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 38
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SHICKALAMY TRIBE, NO. 148, IMPROVED ORDER OF RED MEN,
Was organized at Shamokin, on the 15th day of March, A. D. 1870.
Its place of' meeting is in the third-story of May's building, corner of Shamokin and Commerce streets.
First officers installed were the following: Sachem, John Kemp; Senior Sagamore, A. F. Elms; Junior Sagamore, Isaac A. Kerlin; Prophet, Sam- uel Hirsh; Chief of Records, W. F. Smith; Keeper of Wampum, Laac Smirk.
Its membership numbers seventy-five, in good standing.
The objects of the order ure freedom, friendship, and charity.
The present officers of the tribe nre: Sachen, C. W. Scout; Senior Saga- more, B. F. Gillham; Junior Sagamore, R. T. Gillham; Prophet, Jobn Han- cock; Chief of Records, R. T. Owen; Keeper of Wampum, W. F. Smith.
SHAMOKIN COUNCIL, NO. 71, 0. U. A. M.
Organized in 1865. Present officers: C., W. Linderman; V. C., J. J. Hoffman; secretary, Jeremiah Dreis; treasurer, Simeon Hoffinan.
This order has fifty six members, und meets at Hans & Seiler's Hall, on Wednesday evenings.
WASHINGTON CAMP, NO. 30, P. O. S. OF A.
Organized in November, 1869. The present officers are: P. P., Daniel Carl; P., P. R. Mentchler; V. P., Henry Walp; Secretary, W. F. Harpel; Treasurer, Jeremiah Helt.
There ure eighty members. Meetings on Monday evening, in Odd Fel- lows' Hall.
WASHINGTON CAMP, NO. 149, P. O. S. OF A.
Organized in August, 1874. Present officers: P. P., 1I. R. Rupert; P., A. J. Campbell; V. P., S. A. Smith; Secretary, A. E. Zuerne; Treasurer, D. Y. Gilliam.
There are fifty-nine members. Meets ou Tuesday evenings, in Helfenstein's Hall.
KNIGHTS OF THE MYSTIC CHAIN.
Cour de Lion Castle, No. 31 .- This order was organized July 5th, 1872. It numbers one hundred and fifteen members. The meetings are on Monday evenings, in Haas & Seiler's Hall.
The present officers are: S. K. C., Edward Yoder; 8. K. V. C., Jonas Trego; S. K. F. L., Alexander Ross; R. S., J. P. Boyd; F. S., Thomas M. Dilly; Treasurer, William F. Lake.
SHAMOKIN MARRLE-WORKS.
These works were established in 1871, by Boyd & Rumberger, the present proprietors.
Their business is principally confined to this and neighboring counties, and is chiefly building tombstones and monuments, constructing cemetery enclosures and building work.
Annual trade, about five thousand dollars.
MERCANTILE APPRAISEMENT FOR SHAMOKIN, 1876.
Number of stores, eighty-seven; lumber-yards, three; conl-yards, two; licensed houses, thirty-five; billiard tables, one.
INTERMENTS IN SHAMOKIN CEMETERY FOR 1875.
Adults, and children over two years, forty-two; children under two years, eighty-nine; total, one hundred and thirty-one.
NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY NATIONAL BANK, OF SHAMOKIN.
This is the oldest banking institution in Shamokin, and after passing through a great many vicissitudes in its early days, it has, through the able mannge- meut of late years, become noted as one of the soundest institutions in the County. It is located in a fine building, in the central part of the town, and is uuder the charge of a very efficient president and other officials.
PLATE XXV
RES. OF REV. M. J. CAROTHERS, 2º & MARKET ST , MILTON, NORTH! COUNTY, PA
HOMESTEAD OF DAVID MARR , DECEASED, PRESENT RESIDENCE OF THE FAMILY, MILTON, NORTHD CO, PA.
