Armstrong County, Pennsylvania her people past and present, embracing a history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I, Part 26

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 618

USA > Pennsylvania > Armstrong County > Armstrong County, Pennsylvania her people past and present, embracing a history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I > Part 26

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The old burying ground on Jefferson street was donated to the county commission- ers in 1818 by Paul Morrow and his wife, in trust for the use of the citizens of Kittanning. The company having control of this cemetery was incorporated in 1844. Many of the pio- neers and their children were laid here to rest, but the place is disturbed now by the incursions of predatory animals and fowls, while trash and old rubbish are sometimes dumped there. Some of the descendants of the occupants of this ground removed the bodies of their pro-

state of neglect and decay. Some of the early tombstones bear odd and interesting epitaphs. One of them is as follows: "Margaret, con- sort of Michael Mechling and formerly widow of Daniel Torney, Sr., near Greensburg, West- moreland county, Pa., who died Sept. 14, 1829, in the 70th year of her age. She left eleven children, 55 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren of the Torney family. Peace be with her ashes."

The first Catholic cemetery was situated in the rear of the church. Another was laid out in 1870 in the upper part of what is now Wickboro. The German Catholics are buried in the cemetery on Troy Hill.

The Kittanning Cemetery Company was in- corporated in 1853. The site, in the north- eastern part of the borough, is an ideal one, the slope of the hill allowing much opportun- ity for beautifying the grounds. Considerable money has been expended upon it by the trus- tees and the lot owners, so that year by year this city of the dead is becoming more beauti- ful and attractive alike to residents and visi- tors. Here lie the remains of those of this section who fell in the Civil war and also their comrades who have in the years since followed them to their final resting place.

SECRET AND BENEVOLENT SOCIETIES

Kittanning Lodge, No. 244, F. &. A. M., was instituted March 12, 1850. Its place of meet- ing was in the third story, fronting on Market street, in the brick building on the southwest corner of Market and Jefferson streets, on lot No. 126, until it was transferred to the third story of the brick building on the southeast corner of Market and Jefferson streets, on the old courthouse square.

The Orient Chapter, No. 247, Royal Arch Masons, was instituted in June, 1874.

Lodge No. 340, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted March 31, 1849. Its charter was surrendered Dec. 5, 1853. This lodge was resuscitated and reorganized Aug. 10. 1857.

Ariel Lodge, No. 688, Independent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted in November, I 869.

Echo Encampment, a branch of the Inde- pendent Order of Odd Fellows, was instituted Nov. 19, 1873.

Knights of Pythias Lodge, No. 321, was organized May 10, 1871.

Other societies are, Modern Woodmen of America, Loyal Order of Moose, Benevolent

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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

and Protective Order of Elks, Fraternal Or- der of Eagles, Improved Order of Red Men, Royal Arcanum, Order of Foresters, Knights of Malta, Knights of Columbus, Knights of the Maccabees, Tribe of Ben Hur, Improved Order of Heptasophs, German Beneficial Union, Catholic Mutual Benefit Association.

MILITARY ORGANIZATIONS

The Armstrong Guards were organized in 1830 and reorganized in 1844. The next or- ganization was the Independent Blues, in 1836. Other military societies were the Washington Blues, Armstrong Rifles, German Yagers and Brady Alpines.

The Sons of Veterans are an organization of the sons of those who fought in the Civil war. There is also a society of the veterans of the Spanish-American war.

. Company K,, 16th Regt., N. G. Pa., meets twice a month in the old Kittanning Academy building.

Joseph F. Croll Post, Grand Army of the Republic, is the local society of the Grand Army of Civil war veterans. S. W. Furnee is post commander and D. W. Shaeffer, adjutant.

SOCIAL SOCIETIES

One of the first societies for amusement and recreation was the Thespians, in 1840, who gave frequent dramatic and social ex- hibitions until 1845. These affairs were held in the old Briney gristmill.

