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 22
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 22
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 22
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 22
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One of the foremost organizers of the fire department was Mr. J. L. Andrews, who for several terms held the position of chief engineer. He helped to build up the department, and the fame of Bradford's excellent organization spread all over the country. Mr. Andrews laid the foundation for the Era Hook and Ladder Company, which was the second fire-fighting company organ- ized in Bradford. This was in June, 1878. Mr. Andrews raised the money and went to New York and purchased the truck, which cost $1,000, and has served its purpose admirably. As a company for work the Eras are second to none in the State, and, as the name implies, " they are up with the times." They belong to the era in which we live. Headquarters, city building. The present officers are: President, H. H. North; vice-president, Charles H. Steiger; treasurer, Robert L. Edgett; secretary, Fred. Humbert; financial secretary, Frank Levens; wardrober, Charles F. Genthner; foreman, Charles F. Genth- ner; first assistant, J. J. Hutchinson; second assistant, J. Disney.
Citizens' Hose Company No. 2 was organized November 27, 1878. Their first conveyance for carrying hose was a sleigh, the runners of which were made of bent pipe two inches in thickness. The motto of this hose company, semper paratus, is well sustained by their record in checking the ravages of fire. Will- iam M. Williams, now of Buffalo, was their first foreman. This organization has furnished the two latest chief engineers of the department, James E. Grainger, and the present incumbent, J. F. Campbell. Their headquarters are on Newell avenue, near Webster street. They are earnest and effective in their work. The present officers are: President, J. C. Greenewald; vice presi- ‹lent, Herman Frank; treasurer, M. Schaaf; recording secretary, Len. Chad- wick; financial secretary, J. W. Ruble; foreman, J. H. Burns; first assistant foreman, James Casey.
Whitney Hose Company No. 3 was organized November 12, 1878, and commenced a brilliant, career with the Johnson's old pumper and 500 feet of rubber hose. They soon acquired a good footing, and established their head- quarters on Barbour street, where they now have a fine building and first-class equipment. E. N. Southwick, who has been elected to the positions of first assistant and chief engineer, was presented by the company with a hat, belt and trumpet in 1880. The presentation was made by William McVeigh, fore- man. These were his remarks: "Nate, here is something the boys got yon- the speech will be ready next week." Nate was nearly overcome, but man- aged to say: "Much obliged, Bill; my speech will be ready at the same time." The Whitney boys are firemen of the " first water." The present officers are: President, W. B. Potter; vice-president, T. Whiting; secretary, James Bell; foreman, Thomas White; first assistant foreman, D. Smith; second assistant foreman, C. Hudson.
The Weaver Hose Company (independent) is an organization composed of employes of the firm of Emery & Weaver. They are well prepared for service,
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HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY.
being backed up by the steamer "Lewis Emery, Jr." They are thorough firemen. The present officers of the Weaver Hose and Steamer Company are: President, M. B. Bailey; treasurer, C. D. Evans; secretary, Ed. Caldwell; foreman, E. A. Guy; assistant foreman, G. F. Guy; engineer of steamer, John Doty.
The Central Hose Company (independent) was organized in the fall of 1885, and since that time has accomplished good work in fighting fire. The majority of the members belong to the Central Iron Works and the Oil Well supply shops. They beat the record in a hose race in this city September 1 of the present year by running 100 yards in 31 seconds. They should join the department. The present officers are: President, H. W. Eaton, Jr .; vice- president, W. J. Bovaird; recording secretary, J. M. Crawford; financial sec- retary, W. H. Zahnizer; foreman, C. S. Flick; first assistant foreman, S. H. Nightingale; second assistant foreman, J. J. Crosby.
The Falcon Hose Company is a Third Ward independent organization which is always ready to respond to an alarm. It was formed to protect property remote from the other companies' headquarters, and deserves encouragement.
The present officers of the Bradford Fire Department are: President, Her- man Frank; vice-president, J. B. Fuller: secretary, M. Cohn; treasurer, J. C. Greenewald; chief engineer, J. Campbell; first assistant engineer, Bert McAllister: second assistant engineer, Harry Campbell.
The Bradford Exempts are firemen who have seen veteran service, and have retired on their laurels. They own a large and finely furnished building on Kennedy street. They are firemen to the back bone. Their handsome quar- ters are a favorite resort. The parlors are furnished with pictures donated by citizens, and the floor is covered with a costly carpet. Here the Exempts meet and talk over old times. The Exempts have a striking parade uniform and always command the lion's share of the public attention. Mr. C. L. Wheeler has served as president since the organization of the company. The present officers are: President, C. L. Wheeler; vice-president, M. McMahon: secre- tary, George L. Blakeley; treasurer, J. C. Greenewald; foreman, J. L. An- drews; first assistant foreman, Thomas Osborne; second assistant foreman, Col. B. Adams; directors, J. W. Ruble, Arthur Colby, J. F. Campbell, T. C. Kelly.
