A history of Columbia County, Pennsylvania. From the earliest times., Part 14

Author: Freeze, John G. (John Gosse), 1825-1913
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Bloomsburg, Pa. : Elwell & Bittenbender
Number of Pages: 594


USA > Pennsylvania > Columbia County > A history of Columbia County, Pennsylvania. From the earliest times. > Part 14


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Bloomsburg had her early schools, but as to their whereabouts, and by whom taught, nothing is definitely known. The first school of which there is any recollection, was taught about the year 1802, by George Vance, in a small log-building, which was located where the Episcopal church now stands. Finally, this house was torn down, and a frame one erected in its place, in which William Love taught for some time. The highest branches taught in this school, were reading, writing, and arithmetic. The advanced read- ing class read in the Bible, and the second class in the New Testa- ment.


The next school was established in the lower end of town, in a building which was located near where Joseph E. Barkley's cabinet- shop now stands ; Robert Fields was its first teacher. Messrs. Love and Fields were succeeded by William Fergeson, Murray Manville, and Joseph Warden.


About the year 1830, Hiram W. Thornton opened one in a chair or wagon-shop, which was located where Mr. William Neal's resi- dence now stands.


The old academy, which was erected on the site of Dr. Evans' present residence, and opened for school purposes in the spring of 1839, was a monument of zeal in the cause of education, at a time anterior to the introduction of the public school system. The standard of instruction was elevated, if judged by the advertise- ment of the first teacher, to give instruction in the Hebrew lan- guage, which was not extensively pursued at that early day in Bloomsburg. But the teacher's literary reputation dwindled when, on perusing a copy of Shakspeare, 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 ! these dialogues ?'" This building contained four school- rooms, and was occupied for public school purposes until 1875.


Between 1850 and 1860, Professor Joel E. Bradley taught a high school in the room now occupied by the Democratic Sentinel and Mrs. Anna R. Drake a primary one in the adjoining room. About the same time Miss Mattie Wells, was also teaching a select school in a small building which was located where William Gil- more's establishment now stands; and Miss Susan Painter another in the back part of her father's justice office, on Market street.


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[The interesting sketch by Mr. Snyder, was only intended to rescue from oblivion a few facts relating to early schools. The improvements since made were not in the task imposed upon him. Nor is it intended to give full statistics of the schools, with which official publications every year fully acquaint our people, and I shall therefore only mark special cases. In other portions of this work, different schools are spoken of, and need not be here repeat. ed.


In 1870, the school directors erected on Fifth street, in the eastern part of the town, a large two-story brick building with two wings, containing four main rooms and five recitation or class rooms, one of the class rooms being intended and mainly used for a library. The principal building is about 50 feet by 70, and the wings about 18 by 20 feet. The building will accommodate from 800 to 1000 children. It is heated by steam, with the latest and most approved school furniture, including maps and appara- tus of all kinds. The whole expenditure was not less than fifteen thousand dollars.


In 1873 a second building was erected, on the brow of the hill, at the west end of the town, on Third street. It is a trifle larger than the Fifth street school, but in all material respects, upon the same plan, and heated and furnished in the same complete man- ner.


The two buildings were so arranged as to accommodate all the children in the town, and no other common school building now exists. These, with the Normal School place Bloomsburg in the front rank in point of educational advantages.]


BRIAR CREEK.


In the year 1800, the first school was opened in the stone church, still standing near Samuel Kelchner's residence. Ten years later a school house was built at Foundryville, when the former school closed and all the pupils in the vicinity attended the Foundryville school. The next house was erected below Ber- wick, on the land now owned by Daniel Romback. The third school was taught in a dwelling which stood on the land now owned by William Stout. The names of the teachers who taught these schools were Cordelia A. Preston, Daniel Goodwin, Morris Hower, and John Arney.


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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.


CATAWISSA.


The first school in this township was established in Conrad Gei- ger's dwelling, which was located on what is called the McIntyre place, now owned by E. M. Tewksbury, and taught by Martin Stuck.


