History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 47

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

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Grace Episcopal Church. - Episcopal preaching has occurred in Mercer for a period of probably sixty-five years, the date of its first services being involved in obscurity. In 1827 an organization was established, and Samuel Holstein, a prominent member of the Mercer bar, was chosen as a delegate to the convention which elected Bishop Onderdonk as assistant to the venerable Bishop White, chaplain of the Continental Congress. This organization, it seems, did not pursue an aggressive policy. Services were held only at intervals until 1839, when Rev. Dr. Michael, an Englishman, located in Mercer, and conducted services in the court-house for a number of months. For a period of about thirty years following this date only occasional services were held at the mission. In the list of officiating clergymen were Bishop Onderdonk, Rev. Ayres, of Franklin, Dr. Edward Y. Buchanan, Revs. James and Hosmer, of Meadville, Dr. Thomas Crompton, subsequently of Pittsburgh, and Dr. Will- iam White, of Butler. The last named gentleman visited the mission for a number of years. In 1868 the late Bishop Kerfoot made an effort to revive the church by establishing monthly services, and securing preaching from

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clergymen in different parts of the diocese. In 1872 Rev. William Bollard assumed charge, remaining nearly two years. His first service was held in Mercer, May 26, 1872, in the Congregational Church, which was occupied until January, 1873. In 1875 Rev. H. G. Wood, of Sharon, began work, conduct- ing services at first in private houses. His pastorate continued until August, 1882, when he was succeeded by Rev. D. F. Hutchinson, of the diocese of Ontario, Canada. The latter gentleman located in Greenville, and supervised both the Greenville and the Mercer congregations. In October, 1872, a com- mittee decided to purchase the " old Pearson property " for $3,000, but the stringency of money matters in the near future deterred the congregation from making the venture. Recourse was had a second time to the Congregational house for several years preceding 1884. During the pastorate of Mr. Hutch . inson, new life was given to the previously discouraged flock. Miss Bay Magoffin donated a lot to the congregation, money was raised for the erec- tion of a neat little chapel of the early English style, 24x51, with a chancel 8x12, and on March 25, 1884, the edifice was consecrated by Bishop Cort- land Whitehead, of the diocese of Pittsburgh. The structure cost about $2,000.

Mr. Hutchinson was succeeded by Rev. Alonzo Diller, who remained about six months. He in turn was followed by Rev. George Rogers, of Paducah, Ky., who also remained about six months. The present rector is Rev. John London, of Butler, who conducts services every two weeks. The present membership is about thirty-five.

The New School Presbyterians were organized about 1837 by Rev. Philo C. Pettibone, from members who left the First Presbyterian Church. Its membership increased rapidly until it reached 200, but gradually diminished until it became extinct. Mr. Pettibone was the only pastor, remaining about two years. After his departure "supplies" were insufficient to keep this member of the numerous branches of Presbyterianism in existence.

The English Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized about 1840 or 1842, and included among its members Jacob Eberle and wife, David Achre and wife, Elias Achre and wife, the Nunemakers, Henry Ahrend and others. The house of worship was a frame one-story structure, which cost about $1,000. It was erected on the corner of Otter and Butler Streets, directly north of the present Methodist parsonage. The house was sold about 1854 to Albert Pew, now of Sharon, and has since been occupied by various persons as a private dwelling. The congregation disbanded about the time of the sale, a portion of the membership going to a Lutheran congregation worshipping on the Blacktown road. It, too, has been disbanded, many of the communicants find- ing a home in the Second Presbyterian Church of Mercer.

The Congregational Church of Mercer was organized on March 27, 1847, with a membership of nine persons, who had separated from the New School Presbyterians. This congregation worshipped in the court-house until April 18, 1852, at which time its own house was dedicated. The organization was effected by Rev. D. R. Barker, who was its first pastor. His death occurred in 1875. He was succeeded by Revs. J. M. Caldwell, Charles P. Mallory, D. L. Greer, W. C. Sexton, S. Manning and others. The congregation was finally disbanded and its house of worship was sold to the Reformed Presbyterians, whose sketch is found in this chapter.

The Free Presbyterian Church, formed from the fragments of the New School, was organized on June 15, 1850, with nine members, and continued a doubtful existence until 1866, when it ceased as a member of the church militant. Rev. George Gordon was the first pastor. He was assisted by his

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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.

brother, Rev. Joseph Gordon, who was editor of the Free Presbyterian, described in the chapter on the Press. Revs. J. C. Bigham and J. W. Tor- rence also served as pastors.