The Literary and Scientific Institute was organized in 1854 with fair prospects, its mem- bers being business and professional men and ladies. At first frequent meetings were held and debates carried on with great ardor, but interest languished and it went the way of its predecessors. Finally the library was sold and the society disbanded. The only incident of note in its brief history was the lecture of the late Bishop Potter on the "Life of Wash- ington," given under the auspices of the In- stitute in the court house.

Many famous speakers were brought to Kit- tanning by this organization, and the people for a time patronized the meetings with eager- ness. But like all of such societies, even at the present time, interest gradually languished and finding the venture becoming a financial burden the members withdrew their subscrip- tions and the Association passed away. There is no Y. M. C. A. here now, although such a society is more needed in these days of ir- religion and dissipation than ever before.

The German Benefit Union is an organiza- tion of citizens of Kittanning born in the Fatherland, and their descendants. The or- ganization is large in numbers and its benevo- lent purposes are well conducted by the fol- lowing officers: Edward Reinsel, president ; Fred Dubrock, vice president; William F. Kirst, secretary ; Joseph Volk, treasurer ; Wil- liam Sirwell, marshal; Charles Gura, trustee ; John Schwetz, guide.

Although numerous temperance societies. were organized at various times between 1830 and 1876, they had only evanescent life, and perhaps did some good, although the effect was not then manifest. We hear so many old inhabitants railing against the present times and decrying the immorality of the twentieth century, yet on the cold pages of history the old days do not show very clean records. When this county was in the first days of its prosperity there were distilleries at every con- venient location and the product was sold direct to the people. Drunkenness was not consid- ered a fault-merely an indiscretion. Most public men drank whisky. Fighting was com- mon and the man with the biggest muscle far overshadowed the student.

In the present day we have our faults, but drunkenness is not so prevalent. The man who drinks publicly is censured and often loses caste with the best people. In most of the townships and some of the boroughs liquor is not now sold openly or legally. The larg- est rye whisky distillery is located in one of our boroughs where prohibition rules, and not one pint of the firm's product can be bought in the town. We have only occasional fights, but it is not the accepted way to settle dis- putes, and the man of literary inclinations may travel far upon the road to advancement, with every opportunity given him to smooth his way.

A Young Men's Christian Association was organized in 1867 and carried on with irregu- larity until 1875. The meetings were held in the different churches until 1868 and then in McCulloch's Hall, on the old court house square. The burning of the rolling mill in 1867 enabled them to exercise their charity in caring for the destitution of those thus FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCHI thrown out of employment. A small library and reading room was for a time sustained, The First Presbyterian Church of Kittan- and lectures arranged for during the winter. ning was organized Aug. 31, 1822, with

FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, KITTANNING, PA.

THE NEW PUBLIC LIBRARY

ASTOR, LENOX TILDEN FOUBILGIONS

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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

twenty-two members, by Rev. Thomas Davis of the Presbytery of Redstone. Services had pended upon until the arrival of Rev. Joseph been conducted from time to time in the courthouse for over sixteen years by supplies appointed by the Presbytery. The first of these services 'was conducted by Rev. Joseph Henderson, on June 8, 1806, probably the first sermon preached in the town. From that date until the organization the people de- pended upon supplies, among them being Revs. Robert Lee, David Porter, James Gal- braith, Thomas Hunt, James Stockton, James Graham, James Coc, John Reed, David Bar- clay and Thomas Davis.

The original members of the church were: David Johnston, Thomas Hamilton, John Pat- rick, Mrs. Phoebe B. Brown, Mary Patrick, Barbara Patrick, Ann Pinks, Mary Matthews, Lydia Robinson, David Maxwell, James Mon- teith, Samuel Matthews, Mrs. Patton, Sarah Harrison, Mary Robinson, David Coulter, Maria McKee, Susannah Johnston, Samuel McMasters, Susannah McMasters and Mary Johnston. John Patrick, David Johnston and Thomas Hamilton were elected ruling elders.

