USA > Pennsylvania > Blair County > Tyrone > Tyrone of to-day : the gateway of the Alleghanies > Part 5
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
54
TYRONE OF TO-DAY.
strictly speaking, a beneficial order, it is a charitable and benevolent institution, in which the Fatherhood of God and the Brotherhood of man forms one of its brightest precepts. The lodge was constituted on Monday, July 10th, A. D. 1871, by Alexander M. Lloyd of Hollidaysburg, acting for the Right Worshipful Grand Master of Pennsylvania, together with his Grand Officers. Among the officers of the Lodge then installed were Rev. Thomas Barnhart, Worshipful Master; J. A. Boyer, Senior Warden; Rev. S. M. Moore, Junior Warden; T. W. Graffius. Treasurer; John Reynolds, Secretary. The trustees elected on July 17th, 1871, were: M. Robeson, S. C. Stewart and I. P. Walton. The number of charter members compris- ing the Lodge at its institution was twenty-five. The present membership is one hundred and thirty-two. Tyrone Lodge, No. 494, F. and A. M. meets on the third Monday of each month at 7 p. m., in Masonic Hall, south-east corner Pennsyl- vania avenue and Tenth street, in the First National Bank building. The officers for 1897 are: J. William Howe, W.M .; William G. Scott, S. W .; M. James Watt, J.W .; D. Shelley Kloss, Treasurer; William F. Vogt, Secretary; Alonzo J. Latham, Isaac P. Walton, Rudolph Gingrich, Trustees.
Tyrone Lodge, No. 152, Independent Order of Odd Fel- lows, was instituted July 17, 1872. The first officers were: Noble Grand, John A. Boyer; Vice Grand, J. J. Boyer; Sec- retary, F. M. Bell; Treasurer, John A. Hiller. Mr. Hiller has been re-elected each year and at this date still holds the office of treasurer. The Lodge has been prosperous and has had au average membership of about 74, at present numbering 89. The officers are: Noble Grand, Geo. H. Wolf; V. G., John Schrock; Secretary, Walter Burley; Treasurer, John A. Hiller; Trustees, H. G. Elder, Martin Herzog, C. M. Waple. There has been paid out of the treasury for sick benefits over $9000. In 1889 the Lodge built and now owns its own hall, consisting of a three story brick building situated on Pennsylvania ave- nue, between 10th street and the Juniata river, having two store rooms on the first floor, offices and banquet room on second floor, and hall on third floor. The lodge room has no equal in Blair county, being large and commodious. This year
55
TYRONE OF TO-DAY.
No. 152 reaches the quarter of a century mark with six of its charter members on its roll. The membership now is com- posed of all classes of men, in every day pursuits, and as some are being dropped from the roll, by death and other causes, new ones are being added to the list.
The Daughters of Rebecca, an adjunct of Odd Fellowship, have an active organization of 42 members with the following officers: N. G., Mrs. Viola Gilman; V. G., Miss Mary Carns; Treasurer, Miss Henrietta Hiller; Secretary, Walter Burley.
ยท The Knights of Pythias have a chivalrous name, sugges- tive of a heart both brave and tender. The statement here given is drawn up by W. E. Hoffman, a member of the heroic order. The Knights of Pythias are the leading fraternal and beneficial order in Tyrone. Their principles and objects briefly stated are as follows: Using the story of Damon and Pythias they take their friendship and the noble self sacrifice of Pythias as an example and have Friendship, Charity and Benevolence as foundation principles. Their aim is to allevi- ate the sufferings of a brother, succor the unfortunate, zeal- ously watch at the bedside of the sick, soothe the dying pillow, perform the last sad rites at the grave of a brother, offering consolation to the afflicted and caring for the widow and orphan. They have the following organizations in Tyrone: Sinking Spring Lodge No. 127, which was instituted August 6, 1886. This Lodge has flourished wonderfully and been of great benefit to the community. Notwithstanding the fact that they have paid out nearly $12,000 for relief since their institution, they have on hand and invested, the neat sum of $2,585.95, and paraphernalia worth $525, making a total worth of $3,110.95. They meet every Tuesday evening in Hiller's hall. Their membership is about 160. Following are the present officers: Chancellor Commander, John Oberly; Vice Chancellor, Joseph Wertz; Keeper of Records and Seal, Chas. Igou; Master of Finance, J. D. Lucas; Master of Ex- chequer, W. F. Hiller; Representative, W. E. Hoffman; Trustees, J. A. Hiller, T. J. VanScoyoc and John S. Coulter. Section 3512 of the Endowment Rank K. of P., is also located in our town. This is the insurance branch of the order. It
.
