Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 98

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 930

USA > Pennsylvania > Indiana County > Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I > Part 98

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So far as I can remember this was the vil- lage of my boyhood days. I know it is not complete, but there are a few of the older Saltsburg boys still living who could take this

Ferries and Bridges .- The first ferry in the vicinity of the city of Saltsburg was on the "Keesk 'kshee-man nit'toos," which signifies "Cut Spirit" (or, in modern vernacular, Kis- kiminetas-or itis), near the junction of the "La el' han' neck" or "Middle Creek," and "Quin nim mough" koong, or "Can na mangh" (latterly spelled Conemaugh) or "Otter Creek," according to its Indian mean- ing. Who managed this ferry we cannot definitely state, but the names of Johnson. Deemer, Robinson and others are associated with it long before Andrew Armstrong, a col- ored man, had located his ferry to carry pass- engers about 1816 or 1817. His charges were : "Man, 6 cents : horse, 10 cents ; and horse and wagon, 25 cents." The next ferry was com- menced in 1836 by James Dougherty, who kept a hotel on the river bank; his ferry was located immediately below the toll bridge.

The first bridge at Saltsburg was a toll bridge, erected in 1842, at an expense of $10,000, by the Saltsburg Bridge Company. Absalon Woodward was the contractor. Dan- iel MeKean was master carpenter and John Stoops, master mason. The first officials were : President, Alexander White; treasurer, Wil- liam MeIlwain, and secretary, William Dickey.

The first bridge over the Loyalhanna, at the "point." was built about 1820 on wooden bents by Jacob Weister. It was about 100 feet in length and consisted of a single road- way. The next was erected in 1847.

Cemeteries .- The Old Burial Ground is sit- nated on the southern limit of the borough

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

on the bank of the Conemaugh river. When the circular lot in the center of the ground, this spot was chosen, probably about 1810, it set apart for the soldiers' monument, a margin was a pleasant and convenient place for the of 6 feet is reserved for trees, shrubbery and dead. In the course of years the surveyors flowers, a design which is to be carried out by for the Pennsylvania canal traversed the bank a like arrangement surrounding the whole of the river, and the final location of the im- provement penetrated the sacred spot, result- ing in the exhumation of some of the bodies, rendering the place no longer tenable. Of all interred there but two graves have been pre- served with any indications of care, and they are surrounded by a small inclosure.

The New Burial Ground .- Between the years 1817 and 1820 interments were made in the grounds adjacent to the stone Presby- terian Church. The lot, containing about half an acre, was purchased by Matthias Rombach at a sheriff's sale of the real estate of Jacob Drum, and by him deeded to Alexander White, in trust for the citizens of Saltsburg and vicinity as a burial ground. For years the ground lay open. Those who buried their dead there enclosed with wooden structures the small space chosen for the purpose, to preserve it from the trespass of animals. On Sabbath, April 21, 1832, the church was de- stroyed by fire. A west wind prevailing, many of the wooden inclosures were burned. The cemetery was afterwards surrounded by a rough wooden fence.

Edgewood Cemetery .- The burial ground at the Presbyterian Church having become crowded to excess, it was deemed expedient to purchase a larger piece of ground and lay it off in systematic order for cemetery pur- poses. Having this object in view, an organi- zation for a Cemetery Company was effected in 1868, and the purchase of suitable and con- venient grounds made. The area selected for this purpose lies within a quarter of a mile of the eastern limit of the borough line, south of the Indiana road, extending to the brink of the precipice at the river, and contains about ten acres. It was purchased from R. R. McCrea at the price of $150 per acre and is well situated for the purpose. The grounds were laid out in streets, avenues and lots with Quaker precision (the streets running at right angles) by J. S. Robinson and S. S. Portser, whose correct judgment is made apparent in the substantial conveniences of the whole plan and execution of the work. "Saltsburg Ceme- tery," the original name, was supplemented' in 1869 by that of "Edgewood Cemetery." "Long Center" street, 16 feet wide, traverses the length of the ground north and south, and "Short Center" crosses the same east and west. On each side of these streets and around

area. The margin streets are 13 feet and the avenues 5 feet wide. There are 605 lots 20 feet square, and an entrance to each one is secured from either a street or an avenue. A lot 75 feet by 120 feet, situated on the west- ern side of the cemetery, is set apart for single burials. On a lot 40 by 85 feet in the north- western corner in front of the entrance at the small gate is located "The Lodge," a build- ing for the reception of funerals in inclement weather.

