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 35
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56th Regiment .- Company C.
William Buon, Francis Dunlavy, Jacob Guskey, Michael Haley, Johu MeDonald, John F. Starbzel, James Sterrett, Frank Startzel, George Weary, Josialı Yohe.
Company D.
C. Alderson, Patrick Burns, George B. Clark, Simon Collier, Jacob Christ, Henry Day, John Downey, John Meighan, Michael MeCarty, John MeCauley, Mark Moran, George Nolter, Francis Reed, John Reed, M. Schochnerry, James Strausser, Robert Toole, Thomas R. Williams, Stewart Yost.
Thomas Clark.
Company G. Company K.
Michael Maher.
131at Regiment .- Company C.
Cyrus Bittenbender, Silvorius Bird, John R. Boughner, Samuel Bower, Azariah Campbell, Charles Culp, William Evert, O. M. Fowler, Eph- raim Foulke, James D. Harris, Francis Hvorer, John Huffinan, Jacob Keiser, Daniel Keishner, George W. Levan, H. W. Moore, Jacob Mowry, A. M. Osmun, Joseph L. Reeder, Henry Shiff, Reamon Stamboch, Josiah Strauser, George Weimer.
J. M. John's Company.
J. M. John. William Kute, A. Meighan, P. H. Philips, George Shiff, David Shill.
In other Companies and Regiments,
William Allen, Daniel Bower, William Ballow, George Fredericks, David Gass, Reuben Kreeger, William Kreeger, William Osmun, Dr. O. Robins, H. A. Shissler, Frank Reed, Godfrey Scheeman, William Worrell, Wesley Van Gosken.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first religious services in Shamokin were conducted by a preacher of the Methodist denomination. During the year 1837, a Rev. Mr. Brown, one of the prenchers on the Sunbury cirenit, chanced to come to Shamokin. He preached in the old school-house, um Dewart street, to n full house, among whom was John C. Boyd, the founder of the town. A class was soon after- wards formed, by the Rev. Heury G. Dill, with S. S. Bird as leader.
This class was composed of some eight persons, us follows: S. S. Bird and wife, Benjamin McClow und wife, Joseph Bird, Pemberton Bird, and Jeho John and wife.
The next Spring, the class was taken in the Sunbory circuit, and supplied with preaching every two weeks. The meetings were held in the old school- house, until the Central was built, when the meetings were held there. The congregation continued to prosper, and increase in numbers.
The first resident prencher was Rev. B. F. Stevens. He was followed by Rev. J. F. Porter, who was the first preacher in charge of' this church. Mr. Porter came in 1863, and remained three years. The church under his charge flourished in numbers, He was greatly beloved by all, and his de-
parture was sincerely regretted. He was succeeded by Rev. F. B. Riddle, one of the most talented clergymen in the Methodist Church. He remained three years, highly appreciated by his congregation, which now had become one of the largest and most influential in the town. He was succeeded by Rev. N. S. Bnekingham, in 1869, who also remained three years. Mr. Buck- ingham was a very popular pastor, and his church flourished under his pastoral enre. He was succeeded by Rev. James C. Clark, an able and earnest worker in the church. Mr. Clarke is an excellent business man, and . in all the business relations of the church he introdneed system, the good effects of which are still felt. The membership was largely increased under his stewardship. He remained until 1875. In his farewell sermon, he re- ports his labors, stating that he had married forty-nine couples, baptised one hundred and seventy-two persons, attended the funerals of oue hundred and thirteen, preached two hundred and eighty-eight regular sermons, made one hundred and sixty-five visits to the sick, and had collected fifteen thousand dollars and twenty-three eents for various purposes. He was succeeded by Rev. W. Lee Spottswood, D.D., the present pastor. Dr. Spottswood is an eminent scholar, and an able divine. His sermons are of a very practical character.
As the congregation increased in numbers, a strong desire was manifested to erect a building for worship. During 1856, at the time the Revs. Tanne- hill and Colburn were on this part of the circuit, a meeting was called at the Central school-honse, to discuss the propriety of building a church. Judge Helfenstein had donated to the society seventeen building lots, with the provision that one-third of the proceeds of the sales should be returned to him. The following members were appointed trustees: P. Bird, George Weaver, John Shipp, F. A. Clark, Benjamin MeClow, George H. Coder, David Chidester, Joseph Reeder, and D. S. Miller. At a meeting held December 23d, 1856, H. Van Gosken, Benjamin MeClow, and George Weaver were appointed a committee to select a piece of ground on which to build. They decided to take, for a church site, the ground presented to them by Charles P. Helfenstein. P. Bird and John Shipp were named a commit- tee to circulate subscriptions among the citizens. A charter wns obtained, and a seal adopted, with the device of an upen Bible.
