Gc M. L
974.801
L43h
1265857
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
3 1833 01205 1915
20th CENTURY HISTORY
NEW CASTLE
LAWRENCE COU NTY
PENNSYLVANIA
AND
REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
EDITED AND COMPILED BY
HON. AARON L. HAZEN
NEW CASTLE
History is Philosophy Teaching by Examples'
Cifl Xi ^0 I PUBLISHED BY
I U X i, RICHMOND-ARNOLD PUBLISHING CO.
Geo. Richmond, Pres. C. K. .Arnold, Sec'y and Tr.
CHICAGO, ILL.
1908
12S5357
PREFACE
jHE aim of the publishers of this volume and of the author of
the history has be.en to secure for the historical portion thereof
ill and accurate data respecting the historj' of the county
from the time of its early settlement, and to condense it into
a clear and interesting narrative. All topics and occurrences
have been included that were essential to this object. Although
the original purpose was to limit the narrative to the close, of the year 1907,
it has been found expedient to touch on many matters relating to the current
year, 1908.
It is impossible, to enumerate here all those to whom thanks are due for
assistance rendered and kindly interest taken in this work. "We would, how-
ever, express our obligations to the local press for various courtesies extended,
and to Rev. Robert M. Russell, of Westminster College, to whom we are
indebted for the aiticle on that institution. In the preparation of the his-
tory reference has been made to, and in some cases extracts taken from,
standard historical and other works on the different subjects treated of.
The reviews of resolute and strenuous livas which make up the biograph-
ical part of this volume, and whose authorship is for the most part inde-
pendent of that of the history, are admirably calculated to foster local ties,
to inculcate patriotism, and to emphasize the rewards of industry dominated
by intelligent purpose. They constitute a most appropriate medium for
perpetuating personal annals, and will be of incalculable value to the de-
scendants of those commemorated. These sketches, replete with stirring
incidents and intense experiences, are flavored with a strong human interest
that will naturally prove to a large portion of the readers of the l)Ook its
most attractive feature. In the aggregate of personal memoirs thus collated
will be found a vivid epitome of the growth of Lawrence County, which
will fitly supplement the historical statement, for its development is identified
with that of the men and women to whom it is attributable.
The publLshers have endeavored to pa.ss over no feature of the work
.slightingly, but to fittingly supplement the editor's labors by exercising care
over the minutest details of publication, and thus give to the volume the
6 PREFACE
three-fold value of a readable, nan-ative, a useful work of reference, and a
tasteful ornament to the library. We believe the result has justified the
care, thus exercised.
Special prominence has been given to the portraits of representative citi-
zens which appear throughout the volume, and we believe that they will prove
not its least interesting feature. We have sought in this department to
illustrate the different spheres of industrial and professional achievement
as conspicuously as possible. To all those who have kindly interested them-
selves in the preparation of this work, and who have voluntarily contributed
most useful information, or rendered other a.ssi.*tance, we hereby tender our
grateful acknowledgments.
THE PUBLISHERS.
Chicago, October, 1908.
NOTE
All the biographical sketches published in this volume were sub-
mitted to their respective subjects or to the subscribers, from whom
the facts were primarily obtained, for their approval or correction
before going to press; and a reasonable time was allowed in each case
for the return of the typewritten copies. Alost of them were returned
to us within the time allotted, or before the work was printed, after
being corrected or revised: and these may be regarded therefore as
reasonably accurate.
A few, however, were not returned to us; and, as we have no
means of knowing whether the}- contain errors or not, we cannot
vouch for their accuracy. In justice to our readers, and to render
this work more valuable for reference purposes, we have indicated
these uncorrected sketches by a small asterisk (*), placed imme
diately after the name of the subject. They will all be found on
the last pages of the book.
THE PUBLISHERS.
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I.
Topography and Geology 21
Topographical — Geological — A Geological Section— Serai Conglomerate Sandstone — Coal — Petroleum.
CHAPTER n.
IxDiAX Nations 27
Ancient Traditions — French Missions — First English Explorers — The Moravians.
CHAPTER HI.
Settlement and Organization of Lawrence County 30
Its Original Geography — Land Warrants and Land Companies — Early Settlements — Early Customs —
Organizations of the County — Location Wrangle — Population — First Election — County Officials — First
Courts — Original Townships — Agricultural.
CHAPTER IV.
Transportation 4.5
Early Roads — New Castle and Wilmington Plank Road — Canal Traffic — Steamboats — Steam Railroads —
Street Railway System.
CHAPTER V.
New Castle — The Village and Borough 50
Indian Proprietors — First White Settlers — Wild Game — Early Merchants and Millers — First Death — Early
Justices — First Postoffices — Early Churches — Gillespie's Addition — New Castle in 1813 — Early Bridges —
Amusements — Pioneer Costume — New Castle Made a Borough — The Town Re-surveyed — Some Notable
Improvements — First Fire Company — New Castle in 1840 — First Steps Toward Banking — The New
County — First, Courts — Court-House — New Military Companies — Exports in IS.'iS — Hard Times in 1855 —
Description of New Castle in 185S — Burgesses ot West New Castle.
CHAPTER VI.
New Castle — The City 86
New Castle Becomes a City — Mayors of New Castle — City Hall — Officers — City Council — Board of Edu-
cation — Postmasters — Fire Department — Fire Police — City Police Department — Water-works — New Castle
Gas Compan)- — Neshannock Railroad, Coal and Ore Company — Telephone Systems — Opera House — Cas-
cade Park — Nurseries and Greenhouses — New Castle Niirsery — Cemeteries — Greenwood Cemetery — •
Private Burial Grounds — Catholic Cemeteries — Fraternal Orders — Almira Home — Shenango Valley Hos-
pital — Franciscan Hospital — Holy Family Children's Home — Croton — M. E. Church — Free-will Baptist
Church — Area and Additions — Situation — Growth of New Castle.
CHAPTER VIL
Manufacturers 113
Grist and Saw Mills — Distilleries and Breweries— Tanneries — Hat ^Manufacture — Linseed Oil — Carding
Works, etc. — Shenango Iron Works — Aetna Iron Works — Bradley, Reis & Co. — New Castle Manufac-
turing Co. — Neshannock Iron Co. — Crowther Iron Co. — Elliott-Blair Steel Co. — American Sheet and
Tin Plate Co. — Pennsylvania Engineering Works — Foundries, Machine Shops, etc. — Lawrence Foundry
and Machine Shop — New Castle Agricultural Works — New Castle Stamping Co. — Standard Wire Co. —
New Castle Forge & Bolt Co. — American Car and Ship Hardware ^lanufacturing Co. — Frank C. Douds
& Co. — New Castle Asphalt Block Co. — New Castle Ice & Storage Co. — Carriage and Wa.gon Manu-
factune — Furniture — Woolen Manufacture — Paper — Planing Mills — New Castle Box Co. — Gailey
Fiber Plaster Co.— New Castle Elastic Pulp Plaster Co.— Glass Manufacture— Pottery— Shenango Pot-
tery Co. — Universal Sanitary "Manufacturing Co. — New Castle Portland Cement Co. — Other Incorporated
Companies, etc.
10 CONTENTS
CHAPTER VIII.
Banks and Banking 136
First Bank in New Castle — National Bank of Lawrence County — First National Bank of New Castle-
People's Savings Bank — Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank — Citizens' National Bank — The Lawrence Sav-
ings and Trust Company — Home Trust Company — Union National Bank — New Castle Savings and
Trust Co.
CH.\PTER IX.
The Press 142
Newspapers and Editors of the Past and of the Present.
CHAPTER X.
Lawrence County Bench and Bar 148
Early Courts — Famous Judges — Leading Lawyers.
CHAPTER XI.
The Medical Profession 163
Prominent Physicians of the Past and of the Present.
CHAPTER XII.
Education 181
Public and Parochial Schools — Growth and Present Efficiency — Early Educators — Results Accomplished.
CHAPTER XIII.
Military History 192
The Territory and County in Five Wars.
CHAPTER XIV.
Religious Development 205
First Churches and Pioneer Clergy — General History of Religious Organizations — Churches and Clergy
of Today.
CHAPTER XV.
Townships and Towns 227
Big Beaver — Little Beaver — Hickory — Mahoning — Neshannock — North Beaver — Perry — Plaingrove —
Pulaski — Scott — Shenango — Slippery Rock — Taylor— Union — Washington — Wajme — Wilmington.
REPRESENTATIVE MEN.
INDEX
PAGE
Agnew, Daniel 149
Agnew, William E 587
Aiken, Isaiah H 951
Aiken, Robert K 920
Aiken, William L 416
Ailey, Clyde V 830
Akens, C. H 429
Alborn, Charles F 397
Alborn, Frank 'E 397
Alborn, Henry W 418
Aley, Robert H 562
Allison, William M 978
Amsbury, Don. H 969
Anderson, Isaac S 692
Anderson, John 1013
Andrews, Dr. A 164
Andrews, Charles H 716
Andrzejewski, 'Rev. John.... 620
Armstrong, John 610
Atkinson, Robert S 921
Anbel, William H 569
Ayers, Edwin L 493
Baer, E. N 158
Baird, Andrew 398
Baird, Thomas W 684
Baldwin, Laf avette 804
Baldwin, Samuel R 518
Baldwin. Hon. Samuel R 595
Barker, Dr. E. M 165
Barnes, Edward, M. D 172
Barnes, William 556
Barr, Herbert E., M. D 958
Bartle, John 600
Bauder, William 522
Beatty, Almatrim 940
Beck, Jacob J 936
Beck, William F 606
Becker, William 456
Beer, Frederick G 970
Beisel, Benjamin 998
Best. Melvin G 752
Biddle, J. Walter 617
Biglev, Edmund E 578
Bittles, E. E 943
Bittner, John H 158
Black, Luther A 681
Blackstone, Frank A 158
Blackwood. James M., M. D. 176
Blackwood, Thomas J., M. D. 721
Blair, F. C 699
Blair, John A.. M. D 166
Blair. Robert 'R 486
BIOGRAPHICAL
PAGE
Blank, Charles H 670
Blatt, Hon. Henry S 456
Bleakley, Matthew W 626
Blevins, John C 401
Blocher, Paul Weirman 888
Blucher, Jere 434
Boak, R. G., M. D 168
Bockius, W. M 564
Boggs, Jacob R 596
Book, Alva F 665
Book, Frank G 972
Boyd, Wilson M 577
Brabv, William Henrv 998
Braden. Josiah 981
Bradley, Oscar Evans, D. O.. 765
Breckenridge, Robert S 158
Bredin, John 148
Brest. John Parker 851
Brest, Scott Stanley 643
Bright, Albert Renfrew 529
Bright. John M 884
Eritton, Samuel J. M. D 168
Broadbent. Brooks 558
Brock, Richard E 841
Bronson, John 661
Brown, Dawson A 927
Brown. George D 534
Brown, John C 938
Brown, Richard T 754
Brown, Hon. William M 421
Brownlee, John H 868
Brua, John P 758
Bruce. John M 529
Brugh. Dr. E 165
Buchanan, John 867
Buchanan, L. M ... 983
Buchanan. Samuel M 902
Burgess. H. W 1002
Burns, William T 15S
Buser, Ferdinand 732
Butler, Joseph R 571
Bvers. Lawrence 944
Byler, Rev. Joseph K 966
Cain. Edward J 992
Calderwood, William E 721
Callahan. S. James 528
Campbell, Howard E., M. D.. 166
Campbell, John Dodds 741
Campbell, Ralph M 666
Campbell, Walter L., M. D.. 173
Campbell, Prof. W. W., A. B. 436
Campbell, Willis L 856
Campbell. Wvatt R 960
Canevin, Rt. Rev. John F. R. s03
Carlisle, Thomas J 640
Carter. Newton B 1006
Cearfoss, Nelson A 700
Challis. Joseph S3s
Chambers, Alexander i::2
Chambers Qiarles S r.BS
Chambers. Harry B 6i:i
Chambers, James A ()65
Chamliers. Thomas H 1009
Chapin. Frank B 9S0
Christie. Silas U 4i)6
Clark, Mrs. Jane A 522
Clark, Robert S 504
Clark, William A.. Jr., INl. D. 952
Clark, William R 653
Cleveland, E. E 780
Coates, H. G 558
Cobler, John G 639
Cochran, David H 790
Cochran, Francis Wilson.... 451
Cochran, George Arnold.... 984
Cochran, James 476
Cole, Andrew C 870
Cole. William H 883
Collins. Thomas F., M. D... 173
Conn, John H 863
Connellv, Edward F 580
Cook, Albert M., M. D 168
Cook, Renwick 408
Cooper, Edwin S., M. D.... 415
Cooper, Joseph L., M. D 1004
Cos,grove, William 816
Cossitt, Dr. Tames A 164
Cotton, William 433"
Cover, B. W 534
Cover. Edward K 601
Covert, John W.. M. D.... 173
Cowden, Dr. A. W 163
Cowden, Dr. Isaac 164
Cowden. Joseph P 475
Cox, John Douglas 470
Cox. J. R., M. D 174
Cox, John W 414
Cox. Lewis C 511
Cox, Scott 624
Cox. William 509
Crabill, William H 662
Craig. Joseph 538
Craisr. Percv L 614
Crawford, Edwin W 649
Crawford, Louis N 911
12
INDEX
PAGE
Crawford. Samuel W OS-
Crawford, William H 963
Cubbison, W. Wesley 4S0
Cukerbraum. Morris L 972
Cnmmings, John W 963
Cunningham, Benjamin W... 834
Cunningham, Dr. D 166
Cunningham, Capt. J. V.... 511
Cunningham, Oliver P 742
Cunningham, R. S S93
Curry, John M 867
Dambach, George W 637
Dana, Richard F 159
Dana, Samuel W 16S
Davidson, John W 990
Davidson, Tohn Watson 934
Davidson, Robert J 931
Davidson, Samuel S., M. D.. 690
Davidson, William Wilson.. 789
Davis, Charles W.. M. D... 854
Davis, Francis ]M 650
Davis, Harry H.. M. D 178
Davis, Robert 579
Davison, John 783
Dean. George 464
Dean, Mollis G.. M. D 172
Dean. Jesse R.. M. D 172
De Mita, Rev. Nicholas 565
De Xormandie. John A 619
Devennv. F. C 533
Dice, Rev. John S 695
Dickey, Thomas F 1010
Dickson, Joseph, Sr 795
Dietterle, Andrew 579
Dinsmore, Edwin H 953
Dinsmore. Samuel Stewart... 794
Dombaugh. Charles 594
Donaldson, John W 974
Donnan, Edmund A.. M. D.. 171
Doolev. Rev. Patrick .Movsius 714
Douglas. Elmer E 629
Douglass, Samuel John 609
Douglas. W. Lawrence 983
Doughertv. William T 460
Douthitt. Frank H 994
Duff. Clarence M 861
Duff. David G 839
Duff, William J 388
Dungan. Emmet W 801
Dungan, Horace R 455
Dugan, Thomas 853
Dunlap, Hamilton R 592
Dunn, Terrv J 8.34
Dunn. William G 904
Dunnan, John 425
DuShanc, J. Smith 1 58
Eakin, D. V 570
F.akin. William A 599
Eckert. Theo William 500
Eckles. W. George S24
Eckman. H. Boyd 415
Eccr. Rev. Francis Joseph... 543
Elder. Joseph B 668
Elliott. "Noah W 820
Elliott. Thomas C 520
Ellis, James E 709
Elhvood Lumber Co., The 655
Elwee, William. Jr., 160
Emery, Lyle G 492
Emerv, Samuel P 431
Emery, Wallace S 793
Emerv, William E 403
English, J. M 979
Euwer, Harry G 750
Euwer's, J. N., Sons' Sons... 750
Evans and Williams 533
Evans, D. E., M. D 532
Evans, John 668
Evans. Joseph P 762
Ewer. J. Alvin 159
Failor. Andrew 946
Falls, Thomas W 973
Falls, Wallace H 159
Felton, Francis 933
Fenton, C. W 696
Ferguson, Rev. R. G., LL.D. 384
Ferree, Daniel W 584
Fisher, George W 701
Fisher, Jacob 928
Fisher, Robert R. R 408
FoltE, Samuel 384
Foreman, James S 478
Foster. John, M. D 169
Fox. James Walker 883
Franche, Rev. Nicholas J.... 971
Fredrick, Jacob 855
French, H. G 722
Frey, Albert C 993
Fulkerson, J. G 555
Fullerton, Charles Dale 630
Fullerton, Milton 967
Fullerton, William .\ 469
Fullerton, Willis L 979
Gageby, Lenora H.. M. D... 169
Gahring, Leonard 956
.Gahring. William .A. 957
Gailev, J. A 679
Gailev, John W 959
Gallagher, Rev. Joseph 441
Gardner, Archie W 158
Gardner, James A 400
Gardner, James A Sin
Gaston, John Somerville 871
Gaston, L. P 670
Gealv, Barnev T 1002
Gebliart, William T 774
Gelbach, John A 895
George, James A 893
Gibson, .\bner W 551
Gibson, Charles H 402
Gibson, Clyde 848
Gibson, G. M 540
Gibson, George V 957
Gibson, G. Warren 572
Gibson, James M 758
Gib.son, John A 407
Gimilan, Justus C 1.59
Gilliland, Robert 159
Gilmore. William 554
Gilmore, William T 493
PAGE
Gilmore, Wylie Lee 805
Gleason, J. T 949
Glover, Carmi L 1001
Gormlev, Robert 752
Graham, A. Martin 959
Graham, Benjamin 679^
Graham. Robert 501
Green, O. H. P 9S2
Greer, David R 779
Greer, George 988
Greer. Josiah 901
Gregorv, Harrv Knight 157
Griffiths, J. J..., 6S1
Grigsbv. H. Worthington. . . 159
Gross, 'Charles H 913
Grove, Leech A 159
Grove. W. H 946
Guthrie, William G 606
Guv, Franklin Wheeler, M. D. 724
Guy. Henry S 659
Guv, Henrv Wallace 628
Guv, Philip N 625
Gwin. .\lbert T 969
Gwin, Qiarles N 971
Gwin, Edwin A 837
Hagertv. J. R 440
Haggertv, Robert 426
Haggartv, Robert J 399
Haid. Augustine 1000
Hainer. Hon. M. Louis 811
Haines, John F 735
Hamill, Wiliam Brown 840
Hamilton, David 1007
Hannon, Joseph 472
Harper, Edwin F. G 159
Harris, David R.. M. D.... 170
Harris, William H 863
Hartsuff, O. J. H 931
Haus. William C 159
Hawthorne, Alexander 879
Hawthorne. Louis Halle 860
Haves, David Clark 924
Haves, James 923
HaVes. Tohn W 922
Haves. Samuel B 1004
HaVes. Willis Clark 981
Hazen. Hon. Aaron Lvle.... 377
Hazen. Aaron N 702
Hazen. Enoch J 732
Hazen. Tohn B 894
Hazen. Rov W 159
Heaslev. Benjamin 513
Heldman. Joseph 380
Henlev. George S83
Hennon, A. P 926
Hennon. George Egner 683
Hennon. Joseph S 908
Hennon. William Cicero 667
Hess. Freeman R 717
Hettenbaugh, John L 391
Hieber. Daniel B 9.55
Hilbert. H. G 618
Hill. Frank S 1.59
Hill. Samuel B 1014
Hoagland, Charles Gearitig. . 692
Hofmeister. Simon 788
INDEX
FAOE
Holland, J. A 673
Holt, Enoch T. R 675
Hoopengardner. Andrew H . . 968
Hoover, Frank L. A 159
Hope, Adam M 512
Hope, John 947
Hope, Robert M 760
Hopper. William Henrv 041
Honk, D. W 963
Honk, Elisha 885
Houk, Esli N 441
Honk, John C 460
Houk, William H 1012
Houston, James C 741
Houston, William 421
Hove, John C, M. D 167
Hoyland, Albert A 774
Hughes, Lyman C 956
Hugus, W. K 748
Hull, Charles E 503
Humphrey, Joseph William.. 037
Hunt, C.'B., M. D 435
Hunter, Matthew 676
Hutchinson, Frank H S02
Hutchinson, John 842
Hyde, Alfred C 564
Igoe, James J 160
Inboden, Michael 890
Inboden, William 666
Iseman. Charles M., M. D... 775
Jack, Anna M.. M. D 171
Jackson. A. M 447
Jackson, D. P., M. D 169
Jackson, Edwin D.. M. D... 177
Jackson, John C. Fremont.. 496
Jackson, Oscar L 160
Jacobson, Christian 632
Jameson, David 160
Jamison, John S 868
Jamison, Rov M 160
Jenkins, William T 961
Johnston, Cecil C 544
Johnston, Fred C 869
Johnston. Samuel Delbert.... 804
Jones, .\rch M 636
Kanne. George H 730
Karilier. J. C. F 673
Keagv, H. W 625
Keast. David M 160
Keith, Jacob Correll 845
Kellv, Michael V 8.54
Kelso, George K 789
Kelso, Matthew D 691
Kelso, William P 531
Kemm, Edward J 468
Kepler, George L 618
Kern, William A 839
Kerr, A. E 783
Ketterer, George 1008
Kifer, Lewis P 782
Kildoo, Scott 495
King, James R 760
Kirker. J. N 570
Kirkham. Charles L., D. O... 179
PACK
Kirkham, John 848
Kirk, William James 731
Kissinger, Walter C. M. D.. 167
Knoll, Louis P., M. D 171
Knox, Alexander G 996
Knox, James William 644
Kuhn, Joseph H 787
Kurtz, Davis B 160
Kurtz, Edward T 160
Kurtz, Lewis T 160
Kyle, Samuel D 767
Lakev, Wilmont 653
Lamb, Edwin E., M. D 178
Lamb, John B 551
Lamoree, George W 863
Leasure, Dr. Daniel 165
Lee, Charles H., M. D 170
Lee, William H., M. D 170
Leech, James B 875
Lahman, William M 570
Lentz, Rev. A. P 748
Leonhardt, Henry "44
Leslie, Clarence V 767
Leslie, John N 766
Leslie, Robert M 436
Leslie, William V 974
Liebendorfer, James Cam 586
Lindlev, Don C, M. D 171
Linville, Montgomery, M. D.1003
Locke, Rev. David M 747
Lockhart, Guv Lerov 995
Lockhart, John P 840
Long. Scott D 484
Louer. John 687
Love. .\. S 537
Love. Thomas 826
Lusk. Hon. Harry J 954
Lusk. William A 638
Lutton. Joseph R.. M. D 166
Mc.\nlis. Hon. James 553
Mc.\nlis. Thomas 643
McAnlis. William Wallace... 698
McBride. George C 663
McBride. James H 635
McBride. Rov L 635
Mc'Carthy, Michael D 862
McCaslin, Dr. Annie 179
McCaslin, John S 798
McCaslin, Wvlie 638
McChesney. Robert Wilkinson 674
McClaren, Alexander 603
McClelland, David 423
McClelland. John L 160
McClure, Joseph H 545
McClvmonds. John Weller... 505
McComb, Edwin C, M. D... 167
McComb, Col. Robert B.... 390
McComb, Walker F 547
McCommon, Thomas 913
McConah}', John G 160
McConahv, William 767
McConaghy. William G 639
McConahv, Zenas W 467
McConnell. James 925
McConnell. Malcolm 160
PAGE
McConnell, Philip 837
McConnell, Capt. Thomas.... 934
McCowin, Albert 471
McCowin, James Allen 633
McCown, Daniel L 653
McCracken, Robert W 815
McCracken. S. L 897
McCreary, John 1005
McCrearv, Samuel 997
McCrearv, S, Clark 525
McCrear'v, S. E., M. D 169
McCuUough, William W.... 540
McCune, Samuel R. W., M. D. 168
McCurlev, John F 588
McDowell, C. Fenwick, M. D. 171
McElwain, William 937
McFarland, Edwin 439
McFarlane, Joseph P 623
McGarv, George W 514
McGeoVgc, Charles S., M. D. 991
McGonigle, John .\ 656
McGuffin. Lawrence L 149
McKean, William A 902
McKee. John A 424
McKee. Dr. John C 166
McKee. Joseph L. -\1. D 169
McKee. Robert 860
McKim. Frank C 806
McKim, John G 806
McKim, William James T40
McKinley, Rufus C 160
McKinnev. John Charles 639
T^IcLaren." Uriah C 382
McLaughrev. Elizabeth. AL D. 171
McMichael.'Hon. John 160
McMillin. Tames A 394
^IcXabb, R. L 561
^IcXeill. Evan 947
McOuiston. David E 887
McOuiston, Philip 688
McWilliams. J. Edwin 906
McWilliams. Joseph S 443
Maher. Rev. Patrick E 491
Main. John S 611
Maitland, Perry 649
Major. Frank Peirce 566
^'larburger. Lewis 683
Market, John 950
Marquis. Capt. ?iIilton S 451
Marshall. David Morton .593
Marshall. Ner 768
Martin. Charles A 473
Martin. Charles G 952
iMartin. Cvrus L 709
Martin. George 583
Martin. George Alonzo 965
A'Iart:n, George E 919
Martin. Harvey E 160
Martin. James M 935
Martin, Hon. J. Norman.... 736
Alartin, John S 610
Martin, John William 588
Martin, William H 673
Martin, William H 938
Mathenv. Jordan Nve 813
Matthews, Charles 409
Mavberrv, Samuel W 605
INDEX
PAGE
Mayberry, William D 592
Mavne, Charles B 6S9
Me'alv, George N., M. D 999
Meha'rd. Charles E 640
Mehard, George H., M. D... 706
Mehard, Dr. Thomas 166
Mehard, William M T05
Mershimer, Elmer Adam 510
Mershimer, Jonathan H 604
Miles. Robert G., M. D 167
Milholland, C. H 953
Miller, Charles D 645
:MiIler, John H 990
Miller, John R 602
Miller, Lee W 975
Miller, M. E 989
Miller, Robert J 645
Aliller, Mrs. Sarah J 577
Miller, Waher E., M. D 656
Miller, William B Sll
Miller, William G., M. D... 169
Miller, William Ord 715
Miller, William S 417
Milliken, Isaac F 753
Mitchell, John F 936
Mitchell, Samuel W 564
Moeschberger, Frank 679
Moffatt, William J 495
Montgomery, John 907
Moore, Jesse D., M. D 173
Moore, W. S 1009
Morehead, Hugh H 554
Morehead, Thomas F 554
Morgan, George C 160
Morgan, Glynn 627
Morgan, John L 160
Morgan, Thomas B 160
Mornes, Arthur D ,. . 919
Morris, David S 467
Morrow, Frank George 563
Mulcahy, David J 7S4
Munnell, Howard 978
Musser, John A 953
Myers, John B 937
Myers, Thomas 919
Neal. Alexander 628
Neal. James 474
Nesbit. James 472
Nesbitt, Robert H 975
Newell, A. D 833
Newton, Andrew J 886
Newton, Isaac 499
Newton, James H 725
Norris, Elmer P., M. D 586
Norris, James C 161
Norris, Judson C 726
Norwood, John Davidson.... 491
Ofifutt. John C 450
Ohl, Edwin N 831
O'Shea, Rev. Florence F 488
Ostermeier, John W 617
Oursler, John S 614
Paden, Alonzo S 448
Paden. James 381
Paland, Henry A 787
Palmer, Harvev Lyons 738
Parker. John 1013
Parshall, William 393
Patterson, Frank G 494
Patterson, George D 478
Patterson, William 375
Patterson, WiUiam E 939
Patterson, William W 972
Pattison, Watson W 783
Patton, Robert 718
Patton, William Edgar 733
Patton, William H 574
Pearson, Joseph Kissick 546
Pearson, Samuel De Graff.. 623
Peebles, Dr. H. P 166
Peebles, Dr. J. H. M 165
Peebles, Robert 696
Peebles, Thomas 914
Permar, George M 486
Perry, E, Hunter, M. D.... 170
Perry, S. W., M. D 940
Perschke, Ernest F 948
Pfeil, Casper 710
Phillips, Charles A 1010
Phillips, Elliott H 651
Phillips, Hon. Elmer 1 485
Phillips, Lewis O., M. D 170
Phillips, Wilson Hull 691
Pitts, John F 729
Pitzer, John D 665
Piatt, Lawrence W 572
Pollock, James K., M. D.... 173
Pontius, John M 388
Popino, Dr. Seth 164
Popp, James M., M. D 172
Poppino, Mrs. Mary E 611
Porter, A. L 161
Porter, Joseph S 939
Porter, Hon. William Ellis.. 480
Powell, Benjamin 644
Preisel, Louis 941
Prescott. John 392
Price, Campbell V. 846
Price, William E 911
Pyle, David S 499
Rager, Charles Lester 619
Randolph, Lawrence S 697
Rane3% James A 710
Raney, Robert A 757
Rankin. Alexander 703
Reed, Charles A.. M. D.... 405
Reed, George B 646
Reed, James E 958
Reed, James H 429
Reed, Silas 431
Reeher, Daniel P 1002
Reeher. Oresta L 1002
Reel. John E 741
Reinholdt, Dr. J. B 164
Reno. Ellis C 896
Repman. Levi 716
Revnolds, A. W 603
Revnolds, Harrv H 684
Reynolds. Hon. W. S 158
Rhodes, James W 158
PAGE
Rhodes. Joseph, M. D 178
^Rice, Joseph S 987
•Riddle, John 830
-Riddle, John N 750
Riddle, Myron 864
kiddle, Overington 1 794
_Riddle, Samuel L 743
Rigbv, Charles C 781
Rigby, Seth 878
Riley, Dr. C. K 1.66
Riley, Matthew Albert 713
Ripple, James 430
Robel, Jacob H 833
Roberts, David 462
Roberts, John 470
Robertson, Andrew Kenman. 631
Robingson, Charles C 834
Robinson, James 680
Robinson, Henry M 519
Robinson, Dr. M. P 166
Robison, James Presley 977
Robison, William H..'. 407
Roelofs, Samuel A 905
Rogers, Charles E 443
Rogers, Elmer D., D. O 179
Rogers, Norman N 922
Rose, Otis L 448
Ross, Benjamin Franklin 751
Ross, Bert J 566
Ross. M. Luther, M. D 168
Rowland, Francis A 674
Runyon, Charles 890
Russell, Alexander 520
Russell, John Hunter 089
Russell, Rev. R. McW., D. D 394
Sage, Sylvester 479
Sample, Luther H 917
Sankey, Brant E.. M. D 546
Sankey, H. R 526
Sankey, S. Henderson 6S4
Saviers, Ralph R 985
Scanlon, M. J 912
Scheidemantle, Ferdinand.... 861
Scott, William James 997
Sechler, Abraham 389
Seiler, Guy E..., 855
Shaffer, James W 557
Shaffer, John H 383
Shaffer. Mathias 1006
Shannon. William A., M. D.. 178
Sharp, Rev. Joseph V 491
Sheehy, John Y 1007
Sheh3', John W 955
Sherer, Robert M 537
Sheriff, Joseph P 543
Shields, Robert 793
Shimp, John Wesley 715
Shipler, W. H....'. 476
Shoaff, Paris, M. D 166
Showers, John E 846
Shurlock, William T 942
Sieg. A. G 425
Simon, Myron M 731
Sipe, Harvey William 484
Slemmons, Samuel Dayton . . 759
Smiley, Benjamin C 879
INDEX
PAGK
Smiley, William 829
Smith, Calvin 513
Smith, I. L 869
Smith, James F 636
Smith, James M 957
Smith, Jesse M 976
Smith, Ross 669
Smith, Dr. W. D 166
Smith, Dr. William 164
Smith, 'William L., M. D.... 178
Snare. John W 591
Snyder, C. L 635
Somers, J. L 965
Speer, Robert SS9
Spencer. Andrew B 967
Spencer, Whitney B 410
Spencer, Wilbur W 561
Stapf, Charles 873
Steen, William L., M. D 701
Stevenson, Edwin Stanton . . . 55:2
Stevenson. J. A 796
Stevenson. James Campbell.. 612
Stevenson, James W 806
Stevenson, Hon. Silas, M. D. 822
Stevenson, Thomas D 487
Stevenson, William W 986
Stewart, .Mvin M 876
Stewart, James Henrv 810
Stewart, W. R ". 773
Stickle. Samuel C 432
Stiefel. Ralph C 823
Stoner. J. C 762
Stoner. Robert 771
Strealy. Bert 848
Strohecker, George 841
Swisher, Eugenio K 949
Swisher, Francis Marion.... 463
Swisher, Thomas M 1015
Swogger. Uavid VV 443
Syling, David 798
Syling, Jesse t! 796
Taggart, James T 932
Taggart. lohn Smith 381
Tavlor, Rev. Wm. M., D. D. 463
Taylor, W. S 975
Terrill, Charles S 423
Tliomas. B. J 927
Thompson, Alfred H 847
Thompson, Howard J 758
Thompson, J. L 847
Thompson, Robert A 776
Thompson, William Richard. 707
Thomson. David C 5S5
Tillia. William G 439
Tindall, Zachariah 885
PAGE
Todd, Hon. Robert A 771
Todd, William S 401
Toner, Mark F., M. D 167
Trainor, Charles E., M. D... 947
Treser, .\dam 422
Trunk, Kasper N 821
Tucker, John D., M. D 170
Tucker, John H 995
Twentier, Alexander 632
Uber, L. M 914
Uber, William J 158
Underwood, Edwin M 945
Urev, Frank Forrest, M. D. . . 708
Urmson, Allan W., M. D.... 168
Vance, Norman G 926
Van Fleet, George W 821
Van Gorder, Jacob Evans... 772
Van Gorder, James A 444
Van Gorder, Joseph 888
Vanhorn. George H 714
Veazey, Rev. John H 945
Wagner, John E. F 802
Walker, John Y 803
Walker, Joseph A. B 461
Wallace, Chester W 158
Wallace, James G 619
Wallace, J. Clifford 856
Wallace, James J., M. D 174
Wallace, Dr. J. M 165
Wallace, J. W., M. D 174
Wallace, M. Louis 788
Wallace. Robert 461
Wallace, Robert A., M. D... 174
Wallace, Dr. R. D 165
Wallace. Robert L 509
Wallace. Hon. Wm. D 413
Wallace, William H 619
Walter. Joseph T 539
Walton. William D 417
Ward. Robert Bennett 903
Warner, Samuel, M. D 173
Watson, James M 604
Watson. Philip J 660
Wehman, Charles 548
Weingartner, Fred H 547
Weingartner, Hon. George T. 506
Weinschenk, E. P 765
Weinschenk, William Henry. 722
Wellhausen. Henry 970
Welsch. J. Abraham 650
Weltner. Bernhard 761
Whan. Robert H 993
Whippo, James 530
PAGE
Whistler, Charles Elliott 790
White, Ellis 994
White, H. L 913
White, Joseph S 1010
White, R. C. G 501
White, Samuel A 809
Whiting, Lawrence 392
Whiting, William 796
Wilkinson, John Wesley 502
Wilkins, H. B 981
Wilkison, Hamilton A 653
Williams, J. Frank 587
Williams, Chalmers W 699
Williams, T. V, M. D 532
Wilson, C. C 596
Wilson, Frank L 1001
Wilson, Henry R., M. D 167
Wilson, Joseph Clark 483
Wilson, George Harvev 877
Wilson, John M ". 933
Wilson. Dr. Loyal W 853
Wilson, Wilson G., M. D.... 173
Winternitz, Benjamin A 158
Winternitz, L A., M. D 166
Withers, Robert T 753
Witherspoon. Samuel Dobbins 775
Witherspoon, Thomas D.... 934
Wolf. Milton J 669
Wood, James S 477
Wood, John D., M. D 169
Woods, A. W 9'62
Woods, Dr. John 166
Woods, John B 517
Woods, Dr. William 164
Womer, William A.. ]\I. D.. 172
Workley, E. P 377
Wright, David 783
Wright, Dell R .574
Wright, J. Alexander 985
Wright, John 921
Yoho, .\lberf E 773
Yoho, Edward James 897
Yoho, Eli E 918
Yoho. John W 654
Yoho, William W 579
Young, Charles H 797
Young, Floyd 718
Young, George Sherman.... 599
Young. James S 725
Young. John F 859
Young, Robert M 943
Young, Thomas S 898
Zerner, H. Elmore, M. D... 179
Zimmerman, H. E., M. D 177
INDEX OF VIEWS
PAGE
Almira Home. New Castle 105
Bethel Church, North Beaver Township 139
Carnegie Steel Company 123
Cat Rocks, Cascade Park, New Castle 197
Center U. P. Church, Shenango Townsliip 361
Central Public School, Ellwood City 335
Circle School, Ellwood City 297
City Building, New Castle 84
County Jail, New Castle 67
Court House, New Castle 67
Dambach Bros.' Building, Ellwood City 335
Dancing Pavilion, Cascade Park, New Castle 197
Entrance to Cascade Park, New Castle 197
First Baptist Church. New Castle 215
First Christian Church, New Castle 215
First M. E. Church, New Castle 215
First Presbyterian Church, Ellwood City 297
First Presbyterian Church, New Castle 215
Floral Bridge, Cascade Park, New Castle 197
Highland Avenue School, New Castle 155
High School, New Castle 105
Home Street School, New Castle 155
Hotel Lawrence, Ellwood City 297
Interurban Bridge, Ellwood City 335
Lawrence Savings & Trust Co. Building, New Castle 139
Masonic Temple. New Castle 105
Neshannock Presbyterian Church. Ww Wilmington 261
Park .\venue Engine House. New Castle- 95
Pearson Street School, "Central," New Castle 155
Pennsylvania Engineering Works 123
Post Office. New Castle 67
Ray Street Engine House, New Castle 95
Residences —
Book, Alva, Residence of 664
Brown, William M., Residence of 37
Carlisle, Thomas J., Residence of 641
Cosgrove, William, Residence and Farm Build-
ings of 817
Gibson, Mrs. George B.. Residence of 95
Graham, Benjamin, Residence of 67s
Greer, George, Residence of 95
PAGE
Henderson, M, H.. Residence of 37
Hennon, Joseph S.. Residence and Farm Build-
ings of 909
Hutchinson, John, Residence of 843
Johnson, George W., Residence of 37
Lamoree, George W., Residence of 37
McBride, James H., Residence of 634
McBride, Roy L.," Residence of 633
Ohl, E. N., Residence of 37
Patton, William H.. Residence of 575
Patton, Mrs. Margaret J., Residence of 719
Phillips, Hon. Thomas W., Residence of 105
Rankin, George, Residence of 703
Riddle, Myron O., Residence of 865
Stapf, Charles, Residence of . . S73
Stitzinger, Residence of 37
Young, John F., Residence of 858
St. Joseph's Church and Parsonage. New Castle... 105
St. Mary's School and Church, New Castle 105
Seventh Ward School, New Castle 155
Shenango Tin Plate Co 133
Shenango Valley Hospital, New Castle 67
Slippery Rock Church 261
Soldiers' Monument, New Castle 95
Stiefel Block, Ellwood City 297
Terrace Avenue School, New Castle 155
Thaddeus Stevens School, New Castle 155
Trinity Episcopal Church, New Castle 215
LTnited Presbyterian Church, Ellwood City 335
Universal Sanitary Manufacturing Co 123
W'allace, Hoyt, and Hileman Buildings, New Castle 139
Washington Street, Looking East 197
Washington Street, Looking West 197
Westfield Presbyterian Church, North Beaver
Township 261
Westminster College 187
Science Hall.
