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 134

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) comp. cn; J.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1320

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 134
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 134
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 134
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 134

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

The Universalists of Coudersport were attended by Rev. L. F. Porter, in 1856.

St. Paul's Evangelical Lutheran Church was organized, May 16, 1886, with seventy-one communicant members under the Rev. Grossman, the work of ingathering having been done mostly by the Rev. J. Sanders, of Ridgway, Penn. Services were held in a hall, and conducted in the Ger- man and English languages. After a pastorate of six months (April to No. vember. 1886). Rev. Grossman resigned. The present incumbent, the Rev. E. J. Meissner took charge of the field, composed of Coudersport, Olmsted and Roulette, in May, 1897. A lot was purchased on Allegheny avenue, and September 18, 1887. the corner-stone was laid for a chapel: the neat edifice. semi-gothic in style, was dedicated the year following. August 5, with solemn ceremonies, the pastor being assisted by the Rev. L. M. C. Weichsel, of Renovo, Penn.

Societies, Etc .- Eulalia Lodge, No 342, A. Y. M., was chartered March 4, 1861, with Timothy Ives, master; B. S. Colwell, S. W. ; Joseph Williams,

1063

HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY.

J. W .; Samuel Havens, secretary; Dr. Joerg, treasurer; C. H. Warriner, J. C. Cavenaugh, G. W. G. Judd and D. C. Larrabee, unofficial members. Prior to the fire of May 18, 1880, the room was in the Temperance hall. In September, ISSO, work on the present building was begun, the site being formerly the location of C. S. Jones and F. E. Lyon's store. On September 9, 1880, the corner stone was placed, among the souvenirs enclosed being a copy of the Potter Pioneer, of February 4, 1848, and one of a small temper- ance journal published here in 1849. The past masters were D. C. Larrabee, William Shear, J. W. Allen, N. H. Goodsell. R. L. White, W. A. Crosby, O. H. Crosby, W. W. Thompson, C. A. Stebbins. W. K. Jones, N. Pinney, James L. Knox, Milton S. Winfield and Willis I. Lewis, the present master. W. W. Thompson is secretary. The officers for 1890 in the order of lodge rank are Harry A. Scoville, D. W. Van Wegen, S. A. Phillips, William W. Thompson, Benjamin Rennells, Rev. A. D. Bush, G. H. Grabe. A. R. Buck, C. L. Peck, L. R. Bliss, Levi S. Quimby and W. G. Wilber.

Coudersport Chapter, No. 263, R. .. A. .. M. .. was chartered Oct. 17, 1882. by D. .. D. . . G. . . H. .. P. .. Joseph Simonds, of Bradford. The first officers were L. W. Crawford1, D. C. Larrabee3, W. K. Jones2, David White, W. W. Thompson+, J. L. Knox7, C. A. Stebbins5, R. L. White, W. I. Lewis6, A. S. Lyman and W. J. Brown. The numbers refer to Past High Priests to which the name of Peter A. McDonald must be added. In 1889 Burton A. McClure was H. . . P. .. , with Willis I. Lewis, secretary. This chapter elected the following named officers December 4, 1889: Samuel A. Phillips, H. P .; N. H. Goodsell, K .; N. A. Pinney, scribe; W. J. Brown, treasurer, and James L. Knox, secretary.

A dispensation was issued in March, 1890, by the right eminent grand commander of Knights Templar of Pennsylvania, granting the right to cer- tain Knights Templar here, to open a new commandery here to be known as Potter Commandery, No. 69. This dispensation holds only until the first of May. The Grand Commandery of Pennsylvania will meet in May, when the members will apply for a charter which, if obtained, will put them upon a per- manent footing. The present officers are W. K. Jones, eminent commander; James L. Knox, general; Willis I. Lewis, captain-general. There are twelve members, and over twenty petitions for membership were presented at first meeting.

Knights of Honor .- This society was organized May 6, 1879, with twenty charter members. First officers were: C. L. Peck, P. D .; M. L. Gridley, D. ; J. L. Knox, V. D. ; L. F. Andrews, Asst. D. ; H. C. Olmsted, R. ; F. J. Norton, F. R .; E. N. Stebbins, T .: W. W. Thompson, Chap .; W. B. Rees, G .; A. F. Hollenbeck, G .; W. C. Rennells. Sent.

