USA > Pennsylvania > Lycoming County > History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania > Part 56
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468
HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.
CHAPTER XXVII.
BOROUGH OF MUNCY.
ORTHOGRAPHY OF THE NAME-THE MCCARTYS-MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT-FIRST ELECTIONS- -JUSTICES AND BURGESSES-POSTMASTERS-FAMILY SKETCHES-OLD HOTELS-INDUSTRIES -THE BANK AND INSURANCE COMPANY-WATER SUPPLY-SECRET SOCIETIES-THE PRESS -SCHOOLS-CHURCH HISTORY-BURIAL PLACES.
THE beautiful tract of land on which the borough of Muncy is located was one. of the first places in the West Branch valley, north of Muncy Hills, where white men settled. Its early history, and the stirring events that have occurred on and around the original manor, have been very fully described in the chapters devoted to our colonial times.
It is curious to note in the old documents and records the various methods of spelling Muncy that have been in vogue: "Monsey," "Muncey," " Munsey." " Munsee," "Minsi," " Munci," " Muncee," "Muncie," and "Munzey." The spelling largely depended on the education and nationality of the writer. The name is derived from a tribe of Delaware Indians, named Monseys, who were found here by the whites. When they moved west the remnants of the tribe settled at what is now the town of Muncie, Indiana.
Muncy manor, it will be remembered, was ordered surveyed and laid out by John Penn in 1769, and held as a reserve in accordance with the policy of the Proprietaries. But when the Proprietary interest ceased it was cut up and sold.
About 1787, four brothers-Silas, William, Benjamin, and Isaac McCarty, came here from Bucks county. They were of Quaker extraction. William and Benjamin bought 300 acres known as the "John Brady farm," and divided it-William taking the portion between what is now West Water street and Muncy creek, and Benjamin that portion between West Water street and the southern boundary. Main street now represents what was then the boundary between the Brady farm and Isaac Walton's. William built a temporary home on his land between the site of Fort Brady and Muncy creek. Benjamin built a house on his tract, where he lived until 1810.
In 1797, ten years after coming to Muncy, Benjamin McCarty conceived the idea of starting a town, and he commenced laying out lots on what is now Main street, and sold them to different parties. His example was followed by his brother William, north of Water street, and by Isaac Walton. The town was named Penns- borough in honor of the Penns.
MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.
The town grew slowly and was nothing but a straggling village for many years,
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BOROUGH OF MUNCY.
better known as " Hardscrabbe," than Pennsborough. The latter name was used by the proprietor in conveying lots, but in one deed made to Jacob Haines, for lot No. 5, the word " Pennsgrove " is used. More than a quarter of a century passed before an act of incorporation was applied for. Finally, by act approved March 15, 1826, it was incorporated as a borough and the boundary lines thus defined:
Beginning at the northeast corner of an outlot of John Reibsam; thence east by said lot to its northeast corner; thence south by said lot, M. Neill's lot, etc., to the middle of the great road leading to Muncy Hills; thence east along the middle of said road to the northeast corner of an outlot of the estate of John Brindle, deceased; thence south by said lot to its southeast corner; thence by a straight line to the northeast corner of an outlot of James White; thence south by said lot to its southeast corner; thence by a straight line to the northeast corner of a lot surveyed to Dr. T. Wood, Jr .; thence by said lot to its southeast corner; thence by a straight line to the northeast corner of an outlot of John Holler: thence by a straight line to the southeast corner of Mrs. G. Wood's south lot on Shuttle hill; thence west by said lot to the middle of the road leading to Milton; thence by said road to a point opposite the southeast corner of an outlot of Abel Edwards; thence west by said lot to its southwest corner; thence north hy said lot, by lots of J. Turner, A. Haycock, lot late of H. Pepper, and lot of John Uhl, to the northeast corner of lot of Ezekiel Walton; thence east by said lot to its north-east corner; thence by a straight line to the place of beginning, shall be and the same is hereby erected into a borough, which shall be called the borough of Pennsborough.