The Springfield Reformed Presbyterian Church was organized about five miles northeast of Mercer, on the Crabtown road, nearly fifty years ago. It has had comparatively few preachers in the half-century of its existence, the following pastors having served: Rev. James Blackwood, Rev. J. J. Mcclurkin (twenty-two years), Rev. J. R. Wylie, from 1877 to 1888. Between the pas- torates of Mr. Mcclurkin and Wylie there was a vacancy for a period of four years. The labors of the former began in 1851. Rev. Blackwood's labors were less than thirteen years. In November, 1886, a portion of the old Springfield Reformed Presbyterian Church came to Mercer and purchased the old Congregational house of worship. Rev. J. R. Wylie, who was the pastor of the Springfield congregation from 1877 to 1888, became the minister of the branch that located in Mercer, and worked hard to have the entire congrega- tion transferred to the town. His Jabors ceased with the congregation May 1, 1888, he having been called to the pastorate of a church in New Galilee, Beaver County.

SCHOOLS.

The first school-house in the borough of Mercer was a brick structure, which stood near the intersection of the two alleys east of the present St. Cloud Hotel, and not far from the site afterward occupied by the Mercer Academy. It was a one-story brick, about twenty feet square. In it was a ten-plate stove, on which refractory pupils were compelled to sit as a punish- ment. Its seats were ordinary benches, destitute of backs. In front of these benches stood desks for writing purposes. Into the wall were driven wood- en pegs on which to suspend bonnets and hats. The first teacher was St. John Galbreath. He punished Mrs. Margaret H. (Foster) Rogers, at present one of the oldest residents of Mercer, by compelling her to sit on the stove. Mr. Galbreath was succeeded by two excellent ladies from New England, sis- ters. They were Kittie and Sallie DeWolf. They were good, both in their in-

struction and government. After the academy was erected these Yankee sisters were employed as instructors. They probably preceded Prof. Kelley in the good work of laying a foundation for educational work in the town.

Mrs. Anna B. Garrett* came from Philadelphia at an early day, probably about 1816, and opened a sort of an industrial school in her own house, which was a two-story log structure that stood on the site of the house now occupied by Mrs. Judge D. W. Findley, of Mercer. The lower part of the house was occupied by the family, and the upper story was used for school purposes. Mrs. Garrett taught sewing, embroidery, etc., in connection with the ordinary subjects of an English education. She was an excellent reader herself, and was successful in making good readers of her pupils. She was a worthy, intelligent woman, and a superior instructor. Dr. David Junkin paid her a merited compliment when he pronounced her the "Hannah Moore of America."

Mrs. Garrett had school at the time of the severe snow-storm of February 4, 1817. Of the many pupils of Mercer and vicinity who were members of her classes, but two are known to be living at this date (May, 1888), viz. : Mrs. Margaret H. Rogers, of Mercer, and Mrs. Mary (Brown) Norton, of Sharon. The former was snow-bound by the severe storm referred to, and had to be carried to her home on the back of her older brother. For six

*She was a younger sister of Bevan Pearson, whose sketch is found in this work.

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weeks she was unable to return to school, the deep snow continuing with such pertinacity. Mrs. Garret died in Mercer, and sleeps in the old Pres- byterian graveyard.

Another early school was kept in the dwelling house of Thompson Clark, a brother-in-law of S. B. Foster, and the father of William F. Clark, whose history is given in the chapter on the Press. The house in question was a two-story log building, and stood on the site of Dr. Hoon's office, on the south side of East Market Street. After Mr. Clark died his wife, Susan, and daughter, Jane, started a school, and continued it for several years. Some of the older residents of Mercer still recall their attendance at the Clark school with great pleasure.

Mercer Academy .- One of the useful and cherished institutions of Mercer, and one which did much to stamp its youth with proper conceptions and laud- able ambitions for life's great duties, was the old Mercer Academy. Around its name cluster some of the most precious memories. Though the material structure is entirely gone, there being, as in the case of that grand structure of the Jewish people-the Temple, not "one stone upon another," the fabric of character and intellectual training which it wove in the days of long ago still remains, an imperishable heritage. Many a youth looks back to his alma mater with all the pride that ever characterized the loyal sons of the ancient and highly endowed institutions of more highly favored times and local- ities. Mercer Academy still lives in the labors of her children. This institu- tion was established by virtue of an act of the Assembly passed on the 30th of March, 1811. The act stipulated that the annual income should not exceed $2,000; that poor children should be taught gratis, and that the name should be "Mercer Academy." An appropriation of $2,000 was granted by the State for its erection. The records seem to have been lost or destroyed, and hence but an imperfect sketch can be presented. The first account of actual work is shown in a report of the following trustees, viz .: Rev. Samuel Tait, Joseph Junkin, Frederick Menner, John Hamill, Hugh Bingham, Robert Patterson, Dr. Epaphroditus Cossitt and T. S. Cunningham, made March 10, 1820, and covering the period from the 30th of March, 1811, to the 31st of De- cember, 1819. It was published at the time in the Western Press.

