USA > Pennsylvania > McKean County > Bradford > Illustrated history of Bradford, McKean County, Pa. > Part 5
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Lardner, C. A. Seigfried, H. G. Cutting, S. Winslow, Bradford; C. A. Corning, W. N. Hanna, Kendall. The church building at Rouseville was removed to Bradford, re-built and used until 1890, when a fire destroyed it. The present building was then erected and dedicated. Rev. A. R. Kieffer is the pastor.
The history of the Catholic church really begins with the oil discoveries, as prior to this there was no resident Catholic pastor. The few members of the Catholic denomination occasionally received a visit from a priest located at Newels Creek, one of the first being Very Reverend J. D. Coady, who subsequently was pastor of St. Titus church of Titusville. In the fall of 1877
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FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
the number of Catholics living in Bradford was sufficient to justify more extensive work and Rev. William Coonan, present pastor of the church was appointed by Bishop Mullin, of Erie, to look after the spiritual wants of the flock and build up a church. Prior to his coming, the Catholics bad worshipped in the old village school building. This property they subsequently purchased and in the fall of 1878, work was commenced on the small church edifice 44 x 100 feet, on the site occupied by the present church. This work was complet d the following December and the church was dedicated in 1879, at which time it was nearly paid for. School buildings were begun in the fall of 1878, completed the following year and opened by the Sisters of St. Joseph in September, 1879.
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Under Father Coonan's faithful ministrations the church prospered and progressed and in 1890, work was commenced on the present magnificent brick and stone edifice.
In 1880, Beth Zion congregation was incorporated. These names appear : Jacob Olshoffsky, Philip Nusbaum, Alexander Simpson, Moses Ruslander, A. M. Mayer, S. Auerhaim, Asher Brown. Prayer and sermons in English with the Hebrew ritual, constitute the services. In 1881 a temple was erected and dedicated on South Mechanic street. Rev. Samuel Weil was the first Rabbi; Rev. S. M. Reich is the present.
In March 1881, the First Bradford Orthodox Hebrew congregation was incorporated with these trustees: P. Friedman, David Levi, Isaac Nusbaum. The petition for incorporation was signed by Joseph Rosenberg, H. Cohn, Dan Silberne, Raphael Michael and Rev. S. Glover is the pastor.
In the spring of 1880, the African Methodist church was organized by Rev. Mr. Cyrus. He was succeeded the following fall by Rev. R. H. Henderson, who after a two years pastorate was succeeded by Rev. S. H. Lacey, Rev. C. H. Brown followed Mr. Lacey and Rev. S. C. Honesty is the present pastor.
By 1888, the Swedish settlement in Bradford had become large enough to justify the organization of a Swedish church, and September 4, of that year the Swedish Lutheran church was incorporated. These are the trustees: N. P. Nelson, F. L. Nordstrom, L. A. Johnson, P. A. Anderson, A J. Johnson, John P. Carlson. The present patsor is Rev. P. E. Nordgren
In 1880, the East Bradford Presbyterian Church Society was organized. A neat and comfortable edifice was built at Nos. 4-6 Church street, and under the pastorate of Rev. George Stroner the church has grown and prospered.
The Free Methodist Church Society was organized in 1891 with fifteen female members. The society grew rapidly and the church is now in a most prosperous condition. Rev. Zahnizer is the pastor.
The church of the United Brethren in Christ was organized several years ago. A handsome edifice with an elegant parsonage was erected at the corner of Boylston and Kennedy streets. To quote again, "the worshippers of this church are an earnest sincere and conscientious class of people, who seek to exemplify their religion in their daily lives." The pastor, Rev. Orange J. Gage was recently transferred and the present pastor is Rev. Guy L. Brown.
The edifice of the Universalist church of Eternal Hope was erected in 1894, at the corner of Mechanic and Corydon streets, costing $25,000, exclusive of organ and other furnishings. The church under the leadership of Rev. M. H. Houghton, ranked high in benevolent work and all inoral reforms, but at present the pastorate is vacant.
The Swedish Mission church was organized January 2, 1896, with a small but earnest band of religious workers.
The Kendall or Asbury Methodist Episcopal church is one of the old church organizations of Bradford. This church, in addition to a substantial edifice located in the sixth ward on East Main street has a pretty Epworth League chapel.
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The First Church of Christian Scientist was organized several years ago and hold services at College Room, No. 33 Forman street; Rev. Mary Baker Eddy is the pastor.
