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 30
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But this state of affairs could not last forever. The spirit of progress and speculation was abroad, and soon the old inhabitants of Shamokin were to have their dreams broken by the restless spirit of enterprise, armed with capital and labor. Railroads were to be graded and laid with an iron radl," collieries were to be established with coul-breakers, business wns to be con- ducted on the cash system, and a general revolution take place in the method of transacting affairs. But for many years afterwards, there were those who occasionally sighed for the return of the old times, when Uncle William and Uncle Reubeu ruled the destinies of Shamokin.
SIMOKIN FROM 1852.
During the year 1852, William L. Helfenstein and some capitalists, who had previously been developing the coal interests of the Trevorton region, came to Shamokin and commenced improvements on a large scale. They had the charter of the Danville and Pottsville Railroad Company, re- newed ns the Philadelphia and Sunbury Railroad Company, and com- menced at once in grading and putting down an iron track of 'T rails. They secured a large portion of the coal lands between Trevorton and Mount Car- mel, and proceeded to prove coal veins and open drifts. Professor Rogers had just completed his geologieul survey of the Shamokin coal field, and had made many important developments, showing the importance of this region, which served to attract the attention of capitalists.
Numerous eoal companies were formed, as the Big Mountain Improve- ment Company, the Carbon Run Impravement Company, the Green Ridge Company, etc. William H. Marshall, Esq., who had for some years been engaged with Burd Patterson, the pioneer in all the great coal and iron enterprises in this part of the State, was placed in charge of the coal lands. He proceeded at once to shaft the coal lands, prove the coal veins, opeu drifts, build breakers, and have laterals graded. He performed an immense amount of work, and was an indispensable agent to those who had invested their money here.
Another important agent in making all these improvements was Kimber Cleaver, the chief engineer. More extended remarks in reference to him will appear elsewhere.
During 1853, the track between Sunbury and Shamokin was relnid with iron rails, and, in 1854, was extended to Mount Carmel. Locomotives were placed on the road by the names of " David Longenecker," " Thomas Baum- gardner," " A. R. Fiske," " Lancaster," " Green Ridge," and " Carbon Run." A. R. Fiske, Esq., a most excellent business man, who had previously had charge of the cotton mills at Lancaster, was the first superintendent, and remained in such capacity for some years.
In 1857, Judge Helfenstein resigned the presidency of the road, and was succeeded by James S. Biddle, of Philadelphia. The title of the road was changed to the Shamokin Valley and Pottsville Railroad, by which it was known until abont 1862, when it was leased by the Northern Central Rail- way, for ninety-nine years. Under the present control the railroad has proved a profitable investment, having a heavy tonnage of conl.
The balance of the history of Shamokin will be treated under the heads of topics.
THE OLD FURNACE.
One of the old landmarks of the first history of Shamokin, was the Old Furnace. For the facts connected with this, we are indebted to Mr. Ephraim Mowry, who resided here when the town was started.
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The land on the west side of the Gap appears to have been held by Solo- mon Dunkelberger, which, in the course of time, was sold to Henry Myers, for five hundred dollars. About 1826, Mr. Myers erected a small charcoal furnace on Furnace Run, the site of which might be detected a few years ago. The furnace run on bog ore found in the vicinity, aud charcoal prepared on the ground. The furnace wns loented at the west end of Walnut street, where it crosses the run. It was in operation for some time, but was sus- pended on account of the difficulty in obtaining limestone.
About this time, considerable quantities of iron ore were hauled to the furnace at Catawissa. So Shamokin commenced the iron manufacture at ao early date.
FIRST IMPROVEMENTS.
Before the war of 1812, Abraham Cherry erected a saw-mill in the Gap, just opposite the Cameron breaker, a little below a willow tree yet standing. An old dwelling-house stood near by.
