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 51
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 51
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 51
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 51
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 51
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The surrounding territory is devoted solely to agriculture and stock-raising. Conspicnons amongst those engaged in this pursuit are J. B. Hall, Geo. S. Rine and J. Kohler Peek, E-q. The soil along the river is exceedingly fertile, and here can be found some of the finest and most productive farms along the Susquehanna Valley. Those particularly worthy of mention are the two farms of J. B. Hall, comprising over four hundred acres in a high state of cul- tivation, who is one of the most enterprising and intelligent farmers of the county; the farm of Ano. M. Rine, containing about two hundred and twenty-five acres of improved land ; and that of Philip Hilbish, adjoining MeKe's, containing two hundred and fifty acres in a high state of
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cultivation. The products are wheat, rye, corn, alleging that the cost of the bridge was thirty- ats, potatoes and tobacco, the latter being cul-" six hundred dollars, and that he was compelled givated in considerable quantities the past six to sell his house and lot in Strandstown in con- sequence of his losses. The grand jury awarded which was confirmed by the court May 19,
SCENERY .- The village, with its surround-, him six hundred dollars extra compensation, ings, is attractive and noted for its varied and romantic scenery, which, for its picturesquenes ! und grandeur, is not surpassed along the Sun- INDEPENDENCE. quehauna. The river expands into a -tream several islands, midway in the stream, lying parallel with each other. The water passes over two ledges of primitive rocks, which extend in
Independence is a small village situated about me and a fourth miles wide and is studded with two miles above MeKee's Half Falls. A tavern opened by George Herold in 1781 at this place later became a stopping-place on the stage- route. The old swinging sign had painted a continnon- chain from either shore and form upon it the coat of arms of Pennsylvania, and what are called the " Falls," which have a the motto " Virtue, Liberty and Independence." precipice of about three and a half feet in the It was the place where horses were changed in the days of the old Concord coaches. The set- first and three feet in the second descent. The hain of rock - abruptly terminate at the island, tlement took its name from part of the motto mly to resume their continuity on the east side on the sign. The present brick hotel was built by Colonel J. C. Herrold, the grandfather of David Herrold, the present owner.
Colonel Herrold married a daughter of Fred- crick Stees, the noted mill-builder, and himself beenmme a builder and contractor. He erected the two covered bridge- that cross Middle Creek, on the road from Selin's Grove to Freeburg, and was the contractor who built one mile of the canal from Witmer's northward, in 1827.
David Herrold has in his possession a stone about eighteen inches in length, and five inches in breadth, which he found, years ago, con- cealed in a path in the rear of the oll Herrold mill, in which is out the figures 1711. It is shaped like a moment-stone used by sur- vevors.
The village of Independence contains a hotel, a store, eighteen dwellings and a school- house.
MHAS AND DISTILLERIES .- In 1782 George Herrold was assessed with two mills and a ferry. He lived half a mile above the village of Inde- pendence, at the place where Abel Herrold's mill now stands. It is, without doubt, the oldest will-site in the township. It is not known when the ferry was abandoned. The grist-mill was torn down in 1812 and the present mill away the lumber he had near the Greek. At erected. There is at this place a stone in the September form of court Mayer presented a pe-
shape of a pyramid, with a round hole in its tition to court asking to be paid for his loss, centre, which was said by old settlers to have
- of the island, to the opposite shore. The fall- extending over to the i-land are named after MeKre, hence MeKre's Half Falls ; those on the opposite of Georgetown side have no name.
