USA > Pennsylvania > Luzerne County > History of Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Wyoming counties, Pa.; with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 77
USA > Pennsylvania > Lackawanna County > History of Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Wyoming counties, Pa.; with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 77
USA > Pennsylvania > Wyoming County > History of Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Wyoming counties, Pa.; with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of their prominent men and pioneers > Part 77
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Rev. James M. Salmon was pastor from August Ist, 1863, till August Ist, 1873. During his pastorate the present church on Berwick street was built. The corner stone was laid October 4th, 1868, with a sermon by Rev. Dr. I. Z. Grant, of Easton; and Rev. Dr. S. C. Logan preached at the dedication, December 2nd, 1869. The amount of indebtedness, $1,400, was provided for at the time, so that this house, like the first one, was dedicated free of debt.
CHURCHES OF WHITE HAVEN.
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Mr. Salmon was the first installed pastor. Rev. P. B. Cook was the supply here from November, 1873, till No- vember, 1875; and the present pastor, Rev. N. I. M. Bogert, began his labors April ist, 1876.
The elders are E. P. Morris and Samuel R. Porter; deacons, J. E. King and I. Levan; trustees, E. P. Mor- ris, S. R. Porter, J. E. King, A. F. Peters, C. S. Keck and William Buckalew. The church has a membership of sixty-three. The Sunday-school numbers one hundred and twenty-five scholars.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL.
The Methodist Episcopal church of White Haven was organized in 1835, in the old log school-house that stood back of where Charles Kleckner's store now stands. The following were among the original members: Abiathar Tuttle and wife, Elizabeth Torbert, George F. Tench and George Muer. Rev. George Bergstresser, a veteran itin - erant, was the first Methodist preacher in this immediate vicinity, and was present at the organization of the so- ciety. The first class leader is supposed to have been Abiathar Tuttle.
The present church was built in 1839, when Rev. Jo- seph A. Ross was the pastor. In 1858 the annual confer- ence made White Haven a station, with Rev. John A. Price as pastor, who remained two years. Since then the pastors have been: Revs. R. E. Wilson, two years; D. S. Monroe, one year; B. F. Stephens, two years; Samuel Thomas, two years; Henry G. Dill, one year; William C. Hesser, three years; John A. De Moyer, one year; J. B. Akers, two years; Emery T. Swarts, two years: A. M. Kester, two years, and J. T. Wilson, the present pastor (1879), two years.
The value of the church property is $5,000.
The Sunday-school is in a flourishing condition, under the superintendence of the pastor.
ST. PAUL'S EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CONGREGATION.
This congregation was organized February 28th, 1864, by the Rev. Hermann Reif, who had been sent as a missionary to this region by the Lutheran Ministerium of Pennsylvania.
At its first communion, held April 3d, 1864, the follow- ing persons communed: John G. Baetz, Adam Baetz, John Feil, Nicolaus Geuss, Frederick Holmann, Freder- ick Krueger, Frederick Mellies, J. Peter Moyer, Daniel Shantz, Margaret Baetz, Barbara Braudmeier, Gertrude Fuehr, Barbara Geuss, Lavina Heimbach, Catharine Krue- ger, Johanna Kaiser, Pauline Mellies, Ella A. Moyer, Kate Moyer, Sophia Vollmer, Susanna Washburn.
The first officers of the congregation were: Elders, Nicolaus Geuss, Frederick Krueger; deacons-Frederick Mellies, J. Christian Heimbach.
At the meeting of the Lutheran Ministerium of Penn- sylvania held at Pottstown in May, 1864, the congre- gation was regularly received into that body, and it has ever since been in connection with it-the constitution of the congregation does not allow any minister to be called as its pastor unless he is or is about to be con- nected with that body.
