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. 2, Pt. 2 > Part 38
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. 2, Pt. 2 > Part 38
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. 2, Pt. 2 > Part 38
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. 2, Pt. 2 > Part 38
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. 2, Pt. 2 > Part 38
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59
The total amount subscribed was $2149.56. A statement, dated 1807, places the total amount subscribed and coffected at corner-stone
.
- -
1 1 ? 1
-
1473
SNYDER COUNTY.
laying and dedication at twenty-two hundred and eighty-four dollars and twenty-two cents.
This church, of which a representation is here given, was built in the years 1802-3, on the northwest corner of Market and Bough Streets, and stood until 1884. It was origin- ally made of pine logs, which, after a mimber of years, were weather-boarded. Its size was forty by thirty-eight, and it was built all in one story of about twenty feet high. The pulpit was on the west side, about half-way between the ceiling and floor, and on a line with the lower part of the galleries, which extended around the other three sides. Underneath these galleries were seats with high, straight backs. The entrances were on the east and south sides. The building was erected under the supervision of Jolm Honsewerth, a member of the Re- formed congregation. When this land-mark was removed, upon opening the corner-stone there were found a few leaves of the Smaller Cucchisin and two lead tablets, with inscrip- tions in German by one Joseph Epler.1
In 1855 a separation of the two congrega- tions took place, the Reformed congregation lling out all their interest in the property for one thousand dollars. Under the nion their harter name was " United Intheran and Re- formed Congregations of Selin's Grove." In
Lo In the name of the Triune God, the members of the Beformed and Lutheran congregations have determined to build a mion church, in Selin's Grove, Penn Township, Northumberland County, and laid the corner-stone of it, June 7, 1802. 1. This church shall be buib, supported and retanin forever a union church. 2. The above-named de- zoominations, viz. : the Reformed and Lutheran, shall have equal rights, nor shall any minister who is pastor here De hindered in his work on his appointed day. All receipts . call be in common and all expenditures shall be made for he common good. The grave-yard shall be kept in good unler. A stranger who may happen to die among the members of the congregation shall be permitted to be buried in the grave-yard. All manner of strife in the congregation shall be settled by a majority of the church mucil and twelve muen, selected by the council (six of eneh lenomination). The ministers are : Rev. George Geist- weit, Reformed, and Rev. John Herbst, Evangelical Lu- tteran, Building Connaittee : Francis Roth ( Rhoads), leurge Ulrich, Jacob Gemberling, Matthias App, Conrad Quela, Jacob Hummel. ' Behold, I will build a house to the lord my God,' 2 Chronicles 2: 1. ' Christ Jesus is te Irne corner-stobe. Build on Him. To God alone be praise' (written by Joseph Epler)."
1862 the Lutheran congregation was incorpo- rated by the Legislature as " The First Lu- theram Congregation of Selin's Grove," and on the she of the old building a much larger place of worship was built, of brick, with lower for bell and clock. Its style of architecture is Gothic ; the windows contain hamitid alle- dral glass, with emblems and inscriptions. h is a beautiful church, and its completion is a credit to the Rev. S. E. Ochsenford, his cougre- gation and the citizens who aided them in this worthy cause. It was dedicated October 25, 1885, when the clergymen present were Revs. S. Laird, of Philadelphia, J. W. Early, H. II. Brunning, E. L. Reed, J. II. Neiman, J. Yutzy, and the pastor, S. E. Ochsenford. The building committee were A. Marburger, D. A. Ulrich, Frank Ulrich, Isane Kocher and N. S. Fisher; architect, C. S. Werzel, of Danville, Pa. The building cost nine thousand dollars. The ex- cellent hell was placed in the belfry on Saturday, August 1, 1885, and was tolled for the first time during the burial of General U. S. Grant, in the afternoon of the 8th. It weighs ten hundred and twenty-five pounds and cost two hundred and eleven dollars. The church mem- hership in 1886 is one hundred and seventy.
The following is a list of the pastors of this congregation :
Revs. Enderly ; John Herbst, 1802; Jacob Walter, 1819; J. P. Shindel, 1820-18; A. Erlenmeyer, 1813-59; Peter Anstadt, 1860- 63 ; J. W. Early, 1868-70 ; 11. 11. Brimming, 1872-74 ; E. L. Reed, 1875-78 ; S. E. Ochsen- ford, 1879, present pastor.
THE REFORMED CHURCH .- Settlers of this denomination were in Selin's Grove as early as 1780, and in that year they commenced the erection af a place of worship on a lot which Anthony Selin had donated to the members of the Reformed Church. This lot is the one now occupied by the school building. Jacob Gem- berling, Francis Rhoads and Conrad Hahne were the building committee. The church was completed as high as the roof, when the project was abandoned and the lot reverted to the town and the building became a school-house.
