USA > Pennsylvania > Montour County > Danville > Danville, Montour County, Pennsylvania : a collection of historical and biographical sketches > Part 21
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On the 10th of October, 1879, Creveling, Miles, and H. Levis bought Chulasky furnace three miles down the river, under the firm of Creveling, Miles, & Co., (limited.) They put Chulasky furnace in blast on the 6th of November, 1879, and it has been in success- ful blast up to present time. Mr. Roach moved the new mill to Chester.
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237
LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
Local Government.
By an act of the State Legislature, Danville was organized as a borough on the seventh day of February, 1849. The act creating the corporation was signed by Governor Wm. F. Johnston.
The first burgess was Dr. Wm. H. Magill. The first town council, composed of five members, was as follows: George S. Sanders, George Bassett, Valentine Best, Frank E. Rouch and E. H. Baldy. The first council meeting was held in the office of E. H. Baldy, Esq., and the first business transacted was the election of E. H. Baldy, Esq., as clerk of the council. Edward Young was chosen the first street commissioner at a salary of twenty dollars a year. Thomas Jameson was the first constable. The officers and members of the council were duly sworn by William Kitchen, Esq. On the 22d of May, in that year, the first dog tax was levied in the borough of Dan- ville. Some of the citizens could not see the justice of the act, and there were remonstrances and considerable complaint on the part of those who had several dogs on hand. In the same year, the bill of Edward Young. street commissioner, for laborers employed on the streets, amounted to $11,59 4112, which was accepted and paid. The Friendship Fire Company represented to the council that the hose was old and rotten, and requested seven hundred feet of new hose, which was ordered.
A contract was also made with James F. Deen for an engine cap- able of supplying the Friendship Hose Company. The price was to be $800. It was constructed and ordered to be given in charge of the company. At this period, the fire apparatus came under the general direction of the borough.
On the 24th of December, 1849, the council passed a resolution making application to the State Legislature for the erection of a new county, to be called Montour, with the county seat at Danville. It was also resolved to furnish the new county with necessary build- ings. The new county was granted in 1851, and the borough of Danville well and truly redeemed every promise it made.
Of the members and council during the first year of the borough, a note may be proper. The burgess, Dr. Wm. H. Magill, still re- sides here.
Edward Young, the first street commissioner, is still a resident of
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Danville. He has also been burgess and filled a variety of public offices with great satisfaction to the people. His popularity attests his worth as a man and as a citizen. Thomas Jameson, the first high constable, is dead. He was for years one of the most active and en- terprising citizens of Danville, and joined in many public improve- ments. He left a reputation for honesty, united with a large degree of liberality and goodness of heart. He had a keen appreciation of wit, and could enjoy or perpetrate a joke with equal pleasure. He was burgess in 1852. Wm. Kitchen, Esq., by whom these first offi- cers were sworn, is also dead.
On the 29th of March, 1850, a new council was organized, though not all new members, several having been re-elected. Dr. Wm. H. Magill was re-chosen as burgess and Valentine Best as a member of the council. The new members were Dr. Isaac Hughes, George B. Brown, Thomas Woods and William Morgan. Valentine Best was chosen clerk, and M. C. Grier was elected treasurer.
The meetings of the council at this time were held in the office of Valentine Best. Edward Young was the tax collector for 1850.
On the 4th of April, 1851, the council met for organization. At the previous March election Thomas Chalfant had been chosen bur- gess, and the following were returned and took their seats as mem- bers of the conncil : James F. Deen, John Rockafeller, J. C. Rhodes and A. F. Russel. William Clark was appointed high constable, and B. W. Wapples, street commissioner. He built the first canal bridge on Ferry street.
In the Spring of 1852, Thomas Jameson was elected burgess, with the following council : George S. Sanders, John Deen, Jr., G. W. Boyer, and George W. Bryan. The latter was chosen clerk. In this year Sydney S. Easton filled up Northumberland street, which was an improvement or no small magnitude.
In 1853, Joseph D. Hahn was elected burgess. The council were Daniel Ramsey, P. Hofer, David Jones and James Gaskins. William G. Gaskins was chosen clerk.
