USA > Pennsylvania > Montour County > Danville > Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania : a collection of historical and biographical sketches > Part 14
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24
Editorial Association.
The first Editorial Association in the State was organized in Dan- ville in 1857, at least I have no knowledge of any prior organiza- tion. In the spring of 1857, through the paper I then published in this place I proposed a convention of Pennsylvania editors at Dan- ville for mutual benefit. The project was opposed on the part of some, on the ground that the diversity of local interests would pre- vent us from fixing a scale of prices or harmonizing on many sub- jects. Many, however, seconded this movement and agreed to come
.
158
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
to Danville out of deference to the place where it originated. The 4th of August, 1857, was fixed upon as the time and on that day the following editors met in the Montgomery building, where my office was then located, viz : J. Henry Puleston, Pittston Gazette ; W. P. Miner, Record of the Times, Wilkes-Barre ; E. H. Rauch, Mauch Chunk Gazette ; E. A. Baker, Jersey Shore Republican ; O. N. Worden, Lewisburg Chronical ; Thomas G. Price, Working Men's Advocate, Minersville ; R. W. Weaver, Star of the North, Bloomsburg ; Palemon John, Columbia County Republican, Blooms- burg ; L. H. Davis, Montgomery Ledger, Pottstown ; James Jones, Jersey Shore Vidette ; H. B. Mosser, Sunbury American ; John Youngman, Sunbury Gazette ; Levi L. Tate, Democrat, Bloomes- burg ; L. F. Irvin, Berwick Gazette ; G. L. I. Painter, Muncy Lu- minary ; Jacob Frick, Miltonian ; Richard Edwards, Western Star, Pottsville ; C. E. Chichester, Philadelphia Enquirer ; Valentine Best, Danville Intenigencer ; Charles Cook, Danville Democrat ; D. H. B. Brower, Montour American, Danville.
On motion W. P. Miner was called to the chair, and L. H. Da- vis was chosen temporary secretary.
The following were appointed a committee on organization : E. H. Rauch, Thomas G. Price, and D. H. B. Brower.
R. W. Weaver, J. H. Puleston, Valentine Best, O. N. Worden, F. A. Baker, were appointed a committee on " business."
The convention then adjourned until two o'clock, P. M.
At the afternoon session the committee on organization reported as permanent officers :
President-Levi L. Tate.
Vice Presidents-V. Best, G. L. I. Painter, O. N. Worden, L. H. Davis.
Secretaries-J. H. Puleston, John Youngman.1
Regrets for unavoidable non-attendance were received from the Carbon Democrat, Wellsboro' Agitator, Lycoming Gazette, and Weekly Phoenix.
The first movement was as follows :
Resolved, That this association shall be known as the "Keystone Editorial Union," and shall meet annually, at such time and place as may be agreed upon.
I59
EDITORIAL ASSOCIATION.
Resolved, That we earnestly recommend that from the first of January next, all subscriptions shall be required in advance.
Various subjects of importance were discussed. The chair ap- pointed Rauch, Cook and Jones a committee on resolutions.
At the evening session, the following resolutions were reported :
First. That members of this association will have no dealings with any advertising agent who will not promptly settle his account at the end of every quarter for all advertisements sent within that time ; and any advertising agent failing to do so, shall be published as being no longer our agent.
Seeond. That we deem it impracticable for editors, in different localities distant, from each other to fix a uniform scale of prices, and that we therefore recommend that it be made a matter of local arrangement, and in no case deviating from the terms set forth in their respective journals.
Third. That believing mutual confidence and cooperation neces- sary to secure any practical benefit to our profession, we pledge our- selves to use our best efforts, both individually and collectively, to cultivate that spirit.
Fourth. That the publication of personalities reflecting upon the private character of a brother editor, or any other individual, is de- rogatory to the profession, and should not be countenanced.
Fifth. That it is a violation of that courtesy which should ever characterize the editorial fraternity to employ apprentices who have not served out their full term with their employer, unless by mutual agreement, and we pledge ourselves to discourage it.
Sixth. That we will not take apprentices hereafter for a shorter period than four years.
Seventh. That we pledge ourselves to exclude all advertising of an indelicate nature.
Eighth. That all general laws by the Legislature should, in the opinion of this association, be published and laid before the people as fully as possible, immediately after the close of the session during which they were enacted, and that the cheapest and only successful mode of accomplishing this would be by the passage of an act pro- viding for such publication in every newspaper of the State, at a cost of one half the regular advertising rates.
