USA > Pennsylvania > Montour County > Danville > Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania : a collection of historical and biographical sketches > Part 13
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Isaac Gulick, an upright citizen, held a number of local positions of responsibility and died some twenty years ago.
A. P. Alward, long a justice of the peace, died as old age was approaching.
John Moore, one of the enterprising business men of Danville, died at a good old age. He built the Mansion House.
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AMONG THE DEAD.
Jacob Cornelison, proprietor of the " White Swan," contracted disease in the army and died in 1865, comparatively young.
Cornelius Garretson, a man of considerable prominence died at a good old age. He was at one time proprietor of the Montour House.
John Harmon, was a quiet and industrious citizen, working as book-binder, barber, watchmaker and saloon keeper. He was in the forty-fourth year of his age and died on the 4th of June, 1870.
Robert Winter, was among the honest, industrious and pious citi- zens of Danville. He was a baker and made good, honest loaves. He fell asleep some years ago.
John Cooper .- Judge Cooper was a lawyer of more than ordinary ability, and was also considered good authority on literary subjects of a general character. Perhaps the deference paid by the public, the homage paid to his learning and ripened judgment, made him somewhat arrogant in the latter years of his life. He was very quick and restive on the slightest opposition ; and many anecdotes are told of his sudden ebullitions and emphatic expressions when pro- voked. He was much respected as the most learned though the most eccentric lawyer of Danville. He died on the 22d day of June, 1863, in the seventy ninth year of his age. He was the father-in- law of Hon. John G. Montgomery, the victim of the hotel poisoning at Washington.
Peter Hughes was a marble worker and was proprietor of the yard now owned by H. F. Hawke & Co. He was also honored by be- ing elected associate judge. He died about 1872.
B. W. Musselman was a good citizen and served as drum major in the war for the Union. He died in 1875.
Jacob Hibler was one of the substantial business men of Danville. He carried on the tanning business on Front street, and sold to Mr. Houpt. He died a number of years ago, much regretted.
Thomas Jemison was a contractor and aided in many public improvements. He had many warm friends. Died in 1863 or 1864.
Jacob Reed was a Danville merchant, somewhat peculiar ; but really a good man. He died a few years ago.
Samuel York, Jr., was the first president of the First National
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Bank of Danville. He was always a man of high standing in the community and died much regretted a few years ago.
James Cousart, long a confidential clerk at the Rough and Ready iron works, died a year or two ago, when scarcely past the meridian line.
Daniel Reynolds, the Danville hatter and an honest man died : some three years ago.
James G. Maxwell, a member of the Legislature in 1849, died some years ago, and his brother Thomas Maxwell died in 1875.
Thomas Clark was a machinist, a quiet good man, familiarly called "Uncle Tom." He died some years ago.
A. J. Ammerman was the merchant of East Danville. An ac- tive enterprising business man. He died in his prime.
B. W. Waples was superintendent of the Grove's limestones quar- ries. He was a man of much executive power, strong in his friend- ships and generous to all.
James Voris was one of the old substantial citizens and held a high place in the respect and confidence of the people. He died on the 24th of May, 1866, aged 78 years and 7 months. He sleeps in the Presbyterian grave-yard where a marble tombstone tells the brief and pointed history of man, namely that he was born; lived his day, died, has gone to his reward.
Joseph D. Hahn was an active man and held a number of local offices. He died in middle life.
William Buckley built and kept the "Hudson River House." He died in I875.
Charles C. Baldy built a fine, iron-front block on Mill street and kept a hardware store for a number of years. He died six or seven years ago.
Isaac R. Freeze, a young merchant and a man of promise, died in 1870 just as he had crossed the threshold of manhood.
Eli Trego came from Chester county and was connected with the Montour iron works at their commencement. He was also a jus- tice of the peace, his office and residence adjoined the Montgomery building. He died on the 14th of February, 1856, and was buried with Masonic honors. His remains were first taken to the Episcopal church where Rev. E. N. Lightner, the rector delivered the most eloquent and impressive funeral discourse I ever heard.
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AMONG THE DEAD.
Samuel Alexander was a worthy and respectable citizen. Long an earnest and devoted Christian in communion with the Methodist church, he saw his approaching end with calmness, and met the last great foe like a good soldier of the cross. He was also an ardent patriot during the war, and died triumphantly in the fifty-ninth year of his age.