The following were the pew holders from 1832 to 1840: James M. Brown, Robert Daugherty, B. Oswald, Joseph D. Bowser, James Cowan, Richard Graham, Foster and Totten, S. S. Harrison, James McCullough, Alexander Colwell, James Thompson, John Brown, John A. Colwell, Philip Templeton, Chambers Orr, John Ritchart, G. W. Smith, Hugh Rogers, Samuel Houston, R. Robin- son, W. W. Hastings, W. Irvine, Douglass and Donaldson, Frederick Rohrer, J. S. Tor- ney, David Johnston, William Cunningham, Elijah Horner, Samuel McKee, Mrs. John Cunningham, William Colwell, Isabella Cog- ley, James Louther, James E. Brown, J. M. Jordan, A. Arnold, Robert Orr, Richard Bailey, J. R. Johnston, J. S. Quigley, Bonner and Hutchinson, George Ross, Josiah Copley, David Crawford, John Hood, John Taylor, Thomas T. Taylor, A. L. Robinson, H. N. Lee, Philip Mechling, Nancy Monteith, Rob- ert Brown, Jr., Rev. Joseph Painter, Dr. John Gilpin, Joseph McCartney, Joseph Buffington, James Galbraith, Phelps and Meredith, Charles Montgomery, Samuel Bryson.

For a time after its organization the con- gregation depended upon supplies until 1825, when Rev. Nathaniel Snowden was engaged as stated supply for two years. After his departure in 1827 there were supplies until 1830, when the first pastor of the church was installed, Rev. James Campbell. He preached here three fourths of his time, until his resig-

nation in 1831. Again the supplies were de-

Painter in 1834, who remained until 1873. During Rev. Mr. Painter's incumbency he as- sisted in the organization of several churches in the county and preached at different points whenever his labors at Kittanning permitted. During his pastorate the church increased in prosperity and numbers, the membership in 1864 being 146. In that year Rev. T. D. Ewing was called to assist Dr. Painter, and on May 10th was installed as assistant pastor. While Rev. Mr. Ewing was in the church the work continued to prosper, during the next ten years 267 persons being received into fel- lowship. In 1858, John G. Parr, James E. Brown and W. H. Jack were elected ruling elders. In 1877 James Martin, G. W. Dovers- pike and Robert S. Slaymaker were elders. In 1873 Dr. Painter died in Kittanning.

The election of Mr. Ewing to the presi- dency of Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa, in 1880, left the pulpit vacant, and Rev. H. L. Mayers was called. He served faithfully until his death in 1909. During his term Andrew Thompson, Robert W. Cowan and Findley P. Wolff were elected ruling elders.

Rev. William J. Hutchison, the present pas- tor, was called, and installed on Nov. 3, 1909. During his pastorate the present splendid house of worship was planned and erected. Mr. Hutchison is an extremely popular pas- tor and an enterprising citizen, the manage- ment and success of the series of Chautauquas held in present years being largely due to his untiring enthusiasm and labors.

The first church building was erected in 1830 at the corner of Jefferson and Jacob streets, was of brick and cost $1,510.57. It finally became so dilapidated by 1855 that Dr. Painter took steps to have it replaced, and in the following year a brick edifice was built at a cost of $3,900. This building was used until 1890, when the third church, a handsome and artistic structure, was built on the corner of Arch and Jefferson streets at a cost of $70,000. Dr. Mayers' death left the congregation with- out a pastor and five weeks later (in 1909) they were without a church, fire having com- pletely gutted the splendid building. The bur- den of replacing the ruins with a home rested upon Dr. Hutchison, and it is worthy of note that the work of demolition began one year after the fire, the work of rebuilding one year before the dedication, and the laying of the cornerstone took place almost twenty years after the dedication of the previous structure. . The present building is a fine example of

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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

the Romanesque style of architecture, in until 1889. Rev. Mr. Glass was a United brownstone, and is greatly similar to its pre- Presbyterian minister, who had a disagree- ment with his superiors and, with the forty- two members mentioned above, separated to form this congregation. They bought the lot on which the present Baptist church stands and erected the brick building which, with many alterations, is the present home of the latter denomination. The Second Presby- terian Church, however, did not seem to find a footing in Kittanning and was soon after 1889 disbanded and the church property sold. decessor, the tower having remained intact. The auditorium is of cruciform plan, with a vaulted ceiling and exposed oak trusses. Beautiful memorial windows surround it. The Sabbath school seats 800, and there are other rooms for various purposes adjoining. The heating, ventilating and furnishings are perfect. This is one of the largest and most beautiful of the church buildings of Kittan- ning.

