History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Part 149

Author: Ashmead, Henry Graham, 1838-1920
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L.H. Everts
Number of Pages: 1150

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Rev. Henry G. King, and Rev. I. T. Cooper. The others appointed were Mark Packard, of Media; D. R. Haw- kins, Hinkson's Corner; Abram Vanzant, Avondale; and John Godfrey, Crook's Upper Bank. The appeal was an earnest, and subsequently proved to be an effective, one, in behalf of what Mr. Cooper termed "the Metropolitan Church of Delaware County."

It may seem a little strange that one of the para- graphs in the reverend gentleman's communication should have contained the declaration that "the men and women will sit separately in the congrega- tion," but such was the fact.

The corner-stone of the church was laid Aug. 7, 1854, Rev. Dr. H. G. King and Rev. J. S. Lane offi- ciating. The basement was dedicated Aug. 26, 1858, the services being conducted by Revs. John A. Roche and Samuel Pancoast. Rev. H. G. King was at that time on the circuit, and preached to the congregation. In the spring of 1858 the main edifice was completed, and the dedicatory sermon was preached by Rev. Franklin Moore, D.D. In 1859 the church became an independent station.

Following is a list of pastors of this church: 1859- 61, Rev. Jeremiah Pastorfield ; 1861-62, Rev. Samuel Gracey (Mr. Gracey having accepted a chaplaincy in the Union army in 1862, Rev. David Mckee was pastor during the remainder of the term); 1863-66, Rev. Daniel George; 1866-68, Rev. Henry F. Hurn ; 1868-70, Rev. John F. Timmanus ; 1870-71, Rev. Samuel Lucas; 1871-72, Rev. John I. Gracey ; 1872- 75, Rev. Jerome Lindermuth ; 1875-78, Rev. George T. Hurlock ; 1878-80, Rev. Joseph R. Gray ; 1881-83, Rev. S. A. Heibner ; 1884, Rev. F. M. Griffith.

During the pastorate of the Rev. G. T. Hurlock the church edifice was improved and a brick parsonage erected. The church has at present a membership of about two hundred, and the Sunday-school has about the same number of members.

The South Media Methodist Episcopal Church was erected by Mark Packard in 1876. The pulpit is supplied by the Local Preachers' Association of Phil- adelphia. The society numbers about twenty, the Sunday-school one hundred.

Presbyterian Church .- Before Media borough was laid out, the Rev. James W. Dale preached near what was to be its boundary, in the school-house on the Providence road, on the corner of the road to Beatty's mill. When the removal of the county-seat was de- termined upon and Media had been founded, regular services were commenced in the village in a room over John C. Beatty's store. The first was held March 10, 1850. The Rev. Mr. Dale, who was then pastor of the Middletown Presbyterian Church, officiated. A Sun- day-school was organized soon after in Mr. Beatty's house.

The site of the church, about one acre of ground, was donated by John C. Beatty. The corner-stone was laid July 4, 1854. The architect, John McAr- thur, Jr., of Philadelphia, designed the building in

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THE BOROUGH OF MEDIA.

the Doric order of architecture, which proved very effective when the edifice was completed. James W. Haddock, of Media, was the chief contractor. The church was dedicated on Thursday, Oct. 11, 1855, al- though not entirely finished. A number of prominent ministers were present. On the following Sunday the first regular religious services were held, and were of a very impressive character. Up to this time there had been no individual church organization, but the congregation had existed as a mission of the Middle- town Church. On Oct. 1, 1866, the Presbytery of Philadelphia met at Media, according to previous appointment, and organized a church with forty-six members, four elders, and three deacons. Rev. James W. Dale was installed as pastor, and remained until 1868, after which time he served the Middletown Church until 1871, when he was called to the Wayne Church. From 1868 to 1872 the pulpit was supplied by young men from Princeton Seminary, and upon April 17th of the latter year, Rev. E. H. Robbins, who had been called in November, 1871, was ordained and installed as pastor. He still has charge of the church, which is in a flourishing condition and has a mem- bership of nearly two hundred. A parsonage was erected adjoining the church in 1880.

Christ (Episcopal) Church .- During the summer of 1853 the first Episcopalian religious services in Media were held in the court-house, then recently built. The Rev. L. P. W. Balch, D.D., of the Church of the Holy Trinity, West Chester, officiated. From that time until the present church edifice was con- structed services were held in the court-house and in the Methodist Church. Among the officiating clergy- men were Rev. G. E. Hare and Rev. B. S. Hunting- ton. On Aug. 28, 1854, a charter of incorporation was granted the society by the court of Delaware County, and about the same time the Rev. S. Hazel- hurst accepted the rectorship of the church, but re- mained, however, only about eight months. On Nov. 22, 1857, the Rev. H. S. Getz (deacon) became minister of the parish, but was not ordained as a priest until Dec. 19, 1858.

