USA > Pennsylvania > Adams County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 145
USA > Pennsylvania > Cumberland County > History of Cumberland and Adams counties, Pennsylvania. Containing history of the counties, their townships, towns, villages, schools, churches, industries, etc.; portraits of early settlers and prominent men; biographies; history of Pennsylvania, statistical and miscellaneous matter, etc., etc > Part 145
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WENKSVILLE.
This ultramontane village, west of Bendersville, approached through the picturesque valley of Upper Opossum Creek from the latter place, or the equally picturesque mountain roal from Arendtsville, or the weird, romantic road from Buchanan Valley, is only great in its approaches. The country round Wenks-
312
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
ville is called Broad Valley. Here, in May, 1879, the only manufacturing indus- try, the Schlosser Steam Saw-mill, was destroyed by fire.
The mail route between York Springs and Wenksville, via Idaville, was es- tablished in March, 1868. Wenks postoffice was established in May, 1868, with William S. Cart, postmaster.
The Lutheran and Methodist Union Church at Wenksville was dedicated December 25, 1872, by Revs. Clark and Dixon, Methodist Episcopal ministers, and M. Snyder and J. F. Probst, Lutheran ministers. The building cost $1,600.
The Lutheran Society of Wenkstille was organized March 5, 1836, at Pisel's schoolhouse (afterward known as Wenks' School, near the site of the present brick Union building), with thirty-one members. Rev. Daniel Gottwalt, David Meals, John Weigle, George Black and Jacob B. Meals may be named among its founders. In 1840 the new Lutheran society of Bendersville drew off the majority of the members, and this society existed in a semi-disorganized condi- tion until 1878, when Rev. M. Snyder reorganized it. In 1880 it was made an appointment of Bendersville, and so continues. From 1841 to 1875 preach- ers from the theological seminary and from the neighboring churches visited the locality, until Bendersville Circuit was formed in 1880, with Rev. W. L. Heisler in charge. Rev. G. W. McSherry is the present preacher.
The Methodist Society of Wenkstille is contemporary with the Lutheran, al- though no regular organization existed until 1872. when this denomination in- itiated the work of church-building here.
CHAPTER XLI.
MOUNTJOY TOWNSHIP.
THE streams of this township are Rock Creek, which forms its western T line; Alloway's Creek, separating it from Germany; Two Taverns' Run, White Run, Plum Run and other small streams flowing westward into Rock Creek, and six or seven rivulets into Alloway's Creek. All flow south from the watershed to swell the rivers of Maryland. The surface rolls heavily in parts; but as a whole the township may be classed as a level country. The altitude at Two Taverns is 428 feet above Atlantic level. The ontcrops are blue mud rock, bluish sandstone and copper rock, reddish sandstone, on Baltimore road, argillaceous red sandstone, laminated red sandstone, fine-grained yellowish green sandstone, laminated greenish sandy shale, fine-grained argillaceous red- dish sandstone (near Two Taverns).
In 1872 and in 1874 Spanish silver dollars were found on the Ephraim Fiscel farm. In 1841 John Camp erected a covered wooden bridge across Rock Creek, at Horner's mill on the Taneytown road, for $2,000. In 1871 a flood swept this away, and a new one was built the same year.
The number of tax payers (1836) is 348; value of real estate, $466,812; number of horses, etc., 419; of cows, etc., 534; value of moneys at interest, $54,614; of trades and professions, $6,545; number of pleasure carriages, 183; acras of timber land, 1,791. The population in 1800 was 663; in 1810, 700; in 1820, 935, including 22 free colored; in 1830, 991; in 1840, 1,032; in 1850, 1,098 (3 colored); in 1860, 1,111 (6 colored); in 1870, 1,172, and in
313
MOUNTJOY TOWNSHIP.
1880. 1,296. The entries of land made prior to 1742. in Mountjoy Township, were as follows: William Smith, April. 1739; Robert Linn. April, 1740: Adam Linn, May. 1741; Robert MeKenny. May. 1710; William McKenny, April, 1741, and Gabriel McAllister, April. 1711.
