Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. I, Part 100

Author: McFarland, Joseph Fulton; Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co. (Chicago) pbl
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 584

USA > Pennsylvania > Washington County > Washington > Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. I > Part 100

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The works have both square and round kilns, the lat- ter being thirty feet in diameter and each holds 90,000 bricks. The capacity of the works is 70,000 bricks per day. These are of a superior grade owing to the ma- terial used and to the treatment, and are practically nonabsorbent.

Monongahela Glass Works-The Monongahela Glass Works were built in 1880. The firm originally consisted of H. L. Ihmsen, Gregor Fox, John J. O'Leary and James Beck, and was known as Ihmsen, Fox & Co. The firm was afterward changed to O'Leary, Beek & Co., and O'Leary Brothers & Co. The plant is not operating at present. It was considered an up-to-date enterprise in its early days.

Monongahela City American Window Glass Company- At some time before 1900 Thomas Whiteman built the Whiteman Window Glass Works. The works were after- wards sold to the American Window Glass Company, the present owners.

The Union Paper Mill is one of the important indus- tries in this seetion of the state. Rope paper and paper saeks are manufactured. Twelve men are given employ- ment. Dr. Samnel D. Culbertson established the Union Paper Mill in 1850. It was the first paper factory of its kind west of the mountains. In 1862 the plant intro- duced steam for drying. The mills were destroyed by

fire in 1864, but immediately rebuilt. In 1876 S. D. Culbertson and R. S. D. Hartrick became proprietors. In 1901 the plant was again destroyed by fire. The Union Paper Mill Company was reorganized in 1902 and the present mill built. It has many advantages over the old mill, as it is more modern and fitted with the latest up-to-date machinery. When the company was reorganized L. C. Isler was elected president; B. S. Allen, treasurer, and C. D. Borland, seeretary.

George Anton's Lamp Factory-The Anton Brothers, George and Jolin, started the business of manufacturing miners' lamps about the year 1873. The first shop was in a little room in the mining village of Black Diamond, a short distance south of Monongahela City. The shop, after moving several times, finally located on Park ave- nue on the banks of Pigeon Creck. The plant is well equipped with labor-saving machinery and has a capacity of eight gross of lamps per day. As many as 20 people are employed. George Anton is the sole proprietor and manager of this enterprise.

C. L. Anton's Pit Lamp Works-The Liberty Lamp Factory, located on Finley street, near Anton avenue, is owned and managed by C. L. Anton, one of the four Anton brothers, noted for the manufacture of miners' lamps. C. L. Anton worked in the factory of his brothers until he patented a lamp of his own and began its manu- facture.

Monongahela Granite and Marble Works-The busi- ness of the Monongahela Granite and Marble Company was originally established by R. M. Gee in 1852. He conducted the business alone until the year 1865 when his sons having become partners the first name was changed to that of R. M. Gee & Sons. In 1873 J. H. Weygandt beeame a member of the firm and its style was then changed to R. M. Gee, Sons & Co. Mr. Wey. gandt disposed of his interests in 1882 and the firm be- came known by the same title as formerly. When the founder of the firm died in 1890 the title was adopted of R. M. Gee Sons. All of the original partners except one have died, the sole owner being Samuel M. Gee. The works were situated on Pigeon Creek and were equipped with a compressed air plant and other modern devices. In 1907 William H. Isaac bought the marble works and changed the location to the corner of Cemetery and Main streets.

Monongahela City Macaroni Factory-L. Lazzari, the proprietor of the Monongahela City Macaroni Works, established his business in Monongahela City in 1902. At first the output of this institution was a half barrel of flour per day, but the business grew to such an extent that at present 25 barrels of flour are consumed per day. He was compelled to ereet a fonr-story building on Second street to accommodate his fast increasing trade.

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Later the Lazzari Brothers remodeled the McAlister Livery Building on Chess street hetween Second and Third streets and started another macaroni factory.

