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 20
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BAPTIST CHURCH.
The Baptist church of Hollidaysburg sprung from the church at Williamsburg, which was admitted into the Juniata Baptist Associ- ation in 1829. Ten members of that church had their residence in Hollidaysburg, and when it was determined that the canal basin should be located there, and it became evident that the village of Hol- lidaysburg was destined to become a large and prosperous town, these ten members deemed it expedient and proper for them to organ- ize a church of their own. Accordingly, in August, 1833, they ob- tained letters of dismission from the Williamsburg church. On No- vember 17, following, a council of the association, which had been previously called, met in the public school building on Walnut street, (the old school building which was torn down some years since), and then and there the Baptist church of Hollidaysburg was organized. Rev. David Williams, pastor of the Williamsburg church, was called and became the first pastor. Sutliff F. Henry and Joshua William- son were elected deacons of the new organization. But it was not until 1836 that the congregation felt themselves able to build a church edifice. Although this small nucleus soon grew in numbers and in- fluence, their limited means would allow of the erection of but a
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
small brick building, which was built on the corner of Walnut and Union streets, the site of the present church. Rev. Williams contin- ued to serve the church for several years. Rev. Thomas E. Thomas was the pastor for six months during the year 1837. Rev. Jobn P. Rockafellar, an able and earnest divine, very zealous in the cause of Christ, was called to the pastorate in 1837. He continued to labor among the people, witnessing, in many instances, rich returns for his labors, up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1849, ex- cept an interval of three years. He died young, and his early depart- ure was much regretted. Rev. Rockafellar had many warm and true friends. During his ministry, the little brick church was dis- covered to be too small for the accommodation of the rapidly inereas- ing congregation, and in 1846 the neat edifice now used by the church was built. In 1874 it was remodeled, and the auditorium has been made very comfortable and attractive. During the interval of three years, before alluded to, the pulpit was filled by Rev. Dr. A K. Bell, and Rev. Henry Wescott. In 1848 the congregation extended a call to Rev. D. J. Yerkes, who continued in the pastorate until 1857. Rev. Yerkes was a brilliant preacher, a good pastor and very suc- cessful. He was succeeded by Rev. A. H. Taylor, who continued in charge until 1862. Rev. C. S. Stineman was the pastor for one year. In 1864 Rev. Dr. William Shadrack became the pastor, and contin- ued, greatly admired and respected by all his congregation, until 1868, when Rev. E. C. Clapp was called and served for two years. He was regularly installed pastor in August, 1867, and served his people faithfully until October, 1869. In the spring of 1870 Rev. H. F. King, the present pastor, received a call, which was accepted, and took charge of the congregation during the month of April of that year. Rev. King is very acceptable to the people as a pastor. His heart is in his work, and there is no question of his future success. He is a young, earnest and arduous worker in the cause of his Master.
The Sabbath-school attached to the church is large and in a flour- ishing condition. M. H. Baldridge, is its superintendent. A. M. Lloyd takes an active interest and has charge of the Bible class- called the "Judson Bible Class."
HOLLIDAYSBURG SEMINARY FOR YOUNG LADIES.
On page 25 reference is made to this institution of learning, which originated from a desire for higher education for young ladies. The building is stone, four stories from the foundation, frontage one hun- dred and fifty feet, and depth one hundred and sixty feet. It con-
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
tains, in addition to a large and commodious school hall, a laboratory, recitation, reading, music and art rooms, besides apartments for the principal and his family, and dormitories for boarding pupils. The building contains all the modern conveniences. The location of the Seminary, on an elevated campus, the grounds embracing four or five acres, is a beautiful one, commanding a fine view in every direction. In point of healthfulness the location is unexcelled. While, in no sense, sectarian, the school is, in the best sense, moral and Christian. The work is thorough, broad and liberal, in recognition of the fact that the sphere of woman's activity and usefulness is constantly wi- dening. [See engraving on page 212.]
