USA > Pennsylvania > Berks County > Reading > History of Reading, Pennsylvania, and the anniversary proceedings of the sesqui-centennial, June 5-12, 1898 > Part 2
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Pearson, Elijah
Weiser, Samuel
Koch, Michael
Popkin, Robert
Witman, Henry
Shegtley, Michael
Town District Established .- In 1760, the town and part of the township adjoining (Alsace) were erected into a district, called the "Township and District of Reading." The bound- ary lines were fixed by the Court in 1761. They enclosed about 950 acres
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1750
THE FIRST STORE.
First Store .- The first business place was the store of Conrad Weiser on Penn street above Fifth. He purchased the lot (No. 3) in 1749, and obtained a patent in 1751. Under the
Smith, Andrew Urledig, Valentine
Wagner, Adam
SINGLE MEN.
I5
PUBLIC BUILDINGS.
conditions of sale, he doubtless erected a two-story stone build- ing on it in 1750. He carried on business intercourse there with the Indians, and on this account the stand was given particular prominence. In 1769, Nicholas Keim became the owner. The Keims occupied it as a general hardware store for seventy years. Then the Stichters began, and they have been there since, now nearly sixty years.
Public Buildings .- A court house was erected in 1762; a market house in 1766; and a county jail in 1770; and in 1773, a fire company was organized, called the "Rainbow," which has maintained a successful existence until now.
VIND TUIN
163
. FEDERAL INN.
Oldest Buildings .- Three old buildings, which were erected in this period of Reading, are still standing: two stories of the large hotel on northwest corner of Fifth and Washington streets, erected by Michael Bright for a tavern in 1760; two-story stone building on northwest corner of Penn square, below Fifth street, erected in 1763, by Adam Witman for a tavern, (Federal Inn) and occupied by the Farmers' Bank since 1814; and two story stone building on northeast corner Fifth and Washington streets erected by county commissioners in 1770, and occupied as a county jail until 1848.
Educational Affairs .- Three churches were established dur- ing this period, being by the Friends, Lutheran and Reformed.
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I6
HISTORY OF READING.
The Protestant Episcopal and Roman Catholic had no churches, but held religious services in the homes of certain members. Secular education was carried on in schools which were con- nected with the churches and also in several private schools. The pupils paid their teachers several cents a day. The Friends' school at Washington and Wood (Madison) streets was con- ducted for English education, the other schools were mostly for German education. There were no newspapers published at Reading then. The Pennsylvania Gazette and Sauer's Journal had a very limited circulation.
Nationality of Inhabitants .- The first inhabitants of Reading were mostly Germans. There were some English, and men of this nationality served as county officers through the influence and direction of the Penns until the Revolution ; then men of the German nationality came to fill them and they have almost entirely continued to do so until now. . This change was brought about by the determined action of the Germans in behalf of in- dependence and representative government, the English having favored the British government and discouraged the Revolution, on which account they were called "Tories."
French and Indian War .- The French and Indian War affected Reading more or less from 1755 to 1762. The inhabi- tants were excited and frequently alarmed for their safety during 1755, 1756 and 1757. But the Indians in their incursions never reached Reading. They confined their stealthy attacks and barbarous cruelties to the settlements along the Blue mountains.
Conrad Weiser
The prominent men from Reading who were actively engaged in de- fensive operations were Conrad Weiser, Edward Biddle and George Nagel. In 1756, a company of grenadiers was stationed here for a time; also a company commanded by Conrad Weiser, consisting of 2 sergeants and 28 privates. A number of interesting letters were sent from Reading during these years, describing the dangerous situation of affairs. No person from Reading was killed.
Revolution .- The first public action at Reading in behalf of the Revolution was taken with much spirit on July 2, 1774, and
17
REVOLUTION.
from that time until the declaration of peace in 1783, the resi- dents displayed remarkable zeal for political independence and representative government. On the day named, a public meet- ing was held in the court house, and appropriate resolutions were adopted, expressing sympathy with Boston and urging such measures as would settle with precision the rights and liberties of America. Delegates were appointed to attend the different conferences and earnest co-operation was manifested at all times for carrying on the war successfully.
Nagel's Company at Cambridge .- In April, 1775, the people of the town raised two companies of infantry, and one of them, commanded by Captain George Nagel, several months afterward, marched to Cambridge and partic- Geo: Nagel ipated in the campaign at that place. Numerous other companies were raised in response to repeated calls for troops. Alto- gether over 7800 inen were furnished by Berks county who were in actual service. And great quantities of supplies were forwarded to the government, amounting to several hundred thousand dollars.
