USA > Pennsylvania > Tioga County > History of Tioga County, Pennsylvania, with Illustrations, portraits and sketches of prominent families and individuals > Part 42
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There is no place in the country where social events are more heartily relished and enjoyed than in the min- ing region of northern Pennsylvania, be it a church sociable, a picnic by a Sabbath-school, or an excursion or dance. The participants enter into it with a zest not known in other localities. While many of the refined ac- complishments and heartless formalities of polite society are not practiced to any great extent by the miner or his sons or daughters, still they are not lacking in those true gentlemanly and womanly traits which are the offspring of a warm and generous nature. Each right, each priv- ilege is taken into consideration, and from the weakest to the most robust all share alike the privileges of the occasion. All seem fond of music, both vocal and instru- mental, and some of the finest voices in the land are to be found among the miners. They are clever with musi- cal instruments, from the bagpipe to the organ and stringed or brass instruments. As dancers they are not excelled. They can step the hornpipe, jig, cotillion, waltz or schottische with any. At athletic games they are at home, and Caledonian feats are performed with as much ease and agility as on the native heath of auld Scotland. They have brought from across the ocean the honest sports of their native land, those practiced and grown dear through generations among the people. To witness them upon any of the holidays no one would suppose they were the same persons who the day before had
been seen away back in the mountains-shut out from the light of day, with lamps hooked to their caps, their faces begrimed with perspiration and coal dust, as black as the demon of darkness. The pranks of the youngsters at Hallowe'en, the joyous gatherings at Christmas and New Year's, are times when they most delight to indulge in the observances so well defined over all Great Britain. purely American holidays, as the 22nd of February and the 4th of July. None sing or play our national airs with more zeal or patriotism than the foreign born miners.
It is believed that in general moral character the miners in northern Pennsylvania are in advance of those in other localities in the State; for the same reason that would apply to any other class of our citizens-that their church organizations, lodges, societies, associations and schools have an elevating influence upon them as a body. Almost every denomination has a church organization, while the societies or lodges, such as the Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Ivorites, Patrons of Temperance, Catholic Temperance Association, etc., assemble to- gether men of all religious faiths and denominations and teach them to live together in a spirit of harmony and good feeling. The only hindrance to the continued pros- perity and success of the various churches and societies is a suspension of work, when the members are scattered and in many instances their organizations weakened to such an extent that they either dissolve or have their use- fulness much impaired. To reorganize and begin anew after one of these break-ups is a serious task. They are of less frequent occurrence now than in the early history of the mining places of the county, and consequently the moral ties are becoming stronger and stronger. Many religious bodies in the mining regions which at first could not sustain a stated minister joined with others in the nearest town, and thus secured preaching at regu- lar intervals, while others sustained Sunday-schools and by degrees strengthened their numbers, eventually organ- izing churches and employing msnisters.
SCHOOLS.
The schools of Morris Run as a general thing have ranked high in comparison with other schools of the county. There are now two school buildings, and four teachers employed, viz .: Foster Starkey and Misses Aggie Waddell, Anna Dunsmore and Anna Doine. Among the teachers who have taught here were William W. Gaskell, Miss M. A. Ryan, Miss Mary Olmstead, Miss Jennie Davis, Miss Jennie Gilmour, Mrs. W. L. Richards, J. T. Ballard, Miss Clara Whitman and Miss Kate Horlacher. The average attendance has been for years about 350. Night schools, for those who are employed during the day, have from time to time been in successful opera- tion, not only at Morris Run but all through the mining region. These schools were usually attended by a class of older scholars, who appreciated their privileges and opportunities and made commendable progress in their studies.
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CHURCHES OF MORRIS RUN.
CHURCHES.
Welsh Baptist Church .- The church organization was effected in 1864, and for a number of years service was held in the chapel on the East Hill. At the time of the organization Rev. J. R. Harris was pastor; deacons, John M. Jenkins and William S. Edwards. The present edifice was completed in 1873 and was dedicated the last Sab- bath of that month. The trustees then were W. S. Near- ing, Reese Lewis, John B. Davis, Daniel Wilkin and John L. Jones. Rev. Charles Jones officiated for a number of years, but at present the church has no stated minister.
Welsh Congregational Church .- The Welsh Congre- gational church was organized about the year 1864. Rev. Philip Peregrine, of Blossburg, was the first pastor. Among the first officers were John Morgan, deacon, and Thomas T. Reese, secretary. For a number of years the Rev. F. Tilo Evans, of Blossburg, officiated in the church. It is now in his charge, but no regular Sunday services have been held by him for some months.
