History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 28

Author:
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1288

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Nor was this progress confined to the department of farm implements. The intelligent, progressive farmer soon discovered that not only did he need good machinery to produce and husband his grain, but that he needed to give diligent attention to the condition of his land. He could not expect to take from the soil year after year, without restoring the lost substance. Fertiliza- tion thus forced itself upon him. The virgin soil soon began to show marks of weakness, and required to be reinvigorated. This was accomplished some- times by giving it a rich coating of straw manure; sometimes by change of crops, that is, from wheat to corn or grass or clover, and sometimes by abso- lute rest from all crops. At a later period the value of phosphates began to

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attract his serious attention. Another problem, which Horace Greeley pro- nounced one of the most important in farm economy, viz., drainage, likewise knocked at his door and demanded solution. At first the open drain was con- sidered sufficient, but it soon demonstrated its own inutility. The farmer had neither the time nor the means to be constantly engaged in digging or open- ing up the ditches with which his land was belted. In regular order the underground drain suggested itself. At first wooden coverings or boxings were deemed adequate, but these, in the lapse of time, were supplanted by the tile drain, which is a permanent outlet for the water which would otherwise remain on the surface, and not only injure the crop, but have a deleterious effect upon the land itself. The progressive farmer has finally settled down in the conviction that he must not only have the labor-saving appliances of modern husbandry, but must give attention particularly to the drainage and fertiliza- tion of his land, never neglecting the proper rotation of crops.

Had some record been kept of the various changes through which farming in its various branches has passed, it would be one of the most interesting annals to be had in these days of activity. From the fragments seen we have learned that, in the early part of this century, Mr. James Gilkey, then living near the west branch of Neshannock Creek, performed some interesting exper- iments in the production of potatoes. From the seed which he planted he developed a potato which, for richness of flavor and general usefulness, has never been surpassed. Bevan Pearson took some of these specimens with him to the Legislature, and showed them to his friends in. Philadelphia. They soon became very popular, and their fame spread far and wide. At home they were known from the stream on whose banks they were produced, Neshannocks. In the east they were called the Mercers, and when sent to Ireland during the famine of 1847 they were denominated the Gilkeys, in honor of their producer. These potatoes finally were supplanted by pinkeys, peach-blows, long reds, early roses, snowflakes, and others, ad infinitum. Similar changes have occurred in other departments of the vegetable world.

AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES.

Agricultural societies and papers have done much toward elevating farm- ing from its former condition to one of intelligent observation and experi- ment, and demonstrated that its labors may be conducted by the same unerring laws as exist elsewhere. Of these societies Mercer County has had its share. When the first one was organized is not known, the imperfect records having failed to disclose the fact. In the Western Press of January 5, 1828, occurs the following notice: "The Mercer County Agricultural Society will hold its Seventh Exhibition, Cattle Show and Auction, in New Castle, on Friday, the 7th day of November, 1828. All stock must be in the pens, and all articles of domestic manufacture in the room, at 12 o'clock A. M. Joseph Justice, president; Nathaniel McElevey, secretary." The total amount of premiums offered was $88.50. The following are a few of the rewards held out: "For the best crop of wheat on one acre, $3.00. For the best crop of Havanna tobacco on quarter acre, $2.00. For such a stud-horse as may combine points and properties worthy of encouragement, $5.00. For the best piece of flan- nel, not less than ten yards, $1.00. For the best cheese, not less than ten lbs., $1.00. For the best firkin of butter, made not less than four months previous, $1.00. For the best specimen of horn combs, $3.00." In the same paper of January 8, 1831, Joseph Emery, treasurer of the society, announces that by a resolution of the directors, passed the 15th of the preceding Novem- ber, he was required to collect all arrears due the organization. This is the

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last announcement of the society, which may, with propriety, be called the pioneer of such valuable organizations in Mercer County.