I. Shelby Crall Greenhouses-I. Shelby Crall, the pioneer florist, seedsman and gardener of the Monon- gahela Valley, established at Monongahela City in 1867 one small greenhouse. He saw the business increase and grow from the small heginning to 18 houses and 40 acres in vegetable gardens up to the time of his death in 1901. Since then the business has continued under the management of his two sons, Charles S. and James S. Crall and Harry M. Griffith under the firm name of I. Shelby Crall Co. Since 1901 four greenhouses have heen added, making 63,000 square feet of glass.

James A. Keeney started a greenhouse husiness in Monongahela City in 1888. He cultivates all kinds of plants, flowers and vegetables.

Yohe Brothers, Contractors and Lumber Dealers- This company handles huilders' supplies of every char- acter. Special attention is given to factory work. Yohe Brothers have erected a number of fine buildings. The firm of Yohe, Carson & Co. was estahlished in 1880. The members of the firm were Isaac, James L. and Lewis N. Yohe and Mr. Carson. The latter was suc- ceeded by Edward Corrin in 1881. In 1901 Clyde C. Yohe was admitted to the firm.

Stephens Brothers is a contracting and huilding firm established by Charles E. Stephens in 1892. Afterward his hrother, Henry B. Stephens, was admitted to the firm.

The Keenan & Piper Contracting Company started business a year or more ago and G. H. Piper having dropped out of the firm the husiness is now conducted by Samuel Keenan and the two former partners carry on separate businesses.

Monongahela City has many other manufacturing plants.

The Liggett Spring & Axle Works is just across the river from Monongahela. There are also a number of mines in the neighborhood of Monongahela City on both sides of the river and a large part of the miners and employes at the axle works live in or supply trade to Monongahela City.

Carhorundum Works-Monongahela has the distinc- tion of having been the home of the first carhorundum works in the United States, and Washington County has the honor of being the birthplace of Edward Good- rich Acheson, the inventor of carborundum, graphite and other useful substances. He was horn in the town of Washington in 1859. The works were established at Monongahela City ahout 1890 and after some ten years wero removed to Buffalo, N. Y., and the property in Monongahela City sold to the Pennsylvania Railroad

Company. His inventions and discoveries were among the most useful and valuable of the past century.

Monongahela Milling Company-This company 's plant was formerly located opposite the Pennsylvania depot. It was one of Monongahela City 's most stable indus- tries. The mill did a business of $5,000 a month, and had a capacity of 150 harrels of flour per day. Their husiness was principally wholesale and most of the flour was shipped to the upper part of the Monongahela Val- ley. It also manufactured chop and cornmeal.

The mill was erected about the year 1845, and was owned at different times by Henry Shearer and John Sheplar, Beach & Co., George & Shaw, John L. George, James MeGrew, A. R. Parkinson, and J. D. Hoon, J. B. Hayward and J. W. Hill, Jr. A few years ago it was sold to the Pennsylvania Railroad Company and the mill torn down and used for railroad yards.

Monongahela Foundry & Forge Company-Another of Monongahela City's industries was the Monongahela Foundry & Forge Company. This company occupied what was formerly the Graft Stove Works, hut the company has been out of operation for two years.

In 1879 E. T. Graham built a foundry near Pigeon Creek. This foundry has now disappeared.

The Monongahela City Dock Company was estab- lished in 1865. Later William H. Barr purchased the dock and many harges, flats and hoats were huilt. The dock has long since gone out of existence.

Prior to 1796 the history of education in Monon- gahela City is clouded in uncertainty. There were private schools and schools supported hy general suh- scription held before that time. In the year 1796 school was opened in an old log house at Parkinson's Ferry, once used as a dwelling and situated in a grove of sugar trees, near the old Presbyterian Church, at the corner of Chess street and Church alley. The first teacher's name was Tilhrook, the next was Thompson, who was followed by Capt. Hughey Mitchell. The number of terms each taught is uncertain, hut there is no doubt hut that a school existed in this place for a number of years. For many years the Catshurg school, small hrick huilding, was used and many of the present inhabitants of Monongahela City were given their education at this school.