About the year 1804, Mrs. Mary Paxton opened a school in her residence, which was located near the Friends' meeting house, at Catawissa, and in addition to the usual branches, taught sewing and knitting. Those who could not remain at school were per- mitted to retire after recitation. After this school was kept in successful operation for some time, a small frame house was built near where Frederick Pfahler's residence now stands, in which Elijah Barger, of Chester county, taught, followed by Ellis Hughes. Finally, Joseph Paxton, (son of the former teacher,) built an addition to the house for his daughter Ruth Ann. In 1815, a Mr. Kent, of New York, (whose son is a popular dry-goods mer- chant in Philadelphia,) opened a high school in the residence now occupied by Mrs. Keller. He was succeeded by a Mr. Ely, also of New York.


The next school was opened in 1818, by Thomas Barger, up stairs in a spring-house, which stood on the land now owned by John Keifer. Mr. Barger was succeeded by John Stokes, Joseph Gittling, and Thomas Ellis. The school was principally support- ed by pupils of Main township.


Ezra S. Hayhurst, to whom Catawissa is much indebted for his school labors, not ouly assisted in establishing schools, but also taught successfully for some time. Next came Joel E. Bradley, from the "land of steady habits," and opened a school in the acad- emy, which was founded in 1838. He continued until 1842, when Jeremiah J. Brower took his place in the same building until 1848.


[Since the preparation of this sketch by Mr. Snyder, there has been erected in Catawissa, a Public school building, second to none in the county. It occupies a beautiful location upon rising ground, on the one side overlooking the river, and on the other the valley of Catawissa creek. It is fully up to all the modern improvements, in heating, lighting and apparatus. In size it is a little greater than the Bloomsburg Third Street School House; and is intended to supersede all the public school buildings in Catawissa, and by concentration of heat and teaching force and


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oversight, give all pupils increased advantages. It is claimed that in some respects the Catawissa house is an improvement upon any thing else, and such may be the fact.]


CENTRALIA.


This borough was taken from Conyngham township in 1867. The first school-building within its present limits was erected in 1858, in which school was continued until 1868, when it was en- gulfed by the breaking down of the mines.


In the following year, a frame building, with two rooms in it, was erected to fill its placc. Here Mr. Bowers was employed to teach a term of eight months, at a salary of fifty dollars per month. The number of pupils increased so rapidly, that it was necessary, in 1872, to erect another building. This is a first-class building, well furnished and properly ventilated.


There are now (1877) four good schools in the borough, under the able supervision of Mr. W. J. Burke, late principal of the Ash- land high school.


CENTRE.


The earliest schools in this township were taught in dwellings, which were located as follows: One near the ferry, taught by Solomon Friedeci ; another near Lime Ridge, where Joseph Gei- ger now lives, and the third on the land now owned by Hiram Schweppenheiser, which was taught by John Dietterich.


The first house for school purposes was located at Centreville in 1810. Being destroyed by fire after a few years' service, an- other was erected at the lower end of the village, where the pub- lic school-buildings now stand.


Solomon Neyhard, who died 10 January, 1879, aged about 80 years, was the only surviving member of the first public school board.


In 1875, the Patrons of Husbandry in this township erected a beautiful hall, furnished the room on the first floor with improved school furniture, and employed Professor Lockard to take charge of the school, which is still in a prosperous condition.


CONYNGHAM.


This township was formed from the southern part of Locust in 1856. It and the borough of Centralia had no schools before the public school law was in force. Its school history only dates


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back to 1857, when, through the exertion of Mr. A. W. Rea, a school building was erected at Germantown. The rich mineral product of this region, which was developed in 1860, attracted a large population. Consequently, we find, in 1865, four new school buildings, which were all supplied with school apparatus, and in character far superior to the earlier.


FISHING CREEK.


The first school in this township was taught by Christopher Pealer, in a weave-shop, which stood where John Zaner's resi- dence now stands.


About the ycar 1794, Henry Heiss came from Philadelphia to Stillwater, to oversee a tract of land, which belonged to his father. Being a young man of more than ordinary ability, he was persua- ded to open a school there in a dwelling house.


The first school house was built at Pealertown, in which Jona- than Colley taught.


The next was erected near where Zion church now stands. The Pealer town school finally closed, and the pupils attended this school.


FRANKLIN.