The act provided that the people living within these lines should elect borough officers and be governed by the same "rules and regulations as had been granted to and provided for the inhabitants and borough officers of the borough of Williams- port." The latter borough had been erected just twenty years before. The records show that the first election was held at the old brick school house, corner of Main and New streets, Thursday, June 15, 1826, pursuant "to an agreement of the majority of the inhabitants of said borough, under their hands and seals, in conformity to the act of incorporation." The officers of that election were: Judge, John P. Schuyler; inspector, Samuel Shoemaker; clerk, John Reibsam, and their return shows that James Boal was elected burgess; Francis McFall, Benjamin S. McCarty, Isaac Bruner, Thomas Colt, and Jacob Pott, town council; Eli Russel, high constable.
The borough government thus organized simply set the machinery in motion, for beyond the election of John P. Schuyler and Samuel Shoemaker as poor overseers December 12, 1826, this council, so far as the records show, did no business. The newly elected poor overseers, however, at once began to exercise the authority of their office by promptly removing one Sarah Welden to Lancaster. This was the first case under the jurisdiction of the poor authorities of the borough-and it is worthy of note that the poor unfortunate Sarah was not "actually " a pauper, but by William Chamberlin and Benjamin Warner, Esquires, two of the justices of the peace, in and for said connty, it was adjudged that "she was likely to become chargeable " to the newly organized borough.
Subsequently, by act of January 19, 1827, the name was changed from Penns- borough to Muncy. This was done because many persons thought it was "too flat and long," and the new name would be more in accordance with the historical asso- ciations of the place, and serve to perpetuate the name of the tribe that first dwelt there.
This act also legalized the election previously held under the name of Penns-
ยท
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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.
borough, and " confirmed and declared valid whatever had been done by the burgess, town council, and other officers so elected," and provided that they should remain in office until the third Friday of March, 1827, "and no longer;" because after that date the clause in the act under which they were elected would be repealed and the corporate title " changed to the name and style of the burgess and town council of the borough of Muncy."
The election under the provisions of the new act was held at the " Town House," March 16, 1827. David Lloyd and James Craig were judges; James Turner, inspector, and Henry Wiser and James Henderson, clerks, and the following officers were elected: Burgess, James Boal; town council: Jacob Pott, Francis McFall, William Cox Ellis, John Wendle, Joseph Frederick, Amos Heacock; high constable, Nicholas Merrill; constable, William Bigger; supervisors: Benjamin S. McCarty, Jacob Cooke; poor overseers: William Pidcock, Thomas Van Buskirk. This council seems to have had quite a time in "getting themselves together." We find that they met, March 19, 1827, and elected William Quinn, treasurer, and James Henderson, clerk, after which a quorum was hard to get, and it was not until Burgess Boal issued his " summons," May 26, 1827, that the council did any business. They distinguished themselves, however, at their first meeting by passing ordinance No. 1, which forbids hogs to run at large.
The borough records show that the following persons voted at the election held March 16, 1827: Benjamin S. McCarty, Andrew McCarty, John P. Schuyler, John Reibsam, Jr., James White, Jacob Rooker, John Uhl, Thomas Van Buskirk, Francis McFall, Thomas Colt, Jacob Pott, Peter Wendle, George De Hass, William Michael, John Pott, John Bruner, Eli Russel, James Bishop, Amos Heacock, Simon Schuy- ler, John Wendle, Peter Reibsam, John Hufer, George Lebo, James Craig, Peter Beeber, Jacob Hackenberg, Philip Reibsam, Elijah Smith, Dr. Thomas Wood, James Boal, Dr. George Wood, William Bigger, Ezekiel Walton, William Quinn, William Edwards, Joseph Bishop, Samuel Shoemaker, Peter Michael, James Turner, Charles Lebo, Henry Wiser, Nicholas Merrill, James Henderson, James Rankin, John Holler, William A. Petrikin, David Lloyd, Samuel Edwards, John Fogleman, Isaac Bruner, Joshua Bowman, Philip Reibsam, Joseph Frederick, Conrad Frederick, William McCarty, John Reibsam, and James P. Howland.
Fifty-eight votes were polled, which might be considered a pretty good "turn out " for that time; but the novelty of having a new borough government undoubtedly excited more interest than usual and caused this good attendance at the polls.