Those who attended Belvidere School justly styled it the "Athens of the North," it was such an improve- ment over the "Old Brick" which stood on the Van Voorhis Place in 1854. Rev. Cyrus Black donated the ground on which the schoolhouse was erected. Some of the teachers were L. Hasson, W. Devore, S. Morri- son, William Thompson, all of whom hecame soldiers

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

of the Civil War. Hasson and Morrison were officers of distinction, also William Thompson, noted for his bravery, was taken prisoner and sent to Andersonville prison; he was never exchanged and with many other noble meu gavo his life for his country. After these men came Mrs. Mary E. Burt (lately deceased), an excellent teacher, who afterward became principal of one of the Pittsburg schools. Miss Emily Burgit also taught part of a terui.

No organized effort was made by the Legislature of Pennsylvania to establish a uniform system of schools until the year 1805 when the first tax was levied in Washington County for the education of the children. No doubt some of this money came to Monongahela. Two schoolhouses were soon built, one a double house, standing on what was known as the old Presbyteriau Church lot on Chess street, and the other a single house. which stood on that part of the island which has now passed into the river. Mr. Prescott, Nimrod Gregg, Thomas Collins and Mr. Dunn were teachers in this house, while the teachers in the double house were Joseph S. Morrison, R. F. Cooper and Hon. T. R. Haz- zard. These buildings were soon inadequate and the present structure known as the Old Building was ereet- ed and opened for use in September, 1853. Andrew Brown and T. R. Hazzard were the first teachers in this new building.

Graded schools were first organized in Monongahela City in 1854, with James H. Moore as principal and three assistants: Miss Webster, Miss Bebee and Miss Hodgson. Graded schools were bitterly opposed at first, but they soon won favor, and were pronounced a success by those who had opposed them. This Union School was one of the first in the county, and was the largest and best schoolhouse outside of Pittsburg.

The uames of the principals of the Monongahela City Schools since then are as follows:

J. H. Moore, 1854-56; S. F. DeFord, 1856-57; J. N. Boyd, 1857-58; A. J. Buffington, 1858-61; William G. Fee, 1861-62; B. M. Kerr, 1862-63; Matthias Tom- baugh, 1863-64; Joseph M. Milligau, 1864-68; J. N. Sights, 1868-69; J. P. Taylor, 1869-72; George E. Hemp- hill. 1872-76; Joseph Jennings, 1876-1888; E. W. Dal- bey, 1888-97; A. L. Hope, 1897-1901: C. H. Wolford, 1901-1906; R. G. Dean, 1906.

Carroll Towuship was organized in 1834 and this city-or Williamsport as it was called-was embraced in Carroll Township, and consequently subject to its jurisdiction.

In April, 1837, Williamsport was incorporated as a borongh by Legislature, under the name of Monon- gahela City, and thereafter the schools were under the supervision of the board of directors of the new dis- trict.

By act of Assembly, April 11, 1862, the Carroll dis- triets of East Williamsport and Belvidere were included in Monongahela City distriet, and the oldl historic school- honse in Catsburg ceased to be used as a schoolhouse. lu 1873 a city government was created by act of Assembly which enlarged the boundaries of the school district, and added to the school population so that more school room was necessary.

The present Central School building was dedicated July 1, 1881, containing ten school rooms, an office, and a school hall, capable of seating about 400 people. On March 2, 1883, this building was almost totally de- stroyed by fire, but it was promptly rebuilt and re- dedicated September 27, 1883. In 1896 the First Ward building was erected. It contains eight recitation rooms, office and a teacher's room. The first class was graduated from the Monongahela High School in 1878 and consisted of ten members. At present the High School enrollment is about 85. A class of 15 was graduated last Commencement. In all the pres- ent teaching force consists of a principal and 31 teachers. A third ward building is being built at present to accommodate the large number of school children.

