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 32
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Doubtless, at this meeting, Mr. Langdon first noticed the fuel, nad with the uncommon foresight of a great business man, fully comprehended the situation, and commenced the operations in coal, for which he afterwards became so famous. A few weeks after thisesome gentlemen from Elmira came to Shamokin, and offered to bny one hundred thousand tons of conl. Our Shamokin operators were greatly surprised at so large an offer, but readily availed themselves of the opportunity."
The shipments this year increased to one hundred nad sixteen thousand one hundred and seventeen tons, and in 1857, reached one hundred and
fifty-five thousand eight hundred and six tons, a large proportion of which was handled by Mr. Langdon. At this time, the only money in circulation ahont Shamokin, was that on Chemung Canal Rank, and for each pay a re- mittance from Elmira was necessary. Had Mr Langdon then ceased his purchases of Shamokin coal, it would have thrown our collieries out of work and beggared the town. The writer has heen particular tu show how much our region is indebted to one man alone, whose far-seeing business mind enabled him to dispose of our excellent fuel to mutun) advantage ; whose wonderful energy and foresight has opened up a great market for Shamokin coal, beginning with Elmira, and pushing the trade northward aud westward until it took the Canadas in its circuit, and extended to the towns and cities of the far West, even to Omaha. He soon became interested in mining Shamokin coal, and through his able and experienced superintendent, Alex- auder Fulton, Esq., the works of J. Langdou & Co. have been extraordinardy successful.
In the course of time, new outlets were opened. The Reading Railroad first connected with the Shamokin region, at Locust Gap, but after some years, extended their track to Shamokin, and thence to Trevorton, and the Susquehanna. Next, the Lehigh Valley Railrond enme into our region, connecting at Mt. Carmel. With these new connections, the shipments largely increased, and in 1870, exceeded one milion of tons per ammm.
A few years ago, the Mineral Railroad and Mining Company took charge of some four collieries in this region, viz .: the Cameron, Luke Fidler, Hickory Swamp, and Hickory Ridge. These collieries are under the efficient super- intendenee of Holden Chester, Esq., a gentleman of great experience in mining affairs. These collieries are the best equipped of any in the region, with all the most approved machinery. The shipments from these four col- licries for 1875, are as follows : Cameron, two hundred and seventy thousand one hundred and ninety-nine dollars and ten cents; Luke Fidler, one hun- dred nud three thousand eight hundred dollars and nineteen cents; Hickury Swamp, seventy thousand five hundred and nineteen dollars and fourteen cents; Hickory Ridge, eighteen thousand nine hundred and forty dollars and two cents; total, four hundred and sixty-three thousand four hundred and sixty dollars and five cents.
This coal is put in the markets of Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston, as Cameron coal.
For the year 1875, there was sent from Northumberland County, one million six hundred and twenty-eight thousand six hundred and eighty-three tons of coal. More than one-half of this tonnage passed over the Philadelphia and Reading Railrond.
To mine, prepare, and put in cars for market, this amount of coal, requires the employment of at least five thousand men and boys, at thirty breakers, with one hundred engines, representing at least six thousand five hundred- horse-power, to hoist, pump, and drive the machinery. Add to this the horses and mules employed; the amount of hay and grain consumed by them ; the quantity of rails, sheet-iron, spikes, etc., required; the powder and oil consumed, and the millions of feet of timber required, and the reader will form an idea of the immeuse capital employed in mining the anthracite coal of Northumberland County.
The collieries in the vicinity of Shamokin, pay out, each month, to their men, an average of one hundred thousand dollars per month, when running to their full capacity.
The writer had intended to dwell more extensively on this topic, giving a description of each colliery, but was prevented by his limited space and time in this work.
STIAMOKIN CARRIAGE AND BLACKSMITH-SHOPS.
These shops were established in 1869, by J. H. Zimmerman, to supply a want long felt in Shamokin. He commenced business in a small shop on Market street, between the Northern Central Railway and Philadelphia aud Reading Railroad. The size of this building was twenty by thirty feet, and when it was built it stood in the bushes at one end of the town, but now a business portion of Shamokin. When he commenced, he had but one fire, but business so crowded bim, that in the course of a few months, he was obliged to enlarge his shop and work with seven fires.
