USA > Pennsylvania > McKean County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 112
USA > Pennsylvania > Potter County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 112
USA > Pennsylvania > Elk County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 112
USA > Pennsylvania > Cameron County > History of the counties of McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter, Pennsylvania, with biographical selections; including their early settlement and development; a description of the historic and interesting localities; sketches of their cities, towns and villages biographies of representative citizens; outline history of Pennsylvania; statistics > Part 112
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HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY.
Emporium Lodge. No. 984. I. O. O. F., was chartered March 11. 1552. with *William Morrison. * J. W. Kriner. * H. H. Mullin, J. H. Givler. A. Hirsch. E. Pitkin. J. P. Dingman. +G. A. Walker. R. Brand. W. Simon, -J. C. Metzger, *R. P. Heilman, *H. C. Olmsted, R. E. Avery. O. G. Heisler. E. Ralph. E. O. Bardwell. * W. F. Lloyd, *T. B. Lloyd, B. W. Green. * I. K. Hockley and E. C. Davison, charter members. The past grands among the charter members are marked thus * with the following: J. R. Buckwalter. H. D. Burlingame. C. H. Sage and John Norris. H. H. Mullin was the first secretary, and has filled the position since. with the exception of two years. when H. Day and I. K. Hockley were elected. The lodge suffered considera- bly from the several fires, and now has a hall in the Olmsted block. James Fetter was presiding officer at the beginning of 1890. and Prof. Weber, sec- retary.
The Patriotic Order Sons of America organized a lodge at Emporium Jan- uary 23. 1574. J. R. Hillibush being president. and G. W. Corwin, secretary: H. H. Mullin. A. D. Gould and G. W. Corwin formed the executive com mittee.
Green Valley Union. E. A. U. was organized July 23. 1856, the first officers being: president. J. F. Haver : vice-president, Mrs. E. M. Hurteau: chancellor. H. C. Rockwell: auxiliary, Mrs. J. Thomas; secretary. E. C. Davison: treasurer. I. M. Reynolds: accountant. A. Chapman. The presidents since that time were P. W. Furlong. I. M. Reynolds. E. C. Davison and Mrs. S. L. Barton. The office of secretary has been held by E. C. Davison and J. F. Haver. The present number of members is sixty. and place of meeting Odd Fellows Hall. owned by John Schlecht, and situated on Fifth street. This union was instituted by Rev. E. M. Buck, in 1856, but the order was started some years before and became suspended through neglect of officers in charge.
The Young Bachelors Society. organized in 1570. claimed the following members in 1575: F. J. Thompson. B. W. Green, W. H. Faber. H. H. Mul- lin: E. B. Dean, W. K. Wright, Thomas Gallagher. R. Lloyd. E. B. Sage, J. W. Phelps. C. Sweazey. C. B. Gould. J. W. Cochran, C. C. Fay, D. V. Miner. A. B. Armstrong. G. H. Garner. S. C. Hyde. J. C. Johnson. George Walker, A. Russell. William Howard. A. Humphrey, F. H. Arnold, J. E. Bieber. James Davison and W. DeGontard.
The order of Good Templars was organized with twenty two members April 4. 1\74. when the following officers were installed: G. Metzger, W. C. T. : Miss E. Martin. W. V. : Miss Elida Logan. W. S. : Miss Nellie Judd. W. S. ; Mis. J. Schenck. W. T .: Benjamin Taylor. W. F. S .: Joseph Williams. W. M. : Miss Jennie Judd. W. D. M. : Miss Angie Fisher. R. H. S. : Miss May Hall. L. H. S. : Dennis Hall. W. C .: N. H. Schenck. P. W. C. T.
The Murphy Temperance Society was organized in May, 1877. with C. B. Gould. president: W. H. Krause and W. A. Hartranft, vice-presidents: J. C. Metzger and William Morrison, secretaries; H. T. Taggart, treasurer; H. F. Cares. chaplain: E. R. Mayo, Dr. J. T. Lanning and George Metzger, ex- ecutive committee.
The Dramatic Association was organized in May, 1876, with twenty-one members, and the following named officers: J. C. Johnson, president; C. B. Gould. business manager: W. H. Krause, stage manager; B. W. Green, treas- urer: W. Mckinney. secretary.