1
160
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Ninth. That a copy of these resolutions be forwarded to every newspaper office in the interior of Pennsylvania.
O. N. Worden delivered an amusing address on "The Oldest Printer on Record."
Pottsville was selected as the place, and the first Tuesday in May, 1858, for the next meeting.
The venerable Col. Valentine Best, was unable to take an active part in the proceedings, but to manifest his interest in the move- ment, he hoisted the American flag at his office, and cordially invi- ted all the members of the association to call at his residence and partake of a collation prepared for the occasion. About eight o'clock in the evening the association enjoyed his hospitality, where Stoes' Silver Cornet Band gave them a grand serenade.
During the ensuing winter the editors of Philadelphia organized an editorial association, and invited the "Keystone Editorial Union," instituted at Danville, to meet them in Philadelphia on the 12th of April, 1858. The invitation was accepted, and there being an evident disposition on the part of the city editors, with the ex- ception of J. W. Forney, and a few others, to swallow the original association, there sprang up a lively discussion between Morton McMichael, William M. Allen, George Raymond, and R. Lyle White on the one side, and J. W. Forney, Dr. John, L. L. Tate, and D. H. B. Brower on the other.
Finally D. H. B. Brower offered the following as a compromise : " That we are willing to go into a general State organization at once, if the association of city editors will agree to a formal union and a new, joint organization, each abandoning the old.
On motion of J. W. Forney, this proposition was agreed to.
The following officers were then elected for the State Editorial Association of Pennsylvania :
President-Morton McMichael.
Vice Presidents-Col. Tate, J. J. Patterson, R. Lyle White, O. N. Worden, Edward Shull, P. R. Freas, H. S. Evans.
Secretaries-L. H. Davis, G. Raymond, J. H. Puleston.
Treasurer-L. A. Godey.
Executive Committee-D. H. B. Brower, J. W. Forney, J. Heron Foster, J. M. Keuster.
Corresponding Secretary-Charles J. Peterson.
161
NOW AND THEN.
The association adjourned to meet at Harrisburg in 1859, but it, soon became evident at Harrisburg that the purposes of the associa- tion were ignored, and that it was rapidly degenerating into a mere season of carousal. After one or two meetings at the capital, the leading journalists of the State withdrew, and so far as the original design was concerned, it was a failure. The organization was dis- solved. Mr. Godey the treasurer, still having some seventy dollars in his hands.
After some years it was resurrected and still retains its organiza- tion, meeting annually for a pleasure trip, which seems to be the main object of its existence.
Now and Then.
On taking a survey of Danville, there is nothing more clearly ap- parent to the careful observer than the growing taste of our people, as well as their enterprise, manifested in the air of neatness that sur- rounds their dwellings and the improvements and adornments that beautify their homes, notwithstanding the grievous depression under which they are struggling. Nor is it limited alone to private resi- dences, but is seen in the places of public resort. Almost every house, in some portions of the town, can boast some new attraction, if nothing but a tree, a shrub or a flower. It seems as if the scales had fallen from our eyes, and our people, with a common impulse, a new-born zeal and a more refined taste, begin to see the beauty and the utility of pleasant surroundings. Under the influence of this spirit pervading the community old homes are putting on a new garb, and the new are reared with scrupulous care, not only as " a place to eat and sleep," but as a place to enjoy the sweetest hours of life-the pleasures of HOME. Volumes have been written on the duty of making home attractive, and a stroll, especially through East Danville or " York's Hill " will convince you that the lesson is car -. ried out in practice, at least as far as the exterior is concerned. A glance at other portions of the town will also show a general pro- gress in the same direction, and teach us to anticipate the time when the rough places will be redeemed, and teem with the evidences of taste and culture, so pleasant to the eye, and when the very cinder- tips will bloom with the blossoms of the rose. The time is coming
II
162
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
when fruitful gardens, trees and flowers will adorn every home, where, as yet, the bare and cinder-coated earth awaits their coming-when Bald-Top will no longer lift its barren heights to the sun, but when picturesque mansions will deck its crown, when fertile gardens, vines and vineyards will adorn its slopes, when shrubbery, roadways and all the improvements of cultivated taste and enterprise shall combine with its native grandeur to make it what it is destined to be. And, surely, Bald-Top has yielded enough of its solid treasures of ore to claim in return its general improvement.