In 1908 there were 26 schools iu Monongahela City and school held in session nine months. There were three male teachers, the average salary of $106.67 being received per month, and 27 female teachers receiving an average salary of $62.50. There were 1,395 scholars enrolled, the cost per month of each being $2.25. The number of mills levied for school purposes was eight and for building purposes three.

Monongahela might justly be called a city of churches. It has averaged one new church building a year for the last four years, a record without a parallel in the coun- ty, and probably in Western Pennsylvania. It has over $325,000.00 invested in church property by eleveu dif- ferent denominations, each of which is active and pro- gressive, steadily adding to its roll of membership. In addition to these, there are several congregations as yet unable to own buildings of their own, but which aro rapidly progressing in that direction. The local branch of the Young Men's Christian Association is an effective organization, working out much good. It is an able, active and efficient force in its chosen field, not only taking advantage of every occasion to ad- rance its principles, but making opportunities for its good work.

The Rev. James Finley was appointed by the Presby- tery of Redstone to preach at Parkinson's Mill on the fourth Sabbath of March, 1784 and during 1785 one Sabbath at his pleasure. This is, perhaps the first Presbyterian service held in the limits of Monongahela. A church supplying this community was built three

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

and a half miles out toward Brownsville and called Horseshoe Bottom, prior to 1786. In 1807 the Presby. teriau Church of Williamsport was organized and the Rev. Samuel Ralston was chosen pastor. He preached in a schoolhouse near the site of the first church build- ing in the winter aud in a tent in the summer. The first house of worship was built of brick on the old church lot on the hill in 1815. Dr. Ralston resigned to give his entire time to the Miugo Church in 1834. From 1834 to 1840 the church was ministered to by supplies. During this period the second house of wor- ship was built that stands at present on the corner of Chess street and Linn alley, aud was dedicated in 1836. The name of the church was also changed by the Pres- bytery of Ohio April 20, 1837, from the Presbyterian Church of Williamsport to the First Presbyterian Church of Mouongahela City. On October 28, 1839, the Rev. John Kerr was called to the pastorate and during his long pastorate the church grew rapidly. He re- signed in 1862. He was sneceeded by the Rev. Silas G. Duulap, who was pastor from April, 1862, to September, 1866. He was followed by the Rev. J. S. Stnchill from December, 1866, to April, 1870. On October 1, 1870, the Rev. W. O. Campbell was called, who after a long aud successful pastorate resigned in July, 1885. Dur- ing Dr. Campbell's pastorate the present church build- ing was erected at a cost of $35,000.00.

In February, 1886, the Rev. James M. Maxwell was called and continued the beloved and honored pastor, until failiug health compelled him to resign iu 1902. During the pastorate of Dr. Maxwell a new pipe organ was installed and the present handsome and substantial parsonage was erected.

The Rev. Leroy W. Warren began his pastorate April 1, 1903, and resigned April 1, 1906. Perhaps during no other time in the history of the church were so large additions made to the membership of the church as during the ministry of Mr. Warren. The present pastor, Rev. William F. McKee, began his pas- torate on November 1, 1906. On September 29, 1907, a beautiful addition to the chapel and Sunday school rooms was dedicated at a cost of about $12,000.00. During the week September 29, 1907, and October 6, 1907, the Centennial of the church was appropriately celebrated.

