History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 61

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

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The land on which Hughesville was founded was patented to John Heap, May 7, 1793, and by him conveyed to Samuel Harrold, who by his will conveyed it to his son John. It was purchased, March 23, 1816, by Jeptha Hughes, who soon afterwards laid out a town. It first took the name of "Hughesburg." On the 1st of July, 1820, Hughes sold the entire plot to Daniel Harrold. The town grew slowly for a long time. In 1819 Jacob Clayton purchased a part of this land from William Hurl, and the same year he erected a grist mill on the site of the one now owned by the heirs of William Taggart. About 1862 the mill was destroyed by fire, but it was rebuilt by Edward Lyon, who was the owner.

FIRST DOCTOR AND LAWYER.

The first resident physician was Dr. John W. Peale, father of ex-Senator Peale, of Lock Haven. He settled here in 1828 and remained ten years, when he sold his practice to Dr. George Hill, who had just graduated. He is now one of the three oldest practitioners in the county. Peter Rishel, the first practical dentist, opened an office in 1853. W. E. Crawford opened a law office in 1875, and is regarded as the first lawyer to settle in the borough.

FIRST IMPROVEMENTS.

Tradition informs us that Paul Willey opened the first tavern in 1820. It stood

Danielsteek

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BOROUGH OF HUGHESVILLE.

on the site of the present United States Hotel. Theodore Wells opened the first store in 1830. He afterwards sold his stock to Adam Bodine. His son Charles, father of De Witt and Milton Bodine, then took charge of the business and success- fully conducted it.

POSTMASTERS.

The Hughesville postoffice was established November 19, 1827, and Theodore Wells was appointed postmaster. He held the office until December 9, 1834, when Christopher Kaylor was appointed. His successors have been appointed as follows: Gershom Biddle, October 9, 1839; James Huling, May 11, 1849; John F. McLain, June 15, 1853; James Laird, October 2, 1855; James H. Huling, July 23, 1861; Aaron C. Carlisle, September 18, 1866; Michael R. Swartz, December 30, 1867; Jeremiah Kelley, March 27, 1869; William H. Warne, October 28, 1870; William Kitchen, January 4, 1875; Milton Bodine, July 3, 1884; Harry H. Rutter, Sep- tember 4, 1885; Theodore A. Boak, March 27, 1889. He is the present incumbent.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

Early in 1852 a movement was started to have the town incorporated. The act passed and was approved, April 23, 1852. The boundaries were defined as follows:

That the town of Hughesville, in the county of Lycoming, and territory included within the following boundaries, to wit: Beginning at a point on the land of Edward Lyon; thence running S. 40° 30' W. 210 perches to a point on the lands of Abraham Bodine; thence S. 49" 30' E. 78 perches to a point on the lands of Thomas Ellis; thence N. 40° 30' E. 251 perches to a point on the aforesaid lands of Edward Lyon; thence N. 79 W. 90 perches to the place of beginning, is hereby erected into a borough, to be called and styled "the borough of Hughes- ville."

The second section of the act called for the election of a burgess and other officers on the third Friday of May, 1852, and on the third Friday of February annually thereafter.

As far as it has been possible to find any record, it appears that Enos Hawley was the first burgess, after which there is a blank until 1861, when Mr. Hawley appears to have been elected again. After his term the record is as follows: 1862, W. A. Krouse; 1863, J. F. Meclain; 1864-65, Israel Buck; 1866, C. Reedy; 1867, Joseph Crowley; 1868, John Butler; 1869, Ira Robbins; 1870, A. C. Carlisle; 1871, Michael Steck; 1872-73, A. C. Henry; 1874, Conrad Reedy; 1875, Lawson Hughes; 1876, Thomas Kahler; 1877, S. R. Kline; 1878, S. R. Kline; 1879, James, Laird; 1880, Lewis Ball; 18S1, H. R. Merhling; 1882, J. K. Rishel; 1883, J. K. Rishel; 1884, A. C. Henry; 1885, A. C. Henry; 1886, John Kahler; 1887, J. C. Laird; 1888, Charles J. Hill; 1889, O. S. Lutz; 1890-91, William Kurtz; 1892, S. C. Bussler.

