USA > Pennsylvania > Montour County > Danville > Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania : a collection of historical and biographical sketches > Part 18
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J. R. Philips looks after the heating, J. R. Lunger takes his place at night, and John Marks that of Ridgway. E. C. Voris is veteran among the patterns. E. O. Ridgway is roller and Hiram Antrim runs the flouring-mill.
203
MARBLE AND STONE CUTTING.
Marble and Stone Cutting.
The marble and stone cutting business in Danville is carried on by H. F. Hawke & Co., and so well has this firm met the public demands that they have no opposition in their line of business and those who would venture on a rival establishment would find " Jor- dan a hard road to travel." Col. A. J. Frick is the partner of Mr. Hawke in the firm. Their marble-yard is at the old stand formerly occupied by Peter Hughes, deceased, and their stone-yard is at the intersection of Ferry street and the Lackawanna railroad. Mr. Hawke is a practical workman of long experience and is complete master of the business in all its details. His skill and taste in de- signing and in execution is known all over the country and large corps of marble and stone cutters are kept in constant employment. The artistic work of this establishment is seen in the Opera House in the Grove church and numerous buildings here and elsewhere, as well as in the cemeteries all around us. The works were estab- lished in 1869 and have proved a complete success and their work adorns many of the most celebrated buildings throughout the State.
Stone cutting is not only a trade, a mechanic art but a science, just as much as many others that are dignified with the honor. Here comes a strolling adventurer, who proposes to walk a wire, to tame a horse, or to sell a nostrum. He comes as a " Professor," too. Professor about as much as the porter at a railroad depot, or the locomotive of a wheelbarrow. But if any man among the sons of toil is entitled to the distinction, it is he, who master of his art, what- ever it may be, excels in producing the useful and the beautiful. And none has a stronger claim than the sculptor, or the ornamental worker in stone. No matter whether he hews, chisels and shapes the human form, the monuments of the dead, or ornaments to adorn the abodes of the living. The man who shapes the solid rock into forms of beauty and the various styles of architecture, is a professor, and should rank as such, for he is as far above the montebank who as- sumes the title, as the pyramids of Egypt are above the sands of the desert. I have been led to these remarks by the artistic skill dis- played by Mr. Hawke, contractor and proprietor of the Danville Stune Works. His work for the Asylum, the Grove church, and the new Opera House, are beautiful specimens of the sculptor's skill.
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Of course much is due to the designer, but equal credit belongs to the man who with chisel and mallet, clicking away from morning till night, gives form and beauty to the design. He brings out the conception from the rough stone, and presents in reality that which only lived in the brain of the architect.
Columbia Furnaces.
The Grove Brothers were natives of Lebanon county, who by energy, perseverance and the intelligent use of small means and large brains, rose to the front rank among the iron manufacturers of the country. The bond of brotherhood between them was close and enduring as life. Unity of purpose and concert of action, no doubt contributed much to their success. In addition to this they studied the nature of iron and the most economical modes of its manufac- ture, as a science. In 1840 they bought a furnace that had been built by Mr. Patterson in 1839, and operated it very successfully. In 1860 they added a very large furnace, with great improvements, giving them a capacity of 12,000 tons a year, of the first quality. These furnaces have near at hand, iron ore, coal, limestone and every facility for the extensive and economical production of pig iron. Three of the brothers have passed away and the second gen- eration is now, (profiting by the lessons and examples of those who went before) judiciously following in their footsteps. Two of the brothers remain (one is here) to temper the ardor and to direct the energies of the younger members of the firm. Some years ago, Grove Brothers built a magnificent mansion, to which reference is made in another portion of this book. The furnaces are on Mahon- ing street and connected with the railroads by proper sidings for the reception of stock and the shipment of iron. They have a very fine office near the furnaces. With Michael and John I was best ac- quainted. They were affable in their manners and social in their nature. John especially was a man of remarkable intelligence. Though he was not a politician in the ordinary acceptance of the word and took no public part in political contests beyond the exer- cise of the ballot ; yet he seemed to have the clearest and most com- prehensive views of the Government, its history, its foreign and do- mestic relations, its finances and the policy demanded by the duties
205
EARLY SCHOOLS.
of the hour. Many who read these lines will no doubt remember his lucid, off-hand expositions of public questions, and his sound judgment touching the probabilities of the future.
