USA > Pennsylvania > Clinton County > Historical and biographical work, or past and present of Clinton County, comprising a sketch of every town and township of the county from date of settlement up to the present time > Part 21
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Chief burgesses of Renovo, when elected and length of time served is given below:
James S. Hall, elected at first borough election, May 26th, 1866; served to March 2d, 1867.
Owen Rayser, from March 2d, 1867. Resigned (in Oc- tober,) 1867.
William H. May, elected burgess at a special election held in November, 1867.
William Barkla, served from March 7th, 1868.
T. L. Chapman, term began March 6th, 1869.
Dennis M. May, term began March, 1870.
A. S. Crawford, term began March, 1872. Resigned October 7th, 1873.
Matthew Dean, a member of council, elected by council to succeed Mr. Crawford, October 14th, 1873, under pro- visions of Indiana-Brookville Act, extended to Renovo borough in 1872.
(Term of burgess made three years by above act).
Frank Harvey, term began February 28th, 1874, served to April 2d, 1877.
George W. Fessler, served from April 2d, 1877, to April 5th, 1880.
Henry K. Stout, served from April 5th, 1880, to April 27th, 1882, when he resigned.
Benjamin F. Rumberger, appointed by court to serve out unexpired term of Mr. Stout.
James H. Ferguson, served from April 2d, 1883; re- elected, and second term began April 5th, 1886; re-elected for term commencing March, 1889. Resigned March 20th, 1891.
B. J. Smyth, a member of council, elected burgess by council for unexpired term; served to March 7th, 1892.
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PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
John E. Houlahan, term of three years, began March 7th, 1892.
The members of the council which organized in March, 1892, are as follows: President, R. N. Martin; clerk, P. A. Kinsley; E. T. Swain, C. H. Potts, T. J. Callahan, W. E. Gilliland, R. N. Martin, Miles Irvin, E. P. Dowling, L. P. Garry and C. S. McInerney.
Other borough officers are as follows: Chief burgess, J. E. Houlahan; treasurer, John Smith, Esq .; overseer of the poor, J. F. Good; high constable, R. A. Reid; constables- West ward, Lee Berry; Middle ward, Ira C. Hall; East ward, John M. Wilson; chief of police, Lee Berry; justices of the peace, John Smith and A. F. Neylon; commissioner, George Burgers.
RENOVO POST-OFFICE.
The office at Renovo was first called Drury's Run, and was established August 8th, 1851, and Michael Stout was appointed postmaster. He held the office until August 17th, 1863, when the name was changed to Renovo, and Zebulon M. P. Baird was appointed postmaster. He held the office until November 21st, 1865. His successors were appointed and served as follows:
Newton Wells, from November 21st, 1865, to March 11th, I868.
Anthony Dwyer, from March IIth, 1868, to March 29th, 1869.
Newton Wells, from March 29th, 1869, to November 10th, 1885.
F. Harvey, from November 10th, 1885,. to April 29th, 1 890.
W. Kipp Chesnutt was appointed April 29th, 1890, and is the present incumbent.
Statement showing the gross receipts for the different periods, and which gives a general idea of the business of the offices ;
HON. W. KIPP CHESNUTT,
RENOVO, PA.
٠
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PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Years.
Gross Receipts.
Compensation of Postmasters.
