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 48
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In 1869, when it became apparent that the public schools of the town needed, and must have, increased room, it was proposed to purchase the Academy building for the purpose. It lmd never brought much pecuniary gain to the stockholders, and, indeed, the enterprise had not been commenced in any such expectation. What they had at heart, was that advancement to the village and its vicinity, which was sure to result from the better and higher education of their rising youth; nnul it' this result could be assured, and the continuance of the school's high standing be guaranteed, they were not unwilling to make the proposed sale. So, in 1869, their building was purchased for the use and occupancy of the graded publie schools, and, after an honorable existence of seventeen years, the MeEwensville Academy ceased to exist as a private institution.
The year before the building of the Academy, 1851, there was opened the first telegraphie communication between MeEwensville and the great out- side world. The first office was in the store of Hayes & McCormick, and it was operated by Henry K. Culp, one of their clerks. It was afterwards moved to Wenek's drug-store; but in 1862, the line was withdrawn from MeEwensville, and its towns-people, if they wished for the accommodation of the wire, could find it no nearer thau at Watsontown.
The organization of the borough was made November 11th, 1857. The first burgess was John F. Dentler. It was about the time that the open- ing of' the Sunbury und Erie Railroad had begun to attract trade to the towus upon its route, but it had the contrary effect upon MeEwensville, and from that time the town deteriorated in importance. It has not now one tenth of the trade that it had thirty years ago. It has neither railway, canal, telegraph, gas, nor water-works, place of amusement, Masonic or other secret organizations, luwyers nor fire department. It has one public house, three general stores and one drug store. The population in 1860, was three hundred and ninety-one, and in 1870, three hundred forty-two, a decrease of forty nine suuls in ten years.
The first resident physician was a Doctor Hazleton, who established there more than thirty years ugo. Ile was very popular with the people, but died before he had practiced many years. The next was Dr. R. H. Watson, a son of' John Watson, of Watsontown, and cousin of John L. Watson, Esq., of Milton. Later eame Dr. J. H. Grier, who removed to Jumestown, Lycoming County, und now resides there.
After Dr. Grier, the next was Dr. George Boas, who was succeeded by Dr. Henry Life, the present physician of the borough,
The manufacturing interests of MeEwensville are neither numerous nor important.
Foundry and plough-shop, Main street, Samuel Gray, proprietor, The principal work done is the manufacture of ploughs and other agricultural implements.
PLATE XXIX.
00
RES. &. STORE & CAROLINE DALIUS, DEALER IN SEWING MACHINES & MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS, SUNBURY.
DI
RES OF HON. J. J. JOHN & JAS MAY, SHAMOKIN ST. SHAMOKIN, NORTHUMBERLAND CO. PA.
2
RES. OF T. H. PURDY, SUNBURY, PENN!
135
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Carriage-shops of Mauser & Brother .- These were first put in operation by William Hood, April 4th, 1839. His business at first was smull, not reaching more than five thousand dollars per year, but increased afterwards to twenty thousand dollars. On the 1st of April, 1870, he sold out to Mauser & Co., who are still the proprietors, employing twelve meo, and pro- ducing annually, work to the amount of fifteen thousand dollars.
Furniture Manufactory of Me Lain & Brother .- Have twelve-horse-power engine, and employ three hands, in the manufacture of bedsteads, tables, chairs, and all the articles usually made in similar establishments. Their father, Mr. Charles MeLain, formerly carried on the cabinet-making business in the same place, but sold out some years ago and removed to Turbutville.
The Public Schools .- The first school-house within the bounds, or in the vicinity of the present town of MeEwensville, was a log building, standing in a pine grove on, or very near, the spot now occupied by the stable of Rev. George Elliott. This was probably before the commencement of the century. It was afterwards moved to a point further sonth, upon the "Pot- ash road" leading to Turbutville, and was finally destroyed by fire, but the dlate of this cannot be ascertained.
The second, was of briek, and built by subscription, on a lot donated by Adum Surver. This was also burned, and another brick structure erected on the same site. This last is the school-house now standing, adjoining the Lutheran Church, on Church street.
The usual come of study was pursued, and the common branches alone were taught, until the purchase of the avudemy building iu 1869.
On the closing of the private academy, and the transfer of the house to the use of the public schools, they were graded, and in the higher one, the aendemy standard was maintained.
The teachers of this high school are graduates, and reecive a salary of seventy-five dollars per month.
