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 41
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 41
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 41
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 41
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 41
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FIRES .-- Though Middleburg has been for- timate in escaping much loss by fire, yet there are several instances which should be recorded as matters of history. After midnight on June 1, 1851, the frame house of Albright Swine- ford, then used as a tavern, was burned. Mr. Swineford soon erected a fine brick house on the same site, which he has since used as a pri-
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vate residence. In 1867 a fire destroyed the residence and store of' S. S. Schoch, the tin-shop of D. T. Rhodes and the residence of John M. Smith. These properties extended from the northeast corner of Market and Sugar Streets to the residence of Mr. Albright Swineford. Samuel Wittenmyer has since erected a fine brick dwelling on the corner. About 1878 an- other fire destroyed the carpenter-shop of C. W. Catherman and the residence of Dr. J. W. Rockefeller. This site is now occupied by the residence of Jacob Gilbert, Esq. A few years prior to this last fire, about 1875, the store occu- pied by C. C. Scebold was destroyed, a little after midnight.
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INHABITATANTS AND OCCUPATIONS, 1814 .- John Aurand, Frederick Hipple, Robert Hasslet, Jacob Miller, Philip Wetzel, Michael Shultz, carpenters; George Aurand, John Bower, saddlers; John Aurand George Bolender, James Barbin, blacksmiths; John Bolender, Thomas Shipton, justices of the peace ; Henry Bolender, Andrew Stalnecker, Jacob Swine- ford, Henry Tittle, hatters; Jacob Bilger, Peter Eisenhour, Peter Frain, George Bilger, George Shambach, masons ; John Bolender, Jr., Jacob Gil- bert, Philip Ritter, Edward Fryer, William De Haven, Samuel Mertz, shoemakers ; Benjamin Bowersox, Daniel Bowersox, Jacob Lawver, Isaac Mertz, Isaac Yarnell, George Yeager, George Smith, John Gumby, Jacob Miller, laborers ; Jacob Baitler, weaver; Alex- ander Cummings, Jacob Oswaldt, Peter Beistle, Mi- chael Deibert, tailors ; Edward Fauls, Philip Deal, John Blate, inn-keepers ; George Frederick, Christian Shambach, wagoners; Jeremiah Hassinger, Leonard Smith, John Smith, Henry Smith, Samnel Boyer, tanners; Abraham Lose, cooper; Peter Hackenburg, Peter Snyder, schoolmasters; George Heim, minis- ter; Abraham Frederick, miller; John Moyer, Thom- as Wallis, Christian L. Shlemm, doctors; William Reaser, blue dyer ; Frederick Steesc, Philip Deel, John Steese, store-keepers ; Michael Wittenmyer, dlock-maker. In 1814 there was one lot in Mid- dleburg assessed in the name of Simon Snyder, Gov- ernor.
1829 .- Jacob Fryer, inn-keeper until 1850; George Aurand, justice of the peace ; John Bibighans, doctor ; John Bower, inn-keeper mutil 1838; Lewis Bertram, inn-keeper until 1832; James Barbin, blacksmith un- til 1853; Samnel Gangler, inn-keeper until 1841; Daniel Bogar, store-keeper; John Cummings, dr., store-keeper; Frederick Steese, store-keeper ; Jona- than Holmes, doctor until 1835; John Highley, schoolmaster; Rev. Jacob Smith, minister.
1832 .- Charles Cummings, store-keeper; Jacob Fisher, inn-keeper ; Samuel Guss, tam-yard ; William
Garman, Lutheran minister until 1841 ; Anthony Kinstler, apothecary ; Michael Wittemmyer, justice of the peace; Jacob Wittemnyer, store-keeper ; Samuel Wittemmyer, store-keeper.
1835 .-- George Boyer, tanner until 1850; Daniel Beckley, inn-keeper; Frederick Evans; Simion Frank, merchant until 1888; Lewis Gnst, tanner ; George Motz, tanner ; George MeGinnis, teacher; Isaac Smith, merchant nutil 1811 ; Jacob Shannon, saddler until 1811; John Smith, in-keeper un- til 181; George Swineford, carpenter until 1850; Jacob Wittenyer, merchant until 1853; John Bower, inn-keeper; Peter Frain, tailor, still living (1886).
