USA > Pennsylvania > Clarion County > History of Clarion County, Pennsylvania > Part 67
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The soil is of many different kinds. In the western part it is mostly lime- stone clay. There are a few chestnut ridges and a few farms of slate-land. Generally, the soil of the township is naturally productive, as proven by the much fine timber that has grown upon it, especially oak; still much attention is given to fertilizing. A great deal of lime is burned. All manures are care- fully used. Some fertilizers are imported. The farmers have all taken advan- tage of all the improvment and invention of agricultural implements. All sowing and most reaping is done by machinery. There are six self-binders, beside many other reapers in the township.
1 By C. E. Rugh.
607
SALEM TOWNSHIP.
In minerals Salem township is not over-productive, yet she has the good fortune of being able to supply herself for ages, perhaps forever. All the hills are underlaid with thin viens of coal, and the banks as yet are only fairly opened. The veins range in thickness from twenty inches to three feet. The heaviest vein is that called the Wenner vein in the Kline Hill. The next heav- iest is the Dittman vein. The Cromer Bank deserves mention, especially for the fine specimens of ferns and leaves found in the slate above the coal.
The township is abundantly supplied with limestone of a superior quality. The veins range from five to sixteen feet in thickness. The tract of land of the McKee farm, underlaid with limestone, was leased by James Bennett, and a branch of the Narrow Gauge railroad run into it. This bank was extensively worked while this road was in operation, but now only supplies the farmers of the surrounding locality. The Rugh bank has been extensively worked for many years.
In 1872 Hulings and Company drilled a well on the Delo farm, in the eastern part of the township, for oil. A forty-barrel well was struck, which raised an extensive excitement. Soon a number of wells was under headway on the Exley, Hummel, and Knappenbarger farms. Some good wells were struck, especially on Hummel farm. Many of the wells are yet producing. About the time of the Petersburg excitement, two wells were drilled on the Troutner farm. There was a good show for oil in both wells, but they were mismanaged and then abandoned. Other parts of the township have been tested, but the Delo tract has proved the only prolific one.
A heavy gas well was struck on the Kurtz farm, but it was not used. The Nicholson well, on the Scheffer farm, had some oil, but was mismanaged in the torpedoing and had to be abandoned.
In 1885 a well was drilled on the Cromer farm which produced only gas. It was bought by the Emlenton Gas Company. The same year (1885) Calvert drilled a well upon the P. M. Neely farm, which proved to be the most power- ful gas well then of the county. It was purchased by the Emlenton Gas Com- pany and carried to Emlenton in a three-inch line. The pressure now (1887) is forty pounds per square inch on the open line.
In 1886 Myers Brothers drilled a well on the Myers farm, 2,300 feet deep, but found no oil and very little gas.
The history of the early settlers is wrapped up in the past, perhaps never to be unfolded. Unfortunate for history the posterity of the most of the ear- liest settlers can not be found. We have no knowledge of any Indian settle- ments within the township, but we are sure that they frequented these parts, and reserved it for a hunting-ground. They camped along Sugar Run, espe- cially near the spring called the Kelley spring on the Rugh farm. There were many little knolls between the springs along the brow of the hill and the Run; on these are little piles of stones called curly-backs, which have been
608
HISTORY OF CLARION COUNTY.
burned. There are also many arrow-heads found in this ravine, especially small ones, which lead us to think that the Indians sometimes camped there. The early settlers remember when the Cornplanter Indians frequented this place.
Mr. James B. McGinnis built the first house in 1803. Perhaps he was the first settler. Mr. Alexander McDonald soon after settled on the Shaner land. He was succeeded by a Mr. Burns.
Mr. Daniel Cook improved the land now owned by E. B. Scheffer.
Mr. David Beels settled on the farm now called the Herman Snyder place, in 1806. Mr. Beels was a German who smuggled his way on to a ship coming to America, and was not discovered for several days. When the ship arrived at Baltimore the captain sold him for his passage; after serving out his time, he took up a home in Penn's Valley, where he was married. In 1806 he and his family, for they now had two children, emigrated to these parts on a wagon. The family stopped at Sligo, while Mr. Beels sought a location. Finding a fine lay of land, and finding no deed or article to cover it, he soon landed his family upon it, and began improving it. He afterwards was forced to abandon it. He then commenced improving the northwestern corner of the tract now comprising Salem township.
Among other early settlers who deserve mention are Mr. James Pratt, though his first location in these parts was not within the limits of the town- ship. He arrived on the Corwin land on Hallow-eve night, 1806. His son William was born the same night. He soon afterward settled in Salem town- ship ; also Mr. Porter, Mr. Peter Downing, Mr. John Scheffer, Mr. William and Peter Hugh, and Mr. Snyder, et al.