Knights of the Maccabees. Coudersport Lodge, No. 49, was chartered November 11, 1887, with T. Harrington, J. Moran, M. J. Wolcott, William Schutt, W. H. Palmer, Frank Gordnier, F. M. Ashcraft, J. Ryan, W. Wilson, J. Griesel. Ora Nichols and Elmer Gaylord, officers in the respective positions from S. K. C. to S. K. P. D. B. Neefe was P. S. K. C. at time of organ- ization.

Coudersport Lodge, No. 815, I. O. O. F., was chartered August 9, 1888, with H. C. Dornan, N. G .; E. H. Asheraft, . V. G .; K. R. Hodskin, secretary; A. Zacharias. A. S., and J. E. Forster, treasurer. The lodge grew into impor- tance rapidly, and now has about one hundred members, the past vice-grand now presiding. The present officers are H. R. Whittaker. N. G. ; Carl Breunle, V. G. ; H. T. Nelson, secretary; C. J. Marble, treasurer.

A. F. Jones Post, No. 20, G. A. R., was charted April 20, 1SS1. The muster roll contains the following names:

1064

HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY.

Adams, N. B., 136th N. Y. V. Ayers, S. F., 46th P. V. .

Abbott, John, 58th P. V.

Allen, Wesley, 188th N. Y. V.

Ilewitt, Jefferson, 131st P. V.

Bassett. Byron, ** 66th N. Y. V., 11th P. R. C. Haynes, R. H., 16th P. C.

Boyer, G. W., ** 21st P. V. C.

Buck, F., 3d B. 9th C., 1st P. Rifles, and hospital steward 207th P. V. Brine, W. S., Ist P. Art.

Baker, Hiram, 187th P. V.

Bridges, Hiram, 141st N. Y. V.

Barrett, C. N .. # 46th P. V.

Barr, C. H., D, 53d P. V.

Boniwitz, Wm., 143d P. V.

Bundy. James, 48th P. V.

Haskins, Pardon, 99th P. V.

Bates Richard,# 2d N. Y. C.

Bishop, E. M ,5th N. Y. V.

Baldwin, George, 149th P. V.

Blodgett, Merrit, 171st P. V.

Brine, Jesse. 77th P. V.

Barnes, C. IL., 189th N. Y. V.

Butler, Chas. A., 86th N. Y. V.

Boyer. Andrew, 34th N. Y. V.

Babcock, Benj. F., 151st P. V.

Lamont, C. A., 46th P. V.

Larrabee, Cyrenus, * 85th N. Y. V.

Lewis, Almon,* 45th and 99th P. V.

Lent, Wm B., 149th P. V.

Lane, R. B., 136th N. Y. V.

Lewis, George C., 5th N. Y. C.

Lyman, A. S., 12th N. Y. C.

Lewis, Wm. H. H., 16th N Y. H. A.

Lillie, Harrison, 143d N. Y. V. Marble, C. J., ** 107th N. Y. V.

Mann, R. L., 49th P. V.

Metzger, John, 136th and 207th P. V.

Mattison, Wm. H., 18th N. Y. V. and 50th N. Y. Eng.

Mitchell, George W., 86th N. Y. V.

Marsh, Miles, 53d P. V.

Moore, W. W., 93d N. Y. V.

Meyers, H. L., 93d and 50th P. V.

Morris, John, 1st N. Y. Dragoons.

Mattison, John, D, 48th P. V.

MeNamara, F. B., 61st P. V.

McKinney, Philander, 53d P. V.

MeNeil, John T.# 5th N. Y. C.

Nesbit, John, 46th P. V.

Norton, Seymour, ** 171st P. V.

Owens, A. H.,# 199th P. V.

O'Neil. Wm.,* 69th N. Y. V.

Pearsall, John B., ** 11th Maryland.

Pearsall, G. W ..** 46th P. V.

Fournes, Edward, 76th P. V.

Presho, D. L. C., 149th P. V.

Foster. C. E., 1st P. C.

Palmatier, C. A., 46th P. V.

Fickler. E. J., 65th N. Y. V.

Quimby. L. S .. 141st N. Y. V.

Freeland, Samuel, 42d P. V.

Rees, O. J., 46th and 171st P. V.

Frame, Arthur, 56th N. Y. V.

Gridley, M. L., ** 12th P. V. C.

Grodevant, W. M .. ** 57th P. V.

Ruscher, C. H., 46th P. V.

Reer, (. II .. 9th Ind. V. and Invalid Corps.

