USA > Pennsylvania > Schuylkill County > History of Schuylkill County, Pa. with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers > Part 74
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Pine Grove Light Infantry .- This military company was organized January 9th, 1877, with 46 men rank and file. The first commissioned officers were: George W. Channell, captain; John W. Barr, Ist lieutenant; John P. Earnest, 2d lieutenant. The services of the company during the riots of 1877 are elsewhere spoken of.
The present commissioned officers are: John Barr, captain; John P. Earnest, Ist lieutenant; J. R. Lehman, 2d lieutenant.
CHURCHES.
St. Peter's Lutheran and Reformed Church .- Near the place where St. Peter's church now stands originally a German Reformed church was erected about the time this region was settled. It was probably organized and the church erected about 1782. The first minister was
Rev. Mr. Gaensel. Rev. Henry Deckert was the pastor about 1797, and Rev. Benjamin Boyer a number of years. The old church was built of hewn logs, and was used as a house of worship until 1816, when it was taken apart, floated down the Swatara river, and put up again as a dwelling house near Jonestown, Lebanon county, where it still remains
In March, 1815, it was resolved to build a new union church for the Lutheran and Reformed congregations. The Lutherans elected Rev. George Mennig their pastor; Sebastian Spancake and John Bonawitz elders, Jonathan Seidel and John Zimmerman deacons. The officers of the Reformed congregation at this time were: Belthazzar Hautz and John Heberling, elders; Michael Huber and Michael Heberling, deacons.
On Whit-Monday, 1816, the corner stone of the new church was laid. The building committee were Michael Heberling, John Barr, Michael Huber, and Sebastin Spancake. The master mechanics were Bernard Henry, carpenter, and Henry Webber, mason. October 19th, 1817, the building was dedicated. It was built of stone, and had galleries on three sides. It was used in this form until 1870, when a basement was added at a cost of about $2,000. The congregation worshiping in this church is free from debt.
The members of the Lutheran congregation in St. Peter's, at the time of its organization, in 1816, were: John Barr, John Zimmerman, John Zimmerman, jr., Peter Zim- merman, Jonathan Seidel, John Bonawitz and wife, John Bonawitz, jr., John Zerbe and wife, Adam Lengel and wife, Susan Schnock, Catharine Hetzell, Susanna Schnock, Cath- erine Behr, Maria Buechler, Elisabeth Buchler, Anna M. Minnig, Maria Berger, Maria Yarnell, Elizabeth Plantz, Regina Huber, Elizabeth Conrad, Christiana Hautz, Catharine Griegbaum, George Barr, and Fanny Christ.
No record has been kept of the Reformed congrega- tion. Rev. John Gring was pastor for over thirty years, from 1826. Revs. Julius Kurtz, R. Appel, Reily, Graeff, and Heister have been pastors successively. The first pastor of St. Peter's Lutheran congregation, organized in 1816, was Rev. George Mennig, who served until the year 1833. From that time until 1855, the terms of the pastors' services are not recorded, but the following min- isters served: Revs. J. F. Haesbert, M. Harpel, William G. Mennig, A. Gockelen, J. M. Dietzler, B. Fruehe and Julius Ehrhart. In the early part of 1855 Rev. Elias S. Henry was elected pastor of the Lutheran St. Peter's congregation, and he has served it up to this time, 26 years. There are 165 Lutheran communicants. The present elders are Simon Spancake and Absalom Gott- schall; deacons, Levi Zimmerman and James Clemens; trustees, Benjamin Greenawalt, Aaron Huber and Adam Zimmerman.
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized April 27th, 1845, by the adoption of a constitution and the election of Dr. John Kitzmiller and Henry Wile deacons. The following were constituent members: Dr. John Kitzmiller and wife Leah, Henry Wile and wife Eliza, George Cressman and wife Mary, John Barr, sr.,
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
George Barr and wife Catherine, Vietor L. Conrad, Sarah A. Conrad, Mary Conrad. Peter Filbert and wife Elizabeth, Antonetta Derby, William Graeff and wife Elizabeth, Anna Graeff, Mary Snyder, George R. Cress- man, Adam Cressman, Henry Cressman, Catherine Cress- man, Hannah Cressman, Sarah Cressman, Elijah Stees, Elizabeth Strimpfler, Anna Strimpfler, Mary Brandt, Doreas Stackpole, William Eekert and wife Rebecca.
Rev. B. Sadler became pastor in 1845, Rev. E. Brei- denbach in 1849, and Rev. Elias S. Henry, the present pastor, in 1852.
