USA > Pennsylvania > Huntingdon County > History of Huntingdon County, in the state of Pennsylvania : from the earliest times to the centennial anniversary of American independence, July 4, 1876 > Part 26
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HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
Its post office-originally New Pleasant Grove-was es- tablished in 1870, and A. F. Grove, Esq., appointed first postmaster.
Rev. John Dietrich Aurandt was probably the first Re- formed minister who preached statedly in any part of Woodcock valley. He was born in Lancaster county, Penn- sylvania, on the 8th day of November, 1760. In 1794 he removed with his father to Buffalo valley, then Northum- berland, but now Union county ; and in October, 1804, came to Canoe valley, Huntingdon county. He purchased a farm near the Yellow Springs, where he lived for a period of 27 years. A short time prior to his death, which occurred April 24, 1831, he removed from Morris township to Harts- log valley, Porter township.
He was licensed to preach in 1806, and, after satisfactory examination, was ordained in 1809. He preached at Hunt- ingdon, Breidenbach's (at or near Petersburg), P. Roller's, C. Harnish's, Williamsburg, Henlin's, Martinsburg, Potter's, Yellow Creek, Bedford, Grove's (in Woodcock Valley), Cass- ville, Steever's, Snare's, Entriken's, and at some other points.
His "charge" extended from Huntingdon to Cumber- land, a distance of 90 miles, and from Frankstown to Cass- ville, a distance of 30 miles. He was a man of good natural abilities and great energy. In stature he was 6 feet 2} inches; was well proportioned and of preposessing appearance.
Rev. Christian Weinbrenner was the successor of Rev. Aurandt. He was born February 7, 1789. He commenced preaching about 1838. His congregations at preaching points were as follows: Grove's in Woodcock Valley, and Clover Creek, Hickory Bottom and Bob's Creek in Morri- son's cove. It is believed that he was never regularly ad- mitted into the Synod of the Reformed Church, and there- fore never received ordination. He passed himself off' as a Reformed minister, however, and was universally accepted as such. He is affectionately remembered as a sincere, earnest and pious man. He died at Woodbury, Bedford county, February 12th, 1858.
Rev. Weinbrenner was followed by Rev. Theobalt Fouse,
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HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
who was born on Clover Creek, then Huntingdon, but now Blair county, Dec. 26, 1802. At the age of forty, after a creditableexamination, he entered the ministry, and received regular ordination in 1842. He organized the congregation at Marklesburg, Oct. 28, 1842, and assisted materially in the erection of Zion's Reformed church, which was dedicated in 1847. His charge, known as " Woodcock Valley Charge," consisted of the following congregations, viz : Marklesburg, Union, Jacob's, St. Paul's, Spring Valley, Clover Creek, Ilickory Bottom and Sharpsburg-most of which he organ- ized, or re-organized after partial disintegration.
He was a man of sterling integrity, devout, earnest, with- out hypocrisy or dissimulation, discharging the sacred du- ties of the Christian ministry in the fear of God and to the glory of his Master. He died August 23, 1873, and is bur- ied in the graveyard attached to Zion's church, at Markles- burg.
Rev. Jonathan Zeller, now of Lock Haven, organized the first Reformed congregation at McConnellstown, in the spring of 1834. His first catechetical class consisted of sixty five. He baptized before confirmation thirty-five adults. The first communion held numbered seventy-two. His immediate successor was Rev. Geo. W. Williard.
Revs. Aaron Christman, Henry Heckerman, William M. Deatrich, Samuel H. Reid, J. S. Kieffer and L. D. Steckle are among the ministers who have filled the pulpit at McConnellstown. Rev. A. G. Dole is the present pastor.
The first Lutheran congregation in what is now Penn township was organized as early as 1804, by Rev. Frederick Haas, a licentiate of Pennsylvania Synod, at Garner's school- house. He preached at this point, at Huntingdon, Williams- burg, Waterstreet, Clover Creek, Cassville and Kishaco- quillas valley. He labored in this field for a period of twelve years.
Rev. Henry Heinen was the successor of Rev. Haas. He was a physician as well as clergyman, and it is said, devoted rather more of his time to the practice of medicine than to his pastoral work.
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HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
Rev. N. G. Sharretts succeeded Rev. Heinen in 1826, his charge consisting of the Woodcock Valley and Cassville congregations.
Rev. D. Moser followed Rev. Sharretts in 1829, and was pastor of the charge till 1832.
Rev. J. Martin, pastor of Williamsburg charge, preached for this congregation, as supply, from 1832 to 1836.