THE GREAT FIRE IN HOLLIDAYSBURG.
About four o'clock, P. M., on the 14th day of April, 1880, a fire originated, evidently the work of an incendiary, in an unoccupied barn, formerly used as a livery stable by Charles Hewit, located on Wayne street, between Allegheny and Mulberry streets. The Pho- nix Steam Fire Engine company, Allegheny Hook and Ladder company and the Good Will hose company promptly responded to an alarm given by the whistle of furnace number one. The wind, however, spread the flames over adjoining frame structures, and in a short time two blocks were on fire, rendering the efforts of the fire department to subdue the flames entirely unavailing. A telegram for aid was transmitted to Chief Engineer Rose, of Altoona. Promptly the Vigilant company with their apparatus, embarked on a special train, consisting of an engine and truck, and the run was made (seven miles) in eleven minutes. The Vigilant was followed by the Em- pire Hook and Ladder company, who drove to Hollidaysburg, over a rough road, in forty minutes. By this time the fire was under con- trol. Its progress was stopped by the firemen confining their atten- tion to preventing its further spread.
After the fire there remained but one stable, occupied by James Condron, on the two squares ravaged by the flames. The buildings destroyed were the double cottage house owned by the Rollins broth- ers ; green house, photogragh gallery and dwelling of Frank Proctor ; the large brick house on the corner of Allegheny and Penn streets, owned by Dr. C. Irwin and occupied by Dr. D. S. Hays ; also two frame houses adjoining, owned by Dr. Irwin, and a brick house owned by Wm. Thomas, of Altoona, and a small house owned and occupied by the widow Lewis; also stables of A. L. Holliday, J. Berckheimer, Samuel McFadden, Hon. Thad. Banks, Samuel Milliken, William
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
Williams, A. F. Osterloh, William Gardner, James Patton, Mrs. Reynolds, Col. J. A. Lemon, G. I. Davis, J. M. Kinports, C. G. Lowry, McFarlane heirs, the stables on the Dr. Irwin lots and the William Thomas lot, and two others. A large number of out houses, sheds, grape arbors, etc., were either broken, burned or damaged.
While the fire was in progress the roof of the residence of Judge Dean, and also on that of Hon. R. A. MeMurtrie, caught fire from flying sparks, but were extinguished before serious damage resulted. Several other buildings caught fire from sparks and blazing shingles carried by the wind, among which were the residences of Dr. W. C. Roller, Mrs. Charlotte Irvine, Hon. S. S. Blair, and the stable of David Over, which sustained but little or no damage.
The losses amounted to about twenty thousand dollars, upon which there was about ten thousand dollars of insurance.
BLAIR COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY.
From Rowan Clarke, M. D., of Bellwood, we obtained a short and concise history of the Blair County Medical Society. A prelim- inary meeting was held in Hollidaysburg, July 25, 1848, in pursu- ance to a notice which appeared in the Hollidaysburg papers, signed by James Coffey, M. D .: J. A. Landis, M. D .; A. Rodrigue, M. D .; Robert W. Christy, M. D., and Harry T. Coffey, M. D. In addition to the gentlemen just named, Win. R. Findley, M. D., at that time of Frankstown, and John Getty, M. D., of Martinsburg, were present, Dr. John Getty presiding, and Dr. H. T. Coffey, acting as secretary. Drs. J. A. Landis, Win. R. Findley and H. T. Coffey were appointed a committee to draft a constitution and by-laws. On the 16th No- vember, 1848, an adjourned meeting was held at the Exchange hotel, Hollidaysburg, which was composed of the gentlemen just named. A constitution and by-laws were adopted and signed by those pres- ent. The following offleers were elected : President, James Coffey, M. D., Hollidaysburg ; vice presidents, John Getty, M. D., Martins- burg, and John D. Ross, M. D., of Williamsburg; corresponding secretary, Harry T. Coffey, M. D., Hollidaysburg; treasurer, Rob- ert W. Christy, M. D., Hollidaysburg. The next meeting (the first regular meeting) was held on December 26, 1848, in the office of Dr. R. W. Christy in Hollidaysburg.
