USA > Pennsylvania > Clearfield County > History of Clearfield County, Pennsylvania : with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 72
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641
CURWENSVILLE BOROUGH.
E. Patton ; directors, John Patton, Samuel Arnold, E. A. Irvin, James Mc- Intyre, and J. C. Wright.
The Curwensville Telephone Company was incorporated November 15, 1881, with a capital stock of $3,000. It owns a line forty-three miles in length, connecting Curwensville with Lumber City, Pennville, Lewisville, Mahaffeys, McGees, New Washington, Newburg, Burnside, Patchinville, and Cherry Tree, and has proven a great convenience to the business public. The present offi- cers are : President, Porter Kimports ; secretary and treasurer, A. E. Patton.
THE FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
In March, 1864, the First National Bank was organized with a capital of $50,000 (afterwards increased to $100,000), with the following officers and directors : President, John Patton ; cashier, Samuel Arnold; directors, Wm. Irvin, John Irvin, and Dr. H. P. Thompson. It conducted a large and suc- cessful business until January 1, 1876, when it went into voluntary liquidation, and was succeeded by the Curwensville Bank, composed of John Patton, A. W. Patchin, Dr. D. A. Fetzer, and Dr. J. P. Hoyt. The flourishing condition and marked success that has attended the management of this institution may be gathered from the statement of its condition January 15, 1887, as follows : Capital, $100,000 ; surplus fund, $100,000 ; deposits, $421,000; loans and discounts, $506,800; cash, and due from banks, $126,650. The present offi- cers are : President, Hon. John Patton ; cashier, A. E. Patton ; stockholders, John Patton, Dr. D. A. Fetzer, and A. W. Patchin.
INDUSTRIES.
About 1840-I David Harvey erected an iron foundry in the village of Bridgeport, which he conducted for a few years, when it became the property of George Beatty, who did a thriving business for many years, particularly in the manufacture of plows, the first one made in the county having been cast at this foundry. The business was discontinued in 1855, and the old building was torn down in 1880. During 1841 a foundry was erected by Samuel Spen- cer and David Harvey on the lot now occupied by the Methodist Episcopal church. John P. Dale, John D. and James Thompson, and Jackson Robinson, sr., were, at different times, interested in this enterprise. Plows and cook- stoves were the principal articles manufactured, as many as two hundred stoves having been made in a single season.
In 1850 John D. and James Thompson built the Thompson foundry which is still standing on Thompson street.
In 1855 Jackson Robinson, sr., started the foundry on State street, which was destroyed by fire about 1858. He then erected another on the lot below McNaul's tannery ; this was also burned in 1867. He then built the present foundry on Filbert street, where he now continues the business in connection with his sons.
642
HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
In 1868 William A. Dale and Jackson Robinson, started a small planing- mill on Filbert street, in the building now used by John Hill as a woolen-fac- tory. William Dale sold his interest to John Wann, of Brookville, who after- wards sold to Capt. J. Welsh, who, with Mr. Robinson, continued the business for a few years, when not proving successful, it was abandoned.
About 1868 John Patton, E. A. Irvin, E. B. Patton and J. R. Irwin erected quite a large planing-mill on Filbert street, which was fitted up with first-class machinery ; this was conducted by these parties for some years, when they sold it to A. H. Irvin and W. C. Arnold, who managed it for two or three years. From the fall of 1873 until 1880, it stood idle. Colonel E. A. Irvin then be- came the owner of the property, and leased it to Henry Foutz, of Bellefonte, who conducted it for some time. In 1884 the building was torn down, and the ground sold for building-lots. In 1818, Messrs. J. Robinson and Sons placed a planing-machine in their foundry building, and do a large amount of work in their line.
The Press. - The first newspaper enterprise was The Clearfield County Times published by T. J. Robinson, and edited by "The Times Editorial Com- mittee." The initial number was issued Tuesday, September 10, 1872. The paper was owned by a number of business men, who had subscribed the nec- essary funds to insure its publication. In 1873 the establishment was purchased by R. H. Brainard, who conducted the paper until 1882, when he sold it to Whittaker and Fee. Mr. Fee was succeeded by R. R. Stevenson, and Mr. Whittaker by G. M. Belger. Mr. Belger subsequently retiring, Mr. Stevenson became the sole proprietor, and conducted it until November, 1884, when it suspended publication. On January 1, 1885, John P. Bard purchased the press and materials of the Times office, and commenced the publication of The Cur- wensville Herald, which he conducted for one year with great success, and made it a creditable production. After Mr. Bard's retirement, he leased the material to R. R. Stevenson, who issued the paper for a few months, when its publication ceased, and the plant was sold to Harrisburg parties.
