History of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Part 37

Author: Smith, Robert Walter
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago : Waterman, Watkins
Number of Pages: 790

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* * The charter of this congre- gation, to the extent of its expression, was the law of the corporation before and at the time this dis- pute began. To that charter we must look for any expression of ecclesiastical law, usage, custom or principle relating to the present question. Within that charter and that part of the amendment of 1864 before quoted we find that the pastor or pas- tors shall be members of some Evangelical Lu- theran Synod, which shall be in connection with the General Synod, etc. This, then, was a con- stituent part of the law of the congregation at the time the dispute arose, and as to the subject of which it treats, is controlling. The present amend- ment is, by its preface and its terms, as stated in the petition, to change and repeal this part of the charter by the substitution of a new synodical connection, consistent with the views of the pe- titioners, and is asked as a right because claimed by a majority of the corporation. With which side is doctrinal right in this controversy we can- not inquire. It is enough for us to know that at least a large minority of the corporation desire to retain a connection consistent with the terms of the charter as existing when the dispute began, and to that end resist this application. To allow this amendment would be but to take this church property from those who have followed the law of its charter, and give it to those who seek by this amendment" (proposed in 1868) "to establish a new law. To do this would be in violation of the announced opinion of our supreme court. This amendment cannot, therefore, be granted."

From the law and the facts as above abstracted, the reader will perceive why the same court, De- cember 14, 1871, finally adjudged and decreed in the above-mentioned bill in equity, among other things, that the defendants should deliver to the plaintiffs the church building, the lot of ground thereto belonging, with the appurtenances, and the books, records, and effects of that church, within twenty-five days from that date ; enjoined that no pastor who is not in synodical connection with the General Synod from officiating as pastor in that church, unless regularly elected its pastor by the congregation agreeably to its constitution and

charter ; and restrained the defendants from pre- venting or in any manner interfering with the occupation of the church by the plaintiffs and others who are qualified members thereof, adher- ing in faith and practice to a church in connection with the General Synod, yet saving to the defend- ants the subsequent right, after compliance with the decree, to avail themselves of chartered rights and privileges in church and property under and subject to a synodical connection, as expressed in the charter and its amendment of 1864. The case was taken to and affirmed by the supreme court. The costs followed the event of the case. That controversy appears to have been a sincere and earnest attempt of both parties to maintain their respective rights, legal and ecclesiastical. The result of it was, as is usual, the development of bitter feeling, and a division of that church into two.

The General Synod branch retain the original church edifice and other church property, and em- ploy a pastor of their own faith. The General Council branch erected, in 1872, an elegant and commodious church edifice, brick, on the south side of Main street, on the third lot east from Mulberry alley, and they still retain Mr. Sarver as their pastor. Membership, 200; Sabbath-school scholars, 150.

The exact date of the organization of the Metho- dist church has not been ascertained. Services were held for awhile in the small schoolhouse. About 1846, a brick edifice was erected on the southwest corner of Main street and Spring alley, which has since been replaced with a frame one. Membership of Leechburgh circuit, 225 ; Sabbath- school scholars, 175.

A Baptist church was organized in 1873. A church edifice, situated on the southwest corner of Third street and Siberian avenue, was commenced in 1875, which is not yet completed. It is frame, 40×40, and Gothic in style of architecture.

SCHOOLS.

The first one was taught by John Faulk, in a small frame schoolhouse, which was erected by David Leech at his own expense, before the free school system was inaugurated. In the latter part of March, 1830, a large number of the inhabitants of Allegheny township met in that schoolhouse to witness the exhibition of the pupils who had previously been taught by a Mr. Lee. Their per- formances were said to have been highly creditable. After their conclusion, N. P. Cooper, R. Criswell and S. Dickey were appointed a committee to draft resolutions, which, having been presented, were