The present officers of the church are: Elders-Findley P. Wolff, John D. Galbraith, Paul L. McKenrick, E. Taylor Hutchison, A. L. Ivory, O. N. Wilson, James G. McCul- lough, Andrew Brymer, William H. Leard, R. A. Mccullough, Dr. Russell Rudolph, M. L. Bowser, Frank M. Shubert; trustees-E. E. Kinter, J. P. Culbertson, Harry R. Gault, John S. Porter, E. S. Hutchison, H. G. Gates, H. A. Arnold, Boyd S. Henry, Samuel H. McCain ; deacons-Harry McClure, Boyd S. Henry, Roland B. Simpson, James M. Stone, Lamont Bixler, Charles Dargue ; treasurer- Chris K. Leard; Sunday school-Lamont Bixler, superintendent ; J. P. Culbertson, as- sistant superintendent ; Wylie Thompson, sec- retary ; Miss Ilma Fox, organist.

SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

On the last day of the year 1884 a com- mittee composed of Rev. George W. Mechlin, Rev. Henry L. Mayers, Rev. Samuel J. Glass, Rev. J. Horner Kerr, and Elders Robert S. Slaymaker and Samuel S. Caldwell, met in the town hall and organized the Second Pres- byterian Church in Kittanning. Certificates from forty-two members of the United Pres- byterian Church were presented and two others were received upon confession of faith. William Gates, Charles S. Bovard, William Nesbit and James H. McCain were elected rul- ing elders. At this meeting a call was issued to Rev. Samuel J. Glass, who came as the first pastor.

Plans for a home were submitted at a meet- ing held in April of the next year, and a build- ing committee, D. A. Ralston, James H. Mc- Cain and William Gates, and a finance com- mittee, J. P. Colter, J. Muckle and C. S. Bo- vard, appointed. Under their efficient con- trol the present handsome church building was constructed at a cost of $3,500, the lot costing $1,800.

UNITED PRESBYTERIANS

Before the organization of the Associate Reformed Church in 1845, Rev. John Dickey and other clergymen of the "Seceder" or "Union" Church sometimes preached to gath- erings in Kittanning courthouse. At that time the late David Reynolds drew up a subscrip- tion paper and collected $76 for the support of Rev. Mr. Dickey. Application had previously been made by persons in this vicinity to the Presbytery of the Lakes for the organization of a congregation, and by order of that body in 1846, Rev. Isaiah Niblock, S. G. Purvis and A. P. Ormond met and received forty persons into the fellowship of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. John Cunningham, Moses Patterson, Hugh Rodger and Alex- ander Henry were ordained ruling elders. Rev. J. K. Riddle became stated supply. He was followed in 1848 by Rev. Joseph Bu- chanan, who remained until 1849.

A call was made in the next spring for Rev. John N. Dick, D. D., who served as pastor until 1876. At this date there were thirty- two members. From this time until 1886 the church depended upon supplies. In that year Rev. David McCall accepted the pulpit and served faithfully until his resignation in 1894. Again there were supplies until the arrival of Rev. William J. Reed in 1896. Mr. Reed re- mained until 1900 and was succeeded by Rev. F. S. McBride in 1901. After Mr. McBride came the present pastor, Rev. A. E. Curry, in November, 1910.

The Associate Reformed Church was in- corporated in 1850 and the Associate Presby- terians united with them in 1858, forming the present organization. The trustees of the As- sociate Reformed were James Colwell, Robert Speer and Samuel C. King. The council of deacons in 1859 were George Bovard, John M. Daily. William McCleland, Samuel M. Sloan and John Barnett. The two congregations were incorporated June 15, 1859. as the United

The successor of Rev. S. J. Glass in 1887 was Rev. DeWitt M. Benham, who remained Presbyterian Church of Kittanning.

