USA > Pennsylvania > Blair County > Altoona > History of the city of Altoona and Blair County : including sketches of the shops of the Pennsylvania Railroad Co. > Part 2
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15
IHISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY
BLAIR COUNTY.
BOUNDS. POPULATION. ETC.
Blair county, on the north, is bounded by Centre and Clearfield ; on the east by Huntingdon ; on the south by Bedford; on the west by Cambria. It is composed of portions of Bedford and Hunting- don counties, which were ent off and assigned by an act of the Legis- lature of February 26, 1846. The county was named in honor of Mr. John Blair, a prominent, intelligent, and highly esteemed citizen.
When the census was taken in 1870 the population of the county numbered 38,051. At this time of writing the census for 1880 has not been taken. The work will be accomplished, however, before this book will be completed, and the result will appear on a subse- quent page.
AGRICULTURAL AND MINERAL RESOURCES.
The land is not noted for its fertility so far as agricultural products are concerned, excepting a tract of country called "Morrison's Cove." a portion of which lies in Blair, which is noted for the production of grain inferior to none in the market : the land lying in close proxim- ity to Hollidaysburg, and that comprising "Scotch" and "Canoe" val- leys. But the mountains produce iron ore in abundance. At the time this ore was converted into solid metal by means of small char- coal furnaces, it was taken to Pittsburg on wagons, at a cost of $30 per ton for transportation, making it an expensive article of merchan- dise.
In this connection we feel justified in remarking that were a little more energy and enterprise exhibited, the market for the excellent ores of Blair and adjoining counties would be greatly increased. So far as the Pittsburg works are concerned, Western. Pennsylvania iron enjoys a protective tariff in the shape of railroad rates, which would give it virtual control of the market. The prices for pig-metal in Cleveland are : Lake Superior, No. 1, $12.50; do. No. 2, $12 ; brown hermatite, $10. This is about the same quality of ore, but contains more phosphorus than the ores of Blair and neighboring counties. The freight to Pittsburg is about 81.90 per short ton, or 82.25 per long ton. At this rate our ore can be delivered in Pittsburg at about
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
If you want BARGAINS, here is the place to get them. We propose to offer Extra Induce- ments to our customers for the year 1880, and all subsequent years. We shall exert every means to spread still further the name of the place where the most goods can be bought for the money ; where the clean cash tells the wonderful tale of its powerful influence .- Remember, we- talk cash to all-the rich and poor alike. We. neither ask nor give credit, the interest of which is always added to your bill when "I TRUST" sells the goods. We claim and can prove that we give more goods for the money. This fact we have for the last three years fully demonstrated to this community.
BALTZELL & ROUSS, ALTOONA, PA.
NEW YORK OFFICE, 376 BROADWAY ..
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
$6.75 per ton ; less than the best ore costs in Cleveland, which, when taken to Pittsburg, has the additional cost of freights. As a .consequence of this, our home ores should be introduced in Pittsburg, where a good market could be secured. It would be well for Blair county miners to think of this matter.
At present there are eleven furnaces in the county, which, when in full blast, are capable of producing upwards of 1,000 tons of iron per week, and that, too, of superior quality. We append
A LIST OF THE FURNACES.
" Allegheny," in Allegheny ; "Bennington, " in Allegheny ; "No. One," in Hollidaysburg; "No. Two," in Hollidaysburg; " Etna," in Catharine township; "Springfield," in Woodberry township ; " Martha," or " Gap," in Freedom township; " Rodman," in Taylor township; " Frankstown," in Frankstown township; "Juniata," in Juniata township; " Elizabeth," at Elizabeth Furnace.
The last-mentioned furnace was but recently re-started, having lain dormant for about six years.
In addition to the above iron works there are four rolling mills and two nail factories.
SINKING VALLEY.