M. C. Grier was a brother of Judge Robert C. Grier, late of the Supreme Court of the United States. He was one of the substan- tial citizens of Danville, and occupied many positions of public trust. Long a ruling elder in the Presbyterian church, he adorned the position by the practice of every Christian virtue that lends no- bility to the office-bearer in the house of God. Generous to a fault ; for like Goldsmith's " village preacher," his very "failings leaned to virtue's side." He was ever ready to deny himself in minister- ing to the happiness of others. Every good work for the general or the special benefit of his fellow men always found a warm and earnest friend in M. C. Grier. And many there are who will gratefully remember his kindly aid and cherish his memory with a devotion pure as earth affords and lasting as their lives. In a word, M. C. Grier was emphatically a good man, and if the world had more like him the sunshine of joy would dispel the darkness of sor- row from many a household. He has gone to his reward, leaving a record untarnished and a name that none need ever blush to own. He died December 25th, 1878.
William Smith, familiarly known as "Billy Smith," for more than thirty years drove stage and omnibus in this place. He was one of the most careful and obliging men to be found in the coun- try, and was favorably known far and wide. His omnibus was al- ways on time and he always had a pleasant answer to a civil inquiry. He died a few years ago much lamented.
J. P., M. J., and John J. Grove, the proprietors of the Columbia furnaces. Large-minded and energetic business men ; honest and reli- able they were highly respected, and all died in the prime of manhood.
Major Thomas Brandon, one of the live men of Danvil'e, with a military turn of mind, died a few years ago.
George A. Frick, prothonotary of the county, and first cashier of the Bank of Danville ; was a lawyer of ability, with a mind well stored with general knowledge. He died suddenly at a ripe old age.
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Major J. V. L. De Witt, at one time proprietor of Chulasky furnace, died a few years ago.
Major William G. Scott, of Northumberland county, settled in Danville, to spend the evening of his days, and died at a good old age.
John Rhodes, came to Danville in 1824. He bought the " Penn- sylvania House " in 1829. It was originally called the "Farmers' Hotel," and for many years was the chosen hostelrie of the farmers and others while attending court or on other occasions. John Rhodes enjoyed the respect and confidence of a large circle of friends and patrons. He died in 1852 and the property still belongs to his heirs. Two of his sons are still in town, B. K. Rhodes a lawyer and J. Clark Rhodes a merchant whose store adjoins the hotel.
Horace Curtis, a highly-respected teacher of the Second Ward grammar school. He died on April 21st, 1863, aged 52 years.
There is no pretension to a complete list of the dead of twenty- five years, as that would itself fill a volume. The names of a few are added below :
Dr. Isaac Hughes, Dr. E. H. Snyder, George Kipp, S. C. Van- sant, I. S. Thornton, J. M. Woods, Samuel Wolf, W. W. Hughes, William Morgan, William Earp, Samuel Ware, William Travel, Rev. J. B. Cook, Charles and Barney Dougherty, John Arms, Mark Myers, George and Lewis Kaufman, Frank Rouch, Samuel Roush, D. N. Kownover, George Basset, Charles H. Waters, Samuel Stroh, Henry Harris, Robert Winter.
Water Works.
The question of supplying Danville with water was long and earn- estly debated, and various plans or systems were proposed. Some favored a reservoir on York's Hill and forcing the water from the river by a powerful, stationary engine. Others favored a reservoir, but insisted on bringing the water from Roaring creek in pipes pass- ing under the river bed ; others again were inclined to a connection with the water works at the asylum. Some ten years ago, a.com- pany was chartered, as the " Danville Water Company;" but it never got beyond a formal organization. In 1871 some pamphlets were sent to this place, explaining the character and success of the
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WATER WORKS.
" Holly system," recently introduced by the Holly firm at Lockport, New York. The town council took up the subject, and whilst all urged a water supply the council was about equally divided be- tween the Holly system and a reservoir. Finally a committee, con- sisting of George W. Reay, J. W. Sweisfort, William Buckley, and M. D. L. Sechler, was appointed to investigate the subject.