The Christian Catholic church has a membership of twelve. Meetings are held at the home of B. I. Love. The church is yet in its infancy in Bradford, but it is believed the future will witness an increase in membership.
A Young Men's Christian Association was organized in Bradford April 22, 1889, although the association was incorporated September 13, 1898. The officers follow : J. W. Milligan, president; J. M. Sloan, 1st vice-president ; Frank Robbins, 2d vice-president; P. A. Kent, recording secretary; E. F. Howell, treasurer; H. S. Ingram, general secretary and physical director; A. P. Ingram, assistant. Directors and trustees: Jas. George, W. W. Bell, J. T. Evans, W. H. Oxley, E. T. Johnson, W. M. Kincaid, W. L. Wells, M. I. Deuel, Geo. Paton, L. W. Barton, W. H. Dennis, W. J. Day. E. B. Chappell.
BRADFORD BOARD OF TRADE.
The Board of Trade was organized nearly twenty years ago. It has been in continuous existence since December 19, 1882, when it was incorporated. The corporators were M. Ruslander, R. B. Stone, George M. Fisher, A. M. Mayer, S. M. Wilcox, George A. Berry, D. C. Greenewald, Aug. W. Newell, F. W. Groves, W. W. Russ, Lewis Emery, Jr., W. F. Jordan, Henry McSweeney, George L. Roberts and A. Leo Weil. The purpose for which the corporation was formed is stated in its charter to be that of "protecting, fostering and developing the commercial, manufacturing and business interests of the city of Bradford by joint and concerted action; by providing for, collecting, preserving and disseminating statistical and other information con- cerning the same; by assisting in adjusting as far as possible the con. troversies and misunderstandings which are liable to arise between parties en- gaged in trade and generally to use such lawful means as may be necessary for the encouragement and protection of the interests aforesaid."
It is estimated that the Board has been instrumental in establishing manufacturing enterprises in the city investing more than a million dollars of capital, whose monthly pay-rolls amount to not less than $75,000, or $90,000 a year, and which give employment to more than a thousand operatives. It has promoted the establishment of eight different enterprises within the past two years. The present official organization of the board is as follows: president, A. J. Edgett, first vice-president, R. B. Stone, second vice-president, A. D. Burns, secretary, F. E. Durfey, treasurer, D. C. Greenewald; Directors: R. B. Stone, D. C. Greenewald, George Mills, F. Steinberger, F. E. Durfey, J. B. Fox, M. W. Wagner, L. W. Oakes, A. D. Burns, R. W Edgett, E. N. Unruh, George Fagnan, A. Mayer, J. Eloskey, J. C. Greenewald and A. J. Edgett.
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THE SCHOOLS.
(By E. E. Miller, Superintendent.)
N act of the legislature, passed April 1, 1834, providing for the establishment of a general system of education by common schools, led to the division of Bradford township into school districts. These districts according to the resolution adopted by the directors at a meeting held November 22, 1834, were bounded and described as follows: No. 1 to commence at the state line and extend to the upper line of A. Cory's lot on the west side of the creek and the south line of Dan C. Miner's lot on the east side of said creek. No. 2 to commence at the south end of No. 1 and extend to the north line of Simon Morris' lot on the west side of the creek and the north line of William S. Morris on the east side of the creek. No. 3 to commence at the end of No. 2 and extend south to the township line.
Prior to this the school directors had met at the home of Ambrose Cory and organized by the e'ection of the following officers: president, William M. Bennett; secretary, Ambrose Cory; directors, William M. Bennett, John F. Melvin. three years; Edman Freeman, Ambrose Cory, two years; William Fisher, Abiah Knapp, one year.
Two school buildings of logs were erected. The one located in Bradford was built of boards, a little one story, one room structure which stood at the corner of Corydon and Mechanic streets, on the site now occupied by Dr. Van Scoy's house. These boards were roughly hewn from split sections of logs, the work being done largely by John N. Brown, who was in the employ of Daniel Kingsbury. Mr. Brown is still living on his farm in Bradford township and he has related to the Bradford Sunday Herald several interesting remniscences about the organization of the public schools of Bradford.
The first school teachers were Mary Ann Manning and Miss Phoebe Morris, Miss Manning was engaged to teach in district No. 1 at State Line for a term of five months at the munificent sum of $1.00 per week. She began her school April 6, 1835, and on the 24th day of April of the same year the records show that John F. Melvin and Ambrose Cory, directors, visited the school and found it "in good order, consisting of 20 scholars, 10 scholars in the first rudiments of the spelling book orthography, etc , six that read in the English reader, two in history, two in grammer, two in geograhpy and one in arithmetic."