The corner-stone of the present church edifice was laid July 5, 1858, by the Right Rev. Alfred Lee, D.D., Bishop of Delaware. Several members of the clergy, among them the pastor, made impressive addresses. On the 21st of June, 1860, the church was conse- crated by the Right Rev. Alonzo Potter, D.D., LL.D., Bishop of Pennsylvania, the Right Rev. Alfred Lee, D.D., assisting.

The rectorship of Rev. Mr. Getz having terminated on April 1, 1862, an invitation was extended to Rev. S. Edwards to become pastor in January of the fol- lowing year. He accepted the call, and assumed the duties of the office on Feb. 1, 1863. Mr. Edwards resigned on June 30, 1866, and on the 9th of Decem- ber an invitation was extended to Rev. Samuel W. Hallowell to supply the church for three months, which was accepted. When his time as supply ex-

pired he was unanimously elected to the rectorship, and served the church until his death, in May, 1872. He was succeeded in the following October by the Rev. W. T. Chesley Morrell, who resigned in March, 1874, to become rector of St. Philip's Church, in Philadelphia. During his term of service Mrs. Mary A. Hoeckley built and presented to the parish the beautiful stone rectory adjoining the church, as a memorial to her late husband.

In October, 1875, the Rev. Edward Lounsberry, of the diocese of Iowa, was elected to the rectorship, and continued in office until his death, Oct. 12, 1878. During his term of service the tower was added to the church, at a cost of two thousand five hundred dollars, and a pipe-organ was procured. The chancel- rail and marble font were contributed by the young ladies of Brooke Hall. After the death of Mr. Louns- berry the church was supplied until April 6, 1879, when the Rev. De Witt C. Byllesby, previously rector of St. Luke's Church, Roselle, N. J., who had been elected in March preceding, entered upon his duties. He is still discharging the duties of the position.

There is a Sunday-school in connection with the church, which occupies a building erected at a cost of five thousand five hundred dollars in 1868.

Church of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin (Roman Catholic) .- A mission was established by the Roman Catholics at the house of Edward Dugan, at Upper Bank, in 1858. The Rev. Nicholas Walsh, at that time pastor of St. Thomas' Church, Aston, was in charge of this mission. A little later services were held at the house of Lawrence Forman, in Media. About 1860 the Rev. Thomas Kyle, pastor of the church at Aston, purchased a lot on Franklin Street, Media, and erected the brick building now used as a Sunday-school room. This was dedicated iu September, 1862, and was used as a chapel until the completion of the present church edifice. The society remained a mission of St. Thomas' Church until October, 1868, when Rev. Henry L. Wright, who had been pastor of the latter, was appointed to take charge of the Media Church, which then became independent. The brick parsonage on the lot ad- joining the church was completed in July, 1869. The lot on which the church stands was bought by Bishop Wood of Menader Wood. The handsome church built upon this lot, at a cost of seventeen thousand five hundred dollars, was dedicated in June, 1882, the ceremonies being conducted by Bishop O'Hara, of Scranton, and the sermon preached by Rev. Father McDermott. The parish numbers the members of about one hundred families among its communicants.

The Baptist Church .- On the 26th of June, 1871, the first regular services of the Baptist denomination were held in the borough. After the close of the ex- ercises of worship, the assembly, consisting of twelve persons, was organized, with C. H. Russell as moder- ator and William Russell as clerk. The question as to the expediency of establishing a Baptist Church

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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

was raised, and decided affirmatively. The present church lot was donated by Edward A. Price, and a sufficient sum of money being subscribed to warrant the undertaking, a contract was entered into with I. N. Flounders for the erection of a church. The amount of the contract was six thousand dollars. The house was duly finished, and in May, 1872, was dedi- cated by Rev. E. Levy, D.D., who preached an im- pressive sermon. Rev. J. W. Dale took part in the services.

Up to this time meetings had been held in private dwellings, in the court-house, and elsewhere.

On Sept. 12, 1872, the society, consisting of twenty- two members, was reorganized as "the First Baptist Church of Media" by a council composed of ten neighboring churches. The Rev. H. C. Applegarth, who had filled the pulpit since 1875, became the reg- ular pastor in 1877. He was succeeded, in October, 1878, by Rev. T. G. Wright, who served the congre- gation until April, 1881, when the present pastor, the Rev. W. R. Patton, assumed charge.

