History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 57

Author: edited by John F. Meginness
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1650

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In 1826 the Muncy Valley House-one door south of Schuyler's-was built, and after that the corner house was no longer kept as a tavern. The first landlord of the Muncy Valley was Robert Dunlap. He afterwards took charge of a house in Philadelphia.

The Buck Tavern-in later times known as the Petrikin-on the west side of Main street, was opened about as early as Kelly's. Jacob Merrill had kept it for several years before he died in 1804. After his death his widow, Elizabeth, con- ducted it for eighteen years. She was succeeded by Thomas Hall.

The Union House, now known as the Central, and owned by L. G. Watts, was built by George Fredericks, and opened to the public by a grand dance in the win- ter of 1812. The famous dancing master and violinist of the time, " Bob" Pater- son, conducted the dance. It was at this house that the first Masonic funeral ever

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

witnessed in Muncy occurred, the deceased brother being George Fredericks. It is recorded in Now and Then, Vol. I, page 55, that among the Muncy Masons in the procession were Dr. Thomas Wood, David Lloyd. Samuel Shoemaker, Conrad Fredericks, Henry Wiser, John Walton, and William Cox Ellis. The latter carried the open Bible on which lay the emblematic square and compass. Esquire Henry Lenhart, of Williamsport, was the chaplain, and in his peculiar and loud tone of voice conducted the impressive service. The nearest Masonic lodge at that time was in Williamsport.

The successors of Fredericks were Thomas Van Buskirk, Thomas Montgomery, John Woodly, Henry Weaver, John Hepburn, Noble Parker, and William Johnson. The sign was a likeness of Anthony Wayne mounted on a spirited charger. In early times, it is related. a party of Indians came along and seeing the sign exclaimed, " Bad man! Bad man!"

According to an old record John Shaffer applied for a license in 1841 to keep the Franklin Hotel, (now Crawford,) and out of fourteen names attached to the petition but two persons are yet living; they are William Brindle and George Gow- ers. Peter Kelchner kept the old Petrikin stand, and William Quinn the Washing- ton Hotel, but in 1842 the latter was run as a temperance house by Elias Benner. During this year Father Matthew caused a great revival in the temperance cause and Muncy felt the benefit of it.

INDUSTRIES.

The manufacturing industries of Muncy have increased greatly during the past decade. The Muncy Woolen Mills Company, founded in 1SS2, after a prosperous career of ten years, was chartered February 12, 1892, with a capital of $100,000. The directors are George H. Rogers, James Coulter, Samuel Rogers, and Samuel Coulter, Muncy; Uriah Megahan and J. Clinton Hill, Williamsport. The mills of the company are situated on Market street near the basin, and the buildings are brick. The consumption of wool annually reaches 150.000 pounds. During the year 1891 the company manufactured and sold 30,000 blankets. From fifty to sixty hands are employed.

The Muncy Manufacturing Company, Limited, is engaged in the production of furniture. The company was organized in 1887; officers: George H. Rogers, presi- dent; A. B. Worthington, superintendent and treasurer; W. F. Brittain, secretary and bookkeeper. The manufactory of the company is located between the railroad and canal, near the Reading railroad station, and is quite extensive. The product consists of hardwood chamber suites, sideboards, and a line of common beds. Between fifty and sixty hands find steady employment and the value of the annual production is $100,000.

Another industry is that of L. B. Sprout, John Waldron, and James Sprout. They manufacture milling machinery and haying tools. Their factory, which is large, is located near the Reading railroad extension and canal. The firm employs forty-five men and pays out about $18,000 annually in wages. The line of manu- facture consists of bolters, purifiers, French buhr mills, hay elevators, forks, hooks, grapples, and pulleys. The factory was destroyed by fire in 1888, but was imme- diately rebuilt.

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BOROUGH OF MUNCY.

S. E. Sprout & Son are largely engaged in the manufacture of the Williams Evaporator for drying fruit. And in connection with this business they carry on a planing mill, which gives employment to about fifteen hands.

