History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 65

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

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Schools and Churches .- At the present time there are four school houses in the township, viz. : Baxter, Clees, Road, and Keeber.

There is but one church in the township, Methodist Episcopal, and no postoffice.

UPPER FAIRFIELD TOWNSHIP.

The taxable inhabitants residing in the lower part of Fairfield township peti- tioned the court at May sessions, 1851, praying to be set off from the upper or northern part and a new township erected. They alleged that the township was so large that assessors and collectors were inconvenienced by being compelled to travel long distances. They therefore prayed that the township be divided by running a line east from a point on Loyalsock between the residences of Dr. Charles Lyon and Mr. Bubb, to Simon Dewalt's farm. In answer to the petition the court appointed R. Montgomery, C. Gudykunst, and Benjamin Bear commissioners to examine into the matter of complaint aud report. They did as directed and reported in favor of division, September 12, 1851. Strong opposition was made to the proposed division by the upper part of the township, but the court over-ruled the exceptions that had been filed and directed the township to be organized and called Pollock, in honor of Hon. James Pollock, who was then president judge, whilst the lower part was to remain as Fairfield township.

After two years the people became dissatisfied with the name of Pollock, on account of his politics, and appealed to the legislature for a new name. This was granted by the passage of an act, January 29, 1853, declaring that hereafter the township " shall be known by the name of Upper Fairfield."

The township is bounded on the east by Mill Creek, on the north by Plunkett's Creek, on the west by Eldred and Loyalsock, and on the south by Fairfield, the parent township. It is the twenty-second in size in the county and contains 11,200 acres.

Geologically this township consists of the Chemung measures (No. VIII), which are located in two belts across the county, alternating with two belts of Red Catskill (No. IX). Along the most northern belt are a number of exposures of the glacial moraine in its movement across the county, passing north of Loyal- sockville. The fossil ore passes across Upper Fairfield and a good exposure is seen just above the county bridge over Loyalsock creek, which contains some fossil casts. Several localities have been observed where flagstone might be quarried. The surface of the lower part of the township is rolling, with fine farms, while the northern part becomes mountainous, and a portion of it forms part of the south escarpment of the main Allegheny range. Along Loyalsock creek are some good bottom farms.

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

Pioneers .- Among the early settlers in what is now the territory of Upper Fair- field township were the Obourns, Rookers, Rothfuses, Heylmans, Entzes, Rentzes, Sweelys, Wilkinsons, Bastians, Buckleys, Waltzes, and Slagenwhites. According to the census of 1890 the population was 771.

Villages .- There are three small villages or hamlets in Upper Fairfield, viz: Loyalsockville, Farragut, and Fairfield Centre. The first, located on Loyalsock creek, contains two stores, one tavern, and harness, shoe, and blacksmith shops; the second, one store and smith shop, and the third, one store and one grist mill.

Postoffices. - There are three postoffices in this township, viz: Loyalsock, Farragut, and Fairfield Centre. The first was established July 6, 1854, and Stephen Tomlinson appointed postmaster. His successors have been: Ezra W. Sweely, appointed April 18, 1864; Joseph C. Budd, present incumbent, March 24, 1870. The postoffice at Fairfield Centre was established January 16, 1871, and Adolph Maeyr was appointed postmaster. He was succeeded by Charles C. Maeyr, July 19, 1890, and he by Henry S. Drick, January 21, 1892. Farragut was established December 29, 1886, and George Marker made postmaster. He is still in office.

Mills .- Loyalsock creek washes the western borders of the township. Among the principal streams may be mentioned Mill creek and Crocker run. All these streams empty into Loyalsock. The Loyalsock Mills are owned by F. A. Hayes; George Jones has a mill run by water at Fairfield Centre. Stabler & Company's mill is run by steam; E. H. Harman also operates a steam portable mill, and John M. Entz a water saw mill.

The Churches are Loyalsockville Evangelical, Obourn Lutheran, Mt. Zion Evan- gelical, near Reeser's, Heilman Evangelical, German Baptist at Stabler & Company's saw mill, Methodist Episcopal church at Farragut, and the church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal) at Baxter's.

Schools .- Upper Fairfield has five school houses, named as follows: Loyalsock, Farragut, Fairfield Centre, Heilman's, and Pleasant Hill. The report of the super- intendent for 1891 gave the average number of months taught as six by four male teachers and one female.

MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP.