The Emporium Cornet Band was organized in July. 1556, with N. Seger, president : H. Zarps, vice-president : J.A. McConnell, secretary ; E. C. Davison, treasurer: John Judd. leader: H. McConnell. major: E. C. Davison, P. W. Fur- long. and H. McConnell. directors.
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY.
Lieut. D. W. Taggart Post. No. 241, G. A. R., was mustered May 19. 1552, under Special Order No. 37 of April 25, by W. N. Jones. S. V. D. C. at Driftwood, and subsequently chartered as Post 241, which name it bore until Orrin P. Warner suggested the present name in March, which was approved by the department April 4. The commanders were Charles F. Barclay. 1582; J. O. Brookbank. 1853: C. F. Barclay. 1554-85. with M. M. Larrabee S. V. C., who was elected commander in 1856, with Lemuel Lucore, S. V. C., who wa- elected commander for 1597: C. W. Beldin, for 1855, and Orrin P. Warner. for 1459. J. O. Brookbank was appointed adjutant in 1952: W. G. Sander -. 1883-84; J. O. Brookbank, 1955-SS. and O. P. Warner, O. of D .: MI. MI Larrabee, adjutant, 1989. The members enrolled from muster in to April 27 1589, are named in the following list:
Charles F. Barclay and George B. Barclay. Johh Will. 9th Pa. ( av. Co. K., 149 Reg. Pa. Vol. David Signet. 4th Pa. C'av.
A. S. Bailey, Co. E, 45th Reg. Pa. Vol.
J. C. Johnson. Co. K 149th Reg Pa. Vo .. J. O. Brookbank, Co. F. 133d Pa. Vol. : Co. F. Lemuel Lucore, Co. D. 1st Rez. Baker ( av 17th Pa. Vet. Vol.
H. E. Coleman, Co. K., 199th Pa. Vol.
P. O. Chilson, Co. I, 131st Pa. Vol.
J. A. Cornwall, Co. D. 50th Pa. Vol.
E. C. Davy. Co. D. Ist Reg. Pa. Res. Cav. Jonathan Cloutz Co. H, 137th Reg. Pa. Vol Edward McFadden. Co. I. 15th Maine Vol. C. W. Beldin Co. B. 199th Reg. Pa. Vol.
Almeron Chapman, Co. D. 1st Pa. Vol. Cav. W. G. San lers. Co. E. 22d Reg. Maine. Vol R. E. Eavenson, Co. F. 124th Pa. Vol. John M. English. Co. F. 148th Pa. Vol. S. A. English, Co. F. 148 Pa. Vol. Franklin Hausler. Co. G. 4th Reg. Pa. Vol M. M. Larrabee, Co. F. 109th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Leonard Taggart Co. G. : 4th Reg. Pa. Vo W. C. Cole dead th Reg. Pa. Cav.
David F. English (dead , 9th Pa. Cav. S. D. Jordan dead). Co. K. 199th Pa. Vol. John F. Haver Co. 1 .. Ist Reg. N. Y. L. Art. J. L. Johnson. Co. A, 100-Day Reg. Inde A. W. Lewis. Co. D. 19). Reg. Pa. Cav. pendent Cavalry. D. D. Colcord. Co. I. 199th Reg. Pa. Voi.
J. O. Jordan, Co. F, 14 th Reg. Pa. Vol. Levi Musser, Co. A, 101st Reg. Pa. Vol.
Edmund F. Chadwick. Co. E. 2 ith Pa. Cav Jefferson Wykoff. Co. D. Ist Reg Pa. Vet. Cav
Cad. G. Matson, Co. B, 105th Reg. Pa. Vol. Joseph Shaffer, Co. H 3d Reg. N. Y. S. V. David F. Marsh, U. S. S .. Silver Lake
Ebenezer Swartood Co. K 179th N Y. V
A. R. McDonald, Co. D. 1st Reg. Pa. Res. Cav. A. O. Swartwood Co. K. 179th N. Y. V. Isaac T. Smith, Co. D, 2d Reg. N. J. Cav. Samuel Sanford, Co. C. 13th Pa. Res. Joseph Sunderlin. Co. F. 14 th Reg. Pa. Vol. William H. DeLong Co. C. Sist N Y. V. George W. Vanlew. Co. C. 97th Pa. Vol. Joseph Derring. Co. I. 107th N. Y. V. Martin Bowen. Co. K. 149th Pa. V. Decatur Wykoff.