Secretaries of council have been as follows: Theodore Hill, 1852 to 1860; J. A. Swartz, 1860 to 1865; W. A. Krouse, 1866 to 1867; William Frontz, 1867 to 1869; Charles M. Hill, 1869 to 1870; Lewis Ball, 1870 to 1872; G. C. Frontz, 1872 to 1875; William Frontz, 1875 to 1880; W. E. Crawford, 1880 to 1886; George Ball, 1886 to 1887; Jacob Hart, 1887 to 1888; Theodore Bonnell, 1888 to 1890; W. A. Ball, 1890 to 1893.

Since the original town plot was made by Jeptha Hughes, the borough has been

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

greatly enlarged by additions from time to time. Many of the residences are neat and cosy in the cottage style of architecture. The principal streets running north and south are named Railroad street, Main, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth; east and west: Walnut, Water, Academy, Cemetery, and Park streets.

INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT.

The first blacksmith shop was started by Tingley & Corson in 1820. William Kitchen established a chair factory in 1829. A wagon shop was opened in 1830 by Wells & Johnson, and among other vehicles they manufactured the noted Dearborn wagon. In 1832 Robert Pursel started a tannery on the site now occupied by San- tee's shingle machine shop. As there were quite a number of distilleries in those days the cooper trade was one of the leading industries. A saw and planing mill, owned by Bodine & Webb, occupied the ground on which the Baptist church stands. It was converted into a turning and bending factory in 1869 by James Laird & Sons, but was burned in 1874. James Laird & Company then built the furniture factory now owned by J. K. Rishel. It is now an important industry and employs a large number of men. Boak Brothers also carry on a large furniture factory and employ a strong working force.

Other industries are noted as follows: Knitting factory, Mrs. Ella Faus; car- riage shop, Samuel Moss; washing machine manufactory, Deibler & Ring; sash, door, and planing mill, J. R. & M. W. Swartz; foundry and machine shop, Snowden Brothers.

FIRST NATIONAL BANK.

The First National Bank of Hughesville was organized, September 1, 1888, with a paid-up capital of $50,000, and the surplus has now reached $5,000. The present officers are: President, De Witt Bodine; vice-president, C. W. Woddrop; cashier, W. C. Frontz; assistant, Frank A. Reeder; directors: De Witt Bodine, C. W. Wod- drop, W. C. Frontz, Peter Reeder, Jeremiah Kelley, Milton Bodine, J. K. Rishel, J. C. Laird, S. L. Van Valzah, D. H. Poust, John Bull, Peter Frontz, James K. Boak.

LIGHT AND WATER.

In October, 1891, an electric light plant was founded for illuminating the borough, dwellings, and manufactories; and at the same time water works were established. The borough, although the census of 1890 only gave it a population of 1,358, is fully abreast of the times in modern improvements. Its two furniture manufactories employ over 200 hands in the aggregate, and its three hotels fully meet the wants of all travelers.

SECRET SOCIETIES.

Hughesville Lodge, No. 331, I. O. O. F., was organized, October 16, 1848. The war of the rebellion caused a recess of about thirteen years, on account of so many members having enlisted. On the 1st of August, 1870, the lodge was reor- ganized, and since that time 199 members have been admitted. Other lodges are: Lady Hughs Rebecca Degree Lodge, No. 215, I. O. O. F., organized January 23,

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BOROUGH OF HUGHESVILLE.

1890. 45 members; P. O. S. of A., organized October, 1SS7; Jr. O. U. A. M., organ - ized November, 1890; G. A. R., organized in ISS6.

THE PRESS.

The Cannsarago Daily Herald was published during the third annual exhibition of the Muncy Valley Farmers' Club in the fall of 1873. It was the first paper published in the town, and was run in the interest of the club. When the fair was over it ceased.