Early Schools,
Of our early schools, Mr. Frazer says : The people of Danville have ever manifested a deep and abiding interest in the education of their children. Some time about 1790, whilst the village was yet unknown as a distinct organization, but included in the very com- prehensive and more widely known organization of Mahoning, a school-house was erected on the grounds of the Grove church, a few yards east of the old church edifice, where the children of the fore fathers of the border settlement received the rudiments of their edu- cation. The names of the teachers have all passed into oblivion, save that of Master Gibson, but neither the date of his service nor their duration can now be ascertained nearer than that it was during the last decade of the last century. Subsequently, when the popu- lation of Danville became sufficiently numerous to support a village school, the building at the Grove church was found to be too remote for them, and Gen. William Montgomery, with commendable lib- erality, donated a lot for school purposes, on his town plan, which seems to have been bounded by the great road leading from his house to the river, called Mill street, on the southeast, by the river on the southwest, by Factory street on the northwest, and the Ma- honing on the north, and being a part of his farm.
His deed of dedication, dated February 1, 1802, recites that "the said William Montgomery, for and in consideration of his desire to promote the good of the people of Danville and the points adjacent, hath granted, confirmed and quit-claimed unto a majority of the in- habitants of said village, that certain lot marked twenty-two on the plan annexed, called the plat of the west end of Danville, for the purpose of erecting thereon a school-house and academy for the in- struction of youth in reading English, writing, arithmetic, the math- ematics and music, and whatever other branches of literature may be ~ thought conducive to the general interests of said town and vicinity."
A frame school building, about twenty feet square and one-story high, was erected on this lot, by voluntary contributions, in 1804.
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206
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
The gable end fronted on the alley midway between Mill and Fac- tory streets, with a door and two windows; and three windows on each side. The writing desks fronted the sides, so that the backs of the pupils who occupied them, were turned to the interior of the room. The smaller students were seated on benches in the middle of the room, running parallel with the writing desks. All the seats were common wooden benches, destitute of backs. The entire ar- rangement of the school-room was extremely inconvenient, and so continued many years.
The school near the church having been discontinued, the first school in the new building was taught by the venerable Andrew Forsyth, who continued it for years, until advancing age admonished him to relinquish it, much to the regret of his patrons and pupils. Few, very few of his old pupils survive, but those few retain pleasing recollections of their worthy and revered teacher.
Mr. Forsyth was succeeded in the school by John Moore. He was a competent and popular teacher, but was averse to occupying his time in so unprofitable and thankless a vocation, and soon aban- doned it for the more profitable one of merchandising, which he successfully pursued for many long years, and deceased in 1870, at the good old age of eighty, greatly regretted by his old pupils and the entire community. .
All these schools, until the present school system was adopted, were wholly supported by voluntary subscriptions made by the par- ents or guardians of the pupils and were renewable quarter yearly. They were essentially private institutions, and continued just so long as the teacher and his emyloyers mutually agreed, and no longer, yet they were not much more subject to change than are those under the present admirable system of the public schools.
Insurance Companies.
There are two insurance companies located in Danville. First the Farmers' Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Middle Pennsylva- nia. This company was organized on the 2 Ist of June, 1859, and is conducted strictly on the mutual principle. It has paid out nearly three hundred thousand dollars for losses, and yet for more than twenty years it has made only five moderate assessments on the pre- mium notes of its members. William Follmer is president ; Samuel
207
INSURANCE COMPANIES.
Snyder vice president and P. Johnson secretary and treasurer. There is no doubt that the company, mainly owes its extraordinary success to the watchful care and the executive ability of Mr. Johnson. His long experience and efficiency as secretary and treasurer have steadily and surely led the way, through all the financial fluctuations of more than. a score of years, to the prosperity that marked its progress up to the present time. On the first day of January, 1880, its financial condition was reported as follows :
Amount of property insured, $10,659,974 00
Amount of premium notes in force, 517,020 80
Cash in treasurer's hands, $209 51
Net amount due from agents on premiums, 1,353 86
Gross amount due on assessments including No. 5, 21,096 64
$22,660 OI
Liabilities,
$11,478 53
Amount paid for losses during past year, 14,752 28
The office is located over. the book-store of E. W. Conkling & Co.
