that Rev. John B. Patterson, ever honored for his blameless life and unostentatious piety, they were kept within one fold and one baptism until the close of his long ministry. He was occasionally aided by pastors from neighboring towns. I can now recall the names of Rev. Messrs. Dunham, William Smith, Nicholas Patterson, Isaac Grier, John Bry- good and ; yet, faithful shepherd, son, and Hood. " The Rev. William B. Montgomery and his wife, nee Jane Robinson, of the Presbyterian Church, the devoted missionaries to the Osage Indians, had recently departed for Union Station, the scene of theii' labors, which then seemed to us tenfold more remote than Japan does now, and took a longer time in journeying thither. For more than thirty years they labored there, under great privations, until they both fell victims to epidemic cholera. " For a number of years the followers of Wesley increased in number, and through the zeal and labors of William Woods, William Hartman, William Whitaker, of the village. Judge Jacob Gearhart, of Rush Township, and others, a church was established about 1815. It was supplied by itinerant preachers. Of these, I can now only recall the name of Rev. George Dawson. There was a local preacher, Simons by name, who occasionally exhorted and preached at his own house, on Market near Church Street. I well remember the appearance of these devoted itinerant preachers in their journeys around the circuit, with their jaded horses, their portmanteau and umbrella tied on behind their saddle, and hat covered with oil cloth to protect it from the storms, and their extremely plain garb, such as I saw Lorenzo Dow wear at a subsequent date. ' HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 87 " The Catholics, now so numerous, were scarcely known as sectaries, Michael HafTerty and Francis Trainor being the only two I can recollect. The Rev. Mr. Kay, a Socinian or Unitarian, preached at times, but without making pros«lyt.e8. The Rev. Mr. Shepherd, a Baptist of the Campbellite portion of that sect, preached occasionally. He was an eloquent and popular divine. There "ware a number of Lutherans, to whom Rev. Mr. Kesler, from the vicinity of Bloomsburg, preached at long intervals. The Episcopalians were not numerous, and it was suggested that they and the Lutherans unite and form a union church; but this was impracticable, and the former erected, own, and occupy the church edifice on Market Street, on ground included in what at an early sons were Gen. Daniel, Col. John, and Alexander. The son of the senior Dauie] Mont?fomerv was Judge William Montgomery. The Woodside family was a large one, consistiag of Thomas, Archibald, John, James, Daniel, William aud Robert; of the Moores Asa, John, Abner, Burrows, Samuel, Charles, Andrew Y. Edward S. and several daughters; of the Mauses George, Elizabeth, Philip, Susan, Samuel, Lewis, Charles, Joseph and Jacob W. of the Sechlers, I recollect Rudolph, George, John, Jacob, Samuel and Harmon. At a later date came Mrs. Cornelison and her children: Joseph, William, Jacob, Isaac, Cornelius, James, Ann and Mercy; of the Whitakers John, Thomas, William H., Irwin, Jane, Elizabeth, Polly, Nancy, Fanny and Juliana; William Wilson, the long time justice of the peace, with a large family of eleven children and their descendants, now numbering about 100. There were also the Clarks, Gearharts, Gaskinses, Blues, Rishels, Phillipses, Diehls, Sanderses, Fousts, Frazers, Donaldsons, Willitses and Brewers. " Many of the pioneer customs still prevailed. Manufactures of the most pressing necessity were found in almost every household: the spinning-wheel for tow and flax; the big wheel, as it was called, for woolen yarn. These were woven in the place, and made into clothing at home, and most of the villagers and their children were clad in these domestic suits. The tailor and shoemaker itinerated here and in the vicinity and ^ere almost constantly employed. A dwelling without a detached bake-oven would have been deemed incomplete; there were no bakers by profession, and of necessity each housewife was her own baker. The Franklin stove and the six-plate stove were still in use; the ten-plate stoves had recently been introduced and were a great improvement on the former, as much so as the palace cook and heater are upon the latter. Our stoves were then manufactured by Mr. Hauck, and bore the legend, John Hauck, Catawissa Furnace:, and it was one of the mysteries that troubled the brains of the boys, how it ever got there in iron letters, as much as did the efPect of the music of Orpheus, which drew iron tears down Pluto's cheek. — — , — ; — ' , HISTOKY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 88 " By industry and frugality the people lived in comparative comfort, paid their preacher and school-master promptly, and their printer as soon as convenient, thereby preserving a good conscience and securing peace of mind. " The school-master was abroad. Thomas Grier taught a classical school and prepared boys for college. Stephen Halff also taught a private school, and Rev. Mr. Painter was principal of the Danville Academy, then a new The predecessors of these were Master Gibson, who taught in the institution. old log schoolhouse near the first edifice of the Grove Church; Messrs. Andrew Forsythe, John Moore, Thomas W. Bell, Don Carlos Barret, an eminent teacher; John Richards; Samuel Kirkham, the distinguished grammarian, and Ellis Hughes, a most competent and successful educator, favorably remembered by many of his pupils still living. " The houses were then chiefly__on Water, Mill and Market Streets, and, with scarcely an exception, had gardens attached to them, with a portion of each allotted to flowers. The damascene rose, guelder rose, flowering almond, peony, narcissus, lilac, lily, pink, and other familiar floral productions were wont to ornament it and make it unprofitably gay. The boys, after school hours, often reluctantly, tried their 'prentice hands at horti'-ulture, and the most onerous part of their labor was the removal of the water- worn stone, rounded by attrition in by-gone antediluvian ages, in ocea'.ic currents. They abounded on Market Street lots and other elevated portions of the village. Doubtless by this time a succession of youthful gardeners have removed them all and made horticultural pursuits less laborious. ' ' " Araongstother amusP'rieTits Lhe boys enjoyed skating, sledding, sleighing, fishing, playing ball, bathing in the river and in the Mahoning; in the latter, west of Factory Street, hard by a buttonwood or sycamore, was a famous bathing place. Flying kite and playing marbles in the spring, were not forgotten. All these afPorded them the needed recreation nutting, trapping, from study and labor. " But I must not omit the muster days of the military. The old Rifle Blues was one of the oldest, if not the oldest, volunteer military organization of the county. The Light Dragoons, Captain Clarke, were the admiration of all the boys of the place, and their parades were gala days. The Columbia Guards was a fine company of infantry, numbering over sixty, commanded by Captain James Carson. The train band. Captain Yorks, was also one of the institutions of that day. The regimental musters were generally held at Washingtonville, and drew together crowds of spectators to witness their grand maneuvers, discuss politics and tavern dinners. " The Watchman was then the only newspaper. George Sweeny, the veteran editor, was its proprietor. He had published the Columbian Gazette in 1813, which was succeeded by the Express, by Jonathan Lodge in 1815, and afterward by Lodge & Caruthers. The Watchman was established in 1820. It was published on Market Street, east of Ferry, and had a sign in front of the ofiice, upon which was painted the head of Franklin with the legend from There were then few Milton, Where liberty dwells, there is my country. painted signs in the place, and this one was very conspicuous. Although the Watchman was not half the size of the American it was esteemed a grand journal, and had great influence in the politics of the county. It was made up chiefly by copy from other papers, and seldom contained editorial articles. Readers were not so exacting then as in these latter days. " The politics of the village like those of the county, were largely Democratic. What Democratic principles were I had no very definite idea, but had a vague impression that they were just the reverse of Federal principles, and I suppose ' ' HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 91 that this negative definition quadrated with the ideas of the dominant party. State politics absorbed the attention of politicians and banished from their minds national politics to an extent that must have gladdened the hearts of those stolid politicians, the States' rights men. I remember how a villager pertinaciously urged the nomination of Gen. Jackson for governor, and he honestly believed that the gubernatorial honor was the highest that could be conferred upon the old hero. The members of the bar were few in nvimber. Ebenezer Greenough had recently removed to Sunbury. Judge Grier, from his profound legal attainments and fine scholarship, stood at the head of his profession. Alem Marr, the pioneer lawyer, was a good classical scholar and a graduate of Princeton. He represented the district in Congress in 1829. LeGrand Bancroft was district attorney. The other members were George A. Frick, William G. Hurley, John Cooper, James Carson and Robert McP. McDowell. A short time ' ' subsequently John G. Montgomery, Paul Leidy and Joshua W. Comly were added to the number. All of them are deceased except the latter. The medical men were not numerous. The first in the place was Dr. Forrest, the grandfather of Mrs. Valentine Best; his successor. Dr. Barrett; his, Drs. Petrikin and Daniels. At the period of which I write there were also Drs. McDowell and Magill. The latter was then a young practitioner in the beginning of his long and successful career, and now remains, beyond the age of four-score years, the honored head of the profession, which has increased fourfold since he became a member of it. And now Danville began to rear medical men of her own. Herman Gearhart and Alexander C. Donaldson were initiated into the profession under the tuition of Dr. Petrikin. At the same time Samuel Montgomery and Matthew Patterson were divinity students. John. Martin was a law student in Mr. Marr's office, and subsequently practiced in Clearfield County. Gen. Daniel Montgomery was the first merchant, but, having acquired a fortune, was now residing on his fine farm a mile or two above town. His cousin, Judge William Montgomery, an old citizen, wjis now the oldest merchant, with his store corner of Mill and Market Streets and his residence on the opposite corner. He bore his full share in the burden of improving and bettering the condition of his fellow-men; was one of the pillars of the church and founder of the first Sunday-school when many others, if not opposed to it, aided it only in a perfunctory way, and he lived to see it permanently established. Peter Baldy, though still a young merchant, was engaged in an extensive business and dealt largely in grain. He commenced in the old log building which had been occupied by King & Hamilton; from thence, he re moved to his well known store on Mill Street where he continued his business for half a century, when he retired, having accumulated a fortune. The other merchants were John Moore, John Russell and William Colt, all old and esteemed citizens; and W^illiam Bickley. Boyd & Montgomery, John C. & Michael C. Grier, and Michael Ephlin who had more recently engaged in business. Mr. Longhead had retired from business to devote his time to the post-office, and Jeremiah Evans had recently moved to Mercersburg. The old Cross-Keys tavern, kept by Mrs. Jemima Donaldson, was the best, in the county and it is doubtful whether it has been surpassed to this day. Tha Union Hotel, the first three-story brick building and the best one in the place was built and kept by Philip Goodman. John Irwin kept a tavern corner of Market and Ferry Streets; and the most ancient hostelry of them all, the Rising Sun, the old red house at the foot of Mill Street with the walnut tree at the door, and its crowd of devotees of Bacchus who made it resound with ' ' ' ' ' ' 92 HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. Midnight shout and revelry. Tipsy dance and jollity. The Ferry tavern by George Barnhart, where I often hurried by, fearing the sound of the fiddle, judging that old Satan could not be far distant from the violin, thus condemning that first of musical instruments, from its association with much that is vile. Then there was the Jackson tavern, Mill Street near Mahoning, by William Clark, a soldier of the Revolution, with the likeness of Gen. Jackson painted on its sign, thus superseding that of Washington, as the latter in its day had replaced that of George III, tempori parendum. The taverns then had a monopoly of retailing intoxicating liquors, dealing them out by the gill and rye whisky was the chief liquor used, and doubtless was less hvu-tful than the villainous compound now sold under that name. Some who then indulged in potations pottle deep nevertheless attained a great age; when any one of them was warned against indulging too fi-eely in it, as it was a slow poison, he replied that he was aware of that for he had been using it sixty years and it must be very slow. The coffee-houses, now destitute of coffee, the saloons, groceries and other refined modern drinking places were then unknown. In addition to these taverns Mrs. Spence kept a boardinghouse, and had for her guests some of the most respectable people of the place. Amongst the active and industrious citizens were the blacksmiths. John Lunger was one of the earliest, and had a shop on Ferry Street. John Deen' s smithy was on Market near Ferry Street, where by many and well-directed blows he hammered out a fortune. Joseph Cornelison's was on Mahoning near Mill Street. George McCulley was one of the pioneer carpenters and removed to Ohio, near Wooster, where some of his descendants still reside. Daniel Cameron, a worthy Scot and the great pedestrian who walked from Harrisburg to Danville in a day without deeming it any great exploit, was a skillful carpenter and builder. Adam Schuyler and George Lott were also engaged in that business. " The chairmakers were William Hartman who was also a wheelwright, and the brothers Kirk. William Mann was also engaged in that calling for a year or two. "Shoemakers William Woods, Gideon Mellon, Henry Sanders, Thomas Wiley. " Tailors William M. Wiley, who removed to Harrisburg; William Whitaker, Amos E. Kitchen. William Ingold was a vagrant workman who plied his needle at the houses of his employers, and was noted for his quips and quirks and idle pranks, whereby he amused and often astonished the boys of the ' ' ; ' ' ' ' * ' — — "village. ' Honest John Reynolds, from Reading, was the veteran hatter, who for iong years supplied men and boys with hats. Martin McCollister was a more recent and very skillful workman. " Thomas Blackwell earned on the fulling-mill and saw-mill near what is now the junction of Mill and Bloom Streets. The first brewer was Richard Matchin. The citizens of that day were not, as we now phrase it, educated up to a due appreciation of that beverage, consequently improved less profitable than brewing lager, weiss and buck beer ' ' ' at the present time. "George Wilson was the first cabinet-maker, and some of his substantial oldBurrows Moore was long en- style furniture has survived to the present day. gaged in the same biisiness. ' The Scotch weavers had been famous •Of those who were engaged in the early days of the settlement. in the business fifty years since I can now only 93 HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. The latter was a Tecall the names of Christopher Smith and Peter Goodman. most respectable and industrious German from the Fatherland. "Coppersmiths and tinners— Alexander Wilson, James Wilson, John C. Theil. " Watchmaker and jeweler, Samuel Maus. "There were several saddlers— Alexander Best, Hugh Flack, Daniel Hoffman, and possibly others. Rifles were in demand, and had always been much used by the pioneers. These were supplied by Samuel Baum and George Miller the son of the latter succeeded him and still continues the business. Of public functionaries, we had but few, and their removals were few and In the language of an eminent statesman it might then have far between. been truly said: "Few die and none resign." Judge Seth Chapman was long He was a man of moderate legal attainthe presiding judge of our courts. ments, yet he made a good presiding officer. He was assisted by his associates, Judges Montgomery and Eupei-t. George A. Frick was prothonotary, having been appointed to that office by Gov. Snyder in 1813. "William Wilson, Rudolph Sechler and Joseph Prutzman were the justices Mr. •of the peace; Andrew McReynolds, sheriff; Daniel Cameron, constable. Sechler was also register and recorder. James Longhead, a dignified yet popular gentleman of English origin, was postmaster, and held the office for the long term of fourteen years, twice as long as any other with one exception. The office was first established in 1806, Judge Montgomery being the first one appointed, and held his commission from President Jefferson, and filled the This just and pious man discharged this trust, as he office for seven years. did all others, to the entire satisfaction of the Government and the community. He was succeeded by that other faithful public servant, Rudolph Sechler, who held it for a like term of seven years, until Mr. Longhead's appointment. With him it was inI never knew a more honest man than Mr. Sechler. nate. He could not be otherwise than honest. His countenance, his actions, his words, in short everything about him proclaimed his sterling integrity; and what gave a charm to it he was quite unconscious of his being more Of his large number of connections I never knew honest than other men. one whose integrity was called in question. It is highly gratifying to know that in the seventy years the office has been in existence, there has never been a defaulter to the National Government, and that all of the thirteen incumbents of the office have diligently and faithfully discharged the trust reposed ' ' ; ' ' in them. "One of the eccentric characters of the vicinity was Mr. Finney, who died ten or twelve years subsequent to the period of which I write, almost a centenarian. He was a man of gallantry, a kind of Beau Nash of more than eighty, with a peculiar child-like tenor voice, who delighted to play the gallant with the young ladies of the village, and drive them around the place and Robin Finney, as he was always called, from vicinity in his old-style chaise. his great age and attention to the fair sex, was a great favorite with them, and was well known to the people of that day. His chaise and one owned by Gen. D. Montgomery and one by Judge Montgomery were the oiUy pleasure The old time carriage of Philip Maus, carriages of that kind in the county. which attracted the attention and excited the wonder of the village urchins, and the more modern carriage of Gen. Montgomery were the only pleasure Traveling on horseback was then the proper thing for •carriages of that style. both sexes, old and young, gentle and simple, and its general disuse is to be regretted. HISTORY or MONTOUR COUNTY. 9-4 Abe Brown was an African, or an American of African descent, and the only one in the place. He had been a mariner, and after he came here, was a servant to Mr. Longhead. He immigrated to Mahoning County, Ohio, where by industry and frugality he acquired a competency and enjoys the respect of the community where he resides. Jack Harris was an octoroon, a fine looking lad, and so nearly white that he might pass for an Anglo-American. Though not darker than a brunette, the rude boys persisted in calling him Black Jack. These boys attended the schools and were treated with justice. "The great flood of 1817, usually called the August flood, surrounded the place so that, for the time, it became insular. The only approach was by I saw the bridge over the brook on the road, then an extension of boats. Church Street, float away with a man on it who secured it before it reached the river. "The inhabitants were supplied with flour from the mills of John and Alexander Montgomery and Joseph Maus, all propelled by the water of the Mahoning. Farmers in the vicinity took their grain in sacks to the mills; the miller ground it for a toll of one-tenth. Except for the Baltimore, Philadelphia, or Reading markets, it was seldom put up in barrels. Steam power had not been introduced in the place or neighborhood, except at Boyd's mill, which was then a new one on the left bank of the river above town. Whisky was the Archimedean lever that moved the world. Contracts could not be made or performed without its potent aid. The merchant kept it on his counter, for his customers would not purchase goods without it. It was indispensable at musters and elections. The farmer's fields could not be cultivated without its use as a motor. Mr. Robinson, in the vicinity, offered the laborers who were employed in his harvest fields extra pay if they would dispense with it, but they refused. The temperance cause was advocated by its friends, but its opponents, numerous, defiant and violent, determined that their liberties should not be subverted by a few fanatics who were worse than the Federals. The half century just closed has been an eventful, almost a marvelous one. In 1826 we had no railways, telegraphs, type-writers, gas, petroleum, no canals, iron furnaces, forges, rolling-mills; no bridge over the river, no tire engines of any kind, nor many other indispensable improvements, deprived of which we would speedily retrograde to what we were at that period. The population has increased more than tenfold, and Danville has kept pace with the rest of the world, and shown an energy and perseverance worthy of her, notwithstanding the many depressions and conflicts incident to her position as a. great manufacturing center. Her numerous sons, dispersed throughout the great West, and in other portions of our vast republic, now in exile from her borders, look with pride upon her onward course in material prosperity, and her commendable progress in religion, morals, and science, the social virtues and the amenities of life, which they trust may continue, and enable her, for all future time, to maintain her elevated position in the good old commonwealth. "There was an old tradition, or rather a prophecy, among the Indians that roamed about the Susquehanna, that great floods in this river occurred at regular intervals of fourteen years. The first great flood of which we have any account was in 1744 the second in 1758 the third in 1772, and that which is known as the great pumpkin flood was in 1786 there being just fourteea years between each of these floods. The pumpkin flood was in the month of October, and was so designated on account of the immense number of pumpkins that floated down the stream from the fields above. It began to' ' ' ' ' ' ; ; — ' ' ' ' HISTOKY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 95 The rain on the 5tli of October, 1786, and rained incessantly for several days. Several persons were drowned water rose rapidly and swept all before it. near the place now called Rupert, and at Sunbury houses were overflowed and many people were lost. Northumberland was also flooded and much damThis flood was long remembered and known among the old age was done. In the spring of 1800, just fourteen settlers as 'the great pumpkin flood.' It rained pumpkin flood, another great freshet occuiTed. years after the three days and three nights, carrying off a deep snow and doing much damIn 1814 there was another destructive flood that caused much loss of age. Here the old Indian tradition that floods occuiTed every life and property. for the next was in 1817, after an interval of only fourteen years failed The next flood of note was in 1847. If there were any from three years. 1817 to 1847 we have no record of them. Many will remember that of 1859, which also raised the water in the North Branch over eight feet above high Still more vividly do they remember the extraordinary flood of water mark. March, 1865. The exciting scenes in Danville on the 17th and 18th of The river began to rise on Friday, and that month will never be forgotten. on Saturday the water rose to four feet above the highest flood on record. A great portion of Danville was overflowed and many families were compelled to Women and children were taken from their leave their homes in haste. The whole district from Sageburg to Mill Street was covered houses in boats. with water reaching up Mulberry Street and to the scales in front of the Montgomery building. The low lands along the Mahoning were also under water. On Mulberry as well as on Mill Street boats and rafts were moving among the The river bridge was much injured houses and gliding high over the gardens. Many stables and other buildings floated about and but withstood the onset. found new and strange foundations as the water receded, witJiout any regard Only one man, Peter Green, was drowned to the side that was up or down. He fell into the Mahoning fi'om a small raft while attempting at this place. His body was recovered and properly cared to supply his family with coal. Another great flood in the North Branch in 1875 took the river bridge for. that had so long withstood the assaults of the angry torrent, but when the It has Catawissa bridge came down and struck it broadside it had to yield. There was another great since been rebuilt more substantially than before. freshet on the 12th of February, 1881." This account of fifty- six years ago rounds out the first half -century of Danville, completing the history to the second and important event in the The opening of the canal started the second era in the town's town's history. growth and its permanent and solid development. As soon as the building of a canal became an assured fact, men of enterprise and capital, anticipating the results to flow along with its completion, began to rapidly come to the Capital was attracted here, labor came where it was sure of ready place. Iron ore was here in great abundance and the eimployment at living wages. best quality, and the canal brought the coal fields almost to our door, and soon the movement was on foot that moved with mighty strides to the building of the great factories that have made the name of Danville familiar throughout the commercial world. INCORPORATION AS A BOROUGH. ' . ' ; Its growth from its Danville became an incorporated borough in 1849. settlement until the building of the canal had been very slow, the improvements more than keeping pace with the additions to the population. In 1840 In the next decade, however, it was increased over the population was 1,100. 200 per cent and in the next half-decade, 1855, to 6,000 and in 1857 to 8,000. / 96 HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. In that day this was unprecedented. The present stationary condition of thetown shows that the large part of this population was drawn here by the iron, In 1849 it was reaching rapidly its importance and growth manufactories. In the establishment of its manufactories, the as a manufacturing town. public and private buildings, and its commerce and increase of capital in every line of industry, were then widely known and began to give the place an enviable reputation throughout the country. When made a borough it was divided into two wards. Its official machinThe freshets in the river had sugery was simple, economical and effective. gested that the lower parts of the town must be raised to an established grade In 1852 Northumberland Street was filled to prevent the injurious overflows. up to grade. At different times fills had been made in the low parts of Mill and other streets in the near vicinity of the canal. The fills on these streets can be readily seen by their present elevation above the tow-path of the canal. This is not indicative of all the fill, because in deepening the canal, which was done at different times, this was effected by raising the sides or tow-path, and here there is nearly an average fill of three feet above the natural surface of the ground. In 1855 the borough limits were enlarged and for the first time accurately These limits contain 996 acres, lying in greatest defined as they exist now. length along the river and extending back to Montour' s Ridge. There were only two wards until 1867, when the divisions were made into four wards, and by this change twelve councilmen were provided for, or three from each ward. At the then following election three alderman were elected in each ward to serve respectively one, two and three years, and one to be elected at each succeeding annual election to serve three years. In common with the entire country the business of the place suffered a This was especially felt in its largecheck from the financial panic of 1857. It had disappeared in 1859. In the latter iron mills, but was only temporary. part of 1860 the portentous war clouds were lowering upon the 'country, and The in 1861 the storm broke and the Nation trembled in the throes of war. inperative wants of the country had soon set to work the busy machinery of Danville, and again the tide ran high in all its lines of industry. The demand in the ranks of the army upon employers and laborers was great, but great as it was it was met with an enthusiastic rush, and in Danville as everywhere in all the land, men were going and coming, the prices of labor and commodities went up and up, wants increased, the flow of money from the government center was immense, which rapidly circulated among the people and they were exuberant and intoxicated with patriotism, and money getting, and this rapidly bred extravagant habits in the majority and colossal fortunes in the hards of many. The war over and people again settling down to the attempt to try the old fashioned anti-war simplicity and sobriety, that had unconsciously passed away and apparently never to return, and hence to many the times were out of joint, and others were at a loss to readjust themselves, or, to use the term that was then applied properly only to the revolted States, to put on and wear graceThe war left the country flooded fully the new habiliments of reconstruction. Men no longer hesitated to go in debt, with cheap money and flush times. The to pay the heaviest discounts upon the glittering but deceptive future. thinkers of pessimistic tendency argued that the war closed, the debris cleared away, that the reaction wpuld swiftly come that would engulf every daring But the war closed in 1865, and a lustrum of years had come adventurer. and gone and financial prosperity only swelled its daily great volume. The reThe pessimist ceased to warn, the optimist confidently action had not come. ss HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 97 told himself that the resistless stream of prosperity could not be stopped or changed in its onrushing course. Had not the northern patriots put down at incalculable sacrifices the monster rebellion? The South was crushed, pauperized and millions of slaves were freed, and no longer did northern labor Was not Provhave to contend against the unpaid slave labor of the country. idence justice? "Was it a farthing more, indeed, but a pitiful recompense for our great sacrifices that this stream of financial and industrial prosperity should flow on forever? To these golden dreams came the fatal year, 1873. The telegraph flashed the simple announcement, but really portentous news over the land, 'Jay Cook' failure," and in a day the average business man of the country was in fact a The sad scenes around the bankrupt courts exceeded even those in bankrupt. England when the great South Sea Bubble burst. May a return of the like had trampled upon every financial law of politbe ever spared our land! ical economy, and we had to pay the most fearful penalties, compounding the interest to the most implacable Shy lock that ever demanded the pound of flesh from nearest the human heart. In this financial revolution, following upon the heels of the social and moral upheaval of the times, Danville, because of its distance from the great cities, probably suffered less severely than the majority of places of its size. But still it felt severely the shock. It to-day bears the marks of the wounds thus inflicted, although a decade of years have come and gone since the great The financial, commercial and industrial history of the panic passed away. town from the commencement of the war to the present is contained in the history of the country during that period a history yet to be written, but a fruitful and instructive theme indeed, to the historian able to write it. ' We — INDUSTEIES. Some learned sociologist has concluded that the true measure of a people' degree of civilization is the amount of soap they use. The correctness of this In many a pioneer settlement of 100 years ago so pinched were depends. the people for every necessity of life, that the wild " bee trees " were hunted for soap was to use honey; and the advance along the line of washing, not barring the pig-tailed Mr. Washee, is the use of gasoline now-a-days in washing the belle's kid gloves or her floating cloudThis honey at one end of like snowy white or delicately tinted party dress. the line, then the thousand substitutes in the middle and gasoline at the other extremity there is no fair standard here to measure either our beauty, cleanliness or civilization. Then, too, where this soap philosopher expounded his discovery, the world was jogging contentedly along in much simplicity and dirt, and in total ignorance of what the near future had in store for their children's The little rill that is now the great swollen delectation and advancement. stream had just then started on its course too insignificant then to attract attention, while now in the language of the western poet when he, like De Soto, first stood upon the bank of the Mississippi River, and his muse fired by the grandeur of the view exclaimed: " Great Father of Waters, so wide that you This poetical paradox well expresses the growth and cannot hear its roar!" and the only make-shift possible — — extent of modern inventions and improvements in all the arts especially in the manufacture of iron, that now has reached that degree of perfection and magnitude that the soap sociologist, were he alive, would revise his philosophy and say that the true gauge is iron. In Bucks County in this State those dear old Revolutionary fighting fathers got iron and made common balls to fire at the hated red coats. Perhaps just HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. •98 little previously, some ingenious Yankee-Deutcher had succeeded in making a heating stove, or at least a kind of iron box to put fire in, perhaps the primitive idea of the old foot stove only a little changed and enlarged; and thus, making stoves to warm oiu'selves and cannon balls to warm the Hessians, commenced in this country the little rill that is now the stream "so great that you cannot The camping hunter bad not then discovered for us the fact hear its roar. would burn, but the discovery of coal as a fiiel quickly black rock that the followed the making of the first stove and the casting of those holy cannon balls, and at that very hour Fulton was brewing in his great brain the steamboat that in 1809 made its immortal trial trip on the Hudson. Then, too, Benjamin holding the end of one Franklin was flying his kites, himself, as he says, string and another goose holding by its neck the other string," when the lightning, realizing its great master had come, playfully and in "sportive liked to have killed the wrong goose. ran down the wrong string and twists Thus, link by link, the great chain was forged and welded from the outcropping iron ore that has made this the age of iron, the era of civilization wonderThese are the true children of immortality. The thoughts ful, incomparable! Like the and inventions of genius alone are immortal, they endure forever. laws of nature their work goes on perpetually, ever increasing, ever growing, multiplying in compound ratio like the unseen drops of water and particles of gases in the bowels of the earth that ignite and produce the earthquake self increasing, self perpetuating, casting their seeds in the minds of other men, encircling the globe, widening, deepening, strengthening forever. What are the stupid imaginings of the fabled gods ? What the world' s common accepted ideas of its great benefactors, great men, compared to these immortal inventors and thinkers ? Place the fame and glory of Napoleon by the side of that nameless hunter who discovered the use of coal, then think of the agony, destruction and woe that came into this world with the great warrior, and remember what has come of the results of the simple hunter's observations about his lonely camp fire how mean and horrible the one, how grand and great and good the other. The one only destroyed, the other created the one was only evil, and like all evil things has passed away in its effects; the other was only good, and like all good, lives and grows through all time. When our schools and churches have time to look about them, to behold this vast sweep of growth of this century, it is to be hoped they will begin to impress upon the young and growing minds the heaven sent truth that generally the world's heroes and great men are but unspeakable shams and frauds -send them to the dust bins, spit upon them the whole horde of humbugs and windbags! Away with them, with whips of scorpions pursue them and their miserable memories fi'om the world! The pioneer here in the production of iron was IVIi". Bird Patterson. He built a charcoal furnace in 1838. It stood near where the Catawissa railroad now passes, just beyond the Mahoning steam mill. With the introduction of anthracite coal as a fuel in iron manufacture it was abandoned and eventually fell into ruin. This, in order to designate the different furnaces, was called s, ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' — — — — — — "No. 1." Montour Iron and Steel Works. About 1840 Chambers & Biddle built Nos. 2 and 3 the twin furnaces, and these were the first in the country that used anthracite coal. It is said that Benjamin Perry was the leading spirit in — — the production of anthracite iron. Furnace No. 4 was built in 1845. These were the Montour Iron Company' s works, for some time in their early history represented by the firm of Murdock, Leavitt & Co. the firm consisting of U. A. Murdock, Edward Leavitt, Jesse Oakley and David Wetmore. The superin, 2^nn^^y^''S C HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 101 The rolling-mill was built in 1844. (A. G. iendent was Heniy Brevoort. Toris was a general agent and builder, who was for many years connected with the works, as builder, purchasing material, selling iron and having renting T. O. Van Allen built the storehouse, now known of the dwellings in charge.) as the company store, in 1844, and conducted the store and the flouring-mill He was also resident until about 1850 when he sold to Conely, Grove & Co. The rolling-mill was completed in 1845 and here the first agent for a time. T rail was made. The U rail had been made before this date but to Danville belongs the honor of having on the 8th of October, 1845, produced the ; was ever made in this country-— a rail that now connects the AtOceans and checkers with iron roadways every civilized coun-" In 1843 the furnaces were leased to Benjamin Perry AlexTheir contract ander Garretson, Cornelius Garretson and William Jennison. was for two years. Harris was the manager at the rolling-mill in its first operation and was succeeded by M. S. Kidgeway, the manager at the present The foundry and machine shop was established by Heyward & Snyder time. From 1847 to in 1839, but they were purchased by the company in 1852. 1849 the rolling-mill was operated by Ridgeway, Van Allen, Heath and Stroh. The resident agent of the company at that time was Warren Murdock. He occupied the position until the Advent of the Grove Bros. about 1850 or During their Peter and John Grove managed the works until 1857. 