Two steam fire engines, known as "L. Emery, Jr.," and "City of Bradford," are two fine machines that are useful adjuncts to the efficient fire department. The "Emery" steamer is housed in the rear of Emery & Weaver's store, Main street, and the "City of Bradford" is kept in the city building.
The Bradford Fire Police Brigade was organized in December, 1878. The object of the organization was to keep crowds from interfering with firemen while at work, and to stop the operations of thieves. While this company lasted much good work was accomplished in that line of duty. The fire police disbanded and sold their effects some months ago.
The United Hose Company No. 4 was organized March 25, 1879. This company was composed of men employed mostly by the United Pipe Line. They were originally organized to protect the Pipe Line property in the city, but were admitted to the department in July, 1879. Their record is a good one. This company disbanded a few years ago, much to the regret of all citizens.
Water-Works .- The Bradford Water-Works Company was incorporated in June, 1877, with C. S. Whitney, president; T. J. Melvin, treasurer; T. A. Hylands, secretary; A. W. Newell, Lewis Emery, Jr., Thomas Bradley and H. J. Pemberton, directors. The capital stock was placed at $7,000, which
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HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY.
was owned by fifty stockholders. In October, 1879, Fuller, Bayne & Whitney, representing the Water-Works Company, proposed to sell to the city for $17,961.66, if the annual rental would not be increased to $4,600, but a propo- sition by the city was accepted. As told in the pages devoted to the organiza- tion of the city, Bradford owns the present water-works system.
Light and Heat Companies. - The Keystone Gas Company of Bradford was chartered in February, 1882, with J. B. Bradley, E. O. Emerson, E. C. Bradley, J. N. Pew and John A. Johnson, directors. The object was to sup- ply gas and heat to the people along the summit from State Line southwest to Big Shanty, and to drill and pump oil wells. The Bradford Light and Heat- ing Company, incorporated in June, 1879, offers additional advantages.
The Bradford Electric Light and Power Company purchased Thornton's big rink building in October, 1889, and converted it into an immense electric light establishment. Among the incorporators are J. H. Rose, D. W. Robert- son, W. C. Walker & Co., D. Phillips and Potter & Wood.
Banks, Etc. - The Mckean County Bank was chartered May 13, 1857, with Solomon Sartwell, George B. Backus, John C. Backns, Samuel C. Hyde, Syl- vanus Holmes, Samuel L. Casey, Wells D. Wallbridge, A. M. Benton and Daniel Kingsbury, directors, who were appointed to establish a bank at Smeth- port on a capital stock of $150,000. Contrary to the charter some of these financiers determined to locate at Bradford, and called a meeting to elect directors for June 8, at the office of Daniel Kingsbury. The Smethport stockholders protested, and had O. J. Hamlin prepare such protest. This was partially successful, for the wily bankers did pretend to have headquarters at Smethport for a time. In January, 1858, a certificate of capital stock was issued to Hannah L. Hamlin for two twenty-dollar shares in this concern. Samuel C. Hyde and John C. Backus signed the certificate as commissioners, while Solomon Sartwell, Jr., was the third commissioner.
Col. Henry, in his reminiscences of this bank, states that "a long- legged, gander-heeled, old bank swindler from Rhode Island, with Timothy O. Grannis and one Deidrich, of Utica, N. Y., came to Smethport, bringing with them three or four boxes said to contain about $34,000 in specie. They interested Daniel Kingsbury and others in their plans, had a charter from the State, elected Kingsbury president, Grannis, vice-president, and Deidrich, cashier, and placed their bills in circulation. Kingsbury was ultimately left liable for large sums, while the cashier walked off with $75,000 in bills, but was captured and made disgorge."