Miss Morris taught in the "Middle District," located in Bradford. She began May 2, 1836, receiving for her services the magnificent salary of $1.50 per week. Her school was inspected July 22, 1836. Secretary Cory wrote down in the little record book the following report :
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Number of scholars 17, all small, five commenced the alphabet are now in two sylables, one class in English reader. Scholars all very backward when school commenced, now all active and much engaged in their studies. Read and spell fluently. School governed with caution and much pains and the scholars observe the best of order with apparent ease. Visited said school on the 7th of September, the scholars present, six females, nine males, all small. They study the spelling book, all active and improve fast.
Mention is made of these trifling details for the purpose of showing as clearly, concisely and connectedly as possible, the modest beginning of the Bradford schools. The country was sparsely settled at the time, and to
HIGH SCHOOL.
provide even the simplest accommodations meant a serious drain upon the resources of the taxpayers. Therefore it is little wonder that they avoided all unnecessary extravagance and scrutinized with great care the expenditure of every dollar devoted to educational purposes.
To go back a little, the first meeting of the inhabitants to take action regarding the establishment of a public school system, was held November 22, 1834. On that occasion a tax of one mill on all taxable property in the township was levied for the purpose of supporting public schools. Then came the election of school directors, the division of the township into districts, the erection of school houses and the employment of teachers.
It will serve no useful purpose to enumerate in detail all the facts found in the early records. Among those who served as directors from time to time
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are: A. Knapp, Jonas Buchanan, J. F. Melvin, Thomas Dolloff, David DeGolier, Silas Drake, Nathaniel Nelson, John J. Colegrove, Asa Hawkins and L C. Little. The schools grew with the growth of the village Larger sums were required to meet the expenses of the increased growth. On April 1, 1837, it was voted that a town meeting be called on the first Tuesday in May to decide by vote of the taxables whether any additional tax should be levied to the sum authorized by law to be raised. The amount suggested was $100 and at the meeting such sum was promptly and cheerfully voted, which in addition to $147 received from the state, was expected to cover the cxpenses for the ensuing year.
In 1840 the reports from the three districts showed that 162 pupils were registered. June 27 of that year it was voted to divide the school money into four districts and also to raise the school tax to three mills on the dollar. One year later the school attendance had increased to 172, and another district was added. This was increased by still another the following year, making a total of six in all. Thus the schools gradually grew, down to the time of the incorporation of Bradford Burough in 1873.
The first school board of the Burough was composed of the following members: Peter T. Kennedy, president; J. Morehouse, secretary; W. J. Merrew, treasurer; J. H. Mattison, E. D. Foster and Dr. H. S. Baker. The first official act of the Board was to levy a tax of 13 mills for school purposes, and 5 mills for building purposes. The first motion recorded was one instructing Peter T. Kennedy "To purchase 20 cords of wood, not less than 24 inches long, at not more than $2.00 per cord, said wood to be split and corded in good measuring order at a convenient place on the school grounds."
Irregularities in the treasurers bond afforded a subject for discussion at the next meeting of the board, and, needless to say, the matter was not by any means permanently disposed of. At that time but two teachers were employed in the little old school-house. They were paid $35 and $30 per month with the express stipulation that they should board themselves. Thus ended the old time custom of "boarding round." The length of the school term was fixed at four months and the taxes for all school purposes amounted to $316.11.
These salaries were considered too high and the ensuing year a cut to $30 and $28 per month was made. Strange to say there were no applicants for the position and Mr. Kennedy who had been directed to employ teachers was compelled to report to the board that he had been unable to find any who would accept the places at such wages and had therefore taken the liberty of raising the rate to $30 and $32 per month. This action was approved by the board Evidently funds were scarce in those days, as the records bearing date of November 22, 1876, contain the following curt but delightful frank statement. "Board met, no money, nothing to do, adjourned." It is doubtful if the official records of the school contain elsewhere a longer story condensed in a single sentence.
In 1877 another teacher became necessary and a room was rented from T. J. Fennerty at $12.00 per month and E. A. VanScoy was appointed to "elect a teacher," March 24 of the same year.
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THIRD WARD GRAMMER SCHOOL.
SECOND WARD PRIMARY SCHOOL.
