USA > Pennsylvania > Montour County > Danville > Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania : a collection of historical and biographical sketches > Part 20
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Doctor R. S. Simington.
Doctor R. S. Simington came to Danville in 1854, a new fledged M. D., and has been remarkably successful in his profession. Some years ago he built a comfortable residence in a very pleasant loca- tion on the public square at the north-west corner of Market and Ferry streets, where he still resides. He was surgeon of the Ninety- third regiment Pennsylvania volunteers, during the 'war, and served with distinction. His skillful treatment and watchful care of the soldier boys, not only won their confidence, but their lasting friend- ship. Nor were his sterling qualities and professional services limited to his own regiment ; but others also were often heard to say, as they were carried to the rear when wounded, " Take me to that sandy whiskered doctor, of the Ninety-third." At the close of the war he returned to Danville and resumed his extensive practice, in which he is still engaged.
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226
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
In 1866 Doctor Simington was elected and served as burgess of Danville. He was afterwards elected associate judge in the court of Montour county by a very flattering vote, and after serving five years he was re-elected to the judgeship by a decided majority. He is yet in the prime of life and is making a life record alike useful and honorable.
Prominent Citizens.
Under this head, reference is made to some of the prominent men . of to-day. But comparatively few could be mentioned in a work like this ; enough only to give distant readers, or the future inhabitants some idea of Danville, professionally or in a business point of view, as it is in the beginning of 1881.
Doctor I Pursel came from Northumberland county some years ago and has since practiced his profession with marked success. The judgement of the community assigns him a place in the front rank of an excellent corps of physicians.
Doctor James D. Strawbridge, one of our most prominent phy- sicians was a surgeon in the United States army during the civil war and reached the highest point of honor in being made surgeon of a corps. He was captured by the confederates and for some time was a prisoner of war in the city of Richmond. A little epi- sode during his service in the army, was his contest with General McClernand, in which the haughty general came off second best. It occurred in this wise: Doctor Strawbridge in his solicitude for the sick and wounded on one occasion, chose a neighboring mansion as an hospital, which General McClernand also chose for his own head- quarters. The contest almost resuited in blows, so fierce and determ- ined were they for the possession of the mansion, the one in behalf of the sick and suffering soldiers and the other for his own selfish grati- fication. Enough that Doctor Strawbridge gained the point and " held the fort," notwithstanding the bluster of the doughty general.
After the war Doctor Strawbridge was elected and served in the Congress of the United States, and has since resumed his extensive practice, his main forte being surgery, in which he has won a high reputation and is frequently called to distant places to perform im- portant surgical operations.
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PROMINENT CITIZENS.
Charles S. Wetzel is emphatically the architect in this region, and has designed many of the most elegant buildings in the central por- tion of the State. At home, the opera house, the Grove mansion, the palatial residences of the Baldy's on Market street, as well as many others attest his taste and skill. Mr. Wetzel came from Lew- isburg to Danville some years ago.
William J. Thomas is the leading painter and paper-hanger in Danville. Many public and private buildings both here and else- where attest his skill and taste in the decorative art.
Emanuel Peters affords an example of what patient industry will do. Honest, persevering, faithful and industrious, he has worked his way steadily up to what is known as "comfortable circumstan- ces." I knew him when he carried his stock in trade on a push cart ; now he keeps an establishment on Mill street, drives a spank- ing team and don't call the King his cousin.
Rev. Irvin H. Torrence resides on a farm on the opposite side of the river ; but is so closely identified with Danville folks and Dan- ville interests, that our local history would be incomplete without at least a brief mention. He is, and has for a number of years been secretary of the Pennsylvania Bible Society, an appointment made by the several churches of the State and sanctioned by his own church ; a responsible position for which no man in the connection is more eminently qualified in all respects. He is progressive in his nature and somewhat aggressive in his life-work. He would just as soon preach on the canal bridge as in the Cathedral at Milan, pro- vided a Methodist preacher could be heard in that magnificent pile. Rev. Torrence is a ready speaker, has a fine address, has traveled through Europe and is a good scholar in the science of human na- ture.