Roberts, John, 149th P. V.

Gordnier, John, 20 Iowa V.

Rossman, O. W., 46th P. V.

Green, Ephraim, 58th P. V.

Rhone, Wm. F., 178th P. V.

Grossman, FI. C.,# 138th and 65th P. V.

Groves, John R., 5th P. C.

Reed, Albert, 53d P. V.

Hyde, Edson, ** 53d P. V.

Hosley, W. T., ** 2d U. S. S. S.

Hlaskins, Leroy, 199th P. V. Havens, John P., 211th P. V. Haskins, Ira, 99th P. V.

Hurst, Thomas, " 106th P. V.

Ilurlburt, Harvey,# 85th N. Y. V.

Hazen, Wm. II., 149th P. V.

Haynes, B. A., 53d P. V. Hall, Philander, C.,D, 7th P. C.

Hall, M. E.,# 58th P. V.

Hartwick, Adam, 17th P. C.

Harrington, Thomas, U. S. Navy.

Hoyt, Harvey, 164th N. Y. V.

Hollenbeck, G. W., 76th P. V.

Jackson, Merrick, 46th P. V.

Johnston, James, 144th P. V.

Jordan, Allen, 46th P. V. King, L. C.,## 161st and 68th N. Y. V.

Kline, Valentine, ** 65th N. Y. V.

Knowlton, Aaron, 149th P. V.

Luckey, Emanuel, 46th P. V.

Butler, Wm. A., 46th P. V.

Card, Orrin M., ** 199th P. V.

Courtright, Orrin, 46th P. V.

Colcord, Amos D.,*D, 5th U. S. C.

Covey, John M., *D. 89th N. Y. V.

('linton, Geo., 171st P. V.

Coleord, Albert, 76th N. Y. V.

Cunningham, M. F., 168th P. V.

Carr. E. D., 149th P. V.

Chappel, F. II., 11th P. V. C.

Clark, Porter, 8th P. C. Calkins, D. J., 1st P. Art. Clark, Thomas, 56th N. Y. V.

Cornell, Hiram, 149th P. V. Calkins, John P., 4th N. Y. H. A.

Coykendall, Philo H., 1st P. C.

Duel, Henry L., 1st P. Rifles.

Dolway, John B., 100th N. Y. V.

Dingman, Henry, 53d P. V.

Davidson, J. B., 161st N. Y. V.

Dingee, E., 53d P. V.

Davenport, Fred .. 89th N. Y. V.

Davis, Leonard, 16th P. C.

Dingman, William, 46th P. V.

Earl, John D., 53d P. V.

Everett, D. A., 1st P. Art.

Everett, D. D.,# 171st P. V.

Fox, George H., D, 51st P. V.

Rees, W. W., 99th P. V. Rennells, A. L., 149th P. V.

Green, S. R., 46th P. V. Green, B. A., 58th P. V.

Reed, Luther, 97th P. V.

Rennells, George W., 149th P. V.

Snyder, HIiram, 53d P. V.

D Deceased. > Transferred or honorably discharged. ++ Charter members.

R&White

1067

HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY.

Simmons, W. C., 76th N. Y. V.

Thompson, S., 102d N. Y. V.

Schauss, C., 41st N. Y. V.

Traver. Wm. H., 154th and 86th N. Y. V.

Stillman, A. R., 46th P. V.

Thompson, G. W., 12th N. Y. Ind. Batt.

Sheldon, Chas., 93d P. V.

Van Ammon, Richard, 1st P. R. C.

Snyder, Jacob, 53d P. V.

Wallace, John L., 86th N. Y. V.

Wallace, James 85th N. Y. V.

Sinsabaugh, Thos. L., 46th P. V. Smock, Samuel, 160th and 78th N. Y. V.

Wright, Ernest. 141st N. Y. V.

Story, William, 102d N. Y. V.

Weimer, John V .. 149th P. V.

Stickle, Andrew, 143d N. Y. V.

Whitney. E. A .. 99th P. V.

Tuttle, George N., ** 1st P. L. A.

Weimer, Michael. 99th P. V.

Taylor, Edwin,# 161st N. Y. V.

Williams, Allen E., 7th P. C.

Thomas. L. B., 86th N. Y. V.

Wright, John W., 175th P V.

Tuttle, J. N .. 46th P. V.

Willoughby, Elisha, 149th P. V.

Toombs, Lyman R .. 126th N. Y. V.