In May, 1859, the work was commenced. The contract was awarded to Jonas L. Gilger. The size of the church erected was sixty by forty feet. It cost twenty-three hundred dollars, without completing the basement. It was dedicated in February, 1860, nt which time six hundred and niucty-three dollars and fifty cents were collected; seventeen hundred dollars having been previously collected.
During 1867, n very comfortable parsonage was erected.
The Methodist Church edifice commands a fine site. It is located on Lin- coln street, and is very accessible from all parts of the town,
In May, 1866, a bell, weighing eight hundred and thirty-three pounds, which cost four hundred and fifty dollars, was put in the tower, through the exertions of Captain Van Gosken. In October, 1866, the audience-room was re-opened, after undergoing extensive repairs. A collection of twenty- two hundred dollars was made on this occasion. There areonine classes in the church.
The trustees are: D. S. Miller, Isane May, Sr., John J. Wagner, A. A. Hein, Robert Goodwill, and Withington Lake.
There are three hundred and sixty full members, and seventy probationers ; making in all four hundred and thirty members. Valuation of church property, twelve thousand dollars.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
This Sunday-school was started ahout 1858, Previous, it lind heen a part of the Union Sunday-school. The first superintendent was Rev. Pemberton Bird. After the erection of the church edifice the school became very large, and was looked upon as a model school. For several years, the school was under the charge of F. A. Clark. At this time, great interest was displayed, and old and young took part in the exercises.
The present superintendent is Mr. R. T. Owen, an experienced teacher, who brings with him in the Sunday-school room the knowledge of governing and teaching, that he acquired in the public schools. The school is regarded us one of the best in the town. Number of scholars, four hundred and thirty-six; number of teachers, fifty; number of volumes in library, eight hundred and fourteen.
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The first services of the Presbyterian Church were held uhout 1844, by Rev. James J. Hamilton, in the C'entral school-house. The method of making this appointment was somewhat novel.
PLATE XXIII
RES. OF THOMAS DEARMOND, DELAWARE TP, NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PA.
RES. & DAIRY FARM OF J. HUDSON KASE, RUTH TP., NORTHUMBERLAND CO, PA
99
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
About four o'clock in the afternoon of a certain day, the good people living along Shamokin and Sunbury streets, had their attention attracted by seeing a fine-looking man, on horsebuck, riding along these streets, saying: "There will be preaching in the school-house this evening." 'A large num- ber attended who became much interested in Mr. Hamilton, and he was invited to remain und build up a congregation.
Mr. Hamilton went to work in earnest, and after great effort, succeeded, in 1845, in building the chureb now orenpied by this denomination. Mr. Stephen Bittenbender was the builder, but the pews were put in by Jonas L. Gilger. The church was organized April 8th, 1845, by Rev. William R. Smith and Elder Johu B. Buyd, a committee appointed by the Northumber- land Presbytery. This was the second church edifice erected in Shamokin, the Catholic heing the first. The following is the first organization: Pastor, Rev. James J. Hamilton ; Elders-Solomon Eckert, Daniel Evert, and Alex- ander Caldwell; Original Members-Solomon Eckert, Daniel Evert, Alex- ander Caldwell, Jacob Smirk, Mary Aun Runyan, Mary Canterman, Mary Evert, Martha Caldwell, Catharine Caldwell, Sarah Ann Reed, Eva Smirk, Harriet Eckert, Mary Black, Sarah Hamilton, and Elizabeth Reppard.
Mr. Hamilton remmined with the congregation until 1850, when he re- signed and moved away. The church was then supplied with preachers, for some years, that had charge of Elysbury Church. Rev. David Hill sne- ceeded Mr. Hamilton, who, in turn, was followed by Rev. Mr. Rarr.
About 1856, the Rev. P. B. Marr succeederl as pastor, and continned in the work, greatly appreciated by his congregation, until July, 1859, when the Rev. A. D. IInwn, a young man who had just completed his studies, was called to supply the pulpit here, and one or two other points. Here the real history of this church begins. Mr. Hawn was a most untiring worker, and, in the course of a few years, the congregation became the lending church in the town.
During the year 1864, the church building was raised eight feet, and a stone basement plueed under it. A spire was erected, and the interior arrangements greatly improved.
In November, 1864, he was installed as the regular pastor. During this time he took great interest in the welfare of the town. He edited the Herald for some time, served as president of the school-board, took a great interest in the Lyceum, and identified himself with all the lending movements of the times. In June, 1869, he resigued, after serving eight years as paster.