G. M. Shoop, (senior of the firm of G. M. Shoop & Son,) one of the substantial men of Danville, is an extensive manufacturer and dealer in lumber, Pennsylvania and West Virginia oak, car lumber, walnut, hickory, ash, and poplar. Mr. Shoop is an enterprising business man, whose active aid is freely given in every good work. Though an earnest and influential politician he has never been an office-seeker, and with the exception of postmaster has held none, preferring the pursuits of private citizenship.
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Benjamin G. Welsh, is one of the live men ot Danville. Though at present residing in Riverside, his business movements have been mainly in Danville for a number of years. He has been promi- nently connected with the manufacture of iron, and is now agitating the project of a street railway. In past years he bore a full share in pushing forward the business interests of Danville; but latterly he has directed his efforts to the improvement of Riverside. He is a man of enterprise, who has done much for the moral as well as the material advancement of Riverside, and who will yet more substan- tially make his impression, on the future of Danville. He is a local preacher in the Methodist connection, and is yet in the prime of life.
R. H. Woolley is the most extensive dealer in coal, in this place. He is sales agent for Cunningham & Co.'s, Wilkes-Barre coal, and disposes of immense quantities of the " black diamonds," in supply ing a large and increasing demand. His office is on Mill street, op- posite the opera-house where the clerks, J. W. Sheriff and M. M. Rhodes are always busy receiving orders and keeping the records of the office. Sometime ago they had a square block of coal, origi- nally weighing several tons, in front of the office ; but one night a gang of drunken Goths or Vandals, imagining themselves to be " coal breakers" under a full head of steam ; tilted it over breaking it into all sizes from lump to lime-burners' coal. But the business goes on all the same.
Doctor George J. Grauel, a thorough scholar and a leading phy- sician of Danville, was born May 25, 1825, in Felda, Electorate of Fessia, now a province of Prussia. He passed through the common schools of his native place and entered the Gymnasium in 1836. Passed his abiturient in 1845; studied in the Universities of Stras- burg, Gottingen and Werzburg ; graduating in medicine at Gottin- gen in 1848. In 1853 he came to America ; subsequently gradua- ting at the Medical College of New York. He then practiced med- icine two years in the city of New York, after which he practiced for seven years in Lehigh county, Pa., and in 1862 came to Dan- ville, where his learning and high credentials at once gave him a leading position, which he continues to hold.
Daniel Ramsey came to Danville in September, 1832, and took charge of the steam mill. This was a substantial mill built of stone in 1825, and was burnt some years ago. Mr. Ramsey was a prac-
229
BAPTIST CHURCH.
tical miller and conducted that establishment with universal satis- faction, until 1852. At the end of twenty years he embarked in merchandising in his own brick building where he now resides, pleasantly enjoying the evening of his days.
Ned Buntline, the nom de plume of E. Z. Judson, who has gained some notoriety as a writer, lecturer and hunter in the wilds of America, spent his boyhood and school-going days in Danville.
George F. Geisinger has been identified with the iron interest for a number of years, and continues to be one of the prominent and active business men of Danville.
Alfred Creveling is one of our most enterprising citizens. Build- ing iron works and operating them even in the season of depression, he persevered and now is at the head of the Glendower Iron Works. He came from Columbia county and this place is much indebted to him for his capital and his energy in building up the town, up to wards its business capabilities.
T. O. Van Alen has long been identified with the business in- terests of Danville. With the first development of the iron manu- facture in this place, he was actively connected, and aided materially in its permanent and successful establishment. He is now conduct- ing a nail factory at Northumberland which he built some years ago. It is a notable fact that Mr. Van Alen kept the factory in operation through all the late money depression that silenced so many manu- factories in every department of industry.
Baptist Church.
The Baptist church of Danville, was organized on the 13th of No- vember, 1842. The meetings were held in the court-house for about a year subsequent to the organization, during which period, a frame church was built on Pine street, not far from the river. It was dedi- cated on the 5th of January, 1844. In 1863 it was removed to give place to the new brick church, which is a large and elegant building. As near as can be ascertained the pastors in their regular order of service, were Reverends J. S. Miller, W. T. Bunker, John H. Wor- rall, A. D. Nichols, Ira Foster, O. L. Hall, A. B. Still, T Jones, G. W. Scott, I. C. Winn, John S. Miller, the second time, J. John Mostyn, J. E. Bradley, and now Rev. Mr. Sweet.
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Jacob Reed, during his life-time was the leading man in the Bap- tist church, financially and religiously.
