USA > Pennsylvania > Erie County > The history of Erie County, Pennsylvania > Part 12
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27
In November, the Guards had the pleasure of receiving from Mr. Bancroft eight volumes of his History of the United States, superbly bound in Turkey morocco and gilt, accompanied by the following note :-
"NEW YORK, October, 1860.
"Captain John McLane, and the Wayne Guards of Erie :-
"DEAR SIRS :- The very great pleasure and enduring satis- faction which I derived from my friendly interview with you at Cleveland, excites in me a strong desire to secure a per- manent place in your memory. For that purpose, I beg your acceptance of the volumes which accompany this note. Accept, also, I entreat you, very sincere assurances of grate- ful and affectionate regard from
"Your friend,
"GEORGE BANCROFT."
145
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Agriculture, etc .- In 1820 a Mechanical Association was formed, S. Ball, Secretary, the object of which was to im- prove the condition of mechanics.
In 1822 an Agricultural and Mechanical Society was organized, which held one or two fairs or exhibitions. The first officers were Judalı Colt, President. Charles J. Reed, Treasurer. G. Sanford, Secretary. John Vincent, Water- ford ; R. S. Reed, Erie; William Miles, Union ; Martin Strong, Mckean ; Benjamin Russel, Mill Creek ; Elisha Marvin, Greenfield; Moses Barnet, Fairview; John McCord, Northeast; Simeon Leet, Harbor Creek; and Mathias Brin- dle, Springfield, Directors.
The members contributed one dollar each, and the county fifty dollars; seventy-eight dollars were paid out in pre- miums, which were awarded for farming commodities and domestic manufactures. The highest premium was eight dollars, which was offered for the best two acres of wheat. In the words of the Gazette, "the exhibition of stock was large, and we can safely say was not surpassed in quality at any exhibition in the State. But few articles of domestic manufacture were offered, but these were worthy of notice."
The Mill Creek and Erie Agricultural and Manufacturing Association was formed in April, 1842, Robert Cochran, Secretary.
The Agricultural Society, still in existence, was next formed, in 1848, John Brawley, President; J. C. Spencer, Treasurer; and J. D. Dunlap, Secretary. The first fair was held at the market-house, and one hundred and fifty dollars offered in premiums. These were increased every year. A flag was offered to the town entitled to the largest number of premiums, which was found to be Harbor Creek. Next, an agricultural library was offered on the same con- ditions, and Harbor Creek again claimed the prize, but gen- erously donated the books to the County Society.
In 1860 this society was merged into a joint stock associ- ation, chartered by the Court of Common Pleas, styled the
13*
146
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Erie County Agricultural Society for the promotion of agriculture, manufactures, fine and useful arts, with five thousand dollars capital, to be afterward increased as the society should determine. The capital stock to be repre- sented by shares of ten dollars each. The first stock to be invested in the purchase and improvement of thirty acres of ground. The land purchased was in East Mill Creek, being a part of the farm of Mr. Ebersole. A building designed to be a wing of the main building was completed in 1860. When the first fair was held, three hundred and fifty-five dollars was awarded in premiums.
Honorable Jas. Miles, in 1855, made an offer of two hun- dred acres of land, situated in Girard township, to the State Agricultural Society, provided that organization locate an agricultural college on said land. To this was added an offer to sell land adjoining at a reasonable rate if required.
The High School was located in Centre County, and in 1858 the Agricultural Society of the county voted one thou- sand dollars to its support.
The Union Agricultural Society of Girard adopted its constitution July 15th, 1856, and at its first fair in Septem- ber offered one hundred and seventy dollars in premiums. This society was intended as an auxiliary and not a rival of the Erie County Society, and was instituted in view of the distance of the western and southwestern townships from Erie. At the sixth annual meeting the following officers were chosen : P. Osborne, President; William Cross, J. W. Blair, J. Robertson, W. W. Eaton, William Holliday, C. Bowman, A. Frances, S. Washburn, C. Leet, A. Nicholson, Vice-Presidents ; H. Ball, Treasurer; J. McClure, Record- ing Secretary ; H. Hart, Corresponding Secretary.
