History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present, Part 61

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


USA > Pennsylvania > Mercer County > History of Mercer County, Pennsylvania : its past and present > Part 61


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Lake Lodge No. 1363, I. O. G. T., was organized and chartered November 1, 1879, with the following as charter members: Duncan McLaren, Ed. Rowe, John Price, William Cartwright, E. H. Hovey, George P. Cornwall, Cyrus Cartwright, Henry Shaw, W. W. Fry, Charles Nichols, Thomas H. Rowe, John Brown, George Lavers, Edward Hughes, William Proud, William Swyres, E. S. Nichols, Ida Blancher, Mattie Rowe, Hettie Price, Rachael Price and Annie Morris. The first officers were: Duncan McLaren, W. C. T .; E. S. Nichols, W. V. T .; E. H. Hovey, W. C. & O. P .; George P. Cornwall, W. secretary; Edward Rowe, W. F. S. : W. W. Fry, W. treasurer; William Cart- wright, W. M .; Thomas H. Rowe, W. D. M .; Ida Blancher, W. I. G .; Charles Nichols, W. O. G .; Cyrus Cartwright, W. R. H. S .; Henry Shaw, W. L. N. S., and John Price, P. W. C. T. Meetings are held in the K. of P. hall, Bonner Block.


Keystone Mutual Relief Association was chartered April 17, 1880, with the following members: Austin Niles, John P. Hines, F. A. Bliss, F. Wil- kins, Dr. J. H. Christler and L. Bonesteel, The first officers were: Presi- dent, John P. Hines; vice-president and treasurer, F. A. Bliss; secretary,


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L. Bonesteel; medical adviser, Dr. J. H. Christler; trustees, Austin Niles, John P. Hines, F. A. Bliss, F. Wilkins and L. Bonesteel. The purpose of the association, as enunciated in its charter, is " to render aid to sick and disa- bled members of the association by a mutual assessment plan."


Stoneboro Union No. 376, E. A. U., was organized December 1, 1881, with forty-one charter members. The first roster of officers comprised Samuel Esgar, chancellor; J. H. Christler, advocate; Lewis D. Lewis, president; A. Jax- theimer, vice-president; S. B. Throop, auxiliary; C. G. Larned, treasurer; S. A. Wilson, secretary; V. Porter, accountant; James Lyle, chaplain; W. J. Cartwright, warden; M. W. Custer, sentinel; B. F. Esgar, watchman; Joseph Brennan, conductor; Mrs. V. Porter, assistant conductor; J. H. Christler, examining physician, and S. B. Throop, V. Porter, Joseph Bren- nan, M. W. Custer and James Lyle, directors. Meetings are held in the K. of P. hall, Bonner Block.


Stoneboro Lodge No. 501, I. O. O. F., was instituted in the hall it occu- pies at present, the K. of P. hall, Bonner Block, December 18, 1882. The first officers of the lodge were Lewis D. Lewis, noble grand; Michael Cook, vice-grand; H. Vert, secretary; George Summerson, assistant secretary, and Norbert Houser, treasurer. This lodge is in a flourishing condition.


Lake Lodge No. 1193, K. & L. of H., was instituted October 20, 1886, with the following named charter members: William H. McIntire, George W. Lyons, R. P. Cann, John L. Rossiter, Samuel A. Wilson, B. S. Cleary, David Cartwright, Virginia M. Wilson, William C. Miller, Julia B. Cann, John Kelly, John P. Hines, William C. Esgar, Kate E. Throop, J. W. Wilson, C. S. Niece, Martha E. Wilson, Roderick E. Hamm, Mary McCleary, Maria Clark, Milton Clark, Lizzie E. Hines, Emma Hall, Bertha M. Bonner, Blanche V. White, Callie Davis, Ida M. Gumfory, Walter H. Davis, C. G. Larned, Ellen A. Larned, Henry Hall, Mrs. M. A. McIntire and Mrs. M. R. McIntire. Meetings are held in the K. of P. hall, Bonner Block.