The Muncy Table Works Company, composed of Richard P. Ort and Ellis Gun- drum, was formed in July, 1888. They have an excellent plant supplied with the necessary machinery, and manufacture extension tables, book cases, ladies' secre- taries, and small stands. They employ fifteen men and turn out thirty-five extension tables per week along with their other specialties.

The Muncy Agricultural Works, John Artley, proprietor, is one of the oldest industries of the burough. Plows of various styles and patterns are manufactured, besides attention being given to repair work.

Muncy has no large factories engaged in the manufacture of carriages and wagons by machinery, but she has three good shops carried on by competent mechanics. These shops annually turn out quite a number of fine carriages, bug- gies, wagons, and buck-boards. The carriage shops are run by De Haas Brothers, John Gable, and J. A. M. McDaniels.

Another industry is the machine and engine building shop of Clinton Guyer. He is a young man of great energy and much mechanical skill and ability. Mr. Guyer is one of the inventors of the Stayman Guyer Automatic Engine, a piece of machinery that is rapidly coming into popular favor; and also of a hammerless gun.

Perry M. Trumbower, proprietor of the Muncy Machine Works, is doing a general foundry and repair business. His shops are well equipped with tools and machinery, and he is prepared to do all kinds of casting and machine work.

Another industry calculated to bring comfort to wearied humanity and soothe the tired brain is the Gernerd Spring Bed. J. M. M. Gernerd, antiquarian, and late publisher of a local bi-monthly magazine, entitled Now and Then, is the inventor, as well as the manufacturer, of this popular spring bed bottom, which is noted for being light, clean, noiseless, strong, durable, beautiful, and delightfully elastic.

THE BANK AND INSURANCE COMPANY.

The Citizen's National Bank of Muncy was incorporated, April 3, 1886, with a capital stock of $50,000. The officers for 1892 are: President, E. M. Green; cashier, John H. Hatch; teller, Clyde S. Smith; directors: E. M. Green, James Ecroyd, John Phillip Opp, A. C. Trumbower, David Stolz, H. V. Peterman, E. R. Noble, William J. McCarty, Lewis S. Smith.

The West Brauch Mutual Fire Insurance Company was chartered, June 4, 1878. The general objects of the company are to insure against loss by fire, all kinds of buildings used in connection with agricultural pursuits and rural residences and their contents, if sufficiently isolated, as well as all kinds of personal property belonging to a farm. or used by a farmer, under such limitations as the by-laws may impose. Thirteen directors are elected annually on the first Tuesday after the second Monday in January, and meet to organize on the Saturday following. The officers for 1892 are: C. D. Eldred, president; William J. Wood, secretary; Hiram Dunkel, treasurer. The latter is cashier of the Farmers' National Bank of Watson- town. The directors are C. D. Eldred, William J. Wood, Hiram Dunkel, William N. Koch, D. F. Dietrick, J. R. Murray, Henry Smith, B. F. Gortner, Peter

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

Gray, Joseph Hileman, John Vanderbelt, F. C. Ulman, and W. F. Schooley. The annual statement showing receipts and expenditures for 1891, including an account of the risks in force and deposit notes on hand, is as follows: Cash account, $7,597.56; losses and liabilities, $7,432.88; risks in force, December 31, 1890. $1,675,285.95; risks taken during 1891; $402,961.65; total, $2,078,247.60. Expired, exchanged, or surrendered during 1891; $270,842.66, leaving a balance of $1,807,404.94 in force.

WATER SUPPLY.

Muncy is supplied with water brought from a reservoir located on the south fork of Glade run nearly three miles southeast of the borough. The capacity is 3,000- 000 gallons. The system cost about $35,000.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

There are six secret societies in Muncy, as follows: Muncy Lodge, 299, A. Y. M., which was chartered by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania on the 2d of June, 1856, and began with nine members, the present membership being over 100; Brady Lodge, I. O. O. F., No. 116; Col. John D. Musser Post, No. 66, G. A. R .; Junior Order of American Mechanics, No. 516; Royal Arcanum, No. 934; Patriotic Order Sons of America, Washington Camp, No. 166.