1851. regime the new mill was built, adding much to its extent and capacity, which In 1857 the entire works passed is now 45,000 tons of iron rails per annum. into the hands of I. S. Waterman, Thomas Beaver, William Neal and WashThey ington Lee, as trustees for the creditors of the Montour Iron Company. operated the works as trustees until 1859 when the entire interest in the whole They also purchased the real .concern was purchased by Waterman & Beaver. estate with all the franchises of the company, and changed the name to the They operated the works with great success and Pennsylvania Iron works. In 1868 Thomas Beaver, Dan Morgan, C. Mulligan, general satisfaction. George F. Geisinger and Dan Edwards operated and shared the profits of the In 1876 This combination was successful and continued until 1874. works. Thomas Beaver sold his interest to I. S. Waterman, retaining by pui-chase the mansion house on the hill, with twenty acres of ground. In 1880 Mr. Waterman sold the plant to the Philadelphia &c Reading RailThe name of the works was then changed to Montour road Company. Iron and Steel Works, with W. E. C. Cox, president; E. P. Howe, manager, and S. W. Ingesall, treasurer. As some evidence of what the little first old charcoal furnace had grown into, it may be stated that the railroad paid $450, 000 In its line of manufacture this was the pioneer in cash for the entire plant. first T rail that lantic and Pacific try in the world. , establishment east of the Alleghenies, producing a superior rail that supplied The excelroads in all parts of the country, extending to the Pacific Ocean. lent quality of block iron mined here, from its hardness, made a top for the rail that was a valuable desideratum, and commanded sales of all the works The size of the main building, 343x290 feet northeast wing, could produce. 116x89 feet; northwest wing, 116x60 feet; size of No. 2, 234x136 feet; wing, 28x67 feet; blacksmith shop, 26x57 feet; brick-house, 39x31 feet; pump-house, 20x15 feet: oil-house. 32x32 feet. This structiu'e contains 15 heating furnaces, 27 single puddling furnaces, 1 16-inch train of rolls and 2 trains of 20 inches. These rolls are driven by three large engines, combined, 700 horseThere is also a vertical engine which runs the squeezer, and one that power. runs the saws and machinery for punching and straightening the rails. A ; 102 HISTORY or MONTOUR COUNTY. powerful vertical engine drives the fans for blasts for the heating furnaces, and pumps vrater; another supplies the blast for the puddling-mill, and pumps water for the boilers in the puddling furnaces, and this drives the machinery Pudfor cutting old rails for the heating furnaces preparatory to re-rolling. dling mill No. 2 is similarly constructed and contains 14 double puddling fur- The naces, 2 squeezers, 1 rotary, 1 crocodile and 1 train of 20-inch rolls. There are other aprolls are driven by a Corliss engine of 100 horse-power. M. S. Ridgeway is the suppliances for the successful operation of the mills. These give employment to about 1,000 men when in full operaerintendent. tion, and can turn out 4,000 tons of rails, and have made as high as 200 tons The blast furnaces have a capacity of 24,000 tons of finished rails in a day. The blast is supplied by two engines of 400 horse-power of pig iron per year. each, and employ 600 men in full operation. These are superintended by DanThe foundry and machine shops are superintended by F. H. iel Morgan. Varmen. They consist of a building 40x75 feet, two stories, the upper floor These are filled with all the machinery for makoccupied for pattern rooms. ing steam-engines, locomotives, etc. and give employment, when in full work, The foundry is 60x90 feet, and, provided with a cupola to seventy-five men. capable of making a casting weighing ten tons, also with air furnaces, core , Here sixty-five men can be employed, and can turn out oven, cranes, etc. The boiler shop is 60x70 feet. about 200 tons of castings per month. These are of the iron works proper and rank among the largest iron works The company owns extensive ore in the world owned by private capital. mines, 2,000 acres of land which are connected with the furnaces by a narrow gauge railroad about seven miles in length, equipped with engines and rolling In the mining of their stock, with a branch road to their limestone quarry. The company put ore and quarrying rock they give employment to 150 men. up about 300 dwellings, a large grist-mill and a general store. At Kingston, on the L. & B. Railroad, sixty miles from Danville, the company purchased a valuable coal property. Among the best known of the furnaces in the State Grove's Furnace. They are cold and idle now and have these have long ranked in the front. been for some years, standing there a mute monument to the skill and executive ability of the Grove Brothers, as among the early and successful manuThese furnaces are on Mahoning Street, facturers of pig-iron in Pennsylvania. are solidly built and furnished with every modern appliance for the effectThe first furnace ive fulfillment of the piirpose for which they were built. was put up in 1840, and the additional stack was built in 1859-60. The blast They gave emfor both furnaces is supplied by a 40()-horse power engine. ployment to seventy-five men, and had a capacity of 12,000 tons per annum. The firm purchased coal mines above Pittston, on the Lackawanna & BaltimoreRailroad; also ore lands about Danville, and in Huntingdon, Berks and Lancaster Counties in this State, and also in Virginia, Maryland and Canada. The original brothers who came here and built up this great industry have Among other of the passed away, leaving a large fortune to their heirs. evidences of their great wealth is the extensive Grove's residence, one of the most expensive private residences at the time of its building in the State. The present owners of the property are apparently content with what they have and are not anxious to add to their great worldly possessions. This is a joint stock company, The Co operative Iron and Steel Works. chartered December 31, 1870, whose stockholders are largely interested as workmen in its mill. It is thus far a successful experiment in co-operative industry and is being watched with great interest throughout the country as. — — HISTOKY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 105 an exponent of a principle somewhat novel, yet apparently founded on solid grounds of social economy. The company having purchased six acres of land adjoining the canal, and having $75,000 capital distributed among forty stockholders, commenced the erection of their mill in April, 1871, and had it inoperation by November 13 of the same year. The mill is constructed after the most approved plans, and its internal arrangements are very complete. It is 75x153 feet, and contains eight puddling furnaces one train of eighteen inch rolls driven by an engine of 100 horse-power, one forty horse-power engine, crocodile squeezer, The company have a neat office buildingetc. adjoining the works. The present officers are Perry Deen, president; L. K. Rishel, secretary and treasurer, and John Grove, W. M. Gearhart, Samuel Mills, D. L. Secher, A. J. Amerman, L. K. Rishel, Perry Deen, J. C. Rhodes, P. Baldy, Jr., D. M. Reese and E. J. Curtis, directors. The company at present manufacture pig iron into puddle bar at their own mill, and have it manufactured into rails from sixteen to fifty pounds per yard. The' erection of a rail-mill is contemplated. Value of product, per year, about The company pay out as wages $4,000 per month, in cash, making1300,000. nearly $50,000 per year put in circulation among the business men of Danville« by their establishment alone. Enterprise Foundry and Machine Works. These works were established The firm is composed entirely in 1873 by Messrs. Cruikshank, Moyer & Co. of practical men, who give their personal attention to every branch of the business. The establishment consists of a machine-shop, 45x50 feet, stocked with lathes, planers, bolt-cutters, etc., of approved patterns; foundry, 45x50 feet, containing a cupola of seven tons capacity, and a large crane capable of hoisting ten tons this foundry can turn out castings of any desired weight or pattern; pattern-shop, 45x40 feet. The machine-shop is under the direct supervision of J. W. Moyer and Thomas Ctirry, both members of the firm and The foundry is in charge of James Cruikshank, a pracpractical machinists. The office and business department is pretical molder, also one of the firm. sided over by R. Moore, the remaining partner. The firm manufacture steamengines, rolling-mill, blast furnace, saw and grist-mill machinery, railroad and. bridge iron work of all kinds. The works are located on Ferry Street, near- — ' ' ' ' — — the L. & B. Railroad. The foundry was established in 1872. It is loDanville Iron Foundry. cated in East Danville, and is 5(3x84 feet, solidly constructed, with slate roof. It contains a cupola capable of melting seven tons at one heat; core-oven, There is also a blacksmith-shop and pattern-shop attached, thecrane, etc. latter under the charge of E. E. Brown, an experienced pattern-maker. The foundry turns out stoves, plows, agricultural implements, corn- planters, etc. Daniel DeLong is the proprietor. This foundry, near the Columbia furnaces, wasNational Iron Foundry. originally built by Peter Baldy, Sr. about 1839, and was first operated by For some cause they failed and it passed into Belson, Williams & Gardley. the hands of O'Connor & Rice. They also failed, and R. C. Russel tookchargeAfter a brief period of time he sold to Hancock & CaiT, who soon of the work. The several parties named conducted the estabtransferred it to John Hibler. In 1854 Samuel Huber, who had acted as> lishment for twenty-five years. foreman in the Eagle Foundry for a number of years, leased the National Iron Foundry and operated it until 1859, when it was totally destroyed by fire. Inthe spring of the same year he had taken Samuel Boudman into partnerhip, and who after the fire abandoned the enterpise. But Mr. S. Huber bought the ground of Mr. Baldy, rebuilt the foundry more complete than it had been — — , HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 104 before, and again embarked in the business, successfully conducting it alone, until the 1st of April, 1868, when his son, J. S. Huber, became a partner unThey carried on the business with entire der the lirm of S. Huber & Son. satisfaction until the 19th of January, 1877, when C. C. Huber, another son, was taken Subsequently into the firm, and then it became S. Huber & Sons. the third son, was also added to the firm, and so it remains to W. H. Huber, the present time. Some years ago Mr. S. Huber, the senior member of the firm, turned his attention to the construction of an improved plow, in which he was completely successful. His invention was patented and the Huber plow, made at this foundry, is now a popular favorite over a wide region of country. Glendoiver Iron Works occupies the ground of the old Rough and Ready In 1847 William Rolling-mill, and was originally built by Bird Patterson. Hancock and John Foley changed it into a rolling-mill for the manufactui'e of merchant-iron. In 1850 they converted it into a rail-mill, and then for the After eight years of great success first time they met with great prosperity. During Mr. Foley retired, Mr. Hancock becoming sole proprietor in 1858. In 1866 he again sold his interest the late war Mr. Foley re-entered the firm. to Mr. Hancock. The first of the Danville furnaces was built in 1870 by Hancock & Creveling. The second and larger furnace was subsequently erected. These furnaces were superintended by George W. Miles. The capacity of the Danville furnaces is 15,000 tons per annum. In 1867 the National Iron Company was formed, superseding the Rough and Ready. Of this company William Hancock was president at first and afterward William Painter; P. C. Brink, was vice-president and Benjamin Gr. Welch was secretary, treasurer and general manager. This organization continued until 1871, when the Danville fiirnaces were The new rolling-mill had been erected in 1870. George W. Miles purchased. continued the superintendence of the furnaces under the National Iron Company. John G. Hiler was manager at the new rolling-mill, and Joseph H. Springer at Ihe old Rough and Ready rail mill. In 1873, owing to large expenditures and heavy losses, the company was compelled to go into bankruptcy. After the works had lain idle some time they were purchased by the heirs of William Hancock, deceased, in 1874, under a mortgage sale; upon which the Hancock Iron & Steel Company was organized. Dr. J. D. Gosh was chosen president and B. G. Welch, secretary, treasurer and general manager. This company existed only about six months, when the works were again idle until 1877, when they were leased by A. Creveling, whooperatedthemuntil June, 1879, when A. Creveling and George W. Miles purchased the works the old Rough and Ready property John Roach purchasing the part lying north of the canal. A. Creveling and George W. Miles then organized the Glendower Iron Works, with A. Creveling, president; H. Levis, treasurer, and George W. Miles, secretary and general manager. The capacity of the works is 20, 000 tons. The works were kept in successful operation, but quit making rails, and were devoted entirely to making what is called scalp iron. In the early part of September, 1886, the men organized a strike and the mills are now closed with no immediate prospects of opening again. The Atlas Manufacturing Comjjany was chartered in 1881, and commenced business in Epsy, Penn. The first ofiicers were James McCormick, president; W. J. McCormick, secretary and treasurer. In the spring of 1884 the works were brought to Danville, and the company leased Voris, Haigh & Gregg's planing-mill, going extensively into the manufacture of wood, household — — HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 105 and making a specialty of the "Atlas Step-ladder." The latter is We are told that this is in quantities to Europe and Australia. The present officers the largest factory for making this specialty in the world. are William Angle, president and manager, and F. C. Angle, secretary and novelties now exported treasurer. — The works were erected and Danville Nail and Manufacturing Company. They are very complete in all their the machinery started in August, 1883. appointments for the purpose intended, namely the manufacture of muck bar When started nails and tack iron, with a capacity of 900 kegs of nails a day. there were fifteen nail machines; now there are eighty machines, run to their full capacity, and by January 1, 1887, they had 100 of these machines running. The nail plates are heated by gas for making nails. The first electric light plant ever put up in Danville was used for lighting the Avorks in this The mill, and was used for the first time on Saturday, November 6, 1886. officers are D. M. Boyd, president; R. M. Grove, treasurer; W. C. Frick, secretary and manager. Chulasky Furnace. These works are on the dividing line between Northumberland and Montour Counties. The offices and residences of T. J. Miles & Co., lessees, are all in Danville. These works were erected in 1846, by Samuel Wood. There is one stack 42x11, with a capacity of 6,500 tons The works were They make soft gray forge pig iron. net per annum. started up after being some time idle, in November, 1886. Danville Stove Works were chartered in 1882, and the works were in operation the same year. The organizers were the present officers: Henry Vincent, At first the president; James Foster, secretary; W. J. Baldy, treasurer. capacity of the works was eleven molders, and this was increased to a The company is now making preparations for capacity of fifty-six molders. Forty- seven sizes a thirty-ton cupola and to double the present capacity. and kinds of stoves are now made, and their trade is to all parts of the country. CHURCHES. — the Mahoning Presbyterian the oldest religious organi zation in the county. It was built when this was called Mahoning settlement. The first preacher was Rev. John Bryson, preaching at first in the dwelling of Gen. Montgomery, and afterward, when the house was too small for the growThe first log house church was ing congregation, in the General's barn. The logs were scored and hewn by George Mans, built in 1778 or 1779. This building was used in 1826, when Isaac Boudman and Thomas Hughes. The congregation was ora brick building of larger dimensions was erected. ganized in 1785. The earliest church records are not now to be found, which is greatly to be regretted. But one single document has been preserved and that was a subscription paper; the names of the signers to this are In 1793 the salary of the preacher was given in Chapter II, this Part. fixed at £75, and the following parties signed a paper guaranteeing the These names include the heads of certainly all the sum to be paid. Presbyterians then here, and when we remember that at the first coming nearly every-one was a Calvinist, it may be assured that it was very nearly all then here: Joseph Biggers, Hugh Caldwell, Thomas Gaskins, James Stephenson, Orove Presbyterian Church, once called Church, now the Grove Presbyterian Church, is William Donaldson, John Emmett, Sr. Robert Donaldson, John Donaldson, Joseph Williams, John Woodside, George Caldwell, John Jones, William Colt, John Montgomery, Daniel Barton, Christian Campbell, Robert Williams, Alex. McMunigal, William Montgomery, Jr. John Moore, Daniel Montgcm, , HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 106 ery, Robert Montgomery, John Carr, James Longhead, Robert Campbell, Gilbert Vorhees, James Curry, Peter Blue, FredGvilick, Richard Robinson, Jacob Gearhart, Jr. erick Blue, John Emmett, Jr. John Young, Elias Han'ison, Isaac Woodruff, This congregation, as Stephen Hunt, Albert Ammerman and Philip Young. Gen. William Montgomery was chosen was organized in 1785. stated, an elder at the same time, and continued an active and faithful officer until his death, which occun-ed in 1816. The brick church built in 1826 was a neat and plain structure, presenting quite a picturesque appearance, embowered as it was in a grove of forest trees. The new church is a massive and handsome structure of artistic stone- work in It occupies the the Gothic order of architecture, and was dedicated in 1875. site of the old brick church on the Knoll, suiTOunded by the remaining forest trees and a grove of beautiful young maples that were planted to take place of the ancient oaks that are rapidly passing away. The building of this magnificent temple was superintended by Joseph Diehl, a master mechanic and builder, whose handiwork is seen on many a public and private building in this As previously stated, Rev. Bryson was the first pastor of Mahoning, region. BOW the Grove Presbyterian, Church, and with the aid of the old pioneers he laid the foundation deep and strong for a lasting church, a religious home to bless the passing generations for centuries to come. Rev. Patterson was a worthy successor. His ministration was long and abundantly blessed. Rev. Dunlap succeeded him in the pastorate of Mahoning Church, and he was followed by Rev. Halliday. Then came Rev. Dr. Yeomans. He died in this place. During his pastorate, about 1849 or 1850, the question of a new church edifice was agitated. There was some division of sentiment in reference to its location. A portion favored the erection of the new church on the south side of the canal, and others adhered to the old site in the grove, now rendered doubly dear as the place where their fathers and mothers had worshiped. The former succeeded. A new church was built on Mahoning Street, and Rev. Dr. Yeomans continued his ministry in the new church. The adherents to the Grove were without a regular pastor, as the organization, with the pastor, had gone with the new church. In 1855, however, presbytery organized a new congregation in the old church, and called it "Mahoning Presbyterian Church North." But this title was considered too cumbrous, and through the efforts of Rev. C. J. Collins and others it was changed to the more convenient and more euphonious name of " The Grove Presbyterian Congregation." Rev. C. J. Collins was the first pastor. He remained some ten years and resigned. He was succeeded by Rev. Dr. J. Gordon Carnachan. He left this place to take charge of a congregation in Meadville, where he still remains. He was followed in the pastorate of the Grove Church, by Rev. Reuben H. Van Pelt. Rev. W. A. McAtee was next called to the charge of the Grove Church. After his resignation Rev. John B. Grier became the pastor, the youngest son of M. C. Grier, who was long an elder in that church, and lately deceased. Among the families connected with the old church, and whose descendants still worship in the Grove, mention is made of the Montgomerys, Maus, Currys, Yorks, Diehls, Griers, McMahans, Magills, Waltzes, Catchcarts, Boudmans, Moores, Gearharts, and Russels. The Grove Church contains a large organ. The present pastor is Rev. J. M. Simonton. The Mahoning Presbyterian Church was built in 1853, on Mahoning and Ferry Streets, the congregation, as before stated, retaining the name and the organization of the original church. The building: is handsome and well ar- Thomas Best, James Andrew Cochran, M. Consart, , , HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 107 Tanged. It is surmounted by a steeple containing a bell and a town clock. Some years ago a storm blew'down the spire, which was never replaced. There is a fine memorial window in the rear of the pulpit, placed there by E. B. Reynolds, in memory of his mother, who had been a member of the congreRev. Dr. Yeomans, who was the pastor in the old gation for many years. church, continued his ministrations in the new for a number of years, and died greatly lamented by the community, as well as the members of his own religHis reputation extended all over the country and his ability ious household. was acknowledged by making him Moderator of the General Assembly. Rev. I jams succeeded to the pastorate of Mahoning Presbyterian Church after the death of Dr. Yeomans. He was eloquent, and, withal, rather dramatRev. Ijams resigned, and Rev. A. B. Jack was called to the charge of Mahonic. ing Presbyterian Church. After officiating for several years, he resigned. Rev. F. R. Beeber succeeded him. Rev. R. L. Stewart then entered upon his work in this place and is the present efficient pastor. Chrisfs Episcopal Church. The corner-stone of the Protestant Episcopal Church was laid October 28, 1828. A few members of that church had held occasional meetings in their private dwellings, and then they worshiped a short time in the court-house, under the ministrations of Rev. James Depew, of Bloomsburg, who became their regular pastor as soon as the church was built. The lot on which the church and parsonage were built is on Market Street, now occupied by the present elegant stone edifice. This first building was of brick, 45x60 feet, and cost about $6,000. The following gentlemen composed the vestry at the period when the corner-stone was laid: Joseph Maus, John Reynolds, Jacob Swisher, Peter Baldy and Michael Sanders, George A. Frick and B. Appleman, not one of whom was a communicant of the Episcopal Church. Peter Baldy and Michael Sanders were members of the Evangelical Lutheran Church at that time. Mr. Sanders adhered to the Lutherans subsequently, but Mr. Baldy became an Episcopalian. Some of the founders proposed to devote the new church building to the use of both the Lutherans and Episcopalians; but they soon discovered its impracticability, and all finally agreed that the church should be devoted to the exclusive use of the Protestant On the 25th of October, 1829, just one year after the corEpiscopal service. ner-stone was laid, the first communicants of the church, ten in number, were confirmed by the Rt. Rev. Henry W. Onderdonk. Rev. James Depew labored faithfully among them, and under his pastoral charge the foundations of a permanent congregation were laid. He was last heard of in Nebraska. Rev. Mr. Drake, of Bloomsbui'g, supplied the pulpit occasionally after the deparRev. A. Lauderback was the next rector. ture of Rev. Mr. Depew. He remained for about five years. He at the same time had charge of the church at Sunbury. He removed to Iowa. The next in order was Rev. R. M. Mitchi8on, who remained only about six months and was succeeded by Rev. Milton C. Lightner, who assumed the charge in 1842. He officiated in Christ's Church for about seven years. He removed to Manayunk, and Rev. Mr. Elsegood, formerly a minister in the Methodist denomination, took his place in Danville. At the end of two years Rev. Mr. Elsegood removed to Easton, and was succeeded here by Rev. Mr. Page, of New York, who also remained two years. In February, 1855, Rev. Edwin N. Lightner, brother to Rev. Milton C. Lightner, succeeded to the charge of Christ's Church, and continued its rector until May, 1870, when the loss of health compelled him to resign He ministered to the congregation about fifteen years. He rethe charge. sides in Riverside. In September, 1870, Rev. J. Milton Peck was called to In 1845 some improvements were made in the rectorship of Christ's Church. — 108 HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. the cburcli buildings, and in 1856 the congregation spent nearly $3,000 in improving and beautifying both the interior and the exterior of the building. Rev. Mr. Peck remained in charge until 1882, when he resigned and removed His siiccessor was Rev. George Breed, who ministered to to Maiden, Mass. the flock one year. He was succeeded by Rev. George C. Hall, who remained in charge from March, 1884, to January, 1886, when the present minister in charge. Rev. James L. Maxwell, came and commenced his work April 2, 1886. The chief support of the church during all these years was Peter Baldy, Sr., one of the founders, who at the time of his death, in 1880, left to the congreThe executor not only carried out the gation $50,000 to build a new church. bequest, but gave such energy to the movement that the present splendid stone church was erected, costing about $100,000, and is much the costliest Spacious and solid, it looms up grandly its church edifice in Danville. exterior showing outlines of graceful elegance, its interior richly and ornately — finished. — Shiloh German Reformed Church. The German Reformed congregation was Services organized in 1858, under the pastoral charge of Rev. D. W. Wolf. had been held in the court-house for some time, and the young congregation, composed of twenty members, was organized. In 1859 a new church was built on Bloom Street, though it remained unfinished for some years and was Rev. D. W. Wolf resigned in 1861, not dedicated until December 20, 1862. and on the 1st of May, 1862, Rev. J. W. Steinmetz assumed the pastoral The church is of brick, 60x40 feet, with a pleascharge of the congregation. The congregation now numbers more than 200. Rev. J. W, ant basement. Steinmetz resigned the charge. He was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Shaffer. The present pastor is Rev. J. A. Peters. The precise period when the first *S^. Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church. Methodist preacher an-ived at this place is not now known but they were the second religious body organized here. The first regular conference appointment This place was then included in Northumberland for Danville was in 1791. Circuit, which extended from Northumberland up the North Branch of the Susquehanna to Wyoming Valley, and up the West Branch to Great Island. The distance traveled by the circuit rider in making his round was 300 miles, which was accomplished in six weeks. This territory for many years was supplied by only two or three ministers, and it included present circuits and stations of Williamsport, Newbury, Muncy, Milton Circuit and Station, Northumberland, Mifflinburg, Lewisburg, Catawissa, Bloomsburg, Berwick, Bloomingdale, Orangeville, Sunbury and parts of Bellefonte District. Previous to 1804^Danville and the circuit in which it was located belonged to the Philadelphia Conference. In that year it was transferred to the Baltimore Conference. In 1807 it was returned to the Philadelphia Conference. In 1810 it was included in the new Genessee Conference, and in 1820 it was re-assigned to the Baltimore Conference, of which it still continues to be an appointment. In 1791, of the first preachers to minister of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Danville were Revs. Richard Parrott and Lewis Browning. Berwick Circuit was formed in 1831, but Danville was still in the Northumberland Circuit. Danville Circuit was formed in 1836 and embraced Montour, Bloomsburg and Orangeville Circuits. In 1846 Danville was erected into a station, and then appointments were regularly made for this place as follows 1846, John Guyer; 1847, Philip B. Reese; 1849, Thomas Mitchell; 1850, Joseph France; 1853, James Brads; 1855, Thomas M. Reese; 1856, J. Wilson; 1857-58, William Harden; 1859-60, B. B. Hamlin; 1861-63, J. H. C. Dosh; 1864-65, A. M. Barnitz; — ; : sZy^y^^^ ^-^^^^ t^^e^ ^^X^ ^ HISTOKY OF MONTOUK COUNTY. Ill 1866-67, J. McK. Reiley; 1868-71, F. Hodgson; 1872-73, S. Creighton-, 1874-75, F. B. Riddle; 1876-78, W. A. Hauck; 1879-80, J. Max Lantz. Rev. Richard Hinkle is the present pastor. Trinity Methodist Episcopal Church. This church was built north of the canal to accommodate that portion of the congregation which was becoming too large for the one church building. A lot was purchased on Centre and FerryStreets, opposite the Catholic Church. Capt. Lovett and M. S. Ridgeway, though not members, were the most active and the largest contributors in erecting the building. Then Thomas Beaver contributed several thousand dollars. A building was put up costing about $30,000. It was so deeply in debt that it was sold at shei-iff 's sale, and Mr. Beaver became the purchaser for S8,000. Rev. I. H. Torrence purchased one-half of Thomas Beaver's interest for $4,000. Mr. Beaver then donated his other half to the church;, afterward it was sold again and Rev. Torrence, to protect himself, became the sole owner and continued to give the free use thereof to the congregation. Rev. McCord was the first minister; succeeded by Rev. Van Fossen, who Rev. J. afterward studied law and became a practicing lawyer in Colorado. P. Moore was then in charge; he was succeeded by Rev. Stephenson and he by Rev. Strawinski. Then Rev. King ministered to the congregation. The present pastor is Rev. James Hunter. Primitive Methodist Episcopal Church. This is a substantial brick building; was erected in 1848; no stationed pastor at the present time. Baptist Church. The Baptist Church of Danville, was organized on the 13th of November, 1842. The meetings were held in the court-house for about a year subsequent to the organization, during which period a frame church was built on Pine Street, not far from the river. It was dedicated on the 5th of January, 1844. In 1863 it was removed to give place to the new brick church, which is a large and elegant building. As near as can be ascertained, the pastors in their regular order of service, were Revs. J. S. Miller, W. T. Bunker, John H. Worrall, A. D. Nichols, Ira Foster, O. L. Hall, A. B. Still, T. Jones, G. W. Scott, I. C. Winn, John S. Miller (the second time), J. John Mostyn, J. E. Bradley, Sweet. The present pastor is Rev. — — — Green Miles. Evangelical Lutheran Church. 1858, on Pine Street. — Their present brick building was erected in The oldest Lutheran Church organization in this portion of the State was Mahoning Township; its home in that day was in what was called Ridgeville. A minister named Shellhart visited this place prior to 1800. The recin is dated 1803 and the first regular pastor was Rev. Johann Paul Ferdinand Kramer. The record shows he was present two years. In 1810 Rev. J. F. Engel was in charge. He remained until April, 1816. Then there was no pastor until 1820. The next eight years Rev. Peter Kelser was in charge. The Lutherans joined with the Episcopalians in building a church, but this joint ownership soon ceased and the congregation returned to their worship in the court-house. About 1830 Rev. Jeremiah Shindel preached. He remained five or six years. They were without a pastor until 1843, when At this time the membership was reRev. Elias Schwartz assiimed charge. duced to twenty. Mr. Schwartz pushed the work so vigorously that at a meeting he received into the church between forty and fifty new members. Soon thereafter they commenced to build a chmch. The first was built and dedicated in June, 1845, but this involved them in debt and Rev. Schwartz, resigned. It was then attached to the Milton charge. Rev. M. J. Allen then became pastor and served until 1848; no pastor for the next two years, when ord of the organization 112 HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY, Kev. p. Willard, of Gettysburg, came. Number of members in 1850 was 142. A lot was this year purchased for a cemetery, and in 1853 a parsonage was purchased. In 1854 the church was too small and the subject of a new site roused up some warm contentions that ended by the German portion going to themselves, and Rev. P. Williard was dismissed. In 1856 Rev. J. M. Stover -came. He threw oil on the waters, it seems, and the new church was finally built as above stated. He was succeeded by Rev. E. Hubert; he by P. P. Lane, who remained two years, when Rev. E. A. Sharetts assumed charge. The Rev. George M. Rhoads came and remained four years, and was followed by Rev. N. Graves, who stayed two years, when Rev. M. L. Shindel, the present pastor, took charge. Trinity Lutheran Church was built in 1861, the congregation being formed from the old church. It is a large and elegant building, originally finished with a tall spire, which was blown down by a storm and never rebuilt. There are nearly 300 communicants. The first pastor was Rev. D. M. Henkel, succeeded by Rev. M. C. Horine; present pastor is Rev. C. K. Drumheller. Congregation B' Nai Zion, was chartered November 1, 1854. Their frame building on Front Street is 30x60 feet, and was built in 1871. Jacob Loeb, president; H. L. Gross, secretary; trustees, Jacob Mayer, Moses Block, A. Wermser. They have no resident rabbi. Emanuel Evangelical Church. mission was established in Danville in 1860, by Rev. M. Stokes; he preached some time in Thompson's Hall. Afterward Rev. Davis succeeded to the charge. A congregation was organized and a frame church built in 1869. The two ministers succeeding Mr. Davis were Revs. Detwiler and Buck. Then came Rev. Radebaugh, then Rev. Orwig and again Mr. Radebaugh; then Rev. Hunter and finally Rev. Hornberger. The last named published the Temperance Star. St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church is a German Lutheran Church on Market Street. It is a small brick structure, with a fair attendance of members, and a good Sunday-school. The present pastor is Rev. J. R. Groff. Welsh Churches. Congregational Church, Chambers Street, is a brick edi- ~A — fice built in Welsh 1835. Calvinistic Methodist Church, near Catawissa Railroad, was built in 1845. Welsh Baptist Church, Spruce Street, was None of these have a resident pastor. built in 1870; a frame building. African Methodist Episcopal Church on York's Hill has no pastor. Catholic Churches. St. Joseph' s Roman Catholic Church is on corner of Centre and Ferry Streets. This church has sprung from a mission begun by the Rev. J. P. Hannigan, in 1847, when the frame church now used as a hall for church and church society meetings was built. In September, 1857, the lot upon which the present church is built was purchased, but the building was not commenced until 1866, and was finished in 1869. It is of brick, 61x117 feet, with tower 170 feet high, surmounted by a cross. The style of architecture is Romanesque. The mimber of communicants is 2,200. There is a Sunday-school with 400 scholars, superintended by the pastor. The value of church property is $75,000. The pastors have been Revs. J. P. Hannigan, Joseph O'Keefe, Hugh P. Kenney, Michael Sheridan, Edward Murray, Arthur McGinnis (died while j)astor), and Thomas McGovern, the present pastor. St. Hubert's Catholic Church (German), Bloom Street, built in 1862, is a neat, brick edifice. Rev. F. X. Schmidt is the pastor; number of communicants, 700. The Sunday-school, superintended by the pastor, contains eighty scholars. Value of church property, 110,000. Revs. Froesch, Koch and Roman — ; HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 113 Schmidt, the present pastor, constitute the pastoral succession of this church since its organization. SOCIETIES. Free and Accepted Masons. — Danville Lodge, officers are T. E. Ellis, W. M. No. 224, chartered in 1847. Jared N. Diehl, S. W. Francis M. Gotwold, J. W. M. L. Fisher, Sec. David Kuckle, Treas. Mahoning Lodge, No. 516, chartered September, 1872. Officers John W. Farnsworth, W. M. George Maiers, S. W. Samuel Kussell, J. W. N. Hofer, Treas. Alexander J. Frick, Sec. Danville Chapter, No. 239, R. A. M., organized in May, 1872. M. E. H. A. Steinbrenner S., David Ruckel; Treas., P., John W. Farnsworth; K. David Clark; Sec, Alexander J. Frick. Cavalry Commandery, No. 37, K. T. E. C, John W. Farnsworth; G., David H. Getz; C. G., Elliott R. Morgan; Treas., D. S. Bloom; Rec, A. J. Frick. The commandery was removed from Catawissa to Danville in 1874. Independent Order Red Men. Mahoning Tribe, No. 77, was organized in 1867, with thirty-seven charter members. Officers: Sachem, Charles Chalfant; Senior Sagamore, Henry Snyder; Jr. S., John F. Gulic; Prophet, C. C. Herr; of R. Reece Evans; Treas., S. G. Thompson. Knights of Pythias. Blucher Lodge, No. 314, was organized September The officers are George Hartlein, C. C. A. Steinbrenner, K. of R. 1, 1872. and S. John Jacobs, Treas. There are thirty-three members in the order. The first officers of the organization were Nicholas Hofer, C. C. A. Steinbrenner, K. of R. and S. John Jacobs, Treas. Beaver Lodge, No. 132, was organized in 1869. The officers are Charles The ; ; ; ; : ; ; ; ; , ; : — C , — ; ; ; ; Grove, P. C. Samuel T. Jackson, C. C. Evan Beaver, B. C. W. Williams, William Smith, M. at A. Independent Order of Odd Fellows. Montour Lodge, No. 109, organized April, 1845. Number of present membership is eighty-five. The officers are D. M. Shultz, N. G.; Charles C. Ranch, V. G. J. Sweisfort, Sec; Philip Welliver, Asst. Sec W. H. Ammerman, Treas. Calumet Lodge, No. 279, number of members 106. E. Lewis, N. G. Andrew Heath, V. G. D. R. Williams, Sec. Abram Larew, Asst. Sec. Henry Earp, Treas. Danville Lodge: Charles Chalfant, N. G. Clarence Rank, V. G. Reece Evans, Sec. B. H. Harris, Asst. Sec. Henry Herring, Treas. Celestia Lodge, No. 67, D. of R. chartered September 5, 1872, fifty members: Henry Earp, N. G. Mrs. Jacob Harris, V. G. J. Sweisfort, Sec; Mrs. Sarah Evans, Asst. Sec. Mrs. J. P. Bare, Treas. Myrtle Lodge, No. 858, Philip Smith, N. G. David Chesnut, V. G. M. W. Smith, Sep. Mr. Swank, Asst. Sec. George Miles, Treas. J. W. J. P. ; ; ; ; — ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; , ; ; ; ; ; ; ; ; Sweisfort, Dist. Deputy. Menoloton Encampment, No. 40, chartered August members thirty-seven. Wright, S. W. ; John 7, 1856, number of B. Baldy, C. P. Charles Chalfant, H. P. Angus Bugler, J. W. J. A. Faux, S. S. M. Trumbower, W. ; ; ; ; Treas. [The O. O. F, Cemetery Company, of Danville, was chartered in 1873 organized in January, 1874, the grounds secured at a cost of $3,000 and at once put in good order. Nine trustees are elected every three years. Present ones are as follows: from Montour Lodge, D. L. Antrim, J. Sweisfort and S. M. Trumbower; from Calumet Lodge, Jacob Harris, George A. Brown and James Woodsides; from Danville Lodge, Reece Evans and J. P. Bare. The officers are President, G. A. Brown; V. P., J. P. Bare; Sec, J. and I. fully HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 114 W. The first interment in this cemetery was Swiesfort; Treas. D. L. Antrim. William -Tames, September 1, 1873. He was killed by an explosion in the Montour Iron Works.] Grand Army of the Republic. Goodrich Post, No. 22, of Danville, named in honor of Lieut. M. B. Goodrich, who died of wounds received in the battle As early as 1867 the returned soldiers formed themselves of the Wilderness. into a brotherly band called the Boys in Blue. In June, 1870, this organization became the Danville Grand Army of the Republic. This organization was — kept effective until June, 1873, when it was disbanded. April 22, 1879, it was reorganized and its charter bears that date. The following were the officers elected at that time: Com., James M. Gibbs; Sr. V. C. A. B. Pattonj, Jr. V. C, Joseph H. Johnson; Sergt., Charles Wood; Officer of the Day, Benton B. Brown; Officer of Guard, George S. Tillson; Chaplain, Robert Miller; Q. M., W. C. Davis. Charter members: S. M. Wait, Samuel Herr, Robert G. Miller, Samuel R. Lunger, Joseph H. Johnson, Samuel C. Runyon, George Tillson, Alfred L. Gerrick, Jonas Foster, William Wyatt, J. M. Gibbs, A. B. Patton, A/. L. Jones, Alex J. Rainer, W. C. Davis, Levi M. Miller, Lewis Byerly, W. H. Rook, P. H. Sheridan, Thomas M. Thomas, Peter Moyer, Jonathan Sweisfort, William Good, Alexander Wait, Joseph H. Ramsey, John W. W. Klase, Robert Fields, James Jones, John McElrath, Michael Shires, A. C. Angle, Benton B. Brown, H. C. Snyder, Jacob Slack, Thomas V. Pensyl, William Henry, John Moore, Samuel Thomas, Edward D. Smith, John A. Weimer, Michael Riley, John Riley, John Marshall, John Kime, Alex J. HofPner, Charles Spicer, Charles Woods, Arthur AV. Beaver, Samuel Bailey, H. F. Freeze, George C. Williams, William Earp, John Everett. Present officers: A. B. Patton, Com.; George