USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > History of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 42
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In the fall of 1877 the first attempt made to organize a borough was dropped to secure the formation of a new township (Sandy) with its election- poll at Du Bois.
The reasons for which movement were obvious to those who were inter- ested in the prosperity of the town. The final and successful effort was made in the autumn of 1880, and the town was incorporated at the January term of court in 1881. L. A. Brady was elected burgess, and Fred. Tracy, constable, on a citizens' ticket. The justices of the peace for Sandy township-J. P. Taylor and W. N. Prothero-were to serve the balance of their respective terms as justices in the new corporation in which they resided. During the first attempt to secure the incorporation of the town, considerable excitement prevailed in relation to its corporate name. Some advocated " Rumbarger," others " Sandy Valley," and still others-including the writer-stood for "Du Bois," which corresponded with the name of the post-office and railroad station. The first proposition to divide the borough into wards was consid- ered by the council at its regular meeting, January 4, 1883. The town coun- cil instructed George D. Hamor to prepare an application to court at the
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March term of court in 1883, and the request was granted at a subsequent term, and division was made on recommendation of viewers, following the natural order of streams, etc. All that part of town known as "Rumbarger side," or " West Du Bois," situate south of Sandy Lick Creek, and west of Pentz Run, was established and designated First ward, and the " central " part, which lies in the southeast angle, formed by Sandy Lick Creek and Pentz Run, as Second ward, and the eastern part, lying north and east of Sandy Lick Creek, and generally known as "East Du Bois," and " Du Bois Side," as the Third ward. The Second ward represents the mercantile or business center of town.
During the earlier times of the town, much might be written on various themes. Law and order were then somewhat loose, on account of distance to the Brady township officers, who resided at or near Luthersburg. With the erection of Sandy township (which township surrounds Du Bois), this condi- tion of things and affairs was materially changed. The necessary funds were raised by private subscriptions, with which a "lock up " was built in the sum- mer of 1879, near where George D. Hamor's residence now stands-Court- ney street, Second ward-after which time no trouble was experienced in preserving the general peace. The "lock-up" was removed early in the spring of 1885, when snow was yet on the ground, to the " Cow pound," in rear of Central Opera House. A little incident occurred by the removal of the " lock up," which caused no little commotion. In placing the " cooler " on the large " runners " or " skids," it overcame the control of Mr. Letchworth, the street commissioner, and slid down the street, striking the corner of Mr. Hamor's residence, doing considerable damage to the house, which damage the town had to account for, to the satisfaction of Mr. Hamor.
Up to 1885 there were no telegraphic accommodations, except at the offices in connection with the A. V., and B. R. and P. Railroad stations, but in January, 1885, the town council passed an ordinance granting the right of way to W. U. Telegraph Co., establishing an office in the central part of town, at the Nicholson House. In the month of August, same year, the council passed an ordinance granting right of way to Central Penna. Telephone Co., estab- lishing their office on the corner of Long and Courtney streets-Dr. Petti- grew's drug store-now Vosburgh's pharmacy, thus giving telephone connec- tion with Luthersburg, Curwensville, and the county seat, and there with the telephone exchange, supplying a great want, the convenience of which can scarcely be overestimated, and is highly appreciated by a progressive public.
