USA > Pennsylvania > Union County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 1, Pt. 2 > Part 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Mifflin County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 1, Pt. 2 > Part 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Snyder County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 1, Pt. 2 > Part 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Perry County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 1, Pt. 2 > Part 31
USA > Pennsylvania > Juniata County > History of that part of the Susquehanna and Juniata valleys, embraced in the counties of Mifflin, Juniata, Perry, Union and Snyder, in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. V. 1, Pt. 2 > Part 31
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Allison now live. Robert McDowell erected a tannery about 1830, in Allenville, which was continued for several years, when it was sold to Beatty Cook, who ran it a few years, when it was abandoned. About 1830, Philip Weiler erected a tannery, which was continued by him and his sons until the present year (1885), when it was abandoned.
A short distance from the Weiler tannery, Joli Gettys, in 1816, built a carding-mill, which was conducted by himself and his sons until 1859, when it was abandoned.
William Allison erected a saw-mill in 1827, which is now owned by his son, Robert Allison.
Abraham Zook, in 1820, built a saw-mill, which passed to his son, Abraham Zook, Jr., in 1851, who, in 1858, sold to Jacob Kurtz. It is now owned by his son Eli Kurtz.
Abraham Zook, in 1831, erected a grist-mill which he sold in 1842 to David Zook. In 1854 it passed to Eli Byler, who, two years later, conveyed it to Harrison Manbeck, who continued it until 1860, when he sold it to Ed- ward Wheaton, who in 1864 sold it to John Metz, Jr., who in 1878 sold to David Peachey, the present owner. It was run by water-power mitil 1880, when steam-power was added.
The grist-mill now owned by William Mateer was erected by Philip Headings about the year 1827, and by him sold in 1834 to Jo- soph Zook, who kept it until 1841, when it passed to Isaac Coplin, who, the next year, sold the property to James MeDonald, and by him it was retained until 1856, when it was bought by Andrew Beck, who conducted it until 1865, when William Headings become the proprietor and continued the mill until 1872, when it came in possession of William Mateer, the present owner.
The tract of land 'on which Webb & Zerbe's woolen-factory now stands was warranted by Joseph Kyle, April 5, 1791. The land passed, respectively, to Leonard Cochel, 1810; John Loutz, in 1823; Samuel Loutz and Elizabeth and Catharine Statzfoos, 1827; John Zook, 1832. Many years before the latter date a grist-mill had been erected farther up the mountain, in the gap. Upon this tract a card-
A tammery was built by Richard Allison about 1815, which was continued until about 1830. It stood near where James and David | ing-machine, a chopping and fulling-mill were
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JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.
erected on the site of the present mill, which | forty-eight acres. This Sharron tract Chew was erected by John Zook, in 1852, who sold it to Thomas Webb and Jacob Zerbe, the present owners, in 1861.
Samuel King, about 1830, built a clover-mill in Allenville, which was abandoned about. 1836.
Seuoons .- In 183f there were four school- houses in the township,-at Yoder's, near the county line; at King's, east of Allenville; at Wilson's, and near the Brick Church.
In 1839 the first school directors were elected, and were John Fleming and Stephen Diffen- derfor. There are at present (1885) in the township six school-houses, all built of brick,- west of Allenville; at King's, cast of Allen- ville; at Abraham D. Zook's ; at near Jonas Youler's; at Weiler's, and at Allenville, the latter being a double honse. The present school directors of the township are Frank Weiler, Thomas S. Pyle, James R. Allison, Samuel Hazlett, J. M. Dachenbach and Abraham Fultz.
ALLENVILLE.
The site of the town of Allenville was first granted to Andrew Montour for services ren- dered at a grand council with the Indians at Easton in 1758. He was a half-breed and an interpreter. He reside:l upon Sherman's Creek, near Landisburg, Perry County, from 1752 to 1755, when he was placed in charge of the land not then bought from the Indians, and for the purpose of keeping trespassers from settling upon it. It was upon the recommendation of the Indians that several tracts were granted him, of which this was one. The survey was returned May 19, 1767, named " Sharron," and i in the vicinity mited and built a brick church contained 17107 acres. This in some way be- came the property of the Rev. Richard Peters, The pastors who have served the church since the Rev. James Johnston are as follows : and upon his death John Penn (son of Richard), John Penn (son of Thomas) and Richard Peters, executors of the Rey, Richard Peters, sold, November 11, 1785, the " Sharron " tract. to Benjamin Chew, for which he obtained a patent dated September 3, 1796. Hle purchased also other tracts, two of which were called Chew's Addition, one of one hundred and this- den acres and the other one hundred and
sold to John and Jacob King, of Lancaster County, April 12, 1801, whose descendants are still in possession of part of it. The town of Allenville was laid out on part of it abont 1806. A store was soon opened and in 1819 Christopher Howell opened a store and a hotel. The latter was continued for many years, and latterly by John Hoffinan, until its aban- donment.
