USA > Pennsylvania > Lackawanna County > Ransom > History and directory of Newton and Ransom townships, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania; > Part 26
USA > Pennsylvania > Lackawanna County > Newton > History and directory of Newton and Ransom townships, Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania; > Part 26
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horse and a one-horse wagon, on which he load- ed his earthly belongings, and he and his wife started on their journey. They purchased 100 acres from John Bell, who had about five acres cleared and a log-house erected.
Mr. Bedell paid what money he had and was trusted for the balance. He sold the farm in 1867 to Peter Finkler for $10,000, and moved to Milwaukie.
Peter Bedell started in life a poor boy, with a limited education, but by industry and eco- nomy, he was worth over $46,000 when he died, which was made off the farm and accumulated interest on money loaned, and not by specula- tion. His widow received $22,000 for her share. She was murdered and robbed about two years later.
A CHANGE OF STYLE
When this old hat was new, The railroad was a stage;
And a six-mule team made plenty of steaml For the broadest kind of gauge.
You caught a goose when you wanted a pen. The iuk you used was blue;
And the women you loved didn't want to be men When this old hat was new.
A spade was only a spade, And Jennie was just plain "Jane." For this impudent lip a boy would skip, At the end of a rattan cane.
There were sixteen ounces in every pound, Four quarts made a gallon true; But things don't seem like they use to been When this old hat was new.
But we've shortened the time since then, And we're running a faster heat; And the boys of ten are full-blown men, Who run the store and the street.
We blush to giggle, and we should smile; We're cute, and we never say die, We're up to snuff, and we're full of gule; And we're just too awfully fly.
And father is governor, old man, dad; And his old day is gone, We run things fast, and a little bad, Since we put this new hat on.
Gravel Pond
1500
1300
+300
Hillside Home
Summit Lake
1400
2080
1240
Fire proof School
Schutzville Flo
440
1531
1880
Cosner School
Schultzville 1200 School
N
E
W
N
Creek
Schrack Cree
town
No 5 School
1900
/280
2/20
Lacoe School
Squa
port Royd school
BALD MOUNT 2223
Newton Center Bald Mount PO
Newton centar Schab
/200
340
1900
No 2 Schoo
900
1140
Milwaukee PO
High
Shook School
Falls
High Falls
1
No 3 School
¿Mountain
Valley
1660
1320
Austin
/604
/709
1000
1216
A
Creek N
S
M
1
1
1620
1124
MOSICA
//22
Vo / School
Coal Storage.
No4Schody
,Ranson Home
RR
PO
LEHIGH
RIVER
o
I Mile
Ransom Ferry
SUSQUEHANNA
I Mile
Scale, 1 inch = 1 mile
New Road to
Gardner Creek
Creek
Scranton
1200
suewpulld
Falls
Road
Brink
1500
Ransom
600
VALLEY
Falling Spring Creek
/200
Heights
MAP OF NEWTON AND RANSOM TOWNSHIPS-This map shows the location of the villages, roads, school districts, creeks. and the altitude of several places, which is indicated by figures, viz .: Milwaukie, 900 feet above sea level; Mountain Valley, 1660 ft., etc. Ransom Valley is No. 1 School, and Mount Dewey, No. 5 School. Ransom and Ransom Valley school districts are divided by Gardner Creek.
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CHAPTER FOURTEEN
EARLY HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP
This township was named in honor of Cap- tain Samuel Ransom, who in 1777 raised a com- pany for the defense of the Wyoming Valley. [Ie was killed in the Wyoming massacre, July 3, 1778.
The history of Ransom township, extends far back of its official organization. It was formed from parts of Exeter and Newton, and was or- ganized into a township in 1849.
JOHN GARDNER, THE PIONEER SETTLER
The first white inhabitant of Ransom town- ship was John Gardner. the father of Richard Gardner, the first settler in Newton township.
Joli Gardner came from Colchester, Conn., in 1769, and settled on a farm at the mouth of Gardner's creek (being the farm later owned by John Stout, but now by the Lehigh Valley ('oal Storage Plant ), where he lived until cap- tured by the Indians and tories, July 1, 1778. two days before the Wyoming Massacre.