Debtor: To State appropriation, $2,000; to interest on same to December 31, 1819, $1,016; to donations from former trustees, $65; total, $3,081.

Credit: By investment in N. W. bank, Meadville, $1,000; by amount paid Thomas Templeton for building Academy, $1,500; by balance on hand, $581; total, $3,081.

This report reveals the cost of the structure, and the name of the contract- or, one of Mercer's honored citizens. At the same time Rev. Tait, Hugh Bingham and Mr. Cunningham advertised for a person " capable of teaching reading, writing, arithmetic, the mathematics and geography." Who re- sponded to this call is not known. The academy proper did not open until some time afterward. The first principal was Prof. John Kelley. He was a good mathematician, but no linguist. He must have commenced as early as 1824 or 1825, and continued until about 1830, when he was succeeded by Prof. D. B. Cook, who was assisted by his wife, Mrs. Mary Ann Cook. In an advertisement found in the Press of the 28th of July, 1832, Mr. Cook gives some idea of the rates of tuition, and line of studies pursued. The following is the tuition per quarter: Reading, $1.50; writing and arithmetic, $2.00; algebra, surveying, navigation, rhetoric, mensuration and book-keeping, $3.00; Latin and French, $4.00. Mr. Cook was succeeded in 1834 by William M. Stephenson and a Mr. Matthews, the former in charge of the English and the

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latter of the classical department. John Keck was president of the board that employed them. In December, 1835, Mr. Stephenson alone was in charge of the institution. After a vacancy of about a year, Rev. D. H. A. McLean, then a student in the theological seminary, at Canonsburg, was secured, his work beginning in May, 1837. During the winter months the academy was idle, be spending his time at the seminary, but returning in May, 1838, to resume his work. Mr. McLean was succeeded by Rev. Mitchell and an associate, who seemed to be unable to work together harmoni- ously, and finally separated. The board likewise was divided. After they had been in charge a short time McLean taught a third short term in the summer of 1839. He leaving, they secured the services of John W. Duff, a recent graduate from Jefferson College. After Duff the princi- palship devolved upon Rev. D. R. Harper, D. D., then a student in theology. Rev. G. C. Vincent, D. D., now located at Latrobe, Westmore- land County, became his successor. He was pastor of what became the First U. P. Church, of Mercer, and remained in charge of the academy for several years. The following named gentlemen were also connected with the academy as principals or instructors: Hon. Samuel Griffith, J. L. Rogers, William A. Mehard, G. W. Zahniser, Hiram Leffingwell, J. T. Smith, J. R. Wilson, William Butler, John Armstrong, William Dickson, Miss Marsh, Miss Green- field, Mr. McCune and William Scott.

The site of the building was Lots Nos. 249 and 250, lying north of East Market Street, between Otter Street and the diamond. On the 17th of March, 1849, a meeting was called at the court-house to take steps to erect a new building. Hugh Bingham was chairman and William F. Clark, Sr., secre- tary. Messrs. Stephenson, Garvin and Patterson were appointed a committee to prepare an address to the public on the necessity of such a step being taken. The address was read at a subsequent meeting. It urged the erection of a new building, in very decided terms; the scheme met with opposition, and was finally abandoned. The old structure was from time to time repaired. Finally, by act of the Assembly approved 13th of May, 1856, the Mercer school district was formed with the view of establishing a union school. Joseph Kerr, Samuel Giebner and William M. Stephenson were appointed commis- sioners to sell the academy property. The sale was made, Levi Jones being the purchaser, July 8, 1857. By him it was sold July 19, 1864, to John W. Parks. On the 15th of April, 1865, it was repurchased by Jones, by whom it was deeded on the 13th of January, 1868, to Mrs. Clarissa E. Jones, in con- sideration of $2,000. The building was burned down in January, 1879; but in the language of an American statesman, "the soil still remains."