The total assessed valuation of the township in 1799 was $95, 562. taxed at the rate of 27 conts on $100. Samuel Hanter, assisted by James Mell henny and William Houghtelin, made the assessment. Samuel Hunter and David Horner collected the tax.
John Adair. . $1.086
Adam Little. $6
William Adair
1.592
Andrew Little ..
1.224
Samuel Adair
1.087
Abram Leightewalter. 1.8-2
William Agnew
6:24
Samuel Linu. 1.804
Andrus Ashbangh
764
Daniel Long.
64
Francis Allison.
1.342
Baltzer Lower.
00
Robert Black* (died in 1799)
726
James Black
1,960
Ulrich Black.
112
Adam Black.
51
Jesse McAllister t 2,947
John Bower, owner of a grist mill of two bulirs
2,234
James Barr
1,232
Thomas Mckeon
414
Samuel Bingham.
1,560
Samuel MeKeon
120
Peter Bercan
846
Nicholas Miller, saw-mill.
1.040
John Bear ..
442
Nicholas Mark, saw-mill
993
Joel Bowman.
127
James Mc Allister.
1,114
Peter Baumgartner
959
John MeKillopp.
903
Jobn Cross, grist-mill
1,280
Mosico Melvain.
620
Isaac Darbry. Sr.
846
Robert MeIntyre, weaver.
24
Isaac Darbry. Jr
522
Jacob Ocher.
376
Samuel Davidall.
902
Abram Davidall.
38
Isaac Paxtou. . 1,267
418
Jacob Diehl.
1,776
Isaac Roberson.
853
John Freet
12
Joseph RitHe ..
1,011
John Forney.
217
Samuel Smithi.
1,676
Henry Forney.
976
John Stuart
936
Henry Forney, Jr
37
Michael Sower, weaver.
306
Justice Ferdno.
936
Josepn Stocksleger.
1,384
Michael Fry or Frey
795
John Sbrider ..
104
William Gibson.
514
Frederick Stoner.
1,004
George Green.
216
Michael Stoltz.
1,292
Andrew Guinn.
64
Robert Stewart
734
Hugh Guinn ..
30
James Stewart .. 50
George Heagv. blacksmith
932
Peter Snider.
209
John Heagy. Sr.
1,704
Joseph Stealy.
550
David Horner t.
3,915
Nicholas Sheely
854
Alander Hunter.
1,306
Jacob Sheely 56
283
Franeiseo Helm, Sr.
708
George Starry
1.116
Joseph Hunter.
1,494
James St. Clair
1,000
Samuel Hunter
714
Peter Sell
1,274
David Horner, Jr.
878
George Sloneeker
36
William Honghtelin
984
Robert Sturgeon, weaver. 18
Isaac Hulick. 1,064
981
John Ileagy, Jr.
176
Tobias Starry 46
Samuel Little.
Robert Wilson.
1,462
Thomas Larimore. Sr.
:96
Charles Wilson
1.746
Thomas Larimore, Jr
730
Robert Young
996
John Little.
706
Widow Yother
1,110
Henry Little.
1.265
Adam Sell .. 41 Widow Slentz. 230
Jaeoh Klutz
470
Orbin Tance.
373
Barny Kerr.
Jacob Wurtz.
992
William Guinn
635
William Stoltz.
80
Robert Hutchison.
816
George Shultz.
Jacob Sell 840
Alexander IIorner.
1,976
James Stewart.
1,020
Conrad Frezer, tavern
30
Widow Peuter.
John Davidall
590
Adam Rohrbaugh
Samuel Mellbenny 996
William Mellhenny 1.200
John Miller. Jr .. 8
Robert Mckinney 2,000
James Mellhenny 1,344
*Including saw-mill and one grist-mill of two buhrs. +Two slaves, value $100 each. #One slave value, $186.
Winder Hulwick.
