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 37
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SHAMOKIN FEMALE BIBLE SOCIETY.
This society was organized September 17th, 1863, with Miss Kate Nash as secretary.
The first anniversary of this society was held in the Presbyterian Church, by the Rev. I. H. Torrence, the General Agent of the Pennsylvania Bible Society. A collection of fifty-three dollars was taken up. The depository, for some years, was at the millinery store of Mrs. Mary Moore, where English, Welsh, and German Bibles were kept on hand. A number of the ladies visited the houses at the collieries, and took great pains to have the sacred volume introduced in every house. A number of dwellings were found that had no Bibles. The depository at present is at the Northumberland County National Bank.
Shamokin has ever shown a high appreciation for education, and through a long series of years has always stood in the foremost rank for good schools. Shamokin almost dated its history with the building of a school-house.
In 1835, portions of the buildings, now known as the National and United States Hotels, were put up-the first houses in the town of Shamokin. About 1837, four or five more houses were erected, and among the nun- ber, to the great credit of the founder of the town, was a school-house. This was a sinnll, one-story frame building, located on Dewart street. It was burned down in the great tire that occurred a few years agu. After this house had been in use for school purposes for some years, it was converted iuto a dwelling, then into a shop, afterward was used as the armory for the Shamokin Guard, and finally was reduced to a stable. What changes!
During the Winters of 1837-38, J. C. Boyd, the founder of the town, and Ziba Bird, his superintendent, who resided here, started a school which was free to ull. They employed Abio John, now an old citizen of Shamokin township, as teacher, for a term of three months, at the liberal salary of eight dollars per month and boarded. What branches he taught, and whether he boarded around among the scholars, we cannot state. The school was small, the furniture rude, but the teaching appears to have been satisfactory. No maps or charts adorned the rough walls; no slated blackboard was in use;
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HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
the school-hooks were not uniform; the master matle all the pens, and set all the copies ; he acted as janitor, and the desks and seats were of the most primitive kind. Compare this dark, dingy, little room of near forty years ago, with our parlor rooms of the present day, with all the modern equipments and improvements, and note the progress in the educational sys- tem. It is a pity that the sketch of this old school-house could not be pro- cured, to contrast with the handsome buildings of the Shamokin schools, illustrated in this book.
The following is the list of pupils of the first school : Hannah Bird, Ziba Bird, David Snyder, Rachael Snyder, Ephraim Philips, Ellen Philips, William W. Weary, Catharine Weary, Perry J. Eaton, Lydia Ann Porter, Elizabeth Porter, Ephraim Mowry, Marie Mowry. Emeline Mowry, and Morgan Mowry.
This was the first school in a region now comprising the six school dis- tricts of Shamokin borough, Coal township, Mt. Carmel borough, Mt. Carmel township, Cameron township, and Zerbe township, embracing the wealthiest and most populous portion of Northumberland County. This territory has now about three thousand five hundred scholars in its schools, and school property amounting to over one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
During the year 1838, the system of public schools was adopted in Coal township by a small majority. Coal township then embraced all the terri- tory above-named. The election was held in Cameron township, which was then a part of Coal township, and the school vote came from the mechanics, who were then working at Shamokin, as the people of Cameron were most bitterly opposed to the Free School System.
The following directors were elected: Sylvanus S. Bird, President ; Kim- ber Cleaver, Secretary; Jehu John, Treasurer ; James B. Porter, George Long, David Billmau. The Inst two named were from Cameron township. Nothing was done this year.
In 1839, the School Board consisted of- Sylvanus S. Bird, President ; Kimber Cleaver, Secretary ; Jehu John, George Long, Wmn. Fegely, David Billman.
Sumuel John was elected treasurer, and Benj. McClow collector of' schiuol- tax
The school finances of this board were as follows: School-tax levied, two hundred and Que dollars andl thirty-five cents; State appropriation, six hun- dred and thirty dollars; total, eight hundred and thirty-one dollurs and thirty-five cents.
Mr. MeClow, the collector, had a difficult time to collect this tax, especi- ally in Cameron township, where the school system was looked upon as an odious and tyranical measure. The farmers threatened to shoot him, and ull possible obstruction was put in his way, but without avnil. Mr. MeClow was hound to fulfil his task, aud employed the constable to assist him. It is said he traveled over five hundred miles to collect this tax of two hundred and one dollars and thirty-five cents, and received for the same, a little over five dollars for his commission. What would our present directors think of such a tax as this, and what would the modern tax-collector say about such a duplicate?