The valley called by this name received notoriety at an carly pe- riod, on account of furnishing one of the principal articles of ant- munition with which the Indians, after getting into possession of fire-arms, were in the habit of punishing their enemies, real or sup- posed. We allode to lead, which was obtained from mines in that locality. But the mines had been worked more especially in the in- terest of the American government during a period of the revolu- tionary war-that is, for about one year and a half previous to the fall of 1779, when the government turned over the mines to private individuals, relieved of all apprehensions as to a sufficiency of lead for the army from large receipts abroad, facilitated by an alliance with France. While operations were carried on at the mines by the Government, a garrison was regularly maintained at the fort in the neighborhood, which was mounted with two pieces of artillery. The miners who received the works from the Government soon abandoned them, and they have never been successfully operated since. At different times they have been started, and in 1852 a company was formed in New York, called the "Sinking Valley Lead Mining Com- pany," which promised great things, but in a short time its bubbk.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
of prosperity burst, and the hopes of its stockholders vanished into air.
One hundred years ago (1780) Sinking or Bald Eagle valley con- tained about forty families, who lived in log houses. The planta- tions were two or three miles from each other, so that when disa- greements with Indians occurred they were at their merey, unable to concentrate in time to resist their attacks.
Sinking valley is some three miles cast of Tyrone. For beauty of scenery, historic interest, and natural curiosities, it deserves to take rank among the most interesting places in the United States. It is formed by a rugged chain of mountains on the east, called Ca- noe ridge, and by Bald Eagle mountain on the west. It is extensive and fertile, containing many highly-improved farms, mills, iron works, and an intelligent population.
NATURAL CURIOSITY.
The great natural curiosity of this valley is Sinking creek, from which it takes its name. This ereck emerges from Arch Spring, and then proceeds to lose itself, again and again, as it flows onward. Some of the pits through which the ereck is visible, are several hun- dreds of feet in depth. Many of these openings are seen along the sinking stream, which at length appears upon the surface for a short distance. It then enters a large cave, through which it flows in a channel about 20 feet wide, for a distance of more than 300 yards, when the cave widens, the creek turns, and is plunged into a cavern where the waters are whirled and churned with terrific force. Sticks and large pieces of timber are immediately carried out of sight, but where they go has never been ascertained, no outlet for the waters having been discovered.
A stream flowing through Tyrone has characteristics somewhat similar to this Sinking crock-disappearing and again reappearing as it flows onward. Doubtless these singularities are owing to some peculiar geological formation, as they are again repeated in Fishing ercek, Centre county, some 40 miles northeast of Tyrone.
A few miles from Arch Spring is a narrow pass, in Tussey's mountain, which, for the distance of a mile, is cut like a western gulch or ravine through huge rocks rising almost perpendicularly on both sides of it to a considerable height. The carly settlers named the pass "Water Street," and by this title it is often mentioned in the records of colonial times.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
LOGAN, AN INDIAN CHIEF.
The valley extending from Altoona to Tyrone derives its name from Logan, an Indian chief of the Delaware "persuasion," whose identity is sometimes ignorantly merged in that of the Mingo war- rior who figured so prominently during an early period of our na- tional history. His cabin was located near a large spring. now with- in the limits of Tyrone. In an engagement with a hostile tribe on the Susquehanna, Logan, unfortunately, had an eye shot out by au arrow. This disfigurement was considered by the Indians as a dis- grace, and he was deposed from his chieftainship. He then came with his family to Juniata valley. His friendship for the whites was sincere, and he rendered them many important services. After the revolution he was deprived of his lands (where Tyrone now stands) by some white men, who purchased them in due form, a proceeding the Indian, in his ignorance, had omitted. He moved to the Indian town of Chinklacamoose (where Clearfield now stands), and died there, one of the best representatives of his race in the Juniata valley.
THE SCOTCH SETTLE IN FRANKSTOWN AND CATHARINE TOWNSHIPS.