After the school closed at McIntyre, in Catawissa township, a house was built, just above the foundry, on the land now owned by William Stocker, to accommodate the settlers at the mouth of Catawissa creek. Mr. Stuck, who had taught at McIntyre, was succeeded in this school by Daniel Krist and Daniel Rigles. Sev- eral married men availed themselves of the opportunity to receive instruction at this school. Near where Joseph T. Reeder now lives, Joseph Horlocher opened a school, which was called "Clay- ton's school," the same name the one goes by in this district now. The one established below Esther furnace was taught by Samuel Bitler and James Stokes.


Anterior to public schools there was also one kept at the river, about where the public school building now stands.


GREENWOOD.


About the year 1785, a school was kept in a dwelling, at Mill- ville. In 1800 a house was built near where Richard Heacock now lives, and occupied until 1836.


In 1805, another was built on the land now owned by Jacob


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Gerard. This house not being suitably located, was abandoned after a few years' service. and a more convenient one erected, where Catharine McCarty now lives, west of Rohrsburg. In 1838, when public schools were adopted, there were six houses erected.


Prominent among the early teachers were Jesse Haines, Jacob Wintersteen, John Shively, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Ferguson, Ben- jamin Kester, Jonathan Colley, Robert Lockard, and his daugh- ters, Jane and Nancy Lockard.


HEMLOCK.


About the year 1801, Mr. Donaldson established the first school in a dwelling which was located on the land now owned by Isaac Pursel. Eight years later, Thomas Vanderslice opened one in the same kind of building, which was erected on the land now owned by M. S. Appelman and John Boonemother, at the forks of Hemlock and Fishing creek, near James Barton's. Henry Ohl succeeded Mr. Vanderslice as teacher. The next was opened in 1810, by Jacob Wintersteen, in a building which was located on the estate now owned by Dennis Pursel. The house located at the forks of the road, where the brick school-house now stands, is given in Montour township sketches. The Doll school, which was kept near where ex-Sheriff Smith now resides, in 1816, was principally composed of pupils from Madison township, now West Hemlock, in Montour county.


JACKSON.


John Denmark taught the first school in the township, in 1820- 21, in a dwelling, which was located near where the Union church now stands. In 1822, a school-house was built close by, in which John Keeler taught four, and William Yocum three terms. The house was then torn down. In 1825 a house was built at the lower Jackson church, and Mr. Yocum, who had taught in the former building, opened the first school. He was succeeded by Cor- nelius McEwen, Miss Helen Calvin, Joseph Orwig, and Peter Girton. In 1832, a house was re-located at the Union church, and those who taught in it before public schools were established were William Riche, John Fullmer, and Isaac K. Krickbaum, lately associate judge.


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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.


LOCUST.


The first school in this township cannot be accurately given, as there were several schools in session about the same time.


Joseph Stokes taught one in his residence, which was located on the land now owned by D. Mears. Joseph Hughes taught another at Kerntown; Alexander Mears one at Slabtown; and James Miller one near where the old Quaker church now stands. There was also one at Esther furnace, but by whom taught is un- known.


When the vote was taken on the public school question there was considerable excitement in the township. Had it not been for Mr. John Kline, who induced his tenant not to vote, (but vot- ed himself,) the election would have been a tie ; consequently, there was one majority in favor of establishing public schools.


MADISON.


The first school in the township was taught, in 1799, by a Mr. Wilson, in a dwelling which was located at Jerseytown.


In 1810, Thomas Lane opened one in a similar building, which stood on the land now owned by Leonard Kisner.


The third and fourth were also in dwellings, one of which was erected near where the Reformed church now stands, close by the road leading from Jerseytown to Buckhorn, and the other in the eastern part of the township, near Millville.


Jacob Demott is the only surviving member of the first public school board.


MAIN.


This township formerly belonged to Catawissa. Before any school was established within its present limits the pupils were obliged to attend the school which was held up stairs in the spring-house spoken of in Catawissa township, which was consid- ered a very important school.


About the year 1820 a school was established in a dwelling which was located near where the old fulling-mill stands, above Mainville, and was taught by Jacob Gensel.


In 1824, John Walts opened another in the same kind of build- ing, which stood near where Fisher's church now stands. When this church was completed, the old church which stood close by


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was fitted up and occupied for school purposes until public schools were established.


Daniel Krist was a prominent teacher of this school.


MIFFLIN.


In the year 1794, David Jones opened the first school in this township, in a hut which stood among the scrub pine and oak below Mifflinville, on the land now owned by Christian Wolf.