The names of those teachers following Mr. Showers, are: Willard Shaffer, W. M. Roal, and William F. Derr, the present principal. Regular instruc- tions are given in algebra, geometry, natural philosophy, physiology, aod the languages, in addition to the ordinary branches. The schools are free for five months in the year, as directed by law, and are supported by sub- scription for five months more. The present board is composed of William F. Kreich, president; G. W. Armstrong, secretary; Heury Life, trensurer; Alem Muuser, William C. Montgomery, H. K. Culp.
The Old " Pines" Church, of the Covenanters, or Associate Reformed denomination, although it was not strictly within the aren of the town, yet, from its proximity and intimate associations, seems proper to be mentioned in this connection.
On June 5th, 1810, Alexander Gutly sold to trustees for the church, three- quarters of au acre of ground, "in the forks of the road leading to Milton and to Daniel Vincent's mill," at the rate of thirty dollars per acre, agreeing, also, to give them the right of passage to and from his spring, for " five shillings, and other valuable considerations." (He, however, afterwards dug a well upon the three-fourths of an acre, and this the trustees accepted in lieu of the right to the spring, ) and upon this sput of ground the old log church was built.
The first pastor wns Rev. George Junkin; after him came Revs. William Wilson, MeKinley, and others, under whose ministrations the congregation worshiped in it for more than forty years. It really owed its existence to n dissatisfaction which had sprung up in the Presbyterian Church in Milton, by which the Pollocks, father and uncle of Governor James Pollock, trans- ferred their favor and material support to the church of the Pines, and mem- bers of that family eontinned to attend service there until its dismemberment, about 1854, when the congregation scattered to other churches, and the ground was purchased aud the building demolished by Rev. Simon Royer.
Presbyterian Church .- This organization, called then the Bethel Church, was formed in April, 1842. Its constituent members were those who, in the previous year, had withdrawn, in consequence of an irreconcilable disagree- ment, from the Warrior Run Church, under the ministry of the Rev. Mr. Bryson. The passions which caused and resulted from that rupture, were exceedingly strong at the time, and, indeed, it can hardly be said with truth, that even now, after a lapse of thirty-five years, they are entirely ullayed.
Upon the separation, they at once arranged to worship in the "Peuuel," or "Pines" Church, which belonged to the Associate Reformed Congrega- tion. In the fall of 1842, they completed and occupied the brick edifice in which they still worship, on Church street.
Their pastor, From the time of the secession, was the Rev. J. P. Hudson, who labored with them for about twenty years, up to the Fall of 1861. He is still living in Williamsport.
The next regular pastor was Rev. Frederic Kolb, who ministered to them, from May 21st, 1866, nutil February, 1873. In July, same year, he was succeeded by Rev. George Elliott, their present pastor, who also has charge of the churches at Warrior Run and at Watsontown.
Reformed Church .- This congregation crystalized in 1840. The first pas- tor was Rev. Heory Wengandt, who remained nntil. 1866. The next was 'Rev. Henry Mosser, who, in 1873, was succeeded by Rev. J. K. Millet, the present shepherd.
For the first two years after the organization, they worshiped in the school-house, but, in 1842, united with the Lutherans, for building purposes, and erectedl a union church-house, during that year. In this, they wor- shiped until 1874, when their present brick edifice was built and occupied. It is located on Main street and the Turbutville roud. They have a large Subbath-school in connection.
Evangelical Lutheran Church .- Ou the Ist day of June, 1842, this con- gregation was organized, under the pastoral care of Rev. C. F. Stoever.
The corner-stone for a church was laid on the 5th day of May, 1842, upon ground donated to them by Henry Reader. The building was conse- erated to the service of Almighty God, October 9th, 1842. It was a union church, built jointly by the Lutheran und Reformed congregations of the place. The Lutheran Church Council, at this time, was composed of Elders Solomou Truckemndler and David Gold, and Deacons Heory Hartrauft and Geurge Hittle.
On the 1st of April, 1846, the pastorate was assumed by Rev. S. R. Boyer, and it was not until 1863, that the Rev. A. R. Horne succeeded him. Mr. Horne resigned in 1865, after which the congregation was long without a pastor, and, during that time, the pulpit was occasionally supplied by Mr. Griffith, a theological student.
The charge was taken December 27th, 1865, by Rev. E. J. Wolf, who continued as pastor until March, 1869, when he was succeeded by Rev. G. Sill, who left in June, 1870.
