USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pa. with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 53
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Jonas Hein, elected in 1867, was born near Hamburg, Berks county, in 1822. He opened the first meat market in the place in company with Frank Wenrich; and since 1863 he has been in the butchering business on his own account. Mr. Hein served in the emergency service in was filled by the appointment of James Watkins. In the war for the Union. He married Miss Mary Harper, 1878 the candidates were Watkins, the acting chief bur- of Hamburg, and has one daughter. He has been an gess, and John Jones, the last of whom received the cer- active, public spirited man and an efficient officer. He tificate of election. Mr. Watkins contest on the ground is a member of the Odd Fellows, a Knight of Pythias, and an American Mechanic. His daughter married To- bias Gearhart, of this place.
William F. Jones, elected in 1878, is a native of South Wales, and for many years worked as a miner in Wales, Australia, California and this county, assisting to open the first drifts in the township. In 1862 he opened a store that is still in operation, on Mahanoy street, con - ducted by his eldest son, who succeeded his father in the spring of 1880.
John T. Quinn, elected in 1879, is a native of Potts- ville, born November 1st, 1838. He was married in June, 1863, to Margeretta Kennedy, of Salem, N. J. He has
Tuscarora, where he was employed at the store of Joseph Adlers. In 1853 he was offered the agency of the Little Schuylkill Company at this point, and removed here, settling in a building owned by the company-the solitary tavern that for many years had been the forerunner of Mahanoy City. Mr. Boyer is regarded as the pioneer of the place. He has held several offices of trust in the old township, and his term as burgess was marked by a contest between the council and himself, in which he maintained the interests of the taxpayers in the courts,
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
and contributed materially to a more economical admin- istration. He has had twelve children, but four of whom are living.
Frank Wenrich, elected in 1872, was born at Myers- town, Lebanon county, Pa., August 18th, 1837. He opened a meat market at Tuscarora in 1860, and in 1862 came to Mahanoy City in partnership with Jonas Hein; since 1865 he has been in business on Center street for himself. He married Kate Bobb, of Shafertown, Leb anon county, in 1864, and has had eight children; only two of whom are living. Besides his term as burgess, he has been a councilman three years. He was president of the council in 1879, and has been first lieutenant of the Silliman Guards since 1875. He served in the Potts ville First Defenders in the war for the Union. He in- curred the enmity of the Mollie Maguires and was ar- rested and tried for complicity in the Wiggan's Patch riot, on which occasion a strong effort was made to con- vict him by suborned testimony; but he was triumphant- ly vindicated.
George Major, elected in 1874, will be remembered in all coming time as a faithful, efficient executive, who was ruthlessly murdered by the emissary of a mob, while in the discharge of his duty. Mr. Major was a Welshman, who, with his brothers, had excited the fear and enmity of the Mollies, and the question of his death, it was after- ward learned, had been a matter of discussion in their bodies before the occurrence of the event. He was elected as the representative of the combined interests of those opposed to the reign of terror which was paralyzing the industries of the place; and his death, if not the re- sult of a concealed conspiracy, accorded well with the general course of the hated " Ancients " whenever they failed to frighten a public officer into submission or drive him out of office.
Ryce J. Griffiths, elected in 1879, was born in Wales, and came to America with his father, Evan J. Griffiths, when he was an infant. Mr. Griffiths was a carpenter until he lost both legs, and since then he has been in the insurance business. He was elected justice of the peace in 1878. He married, at this place, Eliza Davis, also a native of Wales.
John Weber, chief burgess for 1880, was born in Ba- varia in 1831, and came to America in 1853, settling in St. Clair, at which place he married a Miss Schnorr, by whom he has eight children. Mr. Weber came to Ma- hanoy City, and for years has represented the brewery firm of D. G. Yuengling & Co. in this vicinity.
MAGISTRATES OF MAHANOY CITY.
He served on the constabulary of Pottsville and St. Clair; was for several years a member of the coal and iron po- lice, and is serving his third term as a magistrate in Ma- hanoy City.
William Encke was born in Prussia, in 1837, and came to America in 1868. He served as an officer in the Prus- sian army in the Schleswick-Holstein and confederated province wars, and was a lieutenant in 1867. He settled in Albany county, N. Y., and in 1870 came to this place. He married Susan Cornelius, of this place. He is a sign painter and was elected a magistrate in 1875. He is a member of the Silliman Guards, a Knight of Pythias, and an Ancient Druid.