The assessment list for 1827 shows who were the first taxables of the borough of Muncy. It is as follows: Adler, William J .; Buskirk, Thomas, Jr .; Bruner, Isaac; Beeber, Peter; Bigger, William; Boal, James; Buskirk, Thomas; Bishop, James; Bruner, Solomon; Bower, -; Brindle Heirs; Colt, Thomas; Crouse, John J .; Craig, James; Chilcot, Rachel; Doctor, Henry; Ellis, William Cox; Edwards, Samuel; Edwards, William; Edwards, Abel; Frederick, Conrad; Fletcher, James; Frederick, Joseph; Fahnestock, Henry; Galer, George; Grange, William; Grange, Thomas; Hall, Thomas; Huckle, John; Harlan, Joshua; Holler, John; Hackenburg, Jacob; Hawley, Enos; De Hass, George; Henderson, James; Haines, Barbara; Heacock, Amos; Hitesman, George; Jones, Benjamin; Johnson, Lewis; Lebo, Charles; Lloyd, David; Lebo, Benjamin; Moyer, Jacob; McCarty, Mary; McCarty, Silas; McCarty,
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BOROUGH OF MUNCY.
B. S .; Michael, William; McCarty, Charles; Michael, Peter; Merrill, Elizabeth; Merrill, Nicholas; Mckinney, John; McFall, Francis; McCarty, John; Neel, Mar- garet; Petrikin, William A .; Petrikin & Bowman; Pott, John; Pott, Jacob; Pidcock, William; Philipu, Daniel; Patterson, Aaron; Quinn, William; Rizener, Samuel, Rooker, Jacob; Reibsam, Philip; Reibsam, Lewis; Russel, Eli; Reibsam, John; Rothrick, Henry; Reibsam, Peter; Rush, William; Rankin, James: Ross, Margaret; Shoemaker, Samuel; Schuyler, John P .; Turner, James; Treon, Dr. George; Tay- lor, Abraham; Uhl, John; Weiser, Henry; Walton, Isaac; Wendle, John; Wood, Thomas; Wood, Grissel; Walton, Ezekiel; Wood, Dr. George; Whitmoyer, George; White, James; Wallis, Samuel; Wood, Henry; Yoxthimer, Jacob.
Single Freemen .- Beeber, Isaac; Bruner, John; Bishop, Joseph; Erwine, Will- iam; Frederick, Thomas; Fogleman, John; Fahnestock, Abner; Hurlocker, Jacob; Lebo, George; Michael, Peter; Reibsam, John, Jr .; Reibsam, Philip, Jr .; Reibsam, William; Whitmoyer, Christian.
The first assessed valuation of property aggregated $14,500, the rate of taxation that year (1827) being 5 mills, and the levy for the borough purposes was $72.50. The assessed valuation for 1891 was slightly in excess of $500,000, and there are several individuals who pay a tax on a larger valuation than the entire assessment for 1827. .
This list of taxables shows the names of the residents of Muncy at the time it was made a borough. The names are those of early settlers, some of whom fought Indians during the Revolution; others served in the Revolutionary army, and still later in the war of 1812. The descendants of the majority of them still live here and are worthy representatives of their forefathers.
AN ELECTION MUDDLE.
A supplemental act, approved March 15, 1831, authorized nine persons for town council to be elected on the third Friday of the following March; three to serve three years; the next three highest two years, and the next three highest one year; and at every subsequent annual election the places of three whose terms were about to expire should be supplied by the election of three others.
This act caused a misunderstanding and some trouble. At the regular election held March 18, 1831, Gen. William A. Petrikin was certified as elected to the office of burgess, but the election was set aside because "the officers holding the election were not sworn, before proceeding to business, and that nine persons were elected for town council, whereas the advertisement calling on the citizens to elect borough officers directed them to elect but seven persons for that office." A special election was ordered for April 11th following, at which James Boal was chosen.
The act of April 1, 1837, extended the limits of the borough considerably.