The town has been of slow growth and con- tains three churches (a Presbyterian, Lutheran and Methodist), three stores (kept by William Huey, Samuel Scerist and Focht & Bradley), a post-office, two physicians (Dr. Jacob Metz and Dr. - Getter).
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH. - The first preach- ing known in Menno township was at the house of Robert Brotherton in the year 1774. ITis house stood near where the Presbyterian grave-yard now is. The Rev. James Johnston, pastor of the Kishacoquillas Church, also had this congregation in charge from 1783 to 1797, when he resigned; he, however, continued preaching until abont 1807. In 1784 Jolm Wilson, John Reed, Francis Semple and - Fleming were chosen as elders. An old log school-house, near by, is said to have been used also as a preaching-place. A tent was put up near the house of Robert Brotherton, which was nsed until 1800, when a log church was built on the present grave-yard lot. This was used imtil 1826, when it was replaced by a brick edifice, which was used until abont 1860, when, upon the congregation building a brick edifice at Belleville, this church was abandoned and sold. In 1862 the members of the congregation in Allenville, which is still used.
Rev. William Kennedy, April 17, 1810, to October, 1822; Rev. James Stewart, April 6, 1827, to his death, February 27, 1829; Rev. Joseph Adams, six months' supply ; Rev. Mcknight Williamson, six months supply ; Rev. William Ammon, October, 1830, to October, 1835; Rev. Moses Floyd, April 4, 1837, to 1812; Rev. Samuel MeDonald, February, 1816, to October, 185; Rev. James Williamson, April, 1858, to E D; Rev. Robert B. Moore, fall of
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MIFFLIN COUNTY.
1860 to 1866; Rev. R. M. Campbell, 1867 to the present time.
This church and that of Belleville are under the same pastorate.
LoriBRAx Cmomnen .- The first church of this denomination built in Kishacoquillas Val- ley was erected in Allenville in 1827, and was dedicated in that year by the Rev. - Stowe and the Rev. Jonathan Ruthrauff, who remained as pastors in charge, with other congregations,
`church has a membership of one hundred and fifty.
THE METHODIST CHURCH edifice was erected in 1852, under the charge of the Rev. Mr. Mills, who was then on the circuit.
WHITE HALL.
White Hall is a small settlement about four miles east of Allenville and two miles west of Belleville. A store was opened at the place by
D. M. Contener
until 1832. The pastors who have served from that time are as follows :
1832-39, Rev. Charles Keyle ; 1839-43, Rev. Chris- tian Lepley; 1843, Rev. - Hesster ; 1815-49, Rev. Adam Height ; 1849-55, Rev. George Sill ; 1855-57, Rev. Jacob B. Crist ; 1857-59, Rev. J. N. Burket ; 1859-61, John C. Langer ; 1861-70, Rev. J. M. Sterk; 1870-75, Rev. J. M. Rice ; 1879-80, Rev. David '%. Foulk; 1880-83, Rev. J. M. Steek ; 1883, the present . pastor, the Rev. C. W. Heisker.
The old church was torn away under the charge of the Rey. Mr. Steek, and the present brick edifice created on its site. The
John Lantz, in 1822, which was later kept by Shirk & Hartzley, Henry Cosgrove, George Patton, John Philips, Benjamin Groff, John Peachey, John Hibler, William J. Fleming, John MeNabb and the present owner, James R. Fleming. Isaiah Coplin, in 1831, opened a hotel, which was continued three years and abandoned, since which time no hotel has been at the place. A post-office was established several years ago, and is now kept by James K. Fleming.
Except the store, dwelling-house and the hotel,
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JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.
no honses were built until after 1834. There are at present seven houses, a store, post-office and blacksmith-shop, a physician and justice of the peace.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH.