56
TYRONE OF TO-DAY.
furnishes insurance for Knights at about one-third the cost in old line companies. On the first day of February, 1897, this branch numbered over 47,000 members, and the insurance in force exceeded $91,000,000. $11,000,000 have thus far been paid to beneficiaries of deceased members. The officers of the Local Section are: President, W. E. Hoffman; Vice President, A. J. Coulter; Secretary, J. D. Lucas; Med. Examiner, W. S. Musser, M. D. The Uniform Rank or Military branch of the K. of P. is represented in Tyrone by Tyrone Company No. 65, which was instituted May 20, 1897, with a membership of 35. They are handsomely uniformed and under the direction of their hustling and energetic captain are rapidly becoming proficient in military tactics and growing in numbers. They meet every Monday evening in Sheridan Troop Armory. The officers are: Captain, H. A. Gripp; 1st Lieut. Dr. A. G. Appleby; 2d Lieut. W. E. Hoffman; Recorder, Jos. Eschbach; Treasurer, Dr. B. J. Fulkerson; Guard, A. D. Smith; Sen- tinel, John Oberly. Since the above was written Captain Gripp has become Assistant Adjutant General for Pennsylva- nia and the officers now are: Captain, A. G. Appleby, M. D .; 1st Lieut .. W. E. Hoffman.
The Elk is an animal which carries his head high, and the initials B. P. O. E. are enigmatic to the unintiated. They might mean Biggest People On Earth, but on inquiry we are assured that the letters denote the harmless words "Benevo- lent Protective Order of Elks " and we are satisfied. Tyrone Lodge No. 212, B. P. O. Elks was instituted July 14th, 1891. They occupy the second and third floors of the Kirk building on Penna. avenue which are fitted up comfortably as parlors, reading room, billiard room, banquet hall, and lodge room, everything being arranged for the comfort and convenience of the members while a steward is in charge to attend their wants. The membership is 62. The present officers are : E. R., H. A. Gripp; E. Ld. Kt., A. E. Jones; E. Loy. Kt., J. McC. Davis; E. Lec: Kt., Sam Cosel; Secy., W. E. Hoffman; Treas., J. P. Harris, Jr .; Trustees, E. T. Watts, J. K. Ray, J. G. McCamant. Lodge meets on the 2nd and 4th Fridays at 8 p. m.
A. A. STEVENS, ESQ.
C. E. KAUFFMAN.
AM WOODEN
GIOVE HADE' AR
PRUNER BLOCK.
CONRAD BLOCK.
57
TYRONE OF TO-DAY.
The Eagle too, is a high soarer, but a golden eagle would by force of gravitation be held close to earth. Tyrone Castle, No. 79, Knights of the G. E., is not built in air but rests on a solid financial basis of about $3,000, and insures to its benefi- ciaries on the death of each member, a golden solace of $1000. The triple motto of the order is "Fidelity, Valor and Honor," and in 24 years it has acquired a membership of about 75,000 in the United States. The Castle in Tyrone is flourishing, its Noble Chief being T. J. Scott and the Master of Records, Walter Burley. They meet in Odd Fellows' hall on the first Friday evening of each month.
The Royal Arcanum, as its name imports, is the possessor of a secret which entitles it to high rank among societies of its class. There is no royal road to learning, but one secret of success in living is to have something to leave when dying to a bereaved family. The Arcanum provides a sick benefit and a death payment of $3000. In 20 years the order has grown to the number of probably 150, 000 and has in that time paid over $20,000, 000 in death benefits. Tyrone Council, No. 943. was organized in 1887 and has 69 members. They have paid $12,000 on death claims. They meet in Odd Fellows' hall on the second and fourth Mondays of each month. Regent, H. G. Elder; Secretary, J. W. Robinson.