The history of the trials and hardships is the same as of all the pioneer fathers. Salt was a luxury. Their nearest store for some time was at Kittan- ning. One spring Mr. Beels had to dig up and eat his potatoes that he had planted. One summer the settlers had to live on greens, wild fruit and game, until the grain grew.
The early settlers, like the Pilgrim Fathers, were conscious of the impor- tance of early training, and up to the time when the law established free schools, they established schools where they could unite and support them. The houses were of " long bricks," with paper windows, and a fire-place.
The first school-house stood a little west from where Mr. William Scheffer's barn now stands. At present there are five districts-Salem, Sugar Valley, Delo, Pilgreheim, and Cross Roads, all furnished with fine new buildings, sup- plied with patent furniture. Each school is supplied with a fine set of reading charts and an encyclopædia. In 1880, through the efforts of Dr. G. A. Knight and Mr. M. McGinnis, a building for a graded school was erected at Salem. It was a fine two-story building, well arranged and furnished. In the fall of 1880 Professor N. Scheffer, a graduate of Theil College, opened the first term.
609
SALEM TOWNSHIP.
His untiring efforts for two years placed his school on a good foundation. He left his school as principal to enter the ministry. Professor C. F. McNutt, a graduate of Edinboro, took charge of the school, and did splendid work. He resigned in the spring of 1884, to accept the office of county superintend- ent. During his last term he was assisted by Professor L. L. Himes, then of East Brady. Professor G. B. Johnston, of Lebanon, then took charge of the school. Under his management the school attained its maximum in numbers and interest. Rev. J. F. Hershiser assisted by teaching Latin and Greek. Professor Johnston was appointed by the government to take charge of a school in Alaska, which caused his resignation, taking effect January 1, 1886. The term was finished by Professor S. W. McGarrah, of Grove City College. Pro- fessor W Lincoln McClure taught the term of 1886-87.
The Salem Institute is supplied with the finest library of any common school of the county. It has a fine cabinet, gathered by the pupils and friends, also finely mounted specimens of all native woods.
For a religious history, the reader is referred to the church history of the county, but the religious interest was apace with education. The first reli- gious services were under the management of the Presbyterians. Their first public service was held in the grove where the Brick or Richland Church now stands. Soon after the Methodists held services in Mr. Baker's barn and other places.
In 1838 the Lutherans and German Reforms built a large church in Salem. They were in union for over a quarter of a century, when the German Reforms built a fine church in the south end of Salem.
The Evangelical Lutherans built the finest building in the township in 1875, at a cost of near $6,000.
During the years 1874-5 the Evangelists built a small church at the cross- roads, in the northwestern part of the township.
In 1873 the M. E. congregation built a large church.
St. Luke's Evangelical Lutheran Church was built at Pickwick.
Churches and present pastors : Richland, Presbyterian, Rev. Elliot; Mt. Zion, Evangelist, Rev. Baumgardner; Salem M. E., Rev. Laverty; Salem, German Reform, Rev. Mackley ; Salem and St. Luke's, Evangelical Lutheran, Rev. Hershiser.
The Laughner grist-mill is the first and only mill in the township. At present it is owned by Stephen Porter.
W. B. M. Bashline and Samuel Sheakley operated a stave-mill, which was set up by the Messrs. Gates for a couple of years, until it burned. It was put in running order on the Conver place by Emanuel Lynn and Samuel Sheakley.
'Long & Weter erected a saw-mill near the first site of the stave-mill. Peter Sheakley and Harry King bought it and sawed a few seasons and then aban- doned it.
610
HISTORY OF CLARION COUNTY.
In 1886 S. H. & C. H. Rossman built a saw-mill on Kurtz's land, near the Sugar Valley school-house, to saw up the hard wood timber in that section. They are doing a good thriving business.
Among inventions deserving mention, are first, a cultivator by Mr. Philip Kribbs; patented.
Second, a plan for improved stabling, invented and patented in 1883 by Dr. G. A. Knight, of Salem. It is so arranged as to save money, time and labor, and shows thought and experience with cattle, and deserves the attention of wide awake farmers.
Rev. McMichael, a Presbyterian minister, has written a few novels, one en- titled " The Minister's Daughter," and another entitled "Conneaute Lake."
Salem township has furnished a county surveyor in the person of Dr. G. A. Knight in 1864.
Mr. W. F. Collner was elected county sheriff, and afterward prothonotary from Salem township.