In 1802 the Reformed congregation united with the Intheran in the erection of the Union
1474
JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.
Church. This the two congregations remained together until 1855, when the Reformed people sold their interest and began the erection of a church of their own, the corner-stone of which was laid August 18, 1855, and the church dedi- cated December 25, 1856. The building is of brick, two stories high, and was the fourth church built in the town. The present mem- bership is one hundred and thirty-six.
The names of the pastors of this congregation were,-
Revs. George Geistweit, 1800; Jacob Dieffenbacher, I. S. Reily, Isaac Gerhart, 1818 ; Yost Henry Fries, 1818; Daniel Weiser, 1824; Benjamin Boyer, 1834 ; Samuel Seibert, 1840; R. A. Fisher, 1845; Joshua Derr. 1850; C. 2. Weiser, 18544; I. E. Graet, 1857 ; C. 7. Weiser, 1858; A. R. Hottenstein, 1862; J. W. Lesher, 1866; J. S. Slade, 1869; W. HI. Hass, 1871.
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH resulted from a religious revival conducted in 1813 by Rev. J. P. Shindel, who at that time was pastor of the Lutheran congregation that worshipped in the Union Church building. The new measures adopted by Rev. Shindel brought forth violent opposition, and in order to avoid further commotion, he and his followers re- solved to seek some other sanctuary.
Rev. Shindel met with considerable opposi- tion in introducing new measures. The result was that they organized themselves into another Lutheran congregation, under the name of " The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Selin's Grove." The new building was dedicated late in 1813. At the first commmion, February 11, 1814, two luundred and thirty-five persons partook of the holy sacrament. This was the second clnach in the town, and at the time of its construction was one of the finest churches outside the larger towns; it has since been much improved. In 1885 it was re-frescood and all the wood-work grained in waht. A fine pipe-organ was purchased, being the first instrument of its kind in the town. The pas- tors were as follows:
Revs. J. P. Shindel, 1813-16; Henry Ziegler, as- sistant, 1813-15; Reuben Weiser, 1816-18; Jesse Winecoff, 1818-52; Daniel 11. Bittle, 1858 51; Sam- uel Domer, 1855-67 ; M. 1. Shindel, 1867-71; 1I. B. Belmer, 1871-82; Jacob Yutzy, 1882.
hundred and seventy-two; the Sunday-school has three hundred and thirty-one members.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH .- For many years the Methodists were without a church building, their services being held in the Union school-house on Pine Street, the school-house on the Isle of Que, built by Peter Richter, and in private houses. In 1818 they commenced the erection of their own church, ou the west side of Water Street, half-way between Pine and Chestnut Streets, and which was com- pleted in 1850, during Rev. Conser's pastorate. This was the third church edifice built in Selin's Grove, and stood until October 30, 1874, when it was destroyed by fire. In 1875 a new build- ing was erected on the same foundation of the one destroyed, and is now the place of worship for the congregation. Both buildings were of brick. The pastors who have served this con- gregation have been,-
Revs. Prettyman, 1820; Strallon, 1829; J. II. Brown, 1831 ; Josiah Forest, 1833; Oliver Ege, 1834; James Sanks, 1835; Elisha Butler, 1837; Thomas Tanyhill, 18:10-41 ; Ewing and William R. Mills, 1842; William (Jemm, 1843; B. H. Creaver, James Guyer, 1811; B. II. Creaver, N. S. Buckingham, 1845; J. J. Pearce, 1846; Samuel A. Wilson, 1848; B. B. Hamlin, 1849; S. L. M. Conser, James Cums, 1850-51 ; John More- head, F. Slosser, 1852; Thomas Barnhart, J. Y. Roth- rock, 1853; Thomas Barnhart, John W. Parks, 1854; Joseph A. Ross, A. M. Kiester, 1855; J. A. Ross, Thomas Sherlock, 1856; E. H. Warring, E. E. Allen, 1857 ; Frank Gearhart, 1858-59; J. A. Price, 1860-61; A. R. Riley, 1862-63; Henry G. Dill, 1864-65; John W. Olewine, 1866-67-68; G. W. Miller, 1869-70; John Stine, 187t-72; John Morehead, 1878-74-75; E. T. Swartz, 1876-77-78; J. W. Buckley, 1879-80-81; T. O. Clees, 1882-88-54; G. W. Stevens, 1885.
The membership of the congregation in 1886 is one hundred and fifty ; Sunday School mem- bership, two hundred and three.