A portion of Catharine and Frankstown townships constitute the Scotch and Canoe valleys, to the fertility of soil of which we have already referred. The elder inhabitants of this part of the county- the Moores, Irwins, Crawfords, Fraziers, Bells, Stewarts and others -were of Scotch descent.
HOW AND WHEN TOWNSHIPS WERE FORMED.
Allegheny was, prior to the formation of Blair county, in 1846, a township of Huntingdon county. As it then existed it joined Antis on the north. In 1852 Logan was formed out of Allegheny and Au- tis; hence Allegheny is now bounded on the north by Logan, on the west by Cambria county, on the south by Blair and Juniata, and ou the east by Frankstown.
Antis, like Allegheny, was a part of Huntingdon county. It is said the name is that of a somewhat noted Tory, who resided here during the revolutionary war. In 1852 the southern portion of the township was taken from Logan. As Antis now stands it is bounded on the north by Snyder, on the east by Tyrone, on the south by Lo- gan, and on the west by Cambria county.
Blair came out from Huntingdon county, and surrounds Hollidays- burg, the county seat. It was originally taken from Allegheny and Frankstown, and, as now organized, is bounded on the north by Al-
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
FOR THE FINEST
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G. E. ORMES,
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
legheny and Frankstown, on the east by Frankstown and Taylor, on the south by Freedom, and on the west by Allegheny.
Catharine was part of Morris in Huntingdon county, and became a township in 1846 by the organization of Blair county. It is bounded on the north and east by Huntingdon county, on the south by Woodberry, and on the west by Frankstown and Tyrone.
Frankstown was a township of Huntingdon county until the for- mation of Blair county in 1846. Some changes have since been made in its boundaries, but none of any importance. As it now stands it is bounded on the north by Tyrone and Catharine, on the east by Woodberry and Huston, on the south by Taylor, and on the west by Blair, Allegheny and Logan.
Freedom originally belonged to Bedford county, and as part of Greenfield first in 1847. Juniata was formed out of Greenfield, and, in 1857 Freedom was created out of Juniata. Freedom has Green- field on the south, Juniata on the west, Blair on the north, and Tay- lor on the east.
Greenfield, an old township of Bedford county, became part of Blair county in 1846. Since then both Freedom and Juniata have been taken from it. It is bounded on the south by Bedford county. on the west by Somerset county, on the north by Juniata and Free- dom, and on the east by Taylor.
Huston was originally a township of Bedford county. It is bounded on the south by Bedford county, on the east by Huntingdon county, on the north by Woodberry, and on the west by Frankstown.
Juniata, taken from Greenfield, was organized as a township in 1847. It has Cambria county on the west, Allegheny on the north, Freedom on the cast, and Greenfield on the south.
Logan was formed in 1850 out of Allegheny and Antis, and lies around Altoona. It is bounded on the north by Antis, on the east by Tyrone and Frankstown, on the south by Allegheny and on the west by Cambria county.
North Woodberry originally belonged to Bedford county. It has Bedford county on the south, Taylor on the west, Huston on the north, and Huntingdon county on the east.
Snyder came from Huntingdon county, and is bounded on the north by Centre county, on the east by Huntingdon county, on the south by Antis, and on the west by Cambria county. It has within it the borough of Tyrone.
3
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
Taylor was formed in 1855 out of North Woodberry and Huston. It has Bedford county on the south, Greenfield, Freedom and Blair on the west, Frankstown on the north, and North Woodberry on the east.
Tyrone was an old township of Huntingdon county, until incor- porated into Blair county in 1846. It has Logan and Antis on the west, Snyder on the north, Catharine on the east, and Frankstown on the south.
Woodberry came from Huntingdon county, and has within it the town of Williamsburg. It is bounded on the south by Huston, west by Frankstown, north by Catharine and on the east by Huntingdon county.