1857,
-
$ 17.86
$
7.26
1860, -
32.47
15.II
1 863,
131.14
60.24
1870, -
1,674.99
745.00
1880,
3,230.46
1,300.00
1889, -
4,204.15
1,500.00
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The First Presbyterian church of Renovo is the outcome of missionary work done by the Presbytery of Northumber- land. The first Presbyterian missionary to visit these re- gions, as far as we know, was the Rev. James Thompson, who, in 1818, traveled up as far as Bennett's branch of the Sinnemahoning. Some years later he was followed by Rev. Daniel Barber, who for several years resided at North Bend (now so named), and built there a log church, which was also used as a school house. Rev. Phineas Marr and Rev. John H. Grier also preached at various stations along the river, but probably Rev. James D. Reardon was the pioneer laborer in Renovo. His Sunday afternoon services in the round house are still remembered. He was followed by Rev. Isaac W. Rendall, now president of Lincoln uni- versity, who divided his time between North Bend, Renovo and Emporium. During his time was erected a temporary board tent, used for preaching services and Sunday school, and in this building was organized, December 19th, 1865, the present church, with one elder and eleven members. To the next laborer, Rev. Samuel S. Sturgess, the church is indebted for its present place of worship-a neat brick building, with sittings for 350 persons, situated on the cor- ner of Sixth street and Huron avenue, which was dedicated April 3d, 1869. The following ministers have served the church since: Revs. William Life, Alven C. Campbell, Thaddeus McRea, who was the first regularly installed pas- tor, Samuel H. Reid, Robert M. Stevenson and John D. Cook, the present pastor, who began his labors here in
238
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
June, 1879. The church is in a prosperous condition, hav- ing a membership of 260, and a Sunday school with a few over 300 on the roll.
Rev. John D. Cook, the present pastor of the First Pres- byterian church of Renovo, was born at Danville, Pa., Sep- tember 12th, 1848. He attended the public schools of the city for a time, and later attended Danville institute for six years ; after which he secured employment in a rolling mill, where he worked until he secured enough money to take a course in telegraphy and book-keeping at Iron City college, Pittsburg, Pa. After this time he was employed for a sea- son in a store in Providence, now part of the city of Scran- ton. From February Ist, 1868, until September, 1870, he was employed as book-keeper, but upon the last named date he entered Princeton college, graduating from that institution in 1874. After his graduation he returned to Danville, where he had charge of the First ward grammar school for five years. During the time he was engaged in teaching he was also employed in evangelistic labor in the country districts around Danville. In 1878 he was ap- pointed county superintendent of Montour county, Pa., by State Superintendent Wickersham to fill out the unexpired term of W. A. Henry, who had died. Previous to his com- ing to Renovo, in 1879, he spent four months traveling in Europe. Mr. Cook was married in 1875 to Fannie R. Rishell, of Danville, Pa. During the twelve years he has been in Renovo he has made many friends.
ZION'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
Under the supervision of Rev. John Sander steps were taken in the spring of 1881 towards the organization of a Lutheran church in Renovo. During the summer regular services were held by Mr. Charles S. Seaman, at that time a student in the Lutheran theological seminary, in Phila- delphia. On July 10th, 1881, a permanent congregation was organized with a membership of about sixty. The fol- lowing were elected the first council of the congregation: John Fox, Sr., George Anderson, Lorane Hedstrom, Joseph
239
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
R. Koehler, N. M. Eisenhour, Charles Johnson, John Soden- berg and Gust Melquist. From September, 1881, to June, 1882, the congregation was supplied with preaching at irreg- ular intervals by Rev. J .Sander, Mr. C. S. Seaman and neighboring Lutheran pastors. In the fall of 1881 a call to become pastor of the congregation was extended to Mr. C. S. Seaman, who, upon his graduation from the theolog- ical seminary and ordination to the gospel ministry, ac- cepted the call and entered upon his duties as pastor of the charge on June 23d, 1882. A constitution was adopted and the congregation duly incorporated.
In November, 1883, the site for a church, on the corner of Huron avenue and Eleventh street, was purchased, and a modest but commodious little church built and duly dedicated.
Rev. C. S. Seaman was married shortly after entering the active work of the ministry. He resigned the pastorate in Renovo to accept a call to the Adamsburg, Westmoreland county, charge in December, 1886. A call was thereupon extended by the Renovo congregation to Rev. L. M. C. Weicksel, who accepted. and began his pastoral labors in the charge February 20th, 1887.