Of the original communicants only about a dozen are living and less than half that number are in connection with the church.
The present membership is one hundred and fifty.
In the constitution of the church no preference is given to the German or English language; and at present about five English sermons are preached to every two in the German tongue.
Services were at first held in the school-house, but early in 1845 Peter Filbert, John Kitzmiller, Augustin Helms, Frederic G. Werntz and Victor L. Conrad were appointed a building committee, and on the 21st of Sep- tember of the same year the corner stone of the present church was laid. It was dedicated in December, 1846. It is of stone, 38 by 56 feet. It has recently been refur- nished at considerable expense. The congregation owns also a comfortable and commodious parsonage.
The Sunday-school of this church was founded in 1836. The first superintendent was Frederick W. Conrad. Of the original members only William Farrier, the present librarian, and Miss Esther Conrad, the superintendent of the infant department, remain in the school. The su- perintendents have been Messrs. Conrad, Miller, Whar- ton, V. L. Conrad, John E. Graeff, James T. Kendall, George W. Channell and Benjamin Rowe. It has three hundred scholars, divided into two departments, and twenty-five officers and teachers. It has two organs and a library of sixteen hundred volumes.
St. Paul's Evangelical Church .- In 1841 Rev. Francis Hoffman preached in the school house in Pine Grove for a time. In autumn of the same year a class of 40 was formed, with Mr. Levi Miller, sen., as leader, and Paul Barr as ex- horter. This was the nucleus of the present Evangelical church, the constituent members of which were Levi Mil- ler, John D. Rehrer, Paul Barr, Mrs. Levi Miller, Mrs. Mary Rehrer, Mrs. Paul Barr, Henry Sehropp, Michael Heckler, Jacob Barr and wife, George Mars, Henry Wile, George Herman and wife, William Gorgas and wife, Ja- cob Rehrer, Henry Spancake, Solomon Manbeek and wife, John Huber, sen., and wife, George Heimbaek and wife, John Barr, Abbey Barr, Elias Thompson, Israel Thomp- son, George Fisher, Daniel Copenhaver, Susan Umper- hacker, Isaac Huber, Henry Schropp and wife, John Hu- ber and Julia Huber. Services were continued regularly in the school-house until 1842, when a large room in the private residence of Paul Barr was fitted up and used.
The first church building was ereeted and dedicated in 1843. The lot on which it stood -- on Mill street-was
donated by Levi Miller. The present church edifice is of briek, 40 by 60 feet, two stories in height. It was dedi- cated in 1864.
The following were the pastors sent to this congrega- tion by the East Pennsylvania Conference, in the order named: Revs. Franeis Hoffman, S. Neitz, Rev. Mr. Ber- ger, F. Hoffman, Frederick Kreeker, S. Neitz, George T. Haines, J. C. Farnsworth, Jacob Gross, John Shell, J. M. Saylor, S. Neitz, William Yost, Lewis Snyder, Reu- ben Litzenberger, Jacob Adams, Francis Hoffman, J. O. Lehr, Thomas Bowman, C. S. Haman, J. C. Hornberger, A. M. Stirk, W. K. Wieand, S. S. Chubb, J. M. Oplinger, D. A. Medlar, present pastor, appointed in March, 1880.
The congregation had at one time over 100 members in its communion, but quite a number emigrated and many died. Two parties have seceded and founded other churches. This is the mother congregation of sev- eral churches in this town. Its membership at present is 109, and divided into two classes, one English and the other German. John D. Reher is leader of the latter class and J. J. Krimmel exhorter. D. A. Medlar, the present pastor, is leader of the English class, and Charles F. Molly exhorter. The present trustees are Daniel Gen- semer, J. J. Krimmel, Penrose Barto, Charles F. Molly and F. W. Reber.
Rev. J. O. Lehr preached the first English sermon in 1864, on Sunday evening. English services were con- tinued from that time every two weeks until the Rev. Thomas Bowman, now a bishop of the Methodist Epis- copal church, was stationed there, who preached in En- glish every Sunday evening. From that time to the present the services have been German in the morning and English in the evening. The congregation owns two organs, using one in the church service and the other in Sunday-school.
A Sunday-school connected with this church was or- ganized April 13th, 1851, with about 30 scholars. Levi Miller was the first superintendent The present num- ber of pupils, teachers and officers is 240, and of volumes in the library 1,350.