The Wattsburg Agricultural Society was formed in 1856. Masons .- Wayne Lodge, No. 112, was instituted in 1813. G. Sanford, Master; T. Rees and Dr. J. C. Wallace, War- dens; R. S. Reed, Treasurer.
Presqu'ile Lodge was organized in 1852. H. Pelton, W. M.
147
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Dr. William F. Owen, of Spring, in February, 1861, was appointed D. D. G. H. P. for the Counties of Erie and Crawford.
Presqu'ile Lodge, (Odd Fellows,) No. 107. In 1859, the officers were William Mallory, N. G .; John Graham, V. G .; John Sweeney, Recording Secretary ; G. A. Bennet, Financial Secretary; John Abell, Treasurer.
Philallelia Lodge, No. 299. Otis N. Gray, N. G .; A. T. Thomas, V. G .; A. M. Tarbell, Secretary; A. M. Guild, Treasurer.
Officers of the German Beneficial Society, in 1859, were A. T. Fiesler, President ; F. Fiesler, Vice-President; Michael Koch, First Secretary ; and F. M. Wagner, Treasurer.
Erie Temple of Honor, No. 5, a Temperance Associa- tion, was instituted in 1854, Wm. A. Galbraith, Esq., be- ing the first W. C. T. It was reorganized in 1859 as No. 9. The present officers are A. H. Caughey, D. G. W. T .; James Lytle, W. C. T .; E. P. Bennett, W. V. T. and W. R .; John Fairburn, W. F. R. A Lodge of the Good Temp- lars, which had been in prosperous operation for two or three years, was merged into the Temple of Honor at its reorganization in 1859.
Exodus Lodge, No. 343, I. O. of G. T .; Edgar Olin, Deg. Mast .; in existence at Girard in 1855.
Constellation Lodge, No. 210, I. O. of G. T., at Spring- field.
In 1846 the Society of Odd Fellows, still in existence, was organized in Waterford ; were also at one time a Temple of Honor, Sons of Temperance, and Good Templars.
Northeast Odd Fellows' Lodge, No. 412, established in 1850. Number of members, 92; of P. G., 17.
Albion Lodge, No. 376, I. O. O. F., probably about the same time.
The St. George's Benevolent Society of Erie has for its object charity to its sick members. Officers in 1861-Jacob Boty, President; J. Singer, Vice-President; M. Knoll, First
148
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Secretary ; P. Rochenwald, Second Secretary; P. Schotten, Treasurer.
Cemeteries .- On the 6th of July, 1801, a number of per- sons collected at Greenfield to cut and clear off about an acre of ground for a burying-place. These were Enoch Marvin, Joseph Shadack and family, Henry and Dyer Loomis, Samuel, Hezekiah, and Philo Barker, Wm. Scott, Israel Wanever, James Heaton, Stephen Hazelton, Joseph Webster, Thomas Prentice, - Dagget, and one or two others.
In 1805 the lots on Eighth Street, known as the old bury- ing-ground, were set apart for that purpose. The Trustees of the U. Presbyterian congregation, a few years since, paid the purchase money due the State for them, and after re- moving the bodies to the new city cemetery, disposed of the ground to purchasers. At an early day we observe an Obituary Association, P. S. V. Hamot, Secretary, in exist- ence, which probably managed its affairs. Previous to 1805 all interments were made on the bank of the lake, east of the town, where also were buried many of the soldiers of 1812.
About 1826 the Presbyterian Society purchased four lots on Seventh and Myrtle Streets, for burial purposes. After the Erie Cemetery was opened in 1851, the graves were removed from this, and, by an act, the trustees of the First Presbyterian Church disposed of the property.
The Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, and Lutherans also had separate grounds.
The Erie Cemetery was incorporated in 1850, and is hand- somely situated south of the city. It embraces seventy acres beautifully planned and ornamented with trees, shrubs, and flowers, and also contains at this time many fine monuments. The first Corporators were C. M. Reed, William Himrod, G. A. Elliot, William Kelley, A. W. Brewster, J. Galbraith, and E. Babbitt. G. A. Elliot was chosen President; J. C. Spencer, Treasurer; and Wm. A. Brown, Secretary. Mr.
