USA > Pennsylvania > Beaver County > History of Beaver County, Pennsylvania, and Its Centennial Celebration, Volume II > Part 31
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at this place more than twenty have been named for him. The first indubitable mushroom ever discovered in any of the coal measures is one of the treasures of this collection.
COAL COMPANIES OF DARLINGTON TOWNSHIP
Edwin K. Morse-1848-53. Mr. Morse came from Poland Ohio, and was the first to extend the trade in cannel coal, hauling the same to the new line of the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway until the completion of the Darlington Cannel Coal Railway, in which he was a large stockholder. His shipments were largely to Pittsburg and Philadelphia.
Freeman Butts-1858-76. This gentleman was a resident of Syracuse, N. Y., who purchased the Sterling and Carson lands, operating the No. 6 and 7 veins of bituminous coals. During the Civil War he filled a four years' contract for two hundred tons per day, and in later years he shipped largely to the Lake trade.
Henrici & Lenz-1852-80. These were representatives of the Harmony Society, who, being compelled to take the Dar- lington Cannel Coal Railway, leased the cannel mine and, with their own bituminous mine, were large shippers to the east and the Lake trade. P. L. Grim was the general manager. Their coal and railroad investments in Darlington township were, however, unsuccessful, involving a loss to the Society of over $400,000.
Ira F. Mansfield-1865-1904. Returning from the Civil War in 1865, Mr. Mansfield purchased the cannel coal mines at Cannelton, and has been ever since active in the business of mining. Some of his early trade was with oil companies, who by cooking the cannel coal in retorts, secured from one to two barrels of oil from each ton of coal. Gradually the market was extended to gas companies in Canada and New England States, and for over twenty-two years the output averaged one hundred tons a day. For several years Mr. Mansfield also operated the Beaver, Block, and Economy mines.
Sterling Mining Company-1885-1904. This company was organized by W. H. Warner of Niles, Ohio, and operated the bituminous veins from the Mansfield and Duff lands. They have been quite successful, having a railroad and furnace trade.
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Goff-Kirby Coal Company-1890-1904. Members of this firm reside in Cleveland. The company operate veins 4 and 6 under lands of Messrs. Butts, Duff, and Mansfield. They ship largely to Cleveland, and by Lake to Canada and western cities.
In addition to those named above, there have been some small firms, which operated for a time, but failed; and there are also in the township many farm mines for local wagon trade.
Cannelton is a village at the Mansfield mines referred to above, lying near the Little Beaver Creek. Its post-office was established in 1880, and has been served by the following per- sons: Samuel Henry, March 2, 1880; Robert A. Craighead, January 17, 1884; George S. Veon, January 19, 1885; Ira F. Mansfield, September 7, 1885; John Grim, March 7, 1888; John W. Inman, June 20, 1888; James Dryden, October 19, 1891; Samuel M. Dryden, January 31, 1901.
Near this place, on the Little Beaver, Tanacharison, the Half-King had a hunting cabin. When Washington came to Logstown in 1753 he had a runner sent after him to bring him from this camp for a conference at Logstown.' About his camping place many Indian relics have been found. Hon. I. F. Mansfield, of Cannelton and Beaver, has a fine collection that was gathered here. Colonel Bouquet, in his expedition against the Ohio Indians, encamped near here (just across the State line), October 7, 1764. A small elevation in the neighborhood, which was occupied by part of his force still retains the name of "Bouquet's Knob."
Near Cannelton is the Roman Catholic Church of St. Rose. -The first Catholic families who came to this neighborhood were drawn hither by the opportunities for employment afforded by the then active industry of cannel coal-mining. They were at first under the necessity of going to New Castle or Beaver for religious privileges. Later, Rev. James Reid, pastor of the church at Beaver, served the people here, coming once a month to visit them, and saying mass in the homes of John Quigley, Samuel Myers, Michael Gishbaugher, and others. The number of Catholic families in the neighborhood had by 1861 increased to such an extent that Father Reid decided to erect a small church-building for their worship. Accordingly, on a lot which
Washington's Journal of 1753. Reprinted in The Olden Time, pp. 12-27; History of Western Penna., Appendix No. VI.