1838 .- Jacob Aurand, constable, justice of the peace 1840, tinner 1847 to 1850, register and recorder, ete., died in 1884; Peter Dreese, blacksmith until 1853; Michael Wittenmyer, merchant ; Henry Walter, merchant ; David Swenk, hatter, assessor and justice of the peace; Henry A. Smith, inn-keeper until 1860; J. P. Shindel, Lutheran minister to present time.
1841 .-- Lewis Bertram, Justice of the Peace.
1847 .- II. N. Backhous, merchant until 1853; Joseph Eyster, physician; Swengle & Hassinger, merchants; John Smith was an inn-keeper from 1835 to 1844, when he was sneceeded by his widow, Elizabeth Smith, who still keeps the Central Ilotel, also known as the " Waffle House." Mrs. Smith has always led a busy and industrious life, has always been kind-hearted and hospitable, and in her extreme old age is still noted for her remarkable activity. She is known far and wide. Albright Swineford, inn- keeper; after the destruction of his building by fire, as previously narrated, Mr. Swineford ceased to keep tavern. He is a son of John Swineford, the founder of the town; is ninety years of age, hale and hearty, and no later than two years ago went on Shade Mountain and as- sisted in making a survey. Ile was a soldier in the War of 1812, as corporal, in Captain Ner Middles- warth's company. Mr. Swineford has been elected to many of the offices of the town and township. IIc wits a member of the building committee of the Lutheran and German Reformed Church of this place, contributing liberally towards its erection in 1834, and afterwards towards its remodeling, about 1862.
THE EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN AND RE- FORMED CHURCH OF MIDDLEBURG was built, in 1834, of brick, with high gallery on three sides and a high pulpit on the east side. This church had a steeple with a fine-toned bell in it. The building committee were Albright Swine- ford, David Zicher, George Bolender and George Boyer. The services at the laying of
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the corner-stone were conducted by Rev. Wil- liam Garman, Rev. J. P. Shindel, Sr., and Rev. Henry Fries. The dedication services were conducted by Revs. J. P. Shindel, Sr., J. C. Anspach, Henry Fries and ---- Fisher. At this time the Reformed congregation was served by Rov. Henry Fries, followed by Revs. Soi- bert, Shultze, A. B. Casper, Hackman, S. Gute- lins, C. Z. Weiser, D. D., and J. K. Miller. The Lutheran congregation was served by Revs. Garman, Erlenmeyer, Ruthrantl, Reiser and Klose.
About 1860 the church was remodeled and changed into a two-story building, with base- ment and audience-room, and was rededicated by Rev. Klose, J. C. Bucher, D.D. and Rev. Samuel Gutelius. The following Reformed pastors have since supplied the charge : Revs. Samuel Gutelius, L. C. Edinunds, Hofficier, Seiple, Yearick, Dotterer, Kohler and T. R. Dietz, the present pastor.
The Lutherans were served by Rev. Klose, Rev. Prof. H. Zeigler, D. D., theological stu- dents of Missionary Institute, R. Lazarus Brein- inger, Orwig, Irwine, Rote, Brodfeurer, Ken- dall, Spangler and S. P. Orwig, the present pastor. This church has, in connection, a large and prosperous Sabbath-school. This church was supplied by the following pastors during times when there was no regular pastor: Rev. Henry Aurand, Rev. Ephraim E. Kieffer, Rev. C. Z. Weiser, D.D., Rev. J. C. Bucher, D.D. (Reformed), and Rev. Prof. II. Zeigler, D.D., Rev. Willard and others (Lutheran).
