USA > Pennsylvania > Dauphin County > Lykens > Lykens-Williams Valley history - directory and pictorial review. Embracing the entire Lykens and Williams Valley, in the effort to preserve the past and perpetuate the present. > Part 9
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ST. JOHNS LUTHERAN (HILL) CHURCH.
St. Johns congregation of Lykens Valley, Dauphin County, occupies in various particulars a unique position among sister congregations. She was never fettered with union Churches. She had almost continuously a pastor right in her midst. Latt- erly, altho a country congregation, she has had the exclusive ser- vices of a pastor-with church privileges equal to any town con- gregation. Highly favored in location and temporal possessions and more so in spiritual privileges,-what has thus far been her history ?
Location .- Lykens Valley, noted for its beauty, fertility of soil and coal, is in the most northern part of Dauphin County, and extending eastward from the Susquehanna River. St. Johns is seated in the very centre of this valley with the church on an elevation overlooking the country in every direction for many miles and therefore the popular name-"the hill church". A stranger on seeing this beautiful two-story brick church, with
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handsome steeple-cross surmounted-is led to exclaim in the words of the Psalmist in his description of Mt. Zion-Ps. 47.
Early History .- The congregation, according to date of organization, stands second to those in the valley and of Con- ference, altho preaching began here simultaneously with that of other points. The Rev. J. Mich. Enderline-pioneer mission- ary-began his labors in this vicinity in the year 1773 and ex- tended them from Upper Dauphin into Schuylkill, Northumber- land and Snyder Counties. In 1870 this congregation was organized by Rev. Enderline with Christian Schung and John Matter as deacons.
Churches .- For twenty years the infant congregation ent- ployed a log school house for its place of worship, which gave it the name in early years of "the school house congregation." January 19, 1797, at a congregational meeting a committee was elected and charged with the ercetion of a "new" church. This church-without corner stone-was built of logs on the present site with galleries on three sides-a stately church in its day. Dedicated October 24, 1802, by Rev. John Herbst. pastor, and Dr. George Loehman, of Harrisburg. Later this edifice was weatherboarded and in 1856 the steeple with belfry was added.
In the year of 1876 the log church gave way to the present handsome church. The corner-stone was laid May 21, 1876, by the pastor, the Rev. R. S. Wagner, assisted by Dr. F. J. F. Schantz, and Revs. M. B. Lenker and J. M. Urich. The dedi cation took place Nov. 11, 1877. Dimensions, 50 by 87 feet. Steeple and pulpit recess. Ample basement for Sunday School purposes, divided into three departments. Cost of church. $13,122. The last of the debt on this church was paid in 1590.
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THE OLD STONE CHURCH, ELIZABETHVILLE, PA.
(By a vote of 130 to 32 the congregation of the Lutheran and Reformed Churches on Sunday, March 5th, 1911, decided to dispose of the old stone church in the west end of town. Mr. Harvey M. Miller, the Poet Laureate of the valley, being moved by the action, wrote the following poem :
The Old Stone Church.
- The old stone church is crumbling down And falling to decay ; The Christian cradle of the town Is marked for Ruin's prey.
The temple that our fathers reared, In service to our God, Like they, shall soon have disappeared And crumbled in the sod.
Yet, be it leveled to the ground, And not a stone remain,- On memory's walls will still be found The old church pictured plain.
The good old songs we used to sing Within those hallowed walls, Thro' all our days shall sweetly ring, Until the Master calls.
We'll see our fathers gathered there, As in the golden days, Our dear old mothers bowed in prayer, Shall lift their hearts in praise.
And from that consecrated desk Both Steck and Kretzing taught, And now in memory's arabesque We find their faces wrought.
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There Wagner read the blessed Book. And Stauffer heav'n portrayed, There Hillpot bid us upward look, And Kuhn devoutly prayed.
These, all, are gone to their reward, Their souls are with the just, And now, this temple of the lord; Shall mingle with their dust.
The old church but a pile of stone ? Forbid, Almighty God ! This was our father's Christian home, Here saintly mothers trod.
Oh, conseerate yourselves anew And to their faith be bound! They blazed the way for me and you Upon this holy ground.
Where Hemping led the pioneer, And taught him to be true, And Gerhardt rang the gospel clear,- Will all come into view.
There Welden, Leis and Yeager stood, Expounding sacred Love, And marshalled Christian brotherhood Before the civil War.
And while men murdered men for hate. Upon the battlefield. Walz preached the Love Immaculate. Whereby all wounds are healed.
And Bressler broke the bread of life. Unsheathed the Spirit's sword, And generaled for a holier strife The army of the Lord.