In the later part of April, 1872, the committee went to Elmira, Buf- falo, Binghampton, Rochester, Auburn, and other cities where the various plans are in operation. It is worthy of note that a majority of the committee was opposed to the Holly system, but after a full in- vestigation they unanimously reported in favor of the Holly works. Previous to this an election was held at the court house to ascertain the popular sentiment. There was a large majority in favor of wa- ter, but owing to some informality the result was not satisfactory. After a warm contest the Holly system was adopted by the casting vote of Burgess, Oscar Ephlin, and a contract was accordingly made with the Holly Company at Lockport, New York. The final vote on adopting the Holly system was as follows : For the Holly works, George W. Reay, William Buckley, Jacob Schuster, George W. Miles, J. W. Sweisfort, M. D. L. Sechler, and Oscar Ephlin, Bur- gess. Against the Holly works; George Lovett, Samuel Lewis, James L. Riehl, Henry M. Schoch, and Hickman Frame.
The water works are located on the river bank in the First ward. The engines and pumps are a model of beauty and of power. A filterer was constructed some distance out in the river, and the wa- ter from thence forced through metal pipes through every portion of the town, not only supplying the citizens but proving a great safety in case of fire. These works have a capacity of two millions of gallons in twenty-four hours, but can be procured of any desired capacity. In the works here, there are two engines of each one hundred and fifty horse-power, two powerful rotary pumps and a gang of twelve piston pumps. There are ten miles of pipe laid and there are about one hundred fire hydrants. The pipe was laid by S. Krebs & Co., under a contract for $87,500. The contract for the engines and pumps, with the Holly Manufacturing Company, at Lockport, New York, was for $36,000. In 1880 the council had a well sunk on the river bank, fifty feet in length, five feet wide. and ten feet deep. The works are now perfectly satisfactory ; the
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
wretched filterer in the river having been a source of constant trou- ble. It is proper to say that the wells as now constructed, belong to the Holly system. The people of Danville, notwithstanding the consequent debt, fully appreciate the great value of the Holly sys- tem of water supply, and would on no consideration exchange their magnificent works for any mud-hole of a reservoir that ever sent its doubtful essence through a city, burdened, and yet deprived of pure, wholesome water. We now have an abundance, and the safety these works afford in case of fire as well as the economy in supporting a fire department is alone worth more to Danville than their cost. In point of convenience, purity, cleanliness, health, and safety from fire, the Holly system of water works, so far as our experience with the testimony of other cities extends is superior to all others.
The water works are managed by a board of three commissioners, appointed by the town council. A superintendent, secretary, and other employees are appointed by the commissioners.
The present board of water commissioners consist of John H. Grove, James Cruikshanks, and Doctor R. S. Simington.
Superintendent, James Foster.
Clerk, Charles M. Zuber.
Music. 1
Music has long been liberally patronized in Danville. I pass over the good old times of the village "singing school," and this is a necessity as but scanty record is left of those primary institu- tions ; when the " master " with his " pitch-fork," nasal twang and swallow-tailed coat ruled the hour. Ah ! those were delightful days and more delightful nights, when the young folks met at stated periods in the quaint and rugged school-house of the village, each with the latest edition of fa-sol-la in one hand and a tallow-dip in the other, wrapped in a paper socket. Do ra me had not been in- vented, gas was unknown and coal oil slept in darkness far down in the earth. Yet the people were contented and happy with the square notes and the light the tallow afforded. It was in the days when caste, founded on wealth or accidental circumstances was un- known, and when these humble enjoyments yielded a rich harvest of delight. How the grand notes of "Old Hundred," " Cov- entry " and "Coronation " awoke the slumbering echoes among
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MUSIC.
the rough-hewn rafters ; and how the tender glances of rustic swain, or blushing maiden, mingled in the fitful glare of the tallow-dip and perchance gave a richer zest to the heart-felt music. And what fun and frolic they had at " intermission," and how the joyous hearts of earnest lovers bounded and fluttered when " singing school was out," and going home was in order ? Many happy marriages that still bless their decendants, resulted from those happy reunions, and many scenes of wild romance, or rarest humor, enlivened the long remembered hours of joy, in those far off days. . Though with many they may be almost forgotten in the rushing, jostling race for wealth and distinction, or only recalled at long intervals as memory for a moment sweeps away the dust of finished years Age or mis- fortune will bring back the past, that was forgotten in the sunshine of prosperity.