It was decided by the court, December 12, 1853, "that the borough of Muncy shall become subject to the restrictions and possess the powers conferred by the act, entitled an act regulating boroughs. passed April 3, A. D. 1851, and the provis- ions of the former charter are hereby cancelled so far as they conflict with the act of April 3, 1851." This act provided for five councilmen, but no change was made, and nine councilmen were annually elected, until the court, January 12, 1869, ordered and decreed "That five persons, inhabitants and citizens of said
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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.
borough, shall be elected at the next borough election for said borough, as and for the town council; one person as burgess thereof, and all other corporate elective officers mentioned in the general law of April 1, A. D. 1834, and of April 3, A. D. 1851, and to be elected annually thereafter."
By act of June 2, 1871, the number of members of the town council of all boronghs was changed to six, and it was provided that the "several courts of the Commonwealth may upon application ... . . .fix or change the charter of any borough so as to authorize the burgess or chief executive officer thereof to serve as a member of the town council, with full powers as such, and to pre- side at the meetings thereof." No such application has ever been made by Muncy borough, and hence the burgess is not a member of the council and can not preside over its deliberations.
Under the act of April 4, 1803, the county commissioners were required to lay out the county into suitable districts for the appointment of a competent num- ber of justices of the peace. Lycoming county was, by said act, limited to six dis- tricts. Samuel Shoemaker was appointed one of the justices of the peace for the Second district, composed of the townships of Muncy Creek, Moreland, and part of Washington, May 1, 1821. At some later date the Second district was changed to include Penn, Franklin, Davidson, and Cherry townships, (now in Sullivan county) and Simon Schuyler was appointed an additional justice, May 17, 1827, and John Johnson, January 8, 1835.
The borough records show that Samuel Shoemaker and Simou Schuyler were justices of the peace in 1829, and that they both remained in office from that time until after the first election for justices in 1840.
The act of June 21, 1839, provided for the election of justices of the peace-two for each township, borough, etc., and the records show the follow- ing persons to have been commissioned for Muncy borough upon the dates set opposite their respective names:
David Lloyd, May 11, 1840.
Adam Rankin, March 24, 1869.
John J. Crouse, May 11, 1840.
David Lloyd, March 18, 1845.
Simon Schuyler, March 18, 1845.
A. B. Putnam, March 12, 1872.
Simon Schuyler, March 12, 1850.
John J. Crouse, March 24, 1874.
John J. Crouse, March 12, 1850. Joseph Shoemaker, April 5, 1877.
W. P. I. Painter, March 13, 1855.
D. B. Dykins, September 1, 1879. Appointed Jacob Pott, March 13, 1855.
vice John J. Crouse, deceased.
W. P. I. Painter, March 13, 1860.
D. B. Dykins, March 30, 1880.
Simon Schuyler, April 16, 1860.
Joseph Shoemaker, April 10, 1882.
D. B. Dykins, April 18, 1885.
W. P. I. Painter, April 5, 1865. Resigned, De- cember 31, 1868.
Joseph Shoemaker, April 14, 1887. D. B. Dykins, April 15, 1890.
Simon Schuyler, April 5, 1865.
Simon Schuyler, March 7, 1870. Resigned, March 1, 1872.
Muncy has been a borough for sixty-six years and her records for that time have been carefully preserved, which is more than can be said of Jersey Shore and Will- iamsport. Her burgesses for that time, with their names and dates of election, are herewith presented; 1826-29, James Boal; 1830, William A. Petrikin; 1831, James Boal; 1832-33, Simon Schuyler; 1834, Joseph Gudykunst; 1835, Simon Schuyler; 1836-39, David Lloyd; 1840-41, Jacob Cooke; 1842-43, Jacob Bruner; 1844, Joshua Bowman; 1845, Enos Hawley; 1846-49, Samuel Shoemaker; 1850,
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BOROUGH OF MUNCY.