Gardner, V. C. R. W. Eggert, Jr. V. C. j Benton B. Brown, Adjt. AV. C. Davis, Q. M. Robert G. Miller, Sergt. Michael Shires, Chaplain; A. C. Angle, Officer of Day; F. E. Hilderbrandt, Officer of Guard; W. G. Kramer, Sergt. Maj. W. T. Wyatt, Outside Guard Samuel Lunger, Inside Guard; Lyman Milroy, Ord. Sergt. Present membership, 164; society in every way prosperous. E'Nai Berilh. —Herman Lodge, No. 32, I. O. B. B. organized in 1857 number of membership, twenty-nine. Gustavo Weil, Pres. Joseph Wermser, V. P. A. Lang, Sec. W. L. Gross, Treas. Young Men's Christian Association was organized in the Mahoning Presbyterian Church on the 21st of June, 1872. The officers elected were President, S. G. Butler; vice-president, John Sweisfort; secretary, John R. Rote, and librarian, H. H. Yorgy. The managers first chosen were James M. Coulter, William McCormick, C. F. Lloyd, J. Sweisfort and C. P. Bradway. The organization at present is as follows: President, James M. Coulter; vicepresident, J. S. Huber; secretary, George Swartz; treasurer, George M. Gearhart; general secretary, D. C. Hunt; financial secretary, H. H. Yorgy. The association numbers eighty- one members. , ; ; ; ; , ; ; ; FREE LIBRARY. Thomas Beaver Free Library, now (October, 1886) in the course of conthe contribution of its namesake, Thomas Beaver, and when completed and furnished will be the most attractive public building in the county. Its fi'onting is 48 feet on Market Street and 78 feet on Ferry Street, standing back from either street 10 feet, for lawn. The front recedes 5 feet from each side of the main entrance, the first floor elevated 4 feet above the pavement. The massive base and broken outline give its three tall stories an imposing appearance. The whole is of light gray stone, with granite trimmings, and struction, is HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 115 Stone newels and marble tiling flooring is an index 'Scotch granite columns. The internal arrangements and rooms are spacious and of the inside finish. In the rear of this, as arranged in perfect order for the intended purposes. an annex, is that portion of the building donated to the Young Men's ChrisThis occupies 70 feet on Ferry Street the main building to tian Association. !be 38 feet front on Ferry Street and 64 feet deep, all especially arranged and finished for the uses of this organization, the basement with bath rooms, It has main lavatory, lockers, dressing rooms, boiler room and gymnasium. entrance, vestibule hall, members' parlor, secretary and committee rooms, and The lecture room is to have instruction room and entrance to gymnasium, etc. a seating capacity of 400 the exterior to be the same stone and finish as the The total frontage on Ferry Street is 150 feet. library. Mr. Beaver provides for the completion of the entire building, and for the endowment of the library, and furnishes a library costing $10,000. The property is placed when completed in the hands of trustees, with perpetual succession, the first trustees, three of whom are named by Mr. Beaver and then one from each and every church organization (including the Synagogue) in Danville, to be selected and chosen by the different organizations. The entire amount of money it will require to complete the donation can not be exactly told now, but Mr. Beaver svipposes it will be about 1100,000. ; ; WATER WORKS. of the town and its factories came the important question The subject received general consideration as •of a supply of good water. early as 1867 and the more it was discussed the more determined became those citizens of spirit and enterprise to devise some way to meet the long felt wrant. The water in the town wells, found at a depth of twenty to twentyfive feet, or at the strata of rock forming the river bed, which was never first With the growth was growing positively bad. In 1871 the Danville Water Company was formed, but it seems it ceased to live after its formal organization. A committee was appointed in 1872 consisting of George W. Reay, J. W. Sweisfort, William Buckley, and M. D. L. Sechler, which visited several cities for Upon their recommendation the pui-pose of investigating fully the subject. the present place was adopted and the water works constructed, the Holly Company' s system being deemed the best and cheapest. The works are located on the bank of the river just below the bridge, a filter is constructed some distance in the river and the water forced by powerful engines through the rate, pipes to all parts of the city, there being nearly twelve miles of water mains, costing about $100,000 the engines and pumps costing $36,000. The works give entire satisfaction in their operation and such is their capacity and facilities that upon a few moments' notice they can increase the force of the water sufiiciently to drown almost any conflagration that might occur. ; POSTOFFICE. The Danville •». was established in 1806, about a quarter of a century after people had settled here, and who could during all that time, only send or receive letters from fi'iends or upon business as they were carried by the ohance traveler from place to place. To us now it seems a long time between mails twenty-five years but these good people struggled along well content if heaven only spared theii* lives. When in a long time the mail did come, the postage on a letter was 25 cents, and very aged people can tell you of instances where a family would be notified there was a letter for them, and the postage not being paid, they were sorely troubled for many days to raise the postoffice — money to secure — it. HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 116 Gen. William Montgomery was the first postmaster in Danville. When he resigned, his son Daniel succeeded him. They together kept the office unof that year. til 1813, when Kudolph Sechler was appointed April 3, The latter continued in office until James Longhead was appointed November 24, 1820, who held the office fourteen years, when David Petrikin was appointed February 1, 1834. He was succeeded by John Best, March 21, 1837, whc The next served until the appointment of Sharpless Taylor March 25, 1841. was Alexander Best, appointed November 9, 1842. Gideon M. Shoop was appointed April 11, 1849, and served until November 26, 1852, when Thomas C. Ellis was appointed; he was succeeded September 1, 1853, by Thomas ChalDuring his term in 1856 the Danville postoffice became a presidential fant. office, and Mr. Chalfant was reappointed, February 21, 1856, and served until May 28, 1861, and was succeeded by Andrew F. Russell; the latter was reappointed July 14, 1865, and served until Ogden H. Ostrander was appointed Charles W. Eckman was appointed April 16, 1867, who served two years. April 5, 1869, and reappointed March 18, 1873, and again reappointed April 1877. Mr. Eckman continued in office until a Democratic president, 7, Cleveland, was inaugurated, when he resigned the place he had filled so longand so well and removed to Reading. He was succeeded by Thomas Chalfant, who it seems had simply stepped down and out during the Democratic interregnum, but who returned to office with his party to power, and is now fillingthe position to the entire satisfaction of the community. BOROUGH OFFICIALS. By an act of the Legislature Danville was organized as a borough on the 7th of February, 1849. The first burgess was Dr. Wm. H. Magill. The first town council, commembers, as follows: George S. Sanders, George Bassett, ValThe first council meetingentine Best, Frank E. Rouch and E. H. Baldy. was held in the office of E. H. Baldy, and the first business transacted was Edward Young was chosen the election of him as clerk of the council. street commissioner at a salary of $20 a year; Thomas Jameson, constable. On the 22d of May, in that year, the first dog tax was levied in the borough posed of five The Friendship Fire Company represented to the council that the of Danville. hose was old and rotten, and requested 700 feet of new hose, which was ordered. A contract was also made with James F. Deen for an engine capable of The price was to be $800. It was supplying the Friendship Hose Company. At this period constructed and ordered to be given in charge of the company. the fire apparatus came under the general direction of the borough. On the 24th of December, 1849, the council passed a resolution makingapplication to the State Legislature for the erection of a new county, to be It was also resolved to called Montour, with the county seat at Danville. furnish the new county with necessary buildings. On the 29th of March, 1850, a new council was organized. Dr. Wm. H. Magill was rechosen as burgess and Valentine Best as a member of the council. The new members were Dr. Isaac Hughes, George B. Brown, Thomas Woods and William Morgan. Valentine Best was chosen clerk, and M. C. Grier was elected treasurer. Edward Young was the tax collector for 1850. On the 4th of April, 1851, the council met for organization. At the previous March election Thomas Chalfant had been chosen burgess, and the following returned and took their seats as members of the council James F. Deen, : HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY, 117 William Clark was J. C. Rhodes and A. F. Russel. appointed high constable, and B. W. Wapples, street commissioner. In the spring of 1852 Thomas Jameson was elected burgess, with the following council: George S. Sanders, John Deen, Jr., G. W. Boyer, and George W. Bryan. The latter was chosen clerk. In this year Sydney S. Easton filled John Rockafeller, up Northumberland Street. In 1853 Joseph D. Hahn was elected biu-gess: council, Daniel Ramsey, P. Hofer, David Jones and James Gaskins; William G. Gaskins, clerk. Robert Moore was chosen burgess in 1854; council, John Deen, Jr., John Turner, William Hancock, James G. Maxwell and Robert McCoy. In 1855 William Henrie, burgess; council, Smith B. Thompson, David A census Jones, Isaiah S. Thornton, Frank E. Rouch, Isaac Ammerman. was also ordered by the council, under which the inhabitants were enumerated, and the same was reported at the close of the year: Population, 5,427. 1856 David Clark, burgess; council, Jacob Sechler, John Best, John Arms, William Mowrer and Paul Leidy, Esq. 1857 Jacob Seidel was chosen burgess; council, Jacob Sechler, Charles Leighow, Joseph R. Philips, Samuel Hamor and John Patton. 1858 Dr. Clarence H. Frick, burgess; council, AVilliam Mowrer, David Jones, Gideon Boyer, George S. Sanders and Frederick Lammers. 1859— Christian Laubach, burgess; council, D. N. Kownover, Joseph Diehl, B. K, Vastine, D. M. Boyd and William Cook. 1860— J. C. Rhodes, burgess; council, William Cook, W. G. Patton, B. K. Vastine, Emanuel Houpt and Michael C. Grier. 1861 E. C. Voris, burgess; council, Reuben Voris, David James, Joseph Flanegan, William Morgan and D. M. Boyd. 1862 Isaac Rank, burgess; council, Jacob Aten, William Mowrer, Charles W. Childs, David Grove and James L. Riehl. 1863 B. K. Vastine, burgess; council, James L. Riehl, William Twist, William Lewis, John G. Hiler and John Rockafeller. 1864 E. W. Conkling, burgess; council, James L, Riehl, John G, Hiler, Joseph Diehl, C. Laubach and William Lewis. 1865 John G. Thompson, burgess; council, Henry Harris, Dan Morgan, D, DeLong, William Henrie and Jacob Aten. 1866 Dr. R. S. Simington, burgess; council, Dan Morgan, Francis Naylor, D. DeLong, William Henrie and Charles H. Waters. 1867— George Bassett, burgess. [Previous to the election the borough had been divided into four wards, the First, Second, Third and Fourth. Before that time there had been two wards, the South and the North, with five members of The change provided for four wards and council, each elected for one year. twelve councilmen, three from each ward, one-third of them to serve one year, one-third two years and the other three years, and also providing for the Council, James Corelection of one councilman each year from each ward]. nelison, John A. Winner, C. W. Childs, William Henrie, David Clark, James Kelly, Samuel Lewis, M. D. L. Sechler, Joseph Sechler, Thompson Foster, John G. Thompson and E. Thompson. 1868 Robert McCoy, burgess; new members of council, James L, Riehl, C. S. Books, George AV. Reay and David Grove, 1869 A. J. Ammerman, burgess; new members of council, William Henrie, J. S. Vastine, John R. Lunger and Franklin Boyer. 1870 D. S. Bloom, burgess; council, William Buckley, Hickman Frame, M. D. L. Sechler and Samuel Lewis. 1871 Thomas Maxwell, burgess; with new councilmen, H, M, Schoch, G. W, Miles, George Lovett and Jacob Sweisfort. — — — — — — — — — — — — — HISTOEY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 118 — — 1872 Oscar Ephlin, burgess; new members of council, George W. Reay, Henry Vincent, Jacob Schuster and J. L. Riehl. 1878 Edward Young, burgess; councilmen, William Buckley, N. Hofer, Joseph W. Keely and Thomas Coxey. 1874 J. R. Philips, burgess; new councilmen, James Vandling, James — — — Auld, W. D. Williams and David Clark. 1875 Charles Kaufman, burgess; new members of council, M. D. L. Sechler, William T. Ramsey, J. R. Philips and J. W. Von Nieda. 1876 Henry M. Schoch was elected burgess; new councilmen, J. D. Williams, David Ruckle, Wm. K. Holloway and William R. Williams. Isaac Ammerman was elected at a special election to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of James Auld, who had been chosen county commissioner. 1877 William C. Walker, burgess; new councilmen, David Clark, C. A. Heath, A. B. Patton and John A. Wands. 1878 James Foster, burgess; new councilmen, J. W. Keely, Stephen Johnson, James Welsh and Thompson Foster. 1879 Jas. Foster, burgess; new councilmen, William Angle one year; P. Johnson three years, and S. Trumbower, Jacob Goldsmith, H. B. Strickland and Lewis Rodenhofer one year. 1880 Joseph Hunter, burgess; new councilmen, Wm. Angle, Wm. Keinev, Hugh Pursel, Nicholas Hofer. 1881 Joseph Hunter re-elected burgess; new councilmen, A. G. Voris, P. Keefer, Henry L. Gross, Jas Welsh. William G. Gaskins was clerk to the council for twenty years and was succeeded by Capt. George Lovett in 1874. In 1879 J. Sweisfort was chosen clerk and he was succeeded by Charles M. Zuber. Among the street commissioners were Emanual Peters, Daniel McClow, William C. Walker, Oliver Lenhart and Mr. Faux. The street commissioner is also ex officio collector of the market tax, and presumedly a sort of — — — — — inspector of that institution. 1882 Joseph Hunter, burgess; new councilmen, B. R. Gearhart, I. A. Yorks, D. B. Fetterman, F. C. Derr. 1883 S. G. Thompson, burgess; councilmen, J. K. Geringer, Hugh Pursel, Henry Divel, David Grove. 1884 S. G. Thompson, burgess; councilmen, H. M. Trumbower* J. H. Montague, W. K, Holloway, H. A. Kneibler. — — — 1885 — Joseph Hunter, councilmen, Jacob Moyer, son, George Maiers, Edward Hofer. 1886 — Joseph Hunter, burgess; councilmen, John W. bui-gess, George EdmonSheriflp, W. C. Walker, Henry L. Gross, S. A. Yorks. Clerk of the town council, Adolf Steinbrenner attorney, James Scarlet; treasurer, Geo. P. Brown; surveyor, Geo. W. West; high constable, Dan Low; street commissioner, J. R. Philips; chief of fire department, W. W. Davis; chief police, W. S. Baker. Oflicers of the water department are Swartz Miller, superintendent; receiver of rents, Adolf Steinbrenner; water commissioners, James Cruikshank, Joseph H. Barry, John W. Farnsworth. ; />v^ J./'^^-'O:'^^^ HISTORY or MONTOUR COUNTY, CHAPTER 121 XIII. TOWNSHIPS. — Mahoning Anthony— Derry— Limestone— Liberty— Valley—Ma yberry— Cooper— West Hemlock. ABKIEF — record account of the townships of Montour County that is, and the changes and subdivisions, bringing them to the present time is given here in this part of the chapter as a matter of economy in space and convenience in aiding the reader in tracing the account, without having to refer to the separate township headings. All this part of the State, including what is now Montour and Columbia Counties, was erected in 1772 into Augusta and Wyoming Townships, this immediate portion of the State, that portion east of Fishing creek their origin, first names, — was Augusta Township. In 1784 what is now Montour County was made Turbut Township in 1786 Derry and Mahoning were erected, and these included not only all of what is now Montour County but extended into the territory of Columbia and Northumberland Counties. What is now Liberty and parts of Valley and Limestone Townships were made Madison Township in ; the latter part of the last century. The name Turbut comes from Turbut Francis, who according to the earliest records seems to have been the first party to piu'chase lands in what is now Montour County. He was a large land speculator and never lived in this part of the State. All the townships now in the county were carved ultimately from Mahoning and Derry Townships. When the county was organized, in 1850, it contained Franklin, Mahoning, Valley, Liberty, Limestone, Derry, Anthony, Roaringcreek and a part of Montour, Hemlock and Madison. All that part of Madison in the new county was made a new township and called Madison, and that part of Hemlock and Montour was made Cooper Township. In 1853 the line of division of Montour and Columbia Cou.nties was changed, and Roaringcreek, Franklin, Madison and Hemlock were transferred back to Columbia County and the new township in Montour County became West Hemlock, taken from Hemlock Township, and that portion taken fi'om Montour was made Cooper Township, and the part taken from Franklin became Maybeny Township. In other words, the final adjustment as we now have them, was fixed in 1853. January 25, 1839, the people of Mahoning and Derry Townships prayed the county commissioners to lay off a new township, and on September 25 of that year Ezra Hayhurst, Benjamin Beaver, George Willet and Stephen Baldy were appointed to lay off a new township. Accordingly they proceeded to erect a new one and called it Baldy Township, now Valley Township, the name given it by the commissioners being retained only about eight years. ; MAHONING. * An old document, dated June, 1798, was made by Philip Maus, collector and contains a list of taxables in the township for that year. of the township, *For Borough of Danville, see page 75. 7A HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 122 who were residents of what is now Mahoning now its territorial limits are much smaller than The list includes probably about all who were then residents of they were then. the entire county, and part of Columbia County, and is as follows Paul Adam, It is only a majority of them Township, for the reason that : James Burk, Robert Biggers, John Bugart, Daniel Barton, Elisha Barton, Cornelius Bogart, Abraham Bogart, Stephen Brown, Peter, Frederick and Michael Blue, Thomas Boyer, John Clark, James Conifran, Isaac Calden, Duncan Cameron, Widow Curry, Geo. Caldwell, John Caldwell, John and William Cox, W^illiam Cornelius, W^idow Cameron (grandmother of Hon. Simon Cameron), Andrew Coughran, John and Thomas Davis, Samuel Erwin, John Enrit, Sr. and Jr., John and Daniel Frazer, Michael Hille, Hugh and Thomas Hughes, David Inawalt, James Getplin, James Kermer, David Kerr, John Moore, Philip Maus, John Miller, William Montgomery, Alex. McMillen, Benjamin Martin, William Martin, Aaron and Daniel Pew, Daniel Phillips, Robinson, Leonard Rupert, James Rabe, John Stewart, James Sample, John Seigler, Michael Sundes, Jacob Vanderbilt, Gilbert Vorhigh, John Woodward, John Wilson, Joseph Williams, Thomas Willetts, John Young, AlexThe list separates the young men from the ander Seliman, Harman Zulic. married men, and the list of the young men is as follows: Geo. Maus, Isaac Budwan, Mike Saunders, John Cook, Samuel Enrit, Jacob Sechler, Alexander McGee, William Richard, David Steele, Jacob Groff, Widow CampJonathan D. Sargeant, Michael bell (a young widow, it is supposed), Bright, William Clark, Widow Duncan, Daniel Heisher, Abel and Daniel Reese, Aaron Long^T^eo. Miller, Evan Owen, David Phillips, Widow Zimes, Thomas Robinson, Alexander Berryhill, William Ross, Abner Wickersham, Dennis Leary, James Hunter, George Fant, John Buel, Cadwallader Zowns, Samuel Pleasants. The Danville Insane Asylum is located in Mahoning Township; a full acThe Danville and Mahoning Almshouse count will be found in Chapter III. is also in this township. Danville It is in the east part of the township, two miles from — the Catawissa Railroad passing through a portion of the land. The land was purchased in October, 1854, of John Hartzell and wife, consideration It was built for the purpose of caring for $7,000, and comprises 116 acres. the paupers of Danville and Mahoning Township, and is under the control of The present ones are Elijah C. Voris, John C. Roberts and three directors. At the present there are James Woodsides; clerk, W'illiam M. Russell. twenty-five inmates, eighteen males and seven females, all under the care of Elijah Sechler, steward, appointed annually by the directors. This was formed in 1S49 and named in honor of Judge Anthony, who was Prior to this it was at that time president judge of the courts in the district. It is connected with the earliest history of Mona part of Derry Township. tour County chiefly through the fact that the old Derry Church, in the division Anthony, and is now within its church meetings held here in the past century were under two white oak trees, and which are still standing, and in some respects are now associated in the minds of the descendants of these pioneer Christian men and women, after the manner of the Charter Oak tree of For some years church meetings were held under the spreading this State. In 1802 a little log church was put up a branches of these two oak trees. It had only a short distance below the site of the present church building. dirt floor, was covered with branches of trees and grass and leaves, and on the of that old township, fell to the territory of territorial limits. The first HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 123 gi'ound in the center of the structure was built a fire in extreme weather. This log house had a gallery (evidently a space- saving device) and the rough stairway to this was on the outside of the building. A high pulpit was on one side, and just below and in front of this was a boarded up box for the choir. Everything about it was of the olden time that has passed away. Its attendThey came from not only ants were scattered over a wide extent of country. the present county boundary limits, but from what is now Columbia County, and from Northumberland, Lvizerne and Lycoming Counties. Among the prominent organizers of this first church were William McVickar and Thomas Adams both were the first elders. The first Presbyterian minister who preached under the trees was Father Dunham, as he was universally called. The first regular pastor was Rev. John B. Patterson, who filled the place of pastor, father and friend to the little flock for forty-one years. He died in 1843 and was buried in the Derry Cemetery. He was followed by Eev. Joha H. Rittenhouse, who came from his native county, near Milton, to take charge. He, soon after being installed, commenced the agitation of the subject of a new building. The building was erected to the great joy of the minister and people. In 1852 he dropped dead while standing in front of a new church that the people were then assembling to hear him dedicate in Washingtonville. He was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. John Thomas, and he in turn by Rev. John Johnson, and he by the present pastor, Rev. G. A. Marr, who resides in Northumberland County. These were all the regular pastors of this church, but there were a number of supplies, some of whom filled the pulpit for long The present elders are Andrew Brittain, W. S. Pollock, J. W. Lowperiods. rey and W. C. McVickar; the trustees: D. M. Sheep, James Russell, A. C. Present membership, seventy-five. Dildine. W. C. McVickar is superintendent of the Sunday-school. The old historic church was torn down (which is now to be regretted) to be replaced by the present building, which was erected and dedicated in 1846. Col. Robert Clark, the eminent patriot and soldier of the Revolutionary war, came to what is now this township and settled in 1792. He won and wore his eagles in the front ranks in the war for independence. He was born He was present at the signin Dauphin County and there grew to manhood. He pui'chased about 600 acres of ing of the Declaration of Independence. land which is now the property of Charles Mowrey, just west of the McVickar Col. Clark's wife was Sallie Hutchinson. farm. They both lie buried in the Derry graveyard. Their children, of whom there were seven, are all dead. Their son Robert came to what is now Montour County, with his parents, when He married Jane Wilson, born in but fourteen years old, in the year 1778. 1780. They had eight children. He died in June, 1868, and she died in They were also buried in Derry Cemetery. August, 1863. White Hall. —The first settler here was John Fruit. He settled here in the some believe that it was in the year 1800. He latter part of the last century was a native of Ireland. He opened a store-room in his dwelling soon after he came, and afterward put up a store room; this he built on property now belonging to Henry C. Monroe. It was a small frame structure, and in it he kept the usual variety to be found in a country store. He sold the store in 1810 to John Frederick Derr who carried it on alone until 1841, when he Mr. Derr died in 1853, when Mr. Mcsold an interest to William McBride. Bride continued to conduct the establishment until 1866, assisted by his son, J> The stock was removed to the present brick S. McBride, now the proprietor. structiire in 1864. Ely & Moyer were merchants in this place at an early day. In 1841 Neal McCoy started a store which he carried on about six years.; — HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 124 The place was called at that day " Friiitstown. " The mail was carried by a cirIt was a pony mail, and the first cuitous route from Catawissa to this place. This postofiice was established in mail boy on the route was Jacob Dyer. The postmaster succeeding Mr. Biddle was John F. DeiT. He remained 1820. The lat iu the office until 1855, when William McBride became postmaster. He was sucter remained until 1862, and then John Crawford was installed. ceeded by his son, G. W. Crawford, and in turn he was succeeded by the present postmaster, J. S. McBride. He was Daniel Dildine, an Irishman, opened the first blacksmith shop. entertainment for The first hotel or one of the early settlers of the place. man and beast, was the Red House Hotel, by Andrew Schooley. It occupied The hotel was the ground and house where the present brick store stands. David Ely succeeded Mr. torn down to make room for the store building. The latter was succeeded by Ferdinand Bitter, a naSchooley in the hotel. Mi*. Bitter built the present White Hall Hotel in 1818. tive of JBerks County. ' ' ' ' was rebuilt in 1849-50. The White Hall Baptist Church was erected in 1858 at a cost of about The most active parties in raising the money for the church were $1,500. William McBride, Effie DeiT and A. Holden. But they were liberally aided by all the residents in that vicinity. Andi-ew F. Shanafelt was the first He made his residence in this vicinity. He removed fi'om here preacher. The first officers of the church were William to Old Chester where he died. McBride and George W. Suplee, deacons, and Aid Holden and William McThe present officers are John Creamer and William McBride. Bride, trustees. The Sunday-school superintendent is John Creamei-, and the attendance about It fifty. school here was taught in 1818 by John Rea in a fi-ame building The building was torn down in 1841. the present schoolhouse. The present one is a brick building. The old historic Derry Presbyterian Church is situated about one mile from White Hall. The first church building was of nicely hewn pine logs. It was torn down late in " the forties " and the present frame structure was put up. There is a Baptist Church in the place. A frame building near the village is also the Primitive Methodist Episcopal Church. Among the old families of this village are the Careys. John Carey, now He is over seventy-five years of age. residing there, was born in the place. The first regular Exchange. St. James Episcopal Church is located here. At first services were held in what was pastor was Rev. Milton Lightner. known as the Baptist schoolhouse. Mr. Lightner' s first visit to the place was to preach at the funeral of Stephen Ellis the first of that name to settle here and one of the early settlers in this township. The regular services began in 1843, When Stephen Ellis died he left a verbal will and were held regularly. giving $200 toward the building of the church, " should there ever be a The erection of the chiu'ch was comdisposition to erect such a building. The corner-stone was menced in 1848 on land piu'chased for that purpose. laid by Bishop Alonzo Potter, and that year it was completed and dedicated The promby the same bishop, assisted by Rev. Milton Lightner and others. inent contributors were the estate of Stephen Ellis, William Ellis, Stephen Ellis (son of Stephen Ellis, deceased, and who now resides in Exchange), Catharine Ellis and Jane, William, Isabella, Ellen and John C. Ellis, and The on the first site of — — ' ' Milton Lightner and Amos Heacock. Rev. Milton Lightner served the congregation about ten years, and was succeeded by Rev. Edwin Lightner, who served the congregation from Danville. HISTORY OF MONTOUE COUNTY. 125 He was succeeded by Rev. Elsegood, and the ministers in charge in the order Revs. Fury, William Page, Albra Wadleigh, Rollin H. Brown, Abram P. Brush, Baldy Lightner (son of the first of that name)^ Frank Duncan Jadow, Frank Canfield, William Johnson, David L. Fleming, The cost of the church building the present pastor, who is located in Muncy. was over $1,300. The first officers were William Ellis, Stephen Ellis, John C. Ellis and Amos Heacock, vestrj-men; William Ellis and Amos Heacock, wardens. The present officers are Charles Reeder, William Ellis, John Caldwell, John D. Ellis, Robt. Caldwell and Stephen C. Ellis, vestrymen, and Charles Reeder, senior warden, and S. C. Ellis, junior. The present Exchange Hall and school was built in 1874, and opened t» It was erected at a cost of $1,300. The the public and as a school that year. building committee was Stephen C. Ellis, Patrick Dennin and Dr. McHenry. The first school-teacher in the building was Augustus Truckmiller. This hall is occupied by the Odd Fellows and by the Patrons of Husbandry. The building is the property of twenty-eight stockholders, who joined together in its construction. The first school in Church Hill District, No. 6, was built in 1819. That building was torn down and the present house erected in 1870, in which Miss Stine is the teacher. W^ alter Johnston, father of W^illiam C. Johnston, the clerk and recorder He left about 1839. of the county, was the first hotel-keeper in Exchange there in 1840 and went to Jerseytown. Among the early settlers in this place was William Craig. The families of John and Alexander Craig are still John Bull kept a in the place. James McKee was another early settler. The house hotel on the top of the hill, but his family are gone years ago. where he kept his hotel is still standing, though it has been closed as a place of entertainment for years. One of the old families living above the hill was that of Patrick Montague. David Wilson is now a man over eighty years of age; was among the early settlers. Charles Clark (now a very old man) and family lived north of Exchange. His wife was a Derr. He opened the first store in Exchange, built his storeroom in 1838 and for a time boarded at Johnston's Hotel. Exchange Lodge, No. 898, I. O. O. F. has a membership of thirty-eight. Exchange was named about 1840. The Crownover mill and a few clustering houses were then there. There was an ancient log schoolhouse across the' creek from the place. The first brick house in the place, now owned by Patrick Dinnen, was built by John Caldwell. It is now a very old house. John Caldwell married a daughter of James Pollock, another family of the earliest settlers. The first postmaster in the village was Gersham Biddle. following were — , DERRY TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF WASHINGTONVILLE. The one of the oldest townships and settlements in the county. what is now the teiTitory of this township was a Mr. Brittain. One of his sons is Nathaniel Brittain, now aged eighty years, and is still living on the old family place. He has in his possession title papers and other eviAmong other very early settlers was Jacob dences that establish this fact. This is earliest settler in Shultz, who settled in what is noAv Limestoneville in 1790; after staying there one year he removed to Derry Township and settled on the place now occupied by his grandson, J. K. Shultz, where he died in 1804; he was buried in the Derry Church graveyard. In the year mentioned an epidemic of typhoid fever Brady's Fort prevailed extensively and carried off a number of the people. (generally printed in the State histories as "Boyle's Fort ") was erected toward It was named after the two brothers the latter part of the Revolutionary war. HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 12G Sam. and Hugh Brady, who were prominent soldiers in the war for independence. Mathew Calvin was an early settler in Washingtonville. The famHe built the old frame mill in the town. ily and descendants are now gone. It was twice burned down and as often rebuilt and the last building is still standing. Joseph Hutchinson settled near Washingtonville at an early day. Col. William McCormick, father of Hon. James McCormick of Danville, and William Shaw and family were early settlers in Derry. Hon. James McCormick was born there in 1818. He married Margaret Shaw, daughter of the above named William Shaw. John Steinman built a saw-mill in 1812, about half a mile above Mr. BillA turning-lathe is now on the property occupied by the mill. jneyer's. John Auten built a saw-mill in 1812 and in 1814 he built a grist-mill and The grist-mill has long since been entirely gone the saw-mill is house. One of the earliest settlers near Mr. Billmeyer's was still on the same spot. John Wilson. He was a prosperous farmer and died on the place where he had made his improvement. Stephen Ellis and his wife Mary (Cunningham) Their Ellis of Donegal, Ireland, were of the early settlers in this township. :son Stephen was born in this county May 15, 1807. Of the earliest ministers of the church was the famous pioneer preacher, He was stationed at WashJRev. J. B. Patterson of the Presbyterian Church. ingtonville and had charge of the DeiTy Church and the Washingtonville Church, the latter being both the first log schoolhouse and church combined Mr. Patterson died in W^ashingtonville, and so in this part of the county. deeply had he impressed the purity and excellence of his character upon the people, that his memory now is warmly cherished and is yet " a name to conHis descendjure by" among the descendants of his old-time parishioners. The ants are a son and daughter now living in the township where he died. pi'esent Presbyterian brick church in Washingtonville is a modern building erected about twenty years ago, and is the successor in regular line of the primitive little log church, as that first building had succeeded the inviting widespread branches of God' s first temples. Washingtonville and Danville constitute the two boroughs of Montour CounIt was only incorpoty, and they also mark the two oldest settlements in it. rated into a borough April 28, 1870, the first officers being H. C. Snyder, burgess, and Joseph B. Seidel, Andrew C. Ellis, James A. Miller, councilmen. The present officers are Charles Mowery, burgess Charles Shires, clerk John Andy, A. C. Coursou and J. B. Seidel, councilmen J. D. Geiger, postmaster. A settlement was made here just prior to the breaking out of the war for independence. The Bosley water grist and saw-mill had been built prior to It was burned 1788. It stood just opposite where the present mill stands. down in 1826. It was the circumstance of this mill and a few settlements about it, that created Brady's fort, or block-house with port holes and for a while a small howitzer cannon mounted on it, where the people fled at In the histimes from the threatened approach of roving savage bands. This is an evitories of the State this is spoken of as "Boyle's Fort." dent mistake as it was built and named for the two Revolutionary heroes, Hugh and Sam. Brady, brothers. In 1788, as mentioned elsewhere, great Philip Maus bought suffering threatened the people in the way of famine. a quantity of grain at the time, of John Montgomery, of Paradise farm and delivered it at the mill. At this early day the place was called Washington. From old papers in the possession of Philip F. Maus, we learn that in 1788 Samuel Smith, Adam Hempleman, and Robert Rogers were some of the parties then living in the vicinity of the place, and that they got some of the — ' ' ' ; ; ; , HISTOEY OF MONTOUK COUNTY. 127 wheat he had bought from Paradise farm. Samuel Hutchinson purchased the mill of Bosley. He was a leading man of the early times, and was principal owner of the village. He was succeeded in the mill by his son-in-law, Mathew He ran the mill successfully for a number of years, and at the same Calvin. time owned and managed a large farm in the immediate vicinity. He was a strong, intelligent and well educated man a fi'ee and independent thinker on He donated, howerer, the ground all subjects, but more especially on religion. His son Samuel taught for the frame Presbyterian Church built in 1832. school in Washingtonville at an early day he removed to Huntington County, became a lawyer and was elected to Congress. Before going to Congress he had been elected and served as judge. Mathew Calvin was the first postmaster in Washingtonville. Dr. Newcombe was the first physician to locate Just before the Revolutionary war Mr. Allen had built and in the village. opened the first hotel in the place. Mr. Allen' s successor in the hotel was Thomas Buskii'k. The first blacksmith was Robert Walker. He was a good workman. He invented and made the once clebrated Walker plow. He was In full of industry and enterprise and built finally a factory and foundry. his old age he removed to Lancaster where he died. Three churches were built in Washingtonville the Presbyterian, Lutheran For many years the people worshiped at the old Derry and Methodist. Church, four and a half miles northeast of Washingtonville, where the celebrated Rev. John B. Patterson ministered for a long time, the particulars He went from Danville to Washingtonof whom are fully given elsewhere. ville in 1798, purchased and settled upon the old homestead farm about a The early mile east of the village where his son and daughter now reside. members of this the oldest church in this part of the county were James Biggins, Col. Robert Clark, the eminent Revolutionary soldier, William McCormick, James Barber, Thomas Barber, Andrevp Sheep, Samuel Brittain, Joseph Henderson, James Lowrie, Joseph Hendershot, Gersham Biddle, James Pollock, Thomas Morehead, John CaiT, John Allen, James C. Sproul, Thomas Adam, James McVickar, John Russell, John Craig, William Pegg, -^Samuel Hutchinson, Charles McKee, James Simington, Robert Shearer, Thomas Foster, Thomas Robinson, John Blee, and Mr. McHord. These all worshiped at the old Derry Church until 1832, when a building was put up ; ; — in Washingtonville. The first store in the place was kept by Nathaniel Spence. His successor was William McCormick. Jhe latter was one of the prominent men of his day, a native of Ireland. There is some dispute now as to where the old fort or block-house stood. Some think it stood in the valley just across the creek from the borough, while others contend it stood just back of Front Street, between Church and Water Streets. The first schoolhouse was built in the last century soon after the close of the war. It was a square pen of unhewn logs of uneven length, a log taken It stood on the street opposite to where John out of three sides for windows. Hedden resides. Early in this century Washingtonville was quite an importIn 1838 it had ant place it was on the mail stage route through the county. as many as four hotels and four stores. The leading business men at that time were James and David McCormick, sons of William McCormick; Neal McCoy, Aaron Moser now keeps son of Robert, and the firm of Grim, Derr & Dye. the hotel that is among the old improvements of the place. Derry Lodge, No. 759, I. O. O. F., has a membership of twenty-eight. ; HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. 