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There, from the pulpit Shindel told The good old, sweet old story ; There Lesher massed the faithful bold And led the way to glory.
A pile of stone !- and is that all ? Mayhap, by worldly rules, Nay, see within that basement hall The mother of our schools.
Alas, how quickly we forget ! How thankless all mankind ! How dumb to every sacred debt, To grateful service blind.
Go, tear it down! Let not a stone Remain on yonder hill. Wher'er the love of God was sown Its memory lingers still.
And when we, too, shall take our flight And crumble 'neath the sod, The old stone church will grect our sight In the galleries of God !
HARVEY M. MILLER
Elizabethville, Pa.
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WHO'S WHO IN MILLERSBURG
CHAS. W. NOLL MILLERSBURG, PA.
Mr. Noll is a native of Millersburg and one of its very progressive business men. He is a photographer of indisputable knowledge and character. A large number of the illustrations in this volume are his work and they all speak for themselves. He is a member of the Millersburg Gun Club, a lover of the great out-doors and is connected with a number of local frater- nal organizations. He has constantly been a valuable assistance to all local, eivie and community enterprises.
S. W. COOPER MILLERSBURG, PA.
Mr. Cooper is a life-long native of Millersburg. He is a descendent of the early Kuper family, carly settlers of the valley. The author has been able to trace Mr. Cooper's family
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line back to 1756. He has served the borough as school director for nine years, and served as county surveyor for a period of three years. Mr. Cooper is at present engaged in the Engin- eering business, and is rated among Millersburg's successful business men.
C. C. MeLAUGHLIN MILLERSBURG, PA.
Mr. MeLaughlin was born at Carsonville, Pa. and is a grad- uate of Shippensburg Normal School class of 1906. Taught in publie schools of Jefferson, Jaekson Townships and Elizabeth- ville borough. For 6 years he was assist. Chief Clerk to the State Water Supply Commission, which position he resigned to become Secretary and General Manager of the Millersburg Milling Co. Inc. In 1921 he purchased his present business, Billiard Parlor and cigars, at 249 Market Street, in which he is still engaged. Mr. MeLaughlin is a real business man and is a highly respected citizen of the borough. Ile takes a keen interest in the sports of the town, and has held several execu- tive positions in several sporting organizations.
DR. J. W. STARR MILLERSBURG, PA.
Dr. Starr came to Millersburg in 1895 entering the drug business, which business he still conduets. He is an active member in the Millersburg Gun Club and takes a keen interest in all out of door sports. He has served the Borough as a mem- ber of the Board of Health for a number of years and has been instrumental in various community enterprises. At the time of the Centennial Celebration in 1907, Dr. Starr was a member of the Executive Committee.
THOMAS J. LONG MILLERSBURG, PA.
Here is a native citizen of the borough of Millersburg and a direct descendent of the old Longe family, who were among. the first to settle in this section. There is a narration of this family, which recites being driven from their home by the In- dians, from the present site of Millersburg. Mr. Long is a life-
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long resident of the borough where he has conducted business for many years. At present he is engaged in the Hardware business which dates baek twenty years.
JAMES LIGIIT MILLERSBURG, P.A.
Mr. Light is a native of Millersburg and a descendent of very early settlers. He has been a school teacher for twenty- seven years, grammar school at Millersburg. At an early age he developed a desire to enter the photography business and up until 1872 was active in that line of work. A number of the illustrations appearing in this volume are the results of Mr. Light's early activities, especially so the picture of Wicon- isco Canal, taken in 1872.
J. S. HECKERT MILLERSBURG, P.1.
Born in Northumberland County, Mr. Heckert came to Millersburg at the age of nine years and has been a life-long resident of that Borough since. He entered the marble and granite works. business in 1888. He has served the Borough in the capacity of council man for a number of years, playing a very important part in the development of the town and bring ing about many improvements among which might be name | pavements, paved streets, electric lights, sewers, etc. He is a highly respected citizen of Millersburg and is interested in every movement making for the betterment of the community.
HI. H. WALBORN MILLERSBURG, P.A.
Mr. Walborn is a native and life-long resident of this bor ongh. He is a descendent of the early settlers of the valley. For twenty years he conducted a baking establishment and was organizer of the Modern Woodmen of America in this vicinity, of which order he is still District Deputy. He has served the Borough as School Director for a number of years and is one of its highly respected citizens. Mr. Walborn is an enthusiastic follower of Izaak Walton, and a very interested member of the great outdoor sports.
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S. W. COOPER Millersburg, Pa.
HERBERT M. MILLER Millersburg, Pa.