In 1881 a paper called The Ancillia was started by C. C. McDonald ; and in June, 1882, the name was changed to The County Review. This was a monthly publication, and contained many articles of local and historical inter- est. In 1884 Mr. McDonald sold it to R. H. Brainard, the former proprietor of the Times, who changed it to a weekly, and still continues to conduct it.
An agricultural paper, called The Pennsylvania Farmer, was conducted for a short time, during the year 1885, by Miles Wall.
About 1812 Robert Maxwell and David Dunlap erected a saw-mill on An- derson Creek, about one mile above Curwensville, and in 1817 Job England built one on the same stream, a little below where the Friends meeting-house now stands.
In 1818 John Irvin erected a saw-mill near the present site of the Irvin flouring-mill.
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CURWENSVILLE BOROUGH.
In 1841 Alexander Irvin built one where the Irvin steam saw-mill now stands.
In 1846 William Irvin, sr., erected a mill near the mouth of Anderson Creek, where the shingle-mill of A. H. Irvin stands.
About 1863 Thomas Hill built a mill at Bridgeport, near where the Arnold mill now stands. There were quite a number of the old-fashioned water-power mills in various parts of the township, but they have been superseded by the large steam mills.
N. E. Arnold's Bridgeport mill, now operated by Sam'l Arnold, is the larg- est. It was erected in 1881, and the capacity of the board mill is thirty thou- sand feet per day ; it has shingle, lath, picket and box board machinery.
John Irvin and Bros. have a large steam saw-mill in Curwensville, with a capacity of twenty thousand feet of lumber per day.
The Cathcarts have a steam saw-mill at Olanta.
In 1824-25 John Draucker built a woolen-factory at Bridgeport. This mill was operated by William Ramsey until 1829, when it was leased by Ja- cob Wilt and George Beatty. In 1832 Draucker sold the property to Joseph Spencer, and in 1834 Charles Spencer took charge and operated the mill until an accident occurred, which resulted in his death in 1835. Joseph M. and Samuel Spencer took charge of the mill and operated it until 1843, when Samuel retired, and was succeeded by W. S. Porter, with whom he continued in business for two years, when Zebulon Miller leased the property, added new machinery, and commenced the manufacture of cloths and satinetts. About three years later the factory was purchased by James Spencer and William S. Porter. Mr. Porter subsequently retired, and Spencer conducted it until 1854, when he leased it to William Blake and John and Thomas Hill. Blake sold to the Hills in a short time, who continued to operate it for some years, when Thomas Hill became sole proprietor, having purchased the interest of James Spencer. In 1873 Thomas Hill sold the property to Arnold, Hartshorn & Hipple. This firm refitted the factory, and operated it for about three years, when it was purchased by Samuel Arnold, of Curwensville, under whose man- agement the factory did a large business, particularly in the manufacture of lumberman's flannel. In June, 1881, the entire establishment was destroyed by fire. In 1867 John Hill established a woolen factory on Filbert street, in the building now occupied by him, where he carries on a large and successful business.
The original Irvin flouring mill was built about 1818. This mill was burned in 1830, but was immediately rebuilt. The second mill was destroyed by fire in February, 1877, but was replaced by the present one, which is located on the east bank of the river, and is one of the most complete establishments of the kind in the county.
In the year 1839 Joseph Spencer erected a flouring mill at Bridgeport, and
644
HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
conducted it until January 1, 1850, when Joseph M. Spencer became the owner, and operated the same until 1875, when he removed the old structure and built a new one, with all modern improvements, and in 1882 added steam power. Mr. Spencer still conducts this mill, and does a large and successful business.
Benjamin Hartshorn established the first tannery on the farm now owned by Jonathan Hartshorn. In 1826, William Hartshorn, a son of Benjamin, moved the tannery to the lot now owned by Mrs. Harriet Crouch, on corner of State and Filbert streets, where it was operated for about thirty years.
In 1819 Wm. McNaul, father of Robert, Zachariah and John McNaul, erected a tannery on the site of the present building, which was conducted by himself and sons, up to the time of his death. The business is still carried on by his sons Zachariah and John.
In 185 1 Sam'l B. Taylor built a tannery on a lot on Filbert street, and still operates it. These tanneries were all run without steam power, and tanned only upper leather.