Methodist Episcopal Church .- The Methodist Episcopal church of Pine Grove is the result of the spontaneous movement on the part of a number of persons who de- sired more English preaching than the established churches of the place afforded, and who appealed to this denomination as meeting their theological views and spir- itual wants.
In February, 1876, these persons invited Rev. Theo- dore Stevens, then pastor of the Methodist Episcopal church of Lebanon, to preach for them, and at his sug- gestion Rev. Curtis F. Turner, presiding elder of Susque- hanna district of the Philadelphia Conference, was re- quested to visit the place and inaugurate the steps lead- ing to the organization of a Methodist church. Under his direction application was made to Bishop Gilbert Haven, presiding over the Philadelphia Conference, for recognition and the appointment of a pastor. On the 6th of April, 1876, Rev. W. J. Mills was appointed to the charge, and immediately entered upon his duties.
L. Nothing
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CHURCHES OF PINE GROVE-COL. J. L. NUTTING.
St. Peter's Lutheran and Reformed church was used. Here, on the 20th of April, the pastor completed the organization by receiving into fellowship 66 persons, many of whom had been members of other churches.
A valuable property on the corner of Tulpehocken and Mill streets was donated by Levi Miller, sen., and on this site a brick church in the gothic style of architecture. 70 by 40 feet, was erected. The lower story was dedi- cated December 17th, 1876, by Bishop Simpson. In the following spring the entire structure was completed, and the auditorium was dedicated on the 27th of May, 1877, also by Bishop Simpson.
A parsonage was built in the rear of the church edifice, fronting on Mill street. The entire church property is worth about $25,000, and is free from debt. Rev. T. M.
Jackson became pastor in March, 1879. The church has | give counsel, and in the weightier matters of col- 64 members and 14 probationers. The Sunday-school lege classes the advice and counsel of student Nutting has about 200 members, and owns a library of about 650 volumes.
The United Brethren Church in Christ was organized in 1847 by Rev. J. A. Sand. Rev. Christian Kreider had preached here some time previous to the organization of the church. The following were the original members: Paul Barr and wife, Jacob Barr and wife, John Huber and wife, Henry Spancake and wife, Henry Shrop and wife, Jacob Bucher and wife, Lewis Hackman and wife, Peter Gamble and wife, William Lutz and wife and Fred- erick Spoorman. Paul Barr was appointed the first class leader. Meetings were first held in a portion of Paul Barr's house. The society built a church in 1847 on land donated by William Eckert. It is of wood, 35 by 42 feet, and cost about $2,000. The church was completed and dedicated in the fall of 1847. The building com- mittee were Paul Barr, Jacob Barr, Frederick Spoorman and Henry Spancake.
The following have been the pastors of this church: J. A. Sand, Simon Noll, Lewis Cranmer, George Smith, Jacob Rupp, David Hoffman, John Lowery, Jacob Deurkson, James G. Fritz, Lewis Fleisher, J. G. Clair, Samuel Etter, J. Binkley, Henry Hackman, James Shoop, Philip Shaeffer, William Uhler, J. F. Smith, - Cran- mer. The pulpit is at present supplied by Rev. Messrs. Shindler and Arnt. The number of members is about 40.
A Sunday-school was organized in 1847. S. Hikes was the superintendent over twenty two years. The school is kept up during the entire year, and numbers about 50 scholars.
BIOGRAPHICAL.
COLONEL JAMES L. NUTTING.
himself to enter college at the age of twenty. In this preparation he had but meager assistance, as country districts in those days did not afford the advantages of a preparation for college. But with a thirst for knowledge, industrious and economical habits already well formed in him, and a strong will, he was able to surmount all difficulties, and entered Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, in 1838.
The same industrious habits that he had acquired in boyhood characterized him there. He was known among his fellow students as an honest, hard-working student, intent on acquiring an education, taking more delight in the pursuit of knowledge than engaging in the many freaks that belong to college classes. He was always re- garded by his classmates as one competent and ready to
were always sought. He graduated with honors at the age of twenty-four. His expenses at college were mainly met by his savings from teaching during the winter, when there was but little to do on the farm. This occu- . pation he entered upon at sixteen.