College of Music.
.Administration Building.
"The Hillside," Ladies' Dormitory,
v. M. C. A. Building, New Castle 139
HON. AARON L. IIAZEN.
Ristory of Lmnut County
CHAPTER I
TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY
Topographical — Geological — A Geological Section — Serai Conglomerate Sandstone-
Coal — Petroleum.
TOPOGEAPHIC.tL.
Lawrence County is situated nearly in
the center of that tier of counties which
forms the extreme western part of the
State of Pennsylvania, its western boun-
dary being the Ohio State line. It is bound-
ed on the north by Mercer County, on
the south by Beaver County, on the east by
Butler County, and on the west by the
State of Ohio. Its superficial area is about
360 square miles. The latitude of the court
house is about 41 degrees north and its
longitude about 3 degrees and 20 minutes
west from Washington. Situated in the
Beaver Valley, it is drained by that stream
and its numerous branches, among which,
and the most important, are the Shenango
and Mahoning Rivers, and the Slippery
Rock and Neshannock Creeks. There are
also the Conoquenessing Creek, which flows
for about four miles through the southern
part of Wayne Township, empties into the
Beaver River; Deer Creek, in Pulaski
Township; Little Neshannock Creek, in
Wihningion Township; Hettenbaugh Run,
in Hickory ; Big Run, in Shenango ;
Taylor's and Jameson's Runs, in Plain-
grove; Little Beaver Creek, in the town-
ship of that name, and Hickory Creek, in
North Beaver.
Along one side or the other of the She-
nango, Mahoning and Beaver Rivers, from
the north and west lines of the county to
a point near the old town of Moravia, are
extensive bottoms, but at the point men-
tioned the hills close in and thence hug
the river closely for most of the way to
the southern line of the coimty. Along
the Mahoning, in the vicinity of Edenburg,
are found some precipitous bluffs, which
alford much picturesque scenery; the bot-
tom lands generally alternating with the
hills on the opposite side of the river.
Along the beautiful valley of the Shenango
the hills are less precipitous, and the land
is highly cultivated. The lover of fine
scenery will find his wishes gratified in the
Neshannock Valley, where it abounds from
the Mercer County line to New Castle. As
a former historian has truly written,
"Broad and fertile bottoms alternate with
high, steep and, in places, precipitous hills,
showing perpendicular escarpments of
rock, overhimg in many localities by a
dense growth of hemlock, giving the land-
scape a look of primitive wildness seldom
22
HISTOEY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
found away from mountainous regions. In
the neighborhood of New Castle the
scenery is surpassingly beautiful ; the hills
generally rising gradually to various ele-
vations of from 60 to 300 feet, being dis-
posed in a system of terraces or plateaus,
forming enchanting sites for residences,
and giving every variety of view. The
location of the city is scarcely surpassed
for pleasing and varied scenery by that
of any town in the state. The wildest and
most stupendous views are found along
the Slippery Eock and Conoquenessing
Creeks, where Dame Nature has been prod-
igal of her material and arranged it in
the grandest and most picturesque man-
ner. These streams flow through deep and
narrow gorges walled by perpendicular
masses of sandstone, over whose loose
fragments and bowlders they tumble and
foam in wild and ceaseless confusion.
Here is magnificent field for the student
of nature, and a splendid region for the
summer tourist and pleasure-seeker, and
it needs but the advent of a railway to
bring hither thousands from the busy cen-
ters of trade and population."
Lawrence County is sub-divided civilly
into one city, three boroughs and seventeen
townships.
The commercial and civil capital is the
city of New Castle, which is situated very
near its geographical center. Upon this
point, a great number of roads converge
from all the towns and hamlets of the
county, while several lines of railway trav-
erse the principal valleys, giving ample
facilities for travel and commerce with all
parts of the country.
GEOLOGICAL.
Geologically, Lawrence County belongs
to the region included in the sixth bitumin-
ous coal basin of Pennsylvania, the coal
belonging to the Clarion group, which is
the northwest outcrop of the lower meas-
ures. The rocks of this region belong to
the Paleozoic series; that is, the lowest
sedimentary rocks containing evidences of
organic life. On the tops of the highest
hihs is found the ferriferous, or iron-bear-
ing limestone; but the greater portion of
this once extensive formation has been de-
nuded, and carried away to the valley of
the Mississippi, and thence to the Gulf of
Mexico, by "the tremendous washings of
the latter ages of the glacial epoch, the
subsequent attrition of rains and frost,
and the cuttings of the streams." In the
neighborhood of New Castle this formation
is about seventeen feet in thickness, being
underlaid with from three to five feet of
hard bluestone. This limestone contains
about ninety per cent of carbonate of lime
and is extensively used for fluxing pur-
poses in blast furnaces. The bluestone has
been extensively used in the manufacture
of hydraulic cement, quarries of it existing
at New Castle, and in Taylor, North Beav-
er, Mahoning and Slippery Eock Town-
ships.
At New Castle, one mile east of the post-
office, this formation is immediately under-
laid by about one foot of coal, of inferior
quality, mixed with shale. Below the coal
seam appears the Tionesta sandstone, with
a thickness of about sixty feet. Below the
sandstone is a second stratum of coal about
eighteen inches in thickness, and underly-
ing this is a stratum of fire clay twelve
feet in thickness. Sixteen feet below the
clay is a third stratum of coal, with a
thickness of about four feet. The distance
of the upper surface of the Tionesta sand-
stone above the surface of Neshannock
Creek, at New Castle, is 240 feet. The
lowest twenty feet consists of shales.
A GEOLOGICAL SECTION.
The following is a section showing the
stratification on Big Eun, below New
Castle:
Tionesta sandstone, about 50 feet.
Blue shale, with iron ore, 6 feet.
Coal, 11/2 feet.
Blue shale (argillaceous), 8 feet.
Rotten sandstone, 2% feet
Blue and brown shale, with sandstone, 2% feet.
Bituminous shale, 2% to 3 feet.
Mercer limestone, a small amount.
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
23
lilue shale, 3 feet.
Shale and concretions of iron ore, interval of 25 to
30 feet.
Section on a creek emptying into the
Neshannock, two miles above New Castle,
in Neshannock Township:
Tionesta sandstone, 50 feet.
Iron ore, 6 inches.
Limestone and chert, 2 feet.
Interval, 8 feet.
Blue slate, 2 feet.
Clay, 6 inches.
Black shale, IV2 feet.
Light colored shale, 3% feet.
Light blue shale, with bands of sandstone, 4 feet or
more.
Interval, 61/2 feet.
Mercer limestone, 1% feet.
Light colored shale, with sandy seams, 5 feet.
Bituminous coal, 6 to 8 inches.
Slate, 2 feet.
Bluish crumbly shale, 2% feet.
Grayish rotten sandstone, 1% feet.
Flaggy sandstone, 8 feet.
Brown shale, 5 to 6 feet.
Bituminous shale, 1% feet.
Bluish or gray slaty sandstone, 5 feet.
Sandstone, 70 feet.
Section one mile northwest of New
Castle:
Tionesta sandstone, 50 feet.
Coal and bituminous shale, 3 inches.
Brown and blue shale, 1 to 3 feet.
Limestone chert (ferruginous), 2 feet.
Coal, 12 inches.
Light colored shale, 6 to 8 feet.
Argillaceous sandstone, 2 feet.
Light colored shale, 12 to 13 feet.
Bituminous shale and coal, 4 feet.
Blue sandy shale, 6 feet.
Flaggy sandstone (argillaceous at top), 75 feet or
more.
Section at the gas well of the Shenango
Iron Works of Messrs. Reis, Brown &
Berger, bored in 1874-75:
Gravel, 15 feet.
Blue mud and quicksand, 125 feet.
Slate rock, 3 feet.
Slate, 61 feet.
Sand shale, 54 feet.
Slate rock, 54 feet. Gas.
Gray sand, 44 feet.
Slate rock, 26 feet.
White sand, 78 feet. Salt water.
Slate rock, 35 feet.
Red (sand) rock, 70 feet. Gas.
Slate rock, 151 feet. Gas.
Gray sand, 43 feet. Gas. '
Slate, 70 feet.
Sand shales (very hard), 30 feet.
Slate, 75 feet.
Gray sand, 31 feet.
Eed rock, 3 feet.
Slate, 226 feet.
Hard shales, 21 feet.
Slate, 155 feet.
Sand shales, 47 feet.
Hard slate, 68 feet.
Gray sand, 50 feet.
Slate, 154 feet.
Gray sand, 8 feet.
Slate, 64 feet.
Gray sand, 15 feet.
Slate, 69 feet.
Gray sand, 17 feet.
Slate, 103 feet.
Gray sand, 80 feet.
Very hard slate, 190 feet.
Black sand, 10 feet.
Very hard slate, 30 feet.
Additional, with about same changes, 525 feet.
Hard slate at bottom.
Total, 2,800 feet.
SEEAL CONGLOMEKATE SANDSTONE.
The serai conglomerate sandstone passes
mider the water level above the mouth of
the Conoquenessing Creek. There is a bed
of what is supposed to be the MahoniBg
limestone, at Wampum Hill, about forty-
two feet above the Beaver Eiver. At the
mouth of the Conoquenessing, large blocks
of Tionesta sandstone may be seen lying
on the surface of the hill, and the same is
true of Slippery Rock Creek, from its
mouth up to the bridge at the Mercer Turn-
pike, where it passes under the water level.
In general, the rocks on Beaver River
are not well exposed. The Tionesta sand-
stone, however, may be seen on both sides
of the river, from the mouth of the Cono-
quenessing down towards Brighton, de-
clining gradually to a lower level, until at
length it sinks into the bed of the river and
forms the upper fall above Brighton. "At
the junction of the Shenango and Mahon-
ing Rivers the serai conglomerate sand-
stone is well seen, and also in the immedi-
ate vicinity of New Castle. In some por-
tions it is highly argillaceous, but above
the middle of the bed it is thick-bedded,
soft, and but little mixed with argillaceous
bands. Its whole thickness is about 100
feet. The Tionesta measures average six-
ty feet, and the upper or Tionesta sand-
stone, which is more solid in this locality
than the serai conglomerate, may be esti-
24
HISTOEY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
mated at about the same thickness. Be-
neath the main serai conglomerate appears
a bed of brown shale, containing ore well
exposed at the west end of the bridge over
the Shenango River. This ore may be
properly considered the representative of
the upper shale ores."
A very interesting locality to the geolo-
gist is tiie vicinity of Willie Eoy furnace,
on Slippery Eock Creek, near the mouth
of Muddy Creek. Here extensive deposits
of iron ore have been discovered, situated
immediately upon the upper surface of the
ferriferous limestone, which is abundant
in the vicinity, cropping out along the
slopes of the hills, especially on or near
their summits. This ore yields an average
of 40 per cent of the finest iron, often
giving 50 per cent.
According to the State Geological Sur-
vey, there is, also, "upon the highest hills,
and located about thirty feet above the
limestone, a three-foot vein of coal. Be-
tween the coal and limestone, and next be-
low the coal, is a stratum of fire clay, and
underlying the clay are shale and slate."
This ore was at one time extensively mined
by the process of "stripping," which de-
veloped a coarse, gray slate down to with-
in a short distance of the ore, below which
appeared a stratum of red slate, underlaid
by six inches of white clay. Below the
clay was a stratum of flint, about a foot or
less in thickness, and under this, lying
upon the limestone, was found the ore,
which lay where the stone was open, in
pockets. Where the rock was close and
compact, the ore was found moi'e regular-
ly deposited. The limestone is from ten
to twelve feet in thickness, and rests upon
a thirty-foot stratum of shale and slate.
Below this comes in the Tionesta sand-
stone, which is exposed in many localities,
and forms the remarkable and interesting
fall on Muddy Creek. Immediately under
the sandstone there is a very extensive
deposit of what is technically known as
"blue ore," which is mingled with black
slate. It is finely exposed near the furnace
and also at the falls. Beneath this ore-
vein are alternate shale and slate.
A second and extensive vein of very
hard ore may be seen exposed in the bed
of the creek, a short distance below the
furnace, at James Allen's old mill. It lies
about thirty-feet below the "blue ore."
The limestone vein of ore follows the for-
mation for forty miles along the creek to
its junction with the Beaver Eiver. Five
miles southwest of Willie Eoy furnace is
the Lawrence furnace, and the same strat-
ifications are continuous between the two
points, with similar developments of ore.
Both the limestone and ore are very abun-
dant, increasing as they approach the
Beaver Eiver, the ore being of a very fine
quality.
Three miles west of the old Lawrence
furnace, in Shenango Township, are lo-
cated the famous "Houk banks," where
the entire limestone formation gives place
to an extraordinaiy deposit of iron ore,
fifteen feet in thickness. Similar forma-
tions and deposits exist also in Wayne
Township.
In Neshannock Township there is an ex-
tensive deposit of the "blue ore," from
six to eighteen inches in thickness, under-
lying the coal lands of the old New Castle
Bailroad & Mining Company. It occurs
at a depth of about seventy -five feet be-
low the workable coal vein. Iron ore has
also been found in considerable quantities
in the vicinity of the glass works.
The quarrying of limestone is now one
of the leading industries of Lawrence
County, more than 5,000,000 tons being
quarried during the year, and more than
one-third of this production being within
the limits of the city of New Castle. From
these quarries about 30,000 tons of clay
are also taken. A comparatively recent
report says, ' ' The limestone of New Castle
and Lawrence County is unexcelled for
purity, being high in carbonate of lime
and low in phosphorous, the supply inex-
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
25
haustible, and the demand from the lead-
ing blast furnaces in the country is con-
stantly increasing."
COAL.
This valuable mineral, it is thought, was
first discovered within the bounds of Law-
rence County, by John Stockman, in Big
Beaver Township, about the year 1810. It
has also been found in various parts of the
county, most extensively along the Beaver
River, in Big and North Beaver Town-
ships. It underlies a large area in Neshan-
nock Township, and other deposits occur in
the west part of Union Township. The
land that is underlaid with coal is poor
farming land. The coal found in the Beav-
er Valley proper is Icnown as the "Beaver
Valley gas coal," from the large amount
of ilhmiiuating gas which it contains. It
is also an excellent coking coal. The work-
able veins are from three to four feet in
thickness, and are found at various depths
in different localities. There are many
miaes in Big Beaver Township and Wam-
pum is now the only point in the county
from which coal is shipped. The Beaver
Valley coals closely resemble those of the
well known Pittsburg measures, being in
continuous seams, or nearly so, while the
deposits in Neshannock and Union Town-
ships resemble more closely those of the
celebrated or Sharon block coals, being
found in basins, or "swamps," as the
miners and dealers call them, sometimes
several hundred acres in extent, and again
only in small "pockets." Near Mercer
County shafts have been sunk and machin-
ery installed, but the mines are not being
worked, perhaps because at present mines
in Mercer County can be worked more
profitably.
In Neshannock Township have been
found quite extensive deposits of fire-brick
and potter's clays, which have been util-
ized in the potteries. Some of the clay
found within the city's limits is especially
adapted to the manufacture of the best
kind of brick, and is extensively utilized.
At New Bedford are foimd mineral
springs highly impregnated with iron ; and
similar springs are also found on the farm
of the late Jesse E. Moore, in Neshannock
Township.
PETROLEUM.
Petroleum was first discovered in the
pebble or sand rock deposit, near Titus-
ville, in Crawford County, by Colonel
Drake, in 1859. These oil-sands lie in the
middle Devonian system, thus differing
from the Canada oil limestone which oc-
curs in its lowest part. By geologists and
oil producers petroleiun has been divided
into two classes — light and heavy oils. The
former, which constitutes the great bulk
of the commercial article, is found in the
eastern portion of the oil-producing re-
gion of Pennsylvania, in the porous forma-
tion of the pebble rock; while the heavy
or "amber" oil is only found in the west-
ern portion of this territory, and in the
closer grained and more compact rock.
This rock, composed of similar materials,
but varying in texture, produces a crude
or refined oil, according as it is more or
less compact in its grain, and dips from
the west a little towards the southeast, at
the rate of some fifteen feet per mile. It
consists of about three-fourths quartz, etc.,
and one-fourth cavity, cleaned out by long
percolation, and now occupied by water
and oil. The proportion which the oil
bears to the water in the bed is not ab-
solutely known, but in many instances the
actual yield has exceeded 1,500,000 bar-
rels per square mile.
Says Prof. J. P. Lesley: "The oil is
generally found at a certain level, inde-
pendent of any strata; it has an oxidized
tint from the possible accession of atmos-
pheric air, and when this has occurred to
any considerable extent, it has transform-
ed a light into a heavy oil." The Penn-
sylvania oils are found at depths varying
from 150 to 1,200 feet below the surface.
26
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
Lawrence County is supposed to lie mostly
within the heavy oil district, which covers
an extent of about 1,200 square miles.
In 1860 there was great excitement in
the western part of Lawrence County,
owing to the discovery that oil existed in
that locality. The first well in the valley
of the Mahoning was put down by D. W.
C. Strawbridge, some time in that year,
about one and a half miles above Eden-
burg, on the northeast side of the river.
Oil was found at a depth of about 157
feet, but it proved to be only the leakage
from fissured rock. Several hundred bar-
rels, however, were taken out, when the
influx of surface water stopped operations.
Another well, 230 feet deep, was bored on
the Angns farm, subsequently owned by
J. McWilliams, and the production reached
1,000 barrels, when the same difficulty that
the Strawbridge well had encountered put
an end to the working.
The early operators were unfamiliar
with the peculiar characteristics of the oil-
bearing rock, and did not have the nec-
essary mechanical apparatus for obtaining
the oil. Not until vast sums had been ex-
pended, and positive knowledge obtained
by costly practical experience, did they
discover the right way to proceed.
Tubing the wells to keep out the sur-
face water was not at first thought of.
Notwithstanding the numerous failures,
hundreds of wells were sunk, and the coun-
try was covered with derricks. Oil was
invariably found at about the average
depth of 300 feet, and always of the same
variety — the heavy amber, or lubricating
oil. The oil-bearing sand-rock of this vi-
cinity has been traced from a little west of
the Ohio line eastward to the Slippery
Eock, dipping gradually toward the south-
east. It is very close-grained, and acts as
a filter, cleansing the oil of a great share
of the foreign matter which is found in the
oils produced on the eastern margin of the
district. Borings have penetrated it at
New Castle, on the Big Run, and in the
Slippery Rock Hills, west of the creek. It
has an average thickness of about thirty
feet.
Operations were carried on in the Ma-
honing Valley for about four years, and a
few isolated wells were worked for a num-
ber of years, or well along into the seven-
ties, but the surface water gradually com-
pelled the abandonment of the whole re-
gion. In the hands of a wealthy corpora-
tion, with the wells cleaned and plugged,
a successful business might be inaugu-
rated, for there is no doubt that the ma-
terial exists in large quantities, requiring
only judicious management to develop
a profitable industry.
Late in the seventies, at the iron bridge
on the Slippery Rock, there were three
wells in one vicinity producing altogether
twenty-three barrels of fine lubricating oil
daily. In 1863, Messrs. Smith & Collins
sunk a well in this vicinity, which yielded
altogether about 4,000 barrels, when the
surface water drowned it.
Lawrence County has extensive mineral
resources, without counting oil. Her coal
and iron deposits, her ferriferous lime-
stone, and her fire clays and inexliaustible
building stone, are tangible assets that,
when utilized to their fullest extent, can-
not fail to make her one of the most pros-
perous counties of the state. A part of
this prosperity she is already enjoying,
but the end is not yet, and with the im-
proved and more economical methods of
operation that the future will doubtless
provide, there will come an expansion of
wealth and greatness not now conceived
of, but from which our citizens will all
profit in greater or less degree.
CHAPTER 11
INDIAN NATIONS
Ancient Traditions — French Missions — First English Explorers — The Moravians.
ANCIEN.T TRADITIONS.
The ancient or pre-Mstoric people, gen-
erally known as the "Mound Builders,"
have left some evidences of their former
presence in Lawrence County, though they
are not as numerous as in some other por-
tions of the state and in some neighbor-
ing states. The well known mound situated
near the village of Edenburg, and also
near the site of the famous Indian village
of Kush-Kush-Kee, is undoubtedly the
work of their hands.
"The traditions of the Lenni-Lenape
(or Delawares) and Mengwe nations,
whom the first Europeans found inhabit-
ing the vast region stretching from the At-
lantic Ocean and the St. Lawrence Eiver
to the Mississippi Valley and southward to
the Carolinas and the Ohio Eiver, point
unmistakably to this mysterious people,
who rose and flourished, who built exten-
sive cities and gigantic fortifications; who
worked the wonderful copper deposits of
Lake Superior, and who manufactured mil-
lions of the elaborate stone implements of
war and husbandry still found upon the
hills of the Ohio, the grand prairies of
the West and the broad savannahs of the
South.
"The Indian nations had a tradition
that their ancestors came from the far
western wilds of the continent many cen-
turies ago, and crossing the great river
Mississippi, which they called Namoesi-
sipu, or river of fish, fell upon this ancient
27
people and after many years of bloody and
terrific warfare succeeded in driving the
shattered remnant of the once powerful
race toward the vast region of the South
and West. After this great conquest, the
Lenni-Lenape and the Mengwe, who had
joined hands against the Allegewi, as the
conquered people were called, divided the
country between them ; the Lenape, or Del-
awares, as they were known by the Eng-
lish, taking the region lying along the
Ohio— the famed 'La Belle Riviere' of the
French, and the Mengwe, the Iroquois, or
Six Nations, or 'Mingoes' of the French
and English, choosing the region lying
around the Great Lakes and on both sides
of the St. Lawrence Eiver."
At a subsequent date hostilities broke
out between those nations, and the Lenape
were finally subdued by the all-conquering
Iroquois. The first knowledge obtained
by white men of this region was due to the
French traders and explorers, who as early
as 1616 had penetrated into the wilder-
ness as far as the west end of Lake Su-
perior.
FEENCH MISSIONS.
French Catholic missionaries had estab-
lished themselves at various points in the
vicinity of the northwestern lakes by the
middle of the seventeenth century, and
Chevalier De La Salle had journeyed from
the head of Lake Michigan to the mouth
of the Mississippi Eiver in 1682.
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
There were two routes from Lake Erie
to the Ohio River— one was by way of Erie
(Presq' Isle), French Creek, and the Al-
legheny River; the other was from Presq'
Isle over the dividing ridge, and down the
Shenango or Mahoning and Beaver Riv-
ers. The traders and missionaries prob-
ably began to visit this region about 1731,
for the English colonies of Pennsylvania,
New York and Virginia were complaining
of their encroachments in that year. The
Neshannock Creek is said to have been
named by the Delawares, and the Shenan-
go bv the Senecas, then the dominant In-
dian "nation in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Among the lesser organizations, the Corn-
planter tribe of the Seneca nation (called
after one of their chiefs) was the niost
powerful and numerous one in this region.
Their principal village was on the Al-
legheny River.
FIEST ENGLISH EXPLORERS.
"The first white man who visited this
region from the English colonies was
Christopher Gist, the friend and companion
of Washington, who went in the interests
of the Ohio Land Company, on a visit of
exploration, as far west as the Miami, in
1750. He did not, however, visit the ter-
ritory of Lawrence County, but probably,
passed down the right bank of the Ohio
River.
"It is probable that the first white man
from 'beyond the mountains,' who visited
the territory now comprised within the
limits of Lawrence County, was Christian
Frederick Post, a Moravian missionary,
who was sent on a peace mission to the
western Indians, in the year 1758, in ad-
vance of General Forbes' army, then on its
way toward Fort Du Quesne. He arrived,
according to his journal, at Kush-Kush-
Kee, the Indian capital of King Beaver,
on the 12th of August. This was twelve
years previous to the settlement made by
the Moravian missionaries, Zeisberger and
Senseman, at what is now Moravia station.
"Wliether 'King Beaver' was identical
with the Chief Pack-an-ka, who ruled in
the valley afterwards, we cannot know, but
it is at least probable. On the 17th of
August, a grand council was held. All
the chiefs and rulers for many miles
around, were present, and there was also
a French captain and fifteen men on the
ground. Among the celebrated kings and
chiefs present were King Beaver, King
Shingis, Teedy-Us-Kung, and Delaware
George, of the Delawares, and there was
present, also, a party of Shawnese and
Mingoes." This French detachment may
have thrown up the fortification at old Mo-
ravia village in Taylor Township, as a
protection against the always possible
treachery of their savage allies. From
that date, until the spring of 1770, we
know little of the history of this region.
Hunters, traders and trappers probably
visited it, but the savages were the reign-
ing lords and masters.
THE MORAVIANS.
The year 1770 was marked by the advent
of the Moravians, two missionaries of that
sect — Zeisberger and Senseman — coming
into the valley of the Beaver River, in
April of that year, by invitation of the
principal chief, Pack-an-ka. These mis-
sionaries had attempted to establish a mis-
sion at the mouth of the Tionesta Creek,
but meeting with discouragements, they
gladly accepted Pack-an-ka 's offer of land
and protection, and commenced a settle-
ment a little west of where the old village
of Moravia now stands. A few weeks
later, however, thej^ crossed the river and
made their permanent settlement on the
high bluff a little northwest from the pres-
ent Moravia station on the E. & P. Rail-
way. This mission flourished for nearly
three years, after which, in 1773, the mis-
sionaries removed to a point on the upper
waters of the Muskingum, in the present
State of Ohio. Post describes the village
of Kush-kush-kee as being composed of
four separate towns, and containing about
"ninety houses, and 200 able warriors."
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
29
Pack-an-ka was the head chief, or king, and
his capital, called New Kas-kas-kunk, was
located on the ground where New Castle
now stands. Another town called Old Kas-
kas-kunk, was located near the mouth of
the Mahoning River. The principal chief
and orator, under King Pack-an-ka, was
called Glik-kik-an. He was afterwards
converted to Christianity by the Mora-
vians, and finally perished in the massacre
at the mission towns in Ohio, in March,
1782. Though never converted, the king
remained the steadfast friend of the mis-
sionaries as long as they continued in the
Beaver Valley.
CHAPTER III
SETTLEMENT AND ORGANIZATION OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Its Original Geography — Land Warrants and Land Companies — Early Settlements —
Early Customs— Organizations of the County — Location Wrangle — Population —
First Election — County Officials — First Courts — Original Toivnships — Agricul-
tural.
ORIGINAL GEOGRAPHY.
The pedigree (so to speak) of the coun-
ties covering the territory from which
Lawrence County was formed, is as fol-
lows : First, Chester, one pf the original
counties of the province; second, Lancas-
ter, formed from part of Chester, May 10,
1729 ; third, Cumberland, formed from part
of Lancaster, January 27, 1750; fourth,
Bedford, formed from part of Cumber-
land, March 9, 1771 ; fifth, Westmoreland,
formed from part of Bedford, February
26, 1773, and, in 1785, a part of the pur-
chase of 1784 was added ; sixth, Allegheny,
formed from parts of Westmoreland and
Washington, September 24, 1788 ; seventh,
Beaver and Mercer, formed from part of
Allegheny, March 12, 1800; eighth, Law-
rence, from parts of Beaver and Mercer,
April 5, 1849.