128 LIMESTONE. This was one of the townships struck off from Derry in the latter part of " the forties. " It is in the heart of the rich agricultiiral portion of the county. The oldest living resident of this township is Joseph Gibson; he is the great grandson of the noted early settler and surveyor, Henry Gibson. His father, Henry Gibson, died in November, I860, aged eighty-two years and eight months. Through the three generations born and reared in this county, they have been of the most prominent people in this part of the State. The Valiet family can trace their lineage back to the Crusaders of the tenth century. The first immigrants to come to this country arrived in Allentown in 1749. The present representative of this family in Limestone Township is Stephen Valiet. Probably the next oldest families to come to this country were the Davises, now represented by Joshua Davis. They came to the country in 1754. Of the early settlers were the Gouger family. John William Gouger was long a representative pioneer settler and the family were among the most prominent and influential people in the county. Jacob Gouger came with his parents when a child. Jacob Shultz was a pioneer to this part of the State and a soldier in the war of 1812. He lived in the township until he died. James Shell married a daughter of his and is now residing on the Shultz farm. The Fulmers were early comers and a people much respected. One of them served some time a& associate judge in this county. Limestoneville was founded by Daniel Smack in 1835. He had settled here, and about that time erected dwelling and store, making a large establishment for that day, and one of the finest store-rooms in the county. He determined to make a town of the place and he allowed full swing to his spirit of enterprise. He built a blacksmith" shop and secured a smithy to run it; then a tailor and fixed him up in a shop, and then a shoemaker. But he did not stop with the temporal comforts and affairs of the people, but pushing ahead he built a Methodist Church and called able and earnest flock tenders to wend their way to his moral green pastures. The church building is a frame, and is supplied regularly from Milton. A very nice brick schoolhouse was put up. Indeed Mr. Smack's ambition was fully consummated a town had been built up, and the outlook was flattering for its continued prosperity. A hotel had been opened by a German. Balliet & McCormick had opened a store, and they bought out Smack' s store and its belongings, which included the town itself, and they became not only the store-keepers but the town proprietors. They conducted the mercantile business with success until 1848, when they sold to Jacob Widenhower. There are now two stores in the place, many comfortable residences and the general surroundings that are important to the people in a small village. It is one of the nine places in the county that has a postoffice. Near Mr. Gouger' s residence in this township is a place called California. It is merely a cluster of farm houses adjacent to each other, and in the settlement — is a schoolhouse. LIBEKTY. Thomas Strawbridge, of Chester County, Penn., was probably amongthe very first in what is now Liberty Township. He was a conspicuous RevCol. olutionary soldier; a man of eminent patriotism as a citizen, ancl a Rupert in His coming to this part of the State was cotemporary with that of Gen. war. William Montgomery, whose sister, Margaret, he had man-ied in Philadelphia. Col. Thomas Strawbridge and wife, Margaret, had four children. Their soa James married Mary Dale, and of the issue of this marriage is Dr. James Dale Strawbridge, of Danville. For a full genealogy of this family see the biography of Dr. Strawbridge in this book. Col. Thomas Strawbridge and his SS^i>^'^"'-\^ ^NS>"\v^-^ /T-zi^y^-^''rry^^i 131 HISTORY OF MONTOUR COUNTY. were among the early ^ftlers in brother-in-law, Gen. William Montgomery, They established central figures. and prominent and State th?s portion of the they filled the enterprises manufacttormg almost all the first commercial and If politicians nor place seekers. not were yet and offices, pi^minent public they were ever presence, their required people the necessit^s of their home Con^ as did Gen. Montgomery when of Northumberland courts the of judge was Col. ^Thomas Strawbridge gresi the first He established a tannery in Liberty Township, Coiinty in 1795. State. the of , , x ,,, ih\n„„r, t,,i,. or born in Danville, Penn Julj _2b, PERRY DEEN, dealer in iron, P. O. Danville, was father His Pennsylvania. of natives were 1826, son of John and Mary (Flack) Deen, who the ef^^liest blackwas of Scotch and his mother of Irish origin. John Deen >vas among of eight chiMien. consisted smiths of Danville, but in later life was a farmer. His family arned in the family, a^d seven of whom lived to be grown. Our subject was the seventh f thirteen years, the tanners trade early in life, which he followed for "^^^'^^^J^f^^^'f}^^ much S S , to deal in scrap iron. In 1871 at the time when • the co-operative I^'^^ Ro^^^^^S ^.^.^^^ ^,°^- three y«ai.. be tben pany was organized he was elected its president, and as such served scrap }i-on.iQ/;li'fiJ latter busiin dealt also time, for a business lumber the in engaged married, first to Miss Jlaiy J., ness he has ever since continued. He has been twice daughter of Robert Richard; her parents were born in New Jersej- ^^^J^l^ «/^ Xd'ln died in Deen The children born to this union were John R. and Harriet Mrs. and oriein Elizabeth daugliter of George 1860, and March 28, 1865, Mr. Deen married Mary J., E., Mary, Sarah W. and Fullmer; she is of German descent. Their children are Helen Mr. Deen is a Thomas E. The family are members of the Episcopal Church. In politics epu g''^°j^^^j^^ merchant, Danville, was born in Moreland, Lycoming Co., Penn., July natives of the Keystone State 29 1836. His parents, Christopher and Mary (Opp) Derr, were nmthin a family of ten and descendants of English and German ancestors. Mr. Derr is the with counHe spent his boyhood on a farm with his parents and, in common children. were imit^ed to the district school try boys of the time, his early educational advantages Northumberland County. At the age of ei-hteen he entered the academy at McEwensville, He eft this iQsl'tvition Lewisburg. University, Bucknell at student became a he Later Rochester, N. \ wheie he giaduin his sophomore year and entered the University of Derr entered upon his chosen ated in 1860. In an academy near his alma mater, Mr. of the prinIn 1862 he returned to his native State and accepted the position nrofession At the head of this institution he remained for cipal of the Danville High School. the high school to a detwenty-one years. He soon popularized himself by elevating addition to a vast Possessing, gree of excellence seldom attained to in a country town a happy fellowship with the store of knowledge, the faculty of bringing himself into pupils and imvounf in their aims and aspirations, he at once endeared himself to his now finds himself surrounded pressed them with his rare ability as a teacher. Mr. Derr or anotlier during his long career in ail circles by those who were his pupils at one time extent to which Danville is inIt would be difficult, indeed, to limit the as a teacher the appointment as school received he 1881 In culture. mental its for him debted to gradual improvesuperintendent of Montour County. His term of office was marked by a relations existing ment in the schools under his charge, besides the unusually pleasant and shoe busibetween the teachers and superintendent. In 1882 he went into the boot confidence reposed in hiin ness in Danville, taking as a partner William Lunger. The and at no time was^ he nrm ot as a teacher was now transferred to him as a merchant In 188 he and Mr. Derr & Lunger without a liberal portion of the town s patronage. continuing on Lunger dissolved partnership, Mr. Derr assuming the whole business and Bowyer of In 1872 he married Martha B. Bowyer, daughter of John at the old stand. named Clarence F. Mr Danville. This union has been blessed with one child a son. A. M., and ot Derr is Knight Templar, a member of the Danville Lodge; ^o. 224, F. Republican in politics the Holy Royal Arch Chapter. No. 239. He is a Uanvilie, DIEHL, grocer, Danville, was born December 11, 1848, in n^nvillP Elizabeth (Voris) Diehl, natives of Pennsylvania. His paterand Joseph of son Penn. a wereand of Pennsylvania nal and maternal ancestors were among the earliest settlers among the early residents of Danof Scotch-Irish and German origin. His parents were builder, was superintendent of the erection ville and his father, who was a contractor and a family of six chilonly son of tiie Grove Presbyterian Church. Alexander M. is the He was reared in Danville and educated at the dren five of whom grew to maturity. Beaver, extensive Academy at that place. He first clerked in the ofllce of Waterman m < & ALEXANDER M m & BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 152 He then traveled two years iron manufacturers, with whom he remained eleven years. In 1879 he established the New York Tea Store in for a grocery house in Philadelphia. He is a liberal advertiser and Danville and subsequently added oroceries to his stock. has met with success in his enterprise. He acquired his business education at the Quaker Maj' 23, 1871, he married Jessie Krothe, of City College, where he graduated in 1865. German origin, and a daughter of Querin and Susan (Latimer) Krothe. This union has been blessed with two children, Ralph Beaver and Estella B. (deceased). Mrs. Diehl is a member of the Episcopal Church. Mr. Diehl is a member of the 1. O. O. F. and of the K. of P., in which he has been District Deputy. He does not affiliate with any political party. EARP, coal dealer, Danville, was born in England, September 25, 1838, a son of William and Ann (Tandy) Earp, also natives of England, where the father was engaged in a rolling-mill for many years; later he immigrated to America, and in 1845 settled in Danville, where he commenced working at the same business, and helped to make the first railroad iron in Danville. He was born in 1806, and died at the age of seventy-two, in Danville, the father of six children. Our subject is the eldest son, and was reared in Danville, where he commenced work in the rolling-mills when quite young. He worked on contract, and by economy saved enough to enable him to embark in the He does a general retail business, bringing most of the coal b}"coal business in 1882. way of the canal, buying so as to sell at the lowest possible price. His gentlemanly deportment and accommodating disposition have brought him many customers, and he is meeting with success. He also, in connection with his coal business, represents the Penn Mutual Life Insurance Company. He married, in 1861, Anna, daughter of Benjamin Alward. She is of Englisii origin, and her grandfather, one of the early setPolitically tlers in this county, was its first sheriff, and for years justice of the peace. he was a Democrat, until the breaking out of the war. Mr. and Mrs. Earp are members of the Episcopal Church, in which he is warden and also choir master. He is a Republican in politics, has served as member of the election board, is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the I. O. O. F., Calumet Lodge, No. 279, and also of the K. of L., of Dan- HENRY ville. RICHARD W. EGGERT, editor and proprietor of the Gem, was born in Danville, son of Xavier and Mary Anna (Smith) Eggert. His father was born in Baden-Baden, Germany, and his mother in Ithaca, N. Y., of French, English and German origin. The former was a watchmaker, and also dealt, for many years in Danville, in watches and jewelry. Richard W. is ,the second of seven children; he was educated in Danville, and in early life learned the printer's trade, which he has made the business of his life. He learned the printing business in the office of the Hon. V. Best, who was United States senator, and has filled all the different positions from apprentice to editor and proprietor of a paper. He has published several papers in Danville, especially valuable for their local department, and is an excellent compositor. His latest journalistic venture, the Oem, has a larger circulation in Danville than any other paper published in Montour County. In 18G3 he enlisted in Battery F, Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery, or the One Hundred and Twelfth Regiment of Infantry, and served with honor until tlie close of the war. He is a member ol the G. A. R., K. of P. and the M. B. of B. Politically he is independent. JOSEPH FLANAGAN, Ijrickmaker, Danville, was born in Snyder County, Penn., October 14, 1819. a son of James and Nancy (Srontz) Flanagan, of German and Irish origin, respectively. The fatlier was also a brickmaker by occupation, and died in 1831. Joseph, the eldest of five children, was reared on the farm in Northumberland County, and learned his trade with his father. He opened a brickyard in Northumberland County over fort}' years ago, and has since made the manufacture of brick his main business, and followed it in Danville for over thirty years, meeting with success. He also dealt in merchandise, and owned a general store in Danville. In 1842 he married Catherine, daughter of Charles White. The latter was also a brickmaker, and of Irish origin. To Mr. and Mrs. Flanagan five children were born, two of whom are now living(three having died in infancy): Laura, wife of I. T. Patton, a merchant of Danville, who was born in that place June 5, 1843, to John and Nancy (Bassett) Patton, of English and Scotch origin. Mr. Patton enlisted, in 1864, in Company C, One Hundred and! Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and participated in several hard fought battles. He is a graduate of the commercial college of Philadelphia, of the class of 1856. Mr. and Mrs. Patton have Mr. and Mrs. five children: Joseph F., Harry B., John, Florence. May and Maggie. Flanagan's second child is Gertrude, now the wife of Thomas Ellis, agent for the Catawissa Railroad at this place. Mr. Flanagan is a Republican; has been as-^essor. school director and member of the town council of Danville. He is Past Grand in the I. O. O. F. JAMES FOSTER, secretary of the Danville Stove Works, was born in the North of Ireland, March, 18, 1842. His father, Thompson Foster, who was a blacksmith, emigrated from Ireland to America in 1847, settling first in Pittsburgh, Penn., subsequently moving to Danville, where he resided about thirty years, and is now a resident of Philadelphia. James, the third of seven children, spent most of his life in Danville, where he received Penn., November 2, 1839, a 153 DANVILLE. Later he commenced and learned the blacksmith's trade with his father. tor about twenty years. When woik in tirroUng mills, which was his chief employmentelected him its secretary and the Danv lie S tovt^ Works were ori^anized, the company in Company A. One Hundred enlisted he 1863 In serves still he such nd as treasi.reJ SS^-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and was wounded in his fii'st ba le his education irintet mi He remained with the regiment, however, and ChSlorsville and Fredericksburg, and at the expiration S participated in the battles of his terra ot service re- ^nlStXhlrtii;'in't^ie6n"Hundred(ndNinety-io^ and was aiscnargea in and was elected tirst lieutenant, served his term, hundred days, Fourteenth P«"^fyl^-"^f. .^o j^nteer In Sci'he enlisted in the Two Hundred and ?865 ^P« Infantry, which was the last regiment discharged from P^^^^^^l^'^.^f ;and chiet ^^^^^^^ ^f^^^. buigess water-vvorks, Foster is a Ileiniblican, and has served as chairman of the I>-"^^ native a Gulick, "^ Mary ^,^^ SSaniille Inl864he marrhd are ^^^JS ^J, |jf Mi J^oster Mi. and and their children are John. Elizabeth, Jennie and Alexander. he has been ^trustee. He denomination which of Church, Methodist membe'" o S Paul No. Lodge, Montour County as District Deputy of the I. O. O. F f E^se^ved four years Post at Uanviiie. Danville, ^Io°tour Co.. Penn O. FRAZIER. sheriff. Danville, was born in elected sheriff in IboO and Decemb ^9, 1845 a son of Daniel Frazier, a farmer, who was his fe^eie natives, re^ was the first to be elected to that office in this county he and ^j^^tdi'Ir J^' .h and G^^^ and of_ spectively. of Montour and Schuylkill Counties, Penn., moved to VV ash Thev weve the parents of seven children, four now living They orioin. Our subject was reared at rulnonvilk this countv in 1858, where the father died in 1879. fo lowed farming unWaSdn-ionv 1 le auen^^^ the Schools of Danville, and in early life Republican ticket and elected sheriff of Montour County in t 1 he wa non imUed on the He the office in Montour County the fall of 1885, the only Republican ever elected to is the mother of Jacob Martz. and of German origm^ She and one term as commander of the G. A. K. 1iT9, JAMES ; ; Mary,\laughter marred n 1874, Mis. Clarence W. and James O. of Jhe following named children: Alice E.. Daniel, Church. Lutheran of the member Frazier is a -r. <^ t,i kt ^r.tu,-.rry P. O. Riverside, NorthumWILLIAM F GEARHART. real estate agent and farmer. and Abigal (Baylor) Gearhart,naberland Co Penn. was born August 17.1824, to Herman Rush Township. The grandf^ither, Jacob G.. tfves of Pennsylvania and early settlers of battle of Monmouth, where wis a captain in Uie Revolutionary war and participated in the and en. NorthumbeiM he was wounded; soon after that struggle became to /esi^f^. located and where William tered land where the borough of Riverside is now f associate judge of NorthHerman Gearhart was a blacksmith and his brother, Jacob, was al of whom grew County. William F. is one of a family of twelve children, in a store in and acquired his education in Danville and in early he clerked years I'ltbe four tha?place,^andla?e?wentto California (in 1853). where he remained spent the waiter in Danmnino- country. In the fall of 1856 he returned to Pennsylvania, Utah Oregon, through traveling West, a h^ the to returned spring ?^ne and in the to .pa^r^lll^..^^^^ has sinc^ returned he 1869 In Wyoming. and Californhi rngton Idaho, into tow^^ lie divided most of the old farm, on the Susquehanna River ^PPP^'teDanv residence part ot Daaville for the ^^^'^.'^li^er lots which will in all probability be the with an easy elevation, and command a fine view of clas's The lands lie hi-h f rom the river, a manufacturing company Ml- Gearhart also offers good inducements to Sanvile of the 1. O. O. who will start a manufactory on that side of the river. He was a member • • umbSnd loSSy W ^' S'i^S^^S'^ii^onrFiS National Bank. Danville, was bo,;n in Northand Elizabeth (Boyd) Gearumbei-land County Penn., August 30, 1843. a son of B. R. father, who was of German hSrni;^t^ves J&sylvania, the latter of Irish origin. The successfully practiced his profession in descent was a physician, and for many years nine ^l^l^^J.';"- ^'-^ «f ^'^'^^^ Danv IcT^iere^ie'^died al the age of forVtw^' ^^e father of common schooU and at the Our subject received a limited education in the are livinohe c eri.ed in a s or«3 at where Penn County York went to years tg'e of ten ^ l^^ teleg hatJ tie^'. ng He was then sent to learn the carpenter s rade, }'"t ^hnik for four years. tastes, he commenced the ^t^'Jj "f^.^^j'\ttei his to congenial more be would raphv ^^^.^ ta t He ^oi ked at ha operator. detennination to succeed, and soon became a proficient the Lackawanna and Catawissa Compalive vears in Danville dividing his time between and P--Pt-ssthat the c.rponiti^^^^^ sses, Ind earned su^ a reputatTon for industry him teller 1 1 If 6 That po.i on Firs National Bank of Danville were induced to elect which office he stillfills. He maiuea he held until 1870 when he was promoted cashier, and of English origin. Two children have in 1873 Lo lise dav^hter of Samuel York, Gearhart are members of Grove been born o them: Anna and Robert. Mr. and Mrs. of the building Chinch, of which he is a trustee, and has served as treasurer Danville. He couucmI of town of the member a been has Republican; commUtee He is a Col. Ramsey, and served ?sTKnight Templar. He enlisted in 1863 in Company D, under t Sinedan ^'' pnothonotary and clerk of courts, P O Danville, was (a farmer) and Northumberland County. Penn.. January 33, 1846, a son of John wlEsON m'^'gEARHART. born in 1^^ BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: subsequently atteuded the Dauville Institute; also Dickinsoi^ Smu ua rv a° Will aZno?t "' ",' ?= ""=" enl^ged as'^a SerTo?two gears' 'lS68°.o'',''sSi''r '=™r ^„"„f ?rom S^ nt^^^fci^rclV'anierrS^^^^^^^ '«f ' , SfSe^j^i,i?iS-"^p^™;,r.^^^ S^K^i i;"o\s,xt.f;-ra.^irti. -ei„^ Sr;^;£ '»'"«?'" «"« l™'li"S secret societies and wSed^fn^'SfwSh'n'r ff ,^^^^/^^^ ougm. Their Z^f Mrs_ n Gearhart are members i&3 1 as p omlnenl"y M children are J. Beaver, Lois Emeline S Mr anr^ of the Methodist Churcli. He has bee'astXard trusTee and «f the Chautauqua LiteraT'ancf Scientific of'trStaTe'o?Pennr^ '^.P^^.-^hter of John Dildine, of Montour County, of the tS Mrs. Geringer is a member born to their union: Laura K., William and Nellie. been a delegate to the county Sesbyterhxn Chmch. Mr. Geringer is a Democrat, and has of Danville. He member of council Sta?e conventions of his party; also served as a in the central part of the town, in the a Si Knight Templar. The ''City Hotel" is well known and libbustnesspSn, an J presents many Attractions to the public. It is erally patronized ; was born in Lansing, Tomp^ t|^3 l^icrh school, Danville, Gibbs natives of Jul?"?. 836, a son ot^Villiam and Margaret (Minier) kins Co When S. M., the elder of two chilNew York and of Scotch-Irish and German origin. Steuben Co N. Y. Our subdren was twelve years old his father moved to Cameron, Lima. N. Y., and at A/^ed Umversit^ in t^e ject was educatedlt the Wesleyan Seminary, which has ^e^n his P^n^ iame State. He commenced teaching at fourteen years of age, he taught at Danville. He ^^s taugM cipal occupation since, eight years of which tinie lork and Pennsylvania. He enlisted in in several high schools and seminaries in New discharge on furnishing a substitute special a granted was but war, Iheslrvke during the Mary T. Gibbs, and tour children. wife, a has ''He enlistment. of re'rm lo complete his Church. Episcopal of the members are wife his j He and „„f f„^ and vinegar, and agent for JOHN H. GOESER, wholesale dealer in cigars, tobacco June 1 1852, a son of Anthony ocean Seainship lines, Danville, was born in that place His father ^^^ ^^i^^^tkeXr. CatherTne Shumkcher) Goeser, natives of Prussia. ocean five imes. In 1842 ^e settled but spent the most of his life in America, crossing the many years and died in 1880 John H. in Danville, where he followed hotel-keeping for Danville, where he was educated. In eax^l if e he emis thfonly son, and was reared in e^/ensive. In 18 -§ ^^ mar^ barked in the tobacco business, which has since grown to be quite Po"svi le. Mr and Mrs. G«eser are ried Miss Theresa, daughter of Joseph Liebner of Emma. Politically members of the Catholic Church and the parents of one child, Coletta aid ?s ^ . NY aS ^'- M. D., Danville, was born in Fulda, Germany, May 26, 1825, and located in Danville m 1862 ^^^^^, <,« .oo. „ „„„ ^f born m that place Decembei 27, 183.3, a son oE I X GRIER attorney, Danville, was of ^ examlerMontgomer^^ Michael and Isabella (Mo/tgomery) Grier, the latter a daughter Michael founder of Danyi le. and granddaughter of Gen. William Montgomery, the erection of telegraph lines Grie/was a merchant in early life; later superintended the childre^n, who grew to adult and died December 25, 1879. His family consisted of five a resident of Brooklyn! N. Y.; Rev^John B^. ^^^^^^^^ age; Mw'S C^ a banker in Kansas; Mary G. wife of Edwin H J the wife of John Youngman, schools of Danville and Ely of Peor a 111., and I. X. Our subject was educated in the Prior to entering college and also at Laf avette Colle-e from which he graduated in 1858. Company and Serti^duating he wafconnected with the Susquehanna River Telegraphoperato at the of offices and instructed at the time of its construction, opened a number was i He later served as secretary and treasurer of the ^omp^'^^^'^til respective places. office of E. H. Baldy, Esq., anrl \\ as the m law read He Union. Western merged into the and adjoining counties Sitted to the bar in 1861. practiced in the courts of Montour obliged him to relinquish tnd in the United Sates courts until 1884, when failing health ,^ember of he firm of hSlabors He was notary public from 1862 until 1880 and was ^ Markle, Grier & Co., who for about two years conducted I'-^'i'^-'^f^^Z^'J^nffhoXn^^^ of Danville, of the JNorth Mr Gr er is at present a director of the First National Bank of t^*^ Mahoning Roling Sranch Steel Company, of the Danville Brid^ Company and Hon. Jf^^s M. Portei of Mill Company. He married in 1865 Emma W., daughter of ^IEaston, Penn. and two children have been born to them; JP«^^,^J^f ^,J,^^,^,'^^^^^ judge of Noithampton Hon. Mr. Porter was at one time Secretary of War; was president County, and an eminent attorney. GEOr'gE^^gTIuEL, came to America W aX in 1853, C . BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 156 GROVE, manufacturer. DanTille, was born in Lebanon County, Penn., October son of Michael J. and Catherine (Houtz) Grove, natives of Pennsylvania, whose ancestors were among the early German settlers of the State. His father was an iron manufacturer, dealt largely in iron ore lands, and was among the first to foresee the Here, for many years, he and his brother possibilities of the iron industry at Danville. were extensive manufacturers and amassed a laree fortune, consisting of iron and iron ore lands located in several States and Canada. They built a large furnace in Danville, and erected a mansion at a cost of $200,000. which is siill occupied by the family. Michael J. died in lb", in Danville, where he had resided since 1851. His family consisted of two sons: John H.. the elder, is a resident of Danville, and devotes his timeto scientific invesOur subject, the youngest son. was reared in Danville, where he received his tigations. early education: later he entered Yale College, Xew Haven. Conn., from which he graduated in 1867. He then returned to Danville and entered the otfice of his father anduncle to learn the iron business, which at the death of his father was left to our subject and his R. M. 28, 1S4T, a brother. John H., who have since conducted it. Mr. Grove is a director of the First National Bank of Danville, and is also a director and treasurer of the Danville Xail ifc Manufacturing Company. In 1877 he married Margaret, daughter of Samuel Torks. and two children have blessed their union: Mary Catherine and Margaret Louise. Mrs. Grove is a member of the Presbyterian Church. CHARLES P. HANCOCK, merchant, Danville, of whicb place lie is a native, was born February 5. 1860, a son of William and Mary (Reay) Hancock, former a native of England, latter of Maryland, both of English descent. Their family consisted of three chirdren, of whom our subject is the eldest. His father was employed in iron works in his native country, and after his arrival in America engaged first in the Montour Iron Works. In 1874 he formed a partnership with John Foley, and established the 'Rough and Ready Rolling Mill," and afterward became its owner. Subsequently a stock company was" formed, and the name of the business was changed to the "National Iron Works," and Mr. Hancock was chosen president of the company. He was a successful business man. very popular with all those with whom he associated. He died in Danville, and will long be remembered by those who shared his friendship and enjoyed his favor. Our subject was reared in Danville, where he received his education, and where Later he in early life he engaged for three years in the dry goods business as salesman. was employed in a similar capacity at Scranton. and in this capacity has few equals in middle Pennsylvania. He inherits his father's gentlemanly demeanor and upright business habits, which naturally bring him a liberal patronage. His dry goods store, which is the largest in that line in Danville, is conducted on first-class principles, and affords employment to sis clerks. Mr. Hancock opened his establishment in 1884. and has since He is yet unmarried, is a member of the Heptasophs Society, built up a large trade. Politically he is a and secretary of the Merchants Protective Society of Danville. Republican. ^^ FREDERICK HELD, boot and shoe dealer, Danville, was born in Germany June 12, 1840. son of Peter and Catherine (Kopp) Held, natives of Germany, where the father was a laborer. Frederick is the eldest of four children and was rear*! by his parents ia In 1864 he came to America and in 1865 to Germany, where he acquired his education. Danville, where he worked at boot and shoe-making which he still follows, having learned the trade in Germany. By economy and good management he has succeeded in acquiring a competency, owning two houses and lots and the storeroom in which he carries on his In 1863 he married 3iliss Minnie (daughter of John Adam LuckhardtX who bore business. him one son, Jacob, and who died in 1867. He married as his second wife Christina Kugler, of German origin, who has borne him the following named children: Amelia, Mr. and Mrs. Held are consistent members of the Elizabeth. Anna and Peter Frederick. Lutheran Church, in which he is elder. WILLIA3I HEXRIE (deceased) was a native of New Jersey, bom in 1799, of English He grew to manhood in his native State where he received his education in the origin. common schools, and afterward followed the milling business for several years. His family consisted of eight children, five of whom are now living. Mr. Henrie came to DanHe was a Democrat until ville. Penn.. about 1833. and kept hotel until his death in 1876. 1856, after which he voted with the Republican party: served as a member of the town Two of his daughters are now residents of Dancouncil, and also as burgess of Danville. ville: one is the wife of J. C. Rhodes, and the other the wife of R. H. Woolley. a successful coal dealer. H. M. HINCKLEY, attorney, Danville, was bom in Harrisburg. Penn.. June 2, 1850 His mother was also a native of the a son of Joel and Theodosia (Graydon) Hinckley. same State and of Scotch-Irish origin his father, born in Vermont, of English origin, was a hardware merchant, engaged in mercantile business all his life. His family consistgrew to maturity. Our subject, who is the only one ed of eight children, three of now surviving, received the rudiments of his education in his native town, and subsequently attended Princeton College, where he graduated in the regular course in the class of 1874, and during his last years in college had found time to study law and also keep up ; ; whom DANVILLE. 157 his classes. la the year 1873 he took up the study of law in the office of his after partner in business, I. X. Grier, of Danville, and was admitted to practice in the courts He has since met with of Montour County in 1875, and to the supreme court in 1878. marked success and is numbered among the leading men of his profession in Montour County. He was united in marriage, in 1874, with^iss Amelia^ daughter of Mayberry_ Gearheart. Her parents were members of the Society of Friends and of German descent. 'The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hinckley are Sarah G., John M., Eleanor G. and Edna. The parents are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Hinckley is elder and trustee, taking au active interest in the [Sabbath-school, in which he has been superintendent for several years. He is a Republican, but takes no very active part in politics, preferring to devote his time to his profession. with NICHOLAS HOFER, was born September contractor, lumber dealer, etc., Danville, Baden, Germany, where he received his education. He retired carpenter, 14. 1823, in is the eldest of five children, and early in life served a regular apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade, which he followed in his native country until 1853. He then took passage for America to seek his fortune, landing in New York City, where he worked for four weeks. Thence he went to Newark, N. J., where he first worked for 75 cents a day, then $1 and later $1.50. It was there he met Miss Clara Witz, whom he married in 1854, and who was also born in Baden, Germany. In 1855 they came to Danville, Penn., and on arriving, found their funds exhausted, and were .|5 in debt besides. Mr. Hofer soon found work a\ his trade, his diligence, industry and knowledge of his business soon bringing him custom. He first worked by the day; then contracted, erecting many of the residences of Danville, and carried on business successfully and extensively for years, and finally added the lumber trade. His only child, Edward, is at present a carpenter and contractor, having learned the trade with his father, and also owns and operates the lumber yard at Danville. Mr. Hofer has retired from active duties, having accumulated a goodly share of this world's goods, and whatever efforts he now makes are for the benefit of his only son, who resides near his parents and is doing well. Mr. Hofer is a Democrat, and has been a member of the town council of Danville; is a member of the K. of P. and I. O. O. F. societies, both of the encampment and subordinate lodges, and is a member also of the Masonic W fraternity. HOLLOW AY, superintendent of the store of the Montour Iron & Steel Company, Danville, was born in Berks County, Penn., January 1, 1835, a son of Samuel (a farmer) and Sarah (Kerling) Holloway, natives of Berks County, Penn., and of English origin. Our subject was reared on the farm, and attended the common schools of his native county. Not liking farming, he obtained, in his thirteenth year, a position as clerk in a store in Reading, Penn., where he remained one year; was then employed at other work until coming to Danville, in 1856, when he clerked another year, and was then promoted He was next promoted to cashier, which to time-keeper and superintendent of accounts. responsible position he filled for twelve years, and in 1878 was made general superintendent of the store. The importance of this trust can be better realized when it is considered that the annual sales of this business run as high as $500,000, and its success is very largely due to Mr. Holloway' s complete system and exact business management, he having been engaged in almost all the departments of the store for over thirty j'ears. He married, in 1859, Ruth, daughter of Jacob Yeager, of Columbia County, Penn., and they have five children: Sally, Lizzie, William, Thomas Beaver and Mary. Mrs. Holloway and eldest daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Holloway is a Republican, a member of the town council of Danville, and chairman of the water committee. F. P. HOWE, president of the North Branch Steel Works, Danville, was born in Philadelphia, Penn., September 19, 1853, a son of Bishop Mark Anthony De Wolfe Howe and Elizabeth (Marshall) Howe, the former a native of Rhode Island, and the latter of Virginia, both of English origin. The father is the Episcopal bishop of the diocese of central Pennsylvania. F. P. is the fourth in a family of six children. Our subject attended school in his native city of Philadelphia until fifteen years of age, when he entered Brown University, Providence, R. I., where he graduated in the regular classical course with the degree of A. M. He was then engaged in the office of the rolling-mills of the Philadelphia & Readmg Railroad Company for three years, and at the expiration of that time entered Lehigh University, and took a full course in mining engineering, graduating in 1878. He was again employed by the Rolling Mill Company for a year, when he accepted a position as chemist for the Keystone Furnace Company, which he In that year he came to Danville, and, on the organization of the Monfilled until 1880. tour Iron & Steel Company, was made general superintendent, and operated the works for five 5^ears. He then resigned his position, having purchased a rolling-mill at Phillipsburg, N. J., but had hardly got it in operation before he was called to his present position. He married, in 1881, Katherine. daughter of W. J. Woodward, of Berks County, Penn. Her parents were of English descent, and her father, a Democrat, was elected supreme judge of Pennsylvania in 1874. serving with honor until his death. DAVID C. HUNT, manufacturer of light wagons and carriages. Danville, was born in Bedford County, Penn., May 8, 1843, a son of G. W. and Hannah (Smith) Hunt, the K. BIOGEAPHICAL SKETCHES: 158 Quaker of English origin. David C. is the eighth in a family of nine sons and three daughters, ten of whom grew to maturity. He was reared in Bedford County, and at the age of twelve years went to Urbana, Ohio, to learn the carriage-maker's trade (which was also his father's business), where he remained five years. In 1860 he came to Danville and, in partnership with his brothers, George E. and John H., embarked in tlie business of manufacturing and repairing carriages. The firm continued thus until 1865, when the partnership was dissolved, and the business continued until 1876 by G. E. Hunt. Since then David C. has conducted the business alone, and has been very successful. His experience, mechanical skill and attention to business have eminently fitted him for his vocation. In 1865 he married Kate Gulick, a daughter of Isaac Gulick. Her parents were among the early settlers of Montour County, and of German origin. Mrs. Hunt children, Horace and Edward, and bore her husband two died in 1873, a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In 1876 Mr. Hunt married Kale, daughter of William Richard, of English origin, and three children have been born to the union: Montgomery, William and Ralph. Mr. Hunt served in the quartermaster's department of the Union army in 1864, and was stationed at Little Rock, Ark. Politically, he is a Democrat. JOSEPH HUNTER, collector of bridge toll, Danville, was born in Montour (then Columbia) County, Penn., November 15, 1823, a son of Joseph and Martha (Hunter) Hunter, the former a native of Ireland and the latter of Pennsylvania, of Irish origin. The father came to America before he attained his majority, and was employed on public works in Pennsylvania, and also took contracts and built canals and railroads. His early life was passed as a school-teacher; later as a contractor, but finally in the lumber business. His family consisted of ten children, Joseph being the fourth. Our subject was born in this county, but at the age of six years removed to Milton, where he received his education and served an apprenticeship at shoemaking. In 1844 he came to Danville and engaged in the manufacture of boots and shoes until 1851, .since which time he has occupied his present position. Politically, he is a Democrat; he has served six terms as burgess of Danville, being elected the first time in 1879. In 1846 he married Mehetabel A. Campbell, a native of Pennsylvania and of Scotch descent. Their children are Henrietta M., Joseph C, James K. and William E., the last named deceased. Mrs. Hunter died in 1859, and in 1861 our subject married Miss Elizabeth H., daughter of John W. Miles. Mrs. Hunter is an active worker in the Sabbath-schools of Danville, and she and her husband are members of the First Baptist Church, with which he has been connected since 1845, and in which he has served as deacon for over thirty years. He has also taken an interest in the Odd Fellows and Masonic societies of Danville. JAMES M. IRELAND, of McMahan Ireland, leading photographers, Danville, was born on the old homestead farm in Turbot Township, Northumberland County, September 23, 1847. He is a son of John M. and Amanda M. (McMahan) Ireland, former of Northumberland County, latter of Montour, both members of the Presbyterian Church. Their ancestors, paternal and maternal, were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians, aud among the earliest settlers of Pennsylvania. John and Amanda Ireland had a family of two sons and two daughters, James M. being the eldest. Our subject worked on thefarm, attending school until in August, 1864, when he enlisted in Company E, Ninth Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He was captured at Woodbury, Tenn., and paroled some three weeks later. At the close of the war he returned to Danville, where he has since resided. He married Miss Lucy F. Maxwell, of Carbondale, Lackawanna Co., Penn., daughter of Robert and Jean (Douglas) Maxwell, former a merchant at Carbondale. Mr. and Mrs. Ireland have four children living: Grace L., Robert D., Thomas C. and Helen C. Mr. Ireland is a member of the G. A. R., Goodrich Post, No. 22. In politics he is a Republican. JACOBS, baker, and wholesale and retail dealer in confectibnery. Mill Street, Danville, was born in Germany, September, 19, 1836, a son of Henry and Elizabeth (Weber) Jacobs, who were also natives of Germany, where the father was a farmer. John is the sixth of eight children, was reared on the farm with his parents and was educated in the schools of his native country until his seventeenth year. In 1854 he came to America, first settling at Pottsville, Penn., where he learned to manufacture all kinds of candy, aud worked at that business until 1859, when he came to Danville. In 1860 he established his present business, and has succeeded in building up a good trade. He married December 1, 1859, Charlotte, daughter of Frederick and Elizabeth (Dietrick) Frisch. natives of Germany. Mr. Frisch was a pattern-maker by trade, and worked at it in Danville for several Eight children were born 'to Mr. and Mrs. Jacobs: Frederick, Charles. George, years. Clara, Alfred, Maggie, John and Mary. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church, of which Mr. Jacobs vi^as treasurer of the board of trustees for many years. Politically he is a Democrat, and has been assessor of Danville; is a member of the I. O. O. F., also of the K. of P., a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity and a Sir Knight latter a & JOHN j Templar, U. Y. JAMES, dealer in groceries, flour and feed, Danville, was born on Ferry Street of that city, June 3, 1858, a son of Josiah and Jane (Meredith) James, natives of Pennsylvania and of English origin. His father came to Danville in 1849, and worked in the ore- f /^ f '^' DANVILLE. 161 mines, but subsequently followed the mercantile trade, and now leads a retired life in Danville. Our subject is the youngest of two children, and was reared in Danville, where he attended the public schools. Early in life he commenced to work in his father's store, and finding the mercantile trade congenial to his taste, embarked in the present business on Market Street in 1881, and has since been very successful. He is obliging to all, keeps a delivery wagon and attends closely to business. In 1882 he married Minerva, a native of Pennsylvania, of German origin, and the daughter of William Johnston. Mr. and Mrs. James have one child, May; they attend the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. James is a Republican, an active member of the K. of L. and of the I. O. O. F. CAPT. JOSEPH H. JOHNSON, merchant, Danville, was born in Pottsville, Penn., March 18, 1840, the only child of Joseph and Nancy (Gedling) Johnson, natives of Durham, England. The parents were married in their native country in 1839, and on coming to America soon after, settled in Pottsville, Schuylkill County, where the father worked in mines. Subsequently he moved to Philadelphia where he died in 1843. Our subject attended school but nine months in all, and has passed the most of his life in Danville. He commenced to work in the " Rough and Ready Rolling Mill " at Danville, when only ten years old, and followed that business for twenty-four years, filling many positions from boy to superintendent. April 27, 1861, he enlisted in the service of his adopted country, in Company C, Fourteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers, for three months; served his term of enlistment, and the same year re-enlisted, this time in Company H, Ninety-third Pennsylvania Volunteers, and participated in the following battles: Chantilly, Antietam, Mays Heights, Fredericksburg, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Rappahannock, Mud Run, Williamsburg, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, first battle in front of Petersburg, Fort Stephens and Charleston, Va. He was in twenty-four engagements and was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee. He entered as private and returned home as captain, having acted as such the last year of the war. In 1875 he established Johnson's green grocery, at which business he is still actively engaged. He is a member of the G. A. R., and of the I. O. O. F., of which he is now Noble Grand, of Calumet Lodge, No. In politics he is a Republican. Capt. Johnson married in 1886, Eliza379, of Danville. beth C, daughter of Urias Tillson, a native of Massachusetts, of English descent, and by trade a molder. WILLIAM C. JOHNSTON, register and recorder, Danville, was born in Columbia County. Penn. (in what is now Derry Township, Montour County) February 14, 1818, a son of Walter (a farmer) and Elizabeth (Craig) Johnston, natives of Lancaster County, Penn., and of Scotch-Irish origin, and whose family consisted of four children, of whom William C. is the eldest. Our subject was reared on the farm and attended the common schools of Derry Township, and Danville, also those of Milton and Lewisburg. At the age of sixteen he obtained a certificate to teach school, and followed the profession for twelve years, a part of the time in Danville. He was elected register and recorder of Montour County in 1850, being the first to occupy that position in this county, and has held it ever since. He has also read law, but prefers his present business. He married, October 13, 1857, Amanda Blue, a daughter of Isaiah Blue, a farmer. She was of ScotchIrish descent, died in Danville, April 13, 1886, and is buried in the new Presbyterian burying-ground, loved and respected by all who knew her. To Mr. and Mrs. Johnston were born the following named children: Agnes B., Elizabeth A., Sally C, Samuel and Mary Amanda. The family attend the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Johnston is a Democrat in politics, and served several terms as school director. He was formerly a prominent member of the I. O. O. F., and was Noble Grand of the subordinate lodge. He was among the first members of the Masonic fraternity of the first lodge organized in Danville HENRY KEARNS, tobacco and cigar dealer, Danville, was born in Manchester, EngHenry and Sarah (Ward) Kearns, natives respectively of Ireland and England. The father was an overseer in a woolen factory for many years, but resigned his position, in 1862, to come to America. He settled in Philadelphia, where he died in 1864, Henry was reared in England, where he was also eduat the age of seventy-five years. cated, and in early life learned the trade of gas-fitting. In 1854 he came to America and worked in Philadelphia at the gas-fitting business for Morrs & Decker, which he has followed in this county for thirty-two years. He has also traveled and worked to a considerable extent in large cities. In 1861 he enlisted at Chicago, 111., in Battery D, of the First Artillery, and participated in several battles, including Atlanta, where the concussion of the guns caused him to lose his hearing. He served until the close of the war, and, in 1865, returned to Philadelphia. He then went to Ohio, where he engaged in the plumbing business for three years, when he returned to Philadelphia and served for a time as engineer at the Girard House. In 1874 he came to Danville and took charge of the machinery and gas-fitting in the asylum, and remained in charge until 1886, when he Since then he has been engaged in his present business. He married at Baltiresigned. more, Md.,Miss Margaret Alice, daughter of John Smith, a mill owner, of English descent. One child, James W., blessed the union. Mr. Kearns is a member of the I. O. O. F., of land. July 23, 1828, a son of 9A BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 162 Mrs. Kearns the K. of P., and also of the G. A. R. is a member of the German Reformed Church. of the firm of Krebs & Co., dealers in wines and Germany, born April 10, 1839, to John and Catherine Germany. The fatlier was a farmer, kept a vineyard and manufactured wine; immigrated to America in 1855, settling in Schuylkill County, Penn., where he spent the remainder of his life. He was born in 1809 and died in his seventythird year. Simon is the youngest of three sons and two daughters, and was reared with He came with his his parents on the farm in Germany until he was fifteen years old. family to America, learned the carpenter's trade, and at the age of nineteen went to CaliIn 1864 he returned to Pennsylvania, fornia, where he worked at his trade two years. and in 1868 came to Danville. He took the contract and built the water-works at Danville in 1872 and 1873 at a cost of $165,000, and it is often said to Mr; Krebs' credit, that the works are first-class in every respect. He is a member of the Democratic party, and' takes a lively interest in politics, but has never held office, though frequently a delegate In 1865 he married Harriet, daughter of Jacob Swartz, a promto the county conventions. inent merchant at Tamaqua, and of German descent. To the union the following children have been born Aada L., George J., Clara, Lewis J. and Leah. Mr. and Mrs. Krebs are members of the German Reformed Church. Mr. Krebs is the owner of iron mines in Snyder County, Penn., which he has been working since 1874, and each year has shipped on an average 4,000 tons of ore, which is known as the bird eye ore. Thirty-six men are em- SIMON KREBS, senior member liquors, Danville, is a native of (Scheids) Krebs, also natives of : ployed in his mines. CHRISTIAN LAUBACH, merchant, Danville, was born in Sugarloaf Township, Columbia Co., Penn.. February 22, 1816 a son of Christian (a farmer) and Mary (Frutchy) Laubach, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German descent, former of whom died in Columbia County in 1825. Our subject, the youngest of eleven children, was only nine years of age when his parents died, and he then went to live with his brother. He acquired his education at the old log schoolhouse of his township, and when seventeen years of ; age resolved to enter mercantile business. He obtained a position as clerk in a general store in Orangeville, Columbia Co., Penn., and in 1845 went into business in Danville, having removed thither in 1837, he having been engaged as clerk during the intervening periDuring that time he had saved enough, together with $410 received from his father's od. estate, to enable him to open a mercantile establishment, and since then he has done a He has increased his business from time to time and now also operates successful trade. By prudent management he has acquired a in separate stores, groceries and dry goods. handsome fortune, and is now one of the oldest merchants in the place. He married, in Six children were born 1842, Hannah, daughter of Jacob Hefler and of German descent. Emma A., wife of Lewis E. Woods Mary to their union Martha B., wife of S. T. Lees Sally George, a salesman in the store, and Elizabeth. Ellen,, widow of William Root Mr and Mrs. Laubach are members of the Methodist Church, of Avhich he has been trusHe is treasurer of the Danville Mutual Insurance Company, a member tee and steward. of the board of trustees of the First National Bank, and also served three years as president of the First National Bank of Danville. In politics he is a Republican. VICTOR A. LOTIER, editor and proprietor of the Daily and Weekly Record, Danville, was born in the citj' of New York, December 15, 1843, a son of Benjamin and Anna (Ronk) Lotier; former, who died at the age of sixty-nine years, was a native of this country and of French origin; latter a native of Poughkeepsie, N. Y., and of Dutch origin. Our subject received his early education in Philadelphia, where he remained until fourteen years old. He then came to Danville and worked in the rolling-mill until 1858 when : ; ; ; ; he went to Rhode Island, and in 1862 enlisted in Company E, Third Regiment Rhode Island Cavalr}'. He was elected commissary sergeant, subsequently promoted to orderly sergeant and vvas honorably discharged in 1865 at New Orleans. He then went west, where he remained about a year, and, returning to Danville, again worked in the rollingmills until 1871. At that time he purchased an interest in the Danville Marble Works, was a stockholder in the Record Publishing Company, and subsequently purchased the paper (the Danville Record), which he has since published. This paper is a daily and weekly, and, like its editor, independent in politics. In 1869 Mr. Lotier married Fannie Hughes, who has borne him two children: Homer H. and Walter M. Mrs. Lotier and her son, Walter M., are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. She is a daughter of Peter Hughes, who was at one time associate judge of Montour County, and who established the Danville Marble Works and conducted the marble and stone cutting business in this place for many years. He died in October, 1872. CAPT. LOVETT, Danville, was born in Ireland July 28, 1838, to William and Jane (Johnson) Lovett, natives of Ireland where the father died. Their family consisted of eight children, and in 1852 the widow and four children immigrated to America, He was educated settling in Danville, our subject at that time being fourteen years old. in his native country and in America. He first worked in the rolling-mills at Danville, where he remained several years and served for a time as assistant superintendent. In. 1862 he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer In- GEORGE DANVILLE. was made quartermaster 163 sersjeaut, and took part in the engagements at South Mountain. Antietam and Frederickst)urg. He was wounded at Antieiam. but served his term of enlistment and was discharged in 1868. One month after his return home, he enlisted in the First Battalion, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, was elected captain of Compau}' D, and when the regiment was consolidated into the One Hundred and Eighty-seventh Pennsylvania Infantry, he was made captain of Company K, and entered the Army of the Potomac at Bowling Green. He was in the battle of Cold Harbor, the first engagement in front of Petersburg, and led his company when they charged on Fort Hell, where eight of his men were killed and many others wounded. In the next engagement, while on a skirmish line, he was severely wounded in the arm, and returning home on a furlough remained three months. At the end of that time he again joined his regiment and was discharged in I860. After his return from the service he was employed in the rolling-mills, but since the organization of the Danville Stove Works, he has been engaged with that company. He has served two terms as a member of the school board, six years a member of the town council and four years as clerk of that body. Mr. Lovett is a member of the I. O. R. M., and has passed all the chairs; is also a menaber of the G. A. R. and has several times been a delegate to the county and State conventions of the Republican party. He married in 1878, Miss Kate Herr, a native of this county, and two children have been born to them: "Walter Scott and Mary Jane. Mr. and Mrs. Lovett are members of the Methodist Trinit.y Church of Danville. COL. JAMES McCORMICK. retired, Danville, owner and controller of the 'busline, was born in Montour County. Penn.. June 26, 1818, a son of William A. and Margaret (Shaw) McCormick. His father was born in Ireland of Scotch parents; his mother was a native of Dauphin County, Penn., and of Scotch-Irish origin, and both were Presbyterians. The father came to Pennsylvania when a mere lad, entered a store as clerk and very naturally took up the business of merchandising. He moved to Columbia County at an early day and settled at Washingtonville. He and his wife were the parents of three sons and one daughter: William A., a physician now in Virginia; second and third were twins; our subject and David M., who died in Harrisburg, Penn., in 1873, a successful business man, being worth about $100,000. Our subject was reared in Montour County, Penn., receiving his education in the common schools of the county. In early life he clerked in various stores at Milton and Danville, and after a few years drifted into business himself. He opened a general store at Washingtonville, where, in company with his brother, he did a successful business. Later they sold out and bought a store at Limestoneville, this county, and engaged in business for four j^ears, whenthey again sold out and moved to Schuylkill County. There they followed mining and shipping anthracite coal, which business they also sold. Our subject then came to Danville and embarked in mercantile business, also running the stage lines from Danville until the railroad was built. Since then he has conducted a 'bus line and has retired from all other business. He married in 1848, Agnes M., daughter of John Franciscus, and of German and French origin. They have three children: William J., a manufacturer in Philadelphia; Maggie and Katie. Mrs. McCormick and daughter are members of the Presbyterian Church. Col. McCormick is a Democrat and has served two terms in the Legislature, 1877-78 and 1883-84. He serv2d as colonel of militia, from which he gets the title. Col! McCormick was collector on the North Branch Canal at Beach Haven, the last person so appointed by the State. At the last senatorial conference (1886), for the Twenty-fourth District, he was the nominee from the county convention of this county. T. F. McGINNES, general superintendent of the Montour Iron and Steel Works, Danville, was born in the city of Pottsville, Scuylkill Co., Penn., March 2, 1842, a son of E. W. and Eliza (Patton) McGinnes, natives of Pennsylvania and of Scotch origin. In early life the father was engaged in manufacturing, but later in the coal trade in which he dealt largely. Our subject is the fourth of eight children, and grew to manhood in his native city, where he attended the graded schools and also clerked for his father. With the latter he then engaged in the same business, which they conducted successfully for a time, when our subject abandoned the business to accept a clerkship in one of the large manufacturing establishments of the place. There he remained ten years, when he was appointed superintendent of an iron manufactory in Schuylkill County, where he served until 1880. He then came to Danville and was employed in the Montour Iron and Steel Works as inspector of iron rails until 1882, when he was appointed superintendent. In 1885 he was made treasurer and in 1886 general superintendent of the works. This extensive company often employ as many as 2,700 men; so that the position of general superintendent is one of great responsibility. Mr. McGinnes was married in 1863, to Kate, Berryman, a lady of English origin, daughter of Dr. Cecil Berryman, a prominent physician of Pottsville, Penn. She is the mother of one child, Jennie. Mr. and Mrs. McGinnes are members of the Episcopal Church, in which he takes a deep interest; has served as member of the vestrj', and is now superintendent of the Mission Sunday-school in Danville. Politically he is a Republican, but has never held office. THOMAS M. McMAHAN, photographer, Danville, was born in Montour County March 19, 1829, a son of James and Margaret (Murry) McMahan, natives of Pennsylvania fantry, full BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 164 and of Scotch-Irish origin, the former a farmer. Thomas M. is the fourth in a family of Township, educated in the common In 1853 he began to learn schools, and for several years followed agricultural pursuits. the art of photography, which has since occupied his attention. He worked at different has in Danville, and since 1871 been associated iu the places until 1865, when he settled business with Mr. Ireland, under the firm name of McMahau & Ireland, and the success of the business is largely due to his exertions. In 1854 he married Caroline Reed, of ScotchMr. and Irish origin, and two children have blessed the union: Clarence and Lillian E. Mrs. McMahan are members of the Presbyterian Church, and politically he is a Demfive children, was reared on the farm in Liberty ocrat. WILLIAM H. MAGILL, retired physician and surgeon, of Danville, is the oldest physician in this part of the State. He was born in Montgomery County, Penn., March Their ancestors were among the 24, 1795, son of William and Mary (Dunlap) Magill. early settlers of Pennsylvania. William Magill, Sr., father of our subject, was a tanner, and became a land owner and farmer; he was a Quaker, as was his wife, and his ancestors were Scotch-Irish Presbyterians. William and Mary Magill had six children; William H., our subject, was the third child. At the age of twelve years he entered the Doylestown Academy, in Bucks County, Penn., from there he went to Baltimore, Md., and read medicine with James);Smith, M. D., four years, and graduated from the Medical University of Baltimore, in 1817. He then attended lectures at Jefferson Medical College of Philadelphia until the spring of 1818, when he began the practice of medicine in Danville, opening an office in the same house where he now resides. This house is of brick, erected by When Dr. his mother in 1814, the family having moved here in the spring of that year. Magill began the practice of medicine Danville was a small place, and houses in this vicinDr. Magill was a man of more than ordinary ability and ity were few and far between. He rode on horseback over a large skill, and possessed wonderful powers of endurance. scope of country, day and night, enduring hardships, and surmounting difficulties that the doctors of this day know nothing of. He married. May 1, 1838, Miss Mary, daughter of Gen. Daniel Montgomery. This union has been blessed with eight children, viz.: Daniel, Elizabeth, William H., Hannah L., Robert D., Christiana M., Mary D. and James D., six of whom lived to be grown. Mrs. Magill died in 1882; she was an earnest Christian and a member of the Presbyterian Church; Dr. Magill is also a member of this church. He was the first burgess of Danville; in politics he was a Whig, but since the organization of the Republican party he has been one of its strong supporters. His name will be revered not only for his professional skill and honor, but for his deeds of charity and Christian example. WILSON METTLER, retired farmer, Danville, was born in Rush Township, Northumberland Co., Penn., May 10, 1813, a son of Philip and Susanna (Carter) Mettler. His parents were natives of New Jersey, of English and German origin respectively. The His family consisted father was a farmer, and died in Northumberland County in 1856. He was reared on the farm and educated of nine children, of whom Wilson was the fifth. From his youth until 1868 he had been engaged in at the schools of Rush Township. agricultural pursuits, but at the last named date retired, and has since resided in DanHe married, in 1834, Miss Ann, ville, but still owns the farm, which is .well improved. daughter of John Gearhart, of New Jersey and of German origin. This union^has been blessed with four children: Sarah E., wife of E. G. Huffman; Susan, wife of Hugh Vastine; Spencer C. (deceased) and Anna. Mr. and Mrs. Mettler are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been elder. Politically he is a Democrat and has served in the capacity of school director of Rush Township. JAMES N. MILLER, liveryman, Danville, was born in Columbia County, Penn., September 6, 1824, a son of Philip (a farmer) and Frances (Ready) Miller, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent, former of whom died in Columbia County, where he had resided manj'- years and reared a family of seven children. Our subject was reared on the farm, attended the schools of his native place and early in life learned the tanHe then established himself in a general ner's trade, which he followed eight years. store at Jersey town, was moderately successlul and continued that business eleven years, having previously been engaged in the hotel business at Lewisburg and Jerseytown. In 1876 he was nominated and elected sheriff of Montour County on the Democratic ticket. He then moved to Danville where he has since resided, and, at the close of his term as Mr. Miller is a Democrat and always takes an sheriff, embarked in the livery business. active interest in everything pertaining to that party iu Montour County. He has been twice married; first to Susannah, daughter of John Rishel. She was of German origin and died in 1852, the mother of one child, John, who is now married and a farmer. In 1855 our subject married Isabella, daughter of Samuel Hiltert, also of German descent, and a member of the Presbyterian Church. This union was blessed with one child, Sue F., who, since her mother's death, in 1873, has kept house for her father. MOYER. dealer in clothing and gents' furnishing goods, was born in Germany, February 1, 1827, a gon of Harmon and Barbara (Levi) Moyer, natives of Germany. The "father was a drover and dealt extensively in stock in his native country, where he HENRY DANVILLE. 165 spent his life. Henry is the ninth of twelve children, and was reared in Baden, where he received his education. In early life he learned the trade of a butcher, which he followed He settled in Danville, Penn., and spent as a business until coming to America in 1852. two years and a half in peddling and making himself familiar with the laws and customs of his adopted country. By close application he was able to start a general store in Danville in 1854, but in 1855 sold out and opened a butcher shop, and did a successful business for nine years. In 1864 he established his present business, at which he has been very successful. He married, in 1853, Sophia Myer, a native of Germany and who bore him three Mr. Moyer then married Sarah children: Fannie, Sarah and Harry, and died in 1860. Gross, a native of Germany, who bore him seven children: Miles, Barbara, Rebecca, Bessie, Maurice, Lewis and Julius. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are of the Jewish faith. JACOB W. MOYER, of thetirm of Cruikshank, Moj^er & Co., Danville,was born in Montour County, October 13, 1838, a son of Daniel and Susan (Cortner) Moyer, natives of Northumberland (now Montour) County, and whose ancestors were among the early German settlers of Pennsylvania. Hq is the eldest in a family of eight children and grew Here he to manhood in his native county, coming to Danville with his parents, in 1844. attended the common schools and in early life learned the machinist trade, at which he firm do an exworked for a time, subsequently embarking in his present business. The tensive trade in their foundry and machine shops, Mr. Moyer doing the drafting, also the buying and selling. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Thirtysecond Pennsylvania volunteer Infantry, and served ninemonths. In 1864 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Eighty-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served on detached duty, being detailed to work on the calcium light, which was erected on the breastworks so as to throw the light on the enemy's camp, at least one-half mile distant, and, being a skillful mechanic, Mr. Moyer was of great use in putting up the lights, and was thus employed until the war closed. He participated in several engagements, among He is a member of the council of them Antietam, Chancellorsville and Fredericksburg. Danville, and has been school director. In 1864 he married Clara, daughter of John Doty, a native of Pennsylvania. Mr. and Mrs. Moyer are the parents of six children: Cora, Maggie, Virgie, Horace, Ella and Walter. The parents are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Moyer is a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R., and in politics is Democratic. NEWBAKER, HON. PHILIP C. physician and surgeon, Danville, is a great-grandson of Martin Newbaker, who emigrated from Germany before the Revolution and settled Martin at Powell's Creek, on the Susquehanna River, eighteen miles above Harrisburg. Newbaker served as a soldier in the war for independence, and some of his descendants still reside near the old homestead where Dr. Newbaker was born, and from where his father and family removed to Northumberland County. He is a son of John B. and Caroline Elizabeth (Maize) Newbaker, who were natives of Dauphin County, Penn., of mixed German and English descent, and are still living. The former, John B. Newbaker, _is a physician, and is practicing his profession at Trevorton, Northumberland Co., Penn. 'His family consisted of five children. Philip C, our subject, is the eldest; he was born August 13, 1843, near Halifax, Dauphin Co., Penn. He received a good academic education at the West Branch High School and the literary department of the Missionary Institute, Selin's Grove, Penn. He taught school a few years, and on the breaking out of the late civil war, enlisted as a private in Company F, Eleventh Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served the full term of three months. He was at the battle of Hoke's Run or Falling Waters, in northern Virginia, one of the first engagements of the war. In August, 1862. he again enlisted in Company K, Fifteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry, at Philadelphia, for three years, which regiment was assigned to duty under Gen. Rosecrans in Tennessee, where from hardships and exposure in service, he contracted diseases which confined him to the hospital for several months. After partial recovery he was transferred to the Invalid or Veteran Reserve Corps and continued in it to the close of the war. He was honorably discharged from service July 5, 1865. From this it will be seen that he served in the army the greater part of the war. He then began the study of medicine with his father, and entered Jefferson Medical College. Philadelphia, where he graduated in the spring of 1869, and subsequently settled at Washingtonville,- Montour County, where by skill in his profession, and integrity as a citizen, he gained a deserved popularity. On September 24, 1867, he married Miss Amelia A. Koons, of Weissport, Carbon Co., Penn. Dr. Newbaker and wife have five children: Winifred M., Charles A., Bertha A., Edward J. and Francis W. In politics the Doctor is a Democrat, and in 1878 was nominated and subsequently elected to represent Montour County in the State Legislature, and was re-elected in 1880. He is a member of the State and county medical societies, and of the American Medical Association and is secretary of the Board of United States Examining Surgeons at Danville. He is also a member of Goodrich Post, No. 22, G. A. R., of Danville. In the spring of 1886 Dr. Newbaker purchased the property in which he now resides, at No. 24, Mahoning Street, Danville, and has already acquired considerable practice. JOHN C. PATTERSON, retired farmer, Danville, was born in Columbia County, Penn., in September, 1836, a son of John and Anna (Mather) Patterson, natives of BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 166 Columbia County, and whose ancestors were among the early Scotch-Irish settlers of that section. John C. is the youngest of a family of five children, four of whom grew to maturitJ^ He was reared on the farm, educated at the district school, and followed farming until coming to Danville in 1866. 8eplember 3, 1864. he enlisted in the Two Hundred and Tenth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served until the close of the war. January 1. 1866, he married Miss Mary E., daughter of Caleb Appleman, and their union has been blessed with two children, Ella and Mary V. Mrs. Patterson and children are members of the Presbyterian Church. She is engaged in the millinery business, at which she is very successful. Mr. Patterson is a member of the Masonic fraternity. EMANUEL PETERS, wholesale dealer in ice and oysters, Danville, was born in 3, 1826, a son of Michael and Martha (Miller) Peters, natives of Pennsylvania, of German origin, the former a tailor by trade. Emanuel was their only child, and was educated at the subscription schools of Union County. He came to Danville when seventeen years old, and has since made it his home, and in 1854 embarked in his present business, at which he has been successful. In 1854 he married Elizabeth, daughter of Gideon Mellon, and of English origin. Their children are Arthur M., who is with his father; Anna Mary, wife of S. W. Fis'her; Clara M.; F. G.; Lucy M. Saddle M. and Elmer E. Neail}^ all the family are members of the Methodist Church. Union County. Penn., March Mr. Peters was a member of the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry during the civil war, having enlisted in 1863. He is independent in politics; a member of the I.'O. O. F. and the I. O. of R. M. J. R. PHILIPS. United States ganger, Danville, was born in Columbia County, Penn., August 24, 1828, a son of George W. and Rhoda Ann (Reese) Philips, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German and Welsh origin. The father was a chainmaker by trade, but made farming the occupation of his life, and now resides on a farm in Sullivan County, Penn.. whither he removed in 1843. Our subject is tiie ehlest in a family of eight sons and four daughters, all of whom grew to maturity, and was reared on the farm in Hemlock Townsjhip, Columbia County, receiving a common-school education. In early life he worked in the iron-ore mines, and in 1849 came to Danville and learned the puddler's trade in the iron works, serving a three years' apprenticeship, and when just completing his trade was appointed foreman in the Montour Iron & Rolling-mill Works, which position he occupied for twenty years. He served as justice of the peace for a like period and resigned in 1886. Since 1888 Mr. Philips has been tax collector, and also United States ganger and market master of Danville. He is secretary of the school board and a member of the I. O. O. F., both of the encampment and subordinate lodge. In politics he is a Democrat. In 1850 he married Mary, daughter of David AUegar, of German origin, and tlieir children are George W., deceased; Amelia; Joseph W., a druggist, of Danville; Matilda. Margaret and Kate. Mrs. Philips is a member of the Presbyterian Church of Danville. ISAAC RANCK was for more than half a century identified with the growth and development of Columbia and Montour Counties. He was much above the average of all that goes to make up a noble manhood, habits which bring uo reproach and a character which shone brightly in the every day duties and vocations of life. His birth occurred May 19, 1811, in White Deer, Union Co., Penn. His parents, Isaac and Rebecca Ranck, were from Lancaster County, Penn., and were among the first settlers of Union County. He was the seventh in a family of thirteen children— ten sons and three daughters all but one of whoiu arrived to the; age of maturity. Seven survive the subject of this sketch in the full vigor of life. At the age of seventeen he was apprenticed to Messrs. Curr & Co., carriage builders of Milton, Penn., and, after serving four years, he moved, in the early spring of 1832, to the village of Danville, Columbia County, and established himself in business as a smith and carriage manufacturer, at the corner of Mill and Mahoning Streets, opposite the present opera house. He also engaged in the lumber and boating business but soon abandoned all but his sliops. About lo34 he married Miss Catharine Heller, and three children blessed their union: Norman Leslie, Ellis Hughes, Mary Elizabeth, all living. In 1842 he became widower, and in 1844 he married Elizabeth Heller, who bore him four children: Anna Rebecca, David Hays, Catharine Frances and Henry Clay (the last two dying in infancy). David H. is the publisher of the Millstoiie and Corn Miller, Indianapolis, Ind., a representative monthly publication devoted to milling and mechanical interests. In 1872 death again entered his home and took away his wife. For eleven years he made his home with his son and daughter in Danville. On the 8th of March, 1883, Mr. Ranck passed away, dying in the faith of Christianity. All his life he adorned our common humanity with a character pure as light, with a reputation untarnished by worldly associations, by daily walk and conversation worthy of emulation, a legacy to his children more lasting than money. Mr. Ranck witnessed the growth of Danville from a small village of less than a thousand population to a city of 10,000 inhabitants. He was chief burgess of the city in 1860, and afterward served as councilman. He was also elected and served many years as justice of the peace. Columbia and Montour Counties can feel an honest pride in having had for more than fifty years a citizen who — 167 DANVILLE. much that was good and noble. In personal appearance Mr. Ranck was commanding, above average height and of rotundity of build, weighing over 200 pounds. Honesty, justice and truth were woven into the woof of his being. Strictly temperate in all his habits, he lived to be three score and twelve years and passed to his reward. He was interred March 11, 1883, in Mount Vernon Cemetery, Northumberland County. Penn. His family, consisting of five children, all of whom except David H., were born-in Danville and vicinity, have all maintained the high integrity and honor of his name. Norman was born August 2, 1835; Ellis H., born August 10, 1837; Mary E., born June 21, 1841; Anna R.. born February 23, 1844, and David H., born February 5, 1847. FREDERICK REAM, teacher in and superintendent of the public schools of Montour County, Danville, was born in Lancaster County, Penn., July 20, 1851, a son of John and Anna (Westley) Ream, natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin, and whose ancestors were among the early residents of Pennsylvania. The father by trade is a coach-maker; also for a time followed farming, and now resides in Washingtonville, Montour County. Frederick is the fifth in a family of five sons and three daughters, and was reared in Montour County, where his parents have resided since 1860. He received his early education in the public schools of Montour County, and was also a student at the Bloomsburg Normal School and at academies at other places. At the age of fifteen he commenced teaching, which he followed for sixteen years, pursuing through this period a well directed course of self-education. During 1870-73 he was engaged in mercantile business at Washingtonville, and since 1873 has followed teaching. He taught in Schuylkill County and at Freesburg Academy for two years, and in the Danville High School three years, and was elected county superintendent of public schools in 1884. Since then he has been engaged in that capacity. He is a Past Grand of the I. O. O. F. and trustee of the I. O. O. F. cemetery at Danville. Mr. Ream married in 1873, Mary C, daughter of William Seidel and of German origin. Their children are Bertha A., Vinnie Olive and Carrie S. Mr. and Mrs. Ream are members of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Ream is politically a Democrat. S. Y. RICHARDS, photographer and owner and proprietor of the Danville art gallery, was born three and a half miles south of Danville, August 31, 1836 a son of John and Rebecca (Clark) Richards, who were among the early German settlers of Pennsylvania. His grandfather kept a hotel in Danville in the early pioneer days his father followed farming all his life and died in Lycoming County on the farm where he had resided since our subject was four years old. He had been twice married, and by his first marriage had seven children, of whom our subject is the youngest; he grew up on the farm, also helped in the saw-mill and was an expert at running a circular saw. When he reached his majority he commenced to learn the carpenter's trade, and worked at it for ten years; later, studied the art of photography, in 1866, in Danville; but being desirous of obtaining the best knowledge of that business he went to New York, where he remained under the instruction of Prof. Hugh O'Niel, and obtained a thorough knowledge of the business. •embodied so ; ; He then resided in Carbondale, Penn., for seven years, moving thence to Piltston, where he remained for seven years, and from 1884 to 1886 resided in Towanda. He then came to Danville and opened a large and well furnished art gallery, and is well worthy of the patronage he has received. June 7, 1861, he married Matilda A., daughter of David Kine, a native of Berks County, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Richards are the parents of the following named children Ella, wife of Charles C. Colburn Hallie, deceased Lizzie, wife of Walter Smith, and Mamie. The parents are members of the Methodist Church. While a resident of Towanda, Mr. Richards was a member of the board of stewards of the church. He is now a member of Saint Paul's Methodist Episcopal Church of Danville. Politically he is a Republican. M. S. RIDGWAY, superintendent of the Montour Iron and Steel Works and Rolling Mills, Danville, was born at Milford Village, Pike Co., Penn., March 12, 1820, a son of Matthew and Elizabeth (Ludlow) Ridgway. The former was born on Long Island, N. Y., and was of English origin; the latter was born in New Jersey, and was of French descent; they were the parents of seven children. The father was an influential man, and at the time of his death, in 1820, was high sheriff of Pike County, N. Y. he was a brave and successful officer. A prisoner in his charge, who was convicted of murder in Mr. Ridgway followed, and with the assist1814, escaped from jail and fled to Canada. ance of some Indians succeeded in locating the murderer, but while negotiating with parties to get the criminal across the line to the United States, was himself arrested by the English authorities as a spy. He was a Quaker, and having an uncle in Canada, he "succeeded in obtaining his liberty and returned home through the wilderness to Pike County, and his prisoner with him. Mr. Ridgway was a Mason, a man of more than ordinary intelligence and will power. He was a son of Jacob Ridgway, also a Quaker. M. S. Ridgway, our subject, is the youngest of the family, and was born the j'ear of his father's death. He attended the common schools until the age of eleven years, when he chose a guardian. At sixteen he began to learn the trade of a blacksmith, and served a regular apprenticeship; then worked as a journeyman four years, and in 1844 came to Danville to superintend the blacksmithing in the erection of the Montour Iron and Steel Works. : ; ; ; 168 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: These works were completed in 1845, and shortly afterward Mr. Ridgway was appointed manager of the works, and has since remained in charge for a period of forty-three years. He has remained with the works through its adversity and prosperity, and although the business has changed hands six times, Mr. Ridgway has always been retained as the right man in the right place. He assisted in making the first "T" rail made in the United States. It was made by Murdock Levitt & Co., in Danville, Penn. This firm was succeeded by the Montour Iron Company. Mr. Ridgway married in 1840, in Norristown, N. J., Miss Rachel Whitehead. Her parents were English, but of German descent. Mr. and Mrs. Ridgway have five children: Edwin O., married, and employed in the rolling-mills of Pueblo, 10ol.; Stephen, employed as shipping-clerk for a large manufactory in Ohio; Warren; Laura E. and Grant. In politics Mr. Ridgway is a Republican; he is a Knight Templar and has been a member of the Masonic order since 1846. Mrs. Ridgway is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. DANIEL J. ROTE, retired cattle drover, Danville, was born in Northampton County, Penn., October 16, 1812, a son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Larch) Rote, natives of Pennsylvania. The father was a farmer all his life, and his ancestors were among the early German settlers of Pennsylvania. David J. is one of a family of twelve children, eight of whom grew to maturity, and was reared in Northampton County, where he was also educated in the early German schools. His English education has been acquired by his own efforts. He chose farming as his occupation, but prior to that had been engaged in the blacksmithing trade. Later he engaged in the cattle droving business, which has mainly occupied his attention, and at which he has been very successful. He has been twice married; by his first wife, Rebecca Weaver, he had seven children. She died in 1845, and had been married in 1836. Twelve years after the death of his first wife he married Lucy A. Crosby, who bore him one child, and died February 25, 1881. Mr. Rote has retired from active business, and now resides in Danville. He is a member of the Lutheran Church, in which he has been a deacon, and takes an active interest in that denomination. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. F. politically he is a Republican. Wellington Rote, cattle dealer, Danville, was born in Northumberland County, Penn., a son of DanielJ. and Anna Rebecca (Weaver) Rote. He is the fourth child in order of birth, and was reared on the farm, attended the common schools, and also Dickinson Seminary, at Williamsport. He first clerked in the general store of Lewis Rote, at Mausdale, where he remained two years. In 1870 he embarked in general mercantile business at Mausdale, and also dealt in coal; he then sold out and taught school eight or ten terms, in which vocation he was successful. Since 1876 he has been engaged in the stock business. Politically he is a Republican, a member of the I. O. O. F.. and of the ; Masonic fraternity. DAVID RUCKEL, was born agent for the P. R. R. & W. S. Express Company, Danville, Columbia County, Pennsylvania, November 21, 1841, a son of Joseph and Margaret (Whelmore) Ruckel, natives of Columbia County, this State, and of German descent. The father followed agricultural pursuits all his life. David is the youngest in a family of four sons and three daughters, and was reared on the farm, receiving his education in the common schools, never attending more than six months in his life, and is therefore self-educated. He remained with his parents on the farm until he was twenty years of age, when he went to Berwick, Columbia County, and learned the shoemaker's trade. In 1862 he enlisted in Company E, One Hundred and Thirty-second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and served nine months, the term for which he enlisted. He next enlisted in the One Hundred and Twelfth, Second Artillery, was promoted sergeant, and June 30, 1864, was taken prisoner in front of Petersburg. He was removed to Danville, Va., where he was kept a prisoner of war for eight months and nineteen days. He was then exchanged and, after the war, returned to the farm, where he remained until 1867, when he moved to Danville and worked in the rolling-mill until 1873. He was next employed with the raiload and express companies, and in 1882 was appointed to his present position. In 1867 he married Miss Lucinda Nuss, of German descent. Two children were born to them: Charles E., who is in the office with his father, and Ella L., deceased. Mrs. Ruckel is a member of the German Reformed Church, and her son of the Episcopal. Mr. Ruckel is a member of the Masonic fraternity, politically in a Republican. JAMES SCARLET, of the firm of Scarlet & Angle, attorneys, Danville, was born in Elizabeth, N. J., December 31, 1848, a son of George and Mary Scarlet. The former was of English origin, and for many years a sea captain; the latter was of Scotch-Irish descent. James is the eldest of a family of three sons and grew to manhood in Danville, attending the schools of-that place, where he also learned the blacksmith's trade. He subsequently entered Princeton College and graduated in the regular classical course in 1874. He studied law in Danville in the office of Thomas Galbrith, Esq., was admitted to practice in the courts of Montour County in 1877, and in 1875 was admitted to the supreme court, and also the United States courts. He was elected to the office of district attorney for Montour County in 1882, and after serving his term was nominated by the Republican party for the Legislature in 1885, but was defeated with James G. Blaine. DANVILLE, THOMAS 169 A. SCHOTT, coal merchant, Danville, was born in Rockland Township, Berks Co., Penn., October 7, 1836. a son of Anthony and Harriet (Roarback) Schott, natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. In early life his father was a charcoal burner, later a furnace blower, which occupation he followed until his death in 187L His family consisted of five children, four of whom grew to maturity. Thomas A. is the second child; he received his education in the common schools, and later learned the cigarmaker's trade, which lie followed five years. Later he learned the painter and carpenter trades, the latter of which he followed eleven years. He then engaged in teaming, also sold sewing machines, and then traveled and sold reapers for three years. In 1879 he embarked in the coal business on a limited scale, which enterprise has proved a success. He now owns an acre of land on which he has a coal yard, and has built a railroad which, runs into the yard, where the coal is dumped from the coal cars. He also owns his neat and substantial residence, and his financial success is due largely to his own exertions. Mr. Schott was married, November 29, 1862, to Elizabeth Hartman, a native of Germany, and to this union one child was born, Joseph A. Mrs. Schott died in 1869, and in 1872 our subject married Mollie Hartman, a sister of his first wife. Their children are George W., Mary E., Anthony W., Gi'ace E., Harry A. and Thomas A. Mr. and Mrs. Schott are members of the German Catholic Church. Politically he is a Republican. S. S. SCHULTZ, M. D., a native of Berks County, Penn., was born July 5, 1831, youngest son and child of Jeremiah and Mary Shultz, both of whom were natives of Berks County. The paternal ancestor who first came to this county was Christopher Schultz, the great-grandfather of our subject, who landed in the New World, September 22, 1734, then sixteen years old and a fugitive from religious persecution in Silesia. Young as he was, he was a fine scholar and became subsequently an able theologian, leader and organizer of men. Certainly, in all history there cannot be found an instance more completely verifying the phrase "born to command." He was the organizer and leader of the religious body to which he belonged, and that came to this country. He wrote a catechism, a constitution, a large compendium of their religious doctrines, and made the collection for their hymn-book used by the fugitives in the desert and the wilds. The theological works of this divine and temporal leader are yet, in much of their entirety, incorporated in the church formulas of his denomination to-day. On the maternal side the first immigrant to come to this country was George Schultz, the great-greatgrandfather of our subject, who came to America in 1734, in the twenty-fourth year of his age. The parentsof our subject were Jeremiah and Mary Schultz. The father was born June 7, 1797, and died Februarys, 1874. The mother was born September 5. 1798, and died February 2, 1873. Their children, all living, are Henry, born June 16, 1821; Edward, born June 20, 1824; John, born September 6, 1828, and our subject. Dr. Schultz was reared and educated in his native county until he was fourteen years old, when he attended school at Washington Hall, Montgomery County. From there he went to school at the academy in Allentown, Penn., which fhas since become Muehlenburg College, where he remained one year; then a short time at Freeland Seminary, Montgomery County, and then entered Princeton College, New Jersey, where he graduated in 1852. After graduating he taught school for a short time, and then commenced the study of medicine with Dr. Daniel D. Detwiler, of Montgomery County. After a careful preparation he entered the University of Pennsyh^ania, where he graduated in 1856. Immediately after leaving the university he opened an oflSce for the practice of medicine in Allentown, where he met with flattering success. But soon an opportunity offered for him to pursue the natural bent of his mind, and he accepted a position in the State lunatic hospital at Harrisburg, as assistant physician. He remained here until 1861. He then made the tour of Europe, where he spent one year studying the hospitals and public institutions of Germany, England and France. In the meantime war was raging in his native land, and he hastened his return and entered the army as acting assistant surgeon, and as assistant surgeon and surgeon of Pennsj'lvania Volunteers, and assistant surgeon and surgeon of United States Volunteers; remained in service to the close of the war. He served with the Seventy-fifth and Twenty-third Pennsylvania Regiments, and as executive officer and surgeon in charge, successively, ingeneral hospitals at Harrisburg, Penn., Covington, Ky., Madison, Ind., and Columbus, Ohio. Here he resigned as superintendent of hospitals at He then returned to Harrisburg, and was in active practice the close of the war in 1865. from 1865 to 1868 when he was appointed by the commissioners of the hospital to come to Danville and take control of the construction and the superintendency of the Danville Hospital, and from the commencement of the work on the building to the present time he has been its efl[icient and able superintendent, to the great advantage of the State in its vast expenditures here, and to the blessing of the poor unfortunates who have been dwellers in this benevolent home. The real professional career of Dr. Schultz commenced with his connection with his present office, and the history of the institution and the history of the Doctor, in his care of the insane, are practically one and the same, and the reader is referred to an account of the Danville A.sylum in another column. Dr. Schultz and Miss Hannah L. Magill were married September 23, 1872; she is a daughter of William H. Magill and Mary (Montgomery) Magill, and a granddaughter of Gen. Daniel Montgomery. 170 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: Mrs. Magill was born May 6, 1805, and died January 7, 1882. Their issue are Edward Magill Schultz, l)orn July 23, 1873, and William Magill Scliultz, born February 15, 1878. H. B. D. SECHLER, retired painter, Danville, was born on River Street, Danville, January 26, 1808, a son of Rudolph and Susanna (Douty) Sechler, natives of Pennsylvania. His parental and maternal ancestors were among the early German settlers of the State. His father was a blacksmith in early and middle life, later was register and recorder of Columbia County, serving several years. In 1831 he was appointed justice of the peace and served until 1845, when he retired, and died in 1857, at the age of eightyfive years. He reared a family of six children, all of whom became good citizens and four of whom still survive. Our subject is the eldest of the survivors, was reared in Danville and educated at the subscription schools. He learned the cabinet-maker's trade and lollowed it for many years, but since 1840 he has been engaged in house and ornamental sign painting. In 1830 he married Miss Jane Jamison of MifHin County, Penn., who died in 1831. In 1835 he was married to Sarah, daughter of John Gearhart, and six children blessed their union, two of whom are living: Harriet, wife of Jonathan Waters, and Emma, wife of John Yorgy. Mr. and Mrs. Sechler are members of the Presbyterian Church, in which he has been an elder, and'also teacher and superintendent of the Sabbath-school. He takes an interest in all that pertains to the good of the community. Politically he is a Republican, formerly a Whig, was appointed justice of the peace in 1845, and served five years. SECHLER, musician, Danville, was born in that place April 18, 1814, a son of Jacob and Barbara (Reice) Sechler, the latter a native of Switzerland, born in 1790. The Sechler family came to Pennsylvania about 1775, four brothers settling on the site of Danville, about the close of the Revolution. They were farmers and took up about 500 acres of land, then a wilderness, a part of which is now the Thomas Beaver farm, near the State asylum at Dauville. Jacob Sechler was the first male child born in Danville in 1790. The family were usually farmers. Abraham is the eldest son in a family of nine children, and is a natural musician. He organized the first band in Danville and as soon as his brothers became old enough they joined the band, and for several years six of them played in it. Abraham received but a limited education in the subscription schools of Danville, but has been a student all bis life, and can now read and write English, French and German with ease. His first occupation was farming, which engaged his attention until he was nineteen years of age. He then operated a stationary engine for over forty years, and by economy and judicious investments has made money. During the war he invested his money in Government bonds, and now has a fine property where he resides and devotes his time to music, which he fuUj^ enjoys. In 1835 he married Lavinia, daughter of Asa Pancost, and of English descent. Of their five children three are now living: Mary Alice, wife of Henry Schick; Sarah Jane, wife of John Kenvin, and W. W., in Philadelphia. Mrs. Sechler died in 1864, and in 1869 our subject married Harriet, daughter of John Wurtmau, and of English descent. Their only child is Martha, wife of Charles Robson. Mrs. Sechler is a member of the Lutheran Church, and Mr. Sechler of the Episcopal. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served as tax collector. F. R. SECHLER, liveryman, Danville, was born in Mahoning Township, Montour County, March 23, 1836, a son of Jacob and Barbara Ann (Reise) Sechler. His father was a soldier in the war of 1813, and his grandfather, John Sechler, a soldier in the Revolution and one of the early settlers of" Danville; both were farmers. F. R. is the seventh in a family of nine children, and was reared to agricultural pursuits, which he has followed most of his life, but now resides in Danville engaged in the livery business. He married, in 1850, Abigail, daughter of Herbert Best, a prominent farmer of English origin, and one of the early settlers of Danville, where he died in 1831. Mr. and Mrs. Sechler have two cl ildren now living: C. R. and Barbara Ann. Mr. Sechler is a member of the K. of P., politically an Indenendent, with Democratic proclivities. JACOB SHELHARt, retired,*ex-sheriff of Montour County, Penn., was born in that county, August 14, 1835, a son of Jacob and Christine (Everett) Shelhart, natives of Lehigh County, Penn., both of German origin. His paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early German settlers of the State. His father was an early settler of Danville, lived to be eighty years old, and spent over seventy years of his life in this part of Pennsylvania. He grew to manhood in Cooper Township, now, Montour County, and in early life made farming his business, Imt later devoted his time to the manufacture of wood( n plows, which he carried on for a time, also manufacturing wagons and wheelbarrows, when the canal was being made through Danville. Jacob is the sixth of eleven children, and his schooling was limited to about two months in a rude schoolhouse. He followed farming as a business until 1865, with success, and though not a believer in luck, does believe in pluck. Politically he is a Democrat, and in 1865 was elected sheriff of Montour County, serving three yeavs. In 1879 he was again elected sheriff, and served three years; then spent some time traveling over the United States and Canada. He has been twice married; first to Maria, daughter of Joseph Foust, and of English and German 'Origin. Mr. Shelhart has two children now living: Mary, wife of J. Andrew, and Hattie. Mr. Shelhart is a member of the Lutheran Church; has been a member of the school ABRAHAM • 171 DANVILLE. board and overseer of tlie poor. He is at present making valuable improvements in Dan- ville. DAVID SHELHART, tailor, Danville, was born in Franklin Tovpnship, 1833, a sou of Jacob and Cliristiauna (Evert) Shelbart, natives of Penns3dvania and of German origin. His father was a farmer. David is the youngest of eleven children, and was reared on the farm until he was seventeen years old, receiving his education in the schools of Columbia County. He first clerked in the store of Christian Laubach, of Danville, where he remained six years, from 1850 to 1856. He ' then embarked in his present bu.siness, merchant tailor and dealer in gents' furnishing ^oods, and employs the best skilled workmen and cutter. In 1857 he married Malinda She is of German origin, and has borne her husband A., a daughter of Richard Demott. Columbia Co., Penn., May merchant 9, wife of Warren McHeury; Kate D., wife of Harry Rhodes; Frank The family are all members of the Presbyterian Church, in which Mr. Shelbart has been treasurer and superintendent of the Sabbath-school for fourteen consecutive years. He is a prominent member.of the I. O. O. F., and has been connected with the lodge twenty-one years, and has passed all the chairs. Politically he is a Republican. JOHN W. SHERIFF, bookkeeper, Danville, was born in Erie County, Penn., September 12, 1822, a son of William and Margaret (Colt) Sheriff, natives of Ireland, but who came to this country in childhood. Our subject is the youngest of six children; was reared in;Waterford, Erie County, where be received his education at the common schools and at the academy. In 1842 he came to Danville where he has since remained. On first coming here he clerked in a general store for fourteen years, and later ran a stage line from Danville to Pottsville, Northumberland to Wilkesbarre, and Danville to Williamsport and Blossburg, taking in all the villages on the route, carrying passengers and the United States mail. He had a partner in the business, and for several years they ran a packet boat on the canal until 1857, when the railroad was built. In 1860 he embarked in mercantile business which he continued with success until 1873, when he sold out and has since been employed as bookkeeper in the coal office of R. H. Woolley, sole agent for Conyngham & Co., of Danville. In 1849 Mr. Sheriff married Miss Martha Waters, of German origin, and five children were born to the union: Margaret, wife of A. G. Marr; William; Mary (deceased); Matilda, wife of H. J. Rupert, and Anna. Mr. Sheriff is a Democrat and has served as member of the town council of Danville. four children: Emma, and Charles Richard. GIDEON M. SHOOP, lumberman, P. O. Danville, was born in Northumberland 23, 1821, a son of George and Elizabeth (Cockley) Shoop, natives respectively of Cumberland and Dauphin Counties, Penn. Our subject is the youngest of a family of seven children, and attended the common schools of his native county until he was thirteen years old. He then went to Franklin County and learned the art of manufacturing French buhr mill stones, at which be worked for two years. He then went to Cumberland County, where he carried on the same business. He continued to carry on his trade until he came to Danville, in 1841, as collecting agent for several stage lines, and also embarked in the lumber business, dealing in and manufacturing lumber quite extensively, and owning several saw-mills. In 1846 he rented the "Brady Hotel," repaired and improved it; added another story; changed the name to that of "Montour House," and conducted it for eighteen months. (The house is still the leading hotel in Danville.) Mr. Shoop'smain business, however, is the lumber trade. He purchases large tracts of land in the south and elsewhere, from which he cuts the limber and manufactures it into lumber. His residence, among the most beautiful and attractive in Montour County, was erected at a cost of about $24,000; he also owns four farms in Montour County, the half of one in Virginia, consisting of 367 acres, and half of one in Northumberland County of 180 acres. Mr. Shoop married December 2, 1846, Amelia D., daughter of William Gearhart. She is of English and German origin and the motlier of four children, all deceased except one, William G., who is now engaged lumber business. Mr. Shoop is a member of the Methodist Episwith bis father in the copal Church; is president of the board of trustees, a steward and a teacher in the Sabbathschool. In 1880 he was elected a lay delegate to the Central Pennsylvania Conference, and elected by that body a lay delegate to the general conference, which met in Cincinnati, Ohio, in May, 1880. Politically he is a Republican; is at present a member of the board of trustees of the Danville Insane Asylum; one of the directors of the Nail & Manufacturing Company; a director of the Bridge Company, and a director in the Danville National Bank, having served in that capacity longer than any other director, with a sinCounty, Penn., June gle exception. B. F. SHULTZ. M. D., Danville, was born in Columbia County, Penn., March 19, 1828, a son of Peter and Sarah (Bobbins) Shultz, former of New Jersey, of German origin, and latter a native of Pennsylvania, of Scotch origin. They resided in Pennsylvania for many years, where they kept hotel, but in later life retired to the seclusion of farm life. They reared a family of nine children— eight sons and one daughter— and all maintained Our subject, the seventh in the family, obtained his early the honor of the family name. education in his native county, and subsequently attended the university at Philadelphia 172 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: He afterward took up the study of medicine in Danville, in the office of Dr. Strawbrid^e (the latter one of the leadini? surgeons in this part of the State), and also studied with Dr. Pancost, of Philadelphia. He then entered Jefferson Medical College at the latter city, where he graduated with the degree of M. D. Subsequently he commenced the practice of his profession at Danville, where he has since been actively engaged, and has secured for himself a well acknowledged prominence in his profession. Dr. Shultz. has been twice married; first, in 1857, to Elizabeth, daughter of John Mowrer, and of German origin; she died in 1861, the mother of two children: Clarence (deceased) and Dora. Dr. ShuUz's second marriage took place in 1870, with Mary, daughter of John Heckard, and also of German origin; she has borne her husband four children: William C, Florence, Debora and Arminta. Politically the Doctor is a Republican. After the battle of Gettysburg he went to that place and volunteered his services as medical attendant. Mrs. Shultz was a member of the Presbyterian Church. Her death occurred December 19, 1886, in the fortv-seventh year of her age. ROBERT S. SIMINGTON, M. D., of Danville, was born and reared on a backwoods farm in Lycoming County, Penn., when deer and wolves were numerous. He attended the usual log-cabin school common to a new country, to which he walked two miles. The school, hov^ever,had excellent teachers.and young Simington began the study of mathematics and Latin before entering the academy. He assisted his father in opening up farms, making brick and lumbering, rafting logs down the river to Marietta, Harrisburg and Columbia, his father being an active business man and owning large tracts of land. Our subject continued his education at the academy at Milton, at McEwensville Academy, and at LewisburgUniversity, then studied medicine with Dr. James Dougal at Milton, Penn., and graduated at the University of Pennsylvania in 1854 He at once began the practice of medicine in Danville. In the spring of 1861 he went into the army as surgeon of the Fourteenth P. V. I., and later was with the Ninety-third P. V. S. he was principally with the Army of the Potomac; was wounded at Malvern Hill, and resigned in Aug., 1862, returned home and has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. In 1873 he was elected associate judge for five years was re-elected in 1878 and in 1883, and is still serving was at one time elected burgess of Danville. December 28, 1854, Dr. Simington was married to Miss Regina Jane, a daughter of Hugh and Rebecca (Lemon) McWilliams, who were born near Mooresburg, Liberty Township'; Montour County. Hugh McWilliams was a large land owner and a prominent citizen served as treasurer of Columbia (now Montour) County, and was also postmaster. He was the eldest son of Robert and Jane (Curry). McWilliams of the vicinity of Mooresburg, Penn. She was the first white child born (1773) in the forks of the Susquehanna. She and her husband had three sons and two daughters r Hugh, Robert, John, Mary and Jane. Robert McWilliams, their father, was a son of Lieut. Hugh McWilliams and Rebecca (Dunwoody) McWilliams, who were ScotchIrish Presbyterians, and emigrated from County Armagh, Ireland, settling in Northumberland County, Penn., four miles below Danville. He was a lieutenant in the French and Indian war, and was killed by Indians in December, 1775. He and wife had one son, Robert, born in July, 1775, in Northumberland County he married Jane Curry, and they settled in Liberty Township. His father, Hugh McWilliams. was a son of Robert and Jane (Orr> McWilliams, natives of Scotlaml, who emigrated to the North of Ireland, then to Montour County. They had three sons and one daughter: Hugh, who married Rebecca Dunwoody; John, died a bachelor; Robert, married Ellen Johnson, and Jane, married Robert Curry, who was killed by the Indians June 9, 1780, near Danville. Robert was in the war of the Revolution, and was killed at Valley Forge, December 25, 1777. Dr. and Mrs. Simington are members of the Mahoning Presbyterian Church, and have had three daughters Gertrude, deceased wife of Calvin K. Leinbach; Miss Harriet Elizabeth, and Annie Jean. Dr. Simington is the eldest son of Benjamin and Ann (Irland) Simington; the former was born in Liberty Township, Montour Co., Penn., in 1805, a son of Robert Simington, a native of Scotland, who immigrated to America in 1776, immediately joined the "Jersey BluesV and served with them through the war of the Revolution. He married Elizabeth Jacoby, of Northampton County, and'came at once to Montour County, took up land, and died here at the ripe old age of eighty-four years. His children are John, Peter, Robert, Benjamin, James, Mary, Elizabeth, Margaret and Sarah, all born near Mooresburg, Penn. Dr. Simington's mother was a daughter of John Irland, -who was born near Milton in 1773;, his father, David Irland, came from Scotland in 1772, settling near Milton. David Irlaud's children were Robert, David, John, William, Elizabetli and Anna. David Irland died in 1827, aged ninety years; his sons, Robert.David and John, settled on farms adjoining the old homestead, and died of old age. William removed to New York and settled on a farm; he was in the war of 1813. Elizabeth'married William Sanderson, of Milton, where she died; she reared a large family. Anna, unmarried, died of old age on the home farm. John married Margaret Latemer, of Northumberland County, and their issue were Ellen, born in 1801; James, born in 1803. Anna (the mother of Dr. Simington), born in 1805; Mary Ann, born in 1807; John, born in 1809; William, born in 1811; Thomas, born in 1813, and Margaret, born in 1815. Benjamin and Ann (Irland) Simington were married January 28, 1829. Their children were Robert S., born May 10, 1831; Margaret Latemer, born May 16, 1836; Elizabeth for a time. ; ; ; ; ; : DANVILLE. 173' Ellen, born May 32, 1843, died March 25, 1875 (she married Rev. James W. Boal, leaving one child); Anna, born August 16, 1850. Margaret Latemer Simington married Ellis Gundy, of Union County, Penn. ADOLF STEINBRENNER, insurance agent, Danville, was born in Germany, January 2, 1834, a son of Michael Steinbrenner, who was a school-teacher in Germany, where he spent his life. Adolf is the fourth in a family of six children, and was reared in Germany, where he received his education, graduating from the university at Heidelberg, in 1856. He obtained a position as bookkeeper and followed that vocation until coming to America in 1866. Arriving in this country he settled at Wilkesbarre, Penn., where he was employed as a bookkeeper for two years and a half, and subsequently came to Danville, where he embarked in the insurance business, which he still follows, representing the following companies: Liverpool, London and Globe, Commercial Union of London, Phoenix of London and many others, and is well fitted for the business. Politically he is a Republican, was a notary public from 1882 to 1885, and is now clerk of the town council. He is a member of the Episcopal Church in which he is organist, and a member of the various Masonic fraternities, the L O. O. F. and the K. of P. REV. A. B. STILL, Danville, was born October 15, 1823, near Chester Springs, Chester Co., Penn., to Charles and Catharine (Sheldrich) Still, natives of Pennsylvania and of hardy German ancestry, and both lived to obtain over four-score years. Rev. A. B. is the eleventh of twelve children (all of whom grew to maturity), and was reared on the farm, the pursuits of which his father followed. At the age of sixteen he was converted and united with the Vincent Baptist Church, of which his parents, brothers and sisters were members. At the age of seventeen he began to learn the miller's trade, having spent the previous years working on the farm in summer and attending the public schools in the winter seasons. After spending six years at the milling business he became fully convinced that it was his duty to become a preacher, and in October, 1846, left home to prepare himself for his life work. He entered the academic department of the Madison University of New York State, and there completed his academic studies; thence, in the fall of 1848, he went to the university at Lewisburg, Penn., entered the collegiate department, and graduated in 1853 with the second honors of his class. Soon after he took charge of the Logan Valley Baptist Church, in Blair County, Penn., where he had an opportunity to study theology, having the use of the library of the Rev. A. K. Bell. August 15, 1854, he married Miss Hannah, daughter of John Deen, Sr., of Danville, and shortly after accepted a call to the Huntingdon Baptist Church, and entered upon his labors in the autumn. There his duties were arduous, preaching three times on Sunday, and also through the week, and spent the greater part of the winter in laboring in protracted meetings in his own field, and assisting at meetings in neighboring churches. His labors were greatly blessed, and large numbers were converted and added to the church. He remained pastor for over four years, during which time he was instrumental in organIn the fall of 1858, at the earnest desire of the izing the Spruce Creek Baptist Church. Centre Baptist Association, he entered upon the work of missionary, and spent over a year in earnest and self-denying labor with the feeble destitute churches and in destitute The calls for his labors were numerous and pressing, and were abundantly blessed places. in the salvation of many souls. He next accepted a call to the First Baptist Church at Danville, and entered upon his duties as pastor April 1, i860. Here he remained for two years, amid ihe excitement of tlie civil war. He then became pastor of the Lawrenceville Baptist Church, in Chester County, in April, 1862, where he had a field of labor which taxed all his energies, and, at that time, though he never entered the army, took a deep Having spent two years there he accepted a call interest in supporting the Government. to the Pitt's Grove Baptist Church, Salem County, N. J., in the spring of 1864, where he reaped abundant harvests in the building up of the church and the salvation of sinners. In the spring of 1867 he returned to Danville that he might give some attention to his wife's estate, and spent the greater part of the following seven years in preaching for the destitute churches in the Northumberland association. During that time he was instrumental in reorganizing the Sunbury Baptist Church, and also of organizing the First Baptist Church of Shamokin Town. In the spring of 1874 he accepted a call, and became pastor of the Marlton Baptist Church, New Jersey, where he remained about four years, and in April, 1878, entered on his labors as pastor of the Bethlehem Baptist Church, Hunterdon County, N. J., where he continued for eight years. During that period he gave much time to Sunday-school and prohibition work. In the fall of 1885 he was chosen moderator of the Central New Jersey Baptist Association, at Baptist Town, and in the spring of 1886 closed his labors with the Bethlehem Church and returned to Danville. Here he now resides and intends to spend his time in missionary work in the country around. He had two sons. The elder is living and deeply interested in religious work, having been converted at the age of ten j'ears. JAMES D. STRAWBRIDGE, A. M., M. D., ex-member of Congress, Danville, a native of Montour County, Penn., born on the homestead farm of his father in Liberty Township, April 7, 1834, is the son of James and Mary Dale Strawbridge, the former born in Chester County and the latter in Union County. James Strawbridge came with his parents 174 BIOGRArHICAL SKETCHES: a child to Montour County just before the close of the Revolutionary war, and settled what was then called Mahonins; Township, Northumberland County, now Liberty Township, Montour County, where he married. A farmer and by trade a tanner, he owned and carried on for many years the lirst tannery between Harrisburg and the lakes. This tannery was built bj' his father, Col. Thomas 8trawbridge, who was also born in Chester Countj% Penn, where he was reared. He was an ardent supporter of the struggle by tlie colonies for independence; was commissioned a captain by the committee of safety in May, 1776, and in September, 1776, was a member of the first constitutional convention; later became lieutenant-colonel, and subsequently colonel, and was detailed to procure and superintend the manufacture of arms during the later years of the war. Shortly before its close he moved to Northumberland County. In 1784 and 1785 he was judge of the courts, and was also a member of the first Legislature of Pennsylvania. He was married in Philadelphia to Margaret Montgomery, a sister of Gen. William Montgomery, of Danville. Col. Thomas Strawbridge and wife were among the original members and aided when in He died about 1814; his widow in organizing the old Chillisquaque Presbyterian Church. survived him a number of years, and died at the ripe old age of ninety-nine years and ten months, having never suffered a day's sickness from the time of her marriage to that of her death. Col. Thomas Strawbridge had four children who lived to mature age: Christianna, who married Gen. Daniel Montgomery; Mary, married to Gen. Giffin; Alexander, who never married, and James (father of the subject of our sketch), who married Mary Dale, and had seven children, five of whom lived to maturity: Margaret M., married to James McCreight, of Union County; Ann D., married first to Sanxuel Shannon, of Northumberland, and afterward to William C. Lawson, of Milton, Penn. Thomas, who married Mrs. Elizabeth Dale, nee Miss Bossier, and now resides at Lewisburg. Penn. James D., the subject of this sketch, who married, in 18J51, Emily F. (daughter of the late William Agnew, of Philadelphia), and she dying in 1853, he married, in 1872, Ellen V., daughter of Stuben Butler, of Wilkesbarre, Penn., and granddaughter of Col. Zebulon Butler, of the Continental army, who commanded the Wyoming settlers and troops at the massacre of Wyoming; and Samuel D., colonel of the Second Pennsylvania Heavy Artillery during the war of the Rebellion, and who now resides in Philadelphia. Dr. Strawbridge received his preparatory education at the Danville 'Academy; entered Princeton College in 1841, and graduated in 1844. He commenced the study of medicine in ; ; Danville, with Dr. William H. Magill; afterward studied with Dr. Wm. Pepper, of Philadelphia, and entered the medical department of the University of Pennsylvania in the fall of the same year, graduating in the spring of 1847, when he at once commenced the pracIn 1861 he entered the tice of medicine in Danville, continuing in the same until 1860. army as brigade surgeon, being first assigned to duty with the division of Gen. Joseph After the resignation of Gen. J. Reynolds, at Cheat Mountain in western Virginia. Reynolds he was for a short time at Wheeling with Gen. Rosecrans, and was there transferred by Gen. McClellan to the West. At St. Louis he was ordered by Gen. Halleck to join the army of the southwest as medical director on the staff of Gen. Curtis, and reached Cassville just after the battle of Pea Ridge. Here he concentrated all the sick and wounded, transporting them as rapidly as they became able to be moved to St. Louis. After completing the removal of over 3,500 sick and wounded a distance of over 300 miles, he reported to Gen. Halleck's adjutant-general in St. Louis, and was then ordered to join a portion of the army of the southwest then on the way to Corinth. Reaching the camp of the Army of the Mississippi at noon of the day on which the rebels evacuated Corinth, he reported first to Gen. Jefferson C. Davis, and was a few days later transferred to the In consequence of continued ill health, he tendered his resignastaff of Gen. Rosecrans. tion, which both Rosecrans and Halleck declined to approve; but to retain his services in the army an arrangement was made with Dr. Chas. McDougal, medical director on Gen. Halleck's staff, by which he was assigned to the organization of general hospitals at Jackson, Tenn. Under certain exceptional provisions, Dr. Strawbridge consented not to press his resignation, and August 1, 1863, entered upon his duties at Jackson, Tenn., under instructions to have nothing further to do with the district commander, Gen. John A. McClernand, than to report his orders and make requisitions on him for supplies, which arrangement soon after culminated in the removal of the latter from his command of the Notwithstanding the many difficulties in the way of the hospitals at Jackson, district. the Doctor took care of nearly all the sick and wounded from the battles of Hatche, When the army began its movement toward Vicksburg, Dr. Bolivar, luka and Corinth. Strawbridge was instructed to procure trains and remove the patients to Columbus as fast as the hospital boats could transport them north, and while on this duty he was directed to look after the construction of the hospital boat "Nashville," then being rebuilt at Columbus for a receiving hospital, and was afterward assigned to the completion of the "Nashville," with directions to push the work as rapidly as posOn the 1st of March he reached sible and take the vessel down to Vicksburg. By the 6th he Young's Point, and on the 3d patients were received on board. large convalescent hospital was had received and taken care of 1,900 sick men. A DANVILLE. 