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 23
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37
F. M. C. T. A. B. SOCIETY.
Father Matthew Catholic Total Abstinence Benevolent society was organized August 17th, 1885, with the following charter officers: Spiritual director, Rev. James Igo; president, John E. Houlahan; re- cording secretary, John W. Russell; treasurer, Frank Dwyer; financial secretary, Charles B. Feist.
The present officers are as follows: Spiritual director, R. J. J. Gormley ; president, John E. Houlahan ; vice president, Michael Cleary ; treasurer, P. H. Mulvihill; recording and corresponding secretary, Charles B. Feist ; financial secretary, John D. Farrell; trustees, Michael Cleary, Michael Lovett and Thomas Neagle; auditors, John W. Russell, Patrick Mc- Carthy and Michael Houlahan ; board of investigation, Thomas J. Kinsley and Thomas Neagle; marshal, Michael Cleary. The objects of the society are:
First-To promote temperance among all.
Second-To edify by example and precept our luke-warm brethern in the practice of virtue and Christian life, and to inculcate and disseminate correct Catholic views regarding total abstinence principles.
Third-To promote reconciliation and harmony among all. As this ob- ject is holy, and conformable to the wishes of our Redeemer, according to the rule He laid down for our guidance in the gospel, and as we know from our insufficiency that we can do nothing of ourselves: Therefore, that in the accomplishment of our mission we place all our trust in the grace of God and in the patronage of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, and seek for the rules of our conduct nowhere else but in the teachings of the Roman Catholic church, in the lives of the saints, and in a more particular manner in the example and precepts of our Lord Jesus Christ.
261
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
Fourth-To be willing to undertake any sort of charitable work pos- sible to the members of the society.
Fifth-To provide a fund for the payment of benefits to sick or dis- abled members, and for the burial of deceased members.
The society meets every Sunday afternoon in the old Catholic church. Number of members on the roll at present, seventy-eight.
BUCKTAIL POST, NO. 142, G. A. R.
Bucktail Post, No. 142, G. A. R., was organized September 24th, 1879. The charter officers were: F. M. Elliott, P. C .; Z. M. P. Baird, S. V. C .; J. F. Simpson, J. V. C .; A. N. Stevenson. Q. M .; R. W. Flower, surgeon; Philip Stout, chaplain ; John C. Brown, O. D .; H. C. Long, O. G .; U. S. M. Crouse, adjutant; S. F. Deider, Q. M. sergeant; J. J. Billow, sergeant major.
The officers elected in January, 1892, are as follows: Commander, R. N. Martin; senior V. C., D. L. Saunders; adjutant, J. R. Kendig; quartermaster, Robert W. Flower; sergeant, W. De Hass: captain, J. W. Long; officer of the guard, S. M. Barr.
WASHINGTON CAMP, NO. 88, P. O. S. OF A.
Washington camp, No. 88, P. O. S. of A., was organized February 21st, 1868. The charter officers were: R. M. Messimer, past president; George H. Hawksworth, president; S. O. Malin, vice president; John M. Daugherty, M. of F. & C .; E. L. McCluen, secretary ; John M. Young, assistant secretary; A. Dravenstadt, treasurer; J. R. Kendig, financial secretary, W. J. McCrea, conductor.
The present officers are: Junior past president, E. C. Cummings; pres- ident, George F. Boyer; vice president, George W. Summerson; master of forms, John F. Bowers; recording secretary, Theodore W. Nicholas; assistant recording secretary, Abram Crays; financial secretary, E. D. Walker; treasurer, R. D. Simpson; chaplain, Charles F. Newell; con- ductor, Harry E. Kelley; inspector, William O. Kaley; guard, Downs McCloskey; right sentinel, John W. Young; left sentinel; A. W. Salts- man; trustees, George W. Corwin, Jacob G. Hall, E. D. Walker; dele- gates to state camp, John W. Lees and J. G. Hall; alternates, R. D. Simpson and T. W. Nicholas. This camp meets every Friday evening in Spangler's hall, corner of Huron avenue and Sixth street. Present mem- bership, 182.
RENOVO LODGE, NO. 595, I. O. O. F.
Renovo lodge, No. 595, I. O. O. F., was instituted December 24th, 1866. The petitioners for the charter were: Thomas Dawson, C. T. Moore, H. Moyer, J. P. Ashcom, N. L. Sterner, Peter Weber, W. J. Parsons, Albert Wergartz, Jacob Cottell and A. S. Crawford. The first officers were: Thomas Dawson, N. G .; P. C. Moyer, V. G .; C. T. Moore, secretary ; N. L. Sterner, assistant secretary ; J. P. Ashcom, treasurer.