The Summit tannery was built by W. S. White & Son, and opened for business in May, 1877. It was purchased by J. B. Alley & Co., of Boston, Mass., on April 3, 1878, and on January 1, 1887, this firm was succeeded by Messrs. Alley Bros. & Place, of the same city. Since May 1, 1879, the estab- lishment has been managed by Mr. F. J. Dyer, who is also superintendent of the tannery owned by the same firm at Osceola Mills, Pa. Summit tannery has a capacity of one hundred and two hides per day, and manufactures one million pounds of leather per annum. About forty men are constantly em- ployed, whose wages amount to $18,000 per year. Six thousand tons of hem- lock, and six hundred tons of oak bark, are used each year. New boilers and machinery have recently been placed in this establishment. Backed by ample capital, and under efficient management, it is one of the most successful busi- ness enterprises in the county.
The mercantile interests are well represented. Samuel Arnold conducts a large general store in connection with his steam saw-mill, and lumber business.
L. W. Spencer & Co., and F. J. Dyer & Co., have general stores, and both do an extensive business.
John Irvin & Bros. have a large trade in connection with their general store, saw-mill, flouring mill, lumber and bark business; they employ a num- ber of men.
Abram Gates has a large and complete hardware store, and manufactory of tin ware, roofing and spouting; Bilger & Gray also conduct a complete hardware store.
Charles E. Patton has a large and complete dry goods establishment.
Gus. Z. Wolfe conducts a clothing, and boot and shoe store. A. M. Kirk has a fine jewelry store ; Joseph R. Irvin, a very complete drug store. Faust & Holden have a general store; Mrs. J. H. Fleming, furniture, upholstering, and
645
SANDY TOWNSHIP.
undertaking ; Andrew Stover deals in furniture and builder's supplies ; Thos. W. Moore, groceries ; Harvy Teats, groceries; M. Breckstein, dry goods ; Mrs. M. Kennard, variety store ; S. S. Moore, restaurant ; J. S. Graff, res- taurant and saloon ; F. H. Graff & Co., billards; A. T. Owens, harness ; M. F. Owens, harness ; Greer & Burkett, manufacturers of cigars; A. B. Whit- taker & Co., coal and lime ; Henry Stockbridge, lumber, flour and feed ; W. P. Tate, agricultural implements ; A. F. Martin, merchant tailor ; Edmund Goodwin, books and stationery; J. H. Mead & Co , general insurance agents ; James McIntyre, livery ; William B. Condo, livery ; A. K. Draucker, livery ; E. E. Hagerty, bakery ; D. S. Moore, photographer.
Bridgeport is a small village one and one-quarter miles west of Curwens- ville. Its industries have been fully described elsewhere in this article. Its present population is one hundred.
Bloomington is situated four miles east of Curwensville, and has a popula- tion of about one hundred and fifty. A post-office has been established at this place for a number of years. The Patrons of Husbandry have erected a building for the use of their society. There are two churches-the Methodist, erected about 1875, and the Lutheran, built about 1851. Curwensville is the trading point for this locality.
Olanta is a comparatively new town, located on the line of the B. C. C. and S. W. Railroad, about five miles from Curwensville. The town was laid out in 1885. A post-office was established here in 1886. Mr. Owens is the present postmaster. H. A. Long, and Cathcart & Smith have the principal mercantile establishments. The present population is one hundred and fifty.
CHAPTER XLIX.
HISTORY OF SANDY TOWNSHIP.
3 URGH, speaking of times and opportunities, said : " There are times and seasons proper for purpose of life, and a very material part of prudence it is to judge rightly of them and make the best of them."
Accepting the above axiom, the citizens of portions of Brady and Huston townships, as early as 1877, believed that the time and opportunity had arrived for the formation of a new township, inasmuch as the rise and progress of Du Bois swelled the population to almost an uncontrollable number. The fact was potent that the general welfare of both Brady township and the infant city of Du Bois, within her (Brady's) borders, demanded a division, hence an effort was made-especially by the business men of Du Bois, to secure the
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HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
end desired, by calling a series of public meetings to discuss the feasibility of the erection of a new township. These meetings were held in the spring of 1877. The movement was impeded by those who favored the incorporation of Du Bois as a borough, but the writer of this article urged the new township on the ground that Du Bois could be incorporated after the formation of the township, and by that course secure both, whereas, should the incorporation of Du Bois precede the new township, the latter might remain a debatable question for some time to come.