THE BAPTIST CHURCH .- Abont 1860 the Baptists built a neat briek church on the cast side of Water Street. During the fire of 1872 this building was burned. It was never rebuilt and the congregation soon after disbanded. Among the pastors who served this congrega- tion were the Rev. Frederick Bower and Rey. (. 1 .. Hall.
RONDs, Ere .- At. December sessions, 1821,
The church membership for 1886 is two la petition for a public road was presented, ask-
. 1 175
SNYDER COUNTY.
ing that a road be laid ont from the river, run- ning along the street on the east end of Charles- bsn, " beginning at Jolm Higgins', running arth seventy-three degrees west until it inter- arts the road that leads through Selin's Grove, near the church." This is doubtless the same nad that crosses the lower bridge. The viewer- appointed made an unfavorable report, February, 1822, and reviewers were appointed. What the result was could not be ascertained ; but at May court, 1831, a petition was presented, which was accordingly granted, and resulted in Felaring all streets, lanes and alleys in Charles- town, on the Isle of Que, to be public highways, wording to the original plan of the town, viz. : Market, Water, Chestnut, High, First, Second and Third Streets ; Blackberry, Strawberry and Penn Alleys.
On March 3, 1829, the river road from Lewisburgh to Selin's Grove was surveyed and laid out by James F. Linu.
In the days of staging, Selin's Grove was one of the relays on the then' popular route be- tween Harrisburg and Northumberland. There was the coming and going of the stage, one of the daily events that engaged the attention of the citizens of the place. As the hour ap- proached for the arrival of the mail and pas- wengers, a crowd would gather at the popular tavern of James K. Davis, Sr., to while away thetime in spinning yarns, and in such sports and diversities as would best entertain. In all this crowd no one was quicker at a joke, nor more hearty in his langh, than the congenial and aerommodating landlord. Presently the sound of the horn announced the approach ; then came the lumbering stage, swinging to and fro on its large leathern springs, drawn by its four spirited and prancing steeds; then a flourish of the long whip-lash, with its clear crack; the authori- tative whoa ! as if to impress upon the gazers the fact that he who held the lines was a personage of no ordinary stamp; then the rein- ing np before the tavern, and so much of the route was completed. Then came the dismount- ing ; then the congratulations and inquiries ; then the nnhitching of the horses and the replacing of fresh ones ; then the taking of seats again, inside, on top and beside the driver ; then
the gathering up of the lines, the flourish and crack of the whip, the brisk starting off of the four-in-hand ; then the fainter and fainter rumbling of the wheels, and the great event, which was to supply the conversation and gossip for hours, had passed. But the glory of the stage-coach has passed away ; the sociability and comforts of the packet-boat have come and gone ; and to-day the locomotive, pulling its train of luxurious coaches, enters and departs from Selin's Grove.
Sonoons .- The first school-house, a log one, stood on the site of the present school building. It was torn down about 1870, and replaced by a two-story brick building; which was burned in 1874, and a large one built in 1876, which accommodates four schools. The second school-house in the town was built of brick, prior to 1830, by Peter Richter, on a lot given by Charles Drumm, the founder of Charles- town. It was torn down and rebuilt in 1876, and is situated on the Isle of Que, southeast corner of Market and Second Streets. The third school-house was built on the site of the (dd-Fellows' Ilall. It was a two-story brick, octagonal structure, aud was known as the " pepper-box."
At the present day Selin's Grove has four public schools in the building on the corner of Pine and High Streets, and two in the building in that part of the borough known as Charles- town, on the Isle of Que. The average mun- ber of months taught is seven, and seven teach- ers are employed, one of whom is the principal, and has charge of the highest grade, the schools being regularly graded. In the highest grade, Algebra, Latin, the sciences and other of the high- er branches are taught. There are in all about three hundred and fifty pupils, with an average attendance of two hundred and eighty-five.
THE MISSIONARY INSTITUTE. - This insti- tution owes its origin to the necessity arising from the inadequate number of ministers in the Lutheran Church. The importance of a school was first mentioned in the Maryland Synod, and, in 1856, an effort for it- establishment was made by such men as Revs. Dr. B. Kurtz, 1. MeCron, George Diehl, L. R. Anspach, J. (. Butler, Dr. W. M. Kemp, Messrs. C. W.
1476
JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.