The present officers are: N. G., W. M. Morton; V. G., A. D. Nelson, secretary, P. C. Moyer; assistant secretary, J. G. Ginter; treasurer, E.
262
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
W. Edmunds. Number of members at last report, March 28th, 1892, 215. Lodge meets in Odd Fellows' hall, third floor, corner Sixth and St. Clair streets, on Monday evening of each week. The hall is owned by the lodge, built of brick, three stories high, twenty-five feet front by seventy-five feet deep, and cost $7,500, including lot.
DEXTER ENCAMPMENT, NO. 163, I. o. O. F.
Dexter encampment, No. 163, I. O. O. F., was instituted March 10th, 1868. The petitioners for a charter were: C. T. Moore, P. C. Moyer, William Barkla, J. P. Ashcom, N. L. Sterner, B. F. Rumberger, D. J. Reese, J. R. Shuster, A. L. Dravenstadt, F. A. D. Hawksworth, A. H. Firwed and George W. Givin.
The first officers were: Chief patriarch, P. C. Moyer; high priest, William Barkla; senior warden, N. L. Sterner; junior warden, B. F. Rumberger; scribe, C. T. Moore; treasurer, J. P. Ashcom.
The present officers are: Chief patriarch, A. D. Nelson; high priest, W. T. Crays; senior warden, J. G. Ginter; junior warden, Reese Hevner; scribe, P. C. Moyer; treasurer, R. M. Messimer. Number of members, March 8th, 1892, 138. Meets on second and fourth Tuesdays of each month in Odd Fellows' hall, third floor, corner Sixth and St. Clair streets.
. MARKS' MILITARY BAND.
M. Doyle Marks, realizing that among the young men of Renovo there was good material for a juvenile band, suited action to the thought, and in February, 1888, organized the Renovo Juvenile band. The first dif- ficulty encountered was procuring suitable instruments. The patient leader and his persevering followers finally succeeded in getting together the desired number of old instruments, which were resurrected from the cellars, garrets and dark closets of various musicians "of ye olden tymes." Their next effort was to secure a meeting place. Their finances were not strictly in "gilt-edged" condition; they could not afford a frescoed hall with walnut wainscoting and costly chandeliers, so they rented an apartment in Good's wagon shop, on the outskirts of the town, and here they began their practice. How much inspiration the boys re- ceived in this old room with its gloomy and dilapidated surroundings may easily be imagined, but the boys forgot their unpleasant room, and learned to suit themselves to discouraging circumstances. They prac- ticed night after night, never heeding the unkind remarks of those who foretold the early doom of the organization, and soon the people began to realize that the Juveniles had started the band as a useful and perma- nent institution. Then it was that a number of public-spirited men started a subscription list to assure them financially, and over $100 was willingly subscribed. During the subsequent years of the organiza- tion's existence, the people have accorded it the support which is so much deserved. These boys labored on, overcoming every obstacle, and built up an organization that stands to-day prepared to fight its own battles. Mrs. William Youtz fitted up a large room in the brick building in the
M. DOYLE MARKS,
ORGANIZER AND LEADER OF MARKS' MILITARY BAND, RENOVO. PA.
263
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
rear of her elegant home on Huron avenue, and there the Juvenile band established their headquarters. They have, beyond doubt, the finest fur- nished band room in the state, handsomely papered, painted, carpeted, and furnished with every known convenience and contrivance necessary to successful and systematic practice. Since their organization they have favored the people of Renovo with an annual concert each year in April. The concerts have always been successful. At one concert $275 was cleared. The Juveniles have taken several trips, remaining away for a week at a time. They have also furnished music on numerous occasions for different secret societies at the state meetings. In July, 1891, they gave concerts at Irvona, Altoona, Bellwood and Tyrone, and were re- ceived right royally at each place. The following persons constitute the band: M. Doyle Marks, C. E. Ross, Don Kline, Frank Harter, Al. Good, William Seel, Wilfred Kendig, Willard Curts, Howard Spangler, James Russell, Glenn Kohler, Charles McDonald, Charles Youtz, Joseph Powers, William Youtz, Harry Taylor, Roll Irvin, Joseph Lynch, Clyde Gilliland, Park Espenschade, John O'Laughlin, Willie Leslie, Charles Marks, Bert Washburn, Ben Gunzberg, Fred Durell and Ray Swartz. The instruments used by the band are of the Distin make, and cost $1,400. The handsome uniforms cost $600, and the band room equip- ments are valued at $150. All this the boys have made by hard work. The band has been molded after Mr. Marks' own ideas, and he certainly deserves great praise for its high standing. A short time ago the boys honored him by changing the name of the organization to Marks' Mili- tary band. In concluding this sketch the highest compliment that can be paid to the band is to say that it is supported by the best people of Renovo, and that its reputation is not confined to Renovo, but has gone forth to all parts of the old Keystone state.