Before Gardner's departure be advised his wife to take their five children to Connecticut, and remain with her friends until it would be safe to return. He then bade his wife and chil- dren a final farewell, and soon an Indian placed a load upon his shoulders which he could scarce- Iv raise, put a halter around his neck, and led him away as he would a beast. Mr. Gardner . became exhausted before reaching what is now (teneva, N. Y., and was given over to the squaws, who tortured him to death by driving his body full of pine sticks and setting them on fire.
Mrs. Gardner returned with her five children to Connecticut. In due time she came back to Ransom, and lived with her son John, till her death, which occurred August 24, 1834, being 91 years old. She was buried in the old ground at Ransom.
John and Richard Gardner settled on the farm purchased by their father in 1769, at the mouth of Gardner's creek. John continued working the farm, but Richard established Gardner's Ferry at Ransom, which he ran for several years. In 1803. he moved to what is now Newton township, being the first settler there. He remained here until 1807. when he returned to Ransom. (See page 69.)
Thankful Gardner, daughter of John Gard- ner, was the first white child born in Ransom township. She was born in 1770.
PELEG COMSTOCK came from Connecticut about the same time with the Gardners, and settled on a tract of land which he "patented," near Gardner's creek, containing 175 acres. This farm was later owned by John H. Cun- ningham. In 1869 it was purchased by P. K. Richards. The farm is now divided and is owned by Jessie P. Richards and Amos C. Learn. Mr. Comstock died at an advanced age, and is buried in the old burying ground at Ran- som.
JOHN MCMILLAN came from Ireland, located on the farm owned for several years by David M. Huthmaker, and now owned by W. A. Hantz. He was a school teacher and physi- cian. He had eleven children. His son, Alex- ander, married Nancy Montanye, and the names of "Uncle Aleck" and "Aunt Nancy" were sy- nonyms for good in every household. He died November 25, 1869, at an advanced age.
FRED SANDWAY, JOHN BAUMGARDNER, JOHN RADER. ANDREW NETT, PHILLIP SHELLENBER- GER and CHARLES RESLER came to Ransom in 1841, from Germany, and settled on what has since been known as "German Hill."
CONRAD MAAS came from Germany in 1846 and purchased the farm settled in 1841 by John Baumgardner. This farm was purchased in 1910 by Charles Richster. Conrad Maas mar- ried Miss Catherine Hines. They were the pa- rents of four children, namely: Jolm, Julia (Mrs. Fred Weiscarger), Conrad and Wentzel. They were all born in Germany.
BENNY GARDNER, THE PIONEER GROCER.
The first store in Ransom township was start- ed in 1810 by Benjamin Gardner, son of Rich- ard Gardner. He was born at Gardner's Ferry (now Ransom). Sept. 27, 1795. His lower limbs were paralyzed when a child. He hitched about on his hands and hips, but was cheerful. He was an honest man in all his dealings. At the age of fifteen, the neighbors assisted him to build a small log-house where he could sell pea- nuts, candy, etc. This building was only twelve feet square, but it answered his purpose for many years. The people sympathised with him in his helpless condition, which had the effect to help him on in his business.
Elisha Harris, a neighbor, purchased for him some whiskey, and gave it to him. With this
168
IHISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP
he started a tavern, and after this he was always able to purchase his own whiskey. The travel- ers were sure to call on him and purchase some- thing in his line. His name and business be- came known everywhere along the river. His business increased, and in a few years he was able to purchase from the Butler heirs, a lot of seven acres of land, and soon after erected a much better and larger tavern, where he was able to lodge strangers and travelers, and ac- commodate them with something to eat in the shape of crackers, pies, cakes, candy, etc. In this way, things went on smoothly, until finally some of his neighbors found considerable fault with him for selling whiskey without a license. and to prevent a prosecution, he procured the service of Christopher Taylor to take him to Wilkes-Barre at court time when court was in session. Judge Scott was presiding. Mr. Taylor took Benny on his back and walked into the court room. When the Judge made inquiries as to his lameness, he discharged him, remark- ing that if so great a cripple could make his living in that line of business he should be al- lowed to do so.