175 established at Milliken's Bend, to which a considerable portion of these men were transferred, and the "Nashville" moved up to that point. Here, the "Nashville," which had been designed only for a receiving hospital, became, against the protest of Dr. Strawbridge, a permanent general hospital and for three months contained an average of about The assistant surgeon-general, 1,000 patients, most of them the most sick of the army. Dr. R. C. Wood, on the hospital steamer, "City of Memphis, " on his return from an inspection in the field, where he had gathered some 200 of all classes of patients, ordered 250 sick to be transferred from the "Nashville" to the " City of Memphis, " and that none Dr. Strawbridge remonstrated were to be sent who were likely to die on the passage. against this, and urged the removal of the very sick. Eighteen deaths occurred on the passage up to Memphis, whether from those gathered up from the field or from those sent from the "Nashville, "was not known, but for this Dr. Strawbridge received a severe reprimand together with a charge of having disobeyd orders. In answer to this the Doctor immediately sent in his resignation with a letter of reply. Dr. Mills and Gen. Grant on receiving the resignation determined to sustain Dr. Strawbridge against the assistant surgeon-general. Dr. Charles Sutherland, now senior surgeon on the active list of the United States Army, then assistant medical director, was sent to Dr. Strawbridge with a request from Gen. Grant that he would withdraw his resignation as a personal favor to himself, if not permanentl3% at least until after, the termination of the siege of Vicksburg. This Dr. Strawbridge declined to do, and assured Gen. Grant that he did not desire to leave the service, but that he could, under no circumstances, serve longer under the assistant surgeon-general. The resignation was forwarded endorsed: "Respectfully disapproved, as Surgeon Strawbridge's services cannot be spared from this army. "Mad: Mills, Medical Director. "By order of U. S. Grant, major-general commanding." As soon as this could be returned from the war department. Dr. Strawbridge was re- from charge of the "Nashville," and ordered to report in person to U. S. Grant. While making up his accounts for transfer of property, etc., to his successor, Dr. Strawbridge was prostrated with congestive chills, and for a time his life was despaired of, but lieved he finally rallied, and, as soon as able to travel, reported to Dr. Mills at Gen. Grant's headquarters. Still being too feeble for duty, however, he was directed to return to the river On Julj^ 7, Dr. Strawbridge was sent for by Gen. Grant, and assigned till convalescent. to examination of soldiers in hospitals, etc., for the purpose of discharge assignment invalid the corps to under the following order and verbal instructions: " Surgeon Strawbridge is herebj^ directed to visit Young's Point, Millikensbend and elsewhere and discharge all such soldiers as in his judgment he may see fit." The Doctor's health having again thoroughly broken down, Dr. Ormsby, with whom he had his quarters in Vicksburg, seeing that if he remained longer in Vicksburg, he could not recover, went to Gen. Grant on August 14, and obtained an order directing him to go on board the hospital steamer "R. C. Wood," which left Vicksburg that night, and report by letter to the war department from his home. This was very much against his own wishes; he had been offered the medical directorship on the dividing up of the army In October, he was ordered before a military at Vicksburg. of any part he might desire. in Washington, which recommended a longer furlough. In November he sent before a military board at Annapolis, who disaproved his request to be ordered for treatment. He then asked to be to duty and recommended his being sent to hospital mustered out of the service; this was also disapproved by the board, and light duty recommended. He was then assigned to duty in the provost-marshal-general department, and sent by Gen. Frey to Philadelphia, and afterward to Harrisburg, to superintend the examination of recruits. In May, 1864, finding his health nearly restored, he again asked for duty in the field, and on the 18th of May, was ordered to report for duty to Gen. B. F. Butler, at Bermuda Hundred. Immediately after his arrival he was directed to follow up the Eighteenth Army Corps, then on the way up York River, to join the army under Grant, near White House. On his arrival at that place the battle of Cold Harbor had just been fought, in which the Eighteenth Army Corps bore the principal part and The base hospital for the corps was being organized, and, finding lost nearly 5,000 men. his services likely to be of more value there than at the front, remained there on duty as an operating surgeon for five days, during which time he was continuously employed from daylight until dark, performing man}' of the most important operations. On June 8, he reported to Gen. Baldy Smith, and was temporarily assigned to the second division under Gen. Martindale. The Eighteenth Corps was at that time withdrawing from the trenches, and, in the night following, marched back to White House, and were from there transferred by boats to the Appomattox River. Immediately after their arrival, the Eighteenth Corps commenced its advance on Petersburg. Dr. Strawbridge was here transferred to the medical directorship of the corps, relieving Dr. Suckley, \\ ho was transHere Dr. Strawbridge referred to the medical inspectorship of the Army of the James. organized the medical department and ambulance corps, and brought them into a thorough state of efficiency. commission was 176 BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: October 27, 1864, while the Eighteenth Corps was making a movement on the extreme right of the line in front of Richmond, Dr. Strawbridge was captured by rebel scouts, while on the flanks of the corps looking for a road by which he expected to send back his ambulance trains. He was retained a prisoner in Libby until paroled January 30, 1865. Returning to report at Annapolis, at the termination of his parole furlough, he was subpoenaed by the United States District Court, and had to return to Philadelphia, where he was temporarily assigned to duty as president of a medical examining board. Dr. John Campbel, medical director of the department of Pennsylvania, made application to the war department to have his assignment made permanent, but this was refused on the ground that application had previously been made by Gen. John Gibbon to have Dr. Strawbridge assigned to his staff, as medical director of the Eighteenth Army Corps, and by Gen. E. O. C. Ord, as medical director of the Army of the James. Dr. Strawbridge remained on duty in Philadelphia, on the board until his services were no longer required in that capacity; was breveted for meritorious services, and, September 4, was mustered out of the service of the United States. In the fall of 1867 our subject again commenced the practice of medicine in Danville. In 1873 he was elected to the XLIII Congress of the United States, and on the day following the election he was married to Ellen V. Butler. After one term of Congress, the Doctor resumed his practice (which is almost exclusively confined to surgery) in Danville. The Doctor is a member of the State Medical Society, member of the American Medical Association, American Academy of Medicine, and of the section on Military Surgery of the International Medical Congress. DAVID F. STROH, carpenter and millwright, was born in Livingston County, N. Y., March 1, 1830, a son of Jonathan (a farmer) and Elizabeth (Oberdorf) Stroh, natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin, former of whom died in 1838. Our subject, the youngest of the family, was reared on the farm in Northumberland County, where he attended school. Later he began to learn the millwright's trade, a vocation he has followed in connection with carpenter work, which he has continued since 1847. meeting with success. He married, in 1850, Miss C. A. Voris, sister of E. C. Voris, and three children have blessed their union: Edwin, Charles and Rebecca. Mr. and Mrs. Stroh are members of the Lutheran Church at Danville, of which he is a trustee. Politically he is a Republican, and has served as judge of election. He is Past Grand of the I. O. O. F. J. SWEISFORT, D. D. S., Danville, was born in Berks County, Penn., December 19, 1839, a son of Jonas and Maria (Whitman) Sweisfort, natives also of Pennsylvania and of German origin. The father was a hotel-keeper in early life, later a lumber dealer, was three times married, rearing four children. Our subject is the third child and grew to manhood in his native county where he received his education. Early in life he chose dentistry as his profession, but when the war broke out he enlisted in the Third Pennsylvania Volunteer Cavalry in Company C, and served as duty sergeant. He was a faithful soldier, and on his return home studied dentistry in the Pennsylvania Dental College at Philadelphia, where he graduated in 1866. The same year he came to Danville, where he has since been actively engaged in the practice of his profession. He is a Democrat politically, a member of I. O. O. F., both of the subordinate lodge and the Encampment; is also a member of the G. A. R., and since 1879 has been a member of the National Guards. In that year he was elected first lieutenant of that body; in 1880 was elected captain; September 24, 1886, he was elected major and is still serving as such. In 1867 he married Haanah, daughter of John Everett, a native of Pennsylvania and of German origin. They have two children: Lucy E. and Gussie May. The Doctor and Mrs. Sweisfort are members of the Reformed Church, in which he has served as elder and deacon, also superintendent of the Sunday-school for three years. WILLIAM TWIST (deceased) -vas born at Stratford-on-Avon, Warwickshire, England, August 18, 1813, to Laurence (a farmer) and Elizabeth (Redell) Twist, natives also of England, former of whom died in England; their family consisted of seven children, six of whom grew to maturity. Our subject, the eldest son, was reared on a farm and attended the common schools of his native place. In 1845 he immigrated to America to engage in the rolling-mill business, at which he had worked in England, being a proficient workman. While still in his native country he was prevailed upon to come to Danville, Penn., and on his arrival at the latter place immediately commenced work, and helped to make the first "T" railroad iron in the United States, a rail that now connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Danville sometimes claims the honor of making the first railroad iron in the United States; however Mr. Twist made the first "T" railroad iron in this country, and has been engaged in the rolling-mill business for over half a centufy. He was superintendent of the old "Rough and Ready" Iron Works for seven years; also superintendent for a like period of the works which subsequently merged into the North Branch Steel Works, in which he was a stockholder, but after the failure of Mr. Peter Baldy,our subject was not connected with the firm in any way, save as inspector of railroad iron from the railroad companies. Mr. Twist married in 1849 Susan A. Gunton (a native of England, and a member of the Episcopal Church), by whom he had four children, all of whom survive him. Mr. Twist was a strict Republican politically, DANVILLE. 177 and has served as a member of the town council: was also a member of the I. O. O. F., and a man of unimpeachable character. T. O. VAN ALEN is one of the leadins: businessmen and manufacturers of Danville. He was born in Chatham Centre, Cokimbia Co., N. Y., August 19, 1819. His paternal great-grandfather emigrated from Holland to New York. His son, Gilbert Van Alen, was born in Golumbia County, N. Y., and followed farming; married Miss Annis Moore, of Columbia County, and to them were born two children: Reuben and Catharine. Catharine married Mr. John J. Van Volkenburg, a farmer and merchant of Columbia County, N. Y. Reuben married Miss Mary, a daughter of Timothy and Sallie Oakley, and pursued farming and merchandising at Chatham Centre. They had three sons and one daughter: Gilbert R., Timothy O., Sallie O. and Lewis O. The daughter died aged thirteen years. Our subject, T. O. Van Alen, was eight years old when his parents moved to Salisbury Mills, Orange Co., N. Y. He attended the common schools until ten years old, when his father employed a private teacher. At twelve years of age Mr. Van Alen entered the academy at Kinderhook, Columbia Co., N. Y., remaining there two years, during which time he resided with the family of Dr. Henry Van Dyke. Subsequently he returned to Orange County and attended the school of Nathaniel Stark, at Goshen, one year. At fifteen he went to New York City and served an apprenticeship in a hardware store until 1839, when he returned home and engaged in the manufacture of paper and agricultural implements, and merchandising with his father, until 1844, when he came to Danville to represent the interests of Murdock, Leavitt & Co. in the Montour Iron Works, and act as the resident agent of the company. During this time he built what was known as the Company Store and in 1846 engaged in merchandising, associated with & individual stockholders of the company under the firm name of T. O. Van Alen Co. In 1866, in connection with Geo. M. Leslie and A. H. Voris, he built a nail factory in Northumberland, Northumberland County, and is,with his sons, still engaged in the manufacture of iron and nails. Mr. Van Alen has always taken an active interest in Danville, and ranks among her leading manufacturers. It is a fact worthy of me.ntion that he has kept his mills running through all depressions. He gives steady employment to about 300 men. He was married in 1846 to Miss Ann Catharine, daughter of Cornelius Gari'etson, iron master. Mr. and Mrs. Van Alen are members of the Presbyterian Church, and he was president of the board of trustees for a number of years, and for many years a trustee of the Danville State Hospital for the insane, and director of First National Bank. They have had eight children, five living, viz.: Cornelius G., Gilbert R., A. Oakley, Edmond G. and George L., all active business men except George L., a Presbyterian clergyman. Mr. Van Alen's father came to Danville after retiring from business, and resided with his son, T. O. Van Alen, until his death, a man of more than ordinary ability and intelligence. VINCENT, president of the Danville stove manufactory, was born in England, December 25, 1844, a son of Job and Lydia (Roberts) Vincent, natives of England. The father was a mason by trade; immigrated with his family to America in 1852;landed in the city of New York, and soon after settled in Montour County, Penn. Our subject is the eldest of seven children, and received a limited education in the common schools of his district. At the age of ten years he commenced work in the rolling-mills, which he followed as his principal business until he was thirty-two years of age. He worked on contract for several years, and during that time also found opportunity to study law, and took a course at Columbia College, New York, where he graduated in 1878. He was admitted to the bar of New York, and the same year to that of Montour County, Penn. Subsequently he commenced the practice of his profession at Danville in 1879, and entered into partnership with James Scarlet, which continued for two years. Mr. Vincent then conceived the idea of establishing the Danville stove manufactory, and on the organization of a stock company, was elected its president. This business has proved a success, for which it is largely indebted to the energy and determination of Mr. Vincent. In 1863 he married Sarah, daughter of William Taylor, She is also a native of England, born near the birthplace of her husband; is three months his junior; came to America the same year as Mr. Vincent, and both located at Danville the same year, where they met for the first time, and were afterward married. Eight children were born to their union, seven of whom now survive: Elizabeth, Thaddeus, Henry, Thomas, Victor, Robert and Walter. Mrs. Vincent is a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Vincent has served as a member of the council of Danville. In 1862 he enlisted in Company A, One Hundred and Thirty-Second Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, and participated in several battles, among which were Antietam, South Mountain, Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. He was never wounded or taken prisoner, but had many narrow escapes, five balls entering his clothing; at the battle of Antietam his coat sleeve was completely shot off, but his person was uninjured. E. C. VORIS (not in business at present). Danville, was born in what is now Liberty Township, Montour (then Columbia) County, January 4, 1826, a son of James and Anna {Gray) Voris, the latter a native of Ireland and of Scotch-Irish origin. James Voris, a native of Pennsylvania-and of Holland descent, was a carpenter and contractor, and carried on business in Liberty Township, this county, until fifty years of age, when he re- HENRY lOA BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 178 Our subject is the eleventh in a family to Danville and retired from active labor. of fourteen children; vras reared on the farm, and;|at the age of sixteen commenced to learn the carpenter's trade with Mr. Joseph Diehl, serving a regular apprenticeship, and continued with Mr. Diehl until engaging with the Montour Iron Company. Here he was employed in the Montour Iron Works for thirty-seven years, twelve years of which time he was superintendent of the machine shops. He superintended the erection of the maNail Works, of Danville, and is one of the stockchinery of the Danville Manufactory holders of that company. He has been an active business man nearly all his life, but since 1884 has led a retired life. He married in 1855 Juiia, daughter of Benjamin Troxell. of Northumberland County, Penn., a farmer and of German origin. Mr. and Mrs. Voris are the parents of the following named children: Charles E., a salesman in New York City; William A., a machinist in the employ of the Danville nail-mills; Frank L., a clerk Mr. and Mrs. Voris are members in a store at Danville, and James H., attending school. Mr. Voris of the Presbyterian Church, of the board of trustees of which he is president. was chief burgess of Danville in 1861, has served several years as member of the school board of Danville, and is overseer of the poor of Mahoning Township. He is a Democrat. general merchant, Danville, was born in that place. October 17, W. H. N. 1854, a son of William C. and Christianna (Hileman) Walker, the latter a native of PennThe father was born in Ireland, came to America sylvania and of German origin. when eighteen years old, and has since lived at Danville, where he now resides at Our subject is the second child and oldest son, the advanced age of seventy-six years. and grew to manhood in Danville, where he was also educated. For a time he followed farming, which did not prove congenial, and then he engaged in work in a brickyard for four years, and subsequently clerked for Mr. A. J. Ammerman in the same store which he (subject) at present occupies. There he remained four years, and in 1883 bought out the business and has since managed it. He employs two clerks, runs a delivery wagon, In 1876 he married Jennie, daughter of William S. Toland, and does a thriving business. and the children born to the union are Eva I., Frank J., Arthur P. and Harry T. Mrs. Walker is a member of the Lutheran Church at Danville. Politically Mr. Walker is a Democrat; is a member of the school board, a member of the K. of L. and of the Masonic fraternity. merchant, Danville, was born February 3, 1834, in Jerseytown, W. R. Columbia Co., Penn., to Abraham and Martha (Winder) Welliver, natives of Pennsylvania. His grandfather, a farmer, was an early settler of Columbia County, where his son (subject's father) was born, and where he followed shoemaking in early life, but later farming. Our subject, the eldest of nine children, was reared on the farm and attended the district He was a diligent student school, and also the academy at Millville, Columbia County. and early began to teach, which profession he followed in the winter, and farmed in the summer for eight years, mostly in the country, but also several terms in Washingtonville. In 1863 he carne to Danville and commenced business as a dealer in books and stationery, and so continued until 1867. In that year he began his present business (general merchandising), in which he has a good patronage, and keeps a large supply of goods. Mr. Welliver has been twice married; first in 1858 to Miss Sue. daughter of Peter Wagner, and of German origin. She died in 1873, the mother of the following children: Lloyd, married and a merchant in Exchange, Penn.; Hal C, also married, and a merchant in Mooresburg, Penn.; Stewart, a clerk in his father's store, and Charles, at school. In 1878 Mr. Welliver married Adelaide Condon, a native of Philadelphia, Penn. Mr. and Mrs. Welliver are members of the Baptist Church. He is a Democrat, but votes the Independent ticket. S. J. WELLIVER, of the firm of Welliver came to America on the same ship as Mr. Grittner. They were the parents of five children, of whom four are living: Anna Louisa, wife of Charles Vandine, live near Lairdsville, Penn.; George William; Julia Ann, wife of J. W. Ervin, in Limestone Township, thiscounty; and Hannah Bessie. Tlie deceased was an infant. Our sul)ject spent his early life with his father in the shop in which he made furniture by hand, and in 1876 com* menced house painting, which he followed two years; then worked at home for a time, after which he made brushes, selling them on the road for about one year; worked also ati McEwensville. and Watsontown at his trade. In the spring of 1881 he commenced his present business, with the exception of undertaking, which line he adopted in the following year, adding also the New Home sewing machine, in the spring of 1885. In May of that year he put up his present commodious building; lie also owns a house and lot of two acres, situated close to his undertaking and furniture establishment, and for which he paid: Mr. Grittner was married November 4, 1884, to Miss Anna C., daughter of Daniel 1600. and Sarah A. Bender Menges, both deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Grittner are the parents of two children, Charles Oscar, born October 11, 1885, and Edward Lawrence, born December They are members of the Zion Lutheran Church at Turbotville. Mr. Grittner is 9, 1886. an auditor of Limestone Township. DANIEL W. RANK, attorney, P. O. Limestoneville, is a descendant of Philip Rank, who was a resident of Earl Township, Lancaster Co., Penn.,]early in the last century, and whose parents came from Alsace in 1728. The next in line "of descent was Philip Adam Rank, to whom, by an old writing, now in the possession of our subject, he sold some land in the same township in 1770. Philip Adam's son was Adam. In 1790 be removed to a farm whicli he bought in what is now Union County; here he died. His son Daniel was the grandfather of Daniel W. He was born and lived and died in Uniors County, Penn. He was born in 1789, and died in 1854. He was a farmer and blacksmith. His wife was Catharine Heckel, who died some years before her husband; he marriefl again after her decease. The children, who were all of the first marriage, were, DanieS. who died in Union County, Penn.; Andrew H., living in Centreville, Ind.; Hiram, who died in infancy; Lambert, died at "White Deer Mill," Union Co., Penn., December, 1886; Mary, wife of William Chamberlain, and Catharine, wife of Martin Mackey, both, of whom died in Union County, Penn.; the orher child was Joseph S., who was the oldest of the family, and was born December 20, 1807. He is now living, and has always been a farmer. He was married, December 30, 1830, to Catharine McGinness, of Union County. Penn. In April, 1836, he removed to this township to a farm, on a part of which he now lives. His wife died December 31, 1879. They had six children, viz. James C, a farmer,, in Fillmore County, Minn.: .John M., who died in Central City, Col.; Daniel W. Hiram William, who died in infancy; Henry Clay, who died unmarried; Elizabeth Catharine, living at_ home. Our subject was born February 16. 1835, in Union County, Penn., and until 1855 he worked on the farm, and in that year began reading law in the office of Robert Hawley, in Muucy, Penn., and was admitted April 24, 1859, at Williamsport. From there he went to Millersbnrg, Dauphin Co., Penn, where he was again admitted and practiced there until August 31, 1861, when he enlisted in Company 1d, Seventh Pennsylvania Cavalry; on October 9 he was made sergeant; on November 18 was promoted tosergeant-major, and on June 11, 1864, by order ot Secretary of War was mustered back to July 1, 1863, as first lieutenant of Company M, same regiment. On August 31, 1864, be was made acting assistant adjutant-general for tlie detachment First Brigade, Second Cavalry Division, then at Columbia. Tenn., and was subsequently appointed to the command of the detachment Do guard Sherman's line of transportation. He remained in this duty until December 16. 1864, when he was mustered out on account of ill health, not accepting a commission as captain which had been sent him. On his return he remained at home, unable to engage in any occupation until the beginning of 1872, whcH he went to Scranton, Penn., practicing there for ten years, during which time he was commissioned by Gov. Hartranft district attorney of the mayor's court, the only commission issued by a governor which had to be connrmed by the Senate. In 1882 he returne<^ to his former home in Limestone, and in the fall of 1884 was elected district attorney of : ; LIMESTONE TOWNSHIP. 209 Montour County for three j-ears; he is also practicing law in Danville. On Maj' 12, 1875, he was married to Mary Catharine, daughter of Robert H. McKune, formerly mayor of Scranton. Penn. She was born January 11, 1846, and died July 18, 1881. To' this union two children were born, both of whom'died in infancy. Mr. Rank now divides hi? time between the practice of his profession, his duties as district attorney, and attending to his farm, where he makes his home for the sake of his health. He is a Republican. LEWIS SCHUYLER, farmer, P. O. Turbotville, was born December 5, 1808. in Madison Township, Columbia Count5^ son of Adam and Eve (Sanders) Schuyler. When a boy of seven years Lewis removed to Lewis Township, Northumberland County, where he was reared to manhood, and January 19, 1836, married Miss Elizabetli Brass, a native of Mahoning Township. Montour County, and daughter of Lucas and Elizabeth Brass, both deceased. The former is buried at Danville, the latter at Montoursville. After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler lived in Northumberland County until the spring of 1854, when he bought 69 acres where he now resides; to this he has added until he now has 133 acres. Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler are the parents of six children: Mary, wife of Charles Romig, Dewart. Penn.; Effie Ann, wife of Thomas M. Derr, lives in Limestone Township; Lucas B., married to Ada S. Russell, Lock Haven; John S., married to Samantha Allen, lives in Lock Haven; Drucilla. wife of A. D. Hower, lawyer, lives in Muncy; William H., bookkeeper, married Clara Smith, lives at Hughesville. "Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler are members of the Baptist Church, of which he has been deacon over thirty years; he has been overseer of the poor, judge and inspector of elections, etc. At the golden anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler, which occurred January 19, 1886, a great man}^ people were present who were present at the wedding, and 181 sat down to dinner. For twenty-flve years Mr. Schuyler worked at the carpenter trade; he put up his own house and all other improvements, and has erected a great many buildings throughout the surrounding country. His two oldest sons. Lucas B. and John S., served throughout the civil war in the Union Army, the former in the Seventy-lifth Illinois Infantry and the latter in the Seventh P. V. V. Cavalry. In politics he is a Republican. Mr. Schuyler was the first man in Montour County to give the right of way for the Wilkesbarre & Western Railway that crosses his farm, which road was built in the year 1886. A station within a mile of his place is called " Schuyler." THO]\IAS SCHUYLER B. was born in Lewis Township, Northumberland County, 1834. son of John and Sophia (Brass) Schuyler. Lewis Schuyler, great-grandfather of Thomas B., was born in Germany in 1748. and came to America in 1751 with his parents. They settled in Germantown, now West Philadelphia. His parents died when our subject was twelve years old, and he was bound out to John Fochner until he was eighteen years of age. and served an apprenticeship at the shoemaker trade. He married Keziah Horned in* 1781, and lived in Jersey until 1794. He then came to Pennsylvania and located south of Jerseytown, in what is now Columbia County, where he resided five years, then moved north of Jerseytown, where he resided until his death, October 1, 1837, at the age of eighty-nine years. He was the father of eleven children: Adam, Will- February 5, New iam, John, Mary, Samuel. Hannah, Elizabeth. Lewis. Henry, Sarah and Jacob. Adam Schuyler, grandfather of Thomas B., was born in New Jersey, from there removed to what is now Columbia County, near Jerseytown, there was reared and married to Eve Sanders. He died in December, 1858; his widow survived him a number of years, having died about 1871. They are buried at Turbotville. They were the parents of ten children: Mary (deceased), John (deceased), Lewis, Jacob, William, Sarah Ann, Keziah, EfEe, Adam, and Henry (deceased). John Schuyler, father of Thomas B., was born December 6. 1806, in Madison Township, Columbia County, and was married to Sophia Brass December 24, 1829. The former died April 5. 1885, his wife having preceded him in death, dying April They are buried at Turbotville. They were the parents of ten children: Eliza15, 1884. William. beth, Thomas B.. Sarah Ann. John, Jackson, Adam (died at Nashville while in the service). Lewis, Sophia and Eve C. Thomas B. Schuyler, subject of this sketch, spent his early life in his native township, and made his home with his parents until 1859, when he was married, December 29, to Sarah A., daughter of Peter and Catharine (Ernest) Leidy. The Leidy family were originally from New Jersey, but her parents were born and reared in Columbia County, near Buckhorn. Her father died October 30, 1878, at the age of seventy-six years; her mother died in July, 1865. They are buried at the Derry Presbyterian Church. Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler were the parents of three children: Flora (born January 10, 1860, died June 27,1884), was the wife of Charles F. Fulmer, and they were the pareuts of one child, Lola; Ellsworth, born September 23, 1861, accidentally shot himself in January, 1883, and William, born June 4, 1865. Mr. and Mrs. Schuyler are members of the Baptist Church at Turbotville. He has held the office of school director one term. The old Schuyler farm, consisting of 162 acres, lies in Limestone Township, Montour County, and in Lewis Township, Northumberland County. The house in which Mr. Schuyler lives was built in 1802 by Abraham Walter, who had bought the land on which it stands from Jacob Fulmer, who was one of the brothers who were early settlers here, and who located on the place in 1778. Mr. Schuyler is an undertaker as were also his father and grandfather; he has made that his business for many years; is a memI2A BiOGEArnicAL sketches: 210 ber of the Undertakers' Association of Montour, Snyder and Northumberland Counties. He followed carpenter work in his early life, and only of late years has been a farmer. His father and grandfather were also carpenters. JAMES K. SHELL, farmer, P. O. Limesloneville, is a great-grandson of Jacob Shell, who emigrated from Germany about the middle of the last century, and was one of the pioneers who located near AUentown, Penn., wheie his son Jacob, grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born, and where he died at the age of nearly eighty years. His son John, father of James K., was born there in 1793, and died in 1864, aged seventytwo years. He was a farmer all ids lifetime. In 1833 he bought a farm near Turbotville, Northumberland Co., Penn., on which he lived until his death, as stated above. He was a plain man of religious habits, never taking much part in politics. His wife was Elizabeth Kamerer; she died twelve years before her husband, aged about sixty years. They had twelve children, of whom four are deceased, viz.: Reuben and Amanda, who died in Lewis Township; Sarah, died at Watsontown; and Charles, who went to Nebraska, where he The survivors are Jonas, in Delaware Township, Northumberland County, Mary, died. widow of Jacob Stahl (who was killed in the Union Army), living with her brother, James K. Jacob, in Anthony Township; Lydia, widow of Enoch Bennett, of Turbotville; John, in Lewis Township, Northumberland County, on the old homestead; Nathan, in TurbotOur subject was born February 15, 1825, while his ville, and James K., the fourth son. parents were living in Pennsboro, Montgomery Co., Penn., he was eight years old when they came to Northumberland County, and lived with them until he was twenty-three. He then went to Centre County and worked at his trade of mason for three years, when in the fall of 1851 he removed to the farm where he now lives, which subsequently became his wife's. May 20, 1853, he was married to Mary Ellen Shurtz, who was born, lived and died on this place. (She died February 1, 1885; she was the daughter of Col. Jacob Shurtz, who had lived on the same farm since he was two years old. He was one of the best and most prominent citizens of the town, and had served in the war of 1812, commanding a company near Easton, and also served at Black Rock). They had two children: James S., living on a farm adjoining, owned by his father, and Mary M.-, who died For about twenty years Mr. Shell has filled the offices of school director and in infancy. overseer of the poor. He is a Democrat in politics. D. WEIDENHAMER, tanner and farmer, P. O. Limestoneville. The great-grandfather of our subject came from Germany many years ago and settled in Maiden Creek Township, Berks County, where his son, John Adam, grandfather of the subject of tills sketch, was born, and where he died. His wife was Elizabeth Dunkel who died before her husband. This couple had eight children, all born in Maiden Creek Township, Berks Co., Penn. Their names are Maria, Susannah, George, John, Benjamin and Jacob, deceased, and Elizabeth and Anna, now living. The father of our subject, Jacob Weidenhamer, was born in 1797 and died in 1863. In 1837 he bought a farm in this township to which he moved and on whicii he lived until his death. He was a man of religious convictions, a member of the Lutheran Church, and was especially noted for his strict adherence to truth on all occasions. A good manager, he accumulated a fine propertj% and was well off at the time of his death. In 1825 he was married to Susannah Dreibelbis, of Berks County, Penn., who is now living in Derry Township, this coimty, and is in her eighty-fourth year. To this union six children were born: W. D. William, near Milton, Penn.; Daniel, also in Milton; John A., living in Watsontown, Penn.; Sarah A., deceased wife of Jacob Sheetz, of Snyder County, Penn., and Mary Elizabeth, wife of Emanuel Monser, of Derry Township, this county. Our subject was born September 3, 1826, and was ten years of age when his parents came to this county. Until he Avas about twenty-three he worked on the farm, and then he and his father together bought a mercantile business in Limestoneville, which they carried on for five years, when our subject left it and rented his father's farm for three years; then in 1857 he purchased the tannery which he has ever since conducted together with a small farm which he bought at the same time, to which he has added some of the old homestead adjoining. In 1851 he was married to Miss Susan A., daughter of John S. Follmer, of this township, and born September 4, 1830. They have had nine children: Henry Muhlenberg, George W. and Ella May, deceased, and Mary A., married to J. H. Cruzen, of Lancaster City; James B., married to Maggie A. Smith, in Hall's, Lycoming County; Jacob W., married to Lizzie E. Engle, in this township; and Annie S., Maggie L. and Sarah Caroline, who make their home with their parents. In 1856 Mr. Weidenhamer was elected justice of the peace, and, with the exception of one term, has held the position continuously ever .since. During this time he has also been county auditor, besides holding many township offices. He has also been a surveyor at which he has worked considerably of late years. Mr. Weidenhamer and wife are members of the Lutheran Church in which for many years he has been a deacon. In politics he is a Democrat of the JefEersonian school. He represented his district several times in the Democratic State Convention of his own State, and a number of times in the county convention of Montour County. He also served on several occasions as grand and petit juryman in the United States District and Circuit Courts held at Williamsport, Penn. ; WELLmGTON ; , MAHONING TOWNSHIP. 