USA > Pennsylvania > Montour County > Danville > Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania : a collection of historical and biographical sketches > Part 12
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
borious process. They were pushed up with long poles set on the bottom of the river, braced against the shoulder of the boatmen, when a tramp, from bow to stern, would send them up the length of the boat. And yet, in this tiresome way a crew often pushed a boat twenty miles a day.
Going to Black Rock.
During the war of 1812, the company commanded by Captain Isaac Blue, (father of Samuel Blue, now a resident of Danville, ) was under marching orders, and when on the eve of departure the com- pany was halted in front of the stone mansion to give a parting sa- lute to the veteran General William Montgomery. As the old Gen- eral came to the door the company " presented arms," whilst they listened to a brief address. General Montgomery told them to be good soldiers and at the same time take good care of themselves, "and be ever as now, ready to defend and support the Govern- ment." On the conclusion of his patriotic address the volunteer company fired a salute, wheeled and marched away with cheers for General Montgomery, the flag and the Union. On this occasion General Montgomery was dressed as usual, in Continental costume- knee breeches and silver buckles. But alas; many of those brave and patriotic volunteers of Danville never returned. They were not slain by the British or Indians ; but by a fatal malady known as Black Rock fever-a fever of a typhoid character, and by local cir- cumstances rendered peculiarly malignant. Samuel Yorks, Sr., was a lieutenant in this company and survived the campaign. It is not many years since the good old man calmly fell asleep, and now, af- ter the turmoils of a long and active life, he rests in an honored grave.
Doctor Petrikin was also connected with this company.
Evangelical Lutheran Church.
The first Lutheran church in this region was in Mahoning town - ship as it is now. In that day it was called Ridgeville. Some time prior to 1800 a man named Shelhart visited this place, whether he was a regularly ordained minister or not, cannot now be told. The first record of a church organization, is dated 1803 and the first regu- lar pastor was Johann Paul Ferdinand Kramer. From 1805 to 1808
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EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
there is no record, except that which was kept by M. C. F. S. Who he was or whether he was pastor, we are not informed. Then there is a blank until 1810, when Rev. J. F. Engel took charge and re- mained until April 1816. Here again there is a blank until 1820. From this date until 1828 the congregation was ministered to by Rev. Peter Kesler. Rev. Peter Kesler seems to have been the only Lutheran preacher then in this region of the State, as he served all the congregations in this and adjoining counties. After Rev. Kesler left the field the Lutherans aided in building a church under the impression that they would have the privilege of worshipping in the church when completed. But they were disappointed. Rev. Jere- miah Shindel came from Bloomsburg about that time and preached regularly in the old court-house and organized a congregation of those who adhered to the Lutheran church. This was in 1830 after he had preached a year or two in the church, now the Episcopalian. The removal to the court-house was in consequence of some disa- greement in relation to the occupancy of the church. Rev. Shindel remained five or six years, then the congregation was left without a pastor for some time. During this period some became discouraged and united with other churches. After some time those who ad- ,hered were united with the Catawissa charge and had preaching once a month by Rev. William Eyer. This continued for a year and a half when a call was given to Rev. Meyer. He labored among the people with much acceptance; but the congregation was neither large nor rich and Rev. Meyer resigned for want of adequate sup- port. They were then without a pastor until 1843 when Rev. Elias Swartz, sustained in part by the Home Missionary Society and under the guidance of the Great Head of the Church, ministered to this long neglected people. On his arrival he found only twenty mem- bers left. Some had been called to their last account ; others had become discouraged and found a home in other congregations, where they are now among the most exemplary and influential citi- zens of this place, exerting a salutary influence in the cause of the Redeemer ; but wholly estranged from the peculiar Church of their fathers, and while their former brethren bless them for what they are doing in behalf of the kingdom of Christ, yet many of them regret the necessity that drove them from their home into the bosom of strangers. Many of them sigh to think that so many of the sons
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
and daughters of the Church of the Reformation, and bearing the name of the great Reformer, were compelled for the want of the bread of life to abandon the household of their fathers.