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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

The first and present church building was

Prior to this organization Rev. C. A. Lim- begun in 1860 and finished in 1864. It is a berg, of Butler, preached to the people in Ger- large and substantial brick structure, and was at the time of its construction the finest church in Kittanning. man, as supply, from 1858 to 1859, when the Clarion Classis ordered the services held in English, and Rev. J. F. Wiant came as stated The ruling elders in 1913 are J. J. Dunmire, William Nesbitt, Dr. J. G. Allison and William Marshall. The membership is 250 and the Sabbath school numbers over 300. supply. He was relieved in 1872 and Rev. L. B. Leasure, of Irwin, Pa., was stationed here until the coming in 1873 of Rev. D. S. Dieffen- bacher as regular pastor. The membership METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH at that date was 156; Sabbath school, eighty- five.

The Methodist congregation is the result of a class meeting and preaching held one day over eighty years ago in a private house that used to stand on Market street, and was the culmination of many years' intermittent preaching by traveling ministers of that de- Rev. R. C. Bowling, of Emlenton, Pa., suc- nomination. Between 1816 and 1821 three cir- ceeded Rev. Mr. Dieffenbacher in 1885, and is the present pastor. During his term the pres- ent church was built and the congregation has grown greatly in numbers.

cuit preachers, Revs. Bair, Baker and Hudson, on their rounds, sometimes held services in Kittanning in private homes and the court- house. After 1861 this point became a sta- tion, the pastors who served the congrega- tion being: Revs. E. Hingeley, two years; A. H. Thomas, three years; Aaron Goodell, one year; M. W. Dallas, one year; W. P. Turner, three years; N. G. Miller, three years ; J. B. Uber, one year; M. J. Sleppy, three years; J. F. Jones, three years; Homer J. Smith, two years; J. B. Risk, one year ; John W. Rightor, three years; J. W. McIntyre, three years ; H. H. Pershing, three years ; L. R. Jones, three years ; A. J. Ashe, three years ; S. M. Mackay, three years; John F. Jones, one year; W. C. Davis, six months; L. R. Braun, one year ; S. E. Rookey, three years ; J. B. Taylor, five years. R. M. Mansell is the present pastor.

Their first religious home was a one-story brick, on the south side of Market street, and was probably built in 1839. After the congre- gation grew too large for this little edifice an- other brick, two stories high, was built on the old jail lot on Mckean street, in 1862. The congregation was incorporated in 1871, with the following trustees : James Piper, Daniel B. the auditorium. Heiner, Samuel C. Davis, W. D. Mullen and W. R. Milliun.

In 1909 the present elegant and commodious building was erected on the corner of Vine and Jefferson streets.

ST. LUKE'S REFORMED CHURCH

With a membership of twenty-five in 1869, this congregation was organized, Frederick Smith was elected elder and David Knoble and Diedrich Stoelzing, deacons.

Rev. Mr. Dieffenbacher continued his work, with missionary aid and the support of a con- gregation at Mt. Union, in Valley township, until May, 1885, during which time the charges became self-sustaining.

During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Wiant, a committee, consisting of himself, Dr. Knoble, Fred Moesta, D. Stoelzing and Fred Smith, was appointed to secure a proper building for services, and their efforts resulted in the pur- chase of the first church for $2,500, from the Baptist congregation. During the following year the edifice was overhauled and completely furnished, being dedicated in October, practi- cally free from debt.

Services were continued in the old church on Jacob street until 1898, when the need of a more commodious building in a different local- ity became very apparent, so the present com- modious and modern church, on the corner of Mckean and High streets, was erected. The original cost of the building was over $25,000, and since the date of erection the property in that territory has greatly improved in value. The building is well arranged, com- fortable, and has a seating capacity of 500, and a Sabbath school room and other necessary conveniences in the basement. A fine pipe organ of melodious tone is an adornment of

The parsonage adjoining is a remodeled structure of sufficient size to accommodate the pastor and family. It is interesting to note that the old church on Jacob street was sold to the Methodist Protestant denomination for the same price which the Reformed congregation had paid for it, $2,500.