About 1828, Mr. Myers traded this tract to a Mr. Hoots for a farm in Union County. Mr. Hoots furnished a large number of rails and ties from this tract for the railroad when it was constructed. In 1835, Mr. Hoots dis- posed of this land to J. H. Purdy and Lewis Dewart, who made openings and mined coal for some time.
During 1836, James Porter run this saw-mill. Dr. Robert Philips lived close by, practising medicine and acting as agent for some parties. This year a saw-mdl was built on Coal Run, just above Flagherty's ice-house, which was run by Benjamin MeClow, as sawyer.
FIRST STORE.
The first store in Shamokin was opened by Jehmu John & Co., in what is now the bar-room of Weaver's hotel, in 1838. Their assortment was not extensive.
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HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
FIRST SINGING-SCHOOL.
David N. Lake, Esq., now an old and respected citizen of the town, help the first singing-sehool. Ile was a popular singer and had a lareg school.
THE FIRST SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
The first Suadny-school in Shamokin was organized in 1839, and was known as the Shinokin Town Union Sunday-school. It was held in the old frame school-honse, in Dewart street, until the Central school-house was built, when it met there.
Among the persons who took an active part in its organization, may be named S. 8. Bird, William Fegely, Kimber Cleaver, Jelin John, Samuel Jehn, P. Bird, Amos Y. Thomas, and others. Samuel R. Wood took a great interest in the school, and contributed a number of volumes to the library. A few of these books are now in the possession of the writer. The school continued to meet in the Central school-hoase until the numbers were too grent for the room, when the school was moved to the Presbyterian Church, where it continued until 1854. The school, becoming too large to be well managed, was divided into several denominational ones.
THE FIRST RELIGIOUS SERVICES.
The first religions services were held in the old school-house, on Dewart street, in the Spring of 1837, by a Methodist preacher named Browa, who wns then on this circuit. He preached an excellent sermon, and had a good attendance. Among the persons present, was John C. Boyd, the founder of the town. After this meeting, a prayer-meeting was formed, and from this sprung the M. E. Church of the town.
THE FIRST TEMPERANCE MEETING.
On March 20th, 1841, the first temperance meeting was held in the Cen- tral school-house. A large number was in attendance. Total abstinence was advocated. A large number signed the pledge. The following officers were electedl : President, Jehu John; Vice President, P. Bird; Secretary, Dr. W. P. Irelaad; Trensuver, Milton Kerr. This organization continned for several years, and exerted a marked influence.
EFFORTS MADE TO EXTEND RAILROAD CONNECTIONS-MEETINGS HELD.
The planes on the Girard portion of the Danville and Pottsville Railroad working badly, led to the general abandonment of this road. The people of' Shamokin telt the great necessity of better outlets for their products, and henee made great efforts to connect Shamokin with Pottsville.
To further this purpose, a railroad meeting was held at Shamokin, on November 2d, 1843, which was Inrgely attended.
S. S. Bird acted as chairman, and Kimber Cleaver served as secretary.
On motion, a committee of five, consisting of Samael Joha, Dr. Robert Philips, William Fegely, Stephen Bittenhender, and Kimber Cleaver, were appointed, who presented the following report :-
Whereas, a continuous railrond from the city of Philadelphia to the Sus- quehanna, at Saubury, being an improvement in which all the citizens of the former place, as well as n great portion of the entire State, are deeply inter- estedl, inasmuch as it will form the most direct, expeditious aud cheapest traveling and transportation route between Philadelphia and the iron and coal regions, and the lumber and agricultural distriets of northern Pennsylvania ; and, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Canal, of the north and west branches of the Susquehanna, the Williamsport and Elmira Railroad, and other improvements, thereby opening a direct communication between Phila- delphia, western New York and the lakes; and, whereas, the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad is now completed to Pottsville, aud from Schuylkill Haven ( on the line of the last-named road), the Mine Hill Railroad extend- ing to Minersville; also the western division of the Danville and Pottsville Railroad, extending from Sunbury to Shamokin, a distance of' twenty miles, lenving a chasm of but twenty-five miles, from Shamokin to Minersville, or Pottsville, of which there is a probability a road might be constructed without any inclined planes, and of a grade traversable by locomotives; therefore,
Resolved, that a committee be appointed to collect a sufficient sum of money to defray the expenses of making an experimental survey, from Shamokin to Pottsville, or Minersville, so as to avoid the ineline planes; and that said committee shull have power to employ an engineer as soon as a sufficient sum is subscribed and paid.
