USA > Pennsylvania > Montour County > Danville > Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania : a collection of historical and biographical sketches > Part 19
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The size of the building is -
At either side a wide door opens into a central hall, from which two splendid stairways lead to the second story ; each floor being divided into two rooms, very large, high ceillings, well ventilated and heated by two large heaters located in the basement. The pri- mary department is in the west wing on the first floor. We have never seen, either in city or country, fixtures and furniture better adapted to the purpose. There are twenty-eight desks in each room, and fifty-six very neat little chairs, immovably fixed on iron pedes- tals, and suited to the size of the scholars. In the center of each desk, imbeded in the lid, is an inkstand that can only be moved with a key. The chairs and desks are all of maple wood, nicely varnished and polished, with metal supports firmly screwed to the floor. The four rooms are all furnished alike, only the desks and chairs in each room are suited to the size of the pupils. The wood work of the interior is neatly and handsomely painted and grained to match the funiture. This complete and artistic part of the work was executed by Mr. M. B. Munson, and attests the skill with which he handles the brush.
The brick work was done by Mr. C. Books, and is one of the most substantial and finished jobs of the kind that can be found in our place. Look at those neat, yet massive walls, and you will indorse our opinion.
The construction of this grand edifice was in the hands of Mr. Robert McCoy, contractor and builder, of this place, and every part was designed by him and finished under his personal supervision.
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PETER YERRICK.
This, as well as other structures erected by Mr. McCoy, places him among the first architects of this part of the State; and while the children enjoy the benefits of pleasant, convenient, and healthy school-rooms, he may well feel an honest pride in the building itself, as the result of his skill and experience in the science of architecture.
There are twenty-eight schools in the borough of Danville, with an average number of seventeen hundred scholars.
F. C. Derr is principal of the high school and has been for a num- of years. There are twelve school directors in the town, three for each ward by special act of the Legislature.
Rev. Horine is superintendant of schools for this county at the present time. The school term is ten months in each year.
Peter Yerrick. .
Among the soldiers who endured the hardships and encountered the dangers of the Mexican campaign, was Peter Yerrick, cousin to the writer. Although badly wounded at Molino del Rey, he escaped with his life. He first enlisted in the United States army in 1838, for five years, at the expiration of the term, he was honorably dis- charged. During his service he was chiefly employed on the west- ern frontier, guarding the lives and property of the pioneers, on that extensive border. His experience in those days was wild and romantic. In 1846, when war was declared against Mexico, the old spirit was revived, and Veteran Yerrick first intended to join the "Columbia Guards," especially as Captain Wilson was anxious to avail himself of his experience, in the position of orderly sergeant of the Guards. But some misunderstanding having arisen, he pre- ferred the sterner discipline of the regular army in which he again enlisted. He served under Colonel McIntosh and went with Gen- eral Taylor as far as Saltillo, and then joined the army of General Scott, fighting his way to Mexico's capital. In all the battles that marked the course of General Scott's triumphant march to the city of the Aztecs, Yerrick bore a prominent part. As stated he was severely wounded at the storming of Molina del Rey, and when the city was taken, he was carried within the walls where he remained six months. He was then honorably discharged on account of wounds received in battle. He reached his home in Danville in May, 1848.
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
In the late war he again followed the old flag. Among the ex- cellent traits of his character, is an unquestioning patriotism. He is for his country ever ready to defend its honor, without caring what political party may be in power. The stirring scenes of his active life, his thrilling adventures on the plains, the dangers of the siege and the battle, the memory of his comrades who fell by the way- all interwoven with the woof of his life, would fill a volume. He now resides somewhere in the west. May the evening of his days be peaceful and pleasant, as the sunshine, when storms are over and gone.
Agricultural Societies.
These institutions are now organized generally through the farm- ing districts of the country. Though it cannot be denied that where they have existed for some time, there is a noted decline in the in- terest formerly manifested in the annual exhibitions. The causes of the decline are readily ascertained.
