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 26
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Saw-mill of J. E. Kaff & Co .- This stands on Chillisquaque Creek, near Heiser's flour-mill. It has been long out of operation, and is not in repair.
The Montandon planing-mill, manufactures doors, sashes, shutters, frames, siding, flooring, aud all work usual in planing-mills. The location is a short distance from the village, on the road to the river. It was built before the opening of the railroad, by John Dieffenderfer and Driesbach. Afterwards, Joseph Nesbit acquired an interest, and the works and business were extended. The operating firm is now Nesbit, Dieffenderfer & Co.
Public Schools .- There are ten public schools in the township, two of which are graded. There are ten school-houses, of which niue are of briek and one of stone. The term of free tuition extends five months in the year, and short terms, in addition to this, are taught by subscription. The present, (1876,) Board of School Directors, is as follows: President, S. B. Walter ; Secretary, William M. Auten ; Treasurer, Joseph Negley ; John C. Me Wil- liams, William Fetzer, Isaiah C. Rishel.
Baptist Church, Montandon .- The Baptist house of worship, at Montan- don, was dedieated in 1860. There is no eburch organization, but there has been a congregation of fifteen or twenty Baptists in Montandon and vicinity, for more than ten years before the erection of the church building. They met sometimes in the school-house, and when forbidden or locked out from that shelter, they obtained the use of the railroad depot, or met in private houses. Their preaching is, and has always been, supplied hy the theological students of Lewisburg. Meetings are held in the school-house at Chillis- quaque (P. O.) by the Baptist residents of the vicinity. The services there are conducted by students from Lewisburg, and hy itinerant preachers.
Evangelical Church .- About two years ago, the Methodlist congregation, wishing to transfer their place of meeting from Sodom-where the church- building was located-to Montandon, decided to sell the old edifice and to build a new, at the latter place, It was purchased for the use of the Evan- gelieal congregation, nud was taken down and re-erected at a point in the township, about two miles north from Montandou, and near the house of' William Bartholomew. Services are now regularly hell there by the pastor of the Evangelical Church of Milton, in whose charge it is.
Montandon Methodist Church .- This church organization was effected in 1834. The first pastor was Rev. Marmaduke Pierce. After him, the pas- torate has been successively held by Revs. Henry Taring, George Gyre, John Rowen, John Moorehead, Frank Gerhard, George Warren, Henry Wilson, - King, - Haughawont, J. W. (Hewine, A. P. Wharton, - Tannyhill, aud Johu Vroomun. For twenty-six years after organiza- tion, their worship was held in school houses, and in private residences, but in 1860, their first church editice was completed at the cross roads, known as Surlom. In 1870, wishing to remove to Montandon, they sold the old church to the Evangelical association, for removal and re-erection. It was not, however, till 1874, that they were enabled to complete their new edifice nt Montandon. It is a good und commodious house, on the main street. Rev. John Vrooman, is the present pastor, and they have a small Sabbath-school.
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Methodist Worship at Pottagrove. There is a small Methodist congregation, for whom services are belil in the school-house, at Pottsgrove, by the Rev. Mr. Vroomun, of the Monthudon virenit.
Near Chillisquaque Creek, and about a mile-and-a-half in a southerly direction from Montandon, is a property which the inhabitants of the town- ship call the " Priest's Farm." It was once owned by Jacob Spring, a bachelor and n Catholic, who, at his death, some years ago, bequeathed it all i the farm, of a hundred neres or more, nud a timber traet on Montour's Ridge, ) to the Catholic Church, to be held by that organization for its own use und profit forever. The Priest at Milton, by virtue of his office, holds this property in charge for the church. Nenr this farm is a Catholic reme- tery, which was laid out upon the farm of Michael McGee. But there is no church at either of these places.
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We have seen how, in little more than ten years after the entrance of its first white settler, Chillisquaque had three distilleries, running iu full blast, and this number was largely increased afterwards. About forty years ago, there were, in the township, thirteen taverns, hesides smaller pinces, where whisky was dealt out to those who craved the poisou.
To-day, it has not a single distillery, brewery, or tavern, (the Montandon House has no tavern license, and is merely a boarding-house, ) nor is there a shop, saloon, or place of any kind, where ardent spirits or beer is sold within its boundaries!