The Enterprise was the second paper to make its appearance. It was started by R. A. Kinsloe, June 19, 1874, and was a six-column folio. He conducted it until June IS, 1883, when he sold out to Jeremiah Kelly. The material was immedi- ately purchased by H. H. Rutter, who ran it for five issues, and then changed the name to the Hughesville Mail. under which title he has published it to the present time. It is a quarto, with six columns to the page, and is Democratic.

Early in June, 1877, Daniel Riley issued the first number of the Hughesville Journal. It was a folio of six columns to the page and was Democratic in principle. Mr. Riley conducted it until some time in 1879, when he retired, and soon after- wards the material was purchased by Buck & Hill. They immediately started a paper called The Mirror, which they published for less than a year and then sus- pended.

The Lutheran Sentinel, a quarterly church paper, was started by Rev. J. A. Wirt in April, 1890. It is devoted to the interests of the Lutheran church, of which Mr. Wirt is pastor.

Our Report is the title of a church paper published by the pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church.

SCHOOLS AND CHURCHES.

About 1818 a log school house was built on the present school grounds. It was a rude structure, furnished with a tenplate stove instead of the common open fire place. Some of the pupils came five miles to this school. After the borough was incorporated a new school house was built on this ground, which had been deeded in trust by Jacob Shoemaker for school and church purposes. The trustees were Jacob Hill, Jacob Clayton, and Baltzer Steck. The building was brick and con- tained two rooms. It was torn down in 1875 and a larger building, containing four rooms, was erected. This building was remodeled in 1889, and two rooms were added, making it much better. Steam is used for heating purposes. The value of the property is estimated at $16,000. The report for 1891 shows six schools taught by two male and four female teachers, and an average attendance of 240 scholars out of an enrollment of 295.

About 1820 the Methodists organized the first religious society in the town. For twenty-four years they worshiped in the old log school house. A church was then built in 1844. In 1879 it was rebuilt. In the meantime the congregation had become so large that more room was required, and in 1892 a handsome brick build- ing was erected adjoining the old church.

The Lutheran church was not organized until long after the Methodist. About 1850 a church was built. This was used until 1884, when a lot was purchased on

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

the corner of Main and Academy streets and a fine brick church erected at a cost of $18,000.

In 1866 the Evangelical church was organized, and the same year a church was built.

The Baptists commenced erecting a church in 1891, which has been completed. It is a neat frame building.

CEMETERIES.

The old graveyard, near the Railroad station, which was started near the close of the last century on land set apart for that purpose by Mr. Shoemaker, was abandoned about 1860. There many of the pioneers were buried. In 1859 Pleas- ant Hill cemetery was laid out on the declivity of a hill overlooking the borough from the west, which has been so beautified and adorned until it has become a very attractive place. It is related that when it was laid out a party of ladies and gentle- men visited the place. Among them was Miss Emma Coder, sister-in-law of Lewis Ball, who made the remark: "I wonder who will be the first one buried here?" In a short time she was taken ill and died, and her funeral was the first at the new cemetery !

It is outside the limits of the borough, in Wolf township, but it is the place of burial for the borough and the region round about. Many of the monuments, tomb- stones, and other memorials are neat and appropriate. On one of the avenues, in a neatly kept plot, this inscription on a marble tombstone will attract the attention of the visitor: "J. Lukens Wallis died July 27, 1863, aged eighty-nine years, eight months, and three days. He was the first male white child born in Muncy valley." His birth occurred just after the stormiest period (1779) in the history of the valley, when the white settlers were slowly returning, after being driven away by the savages.

Within sight of this modern cemetery, near the Newman school house, is one of the oldest graveyards in the valley. It is called the "Newman graveyard," and there the Newmans, Rynearsons, Lows, and other original settlers buried their dead for many years. It has been abandoned as a place of interment for more than fifty years, but it is still kept enclosed.