Alexander May, born in St. Clair, Schuylkill county, came to Mahanoy City in 1862, and for several years worked as clerk in a store, and in the mines. He is now a fireman in the employ of Lentz, Bowman & Co. He married, at Cumbola, in 1871, Charlotte Davis. He is a member of the Silliman Guards and an Odd Fellow. He was elected a justice of the peace in 1870.
Augustus Weber was born in Baltimore, in 1838, and in 1864 came to this place. He worked for some years as a carpenter and builder. He served as a private in Company C 9th Pennsylvania Reserves and was elected justice in 1876. He is a member of the Silliman Guards. He married Esther Wild, of Mahanoy City, by whom he has two children. He is a mine carpenter at the Webster colliery.
Patrick McCarthy was born in county Waterford, Ire- land, in 1847, and came to Mahanoy in 1860, where he married Mary Ann Murphy in 1875. He is a member of the board of education. He has served as councilman, and was elected justice in 1869. He has worked as a miner all his life.
Andrew Comrey, general insurance agent, is one of the leading citizens of the place, and an able and successful editor. He has occupied various positions of honorable trust and he is connected with many of the local enter- prises. He has served as justice for several years.
George W. Wythe, insurance agent and notary public for the First National Bank, was born in Minersville, in December, 1843, and came to Mahanoy City in 1865, as clerk in a store. He is a justice of the peace, elected in 1878. He married Emma R. Fay, of Pottsville, in 1867.
FIRE COMPANIES.
Humane Fire Company, No. 1, was organized June 18th, 1868, with 24 members. Fred. L. Spiegel was pres- ident; W. R. Yost secretary, and P. Hermony treasurer. At a special meeting held November 12th, 1868, M. M. Ketner was elected president in place of Spiegel, and he served until January, 1880, when he resigned, owing to his having been appointed warden of the county prison at Pottsville. At a meeting of the company May 20th, 1880, Mr. Ketner was presented with a handsome gold headed cane as a testimonial of the esteem in which he was held by the members of the Humane. The
H. H. Stauffer, who may be called the senior justice of the peace in Mahanoy, has been connected with the interests of Mahanoy township since 1824; his father set- tling here in 1808. He married, in 1848, Christiana Reichers, of Union township, who died September 12th, 1849. In 1853 he married Catharine T. Krieger, a na- tive of Rush, and he has eleven children living. Mr. Stauffer was interested in the organization of this town- ship, and for years was actively identified with its affairs. officers for 1880 were: President, Patrick McInertney;
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MAHANOY CITY FIRE DEPARTMENT-SCHOOLS-THE PRESS.
vice-president, Patrick McCarthy; secretary, M. L. Mur- phy; treasurer, Philip McGuire. The " Humanes " have leased a piece of ground containing about five acres, known as "Smith's Farm," in the immediate vicinity of the town, which will be improved for a pleasure park and parade ground. The last financial statement of the company showed total assets of $1,258. The apparatus of the company was furnished by, and belongs to, the borough.
The Citizens' Fire Company, No. 2, was organized in February, 1870, and received a charter the same year. The first officers were: E. S. Silliman, president; Lucian Troutman, secretary; M. L. Thompson, treasurer. John F. Shoener was chosen foreman, and served until 1874, when at a meeting of the company, which up to that time had been largely made up of business and professional men, who found the duties of the position too burden- some, a resolution was adopted authorizing M. M. Bow- man, who had been from the inception of the fire depart- ment one of its ablest supporters, to recruit twenty young and active men, of good standing in the place, for mnem- bership. At a subsequent meeting twenty-one candi- dates were reported by Mr. Bowman, and a reorganiza- tion was effected. George Major, then chief burgess of the borough, was elected foreman.
On the evening of October 30th, 1874, an alarm of fire was sounded, and the companies were called out. While at the fire a quarrel arose betveen William Major, a brother of the foreman, and an Irishman named Sullivan, connected with the Humane Company, during which Major was fatally shot. In the excitement that followed the murderer escaped. An Irishman named Dan Dough- erty was arrested, tried and acquitted; and it was not until some years later that, from the disclosures made by some of the "Mollies," it was learned that the real murderer was a man named McCann, who had disappeared and has never been apprehended.
George Giger was elected in the place of Major, and served until 1878. John Jones was foreman in 1879, and Esau Reese in 1880. The first hose carriage of the com- pany was procured from the Good Intent Company, of Pottsville, by whom, many years before, it had been pur- chased of the old Fame Company of Philadelphia. It is believed to be the oldest carriage in use in the State, and is still in good condition and occupying a post of honor in the department building. In 1875 a steam fire engine of the Silsby patern was procured, at a cost of $5,500, of which sum the borough council contributed two-fifths, the balance being paid by the company. A new hose carriage was added in 1870. The company has about 1,600 feet of good leather hose, a good reading room, and an engine admirably well kept and manned.