DAVIS M. CONTNER. 1
Davis M. Contner is of German extraction. His father was John Contner, a resident of Mifflin County, where he followed the trade of a miller. He married Nancy, daughter of Alexander Gibboney, and had children-G. Washington, Jemima, Ann, John, Elizabeth, Gibboney, William, Davis M. and one who died in early life. Davis M., of this mumber, was born August 28, 1815, in Mifflin County, and until the age of fourteen remained an in- mate of the parental home, meanwhile enjoying but meagre advantages of education. He then entered the family of the Misses Elizabeth and Martha Kenney, of the same county, and after assisting in the various departments of farm labor, ultimately assumed the management of the property. Having rendered them faithful service and been successful in the care of the estate, on the death of Elizabeth Kenney, the farm was bequeathed to him by the latter in 1874. Mr. Contner was, in February, 1857, married to Mary Childs, of Liverpool, Perry County, Pa. The children of this umion are Narcissa Kenney, William (deceased) and Ellen Jane. Mr. Contner was formerly a Democrat in polities, but on the election of Abraham Lin- coln to the Presidency indorsed the platform of the Republican party, with which he has since affiliated. He represented the Democracy as sheriff of Mifflin County in 1848, and was elected by the Republicans to the same office in 1863. 1Te has also served as jury commis- sioner and held various township offices. He has on frequent occasions acted as administrator and was formerly a director of the Mifflin County National Bank. His time has, how- ever, been more recently devoted to his farming interests. Mr. Conther is a member of the Mechanicsville Evangelical Lutheran Church.
CHAPTER XIV.
BROWN TOWNSHIP.1
Ar the April term of court, 1836, a peti- tion was presented asking that the townships of Armagh and Union be divided and form two new townships. In accordance with this request, the court appointed Thomas I. Postlethwait, D. R. Reynolds and Robert Miles to view the townships and make a report. They performed the duty and reported, July 20, 1836, that they " believe it very proper to divide the townships of Armagh and Union," and presented a plot of the same as No. 1, Menno; No. 2, Union ; No. 3, Brown; No. 4, Armagh. Brown was described as being in length five and a half miles and an average width from the summit of each mountain (not including the Seven Monn- tains) of four and a half miles. This report was accepted and confirmed at the January term of court, 1837, and the new township No. 3 was named Brown, after Judge William Brown, who was the first settler in the valley, a patriot in the Revolution and the first presiding judge of the Mifflin County Court.
At the time of its erection it contained two hundred and eleven taxables, with real and per- sonal property valued at $189,078.
The following persons were assessed other than farmers : Nathan Bullock and Washing- ton MeMonigle, school-teachers ; Jacob Lotz, tavern-keeper ; Robert Milliken, merchant-mill and saw-mill ; heirs of John Norris, merchant- mill, saw and plaster-mill, axe-factory and tilt- hammer ; Rawle & Hall, saw-mill ; Joseph A. Taylor, merchant-mill and saw-mill; John Henry, Sr., carding-machine ; heirs of Rev. James Johnston, clover and saw-mill ; David C. Miller, store ; Abner Reed, saw-mill.
The history of the mills, still-houses and tan- neries are here given.
The first mill in this region of country was in the Narrows. Abraham Sanford owned a tract of land which lay along the river and lies in both townships, Derry and Brown. In 1772 he was running a grist-mill on the place. The exact location has not been ascertained, as
1 By John Swartzell.
! See portrait, page 687.
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MIFFLIN COUNTY.
the mill was abandoned before 1800 and soon after a sickle-factory was erected and operated by Henry Long. The property is now owned by William Mann, Jr., & Co., and is the site of their factories.
The property now owned by HI. HI. Gibboncy, and on which his woolen-factory stands, was the site of a number of. mills that have disap- peared, of which the account is here given.
In 1791, John Fleming built a grist-mill forty by forty feet, two stories high (the lower story of stone, the upper of logs), in which two pair of mill-stones were placed. The water was conveyed to the mill in a head-race about fifteen rods long, which led from the dam above. This was used as a grist-mill until 1839, when it was sold to Robert M. Milliken, who re- moved the old log building, and in its place built a larger mill, three stories high. He also built a substantial stone dam immediately above. This mill was used as a grist and mer- chamt-mill until 1864, when 11. II. Gibboney and Morrison became the purchasers and changed it into a woolen-factory. In 1867 lohn Wilson, of Reedsville, bought Morrison's interest and remained a partner until March, 1882. In that year the whole property passed to HI. II. Gibboney, who is the present propri- etor. This factory runs six hundred and thirty spindles and two sets of cards and six looms, and blankets, satinetts, flannels and yarn are manufactured.
In 1805 John Fleming built a stone fulling- mill, a short distance west of the old log mill. It contains a carding-machine, spinning-jenny and from eighteen to twenty-four spindles.
In December, 1812, it was operated by Rob- ert Wark, who was succeeded by Aaron Wark, November 5, 1813. Hugh Laird was the next owner, and John McClain was the last one to operate the mill, which closed in 1828.
John Fleming built a plaster-mill at the cast end of the old log mill abont 1827. It con- tinued to be operated until 1839, at which time Milliken built the new mill. The plaster-mill was then taken down, and rebuilt on the other side of the stream, west of the mill and near the old filling-mill. It was used as a plaster-mill at this place until 1864, when II. HI. Gibboney
and Morrison purchased the property, and the plaster-mill was abandoned.