Danville had now become a considerable town, numbering be- tween two and three thousand inhabitants. The various denomi- nations who had been better supplied with pastors, had become firmly established ; when Rev. Swartz, with the little remnant of the former flock, (and these were mostly poor in this world's goods,) held a series of meetings which were abundantly blessed by the vis- itations of divine favor and the outporing of the spirit. As the re- sult of this meeting he received into the communion of the church by the rites of Baptism and Confirmation between forty and fifty members. After laboring successfully for about a year they formed the design of building a suitable church edifice for their accommo- dation. A meeting was called and the following persons were duly appointed to superintend the erection of the House, viz: William G. Miller, Thomas Ellis, Samuel Gulick and William Sechler. The church was built and dedicated to the service of God, with the title of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Danville, Pennsylvania. This occurred during the first week of June, 1845. The officiating ministers present on the occasion were Revs. Elias Swartz, William Eyer and Jacob Smith. On the following March, Rev. Swartz having become somewhat discouraged on account of straitened cir- cumstances, a heavy church debt resting on the congregation, and the consequent meager support he received, he finally resigned his pas- toral relation and accepted the call of a Lutheran congregation in Maryland. The Danville congregation was then connected with the Milton charge, and served by Rev. Ruthrauff, once in two weeks for the space of nine months. At the end of that period, a call was given to Rev M. J. Alleman, who accepted the call and entered on his labors, and served the congregation with great ac- ceptance until 1848, when he resigned and went to Sunbury, and took charge of one of the churches in that place. The congrega- tion was then without a pastor for nearly two years, when Rev. P. Willard, agent of the Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, was called. He commenced his pastoral labors in this place in 1850. He found the members scattered and disheartened, some debt still remaining, and the trustees without a deed for the ground on which
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the church was built. But a new zeal seemed to be infused into the remnant of the flock. Past troubles were for a time forgotten, and they once more in the faith and work of the Gospel emulated the spirit of their fathers and came up rejoicing to "the help of the Lord against the mighty." The number of communicants in February, 1850, had already reached to the number of 142. A series of meet- ings were held in February and March of this year, which resulted in the accession of about one hundred. In oneness of spirit and pur- pose the pastor and people harmoniously labored together. The church lot was enclosed, a legal deed obtained for the lot, and in every respect the church seemed to rise above all her difficulties. A lot was also purchased about this time for a cemetery, and in 1853 a parsonage was purchased. Union and brotherly love prevailed, and walking in the light of life and the comforts of the Holy Ghost, many were added to the church and the work of the Lord pros- pered in their hands.
In 1854 the church became too small to accommodate the con- gregation, and with this subject the elements of discord entered the membership, as the same question had operated in a thousand other instances. Seven sites for the new church were reported, and on the first vote a majority voted for the old location. The German portion of the congregation now refused to give their consent, and threatened the trustees with a prosecution if they persisted in build- ing an exclusive English Lutheran church. Another meeting was therefore called in January, 1855, to ascertain fully the sense of the congregation in regard to the project, as well as the locality. Seventy-three votes were cast for a site in the North ward and seventy for the old location in the South ward. Much dissatisfac- tion prevailed ; unkind feeling arose during the protracted contro- versy, some of which was even directed against the pastor. A di- vision of the congregation was then contemplated, and an amicable proposition was made to join in the erection of another church in the North ward and secure the services of a separate pastor, but was again withdrawn. A lot was, however, purchased in the North ward ; and the Church Council resolved to grant Rev. P. Willard permission to leave as soon as he could secure another place. This was, doubtless, the part of wisdom under the circumstances, as Rev. Willard had freely given expression to his views on the subjects of
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dispute, and of course rendered himself personsally obnoxious to a portion of the congregation. He soon received a call from Perry county, Pennsylvania, which he accepted, and preached his fare- well sermon on the 11th of May, 1856, after serving this charge for more than six years.