Robert Moore was chosen burgess in the spring of 1854. The council were John Deen, Jr., John Turner, William Hancock, James G. Maxwell and Robert McCoy.
In 1855, William Henrie, of the Union Hall hotel, was elected burgess. The council were Smith B. Thompson, David Jones, Isaiah
239
LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
S. Thornton, Frank E. Rouch and Isaac Ammerman. In this year the borough limits were greatly enlarged and particularly defined, including, as it now does within its boundary, 996 acres. A census was also ordered by the council, under which the inhabitants were enumerated, and the same was reported at the close of the year. Population, 5,427.
In 1856, David Clark was elected burgess. The council con- sisted of Jacob Sechler, John Best, John Arms, William Mowrer, and Paul Leidy, Esq.
Jacob Seidel was chosen burgess in 1857, with the following coun. cil : Jacob Sechler, Charles Leighow, Joseph R. Philips, Samuel Hamor and John Patton.
In 1858, Dr. Clarence H. Frick, was elected burgess. The coun- cil that year was composed of William Mowrer, David Jones, Gideon Boyer, George S. Sanders, and Frederick Lammers.
Christian Laubach was chosen burgess in the spring of 1859, with the following council: D. N. Kownover, Joseph Diehl, B. K. Vas- tine, D. M. Boyd and William Cook.
In 1860, J. C. Rhodes was made burgess. The council were William Cook, W. G. Patton, B. K. Vastire, Emanuel Houpt and Michael C. Grier.
E. C. Voris was burgess in 1861 ; the members of the council were Reuben Voris, David James, Joseph Flanegan, William Mor- gan and D. M. Boyd.
In the year 1862, Isaac Rank was chosen burgess, with the follow- ing council : Jacob Aten, William Mowrer, Charles W. Childs, David Grove and James L. Riehl.
B. K. Vastine was made burgess in the spring of 1863. Council -James L. Riehl, William Twist, William Lewis, John G. Hiler and John Rockafeller.
In 1864, E. W. Conkling became burgess. Council-James L. Riehl, John G. Hiler, Joseph Diehl, C. Laubach and William Lewis.
In 1865, John G. Thompson was chosen burgess, and the follow- ing were the council : Henry Harris, Dan Morgan, D. DeLong, William Henrie and Jacob Aten.
Doctor R. S. Simington was elected burgess in 1866, and the coun- cil were Dan Morgan, Francis Naylor, D. DeLong, William Henrie and Charles H. Waters.
2.40
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
In 1867, George Bassett was made burgess. Previous to the elec- tion, the borough had been divided into four wards, the First, Sec- ond, Third and Fourth. Before that time there had been two wards -the South and the North-with five members of council, each elected for one year. The change provided for four wards and twelve councilmen, three from each ward to serve for the first year, one third of them to serve one year, one third two years and the other three years ; and also providing for the election of one councilman each year from each ward. Under the law, the following council was elected for 1867 : James Cornelison, John A. Winner, C. W. Childs, William Henrie, David Clark, James Kelly, Samuel Lewis, M. D. L. Sechler, Joseph Sechler, Thompson Foster, John G. Thompson and E. Thompson.
In 1868, Robert McCoy was chosen burgess, and the following four new members of council elected to take the place of the four who had been elected for one year, viz : James L. Riehl, C. S. Books, Geo. W. Reay and David Grove.
In 1869, A. J. Ammerman was elected burgess, and the new mem- bers of council were Wm. Henrie, J. S. Vastine, John R. Lunger and Franklin Boyer.
D. S. Bloom was burgess in 1870; the new members of council- Wm. Buckley, Hickman Frame, M. D. L. Sechler and Samuel Lewis.
Thomas Maxwell was elected burgess in 1871, with new council- men as follows: H. M. Schoch, G. W. Miles, George Lovett and Jacob Sweisfort.
The burgess in 1872 was Oscar Ephlin, and the new members of council, elected or re-elected, Geo. W. Reay, Henry Vincent, Jacob Schuster and J. L. Riehl.