Younglove, Geo. F., 46th P. V.

The commanders of the post are named as follows: C. J. Marble, John B. Pearsall, John M. Covey, A. S. Lyman and John R. Groves, in 1859. John D. Earl has been adjutant for some years, and I. C. Staysa, quartermaster. The post elected the following named officers in January, 1890: L. S. Quimby, C .; L. R. Toombs, S. V. C .; Ed. Fickler, J. V. C .; J. R. Groves, chaplain; Sydney Lyman, Q. M .: W. H. Grodevant, surgeon; John D. Earl, adjutant; E. M. Bishop, O. of D .; G. S. Baldwin, O. of G., and John Metzger, Q. M. S.

Amos D. Colcord Camp, No. 121, Sons of Veterans, was chartered July 1, 1887, with J. B. Colcord, W. J. Norton, J. S. Colcord. A. J. Quimby, E. H. Ashcraft, T. N. Quimby, M. J. Potter. W. M. Quimby, W. M. Staysa, E. N. Bridges, H. E. Taxbox, N. R. Buck, J. A. Quimby. C. W. Marble, Arthur Gordnier, Almond Bridges, John Colcord, Jesse Rogers, Burton Roberts, J. McCann, Burton Snyder, Wm. Snyder and Isaac Dingman, members.

A. F. Jones Woman's Relief Corps, No. 72, was chartered July 4, 1887, with the following named members: Mesdames Charlotte E. Groves, Mary Lyman, Martha Rees, Helen Smock, Keziah Baker, Sarah Davis, Della Griesel. Vina Lilly, Sophia Viley, Louisa Marble, and Rose Bishop. Misses Sarah Ly- man, Carrie Presho, Nellie Perkins, Matilda Deemer. Eda Doerner, Nealia Marble, Lettie Palmer, Mary Palmer, Kate Kernan, Inez Metzger, Nora Metz- ger, Florence Mattison, and Isabella Crane. The first officers were installed March 10. that year.

In 1849 the temperance movement came into notice, and the advocates of this virtue established a little newspaper here. In November, 1853, there were nine Good Templar lodges in the county. Like the greater number of such societies they disbanded, and others with a similar object were organized. Eulalia Division, Sons of Temperance, celebrated its eighteenth anniversary June 22, 1867. being a portion of the veteran reserve corps of temperance in the State. Forest Division of Sons of Temperance was organized March 25. 1887, with thirty-five charter members. List of officers: O. J. Rees, W. P .; Lettie Gordnier, W. A. ; W. H. Rounseville, P. W. P .; J. E. Rounseville, R. S. ; Carrie Presho, A. S .; L. R. Bliss, F. S .; D. W. Butterworth, T .; Rev. Bush, Chap .; Frank Gordnier, C .; Mary MeCormic, A. C .; Ora Nichols, I. S. ; Lewis Reissmann, O. S., and C. L. Peck, D. D.

The Coudersport Prohibitory Amendment Club was organized April 30, 1889, with Isaac Benson, president; J. W. Allen, vice-president, and C. L. Peck, secretary. The call for the meeting to organize was signed by eighty- three citizens.

The Women's Christian Temperance Union (Coudersport) was organized August 29, 1879, with Mrs. G. A. Glassmire, president; Mrs. M. E. Stebbins,

D Deceased. Transferred or honorably discharged. ">Charter members.

Staysa, I. C., 46th P. V.

Whitman, L. D., 2d Mass. C.

106%

HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY.