Sandy Lake Circle No. 16, P. H. C., was instituted August 1, 1887, with the following named charter members: W. T. McBurney, Mrs. W. T. Mc- Burney, G. W. Turner, John Lowe, Mrs. John Lowe, S. B. Forker, J. O. Jackson, W. H. Clawson, Lucy Clawson, W. A. Clarke, Mrs. W. A. Clarke, Mary Lyons, F. B. Craig, M. B. Hays, W. H. Rogers, Edward Rogers, Harry Rogers, J. F. Rayen, Mrs. J. F. Rayen and A. G. McElwain. The first officers installed were: W. T. McBurney, P. P .; G. W. Turner, president; John Lowe, vice-president; W. H. Rogers, guardian; S. B. Forker, secretary; W. A. Clark, Acct .; W. H. Clawson, treasurer; Mary Lyons, porter; F. B. Craig, watchman; M. B. Hayes, guide; Lucy Clawson, companion; Mrs. J. F. Rayen, L. D. ; A. G. McElwain, chaplain, and J. O. Jackson, medical exam- iner. Meetings are held in the Odd Fellows' hall on the first Monday of each month. The circle is in good condition.


Manufactures. - The Stoneboro Milling Co. was incorporated into a partner- ship association February 8, 1887. The shareholders in the new enterprise were Hugh H. Horn, Aaron M. Vaness, George W. Porter, John P. Hines, Alexander Bonner, Alexander S. Throop, John S. Crook, Thomas H. Price, Edward Houser, Jennie F. Houser, John Kelly, Fred T. Mears, James F. Baskin, David B. Hanna, C. G. Larned, R. P. Cann, William H. McIntire, J. Lem Smith, John Parry, Joseph E. Fox and Milton Logan. The company has extensive mills fitted up with the latest and best machinery, and is acquir- ing for its products a wide and appreciative market. The managers of the enterprise are Hugh E. Horn, Milton Logan, George W. Porter, John Parry, Alexander S. Throop, John P. Hines and William H. McIntire.


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HISTORY OF MERCER COUNTY.


The Sandy Lake Ice Company, though in existence a number of years previous, was not formed into a partnership association until the 6th of Sep- tember, 1882. It has a capital stock of $12,000, divided into 120 shares of the par value of $100 each. The original shareholders were Beriah Magoffin, Richard R. Wright, Robert A. Stewart, Peter J. Pierce, Samuel A. Wilson, Lorenzo P. Foster, Cassius B. Fulton, William T. McBurney and Henry S. Blatt. The first officers elected under the new charter were: Richard R. Wright, chairman; Henry S. Blatt, secretary; Lorenzo P. Foster, treasurer, and Samuel A. Wilson, superintendent. The houses of the company are situated on the margin of the lake, and in winter time an abundant supply of pure, crystal ice, is packed away sufficient to meet all demands in summer. The market of this company extends for miles about, as the superior facilities they have for storing and transporting their products render competition with them almost impossible.


In the winter of 1887-88 a commodious building was erected by Horn, Van Ness & Mears, for storage and creamery purposes, which doubtless will prove of great convenience and usefulness to this part of the county. *


The census of 1870 gave Stoneboro a population of 471. The town grew rapidly in the next ten years, having in 1880, 1,186 inhabitants. The coal mining interest was the leading factor in the growth of the borough, and will continue to be one of its principal supports as long as the Stoneboro coal fields can be worked profitably.


CHAPTER XXIII.


BOROUGHIS OF SHEAKLEYVILLE AND NEW LEBANON-HISTORY OF THE NAME OF SHEAKLEYVILLE TRACED-ITS FIRST ELECTION -- ORIGINAL SETTLERS-FIRST HOUSES BUILT-EARLY PHYSICIANS-SCHOOLS-PIONEER TEACIIERS-PRO- GRESS OF THE SCHOOLS-CHURCHES-SOCIETIES-POPULATION.


NEW LEBANON-LOCATION-FIRST SETTLERS - VILLAGE LAID OUT -FIRST BUILDINGS AND BUSINESS INTERESTS-PHYSICIANS-SCHOOLS-PROGRESS OF EDUCATION IN THE BOROUGH-MCELWAIN INSTITUTE-EARLY SETTLERS OF THAT VICINITY - INCORPORATION - A POLITICAL EVENT - SOCIETIES - POPULATION.