107
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
The first movement toward establishing a bank in Shamokin, was made on January 31st, 1855, when a number of citizens met at the National Hotel, and discussed the propriety .of starting such an institution. The meeting was followed by others, and Bnally, a bill was prepared, which passed the legislature in April, 1857, through the efforts of J. H. Zimmerman, our member theo, and others. The authorized capital was one hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
On June 9th, 1857, the commissioners met at Shamokin. The following commissioners were present: John Taggart, William L. Dewart, Josiah Reed, John P. Pursal, Daniel Evert, S. M. Kase, Joseph Bird, W. H. Muench, John B. Douty, F. A. Clark, Solomon Martz, Casper Schall, Henry Van Gosken, Jonas L. Gilger, Elias Eisenhart, A. R. Fiske, W. P. Withington, W. H. Marshall, D. J. Lewis, and Stephen Bittenbendler.
John Taggart was elected president of the meeting, and W. P. Withing- ton, secretary. A number of committees were appointed to secure subscrip- tions to the stock. After the County and town had been pretty thoroughly canvassed, a second meeting was called, and it was found that only one hun- dred and twenty shares of stock had been subscribed. A different course then, unfortunately, was pursued. The institution was passed over toa party from Buffalo, consisting of Thayer, Robinson, Street, and others, who were interested in new banks at Warren, Crawford County, 'Tioga, and other places, loosely instituted for speculation.
They took one thousand five hundred and twenty shares, paying seven . thousand dollars in gold and twenty-eight thousand dollars in notes on these doubtful banks. J. H. Robinson was elected cashier. Great dissatisfaction soon prevailed with the management, and in the Spring of 1858, a committee appointed by the legislature examined its condition, and made a very damaging report.
In August, 1858, this party was gotten rid of, aud a new organization was effected, consisting of well-known aud responsible citizens, as follows : Directors, Joseph Bird, William M. Wenver, Elias Eisenhart, William H. Marshall, George Schall, Felix Manrer, William Deffen, Elisha Jolm, William T. Grant, Horatio Wolverton, William Elliott, and Joseph Hoover. J. H. Zimmerman was elected president, Samuel John, enshier, aud Charles W. Peale, teller.
Things now assumed a better shape, but, owing to the dullness of the times, the officials had a severe struggle to regain the confidence that had been lost through the mismanagement of adventurers.
At the close of 1838, J. H. Zimmerman resigned, and Felix Maurer was elected president. The bank was located in Bitteubender's Building, on Shamokin street. To show the condition of the bank at that time, their state- ment for December, 1858, is given:
Bills receivable, 860,906.41; stock owned by bank, 89,750.00; specie in vault, 88,121.16; due by other banks, 82,527.68; notes of other solvent banks, 82,210.00; bank property, 82,168.00; due by city bankers, 82,442.15; total, 888,125.40. Notes in circulation, $16,600; due depositors, $9,707; due other banks, 8313.56; total, 826,620.56.
During the early part of 1859, another committee was ordered to examine the condition of tlus bank.
In August, same year, strong efforts were made by some of the stock- holders, to have the institution moved to Sunbury, on account of their being so bttle business in Shamokin.
In November, 1859, Samuel John, resigned as enshier, when the following changes were made: F. W. Polloek, of Lewisburg, was elected president; and Charles W. Peale, enshier.
The prospeets of the institution soon became more encouraging. The bills of the bank, which previously had no eireulation out of the neighborhood, and sometimes difficult to pass at home, now were looked upon as something like money. Confidence became established, and the bank stock commeneed to advanced.
In 1861, Bichnell's Reporter speaks decidedly in favor of the bank, and gives great credit to the good management of its officers. This year, the bank issued Que and two dollars bills.
In January, 1863, C. W. Peale resigned as enshier, and was succeeded by Thomas C. Trotter, of Philadelphia, who served until December 15th, when he resigned, and Thomas D. Grant, of Sunbury, was appointed. About this time, the name was changed from the " Shamokin Bank," to " Northumberland County Bank." The old red Shamokin bills were entled in, and new ones of a different color circulated.