The region covering about twenty coun-
ties in the northwestern part of Pennsyl-
vania was purchased from the Six Na-
tions by the Commonwealth, at the treaty
of Fort Stanwix (now Rome, N. Y.), in
October, 1784.
LAND WARRANTS AND LAND COMPANIES.
"The lands north and west of the Ohio
and Allegheny Rivers were surveyed into
what were known as 'warrant' and 'dona-
tion' tracts. The former, supposed to con-
tain an average of 400 acres to each tract,
and the latter (which were surveyed to ac-
commodate the soldiers of the Pennsyl-
vania line, who served during the Revolu-
tion) into tracts of 200, 250, 300 and 500
acres. Soldiers' certificates and warrants
were purchased and speculated in by im-
mense corporations, 'Population' and
'Land Companies,' and by individuals.
Tlie most prominent of these were the
'Pennsylvania Population Company' and
the 'Holland Land Company.' Consider-
able tracts known as 'academy lands,' etc.,
were reserved for the benefit of schools and
churches. ' '
On April 3, 1792, the State Legislature
passed an act providing that all the lands
north and west of the Ohio and Allegheny
Rivers and Conewango Creek, not pre-
viously resei'\'e<:l for public or charitable
purposes, should be offered for sale to per-
sons who would cultivate, improve and
settle them, at the rate of 7 pounds
and 10 shillings (about $50) per hundred
acres, with an allowance of 6 per cent for
highways. For such as had made actual
settlements, -it was provided that warrants
should be issued for tracts of not more than
400 acres to each settler. The ninth sec-
tion, however, read: "No warrant or sur-
vey to be issued or made in pursuance of
this act, for lands lying north and west of
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
31
the rivers Ohio and Allegheny and Cone-
wango Creek, shall vest any title in or to
the lands therein mentioned, unless the
grantee has, prior to the date of such war-
rant, made or caused to be made, or shall
within the space of two years next after
the date of the sale make or cause to be
made, an actual settlement thereon, by
clearing, fencing and cultivating at least
two acres for eveiy hundred acres con-
tained in one survey, erecting thereon a
messuage for the habitation of man, and re-
siding or causing to reside thereon, for the
space of five years next following his first
settling of the same, if he or she shall so
long live ; and that in default of such actual
settlement and residence, it shall and may
be lawful for this commonwealth to issue
new warrants to other actual settlers for
the said lands or any part thereof, reciting
the original warrants, and that actual set-
tlements and residence have not been made
in pursuance thereof, and so often as de-
faults shall be made for the time and in
the manner aforesaid, which new grants
shall be made under and subject to all and
every one of the regulations contained in
this act. Provided, always, nevertheless,
that if any such actual settler or grantee,
in any such original or succeeding warrants
shall, by force of arms of the enemies of
the United States, be prevented from such
actual settlement, or be driven therefrom,
and shall persist in his endeavor to make
such actual settlement as aforesaid, then,
in either case, he and his heirs shall be
entitled to hold the said lands in the same
manner as if the actual settlement had been
made and continued. ' '
The first, or one of the first, applicants
for land under this act was John Nichol-
son, who applied at the land office for 390
warrants, to be located in the "Triangle,"
and for 250 warrants, to be located on the
waters of Beaver Creek, representing in
all about 200,000 acres. Shortly after,
however, before completing his purchase,
he became president of the Pennsylvania
Population Company, then just formed, of
which he was made president, and Messrs.
Cazenove, Irvine, Mead, Leet, Hoge and
Stewart, being managers. This company,
whose capital stock was divided into 2,500
shares, purchased 500,000 acres of land.
Taking over to this company Nicholson's
claims they completed the purchase, and,
in addition, bought 500 more warrants for
lands in the "Donation" District. "In
order to induce emigrants to settle on
their lands, the company proposed to grant
in fee simple to every settler 150 acres of
land, if he should comply with the requisi-
tions of the law imposed upon them ; and
in that way it was designed that the oc-
cupant should secure his land, together
with his implements, and the company
should secure 250 acres through him. But
the fact that each actual settler could se-
cure for himself, by the pajinent of the
stipulated purchase money, a tract of 400
acres under the law, prevented, in a great
measure, the success of the company's
scheme of monopoly. Settlers, generally,
indeed, located themselves on lands covered
by their own warrants, though in some
cases these infringed upon lands of the
company. In consequence, suits of eject-
ment were* instituted against those who had
encroached upon the lands to which the
company had an incomplete title, and this
state of things became a fruitful source of
litigation for many years." (Surveyor
General's Eeport— 1865.)
The Academy Lands were mostly situ-
ated in the southeastern portion "of the
county. Benjamin Chew, of Philadelphia,
the owner of the celebrated "Stone
House," which lost Washington the bat-
tle of Germantown, secured a large tract
of land — some four miles in width, and
eight or ten miles in length — in the south-
em portion of what is now Lawrence Coun-
ty, it being included in the present town-
ships of Big Beaver, Wayne, Slippery Rock
and Perry. This land was known "as the
"Chew Tract," and was mostly surveyed
into smaller tracts of 400 acres each, each
settler being allowed one-half for settling.
32
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
In the vicinity of New Castle, the lands,
which were mostly "donation" tracts, were
entered upon soldiers' warrants — a portion
of them by the original holders of the war-
rants, but probably a majority by parties
to whom the patents had been sold and
transferred. There were eight tracts, lo-
cated prmcipally in what is now Periy
Township, that were designated on the sur-
veys as ' ' depreciated lands, ' ' or lands unfit
for settlement, but it being discovered that
they included some of the finest lands in
the countv, they were speedily taken by
settlers, "it has been thought that these
lands were so designated by the early sur-
veyors with the view of preventing or post-
poning settlement thereon, in order that
they might have an opportunity of subse-
quently acquiring them on easy terms.
EAELY SETTLEMENTS.
In 1793, soon after the departure of the
Moravians, the first white settlers ap-
peared in Mahoning Township. They num-
bered about forty-five persons, who had
come from Allegheny City with the inten-
tion of settling on the north side of the
Mahoning River. They had one Arthur
Gardner, a surveyor, with them, upon
whom they depended to locate the lands
they were" in search of, but he seems not
to have been competent, as they passed by
the lands, and went as far west as the
present site of Youngstown, Ohio. Here
many of the party, being discouraged, re-
turned to Allegheny. About seventeen
of them, however, returned to Pennsyl-
vania and settled on both sides of
the Mahoning. Not long after other
settlements were made in different
parts of the county and continued to be
made for a number of years. New Castle
was first settled and a town laid out, by
John Carlisle Stewart and others, in April,
1798.
EAKLY CUSTOMS.
In early days everybody was practiced
in the art of horsemanship, and many were
the exciting races and adventures partici-
pated in by the settlers. On wedding oc-
casions it was customary for them to
gather from every direction, sometimes
from a distance of over twenty miles.
Occasionally as many as sixty couples were
present, and the entire number divided
into two parties, called respectively the
"bride's company" and the "groom's com-
pany." Then everybody mounted. The
"groom's company" took possession of the
"bottle," which was a necessary article at
all such gatherings, and both parties had
a race for it. Altogether they had sport
enough, and enjoyed it as none but people
with their limited means of amusement
could.
The following description of a "house-
warming," as it used to be celebrated in
the days before Lawrence County was set-
tled, particularly in the times from 1763
to 1783, is taken from a book published in
1824, by Rev. Joseph Doddridge.
"I will proceed to state the usual manner
of settling a young couple in the world. A
spot was selected on a piece of land of one
of the parents, for their habitation. A day
was appointed, shortly after the marriage,
for commencing the work of building their
cabin. The fatigue party consisted of
choppers, whose business it was to fell the
trees and cut them off at proper lengths;
a man with a team for hauling them to the
place and arranging them, properly as-
sorted, at the sides and ends of the build-
ing; and a cai-penter, if such he might be
called, whose business it was to search the
woods for a proper tree for making clap-
boards for the roof. The tree for this pur-
pose must be straight-grained, and from
three to four feet in diameter. The boards
were split four feet long, with a large
frow, and as wide as the timbers would
allow. They were used without shaving.
Another division was employed in getting
puncheons for the floor of the cabin. This
was done by splitting trees about eighteen
inches in diameter, and hewing the faces
of them with a broad-axe. They were half
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
33
the length of the floor they were intended
to make.
"The materials for the cabin were
mostly prepared on the first day, and some-
times the fonndation laid in the evening.
The second day was allotted for the rais-
ing.
"In the morning of the next day the
neighbors collected for the raising. The
first thing to be done was the election of
four corner-men, whose business it was to
notch and place the logs. The rest of the
company furnished them with the timbers.
In the meantime the boards and puncheons
were collecting for the floor and roof, so
that by the time the cabin was a few rounds
high, the sleepers and floor began to be
laid. The door was made by sawing or
cutting the logs in one side, so as to make
an opening about three feet wide. This
opening was secured by upright pieces of
timber, about three inches thick, through
which holes were bored into the ends of
the logs, for the purpose of pinning them
fast. A similar opening, but wider, was
made at the end for the chimney. This
was built of logs, and made large, to admit
of a back and jambs of stone. At the
square, two end-logs projected a foot or
eighteen inches beyond the wall, to receive
the butting poles, as they were called,
against which the first row of clapboards
was supported. The roof was formed by
making the end-logs shorter, until a single
log formed the comb of the roof. On these
logs the clapboards were placed, the ranges
of them lapping some distance over those
next below them, and kept in their places
by logs placed at proper distances upon
them.
' ' The roof, and sometimes the floor, were
finished on the same day of the raising.
A third day was commonly spent by a few
carpenters in leveling off the floor, making
a clapboard door and a table. This last
was made of a split-slag, and supported by
four round logs set in auger-holes. Some
three legged stools were made in the same
manner. Some pins stuck in the logs at
the back of the house supported some clap-
boards, which seiwed for shelves for the
table furniture. A single fork, placed with
its lower end in a hole in the floor, and the
upper end fastened to a joist, served for
a bed-stead, by placing a hole in the fork,
with one end through a crack between the
logs of the wall. This front pole was
crossed by a shorter one within the fork,
with its outer end through another crack.
From the front pole, through a crack be-
tween the logs of the end of the house, the
boards were put on which formed the bot-
tom of the bed.
"Sometimes other poles were pinned to
the fork a little distance above these, for
the purpose of supporting the front and
foot of the bed, while the walls were the
supports of its back and head. A few pegs
around the walls, for a display of the coats
of the women and hunting-shirts of the
men, and two small forks or buck's horns
fastened to a joist for the rifle and shot-
pouch, completed the carpenter work.
"In the meantime the masons were at
work. With the heart-pieces of timber of
which the clapboards were made, they made
billets for chunking up the cracks between
the logs of the cabin and chimney. A large
bed of mortar was made for daubing up
these cracks. A few stones formed the
back and jambs of the chimney.
"The cabin being furnished, the cere-
mony of the house-warming took place be-
fore the young couple were permitted to
move into it. The house-warming was a
dance of a whole night's continuance, made
up of the relations of the bride and groom,
and their neighbors. On the day following
the yoimg couple took possession of their
new mansion."
Before fulling mills were extensively es-
tablished, it was common to have "bees"
for the fulling of flannel, as for log-rollings
and raisings. At these gatherings the
bare-footed young men and women would
seat themselves in two rows upon the
puncheon floor, facing each other, so that
the feet of each of the former would just
34
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
reach those of a fair damsel, the ladies
being, of course, gallantly accorded seats
with their backs against the wall. The
flannel was then well soaked and laid be-
tween them, and by successive kicks in con-
cert from each side, the same object was
accomplished that was afterward gained
by the more modern inventions.
Besides these pastimes there were "log
rollings," "husking bees," etc., and life
among the pioneers was by no means unen-
joyable.
ORGANIZATION OF THE COUNTY.
The erection of a new county from por-
tions of Mercer, Beaver and Butler Coun-
ties began to be agitated as early as 1820,
and in spite of many failures and discour-
agements, the agitation was continued until
the spring of 1849, when the supporters of
the movement saw their efforts crowned
with success. The people residing within
the limits of the proposed new county could
advance many valid reasons for its crea-
tion. New Castle was a town of rapidly
growing business importance, and the con-
verging point of numerous roads from all
parts of the surrounding country. The line
between Beaver and Mercer Counties
passed through the borough, cutting it in
twain, and thus a part of its inhabitants
were compelled to attend the capital of
Beaver County, and the rest that of Mer-
cer County, for the transaction of all their
legal business. A process issued in either
county against parties living in New Cas-
tle could be readily avoided by their step-
ping across the county line. New Castle
was centrally and conveniently located for
the business of the region proposed to be
formed into a new county, and, in the na-
ture of things, must sooner or later become
a large and flourishing town. Among the
prominent advocates of the division were
Hon. L. L. McGuffin, William Dickson,
William Moore, John L. Warnock, Joseph
T. Boyd, James Dickson, Isaac Dickson,
William Watson, Diskron Watson, Thomas
Falls, Joseph Kissick, John N. Euwer, Dr.
Charles T. Whippo and James Cubbison,
besides many others, inhabitants both of
the borough and of the surrounding coun-
try. These interested citizens formed an
organization, and year after year petitions
were presented to the Legislature, but for
a long time without effect.
This was chiefly due to the determined
opposition, based on political reasons, with
which the scheme was met by many adher-
ents of the 'Whig party in this section.
They urged against it: First, that the
counties out of which it was proposed to
erect the new one were small enough al-
ready, SECONDLY, that the two counties of
Mercer and Beayer were strong Whig
counties, and the townships to be included
in the new county were the strongest Whig
townships. By taking them out both the
before-mentioned counties would become
Democratic. In other words, the Whigs
would gain one county and lose two by the
operation. Consequently, they were op-
posed to the project for political reasons,
while the Democrats were naturally as
much in favor of it. This situation con-
tinued until about 1840, when the support-
ers of the measure adopted a new line of
policy, and began making friends of their
erstwhile enemies. Party lines were ig-
nored, and other political issues forgotten
in discussing the all-absorbing topic. After
strenuous exertions, the advocates of the
division at length succeeded in electing
their candidates to the Legislature, but had
the mortification of finding them recreant
to the great interest committed to their
charge. But the people would not surren-
der; they adopted as their motto the last
words of the gallant Lawrence in liis fight
with the British frigate "Shannon,"
"Don't give up the ship!" and resolved to
fight on until their object was obtained
and to name their county in honor of the
heroic commodore — Lawrence.
The outlook began to be more promising
in the fall of 1847, when they succeeded in
electing David Sankey to the State Senate.
At the next election for members of the
. ^.,r-. r-o r-yy
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
35
House they elected three out of the four
representatives which Mercer and Beaver
Counties were then entitled to. For Mer-
cer County, David M. Courtney and Joseph
Emery were elected, while Beaver County
elected John Sharp, of Slippery Eock, and
Dr. William Smith, who lived on the south
side of the Ohio Eiver, the doctor, of
coarse, belonging to the opposition. The
friends of the movement now put forth
their utmost strength. Petitions bearing
numerous signatures were forwarded and
able men selected to bring them to a suc-
cessful hearing at Harrisburg. Among
others. Major E. Sankey attended the ses-
sion of the Legislature, and remained at
his post until a bill granting the petition
Though the bill for the division was in-
troduced in the House of Eepresentatives
early in the session, no action was taken
upon it until March, 1849, when it passed
by a two-thirds vote. A few days later it
passed the Senate by a vote of twenty-two
to eight, and on the 20th day of March,
1849, it was signed by Governor William
F. Johnston. By the act the new county
was to be called Lawrence, and the county
seat was to be located in the borough of
New Castle. The influence and exertions
of Senator David Sankey and his co-work-
ers in the House, David M. Courtney, Jo-
seph Emery and John Sharp, was largely
responsible for procuring its passage.
The following named gentlemen were
appointed to superintend the running of
the lines of the new county, and to fix the
locality for the county buildings: Colonel
James Potter, Sr., of MilHin County; Hon.
William F. Packer, of Lycoming County,
and Hon. William Evans, of Indiana
County. Mr. Packer failing to meet the
others on their arrival at New Castle, May
16, 1849, they appointed Colonel John Pot-
ter, of Mifflin County, in his place.
Henry Pearson was selected by the State
Commissioners as surveyor to run the
boundary lines, with Lot Watson and Har-
vey Tidball as chainbearers, and Henry C.
Falls as axeman. About four weeks were
occupied in the survey, the party being
accompanied by the commissioners of
Beaver and Mercer Counties, as well as by
sundry individuals. Contrary to a some-
what generally received opinion, no part of
Butler County was included in Lawrence.
The minutes of the survey, as taken from
the report of the State Commissioners,
read as follows: "Commencing at a post
at the corner of Wolfe Creek and Slippery
Eock Townships, Mercer County; thence
north forty-two degrees west, with the line
dividing said townships, three miles and
312 perches, to a post, the south-
east corner of Springfield Township;
thence north eighty-eight and one-fourth
degrees west, between the townships of
Springfield and Slippery Eock, five miles
244 perches, to a white-oak stump, the
southwest corner of Springfield Township ;
thence north along the line dividing
Springfield and Lackawannock (now Wil-
ming-ton) Townships, three-fourths of a
mile to a chestnut tree ; thence south eighty-
nine degrees west, parallel with the south
line of Mercer County, thirteen miles 210
perches to a post on the Ohio State line;
thence south with the said line eighteen
and three-fourths miles to a post; thence
north eighty-nine degrees east parallel with
the north line of Beaver County, eighteen
miles 252 i^erches to an iron-wood tree, on
the line between Beaver and Butler Coun-
ties; thence north two degi'ees west along
the line of Butler County, nine miles 244
perches to a post, the corner of Beaver,
Butler and Mercer Counties; thence north
thirty-five and three-fourths degrees east
along the line between Butler and Mercer
Counties, five miles 310 perches, to the
place of beginning."
The area within these lines is about
equivalent to a square of nineteen miles,
and would, therefore, contain 361 square
miles, or 231,040 acres.
The ground selected by the State Com-
missioners upon which to locate the coimty
buildings was situated on the northeast
36
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
comer of Jefferson and Lawrence (now
Falls) Streets, and was owned by Thomas
Falls. According to the report of the com-
missioners, it was 100x160 feet in dimen-
sions, with the longest diameter east and
west. The following extract from the re-
port shows that Mr. Falls agreed to donate
the land to the coimty:
"The said Thomas Falls has agreed to convey and
assure, feee of chakge, to the Commissioners of Law-
rence County and to their successors forever, the said
lot of ground; and he further agrees that the streets
and alleys forming the boundaries of said lot may be
kept open for public use forever — all upon consideration
that the public buildings of said county be placed upon
said lot.
"(Signed.) William evans,
"JAMES POTTER, SK.,
"JOHN POTTER."
LOCATION WRANGLE.
There had been numerous competing
sites, and that chosen by the commissioners
was not satisfactory to eveiybody. During
the fall and winter of 1849 there was much
excitement upon this subject. Absurd
statements, regarding the ground selected,
were put in circulation, public meetings
were held, and the matter was warmly dis-
cussed also in the hotels and business
places, in the street, and even in the fam-
ily circle.
The county commissioners elected in the
autumn of 1849 were John K. Swisher,
John Randolph and James Oliver, all of
whom were in favor of choosing a new lo-
cation. The movement, headed by R. B.
McComb, Esq., and the commissioners, was
prosecuted vigorously. Petitions were for-
warded to Harrisburg, and subscription
papers were circulated in favor of several
different localities. Finally, an Act, sup-
plementary to the one in March, 1849,
erecting the new county of Lawrence, was
passed by the Legislature, and approved
by the Governor, March 25, 1850, the tenth
section of which reads as follows :
"That the commissioners of the county of Lawrence
shall, as soon after the passage of this act as shall be
practicable, designate by numbers, and in such other
manner as they shall think proper, four several sites for
the location of the county buildings for said county, in
or within one-fourth of a mile from the borough of
New Castle, including the site already fixed by the com-
missioners appointed for that purpose; they shaU also
procure a book in which to receive subscriptions of
money, land, labor and materials to aid in defraying the
expenses of erecting said buildings for each of said
sites, and shall permit all and every person or persons,
body politic or corporate, by themselves or their agent,
to subscribe in either of said books such sum or amount
of money, land, labor or materials as he, she, or they,
may think proper for the purpose aforesaid; and it is
hereby made the duty of said county commissioners to
give every person or persons, body politic or corporate,
within said county, every facility vidthin their power to
make subscriptions as aforesaid, for the space of two
months from the time of opening said books; and at the
expiration of said term they shall forthwith determine
upon which of said sites as aforesaid the said buildings
shall be erected, and proceed to erect the same in the
manner directed by law, having due regard to the health-
fulness of the site, convenience aud interest of the citi-
zens of said county, and the amount of subscriptions to
each of said sites; Provided, That before proceeding to
erect said buildings they shall take such security as in
their judgment shall be ample to insure the payment of
the whole amount subscribed to the successful site."
Section 12:
"So much of the act to which this is a supplement,
or any other law, as is hereby altered or supplied, or is
inconsistent herewith, be and the same is hereby re-
pealed. Approved the 25th day of March, 1850.
"WILLIAM P. JOHNSTON."
The site was selected in accordance with
the provisions of the above described act,
the amount of subscriptions being some
$1,600, and the lots were donated to the
county by David Crawford, the commis-
sioners advertised for sealed proposals for
the erection of the necessary buildings, and
the contract was let in August, 1850, to
Messrs. James M. Craig and William Ham-
ilton, for the smn of $12,004, they being
the lowest responsible bidders. The work
was commenced in the fall of that year,
and the buildings were completed in 1852.
During the progress of the work the plans,
both of the court house and jail, were very
materially changed from the original spe-
cifications of the commissioners. The elab-
orate portico of fluted Ionic columns, con-
structed of gray sandstone, was not con-
templated in the original design. Material
alterations were made also inside the build-
ings, and much extra work was also done
in grading the grounds, erecting walls, etc.,
which brought the total cost up to about
RESiDEXCE or oro w . I, \M(tK]:i:, vkw castle. residence of e. n. ohl. new
KESIDE.NCE OF WILLIAM M. BROWN, NEW CASTLE. II-^IIHMr (>1 (.K(
RESIDENCE OF if. II m\DTRSO\ NEW ( \slLE I>^
KORGE W I()H\MI\ M W ( \-.IIE
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
39
$32,000. All this extra work was arranged
for by the commissioners. Labor and ma-
terial were very cheap in those days, and
the expenses were much less than would
be called for by similar improvements at
the present time. The court house occu-
pies a fine and commanding position,
fronting the west, and is elevated some
sixty feet above low water mark in the
POPULATION.
The population of Lawrence County at
the time of its organization was, by the
United States census, 21,079, including 132
colored. The population of New Castle,
at that time, was 1,614, including 51 col-
ored. In 1860 the population of the county
was 22,999, and of New Castle 1,882. In
1870 the county contained 27,298, and the
city of New Castle 6,164 inhabitants. In
1900 the county had a population of about
57,000. The present estimated population
of the city is about 40,000.
The last government census of the
county, outside of New Castle, showed the
following population :
Big Beaver Township 1,488
Ellwood City 2,243
Enon Valley 395
Hickory Township 855
Little Beaver Township 735
Mahoning Township 2,617
Neshannock Township 1,080
New Wilmington 891
North Beaver Township 2,215
Perry Township 847
Plain Grove Township 655
Pulaski Township 1,607
Scott Township 845
Shenango Township 2,806
SUppery Rock Township 1,428
Taylor Township 571
Union Township 2,055
Volant 120
Wampum 816
Washington Township 480
Wayne Township
Wilmington Township
3,108
951
28,808
FIRST COUNTY ELECTION.
At the first election, held in the fall of
1849, the following were the names of the
coimty officers chosen : Sheriff, David Em-
ery; prothonotary and clerk of the courts,
James D. Clarke; treasurer, Joseph Jus-
tice; register and recorder, James Mc-
Clane; county commissioners, John K.
Swisher, James Oliver, John Randolph;
county auditors, Isaac P. Rose, William
Work, A. Galloway; coroner, John L. War-
nock.
COUNTY OFFICIALS.
At the time of the organization of the
county, Hon. John Bredin was president
judge of the courts, with Hons. Jacob Bear
and Charles T. ^^ippo, associates. The
first election for judges was held October
14, 1851, when Hon. Daniel Agnew, after-
wards chief justice of the Supreme Court
of the State, was elected president judge,
and John Reynolds and James Henry, as-
sociates. Mr. Henry died, and Jacob Bear
was elected in 1852.
In 1856, Hon. Thomas Pomeroy was
elected associate judge, and in 1857, Sam-
uel Van Horn.
In 1861, Hon. Daniel Agnew was re-
elected president judge, and Joseph Cun-
ningham, associate.
In 1863, Judge Agnew was elected to the
Supreme Court of the State, and Hon. L.
L. McGuffin was appointed, and in October,
1864, elected president judge in his place.
In 1862, James McClane was elected as-
sociate.
In 1866, Samuel Taylor, and in 1867,
Thomas Pomeroy were elected associates.
In 1871, Samuel Taylor, and in 1872,
Thomas Pomeroy, were re-elected asso-
ciates.
In 1874, Hon. Ebenezer McJunkin was
40
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
elected president judge, and Hon. James
Bredin, additional law judge.
In 1876, James P. Aiken was elected as-
sociate judge.
In 1878, A. T. McCready was elected as-
sociate.
In 1880, James P. Aiken was re-elected
associate.
In 1882, Robert Cochran was elected as-
sociate.
In 1884, Aaron L. Hazen was elected
president law judge, and John McMichael,
additional law judge.
In 1886, Robert Fulkerson was elected
associate judge.
In 1888, 0. H. P. Green was elected as-
sociate judge.
The president judges are elected for ten
years, and the associates for five years.
The office of additional law judge was
created by act of Assembly in 1873.
The following is a list of county officers
from 1850 to 1908 :
Sheeiffs. — 1849, David Emery; 1852,
Andrew B. Allen; 1855, Robert Gailey;
1858, Silas Stevenson; 1861, Andrew B. Al-
len ; 1864, Thomas McConnell ; 1867, David
C. Rhodes; 1870, James Davis; 1873,
James H. Cooper ; 1876, William B. Miller ;
1879, Alexander Richardson; 1882, Wil-
liam L. Davis; 1885, William Q. Warnock;
1888, Samuel W. Bell; 1891, William
Douthitt; 1894, William Becker; 1897,
Charles Matthews ; 1900, James H. Brown ;
1903, Edwin L. Ayers; 1906, J. W. Wad-
dington.
Prothonotaries. — 1849, James D. Clark ;
1852, James D. Clark (died December 2,
1854), David M. Kissinger appointed to
fill term; 1855, Cyrus Clarke (resigned);
1857, John S. Ponieroy; 1860, John Elder;
1863, John Elder, re-elected; 1866, Jacob
Haus; 1869, Samuel K. McGinness; 1872,
S. C. McCrearv, re-elected in 1875; 1878,
Andrew Hutton; 1881, David I. Campbell;
1884, David I. Campbell ; 1887, Joseph H.
Gilliland; 1890, Joseph H. Gilliland; 1893,
A. S. Love; 1896, A. S. Love; 1899, R. M.
Campbell; 1902, R. M. Campbell; 1905,
Charles H. Andrews.
County Commissioners. — 1849, John K.
Swisher, James Oliver, John Randolph;
1850, John Randolph; 1851, Robert
Bentley; 1852, William R. Wallace;
1853, Marmaduke AVilson; 1854, Rob-
ert Reynolds; 1855, William Carlon;
1856, William Gaston ; 1857, Isaac P. Cow-
den ; 1858, Robert Fullerton ; 1859, Thomas
Cairns; 1860, James Forrest; 1861, John
Wilson; 1862, William B. Lutton; 1863,
Jacob Rowland; 1864, Henry H. Emery;
1865, AVilliam Y. Greer; 1866, Asa Eckles;
1867, John H. Gormlev; 1868, Alex. Car-
penter; 1869, Joseph Douthett; 1870,
James M. Lawrence; 1871, David M. Court-
ney; 1872, William McClelland; 1873,
Robert Mehard; 1874, James D. Bryson.
In 1875, under the new constitution, three
were elected; James Patterson, for three
years; James D. Bryson, for two years,
and Robert Mehard, for one year; 1877,
Robert Mehard; 1878, James D. Bryson;
1881, Robert Mehard, Robert P. Pomeroy
and A. G. Kelso; 1884, James M. Long,
George B. Gibson and Robert Mehard;
1887, James M. Long, Alexander Wright
and Samuel Clark; 1890, James Crawford,
Robert M. Eckles and Edward Yoho ; 1893,
Robert M. Eckles, Stewart Thompson and
William W. Monison ; 1896, W. L. McCon-
nell, W. Y. Gibson and J. H. Weekly; 1899,
W. L. McConnell, W. Y. Gibson and Joseph
M. Wilkison; 1902, James A. McMillan, R.
L. McNabb and James Flynn ; 1905, James
A. McMillan, John F. Pitis and Robert H.
McConahy.
County Auditors. — 1850, John Elder ;
1851, John S. Foy; 1852. James C. Brack-
ey (Mr. Brackey died, and David Sankey
was appointed in his place) ; 1853, Pearson
McCreary (died in office) ; 1854, A. Tyler
and Thomas Pearson ; 1855, William Drake
and William Nesbit; 1856, Joseph M.
Burns ; 1857, James R. Miller ; 1858, Isaac
P. Cowden; 1859, Philo S. Morton; 1860,
John H. Goi-mlev; 1861, D. S. Robinson
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
41
and Joseph R. Sherrard ; 1862, William C.
Harbison; 1863, E. M. McConnell; 1864,
David Warnock; 1865, Zebina N. Alien;
1866, Peter R. Sedgwick; 1867, William M.
Gibson; 1868, Matthew Stewart; 1869,
John Jellison; 1870, Peter K. Sedgwick
and Robert Elder; 1871, John M. Power;
1872, George Y. Leslie; 1873, Lafayette
Baldwin; 1874, John M. Power; 1875, La-
fayette Baldwin, William Weller and
George B. Gibson; 1878, John M. McKee,
Lafayette Baldwin, Geo. B. Gibson; 1881,
John M. McKee, R. :\I. Eckles. Dayid G.
Ramsey ; 1884, R. M. Eckles. Jesse B. Lock,
Isaac b. Kirk; 1887, John W. Fulkman,
James M. Sterling, W. H. Chambers; 1890,
Thomas F. Shingiedecker, Connelly Mc-
Conahy; 1893, J. C. Riblet, Edward For-
rest, Walter Hopper; 1896, Edward For-
rest. J. C. Riblet, Edward Sergent; 1899,
J. C. Riblet, E. N. Houk. J. C. Johnston;
1902. E. N. Houk, James Elder, W. W.
Eckles; 1905, E. J. Klein, James Elder,
William McCune.
County Treasurers. — 1849, Joseph Jus-
tine; 1851, Archibald Cubbison; 1853,
James S. Tidball; 1855, James Mitchell;
1857. Isaac N. Phillips; 1859, Alexander
Carpenter; 1861, E. I. Agnew; 1863, Mat-
thew D. Tait; 1865, William H. Shaw;
1867, Cochran Leslie; 1869, John A. Por-
ter ; 1871, Isaac Murdock, Jr. ; 1873, Forbes
Holton; 1875, John Blevins; 1878, W. H.
H. Shaffer; 1881, James Reynolds; 1884,
Martin Hartman; 1887, J. W. Clark; 1890,
R. C. G. White; 1893, J. W. Cunningham;
1896, J. A. Hainer; 1899, L. C. Cochran;
1902, J. A. DeNormandy; 1905, Lafayette
Baldwin.
Registers and Recorders. — 1849, James
McClane; 1852, Hugh Moore; 1855, John
Hoffman ; 1858, John W. Fulkerson ; 1861,
Robert Boyd; 1864, Sylvester Gaston, re-
elected in i867 ; 1870, James Crowl ; 1873,
re-elected (resigned) ; 1873, Isaac Murdock,
Jr., appointed (died); 1874, William W.
Officer appointed; 1874, James C. Steven-
son; 1876, B. C. Rhodes; 1879, B. C.
Rhodes ; 1883, W. F. Leathers ; 1886, W. F.
Leathers ; 1889, J. T. Gleason ; 1892, J. T.
Gleason; 1895, H. P. Shaner; 1898, H. P.
Shaner; 1901, A. C. Hyde; 1904, A. C.
Hyde; 1907, W. A. Eakin.
District Attorneys. — 1849, W. P. Bu-
chanan, appointed by Governor Johnston;
1850, James Pollock; 1853, David Craig;
1856, B. B. Pickett; 1859, John P. Blair;
1862, Robert Gilliland ; 1865, J. Smith Du
Shane; 1868, 0. L. Jackson; 1871, Aaron
L. Hazen; Aaron L. Hazen re-elected in
1874; 1877, John G. McConahy; 1880, J.
Scott Irwin; 1882, Malcolm McConnell;
1885, S. L. McCracken; 1888, A. L. Porter;
1891, S. P. Emery; 1894, R. K. Aiken;
1897, W. J. Moffat; 1900, Charles E. Me-
hard; 1903, J. V. Cunningham; 1906,
Charles H. Young.
Coroners.— 1852, J. H. M. Peebles ; 1855,
Phillip Miller; 1858, Daniel Leasure; 1861,
Dr. G. W. Coulter (removed from county) ;
1862, Malachi P. Barker; 1865, Dr. A. M.