vice-president; Mrs. M. W. Mann, corresponding secretary; Mrs. E. W. Ham- ilton, recorder, and Mrs. Mary R. Jones, treasurer. Among the members named in the minutes were Mrs. C. E. Groves, Mrs. Burton Rees, Mrs. D. C. Larrabee, Mrs. Charles H. Armstrong, Miss E. Wright and Mrs. D. S. Haines. The official circle was unchanged in 1880, but in 1881 Mrs. C. H. Armstrong was chosen president, Mrs. P. A. Stebbins, treasurer, and Mrs. D. C. Larrabee, recorder. In 1883 Mrs. Mary Jones was elected president, and Mrs. R. Nichols, vice-president. In 1884 Mrs. Allen and Mrs. O. J. Rees filled the offices just named, while Mrs. Nichols took the place of Mrs. Maun, Mrs. Steh- bins being still recorder. There were no changes made in 1885 nor in 1886, but in 1887 Mrs. C. L. Peck was elected correspondent, and Mrs. C. Arm- strong, librarian. The officers elected in September, 1888, were Mrs. J. R. Jones, president; Mesdames W. S. Lewis, C. H. Armstrong and W. A. Crosby, vice-presidents; M. E. Stebbins, recorder; C. L. Peck, corresponding secre- tary, and C. M. Thompson, treasurer. Mesdames M. W. Mann, Haskell and Carrie Rees formed the journal committee; Mesdames M. R. Jones, George Glassmire and C. H. Armstrong, workman committee; with Mesdames Rees, Lewis, Nichols, Stebbins, White, Mann and Larrabee, superintendents of the several departments into which the work of the union is divided. On January 6, 1890, the following named officers were chosen: President, Mrs. Louisa Marble; Sr. vice-president, Miss Sadie Lyman; Jr. vice-president, Mrs, Rose Bishop: treasurer, Mrs. Anna Staysa; secretary, Miss Nealia Marble; chaplain, Mrs. May Bell Mattison; conductor, Miss Susie Staysa; guard, Mrs. Della Griesel.

The Young Women's Christian Temperance Union, of Coudersport, was organized in September, 1889, with Sarah Lyman, president; Nellie Perkins, vice-president; Jennie Crosby, recorder; Anna Boyer, correspondent, and Rose Armstrong, treasurer.

The W. C. T. U. of Potter county elected the following named officers in October, 1889: Mrs. Sarah M. Wells, Oswayo, president; Mrs. Vina Rees, Austin, vice-president; Mrs. M. A. Vincent, West Pike, secretary; Mrs. M. W. Mann, secretary, and Mrs. M. R. Jones, both of Condersport, treasurer. Mrs. C. S. Rees, president of Costello Union, Mrs. Groves, with Mrs. Glass- inire, Mrs. M. J. Larrabee, of Coudersport, Mrs. W. W. Crittenden, of Os- wayo, Mrs. Rees, Mrs. Hall and Mrs. Jennie Wood, of Roulette, Mrs. Eliza Foster and Mrs. M. A. Vincent, from West Pike, were present.

Forest Encampment No. 283, I. O. O. F., was organized August 30, 1889, with the following charter members: H. C. Dornan, C. P .; Adam Hartwick : M. A. Harvey; William Lent; George Gale; M. E. White; E. H. Ashcraft, S. W., now H. P .; O. S. Blackman; M. G. Watters; G. C. Rees; A. W. Burt; C. E. Peckham; B. Matteson; G. B. Rooth, H. P., now chief patriarch; Aaron Robbinson; N. J. Peck, treasurer; W. T. Dyke, now S. W .; H. T. Nelson; John Phelps; Jerry Gallager: M. J. Potter, scribe; Charles Neefe; F. F. Cut- ler; James Anderson; C. W. Marble; E. Griesel; C. A. Zacharias; John Den- hoof, now J. W. ; W. H. Sullivan: James O'Hara; E. C. Barnes; N. M. Glass- mire; F. J. Lent; J. H. Miller; S. S. Baker: J. M. Kilbourne; G. W. Adams; J. H. Johnston; Byron Bassett; W. H. Chappel; P. L. Reedy; S. B. Haskins; G. B. Sharp; H. D. H. Snyder. J. W. ; Henry Haskell; G. H. Doane; W. S. Gates; J. Perce; Pat Gorman: J. H. Freeman; C. J. Marble; E. M. Baker; E. E. Hubbard, scribe; P. J. Maloney; E. Lambert: W. B. Brightman; M. Z. Hurlburt; E. Bishop; I. C. Staysa: John E. Stives: G. W. Hayes; Peter Green; E Welch.

1069

HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY.

Business .- The Bank of Coudersport was established by Archibald F. Jones & Son in 1873, but for some time prior to this a small banking business was transacted in connection with their mercantile house. In 1879, on the death of the senior owner, the business became the property of W. K. Jones, who, in connection with Judge Olmsted, owns the building. In January, 1881, this bank was entered by bank robbers, Cashier Doerner imprisoned in the vault, and $914.50 abstracted. N. A. Pinney was connected with the bank as book-keeper and teller, and W. W. Harvey as clerk.

In 1867 the insurance agency of A. B. Mann was opened in Coudersport. It is still in existence, and from it policies are issued throughout the county.