Methodist Episcopal Church-The beginning of Meth- odism in Monongahela may be traced back to 1812 when the Riggs brothers, local preachers, who lived near California, organized a class in the home of Samuel Baxter. of Carroll Township. In 1813 the Riggs brothers preached in Williamsport, now Monongahela, at the home of Mrs. Van Devore. Larger accommo. dations being needed a room was procured in the house of Robert Beebe on the river bank. Rapid growth soon

made another removal necessary, when a log house on Main street, formerly used as barracks for troops, was secured and fitted as a place of worship. Next the congregation worshipped in the "Old Log School- house, " thence it migrated to the old union church, (built by general subscription) on the top of the hill. In 1826 the congregation purchased a large dwelling on the river bank which was changed into a honse of worship. In 1834 a lot was donated by Mr. William Isham ou which a brick church was erected and com- pleted iu 1835. In 1864 the present commodious and stately church was begun on Main street. The Sunday school room was opened for worship iu 1867 and the audience room was completed in 1873, the entire church costing about $45,000.00. During the pastorate of Rev. John Conner the elegaut manse on Chess street at the rear of the church was erected. During the present pas- torate in 1903 the auditorium was completely renovated at a cost of about $2,000.00, besides a new pipe organ was installed, the gift of Mr. Andrew Carnegie. At present the eutire basement is being improved, with new chairs, toilet rooms, carpets, etc. These improve- ments will cost about $3,500.00.

The congregation was originally a part of the Green- field Circuit, later a part of the Chartiers Circuit, but it became a station in 1833. The following pastors have been in charge since the erection of the present church building: Rev. Ezra Higeley, A. W. Butts, Hiram Miller, S. M. Hickman, Edward Williams, T. N. Boyle, William Lynch, R. L. Miller, W. D. Stevens, J. S. Bracken, I. A. Pierce, L. H. Bugbee, S. H. Nesbit, M. J. Sleppy, John Riley, T. F. Pershing, J. W. Baker, John Conner, D. L. Johnson and the Rev. R. S. Ross, appointed in 1902.

African Methodist Episcopal Church-The African Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in 1834 by Bishop Paul Quinn. The old meeting-place was in a building which stood on the corner of Sixth and Rail- road streets. Subsequently its meetings were held iu a brick house on Railroad street adjoining Yohe Bro. 's Mill, thence in a brick house opposite the bridge at Dry Run. Finally, in 1871, it moved into the handsome brick church that stands at the corner of Seventh aud Main streets, the church seems to be taking on new vigor and life. A parsonage was erected on the rear of the church lot on Chess street in 1904.

The First Baptist Church was organized in the pub- lie school hall on February 9, 1860. On the 24th day of the same month iu which it was organized it met in the Presbyterian house of worship and was unanimously recognized as a regular Baptist Church by a council duly called and constituted for that purpose. At that time it had 24 members. It was admitted into the fel- lowship of the Pittsburg Association in June, 1860. The

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HISTORY OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

present church edifice in which the congregation wor- ships was dedicated in January, 1871, and cost, with furniture, $7,000.00. In 1900 a neat and commodious parsonage was built at a cost of $1,700.

The following is a list of those who have served as pastors: David Williams, R. R. Sutton, O. L. Hargrove, Aaron Wilson, Lloyd Morgan, A. J. King, E. C. Baird, J. F. Collins, 1 .. S. Colburn, D. S. Mulhern, JJ. W. Moody, S. V. Marsh, J. E. Darby, E. H. Stewart, Daniel Trick and the present pastor, Rev. W. H. Shawger, who has been pastor since 1905. This church maintains a mis- sion in its chapel in the First Ward.