Cowden; 1867, Malachi P. Barker; 1869,
Malachi P. Barker; 1870, J. B. Reinholdt;
1873, James Pollock; 1875, David P. Jack-
son.
County Surveyor. — Henry Pearson was
appointed by the State Commissioners to
survey and mark the original boundaries
of the county, in 1849. He was elected
Deputy Surveyor, in 1850, by a vote oT the
people, and there seems to have been no
election for surveyor afterwards, until
1865, when Mr. Pearson was again elected.
He held the office until his death, about
1872. There is no record of any surveyor
for the county since 1865.
School Superintendent. — This officer is
elected by the School Directors of the
county. The following gentlemen have
tilled the position since the tirst election,
under an Act of Assembly of May 18, 1854 :
1854, Thomas Berry; 1857, Thomas Berry;
1860, Stephen Morrison; 1863, Stephen
Morrison; 1866, George W. McCracken;
42
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
1869, George W. McCracken; 1872, W. N.
Aiken; 1875, W. N. Aiken; 1878, W. N.
Aiken; 1881, D. F. Balph; 1884, D. F.
Ralph; 1887, J. R. Slierrard; 1890, J. R.
Sherrard; 1893, James M. Watson; 1896,
James M. Watson; 1899, Thomas M. Stew-
art; 1902, Thomas M. Stewart; 1905, R. G.
Allen; 1908, W. Lee Gilmore.
Senators. — The State Senators who have
been elected from Lawrence County are:
1854, Hon. William M. Francis ; 1858, Hon.
John Ferguson; 1872, Hon. Samuel Mc-
Kinley ; 1876, George W. Wright (res. Mer-
cer County) ; 1880, George W. McCracken;
1884. Samuel B. McClure (res. Mercer
County); 1888, Thomas M. Mehard; 1892,
James S. Fruit (res. Mercer County) ;
1896, William M. Brown; 1900, J. D. Em-
ery (res. Mercer County) ; 1904, E. I. Phil-
lips.
Representatives. — Thomas Dungan,
1851 and 1852; John D. Raney, 1853; R. B.
McComb, 1854, 1855 and 1856; G. P. Shaw,
1857 and 1858; J. D. Brvson, 1859 and
1860; John W. Blanchard, 1861 and 1862;
Isaiah White, 1863 and 1864; Samuel Mc-
Kinlev, 1865 and 1866 ; William C. Harbi-
son, 1867; John Edwards, 1868 and 1869;
David Craig and George W. McCracken,
in 1870 ; A. P. Moore and Samuel D. Clarke,
in 1871; A. P. Moore, in 1872; George W.
McCracken, in 1873; E. S. N. Morgan, in
1874 and 1875 ; J. Q. Stewart in 1875 and
1876 ; and E. S. N. Morgan and J. Q. Stew-
art in 1877 and 1878 ; 1879, William M. Mc-
Candless and Walter Fullerton; 1880, Ellis
Morrison and John N. Emery ; 1882, John
N. Emery and Ellis Morrison ; 1884, Henry
C. Falls and Silas Stevenson; 1885, Wil-
liam P. Morrison; 1886, Henry Edwards
and Silas Stevenson ; 1888, John B. Brown
and William P. Morrison; 1890, William
P. Morrison and Alexander M. Phillips;
1892, H. W. Grigsby and A. L. Martin;
1894, H. W. Grigsby, A. L. Martin; 1896,
A. L. ]\Tartin and R. A. Todd ; 1898, James
McAnlis and R. A. Todd; 1900, Malcolm
McConnell and James McAnlis ; 1902, R. P.
Pomeroy and Malcolm McConnell; 1904,
George F. Weingartner and Walter S. Rey-
nolds; 1906, George F. Weingartner and
Walter S. RejTiolds.
Congressmen. — The Representatives in
Congress who have been elected from Law-
rence County: 1860, Hon. John W. Wal-
lace ; 1872, William McClelland ; 1874, John
W. Wallace; 1876, William S. Shallenber-
ger (res. Beaver Countv) ; 1878, William
S. Shallenberger; 1880,' William S. Shal-
lenberger; 1882, George V. Lawrence
(Washington Co.); 1884, Oscar L. Jack-
son ; 1886, Oscar L. Jackson ; 1888, Charles
C. Townsend; 1890, E. P. Gillespie (res.
Mercer Coimty) ; 1892, Thomas W. Phil-
lips; 1894, Thomas W. Phillips; 1896,
James J. Davidson; 1897, Joseph B. Sho-
walter; 1900, Joseph B. Sho waiter; 1902,
Ernest F. Acheson; 1894, Ernest F. Ache-,
son; 1906, Ernest F. Acheson.
Lawrence became a separate Represent-
ative district in 1871. Under the new con-
stitution adopted in 1873, it became enti-
tled to two Representatives in the State
Legislature.
FIRST COURTS.
The first court held in Lawrence County
convened in the First Methodist Episcopal
Church in New Castle, on Monday, Janu-
ary 7, 1850. It was presided over by Hon.
John Bredin, assisted by Hon. Jacob Bear,
associated judge. The following are the
names of the attorneys admitted to prac-
tice at that term, belonging to Lawrence
County: Jonathan Ayers, L. L. McGuffin,
J. K. Boyd, David Craig, Lewis Taylor, W.
P. Buchanan, D. B. Kurtz, J. Hoffman, D.
C. Cossitt, John M. Crawford, George W.
Watson, John N. McGuffin and James Pol-
lock. Attorneys were also present and ad-
mitted to practice, from Beaver, Butler,
Mercer and Indiana Counties.
In 1877 the county jail that had been in
use from 1850 was torn down and -a new
prison erected. A residence for the sheriff
was built at the same time.
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
43
ORIGINAL TOWNSHIPS.
At the time of the organization of the
county it was divided into thirteen civil
sub-divisions or townships, namely: Pu-
laski, Wilmington, Slippery Rock, North
Slippery Eock, Mahoning, Neshannock,
North Beaver, Big Beaver, Little Beaver,
Shenango, Wayne, Perry and North Se-
wickley. Of these Pulaski, Wilmington,
North Slippery Rock, Mahoning and Nesh-
annock were formerly a part of Mercer
County; the remainder were taken from
Beaver County.
There have been material changes in the
names and arrangements of the townships
since 1850. Taylor Township was created
from portions of Shenango and North Bea-
ver, February 19, 1853. On April 13, 1854,
North Slippery Rock was cut in two, and
the two townships of Washington and
Scott were formed from it, the old name
being abandoned.
In 1855, February 14th, Plain Grove
Township (now often written Plaingrove)
was formed from parts of Washington and
Scott Townships. Pollock To^\Tiship was
formed May 28, 1858, from parts of Nesh-
annock and Shenango Townships. On
February 25, 1869, it became a part of New
Castle, which was then erected into a city
and it now constitutes the third, fourth
and fifth wards. On February 15, 1859, a
strip of land three-fourths of a mile wide
was taken from Plain Grove and added to
Washington Township, which was further
enlarged by another strip a half mile wide
from Scott Township. Union Township
was formed from portions of Mahoning,
Neshannock and Taylor Townships, Sep-
tember 10, 1859. Hickory Township was
formed in the winter of 1859-60, being
taken from Neshannock Township.
AGRICULTURAL.
The area of Lawrence County is about
361 square miles, which is equivalent to
231,040 acres. The climate and soil on the
higher grounds are well adapted to fruits.
such as apples and peaches, while a few
plums and grapes are raised together with
a considerable quantity of small fruits, ac-
cording to the demand. The number of
acres of cleared land is 200,263; timbered
land, 7,273.
The value of taxable real estate is $27,-
707,699; the number of horses taxable,
6,809; the value of horses taxable, $361,-
799; the number of cattle taxable, 7,885;
the value of cattle taxable, $142,075.
The money at interest amounts to $4,-
858,032 ; the total valuation for county pur-
poses, $29,903,653 ; the number of taxables,
22,642.
A society called the Lawrence County
Agricultural and Horticultural Society was
organized in 1852 and offered premiums to
the amount of $450. It leased for the term
of ten years four and a half acres of land
near the borough of New Castle. It was
continued for several years, but we have no
record of it after the year 1857, when its
total receipts were $670.50.
Another society, also called the Lawrence
County Agricultural and Horticultural So-
ciety, was chartered August 10, 1878, with
a capital stock of $3,000, and privilege to
increase the same to $6,000. The first
board of directors and officers were as fol-
lows: Henry C. Falls, president; Samuel
McCleary, vice-president; George W.
Veach, secretary; Scott D. Long, treas-
urer; Hiram Watson, N. B. Carter, Alex-
ander Duff, Robert J. Fulkerson; Benja-
min Graham, John Davidson, John M. Al-
len, Alexander M. Phillips, and Philo Cun-
ningham, directors. The society bought
property on North Hill, which is still
known as the Fair Ground property. It
was then in the country and was bounded
by Moody Avenue, Wilmington Road,
Highland Avenue and on the north by the
Berger farm. It held four annual fairs —
in 1888, 1889, 1890 and 1891— after which
the society was dissolved. They offered
about $4,000 in premiums for races, and
about $5,500 for other exhibits annually.
44 HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
The society was not a financial success and face value of $50 each. The first board
its property was finally disposed of at of directors was George Watson, M. I.
sheriff's sale. Buchanan, David Tod, I. F. Gearhart, A.
The Pulaski Fair Association was char- G. King, James S. Wood. This associa-
tered March 13, 1903, with a capital stock tion gives fairs every year in Pulaski,
of $10,000, divtded into 200 shares of the
CHAPTER IV
TRANSPORTATION
Early Roads — New Castle and Wilmington Plank Road — Canal Traffic — Steamboats —
Steam Railroads — Street Railivay System.
EARLY KOADS.
At the time of the first white settlements
in this region the only roads were Indian
trails, which generally followed the course
of larger streams, though they occasionally
deviated from them to follow the "divides"
or high land between the streams, as was
the case with the trail leading from Mo-
ravia to Kush-kush-kee. All the principal
trails in this region centered at Kush-
kush-kee, which was for many years the
most important Indian town in this region,
being a large village and the capital of
"King Beaver." A common means of
locomotion was by canoe navigation on the
Beaver and its branches, the Mahoning
and the Shenango. For some years the
white settlers made use of footpaths
through the forest, along which they trans-
ported various goods, including household
furniture, from Pittsburg on horseback,
using the pack-saddle. In 1805, or there-
abouts, the State of Pennsylvania ap-
pointed "viewers" to lay out and estab-
lish what are to this day known as the
"State roads." "One of the earliest of
these was laid out from the Scrub Grass
Creek in Venango County, via New Castle,
to Youngstown, Ohio. It passed through
New Castle on North Street, which at that
tnne was the principal thoroughfare of the
town. The Pittsburg Turnpike was opened
at an early day, and a road to Mercer was
among the first running north from New
Castle. The Beaver River Road was
opened as early as 1805. It followed the
river as near as practicable. The oldest
road between New Castle and Mercer
passed through Fayett. Another was aft-
erwards opened via Wilmington."
XEW CASTLE AND NEW WILMINGTON PLANK
RO.AD.
In 1850 a company organized to con-
struct the above-mentioned road was char-
tered by the Legislature, its first officers
being: A. L. Crawford, president; William
Dickson, secretary and treasurer, and Shu-
bael W^ilder, G. W. Crawford, John M.
Crawford, R. H. Peebles, Thomas Falls,
Joseph Kissick and Frederick Rheinholdt,
directors. The principal contractors were
David Emery and John Moorehead. Ac-
cording to the charter a connection was to
lie made with New Wilmington, situated
nine miles north of New Castle, but for
some reason the road was only con-
structed as far as the coal banks, in Nesh-
annock Township, about four miles from
the city. It was completed and opened to
the public in 1853. As described by a
fonuer historian, "Toll gates were erected,
and Mr. A. Cubbison was appointed the
first toll-keeper. One track, consisting of
three-inch oak plank, eight feet in length,
was laid, the loaded teams coming into
New Castle, taking the plank, and all teams
going north using the portion of the grade
46
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
not planked. The road bed was hand-
somely graded and the track was so perfect
that a common load for two horses was
from three to four tons. It was an im-
mense improvement over the old wagon
road, and a very large traffic was con-
stantly passing over it."
A. L. Crawford, the first president of
the company, served three years, being suc-
ceeded in. 1856 by Thomas Falls, who
served four years. Then Frederick Rhein-
holdt was president two years, and was fol-
lowed in 1863 by Henry C. Falls, who held
the office subsequently until the dissolution
of the company, in 1872, when the toll
gates were removed and the charter sur-
rendered. From 1863 until 1872 the fol-
lowing persons served as officers of the
company : Henry C. Falls, president ; Wil-
liam Patterson, secretary and treasurer;
R. H. Peebles, G. W. Crawford, R. W. Cun-
ningham, Shubael Wilder, Joseph Kissick,
A. L. Crawford and Frederick Rheinholdt,
directors. These years were both profit-
able and satisfactory to the stockholders,
and pleasant to the officers of the company,
a large amount of business being done and
high dividends paid. The road was a great
convenience to the public, especially to the
owners of coal lands, and to coal dealers,
and the farming community generally. But
when the steam railroad came into compe-
tition in the transportation of coal the
plank road was forced to succumb. The
old bed is now used as a turnpike and
makes the best wagon road in the county.
CANAL TEArriC.
The Beaver Division of the Pennsylvania
Canal was completed to the "Western Re-
serve Harbor," about five miles above New
Castle, in November, 1833, and opened for
business. The Ohio division, called the
"Cross-Cut" canal, was finished and
opened for traffic in 1838. From those
dates down to about 1871, when the canals
were abandoned for transportation pur-
poses, a vast amount of business was tran-
sacted, and the canal system of navigation
was considered the ideal one for the trans-
portation of goods and passengers. The
first canal boats were adapted to both
freight and passenger business. Later
"packets," which were constructed ex-
pressly for the accommodation of the trav-
eling public, and which ran at a much
greater rate of speed than the regular
"liners," were put on by Captain Thomas
Campbell, Bridgewater. The first of these
was the "General Mercer," which began
running in the spring of 1843, between New
Castle and Bridgewater. Captain Camp-
bell's packets were followed by another
line, known as the "New Castle Packet
Line," which were built for both freight
and passengers. "The days of the canal
were busy and jolly ones, and many a vet-
eran 'captain' won his 'name and fame'
by patient labor along the slack-water nav-
igation of the Beaver Valley. But the
'boatman's horn' is heard no more, and
the sailorless hulks lie here and there,
slowly rotting in the sun."
STEAMBOATS.
For an inland town New Castle has at
times put on quite a nautical air. The year
1840 witnessed the launching of a steam-
boat, which was built by Doctor Joseph
Pollock, and put on to run between Pitts-
burg and New Castle. The boat was ac-
tually constructed by David Frisbie, a ship
and steamboat builder from New York
City, and was launched at the canal basin
in July of the year mentioned. The doc-
tor's son, Hiram, and his son-in-law, Cap-
tain William McMillen, each had an in-
terest in the new venture. The steamboat
was christened the "Isaphena," after the
doctor's daughter, and was put in com-
mand of Capt. McMillen. It was soon
found, however, that the new vessel was
built too sharp at the bow and too deep for
the waters of the Beaver River, and ac-
cordingly a new flat-bottomed hull was con-
structed and her upper works and engine
were transferred to the new hull in Octo-
ber, 1840. It was provided with two very
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
47
peculiar wheels constructed from an idea
of Doctor Pollock's, which operated with-
out producing any wake, thus avoiding the
washing of the banks which an ordinary
steamer produces. The new craft was very
popular and took all the passenger busi-
ness, until Messrs. Reed, Parks & Co., who
were running the packet line, constructed
two superior vessels fitted up with sleeping
berths and other conveniences. These boats
connected with a line of fine steamers at
Beaver, and the passengers were carried
between New Castle and Pittsburg without
delay. The competition of these new pack-
ets compelled the proprietors of the "Isa-
phena" to seek other channels for busi-
ness, and the steamer was accoi'dingly put
on the Monongahela Eiver, and ran for a
number of months in 1841 between Pitts-
burg and Monongahela City. Afterwards
it was enlarged and improved, and from
1842 was engaged in the Southern cotton
trade on the lower Mississippi.
Dr. Pollock settled on a fann in She-
nango Township, then in Beaver County,
in 1826, coming from Williamsport, now
Monongahela City. From 1835 until his
death, in 1856, he was a resident of New
Castle but practiced medicine only among
a limited few after settling here. He was
a member of the Legislature in 1831-2, and
at one time served on the State Equaliza-
tion Board. He was also superintendent
of the Beaver division of the canal in 1841-
42-43. He was remarkable for being an
earnest and practically lifelong advocate
of total abstinence at a time when drink-
ing habits were all too prevalent. It is
said that he was the only one of his college
class who did not fill a drunkard's grave.
STEAM EAILEOADS.
The first steam railroad within the lim-
its of Lawrence County was the Ohio and
Pennsylvania, which ran across one cor-
ner of the county with a station at Enon
Valley. It is now a part of the Pittsburg,
Ft. Wayne & Chicago operated by the
Pennsylvania Company.
The next road completed was the New
Castle &: Beaver Valley railroad, which
ran from New Castle to Homewood, a sta-
tion on the Pittsburg, Ft. AVayne & Chi-
cago. This was completed in 1863. It was
leased to the Pittsburg, Ft. Wayne & Chi-
cago railroad and by it to the Pennsylvania
Company.
The next road was the Erie & Pittsburg,
which was completed about the same time
and ran from New Castle northward to
Girard on the Lake Shore. Soon after its
completion it was leased to the Pennsyl-
vania Comi^any, giving that company a
continuous line between Pittsburg and
Erie.
Some time in the '60 's, soon after the
completion of the Beaver Valley road, the
Lawrence Railroad Comi^any was organ-
ized and built from Lawrence Junction on
the Beaver Valley to Youngstown up the
Mahoning River on its south bank. Soon
after its completion it was leased to the
Pennsylvania Company. It was opened
for traffic on January 22, 1867.
The Beaver Valley and the Erie & Pitts-
burg railroads formed a continuous line on
the west side of the Beaver and Shenango
rivers to Erie.
In 1872 the New Castle & Franklin Rail-
road was established. It connected with
the Beaver Valley road south of New Cas-
tle on the west side of the Shenango river
and ran northward through New Castle to
Mercer and Stoneboro, following Neshan-
nock Creek. The company was organized
in 1864 with a stock subscription of $19,-
250. Survey's were made and a route in
part adopted. For want of means the en-
terprise was suspended imtil the spring of
1872, when the prospects of the road
brightened and stock subscriptions were
received amounting to $339,000, which sum
was spent in grading and bridging. In or-
der to complete the road $550X)00 in 7 per
cent bonds were sold. When the road was
completed the company found itself $200,-
000 in debt, and in April, 1881, the road
was sold to Thomas P. Simpson, a con-
48
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
tractor, who was then building the P., N.
C. & L. E. Railroad. In May of the same
year the name of the road was changed to
the New Castle & Oil City Railroad. This
road finally became a part of the Western
New York & Pennsylvania Railroad, by
which it was operated until 1901, when it
was leased to the Pennsylvania Company.
The Pittsburg & Lake Erie road was
the next to be built. It was built in 1877
from Pittsburg to Youngstown, going up
the bank of the Beaver River to New Cas-
tle Junction; thence following the Mahon-
ing River to Youngstown. At the same
time a branch into the city of New Castle
was completed.
We next have the Pittsburg, Youngstown
& Chicago Railroad, which ran through
New Castle Junction parallel with the
Pittsburg & Lake Erie Railroad to Youngs-
town. Nearly contemporaneous with the
completion of this was the building of the
Pittsburg & Western Railroad from Pitts-
burg up the Allegheny River and across
the country to New Castle Junction. This
and the Pittsburg, Youngstown & Chicago
formed a new through line from Pittsburg
to the west. Afterwards both these roads
became a part of the great B. & 0. system.
This road enters the county in the south-
eastern part and runs parallel with the
Pittsburg & Lake Erie to New Castle Junc-
tion and to New Castle.
A road was built from Wilmington Junc-
tion through New Wilmington to Sharps-
ville in Mercer County.
What is called the New Brighton road
was built from Wampum to New Brighton
ten or twelve years ago. Immediately upon
its completion it was leased to the Pennsyl-
vania Company.
The New Castle & Shenango Valley Rail-
road was completed in 1889 from New Cas-
tle on the east bank of the Shenango River
northward to Sharon, where it connected
with the main line of the Erie Railroad, to
which it was immediately leased.
The next and last steam railroad to be
built in Lawrence County was completed
in 1907 between New Castle and Queen's
Junction, Pennsylvania. It is an independ-
ent road and its name is Western Alle-
gheny Railroad. It starts from East New
Castle. The stations on this line in Law-
rence County are: Butler Road, Gibson-
dale, Princeton, Rose Point and Grant
City.
STREET RAILWAY SYSTEM.
The Mahoning & Shenango Railway &
Light Company operates the lines of the
New Castle Electric Street Railway Com-
pany and the New Castle & Mahoning-
town Street Railway Company, known as
the local companies, within the citv; also
The New Castle & Lowell Railway Com-
pany, a line extending from New Castle to
Lowellville in the State of Ohio, where it
connects with the Mahoning Valley system
extending to Struthers, Haselton, Youngs-
town, Niles, Warren and Leavittsburg ;
and the Sharon & New Castle Street Rail-
way Company extending from New Castle
to Hubbard, Ohio, where it connects for
Youngstown and Sharon with the Youngs-
town & Sharon Railway Companv.
The New Castle Electric Street Rail-
way Company was incorporated Sep-
tember 28, 1889, and lines were imme-
diately constructed on Washington
Street and South Mill Street. The
New Castle & Mahoningtown Street
Railway Company was incorporated Aug-
ust 4, 1896, and a line soon after built from
Mahoningtown (then a borough) into the
city. The New Castle Traction Company
was incorporated January 12, 1897, and
leased the tracks of the two street railway
companies and in that and the following
year extended other lines throughout the
city. About the same time the land com-
prising Cascade Park, lying three miles
from the central part of the city, was pur-
chased by the company, improved and
fitted up as a park and the street railway
lines extended to it.
In 1902 the New Castle & Lowell Rail-
way Company was incorporated and its
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
49
line constructed. About the same time the
Pennsylvania and Mahoning Valley Rail-
\ray Company was incoi'ijorated for the
purpose of operating the two street rail-
way companies and the interurban com-
pany as a single system. Subsequently the
present company, the Mahoning & She-
nango Railway & Light Company, was in-
corporated and the lines of all the other
companies, including the Sharon & New
Castle Street Railway Company, were
leased to it.
The rate of fare is five cents with uni-
versal transfers within the city. The local
lines constitute practically a double track
system throughout the city.
The officers of the company are: Presi-
dent, E. N. Sanderson, New York City;
general manager, M. E. McCaskey,
Youngstown ; superintendent, W. C. Smith,
New Castle.
The power plant of the Mahoning &
Shenango Valley Railway & Light Com-
pany was built in 1895 on North Street by
the New Castle Electric Company. Their
equipment then was five 150-11. P. Buckeye
engines, driving three 80-light Wood arc
machines, two 75-K. W. single-phase alter-
nations, one 75-K. W. D. C. power gener-
ator, and two 200-H.P. boilers. Since that
time the plant has been enlarged by the in-
stallation of two 250-K. W. engine-driven
railwaj' generators ; one 300-K. W. engine-
driven railway generator; two 1,000-K. W.
Parsons steam turbine; two 75-K. W. en-
gine-driven exciters ; one 500-K. AY. rail-
way motor generator set ; one 200-K. W.
railway motor generator set ; one complete
Albergen surface condensing plant; five
250-H. P. water tube boilers. To replace
two 200-H. P. boilers, one 500-H. P. boiler
has been installed with all the auxiliary
machinery for boiler feeding, etc., together
with all necessary switch equipment for
handling all the machinery. The latter is
now five hundred times larger than the
original switchboard. The plant is installed
in a brick building 150x95 feet in dimen-
sions.
The Pittsburg, Harmony, Butler & New
Castle Railway Company, an interurban
line extending from New Castle to Pitts-
burg, was opened to regular travel July
23, 1908. This line extends from Pittsburg
Street in New Castle to Ellwood City, Ze-
lienople. Harmony and Butler, and will
soon extend to Pittsburg. The president
of this company is R. H. Boggs, Pittsburg.
CHAPTER V
NEW CASTLE THE VILLAGE AND BOROUGH
Indian Proprietors — First White Settlers — Wild Game — Early Merchants and Millers
— First Death — Early Justices — First Postoffices — Early Churches — Gillespie's
Addition — Netv Castle in 1813 — Early Bridges — Amusements — Pioneer Costume —
Neiv Castle Made a Borough — The Town Re-surveyed — Some Notable Improve-
ments — F'irst Fire Company — Netv Castle in 1840 — First Steps Toivard Banking —
The Netv County — First Courts — Court-House — Netv Military Companies — Ex-
ports in 1853 — Hard Times in 1855 — Description of Netv Castle in 1858 — Bur-
gesses of West New Castle.
INDIAN PEOPEIETOKS.
Before the advent of the white settlers
in this region the ground where New Castle
now stands was occupied by a tribe of the
Delaware (or Lenape) Indians, ruled over
by a powerful chief or "king." He was
called in the native tongue Pack-an-ka, who
is thought to be identical with the "King
Beaver" mentioned by some of the white
adventurers. We thus find him alluded to
by Christian Frederick Post, in the journal
which he kept of his adventures among the
natives in this vicinity in 1758, when he
was sent on a mission of peace in advance
of General Forbes' army.
But though inhabited by the Delawares,
this region was practically under the dom-
ination of the Iroquois (Meng-we), or "Six
Nations," long the formidable rivals of
the Delawares, and whom De Witt Clinton
called the "Romans of America."
The Iroquois possessed an intelligence
superior to that of most of the Indian
tribes. This was exemplified in the famous
league, or confederation, between the five
tribes of New York — the Onondagas, Sen-
ecas, Cayugas, Mohawks, and Oneidas
(long known as the Five Nations), which
was etfected about the middle of the Fif-
teenth Century by Hiawatha, a sagacious
chief of the Onondagas, and the subject of
Longfellow's poem of that name. Says
Horatio Hale, in his book entitled "The
Iroquois Book of Rites " : " The system he
devised was not to be a loose or transitoiy
league, but a permanent government.
While each nation was to retain its own
council and management of local affairs,
the general control was to be lodged in a
federal senate, composed of representa-
tives to be elected by each nation, holding
office during good behavior, and acknowl-
edged as ruling chiefs throughout the
whole confederacy. Still further and more
remarkable, the federation was not to be
a limited one ; it was to be indefinitely ex-
pansible. The avowed design o*f its pur-
poser was to abolish tear altogether. That
this far-sighted and beneficent plan failed
of its ultimate object was due less to any
inherent defects than to the fact that the
said object was too far advanced for the
comprehension of those for whose benefit
it was designed. Though retaining its
governmental value in the regulation of
tribal affairs, the league was soon per-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
51
verted into a means of conquest and ag-
gression, until the name of Iroquois be-
came a terror to all the surrounding
nations. It included, besides the five New
York tribes above mentioned, some por-
tions of the Neutral. Nation, and, at a
later date, the Tuscaroras, who, about
1712, were driven from North Carolina
by the British, the confederations after
this time being known as the "Six Na-
tions." It was to these tribes that the
name Iroquois was applied by the early
French and English settlers. The partic-
ular tribe who were nominal masters of
the immediate region comprising north-
western Pennsylvania, and having their
council-seat at or near the present city of
Buffalo, was the Seneca. But various
tribes and fragments of other nations were
dwelling in the same locality: Senecas, Del-
awares, Munseys, Shawnese, etc., etc., liv-
ing quietly and peaceably together and oc-
cupying the same hunting and fishing
grounds in connnon. Two villages of the
Lenape or Delawares were in this locality :
one at the mouth of the Mahoning River,
called Kas-kas-kunk; the other upon the
site of New Castle, and called New Kas-
kas-kunk, the latter town being the capital
of Pack-an-ka.
FIRST WHITE SETTLERS.
Early in the season of 1798 John Car-
lysle Stewart, with two brothers-in-law,
John and Hugh Wood, and John McWlior-
ter — all from the neighborhood of New
Castle, Delaware — together located on thp
ground where New Castle now stands.
This portion of the country was mostly sur-
veyed into what were known as "donation
lands" (described in the third chapter of
this work), the line between the original
counties of Beaver and Mercer being the
boundary between the first and second
"donation" districts. South of this line
was the first, and north of it was the sec-
ond district.
A previous description of this territory
reads as follows: "Commencing at the
northwest corner of lot No. 88 of these
lands, the line of survey made an obtuse
angle to the northeastward across lot 89,
thence across lot 90 it ran almost exactly
northeast, and from thence, at the south-
west corner of lot No. 1953, it ran straight
east beyond the Neshannock Creek. This
deviation in the south line of the second
district (due to imperfect surveying) left
a strip commencing at a point two miles
west of New Castle, and widening until it
reached the Shenango River at a spot a
little below the bridge on Grant Street. At
this place the gore was about ninety rods
in width, and continued the same eastward
to the present city limits. This gore was
called a 'vacancy.' There is considerable
diversity of opinion regarding the amount
and location of lands purchased by Stew-
art, but there is no doubt he owned all of
the 'vacancy' lying between the Shenango
River and Neshannock Creek, and his pui--
chase most probably extended eastward for
some distance beyond the creek, perhaps
far enough to cover altogether about 400
acres. That portion lying west of the She-
nango River, amounting to 117 acres and
38 poles, was taken by Cornelius Hendrick-
son. Lot No. 89, lying a little northwest
of Sankey's addition to New Castle, was
taken by Joseph and Samuel Cox; No. 90,
lying immediately east of Cox, and running
across the river, was taken by Samuel Mc-
Cleary; lot No. 1953, lying next east of
McCleary, Crawford Wliite settled on; lot
No. 1951, next east of Crawford 'White, was
taken by Henry Falls. The 'vacancy' oc-
cupied by Stewart was south of ^Tiite's
and Falls' land. The original town-plot,
comprising about fiftv acres, was laid out
by John Carlysle Stewart, in April, 1798,
as appears by the records of Mercer
County. At that date the territory was
within the limits of Allegheny County,
which extended northwards to the lake.
"The plan of the new town was a very
good one, lying with the cardinal points
of the compass (or nearly so), and having
wide, straight streets and an open market-
52
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
place, 440 by 190 feet in the center, since
curiously called 'the Diamond.' Mercer
County was erected March 12, 1800, and
the soiith line of this county was also the
southern boundary of the town.
"Stewart and McAATiorter were both
practical surveyors, but the latter, on ac-
coimt of having the best instruments, made
the survey and laid out the new citJ^ When
the plot was completed it was unanimously
named Neiv Castle, in honor of the chief
town of the State from whence they came.
' ' The town was bounded on the north by
a line running east and west through the
center of the blocks lying next north of
North Street, from the left bank of the
Shenango River eastward to Apple Alley,
thence south to the Neshannock Creek;
thence west along the line afterwards di-
viding Beaver and Mercer Counties to the
Shenango River; thence northerly along
the river to the place of beginning.
' ' The site of the town was a sort of glade
or open bottom, destitute of large timbers,
but covered with a dense growth of grass
and hazel bushes. Along the Neshannock
was a thicket of wild plum and crabapple
trees, and here and there scattered over
the plot were clumps and clusters of black
and jack oaks. According to the best au-
thority we have been able to obtain, a large
share of the lots in the new town were dis-
posed of by lottery, most probably at sev-
eral different times, for when first laid out
there were not people enough to have made
it profitable. Lotteries were quite common
and popular in those days, and even reli-
gious societies did not scruple to raise
funds by means of them. ' '
John Carlysle Stewart owned the land
upon which the town was laid out and it is
probable that he erected the first cabin in
New Castle. This cabin, built of roimd
logs, stood near what is now known as the
Falls spring; and ]\Ir. Stewart was resid-
ing there as late as 1810, after which he
seems to have changed his place of abode,
and, according to some accounts, removed
to land owned by him on the east side of
the Neshannock.
He was of Scotch-Irish descent, and was
a large, raw-boned man, quite well edu-
cated, somewhat aristocratic in his man-
ners, and averse to hard labor. He was
said to have been born near Philadelphia,
and to have lived in his younger days near
New Castle, Delaware. The date of his
birth is supposed to have been about 1765,
as a daughter of his, who in the late seven-
ties was residing in the State of Indiana,
thought he was about ten years old at the
breaking out of the Revolutionary War.
His father, Robert Stewart, was a major
in the American Army during the war and
possibly the son, John C, may have lo-
cated land upon a warrant drawn by the
elder Stewart for military service. Old
citizens of New Castle, who were living
some years ago, claimed that John C. Stew-
art was the first Justice of the Peace, which
is not at all improbable. At all events
there is documentary evidence to prove
that he was holding the office in 1807.
