USA > Pennsylvania > Montour County > Danville > Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania : a collection of historical and biographical sketches > Part 15
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
In 1864 Mr. Kase started improvements in coal mining in McCau- ley mountain and established the Beaver Creek Coal Company ; but after the works were erected the Catawissa Railroad Company re- fused to furnish cars for its transportation. This induced him to build the Danville, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre railroad. This
169
SIMON P. KASE.
road extends from Sunbury to Tomhicken and is fifty-four miles in length. It not only opens the market to the coal; but forms an important link in the direct line between the East and the West. The opposition Mr. Kase encountered from conflicting interests in the prosecution of this great enterprise was enough to discourage any man but himself. But he persevered and finally triumphed, completing and equipping the road; and it was a proud day for him when the first train, laden with excursionists, passed over the road. His judgment was confirmed, his name was vindicated and his great ability was manifested in his wonderful success. Then he was honored and banqueted like a lord by those who never raised a finger to aid him when he struggled alone to secure this great im- provement. A brief sketch of this road will be found in another portion of this book.
Mr. Kase is now engaged in building the Lehigh and Eastern rail- road, which is another connecting link in the direct route, passing through the coal fields of Pennsylvania. It connects with the Dan- ville, Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre road at Tomhicken and extends to Port Jarvis. Capitalists of the country and all public-spirited men are beginning to comprehend the vast importance of this direct route from Boston and New York to the great West.
In closing a rapid sketch of the prominent features in the stirring life of Simon P. Kase, it is just and proper to say that in the great industrial enterprises and in the progressive improvements of this re- gion, no man of his age has made a more lasting impression, and that impress 'in all our future history will remain indelible forever. He is one of those rare specimens of the genus homo that are not met at the corner of every street. Once in a while they dash across the common track in their seemingly eccentric course, understood no more by the masses than the origin and mission of a comet. Such men as S. P. Kase do not travel in the beaten path; but ever and anon strike out into new and startling projects that seem to the multitude visionary, impracticable and beyond the reach of human effort. But looking to the end from the beginning and discarding the word "fail" from their vocabulary, they hear but one word and that is " forward," and as such men feel the inspiration of genius or some unseen power impelling them onward in the accomplishment of great purposes opposition or even ridicule becomes new incen-
170
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
tive to action, and with a tireless energy they persevere until the world is startled again by their complete success. Looking abroad as he crossed the threshold of manhood he saw with impatience the slow and sober pace of local and general affairs ; and instead of waiting for something to " turn up" he proceeded at once with a bold and fearless hand to turn something up. It must not be for- gotten however, that such men as he, absorbed in the prosecution of great enterprises and in the ceaseless whirl of important improve- ments or bold adventures often forget minor matters or lesser de- tails ; and this affords a pretext to embarrass their steps and retard their progress ; thus hindering instead of aiding in that which must result in a common benefit. Men like Mr. Kase always have been and always will become the common mark for the arrows of de- traction. It is the tribute that all who rise above the level must pay to the world, until we reach a higher plane of civilization. Their motives are misrepresented by those of conscious inferiority and the envious predict a failure at every step of their progress. Even final success is poisoned with a bitter ingredient, and the his- tory of inventors, reformers and public benefactors, who have de- voted their lives to the general good. is but the history of public ingratitude if not of actual persecution. But time brings all things even, and when the lapse of years has swept away the cobwebs of human prejudice, S. P. Kase will be honored for what he has done for Danville, and his name will be associated with the great public improvements in which he pioneered the way, long after he
" Hails the dark omnibus,
That brings no passenger back."
The Israelites.
The Jewish congregation in Danville was organized under a charter granted by the court of Montour county in 1854, with the name of Benai Zion. The charter members were A. Levi, Jacob Loeb, Lewis Lang, Moyer Lyon, Jacob Weil, Solomon Meyer, Ja- cob Mayer, Jacob Levi, Sandel Dreifuss, Feis Blum and Simon El- lenbogen. The constitution and by-laws constitute a well-written code of laws and regulations. The officers are a president, a treas- urer, a secretary and three trustees, all to be chosen annually by the congregation. The president, treasurer and secretary are ex officio
171
THE ISRAELITES.