The Soldiers' Monument is one of the prin- cipal features in beautifying the cemetery, and certainly the most attractive. It is situated in a central circular lot laid out and reserved for the purpose. The central diameter of the space upon which the monument has its foun- dation is 20 feet, while the whole diameter of the circle embracing the ground for the pur- pose is 135 feet. The base of the monument, pyramidal in form and about 5 feet in height, is constructed of layers of gray sandstone, having a corrugated surface. This is sur- mounted with a die and cornice 3 feet 4 inches square and 6 feet high, upon which are en- graved the inscriptions, viz. :

(North Panel)

Behind this slab a box contains The deeds of men, likewise the names, Who. nobly for their country's cause, In vindication of her laws,

Which now commands the world's applause, Risked their lives.

Some still are living, some are dead.

No Spartan crown to deck their heads; But a grateful people from memory dear, Around this shaft will drop a tear. Requiescat in pace.

(West Panel)

In memory of the soldiers of this vicinity, who fought and died to save our country.

All honor to their memory, so noble and so brave, may God protect the country they gave their lives to save.

(South Pancl)

Those brave men, to whose honor this monument is erected, leave a history of their achievements written upon the hearts of their countrymen for all time.

(East Panel)

Liberty to be perpetuated, must be protected. Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty.

They are free whom the truth makes free: All else are slaves beside.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Upon this die is placed an obelisk 25 feet nected with the store, where ice is manufac- tured.

high of gray sandstone, with a corrugated finish, on the apex of which is placed a bronze globe, standing upon which is a bronze eagle with outstretched pinions, in the attitude of preparing to soar upward.

R. B. McNeil, grocer, has been engaged in business on Point street since 1891. In 1889 he commenced business on Salt street, in the furniture store now conducted by J. W. Rob-

The names of the soldiers from the imme- inson, to whom he sold the business.

diate vicinity who sacrificed their lives in the R. T. George has conducted a grocery store service of their country are inclosed in a box on the corner of Salt and Point streets in the in the base of the monument. The monument building formerly owned by Gravenstine. was erected under the supervision of the board E. E. Goodlin's drug store, formerly known as McFarland's drug store, located on Salt street, has been conducted by Mr. Goodlin since 1905, he having been in McFarland's em- ploy prior to that time for twenty-one years. of managers of the association, John Martin being the contractor, the author of the inscrip- tions and the architect. The subscriptions for building the monument were paid into the managers' hands for that purpose. The mon- Joseph A. MeClaran has had a drug store on the corner of Washington and Salt streets since 1884. Mr. McClaran is at present post- master at Saltsburg. ument is plain and unpretentious, yet impos- ing, and a characteristic emblem of the fear- less spirit whose deeds it is intended to com- memorate. Around the base of the monument the space is ornamented with evergreens, flowers and appropriate devices of art to ren- der the place a fitting memorial for the pa- triotie dead.

Hugh A. Jackson, who was principal of the schools of Saltsburg for four years, is now en- gaged in the real estate and insurance busi- ness, and in 1904 purchased the jewelry store of Robert Lang. He still manages the store

J. T. MeLaughlin & Co. have a ladies' fur- nishings and millinery store on Salt street, where they have been in business since 1912. They came here from Eldersridge, where they had conducted a store for twenty-three years.

Richards & Lemon have a dry goods and millinery store on Point street, started in 1912.