The time was when it was too common to rear a structure in haste, to board it up roughly, and guiltless of paint or ornament to make it a place to stay. Now, where those in similar circumstances build a home it is neat, modestly and tastefully adorned. It is next pro- vided with proper surroundings, and is made pleasant to the eye and cheering to the heart. And there is no doubt that children reared amid the charms of such a home, will unconsciously catch the spirit of the scenes around them, and grow up with a life-long impression of that gentle influence on their hearts and on their minds.
We have said that this progressive spirit of improvement, with the growing taste of our people, is not limited to private residences alone. Our public buildings and places of popular resort of all kinds, bear the same impress, both as regards elegance and con- venience.
Perhaps there is no more convincing or enduring evidence of the real character of a people, than that afforded by their public build- ings. By that standard, historians judge the nations and peoples that rose and fell in the long past. By that standard, character is given to the people of Thebes, Palmyra, to Pompeii and Herculaneum. Nor these alone, but many others known to have existed, and who left no architectural monuments to guide the antiquarian, are set down as having occupied the lowest grade of intelligence, or as being uncivilized.
But let us come back to Danville. We have no apprehension that Bald-Top or Blue Hill will become volcanic and cover us up with ashes and lava, so that the curious delvers in after times, when they dig down to the cobble-stones on Mill street, or haply discover the
163
BRICK MAKING.
ornate and durable masonry of the court-house, the opera-house, the asylum, or Groves' Mount Lebanon, will judge our progress as a people in the arts and sciences and define our exact position in the scale of civilization, by the style of chisseled granite ; nay more, fix our moral standard by the sculptured stones they may find among the ruins of our churches. We are not guarding against such a con- tingency, still it is no less desirable to leave these substantial me- morials to those who come after us. It is, therefore, pleasant to witness their creation-pleasant to remember, on this centennial year, that all the stately churches, public edifices and splendid man- sions that greet the eye were redeemed from the wild and barren waste that marked the landscape in the days of the pioneers. The lessons drawn from the beauties of art or nature are humanizing and eminently wholesome, as well as lasting. We do not mean to gaze for an hour with feelings of awe, on the wonders of the world, but daily intercourse with the one or the other. We mean the impres- sion made upon us by living in their midst and catching the sublime spirit of their harmony, until their teachings become a part of our very selves, interwoven with our own nature and lasting as our lives. The mighty cataract, the grandeur of the mountain among the clouds, the solid masonry of the Almighty or his Majesty mirrored in the ocean, may excite our wonder and awe. It may stir the emotions of our hearts to their very depths, under a sense of the grand and the sublime, but will have less bearing on our every day life, than the quiet beauties around us. These calm yet potent agencies daily inspire our lives by the lessons they daily repeat.
Brick Making.
The first brick made in Danville, were made by Mr. Burkenbine, near the ground on which the company store now stands. After him came Charles White, S. Gibbs, and John Turner, who each had their day in the manufacture, in various localities within the town limits. Good clay is formed in all portions of the narrrow valley in which Danville is located. Nearly a score of years ago B. W. Wate bought out John Turner, and for many successive seasons manufac- tured brick on an extensive scale, turning out over seven hundred thousand in a single season. Mr. Wate is an energetic, upright busi- ness man, and bids fair to bake oceans of mud into first class brick,
164
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
as he is still in the prime of life. In the summer of 1880 he oper- ated at Milton, where the great fire created a pressing demand for brick. Some years ago Joseph Flanegan commenced the brick ma- ing in Danville, and continues to make and sell hundreds of thou- sands every season. His make always find a ready sale. He un- derstands the business well, and his reputation as a reliable business man extends far and wide. Reed, Diebert, and others also em- barked in the business, but, not being practical men they soon abandoned the field. Brick have sold from $4 50 to $8 oo per thousand in this market.
Kiem has also been operating a yard for Wilson M. Gearhart.
Hospital for the Insane at Danville.