After graduating Mr. Nutting turned his attention to the study of law, and entered the law office of Howard & Shepley, Portland, Maine. After completing his course of study here, and finding his savings entirely enhausted, he betook himself again to the profession of teaching, for which he had a liking and possessed miny eminent qual- ifications. He now turned his face toward the State of his adoption, and landed in Womelsdorf, Berks county, and at once opened the academy there, which had been for some time closed for the want of patronage. Under the supervision of Mr. Nutting it was fast becoming a popular institution of that town, but he had not deter- mined to settle there, and at the intimation of Mr. Burns, now of Minersville, and a literary gentleman of some note, that he might find a fuller appreciation of his tal- ents in Pine Grove, he removed to that place April Ist, 1847. He entered at once upon his professson here, teaching a private school upon a number of the public spirited citizens guaranteeing him a fixed salary until the public schools opened in the fall, when he assumed charge. Under his supervision they soon reached an efficiency they had never before attained.
Many active business men received their education under the charge of Mr. Nutting, and owe much of their success in life to the thorough training they received, and to the persevering and industrious habits that he taught by example as well as precept. He continued in charge of the school in Pine Grove for five years. He subsequent- ly moved to New Berlin, this State, where he reopened an academy; but the profession failing to remunerate him sufficiently he was forced, like many others, to abandon it for the more remunerative pursuits of business life, and returned to Pine Grove, which he had already decided to make his future home.
James L. Nutting was born in Cumberland county, Maine, June 12th, 1818. He was, therefore, 62 years and eight days old at the time of his death, which oc- curred June 20th, 1880. He was one of four sons of a sturdy New England farmer, and in his early youth followed farming until, by diligent application and a In 1857, in partnership with John F. Derby, he became interested in the Pine Grove iron works, which they oper- perseverance that never acknowledged failure, in connec- tion with his arduous duties on the farm, he had prepared |ated till 1864, when Mr. Nutting sold out, and entered
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HISTORY OF SCHUYLKILL COUNTY.
the coal firm of Borda, Kellar & Nutting. He subse- qquently became joint owner with William J. Lewis of the Eckert col 'ery, which they continued to operate till 1872, when he sold out his interest in the coal business, and retired almost to private life, with a competency as a reward for his industry and perseverance. During the time he was engaged in the iron business he not only at- tended to the business management of the firm, but it is said none of his employes worked harder than himself. No honest labor was too lowly for him to lay his hands to.
In 18;2 he purchased the Brookside farm, to which he gave his personal supervision till the time of his death.
In 1876 he was nominated by acclamation as the unanimous choice of the Republicans of Schuylkill county for Congress, and was generally believed to have been honestly elected, although the certificate of election was given to his opponent, as having a majority of 81 votes on the returns. This election Mr. Nutting vigor- ously but vainly contested, being convinced that he had a majority of the votes cast. Subsequent to that date Mr. Nutting took little active part in politics, though an earnest advocate of the principles of the Republican party. His popularity with the masses was evidenced in the ballot, he having overcome a Democratic majority of [, 777 votes cast for the Presidential nominee, Samuel J. Tilden.
In the exceedingly active and partisan campaign no word of reproach could be brought against his public or private life. His most bitter opponents were forced to admit that his honor was irreproachable. The Standard, the Democratic organ of the county, was prompt to ad- mit that his honor and honesty were untarnished, and that Mr. Nutting was "a genial and clever gentlemen, and, like Mr. Hayes, there could not be much said against him."
During all his business and political life he never re- laxed his interest in the cause of education, and was found as regular in attendance at the county institute, and as actively interested in the discussion of educational topics, as any of the teachers in the county. He was a member of the board of education of Pine Grove until his death.
acterize too many of the young of the present day, he had but little sympathy. He believed that these were not the means to develop the stronger traits of character that might be lying dormant within; that to develop the symmetrical statue from the unhewn ashlar required harder knocks from the hands and chisel of time. He was truly a self-made man, and his life an example of what persevering industry, honesty of purpose, and cor- rect habits may attain to.