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"It was moved and carried that the board proceed to seize upon and stake off 150 feet square from the lot of Mr. Tibbitts, at the corner Congress and Elm street," and without adjournment "The board proceeded to measure and stake off the ground as per resolution."
May 5, 1877, the second ward school lot was purchased from Mr. Tibbitts for $2,600. June 9, of the same year, the first issue of bonds was made in the sum of $700.
The development of the oil resources and consequent rapid growth of Bradford, of course rendered increased school facilities necessary. In 1878 seven teachers were elected for the ensuing year and Prof. H. C. Bosley was elected principal of the High school. Late in the fall of the same year, the work of erecting the schools attached to St. Benards church was begun, and school opened in them in September 1879, the services of the sisters of the Order of St. Joseph having been secured as teachers. The expense of these schools is borne by the church, and, as there are a large number of pupils enrolled it will be readily seen this expense is quite a heavy burden upon the congregation.
After the incorporation of the village into a city, some changes in the methods of school government were made. The first superintendent elected was George F. Stone. This was June 1. 1882. At that time there were twenty-one schools, employing twenty-six teachers. This number was increased the following year to twenty-four schools and thirty-five teachers. The total tax this year was $9488.46.
Without wearying the reader with a recital of statistics, it will be sufficient to say that the progressive people of Bradford have always taken an active and intelligent interest in the welfare of the schools, and to this fact is due in a degree the high standard the public school system of Bradford has attained. The city now has eight elegantly equipped school buildings and employees sixty-four teachers. The total number of pupils enrolled in 1900 was 3,001. The average daily attendance was 2,384, the per cent. of attendance was 94 and the per cent. of tardiness only one-fifth of one per cent. Seven of the teachers are graduates of colleges, twenty-six hold State Normal diplomas, twelve hold permanent certificates and eleven provisional certificates. The total tax levy for the maintenance of the schools in 1900 was $53,392.94.
Those who have held the position ofsuperintendent are George F. Stone, Miss Ella M. Boyce, C. D. Bogart, H. R. Roth and E. E. Miller, the present incumbent who assumed his office January 1, 1895.
The present school board is: A. C. Hawkins, president; C. G. Boyd, secretary ; Wm. Bovaird, Jr., treasurer; Hon. W. E. Burdick, solicitor; C. J. Lane, George Paton, J. T. Evans, T. E. Costello, H H. Adsit, F. A. Fralic, J. E. McEvoy, J. A. Connolly, D. Armstrong, D. E. Ash, R. C. Pollock.
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THE BENCH AND BAR.
(By George A. Berry, Esq.)
EFORE the beginning of active oil operations in Mckean county, the local bar was small, but included men of marked ability-some of whom are still living, other have passed away. Of the older members, the only one now living is Hon. B. D. Hamlin of Smethport, who, having reached a topmost place professionally and a comfortable one financially, has retired from active practice. Every one of those who came "in with the oil," can bear witness to the geniality, kindness and uniform courtesy which they, one and all received from the old timers-and none were more so than Mr. Hamlin.
Andrus Williams was another of the older members of the craft, since dead, who was a strong, able lawyer and a most genial gentleman. John Backus, always a faithful and earnest advocate, was, too, one whose right was extended to greet the newcomer.
Cotter, Milliken, Smith and King completed the list, excepting O. J. Hamlin, one of the best lawyers in the western part of the state, but who had been an invalid for many years.
The first to pitch his legal tent in Bradford was "Judge" Graham, who came in November, 1875, followed by Berry, Hotchkiss and Stone in the order named. In 1876-7-8-9, there was a constant influx, Mullin coming in 1877; until about 1880, there were at least forty attorneys residing in Bradford.
In the earlier years of the oil business, there were a large number of able members of bars of the surrounding counties who were regular attendants upon the courts of this county. Hon. C. B. Curtis of Erie, Hon. G. Hall, of Ridgway, Roger Sherman, of Titusville, Hon. Rasselas Brown Hon. W. D. Brown, Hon. C H. Noyes, of Warren, Hon. M. F. Elliott, of Wellsboro (who became a resident in 1878-80), Porter B. Brawley, Esq. and A. B. Richmond, of Meadville, Williston, of Tioga, were those from outside the county, who were most frequently seen.
Of those who came, some have gone to appear at a higher court, some have made success in other localities, some have been apparently lost to sight.