Edward Young was chosen burgess in 1873; councilmen, new or re- elected, Wm. Buckley, N. Hofer, Joseph W. Keely and Thomas Coxey.
In 1874, J. R. Philips was elected burgess; new councilmen- Jas. Vandling, Jas. Auld, W. D. Williams and David Clark.
Charles Kaufman was chosen burgess in 1875, and the new mem- bers of council were M. D. I .. Sechler, Wm. T. Ramsey, J. R. Philips and J. W. Von Nieda.
In 1876, the Centennial year, Henry M. Schoch was elected bur- gess; new councilmen-J. D. Williams, David Ruckle, Wm. K.
241
DANVILLE IRON WORKS.
Holloway and Wm. R. Williams. Isaac Ammerman was elected at a special election to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of James Auld, who had been chosen county commissioner.
In 1877, Wm. C. Walker was chosen burgess. New councilmen- David Clark, C. A. Heath, A. B. Patton, and John A. Wands.
James Foster was chosen burgess in 1878; new councilmen-J. W. Keely, Stephen Johnson, Jas. Welsh and Thompson Foster.
1879, Jas. Foster, burgess; new councilmen-William Angle I year; P. Johnson 3 years, and S. Trumbower, Jacob Goldsmith, H. B. Strickland and Lewis Rodenhofer I year.
1880, Joseph Hunter, burgess; new councilmen, Wm. Angle, Wm. Keiner, Hugh Pursel, Nicholas Hofer.
1881, Joseph Hunter re-elected burgess ; new councilmen-A. G. Voris,- P. Keefer, Henry L. Gross, Jas. Welsh.
William G. Gaskins was clerk to the council for twenty years and was succeeded by Capt. George Lovett in 1874. In 1879 J. Sweis- fort was chosen clerk and he was succeeded by Charles M. Zuber, the present clerk. Among the street commissioners in the last de- cade were Emanuel Peters, Daniel McClow, William C. Walker, Oliver Lenhart and Mr. Faux. The street commissioner is also ex officio, collector of the market tax, and presumedly a sort of inspector of that institution.
The council is generally selected very judiciously and consequently enjoys the public confidence, as the citizens feel assured that in view of a common interest that body will move cautiously and economise where that virtue can be exercised with mutual advantage. The council of 1880 is especially regarded as an able and judicious body.
Danville Iron Works.
This was a rolling-mill built by William Faux some ten years ago, on ·Church street near the canal. Several other parties were at dif- ferent times concerned in its operation. In 1877 Mr. Faux moved all the machinery to Pueblo, Colorado, on twenty-eight railroad cars, where he operated it for a time and then moved it to Denver. This establishment was familiarly known as "Cock Robin." Being re- quested to write something for the Pueblo Chieftain, published in that place, I sent them the following :
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2.42
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
A TWILIGHT REVERIE.
We miss the Danville Rolling-Mill, We miss its cheerful glow Upon that arid plain where nought But iron seem'd to grow.
We miss its bugle call, so shrill, It seem'd to shake the ground; -
Old Montour and Mnemoloton Echoing back the sound.
We miss its corps of workingmen Of muscle and of brain, Who wrought the rails from molten ore, Nor fear'd the fiery rain.
'Mid all the storms of panic years It moved on brave and bold, While Faux so nobly cheer'd them on, And paid them all in gold.
Silent, sad and desolate now The scene so bright and fair, Like ruins old, of castle gray, In silence mold'ring there.
So pass away the things of Time- They pass beyond our ken. So pass away on noiseless wing The fleeting lives of men.
Yes, time itself must yield at last. For years like men must die, And with the cent'ries grim and old In dust of ages lie.
But we may hope those works again, Will rise in all their pride, And prosper more, in years to come, By fair Pueblo's side.
Danville Gas Company.
