History of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, with Illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 105

Author: Craft, David, 1832-1908; L.H. Everts & Co
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : L. H. Everts
Number of Pages: 812

USA > Pennsylvania > Bradford County > History of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, with Illustrations and biographical sketches > Part 105

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On the other side of the street, as now, stood the Adriel Hebard house, and the brick house, now the Adams house, then unfinished.

Below, on Elmira street, was Capt. Jas. Hickok's mill, where the plaster-mill now stands, and his house. He was the father of Leander Hickok, who says that, in the days of his boyhood here, it was not unusual in the winter nights to hear the wolves howling on what is now known as Paine's hill.

The only house on the west side of Elmira street, in 1827, was the frame house of Aaron Case's widow, where Mrs. Hull now lives. The tavern kept by Vine Baldwin then stood at the present site of the Troy House, and above this the little house and store of O. P. Ballard. Far- ther west there was but one house, that of Reuben Smead, until arriving at Jas. Lamb's, near the present residence of Delos Herriek. The large farm-house of O. P. Ballard, built a few years subsequently, where he afterwards ereeted the Exchange block, was an immense building for its day. " I remember its looking to me of sufficient size to swallow up all the rest of the village, containing as it did store, printing-office, tavern, and shoe-shop."*

PROGRESS AND IMPROVEMENTS.

It is hardly practicable, nor is it necessary, to give here a detailed account of the progress of building since 1827, but some of the more important ones may be noticed.

The Baptist church, which is the oldest in the place, was erected about 1834, James Lamb, Reuben Case, Joseph Wills, and Rufus Rockwell being then its leading members, and Elder Root one of the first pastors who officiated there.

Col. Pomeroy's Eagle tavern, on the corner, was built about 1837 or 1838. The colonel kept the house for some years, and it was subsequently kept by Jackson Strait, Herrick, and Loren B. Morse, who occupied it when it was destroyed by fire in 1852.

It was in 1838 that the first brick store was ereeted by Long, Taylor, and Thomas. It stood on the present site of H. F. Long's block.

The old Troy academy was built in 1842, by James Riddle, under the direction of Col. Pomeroy. Among those who originated and aided in this laudable undertaking were Col. Pomeroy, V. M. Long, F. Smith, and S. W. Paine. The old building, divested of its steeple, is now, occupied as a dwelling-house, standing in its original posi- tion on the hill overlooking the village from the east.

It was also about this time that the Episcopal church, overlooking the village from the West hill, was erected ; and also the mill, now known as Viele's, by Seba C. Taylor and Daniel Dobbins, Chas. Colony being the architect. The first steam-engine in operation in this vicinity was put into

this mill by Eli Baird, who, in 1846, was the proprietor. As an illustration of the dread inspired by steam works in those days, it is related that a respectable farmer of the vicinity being present when this engine, which was an up- right one, was first put into operation, a sharp and sudden escape of hissing steam from one of the valves sent him flying through the window of the building with almost as great rapidity as if he had actually been blown out by the explosion which he dreaded.

The large frame house erected by O. P. Ballard on the north side of Main street was burnt in 1848. An im- mense barn, afterwards built near by, was also destroyed by fire, with a large amount of valuable property which it con- tained. The house built by him farther west, under the hill, which was burned in 1873, was quite an extensive one, and involved a large expenditure, especially in the stone work connected with it. The stream near by was walled up, and subsequently for a considerable distance flagged at its bottom with splendid stone. From the dam in this stream water was carried through a large underground canal to the house, and thenee for some distance eastward before connecting again with the creek.

The style and plan of the house, with its numerous small rooms and underground passages, was so peculiar as to ex- eite a considerable degree of wonder and curiosity. Strange rumors became current, and in the country around there were many who believed that it was built in the interest of the Pope of Rome, and could be intended for nothing short of a nunnery or inquisition. Many will remember the cir- cumstance of a committee having been sent here from a township to the eastward, for the purpose of examining the building, and reporting upon its plan of construction and probable intended use. What they reported on their return we have never learned.

This house, for many years the residence of the family, was burned in 1873, only about three months after the destruction by fire of Ballard's briek exchange, a four-story block, 90 by 72, erected for Mr. Ballard by Sidney Hayden, in 1849. The still unoccupied space of its ruins consti- tutes a serious vacuum amid the well-constructed business buildings of Troy borough.