We had the pleasure of an acquaintance with Reverend Willard, and with many others regretted the separation, although it seemed necessary in order to restore harmony to the church. His is a man of considerable ability, possessing much energy of character, and had it not been for the unfortunate circumstances adverted to he would no doubt have realized the hopes and expectations of the peo- ple of God who rejoiced in the success that attended the first years of his ministry in this place. In July of the same year, the congre- gation extended a call to the Reverend M. J. Stover, of Waterloo, New York. He accepted and entered on his charge on the first of September, 1856, and was duly installed on the 2 Ist of October, in the same year. The sermon was preached by Reverend George Parsons, President East Pennsylvania Synod. The charge to the pastor on his installation was delivered by Reverend E. A. Sharrats, of Bloomsburg, and the charge to the people by Reverend A. Fink, of Lewisburg. Reverend Stover entered upon the responsible duties of his high calling with an earnest desire to harmonize the discordant elements and establish his people in the unity of the spirit. His labors thus far had been crowned with success. He held a series of meetings during the winter which resulted in the upbuilding of the membership in the faith and hope of the Gospel, and bringing many new converts into the church. His ministration had calmed the troubled waters and restored the confidence and brotherly love that characterized the church through long years of toil and trouble.
This is known as the Pine street Evangelical Lutheran Church. It is a large and handsome brick building, and a fine parsonage now adjoins it. The congregation worshipping there is large. It occu- pies an influential position in the community, and as far as human judgment extends is "abounding in the work of the Lord."
After Reverend Stover came Reverend E. Huber, but he re- mained only six months. He was followed by Reverend P. P. Lane who remained two years. During his pastorate the church was com- pleted and dedicated. The next pastor was Reverend E. A. Shar-
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TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH.
ratts, who served the congregation two years and six months. Then came Reverend George M. Rhoads and labored with great accept- ance and marked success for four years. He was followed by Rev- erend U. Graves, who remained two years ; and February, 1874, the present pastor, Reverend M. L. Shindel, was called and took charge of the congregation. Reverend Shindel is now in the seventh year of his pastorate, and every year the bonds of Christian confi- dence between the pastor and his people seem to grow stronger and stronger. His labors have been greatly blessed in building up the church in the faith and hope of the Gospel.
Trinity Lutheran Church.
This handsome church, on the corner of Market and Church streets was built in 1861, though the congregation, which was a branch diverging from the old Lutheran congregation, was organ- ized in 1859. It is proper to say that increasing numbers and a di- vision on the locating of a new church were the chief causes of separation. The building is in the Norman Gothic style and is seventy-five by forty-five feet. It was originally surmounted by a neat and elegant spire, one hundred and twenty feet high ; but dur- ing a great storm that passed over Danville the spire was blown down and was never re-built. The basement contains a lecture room, Sabbath school room, and a study. The auditorium is a model of beauty harmonizing in all its parts. The ceiling is adorned with the richest fresco, and the pulpit and surroundings are oak. The windows are of stained glass, representing all the hues of the rainbow, filling the chamber with a soft and mellow light. There are some three hundred communicants and the Sunday school is at- tended by about two hundred scholars. The first pastor of this church was Rev. D. M. Henkel. He was succeeded by Rev. Corn- man. Rev. Anspach was the next pastor, and he was followed by Rev. M. C. Horine, the present pastor. Rev. Horine is devoting his life to usefulness in the cause of education, as well as the exer- cise of his ministerial duties. He is, the superintendent of common schools of Montour county, and never were the duties of the office more faithfully discharged than now. We have had A. B. Putnam, William Butler, a conscientious and an excellent man. Then we
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
had Mr. Henry who died a few years ago ; but good as they were, they did not excel Rev. Horine, and this is the voice of the public.
St. John's Lutheran Church.
The German speaking portion of the Lutheran church, organized a separate congregation, and were chartered as St. John's German Evalgelical Lutheran Church. They purchased the old church on Market street, built in 1843. This was in 1858. Rev. Eyer was called to the pastorate and served until his death in 1874. In 1875 Rev. J. W. Early became the pastor in connection with Mahoning and Lazarus. Rev. Early has been much blessed in his labors and is still in this charge, and bids fair to minister to this people for many years to come. And although the congregation felt the depressing effects of the late hard times ; yet their church is without debt and improvements of the building are in contemplation.
