USA > Pennsylvania > Northumberland County > History of Northumberland Co., Pennsylvania. With illustrations descriptive of its scenery, palatial residences, public buildings, fine blocks, and important manufactories > Part 24
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Public Schools .- There are in Delaware township, thirteen brick school- houses, in which are taught fourteen schools. The house at Dewart, is called the " Academy," as one of the two schools taught there, is of n grade higher than the others of the township.
The free term lasts five months of the year, and from four to five mouths more tuition, is paid for by subscription. The teachers' salaries are thirty to sixty dollars per month.
Present Board of School Directors: President, John Eyster; Secretary, Josiah Keysher; Treasurer, Madison Tygart; Joseph Kerr, Dr. - Harley, D. P. Billman.
The Warrior Run Presbyterian Church, is one of the oldest in the County. As early as 1775, it had erected a house of worship. A beautiful little grove at the lower extremity of Watsontown, still marks the site, as also that of the old grave-yard, in which, one of the inscriptions records a death that ac- curred in 1787.
A second log building was erected in 1789, two-and-a-half miles north-east of the first site. Here, the people worshipped,-even in winter-without fire- place or floor. The first fire was upon a brick hearth, in front of the pulpit, where the burning charcoal scattered dust, und generated deadly gases as well as heat. And yet, while the people thus evidenced hardiloud and self- denial, they were uot, according to present standards, equally praiseworthy in all respects. They even petitioned the legislature to sanction a lottery, by which to secure money for religious purposes, and one of the important transactions upon record, is a collection of pew-rent by legal process !
The pulpit in the second log building was very high and narrow, and in front of it was a capacious desk, from which one or two persons led the ser- vice of singing.
Two sermons were prenched, between which au intermission was allowed. This too often occasioned enough conversation upon the neighborhood news, or upon politics, or enough of giddiness, flirtation, and merriment among the young, to dissipate the impression made by the one service, nad to unfit them for the other. Indeed, an old and intelligent eitizea testifies, that at one time the fascination of a service at Warrior Run was very much like that of a grand party, so far as many were concerned, How many engage- ments, other than those matrimonial ; how many scandals circulated, and witticisms perpetrated during those intermissions, must be left to the reader to conjecture.
The present commodious structure of brick was erected in 1835. The site is still a beautiful one, although the stumps of the trees, which have died, give evidence how much more shady was the grove ia former times than now, even with the young evergreens which have sprung up, and which will, in time, supply the places of their deciduous predecessors.
The Rev. John Bryson was the first pastor. lu this relation he remained for fifty-two years, embracing eleven of the last, and forty-one of the present century. In the possession of the Rev. J. P. Hudson, of Williamsport, is the original call for the services of Mr. Bryson, with the names of the origi- anl signers of Chillisquaque and Warrior Run, making a joint call, and promising as salary, one hundred and fifty pounds, Pennsylvania money, equal to four hundred dollars. With this small salary pledged, it can be realized how the one hundred and nine sigaers (heads of families, with few exceptions) had so divided their reponsibility that no one would be ex- pected to give more than a few shillings, and would have enough left for daily rations of whisky to the family. For the first missionary describes his host, as "sometime boisterously orthodox, at other times, obviously supine, but always serupulously saber on the Sabbath." And some of the citizens can yet recollect when at a funeral, the entire company were formed in line, aud the bottle of cordial passed, very much as buckets were formerly passed from hand to hand, at a fire; but with this difference, that one was water, and the other as oil, upon the flames. After Mr. Bryson resigned, in 1841, Rev. S. S. Shedden was his successor till 1852, and since his retirement, the church, with but short .vacancies, has been faithfully served by Rev. Henry M. Parsons, Rev. Edward D. Yeomans, Rev. Lorenzo Westcott, Rev. S. P. Herren, and by the present pastor, Rev. George Elliatt.
The descendants of the Vincents, Kirks, and Durhams, of Fort Freeland renown, are still prominent in the membership of the Warrior Run Church. And, if the members venerate hier dust, and attach sacredaess, especially to the sleeping-places of her dead, it is because the glory of a former day is like that of the First Temple, which, in the estimation of the " Chief of the Fathers," no second temple could rival or supercede.