To recapitulate-fifteen townships in all-Allegheny, Antis, Blair Catharine, Frankstown, Snyder, Tyrone and Woodberry originally from Huntingdon county ; Greenfield, Huston and North Woodberry from Bedford county ; and Freedom, Juniata, Logan and Taylor were formed since the organization of Blair county in 1846.
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY.
We now give an epitome of the educational history of the county, derived from Mr. John H. Stephens, the present efficient Superinten- dent of public schools of the county. The educational interests of Altoona are specifically treated further on.
In 1809-no matter what may have been the character of the schools up to that time-the first law was enacted tending toward a general system of public free schools, for the "education of the poor gratis." In 1834 the present law was passed, which has been modi- fied at various times. Two schools were established within the pres- ent limits of the county as early as 1790-one at Williamsburg, the other near "Red Ore Bank," on Clover creek. Williamsburg was formerly called Aketown, and Jacob Ake owned the land upon which it was built. Believing that the education of the youth in his vicin- ity was a matter of importance, Mr. Ake secured teachers and paid all the expenses out of his own purse. The system of instruction Mr. Ake established lasted fifteen years, when subscription schools began. Mr. James Martin taught until 1825. He was followed by Messrs. Cassel, Irvin, Opdyke and Spencer, and Miss Nancy Ander- derson. The school on Clover creek was taught by JJohn Bridenthal, in a honse which stood on what is now the Hyle farm. John Diltz taught a school in a private house in the vicinity of Leather Cracker
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
(now Henrietta ) about 1795. William Loose, George Glass and Ketring, were among the other teachers who taught in this vicinity during this period. Another school was established near Etna Fur- nace, at an early day, which was in operation in 1797. In 1800 the house was destroyed by fire, and another to take its place was located near Keller's church. James Martin is the only teacher of this school whose name has been handed down to posterity. About 1800 John Fisher taught a school in a private house near Sharpsburg, and in 1802 a school house was built in the same vicinity known as the Hauser school. Most of the schools were German. The first English school taught in the "Cove" was in 1800, by Mr. Roach, in a house which stood near Roaring Spring. Thomas Kinney taught a school near Elizabeth Furnace in 1800. Another school was taught near Bell's Mills, in 1809. Alexander Kerr and Dudley Burnham were the leading teachers in this community. Sixty-seven years ago John Steele taught in a private house in Gaysport. Thomas Stearns, John Knox, Joshua Williamson, William Anderson, John Wertz, Robert MeNamara, Joseph Cadwalder, S. F. Henry and Ephrain Galbraith are among the teachers who taught in Frankstown. (At that time Frankstown included the present territory of Allegheny and Blair townships.) In 1812, James Langham taught a school near Black's Mills, Greenfield township. John Dodson also taught in this neigh- borhood. John Swoveland built a school house at his own expense, and donated it for school purposes. In 1815 a school house was built near Allegheny Furnace, called the Beales' school. John Gwin and Summerville were among the teachers here. Within the present limits of Allegheny township, the first school house with shingle roof was built (in Duncansville) in 1815.
Under the act of 1854, creating the office of County Superinten- dent, Hugh A. Caldwell was the first man to serve, with a salary of $400. L. H. Williams succeeded him in 1856, and Geo. W. English filled the office in 1857. John Dean, now President Judge of this Judicial district, was elected in 1857, with salary raised to $600. His successor was John Mitchell, who was appointed to fill the unexpired term of Mr. Dean. In 1860 Mr. Mitchell was elected for the ensuing term. J. Ginter Counsman was elected in 1863, and was followed by Elexis Elder in 1864. In 1865 the salary was raised to $1,000. Mr. Elder served until 1869. In the same year John B. Holland was elected, and in 1875 John Il. Stephens was made Superintendent.