Stewart was engaged in various enter-
prises during his stay in New Castle. He
was connected with other parties, as early
as 1803-04, in the erection of a grist and
saw mill, on the Neshannock, at the Devil's
Elbow, and about 1810-11, in company with
one Wilkins, changed his grist mill into
a forge for the manufacture of iron in
Western Pennsylvania. It would appear
that he eventually became badly involved
financially, and gradually lost all his prop-
erty in and around New Castle, and was
even reduced so much as to be forced to
teach school for a livelihood. It is con-
ceded that his personal appearance, which,
as before remarked, was slovenly, and his
lazy habits, had much to do with his mis-
fortunes. It is said that he abandoned
his unsold lots in New Castle and they
were afterwards sold for taxes. "Wlien he
sold John Elliott the water-power on the
Neshannock, about 1800, he probably sold
with it quite a tract of land. Elliott sold
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
53
to Vaneman, and he, in turn, perhaps, sold
to Gillespie, or to Gillespie and Chenowith.
Gillespie's addition to New Castle was laid
out in 1811, on lands which were a part
of the "vacancy" at first purchased by
Stewart.
Stewart had one son, named John, and
four or five daughters, one of whom mar-
ried while they lived in New Castle. John
died in Ohio, unmarried, and the girls mar-
ried and scattered in various directions
after the removal of the family to Ohio.
Stewart's wife was a Wood, a sister of
John and Hugh Wood, before mentioned.
Joseph Townsend, Jr., came to this vi-
cinity very soon after Stewart, and built
a log cabin near where the old Dickson
tannery was afterwards located.
Another early comer, William Munnel,
a blacksmith, put up his cabin on the
ground now occupied by Shaw & W^adding-
ton's iron foundiy. It was a long build-
ing, built of logs, and divided into three
compartments — a dwelling at one end, a
horse stable in the middle, and a black-
smith's shop in the other end. His wife's
name was Lena Hendrickson, she being a
daughter of Cornelius Hendrickson, Sr.
Miinnel was a curious character. He
claimed to be a Christian and always had
family worship. But he had a habit of
profanity, which he ai^parently could not
overcome, and it is said that, if excited,
he would stop suddenly in the midst of a
prayer and curse roundly, and then finish
his prayer as calmly as if nothing serious
had happened.
John Watson, from Penn's Valley, Pa.,
also came some time during 1798, and built
a cabin across the street, east from Mun-
nel's.
Cornelius Hendrickson and Daniel Hen-
drickson, father and son, built two cabins
on the west bank of the Shenango, in the
present township of Union. They also es-
tablished a ferry over the Shenango at
what is now the west end of North street.
Thomas, another son of Cornelius Hen-
drickson, settled in what is now Taylor
Township, and his son, Cornelius, Jr., set-
tled east of New Castle on land purchased
of Stewart.
Jesse Du Shane came to Beaver from
the State of Delaware in 1802. In the fall
of the same year he settled in New Castle,
and built a cabin. His wife was Lydia
Zanes, daughter of Joseph Townsend, Sr.
The family took up their residence in their
new home in February, 1803, making the
journey from Beaver to New Castle in
a large canoe belonging to David Hendrick-
son, and being accompanied by Joseph
Townsend, Sr., and a well known Indian,
Har-the-gig, who helped to navigate the
canoe. About the year 1806 Mr. Du Shane
built a new house of hewed logs, which
stood on the lot just north of the two-story
brick building on the northwest corner of
Washington Street and "the Diamond."
His lot extended north to the alley. The
building was about equal to three ordinary
houses in those days. The same year he
rented one of the rooms to Joseph T. Boyd,
who opened a general store, and after-
wards admitted John Wilson as a partner.
Jesse Du Shane died in New Castle, Jan-
uary 1, 1866, at the ripe old age of ninety-
five years and one month. His wife died
in 1855, aged eighty-four years.
In 1803, came Joseph Townsend, Sr.,
a saddjer, with his sons, John and Isaac.
The two sons learned the hatter's trade
of Thomas Evans, their brother-in-law, at
Sharon, Beaver County. "V\lien they be-
came of age they started the business in
New Castle, and were the next to open a
shop after Isaac Jones, who was the first
hatter, having commenced business about
1805. The Townsends probably com-
menced about 1806-08. The old gentleman
lived in a house which his son, Joseph,
built for him, for some years. In his old
age he lived with his other sons until his
death, which took place about 1825. The
second daughter of Joseph Townsend, Sal-
ly, married Thomas Evans, of Sharon,
54
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Beaver County, aud the third daughter,
Elizabeth, married William Van Zant
Smith, who died in Ohio.
Jared and Robert Irwin, James Rey-
nolds, Nicholas Vaneman and Benjamin
and John Elliott, all settled in New Castle
previous to, or about, 1800.
Among other very early settlers were
John Wilson, and two brothers by the name
of Sampson. There was also Andrew
Noble, who came to New Castle about ISOO,
and who was famed far and wide as a
great hunter. He built a cabin on what
was later the Falls estate, near the brow
of the hill. He was the owner of a mon-
strous long and heavy rifle, carrj^ing thir-
ty-two balls to the pound. This rifle he
was aftei-wards obliged to forfeit on a
debt to Mr. Crawford ^Vliite, who called
the gun "Andy." It was a fine weapon,
but carried so heavy a charge that it was
a rather expensive one to use. As the boys
said, you couldn't afford to miss your aim
with it.
Mr. White, who came from Cumberland
County, Pa., settled on lot No. 1953 of the
"Donation Lands," immediately north of
Stewart's purchase, in 1804. After stay-
ing in New Castle for about two years,
he went back to Cumberland County and
married, in 1806. Returning to New Castle
he at once entered into the active pur-
suits of life. During the War of 1812-15,
he went to Erie — probably in 1813 — as a
member of Captain Fisher's company,
raised in and around New Castle. In 1818
he erected a grist mill and a saw mill (both
fi'ame buildings) on or near the ground
where Raney's grist and flour mill now
stands. John Tidball was the first miller,
and operated the mill for Mr. Wliite. The
old gentleman died about the year 1834.
His wife died in January, 1875, at the great
age of ninety-seven years.
John Elliott had the honor of erecting
the first grist mill in New Castle, which
he did about the year 1800. It was situ-
ated on the west bank of the Neshannock
Creek, near where the Episcopal Church
now stands. It was built, no doubt, of
logs, and probably contained one run of
"Laural Hill" stones. The mill was in
constant use until October, 1803, when it
was partially destroyed, but whether by
fire or flood, tradition saith not — most
likely bj^ flood. Previous to its erection
people were obliged to take their grain
down the Beaver River, in canoes, to Beav-
er Falls, and bring it back by the same con-
veyance, or take it on horseback to Allen's
mill on Slippery Rock Creek, in Wayne
Township. After the partial destruction of
his mill, Elliott sold out to Nicholas Vane-
man, who i-epaired it and put it in opera-
tion.
John and Hugh Wood, previously men-
tioned as the brothers-in-law and compan-
ions of John C. Stewart, remained in New
Castle xmtil about 1821 to 1823, when they
left with Stewart and settled in Holmes
County, Ohio, at Millersburg, where he
died. It is said by some authorities that
Stewart was elected to the Legislature of
Ohio, and was nominated for a second term
but was defeated by his shabby appear-
ance, as he was a man of slovenly habits.
Others say he was beaten the first time, for
the same reason, and did not run again.
John McWhorter, who laid out the town
for Stewart, soon after returned East. He
was of a speculative turn, and bought and
sold lands, and frequently visited West-
ern Pennsylvania, but eventually died near
where he came from, in Delaware.
WILD GAME, ETC.
Rattlesnakes were very plentiful when
New Castle was first settled, but these
pests rapidly disappeared, and for many
years a rattlesnake has been as great a
curiosity in New Castle as an African
lion.
Large gray wolves were also numerous
in those daj's, and howled nightly on the
hills surrounding the town. They came
careering over the hills and through the
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
55
valleys in ravenous packs, and the unlucky
sheep or pig that got in their way was
devoured iu a moment.
Deer and black bears were also very
common. The last bear seen in the place
was killed by Daniel Hendrickson, Joseph
Townsend and Jesse Du Shane, in 1S04. It
is said that it weighed 400 pounds.
EAELY MEECHANTS, MrLLEKS, ETC.
The first store in New Castle was opened
by Joseph Townsend, Jr., one of the ener-
getic and progressive settlers of the place,
who built a double log cabin on the north-
west corner of North and Shenango
Streets, aboiit the year 1800. In this build-
ing he commenced the mercantile business,
and also opened a tavern. After a few
years Townsend sold out his store to one
Patrick Wilson, who enlarged and im-
proved the business and conducted it on
something like true mercantile principles.
About the time that Townsend sold his
store he put a small tannery in operation,
which he soon after sold to William Dick-
son. In 1803, in company with James Rey-
nolds (and some accounts say also with
John Carlysle Stewart), as a partner, he
built a grist and saw mill at the head of
the narrows on the Neshannock, which was
run for a time, and sold to Stewart, or to
Stewart and Wilkins, who, about 1811,
changed it to a forge for the manufacture
of iron.
Joseph Townsend, Jr., died, it is thought,
about 1811, much regretted by the citizens,
as he had greatly helped in the develop-
ment of the place and was an upright busi-
ness man. At some period during his busi-
ness operations, he erected on the south-
west corner of North and Mercer Streets,
a log cabin which Arthur Chenowith fa-
cetiously named "Pokeberry Exchange,"
on accoiant of its peculiar color. Patrick
Wilson continued the mercantile business
for some time at Townsend 's old stand,
but later removed to the "Diamond."
Townsend 's double log cabin soon after
caught fire and was consumed. The spot
was long afterwards known as "The burnt
cabins."
North Street was, for a number of years,
the main business thoroughfare of the
town, until gradually business shifted to
the viciaity of the "Diamond," and from
thence, in course of time, eastward to that
portion of Washington Street lying be-
tween the "Diamond" and the Neshan-
nock bridge.
Another of the early settlers who de-
serves mention was John Wilson, who came
previous to 1803. He was accidentally
killed on the day that RejTiolds and Town-
sends' mill was raised, under the follow-
ing circmnstances : He had been to Thom-
as Hendrickson 's distillery and was re-
turning with a cart and yoke of oxen, hav-
ing, among other things, a barrel of whisky
in the cart. On the way back, for some
reason, his oxen became frightened and
ran away, upsetting the cart and throw-
ing Mr. Wilson out, and the barrel of
whisky falling upon him killed him instant-
ly. He was the father of Captain James
Wilson, well and favorably known as an
influential citizen of Lawrence County.
Cornelius Hendrickson, as before stated,
settled on the west side of the Shenango
Eiver, near the present site of the glass
works. His son, Daniel, lived farther down
the river. Cornelius Hendrickson made
claim, in 1798, of all the gore known as
the "vacancy," lying west of the Shenan-
go Eiver, which contained over 117 acres
of land. He had merely squatted on it.
He appears to have had a sort of certificate
of pre-emption to something over fifty
acres of it, issued in 1800. It is probable
that his son, Oakey Hendrickson, obtained
possession of one-half of the whole claim,
for we find that in 1818 George McDowell,
said to have been a son-in-law of Oakey,
and Ebenezer Byers, came into possession
of it and made an equitable division, after-
wards obtaining a patent for the whole.
Cornelius Hendrickson was something of
a practitioner of medicine, and was given,
by courtesy, the title of "Doctor." His
56
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
remedies were derived largely from among
the roots and herbs of the country, and
he is said to have been an excellent nurse.
He is also credited with some slight knowl-
edge of surgery. He had a good deal of
the character of Daniel Boone in his com-
position, not liking the restraints of civili-
zation, and when New Castle began to as-
sume the appearance of a town he quietly
departed for a newer country in the West.
He had four sons, Oakey, Daniel, Thomas
and Cornelius, Jr. Oakey removed about
1820 to Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Daniel was associated with his father in
the ferry, which they established on the
Shenango when they first arrived in New
Castle. "He seems to have had charge of it
and operated it for some years. He used
a "dug-oiit," or large canoe, for ferrying
passengers and freight, and sometimes
made trips down the river. Daniel accu-
mulated some property and undertook to
enlarge his sphere of usefulness. At one
time he entered into a contract to construct
a dam on the Neshannock, on the site of
the old Elliott- Vaneman dam, but before
it was completed a sudden flood carried it
all away and with it a large share of Hen-
drickson's hard earnings. "He was the
father of a nimierous family, principally
daughters, and many of the most respect-
able families of the communitj^ are con-
nected with the famous squatter familv of
1798."
Thomas Hendrickson settled near the
present site of Mahoningtown, where he
operated a primitive distillery, which busi-
ness was then as legitimate and respect-
able as any other vocation. It is said that
he was something of a hunter, and could
bring in as manjr wolf-scalps for the
bounty as "any other man." He died in
Plaingrove Township about 1830. Corne-
lius Hendrickson, of whom we have little
knowledge, emigrated with his father to
Ohio, where they both died at an advanced
age.
The second hotel, or, rather, tavern, in
New Castle was opened in the hewed-log
building erected by Jesse Du Shane in 1806,
a little north from Washington Street, in
the northwest angle of the "Diamond,"
and was called the "New Tavern." Joseph
T. Boyd kept a store in one room of this
building. This hostelry had the first regu-
lar tavern sign ever seen in New Castle.
It was decorated with seven stars, and
surmounted with three wooden figures, dex-
terously turned in imitation of a pint and
a half-pint bottle, and a gill measure which
stood beside the bottle. It is said that
on the day on which this sign was raised
there was a grand horse-race, free to all
comers, and the rider who came in last
treated the crowd.
Mr. Boyd's business increasing rapidly,
Mr. Du Shane built for his use another log
building, west of the corner of Washing-
ton Street. Here Boyd continued his busi-
ness until it again outgrew the building
in which it was located, when he and John
Wilson formed a partnership and the new
firm erected a building of logs on the north-
east corner of the lot now occupied by the
Disciples' Church, where they opened the
largest general stock of goods that, up to
that time, had ever been seen in New
Castle. No doubt there was great excite-
ment among the good wives of New Castle
on the opening day.
When Nicholas Vaneman purchased the
grist mill of John Elliott in the fall of 1803
he also purchased in connection therewith
100 acres of land lying between New Castle
and Croton. After he had operated the
mill for some time, it was jDartially de-
stroyed by a flood, the dam being almost
totally destroyed. A few remains of it
were visible more than fifty years after its
destruction.
Previous histories narrate an interest-
ing and tragic incident in connection with
Vaneman 's misfortune, which is worth pre-
serving. The miller whom Vaneman em-
ployed to run his mill was a man named
Crane, who was naturally a little anxious
about the property. Being on the groimd
on the day when the great ice-flood came
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
57
tumbling and rolling down the creek, he
was standing near the old-fashioned tub-
wheel, and peering into the mill to see what
damage had been done, when a sudden rush
of ice made everything crack around him.
Eagerly bending forward and pointing
with his finger toward the impending
wreck, he exclaimed : ' ' The old mill is all
gone to h 1 ! " In his excitement he lost
his balance and fell into the wheel, which
was in rapid motion, and was killed. His
body was soon after recovered and laid
out in one corner of the mill, which, after
all the apparent danger, was only injured
to a small extent. After his remains were
laid out, a watch-dog was placed inside
as a guard, the mill was locked, and the
corpse left until the next morning. It is
said that Vaneman would on no account
consent to have the dead body in his dwell-
ing. Crane, it appears, had no I'elatives,
at least not in this portion of the country,
and so all that he possessed was buried
with him. This consisted of the clothes
he wore, a pocket knife, a pipe and tobacco
and a few pieces of silver, amounting to
between $1 and $2. His remains were
placed in a rough box of oaken boards, and
buried on the summit of Shaw's hill. There
was no burial ground at the spot chosen,
but as the only burial place was on the
west side of the Shenango, and unap-
proachable by reason of the flood (there
being then no bridges over the stream),
his remains were interred in the most suit-
able place they could find, under the cir-
cumstances. The place has no stone to
mark it, and the locality is known to very
few ])eople. This incident occurred, prob-
ably, in 1807.
' ' About the year 1808 Vaneman sold his
mill, water-power and land to James Gil-
lespie, and removed to what is now Wayne
Township, then in Beaver County, and lo-
cated about a mile east of Chewton, where
he built a frame grist and saw mill, and
put a set of carding machines in his grist
mill, in addition. The mills were situated
on a small run that discharges into Beaver
Biver. The amount of water was quite in-
significant, Ijut there was a fall of some
eighteen feet, and, with an overshot wheel,
equal in diameter to the height of the fall,
the power was sufficient for his purposes.
]\lr. Vaneman died on the 2-i:th of April,
1832. He was of German descent, and was
born in Washington County, Pennsylvania.
He was twice married, and was the father
of sixteen children."
FIRST DEATH IN NEW CASTLE.
The first death in New Castle was that
of the little daughter of William McComb,
about 1802-03. Her remains were placed
in a coffin made of oak boards, which were
fastened together with wooden pins, it be-
ing before the days of nails. The cofiBn
was conveyed in John Wilson's ox-cart to
the first burying ground in the place, ad-
joining what is now Greenwood Cemetery.
The first coffin was made by Jesse Du
Shane.
The first adult who died in the place was
probably the same John Wilson whose cart
transported the remains of Mr. McComb 's
little girl to their last resting-place. As
before stated, Mr. Wilson was accidentally
Idlled by being thrown from his cart on.
the day Re\Tiolds and Townsend's mill was
raised, in 1803-04.
One of the early settlers in New Castle,
coming about 1805, was John Gormly, a
shoemaker by profession, described by Mr.
Penn as a "low, thick-set, middle-aged
man," who had a very large and muscular
woman for his wife. He built a cabin of
I'ound logs on the southeast corner of
Washington Street and the "Diamond."
It is related of him that on the day in
which his cabin was raised, having gone
where his children were piling and burn-
ing brush and rubbish, and while engaged
in giving orders about the work, his wife
came up behind and lifting him in her
brawny arms threw him on a brush pile
and told one of the children to bring some
fire and they would burn all the trash to-
gether.
HISTOEY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
Another anecdote illustrates the love of
practical joking which prevailed among
the people of those times. On a certain
day, in the year 1806, Gormly went into
Crawford White's store on North Street
to make some purchases; among other
things, he procured some eggs, and, for
lack of a better place, put them in his
hat. Stepping out upon the street with
the hat upon his head he was approached
by John Carlysle Stewart, who mashed his
hat over his eyes, and then suddenly, be-
fore Gormly could wipe the streaming con-
tents of the eggs from his face, disappeared
around the corner. Stewart afterwards
paid Gormly all damages.
Prominent men in those days did not
scruple to borrow wood from a neighbor
(coal was then unknown), and especially
if he had it all nicely prepared for the
fire. It was also customary to watch when-
ever a neighbor killed a pig, and, if he left
it out after dark, to go and quietly "bor-
row" it. Sometimes the stolen property
was returned, but often the loser never
saw anything more of it. He took good
care, however, to revenge himself at the
first opportunity upon the luckless neigh-
bor who accidentally left anything ex-
In addition to those already mentioned,
another prominent citizen of New Castle
in early days was John Wilson, a partner
in the mercantile business with Joseph T.
Boyd. He must not be confounded with
the man of the same name who was killed
aceidentalh^, as before mentioned. It is
thought that he was in business with Boyd
for some thirty years; at all events, he
was long identified with the business of
New Castle. He was a man of cool and im-
perturbable temper, very prompt and en-
ergetic in his business. He expected others
to be equally prompt with himself and,
when necessary, he would sue a dozen of
his debtors at once, as may be seen by
reference to the old justice "dockets" of
Arthur Hurry and William Dickson. Not-
withstanding this, he was kind and chari-
table to the poor, and accommodated many
a worthy debtor when in trouble. He was
successful in his business transactions, and
acciunulated a handsome property. He
built the brick building known as the
"Wilder," on the south side of the "Dia-
mond," and also the large brick dwelling
situated on the northwest corner of Wash-
ington Street and the "Diamond."
EAKLY JUSTICES.
As we have before stated, the first jus-
tice of the peace in New Castle was prob-
ably John C. Stewart. The second justice
was Arthur Hurry, an Irishman. He was
a man of very fair education, but, beyond
the fact that he served for several years
as a justice of the peace, we have little
knowledge of him.
William Dickson, the father of Isaac and
John Dickson, was the third justice of the
peace^ He carried on the business of tan-
ner for many years in New Castle.
FIEST POST-OFFICE.
For several years after the first settle-
ment of New Castle, the nearest post-office
was at Fort Mcintosh, on the site of the
present town of Beaver. The mails were,
most likely, carried on horseback, as is
customary in all new countries. The first
post-office in the little town was established
in the year 1812, under Mr. Madison's ad-
ministration, and the first postmaster was
Joseph T. Boyd. The office was located
in the new log store built by him and John
AVilson, on the corner of the lot now oc-
cupied by the Disciples' Church. Mr. Boyd
must have been a very popular postmaster,
for he held the office from that date until
about 1838, and afterwards for about eight-
een months.
EAELY CHUECHES.
' ' The Presbji:erians were the pioneer re-
ligious body in New Castle, erecting the
first church building here about 1804. Pre-
vious to that date the congregation had
worshipped in what was called a 'tent,'
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
59
which consisted of a board shelter for the
preachers, and logs in front for the people
to sit upon. Their first church building
was of round logs, and stood near the
present residence of Mr. John T. Phillips,
and not very far from a spring which still
bubbles from the hillside. Rev. Alexander
Cook was the first pastor ordained and in-
stalled, in 1801. The second church build-
ing, belonging to the Seceders, was built
about 1814, and stood at what was then
the head of Beaver Street, though the
street has since been extended northward,
passing directly over the ground occupied
by the church and burial ground.
"The Methodists were the third congre-
gation to erect a church building in New
Castle, which they did about 1815 or 1816,
on the ground now occupied by St. Jo-
seph's German Catholic Church, on South
Jetferson Street. There is some difference
of opinion regarding the time this church
was erected. Seth Rigby, a former resi-
dent of Shenango Township, said he hewed
the logs for it before he entered the army,
which he did in 1814. Joseph Justice said
there was no church erected when he left
the town in 1815. It is probable that both
of these gentlemen were right. Mr. Eigby
might have hewed the logs and they may
have lain a year or two on the ground be-
fore the church was erected."
The town grew very slowly and, conse-
quently, the price of real estate kept a cor-
responding pace. In 1806, eight years after
the place was laid out, it is said the best
lot in New Castle could have been bought
for TEN DOLLARS.
Alexander Boyles, a blacksmith, did
actually purchase the whole square, bound-
ed on the west by Beaver Street and on
the north by North Street, for $10. As late
as 1825, John Reed sold a lot on Mercer
Street to Thomas Rigby for $30.
Gillespie's addition.
In November, 1811, James Gillespie laid
out an addition to New Castle, consisting
of thirty lots, and bounded by Washington
Street on the south, by East Street on the
east, by Apple Alley on the west, and ex-
tending to the foot of the hill on the north.
This addition was probably on land bought
of Nicholas Vaneman, and formerly a part
of John Carlysle Stewart's original pur-
chase.
NEW CASTLE IN 1813.
The following is a list of the more promi-
nent citizens of New Castle in 1813 : John
C. Stewart, Joseph T. Boyd, John Wilson,
Arthur Chenowith, Jesse Du Shane, Rob-
ert Wallace, John Frazier, Burton Rust,
Alexander Hawthorne, Michael Carman,
James Gillespie, William Dickson, Arthur
Hurry, Samuel McCleaiy, James Dunlap.
Dr. Alexander Gillfillan, Crawford White,
David "Wliite, Philip Painter, Alexander
Boyles, Isaac Jones, James M. Cunning-
ham, Daniel Hendrickson, Joseph Thorn-
ton, Samuel Pershall, Arthur G. Long,
John B. Pearson, John Hull, John Downey,
Elijah Parr, Jacob Quest, John Gormly
and William Cox. In the same year Hon.
James McClane and Joseph Justice also
settled in New Castle. At that date there
were four mercantile houses in the place,
to-wit : One owned by Joseph T. Boyd and
John Wilson, situated on the northeast
corner of the lots now occupied by the
Disciples ' Church ; one belonging to Sam-
uel Parshall, situated on the north side of
the same lots; one by Arthur G. Long,
on the south side of the "Diamond," and
one by John B. Pearson, situated on the
east side of Jefferson Street, not far from
the present site of the United Presbyterian
Church.
There were three hotels, or "taverns,"
as they were then called, in New Castle,
two of them being log buildings. One known
as the "Pokeberry Exchange," and stood
on the corner of North and Mercer Streets ;
another, kept by Arthur Chenowith, was
in the "Old Stone Comer," on the "Dia-
mond"; the third, situated in a log build-
ing, on the subsequent site of Clendenin's
Block, was kept by Robert Wallace.
60
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Arthur Clienowith came from Virginia
to New Castle about the year 1810, he
bringing with him the first colored man
ever seen in the place. Mr. Chenowith
lived, for a short time after he came to
New Castle, in a log house on the hillside,
a little distance west of what is now called
Shaw's Hill. In 1812 he built the "old
stone corner" on Jefferson Street and the
"Diamond," in which he subsequently con-
ducted a hotel until his death, about 1826.
The trades and occupations of the prin-
cipal citizens were as follows: William
Dickson was a tanner; John C. Stewart a
speculator and manufacturer ; Samuel Mc-
Cleary a stonemason ; Philip Painter a cab-
inet-maker; James D. Cunningham a
shingle-maker; Alexander Boyles and Eli-
jah Farr, blacksmiths ; John Hull a wheel-
wright; John Gormly and John Downey,
shoemakers; Burton Rust a carpenter;
Isaac Jones a hatter; Joseph Thornton
a teacher; Arthur Hurry a justice of the
peace; Crawford AVhite a farmer; J. T.
Boyd and John Wilson, merchants; Jesse
Du Shane a coachmaker, and Chenowith,
Wallace and Hawthorne, "tavern" keep-
ers.
Up to 1813 there were only a few log
cabins in the portion of New Castle lying
east of Mercer Street. Of these, three or
four were in the neighborhood of Shaw's
Hill, and a few more near Vaneman's grist
mill. East and south of the Neshannock
there were no buildings except those of
David '\^^lite and James Squier, who lived
about half a mile from the "town."
"In 1813, the steep river bank on the
west side of the Shenango, along which
there is now a good public road, sometimes
called 'the Narrows,' was so rocky and
precipitous that it was hardly passable
for pedestrians. A few years later a path
was made along which horses could pass,
but it was several years before a wagon-
road was constructed.
"It is said that in the same year there
was only a cow-path running from the
'Diamond' eastward to the Neshannock,
winding among wild crab-apple trees and
hazel brush.
' ' The number of buildings in New Castle
at that date did not exceed thirty. These
were mostly of logs. The first frame build-
ing in the town was erected about 1808, on
Mercer Street, a short distance north of
Washington Street. It was boarded on the
outside with shaved clapboards. The sec-
ond frame building was situated near the
site of R. M. Allen's present residence.
The buildings were mostly log structures as
late as 1817. The population in 1813 was
probably less than 200.
EAELY BEIDGES.
The first bi'idge over the Neshannock
was constructed about 1814, and was on the
site of the present iron structure at the
head of Washington Street. It was a
wooden rustic bridge.
The first bridge over the Shenango was
erected in 1815, subscription papers being
circulated among the citizens of New Castle
in December, 1814, for the purpose of
raising funds to build the same, the sum of
$705 being raised. 'What the total cost of
the bridge was, we have no means of know-
ing. It was also a wooden trestle bridge,
and perhaps cost about the amount of sub-
scriptions. It was built by a man named
Kirk.
In 1812 the town of New Castle had
gro-n-n to such importance that the gov-
ernment established a post-office, and the
Hon. Gideon Granger appointed Robert
Boyd postmaster, which office he held until
some time during the administration of
President Van Buren, or about twenty-
eight years. He also held the office at a
subsequent period for aboi;t eighteen
months. Colonel Boyd, who came from
the Colony of Delaware, was a man pos-
sessing many rare and excellent qualities.
He was particularly noted for his gentle-
manly manners and great goodness of
heart, never speaking ill of any one. His
wife, Martha, was the daughter of Joseph
Thornton. They had a son, Joseph Thorn-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
61
ton, -who was born in Chambersburg, Pa.,
in April, 1781. In his later days Colonel
Boyd united with the First Presbyterian
Church, under the care of Dr. D. X. Jun-
kin. He died in the beginning of March,
1868, aged nearly eighty-seven years. Be-
tween the years 1832 and 1838, Colonel
Boyd was one of the directors of the Penn-
sylvania and Ohio Canal Company.
"About the year 1807 David White, a
brother of Crawford White, from Cumber-
land County, Pennsjdvania, came to New
Castle and settled on tract No. 55, lying
south of the Ime between districts one and
two of 'Donation Lands.' The tract con-
tained about 200 acres, and included the
point of land lying between the Shenango
River and Neshannock Creek, and adjoin-
ing John C. Stewart's land. Crawford
AVhite purchased all the land lying in the
point between the streams, amounting to
about thirty acres, of his brothers, about
1815. He also purchased a strip along the
east side of the Neshannock, sufficient to
cover the overflow.
"On the 17th of July, 1817, a tract,
lying east of the original town plot, and
including a strip on the east side of the
Neshannock, was sold at sheriff's sale for
debt. It contained twenty-six acres and
twenty-nine perches, and was probably a
portion of J. C. Stewart's property. Craw-
ford ^ATiite and Arthur Chenowith pur-
chased this property in company, and,
about 1818, built a brush-dam, a few I'ods
above where the canal-dam now is. In the
same year White alone, or in company with
Chenowith, erected mills on the present
site of Raney's mill. In 1820 Chenowith
quit-claimed his interest in all the above
described lands to White. The considera-
tion which "White and Chenowith paid for
the twenty-six acres was $650. Crawford
Wliite, before his death, sold this prop-
erty to his son, James D., who rebuilt
the mills, and laid out an addition to the
town, south of the original plot between the
rivers, in 1837. All of James D. White's
property remaining at his death was sold
to the Etna Iron Company. The canal-
dam, when built, flooded the old brush-
dam. ' '
At this date one of the oldest living citi-
zens of New Castle was Joseph Justice,
who first came to the town in 1813. His
father, Jacob Justice, was a Revolutionary
soldier, who had emigrated from Franklin
County, Pennsylvania, in 1797, intending
to settle in what afterwards became Law-
rence County, but through fear of trouble
with Indians and from other considera-
tions, located in Washington County for
two years, when he again started with his
family, and finally located in what is now
North Beaver Township, Lawrence Coun-
ty, on land which he drew for his services
in the Revolution, remaining there until his
death, which occurred in 1829. In 1813,
Joseph, then eighteen years of age, came
to New Castle to learn the hatter's trade,
with Isaac Jones, who had been here for
some eight or ten years. He worked at
the trade about two years, when he left
New Castle, and worked in various places
as a journeyman, and, finally, located in
Hookston, Washington County, where he
carried on the business for about two years.
In 1819 he again came to New Castle, and
took up his permanent residence here. He
carried on the business of a hatter for
many years, until it became unprofitable,
when he gave it up.
He held various offices, and was the third
burgess after the town became a borough,
about 1827. At the time of his death he
had attained an advanced age.
James Cunningham, familiarly known
as "Uncle Ji mm y," was quite an early set-
tler. It is said that he was the first owner
of a frow, a broad-axe and an auger in
New Castle. He was a shingle-maker by
trade. Mr. Cunningham served during the
War of 1812. He married, in 1813, Miss
Mary A. Cruise, an orphan girl, a native
of Delaware, who lived in the family of
Cornelius Hendrickson. She often assist-
ed at the ferry kept by Mr. Hendrickson,
crossing in a "dug-out," which was pro-
62
HISTOEY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
pelled by an oar, or setting-pole, as occa-
sion required. She was remarkably skill-
ful, and often crossed when ice was running
in the stream to a dangerous extent. The
newly married couple first lived in a log
house, which is still standing (weather-
boarded) on the northwest corner of the
"Diamond." He afterwards built a log
cabin of his own on the lot now owned by
the heirs of Webster Justice.
Robert Wallace, the grandfather of R.
W. Clendenin, owned, at a very early
period in the history of New Castle, nearly
all of the square between Mercer Street
and the "Diamond," on the north side of
Washington Street, where for many years
he kept a hotel in a structure built of
logs. It' is said that in the rear of this
"tavern" there was a large yard, to which
those who had any personal difficulties to
settle repaired and stripped to the buff,
and then and there took satisfaction by
knocking each other down till one of the
combatants cried "enough!" when they
shook hands, took a drink, and parted
"good friends." This practice was quite
common in the early days of Western Penn-
sylvania, as indeed it has been in many
other sections of the country.
AMUSEMENTS.
Though livijig imder pioneer conditions
during the early days of the existence of
the place, the people of New Castle were
not devoid of healthful and rational amuse-
ments. These consisted of log-rollings,
raisings, wrestling, leaping, running foot-
races and throwing stones of various
weights. The log-rollings consisted of all
the men and boys within a radius of five
or ten miles getting together and assist-
ing a settler in hauling and rolling the
logs together on a newly-cleared piece of
ground, for the purpose of burning them.