THE PRESS.

The Muncy Telegraph was the first paper started in Muncy. James Potter Patterson founded it in the autumn of 1831. It was a folio and had five columns to the page. The young editor conducted it with spirit and ability, and had he lived would doubtless have made his mark. He died of consumption, February 27, 1835, at the early age of nearly twenty-three. James Potter Patterson was born on the Juniata, and started on his brief editorial career in Muncy when but eighteen. His grandfather, William Patterson, commanded the whites in the battle with the Indians in Muncy Hills in 1763. After his death A. Maclay Patterson, probably his brother, conducted the paper about a month, when J. Kidd Shoemaker became the editor and published the paper until the spring of 1841, when he removed the establishment to Bellefonte.

Next came The Luminary as the successor of The Telegraph. It was founded, April 10, 1841, by W. P. I .. & G. L. I. Painter. Originally it was a five-column paper, the size of the sheet being 21x2S. In 1844 in was enlarged to six columns, size of sheet 21x31. The senior editor retired in 1846, and George L. I. Painter, the junior, continued the paper alone until April, 1879, when he retired, and his son, William P. Painter, assumed control. He was succeeded in 1888 by Thomas B. Painter, a brother, who is the present editor. It is now a nine-column paper, size of sheet 28x44, and a power press and steam are employed to print it. The Luminary has always been a stanch Whig and Republican paper. On the 31st of July, 1891, it celebrated its semi-centennial anniversary by publishing a double sheet filled with valuable matter relating to the history of Muncy, which the author has freely made use of in the compilation of this chapter. It is rare to find a paper fifty years old that has never been out of the family that founded it.

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BOROUGH OF MUNCY.

Sometime in the summer of 1844 The Olive Branch was issued by J. M. New- son. It was discontinued at the end of a year. A copy is now in the collection of Mr. Gernerd.

A little historical magazine, called Now and Then, was started by J. M. M. Gernerd in June, 1868, and published irregularly up to February, 1878, when it was discontinued. During the ten years of its existence nineteen numbers were published, and it became very popular on account of the valuable local historical matter it contained. After a rest of ten years Mr. Gernerd resumed his Now and Then in an enlarged form as a bi-monthly July-August, 1888, and continued it up to May, 1892. It largely increased in popularity and valne during the four years it was published.

The Muncy Pastorate founded in August, 1890, by Rev. J. A. Koser, pastor of the Lutheran church, is a unique little quarterly devoted to the interests of his church and congregation.

SCHOOLS.

One of the first school houses within the present borough limits was situated at the corner of Main street and the Danville road. It was built of round, unhewn logs, and roofed with bark; the regulation pine slab, with four pegs in it, was used for a seat. In the year 1800 the Guide school house was built near the southwest corner of Muncy manor, and one George Hog became the first teacher. Later another school house was built in the northern part of Muncy and was used for school pur- poses many years.

In 1834 a law was passed by the State legislature to provide for the better edu- cation of the children of the Commonwealth. Under the provisions of this act directors or trustees were elected, who should look after the work of procuring teachers and buildings. The first election for school directors was held at the " Brick school house," September 19, 1834, and the following were chosen: George Roberts, Joseph K. Frederick, James Rankin, Joshua Bowman, J. Potter Patterson, Simon Schuyler.

In 1841 the first seminary for young ladies was opened under the direction of Miss Anna Wynkoop, assisted by her sister. Mrs. Belinda Smalley, wife of Rev. John Smalley, opened a select school in 1846. When Mr. Life succeeded her hus- band in 1857, his wife continued the school. These schools were of marked excellence, and to this day Mrs. Smalley and Mrs. Life are held in the highest esteem for their invaluable services to Muncy as educators of her youth. It was during the time of Mrs. Life that Miss Rose Elizabeth Cleveland, sister of ex-Presi- dent Cleveland, was employed as a teacher.