The doctors that have practiced in Salem township are in order, five : Dr. Meaker, Dr. Bower, Dr. Knight, Dr. Clover, and Dr. Fitzgerald. Dr. Clover deserves special mention as a surgeon.
Lamartine is the only post-office now within the limits of the township. It was established in 1851 or 1852. The first postmaster was Mr. Samnel Eshleman. It has changed hands seven times, and is now kept by Mr. J. M. Kurtz.
Pickwick and Triangle were flourishing oil towns in the northeast part of the township. Now only a trace is left to show their location. Pilgreheim consists of a number of dwellings on the Shippenville road.
Salem is the only town deserving of special mention. It has a population of 213, who live in forty-five dwellings ; beside these buildings there are one hotel, one drug store, one doctor's office, one millinery shop, two blacksmith shops, one meat shop, three carpenter shops, three dry goods and notion stores, tivo halls, the public school building, three large churches, and the post-office. The first cleared land about Salem was four acres near Mr. Michael Lough- ner's barn, owned by John Heasley. Mr. James Platt soon built the first building on this land. Thomas Herrington started the town by building a blacksmith shop about where Mr. J. M. Kurtz's dwelling stands.
Mr. George Kribbs built the first store; Mr. Adam Scheffer, clerking. To say the least, Salem is a pleasant country town. The three churches furnish religious privileges unequaled in any town of the population of Salem. Much attention is paid to education of all kinds.
6II
SLIGO BOROUGH.
CHAPTER LXXI.
HISTORY OF SLIGO BOROUGH.1
T HE territory embraced within the present limits of Sligo borough was set- tled at an early date, but by whom is not definitely known to the writer. The Craigs settled here early, and Richard Reynolds opened a store where A. B. Miller's house now stands. The furnace being built in 1845, made the furnace bank a lively village. The furnace used charcoal. It shipped its metal at Callensburg in boats on the Clarion. William Lyon, J. P. Lyon, and other gentlemen of wealth owned the furnace. The company had a store in connec- tion with the furnace and also several farms.
About 1860 or 1861 the Western Union Telegraph Company established an office at this point, and in 1873 the Sligo Branch Railroad was built. Dur- ing war times, Sligo being a telegraph station, was a central point for gather- ing news from the field, and many an excited crowd assembled about the store and office in those days.
The Lyon family lived in lordly style, and their houses and grounds, now owned by J. B. Miller, yet remain as monuments of their once proud state. Compared with the usual dwellings of those days, these houses were palaces, while their coachman and servants in attendance gave a southerly air to the surroundings, and even the employees of the store and offices affected to be like their employers. The Lyon family were a genteel people. The work- men respected them as such, and when D. E. Lyon, the oldest son of J. P. Lyon, went into the army with Captain Ewing's company, the boys who went with him and their friends felt that a barrier between wealth and labor had been torn away.
The new town of Sligo was laid out by the old furnace company in 1871. Thomas Berrean, sr., built the first house in the new town. The company soon erected a new brick store building, now occupied by Hodil & Company, and in 1873 it erected the Sligo Hotel. Other buildings were soon erected, among which were the M. E. Church in 1873, and the Presbyterian Church in 1873-4. About the same time the public school-house was erected.
In 1878, on the 20th of September, the borough of Sligo was organized, with Dr. J. N. Bech as burgess, and John Anderson, D. C. Low, M. M. Con- rad, A. J. Switzer, Conrad Hahn, and George Wagner as council. J. B. Ayres was high constable, and J. M. Craig justice of the peace.
The business houses at present are J. B. Miller & Son, Jacob Hodil, F. C. McEwen, J. F. C. Thomas, and George W. Craig in the general store business ; N. S. Coulter, drugs and groceries ; Conrad Hahn, boots and shoes, and John Hartle, watchmaker.
1 By W. A. B.
612
HISTORY OF CLARION COUNTY.
The blacksmith shops are Low's and Silvis's. M. Anderson and John Shrum have wagon shops. John P. Greer & Son, at the foundation of the new town, dealt extensively in hardware. J. B. Miller's new mill was erected in 1879. In 1874 an Odd Fellows' Lodge was established here, and held its meetings in the brick store. In 1886 the lodge fitted up a room in the Greer building and moved into it. The G. A. R. Post also meets in the same room.
Near the railroad J. B. Miller has a fire-brick factory, where he manufac- tures and ships a great many fire-brick. These works were built in 1873.
In 1864-5 a well was drilled for oil near the old furnace, and in 1886 another was drilled up stream farther, near the railroad station. No oil was found, but a good vein of gas was struck, which is used for fuel and light. The well was purchased by J. B. Miller, who has laid lines to many of the houses in town.