The church building still occupied by the Presbyterian congregation was erected in 1848, a much smaller one having previously occupied the site. Rev. Mr. Harrower, a Scottish clergyman, was the pastor some forty years since. He was succeeded by Rev. Isaac Todd, who remained some fifteen years. Among the leading members of this church in those days we remember such men as Ebenezer Pomeroy, Laban Bowen, and Capt. Solomon Morse. Jonathan Peck is perhaps the oldest living member. The original church building, not exceeding in size 20 by 30 feet, still stands in the rear of E. C. Oliver's house. Thus there are in near neighborhood of each other three successive church build- ings, including the extensive and elegant briek edifice just now completed. A comparison of the buildings illustrates well the increase of wealth and refinement ; let us hope that it may also express the growth of true religion and sound morals in the community.

The first Methodist Episcopal church was built in 1854, during the pastorate and under the personal direction of

# Clement Paine.

Photos. by G. H. Wood, Towanda.

ORIN P. BALLARD.

MRS. ORIN P. BALLARD.

ORIN P. BALLARD.

The subject of this sketch was born Feb. 22, 1798, in Greene Co., N. Y. His parents, Thomas and Catherine Ballard, were among the early settlers of the town of Bur- lington. His early life was spent upon his father's farm, sharing the privations and hardships of a pioneer family. When seventeen years of age he engaged himself to Clem- ent Paine, of Athens, as clerk, with whom he remained five years. He then returned to Burlington, where, for some time, he worked on a farm; but finding this a slow road to fortune he went to Athens, and proposed to Charles Hopkins, of that place, to establish a store in Troy. The proposition was accepted, Mr. Ballard selling the goods on commission. This was the first store in the borough. By business ability and honorable dealing he soon found him- self possessed of sufficient means to purchase the stock, and commenced business for himself. For many years he pur- chased his goods in Philadelphia, and hauled them with teams over the mountains. For thirty years he was the most prominent business man in the western part of the county.

In connection with his mercantile business, he carried on various other enterprises for several years. He ran a

stage line from Troy to Elmira, and also kept a hotel for several years. He established the first paper published in Troy, called the Anti-Masonic Gazette, which was edited by Thomas E. Paine. Mr. Ballard was a leading man in the Anti-Masonic party, and best known for the prominent place he held in that movement. Foreseeing that Troy would ultimately become a place of importance, he pur- chased largely in real estate, especially farms, many of which he carried on himself, and at his death was an extensive landholder. As a business man, Mr. Ballard was very me- thodical, and his success was attributable largely to his foresight, remarkable energy, and strict integrity.

In 1823, Mr. Ballard was married to Miss Amanda Cal- kins, of Burlington. She died in 1826, and he was again married to Miss Eliza Ann, daughter of Howard and Lucy (Allen) Spalding, of Troy, where Mrs. Ballard was born, Nov. 1, 1808. Mr. Ballard was one of the most substan- tial men of Bradford County, and a powerful aid in de- veloping the resources of his town, building up and advancing the best interests of society,-a man of broad charity, generous liberality, and manly honor. He died Aug. 8, 1872, " a good old man, and full of years."

MRS. REUBEN WILBUR.

HON. REUBEN WILBUR.

The subject of this sketch was born in Charleston, R. I., nearly opposite Newport, May 21, 1785. He was the son of John Wilbur, one of the most ardent patriots of the Revolution. He received an excellent education, and gave early promises of those abilities and morals which were so highly recognized and rewarded in after-years. In the winter of 1805-6, full of hope and youthful energy, he directed his steps to the west, and passed a year at Penn Yan,* Yates Co., N. Y. He returned to Rhode Island in 1807, and came in the same year to Bradford County, then a portion of Luzerne county, where he spent a few days with Dr. Stephen Hopkins, who was proprietor of a hotel and store at Tioga Point, now known as Athens, and then came to East Troy, making his home at Nath'] Allen's, the land- agent for the Connecticut title. He purchased in June of the same year three hundred aeres of land on Sugar ereek, for which he paid fifty cents per acre, only one acre of which was cleared; but, unfortunately, his title proving worthless, he was compelled to repurchase the land at four dollars per acre, and pay Paul De-Witt one hundred dollars for the right of possession. At the outbreak of the war of 1812 his patriotism induced him to enter the American army, wherein he did gallant service, and was rewarded with the position of paymaster and first lieutenant. At the close of the war he returned to the quiet life of farming.

In 1825 he was elected sheriff of Bradford County, and discharged the duties of this office with such ability and integrity as to give general satisfaction. Under the admin- istration of Governor Wolf he was elected State senator for Bradford County, and re-elected while Governor Shunk was in office. As a senator he was cautious, prudent, and

honest, and favored all legislation which tended to develop the resources of the State, and advance the general welfare of its citizens. He was afterwards appointed associate judge for Bradford County.