Up to 1873 the school houses were scattered and overcrowded and the teachers could not do justice to their pupils. These troubles were overcome this year by the completion of a magnificent school building at a cost of $30,000, which put Muncy in the front rank, so far as educational buildings were concerned. The work was systematically arranged. A high school course leading to graduation was introduced, the first class graduating in 1881. The course embraces a thorough drill in the common branches, taking up also Latin, German, literature, and some of the higher mathematics. It has attracted many students from outside the borough, and each

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year finds an increase in the number of those who wish to avail themselves of the advantage of this excellent course of study. There are six schools in the building and last year seven and two-thirds months were taught by four male and three female teachers. The enrollment showed 321 pupils.

The Lycoming County Normal School was organized at Montoursville in the spring of 1870 under the leadership of T. G. Gahn, Esq., ex-county superintendent, and W. R. Bierly, Esq. The number of students at first was small and its influence coufined within narrow limits. Each year, however, there was an increase in the attendance, and in 1877 the school had grown so large that it was removed to Muncy, where the handsome and commodious building which had just been erected - offered the necessary facilities. Before the establishment of this school the teachers of the county had no acquaintance with the theory of teaching, or school govern- ment, and the advancement that was made was slow and unsatisfactory. Teachers labored vigorously for the advancement of those under their care, but no adequate returns rewarded their toil. The Normal teaching presented new methods and theories, which were carried into the work of teaching. and the progress that was made was gratifying to all friends of popular education. During the period that the school has now been here it has continually advanced in numbers and influence. The course of study has been enlarged, and now includes, besides the regular teach- ers' course, a college preparatory course, which prepares pupils for admission to the leading institutions. Since its inception the school has been in charge of the following principals: Ex-County Superintendent C. S. Riddell; Superintendent Charles Lose. A. M. ; Emerson Collins, Esq .; W. R. Peoples. Esq., and J. George Becht, B. S. The catalogue for 1892 shows an enrollment of 231 students, the largest in the history of the institution. Two free scholarships are offered to the pupils of the public schools passing the best examination for common school diplomas.

CHURCH HISTORY.

An Episcopal church was the first founded in Muncy. From a pamphlet history left by the late Rev. A. P. Brush, it appears that in 1797 the Rev. Caleb Hopkins came to Muncy and held a service. He was a missionary and a pioneer. During the war of the Revolution he was a lieutenant in the Continental army; at its close he laid aside his sword. His missionary work began at Milton, aud extended to Muncy, Jersey Shore, and other points. It is supposed the first services at Muncy were held in a barn. An entry in an old book says: "At a regular meeting of the congregation of St. James church, held at Immanuel church of the German Luther- ans in Muncy Creek township, on the 30th of- August, 1819, officers were chosen, namely: Samuel Shoemaker, clerk of the vestry; Thomas Adlum, John Shipman, Benjamin Shoemaker, Matthias Woodley, Deter Dimm, vestrymen; Edward G. Lyon, Jacob Shoemaker, Esq., John Opp, Benjamin Smith, wardens." This was the first organization, but where they had been worshiping before this is unknown. It is probable, however, that what was known as the Guide school house had been the place of worship for many years. Mr. Hopkins was chosen rector about this time, and served until January, 1824, when he removed to Angelica, New York, where he soon afterwards died. He "was the first resident minister in this vicinity who preached in the English tongue."

BOROUGH OF MUNCY. 481

Mr. Hopkins was succeeded by Rev. William Eldred, who, as a young man, had practiced law in England. The story of his life is most interesting and pathetic. He was a man of untiring energy and industry. 3 He walked from here to Philadelphia and back in midwinter to be examined for ordination. Literally worn , out by hard work. he died, January 16, 1828.