Every man carried his own dinner, consist-
ing, generally, of corn bread, bear meat,
venison, or wild turkey. After the work
was accomplished the whole party betook
themselves to some familiar game, which
they pursued, until "chore time" admon-
ished them to start each for his cabin, scat-
tered here and there at long intervals in
the forest. Many a thrilling adventure
with the wild denizens of the forest oc-
curred to them on their homeward paths,
when they encountered the prowling bear,
the fierce and dangerous panther, or a
pack of more dangerous wolves. At log-
rollings and raisings, the proprietor fur-
nished nothing but whiskey, which was then
considered an indispensable article, with-
out which no outdoor work could be prop-
erly done. For the female portion of the
community there were apple-parings, or
"bees," qiiiltings, dances in the rude log
cabins, and corn huskings.
Frequently a quilting was improvised
on the same day and at the same
place when the men were having a log-
rolling; and, in the evening, after the out-
door work was finished, a jolly time was
enjoyed around the big old chimney, where
an immense fire furnished both heat and
light at the same time. In those early
days furniture was not as plentiful or as
costly at at the present day, and frequently
it happened that there were more young
men and maidens than there were chairs
and seats to accommodate them. On oc-
casions like these, the young men, in the
intervals of the dance, gallantly sat them-
selves down on the chairs and stools and
took each a yoimg lady on his lap, and
held her until the next dance was called.
Besides the above mentioned amuse-
ments, there were rail-splittings and wood-
choppings, in which the quantity of sturdy
timber reduced to rails and cord-wood in
a day would astonish the men of the pres-
ent generation. The sports and employ-
ments of those days were calculated to de-
velop a hardy, enduring type of men and
women, and, doubtless, some part of the
vigor and health enjoyed by the present
generation is due to the hardy and health-
ful sports and labor of our pioneer an-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
63
cestors. As quoted a previous historian
of this county:
"They were a Sturdy, rude race and strong —
Our grandsires and granddames of old —
And they conquered the forest with song,
Though the battle was fierce and long,
And hardships were many and manifold.
"Per they worked with the vigor of men
Who came to this forest-clad land
To win from each valley and glen —
Though beaten again and again —
A home for each heart in the band.
"And they conquered: The forest is gone long ago;
The wild beast departed in fear;
The factories smoke in the valley below,
And the thunder of trafiic goes to and fro.
Where the savage once hunted the deer."
PIONEEE COSTUME.
Previous to the War of 1812, the settlers
generally wore hunting-shirts made of
deer-skin, or some durable kind of cloth. It
had a large cape covering the shoulders,
and was usually trimmed with fringe. A
belt was generally worn around the waist,
in which were inserted the hunting-lmife
and tomahawk, for these articles were quite
as commonly carried by the whites as by
the Indians. The powder-horn was slung
aroxmd the shoulder.
NEW CASTLE MADE A BOSOUGH.
New Castle was made a borough on the
25th of March, 1825, some twenty-four
years before the erection of the county.
"The petition forwarded to the Legisla-
ture for the erection of the borough, it
is claimed, contained not only the names
of all the legal voters in the place, but also
those of nearly all the boys. The people
no doubt acted upon the maxim that 'all
is fair in war,' and left no stone unturned
which would assist them in the accomplish-
ment of their object. The population of
the new borough is not known with any
degree of certainty, but it did not exceed
30(5. The first burgess elected was Rob-
ert McConahy. John Frazier was second,
and Joseph Justice third.
"The merchants at that date, as they
are remembered by the oldest citizens,
were Joseph T. Boyd, John Wilson, Sam
uel McCleary, Alexander McConahy and
John B. Pearson. The hatters were Isaac
Jones, James Dunlap, William Cox and
Joseph Justice. The blacksmiths were
George Myers, John Reed and David Sei-
bert. Joseph Emery and Matthew Justice
were carpenters; Thomas Falls and Will-
iam Dixon, tanners. Michael Carman was
a tailor; Nathaniel McElevy a shoemaker;
James Lutton a saddler ; Eli Rigby a wag-
on-maker. Mr. McElevy was one of the
earliest shoemakers in New Castle, hav-
ing commenced the business as early as
1810."
THE TOWN" BE-SURVEYED.
It having been discovered that the town,
as originally laid out by J. C. Stewart,
was very imperfectly plotted, a re-survey
was ordered by the burgess and council,
about 1826-7. Three leading citizens— Jo-
seph Justice, Joseph Emery and Nathaniel
McElevy — were appointed a committee to
superintend the survey, which ran all the
lines over, and established permanent corn-
ers, as far as practicable.
David Crawford, a printer, came to New
Castle, from Mercer, in 1825. His widow
in after years described the appearance of
the little borough, at that time, as seen
from a distance, as that of a large meadow
dotted here and there with sheep-pens.
"Mercer looked bad enough," she said,
"but New Castle looked worse!" In De-
cember, 1826, Mr. Crawford commenced
the publication of the first paper in New
Castle. It was a five-column folio, called
the New Castle Register. Subscription
price, $2 per year. It was published in
a room on the first floor of a log house,
then standing on or near the present site
of R. M. Allen's residence. He published
the paper about two years, when he re-
turned to Mercer, and remained there until
about the year 1831, when he, came back
to New Castle. (See chapter on The
Press.)
About 1828 John Wilson, the merchant
64
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
erected the two-story brick building on
the "Diamond," later Icnown as the
"Wilder House," and which is said to have
been the second brick house erected in
the place. Its erection was considered at
the time as a striking mark of progress.
In 1828-9 Joseph T. Du Shane, Esq.,
built the American House, on the corner
of Washington Street and Apple Alley.
He then traded the property to his father
for part money and part land in Beaver
County. He removed to the land, but re-
turned in 1829. The old gentleman kept
the hotel for about two years, when he
rented it to his son-in-law, Andrew Rob-
ison, who kept it a year or more, when
Jesse Du Shane sold the property to An-
drew Lewis, who continued the business
very profitably for a number of years,
when he sold it to David Harlan. It is
now known as the St. Cloud Hotel.
In 1831 Joseph Kissick, from Westmore-
land County, Pennsylvania, came to New
Castle and in December of that year,
opened a general store in a small two-
story frame building, situated on the pres-
ent site of Wood's block. He afterwards,
in 1833, removed his stock of goods and
household furniture to the "Old Fort"
(see military record), which stood near
the present site of the First National Bank.
Dr. Charles T. Wliipp, a native of the
State of New York, and a civil engineer
by profession, though having previously
practiced medicine, also made his first visit
to New Castle about 1833, coming as prin-
cipal engineer of the Beaver division of
the Erie Extension Canal. In 1834 he
made this city his permanent residence, be-
ing then about fifty years old. He pur-
chased a large tract of land near the vil-
lage of Croton, of Moses Crow, and lived
on it until the tune of his death, which oc-
curred about 1855-6. His residence was
outside the borough, and, hence, he never
figured in local politics, bi;t he was al-
ways a prominent man in the community,
and was connected witli various enter-
prises. A short time before his death he
was one of the original incorporators of
the Bank of New Castle, organized in 1855.
He was also president of the board of
trustees of the New Castle Female Semin-
ary, in 1838. The doctor left quite a large
amount of property at the time of Ms
death. He never practiced medicine after
coming to Western Pennsylvania.
In 1831 Joseph T. Boyd and John Wil-
son, his old partner, were trading — Boyd
in the store, built by Boyd and Wilson, on
the lot now enclosed around the Disciples'
Church, and Wilson in the building later
known as the "Wilder House."
Other storekeepers were: Robert Mc-
Conahy, John B. Pearson and Samuel Me-
Cleary.
There were four hotels, or "taverns,"
in New Castle at that date; one kept by
John Shearer, in a two-story frame build-
ing, afterwards the site of the Leslie
House ; one by Jesse Du Shane, in what is
now called the St. Cloud Hotel; one by
Alexander Hawthorne, called the "Poke-
berry Exchange, ' ' on the southwest corner
of Mercer and North Streets, and one by
Andrew Lewis, in a log cabin building on
the north side of Washington Street, be-
tween the "Diamond" and Mercer Street.
Hotel prices were not extravagant in those
days — supper, breakfast and lodging was
"three shillings," or thirty-seven and a
half cents, and horse feed, "sixpence," or
six and a quarter cents.
The physicians at that time were Dr.
A. M. Cowden and Dr. William Shaw. The
former lived in a frame dwelling on the
east side of Mercer Street, and the latter
lived in a story-and-a-half stone house on
East Street.
Prominent among New Castle citizens
in those days was Thomas Falls, who came
here with his parents. Henry and Susan
Falls, in 1804. His father located on the
tract of "Donation Lands," No. 1951, next
east and adjoining Crawford Wliite's tract,
the only other residences at that time be-
ing the cabins of John Carlysle Stewart,
the original proprietor of the town ; Joseph
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
65
Townsend, William Murmel, and probably
John Watson. Mr. Falls remained with his
parents until he was of age, when he went
to Mercer to learn the tanning trade. After
serving an apprenticeship of three years
he went to Pittsburg, and worked at his
trade there one summer. In the autumn
of 1815, he returned to New Castle on foot,
with his savings of $76 in his pocket. With
this limited capital he founded the tannery
which many years afterwards was the
property of his son, Thomas Falls. After
making the vats himself and getting his
tannery ready for business, he went to
Mercer on horseback and bought a small
quantity of leather, which he carried to
Hillsville and placed in a store to be ex-
changed for hides. These hides he tanned,
and thus started a business which grew
and prospered in his hands. His manufac-
tured leather was disposed of in his own
shop. His lampblack and oil were pur-
chased in Pittsbui'g, to which city he made
frequent visits on foot. Three years after
commencing business for himself, during
a portion of which time he kept "bachel-
or's hall," he married Miss Sarah Wil-
son, daughter of Adam Wilson, who re-
sided near the Neshannock Church, and
began housekeeping in the old John Car-
lysle Stewart house.
Mr. Falls carried on the tanning business
until 1851, when he resigned it to his son,
Wilson. In 1831 he built the third brick
dwelling in New Castle. Thomas Falls
died October 8, 1865, aged nearly seventy-
five years.
In 1831 there were three churches in New
Castle — the Presbyterian, the Seceder and
the Methodist. The first was what is now
kno\\Ti as the "old brewery." It stood
out of town, surrounded by forest trees.
The Old Stone Church, on Pittsburg Street,
was built by the Seceders in 1831. It was
then quite a long distance from the town
and stood in the woods. The Methodist
Church was on the ground now occupied
by St. Joseph's German Catholic Church,
and was built about 1816.
In 1832 New Castle was visited by the
cholera, but there were only two deaths.
James D. White laid out a small addition
to the town in November, of this year.
SOME KOTABLE IMPROVEMENTS.
The year 1833 was a memorable one in
the history of New Castle, several impor-
tant improvements being then inaugurated.
Among them was a new bridge over the
Shenango River on Washington Street.
The river at this point was originally much
narrower than at present, and the "bridge
was only about one-half the length of the
present beautiful and substantial iron
structure. The widening of the river was
occasioned by the great flood in November,
1835, when in order to save the town from
impending destruction, the embankment
was cut on the right bank above the state
dam, and the accumulated waters were
sent out with terrific force, tearing away
a great quantity of land and changing the
whole appearance of the river at this point.
The Erie Extension Canal was com-
pleted from Beaver to New Castle Novem-
ber, 1833.
In the same month was launched the
"Rob Roy," built by Dr. William Shaw—
a sort of flat boat, decked over, which was
the first boat launched in New Castle. A
few hours after the "Rob Roy" was in
the canal, a second boat, called the
"Alpha," was launched by James D.
W^hite. The boats were similar in con-
struction, being each about forty feet long
and eight feet wide. There was quite a
strife as to who should get his boat first
into the water, but the Doctor won by a
few hours. It was late in the season when
these boats were put into the canal, and
nothing was done until the spring of 1834,
when the canal business may be said to
have fairly started. Major E. Sankey pur-
chased the "Alpha," and ran it regularly
between Beaver and New Castle for about
one year. The round trip was frequently
accomplished "between sun and sun."
The main business was transporting
€6
HISTOEY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
produce down the canal to Beaver and
bringing back merchandise. There were
some five or six dams built on the Beaver
Eiver, making slack-water navigation, and
the channel of the river was largely used
in this way instead of a separate canal.
There was one dam on the Neshannock,
and one on the Shenango, within the bor-
ough limits of New Castle, and the canal
passed through the southern part of the
original town plot, along what is now South
Street, from one river to the other, a dis-
tance of something over one-fourth of a
mile.
PKOSPEKOUS EEA BEGINS.
The real prosperity of New Castle dates
from the year 1834. There was at this
date only a weekly mail between New
Castle and Beaver. The route extended
from Beaver to the old town of Mercer.
Major E. Sankey was the contractor and
during the four years succeeding the mails
became semi-weekly, then tri-weekly, and,
finally, daily, so that, since 1838, New
Castle has always had at least one daily
mail.
There appear to have been two hotels
in the town in 1834. These were the Man-
sion House, kept by John Shearer, and the
old log ' ' tavern, ' ' belonging to Robert Wal-
lace, and kept by Andrew Lewis. In 1834
the old log ]\Iethodist Church was replaced
by a brick one, but the new church, even
as late as 1836, was furnished with slab
seats.
The physicians were Dr. William Shaw
and Dr. Andrews, the latter a native of
Massachusetts. Soon after, Dr. G. Bar-
low came to New Castle, purchased Dr.
Andrew's property, married his sister, and
opened a drug store on the north side of
the "Diamond," near Jefferson Street. Dr.
Andrews returned with his family to Mas-
sachusetts. The "Diamond," in those days,
was rough and uneven, and overgrown
with hazel bushes, intersected with paths
and roadways. On the south side of Wash-
ington Street, between Mercer Street and
the Neshannock, there were then only two
buildings, one a frame, the other of logs.
The same year Robert Reynolds purchased
some property on the north side of Pitts-
burg Street (as it is now called), above
where Pearson Street intersects it, and es-
tablished a tannery, which he operated
from about 1836 to 1871.
In 1834 James D. White rebuilt his
father's grist mill and also erected a saw-
mill. These stood where Raney & Gor-
don's mill now stands, or very near it.
On the 19th of May, 1835, there was a
grand military parade and field drill. Ma-
jor Joseph Emery being commander-in-
chief of all the forces. The New Castle
Guards, commanded by Captain William
Cox, took a prominent- part.
On the 10th day of August, 1835, the
contracts for the construction of the
' ' Cross-cut Canal, ' ' from Mahoningtown to
Youngstown, Ohio, were let in New Castle,
and the town was full of contractors and
speculators. Major E. Sankey then kept
the Mansion House, and Anthony Squiers
was proprietor of what is now the St.
Cloud Hotel. There were no meat mar-
kets then in the place, and it was almost
impossible to get fresh beef, for nobody
dreamed of killing in the warm weather.
In order to supply his guests with some-
thing of a rarity. Major Sankey killed a
beef the evening before, John C. Tidball
assisting him. After setting aside suffi-
cient for his own use, the major endeav-
ored to sell the remainder, and, failing in
this, he found it next to impossible to even
give it away.
In November, of this year, there occurred
the great flood, as it is generally called.
The west end of the canal dam was swept
away, and the land below, owned and oc-
cupied at one time by Cornelius and Dan-
iel Hendrickson, was also carried away
to a great extent, including the site of D.
Hendrickson 's dwelling. An island was
formed where the west end of the old
bridge stood, necessitating the erection of
an additional bridge over the enlarged
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
channel, which was built in the year 1837.
The dam was rebuilt in 1836. In this lat-
ter year, also, the Ei'ie Extension Canal
was located and put under contract, from
New Castle to Erie.
West New Castle, sometimes called by
the euphonious name of "Mulleintown,"
was laid out in ]\Iay, 1836, by Ezekiel San-
key, who had settled in New Castle in 1832,
when sixteen years of age. It was situated
on the tract of land known as the "va-
cancy," lying between the first and sec-
ond districts of "Donation Lands." Mr.
Sankey bought the land upon which he
laid out the town (some fifty acres or
more) of Ebenezer Byers. The bargain
was made for it in 1836, but the deed was
not executed imtil January 13, 1837. It
was a portion of the old Cornelius Hen-
drickson claim of 117 acres.
The New Castle Intelligencer, the second
newspaper published in New Castle, was
issued August 18, 1836.
In 1836 Captain D. S. Stone had a ware-
house on the canal. Dr. G. Barlow had a
drug store on the north side of the "Dia-
mond," west of Jefferson Street. S. W.
Mitchell was running a cabinet shop, as
were also J. Emeiy and J. Mitchell, who
had a shop on the north side of the "Dia-
mond," east of the "old stone corner."
William Dickson had a saddlery and har-
ness shop on the southeast corner of Wash-
ington Street and the "Diamond." R. W.
Cunningham & Co. kept a store on the
northeast corner of the "Diamond," and
paid cash for wheat. Peter Duff had a
general store on the south side of the "Dia-
mond," and Robert Cochran also had a
store on the south side, near the present
site of the Fountain Inn. John B. Pear-
son was ti-ading at the "Old Stone
Corner." Jacob Quest served as a clerk
in this store from 1833 to 1840. Mr. Pear-
son, besides doing a mercantile business,
also dealt in horses, cattle and hogs.
Joshua Logan, who was then president of
the Borough Council, had a shop on the
northwest corner of Jefferson Street and
the "Diamond." J. N. Euwer was then
clerk of the Borough Council. W. B. Os-
mon, who had been a sea captain, was keep-
ing a store near the present site of the
Leslie House. T. R. George had a store
near the east end of Washington Street.
William B. Miller had a shoe store on the
northeast corner of Washington Street and
Apple Alley, near Anthony Squiers' hotel.
Wliite McMillen was in the hatting busi-
ness on Jefferson Street, south of the
"Diamond." George King had a wagon
shop on Jefferson Street, south of the
canal. Dr. W. D. Grier, a new name among
the physicians, had an office one door east
of the "stone corner." He also kept a
drug store, or apothecaiy's shop. In 1836
there were no buildings of any consequence
in what is now called West New Castle,
and none south of the Presbyterian Church
in the town proper. Joseph T. Boyd was
postmaster this year.
FIKST FIEE COMPANY.
On the 29th of September, this year, at
a meeting held at the tavern of Andrew
Lewis, the first fire company was organ-
ized in New Castle. Joseph T. Boyd was
elected president, William Dickson, cap-
tain, and R. W. Cunningham, first lieu-
tenant.
In August, 1837, another newspaper
made its appearance — the Western Sen-
tinel, a 'Wliig paper. It was a small folio
with six columns to the page, professed
Whig principles, and was edited by 0. C.
Lockhart. It suspended publication in De-
cember of the following year. During this
year James D. AVhite laid out an addition
to New Castle, lying between the two
rivers, and south of the old county line.
BEGINKING OF IRON INDUSTRY.
The history of the iron manufactures
of New Castle conunences in 1838, the
original of the Aetna Iron Works being
erected in that year, by James D. "White.
Shubael Wilder superintended the con-
struction of the nail factory, and James H.
70
HISTOEY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
Brown, late of Youngstown, Ohio, that of
the rolling-mill. Mr. Wilder was a native
of Plymouth County, Massachusetts. He
had emigrated from his native state to Har-
risburg, Pa., in 1836, where he was en-
gaged in the erection, or contemplated
erection, of iron works. At Harrisburg,
he met James D. TMiite, who induced him
to accompany him to New Castle, where
he took charge of the erection of the nail
factory above mentioned. The iron works
went into operation in April, 18.39. Mr.
"White, owing to ill health, went to the
West Indies, thinking the climate would
benefit him. He died, however, at St.
Croix, in Februarv. 1840.
From December,' 1838, to August, 1839,
there was no paper published in New
Castle, but since the 14th of August, 1839,
the place has never been without a news-
paper. At the date last mentioned, the
Mercer and Beaver Democrat was first
issued. It was a four-page five-column
sheet, and supported the principles of the
Whig party. It was at first owned by John
Speer, and afterwards by John B. Early.
In 1839, Major E. Sankey commenced
the erection of the first building of any
importance in West New Castle. It was a
large one-stoiy frame building, with
wooden pillars in front, and is still stand-
ing on the west side of Front Street. On
the occasion of the great AMiig mass meet-
ing, held in New Castle during the presi-
dential campaign of 1840. the speakers ad-
dressed the people from the portico of this
building, which was then not quite com-
pleted. Wlien it was finished, Mr. Sankey
occupied it as a family dwelling for eight-
een years.
NEW CASTLE IX 1840.
In 1840 New Castle contained, accord-
ing to the United States census of that
year, 611 inhabitants. During this year
the Erie Extension Canal was completed
as far north as Greenville, in ]klereer
County. Among the merchants in New
Castle in 1840 were William Watson, Thos.
McCleary, William Moore, Joseph T. Boyd
and Joseph Eassick.
The Mercer and Beaver Democrat was
suspended soon after the presidential elec-
tion. The first number of the New Castle
Gazette, a ''iMiig paper, was issued on Fri-
day, October 8, 1841, by Colonel William
H. Shaw, who continued its publication
imtil 1864, a period of twenty-three years.
The amount of surplus produce shipped
from New Castle. Pa., from September,
1840, up to the 15th of June, 1841, as fol-
lows: Wheat, 71,900 bushels; flour, 9,231
barrels; bacon, 143,000 pounds; wool, 23,-
600 pounds; whiskey, 360 barrels. There
was also shipped, in small quantities by
the farmers, about 2,000 barrels of flour.
A directory of New Castle, published in
1841, shows the following names:
Alexander, Samuel, carpenter.
Baker, J., cooper.
Bell, E., cooper.
Barlow, G., physician and druggist.
Barber, W. L., baker.
Bennett, S., copper, tin and sheet-iron worker.
Bushnell, Rev. W., Presbyterian clergyman.
Boyd, J. T., merchant.
Brown, Joseph, iron roller.
Bottle, W. H., nail cutter.
Carpenter, WUliam, justice of the peace.
Carpenter, Mrs. E. J., milliner.
Christy, S., Indian King Hotel.
Clark, William, tanner.
Clancy, Lewis, blacksmith.
Crawford & Eitter, saw and flouring mill and woolen
factory.
Crawford, J. M. & Co., manufacturers of iron and
naUs.
Cunningham, K. W., merchant and foundry owner.
Craven, B., bricklayer.
Crips, L. v., boot and shoe maker,
Cochran, R., merchant.
Cowden, A. M., physician.
Cypher, PhiUip, stone mason.
Cost, John, wagoner.
Dinsmore, J., wagon maker.
Dinsmore, William, carpenter.
Dickson, William, saddler.
Dickson, J., tanner.
Dickson, Samuel, fireman.
Edwards, John, refiner.
Emery, John B., smith.
Emery, J., canal contractor.
Emery, E., canal contractor.
Evans, WUliam, boot and shoe maker.
Euwer, S. C. & Co., merchants.
Farley & White, steam foundry.
Falls, Thomas, tanner and farmer.
Fulkerson, J. C, cabinet maker.
Flinn, Walter, machine smith.
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
71
Falls, Henry, constable.
Frazier, John, carpenter.
Gibson, Joseph, stone cutter.
Graham, John, nail cutter.
Galbreth, E., gentleman.
Hadson, G. E., tailor.
Higgs, Joseph E., puddler.
Hefifner, S., clerk.
Hadson, W. G., tailor.
Hewitt, Eev. J. J., Episcopal clergyman.
Higgs, Joseph, bloom heater.
Hogg, William, puddler.
Higgs, Thomas, puddler.
Justice, Joseph, hatter.
Keck, A., clerk.
Keefer, John, painter.
Kelly, Silas, blacksmith.
Kissick, J., merchant.
Kerr, Samuel, canal supervisor.
Latimer, James, miller.
Lewis, A., gentleman.
Lint, J., carpenter.
Love, J. B., hatter.
McConnell, J. E., blacksmith.
McCIeary, Thomas, cooper.
McCleary, S., painter.
McGuffin, R., cabinet maker.
McMillan, William, canalboat captain.
Miller, William B., boot and shoe maker.
McMillen, White, merchant and hatter.
McConnell, D., blacksmith.
McGuffin, L. L., attomey-at-law.
McConahy, J., blacksmith.
Morehead, John, hatter.
Mitchell, S. W., cabinet maker.
Morgan, G. C, tailor.
Moore, William, merchant.
Moore, H. S., carpenter.
Morehead, H. H., plasterer.
Mitchell, James, chair maker.
Maxim, Marcus, nail cutter.
McLaughlin, J., carpenter.
McMillen, James, hatter.
McKee, James, carpenter.
Newton, Chester, sawyer.
O'Brien, Edward, molder.
Pearson, J. B., merchant.
Perry, Elias, drum maker.
Pollock, J., physician.
Pollock, S., gunsmith.
Pearson, Samuel, cooper.
Poak, Samuel, wagoner.
Painter, Thomas, cabinet maker.
Pollock, John, Captain of the canalboat "Citizen."
Quest, J. S., clerk.
Eeynolds, J., justice of the peace.
Bead, J., blacksmith.
Ehodes, J. H., carpenter.
Eigby, E., wagon maker.
Eobison, A., Union Hotel.
Eubicon, J., cooper.
Eigby, Thomas, silversmith.
Eeynolds, William, clerk.
Eidel, S., canal contractor.
Eiter, Georsp R., smith.
Eeynolds, Eobert, tanner.
Reynolds, W. H., tinner.
Sankey, E., gentleman.
Seek, R. A., saddler.
Shaw, W. H., clerk.
Swift, Hiram, clerk.
Steen, John, brick molder.
Swift, Samuel, chair maker.
Shaw, W., physician.
ShoafP, J., carpenter.
Shaffer, D., butcher.
Semple, A. C, carpenter.
Speise, Messimer & Co., merchants.
Speise, S., carpenter.
Stewart, R. W., farmer.
Stone, D. S., Eagle House.
Swift, S. W., grocer and confectioner.
Swift, N. P., carpenter.
Stambaugh, J., cabinet maker.
Scroggs, cabinet maker.
Sempel, John, carpenter.
Tidball, D., Jr., postmaster and tailor.
Tidball, J., Sr., street commissioner.
Tidball, J., Jr., carpenter.
Vegan, John, blacksmith.
Varce, Rev. D. W., Methodist Episcopal clergyman.
Wallace, Robert, Red Lion Hotel.
Watson, William, grocer and druggist.
Whippo, C. T., physician.
Wilson, J., merchant.
Wilson, John, gentleman.
Williams, Henry, shovel maker.
Wilder, Shubael, master nailer.
Watson, James, mason and bricklayer.
White, Crawford, farmer.
Wilson, J., chair maker.
White, Josiah C, merchant.
Wallace, James, carpenter.
Young, 0., school teacher.
Young, Eobert, saddler.
There were in New Castle thi-ee meet-
ing-houses — one Seeeder, one Episcopal
Methodist, one Presbyterian; also an or-
ganized Protestant Methodist Church and
three Sabbath-schools.
There were in New Castle one rolling-
mill; one nail factory, capable of turning
out ten tons of iron and three tons of nails
per day; one flour mill, with four pairs
of burrs ; one lumber mill, with two saws ;
also one steam lumber mill in process of
construction; one woolen manufactory; one
air foundry; one cupola foundry, driven
by steam power; eight dry goods stores;
two groceries; one hardware store; two
drug shops ; four taverns ; three tanneries ;
five cooper shops; five cabinet shops; six
smith shops; one gun shop; one tin and
copper shop ; two wagon shops ; four tailor
shops ; four forwarding warehouses ; three
hatter shops; four shoemaker shops; two
saddler shops ; one female seminarj^ ; three
72
HISTOEY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
day schools ; one writing school ; one shovel
factory; one refinery; six coal banks; an
abundance of iron ore; one water-power,
on Neshannock, in New Castle, with twen-
ty-four feet head and fall.
There were also four hotels. The "Globe
Hotel" was kept by Daniel S. Stone, and at
a later date was called the "Eagle Hotel."
Still later it was occuped by a Mrs. Shan-
non, who came from Mercer, and who
changed its name to the "Washington
House. ' ' The ' ' Red Lion Hotel ' ' occupied
'the site of the "Central Hotel," of later
days, and was substantiall}^ the same
building. The "Union Hotel," kept by
Andrew Robinson, is still standing on the
east side north of Mercer Street, the first
frame building north from Washington
Street. In 1843 Robinson was succeeded
by Samuel Christy, who put up in front of
the house the sign of the "Indian Chief,"
and called the house the "Indian Chief
Hotel." For some time prior to 1843 the
hotel which stood on the site of the later
"Leslie House" was kept by Samuel
Christy, and was also called the "Indian
Chief Hotel." Wlien Mr. Christy moved
into the "Union Hotel" he took his Indian
sign and the name of his hotel with him.
In the spring of 1843 Mr. Leslie took
charge of the original "Indian Chief Ho-
tel" and changed its name to the "Man-
sion House."
In 1843 Wilson Mitchell was burgess,
and Thomas Falls president of the Town
Council. The attorneys in New Castle, at
that date, appear to have been L. L. Mc-
Guffin, J. K. Boyd and A. M. Burns.
The New Castle Democrat, the first Dem-
ocratic newspaper published here, was is-
sued by George F. Humes and J. N. Hal-
lowed, July 13, 1844. It was a four-page
paper, with five wide cohunns to the page.
It was published for about one year. On
July 4, 1844, there was a grand temperance
convention and soldiers' parade, which was
largely attended by people from all parts
of the surrounding coimtry.
The Erie Extension Canal was com-
pleted from New Castle to Erie, in Feb-
ruary, 1845, and boats commenced running
through its entire length the following
spring.
The first account of a musical organiza-
tion in New Castle appeared in March,
1845. On the 20th of that month a concert
was given at the j\L E. Church by the
Amateur Musical Society.
About this date the Baltimore & Ohio
Railway Company were endeavoring to get
the right of way for their road through
Pennsylvania. Philadelphia, as a matter
of course, opposed it, and the people of the
southern and western portions of the State
were more or less interested for or against
it. A great mass meeting was held in New
Castle on the 28th of March, 1846, attended
by people from Mercer and Beaver Coun-
ties, and the feeling was very strongly in
favor of giving the company the right of
way.
The attorneys in New Castle, in 1846,
were L. L. McGuffin, J. K. Boyd, A. M.
Burns, G. A. Scroggs and David C. Cossitt.
James Dickson was justice of the peace and
had his office in the southeast corner of the
"Diamond," in William Dickson's saddle,
shop.
John and Joseph Douthett, brothers,
were teaching a select school in the "new
brick school-house." They called it the
"New Castle Institute." The New Castle
Seminary was taught by Mr. and Mrs. Ma-
son Bartlett.
The first market in New Castle was held
in May, 1846. The first market-house was
built in the summer of 1846. It was of
brick, 70x30 feet in dimensions, and stood
near the center of the "Diamond," with
its west end on a line with the east side of
Jeiferson Street. The market days were
Wednesdavs and Saturdavs.
On the 25th of July, 1846, a public meet-
ing was held to consider the subject of
building a new bridge over the Neshan-
nock, at the east end of Washington
Street. The first bridge was erected at
that point in 1814, but whether the struc-
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
73
ture was standing in 1846 we have not
learned. A new bridge was finally built
and completed in August, 1847. The arch-
itect was Joseph Emeiy.
During the season of 1846, E. W. Cun-
ningham erected a large cupola foundry,
with steam engine attached, which was put
in operation about the 20th of July. Craw-
ford & Co. built a new nail factory, which
also went into operation in July. Brown
& Higgs erected a rolling-mill, which went
into operation about the same date, and
the Orizaba Iron Works were erected by
Joseph H. Brown, Joseph Higgs and Ed-
ward Thomas.
Early in September, of this year, the
annual encampment of the Mercer County
soldiers was held in New Castle. Among
the organizations present were the New
Castle Battalion, the Mt. Jackson and Ma-
rion Blues, both of Mt. Jackson, the Ma-
honing Bangers, and the Tamarack Invin-
cibles, or Donation Guards, commanded by
Captain James Leslie, formerly by Captain
Henry Hazen. Music was, in part, fur-
nished by the New Castle Brass Band.
During the boating season of 1846 the
New Castle and Beaver packet, "General
Mercer," McMillen, master, ran regularly
between the points named, arriving at New
Castle every Wednesday, Friday and Sun-
day morning, at six o'clock, and departing
at 8 P. M. on the same days. E. W. Cun-
ningham was the agent at New Castle.
In 1847 the linseed oil business was very
promising and Grisnold's mill was so suc-
cessful that others entered into the busi-
ness.
During the year 1847 there was a famine
in Ireland, and in April the ladies of New
Castle assembled at the M. E. Church and
manufactured between 700 and 800 two-
bushel sacks. These were filled with corn
by the people of New Castle and vicinity,
and, altogether, about 1,500 sacks, contain-
ing 3,000 bushels of com, were forwarded
to the starving people of Ireland.
FIRST STEPS TOWARD BANKING.
The first notice of an application for a
charter for a bank in New Castle was pub-
lished in the Democrat, in September, 1839,
but nothing further was done about the
matter until July, 1847, when a similar no-
tice was published. The proposed bank
was to have a capital of $200,000, but the
first actual banking business was tran-
sacted about 1855.
In August, 1847, the firm of Eichmond
& Pomeroy were taking dag-uerreotype pic-
tures, having probably started a gallery
about this time.
The New Castle Light Artilleiy made
its first appearance on Saturday,- August
21st, Captain G. A. Scroggs, commander.
On December 6, 1847, Captain Jonathan
Smith, a native of Virginia and a Eevolu-
tionary soldier, who had served in the bat-
tles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine,
Germantown, Monmouth, and Yorktown,
died at the residence of his son-in-law, Jo-
seph T. DuShane. He was ninetj-two
years old and was buried with military
honors by the New Castle Light Artillery.