The Company Store.
This institution has long been known as " The Company Store," even through all the years when it was owned by Waterman & Bea- ver it was called " The Company Store," all the same. It is an im- mense concern. The building one hundred and seventy-five feet in depth, with ninety feet front and is full of goods from the cellar to the attic. The capital invested ranges from fifty to one hundred thousand dollars. It is now owned by the " Montour Iron and Steel Company," and is superintended by William K. Holloway who has at present twenty-four clerks in the store. Under the former regime has had as many as forty clerks, all busy as bees in a clover field. The annual sales now amount to $250,000, under the proprietorship of Messrs. Waterman & Beaver the annual sales were as high as $500,000. The immense sales and the manifold departments it in- cludes, require the most complete system and exact management for the successful government of the establishment. I may remark here, that the large sales are not due to the men employed at the iron works, so far as their trade is controlled, either expressed or implied by their employers. They are perfectly free to deal wherever inter- est or inclination may lead them. But prices being as low as at any other store in town, giving the purchaser a much greater variety from which to make a selection, the result is, that the cash sales to those who have no connection with the iron works, are very large. The store opens at 7, A. M., and closes at 7, P. M. 0
The merchant tailoring and clothing department is in charge of Thomas W. Scott, a "boss cutter," from John Wanamaker's estab- ishment in Philadelphia. The chief book-keeper is Jacob C. Miller ; and Harry J. Crossly has charge of current accounts. Samuel H. Boyer is at the head of the dry goods department and Samuel Ross of the grocery ; Joel Hinckley of the hardware and Jasper B. Gear- hart of the provision department. John Ricketts is chief among the boots and shocs.
The efficiency of William K. Holloway, the superintendent, his wonderful executive ability and his fidelity to a great trust, are best
231
NATIONAL IRON FOUNDRY.
attested by his retention for twenty years, by all the parties who have owned the establishment during that period. He was only one ยท year at the counter when he was promoted to time-keeper and super- intendent of accounts. Next he rose to cashier which he held for twelve years. For the last three years he has had charge of the store, as superintendent, which position he occupies at the present time.
Joel Hinckley, always at his post, has had charge of his depart- ment for twenty-one years. This tells its own story. Samuel H. Boyer in charge of the dry-goods department, and Samuel Ross in the grocery division, have also occupied positions in the store for a number of years, and have made a good record in their respective roles. Webster Rhoads officiates in the notion department. Harry J. Crossly is a very popular clerk, although his position brings him in more direct contact with the employees. Jasper B. Gearhart deals mainly with the farmers and producers, and seems to enjoy their confidence while he guards the interest of the store with jealous care. Among the clerks are Charles E. Swartz, Lewis Rodenhafer, F. P. Murray, John Gibson and others, all of whom are experts or they would not be there.
National Iron Foundry.
This foundry, near the Columbia furnaces, was originally built by Peter Baldy, Sr., about 1839, and was first operated by Belson, Williams & Gardley. For some cause they failed and it passed into the hands of O'Connor & Rice. They also failed and R. C. Russel took charge of the work. After a brief period of time he sold to Hancock & Carr, who soon transferred it to John Hibler. The several parties named conducted the establishment for twenty-five years. In 1854 Samuel Huber, who had acted as foreman in the Eagle foundry for a number of years, leased the National iron foun- dry and operated it until 1859, when it was totally destroyed by fire. In the spring of the same year he had taken Samuel Boudman into partnership, and who after the fire abandoned the enterprise. But Mr. S. Huber, with the energy and spirit that has always char- acterized him, bought the ground of Mr. Baldy, rebuilt the foundry more complete than it had been before and again embarked in the business, successfully conducting it alone, until the Ist of April, 1868, when his son, J. S. Huber, became a partner under the firm
232
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
of S. Huber & Son. They carried on the business with entire sat- isfaction until the 19th of January, 1877, when C. C. Huber, another son, was taken into the firm, when it became S. Huber & Sons. Subsequently W. H. Huber, the third son, was also added to the firm, and so it remains to the present time.
Some years ago Mr. S. Huber, the senior of the firm, turned his attention to the construction of an improved plow, in which he was completely successful. His invention was patented and the Huber plow, made at this foundry, is now a popular favorite over a wide region of country. Hundreds have gone far and near and still the demand is increasing. It is the province of the historian to note the facts and especially those that relate to the productive industry of the locality, without pausing to inquire into the relative merits of the invention. Stoves and a great variety of castings are also made at this foundry.