Quaint and curious is the ancient legend, in relation to the origin of instrumental music: namely that Tubal Cain or some antedi- luvian caught the first idea from the vibration in the wind of a broken branch of the bamboo tree. Equally poetic and perhaps more truthful is the story of its origin in Danville. Do you remem- ber the ragged but happy descendant of Africa, so lustily blowing a horn on the old bridge, near where the iron footway now spans the canal, on Mill street ? He manifested a high conception of the sub- lime science and remarkable skill in execution. In the calm twilight of summer evenings many paused to listen to the stirring music of the enraptured amateur. Among them was Abraham Sechler. His quick ear caught the inspiring notes that soon developed a wondrous power in himself, urging him onward and upward in the scale of mu- sical excellence. The cultivation of that branch of music has ever been his delight and his success has been complete. From child- hood a lover of music and catching fresh inspiration from the thrill- ing notes of the wandering minstrel, as he poured the soul of song through the rude instrument of his choice, on the old bridge ; Abra- ham Sechler resolved to excel. Soon his four brothers joined him in an amateur band. For some time these five brothers practiced together and won a high reputation for proficiency in rendering music of a higher order than the good people of Danville were wont to hear.
The first regular cornet band was organized early in 1838. It was
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
called, " The Danville Independent Band." Abraham Sechler was chosen president and leader on the 25th of April, 1838. Jesse F. Sholes was made secretary and treasurer. He resigned on the 28th day of January, 1839, and Oscar Moore was chosen in his stead. At the organization the members were Abraham Sechler, Jesse F. Sholes, George S. Sanders, Oscar Moore, Jacob R. Sechler, Michael Rissel, George W. Hall, Joseph Hiles, Charles Sechler and Jesse Clark. The uniform was blue cloth. The coats were trimmed with yellow lace and brass buttons. The by-laws also required them to wear " stand-up collars." The constitution and by-laws adopted, were drawn up with much care and contain some excellent rules : among them is one imposing a fine of two dollars in case of intoxi- cation during the hours of duty. In searching the minutes I can find no instance of the fine being exacted, from which it is evident that this law never was violated. But then it was before the days of lager beer or poisoned whisky. For the old records, I am indebted to Mr. George S. Sanders who was one of the members of the pio- neer band and who is still among our prominent musicians.
In the course of time the name of the band was changed to " The Danville Cornet Band." In 1855 Charles H. Stoes became its leader, and in 1857 through the aid of the citizens a complete set of new instruments were procured. They were of German silver and that presented to Charles H. Stoes of solid silver, and the band has since been known as "Stoes' Silver Cornet Band." The mem- bers were Charles H. Stoes, leader, Moyer Lyon, George S. Sanders, John F. Gulick, B. W. Musselman, A. F. Henrie, E. K. Hale, George W. Hoffman, Charles Sechler, Jacob Weitzel, Joseph R. Patton, O. G. Mellon, H. L. Shick, Joseph Clark and Hugh Pursel.
For years this band was one of the most distinguished in the State, bearing away the honors on many public occasions in various portions of the country. The present members of this band, now " Stoes' Twelfth Regiment Band," are Charles H. Stoes, leader, William McCloud, Abraham Sechler, A. Flanagan, Benjamin A. Gaskins, George S. Sanders, William McCloud, Jr., J. T. Oberdorf, Charles Gross, James Irland, Clark Coder, George W. Hoffman, E. K. Hale, Joseph L. Frame, Peter Keller, Frank Lewis, John N. Hommer, Thomas Hall and H. L. Shick, drum major. In 1856 a new cornet band was organized in Danville, under the leadership and instruc-
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MUSIC.
tion of Abraham Sechler. Its membership embraced a number who had been trained in the original band together with some new ma- terial. It met in the Assembly building and was known as " Sech- ler's Cornet Band," and it soon attained a high degree of proficien- cy. To this band, J. B. Cox, a photographer, presented a large portrait of each member, in a massive frame. I had the honor of participating in the imposing ceremonies. For some time " Sech- ler's Cornet Band" bade fair to rival the old organization. But its members volunteered in the army of the United States and served through long years of war and after its dissolution, Mr. Sechler played with Stoes' band. In 1872 a number of musicians joined to- gether in the organization of a new band, which was known as the " Independent Band of Danville." Mr. Gibbons was chosen leader and Abraham Sechler instructor. Its place of meeting was in Frank's building by the canal. For some time it made extraordi- nary progress, but is now dissolved. Some of its members are play- ing in Stoes' band. St. Joseph's cornet band was organized some years ago, and also made rapid strides under the instruction of Abra- ham Sechler, but also disbanded and a portion are in the old and only cornet band now in Danville.