On February 1st, 1865, it became a National Bank.
During Angust, this year, one hundred and twenty thousand dollars of the old issue of their notes were burued in Mr. Bittenbender's work-house, super- intended by S. Bitteubender, V. Fegely, P. Bird, and F. A. Clark.
About April 1st, 1865, Thomas D. Grant resigned as cashier, and was succeeded by T. G. Boyle.
During the Spring of 1868, a lot was seenred on the corner of Sunbury and Washington streets, and preparatious were made at onee to ereet a bank- ing-house, suitable to the wants of such a well-conducted and substantial institution. The building was completed and occupied about February 1st, 1869.
The edifice is of brick, and three-stories high, with a very imposing front. The building is thirty feet front, and seventy-five deep. It costs ten thou- sand dollars. The banking-room and the directors'-room, are very comfort- able and neatly 6tted up for the business. The bank is provided with a large and first-class sufe. The remainder of the building is oeenpied by a family. Mr. Daniel Yost was the builder.
In June, 1869, Mr. F. S. Hnas, was elected enshier, which position he ably fills at the present time.
When Mr. Pollock took charge of the bank, in 1859, the amount due de- positors, was about two thousand dollars; now it exceeds three hundred thou- sand dollars. At that time, shares were valued at little over five dollars; now shares are quoted at one dollar and ten cents. The present capital of the bank, is sixty-seven thousand dollars. The officers are: President, F. W. Pollock ; Cashier, F. S. Hans; Teller, Samuel J. Huas.
THE SHAMOKIN BANKING COMPANY
Was chartered May 24th, 1871.
Incorporators .- Conrad Graeber, Alfredl J. Medlar, George W. Ryan, Charles F. Rahu, George MeEleice, Levi Huber ; George W. Ryan, presi- ‹lent; Conrad Graber, vice-president ; Ivanhoe S. Huber, cashier.
Business was commeneed September 4th, 1871. Authorized capital, one hundred thousand dollars ; paid up, ffty thousand dollars. The Bank is chartered by the State, and does the usual banking business, receiving deposits, discounting paper, etc. Exchanges on most places in Europe bought and sold.
The original Board of Directors were: G. W. Ryan, Conrad Graeber, Samuel John, W. H. Marshall, C. P. Helfenstein, A. A. Hein, and G. McEleice, of Shamokin ; Levi Huber, A. J. Medlar, Charles F. Rahn, and Jacob Huntziger, of Pottsville.
The present officers are: Conrad Graeber, president; A. A. Hein, vice- president; Ivanhoe S. Huber, cashier ; D. W. Hein, teller, and George W. Ryan, solicitor. Place of business on Sunbury street, near the corner of Sunbury and Washington streets. Average deposits, about two hundred thousand dollars.
THE MINERS' TRUST AND SAFE DEPOSIT COMPANY
Was incorporated in the year 1871, by the following gentlemen as incor- porators : A. Robinson, Isaac May, Henry Guyterinan, A. Langdon, Alex. Fulton, and A. G. Marr. The original incorporators became, and continue, to be the Board of Directors. A. Robinson was chosen first president; Isaac May, vice-president ; A. G. Marr, cashier ; Wellington Luke, teller. The banking-house of A. G. and J. C. Marr was merged into and formed the nucleus of the company as now organized. The business done is that of general banking, receiving deposits, discounting, etc.
The present officers are: Isane May, president; A. Langdon, vice-president; A. G. Marr, cashier, and Wellington Lake, teller.
The banking-house is a very neat building, situated on the corner of Sun- bury and Rock streets, and appears to have been designed for the purpose implied in its name-the safe and trusty keeping of the deposits of its customers.
MINERS' SAVING FUND ASSOCIATION.
