USA > Pennsylvania > Jefferson County > History of Jefferson county, Pennsylvania, with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 51
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In 1881, Paul Darling, by his will, made the following bequest : "For beautifying and improving the grounds of the public schools of the borough of Brookville, $3,000 a year for twelve years."
For some cause no use was made of this munificent bequest for six years after it was made, but now, in 1887, steps are being taken to put it to the use intended by the generous donor. The grounds are being graded, walks of Berea stone are being laid, trees, shrubs and flowers will be planted under di- rection of a competent landscape gardener; fountains will be placed in the grounds, and if the money is expended judiciously, and with artistic taste, " Darling Park," as it should be called, will be one of the most beautiful fea- tures in Brookville; while her school children, as they enjoy the beauties his bounty has wrought, will have cause to bless and revere the name of Paul Darling, for ages to come.
Brookville Cemeteries .- The first grave-yard in the town was what is still known as the " old grave-yard," and was land donated by Thomas White, agent of the Pickering lands. The first person buried there, as far as we can
53
446
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
ascertain, was Samuel Craig, who died May, 1832. Among others who were early laid to rest in this hallowed enclosure were John Hughes, sr., in 1833, John Christy and John Anderson in 1835, Israel D. Hughes in 1836, and his brother John in 1837, Solomon Gordon in 1839. Those who later were laid there were the Barrs, the Findleys, the Hutchisons, the McMurrays, Steels, Fullertons, the Wyleys, Mcculloughs, McCandless, Bouchers, Stecks, Bishops, Lattimores, Arthurs, Huffmans. In some cases whole families lie side by side, in long rows of neglected graves. In most instances the graves of the older citizens are unrecognizable ; where there have been headstones they have fallen down, and in many instances the inscriptions are illegible.
Near the entrance to this old grave- yard stands the monument (which has been defaced by some sacrilegious hand breaking the dove that surmounted it away), erected to the memory of " Hon. Robert Porter, of Philadelphia, who died suddenly in Brookville in 1842, in his seventy-fifth year. He was a lieu- tenant in the Revolutionary War, and president judge of the third district of Pennsylvania, twenty years."
Judge Porter stopped at the Red Lion Hotel one evening, on his way from the east, and requested, on retiring for the night, to be called in time for the stage in the morning. Not answering the repeated calls in the morning, the proprietor of the hotel went to his room, and on trying to enter found that while his door was unlocked, it would not open. Forcing it back the vener- able stranger was found lying dead against it. He had risen, dressed and was, perhaps, about to descend to proceed on his journey, when he was stricken down by disease of the heart. He was interred in the old grave yard, and his friends subsequently placed the monument noticed above, to his memory.
This ground does not appear to have been enclosed until 1843, and since that time has been more or less neglected. Nature made it a beautiful spot, giv- ing it lavish shade, but man allowed it to be overgrown with weeds and brambles. Spasmodic attempts were made from time to time to put it in order, only to allow it again to fall into decay. The substantial fence, erected a few years ago, was done through the persistent efforts of Mrs. Mary H. Stewart, to whom more than any one else are the people of Brookville indebted for keeping this, their first " God's acre," from utter desolation. This ground being almost filled up with graves, the new cemetery was started in 1863. Since that time very few interments are made in the old grave-yard, while a great many per- sons have removed their dead to the new cemetery.
The Catholic cemetery was laid out about 1857, on land donated by John Gallagher. It is located on the road leading to Punxsutawney, and comprises about two acres. Previous to this the Catholics of Brookville buried their dead in the cemetery at Red Bank, in Clarion county, where the family burial lots of the Doughertys, Woods and many other prominent Catholic families are located.
Brookville Cemetery Company-The Brookville Cemetery Company was incorporated by an act of the Legislature approved April 1, 1863. (See stat-
447
HISTORY OF BROOKVILLE.
utes of 1863, page 590). The corporators were : Isaac G. Gordon, John S. King, Orlando Brown, John P. Wann, William Dickey, C. Fogle, D. Fogle, E. Hall, H. Matson, U. Matson, J. E. Hall, J. J. Y. Thompson, Thomas K. Litch, H. R. Fullerton, E. H. Darrah, K. L. Blood, Samuel Craig, W. C. Evans, W. D. J. Marlin, G. W. Andrews, and A. M. Clarke.
The first meeting of the association for the purpose of organizing was held July 8, 1862, at which meeting C. Fogle was elected president; U. Matson, vice-president ; H. Matson, secretary, and O. Brown, treasurer.
The present officers are : U. Matson, president ; E. A. Litch, treasurer, and W. D. J. Marlin, secretary.