J. B. Moore.
J. B. Moore, a former resident of Danville, kept a drug store in the building now occupied by Mr. Askins. Mr. Moore also con- tributed to the improvement of the town by building several snug houses in the Second ward. He afterwards sold his drug store to Samuel Hays and removed to Philadelphia in 1861. Subsequently he purchased a lot on the corner of Thirteenth and Lombard streets in that city, where he erected a large and elegant building in which he keeps a first class retail. drug store. I have heard some of our leading physicians say, that without exception, Mr. J. B. Moore is the most complete chemist and druggist that ever located in Dan- ville. The scientific papers he has contributed to the leading phar- maceutical journals of the United States have elicited the highest commendation of the profession, and his new discoveries in chemis- try and pharmacy have been as highly approved. The honorable position Mr. Moore has attained in his profession, reflects credit on Danville, that was long the place of his residence. With his pro- fessional attainments, his liberal spirit and generous nature, it needs only time and good health to secure a niche in the temple that never decays.
Doctor Joseph Parry.
Doctor Joseph Parry came to Danville from Wales, his native
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THE ACADEMY.
place, when he was but a child. When nine or ten years of age he began on light work about the Rough and Ready rolling-mill. He soon began to develop musical talents of the highest order, and at the age of nineteen years he became a composer and competed suc- cessfully for the prizes offered by the Eisteddvodan committee. Soon his remarkable talents attracted the attention of the lovers of music on both sides of the Atlantic, and he was generously aided in pro- curing a year's instruction in the Royal Academy of Music in Lon- don ; subsequently by his own efforts he was enabled to remain two years longer, and finally won the highest prize at the Academy. Cambridge conferred on him the degree of Bachelor of Music, and subsequently Doctor of Music. He then returned to Danville and taught in an institute here, between 1871 and 1874. In 1874 he accepted the professorship of music in the university at Aberystuith, Wales. His compositions are now widely known, and in both hem- ispheres his reputation is established as one of the most eminent composers of the nineteenth century. Danville may well feel an honest pride in the world-wide reputation of Doctor Joseph Parry.
The Academy.
The Danville Academy was established at an early day by Gen- eral William Montgomery. He granted a number of lots for that purpose, lying west of Mill street, between the river and Mahoning creek ; stipulating it should be under the control of the Presbyterian church, and that one of his decendants should always be on the board of trustees. The building is a neat, two-story brick on the corner of Market and Chestnut streets. It is surrounded by pleas- ant grounds and shaded by a number of large maple trees. During the long years since its institution, there have been a number of teachers engaged in dispensing its blessings to successive genera- tions. Those within my own recollection were Bradley, Weston, Wynn, Pratt and Kelso. Among these, J. M. Kelso, is no doubt the most thorough and successful educator. For some years he taught in the Danville Institute. This was founded by himself in the Mont- gomery building and of which he was principal. Some of our most intelligent and active men in the various professions and pursuits of life, were educated or prepared for college in the Danville Institute, under the tutilage of J. M. Kelso. In fact the college authorities
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
declared that no young men came better prepared than those who had been under the training of Mr. Kelso. His method is thorough and substantial. His present assistant is Miss Flora E. Dorey, also an excellent teacher.
Among the Dead.
John Yerrick, an uncle by marriage to the author of this book, was a quiet, inoffensive man, who strictly attended to the duties of his position in life. Kind hearted, honest and true, he lived a peaceful life, enjoying the good wishes of all around him. He was the ever-faithful sexton of the Protestant Episcopal church without intermission from the building of the church in 1828 until his death which occurred in 1862 in the seventy-ninth year of his age.
William Kitchen, familiarly known as "Squire Kitchen," was one of the old residents of Danville, and for a number of years acted as a justice of the peace. He was also an auctioneer and many a curi- ous joke he cracked on such occasions. Many will remember his mock solemnity, when scolding his turbulent audience for permit- ting " their minds to run on worldly things, and forgetting the sale." At the merry makings of the young folks, the " Squire" and his violin were always in demand, and well they knew the squeak of his old brown fiddle. No wonder he became a popular favorite. His genial nature and goodness of heart were proverbial. He al- ways possessed a buoyant, playful disposition up to the very last. Many who read this note will pause and call to mind some droll remark of " old Squire Kitchen," whose heart was always kind, and whose jokes, though sharp, never injured any one. He died at an advanced age regretted by all who knew him.