C. C. MCLAUGHLIN Millersburg, Pa.
JAMES LIGHT Millersburg, Pa.
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DR. J. W. STARR Millersburg, Pa.
THOMAS J. LONG Millersburg, Pa.
.
H. H. WALBORN Millersburg, Pa.
H. H. HOY Millersburg, Pa.
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WHO'S WIIO IN WICONISCO JOHN MURPHY WICONISCO, PA.
Mr. Murphy was born in Ireland and came to Wieonseu sometime along 1850. Hle assisted materially in the develop- ment of the town and to-day stands out as one of not only Wiconisco's respected citizens, but also the entire valley.
Mr. Murphy has been engaged in the hotel business for thirty-two years, but immediately upon prohibition enactment, discontinued the same and entered the grocery business. He has served the county as Commissioner and while serving, was instrumental in having the county taxes adjusted from 8 mills on two-third value to 3 mills on half valuation. At the out- break of the civil war he served a period of several months before being mustered. In October 1864 he enlisted in the regular army and was assigned to the third Pennsylvania cay- alry. He served as an orderly to the staff of President Lincoln, and rode into Petersburg Virginia with the staff when that city fell. A unique experience of Mr. Murphy is that he carried the last message- issued by General Meade in the civil war. He carried this message and delivered the same a few minutes prior to Lee's surrender. He served throughout the entire period of the war and was mustered out of the army with the fifth Penn'a Cavalry. Mr. Murphy.is of a jovial nature and known to every child in the community, he is a friend of everybody and a real citizen of the country.
CHARLES H. HARMAN WICONISCO, PA.
Mr. Harman was born in Lykens Township, and came to Wiconisco in 1880. In 1899 he was elected Justice of the Peace of that Township, which office he still holds. He served as assessor from 1905 to 1913. It is Mr. Harman's grandfather that is spoken of as assisting in the construction of the Lykens Valley Railroad.
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W. Il. KISSINGER WICONISCO, PA.
This enterprising business was started by A. F. Kimmel in the year 1885 and Mr. Kissinger was then the manager. In the year 1905 the name was changed to W. H. Kissinger and Company. In 1904 the place of business was destroyed by fire and to-day a modern building occupies the old site of the Kiss- inger and Company store. Mr. Kissinger is the manager. He assisted to organize the Lykens Valley Mercantile Company in 1911 and has been its President since that tilde.
SAMUEL HI. MILLER WICONISCO, P'A.
One of the oldest mercantile establishments of Wiconisto is that of Samuel Miller Estate, now conducted by S. H. Miller. The business was first started by Mr. Miller's father in 1sos as Miller and Heilner. In 1900 Mr. Miller purchased the same and upon his death in 1904, his son continued the business and up until date has made very progressive improvements. Mr. Miller is a Director of the Lykens Building and Loan Associ- ation and the First National Bank also of that town. He is · a loyal supporter of all civic and community movements in Wiconisco.
FORMAN BROTHERS WICONISCO, P.A.
The business of Forman Brothers is a monument to real perseverance and business principles. Coming to Lykens in the year 1906-these two brothers located in Wiconisco and began business at once on a very small scale. They increased yearly. until 1911 they conducted probably the largest merchandise store in Wiconisco. Continuing in their progres siveness until 1918, in which year they opened a branch in Lykens, To day they are considered among the largest Merchandise Department enterprises in the upper end. They have always supported all local, civic and community movements, and are both well re spected citizens of both towns.
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ISAAC MOSSOP Wiconisco, Pa.
MAYERS FORMAN Wiconisco, Pa.
W H. KISSINGER Wiconisco, Pa.
SQUIRE-CHAS. H. HARMAN Wiconisco, Pa.
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WHO'S WHO IN LYKENS
DAVID GRATZ LYKENS, PA.
Mr. Gratz is the only survivor. of the Simon Gratz ances- try, living in this valley. He is a son of Edward Gratz, and a grandson of Simon Gratz. His father, Edward Gratz, owned and laid the Borough of Lykens out in lots as it is now. David came to Lykens with his father in 1858 and has been a constant resident since that time. He has assisted in the many "ways and means" incidental to developing the present town. The Gratz people practically owned this section at one time, and played a very important part in the early progressive develop- ments. Gratz borough in the Lykens valley is named after its founder, Simon Gratz, grandfather of David.
HENRY KEISER LYKENS, PA.