Store-house for Supplies .- Reading was a prominent inland place for storing supplies of all kinds during the whole period, having been selected by the Board of War for its admirable sit- uation; and prisoners of war were sent here in large numbers. The locality where they were quartered was called "Hessian Camp," after the Hessians taken at Trenton in December, 1776. It was situated to the east of the town, along the Hill road. In 1777, when the British entered Philadelphia, many residents of that city fled to Reading for safety.
Prominent Men .-- Reading furnished many men who became very active in the service. Edward Biddle was one of the repre- sentatives from Pennsylvania in the First Continental Congress ; Bodo Otto and Jonathan Potts were prominent surgeons; Mark EBiode Bird, Henry Haller, Nicholas Lotz, Joseph Hiester and Daniel Brodhead were colonels ; and George Nagel, John Spohn, Peter Decker, Henry Christ, John Diehl, John Rightmyer and Peter Scull were cap-
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HISTORY OF READING.
tains. Edward Scull was secretary of the Board of War ; &. Jule James Read was an Execu- tive Councillor, and Regis- ter of the Court of Admiral- ty ; and Edward Burd was Prothonotary of the Supreme Court.
BOROUGH 1783-1847.
Borough Erected .- The town of Reading was incorporated into a borough on September 12, 1783. It contained over 400 taxables, and about 2100 inhabitants; and it was generally recognized then as the largest and most progressive inland town in the United States. The principal officers were a chief bur- gess and associate, four assistant burgesses, high constable, treasurer, clerk, two supervisors and two assessors.
Surrounding Towns .- The county of Berks contained about 25,000 population, and the surrounding towns in the county were Womelsdorf, 14 miles west; Hamburg, 18 miles north; Kutztown, 16 miles northeast; Birdsboro, 9 miles southeast; and Morgantown, 15 miles south. Nine-tenths of the inhabi- tants were German. A newspaper printed in the German lan- guage was established in 1789, and a post office in 1793. A daily mail by stage was started in 1793, and continued until 1838, when the railroad was introduced, and increased facilities for transportation were afforded.
Stage Coach .- The stage coach was introduced at Reading in 1789, and ran from Reading to Philadelphia. Afterward, lines were extended in different directions, and they were carried on until the railroads were constructed. The business was very brisk from 1826 to 1838.
Bridges .- A ferry was carried on at the "Ford" from 1783 to 1815, when a covered wooden bridge was constructed by the county commissioners. Another covered wooden bridge was constructed by the officers named at Levan's Ferry at the foot of Bingaman street in 1831. The first bridge across the river near Reading was on the road to Sunbury through Bern township, erected in 1810.
Public Buildings .- The court house continued in Penn square until 1840; and the prison at Fifth and Washington until
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INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS.
/ 1848. The "State House" for the county officers was erected on the northeast corner Fifth street and Penn square in 1791 and was used for this public purpose until 1840. A second market house was erected in West Penn square in 1799. Both market houses were rebuilt in 1846. They had 70 stalls and 1 16 stands.
Turnpikes. - While the subject of bridges was discussed by the people, another received their attention. It was that of turnpikes. These were extended over prominent highways, one to the north in 1805 called the "Centre," the second to the south-east in 1810 called the "Perkiomen," and the third to the west in 1817, called the "Berks and Dauphin."
Canals .- Two canals, leading from Reading, were constructed, the Schuylkill, extending along the river north to Pottsville and southeast to Philadelphia, in 1822, and the "Union," extend- ing west to Lebanon and Middletown, in 1828. Large quanti- ties of goods, especially coal and lumber, were shipped over these canals. The enterprise was successful through this period, and contributed much towards the development of the borough.
Railroad .- The Philadelphia and Reading railroad was pro- jected along the Schuylkill through Reading from Philadelphia to Pottsville in 1833. It was completed to Reading in 1838, and to Pottsville in 1842, and then became an additional factor with the turnpikes and canals for great local progress.
Banks .- A "Branch" of the Bank of Pennsylvania was established at Reading in 1808, (in the building occupied by the Union Bank, ) and carried on successfully until its suspen- sion in 1857. The Farmers' Bank was organized in 1814, and it has been maintained successfully ever since, now over 80 years and in the same building. The Eckerts have been prom- inently identified with it since 1838. A third bank was organ- ized in 1836, but it continued only eight years. It was called the "Berks County Bank."