Truly, in respect to sobriety and temperance, Chillisquague is a banner township; and in this particular, at least, has accomplished a marvellous im- provement since the days of poor Lot Carson.
The name Chillisynaque, was first given to the creek, nud later, to the township. It is said that in the Indian dialect, the word means " frozen duck." It certainly sounds like it. But whether it was really a knowledge of the Indian, tongue, or merely imaginative ingenuity, which first led to this interpretation, must remain a doubtful question.
The population of the township in 1860, was one thousand three hundred and forty-one; and in 1870, it was one thousand five hundred and ninety- seven.
RUSH TOWNSHIP
Was erecterl from Shumokio, at the August session, 1819, and described as follows: "Beginning at a white oak tree, at the head of Little Roaring, in the live of Columbia County, and thenee the following courses and distances, viz .: South 78° west, one hundred and twenty perches, to a pine ; south 74º west, one hundred and sixty-four perches, to a black oak; south 82° west, oue hundred and ten perches ; west, one hundred twenty-eight perches, tu a chest- unt oak ; worth 80° west, two hundred and twelve perches, to a post on Jacob Reed's field ; north 84° west, six hundred and forty perches, to a chestnut ouk ; south 11° west, eighty perches, to a chestnut oak ; south 85° west, sixty-four perches; north 82° west, eighteen perches, west, two hundred and forty perches, to u pust ; south 84° west, five hundred and seventy-six perches, a little north of Snydertown, and intersecting the Augusta township line on the south side of the ridge."
First Constable, Philip Andras. Overseers of the Poor-John Dewitt, John Hnut. Supervisors-John Kane, Peter Kane.
EARLY SETTLERS.
Jacob Gearhart, an officer of the Revolutionary war, came into what is now known as Rush township soon after the restoration of peace, and first lived-in n little log-house on the bank of the river, immediately back of Rosenstein's hotel. His entree into this location, was probably ubist 1784. He found that he was not the first to detect the superior advantages of the location, as a family"hy the name of Carr had preceded him by several years. John Carr was located on lands where now (1876,) William Fanx resides ; Jacob, his brother, had located and improved the lands now covered by the beautiful resideneds that make up Riverside. Jacob Gearhart and his sous soon built them a log structure on the site, where, in about 1796, they erected a portion of the large frume structure, which is still standing in a very conspicuous position, utte ting the gout judgment of the early builders, in selecting u cununauding view for then permanent home. C'o-dating his settle- ment, was that of the Montgomery, uf Revolutionary fame. General Daniel Montgomery located and improved the present site of Danville, which took its name from the Revolutionary hero. Mr. Gearhart reared -nt the old home- stead, a family of twelve children, all of whom, with a single exception, re-
minin nhont the old nest, and died almost within sight of the old home within which they had been horu. Many branches of the old stock yet live in the vicinity, and have perpetuated, in an eminent degree, the sterling qualities of the venerable patriarch, Jaenh.
About two miles below Riverside, near the bank of the river, n Mr. Robin- son purchased of the original warrantees, a tract of three hundred und twenty neres of land, which is now occupied by J. C. Richard, Allau Sichler, and the heirs to the Carr estate. The consideration for this tract is thus stated : " Know ye, that we, Samuel Crooks and David Crooks, for and in considera- tion of one yuke of steers, one cow, one mulatto boy, and three hundred and seventy-five pounds specie, lawful money aforesaid, doth grant, etc., three hundred and twenty acres of land." These lands are of the fiuest along the river.
Harmon Snyder, who emigrated to this locality about the same time with Gearhart and others, became intimidated when looking over the high pines that grew in the rich alluvial lands along the river, and went back among the hills, where clearing land would not be attended with so much labor, and settled, where since has sprung up the wealthy aud thriving agricultural dis- trict, now yelept Rushtown.
William Kase was one of the enrly pioneers of this township, and as early as 1784 or '85, settled among the hills, back from the river, and located a large tract of land, which, by hard work, he converted into attractive homes for his numerous descendants, who followed him on the stage of life. His son, William II. Kase, born August 21st, 1806, remained ou the old farm, and spent many years in tilling the soil, thus laying the foundation for a life of usefulness. He reared a family of seven sons and two daughters, oue of whom, J. Hudson, still resides at the home of his forefathers, n worthy and respected citizen.