314
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
The single men of the township in 1799 were John Adair, Andrew Ash- baugh, Jacob Barnhart, Peter Forney, Andrew Horner, Francis Helm, Jacob Helm, James Hunter, William Moore, Archibald MeKillopp, Samuel Mckeon or McCune, Henry Stoltz, Robert Young, William Vance and Ludwick Miller. Each of these young men had to pay $1 in addition to taxes on any property he may have held.
Mountjoy Township, from the earliest times, has been always identified with the military affairs of the county. The early Revolutionary enterprises of the settlers are referred to in the history of the county. Daniel Benner, Sr., of this township, who died in February, 1882, was one of the last three sur- vivors of the three companies who marched from this county to the Canadian frontier in 1814. Peter Smith, of Mountpleasant, and Michael Lauver, of Fairfield, are the other two. William F. Baker was the only resident of Mountjoy Township who responded to the first call for troops in April, 1861. He was mustered into Company E, Second Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. The Mountjoy Rangers (cavalry) was the first company organized for the war in the township, with Capt. Horner, commander.
CHURCHES.
Mark's German Reformed Church of Mountjoy Township was erected in 1789 during the pastorate of Rev. George Troldenier. The original members were John Tawney, Samuel Fry, David Little, George Heagy, Nicholas Marks, John Mayer, Francis Stallsmith, Michael Hoke, Peter Moritz, Daniel Heck, Andrew Little, Philip Schlentz. George Fehl. Andrew Eschbach, Michael Moritz, John Heagy, Samuel Huff. John Troxell, Jacob Klein, Jacob Baumgartner, Jacob Wirth, Adam Tawney, John Miller, John Rohrbach, Michael Frey, Justus Frot- anaut, Henry Fourer, Jacob Troxel. The first baptism was that of Samuel Bernheisel. November 5, 1789.
Grace Erangelical Lutheran Church, Two Taverns, was organized in 1876 with the following named members: Michael Schwartz, George Hoffman. Baltzer Snyder, D. Wilson, Samuel Schwartz, Em. Rudisill, J. Shanebrough. John May. George Carl. D. Trostle, John Rudisill, George Sherman and John Snyder. The membership is 140. The building, which is frame, was completed that year at a cost of $2,000. Rev. E. J. Metzler, the present pas- tor, organized this congregation.
St. James Reformed Church was built in 1851, shortly after the society was organized, and continued in use until 1878, when it was rebuilt and enlarged. The dedication of the new edifice took place in September, 1878.
The United Brethren Church, below Hoke's gate, on the Baltimore Turn- pike, was dedicated December 5, 1869, by Rev. Mr. Young.
TWO TAVERNS.
This hamlet on the Baltimore Turnpike dates back to the beginning of settlement, when a few of the Marsh Creek settlers located lands in the neigh- borhood. The little place has been a post town, in one form or another, for almost a century: but not until modern times was an office established here.
The first murder committed in Adams County after the year 1800 was that of Henry Heagy, by James Hunter, at Two Taverns June 23. 1817. A num- ber of men had assembled in Larimore's meadow, among whom were the mur- derer and his victim. Hunter was hanged, January 3, ISIS, near the forks of the Emmittsburg and Taneytown roads.
315
MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP.
CHAPTER XLII.
MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP.
THE Little Conowago forms the eastern line of this township, separating it from Conowago, Oxford and Hamilton Townships. Conowago Creek, and one of its tributaries, Sweet Run, form the greater part of its northern boundary. This run, with its tributaries, Swift Run and Brush Run, and six little streams running into the Little Conowago flow north and east from the water-shed. White Run, which rises in the northwestern part of the township, How's across Mountjoy Township to Rock Creek. A few other creeks also flow south, from the Hanover Road Ridge, into Rock Creek and Alloway's Creek. The surface is decidedly rolling. if not actually hilly. The lower dis- triets are distinguished for limestone soil and rock, while the upper districts are marked by red gravel and shale, and beds of greenish sand-rock. The elevation above Atlantic level at Bonneauville is 534 feet.