Panic of 1837 .- A money panic arose in the borough in 1837, owing to a suspension of prominent banks in the large cities, but the local business men published a notice in which they expressed entire confidence in the Reading banks and a willingness to accept their notes in payment of debts and mer- chandise. But the scarcity of money compelled certain mer- chants to resort to an expedient for a circulating medium by issuing notes for small sums which were called by the people
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HISTORY OF READING.
"Shinplasters," "Rag Barons" and "Hickory Leaves." And the Borough Council, to relieve the community in this behalf, issued loan certificates in denominations of 5, 10, 25 and 50 cents, and 1, 2 and 3 dollars, redeemable August 1, 1838. The whole issue amounted to $25,000. They were loaned to business men on approved security and subsequently redeemed.
Industrial Affairs .- During this period, industrial affairs be- came the prominent feature of Reading. The small shops were developed into large factories and mills, and the capital invested in such establishments increased from several hundred dollars to many thousands. The energy of certain influential men was directed chiefly towards the manufacture of iron, and this stim- ulated various other enterprises, particularly in the line of building operations. The discovery of coal and the application of steam to motive power for operating machinery were the direct causes of this marked improvement, and the canal and railroad were natural results from their introduction and increas- ing use. The large increase in population must be attributed to them, the growth from 1830 to 1840 having been over 43 per cent. and from 1840 to 1850 over 87 per cent. The country districts of Berks county increased only 21 per cent. during the former decade, and only 19 per cent. during the latter.
Water Company .- In 1821, a water company was organized to supply the people of the borough with water. A reservoir was constructed at the head of Penn street, and the water from "Hampden Spring" was conveyed into it by means of wooden pipes, and thence distributed through the place. In 1833, the investment was estimated at $25,000, and 250 families were sup- plied. The spring had a daily flow of 100,000 gallons, and the reservoir had a capacity of 1000 hogsheads. Pumps continued to be used in all parts of the borough.
Lighting .- The light was obtained from tallow candles, also from oil and camphene used in lamps. The streets were not lighted. Public buildings were seldom occupied in the night for meetings or entertainments ; and there were no halls.
Fire Companies .- Three fire companies were organized in addition to the Rainbow: Junior in 1813; Reading in 1819; and Neversink in 1829.
Newspapers .- A number of newspapers were started in this period. The first was in 1789. In 1796, there were three others,
2I
NEWSPAPERS.
the Reading Herald, (English); the Reading Adler, (German) published until now ; and the Weekly Advertiser, (English) pub- lished until 1816, when the Berks and Schuylkill Journal, (English) took its place, which is still issued. The Reading Courier, (German) was issued from 1816 to 1826 ; the Chroni- cle of the Times, (English) from 1826 to 1835 ; Berks County Press, (English) from 1835 to 1865 ; Liberal Observer, (Ger- man) from 1839 to 1864; Reading Gazette and Democrat, (English) from 1840 to 1878, when the Reading Weekly Eagle was substituted in its place, and this has been published until now ; Old Berks, (German) from 1840 to 1848, when it was transferred to Pottsville and the name changed to Pottsville Adler. Several others were started but they had a short exis- tence. The spirit for writing and publishing during this period was very strong. The editors exhibited much courage in venti- lating their opinions on political and social topics.
Churches and Schools .- Besides the three denominations mentioned in the first period, the Roman Catholics and Protes- tant Episcopals came to erect churches in the second period, and also the Presbyterians, Baptists, Methodists, Universalists and English Lutherans. Schools were carried on successfully as before until 1835 when the public system was introduced, and in 1838 the first public school buildings were erected.
Street Names .- Upon the laying out of the town, the streets were named as follows:
(East and West, )-Penn, extending through the centre of the town; north of Penn, Thomas and Margaret; and south of Penn, Richard and Hamilton. (North and South,)-King, Queen, Callowhill, Prince, Duke, Earl, Clement, Lord and Vigour.
These names were changed by the Borough Council on August 6, 1833, and those substituted were as follows, Penn having been retained:
(North of Penn,)-Liberty, Washington and Walnut. (South of Penn,)-Cherry, Franklin and Chestnut. (Across Penn,)-Third, Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, Tenth and Eleventh; and what had been called for a time Bridge and Treat, were changed to Front and Second.