To realize the full benefit of these exhibitions, there should be some system or programme adopted for an interchange of ideas and experiences in the production of the articles presented. But little real information is gained by merely glancing at a fine animal, large vegetables, or any other product ; and just as little by reading the cards attached. Let it be arranged for every producer in his turn to tell his neighbors exactly how it was done. Let them com- pare notes, and thus get at the true design of these exhibitions. If the object were simply a season of enjoyment, seeing your neigh- bors, looking at curiosities, and enjoying the races, then are these fairs generally conducted properly. But the true design is to bene- fit the farmer and the mechanic, to improve the products of the soil and the workshop. For instance, here is a bag of superior wheat. . Farmers admire it, and walk away knowing no more about it, except that it " looked very nice." Why not have the farmer that produced it, at a stated time, take his station by the bag, and tell his neigh- bors where the seed was from, in what kind of soil it was raised, what are its peculiarities, when was it sown, how was the ground prepared, what fertilizer was used, how much to the acre, and how much did it yield? In a word, all his experience, including also
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AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.
what would likely prove a failure in its cultivation, and so of other articles. If it is a general frolic, trials of speed and sight-seeing, it amounts to nothing. If it imparts solid and useful instruction, thus promoting the industrial interests of the country, it will be produc- tive of much good, and the true object of agricultural exhibitions will be attained.
The first knowledge I have of any organization to promote the interests of agriculture in this section, was a public meeting called in the old court-house, on the 18th of February, 1856, to organize the Montour County Agricultural Society. The following officers were elected : Thomas R. Hull, president ; vice presidents, Philip F. Maus, Valley ; C. Garretson, Danville ; Robert Patterson, Lib- erty ; P. Wagner, Limestone ; D. Wilson, Anthony ; E. Haas, Derry ; J. Sheep, West Hemlock ; G. Shick, Mayberry ; William McNinch, Cooper ; Jacob Sechler, Sr., Mahoning. Secretary, James McCor- mick ; corresponding secretary, Dr. C. H. Frick; librarian, B. K. Rhodes and treasurer, D. M. Boyd. The board of msnagers were John Best, George Smith, James G. McKee, James McMahan, Jr., A. B. Cummings, Jacob Sheep, A. F. Russel, Stephen Roberts, William Henry, William Yorks, Jacob Cornelison, Edward Morison, J. M. Best, Mayberry Gearhart, Joseph Levers, John Hibler, Sam- uel D. Alexander, Robert Blee, William Snyder. On motion the meeting adjourned to meet at the call of the managers. E. Wilson, secretary.
The fair, in that year was held at the mouth of Mahoning creek, and there was a fine display of stock and vegetables as well as me- chanical and art productions. The annual fair was subsequently held at Washingtonville. In the course of time, however some dif- ference arose between the town and a portion of the country. The result was a split and the organization of another society, known as the Northern Montour Agricultural Society. The headquarters of the latter is at Washingtonville, where the annual fairs are held. The Montour County Agricultural Society holds its meetings and fairs in Danville. This society purchased a piece of ground, from Waterman & Beaver, on the Mausdale road. It has been fenced and a good track has been made. The exhibitions are very credit- able ; but it cannot be denied, that the general interest in these in- stitutions has been on the decline for some years.
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE. .
Danville House.
This is a large brick building on the corner of Market and Ferry streets. In 1848 it was first opened as a hotel by John Deen, Jr., and he kept it until 1861. Mr. Deen was quite a popular " host," and built up an extensive patronage. George W. Freeze then left the " Pennsylvania " and took the Danville House, and in 1863 he was succeeded by Charles Savage. Then came Wolf & Wilhelm in 1865. It was next kept for a brief period by John Whitman who was followed by Heim & Snyder. The next in order was Charles Wilhelm, then it was Wilhelm & Brother, the brother being Fred- erick Wilhelm, who was drowned accidently, with his little son, while washing a carriage in the river. Wilhelm & Brother also kept a livery stable in connection with the hotel. The house is now and has been unoccupied for some time. The cause is found in the fact that it is out of the direct current of trade and travel. The fre- quent changes of proprietors has also operated against it. It is a large and comfortable house, with every convenience that could be desired in a country town.
Michael Sanders.
Michael Sanders was long and favorably known to the people of Danville, and held many positions of public trust, all of which he filled with honesty and fidelity. On the 1st of November, 1872, he met a terrible death. On that fatal night his residence, in the Sec- ond Ward of Danville caught fire from a coal oil lamp, and was totally consumed. He was tax collector at that time, and ventured into the burning building to save the money and papers belonging to the public. The floor gave way, he went down in the crash and never returned alive. Over-powered by the flames he sacrificed his life in fidelity to a public trust. He was seventy-two years of age. Michael Sanders was a good man, a christian by practice as well a profession.