149
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Brewster, who was in perfect health at the time he was made corporator, was the first person interred there, having died of small-pox.
In the immediate vicinity the German Roman Catholics consecrated a cemetery in 1853, and likewise St. Paul's Ger- man Evangelical Congregation in 1859.
The Northeast Cemetery was incorporated April 15th, 1852. The following managers were elected May 8th : John Brawley, John Schonller, Jas. Smedley, Calvin Spaf- ford, John Greer, William Griffith, A. W. Blaine. Twelve and a half acres of ground were purchased of the heirs of P. S. V. Hamot, to which five acres were added that had been occupied as a burying-ground for nearly fifty years. It is handsomely designed.
In Girard application has been made by several citizens for an act of incorporation to establish a cemetery at or near that borough. The application was granted March 14th, 1861.
Moral and Benevolent .- A Moral Society was organized at Waterford, December, 1815. The object, as expressed in the preamble, being to aid each other, and strengthen the hands of the magistrates in the suppression of vice and im- morality, by every prudent, and, if necessary, by every legal method, hoping to meet the approbation of God, and the assistance of good men of every political sentiment and religious denomination. Officers-Rev. John Mathews, Chairman; Dr. William Bacon, Secretary; Amos Judson, Treasurer; George W. Reed and Henry Woodworth, Cor- responding Committee; John Boyd, Esq., John Way, Esq., Archibald Watson, elder, and Captain Martin Strong, Stand- ing Committee.
The County Bible Society was organized in 1824, and has, without intermission, fulfilled its duties to the present time. The first officers were Rev. Johnston Eaton, President; Rev. R. Reid, Vice-President; E. D. Gunnison, Treasurer ; G. Selden, Secretary; Managers, William Gould, Robert
150
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Porter, John McCord, Colonel Jos. Selden, Judah Colt, Robert McClelland, General John Phillips, Rev. Oliver Alfred, Rev. R. C. Hatton, James Flowers, Philip Bristol, and G. Sanford. At the thirty-seventh annual meeting, in 1861, Rev. G. A. Lyon, D.D., was chosen President; S. S.
Spencer, Secretary; and J. C. Selden, Treasurer.
The
amount of receipts for the past year, $750 18; disburse- ments for the same period, $514 13; balance in treasury, $522 28; value of Bibles and Testaments purchased during the year, $134 60; amount sold and donated, $120 43; amount in value at Depository, $289 48.
In 1828 a Colonization Society was organized in Erie, but was sustained but a few years. Rev. Robert Reid, President ; G. A. Elliot, Secretary; Rev. D. Mckinney, Josiah Kellogg, R. O. Hulbert, and G. Selden were a com- mittee to solicit signatures. This scheme of beneficence has been almost ignored among us until very recently some liberal contributions have been made to the Pennsylvania Coloniza- tion Society. In the spring of 1860, Alex. Simms, wife, and eight children, with eight other colored persons from Erie County, left for Africa under the auspices of this society. In 1836 a Colonization Society was formed at Northeast. Henry Frey, President; John Brawley, Vice- President; J. D. Dunlap, Secretary ; and Clark Putnam, Treasurer. The same year a County Anti-Slavery Society was formed, Colonel Jas. Moorhead, President, and William Gray, Secretary ; and also one at Northeast, Truman Tuttle, President; Jas. Duncan, Vice President ; Dr. E. Smedley, Secretary ; and R. L. Loomis, Treasurer.
About the same time an anti-abolition meeting was called at Springfield, H. G. Davis in the chair, and Daniel G. Webber, Secretary. The meeting in its resolutions highly approved of the Colonization Society, but not of a crusade against the South.
About 1824 a Female Tract Society was formed in Erie, which was useful for many years. Mrs. J. Colt, Directress; Mrs. G. Sanford, Treasurer; Miss E. Wight, Secretary.