The company purchased of U. Matson fourteen acres of land north of and adjoining the borough of Brookville, in woods, and since have cleared off and beautified the grounds by laying out and making roads and walks through the same, and have built a very comfortable cottage house for the sexton. They have also erected at considerable cost at the main entrance four massive stone pillars, on which are hung very neat and handsome iron gates.
In the cemetery are very many beautiful and costly monuments, and in the summer time its attractions lead many citizens and strangers to take a walk or drive through the grounds.
To the foresight, energy, and good taste of John S. King are we indebted for the originating and organizing of the company, and the improvements made therein up to the year 1875, since which time the grounds have been under the more immediate charge of W. D. J. Marlin, who has faithfully performed his duties.
Mr. Richard Bell, an Englishman by birth, has been the sexton ever since the cemetery was opened, and can tell where every lot, and in fact where every grave is located.
On the 23d of September, 1863, the first interment was made, and was the body of James Corbet, esq., a native of Mifflin county, aged sixty-five years, two months, and ten days, being an old citizen of the county, who had held many offices of trust and profit in the county.
There has been interred in all since the opening of the cemetery, three hundred and eighty-two (up to August 15, 1887), an average of about sixteen a year ; but thirty-eight of these were removed from old grave-yards, or died from accidents.
Although a large amount of money has been expended in the purchase of land, in the making of roads, fences, building of a house, etc., the company are entirely out of debt, and have a surplus in the treasury to make further improvements, all the money received from the sale of lots being for the exclu- sive use and benefit of the association, the corporators receiving no benefit of the same.
The Soldiers' Monument .- The monument to the memory of the dead soldiers of Jefferson county, was erected in the Brookville Cemetery, in pursu-
448
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
ance of a provision in the will of Paul Darling, by which he bequeathed two thousand dollars for that purpose. It is a handsome granite shaft, and stands thirty two feet high, surmounted by a life-size figure of a private soldier at " parade rest." This monument stands in the most commanding position in the cemetery, upon ground donated by the cemetery company. It cost $2,100, and was placed in position by J. S. Moore, of Brookville. The mon- ument was dedicated May 26, 1885, by the Grand Army of Jefferson County, with appropriate services, Major E. A. Montooth, of Pittsburgh, delivering the oration on the occasion.
The Litch Monument .- The finest monument in the Brookville cemetery is that erected in 1883 to the memory of Thomas K. Litch, by his wife, sons, and daughter. It was put in place by Young & Van Gundon, of Allegheny, and cost about $7,000. The monument stands fifteen feet high from its foundation, the first base being eight feet, three inches square, and one foot, ten inches high, of best Concord granite, fine hammer dressed ; the second base six feet, three inches square, and one foot, eight inches high. On this is a die of dark Quincy granite, highly polished, three feet, eight inches square, and four feet high, continued with a cap five feet, two inches square, and one foot, eight inches high, of Concord granite, and plinth three feet, nine inches square, and one foot high. Surmounting this is a statue of the deceased, five feet, two inches in height. The figure, which has received the most flattering criticisms, as a work of art, was designed by Mr. Richard Magamoth, and is given a graceful poise, the artist representing the subject seated at a desk or table. The right arm rests upon the desk, while in the hand is held a pen ; on the desk are compass, rule, and other articles. The left hand rests upon the knee and holds a roll of manuscript. Under the desk and beneath the chair are mechanics' devices and books. Over the chair a piece of drapery is thrown, which mate- rially adds to the good effect from whichever point the statue is seen. The figure is cut from a solid piece of granite. The associations thrown around the statue are happily chosen as to represent the daily companions of Mr. Litch while pursuing his favorite experiments and researches, and in the higher mechanics. The familiar countenance and form are preserved to a greater ex- tent than is generally believed possible, and are readily recognized by any who knew the deceased in life. The monument, as a whole, is symmetrical and elegant, and is one of the greatest attractions in the cemetery.
The monument of Paul Darling, of dark Quincy granite, elegant in its mas- sive simplicity, stands close to that of his life-long friend.
Stock Raising .- Quite an interest has been manifested during the last few years in Brookville, in thoroughbred stock, and very few towns of its size equal it in fine horses. Among those residents of the place engaged in the raising of improved grades of stock are the following gentlemen, residents of Brook- ville : Nathan Edelblute, who was one of the first to start in this business, about 1869, is the owner of the Red Bank Stock Barns, located on the fair grounds.
Their. Leitch
449
HISTORY OF BROOKVILLE.