Mercer County Agricultural Society .- A call "for the establishment of an agricultural society " was issued June 23, 1843, and signed by Robert Mc Williams, Thomas S. Dumars, Amos Wilkins, H. Shuster, James Wilson, J. A. Nelson, T. Rogers, William Patterson, T. S. Cunningham, John Steven- son, James Rose, John Gealy, G. Seeley, J. Glendening, Adam Black, John Newel, Joseph Thompson, W. W. Hoon, Robert Hamilton and O. G. Croy, fixing the 27th of that month as the date for a meeting of the citizens interested in the matter to take initiatory steps. This meeting was held agreeable to the call, but did not result in any organization. It stimulated the public interest for such an enterprise, though, and bore fruit in 1850, when the Mercer County Agricultural Society was organized. The first grounds of this society was on the Hoge farm, north of Mercer, on the east side of the Mercer and Meadville pike. Ten acres of land were leased from the heirs of the Hoge estate, and kept for about two years, although during this time the grounds were never fenced in, nor were buildings erected. At the expiration of this period the society rented ten acres on the opposite side of the same road, above the old building known as the "Lion House," and placed upon them temporary structures for the reception of stock and other exhibits. These quarters were occupied for about nine years, at the end of which time fourteen acres were leased on the present site of the Central Agricultural Society's grounds. At a meeting held in the court-house November 21, 1860, at which time the officers of the society comprised Michael C. Trout, president; T. B. Rogers, recording secretary; James A. Leech, corresponding secretary; Lewis Weaver, treasurer, and J. P. Kerr, auditor, the treasurer was "authorized to borrow funds to pay off the indebtedness of the society, not exceeding $100," and Lewis Egbert, Richard J. Reznor and Robert Patterson were appointed as a committee to ascertain on what terms the fair grounds could be purchased. The society became defunct about the second year of the war (1862), its prolongation to that period being due mainly to the efforts of Seth Hoagland, M. C. Trout, Joel B. Curtis, Robert Patterson, James Dennis- ton, James A. Nelson and others, who were among its enterprising members.

An interval of nine years now elapsed, during which time Mercer was

without her annual exhibitions. This was terminated by a meeting held in the court-house on the first Tuesday in February, 1871, out of which grew the Mercer County Central Agricultural Society. This was incorporated De- cember 21 of the same year, with the following named charter members: Rob- ert McKee, J. M. McLain, A. J. McKean, Seth Hoagland, James A. Nelson, J. P. Kerr, Samuel North, W. A. McCormick, M. C. Trout, A. F. Brown and J. D. Kirk- patrick. The first officers elected by the society consisted of Seth Hoagland, president; A. F. Brown, vice-president; S. H. Miller, secretary; A. J. Mc- Kean, treasurer, and J. D. Kirkpatrick, M. C. Trout, S. M. Loveland, Robert McKee, James A. Nelson, J. M. McLain and J. P. Pierce, directors. The first annual fair of this new organization was held in September, 1871, on fourteen acres of the present grounds, which had been purchased at a cost of $2,800, and fitted with buildings, fence and track at an additional expense of $5,600. In 1873 a reorganization was effected, the society changing its name to the "Western Pennsylvania Agricultural Society." In the same year twenty-seven additional acres were purchased, at a cost of $5,400, and added to the grounds, the latter being improved at an expenditure of $9,000. This organization continued under this name until September, 1882, when it col- lapsed, and three months later the property was sold by the sheriff, at the

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instigation of the First National Bank of Mercer, for $5, 000. The officers from 1873 to 1882, inclusive, were: 1873, J. P. Kerr, president; James Denniston, vice-president; A. J. McKean, treasurer, and W. J. McKean, sec- retary. 1874, the same except vice-president, Andrew Robinson. 1875, the same except A. J. Zahniser, vice-president. 1876, the same except S. S. Donaldson, president, and R. S. Allen, vice-president. 1877, the same. 1878, the same except Andrew Robinson, vice-president, and R. T. Findley, treasurer. 1879, the same except M. W. Alexander, president, and S. F. Thompson, vice-president. 1880, the same except Jesse Hoagland, presi- dent; Hon. S. H. Miller, vice-president, and R. S. Madge, treasurer. 1881, the same except Robert McKee, vice-president, and John H. McKean, treasurer. 1882, the same except Robert Dodds, Jr., president.