Rev. J. G. Ellinger became pastor in 1838, the charge then consisting of the Woodcock valley, Cassville, Clover Creek and Martinsburg congregations. It was during his pastorate, in the year 1840, that the first Lutheran church edifice (at Garner's) was erected.
Rev. Ellinger was followed by Rev. Benjamin Laubach, who died six months after entering upon his pastoral labors.
Rev. Wm. G. Laitzle was pastor from 1843 to 1847, and was followed by Rev. Jacob N. Burket whose charge em- braced Woodcock valley, Newbury and Cassville. Under the pastorate of Rev. Burket, the Constitution of St. Mat- thew's Evangelical Lutheran church of Marklesburg was adopted.
Revs. P. M. Rightmyer, Cyrus Rightmyer, W. B. Bach- tell, J. K. Bricker, J. K. Bratten, M. G. Boyer and J. Fra- zier were successfully pastors of the charge. The new Lu- theran church at Marklesburg was erected during the pas- torate of Rev. Frazier, who is deserving of much credit for the unflagging zeal and energy he manifested in the enter- prise.
The church was dedicated July 30, 1871, the dedicatory sermon having been preached by Rev. Henry Baker, of Altoona.
Rev. Frazier was succeeded in 1872 by Rev. J. S. Heilig, who continued in charge till April, 1875.
Rev. Matthew G. Boyer is the present pastor, having entered upon the labors of this field for the second time in May, 1875.
Although embraced within the boundaries of Cassville circuit, and occasionally visited by itinerant preachers, no
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HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
Methodist Episcopal congregation was organized in Penn township prior to the year 1347. In that year, Rev. Robert Beers, then preacher in charge, preached alternately at Marklesburg and at Summers' school-house. In the follow- ing year, 1848, the congregation at Marklesburg was organ- ized. The appointment remained in connection with Cass- ville circuit until 1864, when it was attached to the circuit of Saxton. For the last ten years, it has constituted one of the appointments of McConnellstown circuit.
The first class, in connection with the appointment, was organized in 1847, and consisted of six members, namely, J. Householder and wife, Robert Gill and wife, and Edward Duncan and wife.
In 1851 the first steps were taken looking toward the erection of a church edifice, and in the summer of 1852, the M. E, Church of Marklesburg was dedicated to the service of God, the dedicatory sermon having been preached by Rev. (now Bishop) Thomas Bowman, then principal of Williamsport Seminary.
Among the ministers who have since filled the appoint- ment are the following : Rev. A. Beers, J. Spangler, Z. Bland, J. Lloyd, G. W. Bouse, G. Berkstresser, J. A. Coleman, C. Graham, J. Guss, J. W. Cleaver, J. W. Leckey, C. V. Wil- son, J. C. Clarke, J. P. Long, J. A. McKindless, C. White, W. E. Hoch, and J. W. Bell, present pastor.
Among the first ministers of German Baptist or Brethren denomination who are known to have preached in this neighborhood were John Shinefelt, Christian Hoover and John Martin. John Hoover and Geo. Brumbaugh were also among the earliest laborers in this field.
Elder Isaac Brumbaugh is remembered as a sincere, ear- nest and pious ministers of the denomination, for more than a quarter of a century. He died November 4, 1871.
The Mennonites are represented by a small but highly respectable membership. They worship at the Union (Grove) church. The present pastor is Rev. Jacob Snyder.
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HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
The township has seven church edifices, as follows:
Evangelical Lutheran, at Garner's, erected in 1840. do. do Marklesburg. 1871.
Reformed and Mennonite, Grove's, 1841.
Reformed,
Ridge, 1860.
Methodist Episcopal, Marklesburg, 1852.
German Baptist, near Marklesburg, 1860.
do.
at Raystown Branch, 1873.
There are three grist mills in the township-two on James Creek, and one on a tributary of Crooked Creek. at Grafton. The mill at the mouth of James Creek was built by James Entriken Jr., in 1851 and 1852. It is now owned by John S. Isett and Solomon H. Isenberg. The brick mill, also on James Creek, was erected by R. F. Coplin, in 1867, and is now also owned by Messrs. Isett and Isenberg. The mill at Grafton, was built by Wm. B. Zeigler, in 1873.
Penn will compare very favorably with her sister town- ships in the patriotic zeal and fervor of its population during the late war. From 1861 to 1865 it contributed upwards of one hundred men to the Union army, many of whom sacri- ficed their lives that the nation might live. Company "C," 53d Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, Captain John H. Wintrode was recruited principally in Penn and in that part of Hopewell (now Lincoln) township, immediately adjoining. This company was composed of the "bravest and best " of her population, hardy, robust and stalwart young men. The company left Marklesburg, for Camp Curtin, at Harrisburg, on Monday, September 23, 1861. Several hundred persons, the relatives and friends of the soldiers, were assembled at the depot to bid good-bye to loved ones. It was probably the most memorable as well as the most sorrowful day in the annals of this community.