The Cemetery, at Warrior's Rua, has a beautiful and romantic location, by the brick church, of 1835. It was chartered many years ago, and that fact was one of the moving canses towards the rupture in the church in 1841, which resulted in the establishment of the church at MeEweasville, under the pastorate of Rev. J. P. Hudson. After the lapse of a quarter of a century, it is now hard to arrive at all the causes which led to those fierce bickerings, and induced the separation; but, it is sure, that the incorporation of this old burial-place, was one of them. The interments there have not been confined to Presbyterians, and, although this is by no means the oldest, it is, probably, more populous than any other home of the departed, in the upper portion of the County.
Union Baptist Church .- In 1839, there were, in Delaware township ( then Turbut), six Baptists, who, though members of White Deer und Clinton Churches, occasionally enjoyed preaching iu school-houses and groves in their own neighborhood, by Elder G. M. Spratt, D. D. The first ordinance of baptisin was administered in the Susquehanna River, near the present site of the "Jack mill," May 31st, 1840, in presence of a large audience. The sceand baptism was in Delaware Run, September 1st, 1841.
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HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
By urgent request, a conneil was called, which met the same year at Wat- sontown school-house, and organized the " Union Baptist Church," consist- ing of twenty-one members (11 male and 10 female). Upon that occasion the sermon was preached by Elder D. C. Wait. Elder W. S. Hall was elected pastor of the new church, and Amos S. Andersou and Robert Ever- itt, deacons.
After having worshipped so long ju school-houses nud groves, they met upon une occasion, in the Fall of 1844, at Seott's school-house, but found the door locked against them. One of the brethren proposed forcing an entrance with a fence rail for a battering-ram, but Elder Hall forhade it, and preached from his seat in the suddle, a very telling sermon from the appropriate words- "And the door was shut." This incident roused a determination to build for themselves a meeting-house; and ou March 15th, 1845, Joseph Everitt and John Oyster were made a committee to purchase a lot upon which to rear it. The lot was purchased, on Delaware Run, and a brick house huilt thereon, which was dedicated, free of debt, June 5th, 1847. The sermon un that occasion was preached by Elder Joe Lec Bradley, of Lewisburg, now of Dan- ville. Elder Hall's pastorate eontinned a year nud a hall, and after him came Elder Joseph R. Morris. On June 5th, 1843, Elder John Edminster became pastor, and remained till February 14th, 1848. Elder W. T. Bunker was their pastor from July 29th, 1849, till Christmas in 1858. After him, the pulpit was supplied by Elders Henry Essick, D. W. Walker, Dr. A. K. Bell, and George Frear, until February 1st, 1857, when Elder Joshua Kelley took charge and remained nearly two years. Then, for three yenra, Elders W. C. Moore and S. W. Zeigler preached regularly as supplies. August 17th, 1860, Elder J. G. Miles assumed the charge and preached till Getober 1st, 1863. Then, for three years, preaching was had by supplies, the last of whom was Elder S. K. Boyer, who left June, 1866. This was the last of the Union Baptist Church, for in that year (1866), the name was changed to " Watsontown Baptist Church," but the meetings contiuned to be held in the house at Delaware Ruu until 1871, when the new meeting- house in Watsontown was dedicated and occupied regularly.
Dewart M. E. Church .- The Dewart appointment was organized some years previous to that at Watsontown, and it has been connected with the same circuits. At present it belongs to the Watsoutown Station, the mem- bers, for the most part, attending preaching at Watsontown. The old church building, which stood further up in the township, has been taken down, and is in process of re-erection at Dewart. This, when completed, will be their place of worship.
St. John's Delaware Run Church, (Lutheran.)-Prior to 1818, the mem- bers of the Evangelical Lutheran congregation, residing in the north-westeru part of Delaware township, had held their meetings at the house of John Loss, under the charge of Rev. Jacob Repass; but in that year they united with the Reformed members, in the crection of a log church, near Delaware Run, and about two miles north of Dewart. This church was called "St. John's Union," or more generally the "River Church." Rev. Jacob Repass remained pastor until 1825, when he resigned, and was succeeded hy Rev. Jared Sheetz, who resigned in 1836. Rev. C. F. Stoever ministered to them from 1837 till 1845, and was succeeded hy Rev. S. M. Boyer, in 1846. In 1859, Mr. Boyer resigned, and was succeeded by Rev. Jucob Albert, who remained in their service until 1865. The congregation was then without a pastor for more than two years, during which time the joint congregations demolished the old log building, and built, on nearly the same ground, a plain brick church, forty by fifty-five feet, and named it the "St. John's Dela- ware Run Union Church." Ou the completion of this, the Rev. Mr. Bill- heimer took the pastorate, and soon effected a eounection of this with the Lutheran congregation in Watsontown, the two constituting a pastoral charge. They were served successively by Revs. J. B. Keller, P. S. Mack, and S. P. Orwig, the last named assuming charge in 1873, and being the present pastor. The number of communicants is now one hundred and twenty-five. They have a Union Sabbath-school of one hundred and forty scholars. This school is as old as the congregation, and, prior to the erection of the log church, it was taught in the school-house at Delaware Run.