Mr. Hawn was succeeded by Rev. J. P. Conkey, one of the ablest prenehers that ever resided at Shamokin. Mr. Conkey remained about two years, and was followed by Rev. Mr. Dewing, who remained one year.
In April, 1872, the Rev. S. P. Linn, of Philadelphia, was called to take charge, who remained about two years. After a vacaucy of some months, during which time the pulpit was filled by preachers from other churches, the Rev. A. C. Clarke was called, and installed in June, 1874.
Mr. Clarke entered upon his duties under some difficulties of a very dis- couraging nature, but, by uniform courtesy and a persistent effort to do right, he has succeeded, in a great degree, in building up the broken-down walls. Mr. Clarke is a good speaker, who closely devotes his energies to his great ealling. He deserves the success he has achieved.
The church edifice is a neat frame building, located in the central part of the town, on Sunbury street. It will accommodate about four hundred people. The present membership numbers two hundred and ninety. The elders are Alexander Fulton, George H. Liebig, and John James.
PRESBYTERIAN SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
On the dissolution of the Union Sunday-school, in 1854, the Presbyterian Sunday-school was organized. Dr. William Atwater was the first superin- tendent. A large number of scholars were in attendance from the beginning. It is now one of the best regulated schools in town. The present superin- tendent is George H. Liebig. Number of scholars, two hundred and twenty- five; teachers, twenty; volumes in library, eight hundred.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
There were several families of this denomination in Sbamokin soon after its first settlement, but not remaining long, there were no services until December 11th, 1854, when the Rev. D. Washburn, then of Pottsville, held the first meeting in the Presbyterian Church, and continned occasionally until 1856. But nothing further was done until May 14th, 1865, when the Rev. Rowland H. Brown, rector of the church at Lewisburg, held the ser- vices of the Episcopal Church in the Presbyterian Church. On the day following, the clergyman met several gentlemen favorable to the organiza-
tion of a church in the town. The result of the conference was the deter- mination to begin the enterprise at once. At the request of Rev. Mr. Brown, the Rev. G. W. Shinn, rector of a church in Philadelphia, visited Shamokin on a Sunday in May, and officiated twice. The vestry, which had been previously formed, consisting of Charles P. Helfenstein, R. B. Douty, John H. Dewees, C. P. Boyd, and others, met the next evening, and among other matters, asked the reverend gentleman to assume its rectorship. During the Summer and Autumn, services were occasionally beld in the Presbyterian and Welsh churches by Messrs, Brown, Jerome, Shinn, and others.
During the Summer, plans were adopted, and a contract awarded to J. B. Gibson for the erection of a chapel. The original plan contemplated a small building (capable of seating about one hundred and fifty persons) upon lots donated by J. H. Dewees, Esy., but subsequent changes were made, until it was finally concluded to put up a building twenty-eight hy seventy-eight feet, with stone basement, on lots given by C. P. Helfenstein.
The corner stone of the church was laid on November 7th; Revs. Shinn, Brown, Gibson, and Allen present.
At Christmas, a fair was held by the ladies in Rorer's building, which . realized about eight hundred dollars for the church.
On January 12th, 1866, the Rev. Mr. Shinn entered upon his duties as rector, and hell services in the Central school-house to May 6th.
The structure was rapidly approaching completion, when on the morning of Sunday, April 29th, a furious gale of wind blew it down, with great destruction of material.
On the morning of May 11th, in eight days, the chapel that now stands, was ereeted from the ruins of the wrecked building, and fitteen persons were confirmed that day by Bishop Vail, of Kansas.
Mr. Shinu was a very active and talented man, and exerted a marked in- fluenee over the town. In his report of the first year's work he enumerates the following results : " One year ago there were five communicants, there are now twenty-five; baptism has been administered to eighteen children and two adults; public service has been held one hundred and thirty times; thirty families are connected with the church. The Sunday-school numbers Hity children and seven teachers."
Amount of money expended the first year : Loss by destruction of church, three thousand dollars; erection of chapel, one thousand five hundred dol- lars ; work about the ground, three hundred dollars; organ, ninety dollars ; Sunday-school, thirty dollars; salary of reetor, eight hundred and ninety- five dollars; salary of sexton, fifty dollars; incidentals, two hundred dollars. Total, six thousand and sixty-five dollars.
February 10th, 1867 .- Mr. Shinn resigned bis rectorsbip.