The Danville Gas Company was organized in 1858 under a charter granted by the Legislature of Pennsylvania. A contract was made with Dr. Danowsky of Allentown, for the erection of the works. In the autumn of that year gas was first introduced in Danville. The
243
DAN MORGAN.
works are located on East Market street. About seven miles of pipe are laid; but owing to some misunderstanding, or on account of the price, gas has not been used by the borough for a number of years. The stock is nearly all owned by H. P. Baldy, who acts as president, secretary, treasurer, and board of directors.
County Officers for 1881.
The officers of Montour county at the present time are as follows :
President Judge of the Court- Hon. William Elwell.
Associate Judges-Hon. R. S. Simington and Hon. Thomas But- ler.
Prothonotary and Clerk of the Court_W. M. Gearhart.
Sheriff-Jacob Shelhart.
District Attorney-L. K. Mowrer.
Court Crier_Samuel Blue.
Register and Recorder-William C. Johnston.
County Treasurer-George W. Peifer.
County Surveyor-George W. West.
Justices of the Peace-First ward, John W. Miles ; Second ward,
J. F. Gulick ; Third ward, J. P. Bare; Fourth ward, J. R. Philips.
Simon Krebs came to Danville from Tamaqua some years ago and engaged in the wholesale liquor trade. He has been one of the active, enterprising men of this locality. In 1872 he took the con- tract for laying ten miles of iron pipe for the new water works, for $87,500, which he completed according to contract. He afterwards became a partner in running the Danville Furnaces. Mr. Krebs also built a handsome residence on Mahoning street and has contributed a full share in building up the town and advancing its general wel- fare.
Dan Morgan.
Dan Morgan came to Danville about 1851 and at once took a leading position among the iron manufacturers of this region ; that position he has maintained for thirty years. He has during all those years successfully managed the large blast furnaces of the Montour Works, and in addition, for a time also, superintended the Chulasky
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HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
furnace, three miles down the river. From 1868 to 1874 he held an interest in the iron works as stated in the history of that concern. Mr. Morgan is a thorough master of the business, understanding the composition and the nature of iron in all its combinations ; thus qualifying him for its production. Mr. Morgan has taken rank among those on whom fortune has bestowed her favors. Thought- ful, liberal and helpful, he both enjoys and dispenses the blessings of life. He built a pleasant and commodious residence on Bloom street, where he now resides.
Capt. Samuel Hibler, one of those who from this place responded to the call for volunteers in the time of peril, nobly performed his duty as a loyal soldier of the Union. He was in the 7th Pennsyl- vania Cavalry and operated mainly in Kentucky and other Southern States. His company presented him with a splendid sword as a token of regard; and finally he was placed in command of his regi- ment and led the gallant Seventh in some of their bloodiest battles. His brother John recruited a company and was also a brave soldier fighting the battles of his country, and finally yielded up his life for the cause. There are some sad circumstances connected with his death. Enough that he died the death of a hero, amid the horrors of the rebel prison at Andersonville.
Capt. George Lovett.
Among the bravest of the brave who joined the Union army in the civil war was Capt. George Lovett. An ardent patriot and with an intelligent appreciation of the great issue involved in the struggle, he was ever ready to hazard his life for the cause of right-to vindi- cate the honor of the old flag and to save the heritage of the Ameri- can people. He first enlisted as a private soldier in the " Danville Fencibles," in 1862. This company was attached to the 132d regi- ment, P. V. At the battle of Antietam, Lovett was wounded by a minnie ball, but he kept his post while the blood streamed over his face, until the day was won. On the expiration of his term of en- listment, he re-enlisted in the 187th regiment and was promoted to the office of captain. In this regiment he led his company through all the battles of the Wilderness in Gen. Grant's memorable campaign of 1864. Capt. Lovett was in the battles at Petersburg, Fort. Hill
245
JACOB SECHLER.
and the Welden Railroad. At Fort Hill he was severely wounded in the left arm, by which he was disabled for a time, and from which he still suffers ; however he returned to his post where he remained until the close of the war. He was also injured in the hands by the pre- mature discharge of a cannon in firing a salute on an occasion of public rejoicing. Capt. Lovett is now superintendent of labor at the Montour Iron and Steel Company's Works, and wherever his lot may be cast, his services in the time of trial will always entitle him to the consideration of the public.