M. Doyle Marks, leader and organizer of Marks' Military band, was born in Altoona, Pa., in 1867, and when he was four years old his parents removed to Renovo. He entered the public schools two years later, continuing his studies until 1883, when he secured a position with the P. & E. railroad company in this place. In 1886 he attended Clark's Business college in Erie, completing one term, and on his return to Renovo resumed employment with the railroad company, and was for several years clerk in the motive power department.
Mr. Marks possesses a natural faculty for music, and his taste and talents in that direction have been developed under competent instructors. ' His ability is not confined to one or two instruments, but is so varied that he can play, and play well, on many instruments. Mr. Marks was the organizer of the Pennsylvania Band Tournament association, and has been twice elected its president.
In the fall of 1891 Marks & Kelley started the Montoursville Echo, a weekly paper published at Montoursville, Lycoming county, Pa. Mr. Kelley soon withdrew from the firm, and M. Doyle Marks became sole proprietor and publisher of the said paper, which, by his industry and en- terprise, has risen to an important position among the newspapers of Ly- coming county.
264
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
LOCOMOTIVE AND CAR WORKS.
The great locomotive and car works of the Philadelphia & Erie division of the Pennsylvania railroad at Renovo may aptly be termed the heart of the town; its existence is dependent upon their maintenance, and were they to cease operations, the death of the town would inevitably ensue. Carrying the simile further it might be said that the heart makes monthly pulsations in wages, which, if not as life-sustaining as the blood in the human arteries, is capable of purchasing that which creates the blood. In these monthly pulsations from $60,000 to $75,000 are sent forth to the community to promote the welfare of the town and its inhabitants.
The railroad shops and appurtenant buildings at Renovo cover an area of about ten acres on the north side of the railroad tracks or yard, or opposite the town proper, and these shop buildings comprise a brick engine house, brick blacksmith and forge shop, brick machine shop, brick boiler shop, brick engine room and electric light station, brick foundry, frame paint shop, frame cabinet shop, frame shop for the stor- age and mixing of paints, and brick passenger and freight car shop and planing mill, brick supply house, and brick office building. The few buildings constructed of frame will be superseded during the summer of 1892 by a brick structure covering an area of one acre, which, when completed, will be devoted to the purposes for which the frame buildings are now used.
The engine house, mentioned in the foregoing, is semi-circular, of about 180 feet radius, has a capacity for the housing of twenty-two loco- motives, and was constructed in 1864, being one of the original buildings of the plant. Its purposes are not allied to the other works, and can readily be disassociated from them, as no construction work is in progress in this building. The force employed consists of fifty men-hostlers, wipers, and inspectors of the locomotives. Mr. Charles D. McCarthy, one of the most expert mechanics in the works, is in charge of this depart- ment.
The blacksmith shop is also one of the original shop buildings, having been erected in 1864, is about 100 feet square, and in this building is forged all iron used in the construction of a locomotive or a freight or passenger car, from the smallest eyebolt to the heavy frame forgings and axles used in the building of locomotives. The shop contains about forty forges and several ponderous steam hammers for doing the heavier work. A peculiarity of this shop, as compared with other railroad blacksmith shops throughout the United States, is the large number of appliances, or "formers," as they are technically called, for shaping iron into a desired form at one blow. These devices are the invention of the foreman of the shop, Mr. John Green, who has achieved great reputation from his ingenuity in this regard. About 150 men are employed in this department.
The machine shop, which is about 100 feet by 200 feet in size, is another of the original buildings erected in 1864, and it is devoted to the
265
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
purposes indicated by its name. It is divided into two departments, separated by a longitudinal aisle or passage way; the one side, into which tracks are run from a traverse table adjoining the west side of the shop, contiguous to the blacksmith shop, having a capacity of six locomotives, which number may be repaired or built new at one time; on the other, or east side of the shop, are situated numerous lathes, boring machines, and drill presses, upon which the material used in the construction of engines, such as cylinderr, driving rods, tires, etc., are dressed, and this work necessarily must be exact to secure good results. This shop has for several years been under the able charge of Mr. Charles H. Potts, and about 200 men are employed in and about it.