Primitive Methodist Church .- The Primitive Methodist church at Morris Run was originally a Wesleyan organ- ization. A reorganization was effected about the year 1869, and the society went into the Primitive Methodist conference. Rev. George Parker was then pastor, Thomas Cooper leader, and James Richards trustee. There were twenty members, and branches of the church in Arnot, Blossburg and Fall Brook. The value of the church edifice is about 82,200.
For a time the church went on prosperously. The panic of 1873 and the strike of 1874 seriously affected it. About three years ago Rev. David Savage became its pastor, and he and his good wife, aided by the people of Morris Run and others, held festivals, solicited contri- butions and finally succeeded in paying off the debt and refitting and furnishing the church edifice. On Sunday October 19th 1879 the formal reopening exercises took place. In the morning the pastor, Rev. D. Savage, oc- cupied the pulpit, and the theme upon which he dwelt was " Repairing the Walls of Jerusalem." The sermon was very appropriate to the occasion. The music, by Professor Bennet's choir, was most excellent. Mrs. Lewis sang a solo, and all together the services were of a very interesting character. In the evening Rev. F. K Fowler, of the Baptist church of Blossburg, officiated.
Mr. Savage remained with the church until the spring of 1881, when, according to a tenet of the denomination, he vacated his pastorate and accepted another charge. Rev. J. H. Acornley became the pastor. The services are well attended and the church is prosperous.
SOCIETIES.
Morris Run Lodge, No. 678, I. O. O. F. was instituted January 22nd 1870. Its first officers were: William L. Richards, N. G .; Samuel Woodhouse, V. G .; William Myles, secretary; William R. Gilmour, treasurer; T. B. Anderson, P. G.
ber of its craftsmen have served years in the good work of Odd Fellowship. Major T. B. Anderson, W. L. Richards, William R. Gilmour, Matthew Waddell and others have grown gray in the service. The lodge has a fine hall, well furnished and kept. This organization has been instrumental in relieving the wants of many, and otherwise conferring great benefits upon the community. Its present officers are: Amos Holt, N. G .; James Doughty, V. G .; recording secretary, Thomas T. Reese; permanent secretary, J. N. Anderson; treasurer, W. R. Gilmour. Mr. Gilmour has been treasurer many years.
One of the most interesting incidents in the history of the lodge was the celebration of its tenth anniversary, at the hall, Saturday evening January 24th 1880. The committee of arrangements consisted of Daniel Holt, Thomas T. Reese, Frank Church, Morgan Lloyd and James Hadley. At 7 o'clock the hall was filled with the brethren and guests. The Morris Run choir and the Hamilton City brass band were present. Major T. B. Anderson made some remarks, showing the benefits that the members had derived from the lodge. In conclusion he made the following statement: Lodge organized Jan- uary 22nd 1870; charter members, 46; initiated since, 233; present membership, 153; number of families re- lieved, to; number of brethren relieved, 181; amount of week benefits, 85,036.25; amount of funeral benefits, $1,979.80; widow and family benefits, 8426; total, $7,445.05; amount in treasury, about $2,coo. After Ma- jor Anderson's remarks, and music, D. D. G. M. G. T. Losey delivered an eloquent address, which was followed by remarks by several members of this and other lodges, alternating with music. At the new hall a sumptuous feast had been prepared, of which some two hundred and twenty-five partook. The party was in good humor, and everything passed off pleasantly.
Louisa Lodge, No. 105, Daughters of Rebekah was or- ganized on the 14th of May 1875, and the following named persons were installed as its first officers: Samuel Woodhouse, noble grand; Louisa Rexford, vice-grand; Sarah A. Davis, recording secretary; Mary Davis, finan- cial secretary; Elmira Church, treasurer.
The lodge started with 30 charter members, and now has 46 members in good standing. It has done a noble work.
Tioga Lodge, No. 304, Knights of Pythias was organ- ized June 22nd 1871, with the following officers: James Patterson, P. C .; William Rumsey, C. C .; William P. Parker, V. C .; John W. Evans, K. of R. and S .; George Carlyle, M. at A .; Absalom Evans, M. of F .; William Powell, M. of E .; John Heron, I. G .; James Sampson, O. G.
The lodge opened with 25 members. It has since grown into a large and influential body, numbering among its members some of the best men in the town- ship and vicinity.
