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 27
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Ross, Gustave
Conn, Robert
Kovile, Peter Robinson, John
Conrad, Adam
Croninger, N.
Cover, Gasper
Clark, Urinh
Logan, Jumes
Covil, Daniel
Lefler, Godlip
Crevons, Schas Cliver, George
Lewis, Elemen Snavely, Curp Lips, Jolm Shakespear, Samuel Sutton, Stephen
Clarke, Waliam
Muclay, William
Dunkleberger, F.
MeCarrall, Joseph
Durhea, Robert
McBride, Robert
Streinbach, Thomas Super, John Smith, Daniel
Davis, William Doen, Jolın Eule, George
Mendes, D.
Martin, Jacob
Eichinger, L.
Moll, John Miller, John
Ebley, Martin Everhart, Philip
MeGahun, Thomas
Mckinley, H.
McCormick, Patrick
Stein, Abraham
Forster, Wilbam
Miller, Nicholas Meniles, Eli
MeNeil, James
M.Clegg, James
MeDonel, James
Troy, Michael
Meyrs, Isaac
Vaughn, G
Moore, John
Whitmore, P. Weiser, Samuel Whitmore, S. Woolte, George Weaver, Jonas Weaver, M. Weitzel, John
Gettig, Stoper Grant, Alex.
Peiffer, John
Philips, John
Pearson, Samuel
Harris, Samuel
Puur, James
Rend, J.
Reely, Fred.
Robinson, Z. Rowe, C.
Younkman, Ellis
Albert, Peter
Kester, P.
Riter, George
Albert, Jnevb
Krigan, J.
Shever, John
Almany, Peter
Kistater, L.
Shockenecut, H. Smith, Peter
Buchart, M.
Kituter, M.
Sterly, B.
Randle, Robert
Zantzinger, N.
Brosius, N.
Kahle, Casper
Siesinger, N.
Runyan, Thomas
MAHANOY TOWNSHIP
Was erected from lower part of Augusta, at the February session of the court, year 1775, and described, as follows: "Beginning within water-mark on the west side of Susquehanna; thence crossing the same by a direct line to the top of Mahanoy Mountain; and along the same to the County line; thence by the County line to the Spread Eagle, to the month thereof; thence crossing the Susquehanna, and up the western shore of the same, to the place of beginning."
First Coustable, Sebastian Brassius. Overseers of Poor-Sammuel Weiser and John Fisher. Supervisors-John Shaffer and Peter Almuny.
From Mahanoy were formed: Point, 1786; Upper Mahanoy, 1806; Jnek- son, 1836; Jordun, 1852; Washington, 1856.
The old Mahauoy township here described, has long since ceased to exist as a territorial organization, but the name is perpetuated in those of three different townships of the County, which, with various qualifications, have received the name of Mahanoy.
UPPER MAHANOY TOWNSHIP.
Divided August session, 1806, into Mahanoy and Upper Mahanoy. Con- stable elected, Upper Mahanoy, John Lateha. Upper Mahanoy township presents about the ouly geometrical figure not yet described by the bounda- ries of the townships of Northumberland County. It lies along the border of Schuylkill County, by which it is hounded on the south; hy Cameron township on the north; Washington and Jordan on the east. The surface is mountainons and susceptible of supporting but a sparse population. It is traversed in all directions by little streams, which wind among the hills, wa- tering the little valleys, which alone appear sufficiently fertile to attract set- tlement. Population, eight hundred and seveuty-eight.