Later he was married to a widow lady by the name of Owen and for a time kept quite a re- spectable tavern, furnishing meals and lodging to customers, but it was of short duration. His wife soon tired of tavern keeping and advised him to sell out, which he did, and purchased a few acres of land of a Mr. Jones, on the oppo- site side of the river in Exeter. His wife soon tired of this and advised him to sell out. Mr. Gardner, finding that his wife was too expensive a luxury for him to maintain (she having daughters that she was providing for at the same time secretly), and his father seeing how things were going, advised him to sell his little property, set the old lady adrift, and come home, which he did. Soon after, his father gave him an ancient little building on the bank of the river, a few rods above the ferry, where he again started in the confectionery business, doing an honorable business, having left off the whiskey trade.
THE PIONEER TAVERNS
The first tavern was established at Ransom in 1812. by Benj. Gardner, which he kept for about twenty-five years. It was opened in a small log cabin.
About 1837. he was succeeded by Benjamin Smith and Philip Drear, who made many im- provements. The property was next owned by A. W. Clark, who sold to I. D. Gulick. This building was burned in March, 1855. Gulick then kept tavern a year in another house. Fred Sandway purchased the property and kept a tavern a few years, and later sold to Jacob
Bertels. The building is now a private dwell- ing, owned by the John Crowell estate.
In 1846 a tavern was built at the head of the first narrows on the road from Pittston to Ran- som by George Saxe, and later was kept by J. Nafus.
In 1876, a hotel was built by John Crowell.
THE RANSOM VALLEY TURNPIKE COMPANY was incorporated February 18, 1871, and the following persons were appointed commission- ers: L. Il. Litts, P. K. Richards, Peter Bedell, George Damon, Chauncey Sherwood, D. M. HIuthmaker and Amos Saxe.
BOUNDARIES AND SURFACE
Ransom is one of the eastern townships of Lackawanna county: boudd on the north by Newton township ; cast and south by the city of Scranton, and Lackawanna and Old Forge townships; west by Marcy township and the Susquehanna river.
The surface of the township is more hilly than that of Newton. A large portion is tra- versed by the West Mountain, in which the highest elevation is Bald Mount, reaching an altitude of 2.223 feet. The lowest portion. along the Susquehanna near the village of Ran- som, is only 600 feet. Milwaukie is 900 feet. and Mountain Valley 1,660 feet above sea level.
Ransom township is triangular in shape, its western border being about five miles, and ox- tending northeastward over eight miles, taper- ing to a point. It has an area of twenty-one square miles, with forty-two miles of roads.
Newton township contains twenty-four square miles. It has fifty-one miles and sixty-one rods of roads.
RIVERS AND CREEKS
This township is everywhere well watered with creeks, which are formed by numerous springs. The Susquehanna river forms about two-thirds of the western boundary. The larg- est stream flowing through the township is Gardner's creek. This creek has its source in the mountain above the Cosner school-house, in Newton township (near the Ransom line), How- ing nearly directly west, to a short distance be- low Curtis P. Smith's saw-mill. Here it turns abruptly to the south, flowing through Milwau- kie, where it takes a south-westerly course, en- tering the Susquehanna river near Ransom.
High Falls Creek rises in Mountain Val- ley, flowing north into Gardner's creer at Milwaukie. On this creek is located High Falls. on the farm of Lewis E. Powell. The water falls from a height of nearly seventy-five feet, from which it derived its name.
169
HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP
Mosier Pond creek has its source near Moun- tain Valley on the old Mosier farm (now owned by Edwin S. Miller) and Hows south-west into the Susquehanna near the Coal Storage Plant.
Falling Spring creek rises near Mountain Valley. taking a southern course through Marcy township, flowing into the Susquehanna near Campbell's Ledge. Two large reservoirs are located on this creek, near the line between Ransom and Marcy townships. These reser- voirs were built by the Spring Brook Water Supply Co., and furnish the water supply for the boroughs of Taylor and Austin. The larg- est reservoir was finished in 1905 at a cost of $285.000. It covers seventy-one acres of land. Two large concrete dams were built for its con- struction. one about 600 feet and the other about 750 feet long.