Brady township would have been well satisfied to cut off Du Bois, and once cut off, the formation of a new township would undoubtedly have met with opposition in Brady, but as it was Brady was anxious to get rid of Du Bois, and Du Bois equally glad to cut loose from Brady. When the matter was seen in this light, there was little or no opposition, although it required a whole year to convince some of the wisdom-from a business stand point-of the township preceding the borough. Finally, in the spring of 1878, a peti- tion was prepared for a new township, when a " squabble " again arose as to what the name should be. The writer proposed " Sandy " as the most appro- priate name, as Sandy Lick Creek flows through the entire length of the pro- posed township. After considerable argument, pro and con, "Sandy " was adopted. The petition mentioned was filed March 4, 1878, and commissioners appointed, upon which an order to view was issued April 4, the same year. The report of the commissioners favorable to the new township was filed June IO the same year, and the report was confirmed, absolute, at the September term of court, 1878. An election was ordered to be held October 28, the same year, to vote " for " or " against" the new township, the result of which elec- tion was a majority of three hundred and fifteen for the new township, out of a total vote (cast) of three hundred and forty-two. Thus a new era began to dawn in the northwestern corner of Clearfield county, another sturdy member was added to Mother Clearfield's family, and one of which she may well be proud.
Early Settlements .- With regard to the early history and settlement of Sandy township, we excerpt what follows from the June number of The Enter- prise, published by the writer in 1876:
" Prior to 1812 John Casper Stoeber had pre-empted some land in west- ·ern Pennsylvania, which came in possession of Mr. Stoeber's daughter, who was married to a Mr. Scheffer, father of Michael, George, and Frederick Schef- fer (now all dead), and grandfather and great-grandfather to the present gen- erations of Shafers-as they now write it-in Sandy township.
" In 1812 the senior Scheffer left Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, with his family, and settled on the pre-empted land of his father-in-law, John Casper Stoeber, which was situated near the present limits of Du Bois, then belonging to Centre county. They landed on May 12, 1812, and on the next day
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SANDY TOWNSHIP.
erected a ' bark shanty,' beside a cooling spring, being the spot where the ' Rumbarger ' House now stands.
" No ax was put into a tree in this part of the county prior to 1812. There was no store nearer than ' Old Town'-as Clearfield was then called. The merchants at the time ' wagoned' their goods from Philadelphia. The nearest mill was on the Clarion River, forty miles distant. In 1814, however, a mill was built at Curwensville, on the Susquehanna River, nineteen miles dis- tant. These early settlers subsisted chiefly on deer and bear meat, and other game. They lived here for ten long and lonesome years before they had any neighbors. Soon after this time some Gerinans commenced to settle about Troutville, which section was long known by the local name of 'Germany."'
Pioneer Incidents .- (See Brady township.)
Township Annals .- J. P. Taylor and W. N. Prothero were elected the first justices of the peace.
After the incorporation of Du Bois, 1879, J. A. Bowersox and J. R. Keel were elected justices ; the latter resigned, and John Lankard was appointed until the next municipal election (February, 1884), when William Liddel was elected to fill the regular term. J. A. Bowersox at the expiration of his first term was re-elected in February, 1886. Samuel Postlethwait was the first township treasurer, and served four years. He was followed in 1883 by Michael Shaffer, who served four years, and was re-elected in February, 1887. The first constable in the township was Henry Raught; the present constable, elected in February, 1887, A. H. Walker. The population in 1880, estimated (including Du Bois), 3,700.
Manufacturing and Mercantile .- The first store in Sandy township at " West Liberty," as far as known, was opened by John Hoover, followed by Joseph Cathers, and he by S. Lobough. "Jerry " Heasly established a foun- dry about this time; John Heberling opened a general store, which he kept for about twenty years, he also was postmaster during this period at West Liberty-post-office name, " Jefferson Line." The post-office was removed in 1885 to the railroad "cut," at the point where the railroad crosses the " Waterford and Erie " pike, there being a regular station of the same name as the post-office, " Jefferson Line." The mercantile business at present is represented by J. F. Heberling, who has a general store, a foundry, and part owner of a saw and shingle-mill, which was erected in 1868. There are two blacksmith shops. At "Jefferson Line " station there is one confectionery store, kept by Mrs. Daniel Heiges, who is assistant postmistress.
In 1881 J. L. Reed opened a grocery store at Falls Creek (Victor post- office). In 1884 J. F. Reed opened a notion and confectionery store. R. F. Millen opened a grocery store in 1886. Osborn & Shaffer's saw-mill is located near here ; also E. A. R. Clark's saw-mill.
Railroads, Public Roads, etc .- What has been said on this topic in the chapter on Brady township, applies equally to Sandy township (which see).