These barns will hold about forty horses. Mr. Edelblute has done much to improve the horses of Jefferson county. His famous Red Bank was one of the finest horses the county has produced. Among the horses now composing his stud are : Maplewood, 1335; black horse, twelve years old, record, 2:40; Young Red Bank, bay, three years old, record, 2:383; Morewood, 4827 ; bay colt, Du Bois, 5771 ; brown, three years old. His brood mares are Nellie Bank, record, 2:44} : Stella Bank, brown, record, 2:44; Carrie Maid, chest- nut, nineteen years old ; Addie Bank, black, ten years old, record, 3:06; Kate Wood, bay, eight years old, record, 3:04; Emm Taylor, brown, eight years old ; Annie Bank, bay, six years old ; Rosie Wood, bay, six years old, record, 2:42 ; Bessie Bank, brown, four years old, record. 2:56; Stella Star, black, seven years old, record, 3:01 ; Brooklet, bay, four years old ; Broncho Bank, four years old ; Woodlet, bay filly, two years old, winner of yearling stakes of Pennsylvania State Breeders' Association ; Bonny Bank, chestnut filly, two years old ; Addie Wood, black filly, one year old.
Three years ago H. C. Litch started the Brookville Stock Farm, which now bids fair to become a grand success. He has about twenty head of mares and fillies, six Jersey. cattle, and several finely-bred stallions, of which Bourbon Boy, a seven-year-old, stands at the head in points of excellence. He is a Kentucky. bred horse, sired by Strathmore ; dam, Bourbon Girl, by McDon- ald's Mambrino. He has a record of 2: 34, and won the stallion stakes at the meeting of the Pennsylvania Association of Trotting Horse Breeders, held in Pittsburgh in October, 1886. Mr. Litch also has a young three-year-old stal- lion, Brookville Boy, sired by Garthwait ; dam, Lady Wellington, by Welling- ton. He has several promising colts by Bourbon Boy, besides two two-year- olds, each of which has a record of 3:01. And one of these carried off the two-year-old's stakes in 1886 at Pittsburgh.
In the spring of 1884 S. S. Henderson, proprietor of the Chestnut Grove Stock Farm in Rose township, purchased of Mr. Luther Liggett, of Watkins, Union county, O., two fashionable bred and registered Short Horn Durham heifers ; also bought of Nathan Howard, Milford Centre, Union county, O., two registered Short Horn Durham heifers that are equally fashionably bred. He brought the Short Horn Durham cattle into our county to improve the native stock, and introduced the best beef-producing cattle in the world, our county being very much behind some of its neighboring counties in respect to its beef cattle. At the same time he purchased two of the largest and finest bred Percheron Norman mares that could be found in Ohio. On April 16, 1884, he bought of Dickinson Brothers, of Ridgway, the registered Percheron Norman stallion, "Charles Martel," No. 639; and on March 27, 1885, bought, with N. Carrier, jr., " Napoleon, jr.," a highly-bred Percheron Norman stallion, sired by Napoleon No. 723 ; dam, a Percheron mare. He has bought a num- ber of cattle since his first purchase, a fine bull, "Duke of Red Bank," 69, 142, being head of his herd. Mr. Henderson is still breeding and raising pure-bred
450
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Short Horn cattle and Percheron Norman horses; also breeding standard-bred trotting horses, and Wyandotte chickens.
In 1885 W. H. Gray, of Brookville, started on his farm the only herd of Guernseys in Jefferson county. He bought, in Chester county, two fine heifers and one bull from the Fox herd, at a cost of $325. The following spring his heifers dropped each a heifer calf, one of them sired by Sir Champion, the best Guernsey bull in America. To give an idea of the merits and growing popu- larity of the Guernseys, I cite you to the British Dairy Farmers' Association. They have issued the second part of the second volume of their journal, con- taining, among other papers, a full report of the milking competition at the London Dairy Show in October, 1885. The following table gives a summary of average extending over seven years, 1879 to 1885 inclusive :
55 Short Horn
42.89 12.69
3 62
.27.34 13.70
4.17
27.43 13.87 4.52
9 Cross breeds
43.53
12.71 3.57
It will be seen by this that the Guernseys are slightly in front in quality and quanity. The same year he bought a pair of choice Chester white pigs, and has recently purchased Serpolet, the best Norman Percheron stallion that was ever in the county. He is registered both in France and America; was imported when one year old. He took first prize at New York State Fair, and second at Bay State fair (Massachusetts) in 1886, as the best two-year-old.