February 17th. 1867 .- Rev. I. Newton Spear, of Altoona, officintes, aud accepted a call, commencing March 17th. During this Spring, the chapel walls were papered, and the backs of the seats improved. Expense, one hundred and thirty dollars ..
June, 1867 .- Owing to the depressed condition of the parish finances, application was made to the Diocese for aid, which was granted for 1868,
Mr. Spear, having resigned in 1868, was succeeded by Mr. Rev. J. H. H. Millet, who was succeeded by Rev. F. M. Bird, in 1869; who was followed by Rev. A. H. Royd, in 1871, who remained about a year.
During 1872 .- From this time to 1875, services were frequently held by the rector from the old parrish.
On Thursday, October 28th, 1875, the vestry extended a call to the Rev. Sammel S. Chevers to take the rectorship, and he entered on his duties at once.
During the Summer of 1876, the chapel was enlarged by the addition of twenty-five feet, and the interior was pretty generally remodeled at an ex- pense of about six hundred dollars.
Under the charge of the present rector, Mr. Wright, who is a very uetivo and popular gentlemen, the church is increasing in numbers, and it does seem as if the days of her vicissitudes had passed.
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
This school was organized in 1866, by Rev. George W. Shion, who served as first superintendent.
The present superintendent is W. C. Richardson.
Number of scholars in attendauce, fifty ; number of teachers, eight. The school is prosperous.
WELSHI BAPTIST CHURCH.
This church was built in 1865, on back end of lots owned by Mrs. Rosser, one of its members. The building is a frame one, located on Roek street.
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100
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
The congregation commeuced with l'air prospeets and a full congregation of forty members, but at the end of two years, a number of the members leaving Shamokin, the church was suspended.
During 1870, through the efforts of Rev. A. B. Still, a Raptist church and Snuday-school were organized. The church numbered thirty-three members, und continned about fifteen months, when the effort was abandoned.
A Sunday-school was organized in 1870, with John W. Gillespie as super- intendent. The school consisted of ten teachers and seventy-five scholars, with one hundred volumes in the library. The school prospered for some time, but eventualy followed the fate of the church.
ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL CHURCH.
There were members of the Evangelical Association, living at Shamokin, as early as 1842. They had preaching occasionally by ministers from other places, nntil about 1854, when a regular appointment was made here, which was served with Mahantongo circuit. During this period, services were held in the Central school-house, and sometimes in private houses and awhile in the United Brethren Church. In Spring of 1867, it was formed into a mis- sion with Trevorton, with Rev. C. Gingrich as pastor. He preached every alternate Sabbath. In 1869, Rev. S. S. Chubb, was appointed pastor. During his administration, the church they now occupy was erected. It is a handsome frame structure, on West Sunbury street. The membership in- erensing considerably, in 1871, it was constituted a mission hy itself, and Rev. R. Mott was appointed the first regular pastor, thut resided in the place. He had two services ench Sabbath, German in the forenoon, and English in the evening. The church deht was paid off, and the society so prospered that in the Spring of 1872, it became a self-supporting station, with a membership of two hundred.
Mr. Mott was succeeded by Rev. B. J. Smoyer, who served the congrega- tion acceptably two years. The church prospered under bis labors, num- bering some two hundred and fifty-three members on his retirement. He was followed by Rev. W. A. Leopold, the present incumbent, who is filling out his second year. The church, under the able charge of Mr. Leopold, has increased to four hundred and two members, the largest membership in the town except the Catholic Church. Last year, the church edifice was enlarged so as to contain three hundred more. It will now accommodate eight hun- dred persons. The trustees are: D. C. Smirk, Dauiel Rahn, John Wolf, Joseph Kopp, and H. L. Renn. Valne of the church property, abont seven thousand dollars.
ST. JOHN'S EVANGELICAL SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
This school was started in 1869, and has prospered to a wonderful degree. Number of teachers, forty-two ; number of scholars, five hundred and fifty.' The pastor is the superintendent. Besides this, the ehirch has three mission schools under its charge, viz. : one at Buraside Colliery, with fifty scholars ; one at Big Mountain, with forty scholars, and one at Springfield, with fifty- five scholars.
UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST.
The first services of this denomination were held hy Rev. Samnel Siders, about 1850. During this year the church was organized, with Rev. Jacob Breuer as pastor. The original trustees were: Jeremiah Zimmerman, S. S. Bird, George Kreiger, H. Hogey. The following are the several pastors that have served this church : Jacob Brener, James Young, Israel Carpenter, George Hoffman, George Gilbert, P. L. Zimmerman, W. Deitrich, A. F. Yeager, J. Swenk, G. W. Miles Rigor, G. A. Snapp, J. P. Long, G. A. Lee, W. B. Evers, J. F. Mower, J. R. Reitzle, J. D. Kilian, Rev. Brinckly, and finally, the present pastor, Rev. W. S. H. Keys, D. D., one of the most able clergymen in the Stute. Mr. Keys has acquired considerable popularity as a pulpit orator and lecturer, and his discourses draw full houses.