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS.
The first meeting of the school board of the new bor- ough was held in June, 1864. The board was composed of John M. Barry, W. H. Heidenrich, Valentine Benner, John Tobin and David Phillips. At this meeting John M. Barry was elected president, David Phillips treasurer and John M. Conyngham secretary.
The number of school buildings at that time was three, accommodating sixteen schools. The board has since erected a handsome building on Centre street, at an ex- pense of about $15,000, and has largely added to and improved the Spruce street building. The total number of buildings in 1880 was three, accommodating nineteen schools, with an equal number of teachers. The high school affords all of the practical features of an academic education. The total value of property owned by the department is $60,000. T. W. Spurr was president in 1880, and A. W. Brown secretary.
HOTELS.
The Mansion House is the property of the Philadel- phia and Reading Coal and Iron Company. It occupies the site on which a wayside tavern had stood since 1809. Mr. Charles F. King is the proprietor.
The Merchants' Hotel stands on West Centre street. It is owned and kept by F. Keyser.
The Eagle Hotel is on North Main street. Harrison Derrick is its owner, and Charles P. Derrick its manager.
The Exchange Hotel, at 16 East Centre street, is kept by Patrick H. Ryon, an old miner who lost his eyesight by a premature blast in 1860. At this house the first borough election of Mahanoy City was held.
THE PRESS.
The founding of the first newspaper in Mahanoy City was due to supposed party exigencies. In the summer of 1865, a time when party spirit ran very high, it was rumored that a Democratic newspaper was in contempla- tion. Alarmed at this prospect, some prominent local politicians of the opposite party united in a movement that inaugurated the Mahanoy City Gasette, which made its first appearance on Saturday, November 11th, 1865, under the editorial management of Dr. George B. H. Swayze, who was one of its founders. Associated with him as owners of the young Republican organ were David Phillips, Frank Carter, E. S. Silliman, Charles M. Hill, Yost & Reagan, and one or two others; each of whom contributed the sum of $100 towards the working capital. Previous to this date a Tamaqua establishment had put in here a small job printing office. The publication of the Gazette, while in the hands of Messrs. Swayze & Phillips, was marked by a display of literary talent on the
The company in 1880 mustered forty men, with the part of the editor which made the paper a valuable following officers: John H. Dunn, president; M. M. organ for its party; but the large medical practice of Bowman, secretary; David Hahnstock, treasurer; Esau Dr. Swayze and the mercantile interests of his partner interfered with their politico-literary venture to such an extent that they disposed of the material, etc., to William Reese, foreman; William Dennis, chief engineer; Thomas Whyatt and M. S. Giger, assistants.
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
Ramsey and Charles Dunkelberger, two practical print- ers, who continued to publish the Gazette, dropping from its title the word "City." From the time of this change, in 1866, until the present, it has been owned successively by Ramsey & Dunkelberger, Ramsey & Spencer, William Ramsey, Lyon & Comrey, Andrew Comrey, and Reinhold & Sollenberger. Under Mr. Ramsey, who united his fortunes with those of the paper for the longest time, there was issued for more than a year a small advertising sheet for gratuitous distribution, called the Wednesday Gazette. During the proprietor- ship of Lyon & Comrey the name of the paper was changed to The Mahanoy Tribune, and the wife of the senior partner, Mrs. Jane Lyon, occupied the responsi- ble position of editor. The present editors and proprie- tors, Reinhold & Sollenberger, are gentlemen of mark- ed talents and well known throughout the State. The Tribune is an eight-column folio, published weekly.
When Ramsey & Spencer dissolved partnership (July 14th, 1871) the latter established a job printing office in the town, and issued a small advertising sheet, named The Mahanoy Local, for free distribution. He started the Mahanoy Valley Record on Thursday, November 2nd, 1871. A year later he sold the business to John Parker, formerly of the Anthracite Monitor. The paper, which had been Republican, in 1877 became an advocate of the principles on which the National Greenback Labor party is, in the main, based. The publication was changed, September 15th, 1877, to a tri-weekly, issued Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of each week, at one cent per copy. This change resulted in a largely increased cir- culation, the name of the paper being Parker's Tri- Weekly Record. John Parker, the editor and pro- prietor was elected State senator for the 30th district in 1878.