Atter drawing the appropriation, the board proceeded to divide the district into eight sub-districts:
1. Embraced all the territory between the top of the Little Mountain and the top of the Locust Mountain, from the eastern boundary of the County to the west boundary-line of the tract of John C. Boyd, occupied by David Thompson.
2. Embraced all the territory between the top of the Little Mountain and the top of the Locust Mountain, from the western boundary of No. 1, to the west boundary-line of n certain tract of land lying in Bear Valley, occupied by John Mowry ; thence in a direet course to Shamokin Creek, ut the Gap in the Little Mountain, including the dwelling of Samuel Eisenhart.
3. Embraced the territory westward of No. 2, between the Shamokin township line, nud the top of Locust Mountain, to a line due north, and south twenty rods west of the house occupied by James Rennie, at the large conl mine, (Trevorton).
4. Embraced the territory in the same limits, from the No. 3 division to the western boundary of Coal township.
5. Embraced the country between the top of Locust Mountain and the south boundary of township, from the western limit of township to a line one mile east of George Kramer's.
6. Embraced the territory in the same limits, from eastern line of No. 5 to a line due north and south, dividing the lands of George Derk and Ismme Zeigler, deeeased.
7. Embraced the territory hy same limits, from eastern line of No. 6 to east end of the farm of John Weikle.
8. Embraced the balance of the township.
The divisions have been given in detail, to show the condition of this part of the County in 1839, and to exhibit how well our first directors planned the goud work. All these men are now gone to their reward, but the field first occupied by them, is now dotted with elegant school-houses, and over two thousand scholars are enjoying the benefits thus provided. A large portion of the credit is due to Kimber Cleaver, who was the principal worker.
In reference to building school-houses, the board took the following artion :
1. A few scholars-a house may be rentedl. (Mount Carmel, ete.)
2. A double house needed. (Shamokin and Coal township".)
3. No house required. (Zerba township.)
4. No house required.
5. Few scholars-perhaps a house may be rented.
6. Few scholars-perhaps a house may be rented.
7. One school-house needed. (Goweu City, ete. )
8. No inhabitants.
The board proceeded to work in great earnestness. During the Summer of 1839, they commeneed putting up u two-story brick building in Shamokin (the enstern part of the present Central school-house ), which was completed and oveupied about February of next year. It cost six hundred dollars. In No. 5 division, they put up a small frame builling, at an expense of ninety-four dollars and eighty-seven cents. This building is still standing Dear the Weikle stand.
The following tenchers were employed in Camerou township: John Fidler was first employed, and taught until his salary amounted to eighteen dollars, when, for some reason, he was succeeded by William Stizes, whose sainry amounted to seven dollars and twenty cents. This ends the school system here.
The first teacher employed in the public schools of Shamokin, was John T. Rood, of New York-a very able and successful teacher. He taught in the old frame school-house, but, for some cause, quit after teaching fourteen days. He was followed by Mrs. Mary Shipman, who also only taught a few weeks. The first two teachers who taught any length of time, were Amos Y. and Jehu John, the former still living, an honored and respected citizen of the town, and the oldest teacher in the County.
The leading members in the hourd at this time, were Kimber Cleaver, after- wards the famous'civil engineer, nudl William Fegely, one of the pioneer cual-operators of the region. Through their Inbors and foresight, the foun- dation was well luid. Honor to their memories!
By Act of Assembly, 1840, the district was divided into two distriets, known as North Coal and South Conl School Districts. Divisions, numbers one, two, three, and four, were in North Coal District. At un electiou in South Coal School District, held this year, the school system was rejected, and a long night of ignorance huny over this section for thirty years.
The finances this year, were: School tax levied, three hundred and twenty- seven dollars and eighty cents; State appropriation, one hundred and forty- five dollars; total, four hundred and seventy-two dollars and eighty cents.
About 1852, the Lutheran congregation, of Shamokin, through the efforts of Rev. C. J. Ehrhart, contemplated erecting a Lutheran college. Aided and encouraged by such men as Judge Helfenstein, William Fegely, Kim- ber Cleaver, Jonas L. Gilger, Joseph Bird, and others, they commenced the project. A corporation was formed, with William Fegely, as president; and Jonas L. Gilger, as treasurer. Bonds were issued, und considerable stock takeu, with the expectation that the Lutherun Synod wouldl endorse and assist the movement. But through local jealonsly of neighboring towne, especially Selinsgrove, this movement was dejected.