Mr. Keiser was born in Gratz October 26, 1840. In the spring of the year 1850 Mr. Keiser came to Lykens, and is probably the oldest citizen of the Borough. The author knows of no other person living here longer. When Mr. Keiser came to Lykens there were about thirty log houses and only two drifts at the mines. It was during the year 1850 that the first steam engine came into the town. Mr. Keiser is a descendent of John N. Hoffman, who was one of the very early pioneers of the valley. In April 1861 he enlisted and served throughout the entire period of the war, taking part in thirty-two engagements. He has been School Director of Wiconisco nine years, Lykens one year; has been assessor in Lykens sixteen years. He has also served in employment thirty years as supply clerk for the local coal company. Mr. Keiser is a member of the I. O. O. F. for fifty-one years.
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GEO. W. TROXELL Lykens, Pa.
CHAS. SPEIKERMANN Lykens, Pa.
J. M. MILLER Lykens, Pa.
CHARLES COLES Lykens, Pa.
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WILLIAM IRVING LYKENS, PA.
Mr. Irving, one of Lykens elderly and respected citizens. was born in Wilkes-Barre in the year 1841. He came to bykens in 1874 and entered the Bottling business, in which he engaged until 1877 when he entered the hostelry business, conducting the Valley House located at Main and Pine Sts. This business he sold in 1908 and retired. Mr. Irving was a member of the First Defenders, enlisting on the 16th day of April. 1861. He was attached to the National Light Infantry. He delights in having had the occasion to shake hands with President Lincoln. He saw service in many important battles of the war and fortu- nately was not injured. He is a member of the organization known as the First Defenders, who meet on April. 18. of each year. Of this organization which originally numbered five hun- dred and thirty members, there are to-day only about fifteen left. Their meetings are of mutual discussion and a general "get-together" character, and have been carried on since the end of the civil war.
Mr. Irving is held in highest esteem by all who know him. He is known to nearly every person, man woman and child in the town and his kindly appearance and jolly disposition have won for him an enviable pedestal of local citizenship. He has assisted and taken initiatives in many civic movements during his career here, and withstanding his age. is about every day with the alacrity of one many years his junior.
A. F. IIANNA LYKENS, PA.
The author concedes that there are others, but insists that Mr. A. F. Hanna is one of the extraordinary keen interested citizens of the borough. Mr. Hanna has done much for the town of Lykens, and done so with a conscientious disposition and self-sacrificing spirit. He is a son of the late E. C. Hanna who for thirteen years was superintendent of the local coal company. To Mr. Hanna, the author publicly extends his
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A. F. HANNA Lykens, Pa.
WILLIAM IRVING Lykens, Pa.
A. BRUCE MORRIS Lykens, Pa.
WILLIAM KAUDERMAN Lykens, Pa.
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thanks for his unselfish spirit and valuable assistance in compli- ation of this volume, "Lykens-Williams Valley History-Direc- tory." He has served the borough in the capacity of Council- man for a number of years, and while at times being much hand- icapped, has proven himself to be a well balanced legislator. Mr. Hanna owns over one-half of the acreage of Lykens Borough and allows the water mains which supply the town with water, to traverse his lands free of all charge. He is known to nearly every citizen in the borough, and is respected with quality esteem. There are divers places where he is called "Colonel" Hanna, and one should not be surprised if while walking a thoroughfare in Philadelphia you should hear him hailed by his many acquaintances as Colonel Hanna. To account here, of his civic and community activities, we should not have sufficient space.
CHARLES W. SNYDER LYKENS, PA.
Mr. Snyder is a native of Lykens, a descendent of early settlers and a very highly respected citizen of the borough. He has been an employee at the mines for 57 years, as a Safety Inspector. Mr. Snyder has formed a habit of keeping a record of important dates at the colliery as well as keeping a list of all the men killed. The results of this habit is distributed in this volume. He also installed the first telephone and first electric door bell in Lykens.
GEORGE A. KOSIER LYKENS, PA.
Mr. Kosier, one of the successful and progressive business men of Lykens, was born at Gratz. When a young boy his family removed to Wieonisco where he worked in the mines a number of years. In 1895 he began the Drayage business and has built up a very profitable business. This business he still conducts. In 1913 he entered the Music business, and today conducts an up-to-date music establishment. He has served the
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-
LOUIS WENTZLER Lykens, Pa.
JOHN S. REIFF Lykens, Pa.
€
CHAS. J. WITMER Lykens, Pa.
W. H. HECKLER Lykens, Pa.
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Borough as a School Director and, while during his term as such, was instrumental in having music adopted as a branch of the Lykens Public Schools. Mr. Kosier is a director of the Lykens Building and Loan Association and a veteran of the world war. Connected with him in the present Music House business is his son Jonas. Ile is a descendent of Mr. William Kosier, an early settler of the valley.