Could I do so, without seeming flattery, or the danger of tran- scending my limits, I would like to add a commendatory word in relation to the members of this firm. As citizens, neighbors, friends and business men, they are always reliable. With S. Huber, the father, and J. S. Huber, the eldest son, I am best acquainted, and I take pleasure in bearing this testimony to them, as honest men and true Christians. They have each erected a handsome residence on Mulberry, one of the most beautiful streets of Danville. These homes are surrounded with all the charms that rural taste can add to the enjoyment of life. About three years ago, Mrs. J. S. Huber opened the "Shoe Bazar," on Mill street, especially for ladies, misses and children, which has become, and in fact it at once be- came, one of the prominent business establishments of Danville.
Railroads.
Danville is well provided with railroads. There are no less than three running in every direction and connecting at all points with the great iron checker work reaching every nook and corner of the country. The first railroad built through the town of Danville was the
Catawissa, now a branch of the Reading railroad, and strange to say it was laid with rails manufactured in England. So much for low wages in England and low tariff in America. The location of
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RAILROADS.
this road, to those who are acquainted with the topography of the country presents something of a curiosity. The natural course would seem to cross the river at Catawissa, then down the North Branch and pass through this place from a point near Gulick Grove, up Mahoning creek to Mansdale. Why it was bent up to Rupert can only be accounted for on the supposition that it was to accommo- date the people of Bloomsburg. It is said that it was done mainly through the influence of Hon. Charles R. Buckalew. This location has placed the Danville depot on the hill above the town, though that quarter has since been pretty well built up. In fact railroads should have their freight depots outside of town. The Catawissa railroad was put in operation in 1853, and it is a remarkable fact, that during the twenty-seven years it has been operated, doing a heavy freight and passenger business, carrying hundreds and thou- sands over its lofty bridges and through the wild mountain gorges on its tortuous track, not a single passenger has ever been killed on the Catawissa railroad. This speaks volumes in favor of its manage- ment ; and this high honor is shared alike by its superintendents, conductors, engineers, brakemen, telegraphers and all its employees. I was best acquainted with Superintendent Nichols. Ile was a man of much executive ability and was admirably adapted to his respon- sible position. Mr. Ellis, the agent at this place is spoken of in the highest terms, for his fidelity, his urbanity and the watchful care he bestows on every department of his responsible duties.
The telegraphic operator and others connected with the station, also share the public commendation. The depot building is a nuis- ance.
The Lackawanna and Bloomsburg, or Del. L. & W .- This rail- road extends from Northumberland to Scranton, a distance of eighty miles. The depot at Danville is an improvement on that of the Catawissa railroad at this place still it is considerably short of what it should be. The ladies' parlor especially, looks too much like a bar-room in a country tavern. I have seen the ladies' room, at towns much smaller than Danville, carpeted, furnished with mirrors and elegant sofas, that contrast strangely with the bare floor and wooden benches provided for the ladies at this place. But suppose we must wait our time. This defect however, is made up by the courteous treatment and ever watchful care of those in charge. A. Mont.
234
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Gearhart, is the agent and dispatcher in charge of the station at Danville : and if there is a more faithful officer or one more obliging to the public, I have not found him in my travels. His assistant, Mr. Van Buskirk is also worthy of the place. The same can be said of all the gentlemanly attaches of this station. There are four through passenger trains every day and a heavy freight is carried over this road, chiefly coal, iron rails, pig-iron and ore. In 1856 a strong effort was made by some of our citizens to have the link of this road between Rupert and Northumberland constructed ; but it was not built until a few years subsequent to that period. But if our people finally contributed as much to the desired extension, as they exacted for the right of way, is a question. The Lackawanna and Blooms- burg railroad, now the Delaware, Lackawanna and Western, was our second railroad, and marked an important era, in the history of our town. As it took its passengers on the first down train at Dan- ville, and approached Northumberland, the hind-wheels of the last stage-coach, disappeared as it slowly pulled in Kapp's yard there to rot in the sun and to bounce over the highway, nevermore.