The present pastor, Rev. U. Myers, entered the charge January 1st, 1871. During his pustorate, the Lutherans purchased the half-interest of the Re- formed congregation, and became sole owners of the church.
Extensive revivals have been experienced in the last few years, and the congregation is goodly in numbers.
Baptist Church .- In the Spring of 1842, James Moore, Sr., Joseph Meixell, and E. W. McCarty, purchased a suitable lot of ground in Me- Ewensville, and also made a further contribution towards the erection of' a church-builling upon it, for the use of the Baptist worshipers of the town and vicinity, these contributions being increased by the citizens. The brick church-their preseut bouse of worship-was completed and dedicated during the sumne yenr.
By the action of u council, convened at MeEwensville, February 19th, 1853-of which Rev. Dr. Malcolm, was moderator, and J. P. Tustin, clerk -this church was duly organized. The constituent members were :- E. W. MeCarty, James M. McC'arty, Juseph O. MeCarty, John Young, Leah MeC'urty, Rebecca V. McCarty, MaryGuffy, Martha E. Marshall, and, Sarah W. Parker.
The church was first supplied with preaching hy Rev. Robert Lowry, and after him, successively, by Brothers Frenr, Jones, Furman, Conard, Hutton, Rush, King, Hutson, Young, Patton, Waltz, Lloyd, Davis, Copeland, and Nichols, down to the present time.
Prayer-meetings, and Sabbath-school, have been sustained a portion of the time.
Methodist Church .- This organization has been in existence muny years, but its date is not precisely known. Preaching was first had in the school- house, and afterwards in the academy. The church was built in 1867. It is n nent and convenient frame-building, on the main street, cast side, and a short distance north of Potash street. It was built during the pastorate of Rev. William Wilson, aud its cost was one thousand four hundred and fifty dollars. The present pastor is Rev. Mr. Vrooman, of Montandon. The church is not in a flourishing condition.
The Presbyterian Burial-ground .- This is a ground of moderate size, near the academy building. In it lie the remains of many of the old inhabitants who, in their day, were prominent in affairs both secular and ecclesiastical.
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HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Not the least among them was the Rev. John Bryson, the veteran Presby- terinn clergymau, who was here Inid to rest, after having lived almost a century in piety aud nsefuluess.
The Lutheran and Reformed Burial-place is a ground of some eight or ten acres in extent, lying a short distance out of the town, across Warrior Run bridge, on the road to Muncy. It is a neatly laid-out enclosure, but of recent origin.
Any narrative of events in MeEwensville would be incomplete if it omitted a mention of two old men who are now living there, within a few rods of each other, upon the main street. They are eighty-four years of age, with but a single day of difference between them, The elder, Henry Reader, was born in Montgomery County, August 12th, 1792, and the very next dny, August 13th, Andrew Guffy was born in Northumberland County.
Mr. Reader's parents came to this County when he was two years old. He lived with his father upon several different farms in Turbut township, and was, on April 1st, 1813, apprenticed to Stalnaker, the plow-maker and carpenter, in MeEwensville. This apprenticeship lasted but two months, for Stalnuker died in the following June, and young Reader went to work as a miller at Hower's mill ; but, in 1818, he bought the Baker tavern-house, before mentioned. He was married September 15th, 1818. From 1833 to 1836, he was Sheriff of Northumberland County, and from 1839 to 1842, he held the position of Canal Supervisor. His life has always been a busy one, and now, at eighty-four, he is as uetive as many a man twenty years less in age.
In Andrew Gnffy's childhood, bis father lived on a form sonth of Pine Grove, and was the owner of much of the land on which the town now stands. Mr. Guffy well recolleets assisting his father to clear sume of this land more than seventy years ago, and before the road to Muney passed through it. Hle was married to Eliza Armstrong, by Rev. John Bryson, January 4th, 1821. In 1826, he received the appointment of Justice of the Peace, und held that offire for nineteen years, Through his official and private life, he has always held the esteem and respect of his fellow-citizens.
Hle and his old friend have had a long march, but they are nearing its inevitable end, and the route does not seem to have been, to them, a very thorny oue.