In 1872 iron ore was discovered on the Baughman lands, and in September, 1876, copper ore was discovered on Liver's farm, near Bonneauville.
In 1856 George and Henry Chritzman erected the covered wooden bridge across Swift Run, on the New Chester and Oxford road, for $710. In 1863 Elias Roth built a covered bridge across Swift Run, on the road from Carlisle to the York & Gettysburg Turnpike, for $1,025. The Hanover & Mount Rock Turnpike was authorized in April. 1865. The commissioners were J. W. Gubernator. Francis Pahlman, J. E. Smith. E. S. Reiley. S. G. Sneeringer, D. Geiselman. George Smith and James Devine. The Hanover Junction, Hanover & Gettysburg Railroad crosses the northeastern part of the township, with a station at Dutteras, formerly named " Gulden's."
Joseph MeCreary, constable, made returns, under oath, that the following named persons were the only retailers of foreign merchandise in the township in 1824, viz .: Conrad Weaver, Henry Brinkerhoff, John Miller and Henry Sanders. The number of tax payers (1886) is 569; value of real estate, $628, - 987; number of horses, etc., 561; of cows, etc., 664: value of moneys at in- terest. $85. 115: of trades and professions, $11.415; number of carriages, 148; of gold watches, S: of acres of timber land. 1,061. The population in 1800 was 955, and of Managhan, 38 (Hamilton's lands); in 1820, 1,453, including 3 slaves and 34 free colored; in 1830, 1,498; in 1840, 1,588; in 1850, 1,614 (7 colored); in 1860, 1, 766 (2 colored); in 1570, 1,947 (1 colored), and in 1880, 2,138.
There was a fort one mile south of Dutteras Station, in 1855, on the old John May farm, and another between Bonneauville and Two Taverns in 1755. The Heltzell farm, two miles west of New Oxford, was granted to John Hamil- ton June 14, 1763. He erected the first brick house in Adams County, at "Black's Gap." where the Hunterstown road forks from the York & Gettys- burg Turnpike. Mr. Heltzell, now of New Oxford, took down this old build- ing the last year of the war and erected his present house on the same site. Mr. Haltzell states that the tract called "Managhan" was deeded by the Penns to Hamilton as a portion of the " Manor of Maske." The name, how-
316
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
ever, does not appear among the "entries" or "squatters" or "petitioners" residing within the manor in 1742, nor is it probable that Managhan was ever included within the manor boundaries, even in 1763.
The assessments for the year 1800, made in 1799, place the total at $176, - 60S, on which a tax of 22.S cents per $100 was collected. The names of prop- erty owners, and values assessed as given are as follows:
Mathias Albert. $1,914
Helemley $
Ignatius Adams.
Joseph. Hilt. 1,611
John Andrew's estate.
1,200
Maj. James Ilorner. 1,512
Ilenry Arnold, shoe-maker.
125
Hezekiah Hoekdalem, Sr. 10
Daniel Butt. . 125
Hezekiah Hoekdalem, Jr. 1,264
William Baily 3,028
John Hoggeman, weaver. 125
Paul Bart, joiner 126
Brian Bigham
150
Aaron Ileggeman, weaver. 125
John Britten, carpenter.
Christopher Holobach, Jr., weaver ... 212
Henry Brinkenhoff.
910
Christopher Holobach, Sr. :59
Ilenry Buckhannon. 50
Damel Hoopert, tanyard. 1,530
1,720
Michael Bower.
Andrew Johnston .. Henry Khun, carpenter.
224
Solomon Chambers.
431
Michael Clapsadle, joiner.
316
Francis Cassat.
1,870
John Klum ... 1,317
1,913
William Cooper.
1,630
Henry Kip, weaver.
150
Hannah Cooper, widow
John Kip.
800
Josiah Clements.
4,000
Michael Keake.
882
Elias Crisman
958
George Koch.
150
David Cullen.
782
Henry Little, joiner.
134
Jolın Croombacker.
948
Samuel Lilly ;.