SILLIMAN GUARDS.
This company (Company C 7th P. S. G.) was mustered in November 13th, 1875, and the following officers were elected: Captain, John F. Shoener; Ist lieutenant, Frank Wenrich; 2nd lieutenant, S. S. Hoppes. The rank and file number sixty-three men. The company purchased their own equipments, at a total cost to themselves and their friends of about $3,000, to which fund E. S. Silli- man, president of the First National Bank, was a liberal contributor. During the strike and riots of 1877 the Guards were called out, and served at Harrisburg and Pittsburgh from July 26th to August 10th. As conserv- ators of law and order the company has been eminently a success, proving a standing menace to the lawless ele- ment, the course of which in the city and vicinity made its organization a necessity, while the prudent management of its officers has prevented collisions that, under less cautious leadership, might have been of frequent occur- rence and disastrous results.
The Guards have twice attended State encampments; once during the Centennial Exposition, and again at Camp Meade, in 1880. They have a fine armory in the C'ty Hall block, on South Main street.
REPRESENTATIVE MEMBERS OF THE GUARDS.
Captain John A. Shoener was born in Berks county, Pennsylvania, in 1834, and in 1855 settled in Tremont, where he was engaged in business for several years. On the 25th of April, 1861, he enlisted in the 14th Pennsyl- vania volunteers, and was given the rank of first lieuten- ant of Company B. At close of its term of service he re- enlisted as second lieutenant of Company D 55th Penn- sylvania volunteers, and was promoted to the first lieu- tenancy of his company. After a long and arduous campaign he was mustered out on account of disability, and settled in Mahanoy City, carrying on the business of an architect and builder. He married at Tremont, in this county, October 3d, 1856, Mary Fraley, of Millers- burg, Pa. On the organization of the Silliman Guards he was elected to its command; and, in his long career as its commanding officer, has amply justified the confidence placed in him.
First Lieutenant Frank Wenrich, who is referred to among the chief burgesses of Mahanoy City, has also proved an efficient officer.
Second Lieutenant Solomon S. Hoppes is a native of Schuylkill county, born in West Penn township in Sep- tember, 1846. He served in the 34th Pennsylvania re- serves during the rebel invasion of Pennsylvania, and re-enlisted in Company A 202d Pennsylvania volunteers, as a private. He was in the engagement at Salem Hill. He was discharged August 3d, 1865, and afterward vol- unteered for three months additional service. He was commissioned to his present rank at the organization of the Guards. August 13th, 1874, he married Katie E. Stitzer, of this place. Since 1876 he has been a grocer. Before that he was a book-keeper at the Excelsior mills for four years.
First Sergeant William Y. Weber has been with the Guards since their organization; enlisting as a corporal, and, by various stages, being promoted to his present position. Sergeant Weber is a tinsmith. He is a native of Schuylkill Haven, and married Emma A. Medlar, of Mahanoy City.
Sergeant William F. Richardson was born in St. Clair, Schuylkill county, May 24th, 1856, and in 1861 came to Mahanoy City with his father, Isaac W. Richardson, who was a miner. He was on the original roll of the Silli- man Guards, and was promoted to his present rank. Ser- geant Richardson married Hannah Lewis, of this place, July 29th, 1878.
Corporal George N. Steach was born at Womelsdorf, Berks county, Pa., in 1837, and married Anna Rhine, of North Heidelberg, Pa. In 1864 he came to this city. He is an original member of the Guards. He is a brick- maker, but for several years has been employed in the grocery house of J. N. Kutz in Mahanoy City.
H. Fermier was born in Bavaria, in 1849, and came to America with his parents in 1851, settling in Philadelphia. He came to Mahanoy City in 1867 and worked as clerk in various stores. He married Agnes Sheipe, of this place. He has been with the Guards since the organiza- tion of the company.
E.L.SEVERN.
LOUIS BLASS.
.
.
BUSINESS ENTERPRISES OF MAHANOY CITY.
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Corporal William Short was born in Monmouthshire, Wales; coming to America in 1848, when a child. His family settled in Philadelphia, where his father pursued the business of shoemaking. He came to Mahanoy City in 1872, and married Maggie Bolton, of St. Clair, Pa. He has been with the Guards since 1876.
BUSINESS ASSOCIATIONS.