Soon after starting the blacksmith-shop, he opened a carriage works on quite a large seale. Two other buildings were erected for this purpose, and the Inrge mill-property of Reuben Fegely was also occupied for a warehouse. Mr. Zimmerman engaged in the manufacture of all kinds of wagou wurk, from the heavy wagons for colliery service, to the lightest and finest of car- riages. Many of the finest vehicles in Shamokin and vicinity are from these shops.
PLATE XXI
RES. OF GEORGE STOHL, LEWIS TO NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA.
RES. OF CHRISTOPHER RAUP, LEWIS TP, NORTHUMBERLAND CO, PA
91
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
While business was good, some twenty-five mnen were employed; but only eleven are at work at this time.
In March, 1876, J. H. Zimmerman, retired from business, and wns suc- ceeded by his son, J. B. Zimmerman, who carries on the shops at the present time.
During the prosperons years, over twenty thousand dollars worth of work was put ont per annum, but at this time, the amount will not exceed twelve thousand dollars per year.
PRINCIPAL HOTELS. Shamokin is well provided with hotels, but there is not a hotel-building in the town adequate to the wants of the place.
The principal hotels are: Weaver's National Hotel, and the United States, on Shamokin street; the City Hotel, on Sunbury street; Market Street Hotel; nud the Exchange, on Commerce street.
STORES.
There is not another town in the County that is better furnished with stores than Shamokin. The following are the principal ones : Kutzner's drugand hard- ware store, carry about forty thousand dollars of stock; C. Gracher & Son, dry goods, abont twenty thousand dollars; A. Strour & Co., dry goods, twenty thousand dollars; L. B. Morganroth & Co., dry goods, abont twenty thousand dollars; Leader, Muir & Co., dry goods, about twenty thousand dollars; Fegely & Marty, dry goods, about fifteen thousand dollars.
Besidles these, there is a large class of good stores, which carry from six thousand dollars to ten thousand dollars of stock.
SOLDIERS' MONUMENT.
This monument to our fallen heroes, stands on the highest ground of the Shamokin Cemetery. It was erected through the efforts of Lincoln Post, of the Grand Army of the Republic. On Muy 30th, 1871, it was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. The monument is a beautiful piece of work- manship, and cost about seven hundred dollars. It is thirteen feet high, and stands fifteen feet above the level of the ground, being surmounted on a mound, two feet high. The base is a solid block of granite from the Gettys- burg battle-field, three-and-a-half feet square, weighing three thousand two hundred pounds. The monument is of American marble. Upon the front panel is the inscription :
Erected Under the Auspices of Linruin Post, No. 140, G. A. R. May 30th, 1871.
Surmounting the die is a plain shaft, seven feet high, with a raised shield on front, bearing above it the words:
" To Our Fallen Heroes."
The monument makes a fine appearance, and enn be seen from nearly all parts of the town.
POOR-HOUSE.
During the Winters of 1857 and 1858, there was but little, if any, work in the Shamokin region, and, as a consequence, abont one hundred families were thrown upon the township for support. This was very expensive, and led many of the larger property-owners to devise some plan to .lessen the burdeu of their support. A poor-honse in Coal township, which then in- cluded Shamokin, was proposed, but it met with serious opposition. The question was then dropped for some time. One evening in the Winter of 1862, Samuel John, John B. Douty, and one or two more, met and prepared a bill for establishing a poor-house. The bill was taken to Harrisburg by Samuel John, and passed in a few weeks afterwards.
In the Spring of 1863, a meeting of citizens wus held at the Central school- house, to consider the poor-house question. The question was warmly de- bated, and finally decided that an election should be held to decide the matter. This was done on June 12th, and carried by a small majority. By this act, William H. Marshall, Joseph Bird and George MeEleice were the first Poor Directors.
On March 1, 1864, they purchased from Jacob Maury his farm, about one mile north-west of Shamokin, consisting of forty acres, on which were erected a large briek-house and suitable out-buildings, for eight thousand dollars.
Emanuel Zimmerman was appointed Warden, who entered upon his duties ut once.
During the year ending April 1st, 1876, three hundred families received outside relief, averaging fifteen dollars and sixty-one cents per family ; fifty- nine persons were lodged at the poor-house, extending from a few days to a year; three were maintained at the lunatic hospital, and three hundred and sixty-five tramps lodged at the poor-house.
The expenditures for the year were eight thousand four hundred and eighty-eight dollars and fifty-eight cents. The prodnets of the farm amounted to five hundred and sixty-four dollars and sixty-five cents.
The poor officials at the present time, are as follows: Directors-Isuac May, Sr., Dr. D. S. Hollenbach, W. W. Wary ; Secretary-J. J. John.