TURBUTVILLE BOROUGIL
The settlement, which is now Turbutville, was commenced in the way in which such beginnings are usually made, that is, by the establishment of a farern. It was opened in 1825, upon the north-west side of the road which is now the principal street of the town, and at n point a little to the north: wurd of Paradise street. Philip Reifsnyder was the landlord-or rather his wife Fanny* was the landlady, who supervised the conking aud attended at the bar, while Philip plied his trade of blacksmith, ut a shop which he had erected hard by. Where there was a tavern and a bineksmith-shop too-a double nucleus-should there not be a town? "The people of the surrounding country answered this affirmatively, and out of re-peet to the proprietar of two initial institutions, the bur and the anvil, they called the settlement for Philip, Snydertown, playfully dropping the first syllable of his name, for the sake of euphony as well as friendly familiarity.
The widow MeCarty was not long behind Reifsnyder. She snon opened the second inn, on the opposite side of the ronal, und a short distance south of the present hotel of F. Keller.
A third public house followed about 1833. This was at the place now occupied by Keller, and was opened by Samuel Burrows, a son-in-law of Rev. John Bryson. He also, in company with Mr. Bryson's son John, started the first store, and their firm was Burrows & Bryson. This store wils directly opposite Burrows' (now Keller's) tavern.
Burrows & Bryson afterwards sold out to Amos Bisel, who, some years after, disposed of the business nud removed to Jersey Shore, where he died.
Among the proprietors of the store, aiter Amos Bisel, were Michael Reader and his son Isaac. Michael was also proprietor of the Burrows' tavern for some years.
The next store was that of Dr. Piper, who had removed to Turbutville from Milton, and commenced merchandising not long after Burrows & Bryson.
The settlement went on, and made some increase in population, but, in connection with its very slow growth, there scarcely occurred (with the exception of the building of the churches, and the burning of one or more) any events more noticeable than the ordinary incidents of every day life- openings of stores, taverns, or workshops, or changes in the ownership of them.
The inauguration of canals, railways, and publie works, are events which mark era> in the lives of adjacent communities, and which excite jealonsy and rivalry and intrigne, in the attempts of men and of towns, to secure the advantages which are known to follow in their train; but no equal or railroad ever came near Turbutville; no telegraph, not even a stage-line of any im- portance -- us connecting with any of the more populous places -- and no stream flows past it to furnish power for the wheels of industry.
And so it existed, a quiet, healthy, Christian village, but one which made scarcely perceptible progress in population or importance. Its old name, Snydertown, was used to designate it as late as the year 1850.
Ils erection as a borough, was accomplished iu 1859, and the first meeting of its Town C'ouneil was held February 8th, in that year. The president of that conneil was S. A. Savidge, and its secretary, William B. Schyler. The unme, Turbutville, was given in honor of the old township of Turbut.
The next year after the incorporation, (1860,) the population was three hundred and eighty, and in 1870 it had increased to four hundred and seven- teen-n gain of thirty-seven souls, which, although by no means a brilliant showing, was, at least, better than to have lost that number, which McEw- ensville did (aml more ) during that sume decade.
On the 31st of March, 1871, there occurred a destruction of property, by fire, which, in the annals of Turbutville, seems very considerable. The building> consumed were two dwelling-houses, a large store-house, and a warehouse, being the property of Mrs. Knable and Daniel Smith. The only fire apparatus in the borough is a small hand-engine, out of repair, and worthless; but if it was a Silsby steamer, it would still be powerless to ex- tinguish a fire of any magnitude occurring in Turbutville, as there is no supply of water for such a purpose. The buildings destroyed in the fire of 1871, have been rebuilt.
There are, in Turbutville, two hotels, five general stores, two stove aud hardwar-estores, one drug-store, and two saddlery and harness-shops.
The one attorney of the town is S. A. Savidge, Esq. The physicians are: Dr. E. H. Horner, Dr. Andrew Tenbrook, Dr. N. C. Giddings, and Dr. P. A. Scel.
Independent Order of Odd Fellowes, No. 645 .- This organization has recently purchased a commodions two-story brick huihling, on Main street, and in this their meetings are held.
Mail-stage .- Turbotville is still the head-quarters of' a mail-stage-a short, cross-route, between Watsontown nul Exchange, Montour County. It runs daily, viz .: in the morning to Exchange, and return to Turbutville; and in the afternoon to Watsontown, and return to Turbutville, where it stops over night -- the proprietor resides here.
The manufacturing industries of the town are neither numerons nor ex- tensive.
The Tannery af J. &. H. Hertwirk is the only one in Turbutville, and its business is small.