648
HISTORY OF CLEARFIELD COUNTY.
Falls Creek is a railroad junction, the following roads meeting and crossing each other, viz .: A. V. Railroad, B. R. and P. Railroad, R. and C. Railroad, and R. and F. C. Railroad. The significance of this junction will be apparent in the near future. There are about five or six small saw and shingle-mills in the township.
Agricultural Resources, etc .- (Same as Brady, which see.)
Coal Lumber and Mineral Resources .- What has been said of these im- portant factors of prosperity in the chapter on Brady township can truthfully be applied to Sandy on these topics, except the development of the mining interests, which will be considered under the head of
MINES.
The first practical mining in this township was commenced in 1874 or '75 by the "Centennial colliery," opened and operated by Messrs. Jones Bros. in 1876. They employed about thirty men, shipping about one hundred and twenty tons per day. This colliery, being located on disputed land, there was more or less litigation from the start, which culminated in the shooting of Montgomery, a representative claimant, by Peter Jones (of the firm of Jones Bros.) in self-defence, in May 4, 1878. These mines are located about three- fourths of a mile (on the A. V. Railroad) west of Du Bois. The mines were shortly after abandoned, and have never been operated since.
Sandy Lick Mines .- In 1876 the Sandy Lick Gas, Coal and Coke Com- pany commenced to ship coal. They employed about one hundred men, and shipped about five hundred tons per day. Mr. Miles B. McHugh was super- intendent. This company operated a few years, when trouble arose between it and Messrs. Bell, Lewis & Yates, on the question of royalty due the latter, which resulted in the closing of the "drift," when they (Sandy Lick Company) opened the " Hildrup" mines on the opposite side of Sandy Lick Creek, but it too was finally closed.
Rochester Mines .- The firm of Bell, Lewis & Yates began to develop its property in the year 1876 (consisting of about four thousand acres, lying prin- cipally in Sandy township), under the efficient management of A. J. McHugh, superintendent, and general manager. They shipped their first coal from Rochester mines on March 27, 1877. Two members of the firm, F. A. Bell and George H. Lewis, reside in the city of Buffalo, and A. G. Yates, in the city of Rochester, N. Y. Operations have been carried on continuously at this mine, except when interrupted by "strikes," and the average out-put of coal has been about 300,000 tons yearly. The principal market has been to the north and northwest until within a year or so past (1885 or 1886), when it has been taken largely to the east, and in the New England States as well. Heavy shipments have for some years been made to the Canadian Pacific Railway, at Port Arthur, on the northern shore of Lake Superior, from whence it was dis-
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SANDY TOWNSHIP.
tributed along the line of that railway to Winnipeg, and from thence on west to the Rocky Mountains.
The coal is a desirable gas and steam coal; it also makes good coke, and the company has fifty-six bee-hive coke ovens in operation. The vein worked is known as the Lower "Freeport," and is from five and a half to seven feet thick, averaging a little over six feet. The capacity of the mine is two thou- sand tons per day, and the regular day's loading is two hundred cars. They employ about five hundred men and boys.
The Hon. S. B. Elliott took charge of the mines in 1883 as general man- ager, and L. W. Robinson, mine superintendent. The office and store of this company are in Du Bois, Pa.
Churches .- The Baptist Association at West Liberty dates its initial steps toward organization from 1830, when the Rev. S. Miles preached occasionally in the school-house of the place. In 1871 a prayer-meeting was organized by J. Booth and T. Owens. During the year following Rev. C. H. Prescott held the first series of meetings, being then considered an "out-station " of the Soldier Run (Reynoldsville) Baptist Church. In the year 1875 a lot was pur- chased and a house of worship erected at a cost of $1,200. In 1877 the first regular Baptist Church of West Liberty was organized by Rev. J. E. Dean, with twenty-seven members. Rev. Dean became pastor, and has continued in his labors to the present time ; highest membership seventy, present mem- bership fifty-three.
Methodist Episcopal Church .- The only other religious organization is at Falls Creek, the Methodist Episcopal Church, having a station there since Oc- tober, 1886; the class numbering ten, and a Sabbath-school consisting of about fifty members.
Education .- The early educational efforts and interests were identical and equally shared with Brady township, from which township the greater portion of Sandy was taken. At the time of the organization of the township in 1881, there were nine schools with two hundred and eighty-one pupils, male and female. The number of schools has grown to thirteen in 1887, with five hundred and ninety pupils. The educational interests are in a fair stage of development, and the public school fund in a healthy condition.
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