For more than a year the congregation worshiped in the Presbyterian church, but difficulties arising, and the want of a place of worship of its own being more and more felt, two lots were purchased during the summer of 1865, and a church and parsonage erected thereon. The corner stone of the church was laid June 25th, 1865, by the Rev. C. F. Weldon, missionary superintendent of the ministerium, assisted by Rev. F. J. F. Shantz and the pastor, Rev. G. F. W. Guensch; and on Christmas of the same year it was consecrated by the Rev. C. W. Shaeffer, president of the ministerium, assisted by Rev. A. T. Garsenheimer and the pastor. The present value of the church property is about $4.000. The congre- gation was organized as a German congregation, but on February 3d, 1868, by-laws were adopted allowing the pastor, "if willing and able," to preach sometimes in the English language. Since then the evening services have been regularly held in the English language, and with most favorable results-the attendance at these being fully as large as that of the German morning service.
For eleven years this was a mission congregation, and in connection with the congregations at Eckley, Jeddo and Weatherly formed the White Haven charge. In 1875 the congregation became self-supporting, called its own pastor, and has ever since faithfully and liberally supported him.
Since its organization about 300 persons have been re- ceived from other churches and by confirmation. The present communicant membership is about 225.
The following ministers have served this congrega- tion: Rev. H. Reif, 1864, 1865; Rev. G. F. W. Guensch, 1865-68; Rev. J. H. Schmidt, 1868-75: Rev. W. H. Lau- benstein, 1875-77. Rev. G. T. Weibel, the present pastor, took charge of the congregation June Ist, 1878. The present officers of the congregation are: Pastor, Rev. G. T. Weibel; elders, Henry Hemsath, Jacob Klumb; trus- tees, John Kolb, Henry Hemsath; deacons, Owen Moyer, John Kolb, G. Huettinger, Robert Earnhard.
There is a flourishing Sunday-school connected with the congregation. It was organized in May, 1866, with about 40 scholars and but few teachers. Its first super- intendent was Mr. Samuel Tucker.
The school is now conducted alternately in the Ger- man and English languages. German and English hymn books and text books are used, and the classes are ar- ranged according to language-German classes with German teachers, and English classes with English teach- ers. The school numbers about 300 scholars and 40 teachers. It has a fine library of about 300 volumes of German and English books. Its present officers are: German superintendent, John Kolb; English superinten- dent, James Deterline; sec., Frederick Baetz; treas., John Feil; librarian, Edwin W. Feist.
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH AND CONGREGATION.
St. Patrick's Roman Catholic church is situated in the southwest portion of the town, on rising ground suffic- iently elevated to overlook the entire borough. It is built on two lots each 40 by 150 feet, extending north and
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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.
south from Maple to Alleghany street, and fronting on another street. The building is of wood, 34 by 60 feet, and 18 feet in the clear. It makes no pretension what- ever to architectural beauty; is painted plain white on the outside, the pews in walnut color. The corner stone wis laid in October, 1866, by the Right Rev. James Wood, D. D., his immediate jurisdiction at that time still ex- tending over Luzerne county. He was attended during the ceremonies by Revs. Noonan and Filan. The concourse of spectators was very large, very few of the inhabitants of the borough ever having witnessed such a ceremony be- fore. The frame work of the church was put up by con- tract during the year, without, however, being plastered or having any pews inserted. The work was done under the supervision of the Rev. Mr. Noonan, and together with the lots cost about $2,400. Money was most liber- ally donated by the Rev. gentleman, members of the con- gregation and men of all denominations residing in the borough, donations ranging from $roo downward. Mr. John McAndrews and John Glynn acted as collectors, and the latter also as treasurer.
The number of Catholics in the borough and vicinity was estimated at eight or nine hundred. They were mostly employed on the railroads then in process of con- struction. This number has since, as employment became nore scarce in the vicinity, steadily decreased by emi- gration to other parts, till at present the congregation does not number more than 450 souls all told.