Time would fail to give a full list of the men who, at various times, acted as trustees of the academy. It would embrace the names of such men as Rev. Samuel Tait, Frederick Menner, Joseph Junkin, John Hamill, Hugh Bingham, Robert Patterson, Dr. E. Cossitt, T. S. Cunningham, Andrew Pat- terson, Jonathan Smith, John Keck, Samuel Holstein, J. L. Dinwiddie, James Thompson, William M. Stephenson, Joseph T. Smith, William T. McAdam, B. F. Baskin, Samuel Giebner, William Stewart, D. W. Findley, A. H. Sny- der, Samuel Woods, John Forker, John Carnes, Henry Forker, John McGill, James Sheriff, Andrew Harsha, etc.

In like manner the list of students who have attended the old academy would be a formidable one, embracing a large portion of the prominent fami- lies of the town of Mercer and other parts of the county. It would not detract from the honor of having once been a student within its walls to be reminded that it had afforded educational facilities to Dr. George Junkin, Rev.

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D. X. Junkin, Judge J. J. Pearson, Hon. John A. Bingham, and others of State or national reputation. The old Mercer Academy is gone, but the young people of to-day are afforded excellent educational facilities in the public schools of the town and country. If they shall improve their facilities as care- fully as their ancestors did at the "academy," the State will not be destitute of true men and women.

The present Public Schools date their origin properly from the sale of the old Mercer Academy, as related in the previous portion of this sketch. The money thus accruing, the commissioners thus appointed were permitted to aug- ment by borrowing a sum not exceeding $5,000 for the erection of a suitable school building, the one now used. The board of directors of the school dis- trict were required to support a school at least ten months in the year, for the education of all youth from five to twenty-one, "in the branches of a complete English and classical education; but all students pursuing classical studies may be required to pay the prices usual for such branches in academies or pri- vate schools; also for those branches denominated ornamental, such as painting and drawing and instrumental music;" and it was further declared that " for- eign modern languages may also be taught in said school, but to be considered extra, and to be paid for by the persons receiving instruction in them." The projectors of the common schools of Mercer were liberal in their plans for securing more than the mere English elements. The principal building was erected in 1867, at a cost of some $15,000. It is a brick structure, three sto- ries in height, and situated so as to command the town and surrounding coun- try. A second structure, a two-story brick with two rooms, was erected in 1875, at a cost of about $4,700. The following have served as principals of the schools: David Rambo, A. J. Warner, Charles Beemis, J. G. White, David Blakeley, Robert Murry, John Albin, Robert McFeeter, Rev. G. Kerr, H. R. Stewart, James C. Graham, Miss Callie G. Forrest and George H. Lamb.

Soldiers' Orphan School. - This benevolent and valuable school was estab- lished on the 1st of January, 1868, by J. G. White and George Reznor, on a tract of land owned by the former. The site and some of the buildings had been previously used for a water-cure. The location is a favorable one, being in the valley which lies between the hill on which Mercer is situated and Bald Hill lying to the northeast. The grounds, embracing seventy acres, are abund- antly supplied with living water, that gushes from the base of Bald Hill. In addition, McCollough's Run, fed by springs, flows near by, affording a copi- ous supply of the liquid element for all practical purposes. In the distribu- tion of labor Mr. White became the superintendent of the educational depart- ment, and Mr. Reznor the general business manager. Mr. Reznor, however, retired from this position at the expiration of a year, but Mr. White continued as proprietor and principal until the first of March, 1874, when the proprietor- ship was transferred to Messrs. G. W. Wright, R. R. Wright, John I. Gordon and S. F. Thompson, its present owners. When the institution opened the attendance was necessarily small, and limited to a younger class of pupils. It is said that of the first hundred admitted nearly all were between the ages of four and eight years, a few even falling under the lesser number. This was in consequence of the theory first held, that pupils of about the same age should be sent to the same school. In a few years, however, this theory was discov- ered to be a false one, and children of the same family, whatever their ages, were sent to the same school. Mr. J. G. White, now a leading attorney at the Mercer bar, was, as has been already stated, the first principal. His duties in other directions required, however, that he should be relieved from such labors.

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He selected Rev. William T. Dickson, a man of intellectual power and experi- ence. He occupied the position but a few months when ill health compelled him to resign. He was succeeded by Miss Sarah Pew, a Mercer lady, who, during the two years of her incumbency, gave efficiency to that department of the school. She in turn was succeeded by Prof. William Bogle and G. W. Mays.

The first matron selected for the responsible place of governing these little ones was Mrs. Jane Findley, of Erie, widow of a distinguished minister. She faithfully performed the duties belonging to her position until 1870, when failing health compelled her to resign. Her memory is lovingly cherished by those who knew her in any capacity.