Twenty-five Years Ago.
Twenty-five years ago, I pitched my tent in Danville. Some were stormy and some were wasted years. They are gone beyond the reach of human redemption. And yet this theater of many of my personal misfortunes, is still more like home to me than any other
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MT. LEBANON.
spot in all the wide world. Here I have ever found friends, warm- hearted and true, whose hearts and whose hands were never closed against me. And if I have many sins to be forgiven during those long eventful years, I can only plead my ceaseless devotion to the welfare of Danville and the prosperity of its people. And now as I look back from this waymark, I gaze in wonder on the changes that have passed over it in the last quarter of a century. Great iron manufactories have grown greater, while others sprang up into ac- tive life. New industries in the various departments of trade, arose and joined the onward march of progress. New elements of ad- vancing civilization have come to improve society and to bless its people. Prominent men in the front ranks of business or profes- sional life, have fallen by the way, some in the prime of life and others like the leaves of autumn. What a mighty roll the dead of twenty-five years presents, as we recall the names of those we knew so full of life and hope, and who now so quietly sleep with the dead. Yonder stern and busy man, intent on gain, and on whom the marks of time are seen, was a careless, rollicking schoolboy, twenty-five years ago. That stately matron passing down Mill street, was then a joyous, merry school-girl, whose sunny smile and sparkling eyes marked life's golden period, when cares are unknown, when the the stern, cold realities of life, to her were but the roseate dream of a bright and cloudless future. Yes, change is written on all things around us, and on nothing more indellibly than on ourselves.
Within the last twenty-five years gas was introduced, costly water works were built, railroads and iron works have been multiplied, the asylum, the opera-house, seven large churches, three model school-houses, a new court-house and many palatial residences have been erected. Danville, then but a country village, now presents the solid and elegant proportions of an inland city.
Mt. Lebanon.
Mt. Lebanon is the title I have given to the beautiful knoll and palatial residence built by the Grove Brothers a few years ago. Mt. Lebanon, where the tall cedars grow, no less luxuriantly than those that made the beams of the temple. Crowned with the magnificent mansion, and overlooking the town of Danville, it is one of the
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
most charming places ever read or dreamed of, in the annals of his- tory or romance. The enclosure surrounded by an impenetrable hedge, contains many broad acres, and is dotted all over with the rarest shrubbery, gardens and flowers, intersected with pleasant walks and carriage ways. The mansion occupying the summit of the knoll, commands a panoramic view of the river, the town and the hills that gird it roundabout. It is of massive though artistic proportions, and is furnished with all the appliances that can min- ister to the comfort and enjoyment of its occupants. Its architec- tural beauty and picturesque location on the summit of Mt. Leb- anon, has attracted the admiring gaze of thousands as they have passed on the iron rail ; and we can almost imagine the taies and the poetry of future bards, who centuries hence, may delve amid its ruins, or with reverence view the stately pile, and out of the dim and misty past, weave in song the " legends of forgotten lore " of mouldering castles, and of those whose footfalls once echoed through its sounding corridors and lofty halls. But we do not intend to " steal their thunder," so we shall close by advising all who may visit Danville, especially in the summer time, to take a view of Mt. Lebanon ; and if they admire the beauty of art and nature in har- mony combined, they will share the pleasure we have enjoyed.
The Oil Works.
The Danville Oil Refinery is located on the canal betweeen Church and Ferry streets in the Third ward. It was established in 1865 by John G. Hiler and Charles L. Sholes. The capacity was about thirty barrels a week, but the works have since been much enlarged and improved. After conducting the oil refinery for about two years, they sold the establishment to William T. Ramsey and Charles W. Eckman. They sold to Dennis Bright and he to Messrs. Baily. Mr. Crane was also concerned in the works for some time. At present the firm is S. Baily & Co. The capaity of the Danville Oil Refinery is about three hundred barrels a month. Messrs. S. Baily & Co., are practical men and scrupulously guard the safety of con- sumers by carefully testing all their burning oils. These works have been a great convenience to the place, and aid very materially in swelling the growing volume of business in Danville.
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TELEGRAPHING.
Late in 1880, the Danville Oil Works, were purchased by the Stand- ard Oil Company.