Danville contains the usual secret societies and benevolent institu- tions, the "Free Masons," "Odd Fellows," "Knights of Pythias," " Red Men," "Druids," "American Mechanics," "Sons of Amer- ica," and " Free Sons of Israel." There is also a post of the " Grand Army of the Republic," designated "Goodrich Post, No. 22." It is named for Sergeant Goodrich, a brave soldier of Danville who was killed in the civil war.
Jacob Sechler.
Jacob Sechler was the son of John Sechler, who bought the tract of land, south-east in the Montgomery purchase, and partly included in the borough of Danville. John Sechler was one of the early set- tlers of this place, and his son Jacob, the subject of this notice, was born here on the 9th of October, 1790. He served in the " Dan- ville Blues" in the last war with England, and was the last survivor of that patriotic company. But, whether in war or peace, Jacob Sechler made an honorable record in life. He was noted, through all his long and useful career, for all the sterling qualities that marked the noble band of pioneers, and through all the changing scenes of almost a century he maintained an honorable reputation down to the close of life. He left a number of sons, who are among the active and influential citizens of to-day; evidencing in their lives that they inherited the industry and the honesty that marked the old pioneer. Jacob Sechler died the calm and peaceful death of the christian, on the 26th day of December, 1880, aged ninety-two years and two months.
" So dies a wave along the shore."
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2.46
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Great Day.
One of the great popular demonstrations in Danville, was the last rally of the Republicans on the eve of Lincoln's second election. It was on Saturday, the 5th of November, 1864.
The procession was arranged and conducted by Chief Marshal- Lieut. Dennis Bright. Assistant Marshals-W. E. C. Coxe, William Aten, O. H. Ostrander, Lieut. E. W. Roderick, Dr. George Yeo- mans, Stephen A. Johnson, Maj. Charles Eckman, Lieut. M. Rosen- stein.
The magnificence of the immense cavalcade, the numerous ban- ners, flags and tasteful decorations, with the martial strains of Stoes' silver cornet band and Sechler's brass band, gave the demonstration a brilliancy unsurpassed by any other, in the annals of Danville.
The most gorgeous spectacle in the magnificent pageant was the triumphal car, containing a charming representative of the Goddess of Liberty, and a lady, in full costume, representing each State of the Union. The Goddess of Liberty was robed in the National col- ors. Her head was adorned with a brilliant tiara-she bore a staff surmounted with a liberty cap, and occupied an elevated position on the car. She acted her part with peculiar grace, eliciting the univer- sal admiration of the thousands that witnessed the inspiring scene.
The ladies representing the States were tastefully adorned in red, white and blue-dresses white, sashes red and caps blue, ornamented with a star, and surmounted with a beautiful white plume, tipped with ·red. Each lady wore a badge across the breast, upon which was printed the respective State she represented. They each bore a small flag, and they were seated in a triumphal car, decorated with ever- greens in the most artistic manner, while the goddess occupied the center of the group, elevated on a pedestal. Messrs. Derr and Von Neida acted as ensigns. This was truly the chef d'œuvre of the great occasion, and on their route elicited the heartiest cheers, waving of handkerchiefs, flags and every other token of delight.
And while the storms of hail and driving snow deterred many from participating in the ceremonies of the day, it not only proved the patriotism, but gave a character of heroism to the ladies as they braved the storm and waved their starry flags amid the falling snow.
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GREAT DAY.
The following is the list of ladies, with the State each represented :
GODDESS OF LIBERTY : Miss Lou. Hill.
Pennsylvania-Mollie Magill.
New York-Emma Butler.
Ohio-Malissa Brown.
Indiana-Clara Rockafeller.
Illinois-Ella Painter.
Wisconsin-Lydia Housel.
Iowa-Lillie Cook.
Maine-Clara Beaver.
New Hampshire-Clara Faux.
Vermont-Kate Carey.
Connecticut-Libbie Critz.
Massachusetts-Mary Gulick.
Texas-Mollie J. Waples.