an executive committee. No more than one thousand dollars is al- lowed to be raised by pew-rent in any one year. The price of pews according to location was fixed at $15, $10, and $7 per an- num. Two dollars must be paid for the privilege of being married in the Synagogue. It must be remembered however that Israelites in Danville had a church organization long anterior to 1854, when they became a chartered body. They had built a frame school-house, which they continue to use for school purposes. It was built in 1853. The new Synagogue was erected in 1871. Rabbi Jastrow of Philadelphia conducted the dedicatory services of the new Syna- gogue. The procession was formed at the house of the president of the congregation, and proceeded in order bearing the appropriate symbols of the Jewish religion, according to the instructions given to the children of Israel. At the portico of the Synagogue, Miss Bertha Eger presented the keys to the president with a neat and pertinent address, to which the president made an apt reply, when he unlocked the door and the procession followed by the crowd en- tered the audience chamber and witnessed the ceremonies of the dedication. Rabbi Jastrow preached an eloquent sermon highly appropriate to the occasion. Rev. Nusbaum the teacher in charge closed with a brief address, and so ended the interesting ceremonies of the day.
Going back to 1853 we find that the first rabbi or teacher in charge of this congregation was Rev. Friendlich. The next was Rev. Emanuel Oppenheim. He was a man of extensive learning, not only in the German and Hebrew, but also in the English. He was a good speaker and a writer of ability in the latter and frequently contributed to the current literature of the day. Rev. Oppenheim was highly respected by all classes of the community. He was affa- ble to all and remarkably warm in his friendships. He went to Pottsville from this place, where he died a few years ago, much re- gretted by a large circle of friends. He was followed by Rev. Hommer as teacher in the congregation of Danville. Rev. Heil- brenner was the next and he was succeeded by Rev. Brandise. Then came Rev. Simon Gerstman, who was a scholar and a gentleman, as well as a teacher. He was well versed in the English language and wrote on various subjects. A few lines, in verse, on the death of Louis Loeb, from his pen will be found in this book. After him
172
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
came Rev. Nusbaum. He was a quiet man and mingled but little with the world, outside of his own people. He was followed by Rev. Friedenthal and he by Rev. Newmark who is the present teacher.
Jacob Leob is president of the congregation and has been, with a brief exception, ever since the organization. H. L. Gross is secre- tary and Samuel Goldsmith treasurer. The trustees are Moses Bloch, Jacob Goldsmith and Jacob Moyer. There are over twenty families connected with the Jewish congregation Benai Zion.
Y. M. C. A.
The Young Men's Christian Association was organized in Dan- ville, in the Mahoning Presbyterian church on the 2 1st of June 1872. The officers elected were : President, S. G. Butler ; vice president, John Sweisfort ; secretary, John R. Rote, and librarian, H. H. Yorgy. The managers first chosen were: James M. Coulter ; William McCormick, C. F. Lloyd, J. Sweisfort and C. P. Bradway. The society has been active in the work for which it was instituted, and a corresponding degree of success has marked its progress. The organization at present is as follows : President, James M. Coulter ; vice president, J. S. Huber ; secretary, George Swartz ; treasurer, George M. Gearhart ; general secretary, D. C. Hunt ; financial secretary, H. H. Yorgy. The association numbers eighty- one members, all active, earnest members of the several churches in Danville, united for greater efficiency in doing good.
Welsh Congregational Church.
This congregation worships in a neat brick church, on Welsh Hill, just above the Catawissa railroad. It was built in 1853. Rev. J. B. Cook was the pastor for many years. He was a good man and a faithful minister, and died some years ago in the full as- surance of a blessed immortality.
Welsh Calvanistic Methodists.
These followers of the celebrated Whitfield, are located near the Catawissa railroad in the Third ward. Their church is small ; but comfortable and was built in 1845.
The Welsh Baptist church is located on Spruce street. It is a
173
MICHAEL KESSLER.
frame structure and was built in 1870. An effort is now making to rebuild or repair the church.
A. M. E. church, known as "Zion," on York's Hill, is the modest building where worship the Methodists of African decent. Rev. Palmer is the pastor at present.
The Revere House.