W HAT is now Sheakleyville was originally called "Georgetown," in honor of George Sheakley. The town was christened with consider- able ceremony July 4, 1822. When old Sandy Creek was to be sub-divided, and Georgetown was to be erected into a borough, some dissatisfaction existed with the name "Georgetown." It was proposed that it should be dropped and the name "Exchangeville" substituted. Mr. Sheakley, jealous of the honor attached to the name "Georgetown," arranged with Hon. David Sankey, State Senator from the district, to have the passage of the act by the Legislature, authorizing the change, deferred to the next session. Another friend of Mr. Sheakley in the Legislature conceived the idea of having the first two syllables of "Exchangeville " erased, and the name Sheakley substituted. With this modification the bill was passed on the 11th of March, 1851, and a permanent name was fixed upon. When the news of this stratagem reached the village, considerable excitement ensued. Business men had painted their


*For Mercer Coal and Iron Company, and Agricultural Society, see Chapters VI and VII, respectively.


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signs Exchangeville. Finally the advice of Mr. Sheakley prevailed, and his neighbors and friends made no further resistance to the new name.


The first election of the new borough of Sheakleyville was held in March, 1851, John Condit acting as judge, and William Dunn and D. M. Beatty as inspectors. The officers elected were as follows: Burgess, G. W. Moyer; council, G. G. Brush, Jacob Vaughn and Cyrus Parks; constable, R. R. Hosack; treasurer, John M. Kitch; collector, James Brush; street commis- sioners, Thomas Davis and G. W. Moyer.


The site of Sheakleyville was originally part of a tract of 400 acres located by William Byers in 1797. Having been appointed the first sheriff of Mercer County, in 1803, Mr. Byers removed to Mercer, and therefore sold his land to John Sheakley, of Franklin County, Penn., who with his family took possession in 1804. Mr. Byers' earliest neighbor was Martin Carringer, a Revolutionary soldier, who had located about four miles south of the site of Sheakleyville as early as 1797. It is claimed that he was the first settler in this region, In the spring of 1798 a company from Washington and Alle- gheny Counties came and settled on the belt north of Carringer's, and mostly east of Sheakleyville. It included such men as Thomas Philips, John A. Larimer, David Chess, John Chess, Hugh Minnis and others. They were known as "Ten Milers," and settled on land belonging to the Nathan Axtell tract. They erected cabins, cleared a potato patch, raised a crop, and hid them in a cave on the bank of a stream, and covered them to prevent their being seen by the Indians. They then returned to get their families. These "ten milers " were Jerseymen, while their neighbors were Scotch-Irish and Welsh.


The first house on the present site of Sheakleyville was built by William Byers in 1798. It was a log structure. He also built a small saw-mill on the stream known as town run, but it was soon carried away. The next building occurred in 1818. It was done by George Sheakley, the structure being a frame, which stood where Wentz's house now stands. He also built a large frame tavern, which he used until the town was started, when he sold it to William Dunn. He and his wife were familiarly known as "Billy Dunn " and " Queen Anne."


After this houses began to multiply. John Limber, Thomas Wallace, Philip Mann, Robert Jones (blacksmith), Joseph Culbertson and others came to the place and erected buildings prior to 1825.


The first physician in the place was George Linn. He came from the re- gion of Hartstown, and remained about a year. This was in 1820. The next was Dr. Samuel Axtell, who bought out Dr. Linn, and practiced many years. Concerning him more is said in the Medical chapter. Dr. Barton came and practiced a number of years. He never bought property. His brother was a practitioner at Cochranton,


Schools. - John Holloway taught the first regular school in the place. That was in 1832. He boarded with Isaac Philips. Other early teachers were Elias Wick, Hugh Davenny, John Sheakley, Irene Churchhill (first lady), George W. Baker and F. B. Carrington.


Prior to 1854 schools were taught by subscription. On the 9th of April, 1856, a special school district was formed. On the 14th of October, ensuing, an election was held, which resulted in the choice of the following directors: John W. Stinson and Thomas W. Sheakley, three years; Thomas Cochran and D. F. McDowell, two years, and William Thomas and F. B. Carrington, one year. Two schools were established, and have been maintained ever since. The present house, a two-story frame building with three rooms, was built in


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1877-78 at a cost of about $3,000. At the time of its erection the directors were: T. C. Cochran, president; John White, Samuel Sisley, Levi Morrison, Robert Sheakley and E. W. Graham. The building was completed in 1878, Sylvester Logan and John Axtell being the contractors. Among the teachers who have occupied the position of principal were A. J. Umholtz, J. M. Ealy, E. D. Emory, S. H. McCleery, A. J. Palm, W. T. Cozens, M. B. Griffith and M. R. Smith.