First National Bank .- This institution was organized September 27th, 1864, with a paid up capital of $50,000, and commenced business December 13th, 1864. The first directors were Abraham Focht, Henry Meyer, Ed- ward S. Silliman, Frank Carter, William Reagan, David Phillips and Edward Boyd. The first president was Abraham Focht, and William L. Yoder has always been the cashier. Nicholas Ballat was elected president July 17th, 1867, succeeded by Edward S. Silliman, August 8th, 1867. The present capital is $80,000; surplus, $22,- 000. The bank building. Masonic Hall, and cashier's dwelling are all in one building, which cost $10,500.
The Fidelity Building and Loan Association of Mahanoy City was incorporated October 29th, 1874. The follow- ing were the first officials: President, A. W. Brown; vice-president, William B. Wagner; secretary, T. H. B. Lyon; solicitor, I. Y. Sollenberger; treasurer, E. S. Silliman; directors-A. W. Brown, William B. Wagner, William Watkins, William L. Yoder, James K. Watkins, A. J. Luburg, John F. Shoener, Charles Boner and John Parker. The auditor's exhibit for the year ending Octo- ber 19th, 1880, showed total assets of $95,708.69, of which $10,142 was in real estate at cost value (which yielded during the year a net income of 11 per cent.), with liabilities to shareholders of $70,986.72. The total number of shares outstanding was: Ist series, 718; 2nd series, 175; 3d series, 354. The values of these were re- spectively $118.46, $27.91 and $13.46.
Scheurman's Building, Loan and Saving Fund Associ- ation was organized in October, 1874, with Carl Scheur- man as president, David Bowman treasurer and William Encke secretary. This institution is supported mainly by the German-American citizens of Mahanoy. The statement of auditors for the year ending September 30th, 1880, shows net assets of $28,215.90, of which $7,000 is in real estate; and liabilities of $2,939.70, or a surplus to stockholders of $25,276.11. The whole number of shares at that date was two hundred and thirty-one, with a present value of $109.42 each.
The officers for 1880 were: David Bowman, president; G. F. Dipper, treasurer; William Encke, secretary; W. H. B. Lyon and Andrew Comrey, auditors.
Other Saving Funds .- The Mahanoy City and William Tell Building and Loan Associations were in liquidation in 1880, their shares having matured. The Weber is still in operation, but up to the time of going to press the data asked for a sketch of it had not been furnished.
Mahanoy City Gas Company .- This corporation was organized February 21st, 1874. Its first directors were E. S. Silliman, W. F. Smith, George H. Troutman, E. K. Weber and J. C. Knapp. The first officers were: W. F.
Smith, president; George H. Troutman, secretary; Wil- liam L. Yoder, treasurer. The authorized capital of the company is $30,000, of which $18,000 is paid up. The works were completed and the gas turned on October ist, 1874, about two miles of pipes having been laid. The gas is made made from naphtha, and the company's buildings are located at Second and Railroad streets. In 1875 E. F. Smith succeeded W. F. Smith as president; in 1876 E. S. Silliman was elected, and he has since held the office. Mr. Troutman was secretary until 1878, when Andrew Comrey was elected, who is the present secretary. Mr. Yoder is still treasurer. The directors for 1880 were E. S. Silliman, W. L. Yoder, E. F. Smith, H. K. Smith and A. Comrey. The works have cost $20,000. Andrew Comrey is the superintendent.
Mahanoy City Water Company .- The great need of this borough for years was a trustworthy supply of good water. The product of wells and springs was tainted with sulphur to a great extent, and liable to contamina- tion by surface water in floods, and to stagnation in time of drouth. The organization of the Mahanoy City Water Company was the necessary outgrowth of this want. A charter authorizing the issue of stock to the amount of $75,000 was procured in 1864, and under it E. S. Silli- man was elected president, and Frank Carter secretary. John Eichman was appointed collector and superintend- ent. A tract of land about two miles north from the borough, containing a fine mountain spring flowing from the red shale, was leased from the Girard estate. A reservoir was made which has furnished a never-failing supply of water, from which the company supplies the adjacent collieries, the fire department, mills and private consumers. President Silliman and Superintendent Eich- man have retained those positions until the present time. About two miles of mains and three miles of distributing pipes have been laid, and in 1880 a new dam (the third) was erected.
GRAN IRON WORKS.
MAHANOY CITY PENN
THE GRANT IRON WORKS.
These works, located just south of the borough limits, were erected in 1865, by Thomas Wren, of Pottsville. In 1866 they were purchased by Ralph R. Lee and George H. Wren, who operated them under the firm name of Lee & Wren until 1876, when Mr. Lee retired, since which time they have been conducted by George H. Wren. The buildings consist of the machine shop, 135 feet long, 35
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