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unanimously adopted. They expressed the pleas- ure and admiration of the meeting for the public spirit evinced by David Leech in his manly and spirited exertions to promote the welfare of the people of this place, and tendered him their thanks for his liberality in erecting, furnishing and sup- plying with fuel at his own expense a large and commodious schoolhouse for the exclusive use of the pupils of this place. A larger one-story frame schoolhouse was erected by the school directors in 1843, on the southeast corner of Main street and Bridge alley, which continued to be used for school purposes until a few years since, when the use of the Lutheran Institute building was secured there- for until the completion of the present public schoolhouse, which was erected in 1875, on an acre lot bounded by Siberian avenue, First street, Back street and Spring alley. The area of this creditable temple of knowledge is 85×54 feet. Its basement story, with stone walls nine feet high, is of the same area. The superstructure consists of two stories, with brick walls. The hight of ceil- ing in the lower is thirteen, and in the upper story is sixteen feet. The areas of the schoolrooms in the lower story are, respectively, 34 by 25 feet. In the upper story is a hall for public exercises, 58 X 51 feet, the remaining portion of it being reserved for additional schoolrooms when they may be needed. Each room is well lighted and is supplied with nice patent furniture. The requisite out- buildings have been erected. With proper labor, attention and expenditures, whether voluntarily contributed by the pupils of the school and the people of Leechburgh, or by the school directors at the public expense, the grounds around that schoolhouse can be made a beautiful and attractive campus. The entire cost of the ground and build- ings thus far is about $15,000.

In 1860 the number of schools, 1; average num- ber of months taught, 6; teacher, male; average monthly salary, $22; number male scholars, 30; number female, 40; average number attending school, 47; cost of teaching each scholar per month, 31 cents; amount tax levied for school pur- poses, $146.87; received from state appropriation, $37.91; received from collector of school tax, $143.74; teachers' wages, $121; fuel and contin- gencies, $10; repairing schoolhouse, $8.

In 1876 the number of schools, 4 ;* average num- ber months taught, 5; male teachers, 1; female teachers, 3; average salaries per month, male, $70; female, $41.67; number male scholars, 152; number female scholars, 119; average number attending school, 191; cost per month, 52 cents; total amount

'tax levied for school and building purposes, $2,802.79; state appropriation, $332.84; total re- ceipts, $3,667.86; paid for teachers' wages, $1,- 243.50; fuel, collectors and contingencies, $1,177.21; total expenditures, $3,723.88.

In 1857-8 the Leechburgh Institute, an institu- tion for the education of both sexes in the higher grades of learning, was established by people of Leechburg and vicinity. A two-story brick build- ing of suitable size was erected on lot No. 124, on the north side of Back street, in which there was for several years a flourishing school under the charge of David McKee, now connected with Thiel College, and other principal teachers. The deed for that lot from David Leech to the trustees in trust, etc., is dated August 5, 1857. The con- sideration therein expressed is "for the further- ance of education and for the sum of one dollar." The size of the lot is 60×120 feet. It was con- veyed "for the purpose of erecting thereon suita- ble buildings for an institution of learning." A company was organized, which appointed a board of trustees, who caused the building to be erected and assumed the discharge of such other duties as usually pertain to such a board. In the preamble of an act relative to certain real estate in the borough of Leechburgh, approved June 28, 1871, it is alleged that a company by the name and style of the Leechburgh Institute, etc., "was incorpo- rated by the Court of Quarter Sessions of Arm- strong county." That court had not the power and authority to incorporate an institution of that kind. If incorporated by the court it must have been by the court of common pleas. It does not appear from the records of that court to have been incorporated. That preamble further sets forth that that company became insolvent and its real estate was sold at sheriff's sale, and the proceeds thereof were applied to the discharge of the debts of record against the company; that the sheriff did, on the 4th day of June, 1862, make and deliver a deed for such real estate to Edward S. Golden, who, on the 30th day of June then instant, did transfer, set over and assign all his right, title, interest and claim thereto to the then board of trustees and their successors in trust for themselves and others interested by virtue of their written agreement. Wherefore it was enacted that the title which passed by the sheriff's deed be ratified and confirmed, and that the trustees be authorized and empowered to sell that lot and the buildings thereon, with the appurtenances, and to execute and deliver a deed in fee simple to the purchaser or purchasers thereof, and distribute the proceeds of sale amongst the stockholders in pro-

* That is a graded school of four grades.

John Schweden

RES. OF JOHN SCHWALM, LEECHBURG, PA.

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portion to the stock held therein by each one. By deed, dated November 4, 1872, the trustees con- veyed that property to J. Henry Bergman for $1,000. That institution was chiefly under Pres- byterian control.