For this purpose, the following committee was appointed: Dr. Robert Philips, Thomns Postley, William Fegely, Dr. John K. Robins, aud Hoa. Charles G. Donnell.
The action of this meeting met the approval of all parties interested in the Shamokin coal regions. The money was subseribed, and Kimber Cleaver was appointed the engineer. He was assisted by Samuel John, Peter Bough- ner, and some others, in the work.
Soon after commencing the work, Mr. Cleaver writes to the Sunbury Ameri- can, as follows:
ROUX's TAVERN, January 17th, 1844.
H. B. MASSER, EsQ.
"Dear Sir :- I have been engaged for several days, with the assistance of Samnel John, in making an experimental survey for the contemplated rail- road from Shamokin to Pottsville. We confidently believe we will be able to eross the Broad Mountain, by means of a small tunnel at a level little higher than the Locust Gap Summit, which is two hundred and forty-five feet lower than Mahanoy Plane. Owing, as yet, to the unfortunate state of the wenther, we have been considerably retarded in our progress, and have not made a satisfactory exploration of the south descent of the Broad Mountain, consequently cannot determine at what point of the railroad of the Schuylkill region will he most suitable to connect with.
" KIMBER CLEAVER."
During July, 1844, he completed this survey, and made an exhaustive re- port, clearly showing the practicability of the route, giving distances, streams, mountains, and all faets connected with the construction of the work. But the work was in advance of the times, and it was reserved for the Reading Railroad, twenty-five years later, to avail themselves of a ronte so clearly poiated ont by this survey.
SECOND RAILROAD MEETING.
On September 29th, 1845, a large meeting was held at Shamokin, to senel delegates to the railroad convention, to be held at Danville, on October 29th. S. S. Bird presided; William Fegely and F. A. Clark assisted; and Samnel John acted as secretary.
On motion, Samuel John addressed the meeting, showing the great advan- tages that would arise from a direct route from Philadelphia to Erie, and that from the nature of the country, this route would pass through Shamokin.
The following delegates were appointed: Samuel John, Joseph Bird, Daniel Evert, S. Bittenhender, and Joseph Snyder, the first ina-keeper.
The convention was held, but no decided results arose from the meeting.
FIRES.
The first fire in Shamokin occurred at the Shamokin furnace, in May, 1842, burning down the casting-house and other adjacent buildings.
No further fires of any account occurred until May 4th, 1866, when a very destruetive one took place. This fire broke out in a frame-building, oceu- pied by Val. Fagely for a store, about two o'clock in the morning, and soon communicated to the adjacent buddings. For a short time, the town seemed in danger of a general conflagration. The Northern Central Railway office, with all its furniture and valuable papers was destroyed, and some five or six houses were consumed. The loss was estimated at thirty thousand dollars, covered by ahout thirteen thousand dollars insurance.
The next fire occurred in August, 1867, when it broke out at night, in the photograph rooms of C. L. Raker, on Shamokin street, nearly on the same site where the previous fire commenced. Buckets were freely used; a small fire-engine, recently purchased by some citizens, was effectively worked by the Liberty Hose Company, and the fire was put out after several buildings were burned. The water was from the basin of Mr. Bittenbender.
The " great fire," which took place April 15th, 1872, originated in the " Donty House," then kept by Mr. Beesc. The "Douty House" and twenty- four ether buildings were destroyed, and at one time it seemed that if the entire town might be burned down. Loss, fifty thousand dollars; covered by twenty-five thousand dollars insurance.