There are several smaller streams in the town- ship.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is the chief occupation of the citizens of Ransom township. There are about eighty farms in the township. containing near- ly 5,800 acres, of which 4,500 acres are cleared and improved. The township covers an area of 6,339 acres, including cleared, timber and unimproved land. Only four farms contain 150 aeres or more : seven, 125 acres or more : fifteen, 100 acres or more: fourteen, 75 acres or more; ·eventeen. 50 acres or more; ten, 25 acres or more; and ten of 10 acres or more each. The Ransom Home farm is the largest, containing 267 acres. James Lacoc owns 187 acres.
The land is hilly, but productive. It is kept fertile by thousands of tons of manure, which is hauled from Scranton and Pittston each year.
Some grain is raised, but the principal crops are cabbage, sweet corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, pota- toes, etc.
LIVE STOCK AND DAIRYING.
The land in Ransom is too valuable for stock raising. Much more money can be realized from an acre planted to garden truck, which brings good prices in Scranton, an unlimited market. There are only 314 cows in the town- ship.
J. B. Coolbaugh and E. S. Miller, both of Mountain Valley, keep forty cows each, the largest dairies in the township. Mr. Coolbaugh runs a retail milk wagon to Scranton and Mr. Miller has a milk route in Moosic and Avoca. The Ransom Home has the next largest dairy, twenty cows. Horace Courtright has sixteen cows and John Beyrent, twelve. Both have re- tail milk routes in Scranton.
The township has 211 horses, 9 mules. 64 sheep and 285 pigs and hogs.
OLDEST INHABITANTS OF RANSOM
Twenty-six person, seventy years of age or over, are living in Ransom township, namely :
Dorothy Schultheis 90
Mrs. Ella D. Park 75
Martin Hoffman 86
Jacob Bedell 74
Nicholas G. Reed 85 Tobias Stine
Margaret Blackwell
80 Mrs. Alvy Krouse
73
John Munson
79
Mrs. N. G. Reed
73
Mrs. Dorinda Setzer
77
Mrs. Irwin Miller
72
Ostrander Richards
76 James Taylor
72
Sarah Kunsman
76 Martin Sickler
71
Mrs. John Williams 76 Mrs. Geo. W. Ace 71
Mrs. Jacob Bedell 75 George W. Ace 71
John Wilson
75 John Williams
70
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
VILLAGES, CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS IN RANSOM
RANSOM VILLAGE
This village was first settled sometime before 1800. It contains only twenty-four houses. and has a population of about 100.
The ferry was first built about 1795, by Richard Gardner, who ran it for several years. It was next owned by his son, Samuel, and grandson, George W. Later it was owned by Mrs. Mary A. Ives, and since Nov. 1, 1910, by her son, Francis M. Ives.
The postoffice was established April 9, 1850. and Isaac D. Gulick was appointed the first post- master. but the office was kept by Benny Gard-
ner. This was the first postoffice in the town- ship.
THE EARLY STORES
The first general store in Ransom township was kept by Benjamin Smith and Ira Gardner, which was opened in 1835. The building was built in 1832. by Samuel Gardner for a dwell- ing. It was used for a stable a few years later. There was no other store here, excepting "Uncle Benny" Gardner's grocery, till 1846, when Abel and James Thompson built and opened one. which was burned in 1855. In 1864, Jacob Bertels built and opened a store near the depot
74
Irwin Miller 79
Mrs. Regina B. Klaile 73
Mrs. Tobias Stine 72
Mrs. Mary L. Newman 78
170
HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP
at Ransom, and in 1866 sold it to Fred Sand- way. This property was purchased in 1910 by Mrs. David M. Huthmaker. It has been used as a residence for several years, until April. 1912, when it was purchased by James P. Van Ostrand, and is now used again for a store. Charles Getz, from Pittston, rented the building vacated by Mr. VanOstrand, where he opened a store on the first day of May, 1912.
SAW-MILL
A saw-mill wa- erected in Ransom village in 1875, by Joseph G. Osborn, and was later own- ed by F. P. Osborn. There has been no mill here for several years.
torate of S. I. Sharters, a framed church was built on a lot donated by Sebastian Dershimer. It was dedicated in 1872. This church was burned Nov. 26, 1898.
The present church was built in 1899, and the pasonage was built about the same time. They cost about $3,000.