The Bradford National Bank commenced business July 25, 1879, succeed- ing the Bradford Bank (limited), capital $100,000. The first board of directors were as follows: W. C. Allison, T. E. Allison, James O'Neill, G. A. Berry, R. F. Borckman. The following were the officers: R. F. Borekman, presi- dent: O. F. Schonblom, vice-president; J. F. Merrill, cashier; J. F. Thompson, assistant cashier. On January 8, 1884, the management changed, the follow- ing being the new board: O. F. Schonblom, P. T. Kennedy, W. C. Kennedy, G. A. Berry, S. G. Slike, with O. F. Schonblom, president; P. T. Kennedy, vice-president; T. H. Tomlinson, cashier; J. M. Fink, assistant cashier. On January 13, 1885, the board changed as follows: P. T. Kennedy, O. F. Schonblom, W. C. Kennedy, H. F. Whiting, R. J. Straight, with the following officers: O. F. Schonblom, president; P. T. Kennedy, vice-president; T. H. Tomlinson, cashier; C. A. Mitchell, assistant cashier. The above named have all remained in office except the cashier, of which office S. P. Kennedy is now incumbent. On September 21, 1886, the capital was increased from $100,000 to $200,000, and the surplus is $40,000.
Lucius Roger
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HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY.
On March 6, 1888, about 11 A. M., while several customers were transacting business, a man, wearing a mask and a long rubber coat, entered the front door of the bank. Approaching the cashier's window, he presented a revolver, and ordered the official to open the door. Without pausing, he rapidly walked a short distance toward the rear of the bank, and suddenly sprang over the seven-foot railing, landing directly behind the paying teller. So quickly was this done that the attention of the teller, who was engaged in checking out a deposit, was not attracted. Mr. Tomlinson had apparently kept an eye on the man, and as he vaulted over the partition the official started from his post and met the robber, who instantly placed his revolver against the cashier's abdomen and fired, the bullet passing entirely through his body. The desperado then turned on the paying teller, and, covering him with his revolver, drove him toward the rear of the room. Then seizing what money lay on the counter (about $600) he escaped through the cashier's room and the front door of the bank. A crowd gathered and started in pursuit. After running a short distance the robber turned and fired upon Louis Bleich, who was in advance of the crowd, the bullet striking Bleich in the bowels and passing through his body. The robber continued his flight about 1,500 feet farther, when, apparently thinking escape impossible, he placed the revolver to his head and fired, dying almost instantly. The name of the desperado was George A. Kimball. He was formerly a resident of Bradford, but for some years had lived at Garden City, Kas. Several parties who have known Kimball are of the opinion that he was insane, but it was believed generally that the robbery was the well-planned act of a desperado,
The First National Bank is presided over by F. W. Davis (the successor in that office of J. M. Fuller), with C. C. Melvin, vice president, W. W. Bell, cashier, and George H. Mills, assistant cashier. The directors are S. G. Bayne, D. O'Day, Joseph Seep, T. Wistar Brown, Trust Company (Philadelphia), A. B. Walker, F. W. Davis, C. C. Melvin, J. M Fuller and W. W. Bell. Among its stockholders may be named Byron D. Hamlin, Henry Hamlin, A. G. Olmsted, L. Emery, Jr., J. T. Jones, C. E. Hequembourg, L. E. Hamsher, C. M. Farrar, L. F. Lawton, S. Auerhaim, John Weiss, P. W. Roth, John McKeown, Robert C. Simpson, W. R. Weaver, F. D. Wood, Asher Brown, John Loy, P. L. Web- ster, Joseph Stettheimer, Robert Long, I. W. Shirley, A. Hochstetter, James E. Blair, A. B. Smith, Kenton Saulnier, E. T. Howes, J. D. Case. The capital is placed at $150,000, and the surplus at $30,000.
The Tuna Valley Bank of Bradford, established in 1875-76, by Whitney & Wheeler, was forced to close its doors, owing to the fierce pressure brought to bear on financial houses during the year 1884. In February, 1886, the final dividend, with interest, was paid to creditors, and the honorable pro- jectors were the only losers.
The Commercial National Bank was opened in March, 1890, in the O'Don- nell Building, on Main and Pine streets. The entire capital stock of $100,000 was easily disposed of, and the new bank started out with a solid backing, both in a financial and a patronizing sense. At a meeting held in January. 1890, the following officers were chosen: P. F. Borckman, president; C. H. Lavens, vice-president; W. H. Powers, cashier; R. L. Mason, assistant cashier and teller; C. H. Lavens, Alexander Urquhart, John R. Zook, J. C. Lineman, E. H. Barnum, J. H. Healey, R. F. Borckman, directors.
The People's Building, Loan & Savings Association was organized at Elliott & Edgett's office, July 18, 1889, when the following-named officers were chosen: W. W. Brown, president; George A. Sturgeon, treasurer; Roy W. Edgett, secretary; Silas G. Elliott, manager; Stone, Brown & Stur-
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HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY.
geon, attorneys; board of appraisers: E. J. Boylston, A. T. Godfrey, James H. Roche, Frank W. Boss and C. M. Carr. At this time no less than 116 shares were subscribed for.