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BOROUGH OF PICTURE ROCKS.

CHAPTER XXXI.

BOROUGH OF PICTURE ROCKS.

TOPOGRAPHY-ORIGIN OF THE NAME-FOUNDERS OF THE TOWN-THE POSTOFFICE-MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT-INDUSTRIAL, SOCIAL, AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT-CHURCHES-SCHOOLS.

HIS pretty little borough is situated on Big Muncy creek, about seven and a half miles from the town of Muncy, and two and a half above Hughesville. A ledge of rocks rises nearly perpendicularly 200 feet above the stream which washes its base. The valley at this point is about three-fourths of a mile wide, increasing in width as you descend the creek, and is surrounded on the east, west, and north by rocks and mountains. The basin in which the settlement was made covers an area of probably 500 or 600 acres.

The peculiar name-Picture Rocks-was given to the place by the early settlers, who found rude Indian pictures painted on the rocks. They have long since disap- peared. These hieroglyphics attracted much attention at first and were long regarded as an object of curiosity by the whites. What they indicated no one could tell. Tradition informs us that the flat on which the town is built was once a favor- ite camping place for bands of Monsie Indians, and as many arrow points and other relics of the departed race were found there, such was probably the fact.

. FOUNDERS OF THE TOWN.

In the fall of 1848, two families, viz: A. R. Sprout and Amos Burrows, came from Susquehanna county and settled here. The place was little better than a wild. There was but one house, a barn, and a saw mill. Both families moved into the house, until more quarters could be provided. Other friends and relatives soon fol- lowed and the little settlement grew apace. The land was first taken up by Henry Rody, his warrant bearing date, June 3, 1773. He sold it to Abraham Singer, who conveyed it to John Tice, by whom it was sold to A. R. Sprout and Amos Burrows in the autumn of 1848. At that time it was not very attractive-in fact, the land was regarded as worthless, owing to the seeming impossibility of clearing away the rocks, logs, and underbrush which encumbered it.

A. R. Sprout and Amos Burrows, the founders of the town, have both been gath- ered to their fathers. Mr. Sprout was born in Connecticut, April 25, 1816, and died at Picture Rocks, October 25, 1888. His mother, who was a sister of Amos Burrows, was born on the 4th of July, and on the same day, eighty-seven years later, she died. She was the mother of eight sons and three daughters, and Mr. Sprout was the eldest of the family. He was noted for his inventive genius and love of fruit culture. His wife did not survive him long. They left no issue.

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

THE POSTOFFICE.

Picture Rocks was made a postvillage, July 9, 1861, and James E. Lobdell was commissioned postmaster. His successors have been as follows: Robert S. Shoe- maker, June 6, 1867; Theodore W. Little, July 2, 1869; S. H. Burrows, September 9, 1881; Howard M. Essick, August 21, 1SS5; John B. Musgrave, April 15, 1889.

MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.

The town was incorporated as a borough, September 27, 1875, since which time it has greatly improved. Burgesses have been elected as follows: 1876, C. H. Eddy; 1877, A. A. Collins; 1878, A. L. Eddy; 1879, E. T. Sprout; 1880, T. W. Little; 1881, J. D. Musgrave; 1882, W. Beck; 1883, A. Fague; 1884, A. C. Little; 1885, W. W. Pickering; 1886-87, A. E. Burrows; 1888, C. N. Molyneaux; 1889-90, T. H. Bennett; 1891, S. H. Burrows; 1892, J. D. Musgrave.

INDUSTRIAL, SOCIAL, AND BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT.

Tice, the owner of the land, was the possessor of a primitive saw mill, but it had been standing idle for several years. This mill was purchased by Sprout & Bur- rows and a sash, door, and blind manufactory started. This was the first window sash factory in the county, and the product was regarded as an innovation by car- penters, who were prejudiced against it. They argued that the making of sash by machinery would ruin their business and they discountenanced its use by builders. But the spirit of progress could not be stayed. The sash factory won the victory after a hard struggle and the plucky founders lived to see many others established throughout the country.