While we acknowledge and admire the rare talents and wonderful execution of Charles H. Stoes, justice demands a recognition of Abraham Sechler, as the Nestor of musical science in Danville, the pioneer of the earliest organized effort in its cultivation, and as such he is worthy of a high place in the musical synagogue. He bore the burden and piloted the way, in the " day of small things." He bared his shoulders to unremitting toil in training the old band and preparing the way to the proud eminence it now occupies. He la- bored faithfully to sow the good seed, though others might reap the golden harvest in a wider field. In a word let us give to each and all, the honor that is due to all who have devoted their talents and their energies to the cultivation of music, and in giving to Danville the preëminence so generally acknowledged by those best qualified to judge.
Vocal and Instrumental Music.
Vocal and instrumental music on the organ and piano have been very generally cultivated in Danville. A great number of profes-
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
sors and teachers have sojourned here, during the last quarter of a century, under whose guidance the standard has been well advanced. Some of these are remembered and others are forgotten. It isa curious fact that so many traveling professors, though blessed with musical ability, are shallow minded in other respects, vain and foppish. But there are many noble exceptions. Mr. Bachman was a thorough teacher and possessed a mind well stored with general information. Many of the Danville ladies in middle life, who excel in music to- day, were started on the high road by the substantial and skillful training of Mr. Bachman. He has long since gone to his rest in the grave ; but the fruit of his work remains, and in musical num- bers his memory lives in the evening hymns of many a household band. There. was also Mr. Hess, the two Walkers, Baron Von Rachow and others who were proficients in music, but seemed to lack ballast in other departments of their mental organization. Among the lady teachers, Miss Damon has no rival. She was emi- nently successful and won a high reputation in this place. She, like a number of others, was a noble exception to the general criti- cism of our musical professors. William H. Bourne was a very successful teacher and a man of general information, but he aban- doned the profession for other pursuits. Professor Mason conducted an institute in Reynold's building for some time with good success.
Harry Earp's Sextant Cornet Band was organized under the lead- ership of Harry Earp, some three years ago. The members at or- ganization were Harry Earp, leader; Bergan Gaskins, John F. Kime, Conrad Aten, William Earp, David Aten. This band is greatly admired for its high character and splendid execution. David Aten has since died and his place is vacant.
The First Bank.
The Danville bank was chartered by the State, in 1848. The first election was held on the 9th of November 1849, at the Mon- tour House. The directors then elected were, Peter Baldy, Sr., Dr. William H. Magill, George A. Frick, William Jennison, Wil- liam Donaldson, Lewis Vastine and M. C. Grier, of Danville ; Thomas Hayes of Lewisburg ; Jacob Cooke of Muncy ; W. C. Law- son of Milton ; Jacob W. Smith of Selinsgrove; John Sharpless of Catawissa ; and John Grotz, of Bloomsburg. On the 26th of No-
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EDITORIAL ASSOCIATION.
vember 1849, the directors held a meeting at the Montour House and elected Peter Baldy, Sr., president, and on the 18th of Decem- ber following, George A. Frick was elected cashier. David Clark was elected clerk and B. P. Alward was appointed messenger and watchman. The salaries were for the president $300 ; the cashier $800 ; the clerk $500 and for the messenger $168.
On the 13th of February, 1850, George A. Frick resigned his di- rectorship and J. P. Hackenburg was chosen in his stead.
On the 19th of February, 1850, the bank was opened for business and the first deposit was made by David Clark. In February the capital stock paid in was $200,000.
Peter Baldy, Sr., resigned the presidency of the bank on the 13th of October, 1856, and Edward H. Baldy was elected to that posi- tion. George A. Frick, the cashier, resigned that office on the 22d of April, 1862, and David Clark was elected cashier on the same day. A well-deserved vote of thanks was tendered to George A. Frick for his long and faithful services, and his salary was continued until the following July.
According to previous notice a meeting of the stockholders was held on the 15th of April 1865, to decide upon becoming a National Bank, under the laws of the United States. The decision was unan- imous in favor of the proposed change. At the same meeting P. Baldy, E. H. Baldy, George A. Frick, William H. Magill, J. C. Rhodes, G. M. Shoop and John Sharpless were elected directors. Since that time the institution has continued to prosper, under its judicious management. The officers at present are, president, E. H. Baldy ; cashier, David Clark; clerk, George M. Gearheart. It is now the Danville National Bank.
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