The congregation began a vigorous campaign against a heavy debt resting on it, and had it well nigh disposed of when the flood of June Ist, 1889, seriously damaged the church property, and severely tried the metal of the con- gregation. But it seemed only to stimulate and quicken the devotion and activity of the members, and they very soon had the remainder of the debt disposed of, and the church property repaired and improved.
In November, 1889, about twenty-five of the Swedish members withdrew in order to unite with a Swedish Luth- eran congregation which was being organized in Renovo.
In the fall and early winter of 1890 a commodious par- sonage was built on the church lot adjoining the church. It was formally dedicated to its specified purpose February
240
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
24th, 1891, by Rev. D. M. Kemerer, mission superintendent of the Pittsburg synod, to which synod the congregation belongs.
At this writing, July, 1892, the congregation is in a vig- orous and flourishing condition; having an active, wide- awake membership of 110, a Sunday school of 140, and an active and successful Ladies' Working association. The congregation has reached its present state of development as a mission of the Pittsburg synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church, but will soon become an independent charge.
Rev. L. M. C. Weicksel, present pastor of Zion Evangel- ical Lutheran church, Renovo, was born near Franklin, Venango county, Pa., April 30, 1853. His father was Rev. Henry Weicksel, also a Lutheran minister. The family moved to Wilmington, Del., in 1864, where they remained for three years. In 1867 the subject of this sketch entered Thiel hall, at Water Cure, Beaver county, Pa., where he took an academic course of two years. In 1869 he entered the Freshman class of Muhlenberg college, at Allentown, Pa., and graduated from there in 1873. He next entered the Lutheran theological school of Philadelphia, graduating from there in 1876. He then went to Goshen, Ind., where he held the pastorate of a congregation for six years. Then to San Francisco, where he was engaged in mission work until 1885, when he came East, and after being without a charge for two years he accepted the pastorate of the Renovo church in February, 1887. During the time that Rev. Weicksel has had charge of the Renovo church the congregation under his care has greatly flourished, and much good has been done. Rev. Weicksel was married at Goshen, Ind., July 17, 1890, to Miss Annie Butler, of that place. He at present resides in the neat and cozy parson- age on Huron avenue.
SWEDISH EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH.
The Swedish Evangelical Lutheran church was organized November 20th, 1889, in the G. A. R. hall, Renovo, Clin-
241
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
ton county, Pa., by Rev. P. A. Bergquist and Rev. M. A. Nordstrom, of Wilcox, Pa. Rev. P. A. Bergquist was elected chairman and Nils Ohsander, secretary. A consti- tution, recommended by the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Augustance synod of North America, was read and adopted as the constitution of the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran St. John's church of Renovo. The said church is incorporated under the laws of the state of Pennsylvania. The church started with 100 communicants, and was the first church started by the denomination in Clinton county. This con- gregation as yet have no church structure of their own, but expect to build one in a short time, having purchased for the purpose two valuable lots on the corner of Eighth street and Ontario avenue.
The present officers of the church are as follows: Rev. A. P. Sater, ex-officio ; M. E. Person, secretary ; Ola John- son, treasurer. Deacons, C. J. Sellberg, secretary ; C. M. Person, M. Anderson, Ola J. Goramson, P. W. Carlson, Os- car Hallberg. Trustees, Ola Johnson, Nils Anderson, Alek Ostlund, Chr. J. Asklund, secretary; C. M. Swenson, August Sellberg, Kristoffer Kjellberg.
Rev. A. P. Sater, present pastor of the Swedish Lutheran church of Renovo, was born in Sweden, January 4th, 1855. He received the foundation of his education in the land of his birth. When 18 years of age he landed at New York, and went from there to St. Peter, Minn., where he entered the Gustavus Adolphus college. After graduating from that institution he entered Augustina college and theolog- ical seminary at Rock Island, Ill., where he received his ministerial preparation, and was ordained at Rockford, Ill., June 26th, 1885. He then returned to Minnesota and took charge of a congregation at a place in Murray county, that state, where he remained until 1889, when he moved to Mayville, N. Y. He was located there for eighteen months, and came from there to Renovo in August, 1890. Besides the Renovo church he had a congregation in Williams- port, and four mission stations, one in Clinton and three in Lycoming county.