This was the first building association in Shamokin. It was organized through the efforts of R. B. Douty, O. M. Fowler, and a few others, who were convinced, that through such means, a large number of workingmen would be able to build up homes for themselves. And, perhaps, it is safe to sny, that no other one influence contributed so much towards building up Sha- mokin, and making its citizens interested in its welfare, than this society. The association was organized August 14th, 1865.
The 6rst officers were: President, R. B. Donty ; Secretary, O. M. Fowler; Treasurer, W. H. Donty.
In September, 1873, the secretary reports that, after eight years, with ninety-six payments, made on eight hundred and eighty-six original shares, there are one hundred and twenty-five yet to cancel.
IOS
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
In March, 1870, a second series was issued, of which seven hundred and fifty-eight shares were taken. The remaining shares of the first series were all cancelled on September 1st, 1876, and only abont oue hundred shares of the second series are still outstanding. It is estimated that all these will be cancelled in two years, and the business of the association closed. A move had been made to issue another series, but the times were not favorable. The monthly meetings are on the third Monday of each month, in the Liberty Hose Building.
The present officers are: President, J. H. Zimmernian; Secretary, Alex. Caldwell; W. H. Donty.
WEST WARD BUILDING AND LOAN ASSOCIATION.
This association was organized December 23d, 1878. About five hundred shares were represented.
Officers elected: President, J. II. Zimmerman ; Secretary, W. Lake; Treasurer, John Dunkleberger.
Stated monthly meetings of stockholders are held on the first Tuesday after the third Suturday of each month. Directors' meeting is held ou the Tues- day night following the meeting.
The society is in a prosperous condition-fitteen hundred shares were taken out. There are about eight hundred free shares at the present time.
The present officers are: President, R. S. Aucker; Secretary, W. H. Sbine; Treasurer, R. G. Eisenhart.
The meetings are held in Hnas & Sciler's Hall, on Spruce street.
*TREVORTON.
The town of Trevorton is pleasantly located, in a narrow valley, on a tributary of the Mahanvy C'reck, just outside of the coal basin, in the northern part of Zerbe township; connected with Shamokin on the east, and the Susquehanna River on the west, by a branch of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad. It is eight miles from Shamokin and twelve miles from the river.
It takes its name from John B. Trevor, who was one of the members of the Shamokin and Mahanoy Improvement Company, the party that bought the bonds, developed the mines, and constructed a railroad to the Susque- hanna River.
Howell, Helfenstein & C'o .- who were the Improvement Company-having purchased the tract, erceted au office in the Spring of 1850, and secured the services of Kimber Cleaver, who proceeded ut once to lay out the town. At this time, there was only one house on the site of the town-an old lug one- occupied by George Holshoe and famdy, consisting of eight persous. This house was located at the west end of the town, but has long since given way to the march of improvement. Abont a mile up the " Gap," on the coal lands, was another rude house, occupied by James Rennie, a Scotchman, who still resides at Trevorton, well advanced in years. He may justly be regarded as the patriarch of the town. For many years, he was the sole occupant of the coal tracts of Zerbe, holding possession for various owners. He had made some coal openings, and, during the winter months, with pick, shovel, and wheelbarrow, supplied the farmers of the neighborhood with coal. He still resides here, well-advanced in years, being some eighty-eight years of age.
On May 28th, 1850, there was held the grunt sule of town lots at Trevor- ton. Immense preparations had been made for this event, and on the day of sale, people from all parts of Northumberland, and several sections of nd- joining counties, were on the new town site, with a view of making pur- chases. A meeting was organized, and some speeches were made, when Judge Jordan threw off his coat, and broke the first ground. In the hole made, there was deposited a bottle of Susquehanna water, n lump of coal from Zerbe Gap, and a lump of iron ore from the adjacent mountain. Then, after an address by Mr. Bellas, Judge Helfenstein came forward, and pull- lished the bans, as follows: "I publish the bans between Zerbe Gap and the Susquehanna River; if any one know just cause or impediment, why the two should not be joined together by a railroad, on the first of November, next, let him declare it now, or ever hereafter hold his peace." This announce- ment was received with great applause. A collation was then eaten by the audience, at which Mr. Rennie occupied the sent of honor; after which the
sale of lots commenced. The bidding was spirited, and a large number of lots were sold ; the price ranging from twenty-five to one hundred dollars, Liberal provisions were made for churches; a railroad to the Susquehanna River bad been placed under contract; possessed of most excellent water, aud superior drainage, with wide streets, and delightful scenery, it seemed to offer superior inducements for a large town.