There being no primary books in market, the teacher printed the alphabet on shingles for the abecedarians.


This hut was occupied but a short time, then abandoned, and a school was opened in a building located where the Lutheran church now stands at Mifflinville.


Another school-house was finally built in the 'eastern part of the township.


MONTOUR.


The following is a synopsis of John G, Quick's report, secre- tary of Montour :


The first school, to my recollection, was established in the year 1831, by Miss Harriet Rupert, daughter of the late Judge Rupert. She opened this school in a shanty, which had been built and oc- cupied by contractors, while making the North Branch canal, and building the aqueduct across the mouth of Fishing creek. In this shanty Miss Rupert commenced instructing the children in the vicinity of Rupert, charging one dollar for each pupil per term. After teaching here a short time, she had a room comfort- ably fitted up, in a log-house near her father's dwelling, in which she taught successfully for some time. She, being a Christian lady and model teacher, always opened school with reading the Scriptures and prayer. After this school closed, we were obliged to travel fully two miles to a school, which was taught by James L. Nevius, in an old log-building, located at the forks of the road leading from Bloomsburg to Buckhorn. At this time Montour belonged to Hemlock township. The law, in those days, provid- ing for the schooling of indigent children at the expense of the county, was scarcely realized. Parents would rather have their children grow up in total ignorance, than permit them to be edu- cated under this act.


Then came the passage of the common school law, which crea-


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ted a great sensation. The idea of assessing a tax upon the peo- ple for the schooling of all children, was a serious thought with some, and, consequently, a division of Hemlock township was brought about, by a caucus being held by some of the citizens in the southern part of the township, who thought, by dividing the township, they could get rid of the school law. Thus, in 1838, Montour was taken from Hemlock. Much might be said, in com- paring the past with the present ; but, in conclusion, I shall only say, that I have been a director for six years, and have just entered upon the duties for three more, to look after the future blessings of the rising generation. Yet, I loathe to say, there are some who are opposed to public schools, and ever ready to criticise a director for faithfully and conscientiously discharging the du- ties of his office.


Why not make our school-houses and grounds pleasant and at- tractive, as well as our homes ?


One of the greatest privileges I enjoy is to visit our schools, and compare their contrast with those of forty years ago.


MT. PLEASANT.


The first school in Mt. Pleasant was founded by Peter Oman. He employed an instructor, at his own expense, to come to his dwelling to instruct his and his neighbors' children. Finally three houses were built, one upon the land now owned by Joseph Gilbert, one upon the land now owned by Aaron Kester, and an- other upon the land now owned by Andrew Crouse. These houses were of the same description as early school-houses gener- ally, built of logs, filled between with sticks, daubed over with mud mixed with cut straw, and furnished with slab seats. Care- ful provisions were made for a large fire hearth, and spacious door, so that logs could be rolled in for fuel. This afforded amusement for the boys at recess.


ORANGE.


The first school in this township was taught in a building which ยท was located on the north eastern part of Honorable H. R. Kline's farm, by Daniel Rake, Philip Doder, and Jonathan Colley, father of Alexander Colley, of Benton. In 1820, George Vance, who taught at Bloomsburg, opened a school in a small log-building, which stood on the land now owned by William Delong, below Orange-


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ville. Mr. Vance was succeeded by Clemuel G. Ricketts, William Rantz, and John Kline. The house was then torn down, and a more substantial one erected at Orangeville, on the very spot where Mr. Kline's residence now stands. This house was accepted after- ward for public school purposes. Among the earliest teachers were Abraham Kline, Ira Daniels, and Charles Fortner.


In regard to adopting public schools, the same feeling arose here as elsewhere in the county. The most enlightened, by whom nearly all the taxes were paid, advocated their adoption.


PINE.


This township was not as early and rapidly settled as some of the townships in the county. In 1830, there was but one school in it, which was taught by John Masters, in a house located at Sereno. In 1836, when public schools were accepted, education took a new impetus, and at present the schools in this, as well as the schools in other sparsely settled townships, compare favora- bly with those in towns and villages.


ROARING CREEK.


The first school within the present limits of this township, was taught in 1816, by Joseph Stokes, in a small dwelling which be- longed 10 Mahlon Hibbs, and stood on the land now owned by William Rhoads.