SHAMOKIN TOWNSHIP.
This township was erected from Catawissa, at the August session of the court for Northumberland, 1788. The haptismal name of, Ralpho, was given to the territory, for what reason doth not clearly appear. The year following, the name was changed to Shamokin, by Act of Assembly. The
name Shamokin, signifying eel creek, or pond, appeared to possess a peculiar charm for the whites, as well as the Indians, have given it to every natural, or unnatural division entitled to a name. (See annals of Shamokin City.)
The township is described, as follows, viz: "Beginning at the mouth of Roaring Creek; thence up said ercek to the head thereof; thence on the Ridge to the south branch of Roaring Creek ; from thence up said creek to Yaruall's path; thence a south-easterly course to the county line, which said live of division the court confirmed, and the court creet the upper division thereof' into a township, separate and apart from Catawis a township, and order from henceforth that the said newly erected township shall he called and known as Ralpho." Nearly ninety years have passed, since the name Ruipho was applied to the large extent of territory, the boundaries of which are delineated above bringing with it innumerable changes to men and things, but, to few more than the confines of this, one of the largest sub-di- visions of Northumberland County.
In 1813, a modicum of the territory was cut off, and christened Little Mahanoy. In 1819, Rush township was organized from Shamokin; in 1837, Conl; 1851, Cameron; 1853, Zerbe; and in 1854, Mt. Carmel, leaving the limits as shown on the maps to-day. A complete list of the resident tax- payers of Ralpho, or Shamokin township for 1788, will be found appended. By this can be determined the number of settlers ut that day. The earliest settlements appear to have been made in the vicinity of what is now known by the euphonious name of Snufftown, on the main path or road leading from Fort Angusta to the coal fields and east. This town has but little aside from the antiquity of its origin, which is sufficiently apparent from the ehar- acter of its improvements to recommend it to public notice. Not far from here, abont equidistant from Snydertown, stands the lwautiful edifice, erected in 1873, by the Baptists of Shamokin township, on the ground where, eighty years before, their ancestors chanted their anthems, and songs of praise, as they dedicated the first temple of worship in the wilds of Shamokin township.
This house stands iu a seelnded spot, with surroundings unadorned save as fashioned by the Divine architect, but in itself' a fitting monument to the devoted spirit of a people who make the ground work of their religion, the declaration, "The obligation to glority God, rests upon all created intelli- gence, hecause it is right in itself."
A family by the name of Lewis, consisting of the old gentleman, wife, three sons, and two daughters, located on the creek, about two miles from Suydertown, before the war, on what is now known as the Saxton farm. The family were industrious, and soon established themselves a home, in which they hoped to pass their lives in the enjoyment of peace and plenty ; but alus for the frailty of human expectations. The wily savage was lurk- ing about, ready to change the scene to one of bloodshed and desolation. The home was attacked; the old gentleman nud his wife killed and scalped; two sons were captured; the third escaped to Sunbury. The two captives were held by these captors until the restoration of peace, when they returned to their desolated home. One of the brothers shot an Indian, prompted by a thirst for revouge. He was arrested, and tried at Sunbury, for murder, but acquitted. Ou receiving his discharge, he exclaimed to the judge: "For God's sake keep Indiaus away from me, as I will kill all I see, out of revenge for the death of my father and mother."
John Reeder eame into this locality some time before the Revolutionary war, and lived near the present town of' Elyshurg. He was driven out hy the Indians, at the time of the general exodus, and remained away about seven years, after which he returned to Lycoming County, and lived for a time on Loyal Sock Creek. Afterwards, he lived near Shamokin, and at the Bear Gnp, where Joseph Reeder was horn; Joseph is still residing in Elys- burg, at the ripe age of seventy-eight. Miss Kisiah Wilkinson, accompanied young Reeder on his retreat, and, returning with him, married a Mr. Wol- verton, afterwards, Leonard Rothamel. She died about twenty years ago, at the age of, probably, uinety years.