Danville, Hazleton & `Wilkes-barre Railroad .- This is the latest addition to the railroads of Danville. It is now operated by the Penn- sylvania Railroad Company and extends from Sunbury to Tom- hicken, a distance of fifty-four miles. This is one of the most im- portant railroads in the country, as it forms a link in a direct line from New York to the great West. The completion of the Lehigh and Eastern will complete the chain, from San Francisco to Boston. For the construction of this road we are indebted to S. P. Kase. Through his indomitable energy, and against all obstacles thrown in liis way that interest or malice could invent, he persevered and its completion! is a proud triumph of his enterprising and daring spirit.
The depot of this road is in South Danville. It is quite a respecta- ble building, and Mr. J. B. Kinter, the agent is a gentleman much respected, not only for his faithfulness to the interests intrusted to him but for his qualities as a man. His attention to the public his accommodating spirit and his known integrity have made him hosts of friends.
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GLENDOWER IRON WORKS.
Doctor William H. Magill.
Dr. Wm. H. Magill came to Danville in. 1817 and has, up to a recent period been the leading physician of this place, as well as in the surrounding country. He has now retired from the active duties of his profession. He married a daughter of Gen. Daniel Montgom- ery, and they both now enjoy a calm and serene old age in their pleasant home on Market street. They will be long and gratefully remembered not only on account of their devotion to religion ; but for their steadfast practice of its benign principles. Not only on account of professional skill, but for that unostentatious charity that makes it doubly blessed. Obedient to the prompting of humanity, they ever responded to the calls of want and distress, with a senti- ment of liberality, that includes all within its wide embrace. Many in this community will bless their names when they are gone-bless them for their active sympathy, and keep their memory fresh and green. Weak and sinful as human nature is, few are so depraved as to forget those who ministered to them in the hour of need.
Glendower Iron Works.
The ground occupied by the old Rough and Ready rolling-mill was originally intended for a nail factory. A building for that pur- pose had been partially erected and then abandoned. For years the roof on a frame-like stilts, without siding, stood idle and useless. It seemed as if some genius had begun at the top to build downwards and had never reached the foundation.
In 1847 William Hancock and John Foley changed it into a roll- ing-mill for the manufacture of merchant iron. The enterprise was rather unpromising until 1850 when they converted it into a rail mill. Then their prosperity began. After eight years of remark- able success, Mr. Foley retired and Mr. Hancock became sole pro- prietor. This was in 1858. Mr. Foley soon after left for Europe. Sometime during the war and after the return of Mr. Foley from Europe, he again became a partner with Mr. Hancock. In 1866 Mr. Foley again sold his interest to Mr. Hancock and moved to Balti- more where he died some years ago.
. The first of the Danville Furnaces was built in 1870 by Hancock &
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Creveling. The second and larger furnace was subsequently erected. These furnaces were superintended by George W. Miles, a skillful and successful manager. The capacity of the Danville Furnaces is 15,000 tons per annum.
In 1867 the National Iron Company was formed, superseding the Rough and Ready. Of this company William Hancock was presi- dent at first and afterwards William Painter; P. C. Brink was vice- president and Benjamin G. Welch was secretary, treasurer and gen- eral manager.
This organization continued until 1871, when the Danville Fur- naces were purchased. The new rolling-mill had been erected in 1870. George W. Miles continued the superintendence of the fur- naces under the National Iron Company. John G. Hiler was man- ager at the new rolling-mill, and Joseph H. Springer at the old Rough and Ready rail-mill. In 1873 owing to large expenditures and heavy losses, the company was compelled to go into bankruptcy. After the works had lain idle some time they were purchased by the heirs of William Hancock, deceased, in 1874, under a mortgage sale ; upon which the Hancock Iron and Steel Company was organized. I/oc- tor J. D. Gosh was chosen president and B. G. Welch, secretary, treasurer and general manager. This company existed only about six months, when the works were again idle until 1877, when they were leased by A. Creveling who operated them until June, 1879, when A. Creveling and George W. Miles purchased the works-the old Rough and Ready property, John Roach purchasing the part lying north of the canal. A. Creveling and George W. Miles then organized the Glendower Iron Works, with A. Creveling, president ; H. Levis, treasurer and George W. Miles, secretary and general manager. They have kept the works in successful operation to the present time. The capacity of the works is 20,000 tons.
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