CHURCH OF THE UNITED BRETHREN IN CHRIST .- In 1850 Rev. E. Hershey organized a class at Middleburg. Rev. Hershey was fol- lowed by the Rev. L. W. Kramner, under whose pastorate their church was built,-abont 1853. This was a one-story brick structure, with steeple and bell. Prior to the completion of the court-house, the courts were held in this church, and the county offices were in the building on the opposite side of the street. The class, having become permanent at this time, has thus continued, yearly gaining in strength and influence. Rev. Kramer, having served from 1852 until 1855, was succeeded by the following-named ministers: Henry Dark-
son, 1855 to 1858; Joseph Dougherty, 1858 and 1859; Daniel Canfman and Henry Ilil- bish (now pastor of the Trinity Reformned Church, at Hanover, Pena.), in 1860; Chris- tian Caufinan and Barker, 1860 and 1861; Jacob Rank; 1862 and 1863; George W. Iloff- man, 1864; George Lowery, 1865 and 1866; Jacob List, 1867 and 1868; Rev. Shade, in 1869; Samuel W. Moan, in 1870; William Dissinger, 1871; Amos Grawl, 1872; John R. Miller, 1873; Amos Grawl, 1874-77; Joseph Wenck, 1878; Peter Hains, 1879-80; W. Gamblin, 1881; Rev. Miller, 1882-84; J. W. Buchter, 1885. In 1871 the church was en- larged and rebuilt, a second story being added.
THE EVANGELICAL ASSOCIATION has an organization in Middleburg. They have stated services, but no church building of their own. At present, they occupy the United Brethren Church.
SCHOOLS .- The public schools are graded, and are held in the large two-story briek build- ing standing at the end of Walnut Street, ou Pine Street. Prior to the erection of this building, a frame school-house, painted red, occupied the site. After climbing up steep steps, the pupils entered a small, square entry, which led to the main room. Within the door, to the left, sat the schoolmaster, well supplied with four-feet-long switches, and woe to the tardy or unruly pupil that came within his convenient reach, as he entered that door. The seats and desks were made of solid pine boards, planed smooth at first, but ere many winters had passed, deeply cut with some favor- ite initials and characters. This old school- honse on the hill was called the Gravel Hill Seminary. There was a similar school-house at the east end of the town, on the lane that leads to the cemetery of the place. It stood back of Motz's tannery, close by Stump's Run, and was called the Stump's Run Academy. Great rivalries used to exist between the schol- ars of these two schools. The teachers were Jolm A. Ettinger, Daniel Showers, Franklin Weirick, Charles P. Swengel, John Pechman and others. There are at present two schools in the town, with an attendance of eighty pupils.
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SoeurTEs .- Post No. 56, G. A. R., was or- ganized April, 1867. The charter members were John Y. Shindel, Aaron K. Gift, B. T. Parks, Joseph .A. Launbard, U. P. Halley, Hiram Schwenk, James Musser, Joseph Ulsh, John 11. Wright, Daniel T. Rhoads, William N. Kistor and Aaron Reninger. The first Commander was B. T. Parks ; Adjutant, Joseph A. Lumbard. This post existed but a few years. The last Commander was Robert Eisen- bour, now living in the West.
Captain George W. Ryan Post, No. 364, G. A. R., was named in honor of' a gallant sol- dier who was killed in the battle of Fredericks- burg. The organization of the post took place Aug. 7, 1884, with twenty-threecharter members. The first officers were G. C. Gntelius, P. C .; J. W. Orwig, S. V. C. ; Theophilus Swineford, J. V. C .; D. T. Rhoads, Q. M. ; Dr. R. Rothrock, Surg. ; Dr. J. Y. Shindel, Chap. ; F. E. Bower, 0. of D. ; John S. Stetler, O. of G. ; A. K. Gift, Adjt .; James P. Smith, Sgt .- Maj .; Thomas Rathfon, Q. M. S. This post has fifty-two members. AAlbright Swineford, a sol- dier of the War of' 1812, is an honorary mem- ber. The present officers are: P. C., D. T. Rhoads; S. V. C., A. K. Gift; J. V. C., Ner B. Middleswarth ; Surg., Dr. J. Y. Shindel; Chap., Rev. S. P. Orwig; O. of D., Reed Jones; O. of G., G. C. Gutelins; Q. M., Thomas Rathton ; Q. M. S., Aaron Renninger ; Adjt., S. S. Schoch ; Sgt .- Maj., Theo. Swineford.
George E. Hackenberg Camp, No. 76, East- ern Pennsylvania, Sons of Veterans, named in honor of Lieutenant George E. Hackenberg, was organized March 5, 1885. The camp has a membership of twenty-six.