More strenuous efforts have been made during the present year (1880), than in any previous one, to free the schools from incompetent
24
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
IRWIN'S DRUGSTORE GO TO
Corner 11th Avenue and 16th Street, ALTOONA, PA., - FOR -
PURE DRUGS,
POWER'S AND WEIGHTMAN'S CHEMICALS,
R. A. HANCE'S FLUID EXTRACTS, JNO. WYETH & BRO'S WINES AND ELIXIRS, ALL STANDARD PATENT MEDICINES, PALMER'S HANDKERCHIEF EXTRACTS AND INVISIBLE POWDER, BEAN'S INDIAN QUEEN PERFUME, FANCY AND TOILET ARTICLES, SPONGES, BRUSHES, PERFUMERY, TOBACCO, CIGARS, SNUFFS, &C.
Prescriptions carefully compounded with accuracy and dispatch, at all hours of the day or night. Business hours from 6 a. m. until Il p. m. Open on Sunday for the sale of necessary medicines.
ALTOONA STORE,
Moss MOSER & CO., PROP'RS.
Corner 6th Avenue and 7th Street.
IN ADDITION TO A LARGE AND VARIED STOCK OF
Fine Teas, Coffees and Spices,
WE KEEP A GENERAL AND WELL ASSORTED STOCK OF
Groceries, Flour, Feed and Notions.
AG We claim to sell Groceries on smaller profits than any other firm in the city. Call and see for yourselves. Please remember the place and don't confound us with others.
ALTOONA T STORE,
CORNER SIXTH AVENUE AND SEVENTH STREET.
25
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
teachers and to keep out of the profession young and inexperienced ones until they make more thorough preparation before entering upon so important a work. The standard has been raised so as to exclude a number of teachers who belong to that class which serves no other purpose than to check the wheels of progress. This, in connection with what directors are doing in exercising from year to year greater care in selecting teachers, seems, next to good teachers themselves, to be the most efficient means for the improvement of the schools.
Three new houses were erected during the year in Logan and one in Antis. All are substantial buildings, well adapted to the purpose for which they were intended. The directors of Tyrone borough placed in their building apparatus to heat the rooms by steam, which, in connection with other improvements made, delayed the opening of the schools so as to make it necessary to diminish the term.
The County Institute was held in Hollidaysburg commencing De- cember 29 and closing January 2. It was the best attended institute ever beld in the county, and in point of interest was pronounced fully equal to any heretofore helt. The instructors and lecturers besides teachers of our own county, were Professors J. H. Shumaker of Cham- bersburg; Carothers, of Shippensburg; J. F. Davis, of Altoona; P. HI. Bridenbaugh, of Martinsburg, and Rev. Dr. B. B. Hamlin, of Altoona.
The oldest academy in the county is located at Williamsburg. In 1847 the house was built by a joint stock company. A charter was granted in 1851. Rev. John White was the first teacher.
The Juniata Collegiate Institute, (formerly the Franklin High School,) located at Martinsburg, was completed in 1860. It was built by joint stock subscriptions, at a cost of $8,000. In 1867 the Luth- eran Synod bought it for $3,000. It was afterwards sold to JJ. G. Herbst, who, after a short ownership, sold it to Prof. Lucian Cort for $5,000. While owned by Mr. Cort, there was an addition built to the main building, which cost $8,000. In 1875 Henry Bridenbaugh bought it for $10,700. It is now in successful operation under the principalship of Prof. S. R. Bridenbaugh. Professors Dickerson and Osborne were the first teachers. Their successors were Messrs. Wil- lard, Hughes, Hassler, Schwartz, Cort and S. R. Bridenbaugh.
The Hollidaysburg Female Seminary (an illustration of which we print elsewhere, ) was chartered in 1866. The building was completed in 1869. It cost about $75,000 and was erected by a joint stock com- pany. From the time of its opening in 1869 to September 12, 1877,
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
Rev. Joseph Waugh was the principal. From the latter date up to the present time, Prof. W. P. Hussey is its efficient principal.