It has frequently had picnics, excursions, etc. In August 1879 it gave an excursion which is worthy of
The lodge numbers among its members some of the special mention. Failing to make satisfactory terms best and most prominent men of Morris Run. A num- with the Tioga and Elmira State Line Railroad for
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HISTORY OF TIOGA COUNTY.
transportation to Watkins, N. Y., the committee deter- mined to procure teams and convey those who desired to go from Morris Run to Tioga, a distance of 22 miles, and there take the Corning, Cowanesque and Antrim Rail- road to Watkins. They advertised for teams and wagons, and the night before the intended excursion these came in from the country in regular processions. A bonfire was built in the square in front of the new hall, and at 2 o'clock in the morning the bell at the store was rung, which was the signal for the people to assemble. Super- intendent Nearing and his aides de camp were busy ar- ranging the procession. It is said that at a quarter past 4 there were 120 conveyances in line, conveying over 800 people. At Blossburg the citizens turned out en masse to see the excursion pass through, and at Covington the people gave them a royal welcome, and also at Mansfield. The farmers along the route turned out and gave them a hearty " God speed." The excursion train from Tioga reached Glen Bridge safely at noon. Here the excur- sionists alighted and proceeded to the grove, where they enjoyed lunch, and then separated, each one following the bent of his own will, some going through the famous Watkins Glen, others enjoying the boat ride on the lake. On reaching Corning at 5 o'clock P. M., on the return the party was received by the citizens with the firing of can- non, bonfires, speeches and music by Pier's band. Hiram Pritchard welcomed them to Corning in a neat speech, which was responded to by Major T. B. Anderson, of Morris Run. The train reached Tioga at 8 P. M., and the party took the conveyances for Morris Run well pleased with the trip.
The present officers of Tioga Lodge are as follows: Benjamin Phillips, C. C .; Richard Esaias, V. C .; Thomas Y. Evans, P .; George Davies, M. at A .; Thomas T. Temperance Societies .- A branch of the C. T. A. was Reese, K. of R. and S .; Charles N. Church, M. of F .; J. organized November 22nd 1874. David Hayes is pres- Norman Anderson, treasurer; James Doughty, I. G.
J. Norman Anderson is the district deputy grand chan- cellor for the county.
The chancellor commanders of the lodge have been William Ramsay sen., W. P. Parker, George Carlyle, John Heron, Robert Lees, William R. Brown, W. H. Davey, Charles N. Church, Patrick M. Shea, Nelson Ing- ram. George H. Palmer, George Maxwell, J. Norman Anderson, Robert McKechnie, David D. Hopkins, David Wetsel, Nelson P. Cease, John T. Jones, Eleazer Evans, and Joseph Lawrence.
U. S. 3 .- This was a social organization formed in the fall of 1869, with Mart G. Lewis as president, J. L. Lewis jr. secretary and W. W. Halsey treasurer. The mem- bers gave a number of receptions to their friends at Mor- ris Run, Blossburg and Fall Brook. In the winter of 1870 a special train from Fall Brook conveyed their in- vited guests by the way of Blossburg to one of their soirees. The U. S. 3 maintained an organization several years, and by gentlemanly and polite management added much to the enjoyment of society.
Caradog Ap Bran, No. 11, Adran F (Ivorites, a Welsh social and benevolent society), was organized May 14th 1872, by Benjamin Hughes and David Roberts, of Lu-
zerne county. The number of charter members was 81. The first officers were: President, John B. Davis; vice- president, Robert J. Morris; recording secretary, John H. John; financial secretary, Thomas J. Howells; treas- urer, William Harris; steward, Daniel Wilkins; inner guard, O. Edwards; outer guard, William J. Williams; right hand supporter of president, John T. Davis; left hand supporter of president, Isaac T. Jones; right hand supporter of vice-president, Robert J. Jones; left hand supporter of vice-president, Edward T. Williams; trus- tees-David R. Davis, John M. Morgan, David Y. Evans, David J. Reese, David B. Morgan and John Lloyd.
The successive presiding officers have been Robert J. Morris, Daniel Wilkins, John H. John, David M. Evans, Morgan Lloyd, Thomas E. Jenkins, David J. Reese, Ed- ward Parry, John M. Morgan, David Y. Evans, John L. Jones, Thomas Y. Evans, Richard E. Davis, Robert J. Morris (to fill vacancy occasioned by the death of Rich- ard E. Davis), Evan Price, Thomas X. Jenkins, Griffith Jenkins, Thomas T. Howell, David X. Jenkins, Evan Price and Thomas J. Evans.
The present officers are: Thomas J. Evans, president; John E. Williams, vice-president; Thomas E. Jenkins, recording secretary; Thomas Y. Evans, financial secre- tary; Evan Price, treasurer; John J. Evans, leader; John T. Jones, steward; Thomas Merideth, inner guard; David F. Jones, outer guard; John W. Evans and Daniel J. Thomas, president's supporters; William Hughes and John H. Davis, vice president's supporters; trustees- David J. Reese, Thomas X. Jenkins, Thomas E. Jenkins, David Y. Evans, Edward Parry and John E. Williams.