Humrichon-e, William Bridges, W. A. Wisong | App. The corner-stone was laid September 1, and - Rehm. Dr. Benjamin Kurtz is the 1858, and the building first occupied in 1859. recognized founder of the school, and became The design of the institute i- to educate young men for the ministry in the Evangelical ! Lutheran Church, including the missionary field at home and abroad. There is a classical J and a theological department. This institution has had an existence of twenty-seven years, during which time the Theological Department have sent out into the active ministry one hun- its first president. In 1856, by resolution, this institution was designed to be established at Baltimore. In 1857 this resolution was re -! seinded, and preference was given to the neigh- borhood offering the large contributions. The committee appointed by the board to visit places making offers reported, March, 1858,
MISSIONARY INSTITUTE.
that they had selected Selin's Grove since it of- dred and twelve graduates, only six of whom fered the best inducement, by subscribing $15,- have died.
112. Their selection was approved May 3,
1858. On May 17, 1858, the site for the have been Benjamin Kurtz, D. D., LL.D., 1858-
building was fixed on land of Jolm App.
At the time of building, the officers of the P. Anstadt, A.M., 1858-65 ; Peter Born, board were,-President, Rev. Benjamin Kurtz ; D. D., 1882 ; Rev. Jacob Yutzy, 1884.
Vier-Presidents, Rev. H. Ziegler and Rev. S. Pomer ; Recording Secretary, L. R. Hummel ; Corresponding Secretary, Rev. H. Ziegler ; Treasurer, James K. Davis. The building com- j mittee were William F. Wagenseller, George Schuure, C. A. Moyer, John App and Leonard
Instructors in the Theological Department 61; Henry Ziegler, D. D., 1858-82; Rev.
The Classical Department, besides fitting many students to begin the study of theology, has prepared many young men for college for the profession of teaching and various pursuits. The classical course extends over a period of four years, awarding a diploma at the end of the
1477
SNYDER COUNTY.
sophomore year. This department is under the management of an effective corps of in- structors, viz. : Revs. J. R. Dimm, D.D., prin- cipal of the Classical Department and professor of Latin and Greek ; G. W. W. Amick, A.M., vice-principal and professor of mathemathies, ete. ; J. Engene Deitterich aud G. F. Sill, as- sistaut teachers of English branches; B. F. Wagenseller, M.D., lecturer on physiology and hygiene; Miss E. L. Dimm, teacher of music; Rev. W. H. Diven, A.M., financial agent.
It is in place to here state that had it not been for the liberality of our former citizen, Mr. John App, in tendering fifteen acres of land and one thousand dollars, it is altogether likely the Missionary Institute would never have been at Selin's Grove. When others were despairing of locating here, he it was who gave a new impetus to the enterprise, and decided its location. During his life his aid and efforts in behalf of the Institute were repeated and lib- eral. An incident connected with the founding of the Institute is the fact that Mrs. E. B. Win- ters, of Easton, Md., made the first contribution. This she accompanied with her prayers for the success of the enterprise.
SUSQUEHANNA FEMALE COLLEGE .- At the time of locating the Missionary Institute, an- other institution of learning was established under the supervision of the Lutheran Church. This was the Susquehanna Female College. The building, a three-story brick, is still standing on the northwest corner of Market and Snyder Streets, and is now the property of Prof. Wil- liam Noetling. This school flourished for about ten years, being patronized by the church, but when it became an individual enterprise it began to decline, and was finally abandoned in 1873. This institution was under the following- named principals : Rev. C. C. Baughman, 1858 to 1863 ; Rev. Samuel Domer, 1863 to 1868; Prof. William Noetling, 1868 to 1873.
to-day, in almost every household, is found a piano or an organ, or both. Many of the cit- izens are good musical readers, skillful perform- ers on instruments, and not a few endowed with most excellent vocal powers. Prior to 1817, Jolm Frederick Eyer is mentioned as one of ability in this art. He was noted chiefly as a composer. Ile prepared and published a book entitled " The Union Choral Harmony." In 1837 his son, Henry C. Eyer, revised the work and issued a new edition of it. Prof. Joseph H. Fehrer was noted as a composer and instructor. His talent has been more partic- ularly directed to the composition of band music, and to the organizing and instructing of bands. He has frequently been awarded prizes for the best composition in contests wherein many of the noted composers in the State strove for superiority.