MUSICAL .- Middleburg has for many years manifested an interest in the divine art of music. Among its citizens are found those who, as performers on instruments or as vocalists, will compare favorably with those of other parts of the State.
The first military band in Middleburg was organized in 1819. The original members were A. K. Gift, John S. Hassinger, William Swenk, John Bilger, Joseph Bolender, Edward Wetzel, John Y. Shindel, T. B. Bibighans, Aaron G. Hassinger, Jacob A. Smith and
Charles Boyer. This band had an existence of about five years.
About 1855 a second military band was organized with upright-bell brass instruments. The original members were John .1. Ettinger, (. 1. Smith, Edw. Wetzel, John Reitz, Jacob A. Smith, Robert W. Korn, John Frain, Philip Swineford, Christian Stemninger and Lewis King, This band existed until about 1860.
The third military band was organized in 1866. The original members were A. K. Gift, Philip Swineford, Henry Bachman, James C. Swineford, John Y. Shindel, Theophilus Swineford, Benjamin Bachman, John E. Bolen- der, James P. Smith, Jacob K. Snyder, G. Milton Motz and John A. Motz. This band had an existence of four or five years.
In 1871 the fourth military band was organized, and is still (1886) in exist- ence. This band was incorporated September 26, 1881. Of the members at the organization, J. F. Stetler, A. J. Crosgrove and Calvin Stetler are still active members.
Professor J. F. Stetler has been conductor since organization. The present officers are : President, M. K. Hassinger; Treasurer, 1. J. Crosgrove ; Secretary, Calvin Stetler.
The band owns a hall building, two stories eighteen by thirty-six feet, an elegant wagon three sets of uniforms and a good set of instruments.
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES.
JJEREMIAH CROUSE.
The subject of this sketch was born at Selin's Grove, Suyder County, Pa., October 1, 1828. Ile was a son of James Crouse. His mother's maiden-name was Lydia Singer, a sister of Dr. Singer, of Newport, Perry County, Pa. He had five brothers and three sisters, viz .: Dr. G. J. Crouse, of Philadelphia ; Dr. W. F. Crouse, Cloverland, Clay County, Ind .; Anna, wife of Dr. J. M. Wallis, of Philadelphia ; Har- riet, wife of Rev. Jacob Peters, Lutheran min- ister, Manheim, Pa .; Mary, wife of J. P. Smith, merchant, Muncy, Pa .; B. F. Crouse, mail con- tractor, Selin's Grove; d. N. Crouse, Newville,
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Pa .; Daniel Crouse, attorney-at-law, Harlan, la. Ile received his education in the common schools at Selin's Grove. He married Henrietta, daughter of Israel Gutelins, who died at Mid- dleburg October 16, 1881, leaving two sons and one daughter. His oldest son, James Gutelius Cronse, is an attorney-at-law, practicing at Mid- dleburg. He was derk in the prothonotary's office a number of years, which brought him in contact with the business men of the county,
In the spring of 1855 he was elected high constable of the borough of Selin's Grove; re- elected in the spring of 1856. During his first term he escaped the unpleasant duties usually pertaining to the office, but early in his second term an exeention was placed in his hands which required of him to make sale of the effect- of' a poor family. This was revolting to his generous nature, and he immediately resigned. Under the administration of President Lin-
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and secured for him a good practice. When [coln, in 1861, he was again appointed postmias- quite young he beemne a clerk in the store of Benjamin Schoch, a leading merchant and deal- er of grain and seeds at Selin's Grove, where he acquired a good business education. He was appointed postmaster at Selin's Grove under Taylor's administration, and served four years and six months. He was requested to continue in the office on the incoming of an adverse ad- ministration, but he declined, believing that " to the victors belong the spoils."
ter, and held the office four years and six mouth -. In 1858 he went into convention for the office of prothonotary, but was defeated by only two votes by Jacob P. Bogar. He became a strong advocate of the " Crawford County " system of nominating candidates for the Republican party in Snyder County. Through his persistence the measure was carried, and the popular vote system of nominating candidates for county offices has been in use since 1863. Early in
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the summer of 1861 the Republican primary dection was held, and Mr. Crouse was nomina- ul by a decided majority for the office of pro- thonotary, and triumphantly elected at the gen- rral election in October, 1861. During the time Le held the office he cultivated friendships and tenaciously hold them. His means were scarcely commensurate with his generosity. His charities were many, but he never paraded them before the public. He was affable, courteous and efficient as a public officer ; moral and law-abid- ing as a citizen ; calculating as a politician. He engrafted himself in the public esteem to the end that he was elected to the office of prothon- utary and clerk of courts for seven consceutive tris-a period of twenty-one years.