On October 18, 1845, Council named the following alleys extending north from Liberty :- Pear, Thorn, Rose, Ash,
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HISTORY OF READING.
Church, Reed, Poplar, Cedar, Moss, and Black; and south from Cherry :- Oak, Apple, Carpenter, Wood, Pear, Plum, Lemon, Peach, Orange and Maple. Laurel and Willow streets were also named then. Bingaman street took its name and diagonal direction from the northerly line of the patent to Peter Bingaman; that part beyond Tenth street having been vacated by an Act of Assembly, passed May 8, 1850.
In 1832, the streets were graded according to regulation by Enoch Lewis, under the direction of Council.
· Early Exhibitions .- Exhibitions were given at Reading at an early day. Reference to some will be made to show their character.
In January, 1799, a man named Salanca gave a "curious ex-' hibition" in Barr's ballroom, consisting of legerdemain perfor- mances by himself, tricks by a learned dog and a display of fire- works. Tickets for adults, 50 cents ; for children, 25 cents.
In June, 1808, an elephant 8 years old and 7 feet high, was exhibited at the public-house of Daniel Feger ; advertised as the only elephant then in the country. Admission, 25 cents.
On August 1, 1815, a whale was exhibited at the public-house of William Jones, weight, 5000 pounds, Admission, 121/2 cents; children, half price. This whale was caught in the Delaware river at Trenton, on November 11, 1814.
In November, 1813, Purdy, Carley & Bailey exhibited a menagerie of 30 living wild animals, including a lion and lion- ess, Arabian camels (male and female), llamas (male and female), hyena, kangaroo, tiger, leopard and panther.
In December, 1838, William Paulin, accompanied by a lady, ascended from Reading in a balloon named "Comet," and in the following year he made two successful ascensions.
Circuses gave numerous exhibitions and they were well patronized, and traveling dramatic troupes visited Reading, remaining a week at a time.
DISTINGUISHED VISITORS.
John Penn's Visit .- John Penn arrived at Reading on April 7, 1788, while on his way from Philadelphia to Harrisburg. He remained two days and expressed himself as much pleased with the town. He stayed at Witman's tavern, southeast corner Fifth and Franklin streets, and he regarded the accommoda-
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DISTINGUISHED VISITORS.
tions as worthy of a respectable country town. He dined heartily on cat-fish, which were plentiful in the river. The next day, he dined with James Biddle, Esq. A number of citizens called to pay their respects. He came here to look after his property. On April 9th, he visited General Thomas Mifflin on the latter's farm (now Alms House) and took break- fast and dinner with the family. After dinner, he proceeded on his way.
Washington's Visit .- President Washington visited Reading on October 1, 1794, while on his way from Philadelphia to Carlisle during the Whiskey Insurrection. His presence caused much social excitement. During his sojourn, he stayed at the Federal Inn where many people called to pay their respects. A military parade was given under the command of Col. Nicholas Lotz, (who had taken an active part in the Revo- lution,) to signalize the occasion, and the distinguished visitor reviewed the troops. The "Reading Volunteers," (a company of militia, ) escorted him on the way, and at Carlisle they were retained as his body guard.
When Washington died in 1799, all the people mourned his loss. The newspapers were printed with heavy black borders; and the people of the borough, to demonstrate in a public man- ner their great sorrow for his death and great reverence for his- name, held funeral services in Trinity Lutheran church on Sun- day, January 5, 1800. A procession was solemnly formed on Penn square, and a great concourse of people, under the lead of the militia of the borough, marched to the church.
Van Buren's Visit .- The President of the United States, Martin Van Buren, visited Reading on Tuesday, June 25, 1839, while on his way from Harrisburg to Easton. A special com- mittee met him at Womelsdorf. Many citizens from different parts of the county formed a procession on the turnpike some distance west of the Harrisburg bridge, and joined the com- mittee in escorting the distinguished visitor to Reading. He was pleased to receive such an expressive welcome from the thriving town on the Schuylkill, which three years before had given him a strong political support, nearly four to one against Gen. W. H. Harrison. The procession paraded through the principal streets. The president rode on a fine cream-colored horse, and his graceful horsemanship attracted general attention.
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HISTORY OF READING.