J. W. Roof conducts a variety store on Point street in the building formerly occupied by John W. Green. Mr. Roof has been here since

Taylor's bargain store has been conducted

James W. Robinson's furniture and under- taking store on Salt street has been associated with Saltsburg since 1891, when he purchased the store of R. B. McNeil. Mr. Robinson also conducts a livery opposite the railroad station.

John M. MePhilimy started a furniture and undertaking store in 1906 in the building of W. R. MeIlwain, formerly occupied by W. E. Allison's dry goods store.

W. T. Richards since 1905 has managed the by J. H. Richards in 1870.

Stahl's meat market, corner of Salt and shoe store on Point street, which was started Market streets, was established in 1879 by G. W. Stahl, who afterwards took his son, E. D. Ewing has conducted a men's furnish- ing store on the corner of Salt and Point streets since 1907. Charles E. Stahl, into partnership. In 1905 Charles E. Stahl bought the store and assumed entire charge. Mr. Charles E. Stahl has the H. L. Weamer has supplied a number of citizens of Saltsburg and surrounding country with shoes and men's furnishings for the past unusual record of having begun to sell meat when nine years old, and since that time has not missed more than ten days from his place twenty-five years, and still continues in busi- of business. There is also an ice plant con- ness.

Churches .- The churches of Saltsburg are in connection with his other business.

Presbyterian, United Presbyterian, Methodist Episcopal, Baptist and St. John's Lutheran.

The new public school building, which was erected in 1912, is a brick structure, modern in every particular.

Business Places of Saltsburg

J. C. Moore Supply Company, conducted by J. C. Moore, located on Salt street, is one of the oldest places of business in the town. The 1909. store was started in 1861 by William Moore, who took his son, J. C. Moore, into partner- on Point street since 1900.

ship in 1875. At the death of William Moore, in 1891, J. C. Moore continued to conduct the store, which was then called the J. C. Moore Cash Hardware Store, and in 1907 the firm name was changed to J. C. Moore Supply Company.

The Shupe Hardware Company, located on Point street, in the building formerly occupied by J. W. Shadle, has been in business here since August, 1910.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

J. B. Johnston & Son have had a tailor shop it in July, 1851, and in 1853 Valentine Blank on Salt street for seventeen years, and also became connected with the firm. They em- sell ready-made clothing.

The Patterson Milling Company was orig- inally started by M. V. Patterson, who erected a building in 1880 abont 500 feet from where the present building now stands, farther up the river. In 1911 the old building was de- stroyed by fire, and the Patterson Milling Company was then incorporated and erected The J. R. Reed tannery was erected in 1847, and was managed by him for forty years. It was on the bank of the Conemaugh, between it and the old canal. Six hundred hides were tanned annually in the thirty-two vats. The the large structure now standing along the railroad on Point street. Its capacity is 125 barrels of flour per day. The officers of the company are: H. C. W. Patterson, president and treasurer; F. P. Evans, vice president, first permanent tanner in Saltsburg was Simon and J. M. Patterson, secretary.

The Saltsburg Press was established in 1875, and is now edited by R. A. Walker.

The First National Bank was organized in 1882. It was originally the Farmers' and Merchants' Bank, which was organized in 1876. The capital stock of this bank is now $100,000. The present officers are: James P. Watson, president; R. B. McNeil, vice presi- dent; H. F. Carson, cashier. The directors are: James P. Watson, R. B. McNeil, R. W. Fair, Albert Smith, R. Y. Elder, Samuel Wad- dle, Joseph Rhea, T. R. Johnston.