Jacob and Casper Reed, were the first settlers, in the vicinity of what is now known as Reed's Station. They were here as early as 1774, and, like all others who thus early penetrated the interior, suffered from the depredations of the Indians. Reed's Station takes its name from this old family, and now is surrounded with finely-cultivated farms, which evidence thrift and abundance.
INDUSTRIES OF SHAMOKIN.
As early as 1774, a Mr. Hughes owned and operated, a grist and saw-will, ou Shamokin Creek, where now stands the extensive property of Mr. Shipman. At the time Mr. Hughes established himself here, the entire surrounding country was a wilderness, with here and there a squatter, who held their
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HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
lives in their hands, being liable, at uny hour, to hear their death-knell from the throat of some monster. With such surroundings, and such dismal prospects for paying enstom, Mr. Hughes' judgment might well be questioned, for making, apparently, so rash an adventure. But time demonstrated the correctness of his reasoning. A few years elapsed, ere he erected a large stone-house, near his mill, which stands to-day, although one hundred years have left their impress; it is in good state of preservation, and habitable. A few years ago, Mr. Shipman purchased the property, and has improved until he has a perfect paradise in the wilderness. A large, fine briek-dwelling occupies the fore-ground, flanked by the wagon-barn, itself a beautiful building, the mill, back on the banks of the creek. Mr. Shipman has abont perfected his mill, in which he takes commendable pride, and now grinds one hundred and twenty-five bushels of wheat per day, into the finest flour. His place is about two miles from the old red mill, which was an old-time industry.
A mill was erected about one mile from the present site of Paxinos, prob- ably about 1780, where the old red mill now stonds. Here, often, people came from a great distonce, to get their grain converted into flour and meal.
The first settlement in this vicinity was made by Isaac and William Fich- worth, probably soon after the Revolutionary War, certainly prior to 1790. A hotel was built at what is now Paxinos, at least ninety years ago by the brothers Fichworth, and the locality was called Fichworth for many years. The name was subsequently changed to Shamokin and finally to Paxings. The name Paxinos, was given by Mr. Wouds, Superintendent of the con- struction of the railroad at the time of the completion of same to the place, in honor of the celebrated Indian king or chief of the Shawanese tribe who at one time occupied this valley. Irish Valley was first settled by Samuel Lober, about 1795. Mr. Lober left a family of six children, three of whom are still living. The valley owes its name to a tragical event that occurred here many years ago, when an Irishman lost his life in the creek, which is now called Irish Creek. The old mill referred to, was originally Imilt by Bernard Eyregood, and by him sold to Samnel Lober. After Mr. Lober's death the building was rebuilt by his heirs, and in 1881, sold to Johu Fisher, In 1873, John W. Reed purchased the property, by whom it is still owned, having been thoroughly renovated by him, it is now one of the best mills in the County. Mathias Persing came into Shamokin township, in 1795, and settled near Fichworth. His son, Wilbam Persing, is still living, and although at the advanced age of eighty-four years, he is as active as a man of thirty ; in possession of his faculties. Jacob Leisering, a venerable patriarch of four scour and four years, and to whom the writer is indebted for much of the information as to the early history of Shamokin township, is still living at "Bear Gap," vigorous and remarkably active, with a good memory. He is just the character that the searcher after historical information loves to meet. The old gentleman is keeping a temperance hotel at Bear Gap. This is a small place of a few families, having one flouring-mill, one saw-mill, one blacksmith shop and one store. Near the place is a noted cave, in which bears formerly hibernated. The town is located in a gap of the hills on the main traveled road ; hence the name "Bear Gap."
The first school, when the English language was taught at Reed's station and probably in Shamokin township, was taught in the old log school-house, built at the site now occupied by the German Reformed Church. The school was presided over by Charles Stock.
William H. Muench, located at the place, in 1819, and took charge of the school, teaching both the German and English languages. He remained as teacher of the same school, for twenty-four years, to him came the young for many miles around. Some from the weigh scales, within two miles of where Shamokin is situated, a distance of five miles to the old school-house, to be instructed, walking back and forth each day. The little brick is now occu- pied by the free schools.