151
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
At Wattsburg a Tract Society was formed in 182S, Rev. A. McCreary, President; Jas. Nelson, Secretary ; and William K. Black, Treasurer.
A Society was formed in Erie, in 1844, for abolishing capital punishment. In 1845 a committee, composed of Irvin Camp, W. H. Knowlton, Smith Jackson, Oliver Spaf- ford, and William A. Galbraith, gave notice that they would meet a committee who might be appointed to discuss the question, "Ought capital punishment to be abolished in Pennsylvania ?" The question was discussed at the court- house, and excited general interest; John Galbraith and Irvin Camp in the affirmative, Elijah Babbit and J. H. Walker, negative, and Jas. C. Marshall, Moderator.
A Lady's Benevolent Society was formed in 1843, which for many years possessed the confidence of the public, and relieved much suffering.
In 1845 a Sabbath Convention was called that resulted in the organization of a Sabbath Association, which for several years held meetings, and attempted to promote the better observance of the Sabbath by travelers, on the canal, lakes, etc.
The Erie City Tract Society, which represents five evan- gelical denominations, and has for its object Tract distri- bution and aid to the poor, is still in active operation. It was formed in 1854, with the following officers: D. S. Clark, President; W. F. Liddel and J. D. Dunlap, Vice- Presidents; Rev. Jos. Pressley, M. R. Barr, Jas. Metcalf, C. Doll, and M. B. Cook, Managers.
Among so many efforts to repress vice, we are sorry to record one attempt to promote immorality. In 1840 a petition was sent to the legislature from the county, signed by forty persons, asking that the Sabbath might be abol- ished, to legalize blasphemy, and extend the privilege of giving testimony in court to all persons, whether believers or not.
Temperance Societies were formed in Erie and Wattsburg
152
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
in 1829, and in Wayne in 1832, which year the County So- ciety had seven hundred and forty-two members. Judah Colt, President; R. McClelland, Vice-President; R. O. Hulbert, Secretary; G. Selden, Treasurer; G. Sanford, Hugh Wilson, William Gray, John Cook, Chauncey Graves, Benjamin Whitley, Ira Phelps, Jas. Smedley, Samuel Beedy, Jas. Nelson, and Rev. Edson Hart, Managers.
In 1840 they had a Temperance Society in most of the townships. In 1842 the jailer complained (as his apart- ments were vacant) that the temperance people had com- bined to injure the business of the House.
In 1851 a Division of Sons of Temperance was formed, which continued in operation for several years.
In 1852 a Harp and Shamrock Temperance Society was formed. J. W. Duggen, President.
One hundred ladies of the first standing in Erie and in . Wattsburg petitioned for a prohibitory liquor law in 1853.
The same year, in Erie, Cadets of Temperance appeared, being a society of yonths between twelve and eighteen years of age, with rules similar to those of the Sons of Temper- ance; they were also to abstain from tobacco, profane lan- guage, etc.
The Carson League, formed in 1854, was an efficient aid to temperance.
The "Young Men's Christian Association" was formed in September, 1860. A. McD. Lyon, President; S. E. Blackall, Secretary; A. H. Caughey, Corresponding Secre- tary ; C. E. Gunnison, Treasurer; James Metcalf, Libra- rian. It numbers now about fifty members. Besides the usual religious work of such a Society, a course of first-class literary and scientific lectures was sustained during the win- ter of 1860-61. A general reading-room was opened in May, 1861, for the free use of the young men of the city, a subscription of $175 having been raised for the purpose of establishing the enterprise on a substantial basis. The library of the Irving Literary Institute, consisting of about
153
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
seven hundred volumes, has also been obtained, and is now in keeping of the Association for the use of its members.
In 1828 quite a respectable contribution was made to the Greeks from Erie and vicinity, and several meetings held. We regret that the particulars were not published.