Churches .- The Upper Sandy or Georgetown Presbyterian congregation was organized in 1799 by Elisha McCurdy and. Joseph Stockton. The first elder- ship consisted of Alexander McCracken and William Byers. Rev. William Wylie acted as the first pastor, his service extending from April 13, 1802, to De- cember 5, 1804. The next year Rev. Stockton, then located at Meadville, sup- plied the congregation one-third of his time. The following year Mr. John- ston performed similar service. The eldership removing from the place the congregation became extinct for a time. In 1814 the reorganization of the congregation, under the name of Georgetown, occurred, Rev. Ira Condit becoming their pastor. This relation he sustained until the date of his death, October 24, 1836. Rev. David Waggoner was installed next, July 11, 1838, and continued until May 4, 1853. Rev. James M. Shields succeeded August 9, 1855, and continued until February 28, 1864. In May, 1864, Mr. Wag- goner returned and was employed two-thirds of his time, the remainder being devoted to Greenfield. He continued until February, 1872. Rev. J. M. Robinson became pastor in May, 1873. The first meeting-house, built on the farm of Joseph Brush, was made of rough logs. Its floor consisted of mother earth, and its windows of oiled paper. The second was erected about 1818. It was hewed logs, had a floor and glass windows, and was a decided im- provement in point of architecture. The highest subscription for its erection was made by Martin Carringer, $10. The present structure was dedicated January 4, 1835. The session of the church has borne such names as William Byers, Samuel Axtell, Andrew McCracken, Robert Tiffany, John Condit, John Stinson, Orison Eels, John Kerr, David Hadley, David Thompson, John W. McCracken, Hugh Lackey, Jacob Vaughn, Andrew De Arment, W. P. Mc- Donald and others.


The United Presbyterian congregation dates its origin in the year 1818, when about half a dozen families, consisting of those of David Gardner, James Brush, Ross Byers, John Caldwell and John Thompson, withdrew from the Upper Sandy Presbyterian congregation and formed an Associate Reformed Church. The separation grew out of the controversy relative to the use of Rouse's version of the Psalms. Subsequently Martin Carringer, John Sheak- ley and Samuel Cochran joined the new organization. The additional mem- bers not already mentioned were: Mrs. Ross Byers, Mrs. John Thompson, Baptist Brush and wife, Ebenezer Miller, Agnes Long, Peter Hazen and wife, A. McCandless, Mr. Elliott and wife, Jonathan Byers and wife, Mrs. Culbert- son, Charles Montgomery, Robert Findley and wife and Mrs. Samuel Cochran. The first elders in the new congregation were Baptist Brush, Ross Byers, James Brush and Charles Montgomery. During its existence it relied largely upon supplies, being served by A. Bowers, H. H. Thompson and others. When the union occurred, Rev. James Burrows was installed pastor, and con- tinued in that position from 1858 to 1860. In 1863, union having been formed with the congregation at Mineral Spring, a new organization, to be located in Sheakleyville, was the result. Rev. J. A. Bailey became the pastor of the new congregation June 23, 1863, and continued in that relation until 1869. In June, 1871, Rev. G. C. Brown was chosen, and continued until ill health


.


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demanded his release in 1873. On September 6, 1875, Rev. R. Bruce, the last pastor, was chosen. The first edifice in the borough was erected in 1850-52. It was a wooden structure, 44x50, and stood on a site deeded for religious purposes by David Carlyle. This house was supplanted in 1886-87 by a large and commodious brick structure of modern style and advantages. The congregation is said to be in a prosperous condition.