Fire Protection .- The town being of a rapid growth, the leading business men early realized the great danger of fire, since at first all buildings were wooden structures ; but, as is generally the case, everybody's interest seemed nobody's interest, so finally in the summer of 1881 Long & Brady, P. S. Weber & Co., and Dr. Pettigrew and a few others concluded to purchase a double-
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acting force pump, which they placed in a twenty feet deep well, dug for the purpose in the rear of the First National bank, which site was at that time a vacant lot. They also purchased two hundred feet of hose. Fortunately, it was never needed to put out fire, but served the good purpose of sprinkling, scrubbing, etc. This attempt of protection finally led to the organization of a water company-not, however, until considerable agitation and discussion took place, which again subsided until it was ascertained that a syndicate had been formed at Harrisburg, including some citizens from Du Bois; said syndi- cate endeavored to secure charters in five or six live towns in western Pennsyl- vania, including Du Bois, for speculation, promising no fire protection at a definite, future time. This brought on a storm of indignation on the part of the citizens in general, resulting in making an application for a charter at once, as a large Blake steam pump and sufficient pipe to reach from Ross's Mills (near Pentz Run) along Long street to Courtney, and along Courtney to the Plank road. The State department at Harrisburg, seeing the justness of the demand of the citizens as against the syndicate, granted a charter to the former on the 18th day of May, 1883, known as the " Citizens' Water Company of Du Bois." Charter members were the following: P. S. Weber, D. J. Crowell, Levi Heidrick, D. L. Corbett, W. T. Ross, James Grier, Emanuel Kuntz, J. E. Dale, H. Loeb, and George D. Hamor. As an outgrowth of the establish- ment of the "Water Line," extending as above indicated, with its pump at Ross's Mills, from whence it derives its power, the Union Hose Company was organized on June 20, 1883, counting a large number of its best citizens in its organization. The company is out of debt, and has a small surplus in its treas- ury. On January 12, 1884, the " Independent Hook and Ladder Company" was organized. Captain G. W. Woodring was its first president, and is the present chief of both companies constituting the fire department. The fire department controls a splended hook and ladder truck, with the necessary equipment, also a splendid hose carriage, which was donated to the Union Hose Company by the ladies of the place. In connection with the hose car- riage there are seven hundred feet of good hose. The hook and ladder truck and hose were in part paid for by the council. Both of these companies have of late kept up only a quasi organization, but never failed to respond at any alarm of fire, which speaks highly in favor of the manhood composing the companies. The town has went through several serious fires,1 and, thanks to the Water Line and these companies, thousands of dollars have been saved.
1 The first large fire occurred in November, 1880; started in the new Opera House, which was destroyed with other valuable property to the amount of $25,000, estimated ; fire confined to west side of Long street. Second extensive fire occurred in December, 1883, starting in the " American " House restaurant, burning over the same territory as the first, besides crossing Long street and destroying several buildings; estimated loss, $50,000. Third disastrous fire occurred in February, 1886, origi- nating in the City Hotel, which was destroyed with considerable other valuable property on east side of Courtney street. The site of the last fire has already been rebuilt with excellent three story brick blocks.
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Roads and Railways .- The public roads and railways entering into Du Bois stand second to none, especially the public roads which lead to every point of the compass, viz .: two lead to Luthersburg, etc., one known as the " hill " road, and the other the " bottom " road ; another leads to West Liberty and Troutville, another to Reynoldsville, still another to Falls Creek, one to Clearfield via Rockton, and finally another leading to Penfield via Sabula (" tunnel "), thus making a complete net-work of wagon roads, which are kept in good condition the whole year around, and as a general rule much better than the majority of public roads in other parts of the county. The railway facilities are the best of any one town in the county. The great Low Grade Division of the A. V. R. R. which was opened in the summer of 1874, gives an eastern and northern "outlet" via the P. & E. at Driftwood, and a western outlet to Pittsburgh, etc., via A. V. R. R. at Red Bank. The Buffalo, Roch- ester & Pittsburgh R. R. was opened in August, 1883, affording an excellent outlet to Rochester, Buffalo and the lake region, as well as a direct line to the great Kinzua bridge, the highest railway bridge in the world, and to the na- tion's pride and admiration of the whole world-Niagara Falls, thus affording most excellent shipping facilities as well as unrivaled advantages to the pleas- ure seeker. The depot of the Low Grade is in East Du Bois, third ward, and that of the B. R. & P. in West Du Bois, first ward, the central part of the town, second ward, lying between the two depots at convenient distances.
Other railroads are in contemplation which will finally enter this town, making it still a greater railroad center than is dreamed of by many of the citi- zens of to-day. The link most desired and needed is the extension of the Pennsylvania at Curwensville, or the Beech Creek at Clearfield to Du Bois. As it now is, Du Bois, the largest town in the county, has from twenty-two to twenty-five miles over one of the most lonely,-over the mountains via Roc- ton and " Horn's Shanty," or the second choice over probably the poorest kept road in the county, the "Cream Hill" turnpike-a toll road, and relic of gross injustice to the people of Clearfield county.