The Bradford Building & Loan Association is presided over by H. S. Southard, with H. H. North, secretary. The second series of stock was au- thorized to be opened February 2, 1890.
The Mckean County Board of Underwriters was organized some time ago, and presided over by E. V. Cody, with John Troy, of Olean, vice-president, Fred W. Groves, secretary, and William Haskell, treasurer.
Oil Exchanges .- The Tuna Valley Oil Exchange was presided over in January, 1877, by A. I. Wilcox, with Col. D. Gardner, vice-president, and C. Everson, secretary.
The Bradford Oil Exchange may be said to have been established March 19, 1878, when a meeting, over which C. L. Wheeler presided, considered the question of organization. A. J. Stephenson was secretary; J. M. Fuller, L. Emery, Jr., C. L. Wheeler, G. H. Van Vleck and F. E. Boden, executive and building committee, and A. F. Kent, treasurer. Stock to the amount of $30,000 was at once subscribed, and in May plans by E. A. Curtis were adopted, and the old Johnson homestead on Main street, purchased for $10,000. The building contract was sold to Henry Shenk, who commenced work June 13, 1878, and completed the house in February, 1879, the total cost including lot being $44,000. Charles L. Wheeler, the first president, has been elected annually down to the present time. The officers of the Bradford Oil Exchange elected for 1890 are C. L. Wheeler, president; J. E. Haskell, vice president; Winfield Scott, secretary and treasurer; J. B. Jayne, F. W. Davis, C. C. Melvin, F. L. Blackmarr, E. Boyer, W. R. Weaver, S. H. Durston, A. B. Walker, J. E. Cochran and John Denman, directors; F. H. Roberts, A. Thornton, F. P. Leonard, W. E. Gould and J. M. McElroy, arbitration committee; C. L. Wheeler, E. P. Whitcomb and J. T. Jones, conference committee; C. K. Thompson, judge of election; E. J. Boylston and I. G. Jackson, inspectors of election.
The Producers' Petroleum Exchange was chartered in December, 1882, and early in 1883 the inaugural meeting was held in Armory Hall, with 500 members, each of whom carried a $100 share. In June, 1883, a site for the Exchange building was obtained, and January 2, 1884, the house was com- pleted and opened, David Kirk, the president, delivering the address. Messrs. McKevett, Williamson and Lockwood formed the building committee. Mr. Kirk, referring to the progress of the county, said: "Congressionally we are in the same condition. For six years of the ten at least we must continue to be the tail end of a wild-cat district. Politically we amount to no more to day than when the population of MeKean county consisted of a few men in the lumbering camps of the wilderness. Our representatives must be held ae- countable. One of them, with a vulgar display of wealth, has tendered money in place of services."
The Association of Producers was organized June 11, 1884, with H. L. Taylor, president; David Kirk and W. J. Young, vice-presidents; F. W. Mitchell, treasurer; W. H. Johnson, secretary; John L. McKenney, John Satterfield, J. A. Cadwallader, W. W. Hague, F. T. Coast, J. T. Jones, B. Goe, W. R. Weaver, C. S. Whitney, J. S. Davis, F. W. Andrews, James Amm, W. J. Young and H. B. Porter, executive committee. A meeting was held August 21, 1884, when the secretary read the report on the "shut-down " prepared by the executive committee, and with it the agreement, signed by 861 individual owners of wells or representatives of firms, while the total number
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of wells in the Bradford district, connected with the National Transit and the Tide Water Lines, was 13,328.
The Producers' Protective Association elected the following named officers September 3, 1889: T. W. Phillips, of New Castle, president; H. L. Taylor, of Buffalo, vice-president; James R. Goldsborough, of Bradford, secretary; R. J. Straight, of Bradford, treasurer. The association was organized two years before this date, and is credited with introducing the new era of pros- perity in the oil field.
The W. P. Driven Well Protective Association was organized at Bradford in 1883, with A. J. Edgett, president; Dr. M. A. Todd, secretary; A. De- Golier, treasurer; P. T. Kennedy, C. C. Melvin and James E. Blair, execu- tive committee.
Post-office .- In 1879 W. F. DeGolier was postmaster at Bradford. His direct salary was 82,300, with $1,500 allowance for clerk hire. During the first quarter of the year 1879 money orders for $31,000 were issued, and $5,899 worth of stamps sold. In March, 1885, the citizens of Bradford peti- tioned for the extension of the free-letter delivery system. The petitioners were given an idea of the mills of the gods, for the department devoted four- teen months to the consideration of their prayer. The present postmaster, C. B. Whitehead, took possession of the office May 28, 1886, and within thirty days the welcome letter-carriers were distributing letters among the people. In 1887 the volume of business was far in excess of any preceding year, and an increase in business marks every month since that time.