Mr. Cronse became editor and proprietor of The Post January 1, 1867, and made it the organ of the Republican party. This paper had been established by his father-in-law, Israel Gutelins. His good management of this paper kept it in the front rank until December 1, 1882, when he sold it to T. Il. Harter, Esq.
lle was a number of times delegate to the Republican State Convention, and a member of the State Central Committee for several years.
His strength at home cansed him to be sent to these conventions, which brought him into close personal and political relations with the leading men of the party, and gave him a State- wide reputation.
HON. G. ALFRED SCHOCH.
On Jan. 16, 1843, the subject of our sketch en- tered the world in what is now Snyder Co., near Middleburg. The parentage is readily traced back to the Faderland, his great-great-grand- father, Mathias Schoch, with his brothers, John and George, and two sisters, coming theure and settling in Berks County, Pa. Mathias was twice married, and had children as follows : lohn, Henry, Michael, Jacob, Peter and Cath- arine by his first wife, and George, Daniel and Reberea by the second. Jacob (son of Mathias) had children as follows : George, Michael, Ja- cob, Sem, Abram, John, David, Benjamin, Catharine (married George A. Snyder), Susm (married Rev. J. G. Anspach), Elizabeth (married
Colonel Philip Gross), Mary (married Beatty Cook ).
Michael (son of Mathias) was the father of George, the father of George W. School, Esq., of the Mifflinburg (Union County, Pa.) Tele- graph. Michael (son of Jacob), born May 15, 1799, married Rosanna Klose, who bore him seven children, the oldest of whom, Emanuel, born near Middleburg, --- , married Susan- nah, daughter of John and Margaret ( Miller) Kline, and had two children,-George Alfred (whose name heads this sketeh), and Amanda Diana, who married Lewis E. Pawling, of this county, and has borne him five children : Albert Schoch, Samnel James, Emanuel, Susan Alice and Delia Elizabeth ; an infant, unnamed at death.
Mr. Schoch appreciated the great value of a liberal education, and placed his son Alfred at the Freeburg Academy, after having gone through the regular course afforded by the con- mon schools, that he might obtain the benefits to be derived from this well-known institution. At the conchision of his studies Alfred entered the educational arena, and taught in the county schools nine winter terms, and then commenced upon his chosen career, the mercantile, as a clerk, first at Middleburg and then at Selin's Grove. With the experience therein gained he opened a store at Middleburg on October 7, 1870, and found a ready welcome from his friends. His business rapidly increased, and, in 1882, he pur- chased the fine briek block on the corner oppo- site the court-house, and, after remodeling it, placed a large and complete general stock with- in its walls, and has constantly added to his business since by the ability with which he man- ages it.
In 1867 Mr. Schoch was elected jury com- missioner, and filled such position until 1870, besides which he has never hesitated to accept the township and borough offices which have from time to time been pressed upon him by the citizens. Recognizing his fitness to serve them in a wider sphere, he was nominated by the Re- publican party and elected Representative in the State Legislature, to serve in the sesions of 1875 and 1876. His commection with that body was recognized by his fellow-members as valuable,
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and we quote the following relative to him from the " Legislative Sketch-Book," issued in 1876 : " Ile is a gentleman of mental calibre. His ideas are good and he reasons with much close- ness. His views are usually practical and have good common-sense to recommend them. He is a gentleman of much force of character and conld, under no considerations, be tempted to swerve from what he considers to be the path of duty. We do not know a more consistent man. Certainly
188 1, he was re-elected to the House for 1885- 86, and has done good work for the county in the session which closed IInne 12th last, one special point being worthy of mention. The un- veiling of Governor Snyder's monument at Se- lin's Grove, set for May 27, 1885, was consid- cred an occasion for the legislative bodies to adjourn and participate in the ceremonies. 1 resolution to such effect originated in the Senate and was passed, but when handed into the House
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no honorable member adheres more faithfully [ was summarily suppressed. Mr. Schoch, appre- reconsideration of the question, which was car- ried, and upon the original question coming up for action, made a strong appeal for its pas- sage. to his election-pledges or his political principles. ciating the wishes of his constituents, moved a Ile deserves all praise for the faithful manner in which he discharges his legislative duties. No member's name appears more regularly on the list of years and ways ; and he is equally at- tentive to his duties in the committee-room. Ile is much esteemed by his fellow-members for his unblemished private character."