This church has about seventy-five members, and its Sunday-school about one hundred and thirty.

Hicksite Church - Providence Meeting-House. -The Minshall Meeting was first held in the house of John Minshall far back in the last century. The foundation of the house and the old well are still to be seen. Their location is such that State Street when extended will pass over them. The first meeting- house here was built on an acre of ground given by John Minshall for the purpose, and he subsequently gave another acre for a graveyard. The house, which was of stone, with a hip-roof, was used for many years, but was torn down about 1812 to make place for the present one. Phobe Foulkes is a member of this meeting, and preaches here occasionally. The meet- ing has abont one hundred members.

Friends' Meeting-House .- In 1875 the Friends of Media and its vicinity, withdrawing from the various meetings round about, bought a lot from John M. Broomall,-one-eighth of an acre on the north side of Third Street, opposite North Avenue,-and erected upon it a one and a half story stone meeting-house. Here their regular meetings are held. In an iron safe in this house are kept the records of Chester Monthly Meeting, dating from 1682 to the present.

Media Bible Society .- An undenominational Bible society was organized at a meeting held in the Epis- copal Church early in June, 1870, of which Rev. James W. Dale was president, and William Russell, secretary. Addresses were delivered by Rev. Mr. Terrence and others, after which a society was formed under the name of "The Media and Vicinity Bible Society." A constitution was then adopted, and the following officers elected : President, Dr. Joseph Par- rish ; Vice-Presidents, Rev. J. W. Dale, Rev. S. Hal- lowell, Rev. S. Lucas, William Russell; Secretary, S. B. Thomas ; Treasurer, D. R. Hawkins; Managers, Miss H. Brooke, E. E. Boardman, T. J. Byles, Mrs.

Mary Bishop, Miss Lizzie Haldeman, N. F. Walter, William Copperthwaite, Mrs. C. W. Rudolph, J. C. Beatty, and Mrs. Craine. The purpose of this society is to promote the circulation of the Scriptures without note or comment.

Newspapers .- The first newspaper in Media was The Union and Delaware County Democrat, a small sheet started prior to June, 1852, by Charles B. Stowe. The town was then quite small, and it is not strange that the obituary of the little sheet should have ap- peared in the Republican as early as Dec. 29, 1854. It read as follows : " DEAD .- The Union and Delaware County Democrat, published at Media in this county, has adjourned sine die, its editor having removed to West Chester. A good opportunity is now presented to an enterprising man with a few thousand dollars, who desires to embark in the printing and publishing business." The story of its life is sufficiently sug- gested by the announcement of its death.

The next newspaper venture in the new county- seat was destined to be a more successful one, and to result in the permanent establishment of what is now known as The Delaware County American. The paper was started as the Media Advertiser by Thomas V. Cooper and D. A. Vernon, and the first impression, a seven-column sheet twenty-four by thirty-six inches, came from the press on March 1, 1855. Its politics were Republican. The publication office was on State Street.

The Delaware County Republican in its notice of the appearance of the new paper said, " It takes the place of the Media Union, a paper the publication of which was suspended for want of sufficient support to keep it alive." But it did not take the place of the Union in the Delaware County newspaper mortuary list. The proprietors had a large capital of tact, persever- ance, industry, and economy, and they soon gave the paper a respectable standing among the local journals of the State. One enlargement after another added to its size until it assumed its present generous pro- portions, and journalistic ability kept the standard of quality fully up to the measure of quantity in its con- tents. The name of the paper was changed Feb. 27, 1856, from the Media Advertiser to the Media Adver- tiser and Delaware County American, and on March 2, 1859, the first part of the title was dropped, leaving that which at present stands at its head, The Delaware County American, although several changes have en- sued at different periods. Mr. Cooper retired from the partnership July 4, 1860, and re-entered on July 12, 1865, the firm-name then becoming Vernon & Cooper, as it now exists.

The American is now a ten-column sheet, thirty- three by fifty inches in dimensions, and is a bright, newsy chronicle of Media and Delaware County affairs, and of the world's happenings as well. It is generously patronized by the people of the town and surrounding country.

Benjamin F. Niles, who for several years was the

IsaacHaldeman

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THE BOROUGH OF MEDIA.

editor of the American, and well known in newspaper circles, died at Media in January, 1871.