In 1850 the first cabinet shop in the county was established here by James Bassett, and in 1851 the first planing-mill and turning lathe. From that period to the present time many saw mills have been put in operation, a few of which are still carried on.

Hammond's tannery, on the J. W. Allen and C. Reissmann farms, was established in 1880 for the manufacture of sole leather. Francis Hammond, the owner, was superintendent and H. R. Whittaker was foreman. This is one of the great industries of Northern Pennsylvania. The principal build- ings were erected about 100 feet apart to provide against fire, and the forty dwelling houses were erected on the same principle. The annual product is placed at 1,500,000 pounds, and the number of men employed in connection with the works is about 150.

The Keystone Flouring Mills, the property of the Dwight estate, W. B. Gordnier's saw-mill, carding-mill and foundry, O. T. Ellison's saw-mill, A. Rounseville's and Nelson Goodsell's planing-mills, Pearsall's and Neefe's wagon shops, the C. S. Jones tannery, and Allen & Millard's ironing table and clothes-rack factory were in existence prior to 1889, and in this year the new factory west of the depot was completed. The works were purchased in February, 1890, by the Hoyt Bros., of New York. S. Burr continues in charge with Watson Dike in charge of store.

In the pioneer chapter of the general history, as well as in this chapter, ref- erence is made to the hotels kept by Cartee, Dickinson and Ives .. . . The old Glassmire house stood on the vacant corner southwest of the square, and another house (hotel) stood where the Vielly House now stands. ... The old Hickory House, which stood near where the jail is, was a two-story frame building .... In 1869 the American Hotel, S. D. Kelly, proprietor, was burned. It stood upon the ground now occupied by the residence of Orson Crosby.

The Commercial House was built in 1882, and opened in September by James Turner. Early in 1883 the house became the property of Lyman Cobb, who leased to James Johnson; Fred. Davenport carried on the house later, until George Rogers became lessee in 1884. Maj. Sibert carried on the house until March, 1885, when L. S. Quimby purchased the building and furniture. He carried on the hotel until December, 1888, when A. R. Moore leased the house. At the close of 1889 Mr. Quimby returned as landlord, succeeding Mr. Moore .... The Coudersport House was erected a number of years ago by Schoomaker, who carried on a store there for some years, when the building became untenanted; was again used as a store by H. Nelson until the building was purchased by Daniel Baker, who fitted the house for hotel purposes. The house has been carried on by D. Baker, Kelly & Brown, Erastus Lewis, Matt. Gridley, J. O. Edgecomb, John Covey and Nathaniel Glassmire, who purchased the house in 1887. In September, 1889, A. B. Crowell, of Ulysses, purchased the site of the old Coudersport Hotel, on the corner of Main and Second streets. He commenced work on a three-story brick building for a hotel, intended to be

1070

HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY.

first-class in all modern conveniences and appliances .... On May 3, 1883, the work of construction on the Coudersport & Harrison Valley Telephone line was begun, and within a week was completed .... The Coudersport & Port Allegany Telegraph line was put up in 1887 by the Coudersport & Port Alle- gany Railroad Company.

The business circle at the beginning of 1889 comprised the following: W. A. Shear, groceries; M. S. Thompson & Co., druggists; H. J. Olmsted & Sons, hardware; Raymond & Robinson, general store; Jones & Hodskin, general store; W. F. Junge, groceries; J. E. Forster, groceries; S. Deiches, clothing; G. H. Doane, hardware; P. A. Stebbins & Bro., general store; Charles Reissmann, furniture; Z. J. Thompson, groceries; N. K. Hollenbeck, millinery; K. Zimmerman, groceries; M. L. Gridley, flour and feed; French & Chase, druggists: C. H. Armstrong & Co., general store; O. E. Armstrong, jeweler; G. B. Chamberlain, variety store; William M. Metzger, one billard and two pool tables; G. H. Grabe, furniture; John Schafer, groceries and bakery; C. W. Welton, one billiard and one pool table; A. J. Quimby, groceries; K. R. Hodskin, clothing; E. N. Stebbins, clothing; C. W. Niles, grocery and bakery; F. Hammond, general store; Thomas Lyon, groceries and oysters.

CHAPTER X.

ABBOT AND ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIPS.