Samuel Louck. Co. K. 97th Reg. Pa. Vol. William Morrison, C'o. C, 137th Pa. V. William P. Barr. Co. C, 16th Reg. Pa. Cav. George A. Dudley. Co. D. 75th N Y. V. George W. Smith, Co. A, 9th Reg. Maine Vol. Nelson B. Smith, Co. E. 3d Pa. Car Archie H. Barr, Co. C. 16th Reg. Pa. Cav. H. C. Taylor. Co. D. 1st Pa. Car William Miller. Co. D. 1st Reg. Pa. Res. Cav J. C. Lewis dead . 1st Pa. Cav. George W. Gore. Co. K. 199th Reg. Pa. Vol. Joshua Bair. Co. L, 112th Pa. Art Henry Thomas Earley, 11th Mich. Inf. G. J. LaBar, 1st Cav., 2d Pro. Cav O. E. Lester. Co. D. 4th Pa. V. James R. Batchelder. 15th Maine Vol. David Chapman, Co. C. 16th Reg. Pa. Cav. Daniel Downey. Co. G. 122d Pa. V. Enoch Conway. Co. A. 76th Reg. Pa. Vol. George M. Pfoutz. Co. D. 7th Pa V. R.Corp- Adam S. Hicks, Co. C, 16th Reg. Pa. Cav. James W. Nickerson 22d and Bu'L Me Vol- John Murphy. Co. F, 141st Reg. N. Y. Vol. A. A. Moody, Co. G. 14 h Ma're V. Levi Bows, Co. G, 51st Reg. Pa. Vol. J. R. Buckwalter. Co. C. 6th Pa. Cav. William J. King, Co. C. 207th Reg. Pa. Vol. Jesse Swan, Co. H. 20th Iowa Inf. James C. Low. Co. C. 62d Pa. V. Joseph Kissell. Co. 1. 131st Reg. Pa. Vol. Samuel Faucett, Co. C. 189th Reg. N. Y. Vol. O. P. Warner. Co. C. 134th N. Y. S. V Inf Cornelius Cotter. Signal Corps. Sylvester Beldin. 46th. 199th Pa. Inf. John McClennahan. Co. D. 53d Pa. Vet. George Fry. 1st N. Y. Vol. Cav. Marcellus Dickenson dead 143d N. Y. Inf. John Wygant. 4.h N. Y. H. Art Lafayette Lockwood. 1st Pa. C'av.
David Pearsall, 66th Ill. Vet. Inf.
Matthew Phoenix. 56th N. Y. Vol. Samuel J. Wilhur. 84th Pa. Inf. John Pepper. 3d Pa. Art. Albert F. Boardman. 56th Pa. Vol. John Adams. 84th, Pa: Vol. H. R. Dodge. 22d Maine Inf. James R. Hamilton, 17th Maine Inf.
John A. Wykoff. 53d Pa. Inf. Henry Strickland. 54th Pa. Inf
Karl Zimmer. 154th N. Y. Inf.
D. McMI. Toner. 137th Pa Inf.
John L. Ross, 1st N. Y. Vet Cav
John W. Lewis. 2d Pa. Pro. Cav.
Joseph Far.ey. 42d Pa. Inf.
Thomas M. Lewis. 6th Md. Inf. Elihu Housler 44th Pa. Inf
890
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY.
I. P. Whitmer, 27th Mich. Inf. Michael Evans, 13th Pa. Res.
C. A. F. Keller, 187th Pa. Inf.
H. B. Spence.
T. W. Dinuiney, 107th N. Y. Iuf.
Sydney Parker.
George B. Bartley is the present commander, and G. W. VanLew, adjutant.