At March sessions, 1878, a petition was filed praying for a division of Muncy township, and commissioners were appointed to inquire into the matter. A favor- able report was made and it was confirmed at September sessions following, and a vote of the qualified electors on the proposed line ordered: "Beginning at a point on the east line of Upper Fairfield township, near Frick's school house, thence S. 87° E. 1,118 perches to the west line of Wolf township, near a log bridge over Wolf run." The election was held December 10, 1878, and resulted in 122 votes in favor of division and 104 against. The question of division having carried in the affirmative, Judge Cummin, February 25, 1879, ordered that a new township be erected and called Mill Creek.

This is the youngest of the large family of townships into which "Old Muncy " is now divided. It is the thirty-sixth in size and contains about 8,000 acres. The heads of Mill creek rise in and drain most of the territory-hence the name. It also contains the sources of Carpenter's run.

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MILL CREEK TOWNSHIP.

Pioneers .- Among the first settlers in what is now the territory of Mill Creek township were Jonathan Collins and Samuel Hall. Among those who came a few years later were Thomas Nunn, Henry Klees, George Klees, Abraham Lockard, John Lockard, Joseph Wilson, Peter Moon, and Merrick Reeder. Many of the de- scendants of the robust pioneers who made the earliest improvements still occupy the lands their ancestors cleared. By the census of 1890 the population was 345.

Economic Resources .- Geologically this township consists of the Chemung measures (No. VIII) crossing it on the south side, where is located a belt of Red Cats- kill (No. IX); and again on the north, by a belt of the same extending up the side of the mountain, while a very narrow strip of Pocono (No. X) extends to the top of the mountain, forming, with the inferior formation, a part of the south escarpment of the main Allegheny range. The fossil iron ore (No. VIII) passes through the town- ship along Mill creek. The vein was opened thirty years ago. There was also some exploitation for copper.

The soil is about the same as we find on the undulating surface of Wolf, Shrews- bury, and Penn townships, and is equally productive, readily producing all kinds of cereals and fruits. Agriculture constitutes almost all the business of the occu- pants of the soil, as the valuable timber has nearly all been removed. Some of the farms present quite a thrifty appearance. Portions of the territory would afford a fine field for sheep raising.

Fine flagstone are found along the base of the mountain. They are similar in quality to those quarried a short distance east in Wolf township. Martin Swank and J. Mathias Fague have furnished some beautiful stone for paving.

As the timber is nearly exhausted there are but two saw mills in the township. One, a steam mill, belongs to Mathias Anstadt; the other, a water mill, is owned by John L. Jones.

Huntersville, located on the line of Wolf township, contains the only postoffice in the township and it bears the name of the village. It was established, August 25, 1849, and Joseph Webster was appointed postmaster. His successors have been Robert B. Webster, appointed June 25, 1853; George Hartman, June 6, 1859; Isaac Kleese, June 8, 1860; Abner Kleese, May 13, 1872; John O. Waters, May 23, 1873; George Bussler, October 9, 1873; J. Edler, March 20, 1880; George Bussler, April 11, 1881; C. C. Mayr, April 14, 1886; Eberhart Mayr, present incumbent, May 23, 1890. Eleven postmasters in forty-one years.

Huntersville has one store and one blacksmith shop, and three houses comprise the balance of the improvements. The substantial looking stone school house might be claimed by the village, but it is in Wolf township, as the public road here is the line that divides the provinces.

Churches .- Mill Creek has three churches. The Methodists have two-the Cen- tennial, so named because it was built during that year, and South East, at Hunters- ville. The Lutherans have one, located a short distance northwest of Huntersville, known as Trinity church.

Schools .- There are three school houses in the township, viz: Gortner's, Hites's, and Baier's. The school report for 1891 shows that the average number of months taught was six; average pay of female teachers, $30 per month; total number of scholars, ninety-four.

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

CHAPTER XXXVII.

MUNCY CREEK, MORELAND, FRANKLIN, AND JORDAN.

MUNCY CREEK .- FORMATION-GEOLOGY-PORT PENN-CLARKESTOWN-INDUSTRIES-SCHOOLS -IMMANUEL'S LUTHERAN CHURCH.

MORELAND .- ORGANIZATION-ORIGIN OF THE NAME-PIONEERS-TOPOGRAPHY-POSTOFFICES -SCHOOLS-CHURCHES.