Past and Present Business of Brookville .- William Rodgers started the second store in Brookville, just three days after Jared B. Evans moved his store from Port Barnett, and opened his stock of goods in the Clark Hotel on Jefferson street. This street seems to have been the business emporium in those days ; the first stores, the first tannery, and one of the first hotels, being located there. Mr. Rodgers's ledger, kept in the years 1831-'36, record many of the names of the old settlers of the country, and all the early citizens of the town. A credit system prevailed and the following is a sample of the accounts re- corded in these books, and shows the prices prevailing fifty-six years ago :
IS31. John Christy, Dr.
March 15, To I Testament. . $ .25
Apr. 7, To 1 Testament.
25
64 16, To I Cotton Shawl
6212
Aug. 11,
To I yd Muslin, per son John 14
. 16, To I pair combs per son John 25
Sept. 16, To i oz. indigo per daughter 25
14 28, To 5 lbs. Coffee 1 00
Oct. 29, To I tin bucket. 6215
Nov. 14, To 4 yds. Cassinett.
4.00
Dec. 10.
To Sundries 1.3934
714
.6 14, To 5 lb. Coffee 1.00
31, "+ 1 Comb per son John. 50
$11.00
IS31, This account is balanced as follows :
April 16, By cash in full. 50
Dec. 10, By 24 bus. oats. 6.00
April 11, 1832, " town order for .\. Kelly. 4.50
$11.00
1
.
Lbs. Milk. Solids. Fat.
42 Jerseys 23 Guernseys
Jan. 4, 1832, To Do
451
HISTORY OF BROOKVILLE.
Mr. Rodgers also kept his post-office account in the same book, as the post-office was in the same room in which he sold goods, from which it appears that the receipts of the office from April 1, 1835, to December 31, 1838, inclu- sive was $587.713. These old ledgers which are in a good state of preserva- tion, were kept with the greatest care ; scarce a blot appears on the pages, and they are legibly and well written.
Jack, Jenks & Co., kept quite an extensive store in 1845, on Jefferson street. In their day book of that year, is found an account of each day's sales for the month of February, which aggregates $158. The merchants of the present day can contrast these sales and the prices quoted above, with those of the present day. One of the articles kept by every merchant, has disappeared from the counter. Charges for whisky in those days appearing quite frequently on the pages of the day books of the early merchants.
H. Matson, dealer in dry goods, dress goods, notions, etc., commenced bus- iness in Brookville in 1849, and has been engaged in the mercantile business for almost forty years. He opened his present store in 1870. His store is located in his own building on Main street. Mr. Matson came to Brookville in 1844.
R. A. Rodgers & Co., dry goods, clothing, notions, etc. This business was established in 1862 by Dr. Mark Rodgers, and at his death August 10, 1883, the business passed into the hands of his widow and son, R. A. Rodgers, under the firm name of R. A. Rodgers & Co. This store is located in the large brick block erected in 1871 by Dr. Rodgers, on the property purchased by him from Enoch Hall.
N. G. Edelblute, dry goods, clothing, notions, etc., commenced business in 1859. After the fire of 1874, he bought the lot owned by S. G. Fryer, and erected the two-story brick building in which is his store and residence.
Thomas H. Means, general store. This business was first established by Mills and Means, in September, 1879, but since February, 1883, has been owned by Mr. Means.
M. W. Dickey, dealer in dry goods, notions, carpets, etc. This store was first started in 1865 by William Dickey, George H. Kennedy and M. M. Mere- dith, as Dickey, Kennedy & Meredith, and was located in the old Evans block. In 1866 Meredith retired, and his place was filled by Dr. J. H. Wick, under the firm name of Dickey, Kennedy & Wick. In January, 1870, Dr. Wick also retired, and until the fire of 1877, Dickey and Kennedy continued the business in the same place, when they were driven out by the fire, and moved to the McCracken building ; they then bought out the store of C. M. and J. N. Gar- rison, and moved into the American House block. March, 1878 the firm sold out to a son of the senior partner, M. W. Dickey, who has since associated for a short time his brother W. W. Dickey and Steele G. Hartman. He is now sole proprietor, and is located in the Marlin Opera House building.
452
HISTORY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY.
Guyther & Henderson, dealers in dry goods, foreign and domestic dress goods, notions, etc. This business was started in October, 1876, by W. H. Gray and John W. Guyther. In July, 1880, D. A. Henderson, became one of the firm of Gray, Guyther & Co., and in March, 1885, Mr. Gray retired, and the firm is now Guyther & Henderson. They are located in their own build- ing on Main street, which they purchased from K. L. Blood in 1880.