William H. Kase became a man of considerable prominence, having been twice elected to the legislature, where he served his people with honesty and nbility. He entered freely into the discussion of all questions of government polity, and won the confidence of his friends and constituents by his probity and earnest zeal for the improvement of his County and State. He died August 28th, 1871, at the age of sixty-five years. Mudest to a fault, his record was one of which his descendants may well feel a considerable degree of pride.
Michael Weaver emigrated to Berks County from Germany, and about 1770, settled in what is now known as Rush township, on lands since known as belonging to Peter Haughawout's estate. He was driven from his home many times, aud took refuge at Fort Augusta, from whenee frequent sorties would be made by bands of the refugees, driving the Indians back, and enabling the settlers to gather in their crops. At the breaking out of the war of the Revolution, Mr. Weaver enlisted in the Continental army, aud remained in the service seven years, aud was mustered out at the close with- out a mark or scar received from the enemy. Leaving the army, hie re- turned to his early home, about four miles from Riverside, and there lived until 1824, when he slept with his fathers, and was laid beside his wife, on the furin their own bands had redeemed from a state of native wildness. One of his grandsons, W. M. Weaver, wns Sheriff of Northumberland County, from 1863 to 1866, aud has been long known as proprietor of the National Hotel, at Shamokin.
Among the carlier settlers of this scetiou was Alexander Moore, who, in 1788, moved from New Jersey, and located on Shamokin Hills, about one mile south of present site of the hamlet known us Rushtown. He and his young wife (Mr. Moore was but nineteen, and she some years younger) started out in life with an inheritance of good health, and plenty of euergy. They were married at night in their old home in New Jersey, and before twelve hours of their honeymoon had passed, were on their way to the field of their future labors, in the wilds of Shamokin. Their course led them through where Potta- ville now stands. Iu the heart of what is now a flourishing city, Moore killed a wild turkey. In course of time, and after much hardship, all of which was borne with true Spartan heroism by the girlish bride, they pitched their wig- wams on Shamokin Hills. Here, for upwards of sixty years, they labored hand-in-hand, and by hard work and veonomy, surrounded themselves with n competency. They eminently fulfilled the law, which commanded that the population of the earth be multiplied, as they left eleven children, who have done considerable towards developing the country. Mr. Moore for fifty years beld the responsible position of justice of the peace, with credit to himself aud satisfaction to his neighbors. As an evidence of the prowess of many of the early settlers of this country, Mr. Moore's grandson, now u worthy citi- zen of Sunbury, relates that his grandfather had been known to lift a barrel of whisky from the ground and drink from the bang. But few of the present
PLATE XVIL
ROTH SCHILOS CHFAP FAPTHING HOULE
RES OF STEPHEN BITTENBENDER, ERECTED 1857, SHAMOKIN ST. SHAMOKIN, NORTH" CO., PA
RES. OF SAML. JOHN, COR. SHAMOKIN & SPUZEIM STS, SHAMOKIN, NORTH" Co., PA.
75
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
generation, fond as our people are of the ardent, could accomplish such a fent. The labor necessary to clear away the forests and cultivate the soil in those days, developed the muscles essential to strength and endurance. Then want never stared in the face he who had health and strength. The strong arm alone could supply all wants, and in a large majority of instances, pave the way to opulence for those following after.
Kline Grove, a little post-town of Rush township, was first settled by the grandfather of John T. aud F. A. Kline, from whom the locality derived its name. Nature reigned supreme when the pioneer first entered these wilds; the wolves, bears and Indians competed with Grandfather Kline for years for possession, but the strong arm of civilization forced submission, and to- day, his descendauts are enjoying the fruits of the herculean labors, in this possession of' homes that, for beauty and productiveness, are hardly surpassed in the County.
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LEWIS TOWNSHIP
Was erected from Turbut, io 1843, by order of the court, at its April session. It is bounded, west by Delaware township; north by the Lycoming line on Muncy Hills; east by Montour County; and south by Turbut towoship.