Ladies' Relief Corps No. 89 was organized July 29, 1887, with Mrs. M. M. Larrabee, president; Mrs. L. Taggart, vice-president; Mrs. W. G. Sanders, senior vice-president; Mrs. S. L. Stoddard, secretary; Mrs. C. L. Barclay. treasurer; Mrs. O. P. Warner, chaplain; Mrs. V. A. Brooks, conductor, and Mrs. Daniel Downey, sentinel.
The Ladies' Temperance Union of Cameron County was organized January 18, 1890, with Mrs. Dunkle, president; Mrs. Olmsted, vice-president; Lettie Craven, corresponding secretary; Jennie Renneger, recording secretary; Mrs. D. D. Alderfer, treasurer; Mrs. D. H. Denison, superintendent of jail work; Minnie Haver, superintendent of foreign work; Mrs. Thomas Gallagher, super- intendent of railroad work; Mrs. Georgia Larrabee, superintendent of press work: Mrs. R. Morrison, superintendent of lumber woods and mines; Hattie Hackenberg, superintendent of scientific instruction; Mrs. Olive Downey, super- intendent of Sabbath observation; Mrs. H. R. Wills, superintendent of legal work: Mrs. J. E. Smith, superintendent of social purity and impure literature.
The Ladies' Temperance Union of Emporium was organized January 18, 1890, with Lettie Craven, president; Mrs. C. Bonham, vice-president; Mrs. L. Taggart, secretary, and Mrs. I. K. Hockley, treasurer.
Cameron County Bible Society was reorganized in October, 1889, with the following named officers: President, L. Taggart; vice-presidents, Revs. Davies, Denison, Bates and Dieckhoff, and John A. Brooks, of Sinnemahoning; sec- retary. Rev. J. W. Rue; treasurer, Mr. H. C. Olmsted; managers, I. K. Hock- ley, Dr. DeLong, W. F. Lloyd, R. R. McQuay, Dr. R. P. Heilman, Peter Sweikart, Mrs. Rev. Denison, Mrs. A. H. Gager, Mrs. J. C. Metzger, Mrs. J. C. Bonham, Mrs. Thomas Gallagher and Mrs. D. H. Lamb.
The Ministers' Association of Cameron County was organized in January, 1890, with Rev. C. L. Bates, president, and Rev. J. W. Rue, secretary.
Churches .- The Methodist Church of Sinnemahoning may be said to date back to 1810. when James Allen, a preacher, surveyor and general utility man. was sent by Coxe, McMurtrie & Co. to survey Rich Valley. F. J. Chadwick, who, some years ago, wrote the history of Methodism in this section for the historical record of the society at Emporium, makes the following statement:
He came to the country and saw the destitution of the people with respect to spir- itual privileges, and his soul was stirred within him to do something in their behalf. He proposed to hold a preaching service at the house of M. Overturf. Andy consented, aud seut out far and near, and notified his neighbors: for by this time quite a good number of people had settled around him. The Sunday for the appointed service arrived. The worshipers gathered in, bringing their dogs and guns; for it was scarcely safe to travel without them. besides, as game was plentiful, it was expedient for them to be always ready to supply their tables by improving the opportunities that an occasion might offer. The congregation was seated-the service commenced-the text announced-aud the preacher fairly engaged in its elucidation, when the dogs that were outside started a deer, aud drove him rapidly by the house. In an instant the whole pack was in pursuit. The congregation, forgetful of the proprieties of the occasion; forgetful of the courtesy due the minister; forgetful of their solemn obligations, and their eternal interests, sprang to their feet, crowded out of the house, aud joined in rapid pursuit. Overturf alone remained within the house, and he was temporarily disabled with rheumatism or some other indisposition. The preacher was, of course, filled with perfect astonishment and disgust, and lifting up his hand, and heaving a heavy sigh, he exclaimed: "It is all in vain!" Meaning the attempt in which he had engaged to spiritualize these people Andy, supposing he referred to the pursuit of the deer, responded: "Oh, perchance they may cat .h him yet."