The Upland Union, a paper which had long existed at Chester, and which was noted for its numerous suspensions and revivals, was brought to life here on Oct. 17, 1858, and placed temporarily in charge of Charles D. Manley, Esq., who, however, was very soon superseded by W. Cooper Talley, of Aston, later of the Delaware County Democrat, and Mr. Brimner, who had edited the Pennsylvanian at Philadelphia. The publication of the Union was suspended Feb. 19, 1861.

The Delaware County Record was established by J. W. Batting & Co., the company being C. D. Wil- liamson and Joseph Chadwick, on March 23, 1878, as an independent local newspaper. Originally an eight-column paper, twenty by twenty-seven inches, page measure, it was so successful that the proprietors enlarged it to nine columns in less than a year from the time it was started. Mr. Batting died April 2, 1880, and from that time until May 6, 1882, the paper was carried on under the firm-name of Chadwick & Williamson. The former, who was manager and editor from July 1, 1880, became sole proprietor in May, 1882, and continues to conduct the Record as a live local journal.

Banking .- The First National Bank of Media was organized Feb. 22, 1864, chartered March 12th, and opened for business on March 21st, in the second story of Haldeman's store building. Its capital was sixty-five thousand dollars, which, in 1865, was in- creased to one hundred thousand dollars. Isaac Haldeman was the first president, and Joseph W. Hawley cashier. On the death of the president, in August, 1878, his son, Thomas J. Haldeman, suc- ceeded to the office, which he still holds. The bank was removed to its present location in September, 1870, at which time the building was purchased and suitably fitted for the purpose it was to serve.

The parents of Mr. Haldeman were Abram and Mary Showwalter Haldeman. Their son was born in Charlestown township, Chester Co., Pa., in September, 1797, and at an early age sent to the common schools of his township, where he remained until his four- teenth year. He made rapid progress in his studies, and soon secured an education far in advance of his associates. Knowing that his means for its attain- ment were narrowly circumscribed, he improved every opportunity for increasing his store of knowledge, which naturally or by accident was afforded him. From his fourteenth until his twenty-first year he remained with his parents, securing from the fruits of his labor a great degree of comfort for them. After experiencing in his efforts to obtain an honest live- lihood many vicissitudes, he determined to try his fortunes in another direction, and removed to Marple township, Delaware Co. Here in various capacities he labored for some time until, by his increasing in- dustry and the careful administration of his finances,

he had saved a capital of one hundred and fifty dol- lars. This hard-earned sum, limited as it was, formed the nucleus of what since became more than a respect- able competency. With it he opened a country store, and shortly after the commencement of this doubtful enterprise was enabled to enlarge it by the voluntary aid of friends, who admired his integrity and indom- itable perseverance. This aid, with the growing popu- larity of his store, he was enabled to repay in a few months with interest. By careful attention to the details of a business which, in the country, of neces- sity covered a wide range of articles, each of which would have made a specialty for a city store, he soon obtained the patronage of a large section. About 1840 he removed to the present borough of Media, and, continuing his business at this point, soon won and easily held an extended trade. He grew up to a position of prominence as a citizen, entering actively into all schemes for municipal improve- ment, and contributing largely with his means to the advancement of the community's interests. He con- tinned proprietor of the store, which had been founded by his most active exertions, until 1856, when his sons succeeded him. Mr. Haldeman was one of the original movers in the establishment of the First National Bank of Media, was a member of its board of direc- tors, and its president from the day of organization until his death. While, as a Republican, taking no active part in politics, nor making any effort to secure office, he was nevertheless chosen as the first president of the borough of Media, and for eighteen years a member of the Borongh Council. In the capacity of municipal legislator he acted intelligently and with a conscientious regard for the interests of his fellow- citizens. He invested largely in building improve- ments, and thus contributed much to the growth of Media. In his dealings he was prompt, filling all contracts in the spirit and to the letter of the agree- ment, thus winning a reputation for integrity, the lustre of which time has not served to diminish. He maintained in religion the faith of the society of Friends, and was a member of the Friends' Meeting of Providence. Mr. Haldeman was, on the 31st of Jannary, 1828, united in marriage to Eliza West, daughter of Thomas West, of Delaware County, whose children are Thomas J., Elizabeth W., Isaac Law- rence, and Mary H. (Mrs. Edgar T. Miller). The death of Mr. Haldeman occurred Ang. 13, 1878, in his eighty-first year.