The German Reform Society, have erected at the same place, a handsome edifice, which is regularly occupied. To say that the architecture of the church is beautiful, hardly expresses the sensations when first viewing this temple, built in the woods, no dwellings near, the songs of the worshippers bleads harmoniously with the music from the feathered songsters, in the forest surrounding. The following facts relative to this church have been obtained from Mr. Henry Muench, the venerable teacher to whom reference is else- where made. "The German Reformed Church was founded about 1812, by Mathias Kershner, Andrew and Jacob Fry, Abraham Arter, Solomon Kirk, Andrew and John Smith. The corner-stone of "Jacob's Church" as it was named, was laid on the 28th of August, 1814. Dedicated August 14th, 1816. The building was of brick, two stories high, gallery on three sides, and cost three thousand dollars. The size was thirty-six by fifty feet. In 1870, the
honse was re-built and enlarged, size being increased to forty by seventy feet, with basement for a Union Sabbath-school. The exterior of the building indicates great taste and liberality, on the part of the society. The total cost was seven thousand dollars. The officiating parties of the German Reformed Church since its organization, have been, Rev. Mr. Ingold, Mr. Adams, Martin Bruner, H. H. Knoeble, Richard A. Fisher, Henry Hoffman, Charles Ritter- house, Mr. Hibsham, Losh D. MeKelly and the present pastor, Rev. Mr. Reiter.
IRISH VALLEY
Is thickly populated with an industrions, thrifty class of people. Many of the original settler's descendants, Mr. Lober, are scattered along the stream that meanders among the hills. Near the south-west portion of the township, the Methodists have a fine chapel; a little further up, the Baptist Society have a church; still further, near the confluence with Shamokin Creek, the United Brethren have erected a creditable edifice for worship. Several school-houses, saw-mills, blacksmith and shoe shops, are located at convenient distances, all of which indicate public spirit, wealth, and intelligence among the people, and a desire to ednente the moral man, as well as the physical and intellectual. The thrift observed in Irish Valley extends all over Sha- mokin township, as nowhere, ontside of Lancaster County, probably, can be found such evidences of prosperity among farmers, as is observable among the farmers of Northumberland County, and particularly Shamokin township.
This township has been greatly reduced in size since its organization. Its present boundaries are as follows: On the north by Rush township and Columbia County; on the east by Columbia County, bordered by Roaring Creek; on the south by Coal and Zerbe townships; on the west by Upper and Lower Augusta townships. The surface is varied, and somewhat pecu- barly formed. It is traversed in all directions by bills, which form many pleasant and fertile valleys. Irish Valley, on the south, is Little more than a narrow defile, elosed in by mountains. The township is well watered by Shamokin Creek, and its tributaries, which enter the township near the center of the southern line, runs almost directly north, to the northern boundary, and skirting the base of the hills, that border closely upon its margins, makes a nearly right angle, turning west, and flows into the river near Sunbury. Population, 1870, two thousand two hundred and eighty-two.
FREDERICK WILLIAM KAUMAN.
One of the most remarkable citizens of Shamokin township, and long known as the oldest inhabitant, was the above person. According to the record in the old family Bible, in his possession, he was born in Nasa, Ger- many, on the 8th of June, 1760. His death occurred on August 1st, 1867, in his one hundred and eighth year.
When he emigrated to this country, in 1772, he was sold for his passage to a George Sell, near Kutztown, Berks County, for seven years, for the debt of twelve pounds. At his death he held this agreement, which says-"the said George Sell was bound to give him his board, lodging, and apparel, and have him taught to read and write, and at the end of the term to give him two suits of clothes, one of which must be new, besides twelve pounds in money." Soon after the expiration of his indenture, he came to Shamokin township, and settled there. He was an excellent farmer, and bis method of culture was looked upon as authority. He was eccentric in his habits, and by some was looked upon with superstition. The tradition is current among his neighbors to this day, that large sums of gold are buried near his late residence, During his life, he had some ten or twelve clocks in his home, all keeping the correct time, and he frequently told persons that after his death, when his personal effects should be sold, he would peep in at a certain win- dow, and watch the transactions.
A few years before his death, he cradled, bound and shocked fourteen dozen of rye, in one day, without hat or shoes. Only one year before his death, he cultivated and dug his potato crop. He was the last buk that con- nected the past with the present. His funeral sermon was preached from the following text, selected by himself: "Is not my help in me? and is wisdom quite driven from me?"-Job, 6:13. His descendants are quite numerons.
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