South Danville
South Danville, was laid out a few years ago, under the superin- tendence of William F. Gearhart, one of the owners of the ground. South Danville commences at the southern end of the river bridge and follows the continuation of Mill street, to the brow of the hill and down the river to the boundary of Riverside. For beauty and for value in a business point of view, South Danville is not excelled in any quarter, from the head-waters of the Susquehanna to the Chesa- peake bay. It occupies the plane of a gentle slope, from the south- ern eminence, down to the river bank, and is admirably adapted to fruit culture, as well as the whirl and stir of active business, thus com- bining every advantage that could be desired. The station, passen- ger and freight, of the Danville and Hazelton railroad are in South Danville. There is a fifty foot street on each side of the railroad, and the lots are laid out on each side, in regular order. Many pleas- ant homes adorned with beauty and taste, have been planted in South Danville. Its educational facilties and its local government are all that could be desired. A charming location like this, with its prox- imity to the town of Danville, invites the citizen of taste and culture, and many of its pleasant sites are filling up as business places or su- burban homes. Mainly to the enterprise of William F. Gearhart, we owe the town of South Danville, and the success that marks its progress.
Telegraphing.
The first telegraph office in Danville was opened in the spring of 1850 by the " Susquehanna, North and West Branch Telegraph Company." The line commenced at Hazleton, where it connected with the Philadelphia and Wilkes-Barre line. The new line was run across the mountain to Berwick, then down the river to Espy, Bloomsburg and Danville. From this place it continued down to Northumberland and up the West Branch to Lock Haven and from there to Bellefonte, thus connecting us with all the world. The Danville office was in the second story of the Montgomery building, over M. C. Grier's, now J. W. Philip's drug-store, and George B.
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Ayers was the first operator. The first regular message over the wire was in April, 1850; and it was a remarkable coincidence that two events of so much importance to Danville came in one flash of lightning. The one event was the fact of our telegraphic commu- nication, and the other was the news contained in the dispatch ; namely that the Legislature had finally passed the bill creating Mon- tour county. The dispatch was from Valentine Best then in the Senate, to his brother Alexander, then postmaster at Danville. When the dispatch was handed to the postmaster, he read it carefully, then looked up with doubt and surprise, exclaiming, " Why that's not Valentine's writing," and handed it back to the messenger.
Doctor Goel of Philadelphia, was the leading spirit in the estab- lishment of the telegraph in this place. M. C. Grier was also prom- inently connected with the enterprise. Some years later the office was in Grier's drug-store and R. M. Cathcart was the operator, later still, it was George M. Gearhart. The "Western Union" subse- quently established an office in Conkling's book-store. It was af- terwards in Allabach's jewelry store. The operator was latterly Wil- liam John Arms. The Reading Railroad Company also planted an office on Mill street, in the room occupied by George G. Reed's store, then the Reading express office in charge of C. N. Kight. The ope- rator was R. M. Pegg. These are now united in the express office in Torrence's building where Mr. Kight has the Reading express of- fice, and William J. Arms is the operator. The railroad companies also have each a telegraph office at their several depots. Mr. Van Bus- kirk is the operator at the Lackawanna, Mr. Faust at the Catawissa and he is also assisted by Mr. Matchin and Mr. Campbell. At the D. H. & W. station in South Danville, Mr. John K. Kinter is the operator. The American Union Company has just erected a new line and located an office in Reed's store. Miss E. Shaw is the ope- rator.
Danville Foundry.
The Danville iron foundry was built by Daniel DeLong, in 1872. It is located in East Danville near the Lackawanna railroad. The building is 56 by 84 feet and is covered with a slate roof. Its ca- pacity is a casting of seven tons at one heat. It is solidly built and
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TRINITY M. E. CHURCH.
with its blacksmith and pattern shops is one of the most complete iron establishments in Danville.
Trinity M. E. Church.