NEWSPAPERS.
During many years, Shamokin had no newspaper, although possessed of a reading population, who largely supported the papers of Sunbury and Mil- ton in advertising and subscriptions. Abont 1853, when the Philadelphia and Soubory Railroad commenced operations, there was a general revival of business in the Shamokin region, and, as a consequence, a large number of people from different sections came here. At this time, a newspaper was projected, and some steps were taken in that direction, but nothing was ac- complished. No further effort was made until the Summer of 1858, when John Robins, a practical printer, who had published the Miltonian for sev- eral years, came to Shamokin, and, in July, started a newspaper, called the
SHAMOKIN JOURNAL.
This paper was issued some four or five months, by Mr. Robins, but, owing to the stringency of the times, he was obliged to suspend the enterprise. The office was in what was then well-known as the "Red House," which stood on ground north of Temmes' saloon, where the Reading Railroad now passes over. Mr. Samuel Joho purchased the press and material about January 1st, 1859, but did not continue the paper.
SHAMOKIN REGISTER.
The first number of this paper was issued March 8th, 1860, by Samuel John, Esq., editor and proprietor. The Journal press and material were used for its issnes. The paper was Republican in politics, and took a strong stand in favor of the clection of Abraham Lincoln. The Register, in the hands of Mr. John, was a good newspaper for that day. On June 6th, 1861, the Register passed into the hands of Daniel Bower, who had previ- ously published the Williamsport Times. Mr. Bower was a man of consider- able ability, and was a ready writer and a Hnent speaker, but was not ns diligent in business as success required. On April 29th, 1862, he discon- tinued the Register. The press and material passed into the possession of Samuel John, Esq., but no paper was issued, and he finally sold the entire stock to a party of Sunbury, who started up the Democratic Guard.
SHOMAKIN HERALD.
The next, and most snecessful paper in Shamokin, was the Herald, which first appeared June 10th, 1862. Daniel Bower, the proprietor, issued shares of stock, and this obtained means to purchase the complete outfit of a print- ing establishment for job and newspaper work. The paper was edited by Daniel Bower and J. J. John. Twelve numbers were issued, when Mr. Rower retired from the editorship, and accepted a position as Recruiting Officer at Camp Curtin. After occupying this office a short time, he entered active service as a Lieutenant, and died from wounds received at Chancellorsville. No Herald was then issued until December 25th, 1862, when J. Stewart McEwen took charge of the paper, and continued its pub- liention until July 2d, 1863, when he retired, and S. B. Sisty, who had been foreman in the office, took charge, and published one number, which was so intensely democratic in polities that the stockholders would not allow him to hold possession of the office. No further number of the paper was put ont until July 23d, 1863, when Owen M. Fowler, a young man of great worth, and a most excellent printer, who had just retured from the three months' service, took charge of the Herald. Mr. Fowler was poor, and labored under great difficulties, but, by untiring industry and close application, he suc- ceeded in building up a newspaper and job establishment, second to none in the County. To this he added a very complete book-hindery. Under Mr. Fowler's charge the Herald beenme an influential paper, Republican in politics, outspoken in its course, but ever dignified in its manner. Unfortunately, the health of Mr. Fowler failed, and in Any, 1874, he died after being confined to his bed one week. His last wish was, that the "Herald should not miss a number." The paper was then conducted by J. J. John, (who has been the coal editor since 1868,) to July 1st, 1874, when the establishment was sold at administrator's sale, to Messrs. Hetfelfinger & Coder, who had been in Mr. Fowler's employ for several years. Umuler the management of these two practical printers, the Herald has improved in its appearance, and increased in its circulation. It is regarded as the organ of the coal trade in North-
92
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
umberland County, and is very attentive in publishing all matters of local interest. It is Republican in politics, and has, for years, taken an netive part in support of the men and principles of the party.
SHAMOKIN ADVERTISER.
This, as its name imports, was an advertising sheet, started about January 1st, 1872, by J. L. Gilger & Son, who had just opened a new printing- office, under the control of John A. Gilger, who, for several years previously, had been the foreman of the Monitor office at Tamaqua. Some twenty-six numbers of this sheet were issued, and distributed gratuitously, the profits coming from the advertising. The Advertiser was then merged into the
SHAMOKIN TIMES.