Hale Clark's carriage factory. Previous to Mr. Clark's arrival in 1848, Daniel Walter had a carriage shop 20 by 60 feet on the lot east of Mr. Hart's residence. In the spring of 1849 the firm of Rowe, Clark & Keister pur- ehased the stock of Mr. Walter, and in 1850 they also bought the building and ground. In 1854 Mr. Keister retired from the firm, and in 1857 Mr. Rowe disposed of his interest to Mr. Clark. The business is now condneted by Murray J. Clark and Ferdinand G. Clark, sons of Hale Clark. The best of material, the most expert workmen and improved machin- ery have been used here to manufacture any and all sizes of carriages used in this section of the country. From 1867 to 1873 twenty men were employed, and the gross trade was $18,000. In 1878 six men were employed and the business was proportionately less. In 1873 Mr. Clark built a carriage repository 30 by 50 feet, one story, in Indiana. In 1874 he hotel, but is occupied by lodgers.

erected another, 50 by 24 feet, two stories, in Butler. Owing to the pressure of the times he was forced to abandon these branches and concentrate his energies in Saltsburg.

The foundry of Rodger & Blank was erected in 1850 by Andrew Steele. In 1851, when Mr. Rodger arrived, it was a small affair, using two horses to raise the blast furnace and em- ploying two laborers. Mr. Rodger purchased

ployed an eight horse power engine and three men, and their trade came from Indiana, Westmoreland and Armstrong counties. They manufactured stoves, plow castings and did general country work, most of their orders demanding heavy castings. For plow castings they had a capacity of 100 per day.

Drum. His place was located on Point street in the rear of the Earhart Hotel. He was succeeded by John Guthrie in the same loca- tion. Thomas and John Robinson had the third tannery, and it was located on the bank of the canal. J. R. Reed's was the fourth tannery.

The present borough officers are: H. C. W. Patterson, burgess; J. E. Elrick and P. A. Waugaman, justices of the peace ; D. W. Stahl, constable ; W. C. Davis, E. R. Walter, J. F. Piper, J. A. McClaran and Dr. E. Onstott, school directors; members of council: J. A. Getty, president; W. H. H. Miller, Robert H. Wilson, Joseph Serene, R. V. McClaran, H. C. Kahney, W. E. Allison, A. H. Beatty, secre- .tary ; R. B. McNeil, borough treasurer ; Frank Waddle, water engineer.

The population of the borough is 1,044.

Hotels .- The "Kiski Hotel" is one of the old landmarks of Saltsburg. It was formerly ealled the "Marshall House." The following persons have conducted this hotel: Samuel Lafferty, James Dean, Joseph Anderson, Jacob Hine, Richard Cruikshank, Robert Jones, Jack Green, William Stewart and Dr. A. A. Ames, the present manager, who is a veterinary sur- geon.

The "Saltsburg House" is managed by Mrs. C. M. Wieneke, who in 1908 remodeled the W. R. Mellwaine residence and converted it into a hotel.

The "Central Hotel" is no longer used as a

Kiskiminetas Springs School, just across the river from Saltsburg, is recognized as belong- ing to the town. The school was organized in 1889 by A. W. Wilson, Jr., of Indiana, and R. W. Fair, of Blacklick. They secured sixty- five acres of land on the palisades, overlooking the headwaters of the "Kiski," the town of Saltsburg, and a great fertile valley. In 1902 W. H. McColl, of Malone, N. Y., was taken

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

into the firm, and in 1913 Mr. Fair retired

Saltsburg was incorporated as a borough in and the school was reorganized with A. W. 1838. First election, August 11, 1838; second Wilson, Jr., president; W. H. McColl, vice election, April 16, 1839. In 1838 Dr. Thomas president ; F. D. St. Clair, secretary and treas- Murray was elected burgess; Alexander White, assistant burgess; Alexander Whister, burgess; William MeIlwain, James B. Robin- son, Joseph Anderson, James MeLaughlin, Robert MeIlwain, members of council. urer ; J. L. Marks, dean, and J. J. Daub, regis- trar. They have bought the estate of Captain Resse, of Pittsburg, consisting of 136 acres, with a three-story brick house erected thereon, which makes a total of about 200 acres of ground surrounding the buildings. This school started with twenty boys and in 1913 had an enrollment of 130, with prospects of 150 the coming year. The faculty now num- bers twelve.