The second matron was Mrs. William F. Dickson, wife of Rev. William F. Dickson, who acted as the second principal. On account of his removal by reason of ill health, her stay was of short duration. Her successor was Mrs. Mary C. Galbraith, who held her position with success and general acceptance for a period of over four years. During her administration order, system and harmony prevailed. At the termination of Mrs. Galbraith's term of service Miss Jennie Martin, formerly connected with the Dayton Soldiers' Orphan School, was chosen. She had had quite a varied experience in similar work, and was, besides, the daughter of a soldier, who was a victim of the horrors of Andersonville. The wisdom shown in her selection was vindicated in the fact that she still occupies the position with honor and acknowledged success.

SECRET AND OTHER SOCIETIES.

On the 3d day of June, 1822, a warrant was issued by the Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, for the organization of Mercer Lodge No. 182, A. Y. M. The officers named in the charter were: Epaphroditus Cossitt, W. M .; Jacob Her- rington, S. W .; William Budd, J. W. The charter members present at the first meeting, which was held on July 4, 1822, were: Epaphroditus Cossitt, Jacob Herrington, William Budd, William Haywood, James Mitchelsok, Samuel Hawthorn, Benjamin. Hartley, William Jones, Andrew Titus and Thomas H. Trump. The meetings were held in the second story of the stone building now owned and occupied by Mrs. J. H. Robinson, on North Pitt Street. The sessions were interesting, and the order grew until 1827, when, owing to the strong anti-Masonic excitement, resulting from the abduction and melancholy fate of Morgan, it was compelled to yield to popular clamor, and passed gently into a state of non-existence. The last return of the lodge was dated 1827, but its warrant was not vacated until the 6th of February, 1837. A state of inactivity was indulged until the 27th of November, 1850, when Hebron Lodge No. 251 was constituted by Samuel Mckinley, D. D. G. M., on a warrant from the Grand Lodge. The charter members consisted of Branton H. Henderson, now of Sharon, John Hoge, John McGill, Dawson Wadsworth and Ashel Tyler. In the warrant John Hoge was designated W. M. ; J. P. Garrett, S. W., and John McGill, J. W. On the register was written in lead pencil, "J. P. Garrett not a member," from which it is inferred that he changed his mind as to becoming a member after he signed the application for a warrant. Difficulties of an internal character finally interfered with the prosperity of Hebron Lodge, and its meetings became less largely and enthusiastically attended. Finally, on the 5th of September, 1877, its warrant was vacated.

In June, 1888, as the result of some agitation, a new charter was secured for Hebron Lodge No. 575, by the following warrant members: T. K. Adams, W. M .; S. B. Griffith, S. W .; C. M. Derickson, J. W .; A. B. Filson, Secy .;

Richard Fruit

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W. D. Keck, Treas .; C. W. Whistler, John M. Findley, J. H. Chandler, D. R. Vaughn, John Carter, J. T. Moore and S. H. Miller. The lodge was ac- cordingly constituted.

Mercer Lodge No. 323, I. O. O. F., was instituted July 31, 1848, with Samuel Henderson, N. G .; Joseph R. Hunter, V. G .; Robert C. Rankin, Sec. ; Charles Curtis, Asst. Sec .; and Dawson Wadsworth, Treas. The first meetings of the order were held in the old academy building. From there the lodge removed to the stone house at present used as a dwelling by Mrs. J. H. Robinson, in the upper story of which was a room which had been used many years before by the original Masonic order of Mercer. This was now repaired and occupied for a time. Becoming dissatisfied with these quarters, the lodge, in connection with the Sons of Temperance, built a hall on what is now a va- cant lot, near the First Presbyterian Church. This being rendered untenable, the Burwell Block was occupied for a time, after which the present quarters, located in the third story of the Thompson and Miller Block, were secured. The most prosperous period of the lodge was during and immediately follow- ing the war. Its membership at this time numbered as high as 158. During a period of intense political excitement, a disaffection was created among the more influential members, which resulted very disastrously to the lodge, and from which it has never recovered. The falling off in membership at this time, and from the cause which produced it, had such a tendency to weaken the in- terest in the order which had so long been maintained, that at one time but ten members constituted the organization, and it was only through the utmost efforts on the part of these few that the charter, which is one of the oldest in Mercer County, was retained. During several years past the lodge has been attended with alternate success and failure, in its efforts to rebuild its mem- bership, until at last the young men of the town have become interested, and the prospect of its progress is more favorable than for many years. The pres- ent membership is thirty, nearly all young men. There was at one time an encampment in Mercer, known as Shenandoah Encampment No. 25. Its meet- ings covered a period of nearly twenty years, but it has been defunct for about ten years.

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History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 47

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