In 1823 the first circuit preacher was appointed to the Methodists of this section, Condersport being the station, the history of the circuit up to 1837,
nogar
893
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY.
when the Sinnemahoning circuit was established (embracing the Sinnema- honing, its tributaries and the Susquehanna down to Young Woman's Town), with William Lane and Samuel Pitt preachers. In 1839 Amos Worcester and F. W. Conoble presided; in 1840, L. Jones and R. Goodell; in 1841. John P. Kent and Jacob Stryker, and in 1842, A. J. Sellick and W. Davis. The latter returned in 1843, received three months' pay for preaching three times, when he left Anson D. Burlingame to fill the appointments. From this time to 1848 there were no preachers sent here; but in that year James Gamble, of the Bal- timore Conference, filled appointments regularly. In 1849 F. Fulton, E. H. Waring and J. Pattison, of the same Conference, came as far as Goshen, in Clearfield county. In 1850 D. C. Wortz and John Hughes came hither; A. Houghenberry and N. Shaffer in 1851; Hoffman, Giles and W. Shaffer in 1852; Crever, Reuben and Bathurst in 1853; Hartman and Kelly in 1854, and Eyer, Hunter and Shelly in 1855. Shippen Circuit, established in 1856, with B. P. King, preacher, embraced Shippen, Portage and Lumber townships. A. R. Riley preached here in 1857-58, John A. Dixon in 1859, Charles Nash and John T. Cole in 1860, both leaving within a few months. In 1861 John F. Craig took charge; in 1862, J. R. King: in 1863-64, W. C. Hesser, and in 1865 the name of the circuit was changed to Emporium, and G. W. C. Van- fossen appointed, who, in 1866, was succeeded by W. H. Stevens, and he, in 1867, by James Mullin. In 1868 the circuit became a part of the new Penn- sylvania Conference, and in 1869 M. L. Drum was preacher in charge. In 1865 the parsonage was completed, but the society failed in its church build- ing project. In 1867 the charge embraced Emporium, Portage, Rich Valley, West Creek and Beechwood. A. B. Hoover was preacher in 1872, and was succeeded in 1874 by J. W. Olewine, who served until the fall of 1876, when H. F. Cares arrived. On January 23, 1872, the church building was dedi- cated, the legal organization taking place April 20, 1866, with Joseph Housler, president; L. Lucore, secretary, and George Metzger, treasurer. Mr. Stephens was then circuit preacher, and the incorporation took place May 8, 1868, with Leonard Lucore, Jr., William S. Hamlin, George Metzger, Richard Chadwick. J. Housler, trustees. In 1878 John Vrooman was appointed preacher; in 1881, B. H. Crever; in 1883, R. H. Gilbert and N. H. Schenck (Cameron and Sizerville being now in the circuit). During Mr. Gilbert's administration a debt of $1,600 was liquidated. On the transfer of Mr. Schenck to Montgom- ery, W. H. Norcross, D. L. Pitts and N. Stokely, afterward of the Messiah Adventists, filled his place, Mr. Gilbert being reappointed in 1884. The cir- cuit was divided in 1885-Mr. Gilbert being assigned to Emporium borough and J. C. Mumper to the circuit. About this time W. A. Stephens succeeded E. H. Yocum as presiding elder; in 1886 E. M. Stevens was appointed preacher here, and served until Rev. J. W. Rue came, in April, 1889. The member- ship of the society is 112, with thirteen probationers. The church building and parsonage referred to above have been subjected to repairs, and are to-day in fair condition. The members at Emporium in 1866 were Mary Byham, Polly White, Emma Jinks, Minnie L. McQuarry. Mary Huff, Daniel and Bar- bara Britton, James Besancon, Almon Pepper, Esther and L. Bennaway. Nancy Jordan, Mary Zacariah, Thomas and Rachel Britton and William Ticziqulny. In Rich Valley were L. H. Chase, Mary Adams, Kate Sweazy and Lydia Fair- child; at Portage, Rachel Shulston and Ellen Gallup, and up the Portage, Cameron S. Robertson, Nella E. Lucore, Clara C. Davy and Emma Holden.
Adventists. - In 1829 Nathaniel Folsom, on whom Mr. Chadwick bestows the title, "Renegade Methodist," preached in the Sinnemahoning Valley, and fixed the year 1842 as the period of the Second Advent. His object was to root
48
894
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY.
out the churches and establish a Christian union. He succeeded in winning ad- herents, but, as related, "his selfish ambition being prominently visible, he lost influence, and soon the union was dissolved."