Rev. J. Mateer was the resident minister of the Presbyterian Church for several years. He was succeeded by Rev. W. J. Wilson, and later by Rev. J. M. McCurdy. The M. E. Church has had the following ministers : C. C. Hunt, Mr. Shepherd, D. C. Planett, S. J. Garnett, W. A. Baker, L. W. Show- ers, and Mr. Weldin.
The medical men have been Dr. William Reichard, Dr. Fisher, Dr. J. N. Bech, Dr. McAuley, and Dr. Armstrong.
At the time of Cleveland's election, Mr. Jaccb Hodil was postmaster at Sligo post-office. At the beginning of the new administration Mr. Hodil promptly resigned his office. Mr. N. S. Coulter was appointed his successor.
The Sligo Branch Railroad has been used for transporting pig iron, tan bark, hoop poles, iron ore, timber, coal, and stock, all of these commodities being shipped at this point.
One of the oldest industries in the limits of the borough is Craig's woolen factory. In former times this factory wove a great deal, in addition to card- ing, spinning, and dyeing.
At one time the Atlantic Pipe Line Company shipped oil at this point. Their iron tanks were located on the hill across Licking. The enterprise was soon abandoned and the tanks torn down. Work is now in progress to open a large coal mine here this summer.
As a rule, the citizens of the town are industrious and intelligent, and much more attention is given to education than was formerly done. The town is pleasantly located on the Licking Creek, and embraces quite a large area. Its possibilities are good for a first-class town.
613
STRATTANVILLE BOROUGH.
CHAPTER LXXII.
HISTORY OF STRATTANVILLE BOROUGH.1
T HIS borough, a handsomely located village, is situated wholly within the limits of Clarion township, on the "Turnpike," about three miles east of Clarion borough, and seven miles west of Corsica, Jefferson county, Pa. It is built upon a ridge, or watershed, about two miles south of the Clarion River. It is about one mile in length, and has a width of about one-fourth of a mile. Strattanville is one of the oldest villages in the county, being eleven years older than the county itself. The land on which the village is built was first purchased by Philip Clover in 1817. Mr. Clover, in 1826, sold it to John Strattan, sr. Two years afterwards, Mr. Strattan laid out the village, which received its name in his honor. At that time the village was in Armstrong county, and so remained till March, 1839, a period of eleven years. In 1850 the town was incorporated as a borough, and came under the general borough act of 1851, by decree of court in 1877. The first building erected on the site of the town was built by John Ray ; the second by Captain Barber; the third by W. H. Lowrey; the fourth by J. R. Strattan; and the fifth by Samuel Wilson. The first store was opened by Samuel Wilson, esq., in June, 1834. This was the only store between Brookville and Franklin, except one at Shippen- ville, opened by Richard Shippen in 1822. Goods were brought here from Phil- adelpha, Pa., in Conestoga wagons drawn by six horses. These wagons always returned laden with flax, clover seed, rags, and deer and bear skins. People came to this store from what are now Armstrong, Jefferson, Forest, Venango,. and Clarion counties. This village is regularly laid out-three long streets, running directly east and west, while shorter ones cross these three and extend north and south. The central street, extending east and west, is known as Central avenue, and is in width about fifty feet. The avenue is kept in good condition, and on either side is a banquette about six feet in width, for the accommodation of pedestrians. The other streets are also lined with side- walks, built of solid plank. Beautiful shade trees line its streets. The popu- lation numbers at present about three hundred. The vocations of the people are many. There are merchants, carpenters, mechanics, lumbermen, etc. The citizens are generally industrious, enlightened, and moral. The private homes are, many of them, handsome, and all tastily furnished. The private residence of R. Rulofson, esq., who is one of Clarion county's best busi- ness men, and one of the most useful citizens of this section of country, is especially worthy of mention. The building itself is one of the handsomest in the county, and is built in the midst of a beautiful park in the west end of the
1 By S. C. Hepler.
68
614
HISTORY OF CLARION COUNTY.