John M. Broomall and Frederick Fairlamb estab- lished a banking business in 1868, having their office where Samnel Dutton's store now is. In 1870 they purchased a building on the corner of State Street and South Avenne, which they fitted up as a banking- house. On the 1st of January, 1871, the original firm took as a third partner W. Y. Hoopes, and in April Mr. Broomall withdrew, leaving the firm Fairlamb & Hoopes. It so remained until the death of Mr. Fair- lamb, on Dec. 25, 1878, after which Mr. Hoopes car-

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HISTORY OF DELAWARE COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

ried on the business alone until May 1, 1883, when William R. Newbold became associated with him, under the firm-name at present existing of Hoopes & Newbold.

The Delaware County Mutual Insurance Com- pany is one of Media's prominent institutions, and a brief sketch of its history will prove interesting to many readers. This organization had its origin, under the name of "The Delaware County Mutual Protec- tion Company," as early as 1839, being incorporated by act of the Legislature dated June 12th of that year. The incorporators were James M. Wilcox, William Trimble, William Mendenhall, Richard S. Smith, Joseph Wilson, Eli D. Pierce, John Kerlin, Henry Myers, and William Beatty. They were in- corporated for the purpose of "insuring their respec- tive dwellings, houses, stores, shops, and other build- ings, household furniture, merchandise, and other property against loss or damage by fire." No policy was to be issued until application had been made for insurance amounting to two hundred thousand dol- lars. The act was to take effect immediately after its passage, and remain in force twenty years. No suc- cessful effort at organization was made until the char- ter was extended by act of May 1, 1852, for a period of twenty years. The following persons were made incorporators by this act, and by virtue of their office were the first directors of the reorganized Delaware County Mutual Insurance Company, viz. : Dr. George Smith, William Eves, William Ogden, John M. Broomall, William Booth, Sketchley Morton, Levis Miller, Joseph Edwards, A. C. Eckfeldt, James Moore, Homer Eachus, John C. Beatty, Isaac Thomas, James J. Lewis, Joel Evans, Isaac M. Trimble, James Barton, John H. Andrews, Annesley Newlin, Walker Y. Hoopes, Minshall Painter, Eli D. Pierce, Nathan H. Baker, John Hill, and John Jackson.

The first meeting was held at Media, Thursday, Ang. 26, 1852, when the incorporators met and organ- ized, adopting by-laws and dividing the county into districts. Another was held September 20th, hut at the more important one of Monday, October 18th, sixteen members being present, the following officers were elected : President, John M. Broomall ; Secre- tary, Jesse Bishop; Treasurer, John C. Beatty. It was resolved that their term of office should continue for four years, or until 1856. The rates were fixed, additional by-laws and regulations adopted to those of their meeting of October 20th, when the whole machinery of the organization was fully set in motion.

By Jan. 1, 1853, insurances to the amount of three hundred thousand dollars had been effected. On June 15th of the same year, it was announced that the company had issued three hundred policies, cover- ing property to the amount of six hundred thousand dollars.

An election for directors for the company was held on Thursday, Aug. 11, 1853, when John M. Broomall,

Eli D. Pierce, Sketchley Morton, William Ogden, James Barton, Thomas Pratt, Charles Palmer, Levis Miller, and William Eves were elected for the ensuing year. Immediately after, and on the same day, John M. Broomall was elected president; Jesse Bishop, secretary ; and John C. Beatty, treasurer.

Sketchley Morton was elected president March 10, 1856, and held the office until his death, in 1877. His successor was Thomas Pratt, elected Oct. 15, 1877. Mr. Pratt died March 3, 1883, and on March 12th the present incumbent, Levis Miller, was elected.

Edward A. Price assumed the duties of secretary on March 12, 1856, Jesse Bishop having first been elected, but resigning. On May 2, 1862, Mr. Price was chosen treasurer, and since that date to the pres- ent has administered both offices.

The first office of the company was where Squire Preston now does business, but on Oct. 18, 1873, the compauy took possession of the fine building it now occupies, on the corner of Front Street and South Avenne. This was built at a cost of more than twenty-three thousand dollars, and the lot on which it stands was bought of John M. Broomall for three thousand six hundred dollars. The only persons living who were members of the organization of 1852 are Levis Miller, John M. Broomall, John C. Beatty, and James Barton. The first policy issued by the com- pany, bearing date Ang. 21, 1853, is still in existence. It covered the Penn Buildings, on the corner of Third and Market Streets, and was granted to George Broomall.

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History of Delaware County, Pennsylvania, Part 149

Author: Ashmead, Henry Graham, 1838-1920 Publication date: 1884 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L.H. Everts Number of Pages: 1150

Author: Ashmead, Henry Graham, 1838-1920
Publication date: 1884
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : L.H. Everts
Number of Pages: 1150