MAMANTANGO CHEER BRIDGE .- A petition was presented to court at the May term, 181-1, for the creation of a bridge over Mahantango freek, where Weiser's mill is now situated. The court appointed Adam Leight, Thomas Shipton and Frederick Stees viewers on the part of Union County ; Henry Roth, Henry Gross and Christian Seerist for Millin County. Their report wasset aside. Subsequently Jolm Selmec, John Martin and Michael Rathfon, together with three commissioner- from Mifflin County, reported in favor of a bridge to be created by the counties of Union and Mitlin, which report was confirmed by the court December 19, IST 1. It was also approved February 15, 1815, by Philip Morr, Frederick Gutelins and James Dale, county commissioners. Frederick Mover contracted to build this bridge for eighteen hun- dred dollars. In August, 1816, a freshet came, when it was found that the plan of the commis- .jouers was insufficient. The pier- which Moyer had put up were swept away. In September of the same year another freshet came, and swept
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JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.
been used in a hemp-mill which, in 1787, was owned by Simon Herrold. The territory now embraced in Chapman and Union townships contained in early days nine distilleries. In 1820 a distillery was in operation on the farm now owned by J. K. Peck, which continued about thirty years. The place was later used as the site for a school-house. A distillery was in operation about the same time on the farm now owned by Augustus Springman. On the farm now occupied by Gabriel Eisenhart, in Union township, many years John Herrold was run- ning a distillery. A distillery, run by George Arnold, was on the farm of J. Aaron Meyer. George Herrold was also running a distillery on the farm now owned by J. S. Wolfe, Union township. Abraham Blauer was engaged in the business on the form of Mrs. William (. distillery was on the farm of Daniel Stahl, in the same township. Of others in Union town- ship were Samuel Witmer, on the Indge Witmer, Jacob Seerist, on the premises of Christian Bitner, and Major Philip Burkhart, on the farm of John Hall.
The great flood of the Susquehanna, in 1817, washed away the surface of several acres of ground between the landing of John M. Rine and Beneville Kremer (now .I. B. Hall), expos- ing a large number of human bones, Indian crockery, pipes and war implements. This was an old Tudian grave-yard, of which there had been no previous tradition. About eight hun- dred yards from it, where there is now a grave- vard, there were a umber of pits, said to be the vestiges of an Indian village.
1. 11. Straub lives in the northwestern por- tion of the township, on a farm which he has in an excellent state of cultivation, and ou which he has built a fine residence.
Senoors,-AAmong the carly teachers was John Puff, who taught a school at Indepen- dence about the year 1830. Emanuel Thomp- son and Dr. T. S. Updegraff; afterwards the noted Elmira physician, taught in later years. Puff taught an English and German school and died at Mount Pleasant Mills, He was a black- smith by trade. The old log school-house at Independence was erected on half ab acre of
ground donated by - Arnold. Mrs. Grump- shank also taught. here.
At Grubb's a part of the dwelling-house wa- used for school purposes. John Young lived here and taught a subscription and singing- school. Mrs. Young was an excellent singer.
Rudolph Brugger preceded Mr. Young at this place as a teacher. He was a native of Ger many. Henry Arnold also taught at Grubb's and at other places.
The first school-house at McKee's wa- erected about the year 1835, near the present residence of J. B. Hall. Prior to that instruc- tions were given in a private house in the vicinity of MeKee's by Daniel Rohrer, subsequently a justice of the peace, who died in 1880. His son James and his sister are school-teachers at pres- ent. In 1813 the old school-house was demol- Herrold, in Union township. J. A. Stald's ished and another erected, which was also torn down, and the brick structure erected which is now used for the public school.
There are now in the township six school- houses. The value of school property is two thousand seven hundred and fifty dollars.
The houses are in good condition and they are nearly all furnished with patented desks. The present board of school directors are pro- gressive and intelligent men and are here given -Henry Hendrick, president ; J. B. Hall, secretary; II. (. Shaffer, treasurer; Messrs. Sepkicher, Troutman and Houser.
CHAPTER XVI.