When James Buchanan was elected president, Mr. Wil- bur was one of the presidential electors; and when the electoral board met at Lancaster to pay their respeets to the president elect, the eldest of their number began to intro- duce his associates separately to Mr. Buchanan, who, espy- ing Mr. Wilbur, exclaimed, " You need not introduce to me this man; he is an old friend of mine," and taking him by the hand greeted him warmly. Before leaving he asked his opinion upon various matters of State poliey coming up at that important erisis of the nation's history. He was appointed State inspector of prisons by Governor Wolfe, and while discharging the duties of this office at Philadel- phia, became intimately acquainted with Daniel Webster and Henry Clay, America's great statesmen. He was appointed a member of the State board of equalization, discharging the delicate duties of that office with such impartiality and justness as to give general satisfaction to the people.

Judge Wilbur was married to Sally, daughter of John Dobbins, an early settler on Sugar creek. She was born Jan. 15, 1792, and is still living.

The most salient feature of his character was his indomi- table energy. He never failed in anything he undertook. He is very hospitable, entertaining his guests with a re- markably clear and interesting recital of the early days of Bradford County. He is still living at the ripe old age of ninety-three years.

"So on he moves to meet his latter end, Angels around befriending virtue's friend, Sinks to the grave with unperceived decay, While resignation gently slopes the way, And all his prospects brightening to the last, His heaven commences ere the world be past."

# Jemima Wilkinson resided there at that time. She is described by Mr. Wilbur as being a remarkably beautiful lady of abont forty Jears of age.

UEL PORTER.

MRS. UEL PORTER.

UEL PORTER.

Among the venerable pioneers of Bradford County, the subject of this sketch is entitled to a prominent place. He was born in Bethlehem, Albany county, N. Y., Dec. 15, 1805, and was the youngest child of Thomas and Hannah Porter. In 1814 his father came to Troy, where he pur- chased a farm of one hundred and fifty acres of the " Drinker" tract, for which he paid ten shillings per acre. When nineteen years of age his father died and he was left in sole charge of the farm and his father's business. His brother John owned a farm adjoining, and the attachment between the two brothers but strengthened with years ; they labored in unison and held everything in common. In 1825, Mr. Porter was married to Miss Eliza Ann Farman, of Columbia, by whom he had eight children, six of whom are now living. In 1863, Mrs. Porter died, and in the year following, Mr. Porter was again married to Miss Mary Jenks, of Elmira. She died in 1864. Mr. Porter is well qualified to speak of the trials and privations of early days. For many years they were obliged to pound their corn in a stump hollowed out for the purpose, as there were no mills in the locality. Wheat was boiled and eaten with sugar or milk. But life in early days was not entirely devoid of charms ; good appetites were the result of temperate habits,

and many a dish common fifty years ago would have tempted an epicure. The woods were full of deer, and Sugar creek abounded with fine trout. Game of all kinds was plenti- ful, and the coarse but nutritious fare had probably much to do with the hardy constitutions of the people.

In the house of the elder Porter, which was built of logs, was the old-fashioned fire-place, on either side of which there hung a thorn-bush, upon which in the summer season hung dried venison upon one side and dried trout upon the other, ready at any time to appease the appetite of the oc- casional visitor or of the family. Mr. Porter was a great hunter in his early days, and proficient in all athletie sports. As was common in those days at any gathering, shooting at a target, wrestling, and jumping were the principal amusements, in all of which he excelled, and it is with pleasure that he looks back upon the feats of strength and endurance exhibited upon these occasions. Mr. Porter has been a successful farmer and is enjoying a competency, the result of a long life of industry, economy, and honorable dealing. Notwithstanding the privations and hardships of early life, he is in the possession of good health and all his faculties, and worthy in every respect of honorable mention in history.

415

HISTORY OF BRADFORD COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

Rev. W. H. Knapp. The building and its appointments were decidedly creditable to the society for the time at which it was built ; but the location being deemed unsuit- able for a church building, the property was disposed of, and the building converted into the present opera-house on Canton street, a neat and tasteful edifice being thereupon erected for the purpose of a church on Redington avenue.

THE FIRST NEWSPAPER

published in the place was entitled the Anti- Masonic Demo- crat, edited by Thomas E. Paine, in the year 1830. This was succeeded by the Troy Argus. A large proportion of the subscribers to this sheet were on one occasion surprised and almost panic-stricken at receiving their weekly umber bearing the conspicnous but ominous title of " Tory Argus," a transposition which may have been accidental, but was thought to be the sly work of a roguishly-inelined employee.