FRANKLIN .- ERECTION-EXTENT AND TOPOGRAPHY-PIONEERS-INDUSTRIES-LAIRDSVILLE- MENGWE-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES.

JORDAN .- BOUNDARIES-GEOLOGY AND TOPOGRAPHY-FIRST PERMANENT SETTLER-MILLS- UNITYVILLE-SCHOOLS-CHURCHES.

MUNCY CREEK TOWNSHIP.

T THIS township was formed in 1797 by dividing Muncy. It is the twentieth in size in the county and contains 12,800 acres. The township is bounded on the east by Moreland and Wolf, on the north by Muncy and Wolf, on the west by the river, which here gracefully sweeps around the eastern end of Bald Eagle mountain and bears away to the south; ou the south by Northumberland and Mon- tour counties. The township is well watered, being divided into two unequal parts by Muncy creek; Glade run and several smaller streams are also found within its borders.

The history of Muncy Creek township is the beginning of history in this part of the valley, for within its borders the first settlements were made and nearly all the stirring events of early times occurred. These events therefore are described in that part of this work relating to the colonial period. The borough of Muncy lies within its borders. By the census of 1890 the population was 1, 740.

Geology. - The surface of Muncy Creek consists of Clinton Shales (No. V) around the borough of Muncy, succeeded by Lower Helderberg limestone (No. VI) mostly concealed, except at the ridge southwest of Hughesville.

Next above occur the Chemung measures (No. VIII) in their subdivisions, form- ing the entire southern area of the township. Along the river below Muncy Che- mung rocks are observed very much broken up, and in one of the subdivisions occurs a paint shale, mined quite extensively by the Muncy Paint Company, from which a good article of paint is manufactured. The surface of the township is rolling, the land is good, and there are many splendid farms along the river and the creek. The southern line of the township runs across the famous Muncy Hills, which have figured in history from the first appearance of white men.

Port Penn .- The hamlet known as Port Penn is situated on the river bank just below the paint works. Near here stood the great elm under which certain Indian chiefs-mentioned in the general history-met to confer with each other regarding their people. From this point several Indiau paths diverged. The great Warrior

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spring, which has been a landmark for more than a hundred years, is seen here. Its main outlet is along the river's edge.

Muncy dam, built in 1828, at a cost of $23,578.64, for the Pennsylvania canal, lies just below. At the time of its erection it was regarded as a fine piece of engineering work. It was constructed of crib-work filled with stone and covered with spars. The space between the stone and abutments is 973 feet; the wier of the dam is 863 feet, the shute is thirty-eight feet wide, the height of the comb of the dam nine feet, and the comb of the shute five feet above low water mark of the river. The dam is twelve feet high from the bottom of the river. The towing path around the base of Mnncy Hills extends from the dam to the head of slack- - water navigation near Port Penn, a distance of four miles, and cost the State $15, - 369.06. The dam is still intact, but the shute frequently gets out of order, and for years it has been a terror to raftsmen, who have to pass through it with their crafts. The canal has been abandoned above the dam.

In 1851 H. H. Blair took charge of the Port Penn Hotel. In packet boat days it was a popular station on the canal and all packets stopped there. He left in 1862 to take charge of the Petrikin House, Muncy borough. Port Penn was a lively place up to 1855, two or three boat yards were carried on, and there was con- siderable business activity, but the railroad destroyed all this.

Clarkestown is pleasantly located on Little Muncy creek, in a beautiful cove which opens into Muncy valley, a short distance below where the stream emerges from the rolling surface designated on the maps as the Muncy Hills. It is a quiet and orderly village, containing two churches, one school, one hotel, one grist mill, one saw mill, two blacksmith shops, one wagon maker shop, postoffice, and about twenty-five residences It has a lodge of Good Templars, a band of hopeful workers who would delight to see the abolition of alcohol.

The postoffice was established, June 10, 1869, and Jacob Feister appointed post- master. His successors have been Henry D. Gold, appointed May 26, 1873; John F. Gundrum, November 20, 1885; Jared Dewald, January 21, 1888, and William F. Bitler, November 10, 1891, the present incumbent.

Industries .- There are three flouring mills in this township. Shoemaker's mills, the oldest, historically, in the county, belong to the heirs of Jacob Cook. Willow Grove mill, now owned by the heirs of George Stolz, was first built by Isaac Walton in 1797, on Muncy creek. At the same time he erected a saw mill. The Clarkes- town mill, now owned by W. S. Bieber & Company, was first built by Thomas McCarty about the year 1800.