The Danville Mutual Fire Insurance Company is located in the same place. The officers at this time are G. M. Shoop, president ; C. Laubach, vice president and treasurer, and W. H. Ammerman, secretary.
The following was the condition of the company at the last re- port :
Amount at risk January 1, 1880, $569,853 00
Cash surplus January 1, 1880, $13,903 93
Premium notes in force, 34,676 63
Available assets, $48,580 56
Total amount of losses paid since organization, . $17,051 46
The efficiency of secretary Ammerman is also worthy of the high- est commendation.
208
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
H. B. Strickland.
One of the most substantial and successful teachers of music in this place, is Henry B. Strickland. Of modest pretentions and unob- trusive manners, yet most thorough in the rudiments as well as in the higher departments of musical science. In addition to these sterling qualities, he has the faculty of imparting instruction to the youngest student, as well as to the more advanced, in a clear and comprehensive manner, so as to make a lasting impression. As a com- poser he has taken an honorable place. Some of his published pro- ductions rank deservedly high among musicians of culture ; and all bear the stamp of a high order of talent. Mr. Strickland was a hard working miner in his earlier years ; but his natural genius, with a brief period in one of the noted musical institutions of the country have placed him in the front rank of instructors in the science. As a vocalist he has few equals in this locality, and he is equally at home on the piano or the organ. He has made his mark on the musical history of this place, a mark that will long remain to guide the lovers of " the concordance of sweet sounds," when the more flashy work of others is forgotten. He is now the organist of St. Joseph's Catholic church, and is also a dealer in music and musical instru- ments, on Mill street.
Dennis Bright.
Another of our brave soldiers was Dennis Bright. Though retir- ing in his disposition he has nevertheless acted a prominent part in our local history. He is a native of this county and son of Peter Bright of Valley township, and originally from Reading. When the war broke out, Dennis was in the State of Indiana, where he en- listed in the Fifteenth regiment of Indiana volunteers. For merito- rious services he was soon promoted to a lieutenancy. At Cheat Mountain he was severely wounded and for a time disabled. When partially recovered he was detailed on recruiting service ; and was afterwards promoted to assistant adjutant general, with the rank of captain on the staff of Gen. Wagner. At the close of the war he returned to his old home and engaged in the business of oil refining in Danville. In the fall of 1871 he was elected to the State Legis- lature, in the district composed of Montour and Northumberland
209
CATHOLIC CHURCH.
counties. This was certainly a tribute to his personal worth, as the majority in the district is largely against the Republican party of which he was the nominee ; and he was the first Republican member that ever appeared in the Legislature from Montour county. Unob- trusive in his manners, he was not a noisy ; but a watchful, working member, exercising sound, practical judgment on all subjects and securing the legislation desired by his constituents. More than all, amid the bold corruption of the time, his honesty and fidelity to duty were never questioned, and no shadow of suspicion ever fell upon his name.
In his political sentiments he has always been a Republican, though never of choice a politician. He is now engaged in the hardware trade, in the opera-house block, and is one of the substantial busi- ness men of Danville.
Catholic Church.
In view of the great number of members of the Catholic church, with their families, who came here as iron workers on the establish- ment of the Montour works, the authorities of the church located a. mission in Danville about the year 1847. It was placed under the pastoral charge of Rev. J. P. Hannigan, who labored successfully in organizing a congregation. Soon after the arrival of Rev. Han- nigan, the frame church at the railroad on Center street was built. After some time the pastor was succeeded by Rev. Joseph O'Keefe, and he by Rev. Hugh Kenney. How long they respectively min- istered to their people in this place, I have not ascertained ; but when I arrived in Danville, in 1855, Rev. Michael Sheridan, suc- cessor to Rev. H. Kenney was in charge of the congregation. Rev. . Sheridan went to Ashland, where he officiated as pastor of the church in that place, until his death some time ago. On the de- parture of the Rev. Sheridan, Rev. Edward Murray took his place in Danville. He was a pleasant gentleman, affable in his manners and was much respected ; Rev. Arthur McGinnis was next in order. The new brick church was built during his pastorate. He was a man of extensive culture, a pleasant companion and a faithful minister. He visited Europe in 1871 during his minstry in Danville and seemed much invigorated on his return; but subsequently died suddenly
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
while reading in his library. His death produced a profound sen- sation, not only in this place, but in Catholic circles all over the country, as he occupied a high position in the confidence of the church and in the respect of the public. The funeral ceremonies, both here and also in Philadelphia where his remains were entombed, were of the most solemn and imposing character.