3,123
Divas Collins, weaver.
Thomas Lilly.
John Cashem.
Adam Leonard, blacksmith.
Jolin Conenover.
1,300
John Leonard, carpenter. 896
David Comenyore.
125
Ninnion Chamberlain*
1,600
James Driscoll.
150
Joseph Detrich.
1,365
James Daunel. 150
Anthony Little.
75
Margaret Degraff, widowt. 2,254
Barney Little.
600
David Dunner. 1,573
Cornelius Lott, weaver.
631
Jacob Ebert. . 1,586
Jacob Laurence.
100
John Eisenrod.
250
Moses Lockhart ..
2,218
Henry Eisenrod.
1,131
Rebecca Mellvain ..
607
John Ewing.
600
John and David MeCleary
5,261
Isaac Ewing.
900
William Malone, carpenter.
75
Ludwick Eichelberger.
1,123
Stuart Montieth, weaver.
Amos MeCreary. 1,166
Michael Marshall, shoe-maker. 100
Nicholas Myer. 379
Lewis Miller. 1,061
Andrew Mellvain 4,144
178
Mathias Fetherhuff.
170
IIenry Fargison 195
John McClain.
James McSherry 120
Michael Gallaher, tailor. 75
Hugh McSherry 2,100
William Galbreath. .
720
John MeSherry, 1,580
Robert Galbreath. 890
232
Catherine Morningstar, widow 75
Philip Gilbert. .
75
Adam Morningstar, blacksmith .. 120
Christian Hoffman.
540
Andrew Midom. 511
William Hollobach, tailor
125
John MeElip (MeKellopp). 15
Gasper Hansel, weaver.
John Mellvain. .. 1,500
*()ne female slave $25.
+One male slave $30.
¿Female slave.
1,169
Christian Freet. Sr.
2,610
Christian Freet, Jr. . 75
Peter Freet, blacksmith
200
Adam Fuller. . 1,444
David Freeman.
850
Francis Mayer.
Catherine Myer
Martin Garver. 700
William Little ..
Abraham Leister.
Joseph Lindsay. 1,867
Daniel Lochery. 215
Garrit Demarce, carpenter, 525
John Little.
Joseph Klum. . 1,580
Catherina Kitterman. ..
Cornelius Knight, blacksmith. 581
Christian Cashman
David Cassat. .
1,020
Capt. William Kerr.
Gilbert Brinkenhoff (1 slave). 1,876
John Hambarger .. 1,400
John Mouse. 5,424
Jacob Gilbert, weaver.
Robert Ewing.
317
MOUNTPLEASANT TOWNSHIP.
John Nosbeck, nailsmith. 8330
Arthur O'Neil.
75
William Watson. .. 1,593
Henry Peecher. 2.779
Martin Pottorf.
Peter Yong.
llenry Pottorf.
100
lohn Plot. .
150
John Patton.
270
George Yenowinc.
1,340
Margaret PotTenberger, widow
1.020
William Ryan.
Jacob Runk.
980
John Range.
3,970
,Jacob Rider. . 1,516
William Renolds.
1,580
John Renolds.
75
James Dryeoff, tailor.
Michael Sarbach.
136
Alexander Ewing.
John Shriver, gunsmith.
2,544
Robert Ewing. .
Jacob Stiteley.
100
Charles Smith
1,624
Philip Slintz.
1,133
Jacob Slintz.
1,580
Jacob Sharror
950
Valentine Stickel.
890
Charity Schrock, widow
John Keas ..
.James Lochart.
William Sturgen, hotel. 1,300
Catherine Schoop, widow. 980
Alex Leckey, Esq.
2,194
Mathias Spitter. 3,870
Andrew Shanon, weaver:
George MeEntire.
Peter Sheely. 660
James MeDonnel.
Nicholas Sheely 660
Mathew Marsden. 1,012
Jacob Sheely. 1,400
George Shuler. 125
John Springer.
1,000
Louis Snoden, shoe-maker.
125
David Neesbit.