Of late years A. W. Potter, E-q., has mani- fested great interest in the beautiful art of music, and to him the inhabitants are indebted for an increased development of a taste for classical music. He has proven himself a competent conductor in the choir and large choruses. Many excellent voices have been brought to public notice through his efforts. Scarcely a winter passes that Selin's Grove has not some musical treat, brought about through Mr. Pot- ter's efforts. The Central Pennsylvania Musi- cal Jubilee was held in Selin's Grove in June, 1883, and was a very interesting event, and was the natural result of the talents that for pre- vious years had been improving under the lead- ership already mentioned. Visitors and musi- cians came from all directions. The chorus was composed of abont five hundred voices, and instruments of various kinds joined to swell the harmony. Ten brass bands were in attend- ance to enliven the occasion. The noted spec- ialists present were Dr. W. O. Perkins, New York, director ; Walter Emerson, Boston, cor- netist ; Helen ES. II. Carter, Boston, soprano ; Mrs. I. F. Knowles, Boston, soprano ; Mrs. E. C. Fenderson, Boston, contralto ; Mrs. M. D. Shepard, Boston, pianist; Prof. W. F. Meyer, Aaronsburg, pianist.
Muster .- Selin's Grove has for many years been noted for its musical talent, and the encon- ragement aud patronage it has given to music as one of the fine arts. From the few musical instru- ments found only in the homes of the wealthy, This jubilee was held in a large frame build- the number has grown to hundreds, so that |ing, erceted by the citizens especially for the oc-
-
1178
JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.
casion, and stood on the west side of Market Street, and had a seating capacity of three thou- SUNd.
LAPE OF GOVERNOR SNYDER1-Simon Sny- der becaine and continued for many years a resident within the boundaries of the county which bears his name. He served the State of Pennsylvania as Governor for three full terms ; was born at Lancaster, in November, 1759. Ilis father, Anthony Snyder, a German by birth, emigrated from his native land to Pennsylvania abont 1740, and died at Lancas- ter in April, 1774. Two years later Simon Snyder removed from Lancaster to York, where he learned the tanning and currying business, and remained about eight years. As showing his integrity of character, it is related of him that he faithfully served out an apprenticeship of four years at his trade, withont being bound by any indenture or written contract. While at York he attended a night-school tanght by John JJones (a worthy member of the Society of Friends), where he learned reading, writing and arithmetic. Often at midnight, after a hard day's work, Simon Snyder might have been found deeply engaged in the pursuit of knowl- edge, to which also his Sunday's leisure was al- most constantly devoted.
In July, 1781, he removed from York to that part of Northumberland which is now Sny- der County, where he became proprietor of a mill and store, and also acting as a serivener, was one of the most useful and respected men in that community. He was, in all situations and at all times, the friend of the poor and dis- tressed. He wasmodest and unassuming ; yet his sound judgment, impartiality and love of justice were so well known and appreciated, that he became a justice of the peace, continuing in the office for twelve years, under two commis- sions, the first being under the Constitution of
1776, and the last under that of 1790. So mmiversally were his decisions respected that there never was an appeal from any judgment of his to the Court of Common Pleas, and only one writ of certiorari was served on him during his terms of office. Though the inhabitants of his jurisdiction were largely of that class of persons who are settlers of all new countries, among whom quarrels and disputes are very frequent, yet so great was his personal influence and so strenous his efforts to reconcile contend- ing parties, that he generally prevailed ; indeed, so efficient was his influence that, of the many actions brought before him for assault and bat- tery during the whole period of twelve years, he made return to the Court of Quarter Sessions of but two recognizanees. These are evidences of an extraordinary degree and extent of public confidence in his disposition, judgment and general good principles and character-a confi- dence which his whole life proved to have been well and fully deserved.
In 1789 he was elected a member of the con- vention called to amend the State Constitution. Up to that time he had taken but little part in the political contests of the day ; yet his princi- ples seemed to have been well understood, and his votes in the convention proved him to have been then, as he continued through life, the steady supporter of principles best calculated to maintain the rights and promote the happi- ness of the people of Pennsylvania.
In 1797 he was elected a member of the Legislature. Ile was never regarded as a fluent or impressive speaker, nor did he ever make long or labored speeches, but what he did say was always listened to with marked attention, and carried weight, beeanse he never spoke ex- cept when he felt assured it was his duty to do so, and that he had something of fact or infor- mation to communicate which should influence the minds of his fellow-members. He fre- quently served on important committees, and in such positions he did good service, which was highly valued and appreciated.
In 1802 Mr. Snyder was chosen Speaker of the House of Representatives. In that position he presided with much dignity, with a full knowledge of his duties and a most accurate
1 The steel engraving of Governor Simon Snyder, which appears in this work, was executed from a painting in the possession of General Simon Cameron, which was made by the celebrated artist Jacob Eicholtz, and was presented to General Cameron by the Kicholtz family. In a note to the publishers, General Cameron says, in referring to the painting, " My clear recollection of the person of Gover- nor Snyder enables me lo assure you That it is n very excellent portrait of him."-[ Pumasnens. ]
δΈ€ for hyper
1479
SNYDER COUNTY.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.