The present society, known by the name of Mercer Central Agricultural Society, was organized January 30. 1883, being a continuation of the old one. It was chartered December 15, 1883, with a capital stock of $5,000, divided into 100 shares of the par value of $50 each. Its first officers were: Robert McKee, president; R. S. Madge, vice-president; John H. McKean, treasurer; W. J. McKean, secretary, and B. A. Williams, Robert Dodds, Jr., J. K. Min- nick, James S. Alexander, S. F. Thompson, David Wilson and T. P. Munnell, directors. These were re-elected in 1884. In 1885 A. P. Jones was presi- dent; T. P. Munnell, vice-president; S. F. Thompson, treasurer, and W. J. Mckean, secretary. In 1886 the same, except R. S. Madge, vice-president. In 1887-88 the same, except R. S. Madge, president, and William Logan, vice-president. Annual exhibitions are held, and the displays made are gen- erally very creditable to the society and the county.

Shenango Valley Agricultural and Manufacturing Society .- The second organization, in point of time, was the Shenango Valley Agricultural and Manufacturing Society, of Greenville, which was organized in August, 1857, under the management of Marvin Loomis, president; William Waugh, secre- tary, and Samuel P. Johnston, treasurer. The project of its organization was due mainly to B. F. Baskin, who had for many years advocated the necessity and advantages of such a society. Fourteen acres of land were leased from T. A. Mann and Daniel Saul, fitted out with a third of a mile track, stand, fence and other necessary conveniences, and opened in September of the same

year for exhibits. Annual fairs were given thereafter. The society was incorporated August 16, 1869, with a purpose, as expressed in the charter, of . effecting the "promotion of the science of agriculture and horticulture; the improvement of the breed of horses, cattle and other stock; the advancement of mechanical and industrial pursuits, and the furtherance of kindred aims." The officers at time of incorporation were: Thomas Leech, Jr., president; Josiah Stewart, vice-president; D. A. Thalimer, secretary; S. M. Loveland, treasurer, and D. B. Packard, T. A. Mann, Jeremiah Brockway, R. J. Bean, William Beatty, J. Long, John Artman, G. W. Phillips, J. K. Hamblin, Samuel Young, James W. Christy, D. Clark, J. R. Donaldson, John A. Carnes, E. M. Campbell, F. M. Gillis, W. H. Emery, S. H. Findley, James Throop and G. W. Moyer, executive committee. An important epoch in the history of this organization was the delivering of a lecture before one of its fairs by Horace Greely, the celebrated editor. The correspondence arranging terms for the address was conducted by the secretary, W. H. Sheakley. In response to a letter from him the following reply was received:

NEW YORK, June 14, 1871.

Dear Sir :- I have yours of the 9th inst. It talks business, and I can meet it squarely. I hold myself engaged to speak for you on Thursday, September 28th, at your Greenville fair. I shall try to be seasonably on hand. Yours, HORACE GREELY.

To W. H. Sheakley, Esq., Sec. S. V. A. & M. Soc'y.

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The manuscript of the above is yet in the possession of Mr. Sheakley. The writing is in the same characteristicscrawl that has become so famous as to furnish food for proverbs. The address, which was duly delivered, was one of those happy efforts which only Greely could make. It was entirely ex tem- pore, the only references used by the speaker being a few brief notes written on little oblong slips of writing paper, which he held in his hand. It was never published, yet its ideas are not wholly forgotten by those who heard it. The end of this society was foreseen by many, who saw that the rapidity with which kindred organizations were multiplying would eventually result in the death of the weaker ones. After a long and beneficial existence, during which great progress had been made both in the field and in the workshop, on the farm and at the forge, the organization became dormant, and at last wholly defunct.