The movement for the organization of a
new county began to assume something
like tangible shape at this time, and a
meeting was held on the 5th of February
for the purpose of discussing the question
and taking the necessary steps to accom-
plish the desired object. The project had
been advocated for some thirty years and
never abandoned.
During the winter of 1847-8 there was
a society called the "New Castle Liberty
Association," of which A. M. Burns, Esq.,
and John McConahy were active members.
About the 1st of May, 1848, the New
Castle Light Artilleiy paraded the streets,
headed by a martial band composed of
"fourteen boys richly dressed." The boys
had been thoroughly drilled by Major Wil-
liam W. Taylor and made a fine appear-
ance. The company was commanded by
Captain W. C. Eichards.
74
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
On the afternoon of May 6th a violent
hail storm passed over New Castle, doing
a large amount of damage. Hail fell meas-
uring from eleven to twelve inches in cir-
cumference and weighing from eight to
sixteen ounces or more.
On Sunday morning, July 24, 1848, the
main building of McCormick, Peebles,
Brown & Co.'s iron works was destroyed
by fire, involving a loss of some $30,000,
and throwing a large number of men out
of employment. The buildings destroyed
included the rolling-mill and nail factory,
and a large amount of iron, nails, etc. The
works were immediately rebuilt.
In August of this year we find the New
Castle Female Seminary under the direc-
tion of Prof. Warren H. Marsh.
The Croton Glass Works were put in
operation in September of this year by
Messrs. Morris and Henderson.
THE NEW COUNTY.
March 20, 1849, was a joyful day to the
people of New Castle, for on that day the
new county of Lawrence, for which they
had so long been working, was erected,
and New Castle became the county seat of
one of the most compact and thriving coun-
ties in the commonwealth. New Castle was
then a town of less than one thousand peo-
ple, and had but a moiety of its present
manufactures and commercial business. No
railroads were then in this part of the
country. Its only means of communica-
tion, besides the common country roads of
those days, was the slow, plodding canal.
Now all the newspapers of the county are
here, all the banking houses, and the great
bulk of the manufactures, and the city is
the nucleus of a system of railways, wlaich
give it connection with all parts of the
countrv.
On the 22nd of August, 1849, President
Zachary Taylor and Governor Johnston,
of Pennsylvania, visited the town on their
way from Beaver to Mercer, coming up in
an Erie express packet. They were re-
ceived with distinguished honors. A pro-
cession, of which Colonel William Book
was chief marshal, formed at the lock in
the following order:
Committee of Reception, on Horseback.
Brass Band.
Martial Band.
President and Governor, in Open Carriage,
With Military Escort.
President's and Governor's Suite, in Car-
riages.
New Castle and Beaver Committee, in
Carriages.
Citizens.
The procession moved by the following
route: From Lock No. 1 to the Neshan-
nock bridge, thence up East Street, by
North to Jefferson Street, by Jefferson to
Washington, and east along Washington
to the Washington House, situated where
Knox's grocery store now stands, then
kept by A. T. McKee. On arriving here a,
reception speech was made and the Presi-
dent welcomed to New Castle by David
Craig, Esq., to which the President replied
in a brief and appropriate manner. During
the movement of the procession the artil-
lery fired the regular salute from Shaw's
Hiil. The next morning the President and
Governor visited the rolling mills, blast
furnaces, etc. The Sophia furnace was the
first the President had ever seen. At 9
o'clock A. M. the President gave a recep-
tion to the ladies of New Castle, at the
Presbyterian Church. At 12 o 'clock, noon,
the party departed for Mercer, accompa-
nied by a committee of escort from New
Castle.
On May 26, 1849, a new paper, the Law-
rence Journal, made its appearance in New
Castle. James M. Kuester was editor and
proprietor. In this same year also the As-
sociate Reformed Presbyterian Church
was built, on Jefferson Street. It is now
known as the United Presbyterian Church.
The first party convention for the nomi-
nation of coimty officers ever held in New
Castle was the convention held by the
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
75
Wliigs, on the 14tli of August, 1849, of
which Thomas Pomeroy was president.
Saturday, the 1st of September, 1849,
the day on which the act erecting- the
county of Lawrence went into effect, was
celebrated in New Castle by the military
and various bands, who made a grand pa-
rade.
The first telegraph office in New Castle
was opened in the summer of 1849. Among
those most instrumental in procuring it
were the Crawfords and Shubael Wilder.
This season was remarkable for being
cold and excessively dry. No less than
eighty-eight new buildings were erected in
New Castle this year, mostly of brick. The
first snow of the season fell on the 30th
of October.
A lyceum was in existence in December
of this year, with Eev. R. A. Browne, D.D.,
E. B. McComb, D. M. Courtney and John
Eeynolds, Esqs.
in 1850 the census gave New Castle bor-
ough a population of 1,563 inhabitants,
fifty-one of whom were colored.
THE FIRST COURTS.
The first Court of Common Pleas held
in New Castle convened in the M. E.
Church on Monday, the 7th of January,
1850, Hon. John Bredin being president
judge and Jacob Bear, associate. The res-
ident attorneys of New Castle who were
sworn in on that day were: Jonathan
Ayres, L. L. McGuffin, J. K. Boyd, D.
Craig, D. B. Kurtz, J. Hoffman, D. C. Cos-
sitt, John M. Crawford, George W. Wat-
son, J. N. McGufiBn and James Pollock.
The attendance at this first court was un-
usually large and the hotels were ci'owded.
A new telegraph line from Fredonia,
N. Y., was put in operation to New Castle
in January, 1850.
A meeting of the veterans of the War of
1812 was held on Saturday, March 16, at
the Associate Eeformed Church.
The first daily mail was established on
the 1st of April of this year, between New
Castle and Poland, Ohio, by way of Eden-
burg, Hillsville and Lowellville. The con-
tractor was James Bannon.
The first county Bible Society mentioned
was organized on the 9th of April at the
M. E. Church. Among the members were
Rev. R. A. Browne, John N. Euwer, Cyrus
Clarke, David Sankey, Samuel Van Horn,
Joseph Kissick and Joseph Justice.
On Wednesday, August 11, 1850, accord-
ing to a pre-arranged program, about 5,000
people assembled in Pebble's Grove to hear
an address from John Allison, Esq., who
pronounced a eulogy on President Zachary
Taylor, then recently deceased. The en-
campment was participated in by all the
military for many miles around, and lasted
several days.
The first Democratic convention in Law-
rence Countv was held in New Castle, on
the 20th of July of this year. The Whig
convention was held on the 5th of August.
NEW CASTLE IN 1850.
In 1850 New Castle contained two foun-
dries, two rolling-mills, three flouring and
grist-mills, three saw-mills, one window-
glass factory, one steam edge-tool factory,
one brewery, three tanneries (one run by
steam), four hotels, and another large one
in course of erection. There were six
churches, one lodge, and one encampment
of I. 0. 0. F. ; one Masonic Lodge, two di-
visions of the Sons of Temperance, and
one Mechanics' Mutual Protection Society.
There were also two newspapers; the Ga-
zette, by Shaw & Craig, and the Journal,
by Kuester & Telford. One hundred new
buildings were erected during this year.
In January, 1851, a new line of daily
coaches was established between Beaver
and New Castle, by Frederick Haly. They
were advertised to make the trip in five
hours.
COURT HOUSE.
The title to the lot now occupied by the
Court House, 300x140 feet in dimensions,
was made over to the County Commission-
ers on the 18th of June, 1850. The contract
76
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
for building a court liouse and jail was let
to Craig & Hamilton. The work was com-
menced in the fall of 1850, and completed
in 1852. The stone were quarried near by,
and when the entire job was tinished the
total cost, including improvements upon
the grounds, amounted to the surprisingly
low sum of $32,000. (See preceding chap-
ter.)
An academy seems to have been in oper-
ation at this time, for we find notices of it
in 1849, under the charge of William Pear-
son, and in 1850, of Rev. R. A. Browne.
The 22nd of June appears to have been
the day set apart for military drill. In
July of this year the Lawrence Guards
were organized, and W. W. Taylor was
elected captain; S. M. Wise, first lieuten-
ant ; S. Briggs, second lieutenant ; T. Wait,
third lieutenant; H. Squiers, ensig-n; C. T.
Williams, A. Wait, J. A. Ray and Jacob
Moore, sergeants; R. Andrews and John
Eay, corporals; James McKean, armorer,
and S. Briggs, treasurer.
In 1851 the subject of paving the streets
began to be agitated and at a meeting of
the Council, on the 28th of February, it
was resolved that during the coming sum-
mer Washing-ton, Jefferson and Mercer
Streets should be planked.
About this time also the subject of a
public cemetery, controlled by a corpora-
tion, began to be agitated, and a meeting
was held at the office of the county com-
missioners, at which Colonel William Book
was made jDresident and James D. Clarke,
secretary. Among those who took an active
interest in the matter were Hon. L. L. Mc-
Guffin, James Henderson, Jonathan Ayres,
Joseph Emery, John Reynolds, Frederick
Seifert, R. W. Clendenin, Joseph Kissick,
Joseph T. Du Shane, George Robinson, D.
B. Kurtz and R. B. McComb.
NEW MILITABY COMPANIES.
In addition to the two existing compa-
nies, three juvenile military companies
were organized about this time, one in New
Castle proper, another in East New Cas-
tle, and a third in West New Castle. A
fierce rivalry sprang up among them,
which sometimes led to miniature battles,
and it was found easier to arouse the mili-
tary spirit than to allay the hot passions
engendered by the rivalry.
A public meeting was held some time in
March, 1851, to consider the question of
enlarging the limits of the borough. War-
ren Carpenter was president, and William
Watson, secretary, while the committee on
resolutions consisted of Joseph Justice,
Joseph Emery, S. W. Mitchell, Samuel
Spiese, Joseph Kissick and William Moore.
After ample discussion a series of resolu-
tions was adopted opposed to any exten-
sion of the limits beyond the Shenango
River and Neshannock Creek.
The first railway meeting held in New
Castle was on the 1st of April, 1851. It
was called for the purpose of testing the
public sentiment upon the then proposed
Erie and Pittsburg Railway. The otificers
of the meeting were: President, Henry
Pearson; vice-presidents, R. W. Cunning-
ham, William Dickson, Joseph Emery and
Thomas Falls; secretaries, Alexander
Newell and D. C. Cossitt. The speakers
were R. B. McComb, Esq., R. W. Cunning-
ham and Joseph Emery.
On the night of April 1st the flouring-
mill owned by Joseph Kissick was de-
stroyed by fire. It was a three-storj^ brick
building and stood on the present site of
Raney & Gordon's mill. The total loss
was about $13,000. The fire was occasioned
by some boys fishing with torches under the
mill. The mill was rebuilt by Mr. Kissick
the same season.
The summer of 1851 was one of many
improvements in New Castle. A new bridge
was built over the canal, on Mercer Street.
R. W. Cunningham erected a new foundry
building. The Union schoolhouse, now the
Martin Gantz school building, was erected
at a cost of $7,000.
A private bank — the first banking insti-
tution in New Castle — was started this
year, in May, by Dickson & McCljinonds.
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
77
A railway convention was held on the 25th
of June at which 150 delegates were
present.
During the summer of this year an at-
tempt was made to erect a new borough
on the east side of the Neshannock, to be
called East New Castle, but the project
failed.
The first "Free Soil" convention was
held on the 23rd of August, of this year.
A new bridge, known as the "Black
Bridge," was constructed over the She-
nango, a few rods above the mouth of the
Neshannock, during this season. It has
since been replaced by a fine and substan-
tial covered bridge.
All Agricultural Society was organized
on the 29th of October, with the following
officers: President, Thomas Sample; vice-
presidents, Thomas Wilson, Isaac P. Cow-
den; secretary, E. B. McComb; treasurer,
William Blanchard; directors, John K.
Swisher, William Porter, Thomas Carnes,
Thomas Pearson, Webster Justice and
John Simpson.
The winter of 1851-2 was a severe one;
labor was scarce, and little money was in
circulation. To aid the poor and destitute
a society called "The New Castle Relief
Society," consisting of the prominent la-
dies of the place, was organized on the 5th
of January, 1852, at the Associate Re-
formed Church. The officers were : Presi-
dent, Mrs. Mary Browne ; secretaries, Mrs.
McEle^'y and Mrs. Ten Broeck; treasurer,
Mrs. Joseph Kissick.
On January 16th a meeting of the Prot-
estant pastors of New Castle was held at
the Presbyterian Church, for the purpose
of taking steps toward petitioning Con-
gress to prohibit carrying the mails on
Sunday.
On the 4th of February a meeting was
held at the Cochran House in the interests
of the Erie and Pittsburg Railroad. Wil-
liam Dickson was president, and John
Reynolds, secretary.
What is thought to have been the first
strike in the history of New Castle oc-
curred among the nail-cutters in the em-
ploy of the Orizaba Iron Works, on the
16th of February, on account of a reduc-
tion of wages.
On April 29th New Castle was visited, it
is said, by an earthquake shock which was
quite severe, and continued for about ten
seconds.
The new Court House was completed on
the 28th of June, 1852, at which date the
first term of court ever held therein com-
menced.
The 4th of July, 1852, fell on Sunday,
and was celebrated on the day following
with appropriate ceremonies. A Whig
convention was held in Clow's Hall, and
a Sunday-school picnic was held in a grove
near town, while a large party, including
the New Castle band, made an excursion
on board a canal-packet, several miles up
the Slienango, where they spent the day in
picnicing and dancing.
The New Castle Female Seminary seems
to have finished its course about this time,
as the property was sold at public sale, on
the 7th of September. The completion of
the Union School building, now in the First
Ward, may have had something to do with
the retirement of the seminary from the
field. The new school building was com-
pleted and occiapied on the 4th of October,
at which time the fall term commenced.
The teachers were Messrs. Travis & Gantz,
and the Misses Tovmsend and Porter. The
Lawrence County Teachers' Institute was
held for two weeks, commencing on the
11th of October. This was probably the
first county institute ever held in New
Castle.
The first County Fair was also opened
on Tuesday, the 19th of October, and con-
tinued two days.
The "Mechanics' Institute" was organ-
ized on the 23d of December. Among the
prominent gentlemen interested in its or-
ganization may be mentioned John Dick-
son, Dr. Leasure, Colonel William Book,
S. Briggs, David Tidball, J. R. Richard-
son, R. Craven and John Edwards. A
78
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
meeting of the Institute was held on the
4th of January, following which the fol-
lowing officers were elected: President,
Stillman Briggs ; vice-president, Joseph S.
T^^lite; secretary, J. Webster Reynolds;
treasurer. Colonel William Book.
In Januarj^ 1853, the Lawrence County
Agricultural Society leased from Joseph S.
White, for a term of years, four and a half
acres of land lying on the plateau north of
the borough, for the purposes of a Fair
Ground. It was inclosed, and provided
with suitable and necessary buildings, and
fairs were held there for several years.
The borough election, held on the 18th
of March, resulted in the choice of the fol-
lowing officers: Burgess, Joseph Kissick;
councilmen, James S. Tidball, James Mc-
Gown, Benjamin Emery, E. S. Clow, G. P.
Robinson; constable, J. B. McKee; school
directors, D. Leasure, R. W. Clendenin, J.
N. Fuwer; judge of election, John Mc-
Elevy ; assessor, A. Riddle ; auditors, Cap-
tain A. Tyler, D. B. Kurtz, Warren Car-
penter; overseers of poor, J. W. Cunning-
ham and Wilson Falls.
The contract for planking Washington
Street from the Neshannock to the She-
nango, with two tracks, each nine feet
wide, was awarded to Joseph and David
Emery, at $1,600. The contract for plank-
ing a portion of Jefferson Street with a
single track was also awarded to the same
parties. Greenwood Cemetery was also
much improved this year.
A Musical Institute was held in March,
under the direction of Professor Blakely,
and on the evening of the 29th of the same
month a concert was given at the Presby-
terian Church by 400 pupils of Mr.
Durston.
D. Tidball, Jr., was appointed postmas-
ter some time in April. A plank road was
constructed during this season between
New Castle and New Wilmington. Another
earthquake shock is recorded for the 2nd
of May, lasting for some 30 seconds.
EXPORTS IN 1853.
In 1853 the annual exports comprised
the following articles shipped from New
Castle: From the Orizaba Iron Works,
7,500 tons iron and nails ; from the Cosalo
Iron Works, 5,000 tons iron and nails ; of
glass, 700 tons ; oil and oil-cake, 500 tons ;
32,000 barrels of flour; 100,000 bushels of
grain; 6,000 tons of fire-brick; 1,000,000
feet of timber.
In July of this year the "Ladies' Law-
rence Coimty Association" was organized.
At the borough election, March 17, 1854,
the following officers were elected: Bur-
gess, William Moore; councilmen, David
Emery, W^ilson Falls, John S. Pomeroy,
Webster Justice, William Book ; school di-
rectors, Joseph Justice, Cyrus Clarke;
constable, J. B. McKee; judge of election,
James R. Wallace; inspectors, Thomas D.
Horner, Alva H. Leslie; assessor, Daniel
McConnell; auditors, Robert Gilliland,
Robert Crawford, John Hoffman; over-
seers of poor, Cyrus Clarke, J. W. Johns-
ton.
The Leslie House, containing ninety
rooms, was finished and furnished ready
for occupation on the 1st of April.
On Sunday, the 16th of April, there was
a heavy snow-storm, which lasted for about
twenty-four hours. When the storm was
over there were seven and one-half inches
of snow on the ground.
The First Methodist Episcopal Society
erected a new church edifice during the
summer and fall of 1854. It was finished
some time in the winter of 1854-55.
A grand fair was held in New Castle,
commencing on October 5, and continuing
three days.
On the 5th an election for officers of the
Lawrence County Agricultural and Horti-
cultural Society was held, and the follow-
ing gentlemen were chosen for the .ensuing
year: President, Thomas Pearson; vice-
presidents, William Hamilton and Thomas
Cunningham; treasurer, William McCly-
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
79
monds; secretary, J. AVebster Eeynolds;
managers, William Williams and Phillip
Growl.
The summer of 1854 was remarkable for
the long drouth which prevailed from the
16th of 5lay to the latter part of August,
in consequence of which all the crops were
scanty, and farmers were obliged to fatten
their hogs on acorns. The drouth affected
the streams, and the fish in the Shenango
River died in great numbers during the
latter part of August.
On the 12th of November a party of
fifty-two colored peojDle passed through
New Castle, on their way from Virginia to
Mercer, where the}'' had concluded to set-
tle. They had formerly been slaves and
had been liberated by the will of their mas-
ters. Some are still living at and near
Mercer, where some of them at one time
owned considerable property.
H.\HD TIMES IN 1855.
During the months of January and Feb-
ruary of 1855 the laboi'ing classes in New
Castle suffered from scarcity of work. The
destitution increased to such an extent that
steps were taken for their temporary re-
lief. Under the auspices of the Ladies'
Benevolent Association, free soup dinners
were furnished the destitute every day for
several weeks at the house of Eichard
Craven.
At the borough election, held on the 16th
of ]\[areh. the following officers were
chosen: Burgess, Thomas Pearson; jus-
tices, James Dickson, George C. Morgan;
constable, Uriah Cubbison; councilmen,
David Emery, Wilson Palls, E. C. Cowden,
J. W. Squier, William C. Hoffman; as-
sessor, John Horner; assistant assessors,
William Shaw, B. C. Emery; auditors, B.
B. Pickett and S. F. Eigby; overseers of
the poor, J. B. Eeynolds, D. Stewart;
school directors, Shubael Wilder, Isaac
Dickson; judge of elections, John E.
Moore ; inspectors, John Shumaker, James
Moorhead.
New Castle seems to have been finan-
cially in a very healthy condition in 1855,
for the bonded debt of the borough is
stated at $2,500, and the total indebtedness
at $4,206.82.
In June, this year, there were heavy
rains. The streams were so swollen that
navigation on the canal was interrupted
for several weeks, and, as a consequence,
flour and provisions became very scarce.
"The anniversary of the nation's inde-
pendence was celebrated in grand style.
At a very early hour the New Castle Light
Artillery fired a national salute from
Shaw's Hill, and all the bells in town re-
sponded merrily. At 10 o'clock A. M. the
procession formed in the following order:
The New Castle Band; the Eagle Fire
Company; teachers and scholars of the
Union schools; the Lawrence Guards; the
Einggold Guards, of Princeton, Captain
Hall, and the Harlansburg Infantry, Gen-
eral McCune. The exercises were in a
grove, where addresses were delivered by
Dr. John W. Wallace and Eev. E. A.
Browne. The school children had a picnic
and dinner, and there were patriotic toasts,
music, and the firing of salutes. After
the exercises were over, the soldiers
formed and marched to the Cochran
House, where about 200 of them, including
several veterans of the War of 1812, par-
took of a simiptuous dinner, provided by
the citizens. The festivities closed with
a ball at Kossuth Hall, and another at the
Leslie House, the latter given by the Eagle
Fire Company."
The Lawrence Guards celebrated their
fifth anniversary, on the 20th of July, by a
parade and drill, and a dance in tlie eve-
ning.
A grand military encampment was held
at New Castle, commencing on the 11th of
September, of this year. The following
organizations took part in the exercises:
Jackson Independent Blues, of Pittsburg,
Captain Alexander Hays; Darlington Ar-
tillery, Major W. H. Power; Einggold
Guards, of Princeton, Captain W. G. Hall ;
Big Beaver Eiflemen, Lieutenant Miller,
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
and the New Castle Light Artillery, Cap-
tain William H. Shaw. It is veiy probable
that the Lawrence Guards were also pres-
ent, though they are not mentioned in the
newspaper accoimts. A serious accident
occurred during the festivities. Sei'geant
Edward Smith, of the artillery, while as-
sisting in firing a salute, had his right ann
so badly injured by a premature discharge
as to necessitate its amputation.
The winter of 1855-56 was very cold.
January 12 about twenty inches of snow
fell, and during this month the mercury
sank as low as 25 degrees below zero. On
the 3d of February it indicated 32 degrees
below, according to accounts, and again,
on the 10th of March, 20 degrees below.
On March 3d Robert Patterson's soap
and candle factory, in West New Castle,
was destroyed by fire, involving a loss of
about $1,200.
At the borough election, held on the 21st
of March, the following officers were
elected: Burgess, Stillman Bi'iggs; coun-
cilmen, R. W. Clendenin, H. J. Lewis, John
McElevy, John R. Richardson, Robert
Crawford; constable, Uriah Cubbison;
school directors. Rev. G. R. McMillen, Dr.
D. Leasure; overseer of the poor, L. V.
Crips, Dr. A. T. Davis ; auditor, I. N. Dick-
son ; assessor, J. B. McKee ; judge of elec-
tion, Thomas Rigby; inspectors, Samuel
Spiese and Webster Justice.
An immense Republican mass conven-
tion was held in New Castle on the 9th of
October, 1857, said to have been the largest
ever held in the place. It appears that
there were by actual count in the proces-
sion 3,154 people, 938 horses, 68 cattle, 93
horsemen, 1,834 flags, banners, etc., 454
vehicles and seven bands.
The rolling-mills of the "Orizaba Iron
Works" were destroyed by fire on the
night of the 18th of October, involving a
'loss of from $5,000 to $7,000, partially cov-
ered by insurance. The mills were soon
afterwards rebuilt.
The New Castle Gaslight Company was
incorporated February 11, 1856, by Dr.
Charles T. Whippo, Stephen J. Noble, The-
odore F. Hay, Newell ^\Tiite and Ezekiel
Sankey. The charter gave the right to sup-
ply the borough of New Castle with gas for
illuminating purposes for the ^space of
twenty years. The business houses on
AYashington Street and the "Diamond"
were first lighted on the evening of Decem-
ber 8, 1856.
The borough election occuri'ed on the
25th of March, when the following officers
were elected: Burgess, Alexander Ross;
councilmen, John AY. Wallace, James R.
Shaw, James McElevy, R. W. Clendenin,
Shubael Wilder; constable, James J. Cook;
school directors, Joseph Justice, John
Rejmolds ; assessor, Joseph T. Boyd ; over-
seers of the poor, L. V. Crips, J. E. McCon-
nell; judge of elections, AYilliam C. Hoff-
man; inspectors, Benjamin F. Emery,
William Devlin ; auditor, Thomas Pearson.
On the 26th of March, 1857, J. N. Wag-
onseller, cashier of the Bank of New Cas-
tle, who had absconded with a large sum
of money, was brought back to New Castle,
having been arrested in Philadelphia. He
had a hearing before George C. Morgan,
Esq., and was committed for trial in de-
fault of bail. At the time of his arrest
$21,500 of New Castle paper was found in
his carpet-bag. In the course of a few
weeks he was liberated on bail, and soon
after left the country. At a meeting of
the stockliolders, held on the 1st of May,
the Board was reorganized by the election
of David Sankey, president", and Cyrus
Clarke, cashier. R. W. Cunningham was
elected a director in the place of Wagon-
seller, and R. W. Stewart in place of Dr.
Whippo, who had resigned.
Many improvements were made in New
Castle during the summer of 1857, among
which were the building of the Free, now
the Second Presbyterian Church, the Peo-
ple's Savings Bank, and a third story on
the American House, later the Central
Hotel.
The Lawrence County jail seems to have
been singularly unfortunate in holding the
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
81
prisoners confined witliin its walls. Every
few weeks a batch would escape, sometimes
by means of wooden keys, ingeniously con-
structed, and sometimes by other means.
In February, 1858, four prisoners escaped,
and on the 6th of March, two more left for
parts unknown.
On the 11th of February, 1858, an ordi-
nance was passed enlarging the borough
limits, by extending the lines on the north
some twenty-tive or thirty perches.
At the borough election, held on the 19th
of March, the following officers were
elected: Burgess, Alexander Ross; coun-
cil, Dickson Watson and William Griffith,
for three years, James R. Shaw and John
Vogan, for two years, John S. Pomeroy
and Shubael AVilder, one year; school di-
rectors, William H. Reynolds, Wilson
Falls; constable, James J. Cook; judge of
elections, James S. Tidball; inspectors,
Oliver G. Hazen, James D. Sboaff; over-
seers of the poor, Thomas Rigby, J. Wes-
ley Squier; assessor, Joseph T. Boyd; as-
sistant assessors. Dr. A. M. Cowden and
Joseph S. White; auditor, R. C. Leslie.
DESCRIPTION OF NEW CASTLE IN 1858.
The following description of New Castle,
written by Hon. John W. Forney, was pub-
lished in the Philadelphia Press, in June,
1858:
"New Castle, the county seat of Lawrence County, is
situated at the junction of the Shenango and Neshan-
nock Rivers, three miles above the junction of the She-
nango and the Mahoning Elvers, constituting the big
Beaver, which maies its confluence with the Ohio River at
Beaver, twenty-eight miles below Pittsburg. The Erie
Canal, from the Ohio River at Beaver to the city of
Erie, passes up the valley of the Big Beaver and She-
nango Rivers through the town of New Castle, and the
Cross-cut Canal, from New Castle to Akron, on the Ohio
Canal, passes up the valley of the Mahoning, giving a
connection by canal with the city of Cleveland. The
population of New Castle is about 7,000.* The manu-
facture of iron is the principal business, though there
are numerous other interests, involving much capital
and the employment of many operatives. There are
• In this estimate, Mr. Forney undoubtedly Included
all the outlying suburbs ; but the estimate was much too
high. The D. S. Census In 1860 gave the borough 1,882,
which was about one-halt of the whole population of the
two companies, the 'Cosalo' and the 'Orizaba,' engaged
in the manufacture of iron. They have all the neces-
sary furnaces, rolling-mills and nail factories to contain
within their own operations the taking of the ore, coal
and limestone from the neighboring hills, and turning
the raw material into every grade of the manufactured
article, from railroad iron down to three-penny nails.
They give employment to over 500 operatives, upon the
product of whose labor subsist directly at least 3,000
souls, and indirectly as many more in the town and sur-
rounding neighborhood. The Orizaba Company have
not entirely suspended operations at any time during
the past year, and are at present in full blast. The
Consalo Company is about making a lease to parties
that mil soon put the works into operation upon an en-
larged scale, with a view to rivaling the best m.ills in
the United States. It is here that the 'Croton' glass, an
article of window glass largely supplied to the West, is
manufactured. It is made from the solid rock and is
said to be equal to any manufactured in the State.
"There are several large flouring-mills in full success-
ful operation, two large foundries, machine and engine
shops, besides many smaller manufactories.
"The public schools of the borough accommodate
about 600 pupils in one large three-story brick building,
which also contains a high school department. Another
school building is in process of erection in East New
Castle, lying alongside the old borough, that will ac-
commodate about 1,000 pupils, that being still less than
the number to be provided for, and rendering the erec-
tion of ward schoolhouses necessary in the more distant
suburbs.
"The whole community is self-sustaining, the agricul-
tural productions of the neighborhood being far more
than suflScient to feed all the operatives who turn the
minerals into the manufactured articles, as well as the
whole population besides, and a large surplus of grain
is shipped East. The Pittsburg & Newcastle Railroad
will be completed probably by the 4th of July— posi-
tively in August — and then communication by rail wiU
be easy in every direction. The Cleveland & Mahoning
Valley Railroad, completed from Cleveland to Youngs-
town, within eighteen miles of New Castle, will rapidly
be pushed on to intersect at New Castle, and it is here
that the Northwestern Railroad, if it should ever be
finished, intersects with the Cleveland road. Strong ef-
forts, with every prospect of success, are being made
to extend the Pittsburg & New Castle Railroad from
New Castle north to the city of Erie; and when aU
these roads are finished— as they will be — four impor-
tant railroads will center at New Castle.
"We were not prepared to see a thriving inland city
of 7,000 inhabitants on our visit some months since to
the county of Lawrence — a city of broad streets, large
brick dwellings, noble schoolhouses, comfortable resi-
dences and immense manufactories. It is beautifully
located, reminding one of Pittsburg in its abundance
of coal and iron and in its swarthy complexion. Yet
it is fresher far than its dusky neighbor. There' is an
air of health in all natural surroundings. In its ro-
mantic streams and the lovely valley in which it lies
embosomed it possesses advantages of which Pittsburg
cannot boast.
"In 1806 New Castle contained but twenty houses,
and in 1840 its population was 611. Now it boasts a
population of 7,000, and the extraordinary facilities
shortly to be extended to its enterprising and thriving
people will lead to such a development of its resources
as will make it one of the most important towns in the
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
state. It is eighteen miles from the town of Mercer and
is closely connectetl in domestic commerce and in other
respects with Beaver, Butler, Meadville, Franklin, Erie
and other western Pennsylvania towns. Lawrence, as
we have said, was cut out of Mercer and Beaver Coun-
ties, and both were taken from Allegheny; so, indeed,
were Crawford, parts of Armstrong, Venango and all
of Butler and Erie.
"It may therefore be readily imagined that the char-
acteristics of the people of this great tier of counties
are nearly the same. They were together in the early
struggles of the Revolution; together they struggled
into prominence; together they rejoiced over the great
men that made western Pennsylvania at an early day
the seat of intelligence and enterprise. Pittsburg was
their capital, and for many years they were controlled
by its example. But the new era established a new
order of things. Canals and railroads gave to each
county an independent existence, though making all more
dependent upon each other. Competition gave to every
locality a character of its own and promoted the gen-
eral prosperity; and New Castle is a proof that the
change was for the better, however 'considered. It is
now one of the most flourishing and beautiful towns in
the Union, and when its railroad connections are com-
pleted it will take a fresh start in the race for supe-
riority."
During the summer of 1858, a double-
track bridge over the Ne.shannock Creek,
on Washington Street, was erected at a
cost of $1,900, a new building was built for
the Eagle engine on the northwest corner
of Mill Street and Market Allev, and a
new Union school building in East New
Castle.
Early in August, 1858, a musical asso-
ciation, called the "Festival Glee Club,"
was organized.
Pittsburg Street, in East New Castle,
was illuminated on the evening of Wednes-
day, the 25th of August, in celebration of
the great event of laying the Atlantic cable.
The band furnished music on the joyful
occasion.
On the morning of the 19th of October a
destructive fire occurred in New Castle,
the total loss being estimated at $5,000.
Among the sufferers were Andrew Reed,
William G. Warnock, R. M. Allen, William
H. RejTiolds, William Dickson, William
Moore. A. TI. Leslie, Pardee & Fowler and
Firard and Wickman. Immediately suc-
ceeding this fire there was a lively appre-
ciation of the value of a fire organization,
and steps were taken to prepare for future
contingencies. The Eagle Engine Com-
pany was reorganized and a new one
formed, called the Relief Fire Company.
During this season (1858) both the rolling-
mills were idle.
At the borough election, which took place
on the 18th of March, 1859, the following
officers were elected: Burgess, Andrew
Lewis ; school directors. Dr. Newell White
and Jacob Wilbur; council, Isaac N. Phil-
lips and James Moorehead; constable,
James J. Cook; overseers of the poor,
Thomas Rigby and S. W. Mitchell; as-
sessor, Alexander Riddle; judge of elec-
tions, Samuel Alexander; inspectors, Jo-
seph B. Reynolds, J. Wesley Squier; au-
ditor, David Craig.