The first Protestant Episcopal Church service cole- brated in Monongahela was conducted by Rev. R. 11. Lee, of Washington, Pa., in the Presbyterian Church during the summer of 1860. Other services followed at intervals given by elergymen residing in Pittsburg. In July, 1862, the western convocatives of the diocese of Pennsylvania met in the hall of the public school and appointed Rev. William TenBroeck to take charge of the work as missionary. On November 17, 1863, the western convocation of the diocese of Pennsylvania met here a second time, and during its session the organi- zation of St. Panl's Church was effected. The Rev. Henry MacKay was called as the first rector of the newly formed parish. In 1866 the corner stone of the present St. Paul's Church was laid by the Right Rev. Bishop Kerfoot. The church was opened for Divine service abont 1870. In 1870 Rev. John Linskea was appointed missionary to the parish. In 1872 the Rev. John P. Norman was placed in charge by the bishop. Dr. Norman resigned in 1875 and was suecceded by Revs. Percival Becket, Emelius W. Smith and Thomas White. In 1880 the Rev. John P. Norman was again placed in charge of the parish and continues rector until this day. During these years St. Paul's has been completed and eonseerated by Bishop Whitehead of Pittsburg Diocese on June 29, 1882.

Church of the Transfiguration, Roman Catholic-The Rev. Father McGuire visited this region, doing mis- sionary work prior to the year 1833. From this period mass was said by visiting clergy until the congregation was organized. The first house of worship erected un- der the pastorate of Rev. Father Dennis Kearney was completed in 1865 at a cost of about $6,000.00. Father Kearney was succeeded by Revs. John O. G. Scanlin, William L. Hayes, M. J. Brazill, P. M. Garvey and Francis MeConrt. During the pastorate of Father Me- Court a fine priest's house was erected. Father Me- Court was succeeded by Revs. J. J. Cuigley, C. M. Lyons aud Thomas F. Walsh, who was followed January 28, 1900, by Rev. C. J. Poetz, the present pastor. The church has enjoyed a continuous aud rapid growth. Long since the old building became too small for the

congregation and in May, 1904, the old church was re- moved to the rear of the parsonage to be used by the church societies. On May 30, 1906, the corner stone for a new church was laid by Right Rev. Monsignor Suehr and on February 23, 1905, the present handsome and elegant church building was dedicated by Bishop Canevin of Pittsburg. The present structure cost abont $75,000.00.

St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Congregation ( Italian) was organized in May, 1904, by Rev. Father Cornelius Falcone. The present house of worship was erected through the energy of Father Falcone, on a lot in Park avenue, donated by Mr. G. Anton. Ou the 17th of De- comber, 1905, this church was dedicated by the Rt. Rev. Regis Canevin, Bishop of Pittsburg. In January. 1908, Rev. Mr. Falcone was succeeded in the pastorate of the church by the Rev. Vincent Maselli, the present pastor. Pastor Maselli has devoted himself to his work and the church is making great progress. The congre- gation numbers about 250 families.

Lutheran Church-In 1841 Rev. George St. Clair Hussey organized a German Lutheran Congregation here. The English congregation was organized Feb- ruary 7, 1869. This church has had the following pas- tors and supplies: Rev. D. L. Ryder until 1872; Rev. H. H. Hall, 1872-77; Rev. H. B. Winton, supply 1877- 1883; Rev. J. W. Breitenbach, supply, 1883-87, oeca- sional supplies, 1888-1902. The congregation was re- organized August 14, 1902, and supplied by the Rev. Levi P. Young until 1903. In 1903 Rev. H. E. Berkey became pastor aud from his arrival the church took on great activity. During his pastorate which closes in the early fall, the present beantiful church and com- miodious parsonage were built. The church was dedi- cated May 31, 1908. Other church buildings have been occupied by the congregation as follows: The first was located at the corner of Third aud Chess streets, back of Alexander's Bank. The second in the First Ward was sold to the Baptists, The value of the present church is $10,600.00. Rev. M. M. Allbeck has been called to become pastor on the retirement of Rev. Mr. Berkey.

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Century history of the city of Washington and Washington County, Pennsylvania and representative citizens, 20th, Vol. I, Part 100

Author: McFarland, Joseph Fulton; Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co. (Chicago) pbl Publication date: 1910 Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 584

Author: McFarland, Joseph Fulton; Richmond-Arnold Publishing Co. (Chicago) pbl
Publication date: 1910
Publisher: Chicago, Richmond-Arnold Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 584