242
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
TRINITY PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
This church was established in Renovo by Rev. J. H. Black, of Williamsport, May 22d, 1875. The congregation started with six members, named as follows: Forsythe Petrikin, P. W. Flower, David P. Scott, Harriet Richardson, Kate S. Washburn and Elizabeth McGill. Services were held for a time in Odd Fellows' hall, and just previous to the erection of the church they were held in Sullivan's opera house. The present church structure, located on Third street, was completed in January, 1881. The church was consecrated to the service of Almighty God on Novem- ber 22d, 1881, by the Rev. Bishop Howe. Many other dis- tinguished ministers of the Episcopal faith were present, and also the famous choir from the St. James church, of Philadelphia. The church is a mission of the Central Penn- sylvania division. The church property is valued at $5,000. Rev. J. H. Black continued to serve as rector until May 8th, 1887, when he severed his connection with the church, after a successful pastorate of twelve years.
Rev. Black was succeeded as rector by Rev. K. L. Nelson, of Alexandria, Va., who came in October, 1887, and re- mained until September, 1888, when he was compelled to resign on account of ill-health. He was offered six months' leave of absence, but thought it wiser to resign.
Rev. Jeremiah Cooper was the next rector of the parish. He remained until Easter Sunday, 1891, when he resigned to accept a call elsewhere. During the vacancy, which oc- curred in the summer of 1887, the services were read by Mr. Charles Richardson, who was licensed lay rector. Mr. Richardson, after a long and faithful service as a member of the church, died May 5th, 1890. Soon after the organ- ization of the church, a Sunday school was established, which has been maintained with gratifying results up to the present time. R. W. Flower has served as superintendent of the school from its organization. When Rev. Black left, there was no one in authority, and at the suggestion of Rev. Foster Ely, D. D., who visited the church at that time, a
R. M. GLENN,
RENOVO, PA.
243
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
mission was organized. The executive committee appointed was composed of the following named gentlemen: Messrs. Richardson, Roberts and Gardner.
EARLY METHODISM.
Early Methodism on the West Branch of the Susque- hanna river, and its tributaries above Lock Haven, dates from 1831. It is known from positive evidence that the Genesee conference erected Sinnemahoning circuit, and at- tached it to the Cataraugus district in 1832. Benjamin Preston was the first preacher or missionary sent into this district. He remained and preached during 1832 and 1833 ; Rev. Jennings and Heylick in 1833 and 1834; John Dem- ing, Lorenzo Whipple and Matthew Hanna in 1835. Mr. Hanna only filled his appointments for a short time.
There is one very positive character in this connection, whose walk and conversation has been a "tower of strength" to early Methodisin. I refer to Samuel Kelly, familiarly known as "Pappy" Kelly, who then resided on Kettle creek, near Hammersly's Forks.
Sinnemahoning was a six weeks' circuit, and the three ministers made it a point to hold services on Kettle creek every two weeks. On one occasion an appointment was made for preaching and the people gathered from far and near, but no minister came, and so it went for five weeks. Then the minister came, but no congregation. Rev. Whipple appointed preaching for another date, and among the number present was Samuel Kelly, who was lead thither by his good wife Nancy. This time the preacher was not on hand. Mr. Kelly vowed he would never again be fooled by a Methodist preacher. He started for the house of a neighbor, and on his way met Mr. Deeming, the minister, who inquired as to the place of meeting. Mr. Kelly was pleased with the man- ner of the preacher, and accepted an invitation to return with him. He listened with delight to the sermon. So great was the impression made upon him that he yielded to the entreaties of his friends, and was baptized. Eight weeks
244
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
after his baptism Rev. Lorenzo Whipple held services in the same place, but Samuel Kelly was not among the number present at the meeting-he had remained at home. A young lady named Rachel Summerson was sent for the truant, and persuaded him to return with her to the place of meeting, which he did. On this occasion he was converted and made a class leader. A time and place for prayer meet- ing was appointed, and Mr. Kelly started to the spot, armed with a written prayer. Many of his old associates had come to the place to hear what their companion had to say. Mr. Kelly read the scriptures and offered prayer; not the written one, however, but one the Lord taught him. He was truly inspired; so much so, that those who came out of curios- ity and mischievous purposes were so awed into submission, that the people of God, and especially Samuel Kelly, were left unmolested thence and ever afterward, and God's cause prospered.