Subsequent to the Argus were the Analyzer, by F. Smith and Jas. A. P. Ballard ; the Troy Banner, by Wm. Webb ; the New Star, by Julius Sherwood ; and the Trojan, by Barclay & Messenger. Previous to our present Northern Tier Gazette, there was also a journal published by Dr. Johnson, and another by W. H. Baldwin.

ORGANIZATION OF THE BOROUGH.

The organization of the village as a borough took place May 14, 1845, E. C. Oliver having been the first burgess ; G. F. Redington, V. M. Long, Frederick Orwan, and Lay- ton Runyon, members of the first common council; and Allen E. Thomas, elerk.

The first assessment of the taxable property of Troy borough amounted to 858,925, and the borough tax laid thereupon was $180.69.

Troy township lies on the head-waters of Sugar creek. The borough lies at the confluence of the Middle branch, Glen branch (formerly Smead's creek), and South branch of Sugar creek. The line between Troy and Springfield townships formerly ran up the Main street of Troy borough. Troy was so named to please Churchill Barnes, who, al- though a native of Vermont, had visited Troy, N. Y., and was so pleased with the place that he was anxious to have it called by that name .*

The first road was opened in 1798. The first brick-kiln was put up by Ezra Long, who also opened the first tavern. The first blacksmith-shop was on the west side of Canton street, with Caleb Williams at the forge. The first steam saw-mill was at H. A. Case's, and the first steam grist-mill that of H. F. Long. The first white child born in the township was Esther Case.

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.

MAJOR EZRA LONG.

The most prominent of the early settlers of Troy town- ship was Major Ezra Long. He came into the county in 1809, residing previous to that time in Vermont. He was born at Wilmington, Vt., Sept. 24, 1782. He married

Lydia Alvord, April 3, 1805. The children of that mar- riage were: Alonzo, born at Hubberton, Vt., March 4, 1806 ; Philander A., born at Hubberton, Vt., Oct. 1, 1807; Volney M., born at Brandon, Vt., June 4, 1809; Horaee F., born at Old Sheshequin, Bradford County, Nov. 1, 1811 ; Ezra, Jr., born at Troy, Bradford County, Dec. 4, 1813; Lydia M., born at Troy, Bradford County, Dec. 5, 1815 ; Clarissa E., born at Troy, Bradford County, Jan. 9, 1818; Martha M., born Nov. 15, 1819; Ezra O., born July 28, 1821.

Of these children but three are living,-Hon. V. M. Long, for a long time an associate judge of the county court of Bradford ; Horace F. Long, at present proprietor of Long's Chalybeate Springs, and the old and well-known hamlet, " Long's Mills ;" and Martha M. Long, residing at Troy.

Major Ezra Long resided at Hubberton, Vt., owning the Hubberton mills in 1806 and 1807. Leaving there, he re- sided at Brandon, Rutland Co., Vt., until 1809; then leav- ing Vermont, he came into Old Sheshequin or present Ulster, Bradford County, occupying the famous hostelry known as the Thomas Overton stand.

In February, 1812, he came into the wilderness of Sugar Creek, settled in Troy township, and purchased the old Elisha Rich mills, since known as Long's mills: Here, at the age of thirty, he commenced improving and enlarging his estate. The old homestead was built near the mills in the year 1812, and is still standing; at the same time he established a public-house, and, as its genial landlord, won the respect and lasting remembrance of many a weary traveler. The sign that formerly stood in front of this hotel is still in ex- istence, and hangs in the office of the Troy House. Major Long was one of the first Freemasons in northern Penn- sylvania, and occupied a prominent position in the order. In politics he was a stanch Democrat up to the time of Jackson's administration, when the removal of the United States bank deposits gave, in his well-balanced opinion, ample cause for a change to the opposition.

Major Long's private character was such as to secure the admiration and respect of the entire population of Troy and surrounding townships.

The hardships and privations of the early settlers were mitigated not only by his advice, but also by his unlimited generosity. He died in 1848.