George H. Kennedy & Son, general merchandise. This store was started in September, 1880, and February, 1882, Mr. Kennedy formed a copartner- ship with William Campbell, as Kennedy & Campbell, which continued until April, 1885, when Mr. Campbell retired, and was succeeded by Harry H. Kennedy ; the firm now being George H. Kennedy & Son, located in American House block.],
Charles S. Irvin, dealer in dry goods, dress goods, clothing, etc., estab- lished in 1873, first located in Commercial House block, now in new building on Main street erected in 1886.
S. Kaufman, general merchandise, groceries, etc., established in 1860, lo- cated in U. Matson's building on Main street.
G. Loebman, general merchandise, commenced business in April, 1873. In January, 1881, he associated with him his brother Albert, under the name of G. Loebman and Brother, and December, 1885, the latter retired. This store is also located in the Urialı Matson block.
Mills & Connor, dealers in dry goods, dress goods, notions, etc., established August, 1885 ; located in Marlin Opera building.
Albert Loebman, dealer in dry goods, clothing, etc., commenced in March, 1886; located in Arthurs's block.
\V. M. Nickle, " five cent " store, started April, 1883 ; located in H. Mat- son's block.
Zettler & Hoelsche, dealers in dry goods and notions, established in No- vember, 1885 ; located on Main street, in Edelblute building.
Mrs. Amelia F. Henderson, dealer in millinery and fancy goods, com- menced business in 1869. She purchased the property-that erected by William F. Clark in 1846-of R. Arthurs, on east Main street, in 1882, which she has much improved and where she lias her store and residence.
Mrs. S. H. Whitehill, millinery bazar, commenced business February, 1884; located in Braden building, Main street.
Miss Hattie Wilson, milliner and fancy goods, commenced business May, 1884; located in Edelblute building, Main street.
The wants of the ladies of Brookville are fashionably catered to by expe- rienced dressmakers, prominent among whom are Mrs. C. E. Clements, who commenced business in 1867, and is located in the old Furley homestead on Fast Main street. Mrs. Mary McLain and Daughter, who conimenced in 1876, are located in the Rink building. Mrs. Lina Jackson and Mrs. Louie Scott
453
HISTORY OF BROOKVILLE.
are also on East Main street. Misses Laura Smith, Lavina Spare, and Mary Miller, in South Brookville ; Mrs. L. G. Kahle and Miss Eliza Thompson, on Jefferson street, and Mrs. Mary Buell on White street.
Dr. W. J. McKnight and Thomas L. Templeton, of Brookville, who consti- tute the drug firm of Mcknight & Bro., commenced business in October, 1863, in the east room of the Clements House, then occupying the site of the house now known as the Commercial Hotel, on Main street. In the fall of 1871, November 3, they were burned out in the fire which at that time con- sumed the hotel property and all buildings on the square, extending from Dia- mond alley to Barnett street on the west. In the spring of the year preceding this time, on account of the pressing need of greater facilities for conducting their increasing business, they set about the construction of a new brick build- ing which they erected on the lot opposite the court-house. formerly owned by the heirs of Barclay Jenks, esq., deceased, which they had bought in Decem- ber, 1869. This building, which is a large three story and basement, occupied on third floor by " Hobah " Masonic Lodge, and on second floor by offices, had so far approached completion that every part was ready for occupancy, excepting the drug room, so that for the time being they were obliged to oc- cupy,-with the remnants of the drug stock saved from the fire-a room in the basement of the new building. This, however, was but for a short time, as by February term of court ensuing, the new store, which they now occupy, was completed, giving them a room in style and finish not excelled by any other in the western part of the State.
Roswell P. Blood, druggist. This business was established in 1867 by Eason & Matson. David Eason, in 1868, disposed of his interest to Dr. Hugh Dowling, when it became Dowling & Matson. Then, in 1871, Dr. R. S. Hunt and R. P. Blood purchased the store, and in November, 1874, R. P. Blood purchased the interest of his partner, Dr. R. S. Hunt, and became sole pro- prietor ; now located in west room of Rodgers & Clark building, Main street.
E. B. Henderson, drug store ; started January, 1878, by E. B. and S. S. Henderson. December 1, 1886, the latter disposed of his interest to his brother, E. B. Henderson ; located in Endress building, Main street.
Verstine & Sandt, drug store, started in 1881 ; located in Verstine Hall building, Main street.
E. A. Paine, drug store, managed by Dr. D. L. Paine ; started in August, 1884; located in Litchtown.
C. B. Guth, jewelry store; started in July, 1878 ; located in Marlin Opera House building.
Espy & Carroll, boot and shoe store. The partners in this business, Thomas Espy and Thomas M. Carroll, bought the shoe shop of J. E. Carroll in August, 1858, which was started in 1846, and have been in business ever since; now located in Marlin Opera House building.
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