Rev. Lucius Carter succeeded Mr. Eldred as rector, December 7, 1828. The following year was made memorable by a visit from the Rt. Rev. H. U. Onderdonk. The bishop officiated in Immanuel church and confirmed thirty-three people.

During the rectorship of Mr.' Carter the first Episcopal church was built. It stood on the site of the present church; was a plain brick building, and cost $1, 946. It was reconsecrated by Bishop Onderdonk, June 9, 1832. Mr. Carter resigned the same day, and August 10, 1833, Rev. Isaac Smith was called. He served the congre- gation six years, and resigned in August, 1839. Rev. Edwin N. Lightner came the 1st of February, 1840, and, owing to his zeal, vigor, and efficiency, Muncy is to day the mother parish of the parishes of Williamsport and Lock Haven. After the retirement of Mr. Lightner the following rectors had charge: Rev. John B. Calhoun, Rev. Colley Alexander Foster, Rev. John Gaulter Downing, Rev. George C. Drake, Rev. Albra Wadleigh. He was the tenth rector, and took charge in 1857. During his administration a new church was built, and it was consecrated by Rt. Rev. Samuel Bowman, November 15, 1859. It cost $9,000. Mr. Wadleigh retired in 1866, and was succeeded by Rev. A. P. Brush. His successors are as follows: Rev. P. B. Lightner, Rev. F. Duncan Jordan, Rev. Francis D. Canfield, Rev. W. H. Johnson, Rev. David L. Fleming, and Rev. William Heakes, the present incumbent.

The second oldest church in Muncy is the Methodist. The first sermon was preached by Rev. John Rhodes in the old log school house, on South Main street, in 1821. The first church was erected on the site of the present church in 1830. In 1854 it was displaced by the present building at a cost of $7,000. Four years later the gable end and roof were destroyed by a wind storm, but they were replaced at a cost of $1,500. During 1884 the church was remodeled at a cost of $2,500, and a parsonage was also purchased and fitted up at a cost of $3,000. In 1890 the debt was wiped out and the church now rejoices in the possesssion of church property worth $15,000, and a membership of about 230.

The Presbyterian church is the third in the order of age. It was organized in July, 1834, in the brick school house in the borough, the Rev. Phineas B. Marr being the officiating clergyman. Thomas Hutchison and Dr. James Rankin were elected elders, and later in the same year were ordained by the Rev. John Bryson. In 1852 the church was regularly organized under State law, with eighteen charter members. Rev. S. S. Shedden was ordained as the first pastor of the - church in 1835, and was dismissed in 1842. Rev. John Smalley served from 1843 until July, 1850. The church was then served occasionally until April, 1857, when Rev. William Life was installed pastor and remained until 1868. Then followed Rev. Archibald Heron, Rev. Lyman D. Calkins, Rev. S. T. Thompson, Rev. Nicholas F. Stahl, Rev. Edwin B. Raffensperger, and Rev. A. Dean, who is the present pastor. A house of worship was erected and dedicated in 1835. It was enlarged and improved in 1859, and rededicated in 1860. A parsonage was built in 1873. The membership of the church is now about 100.