The Foundry of Philip Steinruck, and the Machine-shop of F. Gardner are both in one building, (owned by George Wykoff; ) nud, in connection, they turn out plough and other castings, and do something in the manufacture and repair of' mowing and reaping-machines, and other agricultural imple- ments.
Currinye Shops are carried on in a small way, by H. Bittner, and also by Thomas Ritter,
Public Schools,-Turbutville hus but two public schools-the common aud the higher English. They are both taught in the brick school-building, on Paradise street. The free term covers about five months in the year, viz: From the middle of October till about the first of April, with a week's vaca- tion at the bolidays. The subscription terms are before and after harvest, making about four months additional. The teachers' salaries are thirty aud fifty dollars per mouth. The present board of directors is as follows: Presi- dent, Nathan Wetzel; Secretary, E. H. Horner; Treasurer, George P. Kamp; P. L. Dietlenbacher, J. F. Wampole, and D. H. Driesbach.
The Reformed Church .- This organization was made about 1823. Rev. Samuel Gutelius was their first pastor.
ยท Tlils ludy died in 1822, when over ninety 3 ents of age, at the house of a relative, one inlle from Seuceu Falls, New York,
137
HISTORY OF NORTHUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.
Soon after, a small church building was erected in union with the Lutherans. Rev. Henry Wagner, succeeded Mr. Gutelius, and then came in succession, Rev. Daniel Gring, George Wolff, and Mr. Kelly. During the pastorate of Mr. Wolf, the Turbutville and River Churches were taken from the Para- dise charge. After the retirement of Rev. Mr. Kelly from this church, they were without a regular pastor until the assumption of the charge by Rev. Tillman Derr, the present minister.
After worshiping in the ohl Union Church for more than thirty years, the question of retirement from the union was agitated by the Lutherans, (1855 to 1859,) resulting in the withdrawal of their consistory and part of their congregation, and in their building a new edifice, but leaving a portion of the congregation, (which afterwards became the New-school Lutheran>, ) still in the union. A new uniou building was son commenced, on the land adjoining the old one, hut before it was completed, it took fire, and was burned down, destroying the old church building with it. This ended the union, and each congregation, (i. e., the Reformed, and the New-school Luth- eran, ) then built a new brick church for their respective sole use, upon the ground which they had hekl as a union. The edifice built at that time is still the place of worship of the Reformed congregation.
The Lutheran Church was organized in 1823, and soon after, a small meeting-house was built, in union with the Reformed congregation. Ahout the year 1859, they withdrew from the union, and built for themselves a new and commodious brick building, which they still occupy. Their first pastor was the Rev. Jacob Repass, who assisted at the dedication of the Union Church, at Paradise, in 1824, ( Mr. David Eschbach recollects seeing him there on that ocension, more than half a century ago.) Ile was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Miller. It is regretted that the chain cannot be made com- plete by giving the names of all, from Mr. Miller down. Their present pas- tor is Rev. Jacob F. Wampole.
New-school Lutheran Church .- This church first had existence at the time of the eonsistory, and purt of the Lutheran congregation withdrew from the union with the Reformed Church, the portion remaining assuming the name of' " New School." Not long after that withdrawal, the union commeneed building a new edifice, which, however, was burned before completion. This disaster caused a dissolution of the union and the erection of two new church buildings, one by the New-school Lutherans, and the other hy the Reformed, both edifices standing on the ground which had been bell by the union. In the building of this house, pecuniary assistance was kindly offered by their friends of the Reformed Church. Their present pastor is Rev. U. Myers.
The Baptist Church, of Turbutville, is an off-shoot from the " Derry Bap- tist Church," which was organized in Derry township, Montour County, July 1st, 1846.
On December 7th, 1867, that church voted to build a place of worship in Turbutville, and in due time they proceeded with the work, so that it was dedicated, September 12th, 1869. During the process of construction, the congregation held services in the school-house, until August, 1869, when they were enabled to meet in the hasement of the new building, though that was before its dedication.
The church, during the time of its existence, has received many into its fellowship, of whom some have removed to the west, and to other sections, and huve united with churches there. The pastor is Rev. Henry C. Munro who has labored in the churches at Derry und Turbutville during the past twelve years.
Places of Interment .- There are two within the town boundaries, viz .: the graveyard of the Reformed and New-school Lutherans, contiguous to their church, in which but few burials are now made, and that of the original Lutherans, which last, is wholly in disuse.
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