Adjoining the machine shop on the north is the boiler shop, erected in 1869, a portion of which is used as a tin shop and plumbing room. In these two departments locomotive boilers, ash pans, and kindred articles are made or repaired; and every description of tin and plumbing work in connection with a railroad is turned out. The two departments employ about seventy-five men. The boiler shop is presided over by Mr. Joseph P. Green, and the tin shop and plumbing shop is in charge of Mr. R. D. Simpson, and the competency of both for their respective positions is attested by long incumbency.
In a wing of the machine shop is located the large engine which drives the multiplicity of machines in the machine and boiler shops, the power being furnished by a 200 horse-power boiler; and here also are located the electric light boilers and dynamos, which supply the several shops with electric light, the present plant being of fifty arc lamp capacity, each lamp being of 2,000 candle-power. This department is naturally allied to and subordinate to the officials of the machine shop.
The foundry, one of the original 1864 buildings, is about 80 by 120 feet in size, and in it are moulded cast articles of every description, brass and iron, that constitute the equipment of a railroad. Every ap- pliance for rapid, economical and efficient work of this character is sup- plied; and as this foundry and that at Altoona are the only two on the vast Pennsylvania railroad system, the product of this shop is supplied to many places, the home consumption being scarcely one-half the amount of work turned out. The department is under the jurisdiction of Mr. William H. Nicholas, who was its first foreman, his term of service hav- ing commenced with the erection of the shop in 1864. About seventy- five moulders and laborers are employed.
The freight car shop, passenger car shop and planing mill are under one roof in a building, erected in 1880, with dimensions 80 by 240 feet, with a wing 60 feet square. Adjoining the building is the lumber yard, with a large stock of every kind and size of lumber serviceable for railroad purposes, and from this yard the material in its rough state is taken to the planing mill and cut and dressed upon numerous machines to serve a use in either passenger or freight cars; thence the partly finished material is taken to one of the other shops, and in the hands of skilled and experienced mechanics it soon becomes the component part of the
18
266
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
elegant and convenient passenger coaches used on the Pennsylvania rail- road, or of the strong and stable freight cars for carrying heavy traffic. In erecting cars the product of the foundry, machine and blacksmith shops is, of course, largely used. To one unaccustomed to the work the facility with which a freight car may be built in these works is astonishing; the rough wood and miscellaneous pieces of iron of to-day will be a complete box car, without paint, to-morrow, and on the following day the car will be ready for traffic. The work on passenger cars being more elaborate, more time is consumed; but in this department, as in every other, celer- ity is the watchword. These departments have for twenty years been in the able charge of Mr. Robert M. Messimer, who has been most competently assisted by Mr. James R. Shuster. Affiliated with the department is the cabinet shop, or glue room in which the finest kind of joiner work is performed. About 300 men are employed, this being the largest single department of the works.
The paint shop is now in a frame structure, shortly to be superseded by the substantial and commodious brick structure now being built. In this shop all varnishing, painting, etc., of locomotives and cars are done. Mr. A. J. Weidler, an experienced painter, is in charge, having about forty men under his jurisdiction.
In the pattern shop and supply room, which are in a building 80 by 50 feet, are stored thousands of the most valuable patterns for making railroad castings, these patterns being of almost inestimable value, be- cause of the inconvenience of replacement, and all supplies, large and small, constituting the store of the shops and the transportation depart- ment of the road. Mr. C. F. Newell is in charge of the pattern shop, and Mr. Joseph R. Kendig of the store department.
The adjoining brick building, of more ornate architecture, is the office, in which are located the headquarters of the shops. Mr. William L. Holman, the master mechanic, who has supervision of all the shops, their work and the employes, having his office there. A large staff of clerks, assistants, etc., for accounting and time-keeping are also located in this building. In the second story are the offices of Mr. Thomas A. Roberts, the superintendent, whose jurisdiction comprises not only all the extensive railroad interests at Renovo, including the shops, but also about 200 miles of railroad extending west from Renovo.
In all nearly 1,000 men are employed in the railroad shops at Renovo, constituting by far the largest industry in the county, and its men are an important element and factor in the county's affairs; and, in, addition more than 200 men resident in Renovo are afforded employment in the railroad service outside of the shops, such as trainmen, trackmen and those engaged in like pursuits.
HOTELS OF RENOVO.
WARD HOUSE.