The assessor's book for 1913 shows the fol- lowing: Number and value of horses, 77- $3,340 ; number and value of cows assessed, 4 -$80; taxables, 441; taxable real estate, $284,110; money at interest, $50,277.12; cost of assessment, $54.

CHAPTER XXXII

GRANT TOWNSHIP

Grant township was formed from Montgom- ery township in 1868, and was named in honor of Gen. U. S. Grant.

Kinter Hill, in the north end of the town- ship, is one of the highest points in the town- ship, and presents a fine view eastward to the neighborhood of Ebensburg and westward to the hills west of the Allegheny river. Near by, and parallel, is the Bald Ridge. Thirty years ago this was a barren ridge, upon which but little wood grew. Now it is quite well covered with a small growth of timber, but the indications are that it will not attain any size; it is merely brush fifteen to twenty feet in height. It is noted as the place where David Gorman froze to death in 1842. He had been to John Decker's in the evening in the interest of his duties as collector, and quite late started for home, in the extreme north end of the township, and was frozen by the way. A search revealed the body, but none of the secrets of the death. There were marks indicating that he had a premonition of com- ing death.

Doty's Round Top, in the extreme north of the township, is said to be the highest point in the county. It is of evenly circular form and is a landmark not easily forgotten when once seen.

East Run is the present name of the village on the farm first settled by George Buter- baugh. The neighborhood was formerly known as "Big Bottom." In early days the brush along the run was the place of bear pens or traps, and the hunter was often rewarded well for the labor of building these.

Colfax (Decker's Point P. O.) .- The post- office was established in 1855 and was called for John Decker, the first settler in the vicin- ity. . This site was first called Decker's Point about 1830 or 1831. The first postmaster was William Midkirk, and the second W. N. Pro- thero. The first merchant was John Lewis, the second was W. N. Prothero, and the third H. J. Thompson, who was succeeded by his son, Murray J. Thompson.

The village was platted in 1867 on the lands of Adam Titterington and W. N. Prothero, and was named in honor of Schuyler Colfax. It is generally known as Decker's Point. The blacksmiths have been: David Bates, Adam Beck, David Ruffner and James Martin. The first wagonmaker was Michael Kunkle. The first carpenter in the settlement was William Warden, and in the village, John Stump. The first teacher at the "Point" was Eliza Price, who taught in 1837 in a little log schoolhouse. The first minister to preach at the "Point" was Rev. Thomas Wilson, a Baptist, and the second a United Presbyterian. Adam Knarr had a planing mill in the village for about two years. There is one hotel in the village, conducted by a Mr. Hollen. It is a modern buff brick structure, which serves the purpose of a hotel and dwelling. It was built in 1912.

H. J. Thompson & Son conducted a store at Decker's Point for a number of years, and when the coal town of Heilwood was started the son, J. M. Thompson, took charge of the coal company's store, and Austin G. Bowers took charge of the store at Decker's Point. The store is now conducted by Harry E.

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HISTORY OF INDIANA COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA

Burns. A new store building was erected by ried on under the name of Josiah Widdowson, Austin Bowers, who sold to Mr. Reithmiller, Sr. who sold to Charles A. Palmer.

Nashville was named for William Nash Prothero, who made the first improvement and opened the first store in 1872. The steam sawmill was erected by James Barkey in 1873. He was followed by McCall Brothers. The successors of William N. Prothero were his brother James, and since 1877, H. Prothero, Widdowson & Co., James Bliss and MeCracken & Hetzler. The village numbers ten houses, but since the lumbering has ceased little inter- est is attached to the place. The postoffice of Ord was located here, but has been discon- tinued.

About midway between Nashville and Deck- er's Point a general store has been conducted . for a number of years by Harvey Reithmiller.