In April, 1866, a meeting of Protestant Episcopalians was called to con- sider the question of accepting the donation of parties iu Philadelphia, toward the building of a church-house. This meeting accepted the donation, and or- ganized with a view of raising more funds. L. T. More was chosen president; J. A. Knapp, secretary-treasurer; J. B. Newton, J. L. Cook and J. W. Phelps, building committee. The donation was offered through Rev. W. P. Orrick. In November the work of building was begun by M. A. S. Collins. On June 19, 1868, Emmanuel Church of Emporium was incorporated on peti- tion presented November 14, 1867. In the articles of association J. A. Knapp and J. B. Newton are named wardens; L. T. More, J. L. Cook, J. G. Curtis, J. W. Phelps and A. H. Boynton, vestrymen. The objects of association set forth were " Worshiping Almighty God according to the faith and discipline of the Protestant Episcopal Church." On the first date named there was no other church building at Emporium, and this church had the privilege of loan- ing to other religious bodies the use of its building for purposes of worship.
The First Presbyterian Church of Emporium was incorporated February 9, 1870, on petition presented by John W. Phelps, James G. Mercereau, F. D. Leet, B. H. Sage, H. J. Hacket, and J. B. Newton. The names of the first members are Jacob Borgelt, Mrs. Eliza Borgelt, F. D. Leet, Mrs. Lavinia Leet, Mrs. Susan F. Sage, Mrs. Maria Wiley, Mrs. Huldah C. Genung, Mrs. Kate Overhiser, Isha Craven, Mrs. Isha Craven, Mrs. H. J. Hacket, Mrs. Dennis Hall, Mr. James Mercereau, Mrs. Emile Mercereau, etc. There are fifty-five members reported.
The Free Methodist Church, organized at Pekin, N. Y., in 1860, by ex- members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, was introduced at Emporium in May, 1873, by Rev. G. R. Harvey. About this time societies were organized at West Creek and at Weedville in Elk county.
St. Mark's Catholic Church (Emporium) dates back to the time when Fathers Windelhelm, Eugene Phelan, I. Hentenach, Dennis Stoltz, and other Benedictines attended the people here. In June, 1874, Rev. M. Meagher was appointed priest of Ridgway and Emporium, and towns between the points named. When Father Meagher came he found the church building on Sixth street under roof, but otherwise unfinished and heavily in debt, only $1,300 being paid. Services, however, were held there even before the dedication July 4, 1875. The cost of the old building was $5,000. In February, 1888, W. S. Brickle was called upon to prepare plans, and in June, 1888, J. W. Kriner, the contractor, entered upon the work of building. The corner-stone was placed by Bishop Mullen September 9, 1888, Rev. Meagher, Dean Pat- terson and Father Innocent, O. S. B., assisting. The building committee comprised Father Meagher, D. S. McDonald, N. Seger, R. Seger and Angus A. McDonald. Father Meagher, assisted occasionally by the architect, super- intended the building, which was dedicated in 1889. The total cost of the building is estimated at $17,000. While the authentic history of the church here is thus given, it is said that Father Coady, now of Titusville, held services at or near Emporium thirty-five or forty years ago. The congrega- tion was incorporated April 22, 1875, with Rt. Rev. Bishop Mullen, trustee; M. C. Tulis, president, and M. Norton, secretary. J. W. Sheldon made the nominations, which were seconded by M. T. Hogan. The first meeting to consider the question of incorporation was attended by thirty-three male members, presided over by Rev. M. Meagher. The congregation now num-
895
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY.