The brick church on the corner of Ferry and Center streets was built on a lot which they purchased of Mr. Joseph Diehl. The ground was bought in September, 1857; but the church was not completed until 1869. The church building is sixty-one by one hundred and seventeen feet. It has a tower one hundred and five feet high, which is surmounted by a large, gilt cross. The style of architecture is called Romanesque. The auditorium will seat. four- teen hundred, nor is it too large, as there are more than two thou- sand communicants, a larger membership than all other churches in Danville combined. The new church was dedicated on the 25th of July, 1869. Rev. O'Connor former bishop of Pittsburg and since a member of the Society of Jesus, preached the dedication sermon. In his exordium he paid a glowing tribute to the congre- gation for the taste and liberality displayed in the church edifice. His sermon was an able and interesting exposition of the appropriate text he had chosen. This was the first time I had witnessed the ceremony of dedicating a Catholic church, and by their courtesy oc- cupied a place where I had the best opportunity for seeing and hearing the interesting ceremony of the occasion. Quite a num- ber of the clergy were present clad in the rich vesture enjoined by the church. Rt. Rev. Bishop Shanahan of Harrisburg consecrated the church and the altar. High mass was celebrated by Rt. Rev. Bishop O'Hara of Scranton. Rev. Barry was master of ceremonies. There was something peculiarly impressive in the dignified bearing and kindly though penetrating eye of this young priest, and I regret to learn that he has since died. The church itself is an imposing structure and on that day was decorated with paintings and flowers in a chaste and beautiful manner. The image of the Saviour surmounted the altar and the lamb at the base, with all the adornments, could not fail to produce an effect, at once sublime and lasting. The music was grand. One female voice was surpassingly lovely.
In July, 1873, Rev. Thomas McGovern assumed charge of the
2II
ODDITIES.
church in Danville, and in which he remains. During his pastorate a magnificent organ was procured for the church. There was a grand musical concert and introductory ceremonies, under the di- rection of the pastor, as the deep tones of the organ for the first time, filled the church. The concert was a success financially as well as musically. Prof. M. J. Cross presided at the organ, at the opening ; but Prof. H. B. Strickland has been and is still the regular organist. Through the efforts of Rev. McGovern a bell, weighing more than four thousand pounds was placed in the tower, on Satur- day, November 6, 1880. It is one of the finest, if not the finest toned bell in this place. Rev. Thomas McGovern is not only a man of marked ability, but possesses more energy and executive power than any of his predecessors. As a controvertialist he is a dangerous opponent, and seems to be armed at every point to battle for the church and to defend the faith he professes Yet he is liberal and generous, courteous and pleasant to all; and holds an honorable place in the respect of the community at large. He is a fine speaker and on special occasions always attracts a crowd of those outside of his own church. The Sunday school is attended by more than four hundred scholars and is superintended by the pastor.
Oddities.
" Old Gabe " was an African and wood sawyer. Why they called him " Gabe" is a mystery as his name was Jim Gray. He was a good type of his race, in its primitive state. He once inquired for a letter at the post office. " What name ?" said the post master. " Why mine to be sure," said Gabe, " ef hits for me de name'll be on de upper side, an' ef hit ain't hit wont be dar." But long years have passed away since he meandered through the town with his saw-horse on his back, carefully watching the wood-piles in his way.