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CHAPTER XLVI.
ONEDIA TOWNSHIP --- NATHAN GORSUCII -- JACOB WHITE --- OTHER EARLY SET- TLERS-IMPROVEMENTS AND PRODUCTIONS -- WILLIAM FOSTER -- BOAT BUILD- ING -- JUNIATA TOWNSHIP -- SOIL -- TIMBER -- CARBON TOWNSHIP -- ITS CHIEF INDUSTRY -- LINCOLN TOWNSHIP -- JAMES ENTRIKEN -- COFFEE RUN.
Onedia, a sınall township adjourning the borough of Hun- tingdon, is bounded on the northeast by Barree, on the southeast by Henderson, on the west by Porter, from which it is separated by the Juniata river, and on the northwest by West township. The Standing Stone creek passes through the township from one end to the other, a distance of about ten miles, the principal part of the township lying on the northwestern side of the stream. The narrow valley through which it flows is enclosed by Standing Stone ridge and Warrior ridge, which form the dividing line between this and the adjoining townships. The Warm Springs, situated . about five miles from Huntingdon, at one time enjoyed some celebrity for the medical properties of their waters, and were a place of considerable resort for invalids and pleasure seekers. They are owned by the heirs of the late General A. P. Wilson.
One of the earliest settlers, whose descendants still live in the township, was Nathan Gorsuch, who emigrated from Baltimore county, Maryland, in the year 1786, and settled on the farm where he continued to reside during the rest of his lifetime. This was during or very shortly after the Indian troubles, as the family from whom he purchased, after erecting a cabin and clearing some land, had been compelled to flee for safety to one of the nearest forts, leav- ing their household effects to be pillaged and destroyed by the red men. He was a surveyor, and devoted considerable of his time to the active duties of that profession, while en- gaged in the clearing and cultivation of the then almost un- broken wilderness, assisted by some faithful negro slaves
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HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
that he had brought with him and retained until their emancipation under the laws of this State. The farm is situated about five miles from Huntingdon, and is still owned and occupied by his descendants. It is supposed to have been the first improvement made between that place and Me Alevy's Fort. The original warrantee was named Haney, from whom it was bought by Murray, the proprie- tor at the time Gorsuch purchased.
Near the cabin already referred to stood a venerable sugar tree, cut down in 1875, a careful computation of the growths of which reveals the fact that it had witnessed the storms of more than two centuries. Tomahawk marks were found in it when cut down, dating back about one hundred and seventy years, and made when the tree was about three feet in circumference. When cut last year, it measured eleven feet eight inches. This tree, from actual knowledge, has yielded from one thousand to twelve hundred pounds of sugar, having been regularly tapped every year by white men for about ninety years.
Not far from the same site stands an apple tree, supposed to have been planted by Haney, and now, although one hundred years old, is in a healthy condition and has every indication that it may yet bear crops of fruit.
William Wheeler, William Carter and Joshua Kelley also settled there about the same time, but none of their descend- ants are now living in the neighborhood. John Stewart, a native of Ireland, and father of Jolin P. Stewart, Esq., settled there at a very early day.
Jacob White emigrated to America shortly after Brad- dock's defeat, and located first in Berks county. About the year 1770 he came to Bedford, now Huntingdon county, and settled between Alexandria and Petersburg. When the Revolutionary war commenced, he returned to Berks county and remained until the close of the war. Ile then came again to this county and settled where his grandson, A. P. White, now resides. The house in which the latter lives was built by his grandfather seventy nine years ago. Jacob Gruber preached in it when he called himself a boy.
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HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
White's was a regular appointment on the circuit in those days.
Elisha Green and Nicholas Decker, whose descendants are still living in the township, were also among the earliest settlers.
During the construction of the Pennsylvania canal a great quantity of timber was furnished for it from this township. The waters of Standing Stone creek afforded the means of transportation for all kinds of water craft, from a saw.log raft to a canal boat, and within the last forty years it was no unusualsight to witness twenty or twenty-five arks and rafts, in a spring freshet, gliding down that turbulent stream, navigated and manned by the sturdy yeomanry of the county.
Charles Green, late of this township, was at one time ex- tensively engaged in the making of arks, which, before the days of canals and railroads, were the principal means of conveying grain, lumber, and other productions to market.