MIDDLE CREEK TOWNSHIP.I
Ar the December torm of the Union County court, in 1837, the inhabitants of part of Wash- ington, Centre and Penn townships petitioned for a new township. The viewers appointed were Joseph Stillwell, Ner Middle-warth and Valentine Haas, who made their report to May term, 1838, with the following specifications :
" Beginning on the line of Union Township on the farm of - --- Leitzel, thence through Penn township South 9º East, 1252 perches, to a live near Snyder's Mill ; thence across Middle Creek South 55" West, 221 perches to a timm on the mountain between Middle
1 By Horace Alleman, Esq.
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SNYDER COUNTY.
Creek and Freeburg; thence along the same Sonth 84° West, 1180 perches to a Chestnut Oak ; thener through Washington and Centre townships, including the farm of Michael Klockner, North, 1 102 perches to the line of Onion township between John Berhap and John Bakers ; theure along the said line to the beginning. And we are of opinion that the territory included within said lines ought to be created into : separate township, to be called Middle Creek."
This report was confirmed at September form of court, 1838. Middle Crock township as thus erected was almost twice as large as at present. L'pon the formation of Jackson township (1853) nearly the one-half was taken from the north- ern end of Middle C'reck.
INDIAN NARRATIVES.
Within the boundaries of this township there preurred one of the many cold-blooded massacres incident to the period of our first pioneers. In 1781, as nearly as can be ascertained, there resided, about seven miles west of Selin's Grove, on the north side of Middle Creek, a family by the name of Stock (Stuck). Through some cause Stock had incurred the displeasure of the Indi- ans. One day while Stock and three of his sons were at work together in a field, clearing out the timber, a party of about thirty Indians ap- proached, having been attracted by the sound of the ax ; and from one of the hill-tops sur- rounding, beheld the objects of their hatred. Seeing that Stock and his sons were stout men, well armed and on their guard, the Indians left them undisturbed and passed on to the house. Upon nearing thedwelling they saw another son plowing in the field close by, whom they in- stantly shot. This son had that day been to mill, at what is now Boner's Mill, in Franklin. Hurrying toward the house, with their fiendish vell, they seized the terrified and helpless women, Mrs. Stock and her daughter-in-law. The mother, grabbing a emoe pole, bravely defended herself in that desperate struggle, as she sought to reach her husband and sons in the clearing, but the fatal stroke of the tomahawk ended her life, and she was immediately scalped. The premises were plundered. They then started off, dragging the daughter-in-law with them, intending to make her their captive. But so overcome was she with terror at what she be- held and experienced, that consciousness for-ook
her. Seeing that their flight would thus be re- tarded, they dragged her into the woods and killed and scalped her. What a picture met the eyes of thereturning laborers! Expecting the welcomeof his heroic wife and the refreshing comforts of' their frugal meal and humble cot, they beheld a sight that might well sicken their very hearts. The alarm was at once given. Three experi- eneed Indian-hunters, Grove, Pence and Stroh, led in rapid pursuit. Though fleeing rapidly, they were overtaken before they reached Now York State. The Indians had settled for the night around their camp-fire, and, in their sup- posed security, were narrating and reciting the scenes of their murder. Suddenly the attack of their pursuers was made, and so unexpected was it that many of the Indians were killed and the rest put to precipitous flight. Upon the return of the whites the exhibition of the miner- ons Indian scalps made it manifest that the Stock massacre had been avenged.
Another object of interest associated with the times when the redmen roved our forests, is the old log fort, still standing in this township. Along the public road leading from Selin's Grove to Middleburg, at the west end of Kremer (Smith's Grove), on the south side of the road, there is a low log building. Upon closer examination a heavy plank floor about seven feet from the ground is noticed. On the second story are two openings, eight by twelve inches, the one to the north, the other facing sonth. This relic of Indian times is still in a remarkably good state of preservation. When attacks were made by the savages the white set- tlers gathered here for protection and defense, The marks of determined assaults are still visi- ble, since many of the logs are full of the im- prints of arrows,
PIONEERS .- Among the first settlers in this locality were the Stocks, Frederick Leitzel, Frederick Lentz, the Wertzes, Henry Wetzel, Seibers and Schoch. The names of many of the early settlers will be found in the history of Penn township, which formerly embraced Mid- dle Creek.