The following ministers have served this church since its organization : J. Hartzlen, 1859 to March, 1860; Samuel Smith, March 29. 1860 to March, 1862: S. E. Davis. March 30, 1862 to March, 1864: I. IL. Dietrick, March, 1864 to March, 1866; Solomon Buck, March, 1866 to March, 1868; I. M. Pines, 1868 to 1869: J. M. Price, 1869: William Crawman, 1869 to 1870:
THE RANSOM FERRY. Established about 1795 by Richard Gardner.
BLACKSMITH SHOP
The first blacksmith shop in this village was built in 1847, by Benjamin and Warren Smith. "There is no shop here at the present time.
LUTHERAN CHURCHI
The Lutheran church at Ransom was built in 1845 and dedicated in 1847, during the pas- torate of Rev. John Lescher. For several years the pulpit was supplied by preachers from other places. This was the first church built in the township. No regular services have been held in this church for several years.
EVANGELICAL CHURCH AT RANSOM
1 religious society was organized in the vi- cinity of Ransom in 1859, by the Rev. Mr. May and Rey. Jacob Hartzlen. Services were held regularly at the home of Miss Malinda Gard- ner for several years. In 1871. during the pas-
S. I. Sharters, 1870 to 1873; P. S. Oring, 1873 to 1875; W. W. Rhoades, 1875 to 1876; J. A. Hollanbaugh, 1876 to 1879; G. L. Burson, 1879 to 1880; H. H. Douty, 1880 to 1882: G. M. Currin, 1882 to 1883; J. M. Longsdorf, 1883 to 1885: J. M. Brader, 1885 to 1888; C. J. Dick, 1888 to 1891; H. A. Stokes, 1891 to 1893; E. E. Shaffer, 1893 to 1896; F. F. Mayer, 1896 to 1901: B. F. Keller, 1901 to 1905: H. W. Tho- mas, 1905 to 1907; L. Dice, 1907 to 1911; W. E. Smith, 1911 to the present time.
In its beginning, the Ransom church was a part of the Wilkes-Barre Mission, which was or- ganized in March, 1853, and included Wilkes- Barre, Pittston and Ransom townships. At the Annual Conference held at Glen Rock, York county. Pa .. in March, 1861 its name was changed to Wyoming Mission. Since 1891, it has been known as the Ransom Mission, which includes the church at Mountain Valley.
171
HISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP
In 1867 a union Sunday School was organ- ized at the home of Miss Malinda Gardner, which was removed to the church after its com- pletion.
RANSOM SCHOOL-HOUSE
Until 1852, the children at Ransom attended the Ransom Valley school. In that year the district was divided, and a school-house was built at Ransom. Gardner's creek is the divid- ing line between the two schools. Miss Susan Neyhart was the first teacher at Ransom, who taught four terms in succession.
Miss Martha Lacoe taught this school in 1911- 12. Fifteen scholars were enrolled, namely : John McCabe, Francis MeCabe, Ellen McCabe. Harry McCabe, Fred Taft, Mildred Taft, Mar- tha Taft, Ralph Bedell, Grace Bedell. Matilda
RANSOM HOME
The Home is an institution for the care of the poor and homeless of the city of Pittston. and Pittston and Jenkins townships. It is a large and substantial brick building, located in Ransom township, nearly three-fourths of a mile south from the Lehigh Valley Railroad station, and about six miles north of Pittston, on the cast bank of the Susquehanna river. The first directors were D. Stark, David S. Coon, Leonard Everitt and Joseph Schooley.
The first farm was purchased in 1858 from Emmanuel Dersheimer, who had charge until the following spring. The old farm-house was used for the inmates until the first brick build- ing was erected. It was located across the road from the present building, and was torn down
.
SCHOOL-HOUSE AND EVANGELICAL CHURCH, Ransom.