The growth of the church was so gratifying that in 1892 the country congregation was de- tached, leaving St. Luke's self-sustaining. At the present time the membership is 330, with a Sunday school enrollment of over 200. The

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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

present officers are : R. C. Bowling, D. D., pas- tor ; Henry Bauer, F. S. Knoble, C. R. Moesta, D. W. Smith, elders ; Charles Barnhart, H. C. Adams, Chris. Bauer, H. N. Sankey, Robert Kinnard and H. C. Holley, deacons.

METHODIST PROTESTANT CHURCH

This is an offshoot of the Methodist Episco- pal Church organized in 1880 by Rev. S. F. Crothers, who remained as the first pastor until 1883. The membership at first was forty-one, but in one year had grown to sixty-six, and at the present time is 185, with 151 Sunday school scholars. The subsequent pastors after Rev. Mr. Crothers were Revs. E. A. Brindley, 1883- 85; J. H. Lucas, 1885-86; F. N. Aunks, 1886- 87; John Gregory, 1887-89; J. J. Wagoner, 1889-90; William Phillips, supply, 1890-91 ; J. B. Shively, 1891-93; B. F. Sadler, 1893-94; J. B. Shively, 1894-95; J. F. Dyer, 1895-97 ; S. F. Crothers, 1897-99 ; J. F. Dyer, 1899-1900 ; WV. B. Reed, 1900-01 ; J. H. Lamberson, 1902- 06; J. H. Shimp, 1906-07 ; O. H. Boughton, 1907-10; J. F. Dyer, four months ; W. S. Mar- tin, 1910-13; O. C. Carlile, 1913-14.

The congregation first purchased a lot on South Jefferson street and built a frame its separation from the German branch in church, which they later sold to the local G. A. 1858, the first pastor being Rev. J. A. Ernest, who remained until 1867, being succeeded by Rev. J. A. Kribbs in that year. Rev. Mr. Kribbs remained until and was followed by Rev. J. C. Kuntzmann, D. D., in 1879. The succeeding pastors were Revs. J. H. A. Kitz- miller, 1882-91 ; H. W. Elson, Ph. G., 1891-95; G. W. Spiggle, 1895-1903. R. Post, who use. it for a meeting hall. Next they bought the old First Presbyterian church building, used it until badly damaged by fire, and then sold it to Fire Company No. 1, who now occupy it as an engine house and hall. The last real estate investment of the congre- gation was the purchase of the building formerly used by the St. Luke's Reformed con- gregation, on Jacob street. This they have altered and improved and now occupy. The church and parsonage are valued at $12,000.

TRINITY LUTHERAN CONGREGATION

We must rely entirely upon tradition to sup- ply us with the early history of this congrega- tion, as there are few records extant of its origin and organization. It is believed that the first actual corporate body was formed in 1820 and from that date until 1840 most of the serv- ices were held in the German language by Revs. On Jan. 23, 1911, a commodious and artistic parish house was dedicated on the same lot as the church and parsonage, which cost $11,000. Here are a gymnasium, library, pastor's study and rooms for various society meetings and Adam Mohler, G. A. Reichert, Burnheimer and Stackfeld. From 1840 to 1858 the pastors who occasionally preached here were Revs. George F. Ehrenfeldt, W. A. Passavant, Asa Waters, Michael Sweigart and Michael Steck, physical culture classes. The sewing school the sermons being in both German and English.

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Armstrong County, Pennsylvania her people past and present, embracing a history of the county and a genealogical and biographical record of representative families, Volume I, Part 26

Author: J.H. Beers & Co Publication date: 1914 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers Number of Pages: 618

Author: J.H. Beers & Co
Publication date: 1914
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers
Number of Pages: 618