Many of the most stirring events of Indian and Revolutionary warfare in Northumberland County, occurred within the present limits of this towaship, while it was yet a part of old Turbut, in which connection they have been recounted. Within the hounds of Lewis laid the Patterson patent of Para- dise -- the settlement and "fort" of the Montgomery's, as well as the renowned Fort Freeland, with the mills aud farm of old Jacob, who first brought the name of Freeland from Jersey to Northumberland County. His original farm is now divided into three-the Tinbrook, the Driesbach, and the McFar- laod farms. The Tiubrooks were well known as seythe-makers, at that place, years ago. D. H. Driesbach is now, not only proprietor of one of these sub-divisions, but also of the Eagle Hotel, at Turbutville. John McFarland owns the flour-mills at Watsontown, a hotel, and other real estate at Dewart, as well as a part of the Freeland laods, and the historical mill site, Sixty years ago, all this property was known as the Hower farm and mill ; one by that name being proprietor after Freeland, and being also the builder of the stone-basement structure oow owned and rua by McFarland. On "Let Run," in the northern part of the township, near Lycoming line, is a steam saw-mill of small capacity, carried on by John Harman. These are all the manu- facturing establishments of the township.
Kieferstown is ao unimportant hamlet, about two mdes sonth-east from Turlmitville.
Lewis Centre is a similar cluster of houses, two-and-a-half miles oorth of the borough. In 1873, n Methodist church (which had been but a short time completed ) was destroyed there by fire. No one can be found who has any knowledge whatever of the circumstances of the burning. There is now no church at either of these places.
Abont 1825, and for some years thereafter, a part of the eastern seetion of the township, bore ao unenviable reputation, as being the hanot of counter- feiters. Their headquarters were supposed to be at Abraham Hawes' tavern, just across the line, in Montour County, but Abraham's private residence was in Northumberland, and there he was finally captured by Sheriff Henry Reader. After serving his tertu in the State Prison, he returned to his crimes, and ineurred another sentence. One Giltner, a confederate of Hawes', and a resident of Torbut, was also convicted, and underweot full punishment within the prison walls. But since the coining fraternity were hunted ont, no part of the County has been more law-abiding than this.
The ancient grave-yard near Fort Freeland, is nearly, if not quite, a cen- tury old. The first interments there, were doubtless of those killed in the Indian fights and massacres of that bloody neighborhood, and these were added to, for some years after, by natural deaths among the settlers of the vicinity. It is now a long time since any have been buried there.
Schools .- There are nine public schools, and the same number of gond brick sehuol-houses in Lewis. The term of free teaching is five months iu the year, and about two months' additional tuition is secured by subscription. The teachers' salaries are thirty-five dollars per month. The common Eng- lish branches are taught, and the schools are good, for the grade.
The Board of School Directors for 1876 is, President, John Klapp; An- thony Gauger, C. L. Hockley, Levi Follmer, Jeremiah Leinbach, Daniel Hoy.
The population of Lewis township, in 1860, was one thousand two hundred and ninety-nine, und in 1870, one thonsnud two hundred and twenty-eight.
LOWER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP.
Was formed by a division of Angusta township, which was effected Novem- ber 4th, 1846.
The territory now embraced within Lower Augusta was of that first settled, and originally u part of old Angusta township, but in 1846 set up an indi- vidnal organization. It is peopled largely by Germans, who early occupied the territory, and by whose industry and economy fine farms have been opened.
The surface is generally rough and hilly; the soil but moderately prodnet- ive, except with careful husbandry. It is quite thickly populated, partien- larly in the vicinity of Seven Points, and along the valleys. Agriculture is the principal industry, as it is in most other localities where the German ele- ment predominates. Little Shamokin Creek traverses the towoship; other streams afford abundance of water for all purposes. The township is bor- dered on the cast by Shamokin; south by Zerbe, Little Mahmoy and Jack- soa; west by the Susquehanna River; north by Upper Augusta. Popula- tioa, in 1870, eighteen hundred and two.
William and Nicholas Shipman came into the locality, and settled along Boylses Rua, in 1794. They brought families with them, and some of their descendants are still living in the township. They emigrated from New Jersey. Abraham, a grandson of William, is now living near the same place, aud at the age of sixty-six, as free from chronie complaints as a boy of ten. Jacob Conrad settled on the Holland Run some time before the Shipmans came to the country. Casper Suyder settled on the same stream, near its mouth; the two last settled before the war. A graudson now lives on the farm improved by Mr. Suyder. The first mill built in the township was built on Holland Run, at a very early day, and is now owned by Wdliam W. Dewitt. John Weitzel located on Little Shamokin Creek, and built a mill about 1787, which is now owned and operated by his son, Joseph Weitzel. The early settlers endured many hardships, the extent of which cao scarcely be conceived at the present day. The Conrads located under a big white- onk tree, and there remained until they had time to build houses.