The Georgetown Baptist Church dates back as far as 1807, at which time serv- ices were held in this community as often as once a month by a prominent Bap- tist from Philadelphia, who had been recently stationed at Sharon, Elder Thomas G. Jones. The little flock, to which he preached for the modest sum of $1.50 per month, consisted of James and Isaac Hazen and wives. Joseph Mattox and wife, Thomas Philips and wife and Joseph Nelson and wife. In 1820 these were constituted a branch of the Sharon charge, under the ministry of Elder Adamson Bentley. Rev. Jesse Brown, of Carmel, preached for the new branch for a period of two years. During the years 1826 and 1827 Rev: Henry Frazier conducted monthly services, the sermons being frequently two hours in length. In 1830 the meetings of the branch were held for the first time in the village school-house, the services previous to that time having been conducted either in private houses or in the woods. The regular church organization was effected in August, 1831, by Rev. Samuel Churchill, of Erie County, assisted by Rev. Isaac Davis, of Crawford County. The original members were Joseph Nelson and wife, Thomas Philips and wife, Mrs. Mary Limber, Mrs. Turner, Mrs. Freeland, Isaac Hazen and wife, Asher Williams, William and Mary Lackey, James Wood and wife, Mrs. Jesse Hofford and Stephen Rowland and wife. Rev. Churchill was the first pastor of the new congregation. During his ministry, in January, 1833, the congregation decided to erect a suitable house of worship. This was accomplished, and a new structure dedicated four years later, at a cost of $800. In September, 1841, Rev. Franklin Kidder was em- ployed as pastor, but resigned two years later. Provisional services were then held for a period, until Rev. J. Hicks became pastor in 1845. He was suc- ceeded by Rev. J. H. Hazen in 1848, under whose ministry, which closed in 1853, the membership of the congregation was built up to 177. During his stay a parsonage and eight acres of land were purchased by the church. In July, 1856, Rev. H. Steelman accepted a call. He was succeeded seven years later by Rev. D. L. Clouse, who remained but a few months, and gave place in September, 1863, to Rev. Ephraim Mills. The latter remained a year only. He was followed in the ministry by Rev. J. Winter and Elder John Moses, each of whom remained but a short time. Rev. Ross Ward was called to the charge of the congregation December, 1866, remaining five years. Since then the following have been pastors: Rev. Norman Thomas, 1872-77; Rev. John T. Griffith, 1878-80; Rev. J. T. Bradford, 1881-82; Rev. O. M. Herrick, 1882-84; Rev. G. M. Evans, 1884-86, and the present pastor, Rev. J. T. Davis, whose labors began in 1886.


The Methodist Episcopal Church was organized in August, 1830, its members then consisting of George W. Lee, Griffith Burnett and wife, Cyrus Church, James Dunn and wife and Letitia Hazen. At first preaching was done in the village school-house by Rev. John Somerville, a jolly Irishman, an eloquent preacher and valuable pastor. No rapid growth occurred until 1846, when, under the labors of J. Crum and A. Calender, many additions were made to the hitherto feeble ranks. The first class-leader was Cyrus Church, who held his membership as one of the charter members, and continued in such relation nearly sixty years. He was born October 16, 1803, and died in Sheakleyville February 15, 1888, in his eighty-fifth year. The building was erected in 1842,


27


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upon a lot deeded by Justus Holcomb. Jacob Vaughn and James Dunn were the contractors, they receiving for their services something more than $100. The first church bell in the village was put into this structure soon after its completion. It is said to be a sweet-toned instrument for calling worshipers to the place of assembling. We are unable to present a complete list of those who have preached for this congregation. From 1860 to 1888 the pastors have been Revs. J. B. Orwig, S. S. Stuntz, F. Brown, M. Smith, R. C. Smith, J. F. Perry, C. W. Foulke, J. W. Crawford, A. J. Lindsey, J. Boyd Espy, J. H. Vance, J. M. Foster and C. C. Hunt.


Societies. - W. G. Brown Lodge, No. 592, I. O. O. F., was chartered No- vember 20, 1866, with W. G. Brown, Lafayette Larimer, James M. Dunn, Norbert Housen, M. M. Jenkins, S. C. Long and H. M. Hamblin as charter members. The first meetings of the lodge were held in Dunn's Hall, which was occupied until destroyed by fire. Subsequently a hall was secured of T. K. Cochran, but this was abandoned after a time. The order was at one time very strong, but upon its removal to Hadley, October 29, 1884, it gradually weakened until it now has but twenty-six members. The first officers elected by it were: W. G. Brown, N. G .; Lafayette N. Larimer, V. G. ; H. M. Hamb- lin, secretary; Norbert Houser, assistant secretary, and M. M. Jenkins, treasurer.