Conrad Snyder. .
2,630
Henry Plot ..
Anthony Snyder.
1,500
Jobn Tempion.
1,020
Joseph Thompson
976
William Torrants.
1,800
Aaron Torrants.
Peter Vandike. 1,100
John Torrants.
William Wilson.
2,552
Andrew Whitely.
Benjamin Whitley, Sr. 1,975
David Welsh. .
75
Hugh Watson, weaver.
Sebastian Wever.
200
William Watson.
George Wheckert. 2,800
James Watson.
Eva Wheckert, widow
Fredric Yong.
Joseph Wilson.
2,003
George Waggoner.
George Wolfort.
Jacob Sherley
Peter Wolfort, Sr .. 2,228
SINGLE MEN.
Abraham Albert, wagon-maker. 308
John Buckhanon. . 1,200
Heury Chambers. 806
John Dannel. . 1,125
Mary Reed.
810
Michael Drycoff ..
William Ewing.
William Ewing sboe-maker.
Philip Flesbmer .. 269
Anthony Fleshman.
Charles House, weaver.
Samuel Smith.
Abraham Hochderben.
1,264
John Hoopert.
M. Slegel. 440
Moses Lochart.
David Mercervey, butcher.
James Marsden. 1,01 2
Capt. Robert Mellvain, miller.
Joseph Myar.
856
Peter Poffeuberger.
John Springer.
John Snyder.
Michael Widworth, weaver. 75
Moses Torbit.
100
Peter Smith, of Mountpleasant Township, who died April 9, 1884, served in Capt. Adams' company during the war of 1812, and is said to be the last of the old soldiers from Adams County. The Mountpleasant volunteers formed a strong, well drilled command in 1828. The Buchanan Rifles, of Mountpleasant Township, organized in March, 1859. The Union Rifle Com- pany was organized at Mount Rock in January, 1861, composed of men from Oxford, Conowago and adjoining townships. Subsequently the members held a meeting declaring their determination to stand by the Constitution of the Union. This was the first military company organized, in anticipation of civil war, which declared a principle.
A. Eckert, delegate from Mountpleasant in the convention of 1834, voted against the adoption of the school law ,
Peter Wolfort, Jr. . $2.221
Ludwick Waggoner, shoe-maker. 400
Baltzer Yong. 7,188
1,270
Mary Yong. 1,537
.
Benjamin Whitely ..
318
HISTORY OF ADAMS COUNTY.
The Harrisburg Junction, Harrisburg & Gettysburg Railroad passes through the northern part of the township. The postoffices in Mountpleasant are Bon- neauville and Redland.
CHURCHES.
St. Joseph's Catholic Church of Bonaughtown or Bonneauville was founded in May, 1859, on lands donated by Alexander Shorb. The corner-stone was placed July 31, 1859, and the church was dedicated Febuary 26, 1860. Rev. Basil A. Shorb, a son of John Shorb, of Union Township, who died April 4, 1871, aged sixty-one years, was the first pastor. The vault in which his remains were placed is in the center of the cemetery. Prior to the erection of this building the congregation attended church at Conowago. Rev. Father Pope succeeded as pastor, and to him is due the change of the village name from Bonaughtown to Bonneauville. During his administration the brick denomin- ational schoolhouse was erected and placed in charge of the Sisters of Charity. Father MeIlhenny was appointed successor to Rev. Mr. Pope: later Rev. An- drew O'Brien, then Father Shanahan was pastor, and he was succeeded by Rev. Father Gorman.
St. Luke's Reformed Church, near White Hall or Red Land and Bonneau- ville, was organized in 1846, with twenty members, by Rev. Jacob Sechler. The building was erected in 1846, and dedicated November 22, that year. as a Union Lutheran and Reformed Church. Among the original members were Daniel Kohler, George Bowman, David Biehl and William Goulden, Lu- therans. Samuel Swope. Jacob Miller and George Bowman formed the build- ing committee.