Agriculture .- Agriculture can only be mentioned incidentally, as it exists in the surrounding townships. The soil is of superior quality ; in fact, the virgin soil of Brady, Sandy and Union townships is equal to that of Lancaster county. True, it is not in such a high state of cultivation as in the latter county, but it is yielding most excellent cereal crops and fruits wherever prop- erly cultivated and cared for ; besides there are thousands of acres immediately north from Du Bois, belonging to John E. Du Bois, of superior limestone soil, which is awaiting the advent of the plow, which it is hoped will come to pass ere many years roll around. J. E. Du Bois has 1,000 acres under cultivation. The stock consists of seventy-three horses, seven mules, sixteen yokes of oxen, fifty cows, one hundred twenty-five head of cattle, a herd of about two hun- dred sheep on an average, and about sixty hogs. The productions of this
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farm in 1886 were as follows: 5,262 bushels oats, 3, 122 bushels corn, average yield of wheat per year, 800 to 1,000 bushels, 362 bushels rye, 480 bushels buckwheat, 3,500 bushels potatoes, 500 tons of hay, with a large vegetable garden supplying the hotel, store, etc. There were 200 acres cleared in 1886. The farm was commenced in '77, clearing on an average about 100 acres a year. C. F. Fuller is superintendent of the farm.
Banking .- The town labored long under the inconvenience of no banking facilities, being obliged to send to Brookville, Reynoldsville or Clearfield and Curwensville, and even to other places for accommodations in that line, until September 21, 1880, when the " Du Bois Deposit Bank" opened its door for a general banking business. The present officers are : Dr. W. McBryer, presi- dent; W. C. Bovard, cashier, and L. J. Bovard, assistant cashier. This insti- tution is favorably and well known. This bank was followed by the "First National Bank of Du Bois City," erecting its commodious and modern brick bank building on Long street, having the latest improved vault and a superior money safe (within vault), specially constructed for this bank. It opened its door for business on August 1, 1883. This bank has a " paid up " capital stock of $50,000, with privilege to increase to $100,000. This institution is widely and favorably known, and enjoys the confidence of a large and rapidly increas- ing business. F. K. Arnold was its first president, J. E. Long, cashier, M. W. Wise, assistant cashier. The present officers are : James E. Long, president ; M. W. Wise, cashier, and M. I. McCreight, assistant cashier. Directors : L. A. Brady, E. G. Clark, P. S. Weber, M. W. Wise, C. H. Gordon, Daniel North, M. I. McCreight and J. E. Long.
Schools, etc .- Education is to the mind what cleanliness is to the body ; the beauties of the one, as well as the other, are blemished, if not totally lost, by neglect ; and as the richest diamond cannot shoot forth its lustre, wanting the lapidary's skill, so will the latent virtues of the noblest mind be buried in obscurity, if not called forth by precept and the rules of good manners.
The people of Du Bois early believed in the great influence of an educa- tional training, and demanded adequate provisions and facilities at the hands of Brady township, to which the town belonged, and "Old Mother Brady" did not try to shirk her duty to the promising town, commenced the erection of a suitable building in the summer of 1876, on the ground where the central (high) school building now stands. The structure was a one-story building, with two large and commodious rooms, reached by a neat and suitable vesti- bule. The rooms were occupied during the term of 1876-77. Prior to the erection of this school-house-known as the " Central school-house " of Du Bois-the people had to content themselves by sending their children (no matter in what part of the town they lived) to the " White school," so called, which stood (and still stands as a tenement house) immediately beyond what is known as the " camp-ground." But as this room was too small, even prior
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to 1876, halls had to be rented, which, as a rule, were poorly calculated for such a purpose. In 1879 (then the town belonged to Sandy) the growth of the town demanded considerable more room, and the Sandy township school board being alert to the needs and demands of the town, erected two large and commodious two-story school buildings, one each in West and East Du Bois, with two large rooms each; still there was not room enough for the ac- commodation of the children, and halls had to be again rented. Now, grades were established as far as practicable. The growth of the schools still being rapid, demanded still more rooms, and accordingly, in 1883, two years after the incorporation of the town as a borough, the borough board saw the press- ing need for more room, concluded to remove the (frame) central school-house to a lot opposite the old site to make room for a large brick school building. On March 13, 1883, a contract for the erection of this building was awarded to R. B. Taylor; price, $12,760; with extras, and furnishing the same was in- creased to $14,000, for which bonds were issued bearing five per cent. interest, payable in not less than five years, nor more than twenty years. The elegant building reflects great credit on the board of 1883, as well as on the county, which is alive to educational interests. This building furnishes eight rooms, but still the pressure for more room continued, and in the summer of 1885 an extra two-story building in the first ward was erected, and two additional rooms were built to the school building in the third ward. The first ward has four " day " and two "night " schools; the second ward has ten "day " (no " night ") schools ; the third ward has four " day " schools, employing eighteen teachers, two of which teach " night " schools, making a total of twenty schools. Number of pupils enrolled in the winter of 1887-males, 562; females, 560 ; total, 1,122 ; male pupils attending night schools, 70 ; grand total, 1, 192. The term in 1886-7 was seven months. The schools are graded-first ward has four grades, second ward ten, and third ward four. Each room represents a grade, although there are two grades in each room ; or, in other words, it requires two years to get through one room to one next higher, except in the second ward, where the grades are closer. Professor Frank Hutton was principal for the term of 1886-7. The grading above given is not permanent, and is slightly changed as circumstances may require. The present board consists of D. T. Sharp, president ; L. M. Truxal, secretary ; James M. Bryan, D. C. Hindman, Howard Clarke, John Nihill, T. G. Gormley, L. S. Hay, and Charles Loring, making a board of nine directors, three from each of the three wards.