North Carolina-Emma A. Laubach.
South Carolina-Libbie Rank.
Georgia-Gussie Pratt.
Louisiana-Fanny Bordner.
Kentucky-Emma Woods.
Tennessee-Ruth Basset.
Maryland-Alice Rockafeller.
Alabama-Martha B. Laubach.
Missouri-M. W. Beaver.
Virginia-Libbie Faux.
California-Mary Gibbs.
Mississippi-Malinda Cleaver.
Florida-Laura Flanegan.
Rhode Island-Aggie Easton.
Michigan-Abbie Bright.
Oregon-Emma Sechler.
Delaware-Ada Pratt. New Jersey-Ella Heath.
· West Virginia-Alice Wilson. Nevada-Mary Brobst. Minnesota-Annie M. Hefler.
2.48
HISTORY OF DANVILLE.
Arkansas-Harriet Garrett.
Kansas-Mary Bealand.
TERRITORIES.
Nebraska-Hannah Eger.
Colorado-Mary Lovett.
Washington-Mary A. Thomas.
Dacotah-Emma A. Brower.
EQUESTRIENNES.
Another attractive feature in the procession was the ladies on horse- back.
Miss Pitner was dressed in red, Miss Jennie Koons in white and Mrs. D. Gearhart in blue.
Miss Mary Appleman, Miss Mary Pursel and Miss Lucy Everett- ail skillful riders-occupied a prominent place in the cavalade.
The procession was one of great length-composed of carriages and wagons, filled with voters as well as ladies. The wagons were handsomely decorated with wreaths, flags and banners.
THE SPEECHES.
When the procession arrived on the grounds, the meeting was or- ganized with the following officers :
PRESIDENT :
Thomas Beaver, Esq.
VICE PRESIDENTS :
William Hancock,
Charles C. Baldy, Rev. John Cook,
Isaac Rank,
John Grove,
Joseph Diehl,
John Titley,
W. H. Hassenplug,
G. M. Shoop,
Dan Morgan,
Rev. Mr. Barnitz,
Samuel Ware,
William Twist,
Charles Hock,
Philip Maus,
Dr. William H. Magill, George A. Frick, Thompson Foster,
Cornelius Styer,
And others.
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RANDOM NOTES.
SECRETARIES :
William Lewis,
L. O. VanAlen.
The addresses delivered by Hon. William H. Armstrong and Clinton Lloyd, Esq., of Lycoming, were eloquent.
Mr. Lloyd is one of the most effective speakers in the State.
Mr. Armstrong is known as a man of marked ability, and his ad- dress was one of great power, and was delivered amid the plaudits of the vast assemblage.
In the evening many buildings were illuminated and tastefully deco- rated. Fireworks added to the brilliancy of the scene and the enthu- siasm was unbounded. Thus ended one of the memorable days in the annals of Danville. The Democrats also had a brilliant demon- stration in that campaign ; but I can find no record of particulars, or I would take pleasure in transcribing them for this page.
Emanuel Evangelical Church.
Sometime after 1860, a Rev. Mr. Stokes established a mission in Danville, in connection with the Evangelical church. He preached for some time in Thompson's Hall. He was succeeded by Rev. Davis in gathering a modest membership with a view to the organization of a congregation, and the erection of a church building. Accord- ingly a neat frame church was built on Front street, in 1869. Rev. Davis was succeeded by Rev. Detwiler and he by Rev. Buck. Rev. Raidebaugh next took charge of the congregation. After him came Rev. Orwig, then Rev. Raidebaugh the second time. He was fol- lowed by Rev. Hunter and he by Rev. Hornberger the present pastor.
Rev. Raidebaugh with whom I am best acquainted, is an active worker, and in addition to his ministerial labors, published a small weekly paper called " The Temperance Star," which had a wide cir- culation.
Random Notes.
The Hospital for the Insane at Danville was partially consumed by fire on the night of March 5, 1881. Every effort was made to save the building and the hundreds of inmates. All the patients were saved and about one third of the building. Preparations are making for rebuilding ; in the mean time a portion of the patients
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