The church is a frame structure, located on Sunbury street, and built in 1851, the third church built in the town. During 1870, the church was enlarged and renovated. It has a capacity for four hundred persons, and is valued at five thousand dollars. The congregation numbers one hundred and sixty-one persons. The present trastees are: Josiah F. Bird, Eph. Weimer, John Rudisill, and Dr. Brown.
UNITED BRETHREN SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
The school was organized in 1863, with Mahlon Sholl ns first superin- tendent. The school commenced with ten teachers and fifty scholars. The school, at the present time, has twenty teachers, one hundred and seventy scholars, and a library of four hundred volumes. The pastor acts as super- iutendent.
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS.
There is no organization of this persnasion here, but, as several families of the residents incline towards that faith, meetings of this society are occasion- ally held in the other churches, with a good attendance. An effort was matle, at one time, to build a meeting-honse, but was finally abandoned.
WELSH CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
The members of this denomination hell services in Shamokin, for the first time, ahont 1860; the meetings were held in Odd Fellows' Hall. The first services in Welsh were held by the Calvinistic Methodists, by Rev. John Moser, in 1860. At this time, the Welsh, though composed of Baptists, Congregationalists, and Methodists, all worshiped together in their own lan- guage. But, as the congregation increased in numbers, the Congregationalists received several lots on the corner of Spurzheim and Rock streets, and in 1865, erected a small frame church, and had it incorporated as the Welsh Congregational Church of Shamokin, with the following as trustees: John D. Lewis, John W. Thomas, Isaac Thomas, Seth Francis, Evan Lloyd, with Henry C. Harris as pastor. They occupied the building about five years, when they sold the property to the W. B. A., of Northumberland Conoty, who now occupy it us their head-quarters. It is known as "Union Hall."
During 1870, they built a small frame church on Grant street, which they now occupy. Mr. Harris, the first pastor, lahored hard for his church. He worked in the mines for his support, aud fulfilled his pastoral duties on the Sabbath. He served his congregation about two years. He afterwards joined the Mormons, and now lives nt Salt Lake City.
After Mr. Harris, the church had no regular supply until 1875, when the Rev. T. Davis was called to the charge, who now occupies the same, and fills it with great acceptance to his members. He labors zealously for the advancement of his church, which is prospering greatly under his ministra- tion. He has charge of the church at Mt. Carmel, also, devoting alternate Sundays to these churches.
The present trustees are : Richard Griffith, John Philips, D. H. Morgan, Richard Price, and John Orwurth. The membership numbers about fifty. The church wdl contain one hundred and seventy-five persons.
WELSH CONGREGATIONAL SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
This school was started in 1874, and is now the ouly Welsh Sunday-school in Shamokin. First superintendent, John W. Thomas; present superin- tendent, John Orwurth. Number of teachers, nine; number of scholars, seventy-five. No library.
WELSH CALVINISTIC METHODIST CHURCH.
This congregation built a church on Independence street, about 1870, and occupied it a few years, when most of the members moving to other places, the church was abandoned, and the property was sold to Chas. P. Helfen- stein. Wm. Thomas, of Minersville, was the last pastor, who died suddenly in 1872.
AMERICAN PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.
Organized in Shamokin, November 20th, 1871, through the efforts of Rev. Daniel Savage. The meetings of the society were held in the Baptist church, on Rock street.
Names of persons who organized the church: James T. Harris, Thomas Lovel, Wilbam Owens, Anthony Smith, Jonathon Tillet, Benjamin Hudson, Ellen Hudson, Lizzie Hudson, Thomas James, Job Lovel, and David Tillet.
The Baptist Church was rented, and used as the place of worship, until August, 1875, when they moved to their own building just erected. This is n two-story frame building, located on West Chestnut street. It is called a mission-house.
The first stationed preacher was Rev. James Millington, who lahored some nine months, when he was succeeded by Rev. E. Humphries, who remained bere two years. Mr. Humphries was a popular preacher, and labored with great earnestness, in building up his church. He was succeeded by Rev. Francis Gray, who continued nutil August 20th, 1876, when he resigned, to complete his studies at the seminary. He was followed by Rev. Thomas Philips, the present pastor.
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