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

A Baptist church was organized, June 24, 1841, with twenty-eight constituent members, and Rev. J. Green Miles became the first pastor. The present house of worship was completed and dedicated in March, 1843. Rev. Miles was succeeded by Rev. Edward Ely in 1843. The line of succession has been as follows: Rev. Dr. Bradley, Rev. William S. Hall, Rev. E. Bochnogen, Rev. J. Edminter, Rev. C. A. Hewit, and Rev. George Peltz, each occupying the pulpit for a period of two years. Rev. Joshaa Kelly, pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church of this place, changed his views and was baptized and received into the fellowship of the church by Rev. J. R. Loomis, LL. D., in November, 1856. He was soon afterwards ordained and settled as pastor. He resigned, November 1, 1859, and accepted a call to Williamsport. He took an active part in addressing Union meetings at the breakiug out of the rebellion, and it was believed by many that his great zeal in this work shortened his days, for he died suddenly of heart failure. Since the time of Rev. Kelly the pastors have been as follows: Rev. S. G. Keim, Rev. N. Calender, Rev. A. F. Shannafelt, Rev. T. M. Shannafelt, Rev. George T. McNair, Rev. E. C. Houck, Rev. E. L. Pawling, Rev. E. C. Houck, for the second time, Rev. R. Kocher, and Rev. H. C. Munro, who came in 1884. Under Mr. Munro the Picture Rocks and Montgomery congregations built new houses of worship. He resigned in March, 1892, and retired to his former home at White Hall.

Notwithstanding the Lutheran denomination is the oldest in and about Muncy, no church was built within the borough limits until 1852. Previous to this the Lutherans worshiped at old Immanuel church (See Muncy Creek township.), which was founded in the last century. An organization was formed, November 23, 1852, and steps taken to build a church. The work was pushed so rapidly that the edifice was ready for dedication, October 19, 1853. Rev. George Parson was pastor and continued as such until June 1, 1865, during which time he admitted 148 members. Up to the present time there have been half a dozen pastors, the present one being Rev. J. A. Koser. During the pastorate of Rev. A. R. Aughe the church was enlarged at a cost of $2,500, and on the day of reopening the money was all provided for. In 1876 a parsonage was built at a cost of $1,900. Other improvements were made from time to time. The church, which is located in the northern part of the town on low ground, was badly damaged during the great flood of June 1, 1889, the water reaching a depth of six feet one inch in the lecture room. Much expense was involved in making repairs, as the furniture and organs were ruined, but there is no debt on parsonage or church property now, and the congregation numbers 335 members.

BURIAL PLACES.

The two oldest burial places in Muncy are those of the Episcopal church and the Walton graveyard. In both of these many early settlers are interred. In the former lie the ashes of Mary Scudder Shoemaker, who was the first white female child born north of Muncy Hills, and of John Henry Pepper, an eccentric German, who came here as a gardener for Samuel Wallis about 1790. It is said that Wallis gave him a lot in what is now the southern part of the borough. He put up a little log cabin and lived there as a recluse for many years. In 1800 a school house was erected near his cabin, which was surrounded by trees. He wore his hair long, and

Um Jumis

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BOROUGH OF JERSEY SHORE.

done up in a queue. During a cold winter night he came near freezing, and when found was in a pitiable condition. He became a public charge, and died, March 5, 1833, aged about eighty years. After giving his name, place of birth, and date of death, the inscription on his tombstone closes: "A resident of Muncy for upwards of forty years, and proprietor of that part of the borough of Muncy called Pepper- ville."

James Walton gave the ground for what is known as " Walton's graveyard," but in what year is not remembered. It was probably soon after he and the McCarty's received their deeds in 1791. The headstones of the oldest graves bear no inscriptions. William and Benjamin McCarty were both buried there. The grave of William is marked by a marble slab. He died, January 21, 1813, of " black" fever contracted from stricken soldiers who were encamped on the west bank of Muncy creek. A patriot and a Christian, he ministered to the wants of the sick men, carried them provisions, etc., and while thus engaged took the disease which ended his life. Benjamin McCarty was buried here also, but as his grave was not permanently marked, its identity has been lost. The next oldest marked grave is that of Susan Brindle, who died, January 11, 1818; William Brindle, who was drowned at Clarkestown, on Muncy creek, March 15, 1833, and Eli Stone, the once widely known landlord, who for many years kept the tavern on the old county road at the dividing line between Northumberland and Lycoming counties. He died in 1854, aged seventy-four years.

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History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 57

Author: edited by John F. Meginness Publication date: 1892 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk Number of Pages: 1650

Author: edited by John F. Meginness
Publication date: 1892
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1650