This house formerly known as the " Pennsylvania House," is a large frame structure on the corner of Mill and Front streets, near the bridge and convenient to the court-house. John Gulick first opened it as a hotel in 1812, having bought the property from Daniel Montgomery. Philip Goodman kept the " Pennsylvania House " for sometime previous to 1818. In that year he completed the building of his new hotel, now the " Union Hall." In 1829 John Gulick sold the property to John Rhodes. He greatly im- proved it. He died in 1852. It still belongs to his heirs. Va- rious parties kept the house previous to 1860, among whom was George W. Freeze. In 1866 it was kept by Charles Savage ; in 1868 by Mr. Lindner and in 1870 by Joseph M. Geringer. In March, 1872, James V. Gillaspy took charge of the house and conducted it with marked success to the present time. In 1875 the house was thoroughly rejuvenated inside and outside. Rooms were differently and more conveniently arranged. It was newly plastered, painted, and papered and newly furnished in every department. In March, 1880, the old name of " Pennsylvania House " was taken down by Mr. Gillaspy, and " Revere House " put in its place. It is now known far and wide as the "Revere House." Mr. Gillaspy has added much to the popularity of the house and has won by his urban- ity and pleasant accommodations a large share of public patronage. The inviting and home-like comforts afforded at the Revere, can not fail of appreciation by a discriminating public ; as well us its proximity to the court-house and the business center of the town.
Michael Kessler.
A record of the gallant soldiers of Danville would be incomplete, without at least a brief mention of " Old Mike Kessler." In 1847 he joined the "Irish Greens" at Pittsburg and under General Shields served through the Mexican campaign. He was in the bat-
174
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
tle of Cero Gordo and also of Contreras, as well as in the forlorn hope at Molina Del Rey, and finally at the storming of the gates of Mexico city. With General Scott he entered the "Halls of the Montezumas," and there remained for nine months. In this war he lost one of his eyes, but none of his courage as a soldier, nor of his patriotism, always for his country without regard to what party for the time administered the government. Accordingly in the last war he enlisted in the "Guards" under Captain Ephlin, for nine months, and acted as color sergeant at the battle of Antietam. Here he was badly wounded and being unable to walk, and his regiment yielding for a time to a terrific charge, he was forced to retreat or yield the flag. With a heroism eclipsing the boasted chivalry of romance, he crawled back, wounded and bleeding with- out lowering the flag, still keeping it unfurled and defiant in the face of the coming foe. Though he should fall he was determined to keep the " stars and stripes" afloat, and he succeeded in saving both, as the Union forces rallied and charged in turn. In the fear- ful slaughter at Fredericksburg on the 13th of December, 1862, Kessler escaped unhurt amid the storms of leaden hail that beat upon the Union troops. At the battle of Cedar Creek they struck the old soldier again. This time a shell took off one of his legs, near the body. He also lost his remaining eye and became totally blind. And here in our midst, minus a leg and both his eyes, the old hero of two wars lived for a number of years ; kindly cared for by the Government and his friends it is true ; still I often thought what a priceless sacrifice that man made for our common country. Unable to walk and darkness unbroken around him; surely he should be gratefully remembered among the fallen heroes of the Republic. I often turned aside to pass an hour with him, to hear him tell of sieges dire, and to see him "shoulder his crutch and show how fields were won." Long may his memory live in the grateful re- membrance of his countrymen, for whose ransom he paid a price more precious than gold and dearer far than the costliest treasures of earth.
" Old Mike Kessler" never lost the enthusiasm of patriotism, nor his ardent devotion to the Republican party. It was his delight to be taken out to the public gatherings and to listen to the speeches that harmonized with the war sentiment. On such occasions there
175
THE CONSUMPTIVES.
were always good friends to bring "Old Mike," and there was al- ways a seat of honor for him on the platform. Nor was he for- gotten on election days. There was always a committee and a car- riage to bring him to the polls, and it was always a sure Republican vote. He died a few years ago.
The Consumptives.
LOUIS LOEB, JOSIAH WOLF AND SAMUEL DREIFUSS.
Josiah Wolf was the last survivor of the trio I was wont to see slowly moving about on their canes, and bearing their favorite air cushions under their arms. With a subdued feeling of sadness I could almost daily note the waning powers of life. Samuel Dreifuss, Louis Loeb and Josiah Wolf, all in the prime of life and in the strength of manhood, bowed to the insidious destroyer-consump- tion. They were all of Jewish origin, and were knit together by the bonds of mutual friendship. Each sought renewed health in milder climes than ours. Samuel Dreifuss crossed the ocean, and breathed the balmy air under the sunny skies of Italy. Louis Loeb traversed the mountains of South America, and Josiah Wolf inhaled the sea breeze in Florida-the land of flowers. But all returned and met again, to die in the old home.