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had been donated for the purpose by Samuel Wescott of Jersey City, a primitive structure was built, the work being done inside of three days. This rude structure was used for several years by Father Reid. On account of failing health he was compelled to give up his mission work, and was succeeded in the charge by Rev. James Canevin of New Castle, and, later, Rev. J. M. Mit- chell of New Brighton assumed it. This was in 1864. The Rev. J. C. Bigham then became pastor of the churches at New Brighton and Cannelton, February 2, 1866, and the latter con- tinuing to increase in membership, it was evident that a new building would have to be erected. For this purpose the Har- mony Society, in 1871, donated a lot 250 by 100 feet, and that year the present building-57 by 25 feet-was finished. It was dedicated, October 21, 1871, Bishop Domenec officiating at the services. The old building was removed to a point opposite, and was devoted to the uses of a parochial school. In 1873 a pastoral residence was erected on the church lot. The hard times following the panic of 1873 caused the closing of the school, which has never been reopened. Father Bigham was succeeded in February, 1877, by Father McMahon, who was the first resident priest which the charge had had. He was suc- ceeded in May by Rev. S. P. Herman, and he in the early part of the winter by Rev. Thos. Devlin.
On the Fergus Johnson farm there was an old mill and tilt hammer forge, built about 1815, which supplied the farmers in all that region with scythes and sickles. (See map facing p. 882.)
INDUSTRY TOWNSHIP
Industry township is bounded by Ohio and Brighton town- ships on the north and west and by the Ohio River on the south and east. It is drained by Six-Mile and Wolf runs, two small streams which put into the Ohio near each other. This town- ship was formed February 7, 1856, out of Industry election dis- trict of Brighton and Ohio townships (see page 890).
The surface of the township is irregular, but it has a good soil and is well underlaid by coal of a fine quality, and by lime- stone and sandstone, which have been extensively mined and quarried. At the village of Industry is a salt well 800 feet deep, which was originally bored for oil, a show of which and some gas were obtained. Salt was manufactured from the water
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from this well for some years at the rate of about ten barrels a day, twenty barrels of the water making one of salt.
In 1900 Industry township had 268 taxables, 15,603 acres of cleared land, 2093 acres of timber land, and real estate amount- ing to $293,185. The latter was divided into real estate tax- able $285,235; and real estate exempt from taxation, $7950.
In 1900 the population by the United States Census was 664.
VILLAGE OF INDUSTRY
This is the only village in the township. It is situated on the north bank of the Ohio River, about seven miles from Beaver, and is a station on the Cleveland & Pittsburg Railway.
The village of Industry dates its existence from September 14, 1836, it having been laid out at that time by William Mc- Callister, but a post-office was established at this point in 1833. The postmasters have been as follows:
Thomas McCreery, appointed April 16, 1833; William Cairns, May 9, 1836; Jacob Ross, Aug. 1, 1840; Hiram Cornell, July 31, 1845; Jacob Ross, Nov. 8, 1848; Jacob Russell, May 27, 1856; Adam Montgomery, Feb. 26, 1858; Lavinia J. Riley, July 23, 1861; Jane Jackman, May 31, 1878; Levi Barnes, Nov. 10, 1885; Wilber F. Todd, April 26, 1889; Thomas J. Knight, July 24, 1893; and George A. Clear, June 14, 1897.
About the middle of the last century a saw-mill was built here. This was bought in 1869 by the Baker Bros., who also established here a flouring-mill. In 1872 George Engle became a partner in the business, and in 1883 the sole proprietor.
The United Brethren in Christ Church of Industry was organized in 1824 by Rev. Henry Purdy, with the following charter members: Mr. and Mrs. Biddle, Mr. and Mrs. John Knight, Mr. and Mrs. Edward Neville, Mr. and Mrs. John Cham- berlain, Mr. and Mrs. George Engle, and Mrs. John Cotton. Two church-buildings have been erected, cost unknown; one in 1849 and one in 1898.
Industry was formerly connected with the Muskingum Con- ference (Ohio). Among the ministers of this conference who have at various times served the church here were the following:
A. Biddle, John McGaw, Jos. Paxson, E. Sluts, A. Brazee, John Todd, John Swihart, William Turner,-Legget, George Fast, M. L. Spangler, and William Neville, The class is now in Allegheny Conference. Ministers: E. B. Kephart (now Bishop Kephart), John Stiner, B. F. Booth, W. R. Funk, - Zuck, William Truxal, - Fulton, George Noden, James Shearer, George Raver, - Barnhart, R. R. Funk, - Miller, -
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Fisher. Three of these were from the Industry class, viz., A. Biddle, John Todd and William Neville. They have labored effectively in various fields in Ohio and Indiana.