The territory now forming Lower Mnhanoy township was among the first settled outside of the immediate vicinity of Fort Augusta. It is claimed that the first settlement was made in the year 1777, and there appears noth- ing authentic to establish an earlier date; but there are traditions among the people of difficulties encountered with the Indians before the Revolutionary war, and of the exodus from this section of white settlers to escape the senlp- ing-knife, from which, if true, it would appear that, some years before the date established by history, the adventurer had erected his enbin here. As early as 1778, a Mr. N. Brosius, whose descendants are yet numbered among the prominent of' Mahanoy township, built a grist-mill on Stone Valley Creek. This mill has been renovated ut divers times, but the foundation is stal there, although a hundred years have elapsed since the laying of the corner-stone. This would be proof conclusive of the settlement of this country prior to the date fixed in the chart, as there must be a demand among the populace for public improvements, as no person at that day would venture largely ou future prospects. The names of all the original settlers will be found appended hereto, showing the population of Mahavoy township in 1778 to have been considerable, and the improvements of no moderate pre- tensions for the day.
A preponderance of German names sufficiently indicates the character of the population. The fine farms, handsome residences, and a general appear- ance of comfort, evidence thrift and abundance seldom found so generally among any race, except the Germans. The similarity of the names of the present with those of one hundred years ago, furnish proof of the non- migratory habits of the people who first settled here. The township is hilly and rough, the surface being similar to that of most parts of Northumber- land County, south of the north branch of the Susquehanna. The lime- stone, which is found underlaying a large proportion of the surface-itself" a mine of wealth-und the thrifty habits of the inhabitants, have divested the country of most of its wildness, and now charming homes are found seat- tered over the entire township. It is bounded on the east by Jackson and Jordan townships ; south by Dauphin County ; west by the Susquehanna River. Population in 1870, one thousand seven hundred and ninety.
TAX-PAYERS OF MAHANOY TOWNSHIP, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, RE- TURNED FOR THE YEAR 1778, BY WILLIAM CLARKE AND WILLIAM TURNIN, ASSESSORS :
Haverling, Jacob Hufty, Charles
Hyman, Grorge
Rrigert, Henry
Youghanı, Jona.
Harrison, John Hawke, George Haverling, A. Hinkle, Anthony
Renun, Jolin Redman, Michael
Zartwan, Jacob Zartman, Henry
Brosius, B.
Kull, P.
Garmont, Charles
Green, Sulomon
Murrer, John
Overmier, G.
Gough, Charles Hughes, Ellis
Weild, James Wull, John Wiggins, John Yarnall, M. Yarnall, F.
Hunter, Samuel Haines, Max
Mckinney, D.
Shirts, Jacob
Snider, Conrad
Spoon, John Stophel, S. Titsal, ----
Ferst, Peter Ferest, Henry Fricker, A. Fox, David Flowers, Samuel Giger, Val. Gerhart, P.
Murra, C. MeNear, D.
Sneider, Gasper Shellam, George Sheffer, Michael Sheffer, John Shuter, Nicholas Smith, Peter
Ellis, James Fowler, David Fisher, John
Moody, A,
Keller, Henry Shippen, Joseph Ketterby, Andrew Stough, M. Kowfrild, N. Starr, James Simpsou, J. Lyster, Martin Shakespear, D. Scull, Waliam
Cliver, Henry
77
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Bamgertner, H.
Kable, Heury
Stough, J.
Bender, G.
Kable, D.
Sheckengnuft, Y.
Berwell, A.
Krails, H.
Shever, Fritz
Bridge, V.
Kofman, C.
Striker, J.
Biddle, E.
Kailer, H.
Stinberger, D.
Brosins, N.
Kaimer, James
Soeyer, L.
Calhoon, G.
Kunkle, M.
Shultz, L.
Denner, G.
Lenharte, M.
Shop, John
Deppy, C.
Lower, C.
Snider, A.
Foster, William
Lefler, P.
Stump, John
Foster, George
Latshaw, H.
Snider, J.
Foster, Peter
Leffer, C.
Sheaver, M.
,
Foster, Jr., George
Lonry, Henry
Sabastian, S.
Fisher, Martin
Miniam, Mary
Stump, Sr., C.
Fisher, John
Miner, Q.
Stump, Jr., C.
Grimiger, N.
Meyer, Isaac
Shever, John
Garrison, N.
McKee, Alexander
Shaver, N.
Horton, John
Markey, D.
Trootman, P.
Hain, M.