In but few counties of the state have relations between the Bench and Bar, and amongst the attorneys themselves, been so close and cordial as in this county. Bad feeling which is not always absent, has been very rare, and in the heat of a trial, unkind words or discourteous treatment is so infrequent as to provoke some criticism.
The Judges have been men of high legal attainment and kindly deportment, particularly manifest toward the younger "limbs of the law."
Altogether we ought to be, and are proud of our "Bench and Bar," individually and collectively.
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Some of the most important questions arising from the oil industry have been adjudicated in the courts of this county, and almost universally with the approval of the Supreme Court, a fact which reflects credit upon the faithful, painstaking work of the attorney and the able judicial interpretation of the judges.
GEORGE A. BERRY.
George A. Berry for many years a leader of the Mckean county bar and otherwise distinguished among the eminent men of Western Pennsylvania, was born in Centre county, Pa., in 1848 He completed his education in the
GEORGE A. BERRY.
Washington and Jefferson college after which he studied law in the offices of McAllister & Beaver of Bellefonte and George W. Read, of Ebensburg and was admitted to the bar in 1871. In 1873 he went to Warren, Pa. and two years later removed to Bradford, being the first lawyer to locate in that region. His ability became evident early in his career and he was soon intrusted with legal matters of great importance. Indeed it is safe to say he has been connected with nearly all the important litigation that has been brought to the attention of the courts of northwestern Pennsylvania within the past quarter of a century, and his capable management of all matters intrusted to him has attracted the attention of some of the best lawyers of the state. He has been
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several times prominently mentioned for appointment as judge of the Superior court of Pennsylvania and the bench and bar generally has given this suggestion an unqualified approval.
The practice of law lends itself readily to management of large business enterprises and Mr. Berry has been identified with many of the important business interests of Bradford. He built the Berry block and the Bradford street railroad, and was for a time president of that corporation. He was one of the stockholders of the St. James hotel and at one time was president and one of the stockholders in the National Brick Company.
E. Wallace Mullen.
Eugene Mullen. F. F. Mullen.
John P. Mullen.
In 1876 he married Miss Kate I. Parker and in 1881 he built a handsome residence in Bradford. He belongs to the Knights of St. John of Malta and is a Royal Arch Mason.
EUGENE MULLIN
Senior member of the law firm of Mullin & Mullin, was born in Monroe county, N. Y., in 1838. His early education was obtained in a little old log house at Turtle Point, Mckean county, Pa. He worked on a farm at Turtle Point until he was sixteen years of age. Leaving the farm he went to work in the woods and sawinills until 1858. His next venture was wagon making at Cedar Falls, Ia., and at Port Allegheny, Pa , where he remained until 1871.
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Wagon making was not a particularly congenial occupation, and while at Port Allegheny he determined to study law. His spare moments were spent in the law offices of J. C. Backus and the late P. R. Cotter, and in this way he laid the foundation for a substantial legal education. He was admitted to the bar of Mckean county in 1876, and locating in Bradford in 1877 has since been engaged here in the active practice of his profession ._ Mr. Mullin is one of the most widely known men in Mckean county and is regarded as one of the most capable attorneys of the Mckean county bar.
In politics he is a Democrat and consequently has never held public office, although he humorously remarks: "I have run for several on the Democratic ticket, but somehow was always defeated." Those who are familiar with the Mckean county Republican majorities can readily understand the reason for this.
R. B. STONE.
Mr. Mullin is a member of the American Bar Associa- tion and the Pennsylvania Bar Association. He is also a member of the Pompelon Club of Bradford.
T. F. MULLIN,
Eldest son of Eugene Mullin was born at Smethport, Mc- Kean county, 1865. He at- tended the public schools of Port Allegheny and Bradford, Pa., gradauting from the lat- ter institution. Immediately thereafter he entered the law office of Mullin & McClure, and spent five years in the study of law, being admitted to the Mc- Kean county bar in his twenty-
first year. He was elected alderman of the fourth ward of the city of Brad- ford in 1887, and after serving a full became associated with his father under the firm name of Mullin & Mullin, and has continued in the practice of the law since that time.
J. P. MULLIN,
Born at Port Allegheny, Pa , in 1869, and after a course of study in the public schools of that place he entered the Bradford High school from which he graduated in 1887. After his graduation he entered the employ of of the Erie Railroad Company in which work he engaged for two years. He was clerk in the Bradford National Bank from 1889 to 1893. Commencing the study of law in the office of Mullin & Mullin, he was admitted to the bar in 1894 and
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