The last fire of any note occurred at midnight, on July 4th, 1875. It broke eut ja a notion-store, kept by W. L. Clark & Co., on Independence street. Ten buildings were destroyed, making a loss of fitty thousand dol- lars ; covered by about twenty thousand dollars insurance. Several incen- diary fires occurred in this loeality n few weeks after this, but resulted in no great loss.
LITERARY SOCIETIES-DEBATING CLUB.
In 1838, a debating elub was started, which was held in the old school- house oa Dewart street. It was well attended, and many of the leading questions of thut day were earnestly discussed. Among the prominent speakers of the society, were Pemberton Bird, Dr. Philips, James Porter, Jonns Stine, Joseph Bird, Samuel Joha, Amos Y. Thomas, George Martz, Jehu John, and Ephraim Mowry. This club continued for some years.
86
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
SHAMOKIN SENATE.
During the Winter of 1855-'56, Franklin B. Gowen, who was then book- keeper at the Shamokin furnace ; A. R. Fiske, Henry Longenecker, Dr. G. 8. Robins, Captain Henry Van Gosken, the writer, and others, established a Senate, which met weekly in the Odd Fellows' Hall. It was conducted on the rules observed by the United States Senate, but probably laeked some in the Roman dignity maintained by the latter body. Mr. Gowen represented South Carolina, and was is troublesome in his peculiar views, as John C. Calboun was in his days of nullification.
Captain Van Gosken acted for Utah, and was importunate in advocating tbe peculiar doctrine of that territory. Kimber Cleaver was for New Jersey, and lost no opportunity to bring forward bills in the interest of the "Native American" party. A. R. Fiske represented the old Bay State in many a long speech upou the floor. W. P. Withington had the honor to speak for Pennsylvania, and the old hall rang with his eloquence. The Senate con- tinued in existence about one year, when it was superseded by the
SHAMOKIN LYCEUM.
This society was established in 1857, and continued in existence some seven or eight years. It was incorporated by the County Court, and num- bered among its members the leading citizens of the town. The meetings were held weekly, in Bittenhender's Hall, which bad been fitted up expressly for this purpose. The exercises consisted in readings, lectures, and diseus- sions. A large library was secured, and one of the finest mineralogical eel- lections in the interior of the State was formed. The mineral collection was made through the great efforts of Charles W. Peale. He had made a large collection of the eoal fossils of our region, which he exchanged with different colleges in the various parts of the United States, for the peculiar minerals of their localities. This society conducted a series of very interesting dis- cussions, ou subjects that were before the publie at that time, and exerted no little influence in moulding opinions and cultivating a literary taste. The society continued to prosper, and was looked upon by the citizens of the town, as an object of which they had just reason to be proud ; but during the last year of the late wnr, the Rebellion so attraeted the attention of the people, that the Lyceum was allowed to pass away. Several efforts were made to revive the society, but they were unsuccessful, and other literary elubs have been started, but they soon ceased to be.
SHAMOKIN LECTURE ASSOCIATION.
During the Autumn of 1873, a number of gentlemen of Shamokin met together, and formed a society of the above name, and procured a charter for the same. For two Winter seasons they carried through a course of lectures, but not being fully sustained by the public, they have been doing nothing of late.
The officers are : President, Charles P. Helfenstein ; Secretary, J. J. John; Treasurer, J. S. Huber.
SBAMOKIN GUARDS.
This finely-drilled and well-uniformed company, which now ranks as one of the best disciplined and most throughly drilled companies in the State, was organized at Shamokin, April 30th, 1870. The first officers were: Captain, Alexander Caldwell ; 1st Lieutenant, James May; 2d Lieutenant, James A. Shipp.
The company was composed entirely of veterans, who had seen and dene full service with Grant and Sherman, and who had a proud military record for reference.