Miller, Mary
Tupper, W.
Hain, Henry
Maier, Jacob
Thom, M.
Herkert, John
Maier, Widow
Thompson, W.
Hoope, John
Mckinley,
Wesser, Samuel
Hetotrick, N.
Noran, M
Whitman, P.
Hetrick, C.
Oenrighter, Jacob
White, Joseph
Heim, Jr., G.
Phiffer, J.
Whitmore, C.
Heim, Sr., G.
Philipps, Jon.
Wolf, John
Heil, M.
Peter, Richard
Witman, J.
Heberling, J.
Pope, Nicholas
Weser, F.
Hable, Abraham
Right, George
Yoraui, J.
Harter, John
Robuck, V.
Zartman, J.
Jagley, G.
Railen, H.
Zartman, H.
Knell, J.
Railen M.
Zartman, M.
Keterly, A.
Reddy, P.
LITTLE MAHANOY TOWNSHIP
Was erected from Augusta and Shamokin, at the April session, 1813, and bounded as follows: "Beginning at the top of the Mahanoy Mountain, near the river Susquehanna; thence along the line that was lately run, which divides the Mahanoy townships from Augusta and Shamokin townships, to the County line; thence the best course to the Stony Gap, at Shamokin Creek; thence along the mountain to the place of beginning."
This township was organized in 1813, and has been diminished in size, until but little is left of that which once was Little Mahanoy. What remains presents a very irregular appearance, and is but a little valley hemmed in on all sides by mountains, which form its boundaries. The population is small, being confined to the centre of the township, where considerable arable land is found. It is bordered on the north and west by Lower Augusta township, east by Zerbe and Cameron, south by Washington aud Jackson, Population in 1870, two hundred and sixty-nine.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP
Was erected and formed a new township from Upper and Lower Mahanoy, at the January session, 1835, and bounded as follows, viz .: "Beginning at a large stone heap on the summit of the Line Mountain, in the line dividing Upper and Little Mahanoy townships; thence sonth 7º east, five hundred and sixteen perches, to a small mnaple on the eastern bank of Middle Creek; thence up the same, making said creek the line, the several courses thereof, five hundred and thirteen perches, to a small apple tree on the southwest bank of the west branch of the said creek; thence south 7º east, eight hun- dred and forty-five perches, to a white oak on the bank of Mahantango Creek; thenee down said creek, the several courses thence, one thousand nine hundred and forty-four perches, to the western abutment of the bridge over snid creek, near Suyder's mill; thence north 25° west, five hundred and twenty-four perches, to a double chestnut on the top of Fisher's Ridge; thence north 5° west, five hundred perches to Fidler's Run; thence down the same, making as it run the line, the several courses thereof, five hundred and ninety-two perches, to the eastern bank of the Susquehauna River; theuce across said river north 701º west, three hundred and fifty-one perches, to the opposite thereof, and the Union County line; thence up the same, the several courses thereof, one thousand one hundred and seventeen perches, to the line dividing the townships of Little Mahanvy aud Augusta; thence along the
same, and the dividing line of Upper and Little Mahanoy townships, one thousand nine hundred and eighty perches, to the place of beginning."
First Constable, M. Drumheller.
This township, with most other townships of the lower part of Northum- berland, was originally settled by Germans, who emigrated here from Berks and Montgomery Counties, and at an early day, somewhat anterior to the Revolution, formed the nucleus of what has since become an important set- tlement. The Germans are, as a people, agriculturists, and here they have given their attention to tilling the soil. Much of the sod is heavy, and as a rule, non-productive, except Stone Valley, which extends back from the river twelve miles. The land here in this valley is reasonably productive, and is all underlaid with lime. Much attention is given here to burning Jime, and iu this valley it is estimated that upwards of one thousand lime- kilns are in operation, in a distance of ten or twelve miles.