The first class consisted of the following persons: Samuel Kelly, leader; Mrs. Nancy Kelly, Daniel Dougherty and wife, Mrs. Catharine Vincent, Josias Vincent, Samuel Vincent, Mrs. Margaret Kelly, Mrs. Summerson and Richard Ricard.
In 1838 the Rev. Babcock was preaching at the house of Isaac Summerson, on Kettle creek. Suddenly a deep interest was manifested by the baying of hounds in the distance. The sturdy hunters of that region became very restless as the noise indicated the direction of the chase, which was approaching the place of meeting. The interest in the sermon was transferred to the music of the dogs. When everybody's feelings were strung to the utmost ten- sion, a handsome deer passed the house with the hounds in close pursuit. In an instant the house was emptied, includ- ing the preacher. The deer was soon dispatched, and after it had been strung up the Rev. Babcock, who had followed the procession, and who was an intensely interested specta- tor, suggested that they return to the house and finish the services. This was done. This was the second deer that had disturbed their meetings with the same result.
245
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Pappy Kelly, as everybody calls him, has remained a faithful follower of his Savior ever since-a period of fifty- seven years. He has never been freed from the responsible position of class leader during all this time. He has held the positions of trustee, steward and exhorter. He is now 81 years old. In health he is feeble; in faith he is strong. He is patiently waiting his Master's call to his heavenly home. In 1838 the Rev. William Gaire was sent to this circuit to take into consideration the feasibility of transfer- ring Sinnemahoning circuit from the Genesee to the Balti- more conference. The transfer was made and this people have remained under their jurisdiction ever since.
BALTIMORE CONFERENCE APPOINTMENTS.
1839-John Miller, presiding elder; Thomas Taneyhill, George Bergstresser.
1840-John Miller, presiding elder; William Butler, S. V. Blake.
1841-George Hildt, presiding elder; William Butler, Elisha D. Owen.
1842-George Hildt, presiding elder; Francis M. Mills, W. T. D. Clemm.
1843-George Hildt, presiding elder; F. M. Mills, Eph- raim McCollom.
1844-George Hildt, presiding elder; W. R. Mills, John W. Elliott.
1845-Samuel Bryson, presiding elder; P. B. Reese, John Stine.
1846-Samuel Bryson, presiding elder; John Stine.
1847-Samuel Bryson, presiding elder; J. W. Haugh- awaut.
1848-Samuel Bryson, presiding elder; J. W. Haugh- awaut.
1849-John A. Gere, presiding elder; I. H. Torrence.
1850-John A. Gere, presiding elder; I. H. Torrence, A. T. Ewing.
246
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
1851-John A. Gere, presiding elder; Joseph G. Mc- Keehan, H. W. Bellman.
1852-John A. Gere, presiding elder; Joseph G. Mc- Keehan, A. G. Murlatt.
1853-Thomas B. Sargent, presiding elder; J. J. Pearce, W. C. Gault.
1854-John Poisal, presiding elder; Justice A. Melick.
1855-John Poisal, presiding elder; Justice A. Melick, T. A. Gotwalt.
1856 ---
EAST BALTIMORE CONFERENCE APPOINTMENTS.
1857-C. B. Tippelt, presiding elder; A. Hartman, J. H. McCord.
1858-James Sanks, presiding elder ; A. Hartman, S. Mc- Williams.
1859-James Sanks, presiding elder; A. R. Reilley, J. P. Cole.