The Lutheran "Leechburgh Institute," commonly called the Lutheran Academy, was incorporated by the court of common pleas of this county, March 15, 1864. Its charter and a supplement to the charter of the Hebron congregation of the Evan- gelical Lutheran church of Leechburg were con- joined and granted together. The applicants for the charter of this "Institute" stated that they were "desirous of establishing a good academy or high school," the object of which was to be "to afford to both sexes opportunities for acquiring a knowledge of the common and higher branches of education." The prescribed number of trustees was nine, six of whom were to be regular members of the Evangelical Lutheran church and to be elected by the Lutheran congregation of Leech- burgh and other subscribers or contributors to the institute. A three-story brick edifice, containing six. schoolrooms, with cupola and bell, was soon after erected. This institution was in a flourish- ing condition for several years. Among its in- structors were Revs. David McKee, D. M. Kem- merer and Samuel F. Breckenridge. It began to languish after the commencement of the contro- versy in the church and was closed in 1869.

Both of those Institutes were, during their two brief careers, efficient promoters of education, and quite a large number of pupils of both sexes availed themselves of their advantages. It is probable that one alone might have been per- manently prosperous if established on such a basis as to have commanded the support of the different denominations.

MEDICAL.

The first resident physician was Dr. George W. Marchand, who was succeeded by Drs. J. P. Pul- lard, William Wilson, J. Kiers; John T. Craw- ford, who removed to Kittanning, studied law, was admitted to the bar, entered the military service of the United States in the late war of the rebellion, and died of disease contracted in that service; T. C. McCulloch, who has been for many years a resi- dent physician of Kittanning; Washington Rey- nolds, who also removed to Kittauning, where he practiced his profession until his death; W. L. Morrow, who removed to Freeport; R. P. and J. A. Hunter, J. A. Armstrong and J. A. Carson.

CEMETERY.

The Leechiburgh Cemetery Company was incor- porated by the proper court September 5, 1864.

The charter provides that its capital stock consist of one hundred shares at $25 a share, which can be increased to two hundred shares by the corpo- rators holding a majority of the shares. The an- nual election of its officers is held annually on the first Monday of May. This company, among other things, is authorized to purchase land not exceed- ing twenty acres within a mile of Leechburgh for cemetery purposes, and to borrow money not ex- ceeding $5,000. Bonds given for such borrowed money are not to be liens on the cemetery ground, but only upon the proceeds of the sale of lots. The ground belonging to this company at present consists of two lots, nearly, and is situated between Back street and Siberian avenue, and nearly midway between Spring and Bridge alleys. Lots have been laid out and a number of them have been sold, but as yet regular streets and walks have not been opened. The former, at least some of them, are appropriately adorned. The grounds generally are susceptible of being made a beautiful resting-place for the dead.

The old cemetery adjoins the new one, fronting on Siberian avenue.

CROSSING THE RIVER.

The primitive means of crossing the Kiskimine- tas was by ferrying in canoes and larger boats. More convenient facilities were needed. By act of 7th of April, 1832, the Governor of this common- wealth was authorized to incorporate a company to erect a bridge over that stream, on the big dam, at Leechburgh. The capital stock consisted of 200 shares at $25 each. The books for subscription were to be opened on the Ist of the then next October, and the company was required to com- mence the work of erecting the bridge in two years, and to complete it within five years after the passage of the act, or forfeit to the commonwealth the rights, liberties and franchises granted by the charter, but these portions of that act or charter were repealed by the act of April 10, 1845, and the time extended to January 1, 1846. A bridge was built, by contract with Hugh Callen, on trestles, which, having become unsafe, was removed, and one with stone piers and abutments was erected in its place, which was carried away by a high flood, September 28, 1861, and replaced by the company in the summer of 1862. It was swept away by the heavy ice-gorge, March 15, 1875. A difference of opinion and a controversy had arisen between the bridge company and the hereinafter-mentioned iron works company respecting the tolls which the latter was to pay. The former, May 20, 1875, .presented their petition to the court of common

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HISTORY OF ARMSTRONG COUNTY.

pleas of this county, praying that their charter might be disannulled, which was resisted by the latter. After argument and due consideration of the law and the facts involved, the court granted the prayer of the petitioners, July 21 of that year, and appointed the writer a trustee to sell all the lands and other real estate then owned by the former. Thereupon the Kiskiminetas Bridge Company was incorporated by the Governor of this commonwealth by virtue of a general act of assembly, with a capital of $25,000. The property of the Leeehburgh Bridge Company was sold by public outery by the trustee, at two oeloek r. M., on Thursday, August 19, 1875, to the Kiskiminetas Bridge Company, for the sum of $2,301, which sale was confirmed by the court, September 6, 1875, and the trustee was ordered, on payment thereof, to execute and deliver to the purchaser a proper deed of conveyance, which was accordingly done. The new company immediately contracted for the repairing of the piers and abutments and raising them several feet higher than they had previously been, and the ereetion thereon of a superstructure partly of iron and partly of wood, all which was completed so that the new bridge began to be used on the then next Christmas day, and it has been in successful operation ever since.