The Seven Wise Men of Greece were famous in their day, but modern progress has brought forth a better thing. The Improved Order of Heptasophs is less than twenty years old but their wisdom is patri-archal. The present Archon of Tyrone Conclave, No. 138, is R. B. Freeman; Past Archon, A. M. Wooden; Secretary, F. R. Crawford. In its duration of about 10 years, it has paid to families of deceased members $8000 and has increased from 27 members to 50. Meetings are held on second and fourth Tuesdays, in Odd Fellows' hall.
Last of the beneficiary brotherhoods comes Emerald Beneficiary Association, Branch No. 23, whose main objects are Benevolence and Insurance. Its officers are: President, William Lanners, Jr .; Secretary, P. S. McCann; Treasurer, Farran Zerbe.
58
TYRONE OF TO-DAY.
The Railway Employees have their own protective organ- izations as follows :
Tyrone Division, No. 467, Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers, organized 1891. Its members are about 40 in number and meet in Odd Fellows' hall, on the first Monday evening and the third Sunday of each month. Chief Engi- neer, H. M. LaPorte; Secretary, W. H. Huss; Treasurer and Insurance Agent, W. S. Smith.
Order of Railway Conductors of America, Tyrone Division No. 51, organized 1891, meets on the third Monday evening in Odd Fellows' hall. This order has paid a death claim of $3000 for one of its deceased members. Chief Conductor, W. S. Taylor; Secretary, S. C. Cowen.
There is also a local organization of the Order of Railway Trainmen which is active and well sustained.
PATRIOTIC ORDERS.
These next claim our attention among which the place of honor belongs to the Grand Army of the Republic. For ser- vice in the field they have finished their course and fought their last fight; but they have banded together to keep alive the feeling of fraternity among those who shared the hardships of perilous campaigns, to aid the needy and cheer the sorrow- ing, and to promote by their influence and example the senti- ment of loyalty to the best government on earth, for which they fought.
The people of Blair County were excelled by none in their devotion to the flag of the Union in the perilous times that tried men's souls. The sentiments of the following lines by Miss Ida Clarkson Lewis are so eminently true and so fitly expressed, that we gladly make room for them here:
Her rock-ribbed mountains, high and blue,
Are not more strong and not more true,
Than is her love for those who gave Their strong, young life our Land to save, Who heard great Lincoln's call for men, And died in field and prison-pen.
Blair's heroes sleep far, far from home,
Their only epitaph, " UNKNOWN !" But angels bright are sent of God
59
TYRONE OF TO-DAY.
To watch beside their beds of sod.
Long as our mountains pierce the skies- Till God shall bid the dead arise- Ne'er let the work our heroes wrought, By children's children be forgot.
Brave " Boys in Blue," when strife was o'er,
When cannon ceased to flame and roar ;
When God's sweet angel whispered "Peace !"
And caused the noise of war to cease ; With sunburnt face and battle scars, Beneath the dear old Stripes and Stars, Marched homeward to the hills of Blair,
While shouts of welcome filled the air.
These " Boys in Blue," so brave and strong,
Are with us now, but not for long ; For one by one they pass within
The tent that has no "outward swing."
The debt we owe them never can Be paid on earth by mortal man. May He who died a world to save Smile on our heroes, true and brave.
Col. D. M. Jones Post, No. 172, Department of Pennsyl- vania, G. A. R., was mustered in on May 8th, 1880, and has its regular meetings on the second and fourth Saturday even- ings of each month in their rooms in Study Block, 10th street and Pennsylvania avenue. It has had an enrollment of 258, of whom 45 have been removed by death and others from various causes, leaving its present membership 94. The Com- mander of the Post is C. S. W. Jones; Senior V. C., P. H. Meadville; Junior V. C., J. P. Bateman; Adjutant, Martin Burley; Trustees, C. S. W. Jones, J. A. Loudon, H. F. Copelin.