This is one of the latest additions to the church edifices of Dan- ville. The necessity for its building grew out of the large and grow- ing congregation in St. Paul's, and an actual want of room. A sort of mission was first established north of the canal, which was the nucleus of the new congregation. The mission was placed in charge of Rev. McCord and soon preparations were made for the erection of a new church building. A lot was purchased of Michael Walize, on the corner of Ferry and Center streets, immediately op- poste the new Catholic church, and the building was commenced. M. S. Ridgway, Captain Lovett and others, not members of the church, took an active part and contributed liberally in rearing the church. Thomas Beaver was the largest contributor. His contri- bution was counted by thousands of dollars. As the financial troubles of the country came with the stoppage of the iron works and consequent want of employment, the congregation was unable to meet the heavy debt ; which the continuance of good times would have enabled them to meet, and their beautiful house, costing nearly thirty thousand dollars was sold by the sheriff for an unpaid balance of eight thousand dollars. It was bought by Thomas Beaver at that figure. Afterwards Rev. I. H. Torrence, thought it to be his duty to bear a part of the burden, and purchased one half interest of Mr. Beaver. Next Mr. Thomas Beaver donated his half ($4,000) to the church ; but Rev. Torrence being unable to do so, held his ($4,000) against it; freely offering the same at cost to the church. In the mean time the church was occupied as usual by the congregation. Subsequently to bring matters into definite shape the church was again sold and Rev. Torrence became the owner in fee simple. Rev. Torrence gives the congregation the use of the church and has offered to transfer it to the congregation on the payment of his net claim.
It is a large brick edifice built in modern style. The inside ap- pointments are unexceptionable. The audience chamber, with its tasty arrangements and stained glass, produces a grand effect. There is nothing gaudy or showy, and yet its adornments are ad- mirable. The pulpit and surroundings are of walnut, finely finished.
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
The seats are of the same material and are arranged in a semi-circu- lar form, thus every auditor faces the pulpit. In addition to the auditorium there is also a spacious basement, well ordered and com- fortable. This is used for lectures, prayer meetings and Sabbath school. There is also a church parlor, well furnished and carpeted, designed for social meetings. It also has a kitchen attached, with cooking apparatus for the use of festivals and similar gatherings. In fact this beautiful structure contains every desirable accommoda- tion and modern convenience. We venture to say that there is not a church in Danville, so handsome or so well arranged for comfort and convenience as Trinity M. E. church. The property is valued at $30,000.
Rev. McCord was the first pastor of Trinity church. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. Van Fossen, who abandoned the ministry and studied law, afterwards removing to Colorado. Rev. J. P. Moore, was next appointed to Trinity church. Rev. Moore was an eloquent speaker, a true christian, a wise counselor and a steadfast friend. He was followed by Rev. Stephenson and he by Rev. Strawinski, the present pastor.
City Hotel.
The ground occupied by the City hotel was purchased by Joseph Cornelison about 1820, and in 1830 he erected the house he called the " White Swan." Many will remember the oval sign in front, with the picture of a bird that bore a strong resemblance to a goose. The name of the artist is lost and so is the swan on the oval sign. Here too the post-office was kept for a time. Joseph Cornelison conducted the White Swan hotel, until his death which occurred in 1852. His son, Jacob Cornelison then became proprietor of the White Swan and kept it until his death in 1865. It was afterwards kept by William Smith and others until 1870, when Adam Geringer purchased the property. In 1872 Mr. Geringer moved the White Swan building to the rear where it remains in modest, though not useless retirement. In that year Mr. Geringer erected the present hotel. The design was by C. S. Wetzel ; but many arrangements, additions and conveniences were by the proprietor himself. The building is of brick 41 feet on Mill street and 80 feet on Penn street.
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DOCTOR R. S. SIMINGTON.
It is three stories high above a spacious and well-ventilated base- ment, in which the bar and restaurant are kept. This department is superintended by John K. Geringer. The house contains a large number of sleeping chambers nicely furnished and well ventilated. The dining-room is eighty feet in length with every modern con- venience for a large number of guests. The office, sample-rooms, gents' parlor and other apartments are all arranged in the most con- venient order. The ladies' parlor is on the second floor front, with a neat and pleasant balcony extending over the main entrance. In a word, the City hotel, located in a central part of the town, near the opera-house and the principal business houses ; presents in all its departments, a convenient, cheerful and pleasant home to all its guests. John K. Geringer assisted by Charles S. Geringer usually presides at the office, and the proprietor personally supervises every department, looking after the comfort of every guest that comes under his roof. First-class accommodations, reasonable rates and careful attention, have given the City hotel a reputation second to none. ยท The excellence of its cuisine and its inviting table are known and appreciated. In a word the City hotel, in its location, ap- pointments and its management is all that could be desired, and merits the extensive patronage it receives.
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