CHURCHES,
The German Reformed Society established a church in the township in 1815, which is known as the "Stone Church." The Rev. Peter Shingle was the first Lutheran pastor. He preached altogether in German, and labored bard for his people to retain their native tongue. The German Reformed have three distinct church organizations now io the township.
The Methodist society organized a church many years ago, probably about 1830 or '35. They have now several different societies.
The Presbyterians were among the first to establish a church in the town- ship. The Rev. John Bryson officiated for many years in barns, or wherever he could get an audience. The different societies were weak in those days. The members scattered over large areas of territory, rendering it difficult to concentrate interest in any particular locality, and consequently difficult to erect houses of worship. But the strong, fervent faith of our fathers stopped not at ordinary barriers; their earnest zeal carried them forward in every conscientious duty.
UPPER AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP.
This was a portion of one of the original townships of Northumberland County, and was organized at the first session of court for the County, held at Fort Augusta, April 19th, 1772. It was described as follows : " Beginning at the mouth of Mahantango Creek, on the west side of the Susquehanna river; thence with the County line, crossing the river to the Mahantango's mouth, on the east side; thence with the same County line up said creek tu the Spread Eagle, in the forks of said streum ; thence with the said County lige east north-east, to the old line formerly run for a division between Berks and Northampton Counties; thence by the same old County line, north-west to the cast branch of the Susquehanna; thence down the same to Fort Augusta; thence crossing the river and down the same to place of beginning." It will be observed that Augusta, at one time, embraced a large proportion of the County south of the north branch. It has since been sub-divided until reduced to its present size and shape, until from the largest it is now one of the smallest townships in the Conoty. In 1803, for reasons set forth in a petition of the inhabitants of Suubury, the latter place was organized into a separate township. In 1846, Lower Augusta was formed, which embraced a large extent of territory ; subsequent to this date, the scetion known as Limestone Valley, was again attached to Upper Augustu, thereby increasing its extent und giving it very irregular boundaries. In 1785, Cata-
76
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
wissn township was erected from Augusta, which was itself divided iu 1788, and Shamokin organized. The first constable of Angusta was Alex- amler Grant, father of Thomas Grant, for many years a prominent man of the County. The surface is generally billy and rough, but contains quantities of fine farming lands, particularly along Shamokin Creek, which traverses the township from east to west. "The soil is usually gul, and affords valuable returns to the industrious farmers who ure occupying every available portion of it. It is bounded on the west by the Susquehanna ; north by the north branch ; east by Rush and Shamokin townships; and south by Lower Augusta.
Samuel Crooks settled near the Gravel Run, on the Susquehanna River. He loented about 1772 or '73, and took up large quantities of lands. The farm is known as lying opposite Crooks' Riffles. Juhn Moore settled on Shamokin Creek, near Snydertown, about the same date that Crooks settled at the Riffles. His descendants are still living in the same locality.
The first mill in Upper Augusta was built of logs by William Maclay, about one mile south-east of Sunbury, on Shamokin Creek. In 1833, the old log mill was purchased by MeCarty & Davis, torn down, and its place occupied by a fine brick building, which is still standing, owned by John S. Haas, who took possession in the fall of 1850.
Appeurled will be found a correct list of the tax-payers of Augusta township, sbowing the personal property owned by cach, subject to taxation at that time, 1773. This should be preserved for all time, and such comments as the descendants of these tax-payers inny be able to make, as to incidents of early life among their ancestors, would form a basis of a full and reliable local history. It will be observed, that at this early day, one year after the organi- zation uf the County, there was considerable wealth among the people, and an areumulation of property of a kind that eminently distinguished the early settlers of Augusta, Shamokiu aml Mahanoy townships, from the shiftless, roving adventurers that generally succeed the Indians and wild beasts.
TAX-PAYERS OF AUGUSTA TOWNSHIP, 1774.
Boyle, William
Hughes, Thomas
Ream, John
Brosius, Bert
Kroukes, Samuel
Rebock, V.
Clark, Johu
Kovile, Henry
Reitz, Geo.
Conrad, Jacob
Kreil, Henry
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