MANUFACTURES.

The supply of the various kinds of mechanics, such as are usual in every town, has kept pace with the growth and wants of the population of this borough. John Taylor's tannery, between Main and Back streets, and Spring alley and the Lutheran Institute or Academy lot, was established by David Kuhns, in 1828, as appears from the assessment list. That is the first year in which he was assessed with a tan-yard ..

Rogers & Burchfield having purchased at what were then considered low rates divers lots in Leechburgh, and a considerable quantity of other land, partly therein and partly in Allegheny town- ship, erected in 1872 and 1874 extensive iron and tin works, consisting of six single puddling furnaces, two knobbling fires, one refiner's fire, six heating furnaces, four sheet heating furnaces, three anneal- ing furnaces, two pairs of muck rolls, two pairs of sheet rolls, two pairs of tin rolls, two pairs of cold rolls, one pair of muck shears, two pairs of sheet shears, one blast cylinder with engine complete, five cylinder boilers and one Allen engine of about 350 horse-power. The quantity of finished iron made per month was two hundred and fifty tons, the quality of which was equal to the Juniata char- coal made iron and number one stamping. All the

other was equal to the best brands of sheet iron. The tin works, consisting of three stacks, were built in 1874. Their daily product was ninety boxes of excellent tin. The number employed in the manufacture of iron and tin was one hundred and fifty. They were suddenly thrown out of employ- ment by the suspension of those works September 19, 1875. The rolling-mill and other buildings are situated in the southwestern part of the borough, between Main, Third and Canal streets.

By act of March 23, 1872, Canal street was va- eated between the southwest corner of lot No. 19 to Main street; Market, between Third and Canal streets; and Brown alley, between Main and Mar- ket streets. That act provides that the borough shall not be charged with any damages therefor.

A large store belonging to the Siberian Iron Company is situated on the southwest corner of Third and Market streets.

Coal was used at first for fuel, which was aban- doned and gas substituted, of which the well on the opposite side of the river, from which it is con- dueted through iron pipes, affords an abundant and apparently exhaustless supply. It is much cheaper than coal, and being free from sulphur, makes a much better quality of iron than can be made with bituminous coal. Besides it is used for illuminat- ing the town at night, which is done by means of a perpendicular gas-pipe extending upward thirty- five feet, more or less, near the rolling-mill, from the top of which jets of burning gas make a large and brilliant flame, whose light extends a great distance. That gas-well was developed in 1871 by an oil-well company, composed largely, if not en- tirely, of citizens of Leechburgh, who drilled for oil, having been induced to do so, as the writer is informed, by the knowledge of the sandrocks and other strata which they gained from the geo- logical articles that had previously appeared in the Union Free Press. The depth to which that well was drilled is 1250 feet, and that of the gas vein about 1200 feet from the surface.

Brickmaking is carried on in a yard on a lot fronting on Canal street, nearly west of the inter- section of Third and Fourth streets, with which a a dry-house is connected, by a joint stock company.

MERCANTILE AND OTHER OCCUPATIONS.

There are, according to the mercantile apprais- er's list, this year eighteen stores, of which seven- teen are in fourteenth and one in the thirteenth class. Under this head are included drug stores, groceries and merchant tailor establishments.

The appraisement list for this year shows the number of ministers to be 4; physicians, 3; mill-

COCHRAN BLOCK,

LEECHBURG, PA.