He sojourned at Herr's hotel. During the evening a recep- tion was held at the residence of Samuel Bell, Esq., where many citizens assembled to show him honor. He left for Easton via Kutztown on the following morning, a number of prominent citizens having accompanied him as far as Kutztown. In the previous year he paid a high compliment to the borough by selecting Hon. Henry A. Muhlenberg to be the first minister plenipotentiary to Austria.
Scott's Visit .- Gen. Winfield Scott visited Reading on Satur- day, May 21, 1842, during a great "Military Encampment" comprising 14 companies of militia from Berks, Lehigh and Schuylkill counties, of which four were from Reading, number- ing 157 men. He was accompanied by his aids. They were met at the railroad station (Seventh and Chestnut streets) by a detachment of militia, and escorted to Herr's hotel, where they were cordially welcomed and properly entertained. Many citi- zens followed the parade. On Monday (23rd,) he reviewed the troops, and left on the next day for Danville, to review a similar encampment. During the day, medals. were awarded for skill- ful shooting. General Scott was much pleased with the disci- pline and appearance of the encampment; and he paid a special compliment to the Reading Artillerists. The encampment was held on Penn Common. It was the first in Reading.
Liberty Poles of 1799 .- During the administration of Presi- ·dent Adams, Congress caused a direct tax to be levied upon houses. This was objectionable to many persons. In Eastern Pennsylvania an insurrection arose in 1799, and liberty poles were erected to declare the feeling of opposition. A number of them were erected at and near Reading. While a company of soldiers were on their way through Reading to Bucks county, several of these poles were cut down, and the conduct of the soldiers was severely criticised by an editorial in the Adler. When the company reached Reading on its way to Lancaster, the Captain got to hear of this criticism, and he demanded the name of the author. It was refused, and the proprietor (Jacob Schneider) was taken to Penn square and publicly flogged.
English War of 1812-15 .- After the Revolution, the British government conducted itself in an offensive manner persistently until the complaints became too loud and the inju-
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REVIEW OF READING.
ries too grievous to be endured any longer, when President Madison made them subjects for his message to Congress on June 1, 1812, and a declaration of war was issued. Berks county supplied twelve organized companies in response to the call for troops. The companies of Capt. Thomas Moore and Capt. Daniel deB. Keim were composed entirely of men from Reading; and the greater part of the men in the companies of Capt. Jacob Marshall and Capt. George Marx were also from Reading. The companies left in August, 1814, and performed military duty at York, Pa., but they did not participate in any engagements with the enemy. Some of the men remained four months, and others six months. Peace was concluded Decem- ber 24, 1814, When the event was made known at Reading, the citizens signalized it by shooting off cannon during the day and by a grand illumination at night, in which 1600 pounds of candles were consumed.
During the war when the British approached Philadelphia, a number of English families who lived there were compelled to move away at least 50 miles, and on that account they came to Reading. This was in August, 1814.
Mexican War .- War between the United States and Mexico was declared in May, 1846. The chief burgess, William Betz presided at a public meeting, held on May 20th, at which the government was sustained. Three companies of men from Reading tendered their services, and one of them was accepted, the Reading Artillerists, commanded by Capt. Thomas P. Leoser. This company left on December 26th for Mexico, and participated in the following battles: Vera Cruz, Cerro Gordo, Chapultepec and Belen Gate. They returned July 29, 1848, and were given a brilliant reception.
REVIEW OF READING IN 1847.
Reading was incorporated into a city on March 16, 1847. At that time it was in a flourishing state. Shops, factories and stores were numerous. The population numbered about 12,000. The tendency of local development was to the south of Penn street and to the west of Ninth. At that time there were thir- teen churches, seven to the north of Penn, and six to the south.
The railroad deserves especial mention. A decade had not fully elapsed since its introduction, yet it demonstrated to a
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HISTORY OF READING.
remarkable degree its power in accelerating the growth of every- thing. Another railroad had been projected in 1836 to extend westward to Harrisburg, but it was not as yet begun. The canals and stages occupied a prominent position. The former consisted of two lines, the "Schuylkill" and "Union," and the latter of three lines, to Easton, Harrisburg and Lancaster.
A prominent social movement was then perceptible. This was the secret society and though first started in 1794, it had not begun to make a marked impression till towards the close of the second period of Reading. The Independent Order of Odd Fellows was particularly active. As a beneficial organization, it extended its branches in various directions with remarkable earnestness and success.
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