The constitution described the object of the society to be the ad- vancement of medical knowledge, and to sustain and elevato the med- ical profession, to protect the interests of its members, to extend the bounds of medical science, and to promote all measures calculated to
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
relieve suffering, to improve the health and to protect the lives of the community. Artiele 3, section 1, says: "No one shall be admitted as a member unless he is a graduate in medicine of some respectable sehool ; or, has a license to practice from some board recognized by the State Medical Society ; or, has been a practitioner of medicine for at least fifteen years, and who is in good moral standing in the place where he resides." The balance of the constitution and by-laws is for the government and discipline of its members, and has been but slightly amended since its adoption. The society is also governed by the code of ethies of the "American Medical Association," an admira- able code in every respect.
Twenty-seven names are on the roll at the present time, only one of the original members, Dr. John D. Ross, of Martinsburg, being among the number.
The officers for the present year are as follows: President, G. E. Brehman ; vice presidents, C. H. Clossin, and R. W. Christy ; sec- retary, Rowan Clarke; treasurer, John D. Ross.
CONCLUSION.
The first postmaster of Hollidaysburg was William Holliday. He was postmaster in 1779, and it is probable was commissioned by the Supreme Executive Council of the State. He and several others addressed a petition to the Council, to which he signed his name as postmaster, on the 29th of May, 1779. John Holliday was postmaster during the administrations of Madison and Monroe, and probably John Quincy Adams. Peter Hewit served during the first part of Jackson's administration. He was followed by Samuel Moore. Wm. McFarland was appointed by Van Buren ; Dr. James Coffey, by President Harrison ; John Gorley, under James K. Polk; the Rev. J. P. Rockafellar, under President Taylor. Rev. Roekafellar's health becoming poor he was unable to discharge the duties and was succeeded by Joseph Baldrige. Col Wm. G. . Murray was commis- sioned by Franklin Pierce in 1853, and was continued during the ad- ministration of James Buchanan. James Bingham was appointed by Abraham Lincoln in 1861, and continued in the office until 1869 or 1870, when John Lingafelt was commissioned by U. S. Grant, and continued to discharge the duties in a very acceptable manner up to the time of his death, in the spring of 1879. His son, James M. Lin- gafelt, sueceeded to the office, and is the present incumbent.
Three of Hollidaysburg's citizens served in the supreme couneil of the nation. David Bard served as a member of Congress from
235
IIISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
March 4, 1797, to March 4, 1801, during the Fourth and Fifth Con- gresses, and again from March 4, 1803, to March 4, 1815; or, from the Eighth to the Thirteenth Congresses inclusive. He died suddenly on his return from Washington, at Alexandria, on March 12, 1815. He was, as stated in another place, a Presbyterian minister, and up to within a short time of his death, a citizen of the borough and owned the lot now occupied by John Wighaman, on Allegheny street. At the time of his death he resided in Sinking Valley. The Hon. Samuel Calvin represented this district in the Thirteenth Con- gress, and the HIon. Samuel S. Blair was its representative in the Thirty-sixth and Thirty-seventh Congresses.
The Hon. Hiram Price, who is a member of the present congress from the Second Iowa district, was at one time an active and lead- ing citizen of the borough. General Henry H. Bingham, present member of the First district of this State spent his boyhood days in Hollidaysburg, and his father, Mr. James Bingham, is still an hon- ored citizen. Hon. Ed. Belch, now a prominent lawyer in Missouri, and who served prominently for some years in the state senate, was a citizen ; he studied law in the office of Col. D. H. Hoffins, and hung out his first shingle in Hollidaysburg. Hon. Geo. W. Martin, now a prominent citizen of Kansas, and for many years the State printer, looks upon Hollidaysburg as his old stamping ground, and recalls with pleasure the many pleasant days he spent at his first home. Robert Lowry, now a prominent citizen of Davenport, Iowa, was once a leading citizen, and at one time proprietor of the "American House." Many others could be named who have gone out and be- come prominent members of society elsewhere, but the brief space allowed for this narration, prevents it.