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ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP.

foreman, 1; puddlers, 8; rollers, 5; heaters, 5; shearers, 2; shinglers, 3; knobblers, 7; piekler, 1; tinmen, 3; teacher, 1; surveyor, 1; clerks, 7; agents, 5; contractor, 1: miners, 23; laborers, 58; wagon- maker, 1; brickmaker, 1; cabinetmaker, 1; paint- ers, 3; miller, 1; butchers, 4; teamsters, 5; briek merchant, 1; stonemasons, 2; blacksmiths, 4; shoe- makers, 9; carpenters, 9; tinners, 3; grain mer- chant, 1; cabinetmakers, 2: engineers, 2; baker, 1; farmer, 1; barber, 1.

The postoffice was established November 18, 1829. The first postmaster was David Leech; the present one is Israel Putnam Kerr.

SOLDIERS' AID SOCIETY.

A humane and patriotie spirit animated the people of Leechburgh and vicinity during the war of the rebellion. Considerable quantities of lint and clothing and fruits were forwarded to the army by them before any regular organization was effected. The first meeting of the Soldiers' Aid Society was held probably in the spring of 1862, shortly after the battle of Malvern Hill. It is regretted that the minutes of that society eannot be found, because without them a full and accurate presentation of its good work cannot be made. Immediately after that battle three large boxes of sanitary stores were sent with Rev. L. M. Kuhns and Addison Leech to the wounded soldiers. As those gentle- men were not allowed to pass beyond Washington, those stores were detained until Mr. Kuhns, as chaplain, succeeded in forwarding them to Fortress Monroe, where they were handed over to the hos- pitals. In July of that year the contributions of this society were sent to the Soldiers' Aid Society of Philadelphia, and afterward to the Pittsburgh branch of the sanitary commission.

people generally, the amount sent elicited some very complimentary letters from officers of the commission. Everything was prepared with great care and liberality, and evinced the patriotism and industry of the ladies of Leechburgh and vicinity, of whom Mrs. John Klingensmith, Mrs. William Parks and Mrs. Henry McKallip were particularly efficient in collecting materials and working; in- deed, all did a full share."

The society persisted in doing its good work until the necessity for it ceased. Most, if not all, of its meetings were held at the residence of Mrs. Addison Leech, who was one of its devoted and efficient members.

SOCIETIES.

I. O. O. F. Lodge No. 650; instituted March 12, 1869; members, 70.

Knights of Pythias, instituted in 1871; mem- bers, 66.

Order of American Mechanics, instituted in 1873; members, 68.

Order of United Workmen, instituted in 1874; members, 42.

The hall of both these lodges is the Lutheran institute building.

The Leechburgh Banking Company commeneed business in February, 1873.

TEMPERANCE.

The sentiment of a large number of the people has been for years adverse to the granting of licenses for the sale of intoxicating beverages, which demanded the special act of March 27, 1866, prohibiting their sale within the borough limits. The old time temperance organizations at times existed. The Bay Leaf Lodge of Good Templars No. - , was organized December 19, 1868, flour- ished and languished, having had a membership of -. At the election, February 28, 1873, the vote on the license question stood : for license, 6; against license, 77.

As the records cannot be found and as the re- ports of its doings were not published, it is very difficult to form a correet estimate of the industry and liberality of its members and the valne of the contributions made by others. One of its treasurers, POPULATION. Mrs. Mary Watson, told the writer that she remem- The number of inhabitants in 1860 was, whites, 358; colored, 1. In 1870, whites, 350; colored, 18. The number of taxables this year is 280. If there are four and three-fifths persons for each taxable, the population this year, 1876, is 1,288. bered distinctly of four or five hundred dollars being in the treasury at one time, which, and all other moneys belonging to the society, were jn- diciously expended in procuring materials to be made up by the members, and other needed articles. It is altogether probable that the aggregate valne BOROUGH OF ALADDIN. of the labor performed by this society and the con- This municipality was taken from Allegheny township and incorporated as a borough by the court of quarter sessions of this county June 8, 1867. Its boundaries were prescribed thus: Begin- ning at a black oak, thence north 264 degrees west tributions made through it, if a peenniary estimate could be made of them, might justly be set down at several thousands of dollars. The following is taken from a letter of one of its members: "I must say, for the size of the place and the means of the | 22.7 perches to a post; thence north 634 degrees

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History of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania, Part 37

Author: Smith, Robert Walter Publication date: 1883 Publisher: Chicago : Waterman, Watkins Number of Pages: 790

Author: Smith, Robert Walter
Publication date: 1883
Publisher: Chicago : Waterman, Watkins
Number of Pages: 790