Kimber Cleaver was the architect, who took a great interest in the col- lege. A large brick structure was erected, but after putting on the roof, owing to the want of funds, the work was stopped, und it stood in an unfin- ished condition for many years.
In 1857, while the school board were engaged in putting up the Penrose school-honse, Major Bevans, who was then post-master, suggested the ideu that this college or academy building, as it was generally termed, should be bought for the use of the public schools. He talked this up for some time, and finally, a meeting of the citizens was held at the Central school-house, to vote on this question, and it was then decided to be useless and visionary.
So the matter rested until July 16th, 1863, when it was resolved by the school board, that the neademy building should be purchased for the benefit of the publie schools, provided a good title can be obtained.
105
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
A committee consisting of W. F. Roth, George MeEleice, and Jonas L. Gilger, were appointed to look after it.
At a special meeting of the board, held at the residence of F. S. Haas, the secretary, on March 7th, 1864, at which the following directors were pres- ent: Dr. E. S. Robins, J. L. Gilger, W. F. Roth, F. S. Haas, and George McEleice, the following resolutions, on motion of Dr. E. S. Robins, were passed by a vote of four yens-one member not voting.
Resolved, That the Academy building be purchased at Coroner's sale on the 14th instant.
Resolved, That Jonas L. Gilger and George MeEleiec be appointed a committee to go to Sunbury, and purchase the said builling, if it does not go beyond two thousand nine hundred and fifty dollars. *
It was purchased at this price, and the four directors who voted for this measure, will ever be proud of their vote, and the people will hold their names iu remembrance.
In 1864, Shamokin was erceted into a borough, and became a separate school district in 1865. At this time, the following buildings were on hand : The Academy, with one room finished in the basement; the Central, with four rooms in a dilapidated condition; the Penrose, with two rooms in excel- lent order; and an oll frame building in Newton, with one room. The schools then consisted of one Grammar-school, three intermediate, and four primary-schools.
During 1865, J. J. John was elected district superintendent of the borough schools, which office he continued to hold until June 1st, 1875, a period of ten years. Much work was accomplished in this time, a large portion of which was done so quietly that it was hardly noticerl. His efforts were ably sustained by an active and intelligent board of directors, who were ever anxious to improve the conditions of the schools.
In the year 1869, the Shamokin High-school was established, after encoun- tering considerable difficulty. S. J. Barnett, u graduate of Millersville Normal-school, was the first principal. He was a most excellent teacher, and the steady success of the school is in part owing to his successful he- ginning. Mr. George W. Campbell, the present principal, and a most suc- cessful teacher, is zealously building up the school, aml it has now quite a loval reputation. At the close of the Inst session, four of the pupils gradu- atel, and had diplomas bestowed upon them. A public school library is being formed, which, in a few years, bids fair to number hundreds of volumes. The creation of' a High-school was an important event in the Shamokin schools. Its successful and effective operations for the past seven years, has had a decided influence for good on the other schools, and no true friend of learning would now be willing to see it put away.
There are at present nineteen schools, with twenty-two teachers, and abont one thousand three hnudred scholars. The schools are divided as follows: One High-school, one Grammar-school, seven scondary schools, and nine primary schools.
A uniform series of school-books has been established, which have been maintained for a number of years. A graded course of instruction has been prepared, which is rigidly adhered to. Promotions in divisions and schools are minde at stated intervals by the principal, when the pupils pass a satis- factory examination. The plan has worked most excellently. With the changes made, the improvements adopted, and the course pursued by direc- tors and teachers, it may be safely asserted, that the systemu af public schools, in the borough of Shamokin, has passed its transition periodl of experiment. The plan of organization is complete, and needs only to be honestly carried out, to meet the full expectations of its most ardent friends. These schools ure now noted for their thoroughness, discipline, and excellent methods of' instruction. The primary object of our noble school system, is to mude good citizens and useful members to society. The greatness of' our State depends, not so much un its rivers, plains, mountains, and valleys-ou its bridges, canals, commerce, and navigation-as upon the strong arms, clear heads, and sound hearts of its citizens.
" What constitutes a blale? Not high-raised battlement, nor labored mound, High wall, or moated gate;
Not eilles fair, with spires and turrets crowned ; Not bny's und brond-nrmed ports,
Where, laughing at the storm, rich navles glide, Not starred and spangled courts,
Where low-bowed basemen wafts perfume to pride-
Not Men-high-minded men- Men who their dutles know, But know their rights, and, koowing, dore maintain. Present th' long-nimed Ulow,
And crush the tyrant, when he bursts thechain ; These constitutes a State."