Hotels. - The Riddell House was sold in November, 1881, by Dr. George Riddell, to Chamberlain & Gelm for $40,000. The Doctor built a large frame house in 1878, on part of the site of the present structure. Late that year it was swept away by fire. In 1879 the present house was built by him. Ander- son & Co. purchased Chamberlain & Gelm's interests; Mitchell & Anderson bought the house from them on July 23, 1885; F. P. Holley purchased Mitch- ell's interest, and in 1887 he became sole owner. The Riddell is a first-class hotel, admirably managed.
The St. James Hotel, at the head of Main street, near the exchanges, banks, newspaper offices and leading business houses, is equally as well man- aged as the Riddell House. The building is quite modern, and the location unexcelled.
The Henderson House comes next in importance. It is a most popular hos- telry, and well conducted. The hotel is a large building, one block from Main street, but near the business center, the churches and schools, and convenient to the railroad depots.
The American House is spoken of with favor by visitors from various sections of the Bradford field; while several other houses have their admir- ers, leading one to suppose that the city knows no such thing as a poor hotel.
In January, 1847, Sabines Walker petitioned the court to grant him a license for keeping a house of entertainment in his dwelling on Tunuangnant creek, where the Smethport and Ellicottville road passes. In January, 1848, Sylvanus Holmes asked license for this house. For about thirty years Bradford and neighborhood were happy in the old-time inns referred to by Judge Ward, and when the modern inns came to replace them, fire swept away a few of the new institutions, as related.
Schools .- In the reminiscences of Judge Ward, references are made to the early schools of Bradford. In 1877 the old school building became the prop- erty of the Catholic church, and on its site stands the present St. Bernard's
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HISTORY OF MCKEAN COUNTY.
church and convent schools. At that time the common-school system of the city placed the foundation stone of its present greatness.
In his first report to the State superintendent in 1882, George F. Stone, then superintendent of the city schools, said: "In submitting my first report of the condition of the schools of the city of Bradford, you will permit a refer- ence to the peculiar difficulties with which our city in its infancy has labored. Within seven years our school population has increased more than twelve fold, and the number of schools in like proportion. It has been found necessary to erect within the last two years three school buildings, furnishing accommoda- tions for thirteen schools, and during the present vacation another building has been enlarged to accommodate two additional schools." In 1882 there were in the city twenty-one schools, employing twenty-six teachers. The average attendance was 1,037 and the average percentage was ninety-two. The total amount of tax levied for school and building purposes, $39,649.21. In 1883 the number of schools had increased to twenty four, the number of teachers to thirty-five, and the average attendance had swelled to 1,080. The sexes were about evenly divided. In this year the total tax was $29, 488.46. Dur ing the school year ending June 2, 1884, the capacity of the schools was again severely tested, and a new brick building was erected on Congress street. This structure contains a library, a laboratory and a printing office. In this year the number of schools was swelled to thirty-two, employing thirty eight teachers, with an average attendance of 1,166. The total amount of taxes levied was $27,578.46. In 1885 the schools were not increased. The num- ber of teachers employed was thirty-nine, and the average attendance was 1.300. The total amount of the tax levy was $38,091.07. In the spring of 1886 the central school building was destroyed by fire. It was replaced by a larger and more commodious structure. In this year there were thirty-four schools, which gave employment to thirty. nine teachers. The average attend- ance was further increased to 1,315. The tax levy was $31,287.48. In 1887 there were thirty-one schools, employing thirty-five teachers. The enrollment consists of 912 males and 968 females, a total of 1,880. The average daily attendance is 1,387, and the average cost of each pupil $1.03 per month. The total amount levied for school and building purposes is $27,180.74. In 1888 phenomenal progress was reported. In June of this year the discussion on the question of the superintendent's salary created a stir in school circles and brought from the superintendent a letter of which the following is a copy.
BANGOR, ME., June 22, 1888.
TO THE BOARD OF SCHOOL CONTROL, BRADFORD, PA.
As I read in the Era of to-day that I have been charged with disloyalty to the schools of Bradford in advising teachers to ask higher salaries elsewhere, and thus oblige the Brad- ford board to increase them; also, that the public are dissatisfied with the increase made in my salary, I again ask the Bradford board to release me from my engagements for an- other year. A superintendent may be found whose desire for a position may be so great that he will be willing to keep silent when he is unjustly accused. Fortunately my op- portunities in life are so many that I am not so placed. I again thank the Board for the uniform courtesy I have received at their hands.
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