The Presbyterian Church of Industry was organized Octo- ber 16, 1865, with seventeen members, by a committee of the Presbytery of Allegheny. The membership was drawn prin- cipally from the Bethlehem Church of the south side. The first elders were John Jackman and J. W. Engle. In 1870 a frame church-building, 36 x 50 feet, was erected at a cost of $2600. The pastors from the beginning have been M. L. Wortman, M. A. Parkinson, P. J. Cummings, 1886; vacant, 1887-89; stated supply in 1890; Allan Krichbaum, 1891-93; vacant, 1894; T. Pliny Potts, 1895-1901; during 1903 the church at Industry is being served by M. M. Rogers, in connection with the congre- gations of Vanport and Bethlehem.
Oak Grove Union Chapel is in the northwestern corner of Industry township. The history of this chapel is as follows. In 1899 a union Sunday-school was organized in Todd's school- house by A. E. Fox, who became its first superintendent. The school increased in numbers and interest until it was felt by the people that they should have a larger building and one suitable for church services. In March, 1900, a committee, consisting of Wm. Marx, M. F. Doughty, and Wm. Moore, was appointed to try to raise funds sufficient to build a chapel. About $950 were raised, and at a meeting of the Sunday-school the members of the said committee were elected trustees and empowered to act as a building committee to erect a chapel. The ground for the building was donated by T. J. Knight and M. F. Doughty from a purchase which they had made for a cemetery. The work of building went forward with energy, the people doing all the excavating and hauling free of charge, and the chapel was completed the same year at a cost of about $1300.
Sunday-school is held every Sunday, and preaching services whenever a minister can be secured. There have preached here since the chapel was erected the following ministers: Rev. Messrs. Funk, Miller, and Vondersmith of the United Brethren Church; Potts and Allen, of the Presbyterian; Young and Davis, of the United Presbyterian; Bates, Fields, and Dodds of the Christian; Smith and Grace of the Free Methodist; and Brownell, of the Covenanter.
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John Rising is superintendent of the school at present, and George Burgetts, M. F. Doughty, and William Moore are the trustees. William Marx, one of the first trustees, died in the spring of 1901.
Oak Grove Cemetery was laid out by T. J. Knight and M. F. Doughty about the same time as the building of the above named chapel.
PATTERSON TOWNSHIP
The history of the organization of this township will be found in full in Chapter XXV. The township is very small, having, according to the Report of the Secretary of Internal Affairs, for 1900, 200 taxables, 416 acres of cleared land, 101 acres of timber land, and a total value of real estate of $143,535- Of the latter, $135,535 was real estate taxable, and $8000 real estate exempt from taxation.
The geology of this township is interesting, and will be found fully described in the Second Geological Survey of Pennsylvania, Report of Progress Q., pp. 247-251.
The early settlers of this region were Quakers, who did much for the educational and social and business advancement of the whole surrounding country. The population of the township in 1900 was, by the United States Census, 433. Patterson Heights borough was formed from a part of this township, June 19, 1899.
WHITE TOWNSHIP
This is one of the recently formed townships of Beaver County. It lies north of the center of the county, being bounded on the north by Big Beaver township, on the west by Chippewa, from which it was taken in 1887, on the south by Patterson, and on the east by College Hill borough.
The township is very small, with the surface characteristics of the surrounding townships. No streams are found within its limits, but Walnut Run flows along its southern border.
This township, according to the report of the Secretary of Internal Affairs for 1900, had 180 taxables, 879 acres of cleared land, and a total value of real estate amounting to $180,708. Of the latter, $4750 represented real estate exempt from taxa- tion and $175,958 real estate taxable. Its population, as shown by the United States Census for 1900, was 491.
VOL. 11 .- 22.
CHAPTER XXVIII TOWNSHIPS NORTH OF THE OHIO AND EAST OF THE BIG BEAVER
New Sewickley Township: Unionville-Unionville Methodist Episcopal Church-Oakland United Presbyterian Church-The Knob Baptist Church-Oak Grove Lutheran Church-House of Mercy, Lutheran Church-St. John's United Evangelical Protestant Church-North Sewickley Township: Providence Baptist Church-North Sewickley Academy-North Sewickley Presbyterian Church-Concord Methodist Episcopal Church-Economy Township: Concord Presbyterian Church -Rehoboth Lutheran Church-St. John the Baptist's R. C. Church- Rochester Township : Gen. Abner Lacock-Dam No. 5-National Glass Company-H. C. Fry Glass Company-The Free Methodist Church-Marion Township-Franklin Township : Lillyville -St. Mark's Evangelical Lutheran Church-Camp Run United Presby- terian Church-Harmony Township: Logstown, its History in Detail-Legionville and Major-General Wayne, with full Historical Data, extracts from Orderly Books, Letters, etc .- General Victor Collot's Tour-Economy and the Harmony Society, their History in extenso-The Union Company-The Liberty Land Company- Ambridge and the American Bridge Company-Pulaski Township- Daugherty Township: Oak Grove Presbyterian Church-The Roman Catholic Cemetery.