William Foster, an old resident, did a large business for that day in the manufacture of lumber, and built and owned what is now known as Foster's saw mill. He was an Irish- man by birth and was an enterprising and public spirited citizen, and was the contractor for the erection of the present county prison. He was one of the parties in the famous ejectment suit of Foster vs. McDivitt, referred to in the Pennsylvania Reports, which "dragged its slow length along " through the courts for almost a quarter of a century. At his saw-mill was built the first packet-boat ever navigat- ed on the Pennsylvania canal, the " Lady of the Lake" by name, which on a balmy Sabbath morning in the Summer of 1831, left her dock and sped gracefully into the waters of Standing Stone creek, and was by them carried swiftly to- wards the Juniata, amid the plaudits of wondering specta- tors who crowded the banks. Subsequently a boat yard was established there and kept in operation several years, during which time quite a number of canal boats were built and in like manner conveyed to their destination.
As long as the timber lasted and the lumber business re-
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HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
mained good, but little attention was paid to agricultural pursuits by the inhabitants ; but of late years quite a change has taken place in this respect. New farmns have been opened out and an improved system of cultivation adopted, which in the general march of improvement have added much to the material wealth of the people.
The township contains three public school houses, two churches, one store and a post-office. Being so near to Huntingdon, all of these necessities, except schools, are conveniently accessible to the residents of the township, in that borough.
Juniata township, also extending to Huntingdon, its northern corner being on the opposite side of the river, is bounded on the northeast by Henderson township, on the southeast by Union, on the southwest by Penn, and on the northwest by Walker. It is almost a parallelogram in shape, its boundaries being as nearly direct lines as is possi- ble when they are made to follow the summits of mountains and ridges and the courses of streams. Terrace mountain separates it from Union township, and Piney ridge from Walker.
The people of Juniata are almost exclusively an agricul- tural community. No mechanical arts are followed, nor have there ever been any manufactures carried on except the making of lumber. The reason for this is not to be found in a want of enterprise in the people, nor in an un- willingness to satisfy their wants with such articles as they may need. But as their only market is in Huntingdon, and as their business brings them frequently to that place, they there find the merchant and mechanic with whom they find it more convenient to deal than they would with the store- keeper or artizan on the Raystown branch or the ridges, were any there.
The soil of the township, although not the most fertile, is in many places susceptible of being brought to a highly productive condition, and under skillful cultivation, repays the labor generously. "This is the case in the bottoms along the Raystown branch, the sinuosities of that stream winding
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HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
around and almost encircling large tracts of level land.
The township was at one time covered with valuable timber, which afforded the landowners greater profit than they have since been able to realize from agriculture. There are still considerable quantities of tanner's bark and railroad ties shipped to market, the labor connected there- with being performed principally by the inhabitants in con- nection with their farming. In a few years the timber will be entirely exhausted. Two steam saw-mills and several water mills are sawing up what remains, as rapidly as the demands of trade require. There are five public school houses in the township.
Carbon township, the distinguishing feature of which is indicated by its name, lies principally upon Broad Top mountain, and is bounded on the north by Tod, on the east by Clay, on the southwest by Fulton and Bedford counties, and on the northwest by Hopewell township. It contains a con- siderable portion of the Broad Top coal field, situated in Huntingdon, Bedford and Fulton counties, the area of which is eighty square miles. The aggregate thickness of the workable coal seams is twenty-six feet, the larger seams ranging from five to ten feet in thickness, and the lesser from one to three. The township is the terminus of two railroads, the Huntingdon and Broad Top mountain enter- ing it from northwest, and the East Broad Top from the northeast. The only industry is the mining of semi-bitum. in- ous coal, with such mercantile and mechanical business as is necessary for the population thus engaged. There are two boroughs in the township, Broad Top City and Coalmont, and four villages, Dudley, Barnettstown, Powelton and Robertsdale.
Lincoln, the last township erected in the county, and named in honor of the martyred President, is bounded on the northeast by Penn, on the southeast by Tod, on the south by Hopewell, and on the northwest by Blair county. The Raystown branch of the Juniata, into which empty Coffee run and other small streams, flows through it, and is there but little, if any, less winding than in the other parts of its course.
337
HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
James Entriken settled at the mouth of Coffee run in or previous to the year 1800, and entered into the mercantile business ; the first load of goods taken there by him being hauled down the bed of the run on a half wagon. He was elected a Justice of the Peace in 1815, and continued in that office until he removed from the place in 1844. In the latter year he sold his property there to his nephew, the late James Entriken, deceased, and removed to James Creek. He was a man of enterprise and did much for the improvement and development of that section of country.