Hisactions as their Representative were so sat- isfactory to his constituents that, in the fall of
When the vole was taken it was found to be nearly unanimously carried, thus evidencing the weight of Mr. Schoch in the House and his pop- ularity among the members, who were thereby enabled to meet with the assembled thousand-
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the pleasant old town of Selin's Grove upon the occasion referred to.
On December 23, 1873, the subject of our sketch was joined in wedlock with Miss Alice D., daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Rishel) Mench, of near Mifflinburg, Union County, Pa., one of the oldest and most promi- nent families in Central Pennsylvania.
Their union has been blessed in the birth of we child, a danghter, but the All-wise saw fit to ent short the sweet life in its very bud. Mrs. Alice D. Schoch is an carnest member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and one of her brothers, Rev. A. H. Mench, was, until his de- case in May, 1876, a pastor in such connection. In carly manhood Mr. Schoch united with the Lutheran Church, and has maintained close runnection with the principles of that body.
When the Sunbury and Lewistown Railroad was projected, Hon. G. Alfred Schoch foresaw its certain value as a promoter of the public weal, and became an ardent supporter of the enterprise. He has always been interested in progressive matters, and desires to benefit the people wherever possible. Still a young man, hardly at the height of his usefulness, we read- ily see a long and honorable carcer before him, carrying, as he does, the respeet and hearty good- will of the citizens of his county.
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CHAPTER VILL.
PENN TOWNSHIP !!
HAD any one inquired from competent anthor- ity, during the year 1767, of the location and size of Penn township along the Susquehanna, he would have been informed that it was in the northern part of Cumberland County, and embraced that portion of Pennsylvania bounded as follows :
"Beginning at the intersection of Cocolamus creek with McKee's path; thence up said creek, according to the North-East branch thereof, to the Susquehanna River as high as George Galbraith's (Gabriel) planta- tion ; thence down said river as far as McKee's path ; thence along said path to the place of beginning."
' By Horace Alleman.
To the general reader this boundary is rather indefinite ; but to one acquainted with the loca- tions this description would satisfy him that. Penn township contained what is now Union, Chapman, Perry, Washington and part of Penn townships, in Snyder County; also the greater part of Monroe, Greenwood and Susque- hanna townships, in Juniata County. North- umberland County was erected in 1772, and Penn township was re-formed. From the records of the new county we have the following descrip- tion of the township, then in Northumberland :
" Beginning at the mouth of Mahantango creek ; thence in a North westerly direction along Mahantan- go creek to Meteer's spring; thence to top of Tussey's mountain ; thence in an easterly direction to Penn's creek ; thence down said creek to its mouth ; thence down the river to the place of beginning."
This description embraced what at the pres- 1 ent is part of Brown, most of Armagh and De- catur townships, in Mifflin County, the southern portions of Hartley and Lewis townships, in Union County, and all the county of Snyder, except the township of Monroe and a small por- tion of Jackson. As population increased, this vast township was divided into smaller ones, which, to-day, number not less than eighteen, so that Pen township is now reduced in size to about nine square miles. In 1784 nearly the one-half of this territory was formed into a new township called Beaver Dam. In 1804 Centre township was formed out of parts of Penn and Beaver Dam, and subsequently Jackson, Middle Creek, Washington, Chapman and Union town- ships were formed from part of its territory.
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