Town lots were laid out and sold and buildings erected. Other manufacturing industries were founded, more settlers came, and in a few years the place had assumed the dignity of a village. Purchasers of lots were required to enter into an agreement not to open a saloon or engage in the liquor traffic. The town was built on the sure foundation of temperance and morality-the potent factors of prosperity, religion, and civilization-and to-day the people are thrifty, godly, and happy.

Picture Rocks now has five industries. The leading concerns are Burrows Brothers & Company's, Limited, Furniture Manufactory, employing about 100 hands; Handle and Excelsior Company; Frey & Fague's Planing Mill; John P. Little & Company's Bending Works, and John Bryan's Knitting Factory. In the aggregate these various industries employ a large number of men.

There are three stores, one drug store, one blacksmith shop, two physicians, two livery stables, one jewelery store, and a number of shops.

CHURCHES.

The majority of the original settlers were Baptists, and in 1849 they organized a society with about twenty members, but as they had no church they were com- pelled to worship in a school house. The supply preacher arrived one Saturday evening, intending to preach the next day. While stopping with one of the brethren he remarked that he " dreaded to attempt preaching in that pig pen of a house with such low ceilings and broken walls." A person remarked that he once read of a house being built by having a general turn out of the people, when a day's work put

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BOROUGH OF DUBOISTOWN.

up a decent log structure in the new settlement, where service was held. At this suggestion it was agreed that an effort should be made. After preaching a business meeting was held and arrangements entered into to erect a church. A lot was pro- cured, every one contributed something iu the line of material, and at a given day all came together and assisted in the work of "raising" the building, and in eight days it was completed and ready for use. It stood for over twenty-five years and served the purpose for which it was designed. Its site is now occupied by a more imposing and convenient place of worship. The strength of the congregation is now about eighty, and there is a flourishing Sunday school connected with the church.

Some years ago the Methodists erected a church in the borough, and they now have a good list of members and a flourishing Sunday school.

SCHOOLS.

In this hive of industry and sobriety education has not been neglected. There are three schools in the borough and the report shows six months taught in 1891, by one male and two female teachers. The former was paid $50 a month and the latter an average of $32 each. Average number of male scholars, 49; female, 64. The borough, according to the census of 1890, had a population of 510.

CHAPTER XXXII.

BOROUGH OF DUBOISTOWN.

INDIAN HISTORY-EARLY SURVEYS-ANDREW CULBERTSON-GALBRAITH PATTERSON-SAMUEL CALDWELL-BEGINNINGS OF DUBOISTOWN-MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT-THE BOROUGH To-DAY.

D UBOISTOWN stands on historic ground. It is situated on the south side of the West Branch of the Susquehanna, opposite the west end of the city of Williamsport, and under the shadow of Bald Eagle mountain. Lycoming creek, flowing from the north, falls into the river opposite the borough. The "Muscetto," or "Mosketo," (April 17, 1784,) or " Musquettoe," (September 25, 1801,) now known as Mosquito creek, a beautiful mountain stream, dashes in its rapid torrent from the south, through a wild, narrow mountain gorge, flows through the center of the town, and falls into the river where the Teneyck mill now stands. This stream has its source at the base of the White Deer mountain, and has always been noted as unfailing in its supply of water and for the many brook trout that inhabit it.

The alluvial plateau on which a portion of the town stands was, at the time of its discovery, covered with a rank growth of weeds and heavy timber, among which black walnut predominated. This led the explorers to call it "Walnut bottom." When this plateau was cleared it was found to be covered with stone implements showing that the Indians had once dwelt there in considerable numbers. Their fire

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

places, made of stone, were plainly visible along the bank of the river, and the discolored earth can still be seen when it is stirred by the plow. Here they evidently manufactured arrow points, judging from the quantities of spawl, flakes of chert, and other substances discovered. Fragments of earthenware, soapstone ware, pestles, skinners, hatchets, ornaments, charms, etc., were also found in great quantities, showing that this secluded retreat must have been where one of their rude manufactories was located. The spot was well chosen. One of their main trails over the mountain came through the gorge aud crossed the river to Catharine's Town, (Newberry,) where it intersected the great Sheshequin path leading up Lycoming creek.