This great public institution is located on what had been known as the " Pinneo Farm," about one mile southeast of Danville. On the 13th of April, 1868, the Legislature passed an act for the estab- lishment of the hospital and appointed a locating commission, com- posed of J. A. Reed, Traill Green and John Curwen. After visit- ing various localities in the district, for which the proposed hospital was intended, it was finally decided that Danville was the most suit- able in all respects. The Pinneo farm of some two hundred and fifty acres was accordingly purchased, the citizens of Danville con- tributing a bonus of sixteen thousand dollars. On the 23d of April the commissioners had appointed John McArthur, Jr., architect, and soon after they chose Doctor S. S. Schultz superintendent, a a position he has filled ever since May, 1868 with great credit to himself and to the complete satisfaction of the public. The corner stone of the hospital was laid by Governor John W. Geary on the 26th day of August, 1869. The building proper is eleven hundred and forty-three feet long. The center building is two hundred and two feet deep. They range from three to five stories in height. The wings contain three hundred and fifty rooms each. Altogether there are about eight hundred rooms. The chapel is a large and beautiful chamber and will seat six hundred. It is also the lecture-room and is furnished with a piano and an organ. The wing connections are enclosed with iron doors, and the building contains every department necessary to an institution where so many unfortunates find a home ; offices, bath-rooms, dining-rooms,
165
HOSPITAL FOR THE INSANE AT DANVILLE.
laundries, kitchen, store-room and many others. Iron and slate are extensively used in the construction of the building, in order to strengthen it as well as to guard against the danger of fire. The stone in the exterior walls are from the well-known quarry on the premises. The door and window sills and lintels as also the car- riage porch are of the Goldsboro' brown stone from York county. The brick in the partition walls were furnished by numerous makers of the neighborhood and were laid by Ammerman and Books. The roof is of the best Peach Bottom slate, furnished by Parry, Gravel & Williams. The kitchen floors and other apartments are also laid with slate. The water tables and quoins are a beautiful white stone from Luzerne county and contrast pleasantly with the darker ma- terial of the main wall. It is not the design of this volume to enter into details beyond that which will give the reader a general idea 'of the complete and substantial character of the building, and its manifold appointments, necessary to serve the purpose for which it was erected. A visit to the institution alone can give a proper, in- telligent idea of its excellence. I can only hurriedly refer to its water and gas supply, its heating and ventilating apparatus, its sewerage and all similar improvements essential to the health and comfort of the inmates. Governed by a complete system of laws and regulations, this institution stands on the front line of modern improvements, dispensing in an eminent degree the blessings for which it was designed. In connection with the various appli- ances of convenience, comfort and economy the visitor will also note the beautiful buildings, fitted for their several purposes, that have sprung up around the main edifice, solid, artistic and present- ing a miniature city of surpassing beauty and taste. The order or style of architecture is the Romanesque. The hospital was opened for the reception of patients by public announcement of Doctor Shultz, the superintendent, in October 1872. The first patient was admitted on the 6th day of November, following. From that period to the present time hundreds have been admitted and shared its benefits. Many have been discharged cured, many others have been improved and others still continue to receive its scientific and humane ministrations. Doctor S. S. Shultz, who has managed the institution since its organization in 1868, still remains in his respons- ible position. He has manifested not only the skill to treat suc-
166
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
cessfully all possible cases in the various forms of insanity arising from physical or mental causes ; but in addition to the qualities of the physician he has also manifested executive ability of the highest order in the management of the institution. The order and exact- ness required in each department and in the most minute details at- est his fitness no less than the higher qualities demanded by his po- sition. Governed by the lessons of experience and the nobility that religion lends to science, our hospital must reach the highest degree of usefulness not only in its financial administration; but in minis- tering to unfortunate humanity. Doctor Shultz is assisted by Doc- tors Seip and Hugh Meredith. The corps of aids, Mr. Eyer, the steward; the clerk, Mr. Orth ; the supervisors, Miss Dressler and Mr. Dillon; the engineer, Mr. Kearns ; the matron, Mrs. Eyer ; the farmer, Mr. Rote, and the gardener, Mr. Carey are all highly spoken of in their respective roles.
Simon P. Kase.