SCHOOL BUILDINGS.
Shamokin has four first-class school buildings, which she justly holds in high estimation, and her citizens lose no opportunity in pointing them out to strangers. As they are illustrated in this work, a brief description of each will be highly proper. The school property is valued at forty thousand dollars.
ACADEMY BUILDING.
This fine structure is located in the central part of Shamokin, and is well situated for the advanced schools which are kept there. It is a three-story brick building, one hundred feet long and forty feet wide, stauding in the center of nine lots, fronting Grant street. It contains six large rooms, forty feet square, and five recitation-rooms. Most of these rooms are furnished with elegant patent furniture; matting on the floors, and handsome paintings and decorations on the walls. There are, perhaps, but few school-rooms in the State that are better fitted up interiorly. The district library is kept in one of the recitation-rooms. The teachers and pupils take great pride in keeping their rooms in order. A janitor has charge of the builling and grounds.
CENTRAL SCHOOL-HOUSE.
This is a two-story brick builling, fifty-nine by twenty-three feet, fronting on Sunbury street. It contains four rooms, one of which is furnished with patent furniture. The rooms are principally used for primary schools. The grounds contain about three-fourths of' an acre, beautifully shaded by pine and other trees. This is an old building, hut has been renovated to meet the present work. It makes a plain, but handsome appearaure. This, as well as the other building, is in charge of a janitor.
PENROSE SCHOOL-HOUSE.
This is a two-story briek building, twenty-seven by thirty-five feet, with an addition, twenty-four by forty feet, fronting on Franklin street. It contains four first-class school-rooms, and two recitation-rooms, separated from the others hy glass partitions. The rooms have high ceilings, and are ventilated by proper air-flues. Two of these rooms are furnished with patent furniture. The system on which these rooms are constructed and fitted up, meets with the approbation of all teachers who have visited them. There are three lots fir this building.
STEVEXS' SCHOUL-HOUSE.
This is also a two-story brick building, of the mune size, und built on the same plan as the Penrose, fronting on Third street. There are three lots enclosed with the building. This house was named in honor of the great "Commoner" who so nably defended the free school system in the days of its peril. Two of the rooms are fitted up with patent desks and seats.
Present officers: J. J. John. president; J. J. W. Schwartz, secretary; Joseph Scott, treasurer; F. S. Haas, R. S. Aneker, Dr. Harpell.
SECRET SOCIETIES.
There is, perhaps, no town in the coal regions, that has a larger number of secret orders thau Shamokin. Their membership is composed of many of our best citizens; and the good accomplished hy their beneficial systems, will never be all published. Aid in sickness, attendance at funerals, and watch- ful solicitude for the welfare of the orphan family, are some of the good results of these orders.
SHAMOKIN LODGE, NO. 255, A. Y. M.
The first movement towards opening a Masonie lodge, in Shamokin, was made, Jannary 18th, 1851, when a preliminary meeting was held, in the office of Honell & Helfenstein, at which Wm. Fegely presided, and Kimber Cleaver was elected secretary. It was resolved to start a lodge, and com- mittees were appointed to raise the necessary funds and make provisions for the sune.
On September 4th, 1851, the District Deputy Grand Muster, George C. Welker, and some members of the Grand Lodge, and Sunbury Longe, organized the Shamokin Lodge, with the following officers: Wm. H. Mar- shall, W. M; Kimber Cleuver, S. W; Emanuel Kaulinan, J. W: D. N. Lohe, sceretary ; William Fegely, treasurer.
This lodge commencel under very favorable circumstances, and in the course of a few months, a large number of members were initiated. It is at present in a very prosperous condition, aml ranks in its membership, a num- ber of the most influential citizens of the town. There are ahont seventy-five members at present. The lodge meets in the Odd Fellows' Hall, and holds its meetings monthly, on the Wednesday preceding full moon,
The present officers are: O. C. Kuboch, W. M .; W. A. Richardson, S. W .; B. F. Boughner, J. W .; W. H. Gilger, secretary; J. L. Gilger, treasurer.
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HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
MT. TABOR LODGE, NO. 125. I. O. OF O. F.
This, the first secret society in Shamokin, and next to the oldest lodge of Odd Fellows in the County, was organized September 5th, 1845.
The charter members were: J. L. Gilger, Peter Boughner, Joseph Zuerne, George Kreeger, and George Shipe.
The first officers were: Jonns L. Gilger, N. G .; P. Boughner, V. G .; Joseph . Zuerne, secretary; George Shipe, treasurer.