INHABITANTS IN 1810, - - Abraham Bergey, shoe- maker ; Frederick Bolig, farmer; Peter Bolig, carp- enter; Frederick Bolig, Jr., carpenter; Henry
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JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.
Bolinger, laborer; Frederick Bans, farmer; John Bishop, farmer; Frederick Bilger, farmer; Jacob Bolig, carpenter; Charles Banter, farmer; John Courtney, justice of peace; William Courtney, farmer; John Dunkleberger, blacksmith ; Jobn Dan- bennan, farmer; Michael Dinnins, shoemaker ; Jacob Dinins, farmer; Jacob Deitrick, farmer; William, John and Joseph Duck, laborers; George Dauber- man, plough-maker; Christian Danberman, mason ; George Engle, farmer; Henry Erdley, farmer ; John Erdley, blacksmith; Michael Erdley, farmer; darob Erdley, farmer; Charles Fryman, saddler; Jacob Greenongh, miller; Lewis Ineter, farmer ; Benjamin Hummel, shoemaker; Solomon Himmel, farmer; George Hummel, farmer ; Samuel Hendricks, farmer; Abraham Hendricks, weaver; Daniel Kessler, shoe- maker; Jacob Kessler, farmer ; John Kessler, black- smith ; John Kline, farmer; Michael Kock, farmer ; Charles Keck, single; Daniel, Philip, John and Henry Krause, farmers; John, farmer; Benjamin, single; Andrew, tailor, and Daniel, single; Kreamer, Samuel and Elias Krause, siogle; Adam Klingler, Frederick, John and Samnel Leitzel, Burmers; Jacob Mohr, farmer; Michael Neiman, farmer; Henry l'outins, farmer; Peter, George, Henry, Jr., Adam, Sammel and Andrew Pontius; George Reninger, mason ; Henry and Samnel Reitzmian, farmers ; Jacob Snyder, Michael Specht, Samuel and Michael Snyder, farmers; George Stronb, farmer ; Michael Schoch, farmer; Jacob Schoch, Jr., farmer; Conrad Stock, justice of peace ; John Stronb, farmer ; John Shaffer, farmer; Adam Sower, single; Levi Stack, tanner; Marcus Threefoot, innkeeper; Henry Wetzel, black- smith ; Samuel Yoder, farmer ; Henry Yerger, farmer ; Daniel Zeiber, farmer ; Jacob Zeiber, single.
INDUSTRIES, -- In 1788 there was a saw-mill owned and operated by Heury Meiser. About this same time a frame grist mill was built on the south side of Middle Creek, at what is now known as Meiser's Station, on the S. & L. R. R., and as Globe Mills post-office.
But its old burrs and wooden machinery be- came worn, hence in 1885 the mill was replaced by a large and modern brick one, built by Sammel H. Yoder. This new mill has the latest and most approved machinery, and is ex- cellently situated for shipping purposes.
A short distance from Kreamer, on the north side af Middle Creek, stood a small log factory, which was owned and operated by Henry Wetzel, Sr., at this place. Gim-barrels, scythes and sickle-blades were made. The property now belongs to his son, Henry N. Wetzel, who, for twe terms, served as county commissioner.
At the present day a number of the citizens
of the township find employment in rebuilding and repairing the railroad which passes through the Township. This branch of industry is under the efficient management of Samuel Bollinger, residing at Kreamer, and who has the super- vision of that section.