In 1817 Samuel and Jonathan Rogers bought the Willow Grove Mills and erccted a frame woolen mill. It was destroyed by fire in 1826. The Rogers Brothers then disolved partnership, and Samuel Rogers, taking Jonathan's interest in the property, built a three-story brick factory, 75x45, and continued the manu- facture of woolen goods until 1840, when he sold out and left Muncy to take charge of the White Deer Woolen Mills. The building was then allowed to fall into decay, and now scarcely a trace of the foundation remains.

In 1812 John Opp, son of Philip Opp, one of the pioneers of Moreland township, built a wool carding and cloth dressing mill on the south side of Little Muncy creek, a short distance above the site of Clarkestown. This was for some years a great

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

convenience to the inhabitants of Moreland and the adjacent country, in the days when little but homespun clothing was worn.

The Muncy Black Filler Company is composed of William G. Elliott, of Will- iamsport, and Levi Hill, of Muncy. The plant was established in 18SS. They manufacture a carriage, car, and safe filler. which is now extensively used. They also make ready mixed paints, in all desirable colors, for house and outside paint- ing. The factory is located just south of the Reading railroad station. They use the black shale found on the Musser farm near by, which is a solid, impervious shale composed of about fifty per cent. silicate, fourteen per cent. carbon, and the -balance iron, magnesia, and moisture.

The Keystone Paint Company was founded as early as 1873 by R. E. Gray. Later the company was organized with Mr. Gray as president and H. T. Ames, of Williamsport, as secretary and treasurer. Their plant is located on the west side of the canal near the Reading railroad station. They manufacture the "Keystone black lead," a mixed paint for carriages, and a slating paint for blackboards. These paints are made from a silicated carbon that crops out from under the Muncy Hills near the river. The annual output of the company is 600 tons of the black filler and from 5,000 to 10,000 gallons of the black lead.

Schools .- The first school taught within the bounds of Muncy Creek, of which we have any reliable account, was presided over by Moses Rorick. There doubtless were private schools before this, when we come to consider the age of the settlement. This school was in the old Immanuel church, on the road between Muncy borough and Hughesville. Another school was opened about the same time near the southwest corner of Muncy manor, and was taught by George Hogg. The first building erected for school purposes exclusively was built on the road near the manor line by the co-operation of the neighbors. and called the Guide school house. This was completed about 1816. In this house in 1818 a Sunday school was organized, being the first in that part of the county, and was sustained as a union school, all denomi- nations contributing to its support. Samuel Rogers was the first superintendent. The old school house long since disappeared and a more pretentious building occupies its site.

Since that day education has made great advances. There are now nine schools in the township. viz: Guide, Port Penn (two), Shane, Glade Run, Buckley (North- west), Clarkestown, Turkey Bottom, and Shoemaker's Mill.

Immanuel's Lutheran Church, Clarkestown. is one of the oldest and most historic in the county. Its centennial was commemorated, July 23, 1891, and a historical address was delivered by Rev. J. M. Steck. He says that Henry Shumaker donated the land upon which the first church was erected. It originally consisted of thir- teen acres, and the deed conveying the land to Immanuel's Lutheran church was executed, April 5, 1791. The erection of the church edifice was commenced at once. It was constructed of logs and afterwards weatherboarded. The exact time of its dedication is unknown. It was a large structure for that time, being nearly as large as the edifice that followed, and that, it is said, seated about 600 persons. There were galleries on three sides of the building, and a " stem glass pulpit " on the other side, with a " sounding board " above it. When the second church was built the pulpit was taken away to do service in another church. The pews were high-

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backed, about as high as the heads of the worshipers seated on them. The building was in every way worthy of the times, and the means possessed to erect it. The first church edifice was entirely Lutheran, though it was generously opened for service to other denominations. Among the latter were the Episcopalians and German Reformed, who effected organizations in it. For a long time it was the only church located in the lower end of the county, and, as far as can be learned, the first church in the bounds of Lycoming county.

The second edifice, Rev. Steck informs us, was built of brick. It was erected in the rear of the old building, so that the latter could be used until the new one was completed, and presented an imposing appearance. The corner stone was laid, April 5, 1832. Had it not been that the walls began to show signs of crumbling it might have stood for years longer as a place of worship and au impressive memorial of other days. The third and present edifice was built under the pastoral charge of Rev. U. Myers. The corner stone was laid, August 28, 1869, and the church was dedicated, May 1, 1870. The cost of the building was $3,480.25.