NEW SEWICKLEY TOWNSHIP
THIS township lies in the eastern part of the county, and is bounded on the north by Marion and North Sewickley town- ships, on the west by Daugherty and Rochester townships, on the south by Economy township, all these in Beaver County, and on the east by Jackson and Cranberry townships in Butler County. It is the largest township east of the Beaver, and was formed in 1801 out of the territory of Sewickley township.
Its streams are small. Brush Creek enters it from the east,
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near the center of the county line, and, flowing diagonally across it, leaves the township in its northwestern corner. Crow's Run drains the southern portion of the township, and empties into the Ohio River near Conway Station. The soil of this town- ship is very good, and has been well cultivated by a class of thrifty German farmers. Good coal is found in some parts of the township, and there is abundance of limestone and sand- stone. Extensive quarries of the Mahoning sandstone have been operated by the Park Brothers on Crow's Run. This is here a fine building stone, and vast quantities of it have been shipped to Pittsburg and other places. The surface of this township is generally very hilly.
The highest of the hills is "Big Knob," near the center of the township. It is about 1450 feet above sea-level, and rises 300 feet above the other high points around it. Geologically this knob is very interesting. A few feet below its dome-shaped summit it is capped with a massive stratum of sandstone, which has evidently been the means of preventing its being worn down by the same eroding agencies which have reduced the surrounding hills.1
In 1900 New Sewickley township had 605 taxables; 16,268 acres of cleared land; 3011 acres of timber land; the value of all its real estate was $806,727; its real estate exempt from taxation was $11,750; and its real estate taxable, $794,977.
By the United States Census for 1890 its population was 1922 and by that for 1900 1592.
Unionville is a small village in this township. The post- office in this place is called Brush Creek. It was established in 1855, discontinued June 13, 1871; re-established, May 17, 1872; discontinued April 14, 1873; and re-established July 21, 1873. The following persons have served the people here:
Robert Porter, January 30, 1855; Abraham Hunter, Dec. 13, 1855; George Rauscher, Feb. 14 1866; P. H. Baker, July 2, 1869; Samuel Burns, July 21, 1873; John Snyder, July 25, 1879; Henderson J. Neely, Sept. 17, 1894; Charles W. Bentel May, 18, 1897; John A. Auld, Nov. 25, 1901.
Unionville Methodist Episcopal Church .- This congregation sprung from a society which was first organized in what was then New Sewickley, but now Daugherty township. Services 1 See Second Geological Survey of Pennsylvania, Report of Progress Q, pp. 27. 189.
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were first held in the house of Allen Tucker, by the ministers who labored in the field about fifty years ago. The first of these were Rev. William Kerr and Rev. Charles Thorn; and the first members were Allen Tucker and Martha Tucker, his wife; George and Grace Champion; John Ferguson and his wife; and Adam Johnston and wife. Soon afterwards the place of meet- ing was changed to the house of Samuel Burns in New Sewickley township; and still later, a log house, called Myser's meeting- house, was built at a point about a mile south of Unionville. The charge was at this time connected with the New Brighton circuit. About the year 1842 a frame church was built, which was burned down, March 4, 1883. The present building, also a frame structure, was almost immediately begun, the corner- stone being laid, July 7, 1883. The cost of this building was about $2500. It was dedicated, November 25, 1883, by Rev. Thomas N. Boyle, D.D., then presiding elder of the Allegheny district.
The charge has been served by the pastors of the Freedom circuit, and the Unionville and Concord circuit. Rev. A. S. Hun- ter was the last regular pastor, and the church is now supplied by Rev. Alexander Steele.
Oakland United Presbyterian Church .- This church was or- ganized, August 17, 1870, with twenty-seven members. In 1872 a frame house of worship was erected at a cost of about $2000. The congregation has had but two pastors, Rev. J. C. Evans and Rev. J. Patterson. Its present membership is thirty-four. This church has never been incorporated.
The Knob Baptist Church .- This church was first organized in Butler County, Pa., November 12, 1883, as the Mount Zion Baptist Church, where it was recognized as a regular Baptist church, May 20, 1884. There the congregation worshiped for about two years, when its organization was transferred to Beaver County and the name changed to the present one. The house of worship was built in the year 1885, and was dedicated May 16, 1886, The cost of the building was $1200.
The charter members of this church were as follows: James Fezell, Sarah Fezell, Charity Cookson, Jane Cookson, Susan Cookson, Jane Daniels, Rachel Henry, Margaret Cochrane, Mrs.