Several changes in the officers occurred. Captain Caldwell, baving been appointed Lieutenant-Colonel and Inspecting Officer, on the staff of Major- General McCormick, commanding Eighth Division of National Guard of Pennsylvania, Lieutenant May was made Captain; Lieutenant Shipp, 1st Lieutenant; and Corporal John A. Weaver, 2d Lieutenant.
When the divisious were consolidated, Lieutenant-Colonel Caldwell was eleeted Colenel of the Seventh Regiment; Captain James May was made Major, on the staff' of Major-General Seigfried. The present officers are: Captain, James A. Shipp; 1st Lieutenant, John A. Weaver; 2d Lieutenant, P. H. Haly.
The company now numbers fifty-six men, rank and file. They have se- cured eight lots, upon which they design ereeting an armory, one hundred and twenty by fifty-five feet, and twenty feet high. They are constantly undergoing drill exercises, and are the next thing to perfect in the manual.
This company has quite a record since its organization, but space will merely permit of naming a few of their achievements:
They were the escort of honor at Governor Geary's funeral; they took an active and prompt part in the suppression of the riots at Williamsport and Shenandoah; while at Camp Anthony Wayne they were justly noticed by . the leading papers as one of the finest companies of the Commonwealth.
Their position, now, is Company B, Seventh Regiment, National Guard, under Colonel Caldwell.
GEARY BUCKTAILS.
This fine company was organized June 10th, 1870. It is mainly composed of veterans, who have seen service on many a hard-fought battle field. The first officers were as follows: Captain, F. D. Strauser; Ist Lieutenant, C. S. Chamberlain.
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The company now numbers forty men, rank and file. They are well drilled, and present a fine appearance when on parade.
Several changes occurred in the officers at different times. The present officers are: Captain, F. D. Strauser; 2d Lieutentant, J. B. Gettis.
They did good service at the Shenandoah riots, and were favorably noticed at Camp Anthony Wayne. They are now Company D, of the Seventh Regi- ment of National Guard.
FIRST BIRTH.
The first child born in the town of Shamokin, was John Boyd Snyder, in 1835. His father, Joseph Snyder, kept the hotel at the time. In boner of the event, Jobn C. Boyd presented the firstling with a valuable town lot.
FIRST MARRIAGE.
The first marriage occurred in 1838. Joseph Bird, one of the pioneers of the town, married Bebeeca, a daughter of Jucob Kram, who succeeded Mr. Snyder at the hotel this year. The bride was presented with a corner lot by Mr. Boyd.
FINIST POST-MASTER.
William Fegely was the first post-master of the town. It was established about 1839, and was kept in the store-room. It was first called Coal Post- office, as the one at Paxinos was enlled Shamokin. When the latter was named Parinos after a celebrated Indian chief, Coul was changed to Shamo- kin. The mail for some years was brought here two or three times a week, and the matter consisted of a few Sunbury papers and au occasional letter.
FIRST EXPRESS OFFICE.
The first express office was opened July, 1861, at the post-office which was then kept in the basement of Bittenbender's Building, by F. P. Stambach, who was then post-master. The business was very small for some years.
FIRST NEWS-OFFICE.
The frst news-office was opened by F. P. Stambach, shortly after the breaking out of the Rebellion to supply a growing want. A large number had sent one or more members of their families to the war, and were anxious to obtain the news daily concerning the progress of the war and the particu- lars of each battle fought. Bird & John, in 1856, had kept magazines for sale at their drug-store.
FIRST BRICK-HOUSE
was put up by Daniel Evert, in 1839. Brick made on the ground where Springfield now stands.
FIRST BANK.
The Shamokin Bank, now Northumberland County National Bank, was established in 1857, but not fully organized until 1858. Particulars given elsewhere.
FIRST NOTARY PUBLIC.
Shortly after the organization of the Shamokin Bank, W. P. Withington was appointed Notary Publie. He held his office until 1861, when he was succeeded by F. S. Haas and John Dunkleberger.