The first Lutheran pastor, of whom we have any record, was Pastor Lehman. The records show that he baptized Susan Catharine Gortner, afterward Baker, the grandmother of Rev. J. M. Steck, in 1781. That was before the close of the war and when the times were yet perilous in the valley. There is nothing to show whether he conducted regular services at that day or not, but probably he did. He might have been pastor at the time the church was dedicated. The constitution was adopted in 1794. It is a carefully written document, in German. All the church records were kept in German until 1832. It is supposed he was pastor up to 1795, after which there is no record of baptism until 1801. The next pastor was Victor George Charles Stock. He came from Sunbury and began his labors in

1801, and served till about 1813. That year Frederick Engle became pastor. Among those whom he baptized during his pastorate was " Father Jacob Miller, the Apostle of the dispersion in Lycoming county, who has preached more sermons, traveled on foot more miles to do so, and received less pay, in proportion to his labor, than any other minister who ever labored in the bounds of Lycoming county." He was born, August 9, 1812, and baptized October 26th of the same year. This venerable minister was present at the centennial observances on July 23, 1891, and still survives.

Historian Steck is unable to say how long Pastor Engle remained, but there are records to show that he was there as late as 1823. He was succeeded by Rev. Jacob Repass. The latter was succeeded by Rev. William Garman in 1829, when he resigned in 1832 to enable the church to secure a pastor who could preach in both German and English. Rev. Charles Phillip Miller became his successor, and during his pastorate the second church edifice was completed and dedicated. Rev. Charles F. Staver succeeded Miller, April 9, 1837, and remained until the fall of 1839, when Rev. John T: Williams took his place. During these years the church was prosper- ous, large numbers being added to it. At a communion held in June, 1843, 227 persons were present at the service. This popular minister was succeeded by Rev. George Parson, D.D., December 8, 1845, and during his ministry hundreds were added to the congregation.

The mother church had now grown to such an extent that it became necessary to

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HISTORY OF LYCOMING COUNTY.

organize new congregations. This work was continued until there are now nineteen congregations within the field over which Old Immanuel used to exercise a fostering care. The labors of Dr. Parson became so great that he was obliged to retire, January 1, 1865. Rev. E. A. Sharretts became his successor. During his pastorate a difficulty arose and by action of synod the doors of the church were closed. At the end of two years they were again opened and Rev. U. Myers took charge in June, 1869. He commenced with twelve members and in two years the number was increased to fifty-two, and they were worshiping in a new church edifice. Rev. Myers resigned in January, 1871, and was succeeded by Rev. George Eichholtz as regular pastor, who commenced his labors, April 1, 1872, and served for several years. When he retired Rev. W. R. Mccutcheon took his place in 1878, and after three years of excellent work resigned in 1881. Rev. J. R. Sample became his successor and served the congregation from 1882 to April 1, 1887. Under his charge the church prospered greatly. Rev. A. B. Erhart was the next pastor and served one year. Rev. A. C. Felker then took charge, but in the midst of the promise of a successful ministry his career was cut short by death. Rev. Marcus M. Havice, the present pastor, succeeded him and he is doing a good work.

Among the pastors of other churches who conducted services in this historic church and organized congregations, was the Rev. Caleb Hopkins of the Episcopal church. He began his labors in 1795, four years after the completion of the first edifice. The Rev. William Eldred was his successor. He died, December 16, 1827, and was buried in the cemetery of the church. Rev. Lucius Carter succeeded him. During his ministry, in 1828, a notable event occurred in the old church, in a visit to the congregation by the celebrated Bishop Onderdonk, who conducted a confirm- ation service.

The German Reformed church also effected an organization in Old Iinmanuel. Rev. Guetelius was the first pastor. He conducted services in both German and English, and was pastor at the time Rev. Jacob Repass was serving the congregation. Rev. Wagner was the next Reformed pastor, and had as his successor Rev. Tobias. He was followed by Rev. Henry Weignant, who became a co-laborer with Rev. Will- iams, and was afterwards associated with Rev. Dr. Parson, of the Lutheran church, and often assisted him in conducting revival services.

The old burial ground connected with the church contains the ashes of scores of pioneer settlers, and a study of the quaint tombstones and their inscriptions is both interesting and instructive.

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History of Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, Part 65

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