Among the leading citizens may be mentioned the Hon. Geo. R. McFarlane. He was fast rising in prominence, when his sudden and untimely death, in September, 1852, cut short a career which bid fair to be one of high rank in the nation. He was not only a leading cit- izen of the community, but was a leading and influential spirit in the Democratic party, and through it, was, at the time of his death, on the line of promotion to the gubernatorial chair. Hon. S. S. Blair, a leading citizen, is a distinguished lawyer, standing in the front rank of the Pennsylvania bar, and perhaps the most successful in this sec- tion of the State. By many of his friends it is thought only a ques- tion of time when he shall take his place on the Supreme Bench. Hon. Samuel Calvin has been an active citizen for forty-four years, and has done much to advance the interests and promote the welfare
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
of the borough. He held a distinguished place in the old Whig and the Republican parties, and his name was brought forward in several of the State conventions for Governor, and would, perhaps, have suc- ceeded in securing a nomination, had he not peremptorily declined being a candidate. Rabin Wallace, the father of Hon. William A. Wallace, was for many years a citizen and a member of the Blair county bar. Hon. Thad. Banks has been for forty years a leading lawyer and distinguished citizen, and has always taken an interest in all matters and movements calculated to promote the welfare of the borough. Hon. John Dean, for many years an active and enterpris- ing citizen, has, through his own untiring exertions, attained promi. nence as a lawyer. and since his elevation to the bench has given perfect satisfaction to the people of the Twenty-fourth district, and Hollidaysburg is proud of his legal attainments and his clear and im- partial rulings and legal opinions. Hon. A. S. Landis, a lawyer rap- idly rising in prominence, was a distinguished member of the late constitutional convention. Hon. B. L. Hewitt, also a prominent member of the bar, has represented the people of the county in the Legislature for a number of years, and he bids fair to distinguish him- self in other and more promineut fields of usefulness. Hon. John A. Lemon, who represented this district, for a number of years, in the State Senate, is now the candidate on the Republican ticket for Audi- tor General of the State. He has always been a prominent and use- ful citizen, and the people are proud of his advancement. Hon. John Cresswell, jr., has been a resident and a leading citizen for many years, and at one period of his life, a leader of the Democracy in this Senatorial district. He represented the district with honor and dig- nity in the State Senate, over which body he presided as Speaker. He was the first Blair county man to oceupy the Speaker's chair. Mr. Cresswell is also a lawyer of learning and ability.
Hollidaysburg may be an old town and not a big town for its age, but it can truthfully boast of a large number of good and prom- inent citizens at home and abroad. There are few prettier towns or more healthful localities. Its streets are well shaded and there are few streets that can excel Allegheny for beauty. The town is lacking in but one thing, and that is a large, first-class hotel. It could be- made, on account of the pureness of its atmosphere, and beauty of its surrounding scenery, a very desirable summer resort. It is to be hoped that the day is not far distant, when this much needed want. will be supplied.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
TYRONE BOROUGH.
To J. D. Hicks, esq., of Tyrone, a prominent member of the bar of Blair county, we are indebted for the historical reminiscences con- tained in the following :
"Tyrone* City," so called in its earliest day by its original pro- prietors, is one of the comparatively new towns in the central part of the State, and is, in nearly every respect, what may be called a "rail- road town," owing, as it does, its prosperity to the Pennsylvania railroad and its branches.
FIRST BUILDINGS ERECTED.