The lots were sold in such a manner, that,the laborers could buy, without money, and pay n portion of their wages each mouth. By these means, the town improved rapidly for the next few months. On the first day of May, the town site was a perfect wilderness, with one log house on the site; at the end of October, there were nearly one hundred houses erected. The com- pany had opened a large store, and made every preparation for business. In their anxiety to seud some Trevorton conl to market, they hauled two or three boat-loads of coal to Sunbury, in the Autumn of same year, and had it shipped to New York by eanal.
Things went on prosperously until December 6th, 1851, when the company suspended, and all work was stopped for nearly two years.
In the Fall of 1853, a New York company took hold of the concern, and pushed things forward with greut vigor. They erected a saw-mill, built a large breaker, in 1854, and in Jununry, 1855, completed the railroad to the river, und ereeted a splendid bridge, three thousand six hundred feet long, across to Port Trevorton, where wharves were constructed, and the coal was dumped in boats. As soon as the shipment of coal commeneed, the progress of the town became very great. Every house was crowded with teuants. This party continued at work until the Full of 1857, when they were obliged to suspend. After a few months, a company from New York took posses- sion, aud continued work about a year, when it was turned over to another party, with George Mowton as superintendent, who pushed things forward with great vigor for some years.
Things thus continued untd the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad Com- pany purchased the railroad from Trevorton to the Susqeebanna River, and acquired au interest in the Trevorton coal lands. They commenced opening a railroad between Shamokin and Trevortou, which was completed in July, 1869. Z. P. Boyer & Co. were the first shippers of coal over this road.
There are two collieries at Trevorton, operated by the Philadelphia and Rending Coal and Iron Company. The shipments are uot extensive. The population at the present time is about one thousand four hundred, though in its most prosperous days it exceeded two thousand six hundred.
FIRST POST-MASTER.
Dr. William Atwater was appointed post-master of the village, on Decem- ber 21st, 1850. He was afterwards u citizen of Shamokin for many years.
THE FIRST WEDDING.
On Tuesday, December 24th, 1850, Mr. Michael Chappell was married to Miss Rebecca, daughter of James Rennie, Esq., the pioneer of Trevorton. In honor of the event, the following presents were bestowed: The wife-the best dress in Comopsy's store; the husband-a town lot.
THE FIRST CHILD.
Jobn B. Kuopp was the first child born in the town, and, according to custom, received a present of a town lot.
THIE FIIIST HOTEL.
The "Trevorton House" was the first hotel opened in Trevorton. It was opened by Henry B. Weaver, the present landlord. In 1850, Mr. Weaver was keeping a hotel in Danville, but was induced by Mr. Boyd and others, to open a publie house in the new town just laid out. Mr. Weaver hnd prepared the collation at the founding of the town, and had made some purchases of lots on this occusion. Urged by the proprietors, he put up a building for a hotel, and on August 28th, 1850, moved into it, which was yet minus windows mul doors. At this time, there were some five or six houses erected. Mr. Weaver still keeps the house, which is a credit to the place.
FIRST FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION.
The first celebration was held July 4th, 1851. Mr. Wenver prepared a breakfast on the top of the Little Mountain, which was partaken of by a number of persons, including the Danville Band, who were on their way to Trevorton. An oration was delivered by Robert C. Helfenstein, Esq., and during the evening there was a splendid display of fireworks.