Simon P. Kase, one of the most remarkable men of the day, was born in Rush, on the opposite side of the river, on the 27th of Au- gust, 1814. . His father was long a justice of the peace. He was the owner of several good farms and was in comfortable circumstan- ces. He had the confidence of those around him and was consulted in relation to all public questions as well as in private affairs. He was an elder in the church at Rushtown for many years. His mother is said to have been a noble woman who endeared herself to all around her. His brothers and sisters were John, William, Eliza- beth, Katy, Charity, Sarah, Susan and Amy. Simon, the subject of this sketch was the youngest of the family. At twenty years of age he left his home to enter alone the battle of life. His first enterprise was building threshing machines, and he carried the first machine over the mountains to Lebanon county-the first that was carried on wheels. This first portable machine was hailed by the agricultural fraternity as a great improvement, and he was very suc- cessful. He had the agency of John C. Boyd to sell the patent in Schuylkill, Berks, Bucks, Montgomery and Lancaster counties. In six weeks he sold " rights" to the amount of $2,200. In 1835 he established an agricultural and machine shop in Lebanon county and carried it on for two years when he sold it and returned home.
167
SIMON P. KASE.
In 1837 he built the second iron foundry in Danville. Here he manufactured threshing machines, stoves and mill-gearing. boat- loads of which he sent to various parts of the State. In 1840 he married Elizabeth McReynolds, previous to which he had built the house on Market street now occupied by his daughter. In 1844 Mr. Kase built the first mill for the manufacture of merchant iron, which he conducted for two years in connection with the foundry. In 1846 he completed his rolling-mill, which was an important event in the history of Danville. Mr. Kase also made the first "three high" train of rolls in this place. It worked to perfection and was a great feat, as he had never learned turning or pattern making. But the ad. valorem tariff, adopted by the casting vote of George M. Dallas, completely silenced forges, rolling mills and manufacto- ries of all kinds. In 1848 he leased his mill to David P. Davis, who finally failed, and he had the mill on hand again, while England was supplying the market of the United States with iron. In 1852 he sold the rolling-mill and it was moved to Knoxville, Tennessee. From 1848 to 1855 he manufactured and sold what is known as Kase's celebrated force pump, supplying them in quantities to par- ties that purchased the patent-right. In this enterprise Mr. Kase realized a sufficiency to retire from business. And he did so, only loaning money to parties that could not be accommodated without paying more than legal interest. Mr. Kase retired with the inten- tion of now enjoying a life of ease, for which his means were am ple ; but how oft our calculations fail and how little we know of the destiny the future has in store for us. In 1857 his brother William induced him to purchase his furnace at Roaring Creek. An in- ventory was made of stock amounting to $25,000. But it seems the stock was not there and S. P. Kase realized only $6,000 out of the whole concern. There were $19,000 gone at one swoop. Out of his real estate he saved only some farms he owned in Iowa. All the rest went for an unjust debt as he regards it to the present day. The money a considerable amount which he still had in hand and his Iowa lands he retained. He then saw the necessity for another struggle with fortune, and accordingly went to New York and hung out his " shingle" to sell railroad iron. Very soon the Flint and Parmaquett Railroad Company applied to him for iron for their road, from Flint to Parmaquett in Michigan. The rails were fur-
168
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
nished but the pay not being satisfactory Mr. Kase was finally solicited to take charge of the construction. It was at that time graded only from Flint to Saginaw. The length of the road is one hundred and eighty miles. Mr. Kase assumed the sole management and by the exchange of old for new bonds and in various movements requiring executive ability of the highest order, in two years he completed the enterprise. It was a grand success and its bonds sold at ninety-five per cent.
In 1862, William G. Kase, a nephew, then president of the Reading and Columbia Railroad Company, together with the board of directors, sent for S. P. Kase and solicited him to take sole man- agement as financial agent to build their road, as all their efforts had completely failed. After surveying the route and ascertaining the want of means and the refusal of subscribers to pay their stock, on account of former mismanagement, Mr. Kase at once proceeded to Washington city, where he presented the matter to the Congres- sional Committee on Railroads, together with a bill appropriating $450,000 in United States bonds for an equal amount of the bonds of the Columbia and Reading railroad. Here he was met and op- posed by all the power of the Pennsylvania, and the Baltimore and Ohio railroads and every rival interest. For four weeks the contest was carried on. Mr. Kase made the fact of an inland route between New York and Washington his main point. Of this, the road he rep- resented was an important link, and as there was a possibility of England going with the South, the value of a route remote from the sea board was duly estimated and he gained the point. His next struggle was to complete the road, which he accomplished. But such is the perversity of human nature, that no sooner had Mr. Kase lifted them out of trouble and gave value to their late worth- less investment, than they deliberately set about robbing him of his promised reward by the most treacherous procedure. Mr. Kase concluded that it is only safe to confide in those who believe in per- sonal accountability for every act in life.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.