It was originally laid out by Messrs. Lyon, Shorh & Co., an old and much respected iron firm, that, until a few years since, carried on extensive iron-works in different parts of the State. John T. Mathias, at the present day a venerable and highly respected citizen of the town, in 1850, assisted in planning the streets and laying out the lots. He was then the superintendent of what was known as Tyrone Forges. Hon. Jacob Burley built the first house and moved into it in November, 1850, and Rev. John D. Stewart and Mr. Bur- ley started business together in the building first then completed, ad- joining, or in close proximity to the same ground now occupied by the City hotel. In 1852 the Central hotel was erected by Joshua Burley, and in 1853 Messrs. Edwin L. Study, Pius Sneeringer and Samuel Berlin, on their way to the far west from Adams county, were in- duced to interrupt their journey and look at the new town. They were so favorably impressed that they purchased lots and ever after- wards identified themselves with the growth and prosperity of Ty- rone. Mr. Study died about a year ago, after being widely and favor- ably known over the entire State as an active and honorable business man. He was president of the Blair County Banking company at the time of his decease. Mr. Berlin commenced in the drug business, in which he is still engaged. Mr. Sneeringer started in general mer- chandising and retired but a year or two since. In 1852 the first school-house and the Methodist E. church were added to the many new buildings previously erected, and in the following year the Pres- byterian and United Brethren churches were built.
* Commencing its career as a town in 1849. Tyrone was created a borough in 1857; East Tyrone in 1873. The name was derived from the Tyrone Iron works, about one mile east of Tyrone.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
RAILROAD FACILITIES.
The railroad facilities of Tyrone are second to no town of like
population in the State, and the early completion of the Tyrone and Lewisburg railroad (soon to be effected) makes Tyrone in reality a railroad centre and a point which will be sought after by persons whose inclinations and means would lead them into the manufactur- ing business.
Through the courtesy of Capt. C. S. W. Jones, editor of the
" Herald," we are able to present a diagram of Tyrone :
TYRONE, PA.
BUFFALO.
NEW
Y A &. S R. R.
ALBANY
CHUSETTES
ERIE.
BRANCHO
OLEAN.
NY. A . E . R. R.
CORRY.
BER.
AND
VE
CLEVELAND.
EMPORIUM.
REG'IGN2
C.P.& E.UROLOGE
EL
WILLIAMSPORT
SCRANTON. Q= PENN CCR.R.
PIEK
LUM
NHAVEN
7
A
CLEARFIELD.
O BOLEFONTE 19
ANTHR
COAL ..
NEW YORK
OTYRONE
ROOFING SLATE.
N J. C.R.R.
P
R.R
ZINC
L.V.R.R.
OREADINY
V
HARRISBURG
W
BROAU TOP.
WHEELING.
C PHILADELPHIA.
COLUMBUS."
BEDFORD
C.V.R.R.
P.R.R.
C
MAR
MARIETTA.
M.& C.R.R
ATLANTICE CITY.
PARKERSBURG.
BALTIMORE
WEST
VIRGINIA .
WASHINGTON-
CAPET MAY
VIRGINIA.
AND ITS RAIL ROAD CONNECTIONS.
The above gives all the railroad connections except that of the Lewisburg and Tyrone road, which is now nearly completed, and over which cars run a consider- able extent.
BINGHAMP TON.K
ELMIRA.
N.Y& E.R.R.
AMEA DY. ILLE.
B.&
REGION.
CONNECTI- MASSA-
A, &. G.W.R.R. AKRON,
LUMINOUS
PITTSBURGES
IRON
CRR
P.C. &.C.
COAL
W .P. R.R.
&ARR.
0
HARPER'S FERRY.
&
.O.R.R.
W. R.R
LVBRR
: LOL CITY. N.
FRIE R.R.
239
IHISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
TYRONE AND CLEARFILD RAILROAD.
In 1853 the Bellefonte Plank road was completed, and in 1856 the Tyrone and Clearfield railroad was commenced, by David J. Pruner, but owing to some difficulties the road was in an incomplete condition until 1860, when the Pennsylvania railroad took charge of it and soon laid the rails over what is said to be the steepest gradient in the State, and Clearfield county poured its coal and lumber into the already flourishing borough.