" The History of Shamokin, Trevorton and Mount Carmel hus been prepared by Dr. J. J. John, of Shamokin, a long resident of that place. Its history Is a part of hisown expert- ence In the bottle of life be bas so successfully fought.
109
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
FIRST CHURCHI.
The first church erected was the Methodist, put np in 1856. The first services were held in a frame carpenter-shop.
FIRST PHYSICIAN.
The first physician was a gentlemau by the name of Holmes, who remained a short time.
FIRST JUSTICE.
David Dumbach was the first justice of the peace.
ST. PATRICK'S CHURCH (CATHOLIC).
As soon as work in the coal mines was started at Trevorton, a number of Irish Catholic families, together with a few Germans, were found in this new place, attended by Rev. Michael Sheridan, pastor of St. Joseph's congrega- tion, at Danville. The first catholic service was held in the house of Mr. Compton, and the first baptism and marriage are recorded in the church- book, October 1st, 1854. In 1857, Rev. George Gostenschnig, an Austrian priest, the well-known " Father George" throughout the whole County, touk up a collection for the building of a church. He continued in his collections till May, 1859, when the contract for the stone-work was signeil, and the work commeneed. The church is built of mountain white sand-stone, thirty- five by sixty-five feet ; walls, twenty feet high. The following September, the church was under roof, aud on the 19th of the month, the plastering was given ont. Iu Mny, 1860, the builling was completed, and on the 20th of the month was dediented by Bishop Newman, of Philadelphia. But it was not allotted to "Father George" the erowning event of his untiring work. In making preparations for its dedication, he overheated himself, and died on May 18th, at Milton, where he was buried on the 21st. The church, how- ever, was dedicated on the appointed day, in the presence of a large concourse of monrning people of ull denominations.
Rev. E. Stenzel was soon appointed pastor, und was succeeded by Rev. M. Multberger, in 1861, who was succeeded by Rev. E. Murray, in 1862. In November, 1863, Rev. Joseph Koch was appointed pastor of St. Joseph's Church, nt Milton, with the charge of St. Patrick's, Trevorton. Since that date, the Catholic congregation has been attended by him without interrup- tion. Under his able pastorate, the debts of the church have been paid, the building has been enlarged, the interior has been painted and handsomely frescoed, a stone-wall has been erected in front of the cemetery, east of the church, and a good substantial feuce put all around the two blocks which form the Catholic Church property. Under the charge of so energetic a man as Father Koch, no church property is allowed to suffer for want of attention.
The frequent aud continued suspension in the coul trude, particularly affected the Catholics, whose support depended on this kind of business. The most of the old Irish settlers left for Shamokin, where they could improve their condition, so that the congregation at this writing is almost exclusively German.
The church numbers two hundred and fifty communicants. Divine ser- viee is held every Sunday in the year, either by Father Koch, or his assistant.
ST. PATRICK'S SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
This school has been established for several years, and numbers something over one hundred scholars. It is under the control of tho pastor.
ST. PATRICK'S BENEFICIAL SOCIETY.
This society numbers over forty members, and is in a prosperous condition.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH, OF TREVORTON.
There were quite a number of Methodist families at Trevorton, soon after ' it started. The society was organized in 1854. The first pastor was the Rev. Mr. Ross. The congregation put up a brick building, in 1856, but being too small, and not well adapted to church purposes, it was sold to the School Board, and a frame building, better adapted to the wants of the people, ereeted in 1858. The church will accommodate four hundred and fifty.
The congregation has been greatly reduced during the past year, owing to the large number of removals to other places.
The membership numbers ahout one hundred. The present pastor is the Rev. John W. Feight.
METHODIST SUNDAY-SCHOOL.
This school was started in 1858. A. A. Heim, now of' Shamokin, was the first superintendent; the present superintendent is John Cooper.
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