Elijah Thompson Post, No. 417, G. A. R., Department of Pennsylvania, was organized in the fall of 1883 by Abijah Burnett, of New Lebanon, with the following members: S. A. Fell, Jackson Breakman, John A. McCracken, F. S. McCracken, John Clark, S. T. Bell, Anderson Crawford and S. A. Minnis. The organization was effected in the old Odd Fellows' Hall, in which meet- ings have since been held until the present. The post commanders have been S. A. Fell, Dr. D. A. Philips and William Brooks. The present officers are; William Brooks, commander; John Clark, senior vice-commander; Jackson Breakman, junior vice-commander; Levi Morrison, adjutant; Erastus Smith, quartermaster; J. A. McCracken, officer of day; John Brooks, officer of guard; F. S. McCracken, chaplain; J. A. Murphy, quartermaster sergeant; S. H. Minnis, surgeon; James Kilgore, sergeant major, and Dr. D. A. Phil- ips, S. H. Minnis and J. A. Murphy, trustees. The membership is about fifty at present.


Elijah Thompson, the comrade after whom the post was called, was one of the prospective charter members. His death occurring before the charter ar- rived, the post was accordingly named in his honor. He entered the war as a private in Company I, Fifty-seventh Regiment Pennsylvania Volunteers, and served with the Army of the Potomac, receiving while in the line of duty a wound from which he never fully recovered.


The local union of the W. C. T. U. was organized March 22, 1881, at the Methodist Episcopal Church, by Miss Narcissa E. White. The original mem- bers were: Mrs. S. Sisley, Mrs. Levi Morrison, Mrs. W. McDowell, Mrs. William McCoy, Mrs. Joseph Strait, Mrs. L. W. Lee, Mrs. Maggie Morrison, Mrs. S. Carrington, Mrs. L. Larimer, Mrs. Anna Feather. The first officers consisted of: President, Mrs. Rev. N. P. Crouse; vice-president, Mrs. J. B. Espy; secretary, Mrs. Levi Morrison, and treasurer, Mrs. Johnson Mc- Cartney. The presidents since organization have been Mrs. Crouse, Mrs. Espy, Mrs. Rev. O. M. Merrick, Mrs. Rev. Foster and Mrs. Anna Feather, while the secretaries for the corresponding years have been Mrs. Morrison and Mrs. W. McDowell. Meetings are held monthly in the houses of mem- bers.


The local lodge of the Knights of Honor was instituted in June, 1883, by N. A. Beatty, of Jefferson, Ohio, with the following as among the


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charter members: A. J. DeArment, T. D. Beatty, S. S. Byers, D. P. Morri- son, Frank Beatty, F. L. Beatty, Seth Mook, Hugh Bradbury, A. D. Free and others. The organization was effected in the Odd Fellows' Hall, in which meetings are still held on the first and third Friday evenings of each month. The first dictator elected was A. J. DeArment, while D. P. Morrison was chosen as the first reporter. The present officers comprise William McClure, dictator; Dr. J. C. Bachop, financial reporter; C. J. Bell, reporter; A. K. Steel, treasurer, and A. Davenny, chaplain. The membership is about twenty-five.


Sheakleyville has been comparatively losing ground for many years, and has degenerated from one of the most bustling little towns in the county to one of its quietest hamlets. The census of 1860 gives the borough a popula- tion of 218. In 1870 it had 273, which decreased over fifty during the suc- ceeding ten years, as the census of 1880 gives it only 222 inhabitants.


NEW LEBANON.


New Lebanon borough, geographically one of the large ones of Mercer County, is located in the northwestern part of Mill Creek Township, about five miles north of Sandy Lake, and seven miles southeast of Sheakleyville. Its removal from serious competition would, but for the absence of modern railroad facilities, make it a sprightly inland town.


The first settler within its limits was Rynheer Van Voorhies, a German immigrant from Washington County, in 1803. He erected a log cabin and made quite an extensive clearing preparatory to removing his family to the new country. In the course of a few years his cabin was found to be too small. An addition of hewed logs made his home more commodious, and sufficed until a more modern style of architecture supplied the place of the old mixed structure, no part of which remains at the present day. Van Voor- hies had no neighbors within the borough limits for some time, but had coun- try neighbors to share in his pioneer loneliness-the Morgans, the Carnahans, the Reeds and others.




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