Wool Growers' Association. - The subject of wool growing early attracted the attention of the farmers of the county. In 1868 Mercer County was the third wool growing county in the State, and its fleeces readily commanded 40 cents per pound. The importance of the industry led to the formation of a county wool growers' association, an account of a meeting of which organi- zation, held in the court-house at Mercer, May 15, 1868, has been found. Among the subjects discussed were foot rot, grub in the head, proper food for animals, and other topics bearing directly upon the interest in question. Of this meeting the members named were: Thomas Alexander, Seth Hoagland, W. H. Alexander, James Denniston, Jonathan Calvin, Robert McKee, A. J. Zahniser, J. P. Kerr, John Albin, James Sellers, A. Robinson and S. H. Mil- ler. The discussion of these subjects was continued at intervals in the West- ern Press, an agricultural column of which was then conducted by Mr. Seth Hoagland, and an extensive interest was aroused among the farmers.

Mercer County Agricultural Society. - The year 1868 seems to have been one of unusual activity among agriculturists. It beheld the successful con- vention of a wool growers' association, and of numerous newspaper discussions, and it also ushered into existence the Mercer County Agricultural and Manu- facturing Society, of Stoneboro. This organization began at once an active career. It purchased lands from the Mercer Iron and Coal Company and Jeremiah Bonner, and, after quickly fitting them up, held its first annual exhibition the year of its birth. In the following year, August 16, the society was incorporated, with J. P. Kerr, president; Robert J. McClure, vice-presi- dent; Samuel Hines, secretary; H. B. Blood, treasurer, and A. B. McCartney, A. P. Jones, Justice Egbert, Elliott Davis, J. P. Mckinley, Jonathan Riggs and W. E. McDonald, directors. The officers following were: 1869, J. M. Carnahan, president; secretary and treasurer the same. 1870, R. J. McClure, president; secretary and treasurer the same. 1871, James W. Barker, presi- dent; secretary and treasurer the same. In 1872, A. F. Brown, president; J. P. Hines, secretary; treasurer the same. In 1873, J. M. Carnahan, presi- dent; secretary the same; R. P. Cann, treasurer. In 1874, the same. In 1875, president and treasurer the same; secretary, S. A. Wilson.

In the year 1876 a reorganization was effected, the name being changed to Mercer County Agricultural Society, and a new charter, dated May 25, 1876, being issued. The capital stock was fixed at $12,000. The new officers were J. M. Carnahan, president; J. P. Hines, secretary; R. P. Cann, treas- urer; and J. C. Cornwell, Daniel Perrine, J. Riggs, C. H. Hummason, P. J. Boyd, J. M. Galloway and A. F. Brown, directors. The old grounds were abandoned, and the present spacious quarters, located east of the borough, and consisting of thirty-one acres of well-shaded and neatly adorned land,

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were secured. Annual exhibitions have since been held in the new grounds, each of which has been entertaining and instructive. The officers since the reorganization have been: 1877, A. P. Jones, president; J. P. Hines, secre- tary, and R. P. Cann, treasurer. In 1878, George W. Porter, president; L. Bonesteel, secretary, and treasurer the same. In 1879, president and treas- urer the same; F. A. Bliss, secretary. In 1880, A. P. Jones, president; V. Porter, secretary; treasurer the same. In 1881, president and treasurer the same; J. P. Hines, secretary. In 1882, J. M. Carnahan, president; secretary and treasurer the same. In 1883, A. S. Throop, president; secretary and treasurer the same. In 1884-85-86, George W. Porter, president; secretary and treasurer the same. In 1887, J. C. Cornwell, president; secretary and treasurer the same.

Jamestown Agricultural and Manufacturing Association .- The organiza- tion known by the above name was incorporated May 15, 1871, with a capital stock of $5,000, and with the following officers: V. A. Stewart, president; J. M. McArthur, vice-president; L. A. McCrumb, secretary; J. H. Christy, treasurer; J. C. Anderson, R. P. Johnston, David Gamble, Charles Fowler and Robert McMaster, executive committee; and Harrison Hunter, David Anderson, J. C. Breckenridge, James Jamison and George Mckinley, direct- ors. A tract of fine land, comprising twenty-five acres, and located one mile west of Jamestown, was purchased by the association, and fitted up with track, buildings and other necessary equipments. The first exhibition was held in 1871, and annual ones took place for seven years thereafter, at the expiration of which time, owing to a lack of interest manifested in its continuance, the enterprise was abandoned.