I often noticed them seated together in the cool shade in the sum- mer time-often they were in earnest conversation among themselves. Perhaps they spoke of the unknown to which they knew they were so rapidly hastening. They had dismissed from their minds the stir- ring pursuits and the inspiring hopes that once absorbed their atten- tion. They saw the sands of life almost exhausted, and the shadow of the gnomon fall-near, ah! how near the final hour. Perhaps they were interchanging thoughts in regard to the scenes that might lie beyond the dark curtain-the premonitory bell for the rising of which was already tinkling in their ears. Perhaps they spoke of the probabilities as to which of their number would first solve and realize the mysteries of eternity. One thing they knew, and that was that their separation here would be brief, and that soon, very soon they would strike hands on the other shore. Perhaps, too, they some- times spoke of this bright world, on whose changing scenes their eyes would soon be closed ; for the sun of their lives and of their
176
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
earthly hopes had suddenly sank at high noon, and was already pass- ing through the golden gates of the west. They knew that they would all sleep under the snow-drifts before they saw the laughing flowers, or heard the gladsome notes of another spring-time.
They were men of promise and of usefulness in their day and generation ; but they have passed away. Peace to their names !
OBITUARY .- Lines to the memory of Louis Loeb, son of Jacob Loeb, Esq., who departed this life on Tuesday, November 15th, 1870, aged 31 years and 6 months.
If ever departed worth did claim a tear,
Reader, whoe'er thou art, bestow it here ;
For not to relatives is grief confined ; All must lament the friend of human kind.
If modest frankness-if unsullied truth,
In childhood planted, and matured in youth-
If tender charity, adorning age Deserve a record on memory's page.
If rigid chastity-devoted love,
Or calm submission to the God above Were faithful tokens of a heart sincere,
Then oft will his image extort a tear. Rest then, blest shade ! accept the plaintive lay Which affection and friendship love to pay, For those who knew thee exult in conscious pride That thou hast lived respected, and regretted died.
DANVILLE, PA., November 23d, 1870.
S. G
Col. A. J. Frick.
Col. Frick entered the army for the Union, on the 18th of Sep- tember, 1861, as captain of infantry in the Eighty-fourth regiment Pennsylvania volunteers attached to the Third army corps. Emulat- ing the noble example of his brother, Doctor Clarence H. Frick, who led the Columbia Guards through the storms of battle in the conquest of Mexico, Col. A. J. Frick led his gallant command in defense of our national heritage-the old flag, the constitution, and the union. He served as captain until October, 1862, participating in the battles of Winchester, Port Republic and second Bull Run. In 1863 he was lieutenant colonel, in the Forty-first regiment of Pennsylvania, during Gen. Lee's invasion of the north. Col. Frick made for himself an honorable record, as a soldier and as an officer.
I77
WILLIAM KEINER.
He is now deputy collector of internal revenue for the Twelfth dis- trict of Pennsylvania ; and who, in the distribution of public favors, so well deserve recognition as the soldiers of the Union.
From the record, I extract the following items. The Eighty- fourth regiment in the battle of Winchester, lost in killed and wound- ed, one third of its men. Company D, commanded by Capt. A. J. Frick, lost, killed W. R. Fowler ; wounded H. Funk, J. M. Price, C. Mummy, T. C. Fowler, C. D. Burns, M. Fitzhams, G. Holcomb, John Prosser, William Prosser, J. C. Teeter, and J. L. Wheeler. The report adds that Capt. Frick was highly spoken of for the gal- lantry he displayed under the terrible fire of the enemy.
" Winchester " was inscribed on their banner.
Colonel Charles W. Eckman.
Colonel Eckman enlisted as a private soldier, at Danville, in com- pany H, Ninety-third regiment, Pennsylvania volunteers, on the 25th of September, 1861. The regiment soon marched to the front. Eckman was promoted to second lieutenant on the 24th of October in the same year and to first lieutenant on the 25th of July, 1862. On the 21st of October in the same year he rose to the office of captain of his company. He was next promoted to major of the regiment, on the 27th of November, 1864, to lieutenant colonel on the same day, and finally to colonel of the Ninety-third regiment on the 25th of January, 1865. His service in the army extending from the 25th of September, 1861, to June 23, 1865, during which time he participated in all the battles of the Army of the Potomac, and he was also with General Sheridan in Shenandoah Valley. He was a brave soldier, a popular officer, and on every field made an hon- orable record for himself.