The Women's Relief Corps was established in Tyrone in 1880 and has a membership of 29. It is auxiliary to the G. A. R. and its object is to labor for the benefit of the soldiers of the late war and their orphan children. The meetings of the W. R. C. are on the first and third Tuesdays of each month in G. A. R. hall and its officers are: President, Mrs. M. J. Ewing; Secretary, Mrs. Lizzie Miller; Treasurer, Mrs. Emma Morgan.
The Union Veteran Legion is similar in its objects to the G. A. R., aiming to perpetuate the three great principles of
60
TYRONE OF TO-DAY.
Fraternity, Charity and Patriotism and to promote the in- terests of humanity. Encampment No. 36 has 38 members, the whole number enrolled since organizing being 87. Meet- ings are held on the first Saturday of the month and to its meetings as well as those of the G. A. R., traveling comrades of the respective orders are welcomed. Officers of the U. V. L. are: Colonel, Irvin Delaney; Lt. Col., Joseph Ammerman; Adjutant, Martin Burley; Trustees, James T. Owens, C. H. Traynor, Martin Burley.
The Sons of Veterans are associated for the purpose of assisting the G. A. R. and eventually succeeding them in keeping green the graves of ex-soldiers and perpetuating the principles for which they fought.
Col. James Crowther Camp, No. 89, was instituted in February, 1895. They number about 30 and meet in G. A. R. hall on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 8 p. m. Captain, C. B. Brown; Past Captains, J. L. Beyer, W. E. Hoffman.
The following organizations are very similar in their principles and purposes, their principal object being to main- tain American principles and institutions and to oppose un- American ideas and practices, especially the union of church and state, to defend and promote the American system of public schools, and to foster genuine patriotism.
Washington Camp, No. 327, Patriotic Order Sons of America, was instituted May 28, 1888. It has 94 members and meets in Hiller's hall every Monday evening. Officers: Past President, James A. Doty; President, J. F. Moore; Rec. Secretary, John S. Coulter; Trustees, A. B. Struble, A. S. Myers, J. B. Smith.
Good Will Council Junior Order United American Me- chanics was organized March, 25, 1884, with 67 members. It now numbers 140 and is worth $3,649.33, having paid dur- ing the last term $595 in benefits. The word " Junior " has no relation to the age of the members, having been adopted to distinguish it from an organization bearing a similar name; nor is the word " Mechanic" to be construed literally, but as embracing every occupation. Its meetings are every Thurs-
BLAIR COUNTY BANK BUILDING.'
.
+1.
-. THESE & CO, MAN
FIRST M. E. CHURCH.
61
TYRONE OF TO-DAY.
day evening in Hiller's hall. Its principal officers are: Coun- cillor, Geo. Calderwood; V. C., Lloyd Miller; Secretary, Edward Igou; Financial Secretary, Augustus Harr; Treasurer, W. F. Hiller; Trustees, James Cree, Jerry Snyder, W. S. Meredith.
East Tyrone Council, No. 346, Jr. O. U. A. M., is a little over a year old but has increased from a very small nucleus to 91 members. They meet every Tuesday evening in Goheen's hall. Their Councillor is J. W. Peary; V. C., B. L. Frantz; R. S., Chas. Stonebraker; Financial Sec., D. E. McLucas; Treasurer, J. C. Goheen; Trustees, M. M. Smith, Geo. Miller, J. M. Goheen.
The Daughters of America is an organization auxiliary to the Jr. O. U. A. M. and with similar aims. The following are among its principal officers: Councillor, Wm. Meredith; Assistant C., Rose Hamilton; Vice Councillor, Geo. Calder- wood; Assistant C., Miss Emma Havens; Recording Secretary, Sadie Maffit; Trustees, Wm. Meredith, Ella White, Blanche Hess.
CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS.