FIRST DRUG-STORE.
Dr. Wm. J. Haas, now of Mount Carmel, started the first drug-store, in the building now occupied by Wm. H. Moore as n residence, on Sunbury street, about 1853. His stock was small.
FIRST CHURCH.
The first place erected for publie worship, was by the Catholies, in 1839, through the efforts of Riley, Brannigan and some others. Stephen Bitten- bender was the builder.
PLATE XX
EAGLE HOTEL.
EAGLE HOTEL"D. H. DREISBACH , PROP" , TURBOTVILLE, NORTH? COUNTY, PENNS^
RES. OF J. B. LEINBACH, LEWIS TP., NORTHUMBERLAND Co., PA.
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
FIRST SOAP FACTORY.
In 1862, Daniel Evert starts a soap factory.
FIRST TAN-YARD.
About 1864, Daniel Evert and Paul Ammerman start n tan-yard.
FIRST PAVEMENT.
First pavement put down in Shamokin was a briek one, in front of the house of Daniel Evert, about 1855.
FIRST LUMBER-YARD.
Dr. Wm. Atwater, about 1853, started the first lumber-yard in the lower part of the town.
FIRST BRICK.
The first brick made here was by George Swenk, in 1839, at Springfield.
SHAMOKIN CANAL.
In 1857, a charter was procured to construct n canal, between Shamokin and Sunbury. Its advocates contended that every ton of coal brought enough water with it, to float it to market. It is needless to say the work was not prosecuted.
FIRST FREIGHT LINE.
In November, 1865, Musselman established a freight line, between Sha- mokin and Philadelphin.
FIRE-DAMI.
The first case of explosion by fire-damp in this section, occurred in the slope of D. Webster's colliery, December 28th, 1865. One man killed, and two badly burned.
FIRST OFFICIALS OF SITAMOKIN.
Justice of the Peace, S. S. Bird; Constable, Samuel Eisenhart; Supervisor, David Thomson.
INCOMES REPORTED FOR 1865.
William Fegely, $19,471
William H. Marshall, 15,785
John B. Douty, 6,000
W. P. Withington, 3,121
Val. Fegely, . 2,445
A. R. Fiske, 2,548
S. Bittenbender, 1,941
George W. Suyder, 1,670
H. Van Gosken, 1,490
Daniel Wenver,
1,350
DEER IN THE TOWN.
During the Autumn of 1855, a deer ran through some of the principal streets of the town. It ran over the porch of the United States Hotel, and thence up Commeree street, and the Mount Carmel road. It was shot a sbort distance out of town.
ARTESIAN WELLS.
During 1855, John Creech, bored Artesian wells for Jacob Mowry, Wil- liam Fegely, and others.
SKELETON FOUND.
In 1839, while some men were engaged in digging the foundation of the foundry, u skeleton of a man was found, an old pistol, and some ten dollars in silver. The skeleton was supposed to be that of a pedlar from Mahanoy, who had been missing' for some years.
CREEK CHANNEL .. Shamokin Creek was turned in a new channel, September 20cl, 1872.
HEAVY TAXES.
During the year 1865, every citizen in Shamokin Borough, between the ages of twenty-one and forty-five, was liable to the following poll taxes: Bounty, ten dollars; County, five dollars; Borough, five dollars; total, twenty dollars.
SHAMOKIN AS A BOROUGH.
Shamokin was incorporated as a Borough by the Court of Common Pleas of Northumberland County, November term, 1864.
For several years, previously, a number of the citizens had agitated the subject, but were overruled by enme of the " old residents," who desired to let " good enough alone." During the latter part of 1863, a number of articles appeared in the Shamokin Herald, that bad a marked influence on public opinion. The subject was treated in a ludicrous light, but still so truthfully, that every one felt the force of the remarks. Some beenme offended, but most of the people were awakened to new interest, and finally succeeded in obtaining a charter.
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