The first number of the Times appeared July 13th, 1872, published by the same firm, with John A. Gilger ns local editor. The paper was neutral in politics, if such a thing is possible, and paid great attention to the collec- tion of local news. During the Summer of 1874, Mr. Jonas L. Gilger re- tired from the paper, and the publishers were then Gilger & Fegely, for a few months, when Mr. Fegely retired. On January 1st, 1875, Mr. D. D. Domer, of Washington City, became associated with the Times, as editor. This paper is now published by the Shamokin Times Company, with Mr. Domer as erlitor and manager. Under the present management, the paper bas heen enlarged and greatly improved; it is now one of the best papers in the County. Mr. Domer is a good writer, aud keeps bis columns well filled with news.
FRIENDSHIP HOSE COMPANY.
This company was organized in May, and chartered in November, 1873.
Soon after their organization, they uniformed themselves, and purchased a hose-carriage. They have now five hundred feet of good hose.
During 1875, Mr. Bittenbendler having presented the company with several lots, near the corner of Franklin and Spurzheim streets, they erected a fine twostory brick-building, twenty by thirty-five feet, for carriage-house and place of meeting.
The company is prosperons, and numbers at present seventy-five members. They have attended every fire since date of organization.
The officers are: President, John Owen; Vice President, Lewis Spears; Secretaries, H. Rohrheimer, S. Owen; Treasurer, W. R. Kutzner.
CITIZENS' FIRE, HOOK AND LADDER COMPANY.
Organized October 12th, 1875. This organization numbers twenty-two members, fully equipped for service. Meetings held at Liberty Hose House.
Present officers are: Foreman, C. W. Scout; Assistant Foreman, D. B. Felix; Secretary, Thendore Strawser ; Treasurer, A. G. Marr.
THE INDEPENDENCE FIRE ASSOCIATION
Was organized Angust 14th, 1873, with Wesley Van Gosken, as President; and Thomas Tindle, as Secretary. The company was chartered in November of same year.
The present officers ure: President, Isaac Goldsmith; Vice President, Wesley Wilson; Secretary, M. L. Strouse; Treasurer, H. H. Keiser.
This company numbers forty-five men, fully equipped for service. Their hose-curringe was built in Shamokin, by Wesley Van Gosken, at a cost of six humlred and seventy-five dollars. It is a very handsome carriage. The company are now building a two-story brick hose-house, the first story of which is now completed. Mr. Jacob Mcutchler is the builder. The com- pany has no debt. They have attended ull fires. Have five hundred feet of hose.
RINIUE FIRE ENGINE AND HOSE COMPANY.
Organized in March, 1873. The present officers are: President, Fred- erick Hnas; Secretary, larry Neihoff; Trensurer, Joseph H. Kase.
There are thirty-six members uniformed, and well equipped for service. They have about four hundred feet of huse.
Their meetings are held, and personal property kept at the Friendship Hose Building.
VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT,
Consists of the following companies: Friendship, seventy-two members; Rescue, thirty-six members; Independence, forty-five members; total, one hundred and fifty-three members.
This organization was started about a year ago, with Wesley Van Gosken as Chief Engineer. In his last report, he states the personal property of
department to consist of the following: Three hose-earringes; thirteen hun- dred fect antiseptic gum-hose; six hose-pipes; six lanterns; four hundred feet of rope; five carringe-spanners; five spenking-trumpets.
WILLIAM BROWN'S RESIDENCE.
This is the largest private residence in Shamokin, and is, at least, deserving of a passing notice.
The building is fifty-four feet square and five stories high, with a slate- roof. It is n brick structure of a very imposing appearance, sitnatedl on the corners of Arch, Lincoln and Market streets. The building contains forty- six rooms, well laid out with balls, closets, etc.
It was erected by n number of lot-owners in 1854, for the purpose of a hotel. In 1858, Mr. Longenecker purchased it, and resided there for several years. Previous to Mr. Lungenecker occupying it, it had been used for eburch fairs, dancing-schools, etc.
A few years ago, Mr. Brown purchased the property and had it finished. The first story is used for store purposes; the second and third stories nre nsed by Mr. Brown for a residence, whilst the fourth and fifth stories are unoccupied.