ABBOT TOWNSHIP -CONFORMATION-FIRST INHABITANTS-SETTLEMENT OF GERMANIA-OLE BULL'S COLONY-HARDSHIPS OF THE PIONEERS-INTEREST- ING ACCOUNTS-SOME FIRST EVENTS AND THINGS-MISCELLANEOUS. ALLEGHENY TOWNSHIP -- THE SUMMIT TOWNSHIP OF POTTER-TOPOGRAPHY -POPULATION AND ASSESSMENT-EARLY NAMES, CHURCHES, BUSINESS, ETC.

A BBOT TOWNSHIP, adjoining Stewardson on the north, bounded east by Tioga county, is a wilderness in its southeastern sections, along the heads of Kettle creek, while the new Bergen anticlinal through the northwestern sections shows a valley of about four miles in width, watered by the several runs forming the head of Cross forks, which cut through the Catskill for- mation and expose the upper Chemung rocks. The valley is about eleven miles long by the given width, broken by high and steep hills, and singularly picturesque. All the rock formations common to this section are found here, and even the mysterious boulder is present to entertain the traveler.

There were 58 tax-payers listed in 1853; in 1889 there were 186, with property valued at $148,426. The population in 1880 was 623, including 101 in Germania village, and in 1888 there were 40 Republicans, 105 Democrats, 14 Prohibitionists, and 1 Union Labor, representing 800 inhabitants. Abbot township was established in 1851, and the assessment made in 1852. The as- sessment roll gives the names of the following residents: Henry Anderson, clerk, valuation $200; Ole Bull, $549; David, John and William Conway, Wm. V. Dann (surveyor), Olans Salberg (baker), Geo. Wran, Peter Yochum, Adam Yoh, Hubbard Starkweather, J. Clausen, and Wirts Seeker, farmers; Otto Raas (teacher), Elling Lawsen (farmer), Andreas Brunker, B. A. and Ole Bergeson, Ang. Amandsen, Peter Anderson, Brede, Ole and Staver Eversen,

1071

HISTORY OF POTTER COUNTY.

S. E. Evenson, Dan. Ericksen, Paul Eahnsen, E. Jacobsen, Hans Halm, Ever Huberget, E. Kulmsee, Petter Lamo, M. and C. Mathiesen, N. Nielsen, seven Ol- sens, Ole Pedersen, Lars Peytg, Gus. Skoyen, Axel Saxtorph, Toley Tostensen, Tasten Farrensen, - Wiese and Witte, all day laborers; John Zerbee, W. Mealin, Win. Mure, Peter and John Dilcamp, R. Dun, Sam. Barks and Sol. Baligh, owners of 100-acre tracts of hills.

In 1855 Germania was settled by a number of Germans under the leader- ship of Dr. Chas. Meine. Of the early experiences, Dr. Meine writes as follows: " When I came here to Potter county, October, 1855, to begin the German settlement, about eighteen Dane and Norwegian families, the remain- der of Ole Bull's settlement, were left here in Abbot, beside the settlement on Yochum Hill, which was started before the Ole Bull settlement. The German Company, Wm. Radde, New York, bought out these Danish and Norwegian set- tlers, who moved, mostly, to Wisconsin. In November, 1855, we built our first log-house, the starting point of Germania. I helped cut the first tree for tire-logs in front of our bough house, it being so cold that we had to take the ax along to cut the ice if we wanted some water for tea. In January, 1856, we put the roof on this log house. It was so cold that a nail touched by the naked hand was instantly frozen to the fingers. We were four men, and in order to keep us from freezing one had to keep two stoves red hot. We had regular two-hours watch in turn; no bedding, two woolen blankets for four men; nothing to eat in five weeks but buckwheat cakes and molasses. I went one Sunday, in 1855, through the whole of Abbot township for bread, and did not find a mouthful-plenty of dry buckwheat cakes though. A poor Norwe- gian felled a tree on his cow, and had to cut her throat. He reported this, crying, to us, who were overglad to buy the beef. In the spring of 1856 the company had some land cleared off, a saw-mill was erected, and the hotel, a store and dwelling house, by the company. Some families moved in; I built my house; we had hard times; nearest railroad station forty-two miles off-Tioga village. We commenced to clear lands, build roads, etc. With the motto 'stick to it,' we have created a nice settlement in the wilderness, with good roads, school-houses and churches, Good farms, and the people are satisfied with their situation."

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) comp. cn; J.H. Beers & Co., pub Publication date: 1890 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co. Number of Pages: 1320

Author: Leeson, M. A. (Michael A.) comp. cn; J.H. Beers & Co., pub
Publication date: 1890
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & Co.
Number of Pages: 1320