Keystone and Buckeye Fair Association .- The latest and not the least pre- tentious society formed in Mercer County for the furtherance of the cause of agriculture was the Keystone and Buckeye Fair Association, a Sharon prod- uct, which was chartered May 17, 1880, with a capital stock of $4,000, to which there were ninety-one subscribers. The purpose of the organization, as announced in the articles of incorporation, was " to provide and maintain in the county of Mercer suitable grounds and personal property for the hold- ing of exhibitions of agricultural and horticultural products, domestic man- ufactures and domestic animals; to award premiums for the products and an- imals exhibited; and by all other lawful means to encourage agriculture and horticulture." The first directors chosen under the charter were Joseph For- ker, John C. Owsley, M. H. Henderson, P. L. Kimberly, William W. Wallis, Hiram Tate, William K. Nye, Allen Seburn, Godfrey G. Carnes, George C. Veach, Thomas H. Byers, T. B. Satterfield and David Hall. A brief existence sums up its history. Grounds containing a half-mile track, located about two miles from the center of the borough of Sharon, were secured, and a few exhibitions given; but a lack of interest on the part of its patrons ren- dered the holding of these unprofitable, and the association at length collapsed. The Sharon Driving Park Association has recently been organized, and leased the grounds for a racing park. It held its first meeting October 3 and 4, 1888.

Agricultural Paper .- There has been but one agricultural paper pub- lished within the limits of the county, the Mercer County Farmer, issued at Mercer, a sixteen-page monthly, started in June, 1842, by J. W. S. Chappell, manager and editor, who pledged himself to " guard the interests of agricult- ure and of the farming community generally" for the very modest sum of fifty cents per year for each subscriber. The history of this publication is not intimately known, but it lasted about three years and a half. Notwith- standing its decease, the farmers of the county have been provided with an

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abundance of good agricultural mental pabulum, both by the local press, which pays considerable attention to their needs, and by the publications de- voted exclusively to farming interests, both of which receive a liberal patron- age from the intelligent tillers of Mercer County soil.

The Grange. - One of the most important and wide-spread agricultural movements ever witnessed was that known by the name "Grange" or "Patrons of Husbandry." In common with its sister counties, Mercer took an active part in this enterprise, which soon numbered within its ranks some of her very best farmers. A list of the granges in active operation within the county during 1876, at which time the order passed through its culmination, embraces:

Mercer, No. 571, Seth Hoagland, master; W. H. Wilson, secretary- Mercer.

Florence, No. 189, James M. Coulter, master; David Smith, secretary- Liberty Township.

Pymatuning, No. 394, S. C. Simonton, master; Miss Alexander, secretary -Pymatuning Township.

Charleston, No. 577, Jacob L. Zahniser, master; R. Stoner, secretary- Jefferson Township

Fredonia, No. 643, S. M. Loveland, master; J. H. Holyman, secretary ---- Fredonia.

Hendersonville, No. 648, Duncan Carmichael, master; Lewis Armstrong, secretary-Worth Township.

Hickory, No. 649, Jesse Hoagland, master; John H. Frampton, secretary

-Hickory Township.

Salem, No. 327, T. B. Roberts, master; J. Y. McLean, secretary- Salem Township.

Greenville, No. 430, J. S. Williamson, master; W. A. Steckel, secretary -Greenville.

Middlesex, No. 395, R. W. Jackson, master; J. D. Risher, secretary- West Middlesex.

Springfield, No. 621, Joseph McConnell, master; J. L. Sager, secretary -Springfield Township.

Delaware No. 463, C. Hecker, master; Joseph McCleery, secretary- Delaware Township.

West Salem, No. 431, Joel Smith, master; Miss Brennard, secretary- West Salem Township.