The industries of the township were but few, besides farming and lime- burning, and for many years there was but one mill in all Jackson township. The mill owned by Weiser is on the site of the first mill built in the town- sbip. There are now three mills in Jackson; one owned by Keitz, in opera- tion about fifteen years; Weiser's, and the third owned by David Boner, which has been in operation not less than seventy-five years.
But little attention was given to schools in Jackson, for many years after its first settlement. Occasionally, a term of one to three months would be held, where the German language was taught; but not nnta 1866, at which time frec schools were started, did the people become very much interested in this all important work. Now schools are held in five different houses in the township, for from seven to nine months a year. If our German fellow- citizens were indifferent about schools, they did not neglect the much more important work of edueating their moral natures. Near the east end of the township, the German Reformed and Lutheran people erected a log house, which was used for a great many years, and in about 1846 was torn down, and replaced by a fine brick edifice. Au Evangelical Church has also been built in the township for the accommodation of people of the peculiar Evan- gelical creed.
These churches are well sustained, and regularly supplied with preaching, whatever their peculiar creed or faith. One thing is observable, the people who attend are eminently conscientious, industrious and respectable citizens.
Many years ago, there resided in Jackson township an old lady by the name of Xanders. She died in 1856, at the age of abont ninety-five years. She made a home with Mr. Swartz, uncle of the Clerk of Commissioners' Court, for many years, and to the family with whom she resided she related many scenes of distress and hardship, through which she passed. On one oceasion, her family was attacked by the Indians; all escaped but one sister, who was captured and carried away, but, after many years, returned. A young girl, with the fleeing refugees, was shot through the breast, and in falling, fortunately fell behind a log, and being hidden from the Indians, succeeded in staunching the flow of blood with her apron, and rejoined her companions.
Jacob Heherling settled on the Mahanoy Creek before 1776, aud built a grist-mill which was patronized for many miles around. Mr. Heberling' family was frequently disturbed by the Indians, and often were forced to leave their homes for self-preservation. An old white-oak tree, which stood for many years after the country became thiekly populated, was the receptacle for their valuables, whenever the people were compelled to leave. The mill has passed through several hands and been frequently remodeled. It is now owned by Mr. Holshoe.
Churches .- The German Reformed and Lutherans built a church in this township about 1800, which was attended by the carly settlers for many miles around.
JORDAN TOWNSHIP
Was erected from Jackson and Upper Mahanoy townships, April 5th, 1852. It was named in honor of Judge Jordan, for many years law judge of North- umberland County. Its location is on the extreme southern bounds of the County, and has Dauphin County on its southern boundary; Lower Mahanoy township, west; Jackson and Washington north; and Upper Mahanoy enst. The surface is rough aud mountainous, Fisher's ridge traversing the town- ship in a most direct line east and west through the centre. Scattered around among the little valleys, formed by almost innumerable peaks of mountains or hills, are settled a large number of farmers, who appear, despite their rough surroundings, to have dug out pleasant and attractive homes. The
78
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
first parties in the new township, were Peter Schwartz and Benjamin Mackle; first Constable, D. Bohner. The Fishers, John and Martin, settled in what is now Jordan township, some time prior to 1778. The farm, improved by them, is now occupied by D. M. Swartz, commissioner's clerk at Sunbury.
The surface of this township is somewhat rongh and hilly, and would be considered, in Illinois, a very undesirable place for farmers. Fortunately for this, and many other as little favorable localities, it was peopled by a race, whose industry and economy have become proverbial ; and where many would scareely dare to settle, this hardy people have built up fine homes aud surrounded themselves with abundance. Farming is the principal busi- ness. The burning of lime, also occupies the attention of many, lime being extensively used by the farmers for fertilizing purposes. Industries are but little varied here, there being but one mill, which was originally built about 1810. The old mill, about 1840, was demolished and in its place erected one which is now owned by Granville Wirt. This mill is operated by water-power, and is capable of doing a great deal of work.
The schools of Jordan amounted to but little prior to the inauguration of the free-school system, which happy event occurred in 1866. There are now seven school-houses in the township, all well sustained, where both English and German languages are taught.