Kiss want .- Since the opening of the Sun- bury and Lewistown Railroad there has spring into existence quite a settlement, known a- Kreamer. The growth of it is due to the mining of iron ore from the hills close-by to the south. From this point the ore is shipped ta the different centres of mannfacture. Thi- place sometimes called Smith's Grove, in honor af Jacob A. Smith, now has a population of about eighty persons. It also contains au Evangelical Church, built in 1872, a tavern, two general stores,-Smith's established about 1870, and Jacob Hummel's established in 6885; a blacksmith-shop, shoemaker-shop, and several other industries. Dr. d. N. Seip is the physi- cian of the place. The " Half-way House," sitmated half-way between Selin's Grove and Middleburg stood here. Township elections are held at Kreamer and in the days of " Bat- talions " and " Flying-horses," it was a scene of mirth and hilarity. This hotel is now con- ducted by Samuel Rumbangh. The post-office was established here about 1860, the appoint- ments to which have been held by Jacob .A. Smith, and his daughter, Lydia E. Smith.
$ SEIBER'S Curren stands a short distance sonth of Glabe Mills, and was dedicated May 28, 1840. The ministers at the dedicatory >er- vices were Roys. A. G. Anspach and J. P. Shindel, of the Intheran denomination, and A. B. Casper of the Reformed. The name given to the church was St. Peter's Church. The first ministers wore Rov. J. P. Shindel (Intheran), and A. B. Casper (Reformed). Among the first church members were Michael Schoch, Sr., Geo. J. Schoch, John Kline, Conrad Stock, Angstead Orhagast, Mathias Danberman, Abraham Hendricks, Michael Keek, and the Ke- sler family, of the Intheran congregation ; and Daniel Seiber, Philip Seiber and Sammel Yoder and family, of the Reformed congregation. The first commmion was held May 31, 1St, when eighty-five members participated, sixty-five of
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SNYDER COUNTY.
whom were Entherans and twenty Reformed. Both ministers were present and assisted in the services. Rev. Shindel continned to serve this people until 1858, during which time the Lutheran congregation increased to one hundred and seventy-live. On June 21, 1856, Rev. Shindel was recalled, and continued to serve the Lutheran congregation until May, 1866. The successive pastors were Rovs. Frederick Ruthranf, P. Orwig, Richard Lazarus, A. Er- lenmyer and Jacob F. Wampole, who is at present preaching here.
ERDLey's Curnen is situated on the pub- he road leading from Kreamer to New Berlin, owned conjointly by the Lutheran and Re- formed denomination. The church was built and dedicated in 1857. At the dedicatory ser- vices Rev. Dr. John C. Bucher, father of the present Judge Bucher, was present in behalf of the Reformed congregation, and the Rev. Reuben Weiser in behalf of the Intheran membership. The proper name of the church is, "St. Paul's Church." At the present fime Rev. Jacob F. Wampole is the Lutheran pastor, and the Rev. T. R. Dietz the Reformed pastor. The mem- bership at the present time is abont thirty Re- formed and one hundred and twenty-five Luth- cran.
EDUCATIONAL. - There are four public- schools in this township, with an average attend- ance of one hundred and sixty-four scholars. The average salary paid teachers is twenty-two dol- lars per month. The schools are taught five months in the term. The ammal expenditures are from five hundred and fifty dollars to six hundred dollars, which are promptly niet, leav- ing the district clear of all liabilities.
Justices of the peace commissioned since 1855 were J. M. Dauberman, April 10, 1855; Levi Leitzel, April 10, 1855; J. M. Dauberman, April 10, 1860; Levi Leit- zel, April 15, 1861 ; Reuben D. Walter, April 10, 1866 ; Henry Schoch, April 10, 1866; Levi Leitzel, April 9, 1867 ; Lewis Amig, April 1, 1871; Levi Leitzel, AApril 9, 1872; Reuben D. Walter, March 14, 1874; A. B. Keck, March 11, 1876; Levi lweitzel, March 17, 1877; John O. Keeler, March 8, 1880; Philip Roush, No- vember 3, 1880; J. S. Weiser, April 9, 1881; C. E. Class, March 7, 1882; A. C. Fields, April 18, 1885.