The first Catholic settlers of this region were Francis Lynch and Patrick Dolan; the former made his home here about 1840. In the next ten years the number of Catholics gradually increased and they were visited once a year from Honesdale by the Rev. Mr. Fitzsimmons, who used to hold services at the house of James and afterward of Francis Lynch. During 1850 the Rev. Mr. Sharp at- tended to the spiritual wants of the Catholics of White Haven, and the Rev. P. O'Shaughnessy during 1851, both coming across the mountains from Wilkes-Barre, the whole distance covered by an almost unbroken forest. A congregation being organized about this time at Lowry- .town, Carbon county, White Haven and vicinity was attended from there by the Rev. A. Sullivan, who in 1853 bought a house in Denison township, in the por- tion commonly known as " Jerusalem." This house served as a church till the present structure was erected within the borough. After the Rev. Mr. Sullivan's death, which occurred about four years later, the Rev. Mr. Noonan succeeded to the charge of the congregation. He visited White Haven every three months when cir- cumstances permitted during a period of ten years. It was by his exertions that the present church was finally erected, the old one having long since become far too small. He was succeeded in 1867 by the Rev. Mr. Mul- len, who visited the church once a month from Eckley, to which place he transferred his residence. In 1868 the diocese of Scranton was organized, which comprised both Eckley and White Haven in this direction, and the latter place was henceforth attended by the clergyman in charge of St. Mary's church, Eckley. The Rev. Mr. Mullen was
for some time assisted by the Rev. Mr. Tracy, and after- wards by Rev. M. J. Fallihu, who after the death of Father Mullen remained in charge of both places. He held services at White Haven every two weeks until, in 1873, he received an assistant in the person of Rev. J. Bergan. After this St. Patrick's church was visited every Sunday.
Finally, in Sept., 1874, the Rev. M. J. Bergath was ap- pointed resident pastor of this congregation. He took rooms at the White Haven Hotel, where he continued to board for two years. During the same autumn he went about from house to house among his parishioners to take up a collection to purchase ground to be used as a cemetery, there being no Catholic burying place up to this time nearer than Lowrytown, a distance of at least eight miles. Enough money was raised to purchase three acres of suitable ground, from F. Lynch, on the Wilkes.Barre turnpike about one mile from the church. The ground cost $300, and about $80 more was expended to clear one acre from stumps and stones, and lay it out in lots according to a plan drawn by the pastor. This work was completed in the spring of 1875, and at the same time a choir gallery was added to the church. On the 18th of July, 1875, the Rt. Rev. William O'Hara, bishop of Scranton, visited White Haven and adminis- tered the sacrament of confirmation to a large number of persons, and in the afternoon of the same day he solemnly blessed the new cemetery in the presence of an immense concourse of respectful spectators. During the cere- mony he was attended by the Revs. James Corcoran, D. D., of Philadelphia, E. V. McElhone, of Lowrytown, J. J. Cummiskey, of Hazleton, M. J. Fallihu, J. Bergan, of Eckley. During the fore part of the summer a choir was successfully organized, and made its first appearance at public worship on this occasion of the bishop's visit. A substantial picket fence was put around the lot on which the church is erected; vestments and other neces- sary church furniture and ornaments for the altar were procured.
During the last week of August, 1876, a fair was held to raise funds for the erection of a residence for the pastor. It was liberally patronized and had an unprece- dented success. On the Ist of October the contract for the building was awarded to William O'Malley, of Pitts- ton, for the sum of $1,980. The building was to be completed before the new year, but on account of some unnecessary delay was not finished until near April, 1877. It is quite a handsome structure, fronting on Alleghany street. The house is handsomely furnished and all the work and furniture was paid for at once, so that no debt rests on it.
On New Year's day, 1878, the pastor announced to the congregation that he had determined with their co-operation to erect a building for school purposes, two lots adjoining the church lots having already been pur- chased for the purpose. Quite a number of men volun- teered to clear the lots, and this preliminary labor was soon accomplished. Next the foundations were dug and the walls built, the lumber was soon on the ground and work was at once begun. The weather was mild during
263
SECRET SOCIETIES AT WHITE HAVEN.
this season, and the work was never interrupted on that account. The building is thirty by forty feet, with en- trance and hall, making an addition of twelve by fourteen feet to the main building. The first floor is divided into two class-rooms, each eighteen by twenty-nine feet, lighted by six large windows. The second story, ten feet high, is occupied as a temporary dwelling by the teachers.