Tipton Seminary, located at Bell's Mills, was built by General B. F. Bell, in 1866. Prof. Orr Lossing first took charge of the school ; he was followed by Robert Fulton and J. A. Stewart. The building has not been used for school purposes for several years.
A select school has been in successful operation in Hollidaysburg for several years, under the principalship of Prof. J. A. Stewart.
DESCRIPTION OF NEW COURT HOUSE-DEDICATION EXERCISES, ETC.
On April 29, 1875, the old court house in Hollidaysburg was pre- sented by the grand inquest of the county in the following language: "The Grand Inquest, inquiring in and for the County of Blair, in April session, 1875, do make the following presentment: That we find the present court house is inadequate and unfit for the accomo- dation of the courts and the officers of said county, and especially for the deliberations of the grand jury, as well as unsafe for the keeping of the records of said county ; we, therefore, recommend the erection of a new court house for the reception and safe-keeping of the records, as may be necessary for the proper use of said county."
After this presentment, Messrs. David Anrandt, John Clark and Alex. Carothers, who at that time constituted the board of county commissioners, decided to erect a new building, and entered into a contract with Andrew Myers to superintend the removal of the old court house and jail on May 26, 1875. The contract for making the excavations for the foundation walls was made with Michael Walls, who died while the work was in progress. On August 11, 1875, the commissioners, having previously adopted a plan, designed by David S. Gendell, of Philadelphia, and advertised for proposals, received twenty-three bids, varying from $103,700 to $168,000. The lowest bidder was John Schreiner, of Pittsburg, and to him was awarded the contract. He did the work well.
The building is erected upon a nearly level terrace-terrace sur- rounded by low stone walls, provided with wrought iron railing- two main entrances by broad flights of steps-terrace has broad landings and foot walks laid with large flag stones. The building is in the modern Gothic style of architecture, with the Italian treatment. The exterior walls are of stone-facing, cut stone. The color of the main body of the work is a warm, rich, sunny buff-arch stones, string courses, cornices and other ornamental portions of the work, are
27
HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
of a beautiful deep, peach bloom color, presenting a strong yet agreca- ble contrast. Inside the exterior stone walls are 43 inch brick walls, erected separately from the stone work, to which they are tied with wrought iron anehors. There is an air space of 13 inches between the stone walls and the brick lining to secure freedom from dampness. The plan of the structure bears some resemblance to the letter " T." In width it is 70 feet on the front ; 833 feet on the rear, and 553 feet across the narrow part-total depth 1323 feet. The front portion of the building is two stories in height, surmounted with a high, slated roof. The rear part is three stories high, the upper story being contained within a Mansard roof, with ornamental gabled stone dormers. At each front angle of the building is a large square tower, surmounted by an ornamental slate covered roof, the total height from the ground to the top of the roof being 83 feet without the iron eresting. On the front, between the two towers, are three entrance doorways, facing Allegheny street. These are approached from the terrace by a flight of steps 34 feet long, with a broad landing at the top, which forms the floor of an arcade. This arcade consists of three arches carried by coupled columns. It is 273 feet high from the pavement of the ter- race to the top of the weathering of the cornice. Above the areade are three traceried windows opening into the court-room. Over these is the front gable of the main roof. The height of this gable from the terrace to the top of the stone finial surmounting it is 77 feet. In this gable is a niche in which is placed a statue of Justice 8 feet high, executed in Amberst stone. In the rear building is another large entrance or doorway facing Union street. The main or clock tower is at the intersection of the front and rear buildings, a massive structure 19 feet square, in which is one of Meneely & Co.'s best bells, sweet in tone, and weighing 2,550 pounds. Above the belfry is the clock, the dials of which are of thick heavy ground glass 99 inches in diameter. Above the gables the tower is surmounted by a short spire or high roof, all of stone to the finial, and this spire is surmounted by ornamental iron work. On the rear of the entire building is a small turret 63 feet square and 80 feet high, intended to carry off the vitiated air from the rooms of the building.
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