In 1847, for the relief of Ireland, $150 from officers and seamen of United States steamer Michigan, $50 from the revenue cutter, and $79 from the other ship hands at the port were acknowledged. Gen. C. M. Reed gave notice that he would store and transport to Buffalo, free of charge, all grain intended for this object. A meeting was also called in Waterford, and about $2000 in provisions were shipped from the port of Erie.
In February, 1861, $1000 were collected in Erie for the Kansas sufferers. For this benevolent object, Waterford subscribed $155 ; Girard, $100; Springfield township, $500 ; Belle Valley, $15 ; probably in all $2500 from Erie County.
Among the German Roman Catholics is a School Society, the object of which is to give educational advantages to poor children. John Gensheimer, President ; C. Englehard, Vice- President ; F. Schlaudecker, Secretary ; F. Peiffer, Trea- surer.
Literary .- In 1806 thirty of the citizens of Erie formed themselves into a Library Company, Judah Colt being Presi- dent; Thos. Forster, Jas. Baird, John C. Wallace, and William Wallace, Directors ; and Thos. Forster, Librarian. The company at first expended $200 for standard works, and the institution was well sustained for several years. In 1821 an effort was made to revive it, but without success. The books are now loaned to the Irving Literary Institute.
In 1826 there was a Franklin Literary Association; T. Moorhead, Jr., Librarian.
In 1833 the Conneauttee Library Company (Edinboro) was incorporated.
In the winter of 1835, a Lyceum held its meetings first at the Erie academy and afterward at the court-house, inter-
14
154
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
esting the inhabitants by the debates and literary exercises of the members. The Apprentices' Literary Society origin- ated about 1839, with fifty members and a library of one hundred and ten volumes, and soon after had a course of lectures. In 1841 an Adelphic Literary Society existed ; A. King, Corresponding Secretary. The Irving Literary Institute has a nucleus for an excellent library, but is in- active at present. It was organized, 1843, by the union of the Apprentices' and the Adelphic Societies.
In 1859 a Young Men's Literary Association was formed at Girard, and about the same time a Literary Union at Waterford, which sustained courses of lectures.
At West Mill Creek an Association called Custos Morum (Guardian of Morality) was formed April, 1860, with twenty- five members; Jackson McCreary, President. The object of the society was to procure a library, and for intellectual culture.
A Youths' Literary Society at Northeast has existed since 1858.
A County Medical Society was formed in 1829. Dr. Wil- liam Johns, President ; Dr. A. Thayer, Vice-President ; Dr. F. M. Miller, Recording and Corresponding Secretary ; Dr. A. Beebe, Treasurer ; Dr. J. Smedley, Dr. J. Vosburg, and Dr. A. N. Molton, Censors.
In 1836 the Presqu'ile Hospital was incorporated, the act to continue in force for the term of twenty years. It was expected a Medical College and a Medical Society would form a part of the establishment, with a Lunatic Asylum and an Asylum for the Deaf and Dumb. In consequence of the depression in business affairs soon after, the project was abandoned.
A County Geological Society was formed in 1843. G. Sanford, President ; J. D. Dunlap, Vice-President; L. G. Olmstead, Corresponding Secretary; William C. Kelso, Recording Secretary ; and J. C. Spencer, Treasurer ; Wm. Fuller, Keeper of the Cabinet and Library; Jacob Vosburg,
155
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Peter Pierce, Galen Foster, J. B. Johnson, and Richard Sill, Members of the Executive Committee.
The objects of the society were commendable, and it is to be regretted that it had an existence of but a year or two. As stated in the constitution, the society were to thoroughly survey the county in order to develop its mineral wealth and resources ; for the advancement of geology and the col- lateral branches of natural science, and the promotion of intercourse between those who cultivated them.
The citizens assembled in town meeting at the court- house, B. B. Vincent in the Chair, and Carson Graham, Secretary, and resolved that the public square be planted with trees. E. Babbitt, W. C. Lester, C. McSparren, and S. Jackson were appointed a committee to co-operate with the town authorities in carrying out the resolution. This was in 1846.
A Reading Room Association was formed in 1850, B. B. Vincent, President, but, for want of adequate support, was discontinued in a few months.