The lodge was instituted by the nid of the Milton Lodge, which was the first lodge of the order in Northumberland County. The progress of the society was remarkable, and at times, its membership exceeded two hundred. Five new lodges were created from this parent, viz .: Numidia, Snydertown, Elysburg, Mt. Carmel, and Shamokin lodges. The first place of meeting was in the garret of a frame building, that stood on the corner of Sunbury and Rock streets, afterwards known as the "Donty House," where they con- tinued to meet some five years.
Feeling the want of proper accommodations, during the year 1850, they secured some lots on Sunbury street, and erected on it a two-story briek building, known as the Odd Fellows' Hull. The corner-stone was laid July 4th, 1850, at which time a great display was made. A number of lodges from this and adjoining counties participated. The address was delivered by the Rev. Mr. Dinger, a Reformed clergyman, who occasionally officiated here.
On July 4th, 1851, dedicated the Hall. On July 4th, 1866, beld a grand parade, which was participated in by a number of lodges from other places. The membership, at present, numbers about one hundred, with a healthy balnnee in the treasury.
The meeting, are on each Saturday evening, in their Hall. The present officers ure: William Gillespie, N. G .; W. Malick, V. G .; Enoch P. Jones, secretary ; Jacob Mentebler, treasurer.
SHAMOKIN LODGE, NO. 664. 1. 0. OF O. F.
This lodge, which was an offshoot of Mt. Tabor Lodge, was organized April 19th, 1869.
The charter members were: George Shipe, George Scott, Francis Hoover, William Rote, E. S. Shipe, John W. Hlegins, Jacob Kramer, W. B. Eadie, W. 11. Sbipe, Luther Guble, A. A. Hein, Robert Goodwill, Samuel Yost.
The first officers were: George Shipe, N. G .; John K. Erdman, V. G .; William H. Shipe, R. S .; Francis Hoover, Asst. R. S .; Samuel Yost, treas- urer.
Meetings on each Monday evening, in May's building. The society num- bers eighty-three members, with a good condition of its finances.
The present officers are: William Krouse, N. G .; F. W. Rhoads, V. G .; Francis Hoover, R. S .; William F. Smith, Asst. R. S. ; William Rote, treas- urer.
SHAMOKIN LODGE, NO. 156, K. OF P.
This order was organized June 9th, 1869. The charter members were: W. H. Mussleman, A. J. Medler, Jeremiah Drew, J. A. Weaver, Jos. Wolf, Reuben Kline, Thomas M. Helm, John Jones, and John Kline.
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The first officers were: W. II. Mussleman, P. C .; Renben Kline, G. C .; Johu Jones. V. C .; Jeremiah Drew, F. S .; Thos. M. Helm, R. S.
The present officers nre: Www. Caldwell, P. C .; Joseph Shivelhard, G. C .; Michael Moll, V. C .; Gabriel Warz, M. of F .; W. H. Mussleman, M. of E .; Jereminh Drew, K. of R. and S.
This society number> seventy-five members, and is in a prosperons state. It meets in Helfenstein's HIall, on Thursday evenings. It is a beneficial society.
SHAMOKIN LODGE, NO. 90 .- AMERICAN PROTESTANT ASSOCIATION.
The first officers were: D. S. Miller, W. M .; James Folhner, W. D. M .; Jno. K. Slosser, R. S .; John Berdonier, F. S .; Joseph Henninger, treasurer. The present officers are: Elias Culp, W. M. ; Henry Startzel, W. D. M .; Isaar Smirk, R. S .; Frank Price, F. S.
This lodge was very prosperous for some months after its formation, but some divisions, in its membership, has reduced its numbers. There are at present, forty members, and the lodge appears to be on the increase again. The meetings are held in Helfenstein's HIall, on Friday eveninge.
MIAMOKIN LODGE OF D. O. H., NO. 115.
This order was started in Shnmokin, July 13th, 1865. The charter mem- bers were: N. Deitnmin, Christian Lawrence, Henry Bach, John Geyrioty, and John Myers.
The first officers were: Henry Bach, N. G .; Christian Lawrence, V. G .; N. Deitman, secretary ; Sol. Fegely, trensurer.
The present officials are: Fred. Petermann, N. G .; John Conder, V. G .; Joseph Conrad, secretary ; Martin Hoffman, treasurer.
This lodge has thirty-three members. It meets weekly, in Miller's Hall, on Thursday evening. It is a beneficial order, similar to the Odd Fellows in its workings, and nearly all its members are Germans. The exercises are conducted in the German language.
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