CHURCHES.
Paley, speaking on the establishment of the church, says: "The single end we ought to propose by it is, the preservation and communication of religious knowledge, every other idea and every other end that have been mixed with this-as the making of the church an engine, or even an ally, of the State ; 50
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converting it into the means of strengthening or diffusing influence ; or regard- ing it as a support of regal, in opposition to popular forms of government- have served only to debase the institution, and to introduce into it numerous corruptions and abuses."
The province of the church is most excellently defined, and its influence and power indirectly admitted, by the quotation from Paley.
It is this "influence and power " which evidently lies at the base of the establishment of churches to-day, and imbued with the spirit to wield this "power," prompts men everywhere to build churches. Du Bois early felt this " influence," and materialized the same in the organization and erection of the M. E. Church, the beginning and organization of which may be dated in 1868, when Rev. T. J. Baker preached occasionally in the dwelling of John Rumbarger, now the " Rumbarger House," and an organization was effected in the latter part of 1870, when Rev. L. G. Merril, in charge of the Luthers- burg circuit, held a "revival " meeting in the old "white " school-house on the West Liberty road, just beyond the old " camp-ground." At this time a class was organized, but through the want of a place of meeting this class became scattered, and remained so until the pastorate of Rev. J. N. Clover- from 1874 to 1875-on the Luthersburg charge. The scattered members were, as far as possible, gathered together, the class reorganized, and services held in the room over the present store of J. B. Ellis, which room was fitted up for the purpose by Mr. John Rumbarger, who then owned the property. In this class were Mrs. Fanny Ellis, J. W. Kelly and wife, Mrs. Catharine A. McClellan, Mrs. Eliza Rumbarger, John Shaffer, Henry Shaffer, Mrs. Reisinger, James Dixon, and others. A movement was soon begun for the erection of a church building, which was consummated in 1876 and 1877, under the pastorate of Rev. D. C. Plannett, in the structure now occupied by the M. E. society, located on Booth street, first ward, near the B. R. & P. Railroad crossing. In 1879 Du Bois, which had hitherto been connected with the Luthersburg charge, was made a station, and Rev. Cyril Wilson was appointed pastor. His successors, up to the present time, have been as follows: 1880-81, H. M. Burns ; 1882-84, R. C. Smith; 1885-86, F. H. Beck, the present efficient pas- tor. The present membership of the church is 325 ; Sabbath-school, over 200.