The First M. E. church was organized in 1852 and its first house of worship, built in 1853, still stands on the corner of Washington avenue and Twelfth street. The large and elegant sanctuary on Logan avenue, corner of Twelfth street, was built in 1885. The first preacher in Tyrone was Rev. Plum- mer E. Waters. The present pastor is Rev. Horace Lincoln Jacobs, under whom the efficiency of the church has been maintained and its growth promoted. The membership now exceeds 700; the value of property, including the parsonage at 1217 Logan avenue, nearly $30,000. During the last year the church expenses have exceeded $3,000; the Missionary collections from church and Sunday school amounted to $750, besides large amounts contributed for other objects. The Sunday school has an enrolment of 715; Superintendent, F. R. Waring, with four assistants; Secretary, S. I. Housel. The Secretary and Treasurer of the Stewards is J. H. Reiley; Sec- retary of Trustees, C.H.Dieffenbaugh. The Epworth League
62
TYRONE OF TO-DAY.
has 162 members, the president being I. C. M. Ellenberger and secretary May Irvin Berry. Its devotional meetings are held on Sunday at 6.30 p. m. The Junior League numbers 130. Its president is the pastor; vice president, Irvin Stewart; corresponding secretary, Miss Lulu McCans. The church has several flourishing and helpful Women's Societies, which have done much to advance its interests, and it is a great power for good in the community.
Church of the United Brethren in Christ .- The United Brethren in Christ is one of the oldest church organizations in Tyrone. For want of the record the exact date of organization cannot be given. The first church building erected by the society, was dedicated in the spring of 1856. Because of some financial trouble the church was sold in 1858 and re-bought in 1863. It was used for some time during the war as an army barrack, after which it was repaired and used until the spring of 1887, when it was sold and the brick building on Pennsyl- vania avenue was erected and dedicated Nov. 13, 1887. When the new church was built in 1887 the society numbered 90. The present membership (July, 1897, ) is 124. Present church property is valued at $5,500. The church has a Sunday school numbering 135, superintendent, Wm. J. Buck. The church has also a Sr. Christian Endeavor, numbering 39, and a Jr. Christian Endeavor society, numbering about 50, and two active Women's Societies. The present class leader is Sam'l Bennet. Rev. J. L. Leichliter is the earnest and large-hearted pastor.
St. Matthew's Catholic Church .- The first services held for the adherents of the Catholic faith in this region were about 1793, probably in Sinking Valley, when Rev. Demetrius Gallitzin, a Russian prince whose memory is preserved in the name of our neighboring town, traveled these mountains. Of the recent pastors of the flock, the one who by long service is entitled to the highest honor, is Rev. J. C. Farran. His labors extended through 27 years during which the congregation was built up from a very small number to about 500 members, and preparations were made for the present edifice of worship, the ground being broken in 1880, the foundation laid in 1891
63
TYRONE OF TO-DAY.
and the corner stone on June 30, 1895. The church property comprises a whole square, bounded by 11th street, Cameron avenue, 12th street, and the borough line. Here are grouped the rectory, schools, convent and the stately sanctuary, which was dedicated to worship on December 8, 1896, by Bishop Phelan, of Pittsburg. Its position attracts attention from the station and gives at once a pleasing impression of the town, as the most conspicuous building is seen to be so elegant a church. It is built of brick, with corner trimmings of white sandstone, and faces the rising sun. At the corner is a tower 125 feet high, surrounded by four battlements and surmounted by a cross of copper and gold, 8 feet high. A spacious vesti- bule in front is entered by two doors. The dimensions outside are 65 by 108 feet and the auditorium 60 by 80 feet with a middle and two side aisles; the pews and the confessional being of oak. The main altar is Romanesque in style, 32 feet high, and the two side altars each 14 feet high, all elaborately finished. The windows of stained glass are both handsome and imposing and are, most of them, memorials donated by members and friends of the church. This whole structure, built for about $35,000, is a monument to the skill of the architect, S. W. Foulk, of Newcastle, Pa. A peal of three bells in the tower sends out its cheery summons morning, noon and night, to remind our citizens of the claims of higher things than this world's toils and cares. The parochial schools, three in number, are in charge of Sisters of Mercy and have an enrollment of 106. The flourishing condition of St. Mat- thew's church is due in large measure to the diligence and wise management of its priest, Rev. T. W. Rosensteel, whose affable manners have won many friends for himself and the church. It would be unjust, however, not to add that he has many efficient and ardent helpers in his congregation, which com- prises some of our most worthy citizens.