Sugar Grove, No. 513, W. L. McGranahan, master; James Campbell, secretary-Sugar Grove Township.

Jackson, No. 638, James McCurdy, master; James McCurdy, Jr., secre- tary-Jackson Township.

Sheakleyville, No. 589, Parker McDonald, master; Jacob Biggart, secre- tary-Sheakleyville.

Eagle, No. 41, J. C. McCoy, master; J. H. McCoy, secretary-Wolf Creek Township.

Otter Creek, No. 442, Phillip Gearts, master; D. A. Kitch, secretary- Otter Creek Township.

Geneva, No. 538, G. W. Hughey, master; D. C. Hadley, secretary-Perry Township.

Deer Creek, No. 337, Albert Price, master; Robert F. Thompson, secre- tary-Deer Creek Township.

Transfer, No. 440, R. E. Woods, master; J. T. Klingensmith, secretary -Transfer.

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

Sandy Lake, No. 393, C. S. Nicklin, master; James A. De France, secre- tary-Sandy Lake.

New Lebanon, No. 595, Ephraim Jewell, master; W. N. Hoyt, secretary -French Creek Township.

Jamestown, No. 433, James C. Thompson, master; Miss Call McCrumb, secretary-Jamestown.

Perry, No. 585, Norbert Houser, master; John McClure, secretary-Per- ry Township.

New Vernon, No. 608, Ira Hoyt, master, A. T. Linn, secretary-New Vernon Township.

Lake, F. S. Pears, master; L. L. Hover, secretary-Lake Township.

Millbrook, A. J. Jacobs, master; Thomas Dickey, secretary-Worth Town- ship.

For a number of years annual harvest homes were held, at which a jovial time was had, reminiscences and anecdotes being discussed contemporane- ously with the latest improvements and inventions and the freshest innovations in the line of agricultural advancement. These were in nearly every case sources of profit, amusement and good feeling, and added in no small degree to the progress which the farmers' calling has made in the past few decades. Though the grange movement has fallen into a state of "innocuous desue- tude," the harvest home meetings still flourish, and have become a source of great benefit, both socially and materially, to the farmers of Mercer County.

CHAPTER VIII.

EDUCATIONAL-NECESSITY OF RUDIMENTARY EDUCATION-PIONEER SCHOOLS AND BUILDINGS-SCHOOL FURNITURE-TEXT BOOKS-BRANCHES TAUGHT- METHODS OF INSTRUCTION-EARLY TEACHERS IN MERCER COUNTY-JAMES HANAVAN'S RECOLLECTIONS-COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM OF 1834-CONDITION OF THE SCHOOLS IN 1846-OFFICE OF COUNTY SUPERINTENDENT ESTABLISIIED, AND JAMES C. BROWN ELECTED AS ITS FIRST INCUMBENT IN MERCER COUNTY -TEACHERS' INSTITUTES-LIST OF COUNTY SUPERINTENDENTS.

THE necessity of a rudimentary education was recognized in the pioneer set-

tlements. The ability to read, write and cipher as far as the single rule of three was regarded as essential to the success and happiness of the back- woodsman's family, who, in even that early day, were not qualified for the duties of life unless they were conversant with the general teachings of the Bible and the Church manuals. In other words, the view of education enter- tained leaned largely to the practical side of life. A complete view of the agencies employed to secure this elementary training would be a panorama whose checkered and changing scenes would enlist the deepest sympathy and most ear- nest attention at the present day. Unfortunately, however, the pioneer settlers were so intently concerned with the mere physicial and material problems of the home that they gave little attention to any thought of preserving, for the future, a record of their actions and accomplishments in the educational world. From mere fragments preserved by accident, and from a personal knowledge of what has been witnessed in new communities elsewhere, we are enabled to present some sketch of the early schools and scholastic agencies.

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History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 28

Author: Publication date: 1888 Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk Number of Pages: 1288

Author:
Publication date: 1888
Publisher: Chicago, Ill. : Brown, Runk
Number of Pages: 1288