Salem United Brethren Church, also called the "Stone Church," was erected in 1845 by the pastor, Rev. Samuel L. Minnick. The preachers, whose names are given in the history of the church at Littlestown, were also in charge of the Salem congregation.
The Catholic Congregation of Mount Rock, or Centennial (as the old village was named in 1876). formed a part of the Conowaga congregation up to 1569, when the stone church building was completed at "Mount Rock, over the Hill," and named "St. Charles." The land on which this building stands was donated by Charles Smith for church and school purposes.
WHITE HALL OR RED LANDS.
This is the name given to a postal village in the southern part of the town- ship. Close by there was a military post standing 130 years ago, but by whom erected or in what cause has not yet been ascertained. The settlement of the hamlet dates back about twenty-six years, when the Lohrs and Millers located here; a few years later William McSherry became interested in the location, and built a few dwelling houses and a large three-story business building, which subsequently became known as the National Hotel. Enterprise was car- ried so far as to introduce a printing office there in 1878, the White Hall Vis- itor-a little journal devoted to Greenbackism-was started; next came the postoffice, tradesmen's shops, a large dry goods store, meat market and cigar factory. White Hall sprang up into a village. Its proximity to Littlestown, Hanover, Gettysburg and New Oxford tends, in opposition to its enterprise, to limit its growth. The churches of the several denominations are within easy distance.
Red Land postoffice was established in September, 1866 or 1867, with Will- iam A. McSherry postmaster.
J.S. Witharow
321
OXFORD TOWNSHIP.
MOUNT ROCK.
This place is the center of one of the earliest settlements in Pennsylvania. It is said that over a century and a half has passed away since the first house or cabin was built on the site of the Pohlman dwelling. In 1735 Lord Balti- more patented to Ludwig Schriver the land in this neighborhood, and on this tract he erected the second mill built on the Little Conowago, on the site of the O'Bald Mill. The first merchant at this point was Daniel Lawrence, a brother of George Lawrence, the pioneer tavern-keeper and owner of the old Reed farm of 1754. The era of progress of the settlement dates back to the early part of this century, when Edward Rielly established the first limekiln. He was followed in this industry by John Lilly, who erected a log house on the present Pohlman tract, and made lime manufacture an extensive business. As early as 1730 Samuel Lilly, his grandfather, located part of his land grant in this neighborhood. Samuel Wolf established the third set of kilns. He also erected the brick house, now the property of Peter Noel. The post- office was established here in 1876, with Miss J. M. O' Neil in charge. The lit- tle village is the scene of busy life, and in it and around it some of the neatest homes in the whole county are to be found.
BONNEAUVILLE.
This village, formerly called Bonaughton, dates its beginning back to about 1772, when a log cabin was erected in what is called the public square. Elizabeth Sourbeer, whose father built a stone house just west of Bonneau- ville, in the last century, is now a resident of Martinsburg, Va. In 1810 she attended Squire Brinkerhoff's log school, which then stood in the square. James Foster also taught there. John Eckert put up a house here about this time, following the example of the first school teacher, who had built himself a better home then the old log cabin offered. The office at Square Corner was removed to Bonneanville in June, 1861. with Ambrose Staub postmaster, rice Jacob Noel, the former officer at the "Corner." Ezra Noel is the present postmaster.
CHAPTER XLIII.
OXFORD TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF NEW OXFORD.
L ITTLE CONOWAGO CREEK forms the entire western line of Oxford Township flowing north to Great Conowago Creek and forming a confluence at the northeastern corner of Mountpleasant Township. This creek also forms the southwetern and part of the southern boundary of the township, with its main feeder, Lilly Creek, completing its southern line. A few small creeks flow south and west into the Little Conowago, while Hamilton Creek rises in the northeastern corner of the township. Mellvaine's Run heads near New Ox- ford and flows into the Little Conowago.
The country presents a heavy, rolling appearance, while in its southern sections it is bold and rugged. From near Oxford, 521* feet above the Atlantic level, the tower of Conowago Chapel, four miles away, may be seen. The soil
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