NEW DIVISION OF PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD.
In 1862 the Bald Eagle Valley railroad superseded the old plank road, and a new division of the Pennsylvania railroad was organized with Mr. Samuel G. Black as superintendent, and D. D. Wood, a well-known and tried railroad man, as train-master. From this time the town grew rapidly.
SUPERINTENDENTS AND CLERKS.
Superintendent Black was succeeded by James Lewis, a brother .of Enoch Lewis, purchasing agent, P. R. R., and, in turn, was suc- ceeded by George C. Wilkins. Mr. Wilkins became much interested in the growth of Tyrone and did much towards its improvement. In 1877 Mr. Wilkins was succeeded by S. S. Blair, the present effi- cient and gentlemanly officer. The first chief clerk of the road was M. H. Taylor, son of the late Judge Taylor. In 1867 Mr. Taylor was sneceeded by Josiah D. Hicks, residing in Tyrone. He removed to Altoona in 1868, and was succeeded by Thomas J. Maitland, who was afterwards promoted to the general superintendent's office in Al- toona. R. H. Powell succeeded Mr. Maitland, and upon the acces- sion of Mr. Blair to the superintendeney Mr. Powell was succeeded by John H. Riley.
SHOPS OF PENNSYLVANIA RAILROAD.
The Pennsylvania railroad, as early as 1868, established shops for repairs in this place, which, for a number of years were under the management of Andrew Vauclain, sr., now of Altoona. He was succeeded by William II. Jackson, at present also a resident of the "Mountain City." Mr. Jackson was succeeded by William H. Carothers, who is, to-day, the same genial follow he used to be when chief director of the Good Will Fire company of Altoona, in its early history. These shops, from small beginnings, have grown to be extensive, in which are now employed a large number of men.
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HISTORY OF ALTOONA AND BLAIR COUNTY.
BOILER AND MACHINE SHOPS AND IMPROVEMENTS.
There are large boiler and machine shops in successful operation, under the management of W. H. Pawling; two large planing mills, owned by Samuel McCamant & Co. and Boyer, Guyer & Co .; a large steam tannery, owned and conducted by D. P. Ray ; extensive lime-stone works and quarries of A. S. Morris; saw-mill and shingle- mill ; large steam flouring mill in town and others close by ; new process steel works in the vicinity, as well as the extensive Tyrone forges, conducted by S. C. Stewart, proprietor, who has long been identified with the prosperity of Tyrone, doing all that could be done to further its interests, and especially in urging the completion of the Tyrone and Lewisburg railroad, which must largely add to the fu- ture prosperity of the place. The manufacture of illuminating gas, by the Tyrone Gas & Water company, may be considered as one of the growing industries of the place.
PAPER MILL.
A large paper mill has just been erected in the northern end of the town by Morrison, Bare & Cass, in which about eighty hands receive employment. With a front of 120 feet on Main street, the building extends back 190 feet. The rear wing, on a parallel with the front, is 70 feet, making the walls on three sides 380 feet. Out-buildings in the immediate vicinity have also been erected to sub- serve the purposes of the company. The interior of the main build- ing is filled with improved and finely adjusted machinery.
BANKING HOUSES.
About 1866 William M. Lloyd opened the first bank in the place, and was shortly after succeeded by the Tyrone bank, with Caleb Guyer as its cashier. For a long time previously, Mr. Guver had acted as railroad agent, and in that capacity acquired an extensive ac- quaintance. Both banks did a large business. The latter is still in existence, and Mr. Guyer its efficient head. In the year 1876 the Blair County Banking company was organized, and it, also, has be- come one of the fixed institutions of Tyrone. Edwin L. Study be- came its first president, and Gen. Robert A. McCoy, of the famed Pennsylvania Reserves, and private secretary of Governor Curtin, was made cashier.
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