211 CHAPTER XX. MAHONING TOWNSHIP. JACOB AND THOMAS COLE, owners of the iron ore mines, farmers and stock- s^rowers, P. O. Danville, are descended from German and English ancestors, who came to America and settled in Pennsylvania in an early day. The mines are located in Mahoning Township on the farm owned by our subjects. Jacob was born in that township, SepThey are the sons of tember 13, 1819. and there also Thomas was born May 22, 1823. Thomas and Mary A. (Faust) Cole, were reared on the farm and made agriculture their business. In 1873 they opened the ore mines on the farm. Thomas has been director He started in life with 50 of the poor and school director of Mahoning Township. cents. The brothers are members of the German Reformed Church, and their success is due to their industry and strict attention to business. P. DIEHL, farmer and fruit grower, residing near Danville, was born September 17, 1824, in Mahoning Township, Montour County, son of Christian and Magdalene Diehl, whose maiden name was Sechler, and who was a native of Mahoning TownPeter Diehl, the father of Christian, was born in Berks County, ship, Montour County. near Reading, Penn., and at the age of two and a half years was captured by the Indians and brought to their village, which he in after life located as the Indian village at the mouth of Mahoning Creek, where he suffered untold hardships for a time from his captor, who had firmly decided to punish him with the full measure of Indian torture, until death would end his miserable life, and at one time he seized him by the limbs to dash out his brains against a tree.when through the kindly intercession of an aged squaw he was redeemed in exchange for a small copper kettle. With this woman he afterward lived to the end of his captivity, and enjoyed life pleasantly, and so attached did he become to his dusky foster mother, that when he was returned after seven and a half years of captivity, it was almost an impossibility to restrain him from running away from his former home, where it took the constant care of his elder brother and sister When to watch him from running away to rejoin his dusky friends, the Delawares. ten years of age he again returned to the home of his birth, where he lived to the age of manhood, when he married an estimable woman by the name of Molie Foust. He again sought the wilds of Mahoning Township, and located a place near his Indian home, on The subject of this historical the place now occupied by his grandson, Peter Diehl. sketch, D. P. Diehl, was reared upon the farm and was a faithful attendant of the county schools, and for a time of the Danville Academy, and of several other higher schools in From straitened circumstances he learned a trade, which afforded the neighborhood. him the means to obtain a reasonable education by working at the carpenter trade in the summer and attending school in the winter, received from the toils of his employment. In 1870 he bought a small place within sight of Danville, which was planted and furnished with good fruit of various kinds of apples, pears and peaches, and a variety of small fruit His health, which had become such as currants, grapes, raspberries and strawberries. impaired in the toils of the trade he followed, was again renewed in the healthful exercise which the pleasure and toils of the occupation afforded him DAVID • Where frequent vines, fine as could be On stakes or trellis tall and free. large and flush Tinged with a fair and tender blush; Grapes, dark and red and light they grew, And childish steps their places knew, And tender feet oft wandered there Where bunches hung, full, large and fair. And now and then a missing space Showed from a full, now vacant place, Yet childish voices silent hung Where the thrush and robin sung Joyful notes from the arbored vine; Here where the fruit was large and fine. Where cherries by the wayside grew And thievish birds their places knew. With bunches perfect, ^ In 1881 Such was the experience of the subject at his first efforts at fruit growing. Mr. Diehl bought the farm on whicli the Odd Fellows' cemetery is located, .and for ita ; ! BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 212 be but few better farms in Montour County. Here our subject devoted in fruit growing, general farming, and raising his home Politically he is a Prohisome market gardening in which he delights and enjoys. On December bitionist, and was once nominated by that party for the Legislature. married Susan, daughter of Charles Gearhart, and who died in a2', 1853, Mr. Diehl 1855; on January 8, 1858. he was married to his second wife, Mary C. Caldwell, who bore her husband two children: William E. and Benjamin. The second Mrs. Diehl died September 13, 1860, and our subject subsequently married Emily Runyan, and by her has two children: Herbert I. and Emma. Mr. Diehl, since he has become a farmer has taken an active part in everything which is intended to promote this industry, and from the interest and delight he takes in his present vocation it makes him not only a successful farmer,but one of the promoters of the cause of agriculture, and which now places him in prominent place in the history of the Montour County Agricultural Society, its waning star having almost set in the recollection of the past; but, through the writings and influence of a few, its prospect has become far more hopeful and encouraging. He is now filling one of the important offices in trust of the society in which much duty has devolved on him, Mr. Diehl has a taste inclined to the beautiful and attached fondness to his home which is described by him in the following poem: size, there himself may to beautifying ask not for great riches, But love a pleasant place Where the broad landscape stretches In undulating space. I home forme Where air is pure and sweet, And the water's gushing free Where rills together meet. Let this be a Why crave for silver or gold, When from their hoard we see Vile scenes of the darkest mold. Where peace and joy should be. Sweet home, that welcome domain. Where happiness may dwell, And true love and friendship reign And tears their sorrows tell No glory from the battle-field, Where hostile armies meet; Where frail life to death must yield In the red carnage heat. peace unite each bond, join each sacred tie With kind words and greetings fond, Where true affections lie. But let And No praise from a nation's tongue Can sound the name so well. As when the first praises rung Which the home voices swell. Where love and kind wishes reigned. each childish breast more joy than treasure gained. And filled With Or fading honors SAMUEL MORRISON, blest. D. P. D. retired farmer, Danville, was born November 3, 1821, a son He was born and reared on the farm where of Edward and Elizabeth (Sechler) Mori-ison. he now resides and which has been in the possession of the Sechlei and Morrison families Jersey, of Scotch origin (whose mother, over 100 years. His father was a native of Sarah Lucas, was a Quakeress of English, origin), a farmer, and a soldier in the war of 1812. He died in 1868 aged seventy-six years, and had come to Montour County when twelve years old. His wife was a native of Mahoning Township and of German origin. Her father, Joseph Sechler was an early settler of Danville, having come here when it was only a small village and purchased 600 hundred acres east of Danville at two shillings and sixpence per acre. Samuel Morrison is the fifth in a family of nine children was reared on the farm, and from his youth up engaged in agricultural pursuits. He was educated at home, his father paying a teacher for the purpose. His farm is a beautiful one, well improved, and most of his money has been made by dealing in stock and selling milk. In 1852 he married Hannah, daughter of Daniel Mourer, a farmer and of German origin. New . 213 MAHONING TOWNSHIP. Mrs. Morrison died in June, 1885, a member of the Lutheran Church and the mother of the following children: James, married; Anna.wife of Jonathan Rudy, and Wooward. Mr. Morrison is a member of the Episcopal Church; politically a Democrat, and has held several township offices. HARMON S. MORRISON, farmer and stock grower. P. O. Danville, was born in Mahoning Township, September 12, 1827, a son of Edward and Elizabeth (Sechler) MorHis father, a native of New Jersey, rison, the latter a native of Mahoning Township. was born September 19, 1791, and at the age of twelve years came to Mahoning Township, and by occupation was a farmer and cooper. He was a soldier of the war of 1812, and Harmon S. is [the sixth in a family of nine children, was his death occurred in 1868. reared in his native township on the farm, and attended the common schools. At the age of eighteen he began to learn the mason's trade, at which he served a three years' apprenticeship, and made the trade his occupation for twenty years, engaging also in farming. In 1870 he was appointed foreman of the construction of the brick and stone works at the State asylum near Danville, which position he yet holds, and also superintends his farm which "is situated near by. In 1850 he married Martha Ickes, of GermanIrish origin, and a daughter of Michael tckes, of Snyder County, Penn., and they became the parents of four children: Margaret, John, Eugene and William. John having lost his wife lives with his father with two children (twins): Walter and Harmon S. Mrs. MorShe was a Christian woman rison's death occurred February 7, 1887, aged fifty-eight years. being a member of the Lutheran Church. Mr. Morrison and all the children lare members He is a member of the Masonic fraterof the Lutheran Church, in which he is an elder. nity and a member of order of: P. of H., and politically is a Republican. Edward Morrison, the grandfather of our subject, and Sarah Lucas, his wife (the latter a Quakeress), were born in the same year, 1753, were married in 1775 and lived in the State of New Jersey where all their children (three sons: William, John and Edward, and two daughThe maternal grandfather of our subject, Joseph ters, Anna and Sarah) were born. Sechler, and his wife, Elizabeth, whose maiden name was Stump, came from Montgomery County, Penn., over 100 years ago to the town of Northumberland. When Danville was yet a small village in Northumberland County they moved to the latter place and purchased 600 acres of land east of the town— Bloom road being the northern boundary of the place for two miles out of town— at two shillings and sixpence per acre. Their children have lived Mr. Morrison's farm is apart of this to see some of this original land sold at $225 per acre. Other small parts of it are yet in the hands of the great-grandchiloriginal purchase. dren. farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in CJolumbia County, Penn., JACOB October 18, 1816, a son of Christopher and Elizabeth (Smith) Mowery, natives of Berks Co. and of German origin. His father came to Columbia in an early day; settled in the woods, cleared a farm, and passed the remainder of his life there. Jacob is the youngest in a family of three children was reared on the farm and attended the schools of ColumHe has made farming his principal occupation, and is one of the most sucbia County. In early life he cessful agriculturists in the county where he has resided for many years. learned the shoemaker's trade, and worked at it for fourteen years. He married, in 1833, Mary E., daughter of John Richards. She is of German origin, and has borne her husband the following named children: Rebecca J. (deceased); Harvey S. F. Adella, wife of John P. Weaver, a school-teacher, and John R., who was the eldest son, was a soldier in the late war, enlisting when only seventeen years of age, and was killed at the battle of Winchester. Mr. and Mrs. Mowery are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been a steward and class leader. Politically he is a Republican. W. RISHEL, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Danville, was born within half a mile of where he now resides, in Mahoning 'Township, July 24, 1825, a son of Solomon and Sarah (Harpine) Rishel. His mother was born in Berks County, Penn. His father was a native of Mahoning Township, born in 1799, a son of Martin Rishel, who was a soldier in the Revolution and came to this township soon after the close of that struggle. He took up Government land, about 200 acres, cleared a farm and here passed the remaindej- of his The farm is still in possession of the family, the deed for a part of it at present life. The family have generally been farmers. George W. l)eing the property of George W. was reared on the farm and educated in the subscription schools in his native township. From his youth he has been successfully engaged in agricultural pursuits and owns two well improved farms in Montour County, and three houses and lots in town. He married, The children in 1847, Susannah, daughter of Hugh Cousart, of English and Irish origin. of Mr. and Mrs. Rishel are as follows: Peter, married and a farmer; Sarah J., wife of Alfred Topson, a farmer; James C. married and a house plasterer by trade; William E., married; Elizabeth A., wife of M. L. Leighow, railroad manager; H. C, a farmer and dairyman; George W., a farmer; Charles H.; Arthur F. and Ella'Virginia (deceased). Mr. and "Mrs. Rishel are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, in which he has been a Mr. Rishel's maternal clnss leader, steward, trustee and Sabbath-school superintendent. grandfather, David Harpine, was a colonel in the Revolution. Politically our subject is a Republican. MOWERY, ; ; GEORGE BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 214 ANDREW P. was born in ROTH, superintendent of the Dairy and State Asylum Farm, DanColumbia County, Penn., August 21, 1841, a son of Lewis aud Margaret (Palmer) Roth, natives of Northampton County, Penn. His father was a farmer and died March 30, 1883, having been a resident of Columbia County since 1839. Andrew P. was the second in a family of five children, was reared on the farm and educated in the common schools of Catawissa, and on arriving at manhood made the dairy business and farming his occupation. In 1866 he was appointed superintendent of the poorhouse of Mahonmg and Danville, which position he held until 1872. He was then appointed superintendent of the farm and dairy of the State asylum, which position he still retains. In 1863 he married Hannah, a daughter of Charles Barnd, and of German origin. Their children are Lewis, Tamar, Margaret, Ellen, Hannah Elizabeth, William P. and Lulu. Mr. and Mrs. Roth are members of the Reformed Church, in which he is a deacon. In politics he is a Republican. EDWARD WHITE, farmer and fruit grower, P. O. Danville, was born in Valley Township, Montour Co., Penn., March 16, 1825, a son of Hugh and Eleanore (Kelley) White, natives of Pennsylvania, and of English and Irish origin. His father was a natural mechanic, and for many years', worked on railroad and canal as contractor. Edward received a common-school education, and in early life learned the mason's trade, which he followed principally until 1850, when he embarked in farming, which he has He is the owner of a well improved farm, consisting of eighty acres, since followed. where he resides. In 1852 he married Magdalena, daughter of Christian Mou.ser. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. To Mr. and Mrs. White were born the following children: Leslie H., Idella, Edward L. and John P. Mrs. White died in 1886, a consistent member of the German Lutheran Church. Mr. White is a Republican, but never held ofl3ce. He has been school director for several terms, is inspector of elections and a member of the I. O. O. F. JACOB WIREMAN, farmer and fruit grower, P. O. Danville, was born in Mahoning Township, Montour Co., Penn., in 1818, a son of Jacob and Mary (Gogler) Wireman, natives of Pennsylvania and of German and English origin. He is the youngest of a family of seven children and was reared in Snyder County, whither his parents had moved when he was a child. He attended the subscription schools, and, at an early age began to work in the Reading railroad shops, where he remained three years. Subsequently he He was came to Danville and began to work in the iron ore mines for Grove Brothers. soon appointed superintendent of the mines, which position he filled for twenty- five lyears. In 1863 he bought his present farm, which he has improved and has a fine country resiHe dence on the Bloomsburg road, Mahoning Township, where he and family reside. married, in 1843, Reginia, daughter of Jacob Rishel. Her paternal and maternal ancestors The children of Mr. and Mrs. were among the early German settlers of Pennsylvania. Wireman are Henry, who was a lieutenant in the light artillery in the late war; Mary, wife of James Hendricksou; Libbie, wife of James C. Rishel, and Fannie, at home. Mr. and Mrs. Wireman are members of the German Reformed Church, in which Mr. Wire ville, man is an elder. He is a Republican, politically. CHAPTER XXL MAYBERRY TOWNSHIP. VOUGHT, farmer, P. O. Union Corner, Northumberland County, was born in July 8, 1822, a son of John and Hannah (Metz) Vought, natives of New Jersey, and of German descent. His ancestors came from Germany and His father came to Montour settled in New Jersey, where they lived until their death. County in the early part of the present century, and settled where James, his son, now lives. He bought about 1,000 acres of rough land in Mayberry Township, which land is all in the Vought name yet. He lived and died on the place where he first located. He was the father of eight children, six of whom are yet living: Anna, Valentine, Elizabeth, Lena, E. H., and James. The father died in 18G9, aged eighty-four years, and the mother in about 1875, aged eighty-eight years. Our subject was reared on the old homestead, and remained with his parents until twenty-two years of age, when he moved to where he now resides. He at once commenced to improve his place, which was all timber. He cleared nearly all of it, which required the labor of several years, and built a nice residence, good barn, aud now has one of the best farms in Mayberry Township. He was married in 1841, to E. H. Mayberry Township, this county, 215 VALLEY TOWNSHIP. livLouisa, daughter of Samuel Gioul, and by her had ten children, nine of whom are now ing:Anna, Mary J. Henrietta, wife of Adam Pensyl; Christian M. Sariah E.. wife of Arthur Long; Margaret S., wife of Harvey Hartman, in Plymouth. Penn., Edward B Joseph H.; Alonzo C. Mr. and Mrs. Vought are members of the Lutheran Church. He has been justice of the peace, and held nearly all the township offices. In politics he is a Democrat. ; ; ; CHAPTEK XXII. VALLEY TOWNSHIP. JOHN BENFIELD, farmer and lumberman, P. O. Danville, was born in Columbia County, Penn., February 5, 1832, a son of Thomas and Catherine (Wertman) Benheld. several natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. His father was engaged in branches of business, among which were distilling, boating, milling and lumbering, and was very successful. John is the second of three children, and spent his earlier years with his parents on the farm in Valley Township. Here he was educated and has been engaged in business, being a farmer, miller, dealer in and manufacturer of lumoei> and has met with success in his ventures. He is the owner of 600 acres of land in ditterent farms in Montour County, and 400 acres of woodland in Columbia County. He also owns daughter of the Benfield flour-mill in Valley Township. In 1855 he married Catherine, Daniel and Sarah (Everett) Cromley, and of German descent. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Benfield are Catherine (wife of Robert Crosley, a farmer), Emma Jane, John Clark and Thomas H. Mrs. Benfield is a member of the Lutheran Church. Mi\ Benfield County. The judge is a Democrat, and was recently elected associate judge of Montour is a prominent citizen of Valley Township. JOSEPH BRYANT, Danville, weigh-master for the Montour Iron & Steel Company, of Samalso farmer in Valley Township, Montour Co., Penn., was born May 6, 1833, son miner; he uel and Hannah (Sperring) Bryant, natives of England. Samuel Bryant was a went from England to Wales, and in 1837 came to Pottsville, Penn., where he worked in was the iron ore mines. Our subject attended school in Danville, Penn., and early in life aoprenticed to learn the puddler's trade in the rolling-mill in Danville, which occupation he followed until the breaking out of the Rebellion in 1861, when he enlisted in the Fit ty1862 for fourth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, in Company E, and was discharged After returning home and regaining his health, he accepted his present posidisability. He was married, in 1856, to Lydia, tion, and has since devoted most of his time to it. daughter of Jacob Roup; she was born in Pennsylvania, and of German origin, Ihey have five children now living: Charles M. (a miner), Henrietta, Alice, Martha, Sarah J. In politics Mr. Bryant is a Republican. (deceased). D. R. P. CHILDS, farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in the house where be now reAndrew and sides, in Valley Township. Montour Co., Penn., October 16. 1838, son of Margaret (Arnwine) Childs. The former was born in Northumberland County, Penn. June 13, 1789, of parents John and Mary (Gregg) Childs, the former born in England aiu. 178.). the latter in Ireland, and were married in Northumberland County. February 1, They were farmers and came to Valley Township in 1795 and commenced to improve the farm where Mr. Childs now resides. Mr. Child's father was a farmer, and spent nearly all widow, his life here in that occupation. He reared a large family and died in 1864. The who was born in New Jersey, November 17, 1798, a daughter of Jacob Arnwine, a farmer, Our subject's parents were married in Valley Township, October 24, 181o. is still living. This union was blessed with fifteen children, thirteen of them living to be grown, nine of whom were sons. Twelve of the family are now living (1886). D. R. P. Childs was the fourteenth in the family, was reared on the home farm, attending school in his native township, and has always followed farming. In 1862 he enlisted in the One Hundred and Seventy-eighth Pennsylvania Infantry, served nine months and was discharged in 18bd on account of ill health. In politics he is a Democrat. JOHN A. COOPER, miller, P. O. Danville, was born near Washingtonville, Montour were Co., Penn., August 15, 1859, son of Abraham and Jane (Laney) Cooper. They natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish and German origin. Abraham Cooper was a farmer being the all his life; his family consisted of six children; he was twice married, J. A. only child by his second marriage. Our subject attended the schools of Washingtonville and remained on the farm with his parents until he went to learn the miller's trade, and in due time became a miller, which has since been his business. He has met with success, m BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 216 and now owns the Frosty mills in Valley Township. His mills were destroyed by fire in He was married in 1884 to Miss Daisy, daughter 1883, and since then he has rebuilt them. of Lafayette Faust, a native of Pennsylvania. They have one child, Vergia May. Mr. Cooper is a Republican in politics. JOSEPH CORELL. general merchant at Mausdale, P. O. Danville, was born in Northampton County, Penn., August 12, 1818, a sen of George and Susannah (Schoch) The grandfather came from Corell, natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. Germany; settled in Northampton County, Penn., and followed farming, which was also the vocation of George Corell. Joseph is the fifth in a family of twelve children, and was reared on the farm. In 1849 he came to Columbia County and followed agricultural pursuits. He served a regular apprenticeship at millwrighting, and worked at it for six years, and again farmed for a time in Columbia County. In 1868 he embarked in the general mercantile business at Bloomsburg, and subsequently moved to Mausdale, where he still continues in business. In 1843 he married Elizabeth Heslett, who was of Scotch descent and died infl870. Mr. Corell in 1884 married Rachel W. MuUin, daughter of John S. and Catherine M. (Plush) Mullin, the mother of German and the father of Irish-German origin. Mrs. Corell is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, but her husband affiliates with the Reformed Church at Mausdale, in which he is an elder and was formerly superintendent of the Sabbath-school. Politically he is a Republican; is director of the poor and treasurer of the board, and one of the representative citizens of Mausdale. JAMES CURRY, deceased, was born in what is now Valley Township, about 1812, where he passed his life, dying in 1876, honored and respected by all who knew him. He was the eldest son of William and Jane (Moore) Curry; was educated in Montour County and made farming his business, and was the owner of 245 acres of well improved land at the time of his death. In politics he was a Democrat, and held most of the township offices in Valley Township, also served ten years as an associate judge of Montour County. February 2, 1841, he married Christiana, daughter of Samuel" Yorks and granddaughter of William Yorks. The latter was an officer in the Revolution under Washington. Mrs. Curry's father was a lieutenant in the war of 1812, and died in Danville in 1868 at the age of seventy-nine years. When eight years of age he came to Columbia County, and grew up on the farm where the State asylum now stands, and became a successful business man. He reared a family of nine children, only two of whom now survive. Mrs. Thompson and the widow of our subject. To Judge and Mrs. Curry six children were born, all of whom are living: William; Elizabeth, wife of James McWilliams; Agnes; Mary Ella, wife of Dr. W. Faulds; Samuel and Stewart. Mrs. Curry is a member of the Presbyterian Church, of which denomination the Curry and York families have always been members. WILLIAM CURRY, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Danville, was born in Valley Township, Montour County, November 23, 1842, a son of Hon. James and Christiana (Yorks) Curry, of Irish and German origin and whose ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. William is the eldest in a family of six children and was reared on the farm in Valley Township. He was educated in the country schools, and academy at Danville, and adopted agriculture as his vocation. In 1873 he married Helen, daughter of Samuel Lowrie, of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. Curry have five children: Eloise, James, Anna, Robert and Jean. The parents are members of the Grove Presbyterian Church of Danville. Mr. Curry has been school director. Politically he is a Democrat. SAMUEL CURRY, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Mooresburg, was born on the farm where he now resides in Valley Township, Montour County. September 3, 1819, a son of William and Jane (Moore) Curry, natives of Pennsylvania and of Irish origin. The grandfather, Robert Curry, came from Ireland to America and settled in what is now Montour County, Penn., where he was killed bv the Indians. William Curry was reared here and became a successful farmer, and was the father of the following children: James, who grew to manhood, married, engaged in farming and died in 1876; Margaret, who was married to Daniel Montgomery; Robert and Samuel. The last two farm the homestead and are the third generation on it, the deed to which has never been in any other name. They are partners and own 250 acres of land; are industrious and honest and enjoy the respect of all who know them. In politics the family have usually been Democrats. James, their elder brother, died in 1876. and had served as associate judge of Montour County. JONATHAN DAVIS, farmer and stock grower, P. O. Danville, was born where he now resides in Valley Townshij), July 23, 1819, a son of Griffith J. and Phebe (Burry) Davis, natives of Pennsylvania and of Welsh descent. His father, a relative of the famous Jefferson Davis, ex-president of the Southern Confederacy, was engaged in farming all his life and died in 1874. Jonathan was educated at the schools of his native county, and from youth up has been engaged in agricultural pursuits, and has been very successful. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church and a stanch Democrat politically. David Davis, farmer, P. (). Danville, was born in Valley Township, January 5, and is a brother of the preceding gentleman. He was educated in the common schools and engaged in farming. He and his brother, Jonathan, are partners and together 1823, VALLEY TOWNSHIP. 217 the farm of 300 acres. Mr. Davis married in Nortluimberland County, Penn., Theodocia, daughter of Gen. William Case of the Pennsylvania militia. This union has been Mr. and Mrs. Davis are blessed by two children: Thomas Beaver and William. lie generally refuses to accept office, but has members of the Presbyterian Church. own served 3)S 3(Ssessor. JAMES FENSTERMACHER, farmer and stock grower and owner of the FenaterTownship, P. O. Danville, was born in Valley Township, April 4, 1849, a son of Charles and Catherine (Scbumacher) Fenstermacher, natives of Lehigh County, Ponn. His father came to Montour County about 1831, a tanner by trade, and about 1836 built the tannery, which he operated until his death in 1886. He served one term as one of the commissioners of Montour County. James is the only son in a family of three children; was reared in his native township, and educated at Danville and Mercersburg College, Franklin County. He engaged in farming and tanning, has met with success, and owns 200 acres of land on which he resides. He married, in 1872, Kate Kocher, a native of Pennsylvania, who has borne him four children, of whom Ida P., Charles N. and Laura May are living, one having died at the age of two and a half years. Mr. and Mrs. Fenstermacher are members of the Reformed Church, in which he is a deacon. His parents were also identified with that denomination, his father serving as a deacon and elder for many years. NATHAN FENSTERMACHER, farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., January 8, 1827, son of Abraham and Christianna (Wise) Fenstermacher, natives of Pennsylvania and of German origin. His paternal and maternal ancestors were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania. His father was a merchant miller by occupation, and settled in Valley Township in 1834 on the farm where Nathan now Abraham erected a saw-mill in 1838, and helped to build the resides, and which he owns. Fenstermacher tannery, and continued the saw-mill and tannery until his death in 1851. His family consisted of eight children, of whom Nathan was the fifth. He was reared in Valley Township on the farm, attended the district schools and chose farming as an occuHe was pation, in which he has met with success, and is the owner of 112 acres of land. married in 1854 to Margaret Snyder, daughter of Henry and Catherine (Sechler) Snyder, which 1810. The house in born March native of Valley Township, 3, the father being a he was born is still standing. Our subject and wife have two children: Minnie and Estella The family are members of the Reformed Church, in which he has been a deacon J. and of which he is now an elder, treasurer, and secretary and treasurer of the Sunday- macher tannery in Valley is a Republican. retired hotel-keeper, P. O. Danville, was born in 1817 in Columbia County, Penn. He is the son of Joseph and Jane (Craig) Flora; Joseph Flora was a James, our subject, was his only miller, and followed that as a business for many years. child, and was reared in Montour .County, attending the subscription schools. Jane Flora lived to the advanced age of ninety-eight; Joseph Flora died before our subject was born, therefore the latter's knowledge of his father is limited. They were of Scotch-Irish descent. Our subject has made farming his occupation, but kept the hotel for twentyone years. He still owns the farm in Anthony Township, the hotel in Valley Township and other real estate. He was married, in 1841, to Sarah Ann, daughter of John Smith; she is of German origin. They have six children now living: Jane E. (wife of Samuel Beaver), Sally Ann (wife of Grier Acor), Mary C. (wife of Westley Perry), William, Hannah (wife of Henry Billinger) and Caroline (wife of Harry A. Greiner). The family are members of the Reformed Church, and in politics Mr. Flora is a Democrat. FRAZIER, farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in Danville, Penn., February 16, 1852, son of Daniel F. Frazier, who was the first sheriff of Montour County, of which the brother of Edward is the present sheriff. Edward is the youngest of a family of seven children, and was reared on the farm, receiving schooling in the district school. He chose farming as his occupation and has followed it until the present time, being owner of the farm where he now resides in Valley Township. He was married in 1881 to Sarah J. (of German origin), daughter of Samuel Herr. Their children are Samuel and Mr. Frazier is a member of the Lutheran Church, and in politics is a Republican. Alice. A. GREINER, carriage-trimmer and musician, P. O. Danville, was born in Lehigh County, Penn., March 9, 1853, son of Christian and Tacy (Levan) Greiner. His father was born in Wurtemberg, Germany, his mother in Lehigh County, Penn., and of German origin. His father was a brewer in Germany, but after he came to America he followed the occupation and business of manufacturing carriages. His family consisted He was reared in Snyder County, Penn., of nine children, of which H. A. is the sixth. attending school at Selin's Grove. He excelled in penmanship and music. In 1873 he came to Montour County, and engaged in teaching music and carriage-trimming. He was ^larried in 1874 to Caroline, daughter of James and Sarah A. (Smith) Flora. They have one child now living, William. Mr. and Mrs. Greiner are members of the school. In politics he JAMES FLORA, EDWARD HARRY Reformed Church. In politics he is a Democrat. farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in Montgomery County, John Hun1826, son of Abraham and Mary (Hunsicker) Hendricks. JOHN HENDRICKS, Penn., October 25, BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 218 sicker, his .ii;randfatlicr, was a bisliop ia the Menuoaite Church and served for twenty years in that capacity. Abraham Hendriclis was a farmer and the father of six children, Roger Hendricks, brother of our subject, is also a all living to be grown and married. prominent farmer in Valley Township. At the age of seventeen John, our subject, commenced to teach school, and followed that until he was thirty-one years of age, and since then has devoted his time to farming. He came to Montour County, Penn., in 1858 and He was married in 1861 to Hannah, daughter settled on the farm where he now resides. and Sarah (Roberts) Highley, who were of German and Welsh extraction. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hendricks has been blessed with three children: Joseph, who is Mr. Hendricks is a a carpenter by trade; Frank, also a carpenter, and Sally at home. Republican in politics, and at present is a justice of the peace. He has served as school director for twelve years. W. S. LAWRENCE, superintendent of the Montour Iron and Steel Iron Mines, in Valley Township, xMontour County, was born in Danville, Penn., December 20, 1842, son of William T. and Ann (Phillips) Lawrence. His parents were born in MonmouthWilliam T. Lawrence, a miner by occupation, was married in Wales shire, South Wales. in 1839, came to America and settled in Montour County, Penn., where he worked in the iron mines. Of their ten children only two survive, W. S., and Sarah Ann, who is now Our subject was reared in Danthe wife of Joseph Woodford, .of Valley Township. ville, attending the common schools, and at an early age went to work in the old Rough and Ready Mill of that place. At the age of fifteen he commenced to work in the mines, and when twenty -seven years old was appointed foreman. Since 1882 he has served as superintendent of the mines. He was married in 1863 to Rachel, daughter of William Churm, a native of England. This union has been blessed with nine children, eight of them now living five sons and three daughters. The family have been members of the Baptist Church. In politics Mr. Lawrence is a Republican, and he has served nine years He is the owner of a farm, and all he has acas school director in Valley Township. quired has been by his own industry and exertion. A. J. MAUS, farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in Montour County, Penn., September 15, 1831, a son of Lewis and Catherine (Baughman) Maus, whose paternal and maHis maternal grandternal ancestors were among the earliest settlers of Pennsylvania. fatner was a soldier in the Revolution, and the gun carried by him all through that strugHis father, Lewis Maus, ran the first keel-bottom gle is iu possession of our subject. boat on the Susquehanna, and bought an extensive tract of land in Valley Township, which was then a wilderness. A. J. is the youngest in a family of ten children, nine of whom grew to maturity; was reared in Valley Township and has farmed most of his life. Since 1879 he has acted as agent for Walter A. Wood, of Hoosick Falls, N. Y., manufacturer of reapers and binders, and this is at present his principal business. In 1847 he married Harriet Billmeyer, a native of Pennsylvania, of German origin, and a daughter of Martin Billmeyer. "^Their children are Maggie, wife of Orin Kimerer; Matthew, in of Jacob — the employ of the Walter A. Wood Mowing & Reaping Machine Company, of New York, and at present in South America; Ida, wife of H. H. Southwick; Harry and^Edna. Mr. and Mrs. Maus are members of the Episcopal Church. PHILIP E. MAUS, bookkeeper and business manager for his father, Philip F. Maus, His mother, was born May 23, 1853, and is the only surviving member of the family. whose maiden name was Sarah Gallagher, was born in Lycoming County, Penn. was of Scotch-Irish and German origin. His father was born in what is now Valley Township, made milling and farming his business, and succeeded in amassing a handsome fortune. His birth occurred in 1810, a son of Joseph Maus, who was a soldier in the Revolution, The great grandfather of our subject was serving under Washington at Valley Forge. Philip E. attended school Philip Maus, who was among the earliest German settlers here. He comin Danville, and also the Tuscarora Academy and Chambersburg Academy. his father's health, came account of menced business first as a lumber dealer, but, on home to assist the latter in his business. In 1878 he married Mary R. Leinbach, of German descent, and a daughter of John B., a farmer of Northumberland County. Politically Mr. Maus is a Republican. WILLIAM PURSEL, Sr., farmer, P. O. Danville, was born in Hemlock Township, Columbia Co., Penn., April 9,1808, son of Daniel and Mary (Green) Pursel, natives of New Jersey, and of Irish origin. Daniel Pursel was a blacksmith and farmer, and came to Columbia County with the early settlers; his family consisted of eight s»ns and three daughters. Our subject was the seventh child, and was reared on the farm, attending the subscription schools in the township; he chose farming as his occupation, but learned the tanner's trade and worked at it four years, when he again resumed farming, and made that In business he has met with his business until he retired from the active labors of life. He was united in marriage success, and is the owner of the farm where he now resides. in 1830, with Susan, daughter of Peter and Elizabeth (Rupert) Farnwald; her parents were of Mr. and Mrs. Pursel marriage The natives of Pennsylvania, and of German origin. has been blessed with seven children, (six now living): Charles, Daniel G., Sarah B. (now the wife of P. Moore), Peter, William F. (deceased), James, and Samuel who has charge ; 219 WEST HEMLOCK TOWNSHIP. Church in which he has Mr and Mrs Pursel are members of the Reformed director, supervisor, and overseer of bLV^adeTcoa'^udeMer.' He has served as school ^'"-' Mahoning Township. 'i'^TPprTwx F ROBERTS farmer, P. O. Danville, was bornnn and Rebecca (Phillips) Roberts, natives ,, 10 1814 ^^^^P^ P.nn July T,Sv lu, ^«^*' son of Edward Co., Penn.. Montour Roberts was ^f thP farm f'^" parents until old enougb to '«»™ he '^"^ %^;^,, in wS Wgigij oriein. Edward '»;'°;.4™*;^,S°n Valley Township on „?w?S,''MiXl6.T8|9 Tson^ of ftrusTee , he has been a aSd in he is a Republican. Jacob anC Eli.a,,^h class leader the ta.m '^^'I^^^Htl'cZZt.ri and superintendent ot the Sunday-school. politics CHAPTEE XXIII. WEST HEMLOCK TOWNSHIP. 1820, in this township, farmer P. O. Danville, was b,n-n January 13. of our subject, was a very early grandfather Shultz. Jacob four7h son of Peter ShuUz he Indian driven away from his. home several tmies ^Y so tier in tW county an 1 was were born the following chilrefu-e in the fort. To Jacob and his wife V R SHTTLTZ . nnd for^eX take BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES: 220 John K., B. F., Peter R. and Mary. Vincent R. Shultz was born in what is now West Hemlock, Montour County, and was reared on tlie farm until he attained his majority, -when he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of John and Mary (Long) Cox. After his marriage he located on* the farm he now owns, which was covered with timber and whicb he has since cleared. Mr. and Mrs. Shultz have four children: Melinda M., wife of Henry Cooper, of Derry Township; Sarah C, wife of Hiram Turner in Madison Township; Jane, wife of John Johnson, of Jerseytown, and Lloyd C, of this county. Mr. Shultz has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church for forty-five years; his wife since she was fourteen years of age; he has served as class leader. Politically Mr. Shultz is a Democrat. Has been justice of the peace for twenty-five consecutive years; and school director twenty- one years. JEREMIAH WINTERSTEEN, farmer, P. O. Danville. The Wintersteen family located in New Jersey about the year 1740. Philip Wintersteen, grandfather of our subject, came from New Jersey with his family and settled in what is came from Scotland and in Fishingcreek and Roaringcreek Townships, about the year His son, Philip, father of our subject, was born October 27, 1778, in New Jersey; when young he learned the miller's trade which he followed for several years, being for some time in the mill at Millville. He married Hannah Stiles, daughter of Benjamia They reared a family of twelve chilStiles, who fought seven years in the colonial war. dren: Jacob, Benjamin, William, Mahala, Sarah A., Hannah, Philip, Mary, Nancy, John, Jeremiah and Solvena. The father bought a farm at Warnerville, but after clearing it lost it through an imperfect title; he then moved to the place where Elias Watts now lives; buying this he cleared it up and here died in the fall of 1839, his widow surviving him until 1860. Jeremiah was born July 14, 1826, in Warnerville, now Sereno, Columbia County, and was reared in Pine Township, Columbia Co., Penn. At the age of eighteen years "he began life for himself, and when about forty-four years of age he came to this He married Sarah, daughter of locality, the year prior to the division of the county. Jacob and Elizabeth (Benfield) Sittleo, and a native of Valley Township, Montour Co., Penn. In 1855 he purchased the farm he now owns, which was settled about 100 yearsHe now owns two farms. To Mr. and Mrs. ago by James Wintersteen, his uncle. Wintersteen were born twelve children, six living: Mary L., wife of John A. Shultz. of Elizabeth County; J., wife of William E. Knorr, of BloomsColumbia Madison Township, burg; George B. Hannah C. Daniel A. Thomas B. Politically Mr. Wintersteen is a Democrat; has been supervisor and school director of the township. He is a member of the Lutheran Church. now Columbia County, 1798. ; .v-^ BD U\o'>'H 6.8.' ; ; ^,,. A^ A" .r. 1 ' « -^r. .^••^^ aN ':. .,^ A^' ^f. \ 'J, V o 0' Treatment Dat^ 'Magnesium Oxide '> V x^^-. ^^i-i^^ >* A^^ \%'^^^^^' '^.P ->' ' > ^lii: ii .0-' o"^ f=^ • o '^oo' .0 O, -^t^.--'' ^ «,.*' O ^0- A •^ o^- * a ^ o ' ,,V^ -^ ^ , , -p. . %'i^,^^^' ^r-- ^^ .vO °<. T- '^- ^^•^, ^ ^. .f V- ... <3 M C> ,\^ c- '^O '-V .0^ ..^^ .$''% 4^ .-^^^ ^^\ 00^ 0" .^-^ * 9 , •^^.. Oo. ^^. A'-' <.0" , ,H %•. * 3 K ^ c^<^ r.S .^^ <* '' o .^-^ ^^^ v^' 0^ xO<=<. -n^. ,0- ,6 ^ ^M-Atifk, y ^\ .V ^'. DOBBS BROS. LIBRARY BINDING SEP ^T. : , H ,\\ 69^^" :/L^— -. /^O^ AUGUSTINE /^O " H/. ' ,0' f~, . >;,^ o 0^ ^^A v^^' v v^-^.. .5 ^..