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Carroll, Catherine Cotton, James B. Collins, and J. T. Fezell. The deacons are Thomas H. Daniels and C. F. Fezell.
The first pastor of the church was E. M. Probert, May, 1886-Oct. 1888; followed by A. J. Adams, Nov., 1888-Jan., 1890; Aaron Wilson, supply from April, 1890 to Nov., 1890; John Burk, Nov., 1890 until his death in August, 1892; Aaron Wilson, supply from April, 1893 to Sept., 1893; D. C. White, Sept., 1893-Dec. 1897; J. Williams, supply from June, 1898 to Sept., 1898; Barnhart, Sept., 1898-Feb., 1899; J. Williams, supply from June, 1899 to Nov., 1899; J. M. Patterson, supply from Nov., 1899 to Sept., 1900; E. T. Haddock, Sept., 1900 to July, 1901; G. M. Owens, supply from Oct., 1901 to March, 1902; F. Crawford, began to supply the church in July, 1902.
The membership is thirty-eight.
Oak Grove Lutheran Church stands in the valley of Brush Creek, about midway between Freedom and Zelienople. The early history of this church is the story of an effort, long con- tinued, to have the services of the Lutheran Church held in the English language. Among the early steps to this end were the services held in Bonzo's schoolhouse about, a mile from the present place of worship. These services were conducted at intervals by Rev. Mr. Bassler of Zelienople, who was one of the original organizers of the Pittsburg Synod of the General Coun- cil. The first regular services were conducted by Rev. M. L. Kunkleman. It was during this period, while the services were still being regularly held in the schoolhouse named, that the first officers of the congregation were elected. The election was held, March 15, 1873. From this time there was a strong de- sire to secure a church-building. Through the persevering efforts of the members, a few of whom remain and are still the devoted adherents of the church, a frame building was erected and dedicated during the pastorate of Mr. Kunkleman in 1874, thus crowning the strivings of ten to fifteen years. The present membership is 160. From the first Oak Grove has had a vital connection with Zelienople. The two congregations have until quite recently received the services of one pastor. August I, 1902, the two parishes were separated. Oak Grove Church be- longs to the Pittsburg Synod of the General Council, and is now in a flourishing condition.
Following is a list of its regular pastors: M. L. Kunkleman, 1874-1878; J. A. Kribbs, 1878-80; V. B. Christy, 1880-92;
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R. R. Durst, 1892-96; L. O. Benze, 1896-1902; E. H. Daugherty, 1902 -.
House of Mercy, Lutheran Church .- After the establishment of the Rehoboth Church, and in his devotion to the people whom he had gathered in, Dr. Passavant was obliged to travel through what is known as "Crow's Run." The needs of that locality impressed him deeply, and he determined to supply the com- munity with preaching services. Asking one of the deacons of the Baden Church to accompany him, they called upon a gentle- man, who entered into the spirit which prompted the Doctor and promised that a place suitable for preaching should be pro- vided. An appointment was made, the day arrived, and on a level spot by the side of the hill where now stands the church, seats had been roughly constructed, and there services were held. Another appointment was made, and at that second service, under the open sky, the Doctor preached from the text, Hebrews xii., 1-2. The work thus begun slowly prospered, and on the second Sunday in October, 1878, the corner-stone of the "House of Mercy" was laid with appropriate ceremonies.
The charitable work of Dr. Passavant assuming such great proportions, and the strain upon his advancing years becoming too severe, he called to his assistance in 1879, his son, the Rev. W. A. Passavant, Jr., who, though actually only assistant, was nominally pastor of the charge until 1885. The parish was then without a pastor for a period of two years, when the present pastor, the Rev. R. Morris Smith, assumed charge on the first day of July, 1887.
United Evangelical Protestant St. John's Congregation .- In- corporated August 7, 1888. In 1835 about thirty Germans, who had immigrated from the old country during the previous years, in connection with a few of the older settlers, resolved to build a church for their own use. One acre of land was bought from Mr. F. Burry, upon which the church-a log structure-was built in the fall of 1835, and from this transaction the church derived the by-name "Burry's Church."
Rev. E. F. Winter was called as the first pastor in January, 1836, during whose pastorate the congregation made rapid prog- ress. In 1839 the first pipe-organ was bought for $572. In
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1850 the congregation had grown to 150 paying members, which number increased from year to year, so that the log church became too small. In August, 1857, the members resolved to build a new brick church at an expense of about $3000, which resolution was effected, and the new church dedicated, May 29, 1859. This church is standing to-day.
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