This school continued only one term. The following year Thomas Cherington, a surveyor and experienced teacher, opened a school in his son's dwelling, which stood on the land now owned by Sammuel Hauck. After teaching several terms, making his entire work in the field as a teacher, forty winters, he abandoned the profession, and assigned the school to his son Samuel, who taught it successively up to the introduction of public schools.


In 1821, Charles Breech re-opened another school in the same house in which Mahlon Hibbs had taught, and about the same time, David Chase also opened one in an old log-dwelling, near where the Methodist Episcopal church now stands. The first house for school purposes was built on the site where "No. 2" school house now stands, fourteen years after the organization of the first school.


SCOTT.


The first school-houses were built in Scott, about the year 1805.


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One at Espy, on lot No. 56, and the other below Light street, on lot now owned by J. W. Sankey. This lot belonged to the tract of land purchased from Thomas Penn and John Penn, Esquires, proprietaries and governors-in-chief of the Province of Penn- sylvania, in 1773.


The school at Espy was established by Messrs. Webb, Kenne- dy, and Waters.


In 1814, the third school was opened in a building which was located on lot now owned by B. Ammerman, at the upper end of Light street.


The names of the teachers who had charge of these schools were George Vance, Joseph Solomon, William Love, and John Kennedy.


SUGARLOAF.


The pioneers, following up Fishingcreek, settled along its head- waters. Among them was a scholarly gentleman, by the name of Philip Fritz, from Philadelphia. He taught the first school of the township, in a log hut, which stood where Saint Gabriel's church now stands. This hut was occupied for school purposes for some time. Finally, a school-house was erected on the land now owned by Andrew Hess. Joseph Massey, a professional teacher, taught in it many terms.


NAMES OF COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS, WHEN, AND HOW SELECTED.


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. William Burgess, appointed October 23, 1861.


John B. Patton, appointed March 31, 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. William H. Snyder, re-elected May 7, 1878. J. S. Grimes, elected May 3, 1881.


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HISTORY OF COLUMBIA COUNTY.


CHAPTER XX.


AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY.


The "Columbia County Agricultural Society" was incorporated by the Court on the 15th day of December, 1868 : Deed Book "V", Page 97. It has been in existence as an Association however, since about 1855, the last having been the 27th Annual Fair.


The charter provided and set out that Benjamin F. Hartman, James Masters, William H. Shoemaker, Caleb Barton, Mathias Hartman, Joseph P. Conner, Thomas Creveling, Jacob Harris, Johnson H. Ikeler, Andrew J. Sloan, Charles G. Barkley, Palemon John, Joshua Fetterman and Elijah R. Ikeler had associated themselves together, "for the promotion of science, to foster and improve agriculture, horticulture, mechanics and the domestic and household arts." It can well be said of it, that as a Society it has been a success from the beginning. In the amount, variety and quality of displays, the County Fair has been second to none in the State, considering its area, and in multitudinous attendance it stands unrivalled.


Doubtless if the scientific part of the charter, as applied to agriculture and horticulture received more attention, and the kind and quality of our soils were investigated so that the best meth- ods of culture and manuring should be taught in an annual scien- tific lecture or report to go out with the official proceedings, much more might be, than has yet been accomplished. On this depart- ment some money might be judiciously and advantageously ex- pended. This part of their charter promises they have not per- formed. In the more than a quarter of a century in which the Society has been in existence, much effective work in the direc- tion of scientific agriculture ought to have been done. The county ought to have been divided into sections, and subjected to scientific examination as to soils, and other characteristics for the


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highest productiveness. It is to be hoped that now this duty to the county and its material interests will be taken in hand. If farming is a science, why should it not be scientifically done ? And if it should, whose duty is it to sec that it be done, if not that of the Society, which, by its charter has assumed that duty ? It has long been seen, and the fact has been the subject of well- grounded complaint, that more attention is paid to the speed of horses, and to the accommodation of sharpers and showmen than to the more legitimate business of the annual exhibition. For the common duty of life, the pair of horses that will walk the most miles in a day, is worth more than the pair that will trot or run the most miles in a minute or an hour or a day. The horse trained to walk rapidly, is the horse that makes time, of which fact, the fabled race between the hare and the tortoise is an illus- tration.




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