bers about 700. The new Catholic Church (St. Mark's) of Emporium was dedicated by Bishop Mullen September 29, 1889. The building is 1103x50 feet, with a high basement of equal area. The foundations were built by John Haas, of St. Mary's, Penn .; J. W. Kriner was general contractor for the exterior stone and brick work from foundation up, including roof, and P. F. Flynn, of Reynoldsville, Penn., superintended the interior carpenter work. The frescoing was done by W. H. Artzberger, of Allegheny City. Penn. ; the pews were supplied by the Dunnell Seating Company, of Pittsburgh; the carved white oak altar by George Faulhaber, of Cleveland. The side altar, the product of the Institute of Ecclesiastical Works of Art, St. Joseph's Orphans home, Columbus, Ohio, of which Father Jessing is superintendent, was pre- sented by R. Seger. The memorial stained-glass windows were manufactured by S. S. Marshall & Co., of Pittsburgh, and were presented by the C. M. B. A .. the Rosary Society, N. Seger, John and James Farrell, Daniel and Mrs. McCormack, James Walshe, Michael Evers, William McGee, John McGee, M. C. Tulis, B. Coyle, Charles Seger, A. A. McDonald. Henry Auchu and D. S. and Mrs. McDonald and Henry G. Seger. The gallery windows were pre. sented by John Gayney, John Mulcahy (of Cameron), Sarah Powell. Martin Cummings, Mrs. Louisa Huff and D. Heher and wife. The vestibule win- dows were presented by Father Meagher and Mathew O'Byrne and wife. The Emporium Independent, speaking on the subject of this building, says: " The new church is an ornament to the town, a substantial proof of the liberal and generous spirit of Emporium people of all classes and creeds, and an ever- lasting monument pointing out to future generations the self-sacrificing spirit of the congregation and the zeal and energy of the pastor. Rev. M. Meagher."
The old Baptist Society of Emporium was organized in 1867 with seven members. and recognized April 25, 1871, when Deacons John Beers, Seth Hacket and Francis Reed were present at the house of John Beers to receive the delegates from sister churches.
The First Baptist Church of Emporium was incorporated June 25, 1888. with H. C. Olmsted, Charles Felt, Henry Jessop, S. Hillyard and - Swietzer. directors. H. J. Sassman was one of the incorporators. The church was or- ganized November 6, 1887, and in April, 1888, Rev. D. H. Denison was chosen pastor. The recognition took place June 27, 1888. The constituent members were H. C. and Martha Olmsted, Alice E. Felt, C. H. Felt, C. C. Fay, O. J. Shannon, C. H. Jessop, S. Hillyard, Charlotte Hillyard and John R. Charters. The site for the new brick church is on the two lots donated by the Pennsylvania Land Company, opposite the engine house, near Fourth street. The present membership is thirty-four.
Zion's Evangelical Lutheran Church. - In behalf of the foreign popula- tion (Germans and Swedes) from the Evangelical Lutheran persuasion the Rev. D. M. Kemmerer, missionary president of the Lutheran Pittsburgh Syn- od, early in February, 1888, undertook an exploration tour of the neighbor- hood, with a view of gathering these people into a congregation. The use of the Presbyterian Church building was secured, and services begun. In ad- dition to the above element there were also found such Lutherans who had be- come anglicized, for which reason it became necessary to arrange for work among these and others following in their steps. April 15, 1888, the first church council (vestry) was organized, where the following gentlemen were entrusted with the management: Rev. A. F. Schaeffer (preaching, also. at Port Allegany and Costello, in the adjoining counties); Adam Nickler, presi- dent; Peter Schweikart, secretary. The abandoned Firemen's Hall, on Chest-
896
HISTORY OF CAMERON COUNTY.
nut street, having been refitted, and an organ purchased, it was found more convenient to secure its use for permanent worship until such future time when able to build in South Emporium (near the junction depot), a site from the Phila- delphia & Erie Land Company being considered. The first communion was celebrated August 5, 18SS, in which forty-five persons participated. This church was incorporated September 3, 1888. The representatives of the so- ciety were Peter Schweikart, William Stief, A. Jaggi, Adam Nickler and Rov. A. F. Schaeffer, the last named of Ridgway.
Schools. - Much attention is given to school affairs here, as may be gleaned from the record of directors elected annually, who are named in the pages devoted to municipal affairs. In July, 1889, H. H. Weber was elected principal of the schools, and the following named assistant teachers appointed: Anna M. Sanderson, Jennie Reinenger, Elma G. Martin, Anna Shoemaker, Maud C. Davis, Olive Herat and Mary M. Wood.
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