GEORGE W. PARFET LYKENS, PA.
Mr. Parfet is a native of Lykens and one of it's successful business men. He was prominent in the organization of the Lykens Business Men's Association and acted as chairman on the very important committee which successfully brought about decided changes in rail-road freight charges. Since 1895 Mr. Parfet has been conducting a very heavy stocked and progres- sive mercantile business. He has served the borough in the capacity of Councilman and. was instrumental in various changes which were essential to bettering the community generally. Mr. Parfet enjoys the distinction of being a 32nd. degree Mason. Ile is a man of exceptional energy, thoroughly progressive and a valuable asset to every movement designed to benefit the Borough.
CHAS. A. HOFF LYKENS, PA.
Mr. Hoff is a son of S. B. Hoff. former Prothonotary of York County. Ile is a native of York County and entered business in Dauphin County first in Middletown in 1595. Ile engaged in the Hardware business and in 1901 removed in Lykens, in which place he has since conducted his store. Mr Hoff is one of Lykens successful citizens, and one who has al ways taken a keen interest in local developments. He is a graduate of Millersville State Normal Class of 1893. Mr. Hoff has served the borough as School Director over a period of seventeen years. During this time the local school buikhny
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Squire W. S. Young, Lykens, Pa.
R. J. Budd, Lykens, Pa.
Walter Freer, Lykens, Pa.
Chas A. Hoff, Lykens, Pa.
Geo. W. Eby, Lykens, Pa.
.
J. A. Bogar, Lykens, Pa.
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was remodeled and rated a First-Class High School of the state He is a Director of the First National Bank and Manager of the Lykens Savings Fund and Loan Corporation for the past fifteen years. He has twice been elected Representative of the County to the State Democratic Convention and in 1913 was appointed Post Master which he still retains. During his career as Post Master he has installed Free Delivery of mail and a Star Rural Route. His receipts are also just a few points from placing the local P. O. on a second class basis. His eivie and community interest is largely manifested throughout the town.
WALTER E. SNYDER LYKENS, PA.
Another well-known and successful business man here is Walter E. Snyder. Mr. Snyder has been in the Jewelry busi- ness for the past twenty-two years and has not only established an enviable reputation as a thoroughly reliable business man, but has developed a prosperous and successful business. He is a graduate Optometrist and is considered a local expert in that line of business. Mr. Snyder has taken an unselfish interest in all movements designed for the benefit of the community and his keen foresight has been very well balanced in many cases. He assisted in making possible the now famous Lykens Swimming Pool. He is an enthusiastic fan to the great out door sports. Fraternally he is a member of several organizations among which is Ashlar Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons.
JACOB A. BOGAR LYKENS, PA.
Mr. Bogar was born in Wiconisco in the year 1875. In the year 1892, he graduated from the local High School. L. H. S. Since 1897 he has managed the large store of Coble and Sons and has had and enjoyed a very successful career. He is an enterprising citizen of the Borough and has served as school director for a number of years.
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E. LEROY KEEN Lykens, Pa.
FORREST S. HENSEL Lykens, Pa.
WALTER E. SNYDER Lykens, Pa.
THE LATE THOMAS A. HENSEL Lykens, Pa.
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JOHN S. REIFF LYKENS, PA.
The name Reiff, immediately suggests bykens. Mr. Reiff, who is engaged in the Undertaking-Furniture business since , the early history of the town, is a native of the Borough and one of it's very sincere and progressive citizens. In the year 1909, he associated with himself in business, Mr. J. D. Helt and to-day this partnership have and condnet the largest furniture estab- lishment in upper Dauphin County. Mr. Reiff is a man of re- putable character, very sincere and enterprising. He has been of valuable assistance in locating manufacturing concerns in the valley, has served the Borough as Councilman for a number of years and served Dauphin County as Sheriff one term. He has always taken a deep interest in the development of the town and has contributed much toward the same.
GEORGE W. TROXEL, Chief Burgess LYKENS, P.A.
When the citizens of the Borough of Lykens elected Mr. Troxel to serve the position of chief executive of the Borough, they certainly made an elegant selection. Mr. Troxel came to Lykens about thirty-five years ago, having been born in Loyal- ton, just four miles west of the borough. For the past twenty five years he has successfully conducted a modern and up-to- date shoe repairing establishment. He is a business man of in- disputable calibre, and Eykens will be managed in a business manner of the right style. The Chief Burgess strongly protests against Auto-speeding and has declared himself to rid the town of this very dangerous menace. He is fair and just and ever- cises very keen judgment. It is well to assume that bykens will certainly progress under the regime of a business man mayor.
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