Henry Taylor built a grist-mill and saw- mill on the West Branch of the Kishacoquillas Creek prior to 1790. It was used until 1823, when it was destroyed by fire. As soon as pos- sible after the fire, the present Robert Taylor's mill was built. It is a frame house, and was completed ready for use in 1821 .- Beck was the first miller who operated the new mill.
John Taylor, about 1813, built a tannery on his farm, which, in 1835, was operated also by a John Taylor. Farther up the creek, John Norris, in 1842, owned an axe- factory and a tilt-hammer. James, George and Jonas Spangler, soon after 1812, estab- lished a factory for the manufacture of gun- barrels, in the Narrows, and contimed until 1816. Their shop was in the small stone build- ing in which William Mann first began to make axes in the Narrows. Some time after George & Spangler ceased operations this building was converted into a chopping-mill, for the pur- pose of' grinding rye and corn, which was used in the still-house which was put in operation on the lower floor of the large stone house in the Narrows, which is still standing, and is owned by James 11. Mann. This still-house contained two copper stills. Adam Greer and Thomas McCulley were the proprietors of the stilling department. A Mr. Irvin was distiller some time, and after him Robert Cox was distiller for six months. During that time Adam Greer moved away from the upper part of the build- ing to Brown's Mills. This still-house was op- erated about two years. While the distillery was in operation on the ground-floor, Adam (ircer was condneting a hotel in the upper part of the house.
MANN'S AXE-FACTORY .- William Man, Jr., was born in Johnstown, Montgomery County, New York, in 1801, and removed to Belle- fonte, in Centre County, Pa., in 1829, and there engaged in business with his brother, II. Mann, and remained with him for five years. From that place he removed to Mauch Chunk, in Pennsylvania, and engaged in the business of manufacturing axes, but remained there only one year. From there he went to Frechold, in
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JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.
New York, and engaged in the same business, but remained only for the short period of six months. He came from there to Mifflin County in 1835, and located in the Short Narrows, of Jack's Mountain, ou Kishacoquillas Creek, in the townships of Brown and Derry, where these extensive works are now situated. Prior to the time when William Mann, Jr., came to the Narrows, a Mr. Spangler built a small stone shop at the Kishacoquillas Creek, and there for some time engaged in the manufacture of gun- barrels. That business was closed some years before William Mann, Jr., came there, and the shop was standing idle. In this small stone shop William Mann, Jr., began the manufac- ture of axes in Mitilin County in a very small way, making on an average but six axes per day. He did all his work with the assistance of a helper, and success attended his efforts and the business prospered. When he first began he had the property rented, but as the business prospered he became the owner of it. The demand for his axes continued to increase, his shop was enlarged, and afterward, at various times, new shops were built. William Mann, Jr., died in 1855. After his death the business was conducted by his two sons, James II. Mann and William Mann. The demand continued to increase, factories enlarged, and shipments were made to various parts of the world.
William Mann, the brother of James 11. Mann, was killed by the explosion of the boiler of a steamboat on the Ohio River, near Shaw- neetown, Ill., the 17th day of May, 1876. Since that time the business has been conducted by James II. Mann, under the old firm-name of William Mann, Jr., & Co. These extensive works now mamifacture an average of one thousand four hundred axes per day. They employ from two hundred to two hundred and fifty men, and their axes are sold and shipped not only to every State in the Union, but are sent to Australia, New Zealand, New South Wales, China, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Cape- towu, in Africa, and all over Western Europe. The demand is steadily increasing, which is the result of fine mechanical skill, business ability and Juniata frou, -these combined are the ele- ments of success. Every part of these works
is systematic,-the cutting of the iron, the bending, heating, welding, tempering, finishing, grinding, polishing, marking, labeling, packing, shipping and other minute processes.
James Johnston, a sou of the Rev. James Johnston, in 1833, built a clover-mill on the Middle Branch of the Kishacoquillas, which was continned until about 1812, when portable hul- lers were introduced and the mill was aban- doned.
STILL-HOUSES .- John Fleming erected a log still-house west of his log mill abont 1795-96. In 1821 a stone still-house was erected about fifty rods above, on the stream, which was used until about 1834.
Stunnel Milliken, about 1800, built a stone still-house on the property now owned by Wil- liam Heury, on the north side of the valley. It was abandoned about 1824.
About 1791 William Henry erected a log still-house near the bank of the West Branch of the Kishacoquillas Creek.