The German Reformed and Intherans built a house of worship about 1852, or '53, near Irvin post-office.
About 1835, Peter Kopel started a tannery near Irvin, for the manufacture of leather. This tannery is still operated by the original proprietor, who, like his tannery, is growing rapidly infirm.
Irvin Post-office .- This town is located in Jordan township, and is a central location. The first business-house was started by Daniel Swartz, about 1840. He here kept a general assortment of merchandise, and, his situation being central, he soon gathered about him a goodly number of inhabitants, to whom he sold lots. He built and conducted a tavern, There are now in the town one hotel, one cigar-shop, one store, one blacksmith-shop, one earpenter-shop, one shoemaker, a post-office, and uine family residences, giving a population of about one hundred people.
CAMERON TOWNSHIP
Was erected from Coal towuship, by Act of Assembly approved February 10th, 1851, First Justices: Solomon B. Boyer and Solomon Dunkleberger. Constable, John Hein.
The township presents the form of an irregular parallelogram, having a length of about eight times its width. The Mahauoy Creek passes through the entire length of the township from east to west, forming along its bauks the only eligible spots for settlement. It is very sparsely settled, being too rough and mountainons, except along the stream, to invite settlement. The population, in 1870, was six hundred and three.
Gowen City was laid out in 1870, by Mr. Helfenstein. Peter Weikle was the original proprietor. The place contains one hotel, one store and a few dwelling-houses.
ZERBE TOWNSHIP*
Was ereeted, by Act of Assembly, March 11th, 1853, which reads as follows: " All that part of Coal township, lying west of a line beginning at the line between C'oal and Cameron townships, at a point two thousand feet westward, or where the said line crosses the west bonndury of a tract of land surveyed in the name of Alexander Hunter, the 27th day of October, one thousand seven hundred and ninety-four; thence north 4º west, to the line between the townships of Coal and Shamokin."
First officers: Justices, Daniel Beckley and John Metz. Constable, J. Pennepacker.
COAL TOWNSHIP*
Was erected ont of Shamokin and Little Mahanoy, at November session, 1837. First Constable, Samuel Eisenhart. Overseers of the Poor, George Cartcher nud George Gutshal.
* For annals of the township, see Shamokin.
WASHINGTON TOWNSHIP
Was erected out of the eastern part of Jackson and western end of Mahanoy, Jannary 14th, 1856. First Justices, Peter Reed aud M. D. Huffinan. Con- stable, Solomon Billman.
This township, boasting an ancient aud honored name, is of modern origin, having been organized in 1856. The surface is traversed by the same ranges of hills, which rise up and confront advancement in every part of Lower Northumberland. It is bounded north by Little Mahanoy nnd Cameron townships ; east by Upper Mahunoy; south by Jordan, and west by Jack- son. Population, 1870, eight hundred and oue.
MT. CARMEL TOWNSHIP*
Was erected November 14th, 1854, out of the eastern end of Coal towuship. First Justices, Felix Darich and John Yarnall. Constable, George A. Keihler.
SHAMOKIN BOROUGH.
Shamokin t is the largest, wealthiest, busiest, and most populous town in Northumberland County, The site chosen shows the wisdom of the founders, who, in the early period of the coal trade, foresaw the mighty business that would be developed in the future. They could not say, as William Penn did in laying out Philadelphia, that "it seemed appointed for a town, beeanse of its coves, docks, springs and lofty lands," for the location was a dark and almost impenetrable swamp, thickly covered with pine, hemlock, laurel and rocks. It might at that time, with great, propriety, have been called the "Shades of Death." A more dreary and forsaken spot could hardly have been found, and none but far-seeing business men would have ever thought of selecting the site for a town.
Shamokin is centrally situated iu the great Shamokin Coal Basin, at the Gap in the Big Mountain, which opening is the principal outlet for shipment of coal to the Susquehanna from the Middle Coal Field. The location is regarded as a healthy one, being at an elevation of seven hundred and thirty feet above the level of the sea, but a better drainage would add to its salubrity.