SILAS E. SHEPARD, D.D.,

since the chapter giving an account of the history of the " Disciples " in Bradford County was written, has de- parted this life. His position in that branch of the church which he represented, as well as his prominence as a citizen in the western part of the county, has entitled him to especial mention in the history of the county. He was born in Utica, N. Y., Feb. 2, 1801 ; received his academical train ing at North Norwich, N. Y. At the age of eighteen he was licensed to preach the gospel, and in 1825 came to Canton, in Bradford County. Mr. Shepard was a hard student, and made himself familiar with the original languages in which

# Judge Reuben Wilbur.

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HISTORY OF BRADFORD COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

the Bible was written. In 1834 he became editor of The Primitive Christian, which he managed with much credit to himself and the denomination it represented. In 1839 he returned to Troy, and in 1850 he was called to the pas- torate of the Church of the Disciples, in Seventeenth street, New York, and filled the position for eight years. While pastor of this church he became connected with the American Bible Union, for translating the Scriptures, and in the various capacities of vice-president of the board of managers, one of the translators, secretary of the board of revision, and finally a member of the board of final revision in the society until 1858, when he was able to carry out a long- cherished plan of visiting the east. He visited the most im- portant cities of Europe, Egypt, and the Holy Land, returning home after an absence of fourteen months. For two years he was again connected with the Bible Union, spending bis summers at Troy and his winters in New York, or lecturing on the Holy Land. On one of these lecturing tours he be- came connected with the Central Christian church of Cin- cinnati, where he remained about two years. At this time secession had culminated in rebellion, and Dr. Shepard pub- lished a pamphlet giving utterance to vigorous Union senti- ments, which awoke great excitement among the members of his denomination on both sides of the river, and led to his return east. Until 1868 his time was variously em- ployed, some of the time lecturing for soldiers' aid societies, some preaching, and also continuing his work on the Bible Union. In 1868 he was induced to become a candidate for the State senate on the People's party against George Landon, and was defeated. At the close of the great war he went to Indianapolis, in 1865, and was for some time pastor of a church in that city, or connected with the Western University. At this time efforts were made to organize the Institute at Hiram, Ohio, into a college; the organization being perfected, in 1867 he took charge of it as the first president. The labors connected with this posi- tion were too severe for his strength, and he exchanged the presidency for the pastorate of the Disciples' church, in Hiram, then to the Christian church, in Cleveland, in 1870, and returned to Troy in 1872, where he remained until his death, in October, 1877. Even his latter days were not days of rest. His pen, as was his wont, was constantly busy, making contributions to the Christian Standard, of Cincinnati, and the Christian Quarterly, of which he was one of the founders, and for many years one of its editors. His articles were always well written, and characterized by a clear and forcible style.

DANIEL F. POMEROY.

A truthful representation of a worthy life is a legacy to humanity. As such we present an outline of the life and character of Daniel F. Pomeroy.

He was the eldest son of Col I. N. Pomeroy, and was born Feb. 27, 1816, at Genoa, N. Y., whither his parents had migrated from Connecticut. The following year his father removed with his family to Troy, and it was here that he spent the most of his life, and became identified

with its growth and prosperity, and left the impress of his character. As a boy he was remarkable for his truthfulness, integrity, and aptitude for business. At the age of fifteen he entered the employ of H. W. Camp, of Oswego, N. Y., and began the first round of the ladder as clerk and boy of all work. He remained in the service of Mr. Camp about four years, his brother Samuel being employed in another store in the same town, and his brother Horace going to Owego about the time he returned to Troy, where he began as clerk for Gillett & Cone, with whom he remained about five years. He then formed a co-partnership with G. F. Redington, and began business for himself. Some time after S. W. Pomeroy joined the firm, and Horace was employed as clerk. The firm of Redington & Pomeroy did a large busi- ness until 1844, when Mr. Redington withdrew, and Horace Pomeroy became associated with his brothers. The firm now took the name of S. W. & D. F. Pomeroy & Co., and did an extensive business in general merchandise and pro- duce until 1860, when they sold to the firm of Gooderich, Newbury & Peck. The firm had for many years kept large deposits in New York, and had sold drafts on the New York banks. This business had increased to such an extent that in 1860 they opened a banking-house under the name of the Pomeroy Brothers. For twenty-eight years he was associated in business with his two brothers, and such was the entire harmony and confidence that existed between them that not a single stipulation or contract was ever made in relation to their individual interests. His whole life was characterized by untiring energy, strict integrity, and honor- able dealing. In all business transactions he was never known to oppress a debtor. Himself just and upright, he influenced others to like action. The entire community gave him their confidence, and his assured progress was observed without envy. He labored from a love of activity, and not alone for the acquisition of wealth. He had in view no ultimate elegant leisure. With unselfish motive he devoted himself to business, and gave of well-won means to the benefit of the public and the needy.

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History of Bradford County, Pennsylvania, with Illustrations and biographical sketches, Part 105

Author: Craft, David, 1832-1908; L.H. Everts & Co Publication date: 1878 Publisher: Philadelphia : L. H. Everts Number of Pages: 812

Author: Craft, David, 1832-1908; L.H. Everts & Co
Publication date: 1878
Publisher: Philadelphia : L. H. Everts
Number of Pages: 812