This body meets in the Ivorite lodge room the first and third Saturday night in each month, at 7 o'clock.
ident, Dennis Sullivan secretary and William Murphy treasurer. The society meets in New Hall every Satur- day evening. It is doing a commendable work.
The organization of Patrons of Temperance, formed within the last year, is composed of temperance people who formerly belonged to the Good Templars and Sons of Temperance.
Musical Bodies .- There has been for many years a most excellent musical organization composed of the Welsh people, under the name of the Morris Run Glee Club. It has given concerts at Morris Run, Arnot, Fall Brook, Blossburg and Antrim, which were well attended and highly appreciated. It sang at the 4th of July cel- ebration at Blossburg in 1880. It is probably one of the best organizations of the kind in the State. It consists of about 25 members.
There have been several brass band organizations from time to time, which have manifested great proficiency. At this time there is no organized body, but there are many fine musicians.
MEN IN BUSINESS AND OFFICE.
The first hotel was erected in 1864, and occupied by the late Frederick Caldwell, succeeded by David Wetsell,
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BUSINESS MEN OF MORRIS RUN-HAMILTON TOWNSHIP OFFICERS.
Captain P. C. Bailey, George W. Phillips, Stephen Bowen, Pennsylvania, composed of the counties of Cambria, T. G. Dallman and others.
John James jr. was the first postmaster at Morris Run, McKean, Potter, Clinton, Lycoming, Tioga and Brad- and held the position many years. The present post- ford. This was the initial step in the way of a public master is Philip Williams, with Lewis Nearing as deputy. officer to examine the mines, and his duties were most
A market for the sale of meat, vegetables, fruits, etc., difficult and laborious. He discharged them four years has been in operation since 1865, owned and conducted very acceptably.
The vote for officers of this township for the year 1882-3
by Stephen Bowen, John James jr., Thomas G. Dallman and Philip Williams & Co. It is now conducted by the resulted as follows, as reported in the Wellsboro .Agitator: Supervisors-David Wetsell, 54; W. R. Gilmour, 20;
last named firm. A general market place is also kept open, where farmers, hucksters and others who wish Frank Church, 85. Justice of the peace-George Davies, have their regular market days.
99; John Stevenson, 21; Samuel Woodhouse, 76; James The resident physician usually keeps a drug store in Lee, 9. Constable-Isaac Weimer, 29; Baptiste Graf- addition to his professional practice, the better to ac- fouliere, 79. School directors-Robert Parfitt, 16; commodate his patients and others. Dr. A. Ingram and Arthur Carmel, 19; Lawrence Johnson, 27: Thomas Dr. Bacon kept one, and Drs. William Caldwell and H. E. Jenkins, 25; Charles N. Church, 60; John Stevenson, Caldwell now occupy it, and are the resident physicians. 59.
Assessor-D. F. Evans, 102; Matthew Waddell, 5.
Morris Run has had the honor of having two of its Assistant assessors-T. Y. Evans, 58; Joseph Johnson, residents chosen as sheriffs of Tioga county. Stephen 59; Edward Parry, 26; William Murphy, 27; Morgan Bowen was elected in the fall of 1873, and appointed Hoyt, 22; Anthony Jesson, 19. Treasurer-W. S. Near- D. H. Walker of the same place as his deputy. At the ing, 91; J. N. Anderson, 9. Town clerk-A. C. Frost, expiration of Mr. Bowen's term Mr. Walker was elected sheriff.
19; O. T. Smith, 27; T. V. Keefe, 62. Judge of election -Thomas T. Reese, 79; Daniel Dugan, 25. Inspectors of election-Charles N. Church, 58; J. N. Anderson, 49. Auditors-Joseph Lawrence, 19; Timothy Donovan, 16; Michael Driscoll, 29; O. B. Thompson, 25; Nelson B. Ceary, 60; James Doughty, 58; Edward Parry, I.
JACKSON TOWNSHIP.
BY SAMUEL E. KIRKENDALL.
T HIS township is situated in the extreme north- ORGANIZATION-OFFICERS. eastern portion of the county. Its area is about forty-five square miles, or 28,800 acres. The surface is uneven, some of the hills being abrupt and high. The soil is of about the average quality of the upland townships of the county. Water is abundant and the air pure and time of its organization embraced not only its present healthful.
In. morals Jackson township will compare favorably with the other townships of the county. Misdemeanors are not at all numerous and felonies are very rare. The people, as a rule, are industrious and peaceable; and whoever writes the history of the county twenty years hence will place Jackson township in the front rank as to wealth and social importance.