A subscription list was opened before the building be- gan, and funds were most liberally contributed, one generous Protestant gentleman, who would not permit his name to be made known, making a donation of $100. September Ist, 1879, Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, from St. Cecilia's Academy, Scranton. opened school in the building with an attendance of 186 pupils. Three sisters were left in charge-Sister M. Boniface, superior ; Sister M. Seraphine and Sister M. Rosalia. The branches taught at the school are, Christian doctrine, history sacred and secular, grammar, geography, arith- metic mental and written, reading, spelling and penman- ship; besides this the girls receive practical instructions in plain and ornamental sewing, etc. The more advanced boys are taught the elements of bookkeeping. Attend- ance at the school is free to all without distinction of creed or nationality. Instruction is imparted gratuitously, no charge being made any one for attending. The sisters' salary is raised by voluntary contributions, festivals, etc. The last debt on the school was paid in the summer of 1879, so that at present there is not a cent of indebted- ness resting on church, school or pastoral residence of St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Congregation of White Haven.
SOCIETIES. ODD FELLOWS.
Forest Lodge, No. 251, was instituted on the 29th of July, 1847, the grand lodge of the State of Pennsylvania holding a special session for that purpose.
The charter members were Lucius Blakslee, E. F. Washburn, Bradley Childs, J. C. Past, Charles A. Elliott, Abraham Ripple, John Lines, jr.
The first election of officers resulted as follows: Lucius Blakslee, N. G. ; J. C. Past, V. G. ; Avery Knapp, sec .; E. F. Washburn, treas. The presiding officers have been: J. C. Past, George W. Chowan, Bradley Childs, Avery Knapp, B. P. Bangs, John Taylor, Wayne Sprowi, II. Kitchen, W. S. Chowan, J. C. Gray, E. P. Tuttle, G. L. Staples, J. Knauss, W. Jarrard, W. Torbert, II. Maxwell, HI. Getling, L. Willard, William Parsons, William Eddinger, W. Whitebread, Joseph Rowe, A. Y. Transue, Sol. Custard, P. Oberender, A. Gould, J. R. Crellin, C. Fulmer, Otto Kaiser, J. C. Humbach, J. Drum- heller, Jacob Wolfe, G. W. Eddinger, John Kolb, Charles Nagle, Jolin N. Eddinger, Joseph Speck, J. E. Dunlap, Levi Danner, J. Sensenbach, W. S. Nicholson, John H. Oplinger, Rev. James M. Salmon, S. A. Stearns, D. Kniber, II. C. Driggs, J. N. Smith, J. Cullison, T. Detweiler. Philip Teel, E. P. Morris, W. H. Myers, T. II. Doll, W. J. Hapeman, J. N. Lee, A. Eddinger, J. Courtright. J. Eller and Joseph Elliot.
The present officers are Joseph Elliot, N. G .; Joseph Jonas, V. G .; Daniel Karber, secretary; W. H. Myers, assistant secretary; Charles Leucht, treasurer.
During the year 1857 a number of the members with- drew to organize White Haven Lodge, No. 457. The lodge has initiated over 500 members, and its old members are in all the States of the Union.
White Haven Lodge, No. 457, was instituted November 17th, 1851, with the following charter members: Lucius Blakslee, Abram Ripple, Zachariah Brutzman, James Cole, Nathan Stark, Theodore Smith, Wayne Sprowl, Cyrus Stark, William Fish, William Steward, James McLawrence, William Leonard.
The first officers of the lodge were as follows: N. G., Lucius Blakslee; V. G., Abram Ripple; secretary, James H. Kinney; assistant secretary, Isaac Gould; treasurer, Arthur Smith.
The following were the officers whose term of office expired the 3ist of March, 1880: N.G., George H. Knies; V. G., William Deterline; secretary, Daniel Heimbach : assistant secretary, James M. Deterline; treasurer, R. 1. Westover; representative to grand lodge of Pennsylvania, William Deterline; chaplain, Forrester Fellows; organist, Samuel Garris; trustees - Daniel Shautz (president), William Deterline, William P. Mann, John Fiel and Daniel Heimbach (secretary).
The Odd Fellows' Hall Association of White Haven was incorporated April 6th, 1874. The first directors were Cornelius Ziegenfeuss (president;, Daniel Heimbach (secretary), John Lines, Daniel Shautz and James A. Miller.