Baker Langcake; 1851, Samuel Shoemaker; 1852-53, William P. I. Painter; 1854, Jacob Cooke; 1855-56, Robert Wilson; 1857-59, John Burrows; 1860-64, E. M. Green; 1865, Daniel Clapp; 1866-67, Benjamin S. Merrill; 1868, O. A. McCarty ; 1869, John M. Bowmau; 1870, Thomas. G. Downing; 1871, William Cox Ellis; 1872, Charles A. Bowers; 1873, George L. I. Painter; 1874, D. B. Dykins; 1875, L. E. Schuyler; 1876-77, Adam Raukin; 1878-79, John De Haas; 1880-81, A. W. Tall- man; 1882; E. P. Hall; 1883-84, W. E. Mohr; 1885, S. E. Sprout; 1886, Baker L. Bowman; 1887, A. H. Gudykunst; 1888-89, Baker L. Bowmau; 1890, Lewis S. Smith; 1891, George L. Painter; 1892, John Stauffer.
The secretaries of council during these sixty-six years have been as follows: James Henderson, from 1826 to 1857; Robert Hawley, 1857 to 1864; W. P. I. Painter, 1864 to 1869; Rev. George C. Drake, 1869 to 1876; Charles A. Bowers, 1876 to 1878; William H. Everett, 1878 to 1880; D. B. Dykins, 1880 to 1892.
The only material addition to the territory within the borough limits since the act of incorporation was by act of Assembly in 1853, when the northern line was extended from the southern line of the lot now occupied by Henry V. Peterman, on Main street, to its present location, and embracing the addition laid out by H. Noble, and known as Nobletown. 'An ordinance was passed in 1869 to extend the lines to the river on the west, Muncy creek on the north, the manor line on the east, and to Musser's lane on the south; also an ordinance in 1876 to extend the lines eastward to the manor line, and to straighten the northern line so as to include all of Mechanic street or "Lovely lane; " but both of the proposed additions failed to receive the approval of the grand jury and were, therefore, iuoperative.
The result of this refusal to enlarge the territory is that towns have grown up to the east and the west of the borough-and though only separated from it by an imagi- nary line-they aggregate almost as great a population as Muncy itself. These settlements belong to Muncy Creek township, but are practically a part of the borough. This has caused its population to appear less in the census reports than it really was. The population of the borough for six decades has been reported as follows:
1840
662
1870 1,070
1850.
901
1880
1,174
1860
1,055
1890. 1,310
The census of 1890 showed the population of Muncy Creek township to be 1,740, and out of this number fully 1,000 should be accredited to the borough, which would swell its population to over 2,300.
POSTMASTERS.
The records at Washington show that a postoffice was established at Muncy, April 1, 1800, and Henry Shoemaker was appointed postmaster. His successors have been as follows: James Boal, appointed January 13, 1803; John Brindle, Jan- uary 11, 1815; Abraham Taylor, December 28, 1816; William Pidcock, February 22, 1817; George Frederick, Jr., December 4, 1819; William A. Petrikin, March 20, 1822; Cowden S. Wallis, December 22, 1840; John P. Schuyler, March 15, 1843; William Michael, December 14, 1844; John Whitlock, May 1, 1849; William Michael, July 11, 1857; Enos Hawley, July 9, 1861. After this date the postmasters were
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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.
appointed by the President, as follows: Enos Hawley, April 5, 1869; George L. I. Painter, March 12, 1873; James H. Fulmer, December 5, 1885; P. M. Trumbower, October 8, 1889; W. E. Mohr, February 29, 1890.
Gen. William A. Petrikin held the office nearly nineteen years, the longest of any one of the appointees; Mr. Painter came next, with nearly thirteen years; then Enos Hawley with nearly twelve. Futhermore, the records show that in 1826 a mail route was established from Muncy to Meansville (Towanda, Bradford county); 1832, Pottsville to Muncy, Muncy to Cherry, Towanda, and Jersey Shore.
FAMILY SKETCHES.