William Hancock came from England and was for a time em- ployed at the Montour iron works. In 1847 he joined with John Foley in establishing the Rough and Ready rolling-mill. He after- wards became sole proprietor of the works. Finally when it became the National iron works he was chosen president of the company. William Hancock was an upright, enterprising citizen, and added much to the business life and prosperity of the town. He built a splendid mansion on Market street and another in Riverside. He was always popular with the workingmen, honorable in all his busi-
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AMONG THE DEAD.
ness transactions, and will long be kindly remembered by those who have shared his favors or enjoyed his friendship.
John G. Montgomery was a prominent lawyer of Danville. After serving with much credit in the State Legislature he was elected to Congress in 1856 ; but died before the commencement of his term. He fell a victim to the mysterious poisoning at the National hotel, in Washington city, in the month of March, 1857, during the in- auguration of James Buchanan. He returned home and after linger- ing a little while, died in the prime of life. He was born in Para- dise, then Northumberland county, Pennsylvania, in 1805, and died on the 24th of April, 1857.
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.
John Foley was William Hancock's partner in the Rough and Ready rolling-mill. He was also a local preacher in the Methodist church. He left the firm at one time and took a trip to Europe to revisit the scenes and friends of his youth. Previous to his depart- ure the workingmen presented him with a gold headed cane. The presentation address was made by the writer of this volume in the court-house. The ceremony was followed by a banquet at the Montour House. Mr. Foley returned to Danville and after some time he removed to Baltimore, where he died a few years ago.
John T. Heath was a brass founder and plumber, and also kept a small grocery on the corner of Pine and Walnut streets. He was something of a curiosity, and was noted alike for his honesty and fair dealing and for the marvelous tough stories he could tell. He could tell a fish story with the most profound solemnity ; such as having seen a man at Philadelphia ride across the Delaware to Cam- den, on the back of a sturgeon. He could also tell snake stories with an air of seriousness that challenged the confidence of his way- side audience. And yet John T. Heath was a good man, did no harm to his neighbor and was highly respected in his day and gen- eration. He left Danville years ago and has since died.
John Patton was a wheelright and one of the early mechanics that gave character to Danville. By the kindness of his children,
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
the later years of his life were spent in comfort and with little of worldly care. Many a pleasant hour I spent with him under the tall elms that stood on the banks of Mahoning; and well I knew that I lost a friend when John Patton died. Indeed, if " good" can be justly applied to mortal man-one who contributed a share to the business current and the moral sentiment of Danville, that man was John Patton. An earnest christian, an example of steadfast, practical piety, and yet always cheerful as a summer morning. He has gone to meet the reward of the christian soldier who has fought the good fight, kept the faith and finished his course.
Mannassa Young was a prominent member of the African Metho- dist Episcopal church of Mount Zion, and was also superintendent of the Sabbath school. He was a portly man, weighing nearly four hundred pounds. For twenty years he served as watchman at the company store and was always faithful. He died in February, 1870. His death was peaceful. He died as the Christian dies.
William Thompson was a barber and a man of more than ordi- nary intelligence. He was well posted on public affairs, and al- though he did not live to see the day, he confidently predicted the freedom of his race in the near future. He died in the prime of life.
Sydney S. Easton died in October 1862, in the fifty-eighth year of his age. He was a contractor in connection with the public works in various portions of the State, and for some time had been en- gaged at the Pennsylvania iron works. He built a fine residence on Market street, now occupied by William T. Ramsay, who mar- ried a daughter of Sydney S. Easton. He (Sydney S. Easton) was highly esteemed, kind in his disposition and charitable to all, he never turned away from the needy. He was a member of the Prot- estant Episcopal church, and in his life adorned the doctrines he professed. Rev. E. N. Lightner delivered a beautiful and appopri- ate address over his remains in the church. The Masonic fraternity escorted him to the grave.
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