The association bought a lot on Basin street, and in 1874 built the present brick structure known as Odd Fellows' Hall. It is three stories high, thirty feet wide and seventy feet long, and cost $6,000. The directors are William Deterline, William P. Mann, John Fiel and Daniel P. Shautz; the last is president of the board, with Daniel Heimbach as secretary.
MASONIC.
Laurel Lodge, No 467, Free and Accepted Masons was instituted May 23d, 1870, with the following charter mem- bers: Edwin Shortz, R. 1. Westover, D. Heimbach, E. Tattershall, Samuel Wallace, Niles M. Smith, J. M. Salmon, Edwin Voeste, B. F. Gould, John Fisher, Abram Ripple, C. B. Kern, George Kern, W. H. Heimbach, Henry Kaiser, J. W. Levan, A. Whittaker and J. W. Ray. The first officers were: Edwin Shortz, W. M .; John Fisher, S. W .; R. I. Westover, J. W. The regular communica- tions are held on the second and fourth Monday evenings of each month in Odd Fellows' Hall. The officers for. 1879 were: R. I. Westover, W. M .; G. W. Wagner, S. W .; J. J. Baker, jr., J. W., and G. W. Koons, secretary.
KNIGHTS OF HONOR.
Lehigh Lodge, No. 1,741, Knights of Honor was insti- tuted August 30th, 1879, with the following officers and charter members.
Director, W. F. Streeter; vice-director, E. J. Marple; assistant director, 1. P. Childs; reporter, Sammuel Garris; financial reporter, Benjamin Jacoby; treasurer, Jolin K. Torbert; chaplain, Forrester Fellows; guide, L. A. Miner; guardian, James A. Deterline; sentinel, Thomas Det willer; past dictator, R. 1. Westover; trustees -- W. F Streeter, Edwin Shortzand Sautuel Wallace; other members- Jaines D. Woodring, II. D. Spinner, Calvin Reese, James Lee, M. W. Walp, Stod Driggs, W. HI. Heimbach, 1. Il. Turner, George H. Stinson, H. W. Puesill. S. S. Young, George II. Knies, Richard Heimbach, Daniel Heimbach, Albert Albee, James N. Deterline, William Deterline. John N. Eddinger, T. J. Heebner.
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HISTORY OF LUZERNE COUNTY.
The present officers are as at first, except that Samuel Heimbach is reporter.
G. A. R.
D. J. Taylor Post, No. 813, Grand Army of the Repub- lic, department of Pennsylvania, was organized November 11th, 1878. The regular meetings of the post are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at Torbert's Hall. The officers for 1879 were: Rev. J. T. Wilson, P. C .; J. D. Wearing, S. V. C .; W. H. Heimbach, J. V. C .; J. K. Torbert, adjutant; W. W. Mabey, S. M .; John Fisher, Q. M .; Aaron Eddinger, Q. M. S,; Josiah Lower, O. D .; Fred. Kegley, O. G .; C. H. Drake, surgeon; Daniel Keiper, chaplain; David Shaffer, bugler, and H. H. Wood, drill master.
FREELAND BOROUGH.
HE site of Freeland is a part of the old Lind- say tract, purchased by Tench Coxe, who sold to Joseph Birkbeck, and he to Mrs. Margaretha Donop, wife of A. Donop, Esq., in 1872. They came from New York city and were the first settlers at Freeland. Their house, on the estate of Mrs. Donop, Front and Centre streets, was the first built here. She also owns and con- trols forty of the buildings and lots surrounding it. Im- mediately after the purchase Mr. and Mrs. Donop caused the land to be surveyed into a town plat, which they called Freehold, and September 11th, 1876, the town was char- tered as Freeland borough.
The miners' co-operative store on Walnut street, the first in this place, was opened in 1874, under the manage- ment of Joseph Lindsay.
The town hall, on Ridge street between Front and Walnut, was built by Mrs. Donop in 1875.
Henry Coons opened the second store in 1877, on the corner of Walnut and Centre streets, where he still re- mains in trade.