The present population of the township num- bers seven hundred and fifty.
CHAPTER XVII.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.'
The first ofort to creet this township, by dividing Centre, was made in 1822, when, at the December term of court, held at New Ber- lin, a petition was presented, setting forth,-
" That Centre township was abont 12 miles in length and S in breadth, and that the inhabitants of Centre and West Buffalo townships were much incon- venienced by the extent of the election district, and that a new township, composed of parts of Centre and West Buffalo, would be of great benefit."
Frederick Gutelins, Robert Barker and Rob- ert Foster were appointed to view the same and report. At September term following their re- port was presented, and with it a draft of the proposed new township. Examination of this draft will show that the new township was to be where Centre now is, while Centre was to be south of Franklin. A report was presented to the court, but it did not effect the desired result, and nothing further was done until, in May, 1830, when John Rockey presented a petition to the court, reciting that, as the town- ship of Centre was so large and extensive in territory, he, as constable, could not attend to all the duties, and asking that James Walis be appointed as deputy. The appointment was made. At August term, 1842, another peti- tion was offered, and James Madden, Joseph Stillwell and John Foster were appointed viewers. At September term, 1842, they made report that they had run a line of a new town- ship, which they requested to be called " Franklin."
The boundaries described for the new town- ship embraced Centre township. To this re- port objections were made and remonstrances filed, and the report was not. confirmed. On February 28, 1853, James F. Linn, John Schoch and John Gundy were appointed com- missioners and made a report, that, in pursu- ance of' an order of conrt to divide Centre town-
I The notes for the history of Franklin, Centre, Beaver, West Beaver, Adams, and Spring townships, and for the borough of Middletown, were collected by G. C. Gutelius and Dr. J. Y. Shindel, of Middlebarg.
-
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JUNIATA AND SUSQUEHANNA VALLEYS IN PENNSYLVANIA.
ship, they ran a line, embracing the present township, and made a report which was con- firmed May 28, 1853. This, after a period of thirty-one years from the first effort, the town- ship was created
EARLY SETTLERS -John Yost Kern, who was born at Freischbach, Germany, in the year 1716, and who was married to Rave Mary Weiss, emigrated, in the year 1771, to America, and settled in the Middle Crock Valley, on territory now composing the town- shipof Franklin. On the 2 4th of Inne, 1772, he obtained a warrant on certain lands, in pur- snance of which a survey was made, September 7, 1778, of land adjoining lands of John George Eslinger, Leonard Diehl, Jacob Walter and others, containing one hundred and sixty- tive and a half aeres. Here he settled and commenced improvements. On the 31st of December, 1805, these lands were conveyed to his son, John Kern. The larger part of this tract is now owned and occupied by Henry M. Rearick.
At the time Johan Yost Kern settled here, Indians roamed through the valleys in great munbers. When at work in the field, the ! rifle was an indispensable protection to the settler. Johan Yost Kern died about 1815, and is buried in the old grave-yard at Hassinger's Church, in Franklin township, where nearly all of the old pioneers to the valley are buried, among whom we would mention, the Hassingers, Bubbs, Walters, Gifts, Swinefords, Swengels, Bowersoxes and Smiths, the descendants of whom arestill numerous in the valley. Johan Yost Kern, and Have Mary his wife had six sous; Henry, John, Adam, Peter, Jacob and Philip; also three danghters : Annie Mary, intermarried with John Walter, Lonisa Anna, intermarried with Jacob Bobb, and Christiana intermarried with Joseph Walter. These last two were grand-parents of Charles .A. Bolouder, present. treasurer of Snyder County.
Henry Kern lived in Beaver township, near Beavertown. He died in Seneca County, Ohio, in 1885, at the house of his brother Peter. Ile was married to Catharine Lepley, who survived him twenty years. They had one son, Henry Kern, Jr., now of Beavertown, an aged and was a wagon-maker by trade.
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