A surveying party, in 1794, were running the mountain line along the foot of Jack's Mountain and stopped at this still-house for whiskey. They became so much intoxicated that the work was abandoned for the time, and when resumed it was undertaken by others. The business was discontinued at this house in 1820.
Indge William Brown, before 1790, erected a stone still-house south of the mill, at what is now Reedsville, which wasused until about 1825.
A stone still-house was built in Cooper's Gap by Joseph Kyle and Foster Milliken. Adam Greer was the distiller. It was abandoned many years ago.
John Cooper erected a stone still-house be- fore 1800; it was abandoned for that purpose about 1815. The building was afterwards oc- cupied as a tenant-house, weaver's shop and shoemaker's, and abont 1840 it was used as a justice's office.
A log still-house was built carly by Matthew Taylor, Sr., on his property, which was used for several years and abandoned about 1821.
EMILY SETTLERS -William Brown, James
" The reader is referred to the assessment rolls of Armagh township for the carly residents of what is now Brown township.
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MIFFLIN COUNTY.
Reed, Robert Taylor and others settled in the valley on warrants taken out in 1755.
Robert Taylor, the ancestor of the family in the township, took out his warrant dated Feb- ruary 1, 1755, and by the survey it contained seven hundred and fifty-seven aeres. On the 26th of March, 1802, he warranted one hundred aeres additional.
For an account of Henry Taylor's family, sce the sketch of Union township.
Among the early settlers in the township was Samuel Milliken, son of James Milliken, who emigrated with his family from County Down, Ireland, in 1772, and located on the Conewago Creek, Dauphin County. He died abont a month after his arrival, leaving a wife, one son and four daughters. Samuel, the son, the same year of his father's death, came to the valley, and three years later married Margaret Foster and bought a tract later known as the Bolton traet of Henry Drinker for twelve shillings per arre. He died in 1804, and at that time was in possession of over one thousand acres. His sons were James, Robert, Joseph, David and Foster. His daughters were Barbara and Jane. James and Joseph were merchants in Lewistown many years. Robert was engaged in milling and in the manufacture of woolen goods. Foster lived at Milroy and was one of the proprietors of the Marion Furnace. He died in 1828.
Thomas Cox and wife, of Derry County, Ireland, emigrated to this country in 1800, and in 1802 came to the valley of the Kishacoquil- las, aud settled in what is now Brown township. He died May 15, 1850, aged eighty-four years. His wife, Janet, died January 11, 1853, aged eighty years. A son, Robert, is now living in the township, far advanced in life.
The following incidents show one phase of the troubles the carly settlers were subject to :
ville, in Armagh township, on the farm now owned by S. M. Brown), with a pair of horses and a sled, to hank and thresh buckwheat. The forcuoon passed quickly by without any- thing to cause alarm on the part of the father or son. Their companions had gone to the farm-house to partake of dinner, leaving Mr. Wilson and his son to cat their lunch in the field. John had refilled the stone jug with water and seated himself by his father's side to cat their simple meal, when, to their surprise, a party of Indians rushed upon them from the adjoining woods ; resistance was useless, and they were made captives. The trail which the Indians took was northward, across the Seven Mountains. The Indians compelled the boy to carry the jug of water with him. As they were climbing the Erst Mountain the boy be- came weary of his load, and complained to his father. His father told him to fall on a rock and break it, which John did successfully shortly afterward, and then pretended he was very sorry, and immediately began to pick up the broken pieces, when the Indian in charge of him dashed them out of his hands. The trip was withont further incident, and after many days of weary marching through the forest they at length reached the Indian village, which was near the present site of the city of Buffalo. The boy was traded to an English officer from Canada for a keg of whiskey, and he was used as a servant to the Englishman.
After a council was held by the Indians, it was decided that Mr. Wilson should rim the gauntlet and become one of their own people. Two rows of Indians were formed which were parallel to each other, and were so arranged as to leave a narrow passage between them. AAlong this narrow way Mr. Wilson was com- pelled to run. The Indians in both lines had each a chib or weapon of some kind in their bands with which to strike him. He was then ordered to run, and made a bold dash through between the lines without being much hurt. This did not entirely satisfy the Indians, and they tied an old squaw to him and compelled him to run through the second time; he ran with all the strength he had, dragging the
CAPTURE OF THE WILSONS BY THE IN- DIANS .-- During the time of the hostilities with the Indians there lived near Brown's Mills (now Reedsville), in Mifflin County, Pa., the family of James Wilson. One bright morning in the mouth of August he and his son John, a lad of twelve summers, started to the harvest- field (still known as the " Wilson Fickl," not far distant from the village now called Sigler- I spraw after him, and although he was badly
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