In 1852 a City Hall Association was incorporated, for the purpose of erecting a building for the accommodation of the city authorities, as well as for lectures, benevolent societies, a reading room, etc., which purpose is not yet effected.
A Sacred Music Society was formed in 1858. John Gal- braith, President ; Thos. Stewart, Sr., Vice-President ; H. Catlin, Secretary ; and J. L. Lints, Treasurer.
In 1852 the Erie County Education Society, for the ad- vancement of education, was in existence; C. W. Kelso, President, and J. W. Wetmore, Secretary.
In 1855 the Girard Lyceum was formed; Harmon D. Hunt, Secretary.
The Arion Musical Society was organized in 1860, in Erie.
156
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
CHAPTER XII.
Newspapers-Common Schools-Academies-Normal School-Sabbath School-First Protestant Missionaries West of Utica-Moravians in Venango County, 1767-First Religious Service in Erie County-First Church Edifice-A Religious Experience-Presbytery of Erie-Revs. Patterson and Eaton-Extract from Rev. A. H. Carrier's Historical Sermon-Rev. R. Reid-Churches of different Denominations in Erie- Revivals.
Newspapers. - The first newspaper, "The Mirror," is dated May 21st, 1808, George Wyeth, printer. In size it was ten inches by sixteen ; terms, two dollars semi-annually in advance. It advocated the Federal Constitutional Re- publican party, whose candidates at that time were James Ross, for Governor, Alexander W. Foster, Congress, and John W. Hunter and William Wallace, for Assembly. The Mirror was discontinued after a two years' existence.
In 1813 R. J. Curtis established the "Northern Sentinel," (the size of a sheet of foolscap,) and in 1815 made arrange- ments for removing his establishment to Detroit. For want of encouragement he failed to accomplish his purpose, and in 1816 recommenced business in Erie, having changed the name of his paper to the "Genius of the Lakes." The name of John Morris was added as publisher. The "terms, two dollars and fifty cents by post rider-if neglected to the end of the year, three dollars."
The "Erie Patriot" was issued in 1818 by Zeba Willis, and continued one year. It was then removed to Cleveland, and made the basis of the " Cleveland Herald," Mr. Howe being associated in its publication.
In 1819 Mr. Curtis enlarged his paper and called it the "Phoenix and Erie Reflector." This was soon removed to Mayville, New York, and discontinued in April, 1820.
Mr. Curtis, in speaking of his editorial experience in
157
HISTORY OF ERIE COUNTY.
Erie, says : "For two or three years during the war I had a very good support, but afterward it was poor indeed. The most of my subscribers paid in produce. For six months I taught school and printed my paper at the same time, with the assistance only of an apprentice and my sister." We might suppose a newspaper published in Erie during the war would contain interesting information ; but it was not the case, as government prohibited the publication of facts which might have been suggestive to the enemy.
In January, 1820, the " Erie Gazette" was first published by its present senior editor, Jos. M. Sterrett. In 1822 Jas. Buchanan was editor for six months. In 1825 J. Hoge Waugh, for a short time; and in 1836 John Shaner was asso- ciated in its publication. In 1842 J. P. Cochran and G. W. Riblet took charge. I. B. Gara became associated with Mr. Sterrett in 1846. In politics it has been Anti-Masonic, Whig, and Republican.
The "Erie Observer," always a Democratic paper, was first issued in 1830, T. B. Barnum, editor. H. L. Harvey being editor in 1836, issued a specimen daily paper, to be con- tinued, provided there was sufficient encouragement. In 1848 a paper was issued tri-weekly for several months. Thos. Laird, H. Beebe, J. M. Keuster, and S. W. Randall were successively editors. In 1840 it passed into the hands of Durlin & Sloan. Mr. Durlin withdrew from the firm in 1855 and removed to Wisconsin. The paper passed into the hands of Mr. Andrew Hopkins, January 1st, 1861.
The "Erie Chronicle," a conservative Whig paper, was issued by S. Perley in 1840. In 1855 the editor removed to Girard, and revived the "Girard Republican," which is still in existence.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.