The village of Coffee run was laid out by David Blair, of Huntingdon, in May, 1855. It is located on the Huntingdon and Broad Top Mountain Railroad, and contains a post- office, the only one in the township.
W
CHAPTER XLVII.
CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY OF AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE-OBSERVANCE OF THE DAY-AT WARRIOR'S MARK-BIRMINGHAM-DUDLEY-ORBISONIA- MOUNT UNION-HUNTINGDON-DISPLAY OF FLAGS AND DECORATION OF BUILDINGS-PROCESSION-ORATION BY DR. J. H. WINTRODE-BALLOON ASCENSION-CLOSE OF THE CENTURY.
The close of the first century of American independence and the beginning of the second, the approach of which sug- gested the preparation of this work, as well as the histories of other counties in the various States of the Union, was celebrated by the people of Huntingdon county in a manner highly creditable to their patriotism and public spirit.
Celebrations were held in different parts of the county, at Warrior's Mark and Birmingham in the northwestern, at Dudley and Orbisonia in the southern, at Mount Union in the eastern, and at Huntingdon in the central, being so dis- tributed as to afford to the people an opportunity of attend- ing at one place or another.
Without describing at length the exercises at all of these celebrations, we will give such accounts of several of them as will preserve an idea of the manner and spille in which the centennial anniversary was observed.
At Dudley, the Union Sabbath-school celebrated the day by holding a basket pic-nic. The Declaration of Indepen- dence was read by A. S. Brooks and an address delivered by Rev. John Palmer. The music for the occasion was fur- nished by the ladies and gentlemen of the vicinity. Innocent games and pastimes, and other kinds of amusement were provided for the pleasure of both young and old, and in- dulged in by all classes. The day passed profitably and pleasantly to all present, and the fire of patriotism seemed to burn in every breast.
At Birmingham the approach of the day was greeted by the firing of guns, the beating of drums and the ringing of bells. When morning dawned flags were unfurled and the entire populace entered heartily into the work connected
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HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
with the duty to be performed. The citizens of the town and vicinity assembled at Laurel Springs at 10 o'clock in the forenoon, and John Owens, aged 87, was called to the chair. James Thompson, John Copley, David Cree, S. E. Russell, Samuel Gensemer, Jacob Cryder, Abraham Smith and Jesse Beigle, whose average age is 73 years, were chosen vice-presidents. The exercises were as follows : "Glory to God in the Highest," by the Glee Club ; prayer, by Rev. Dr. Wilson, of the Presbyterian church ; singing, * " Flag of our Country ;" reading of Declaration of Indepen- dence, by Rev. H. R. Wharton, of the M. E. church; singing, " America ;" oration by Col. G. W. Owens, subject, “ Our Country in Contrast with the Old World ;" singing, " Our Beautiful Flag," by the Glee Club; address to the children, by Rev. Dr. Wilson, subject, " Our Flag ;" address by Rev. J. C. Shearer, subject, " Husbandry ;" address by Rev. Wharton, subject, "The Bible, the Flag ;" singing, " The Star-Spangled Banner ;" benediction, by Rev. Shearer. The multitude then gathered around the largest table ever seen in Laurel Spring grove, substantially and luxuriantly filled from one end to the other with supplies to satisfy every physical want and taste, while many baskets remained un- opened. At 7 o'clock religious services were held in two of the churches, and after dark there was a fine display of fire- works.
The Orbisonia celebration is thus described in the Leader, of that place :
"The day dawned, one of the most beautiful of the season, and was ushered in in the usual noisy manner. Before seven o'clock delegations began to-arrive from the different town- ships of this and other counties, and long before the hour set for the forming of the procession the streets were crowded.
" At half past seven a large and beautiful flag, 20 feet in length, was raised to position on the large pole, in the dia- mond. This is the highest flag pole in the county. The Orbisonia drum corps played " Rally Round the Flag," after which three rousing cheers were given for the old flag.
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HISTORY OF HUNTINGDON COUNTY.
" The procession was formed in the following order : Or- bisonia drum corps, in new uniforms, fantastics, wagon con- taining little girls carrying flags with the names of the States printed on them, a young lady dressed as the "Goddess of Liberty," seated on an elevated platform, followed by a body guard of little boys handsomely dressed, Orbisonia Lodge, and citizens. Capt. H. G. Tarr, was chief marshal, with the usual number of aids. The procession formed in the diamond and marched to the depot to meet those com- ing by train.
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