Evangelical Association .- In point of time this association came next. The first class of this church was organized in 1873 by Rev. J. A. Dunlap. The following year, 1874, he erected a chapel on " Cottage Hill," second ward, being the first church building in Du Bois. Rev. Dunlap (living in Brookville, Pa.) filled the appointment till the spring of 1876, when his successor, Rev. William Houpt, came, during whose pastorate the parsonage was built. He was followed by Rev. L. H. Hetrick in 1877, who labored till 1880, succeed- ing in paying an indebtedness of $400, including the foundation walls of the new church building. It was during Rev. Hetrick's pastorate that the present
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church edifice was commenced (1879), on Long street, second ward. Rev. A. W. Platt came in the spring of 1880 and remained two and one-half years, when he resigned, Rev. William Houpt supplying the balance of the confer- ence year (1883), followed by Rev. Garner in 1884. During the pastorate of Rev. A. W. Platt the parsonage and "chapel " were sold, and the proceeds applied to the "erection" fund of the new church, which was completed in 1881, as the "Trinity Evangelical Church." The present pastor came in the spring of 1885. The present (1887) number of members is about seventy ; Sunday-school, about eighty scholars. This society is in a healthy, growing condition, as the labors of the present pastor, Rev. F. M. Brickley, prove. He raised the membership in 1886 from fifty-one to its present standing, not- withstanding removals, etc.
Presbyterian Church .- This church was organized May 9, 1876, by a com- mittee of the Huntingdon Presbytery, consisting of Revs. H. S. Butler and William M. Burchfield. The first original members were Richard and Thomas H. Simons, W. P., Mary P., Evaline, and Elizabeth Jones, John H. Bellis, Mary Jenkins, and Mrs. Margaret Smith. Richard and Thomas H. Simons (father and son) were the first elders. Well does the writer remember this little band, worshiping in the new hotel barn of the Rumbarger House (first ward); later, in the partially finished central school-house, while their own church building was being erected, which was done in the latter part of the summer of 1876. It is located in the second ward, on William street, adjoin- ing the Central High School building. The original name of the church was " Bethany Presbyterian Church of Du Bois," until the fall of 1885, when the congregation dropped the word ".Bethany," and it is now known as "The Presbyterian Church of Du Bois." Rev. J. R. Henderson did some preaching about the time of its organization, but Rev. William M. Burchfield regularly supplied the congregation (with the exception of Rev. Henderson's) until the spring of 1883. Owing to some technical misunderstanding Rev. Burchfield was obliged to resign. Then the church was without regular preaching until February 5, 1884, when the Presbytery, at the request of forty members, organized the " Second Presbyterian Church of Du Bois," which, for a little more than a year, was supplied by Rev. Burchfield, worshiping in Scalen's Hall, and later in the " Reformed Church." The old organization of fifty-six members then called Rev. J. V. Bell, of Penfield, Pa., who was installed the first regular pastor of the church May 25, 1884. Rev. Burchfield resigned his charge in February, 1885. A request was sent from " Bethany " (old) Church, asking the members of the " Second " Church to return to their former home, and the majority agreeing, the Presbytery, on April 14, 1885, dissolved, the "Second" Church, requesting the members to go back to "Bethany." In June, 1884, the ladies purchased a fine bell weighing 950 pounds, at a cost of $286. The church building was repaired to the extent of $1,000 during the
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summer of 1886. There is also a comfortable parsonage in connection with this church. Present membership, 190; Sunday-school, 150 scholars. All difficulties and misunderstandings have apparently passed away, and the organ- ization has a hopeful future.
Catholic Church .- The Catholic congregation of Du Bois was organized June, 1877. There were then only seven Catholic families to start with. In May, 1879, an effort was made to build a church, which resulted in the erec- tion of a brick edifice, located in the first ward, on State street, sixty by thirty- two feet, and was dedicated in September of the same year. In June, 1882, a house for the resident priest was built and a third lot was purchased. In May, '84, an addition to the church with a tower was built, placing therein a fine bell weighing 1,250 lbs., it being the first good bell (in point of time) in the town. The congregation from the beginning has been under the pastoral care of the Rev. James Brennan, who still occupies that honored position. The congregation now owns a whole square on State street, (first ward), and the church is one of the finest in town, it cost over $10,000. A small debt is still on the property, with fair promises that it will be satisfied soon. The mem- bership is about 1,300 ; Sunday school about 175 scholars.
Baptist Church .- The regular Baptist Church of Du Bois was organized on the 14th day of March, 1880, under the efficient leadership of Elder J. E. Dean, from Reynoldsville, Pa. A house of worship was built in the third ward, also under the management of Rev. Dean. The present pastor is Rev. H. H. Leamy. Deacons : John Gaskin, Isaac Letchworth and H. H. Weaver ; clerk of the church, L. R. Dressler. Membership 91, Bible school 90-average attendance.
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