About the year 1852, while removing some loose stone from around the base of a large rock near the Big spring, a short distance from DuBoistown, the workmen, when at a depth of several feet, found a large quantity of arrow and spear heads placed under a shelf of the rock. In 1879, while digging a trench near the site of the Indian village, the workmen found a long, slender stone imbedded in the earth, standing upright, with the top near the surface. It bore the appearance of having been rudely dressed. About two feet below the surface a grooved stone axe was found by its side. They excavated around the stone to the depth of about four feet, and then broke it off. It had probably been placed there by the Indians to mark the site of some great event, or in memory of some fallen hero.

EARLY SURVEYS.

One would scarcely suppose, owing to the dense wilderness that existed here one hundred years ago, that the early white explorers would have discovered the place, and that so much interesting pioneer history was made in that secluded spot. But such is the fact. And for much of this history we are indebted to the laborious researches of J. H. McMinn.

In October, 1769, surveys were made along the river in the vicinity of Mosquito creek. This was in Charles Lukens's district, and the land at that time belonged to Cumberland county. A warrant was laid on the DuBoistown tract by Samuel Boone, brother of Hawkins Boone, who fell at Fort Freeland, and a cousin of Daniel Boone, of Kentucky fame. When Northumberland county was formed this section became a portion of Lower Bald Eagle township, then of Washington, of Clinton, and finally of Armstrong in Lycoming.

ANDREW CULBERTSON.

Andrew Culbertson appears as a conspicuous character in our early history. He was born in 1731 in Delaware, and had several brothers and sisters. Their ancestors were Irish. Andrew came to this valley early and took an active part during the Indian troubles. Mention has been made of him in the chapters devoted to our early history. We find upon record the purchase, July 5, 1773, from Samuel . Wallis, of the Martin McGraw tract, which adjoined on the east the Samuel Boone tract of 111 acres, lying on both sides of Mosquito creek at its confluence with the river, the warrant for which was issued April 3, 1769, and which was surveyed Octo- ber 28, 1769. This tract Culbertson owned prior to 1773. The McGraw tract was conveyed to Reuben Haines, of Philadelphia, July 12, 1773, and by him to Samuel

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BOROUGH OF DUBOISTOWN.

Wallis, April 17, 1784, for £35. It contained 172 acres and was described as "lying one and a half miles south of the Susquehanna river, near the Hagerman survey, adjoining the Samuel Boone tract, now owned by Andrew Culbertson." On March 26, 1793, Culbertson obtained a warrant for a tract containing 411 acres adjoining the Boone tract on the south and extending along both sides of Mosquito run into Mosquito valley to the tract granted Col. Thomas Hartley, February 11, 1773. His brother, James Culbertson, obtained a warrant for an adjoining tract on Mosquito valley mountain, containing 2134 acres, March 26, 1793, which was conveyed to Andrew Culbertson, January 4, 1797, for 5s.

It is likely that Culbertson while aiding in the pursuit of marauding Indians into Buffalo or White Deer valley-for we first hear of him as having located a tract near the present town of Lewisburg-had entered Mosquito valley by the path over the mountain, and descended it to the mouth of Mosquito' creek; and, noticing the natural advantages which the stream presented, he purchased the tracts, on which warrants had already been laid, and took up the adjoining ones to effect a perma- nent settlement. It is not positively known that he was thus actuated, but such a conclusion appears reasonable from the fact that he located there about 1773, and soon after erected a saw mill and started other improvements. He was driven away at the time of the " Big Runaway " and his improvements destroyed.

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History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 61

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