Engleman, Luzon Gardner. William Richards. Jim Serene, Alfred Stark and Victor Mu-sel- man. John MeCabe was the youngest, aged 4. and Victor Musselman, the oldest. aged 14 years
RANSOM VALLEY SCHOOL
The first school-house in Ransom township was built about 1830 on the Hat near Gardner creek, which was undermined by a Hood about 1850. The building was then moved to its pre- sent location. P. K. Richards, who is now liv- ing in West Pittston. taught this school in 1855. 1856 and 1857. lle had about seventy-five scholars. Miss Sarah E. Klipple i- the present teacher (1911-12). with thirteen scholars as follows: Nicholas Basalyga, Anna Bookler, Jen- nie Hantz. Eva Krynisky, Rocco Occtiato, Frank Oectiato, Sophia Richter. Carl Richter, Willie Richter, Mamie Rosenkrans. Elmer Ro- senkrans, Thressa Rosenkrans and William Thompson.
a few years ago.
The first inmates were brought from Pitts- ton on the North Branch Canal. Before the farm was purchased there were fifty-five pau- pers within the district, but only five could be persuaded to go to the Home. The other fifty, having such horrors of going to the "poor house." decided to take care of themselves.
The first brick building was erected about 1877, during the stewardship of Alfred Hehns. This was a three-story and basement building, 40x80 feet in size. In 1889, an addition, size 40x128 feet was erected, making a building 40x 208 feet, equipped with all modern improve- ments, including an electric light plant for lighting the buildings.
The farm contains 267 acres, valued at $10,- 000, and the buildings are valued at $50,000. The personal property is valued at about $25,- 000. making a total valuation of $85.000
The following are the Stewards of the Homo since the first farm was purchased: Emmanuel
172
IHISTORY OF RANSOM TOWNSHIP
Dersheimer, from 1858 to 1859; P. K. Richards, from 1859 to 1866; Lewis Il. Litts, from 1866 to about 1870, who was succeeded by J. J. Miller (a son-in-law of Mr. Litts), who served until about 1876: Alfred Hehins, from about 1876 to about 1878; Eli Brown, from about 1878 to 1887; Jacob Place, from 1887 to 1897; George HI. Rifenbary, from April 1, 1897 to the present time.
The Home had on January 1, 1912, ninety eight inmates, seventy-six males and twenty-two females. The monthly pay roll for house and farm labor averages about $235.00 per month. 'The products of the farm for the year 1911, amounted to $6,081.05.
The present directors and officers are as fol-
MILWAUKIE
is a pretty little village nestled among the hills of Ransom township. It is located on Gard- ner's creek about four miles east from the vil- lage of Ransom and about two miles south of Newton Centre.
The first settlement was made sometime be- fore 1820 by William Brink, on the farm now owned by Charles Stine. A little later, Hor- ace Twitchel settled where Milwaukie is now built, and in 1824 erected a saw-mill. Phineas Sherwood came about the same time. In 1825, Joseph LeTier made a clearing and built a log house on the farm now owned by Mrs. John Beyrent. About 1840, or sometime before, Barney Dersheimer settled the farm now owned
RANSOM HOME .- Rear View.
lows: Gomer Jones, president; Patrick H. Dur- kin, secretary; Michael J. Brennan, treasurer; Thomas J. Llewellyn and John H. Mullin.
RANSOM COAL STORAGE PLANT
About 1905, the Lehigh Valley Coal Com- pany purchased about 500 acres of land in Ran- som, including the farms formerly owned by John Saxe, Amos Saxe and John Stout, and part of the D. M. Huthmaker farm. The plant was begun July 1, 1905 and finished about one year later at a cost of $500,000. The first coal was stored in March, 1906.
The plant is run by electricity, which is gen- erated by two 325 horse power engines with di- rect-connecting dynamos. The plant has a capacity of about 360,000 tons. There were about 100,000 tons in storage Jan. 1, 1912. From twenty to thirty men are employed. F. J. Devlin is foreman.
by Milton W. Petty; David Iluthmaker on the farm now owned by Thomas J. Huthmaker; Alex. Beemer on the farm now owned by Joseph B. Munson : and Peter Hufford on the farm now owned by Anthony Schultheis. It is said that Peter Hufford was the father of twenty-four children. He was twice married.
The last farm settled in Ransom township is now owned by John Hoffman. His father. Martin Hoffman, purchased and moved to this farm in 1874. It was then a wilderness.
The growth of Milwaukie was slow until about 1842. when Absalom Young made an auction sale of building lots, and several were sold. Soon after several buildings were erected. .
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