The First Presbyterian Church .- This church was organ- ized April 7, 1857, in the old U. B. building. Services were held previously in the old school house on "Spring " street. Their first house of worship was finished in the same year at a cost of $3500. They were very weak then and the property,
64
TYRONE OF TO-DAY.
largely paid for by friends in the Presbytery, was held by a board of trustees representing that body, the permanency of the newly constituted society being regarded as doubtful. In the early days various members of the church acted as sexton without charge, and for ten years they had but a feeble exist- ence, being ministered to by non-resident pastors. Not until 1867 did the church enjoy the full services of a pastor. Since that time the following ministers have had charge of the church: Rev. J. H. Clark, 3 years; Rev. S. M. Moore, under whom the number increased from 78 to 323, 17 years; Rev. J. R. Davies, 6 years, the membership growing to 503; Rev. H. G. Furbay, 3 years, at the end of which there were 609 mem- bers. In 1896 Rev. A. J. Weisley accepted a call and up- wards of fifty have since been added. The present fine edifice on Logan avenue and 13th street, was built in 1882 and en- larged in 1891. The seats are so arranged that all eyes con- verge towards the pulpit; a gallery extends nearly around the room; the windows are large and ornamental. The lecture room, seating 500, communicates with the audience room so as to form, when desired, one larger auditorium. Adjoining the church is an elegant manse, built in 1894, the whole property being valued at $48,000. The Session is composed of S. S. Blair, who is moderator of the congregation; S. McCamant, S. W. Barr, clerk; J. F. Wilson, C. O. Templeton, J. W. Moore and J. C. Goheen .. The Sunday school has over 50 officers and teachers and enrolls nearly 700 scholars under the superintendency of W. T. Canan. There is a Y. P. S. C. E. of about 120 members, a Junior Society and several Women's Societies. These latter have aided very largely in both the spiritual and financial work of the church, the value of their services being rarely recognized as it should be in churches of every denomination. During the year ending March 31, 1897, the expenditures for all objects was over $6500, more than $1000 of which was for benevolence.
The German Evangelical Lutheran Zion's Church .- The congregation was organized on December 4, 1853, Rev. Henry Baker, of Altoona, being the minister in charge then and for several years following. The first officers were: Jacob
1
FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH,
-
COLUMBIA AVENUE M. E. CHURCH.
65
TYRONE OF TO-DAY.
Straightoof and W. R. Maxwell, elders; Robert Waring and Philip Hoover, deacons. In 1863 Rev. A. R. Height became pastor. In 1865 the present house of worship was erected on Logan avenue, above 12th street. The building committee was Dr. H. A. Roedell and C. Seeger. In 1872 a portion of the members withdrew to form an English speaking church and in that year a charter of incorporation was obtained. The present pastor is Rev. E. A. Born, who resides in Houtzdale and conducts services in Tyrone on alternate Sundays. The officers of the congregation are: Elders, Wilson Heinly and J. M. Seeger; Trustees, C. Seeger, D. Bauer. The value of the church edifice and parsonage, which corners on 13th street, is about $6,500.
The First Lutheran Church .-- It was organized on March 25th, 1872, and had the pastoral services of Rev. J. Kistler until October, 1877. Subsequent pastors have been Rev. J. H. Walterick, 4 years; Rev. H. M. Oberholtzer, 8 years; Rev. A. S. Fichthorn, 4 months, and Rev. F. L. Bergstresser, who began his work with this congregation on June 2, 1892. Since April 1, 1891, the church has been self-sustaining. The church edifice, built of brick with basement and seating 300, was dedicated August 27, 1882. It is too small for the grow- ing congregation and it is probable that next year will witness the erection of an elegant building by this people. The officers of the church are: J. Edgar Kloss, J. H. Albright, Dr. Elmer Crawford, Adam Estricher, John Schirm, A. B. Struble, W. J. McKelvey and T. J. Gates, who with the pastor, constitute the council of the church. The membership is about 275, and the Sunday school numbers 280, having 28 classes under the general superintendency of Mr. J. H. Albright. In 1894 a parsonage was built on Lincoln avenue, No. 1034. The value of the church property is about $12,000.
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.