The following description of this truly elegant place, which is at once a model of convenience and an ornament to the borough, is taken from the Shamokin Herald :-
"It is always a pleasure to note improvements in our town, but more es- pecially su when they are of a first-class character, such as we are about to describe. The very large and increasing drug and hardware trade of Major W. R. Kutzner, long since convinced him that he must have more room, anıl accordingly, early last Fall, he commeneed an addition to his building, corner of Sunbury and Shamokin street, to be devoted exclusively to the hardware branch of the business, which heretofore was associated with the drug trade, having drugs on one side of the room and hardware on the other. The new addition vorresponds in outward appearance with the old building, is three stories high, press-brick front, and is thirty-two feet wide by ninety-three feet deep, making, with the old building, a frontage of fifty- seven feet, and the largest business house in Shamokin. We enter the main salesruom of the now store through a French plate-glass front, the two large show windows of which are lighted by six glasses, three to each win- dow, each glass being forty-eight inches wide by one hundred and thirty-three long. The sash and doors ure grained wnluut. The fluor of the entrance between the show windows is luid with black and white tiles. Entering we stand iu a room twenty-nine feet wide by eighty-nine feet deep in the clear. The first objects that arrest one's attention, are the gracefully poised stairwny lending to the second and third floors, the book-keeper's office and the arched entrance to the drug store. The counters (except the tops, which are of oiled ash) and shelving are grained oak. The two front counters contain twelve show-cases each, all with French plate tops set in the counter, and under each is a drawer which may be ensily removed with the entire contents of the ense. On the right, as you enter, are eight cases with glass doors dis- playing silver-ware, guns, etc. Under the rear counters are numerous nail- bins, with the respective sizes painted on, and so arranged that the customer can see and examine for himself. The shelves and drawers back of the counters nre arranged in the most convenient manner; there are in all two hundred and sixty drawers, ench bearing a label of contents. We now enter the book-keeper's office, near the rear end on the right-hand side. It is a cosy, neatly furnished, seven hy ten fect room, wajuscoted with oiled chestnut, and has a handsome glass front. Here our friend, Mr. A. G. Goodwill presides. He is very proud of his new cage. From this, we enter Major Kutzner's private office, immediately in rear of the book-keeper's. It is ten by twelve and finished and furnished similar to the one we have just described. Back of this office, is a roumy fire und burglar-proof vault. Leaving the offices, we enter through a door in rear end of the salesroom, and on a level with it, into the oil cellar, which is ten by fifteen feet, with flour and sides cemented, sheet-iron ruof, and lighted by three sky-lights. The oil is kept in patent cans. This arrangement is a great convenience. Much light is had in the main enlesroom from a large sky-light running through the centre of the building. At night, it is fighted by five chandeliers, three in the room proper, and one in each show-wimlow. This room is connected with the drug- store by an arehed doorway. We now ascend to the second floor up the handsome stairway, with walnut rail und oiled ash balusters. The second floor is cyual in size to the lower room, well-lighted, and largely stocked with wixlen and willow-ware, glass, children's vnrriages, clover and timothy seed, etc. The third-floor room is similar in size and appearance to the one we have just left, and contains n large stock of farming implements, mine supplies, etc. The building is heated by a furnace in the cellar."
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93
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
SHAMOKIN IN THE WAR.
Sbamokin has ever evinced a military spirit, and the part taken by her in the late Rebellion is a proud record of martinl deeds. She was represented in a large number of regiments, nul on almost every huttle-field. Soon after the town was laid out, a military company was formed, known as the Shit- mokin Grays, numbering about seventy men, rank and file, commanded by Captain Charles Derring, who, after some years, was succeeded by Captain F. A. Clark, and finally by Captain J. L. Gilger, who retained the command until the company disbanded, which was about nine years after its formation. Several battalions was held at Shamokin, during the existence of this com- pany, on which ocensions, majors and brigade inspectors appeared in their hest regimentals to great advantages. At one of these battalions, held in June, 1846, an effort was made to obtain volunteers for Mexico, which did not result very favorably, as only one soldier stepped ont for the Mexican campaign.
SHAMOKIN GUARDS.
During 1854, a new company of the above name was formed, with S. M. Kuse, as enptain. Captain Kase was soon succeeded by Captain Reeder, who being elected brigadier-general, was followed by Captain Cyrus Strouse, a most excellent soldier. Upon the call for troops, at the breaking out of the Rebellion, the Shamokin Guards nobly responded to the call.
On April 16th, 1861, the citizens of the town held n meeting to assist the "Guard," in filling up their company. Speeches were made by A. R. Fiske, W. P. Withington, and Alexander Caldwell, and measures taken to assist the families as enlisted. The compliment was made up the same evening, numbering one hundred and eight men, rank and file. The following is the muster roll of the National Guard:
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