1860-James Sanks, presiding elder; B. P. King, H. M. Ash.
1861-James Sanks, presiding elder; B. P. King, George Leidy.
1862-Thomas J. Reese, presiding elder; J. Y. Roth- rock.
1863-Thomas J. Reese, presiding elder; Joseph Y. Rothrock.
1864-Thomas J. Reese, presiding elder; John B. Mann.
1865-W. Lee Spottswood, presiding elder; John B. Mann.
During this year, 1865, the Rev. J. B. Mann conceived the idea of building a chapel for Renovo. His foresight saw a busy town in the near future. He desired to prepare for the people who were locating here. Through his in- dividual efforts a frame building 24x30 feet was erected on Fifth street, between Erie and Huron avenues, which proved to be a great convenience for early Methodism in Renovo, for previous to the completion of this building the people
247
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
were compelled to worship at Drury's Run school house. This new house of worship contained neither plaster nor paint. Many of our people coming in were from larger towns and cities, they were accustomed to first-class ac- commodations. The shanty on Fifth street, known as "Mann's Tabernacle," was usually filled to overflowing, but they yielded gracefully to circumstances. Many a glorious meeting was held here.
1866-W. Lee Spottswood, presiding elder; George W. Van Fossen.
1867-W. Lee Spottswood, presiding elder; George W. Van Fossen.
In 1866 a new church enterprise was instituted for Renovo. The following gentlemen were appointed a build- ing committee: Rev. G. W. Van Fossen, Dr. J. P. Ashcom, Captain James S. Hall, Newton Wells and Edwin A. Beck. Plans and specifications were procured for a handsome two- story church, 60x100 feet, which would have been an honor to the building committee, and an ornament to our mountain city. The majority, however, were in favor of a smaller and cheaper structure; hence they curtailed the plans and reduced the size of the church from its original dimensions, 60x100 feet, to 45x70 feet. This change was made after the foundation walls had been built as per orig- inal specifications. This was a bad day for Renovo Meth- odism. The structure looked more like an old Pennsylvania barn than a place of worship, but it was used as a place of worship for about fifteen years. Its usefulness soon de- parted ; its seating capacity being only 200 closely packed, soon failed to accommonate the increasing demands for more room.
1868-W. Lee Spottswood, presiding elder; Martin L. Dunn.
1869-Thompson Mitchell, presiding elder; A. M. Kester.
At the last quarterly conference of the ministerial years of 1869 and 1870, a resolution was presented to the official board requesting that Renovo be made a station. The ques-
248
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
tion of Renovo's ability to sustain herself as a station was very much doubted. Notwithstanding the doubts and mis- givings of the faint-hearted and credulous, a vote was taken on the question, which was carried by a majority of one vote.
RENOVO STATION CONFERENCE.
1870-James Curns, presiding elder; A. M. Kester.
1871 to 1874-James Curns, presiding elder; A. M. Creighton.
1874 to 1876-Thompson Mitchell, presiding elder; George Warren.
1876 to 1879-John J. Pearce, presiding elder; James Hunter.
1879 to 1880-John J. Pearce, presiding elder; B. P. King.
1881 to 1882-Ezra H. Yocum, presiding elder; B. P. King.
1882 to 1885-Ezra H. Yocum, presiding elder; W. A. Stevens.
1885 to 1887-W. A. Stevens, presiding elder; W. C. Robbins.
1888 to 1890-W. A. Stevens, presiding elder; J. Patton Moore.
1891 to 1892-Milton K. Foster, presiding elder; Findley B. Riddle.
During the pastorate of the Rev. George Warren, he or- ganized a Ladies' Aid society as a financial auxilliary to the church. The organization took place April 9th, 1875, and has continued in successful operation ever since. Its first officers were: Mrs. E. A. Beck, president, Mrs. J. P. Ashcom, vice president; Miss Nannie J. Warren, secretary ; Mrs. Hiram McDonald, treasurer.
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