Jackson township was organized in September 1815. Previous to this there were only five townships in the county, namely, Tioga, Delmar, Deerfield, Elkland and Covington. Jackson was taken from Tioga, and at the territory but also about one-half of what is now Rutland. It has had its present boundaries since 1828, at which time Rutland was formed from the southern portion of Jackson and the northern portion of Sullivan. Up to that time the elections were held on what is now known as Pumpkin Hill in Rutland. They are now held at Millerton, and most of the township business is done there. The present officers of the township are as fol-
Jackson township has no Indian history or legends. lows: School directors-George W. Hudson, Robert Adams, H. W. Garrison, Daniel Friends, M. K. Retan and Charles P. Updike; supervisors-John Hall and There are no evidences of Indian villages, forts, trails or battle fields. An occasional flinty arrowhead, plowed up by the farmer, alone indicates that possibly in the dim W. K. Harris; town clerk, R. J. Stilwell; auditors-C. P. and misty past some lost or exiled native may have set Updike, E. L. Ayres and Jerome Barnhart; constable, Dell Wilson; justices of the peace, L. C. Retan and E. C. his foot upon its rugged surface.
In 1877 William L. Richards, of Morris Run, after having been examined by a board of examiners at Pitts- burgh, was appointed by Governor John F. Hartranft mine inspector for the third bituminous coal district of
Blair, Huntingdon, Centre, Clearfield, Elk, Cameron,
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HISTORY OF TIOGA COUNTY.
Stilwell; assessor, W. H. Garrison; assistant assesors- J. C. Belknap and George W. Hudson.
THE PIONEERS.
This township was first settled in the year 1800, by Garret Miller, who came from Orange county, N. Y. This was four years before the organization of Tioga county, and when the whole territory west of the Tioga River was an unbroken wilderness. Mr. Miller's family consisted of himself, his wife, and six stalwart sons, namely Garret, Joshua, Samuel, James, Nathan and George. This family, with that daring and dauntless spirit characteristic of the pioneers of the early part of the nineteenth century, pushed their way into the dense wilderness in the face of numberless perils and obstacles. They cut their road up Seely Creek from a little hamlet on the Chemung River, called Newtown, now the city of Elmira; and were frequently compelled to take refuge in the trees at night, to escape the hungry wolves, howling on every side of them.
The first clearing was made about a mile north of Mil- lerton, near the New York State line, and here was erect- ed the first dwelling house, constructed of logs, with mud chinkings and a huge stone fireplace. It was soon discovered by the family, however, that a more desirable location, with better water privileges and a richer soil lay to the south of them, and they moved down into the valley of a beautiful stream since called Hammond's Creek, settling upon the ground now occupied by the quiet yet thriving village of Millerton.
The sons soon married, took up farms for themselves, and pushed the improvement further into the forests, until the whole northern portion of the township began to assume the appearance of civilization. The Millers were a hardy, industrious, economical and thrifty family. The father and sons are dead, the last of the latter pass- ing away only a few years ago. Their descendants are numerous, and, with few exceptions, have inherited not only the lands but also the integrity and thrift of their fathers.
In 1807 another settlement was made, in the southeast- ern portion of the township, by Reuben Daggett, who came from New Hampshire. He was the father of Major Seth Daggett, who was a prominent man in the county, being elected sheriff in 1830. He served in this office about one year and then resigned, returning to his lum- ber interests, to which he was more attached than to the meager spoils of office in that early day. Not much is known of the other members of Reuben Daggett's fam- ily, except Reuben jr., who is known to have been con- nected with Seth in the erection of the first grist-mill, about a mile north of the present village of Daggett's Mills. Seth was well and favorably known all over the county. He was a large, strong and energetic man, and lived to a good old age. He is now well remembered by the older and the middle-aged inhabitants. He was con- nected with almost every enterprise for the advancement of the interests and growth of the township. He built several saw-mills and one or two grist-mills.
The descendants of the original Daggett family are numerous, and, like the Miller family, are among the most substantial citizens of the township.
Other pioneers came soon after the Daggetts. Among them were Miller Vaughn, Theodorus Larrison, Joshua G. Spencer, James Seely, Aaron Voorhess, Dr. Ezra Wood and Foster Updike. Later came Waterman McIntyre, Stephen L. Parmenter, Isaac Spencer, Stephen Morrell, Charles Tillinghast, Samuel Deming, John Mitchell and others, all substantial men, who helped to level the huge forests and cultivate the virgin soil. Their descendants are numerous in the township at this time.
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