The town lies iu a narrow valley, in the centre of Coal township. The Big Mountain forms its northern boundary, while several spurs of ridges lie to its south, cut by the Shamokin Creek, which erosses the valley and town in a wiuding direction. The tributaries that nnite with the creek at Sha- mokin, are Coal Run, from the east, and Carbon and Furnace Runs, from the south-west. The irregular course of the old creek channel, the nneven surface of ground, and the different plans of persons who laid out the different parts of the town, have greatly interfered with a regular arrangement of the streets.
Surronaded by mountains aud hills that circumscribed its horizon and municipal bounds, cut up by spurs, ravines and tortuons streams that pre- vented the rectangular plan of town-building from being carried ont, aud possessed of a surface that was either a swamp or a pile of rocks, it presented such striking objections, that nu ancient city-builder or modern town-lot speculator would then have taken the land for the taxes. Bnt such men as General Daniel Montgomery, Burd Patterson, John C. Boyd, and Alexander Jordan of that date, and Kimber Cleaver, Judge Helfenstein and William H. Marshall of a later period, well knew the inherent worth of the locality, thongh many of these statements, at that time, were ridienled.
The many reverses that befell Shamokin in its early history, did not shake their faith, and among the old residents, there were several who stubbornly maintained "that Shamokin would yet be a city." Their argument was "the coal is here ; when it is wanted the town will improve." The result has shown that their logie was good. The vigorous growth of the place for the past few years, the springing up of numerous hamlets and villages in its vicinity, its favorable location in one of the richest coal basins of the State, aud its excellent communication with all the great goal markets, indiente that Shamokin is destined to become one of the great mining centres of the
* For annals of the township, see Shnmokin.
+ The History of Shamokin, Trevorton aud Mount Carmel has been prepared by Dr. J. J. John, of Shumokin, u Jong reskleni of that pince. Its history is a part of his own experi- ence in the battle of life he has so successfully fought.
PLATE XVIII
10080888108
38888
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0
RES. OF W" A. SOBER, FRONT ST., SUNBURY. NORTHUMBERLAND CO,PA.
RES. OF CHAS M. MARTIN, M. D. CHESTNUT ST, SUNBURY, NORTHUMBERLAND CO, PA,
RES. OF G. W. ZIEGLER , COR. THIRD & ARCH STS ., SUNBURY, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA.
JACOB SHIPMAN, SUNBURY, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA FIRE, LIFE & ACCIDENT INSURANCE OFFICE , COR THIRD A. MARKET STS
79
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Commonwealth. The orthodox fhith of the old residents has been confirmed by the grent corporations of the day, three of which having purchased nearly all the coal lands in the Shamokin coal basin. By the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad and the Lehigh Valley Railroad on the east, and the Northern Central Railway on the west, it has direct access to the markets along our seaboard, and the great lakes of the north-west.
Shamokin has frequently been termed the Pottsville of Northumberland County, and it is well deserving of the name.
The following list of ontlets and distances to markets, points out the value of its loention: To New York, New Jersey Ceotral Railroad, vin Topton, one hundred and seventy-six miles; to New York, Lehigh Valley Railroad, one hundred and eighty-four miles; to Philadelphia, Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, one hundred and twenty-six miles; to Baltimore, Northern Central Railway, one hundred and forty-seven miles; Havre de Grace> Pennsylvania Canal, one hundred and forty miles; to Erie and the lakes, Philadelphia and Erie Railroad, three hundred and seven miles; to Elmira, New York, Northern Central Railway, one hundred and thirty-seven miles.
ORIGIN OF THE NAME. "There's a great deal In a name."
The word Shamokin is of Indian origin, and like most words from this source, possesses u very enphonious sound. Indeed, it is truly fortunate for the historical language of our State, that so many of our streams aud local- ities have retained the beautiful names bestowed on them by the red men. What prettier words than Wyoming, Wyalnsing, Cntawissa, Shamokin, Popemetung, etc .?
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