HE Ward house is a handsome brick structure, three-story high, built by John Ward, its present owner and proprietor, in 1887 and 1888. The Ward house is located above Sixth street on Erie ave- nue, and has ample room for the accommodation of forty guests. A first-class bar and restaurant and commodious sample rooms belong to the house.
RENOVO HOUSE.
The Renovo house was built by the Pennsylvania Railroad company in 1869. It is a large brick building, 72x180 feet, three stories high, and attached to the depot. The grounds around the hotel abound in choice trees and shrubbery. Captain W. H. May, who had kept the Otzinachson, the first hotel and boarding house in town, was the first proprietor of the Renovo house. Its present landlord is A. Y. Jones, who took possession in January, 1892.
REVERE HOUSE.
The Revere house, which is one of the oldest and best hotels in the town, is a large and commodious structure, located on the corner of Fourth street and St. Clair avenue. It was owned for sixteen years by John Gaudam, of Lock Haven, but is now owned by John Anderson, of Renovo. Its present landlord is Charles Spotts, who took possession of the house March 20th, 1887. The Revere house is well kept, and has suitable and ample room for the accommodation of fifty guests.
BINDER HOUSE.
The Binder house was built by George Burgess, about twenty-three years ago, and has been used as a hotel ever since. It is a brick structure, located on Erie avenue, fourth door from the P. & E. passenger station. Its present proprietor is Adolph Binder, who took charge of the place in 1889. The Binder house has suitable accommodations for about twenty guests.
EUROPEAN HOTEL.
The European hotel was built in 1870. The building was first used by ex-Sheriff D. M. May, as a store room, and he afterwards started the European hotel. The present proprietor is F. J. Seel, who took charge of the hotel March 20th, 1882. The European hotel is located on Erie avenue, three doors below the P. & E. passenger station, and contains suitable accommodations for about twenty guests. A first class bar and restaurant is run in connection with the place.
M'MAHON HOUSE.
The McMahon house is located on Erie avenue, between Third and Fourth streets, about one-half square from the P. & E. passenger station.
268
PAST AND PRESENT OF CLINTON COUNTY.
This house was formerly kept by Fred McVicker, and later by Michael McMahon. Its present proprietor is E. H. Draucker. The McMahon house is kept in good style, centrally located, and has first class accom- modations for about twenty guests. Mr. Draucker has had charge of this house since June 8th, 1891.
EAGLE HOTEL.
The Eagle hotel is located on Erie avenue, about one square from the P. & E. station. It is one of the oldest hotels in the town. Its present proprietor is E. D. Legacy, who took charge of the Eagle January, 1886. The Eagle hotel has suitable accommodations for about twenty-five guests.
CENTRAL HOUSE.
The Central house was built by its present owner, Michael Blauch, in 1885, and remodeled in 1889. It is a three-story frame structure, located on Erie avenue, between Ninth and Tenth streets. The Central has ten bed-rooms and first-class accommodations for about twenty guests. A good bar and an excellent stable belongs to the house, and it is one of the best equipped hotels for its size in Clinton county.
MOUNTAIN HOUSE.
The Mountain house is located on Erie avenue, between Fifth and Sixth streets. It is the oldest hotel in Renovo, being built in 1864. Its present proprietor is Thomas Flynn, who took charge of the house in 1880. The Mountain house has suitable accommodations for about twenty-four guests.
ARCADE HOUSE.
The Arcade house is located on Erie avenue, between Fifth and Sixth streets; was run for a number of years by Thomas Shannon. Its present proprietor is Michael Fitzgerald, who took charge of the place April 15th, 1891. The Mountain house has suitable accommodations for from twenty-five to thirty guests.
STOCKHOLM HOUSE.
The Stockholm house is located on Seventh street, between Erie and Huron avenues; was built previous to 1875. The Stockholm house was run for a number of years by Charles Knutson, who died in 1883. Its present proprietor is August Swanson, who took charge of the place in 1885. This house is well kept, and has excellent accommodations for about twenty guests. Mr. Swanson has the reputation of keeping one of the cleanest and quietest hotels in Renovo.
GALLAGHER HOUSE.
The Gallagher house was built in 1884, and was called the Clearfield house, until its present proprietor changed its name. This hotel was kept at one time by Philip Paul, who was afterwards shot by Charles Cleary. Its present landlord is James G. Gallagher, who took charge of the place December 23d, 1888. This house has accomodations for about twenty- five guests. The Gallagher house is located on Erie avenue, at the corner of Thirteenth street, and is a well kept place.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.