town. The park is laid out in walks, while the great number of trees it con- tains, indigenous and exotic, evergreen and deciduous, illustrate Mr. Rulofson's taste. The large handsome brick dwelling, erected by Samuel Wilson and now occupied by his son, H. B. Wilson, is also worthy of note ; as is also the handsome new residence of Mr. and Mrs. James Cochran. Other residences that will compare favorably with the above are those belonging to and occu- pied by Dr. Barber and J. P. Jones, esq. The business portion of the town comprises four dry goods and grocery stores, a post-office, one drug store, one hardware store, one foundry, two boot and shoe shops, two millinery estab- lishments, one blacksmith-shop, one tannery, one furniture store and undertak- ing establishment, one barber-shop, a Western Union telegraph office, two hotels, one livery stable, and a lumber office. Our merchants, viz., J. A. Cochran, H. L. Young, Charles Strattan, M. D., and J. P. Jones, esq., are all courteous, enterprising men, and all have a splendid custom. Of the above named gentlemen, Mr. Cochran is a son of one of the earliest settlers of the county. Mr. H. L. Young, one of our most charitable and best business men, is a son of Thomas Young, deceased, who was the oldest male child born in the county of Clarion. Dr. Strattan is a direct descendant of the founder of this village. His store-room is commodious. Mr. Strattan is also proprietor of the drug store. Mr. Jones has, in connection with his dry goods and grocery store, a hardware store; he is also postmaster, being as- sisted by his son, James Jones. The foundry is owned and operated by Stew- ard Wilson, esq. Several men are given permanent employment in this foundry, and threshing machines, plows, stoves, etc., are manufactured. An excellent plow was invented by the proprietor of this foundry, and is called the S. Wilson plow. The boot and shoe shops, the proprietors of which are re- spectively J. W. Crooks and J. D. Smith, esq., do a large business. Mr. Crooks is also proprietor of the livery stable. The only blacksmith-shop is situated in the east end of the town, and is owned and managed by Mr. J. F. Green. Mrs. John Strattan and Mrs. Benjamin Hurley are each proprietresses of a first- class millinery store; there are also several mantua-makers in the village. Charles Warner is the owner of the tannery. He keeps for sale leather of all kinds. The Messrs. Fulton are the owners and proprietors of the furniture and undertaking establishment. The barber-shop, of which Mr. B. M. George is proprietor, was but recently established. The telegraph office is presided over by Messrs. Clyde, T. S. Young and G. G. Williams. The two hotels are large, commodious frame structures, located on Central avenue, and are known as the American House and the Clover House. Charles Beatty, esq., is the proprietor of the American House, and Mrs. Clover, widow of Judge Clover, deceased, owns and keeps the Clover House. The lumber office be- longs to Mr. Rulofson above named, and is connected by telephone with his extensive lumber mill at the mouth of Big Mill Creek.
19 Faltam
615
STRATTANVILLE BOROUGH.
There are within the limits of the borough two church edifices, one a Methodist Episcopal Church, the other a Baptist Church. The M. E. build- ing is a modest, white frame structure, situated about the center of the town, on the north side of Central avenue. It is one story in height, and has a seating capacity of about two hundred. The building is surmounted by a handsome steeple in which is a large bell, used to call together the people during hours of worship. Church services are held every alternate Sunday by the pastor, Rev. Wharton. Sunday-school is also held every Sunday at two o'clock P. M., and is usually attended by a goodly number of people, large and small. The present superintendent of the school is Mr. J. W. Crooks. The Baptist edifice is also a frame structure, painted white, and is located at the west end of the town. It is somewhat larger than the M. E. Church, having a seating capa- city of perhaps two hundred and fifty. Its height is but one story, while it is surmounted by a spire containing what is said to be the best toned bell in Clarion county. Its beautiful peals as they ring out on a clear Sabbath morn, can easily be heard a distance of five miles. This church, at present, has no regular pastor, but services are held occasionally by the Rev. Jacob Booth, of Limestone. A Sabbath-school is also held in this building every Sunday at ten o'clock A. M., so as not to conflict with the M. E. school. The school is not very large, but it is quite interesting and is well conducted. Mr. Steward Wilson is superintendent of this school.
The cemeteries, two in number, are nicely located, and well kept. The one near the M. E. Church is the older, and is pretty well filled up with graves, while the one lying west of the town is not so full of graves, on account of its more recent existence. Both cemeteries contain fine monuments.
The Independent Order of Odd Fellows has an organization here which is one of the most flourishing in the county. Their building is of brick, and is in size about thirty by forty-five feet, and two stories high. The upper part is exclusively used by the lodge, while the lower room, or basement, is the town hall. It is neatly furnished with benches and chairs, and has a speaker's stand. In it religious services are sometimes held by the Presbyterians. Lo- cal amateurs give entertainments in the hall for their own benefit, and for the amusement of the people. Two physicians and surgeons, viz .: Drs. Shirley and Barber are located in this village. Both are graduates of the best medical schools in the country, and are meeting with success in their profession. Dr. Barber has been permanently located in this village for many years, and Mr. Shirley has purchased property with a view of erecting thereon new buildings, and permanently locating also.
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