There was another colored individual for a long time employed at the Montour House. His name was Clarke ; but they called him " Black Bill." At the time gents' shawls were first worn, one of the town editors bought one of a peculiar pattern. For a live joke some of the gents up town, bought one of the same pattern for Black Bill, and sent him on a pretended errand to the printing office. But the editor took the wind out of that sail, by wrapping his shawl
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
about him and walking up town by the side of Bill. The delight of Bill was to indulge in hifaluten. Meeting another colored man named Green, on the canal bridge one cold morning Bill inquired, " How's your complexion dis mo'nin'?" " Easy dar now," said Green, " go way wid your gramatics." Bill rose on his dignity and replied : "Don't you try to graduate your moral noxification 'bout me. How de diameter of cerebellum gatiate any how. Can't you expectorate when a gemman suhnoxicates ; tell me dat ; you fisti- cated specimentor of noncomposity ?" Bill left for Scranton. He was a jovial happy mortal and was faithful to every trust, but never troubled himself about to-morrow.
The Enterprise Works.
The " Enterprise Foundry and Machine Works" are located on Ferry street, between the canal and Mulberry street. They were first erected in 1872 by James Cruikshank, J. W. Moyer, Robert Moore, and Thomas C. Curry, under the firm of " Cruikshank, Moyer & Co." The whole structure with all its valuable contents was totally destroyed by fire in the fall of 1873. But the parties, true to the name they had adopted, rebuilt on a larger scale, in the summer of 1874. The main building is 104 by 45, the boiler-house is 45 by 24 feet, attached to these is a large blacksmith shop and other necessary buildings. About two years ago Mr. Moore left the concern, and only Cruikshank, Moyer, and Curry are now in the firm ; but the title of the firm continues as formerly. " Cruik- shank, Moyer & Co." The foundry is especially superintended by Mr. Moyer, a practical founder of large experience. Castings weigh- ing seven tons have been cast in the Enterprise foundry, and the capacity at a single casting is nine tons. In the extensive machine department, steam engines are made, also rolling-mill, blast furnace, saw and grist-mill machinery and railroad and bridge castings. These works have been carried on very successfully and their work is shipped to all points of the compass. The three partners are all practical men, the one a founder and the other two machinists and and each a master workman. This fact has no doubt secured the excellence and the consequent popularity of their work. The En- terprise Foundry and Machine Works of this firm have added very
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213
NOTED MURDER TRIAL.
materially to the current of business in this locality. It is kept in full operation and bids fair for a long and prosperous future. Where men of sterling integrity and practical skill, lead the way, success must follow.
Noted Murder Trial.
In May, 1857 Catharine Ann Clark, wife of William J. Clark, died after a painful and somewhat peculiar illness. Before she was buried suspicion arose that there was something wrong. This was strengthened by the fact that there was a reported intimacy between William J. Clark and Mary Twiggs. It was also known that David Twiggs, the husband of Mary, had died in the same mysterious man- ner, a few weeks previous. Add to this the fact that Clark had pur- chased both arsenic and strychnine, at the drug store of Chalfant & Huges a short time before, and that the corpse indicated death by arsenic. All these circumstances pointed to Clark as the poisoner of his wife. Upon this he was arrested and lodged in jail. A coronor's jury made inquiry into the matter, the body of David Twiggs was exhumed, a portion of the stomach and contents of each of the dead, was secured for analysis. Doctor Simington had attended Mrs. Clark and also analyzed the contents of the stomach. At the trial
in February, 1858, he testified to the finding of arsenic as did also Doctor Snitzler, Doctor Strawbridge, and Doctor Magill. After a trial fairly conducted by the counsel, the court and the jury, he was convicted of murder in the first degree, and sentenced on the 19th day of February. He persisted in his innocence to the last and died with a solemn denial on his lips. Mary Twiggs was tried in May, 1858 and was condemned on the same general testimony. She was also hung, while she protested that she was innocent of the crime. The first execution in Montour county was William J. Clark and the second his accomplice, Mary Twiggs. Subsequently William McGinly killed Thomas Shevland with a knife. He was tried and convicted ; but he made his escape from prision and has never been heard of since.
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Our School Houses.
Danville is furnished with at least three of the most complete school buildings in the State. The people of this place have always felt a warm interest in the subject of popular education, and have employed every agency to advance and sustain our public schools. The care and taste exercised in the construction of our school build- ings, is in keeping with that which is exercised in selecting teachers and watching the education of the young. The school-building in the Third ward, is a fair sample of all, and a brief description of this imposing structure, will answer for those of the First and Fourth wards, only they are much larger.
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