Though not a member of any church, no professing Christian or church member was found more regularly at the sanctuary than he, or more ready to give to the sup- port of the gospel, and to whatever else advanced the interests of the church and the cause of Christ. His re- ligion was in practice rather than in profession, and many a barrel of flour and bundle of dry goods found their way into the houses of the poor, while from his farm went many bags of potatoes and other produce to the deserv- ing, without their being able to tell whence they came. He was always on the alert to find some one struggling to help himself, and was ever ready to extend the help- ing hand. He was greatly interested in the work of Sun- day schools, and gave liberally toward their support. Most of the churches of Pine Grove, in their happy free- dom from debt, owe much to the liberality and persever- ance of Mr. Nutting, for he not only gave liberally him- self, but incited and persuaded others to do so. He was at one time elected treasurer of the German Reformed church, and in the building of the new Methodist Epis- copal church was a member of the board of trus- tees. He had but little regard for the knotty points in theology, and troubled himself but little in regard to how many angels could stand on the point of a cambric needle. In the doctrinal points that too often divide churches and alienate them in sympathy he took but little interest, but in the broad principles of Chris- tianity he was a firm believer; and there can be no doubt that he passed from earth in full sympathy with and an unwavering faith in the principles of Christianity. He died of apoplexy, suddenly and painlessly, supported in the arms of his daughter, Annie G. In church govern- ment he inclined the Congregationalist form; for in that church, of which his parents were members, he received his early religious training. October 15th, 1851, he mar- ried Barbara Ann, daughter of William and Elizabeth Graeff, who died March 8th, 1877. To them were born three children, a little girl who died in infancy, February 22nd, 1854; Willie, who died March 26th, 1857, aged 4 years and 7 months; and Annie, who survives him. Of his father's family his mother still survives him, living at the old homestead, Otisville, Maine, at the advanced age of 87. A sister, Mrs. Eastman, lives at Casco, Maine; and of two brothers, both his juniors, Albert lives with- his aged mother at the homestead, and Lym in Nutting is the well-known iron manufacturer of Lebanon, Pa., and is also well and favorably known in this county, county, and is still a member of the firm of Miller, Graeff & Co.
Mr. Nutting believed that man was the architect of his own fortune; that he was his own best friend or worst enemy. While there was, probably, less selfishness in his character than belongs to the average of mankind, he be- lieved thoroughly in the inherent qualities of one's self, and that in them lay the future prospects and usefulness in life, rather than in borrowed advantages that circum- stances might throw around one. In the development of better traits of character; in directing the energies and forming correct habits in the young, he was especially interested, and was always ready to extend the helping hand, or give the needed counsel to the furtherance of these ends. With the profligate habits, the desire for having been engaged in the coal business of this ease or some light and genteel employment, in which hands and clothes need not be soiled, that seem to char-
32 1
THE CONRAD FAMILY.
HENRY W. CONRAD.
This prominent citizen of Schuylkill county was born in Worcester township, Montgomery county. Pa., on the 8th of February, 1789. He received a good education in the schools of that time, and learned mathematics and surveying in Norristown. In 1810 he was married to Elizabeth Hendale, of his native county, and soon after removed to Pine Grove, Schuylkill county. During the war of 1812-14 he was captain of a company of soldiers from the county, called out for the defense of Baltimore against the British troops, and he received a major's com- mission at the end of the war. In 1821 he was appointed prothonotary of Schuylkill county, by Governor Joseph Hiester, and removed to Orwigsburg. He filled this office for three years, and in 1824 returned to Pine Grove, where he served as justice of the peace and deputy county surveyor for many years. He was widely known and popularly called " 'Squire Conrad " in the commun- ity. In 1837-39 he served as representative of the county for two sessions in the State Legislature, under the ad- ministrations of Governors George Wolf and Joseph Rit- ner. He was a strong advocate of the system of free schools, which was adopted by the State about that time. He was an active member of the Democratic party, and always took a prominent and influential part in the polit- ical affairs of the county. He was an earnest supporter of General Jackson, and a decided opponent of the United States bank. He also opposed the re-election of Governor Wolf for a third term, and in 1837 united with others of the Democratic party in nominating Hon. Henry A. Muhlenberg as "a third candidate," which resulted in the election of Joseph Ritner, the candidate of the Whigs.
He took an active part in all public improvements, and in the opening and development of the anthracite coal trade. He was at one time part owner of some of the most valuable coal lands of that region, which have since been developed and become worth millions of dollars.
During the last few years of his life his health was much impaired, and he died at Pine Grove on the 14th of May, 1841. The death of his widow occurred on the 12th of January, 1852. The remains of both repose in the cemetery of St. John's Lutheran Church at Pine Grove.
He was the father of eleven children, three of whom died quite young. Two sons survive-Rev. Frederick W. Conrad, D. D., editor, and Professor Victor L. Con rad, Ph. D., associate editor of the Lutheran Observer, Philadelphia, where both reside. Of the daughters, Miss Esther Conrad has made teaching her life profession, and resides at Pine Grove. Sarah A. Conrad was mar- ried to Rev. E. S. Henry, September 12th, 1853, and died August 12th, 1869. Charlotte E. Conrad became the wife of William Forrer on June 16th, 1846, and died May 25th, 1853. Frances Valeria Conrad was married to Rev. Richard P. Thomas in 1855, and resides in Springfield, Ohio.
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