Welch & Furey were the next to engage in the mer- cantile business, locating on the corner of Washington and Walnut streets.
The first tavern was on Walnut street, built by A. Donop, and kept by John Jones, who is the present land- lord.
The first blacksmith in this place was Peter Cunning- ham, who located on the corner of Washington and Front streets, where he is still engaged in the business.
The first shoemaker was Ernest Stein, and the first physician Dr. Lloyd; and the first meat market was opened by Rudolph Ludwig. The present resident physician is Dr. King.
There are two churches, Lutheran and Presbyterian. The first was built in 1876, by the united contributions of Presbyterians and Lutherans, and the other in 1880, by the Presbyterians. The present school-house was
built in 1878, and John McDonald has thus far been the teacher.
The works by which the town is supplied with water were constructed in 1880, by A. Donop and J. Birkbeck.
There are in the borough eight stores, a bakery, eight taverns, two undertakers, two blacksmith shops, a town hall, and a boot and shoe store. There are three building and loan associations.
The justices of the peace are A. Donop, elected De- cember 14th, 1876, and Isaac Goodman, elected in Febru- ary, 1880. The first burgess of the borough, Rudolph Lubrecht, was elected in 1876, and the present burgess, Dennis McCarthy, in February, 1879. Luther Dodson has been the only postmaster. The population of the borough is 624.
The cemetery between Freeland and South Heberton is owned by the Freeland Cemetery Association. The first interment in these grounds was that of William Birkbeck, in 1846. Mrs. Birkbeck has three other chil- dren buried in this cemetery, viz .: Agnes, John and Ann Victoria.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
HIS township was formed from portions of Kingston, Exeter and Dallas, in 1843, and was named in honor of Colonel John Frank- lin, one of the first settlers in Wyoming. The population is 593.
One of the first settlers was Gideon Bebee, who lived on land now owned by the heirs of the late Rev. Oliver Lewis. The family moved away and the clearing was overgrown with bushes and young trees.
About this time a Mr. Pease, living in Hanover, cleared a field adjoining Bebee, walking about sixteen miles to his day's work. He naturally gave it up, but the im- provement was known as Pease's field long after. These improvements were in the northeastern part of the town . ship.
Olds hill takes its name from Ezra Olds, who came with his family from Connecticut as early as 1782. Michael Munson, also from Connecticut, built a house about this time where Salmon Munson now lives. He soon afterward moved to Ohio. Walter Munson, a rela- tive of Michael, came with his family from Connecticut in 1807, and built a house near where his son George now lives, below the Olds property. Mrs. Munson's maiden name was Mehetabel Trowbridge. They had ten chil- dren, of whom Salmon now lives on a part of the large tract once owned by his father. Mrs. Munson was Rhu- hamah Lewis, from Orange county, N. Y. Rev. George W. Munson married Sally Ann Lewis, and lives on the old homestead, where his parents died many years ago. Walter Munson, sen., lived on the banks of the Susque- hanna, opposite Wyoming, before the massacre, and went
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EARLY SETTLERS IN FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.
back to Connecticut on foot when he was five years old, under the conduct of his brother Wilmot.
Captain Artemadorus Ingersol lived on lot 46 of the Connecticut claim, just below the Munsons. He was born in Connectiont, and was one of the Revolutionary soldiers entering the army when but fourteen years of age. He served throughout the war, married a Miss Newberry, and moved to Pennsylvania. He was a farmer and owned a saw-mill. His family consisted of six chil- dren who grew up, besides one little girl that died. His daughter Fanny married one of her teachers, named Guy Clark. At the close of the war of 1812 he became dis- sipated and violent, and killed his wife with an ax, when she was living at Ithaca, N. Y., with their two chil- dren. Clark was executed, and the affair caused a great excitement at the time. Minerva Ingersoll married Al- vin Holmes, from New York State, and died nearly two years ago, aged about seventy-seven. The last one of the Ingersoll family in this part of the country, Mr. Holmes, died some years ago. They left quite a family. Captain Ingersoll died about forty years ago, and his wife soon afterward.
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