William Keiner.
William Keiner enlisted in the " Danville Rifles," Captain Manly. At Baltimore on his way to the front, he was accidentally shot in the leg by Mat. Johnson, a member of his own company. The bone being shattered, amputation became a necessity, and for some time his life was despaired of. But a robust constitution and a strong will brought him through the dangerous ordeal. He was honorably
I 2
178
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
discharged. This loss severe and life long, is the sacrifice he has made for his country. How many thousands who never paid half that price, plume themselves on supposed superior claims to our common inheritance. Indeed the war, apart from its direct results, has taught us some wholesome lessons. After his recovery and re- turn to Danville, Mr. Keiner engaged in merchandising.
George B. Brown.
George B. Brown is one of the most active business men of Dan- ville .. He conducts the oldest (and always popular) book store and news depot, in this place. He is also a leading dentist and is well patronized in his profession. Mr. Brown has trodden some of the rugged steeps in life's uncertain way, and in his own experience has demonstrated a problem that thousands fail to solve. The man, who in order to show a clear record and to enjoy the luxury of a peaceful conscience, will honor claims for which he is no longer legally responsible, must surely be that rarity, seldom found except in books-an honest man. Too many, when the clouds have turned their " silver lining," forget or ignore that which has gone beyond the reach of law. Like Job, he came up from the wreck of fortune, to the enjoyment of renewed prosperity, all the brighter, because he met every obligation, dollar for dollar and dime for dime. I men- tion this, not in flattery ; but because it is an occurrence worthy of note on account of its rarity in this selfish, grasping world of ours.
Mr. Brown has the honor of circulating the first daily newspaper in Danville. It was the Philadelphia Ledger. All the important dailies are now kept on his counter. He is also treasurer of the bor- ough and as such his name is inscribed on the water bonds ; and the school fund is also in his hands. He has been found faithful to every trust placed in his hands, and they have been many as well as important. At one time he held no less than ten agencies and treasuryships, and all came out correct to a dot.
First National Bank.
The First National Bank was organized on the 25th of January, 1864, in accordance with the provisions of the national banking law. At the first meeting of the stockholders the following board of di-
179
THE OPERA HOUSE.
rectors was elected : Samuel Yorks, Jr., George F. Geisinger, C. Loubach, Charles Fenstermacher, William Yorks, Ferd Piper and G. H. Fowler. At a meeting of the board of directors, Samuel Yorks, Jr., was chosen president and W. A. M. Grier, cashier. The substantial character of the stockholders with the ability and known integrity of its officers, secured at its opening the full confidence of the public, which it has steadily maintained to the present time. Its career has been a prosperous one, and it affords one of the safest depositories in the country. On the resignation of W. A. M. Grier, A. P. Fowler was chosen cashier. In 1866 B. R. Gearhart was made teller of the bank, and on the resignation of A. P. Fowler, in 1870, B. R. Gearhart was chosen cashier, and which position he still holds at the present time. S. A. Yorks was made teller some years ago, and still occupies that position. After the death of Sam- uel Yorks, Jr., in 1878, C. Laubach was elected to the presidency and continued for two years. The present organization of the First National Bank of Danville, is as follows: Thomas Beaver, president ; B. R. Gearhart, cashier ; S. A. Yorks, teller. The pres- ent board of directors are, C. Laubach, I.' X. Grier, Dan Morgan, George F. Geisinger, B. R. Gearhart, R. M. Grove and F. C. Eyer.
The bank is conveniently located in the Montgomery building at the corner of Bloom and Mill streets.
The Opera House.
Until recent years, Danville was but indifferently provided with public halls. Concert Hall on Ferry street, a dingy, old, tumble- down, frame structure, was long the place of public gatherings on extra occasions. There, within its somber walls were, sermons, lec- tures, shows, dances, concerts, fairs and public meeting of all sorts. It is now converted into private dwellings.
Reynolds' Hall on Mill street was also used, but was too small for general purposes. It has now for a number of years been occupied by McMahan & Irland's well-known and popular picture gallery. As an art gallery it is an excellent hall, and it is still in the full tide of successful operation.
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.