Richmond ( Rochester Mills P. O.) .- The first settlers on the site of the village were David Simpson and John Tozer, who owned the land upon which it is located. A hemlock

After his death the ownership became vested in his nephew, H. D. Widdowson, who has a very prosperous general store.

In 1908 G. O. Richardson established a gen- eral store and during the same year Walter H. Ayers purchased a half interest, which he sold back to Mr. Richardson in 1909. Mr. Ayers sold his interest when he was selected as clerk for the county commissioners.

The general store which was controlled by Mr. N. S. Tozer for eight or ten years is now conducted by his wife, Mrs. Margaret Tozer, the husband having died in 1913.

Messrs. John S. Ross and John Weaver suc- cessfully conduct an undertaking business.

The drug store in the building owned by John S. Ross has been in charge of J. C. Doug- lass.

For a number of years there were two hotels in the village, but at present there is only one, which is kept by C. E. Richardson, whose father, A. J. Richardson, opened the hotel tree stood near the bridge which marked the more than twenty-five years ago and was pro- boundary line between the two tracts. The prietor until his death. The "Widdowson Hotel" was conducted for a number of years by William Widdowson until his death in 1890, when his wife, L. Eva Widdowson, assumed control. It was sold to Dr. J. W. Evans, who sold to Mahaffey & Cooper, who sold to the Farmers' Bank of Indiana, Pa., in 1909. It has since been purchased by C. A. Oberlin, who uses the building as a residence. village is situated in Canoe and Grant town- ships. The first lot was sold by David Simp- son to Isaac Beck. Mr. Simpson disposed of the second lot to Daniel Bell. The first house was erected by David Simpson for a dwelling. The second building was his mill. The place was known as Simpson's Mill till 1862, when it was called Richmond, on account of the ex- citement of the war against the "Confederate Richmond."

There are three blacksmith shops, controlled by Thomas G. Gilpatrick, John Snyder and George Snyder.

The postoffice of Rochester Mills was estab- lished in 1867. It was kept near where the The oldest citizens of the township are : Gilpatrick blacksmith shop now stands by B. Messrs. Thomas Barrett, A. U. Bash, William F. Duffy and J. C. Rochester. It was then moved across the bridge over the Little Ma- honing into Canoe township, and is now kept by Samuel Crawford. From this office there are three rural mail routes. The carriers are Clair Work (1), William Richardson (2) and David Rittenhouse (3). Bowers, S. A. Cochran, J. C. Dilts, John Doty, Alex. Douglass, John Farnsworth, W. J. Jeffries, Samuel Kerr, J. W. Leasure, Robert MeAdoo, J. J. McAfoos, J. A. MeInown, Fred- erick Pfeffer, Peter Reithmiller, J. O. Rich- ardson, Salem Sheesley; W. H. Stanley, G. H. Stewart and James T. Work.

The first merchant was J. C. Rochester, 1866, succeeded in 1869 by Duffy & Roches- ter. W. P. Oberlin & Sons conducted a gen- eral store for more than twenty-five years. Upon the death of W. P. Oberlin the store be- came the property of H. W. and C. A. Oberlin, who still conduct a general business, sell farm- ing implements and buy feed by the carload; in fact, they have a wholesale business.

The general store of Widdowson & Ross was conducted by them for a number of years, but after they dissolved partnership it was car-

The churches of Grant township are as fol- lows: Shiloh Baptist, Methodist Episcopal and United Presbyterian at Decker's Point; Methodist Episcopal and United Brethren at Richmond ; Fairview Baptist, near Hillsdale; East Mahoning Baptist, near Purchase Line; Antioch Lutheran, Pine Vale Christian.

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Indiana County, Pennsylvania, her people, past and present, Volume I, Part 98

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp Publication date: 1913 Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co. Number of Pages: 930

Author: Stewart, Joshua Thompson, 1862- comp
Publication date: 1913
Publisher: Chicago, J. H. Beers & co.
Number of Pages: 930