Among the old-time families of Muncy may be mentioned those of Brindle and Petrikin. Henry Brindle and Susanna Hildebrand were married in 1773 and had four children. John, when he grew up, became one of the early merchants and was postmaster from July 1, 1814, to March 31, 1817. He married Margaret, daughter of John Montgomery, and they had two children. Ellen, the daughter, died several years ago, and William, the son, lives in Philadelphia. John Brindle carried on the mercantile business alone, and then in connection with his brother-in- law, Henry Fahnestock, husband of his sister Elizabeth. He died, December 1, 1819. William Brindle, brother of John, became one of the publishers of the Lycoming Gazette in 1808. He met his death by drowning when crossing Muncy creek near Clarkstown, May 15, 1833. His remains were laid in Walton's grave- yard and the mound was enclosed by a brick wall upon which was placed a large marble slab. A tree was planted by his friend, the late Joshua Bowman, as a grow- ing tribute of affection for his dead friend, which still stands as a sentinel over the grave, notwithstanding half a hundred years have passed. William Brindle, the nephew, served in the Mexican war as an officer, and on his return home brought with him a native Mexican boy, but he died soon after of consumption.
William Alexander Petrikin was one of Muncy's representative and influential citizens, and was identified with all her growing institutions up to the time of his death, which occurred December 20, 1867, at the age of seventy-four. He came to Muncy when quite a young man and succeeded in establishing himself in busi- ness. He married the widow of John Brindle. She was a lady of exceedingly pleasant manners, a good adviser, and possessed of considerable property. Six children blessed the union, as follows: Elizabeth, who married Adolphus D. Wil- son, Esq., and died in Williamsport; Hon. J. M. B. Petrikin, deceased; R. Bruce Petrikin, Esq., of Huntingdon, Pennsylvania; Margaret M., widow of Charles Dun- ning; Hon. Henry W. Petrikin, of Montoursville; and Jeanette C., wife of Rev. Stewart Mitchell, D.D.
William A. Petrikin held many offices of trust and responsibility during his life. He was postmaster of Muncy from March 22, 1822, to December 31, 1841, a period of over eighteen yeers. On the 4th of July, 1842, he was appointed major general of the Ninth division, Pennsylvania militia. General Petrikin was a self-made man and often spoke of the very short time he went to school, and of the disadvan- tages he labored under when a boy; but there was no better read man in the bor- ough than he, and his library consisted of the choicest literature. Principally through his means the Muncy Female Seminary was established in 1840, an insti-
MP Painter
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BOROUGH OF MUNCY.
tution that was an honor to the place. He was also one of the originators of the Lycoming Mutual Fire Insurance Company, and was its first secretary. He was a prominent and energetic politician in the Democratic party, and only through dis- sension in his party was he defeated when twice a candidate for Congress. Socially he was one of the most pleasant, dignified, and entertaining gentlemen of his day.
Another old time resident is Baker Langcake. He was born near Philadelphia, January 23, 1803, of English parentage. He married Miss Janet Hepburn, daugh- ter of Judge William Hepburn, of Williamsport, and first settled there, where he followed the mercantile business for several years. Mr. Langcake took up his resi- dence near Muncy many years ago, and became largely identified with business operations. After a long and busy career he is now enjoying the evening of life at the mellow age of over eighty-nine, respected and honored by his friends.
OLD HOTELS.
It is not positively known who opened the first hotel, although there is proof that Jacob Merrill died while keeping a tavern in 1804. It has been stated that Benjamin McCarty opened the first tavern, but his descendants declare that they are not aware that a McCarty was ever engaged in that business, all being Quakers in their belief. It is probable that Benjamin McCarty built the house and Merrill started a tavern about the beginning of this century. After his death in 1804 his widow kept the house until 1822 or later. James Merrill was born there in 1818, and B. S. Merrill, still living in Muncy, in 1820.
After Merrill, one of the first landlords was " Jack " Kelly. His tavern was the house now occupied as a dwelling by, and belonging to, Mrs. Ida Van B. Walton, on the southwest corner of Main and High streets. His black cook, "Beck," was famous for her skill in basting turkeys on the spit. It was in the well of this house that some one living up Glade run, by way of a barbarous joke, threw a dead wolf, and much unpleasantness was caused thereby. For a long time afterwards the water was called "wolf broth!" Kelly rented the house of Ellis Walton-who bought the ground of the Penns, and sold it to Philip Goodman in 1815. His suc- cessor, as landlord, was Christian Holler; after him came George Spade, and John P. Schuyler was the last in 1825 or 1826. The name of the tavern was the Ameri- can House.
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