The Lawrence County Agricultural and
Horticultural Society seems to have been
in a flourishing condition about this time.
Their fairs were generally well attended
and profitable. At its annual meeting, in
the fall of 1859, the following officers were
elected: President, Dr. D. Leasure; vice
presidents, Isaac N. Gibson, of Wilming-
ton, and Joseph Cunningham, of Wayne;
managers, E. M. McConnell, of Pollock,
and W. C. Harbison, of Shenango; treas-
urer, William McClymonds, of Union ; sec-
retary, David Craig, of New Castle.
At the borough election, on the 16th of
March, the following gentlemen were
elected to the respective offices named:
Burgess, William Moore; council, Thomas
Pearson, J. R. Moore; justices, David Tid-
ball, J. M. Craig; constable, James J.
Cook; school directors, David Craig, Ed-
ward Thomas ; overseer of the poor, A. H.
Leslie; assessor, John L. Warnock; au-
ditor, Robert Boyd; judge of elections, B.
C. Emery; inspectors, James R. Shaw,
John Dickson.
On May 10th a span of the tow-path
bridge over the Neshannock Creek, about
seventy feet long, and forming about one-
half the total length, fell with "a crash into
the stream, carrying with it three persons
and three horses. No lives were lost, how-
ever, even the animals being saved.
"Wide Awake" clubs were formed in
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
New Castle early in the Presidential cam-
paign of this year, and the streets were
frequently enlivened with torchlight pro-
cessions and music.
It was during the season of 1860 that
the people of the State of Kansas sutfered
terribly from famine, caused by excessive
drouth, and, in common with other portions
of the country, New Castle and vicinity
i-esponded nobly to the wants of the suf-
fering people.
THE WAR PERIOD.
"The year 1861 opened gloomily to the
people of the United States. The dark
and threatening clouds of civil war hung
heavily in the horizon, the hurried tramp
of ai-med hosts was heard in the Southern
portion of the Union, while anxious solici-
tude shadowed all the hearts of the North-
ern people. New Castle partook of the
general feeling, and patriotic meetings
were held and expression given to the
Union sentiments of the people. On the
22d of Februarj^ a meeting of citizens who
were 'friendly to the Union as it is' was
called at the Court House. Hon. Thomas
Pomeroy was called to the chair, and G. C.
Morgan, Joseph Kissick, Jacob Van Gor-
der and William Stunkard were chosen as
vice-presidents, and E. S. Durban, Jacob
Haus and J. M. Kuester, secretaries. A
series of resolutions, expressive of great
devotion to the Union, was passed unani-
mously, and the meeting was addressed by
R. B. McComb, Rev. R. A. Browne, Hon.
D. Agnew, D. Craig and Hon. L. L. Mc-
Guffin."
At the borough election, held on the 15th
of March, the following were the names
of the officers elected: Burgess, William
Moore; constable, Thomas F. Sankey;
council, Thomas Campbell, Burkliardt
Raiab; school directors, Manassa Henlein,
William H. RejTiolds; judge of election,
James R. Wallace; inspectors, Joseph B.
Reynolds, John W. Cunningham; auditor,
D. H. Wallace; assessor, James Hender-
son ; assistant assessors, Thomas Falls, Jo-
seph Kissick; overseer of the poor, Alex-
ander Ross.
On the morning of the 22d of April the
ladies of East New Castle unfurled the
national flag over the Court House, with
their own hands. The occasion was enliv-
ened by vocal and instrumental music, and
speeches were made by Lewis Taylor and
Hon. L. L. McGuffin. On the same day
the national colors were thrown to the
breeze from St. Mary's Catholic Church,
in West New Castle, amid the cheers and
hurrahs of 2,000 people. Addresses were
made by Lewis Taylor, D. B. Kurtz, R. B.
McComb, L. L. McGuffin, D. Craig and Rev.
J. B. Williams.
' ' On the 24th of April an immense Union
meeting was held on the 'Diamond.' Hon.
Thomas Pomeroy was president, and
twenty-eight old soldiers of the War of
1812 were elected vice-presidents. The sec-
retaries were E. S. Durban and James M.
Kuester. A series of strong resolutions
were adopted, and a patriotic song, com-
posed by J. W. Fulkerson, was sung to the
famous war-hjmin of France, the Mar-
seillaise. Addresses were made by Revs.
D. C. Osborne, R. A. Browne, Samuel Bent-
ley, Hon. L. L. McGuffin, a Mr. AVeyman,
of Pittsburg, E. S. Durbank, William M.
Francis, and Rev. J. B. Williams.
About this time the Lawrence Guards
volunteered for three months. They num-
bered 167 men, and were officered as fol-
lows: Captain, Dr. Daniel Leasure; first
lieutenant, Edward O'Brien; second lieu-
tenant, J. J. Cook; third lieutenant, John
S. King. They were subsequently divided
into two companies.
A number of additional companies were
soon after raised in and around New Cas-
tle. Among these were the Gennan
Guards, composed of Germans; St. Mary's,
composed of Catholic citizens; the Rifle
Guards, commanded by Captain R. B. Mc-
Comb, and the Silver Grays, consisting of
elderly veterans of the Mexican War.
The principal feature of the Fourth of
July, 1861, was a grand military parade,
84
HISTOEY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
in which the following organizations par-
ticipated: Washington Guards, Captain
James McCune; Slippery Rock Guards,
Captain J. H. Cline; Washington Grays,
Captain J. H. Rhodes; Union Riflemen,
Captain P. S. Morton; Wayman Grays,
Captain John Yoimg; Eastbrook Guards,
Captain A. Buchanan; Mahoning Guards,
Captain William Burns; Pulaski Rifles,
Captain W. C. Oliver; Lawrence Grays,
Captain J. Davidson; Fayette Union
Grays, Captain James Blair; Liberty
Guards, Captain 0. L. Jackson; Union Ca-
dets, Captain D. M. Cubbison; Zouaves,
Captain D. H. Wallace. These organiza-
tions were formed into a regiment, under
the command of Colonel Samuel Bentley,
with WilUam H. Shaw as lieutenant-colo-
nel, and W. P. Randolph as adjutant. A
neat flag was presented to the Union Ca-
dets by the ladies of New Castle, Dr. R. A.
Browne making the presentation speech,
which was gallantly responded to by Cap-
tain Cubbison.
The Weyman Grays were also presented
with a stand of colors by Miss Harriet K.
Weyman, daughter of Mr. George Wey-
man, of Pittsburg, for whom the company
was named. On the 8th of August the
Lawrence Guards, who had been out in the
three months' service, returned to New
Castle. They had been divided into two
companies — Company H, commanded by
Captain Leasure, and Company D, by Cap-
tain O'Brien. Several companies of "Home
Guards" met them at the canal landing
and escorted them to the "Diamond,"
where they were addressed by Rev. D. C.
Osborne, after which they were dismissed,
and departed for their several homes.
On the 12th of August a great storm
passed over New Castle, doing consider-
able damage, particularly along the val-
ley of Big Run.
On the 14th of October, Frederick Seif-
fert, of New Castle, was accidentally shot
and killed in camp, at the city of Washing-
ton, D. C, being the first man killed from
this section.
New Castle furnished her full share of
men for the army during the Rebellion,
and her citizens were ever pronipt at their
country's call for men and means. Among
those who took a prominent part in the
ranks of her military men were Colonel
Daniel Leasure, Colonel Edward O'Brien,
a hero of the Mexican AVar, Colonel D. H.
Wallace, Colonel R. B. McComb, and many
others. Soldiers' aid societies were organ-
ized by the ladies, concerts were given for
the benefit of soldiers' wives and orphans,
and in many ways those who remained at
home contributed generously to the com-
fort of those "upon the tented field" and
in the crowded hospitals at the rear.
At the borough election, which took place
on the 21st of March, 1862, the following
officers were elected: Burgess, William
Moore ; council, John W. Cunningham, Ben
C. Emery; constable, Thomas F. Sankey;
assessor, John Watson; auditor, S. W.
Dana ; overseer of the poor, S. W. Mitchell;
school directors, Dr. J. H. M. Peebles, for
three years; David Tidball, three years;
James R. Shaw, one year; Cyrus Clarke,
one year; judge of elections, J. S. Agnew;
inspectors, Thomas Marshall, Thomas F.
Jackson.
A draft was ordered for this section dur-
ing this year, and Dr. J. H. M. Peebles
was appointed examining surgeon, and
Jacob Haus, Esq., draft commissioner.
On February 5, 1863, an interesting
party of old people met at the house of
Joseph T. Boyd, one of the pioneer mer-
chants of New Castle, who came here and
opened a store in a log building, belonging
to Jesse Du Shane, in 1806. Mr. Boyd was
eighty-two years old at the time of the
party, and among his gray-headed com-
peers were Jesse Du Shane, aged eighty-
nine years; George Pearson, eighty-six;
Robert McGuffin, eighty-five and Robert
Wallace, eighty-four. Among other guests
were E. S. Durban, Esq., Major Shaw and
Colonel Leasure.
On Saturday evening, the 28th of March,
a Union League was formally organized
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
85
with the following officers : President, Mar-
tin Gantz; vice-presidents, William Book,
George B. Woodworth, Samuel Hamilton,
0. G. Hazen, James Ray, John Moorhead ;
recording secretary, William McCljTnonds ;
corresponding secretary, E. S. Durban;
treasurer, Joseph Kissick; executive com-
mittee, D. Craig, John McCartney, R. B.
McComb, G. W. Miller, Hon. David Sankey
and Hon. John Ferguson.
"The year 1863 marks an epoch in the
history of New Castle. On the 15th of
June the last tie was laid on the Beaver
Valley Railway, and a connection formed
with the Erie and Pittsburg road, giving
New Castle the advantage of the greatest
of modern inventions — the railway. The
Erie and Pittsburg road was in full run-
ning order about the 15th of July follow-
ing. The Ashtabula, Youngstown and
Pittsburg Railway, extending from
Youngstown, Ohio, to Mahoningtown in
Lawrence County, was put in operation in
1864-65, and the'New Castle and Franklin
road about ISTi. These roads give New
Castle direct connections with the Western
Reserve in the great State of Ohio, and
with the famous oil-regions of Pennsyl-
vania.
"The increase of the borough of New
Castle from 1850 to 1860, as indicated by
the United States census reports, was com-
paratively slight, being only 262; but the
census does not probably show the actual
increase, it being largely outside the bor-
ough limits, which comprised only a small
part of the actual population, to which the
old borough is only the nucleus."
New Castle was erected into a borough
on the 25th of March, 1825. The first bur-
gess was Robert McConahy; the second
John Frazier, and the third, Joseph Jus-
tice. The old records, from 1825 down to
1852, have been lost or destroyed, and it is
impossible, therefore, to give the names
of most of the burgesses during those
years. The following names, however, ap-
pear on the records:
1836.
Joshua Logan.
1859.
A. Lewis.
1843.
William Mitehell.
1860.
William Moore.
1848.
Thomas Sloan.
1861.
Nathan Morrill.
1852.
J. E. Emery.
1862
William Moore.
1853.
Joseph Kissick.
1863.
Nathan Morrill.
1854.
William Moore.
1864.
Nathan Morrill.
1855.
Thomas Pearson.
1865.
David Craig.
1856.
Stillman Briggs.
1866.
Nathan Morrill.
1857.
Alexander Ross.
1867.
J. W. Reynolds.
1858.
Alexander Boss.
1868.
J. W. Reynolds.
BUBGESSES OF WEST XEW CASTLE BOROUGH.
1888— William P. Miller.
1889—1. B. Griffiths.
1890— James G. Fulkerson.
1892— James G. Fulkerson.
1894— Robert W. Douds.
1897 — William Moncrief.
Mr. Moncrief was the last burgess before
the borough was annexed to the city of
New Castle.
CHAPTER VI
NEW CASTLE-THE CITY
Indian Proprietors — First White Settlers — Wild Game — Early Merchants, Millers, etc.
— First Death — Early Justices — First Postofftce — Early Churches — Gillespie's Ad-
dition — Early Bridges — Amusements — Pioneer Costume — Netv Castle Made a Bor-
ough — The Town Re-surveyed — Some Notable Improvements — Prosperous Era
Begins — First Fire Company — New Castle in 1840 — First Steps Towards Bank-
ing — The New County — The First Courts — Netv Castle in 1850 — Court-House —
New Military Companies — Hard Times in 1855 — Gaslight Company Incorporated
— A Contemporary Description of New Castle in 1858 — The War Period.
NEW CASTLE BECOMES A CITY.
The borough of New Castle was raised
to the dignity of a city February 25, 1869,
and divided into two wards, the first ward
including all of the former Pollock Town-
ship, and the second the whole of what
had heretofore been the borough, and con-
siderable territory from Neshannock
Township. This enlargement of the limits
added greatly to the population, the census
of 1870 giving the new city 6,164 inhabi-
tants. The first city election was held on
the third Friday of March. 1869. The first
mayor was T. B. Morgan; president of
Select Council, E. W. Cunningham ; presi-
dent of Common Council, David Craig ; sec-
retary, John McMichael.
MAYORS OF NEW CASTLE.
1869— T. B. Morgan.
1870— M. B. Welch.
1871— M. B. Welch.
1872_William S. Black.
187.3— Thomas McBride.
1875— J. E. Eichardson.
1878— Eobert Cochran.
1881— Eobert C. McChesney.
1884— Eobert C. McChesney.
1887— Eobert C. McChesney.
1890— John B. Brown.
1893— Alexander Eichardson. (S. W.
Smith succeeded Alexander Eichardson in
the fall of 1894.)
1896— S. W. Smith.
1899— C. L. Warnock.
1902— John C. Jackson.
1905— M. Louis Hainer.
1908— Harry J. Lusk.
By an Act of Assembly, approved May
23, 1874, New Castle was made a city of
the third class (which includes cities having
from 10,000 to 100,000 inhabitants), and
by order of the Court of Quarter Sessions,
made December 6, 1876, it was divided into
four wards.
CITY HALL.
The lot on which the City Hall stands —
68x180 feet in dimensions, and located on
the northwest corner of Washington and
East Streets — was purchased of Jesse W.
Moore for $15,000. The building was com-
menced in June, 1875. The original con-
tract price for the construction of the
building was about $31,000, the contractors
being Vogan & Preston. Before being
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
87
completed the building was burned — June
7, 1876. The amount expended up to that
date was about $24,000, there being no in-
surance. The building was rebuilt at an
additional cost of $15,000. It is constructed
of red pressed brick, with galvanized iron
trimmings, and is three full stories and
basement in height. The whole of the first
floor is occui3ied bj' the mayor's, treas-
urer's and controller's offices, and the sec-
ond floor by the two councils, committee-
rooms, and audience chamber. The base-
ment is occupied bv the Police Department
and for storage rooms. The building is
well adapted to the needs of the enterpris-
ing city in which it is located.
The following shows the city government
for 1907-1908:
Mayor- — M. Louis Hainer.
Clerk— A. E. Rhodes.
Engineer — C. H. Milholland.
Solicitor — James A. Gardner.
Treasurer — John McCandless.
Controller — L. C. Hughes.
Health Officer— C. C. Homer.
Poor Director— J. A. Hainer.
Poor Physician — W. C. Kissinger.
Poor Warden— J. L. Gold.
Street Commissioner — J. E. Barteaux.
Chief of Police — Thomas J. Spiers.
Chief of Fire Department— F. J. Con-
nery.
City Electrician — W. S. Devlin.
Assessors — W. N. Aiken, Robert McBur-
ney and G. G. Pearson.
CITY COUNCIL.
Select Councilmen — Jas. A. Stevenson,
J. C. McCreadv, B. L. Lusk, A. R. Shaffer,
M. L. Cukerbraum, W. E. McKee, W. H.
Chambers. S. A. "Winternitz, clerk.
Common Councilmen — C. 0. Davis, Sam-
uel Warner, T. C. Elliott, R. L. Wallace,
P. K. Fike. R. H. McCann, L. G. Genkinger,
W. H. Thomas, J. L. Gorman, C. C. Rigbv,
John Rae, J. M. Triplett, J. H. Mcllvenny,
J. C. Raney.
BOAED OF EDUCATION.
This board has its regular meetings on
the first Monday evening of each month in
the High School Building, and is composed
of the following officers and members :
R. C. G. White, president; J. H. Bittner,
secretary; John McCandless, treasurer;
Helen L. Moseley, clerk; T. A. Kimes, su-
perintendent.
First Ward— W. J. Chain, I. S. Fulker-
son.
Second Ward— W. K. Hugus, R. C. G.
White.
Third Ward— J. H. Bittner, Chas. G.
Martin.
Fourth Ward— W. E. Patterson, J. D.
Clarke.
Fifth Ward— Thomas Sadler, J. Blucher.
Sixth Ward— G. W. Heckart.
Seventh Ward— S. A. Barnes, R. W.
Hamilton.
The city now contains fifteen capacious
and well appointed school buildings, while
there are also three parochial schools car-
ried on by the Roman Catholic Church —
St. Joseph's, St. Mary's, and St. Mary's
(Polish). (See chapters on Education and
Religious Organizations.)
POSTMASTERS.
The first citizen to fill the honorable po-
sition of postmaster in New Castle was
Joseph Thornton Boyd, who was appointed
in 1812, under President Madison's admin-
istration, and continued to fill the office for
twenty-six consecutive years, up to 1838.
Following him have been :
R. W. Stewart, about eighteen months.
David Tidball, about eight months.
Joseph T. Boyd, again, about eighteen
months.
David Tidball, again, about six months.
David Schaffer, about three years, dur-
ing a portion of Tyler's and Polk's admin-
istrations.
"William H. Reynolds, a few months.
William H. Shaw, under Taylor's and
Fillmore's administrations.
88
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
David Tidball, under Pierce's adminis-
tration.
Alexander Xewell, under Buchanan's ad-
ministration.
A. H. Leslie, a few months, under Bu-
chanan.
David Emery, under Lincoln and
Johnson, until 1867, when the office was
taken possession of by a special govern-
ment agent and correspondent of the New
York Tribune, appointed by President
Johnson in May, 1867. This agent occu-
pied the position until August 5, 1867, when
David Tidball was api^ointed, and was con-
tinued to February, 1881. The more re-
cent incumbents have been: E. I. Agnew,
1881 to 1885; William Gordon, 1885 to
1889; J. M. Clark, 1889 to 1893; Geo. B.
Gibson, 1893 to 1897 ; John S. Brown, 1897
to 1903 ; John A. McKee, 1903 to the pres-
ent time.
riKE DEPAKTMENT.
It is not known when the first fire com-
pany was organized in New Castle, but it
was probably nothing more than a bucket
company, each member being furnished
with a leather bucket, with his name, or the
name of the organization marked thereon,
which he kept at his house or place of
business.
The first fire company in New Castle,
of which we have any record, was organ-
ized on the 29th of September, 1836, the
meeting being held at Andy Lewis ' tavern.
The following is a complete list of the offi-
cers chosen: President, J. T. Boyd; vice-
president, William Cox; secretary, S. C.
Euwer; treasurer, Thomas Painter; cap-
tain, William Dickson; lieutenant, W. B.
Miller; first engineer, R. W. Cunningham;
second engineer, James Watson, Jr. ; third
engineer, P. T. Boyd; fourth engineer, J.
W. Cunningham; axeman, Thomas Hun-
ter, John ]il. Semple and E. R. Semple.
How long the company continued in exist-
ence we cannot say, but there seems to be
no doubt that it was kept up for many
years.
The first fire engine brought to New
Castle was a small hand-engine, which was
operated by means of two cranks, one on
either side of the wheel, which forced the
water through the hose. Though a very
imperfect machine, it was regarded with
considerable pride by the people of New
Whether the Eagle Fire Company ex-
isted prior to 1851, we do not know, but as
the constitution of this company was pub-
lished for the first time in this year, we
may, perhaps, safely infer that the com-
pany was first organized some time about
this period.
The following is a list of officers chosen
by the Eagle Fire Company, in April,
1851: President, B. B. Pickett; vice-presi-
dent, S. Dunn; secretary, P. Dunn; assist-
ant secretary, John R. Richardson; treas-
urer, William Lutton; captain, P. Miller j
lieutenants, J. McGown, first; S. Dunn,
second; engineers, J. R. Richardson, first,
R. Craven, second; W. R. Madge, thii'd;
W'. G. Scott, fourth; assistant engineers,
William Love, William Gaston; hose di-
rectors, D. Diamond, J. S. King, G. Riddle,
J. S. Pomeroy, J. R. Emery, William
Douds; assistant hose directors, D. Craig,
R. P. Marshall, J. R. Moore, J. Crips, J. A.
Addis, J. H. Emery, R. Emeiy, J. Pyle, H.
Stanson, H. Hall, G. V. Boyles, William
Emery, William Lutton, U. Cubbison ; hose
engineers, J. B. Du Shane, J. H. Orrj
ladder men, B. B. Pickett, J. B. McKee,
G. Moore, R. Wright; hook men, J. B.
Moore, John H. Spencer; axe men, D,
Stewart, Sr., S. Bussinger.
The first engine purchased by the Coun-
cil, for the Eagle Fire Company, arrived
at New Castle on Saturday, the 30th of
August, 1851. The Gazette of that time
described the new engine as "a beautiful
piece of mechanism."
On Saturday, the 4th of September, 1852^
there was a grand firemen's parade, which
was followed by a dinner at the Cochran
House.
In February, 1852, a test was made of
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
89
the engine belonging to the Eagle Com-
pany. The engine being stationed at the
canal, the hose was carried to the north
side of the "Diamond," a distance of 500
feet, from which point a strong stream was
thrown over the Gazette Bnilding. At that
time John R. Moore was president of the
company, James Moorhead, secretary, and
John R. Richardson, captain.
On Tuesday evening, the 26th of Feb-
ruary, 1856, a supper for the benefit of the
Eagle Fire Company was given at the
Leslie House. More than 100 persons, be-
sides firemen, partook of the luxurious re-
past. The supper was followed by a dance.
On Monday evening, the 25th of October,
1858, a meeting was held at the Eagle En-
gine House, at which the Eagle Company
was reorganized, with following officers :
President, D. Tidball; vice-president,
Thomas Marshall; secretary, James Dick-
son; assistant secretary, James M. Craig;
treasurer, James McGown, and captain.
John W. Taylor.
November 2, 1858, a new fire company
was organized under the name and title of
' ' The Relief Fire Company. ' ' The follow-
ing officers were elected to sei've during
the ensuing year : President, D. S. Morris ;
vice-president, H. J. Levis; secretary,
Crawford W. Stewart; assistant secretary.
Noble Holton; treasurer, 0. G. Hazen; cap-
tain, John R. Richardson. Notwithstand-
ing the Girard Insurance Company, of
Philadelphia, donated to this company the
sum of $50 towards procuring a new en-
gine, the latter was never procured, and
on this account the company ceased to
exist.
Although there has been a fire company
in New Castle known as the Eagle Fire
Compan}' almost from the year 1836, the
Eagle Fire Company existing in 1877 may
be said to date its existence from the 16th
day of November, 1871, at which time a
meeting was held at Wliite Hall that re-
sulted in the organization of a fire com-
pany. The following is a complete list of
the officers then elected: Captain, John
Young; first lieutenant, Thomas Marshall;
second lieutenant, William P. Morrison;
first engineer, D. D. Douds ; second engi-
neer, Henry Hartsuff; first hose director,
D. M. Cubbisou; second hose director, H.
AV. Squier. This meeting was presided
over by Col. D. H. AVallace; John A. Por-
ter served as secretary. At a meeting held
on the 3d of February, 1872, a new set of
officers was elected. What is now known
as the new constitution of this company
seems to have gone into operation about
the 1st qf October, 1873, about the time
that the Eagle steam fire-engine arrived.
The first officers under the new constitu-
tion were: President, Joseph Kissick;
vice-president, D. H. Wallace; treasurer,
William PI. Reynolds; secretary, H. E.
Woodworth ; captain, John Young. At this
time the Eagle Company contained about
sixty members, but the number in 1877
would probably not have exceeded forty.
For several months the Eagle steam
fire-engine, though it weighed fifty-three
hundred pounds, was drawn to fires by
hand, but in January, 1874, a team of
horses was purchased bj' the Councils for
the sum of $500, Frank Miller being made
driver.
A hook-and-ladder company was organ-
ized in the autumn of 1873, which was
known as the Rescue Hook-and-Ladder
Company. It had a membership of about
thirty-five strong, able-bodied young men,
with Stephen B. Marshall, foreman, but
the apparatus assigned to them was so
cumbersome and unwieldy as to make its
use a matter of considerable difficulty. In
consequence the company gradually di-
minished in numbers until at lengih \t was
disbanded.
Some time in the spring of 1877 a new
company was organized in what is known
as the Fourth Ward. Tliis company con-
tained about sixty members, all strong
and vigorous young men, some of whom
had had experience in fire-fighting. This
90
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
comiDany had cliarge of the hook-and-lad-
der truck formerly belonging to the old
Rescue Hook-and-Ladder Company.
The Neshannock Fire Company, which
contained about sixty members, was or-
ganized on the 26th of September, 1873.
Its original members numbered forty-
four.
The company known as the Vigilant Fire
Company was organized on the 12th of
December, 1873, at which time it contained
forty-seven members. At first it was
called the Amoskeag Fire Company, from
the fact that there was a purpose on the
part of its members to procure an Amos-
keag fire engine. After a time, however,
this purpose was abandoned, and it was
resolved to procure a hook-and-ladder
truck with Babcock Extinguishers.
The original members of the Amoskeag
Company were only four in number. These
were: President, Thomas McBride; vice-
president, Thomas Marshall ; secretary, A.
M. Coulter; treasurer, D. M. Cobbison.
At a meeting held on the 11th of Febru-
ary, 1874, the company assumed the name
of the Vigilant Fire Company and adopt-
ed the motto, "We strive to save." At
a subsequent meeting held on the 18th of
March, 1874, the follownig list of officers
was elected: President, Thomas Marshall;
vice-president, Thomas McBride; secre-
tary, L. D. Durban ; treasurer, C. W. Wat-
son; trustees, George B. Berger, II. W.
Squier and Milton Love; foreman, D. M.
Cubbison; first assistant foreman, H. W.
Squier, second assistant foreman, James
Hale; captain of axe, M. Hannon; captain
of extinguishers, W. W. Cubbison; mar-
shal, William H. Wilson. The hook-and-
ladder truck, with the extinguishers, ar-
rived in New Castle in April, 1874.
The Neshannock and Eagle companies
disbanded in 1878 on account of troiible
with the city councils over the sale of their
team, the privilege of purchasing the same
being refused by the councils. Frank H.
Miller, now fire marshal in Cleveland, was
then driver. At that time the driver was
the only man permanently employed in the
department.
The steamer purchased in 1875, and
known as "The Eagle," continued in use
until 1882.
In 1882 Hollen Hose Company was or-
ganized. In that year also the establish-
ment of the present water-works revolu-
tionized the system of fire-fighting, and
much of the glory that arose from the rival-
ry of the different ununited companies de-
parted. Its loss was more than compen-
sated for, however, by the better service
which resulted from the new methods of
the united department under one supreme
control.
About 1891 the Gamewell fire system was
put into use, and alarm boxes were dis-
tributed throughout the city. At first, there
were but twelve, but now there are sixty-
four, with about thirty-five miles of wire.
There are now seven stations, and a lot
has been purchased on Arlington Avenue
for the eighth, which will be erected in
the near future. The outlying districts are
given excellent protection.
The stations are the following:
Central Engine House, in East Street, in
rear of the City Hall, was built in 1881.
It is the headquarters of the T. W. Phillips
Hose No. 1, Vigilant Aeriel (65 feet) Hook-
and-Ladder Truck, and also fire police. Be-
sides the chief, there are six men stationed
here, all of whom are full paid. In winter
— from November 1 to April 1 — three extra
men are employed for night work.
W. D. Wallace Hose and Chemical Com-
pany No. 2 is located on Park Avenue, in
the Second Ward. It now has two men,
but in the near future a three-horse hitch
will be put in there, requiring an additional
man.
The Croton Hose and Chemical Company
No. 3, on Vine Street, has two men.
The George W. Johnson Hose and Chem-
ical Company No. 4 is on Ray Street, in the
Fourth Ward. It now has two men, but
soon will have similar additions to No. 2.
Hose and Chemical Company No. 5, on
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
91
Scioto Street, Fifth Ward, now has a three-
horse hitch and four men.
Hose and Chemical Company No. (J, on
Smitlifield Street, has two men.
Vandevort Chemical and Hose Company
No. 7, located at the corner of Cherry and
Cedar Streets, Seventh Ward, has three
men.
The Phillips Hose Company is hose and
chemical. It has a combination wagon and
team.
In addition to the tweny-four full-paid
men in the department, there are now about
185 volunteer numbers. New Castle is
justly proud of its tire department and its
efficient service. TJie expense for this year
(1908) not including equipment or build-
ings is $26,350 ; property valuation, $76,891.
The Firemen's Relief Association, of
New Castle, on June 28, 1895, passed an
act providing that one-half of the net
amount received from the 2 per cent tax
paid upon premiums by foreign fire in-
surance companies be paid to the treasurer
of each of the boroughs and cities of the
commonwealth.
The Firemen's Relief Association, of
New Castle, was chartered February 23,
1897. The object of the corporation is
to provide and maintain a fund from
legacies, bequests, and other sources for
the relief, support and burial of those who
may be crippled or killed or who might
be prevented from attending to their usual
occupation or calling on accoimt of chronic
ailments or permanent injuries caused by
exposure or accident while attending to
public fire duty. Any member of the asso-
ciation in good standing when inca-
pacitated for his regular employment while
attending to his duties as fireman is en-
titled to benefit during the time that the
Board of Examiners may report him as
under control.
If a member is killed in the performance
of his duty, leaving wife or orphan chil-
dren under sixteen years of age, or de-
pendent parent, such shall receive $300.
The income from the tax above mentioned
is now about $800 per year.
The fire captains since 1872 have been
the following:
John Young, 1872-76; George C. Hagan,
1876-78; Joseph Stritmater, 1878-79; Col.
D. M. Cubbison, 1879-80; Capt. A. S. Love,
1880-81; W. W. Cubbison, 1881-92; James
H. Brown. 1892 to January, 1901 ; F. J. J.
Connery, January. 1901, to present time.
FIRE POLICE.
Captain, C. W. Watson ; first lieutenant,
P. Gaston; second lieutenant, John Linn,
with a force of twenty-four men. Ap-
paratus: One steamer of the "Button"
pattern, costing $3,500; one hand-engine
of the same pattern ; one hose-carriage and
four hose-reels, with 3,500 feet of hose;
two hook-and-ladders and one police truck,
with necessary apparatus.
CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT.
This department consists of twenty-five
officers and men, the present chief being
Joseph Gilmore, who has held the office
since April 1, 1908. The lieutenant is
James Diskin, while there are two ser-
geants.
The department occupies rooms in the
basement of the city building. The office-
room is comfortably and neatly fitted up,
and adjoining are the cells for prisoners,
consisting of three separate apartments,
built very strong and lined inside with
boiler iron, with a heavy open iron grating
in front along the corridor. They are clean
and well lighted and ventilated. For base-
ment rooms these are exceedingly dry and
comfortable. For a number of years the
department has had a patrol wagon, but
there are as yet no patrol boxes.
WATER-WORKS.
The present water system of New Castle
was established in 1882, and gives excel-
lent service. The water pressure in the
downtown district runs from 90 to 100
pounds or over, and is obtained from two
92
HISTOEY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
large reservoirs, one on the North Side
and the other on East Hill. Into the reser-
voir on the North Side the water is pumped
from the Shenango River, after passing
through one of the best filters in the coun-
try; while the water is forced into the
East Hill reservoir from the mains by a
first-class pumping station. From near this
latter reservoir the water is returned to
the mains from such an elevation as to
give an excellent pressure in all jDarts of
the city. The City of New Castle Water
Company is located at No. 29 North Mill
Street, D. H. Amsbary being the present
superintendent.
NEW CASTLE GAS COMPANY.
This company was chartered in Febru-
arv, 1856, the incorporators being Dr.
Charles T. Whippo, Stephen J. Noble
Theodore F. Hay, N. White and Ezekiel
Sankey. The franchise included the right
to manufacture and supply the borough of
New Castle with gas for illuminating pur-
poses for the period of twenty years. Be-
fore the expiration of the time granted,
the company became involved, and their
rights and property were sold by the sher-
iff. The purchaser under the sale was Jo-
seph Pennock, of Pittsburg, who was the
principal creditor. Soon after his purchase
he sold out to Cyrus Clarke, who disposed
of a half interest to David Sankey. Mr.
Sankey went to Harrisburg and procured
a new act of incorporation, or a re-enact-
ment of the former charter, with a new set
of incorporators, including Cyrus Clarke.
David Sankey, Isaac N. Phillips, and per-
haps some others. This company sold out
in 1875 to another company, which oper-
ated the works under a capital of $50,000.
In the latter part of 1899 this latter com-
iianv, with others, was merged into the
^orit Pitt Gas Company. In March, 1903,
*he Fort Pitt Gas Company was absorbed
by the ^fanufacturers' Light & Heat Com-
pany, of Pittsburg, which now supplies
New Castle and Ellwood City with natural
gas for all the ordinary purposes. This
company owns 248 oil wells and 648 gas
wells, also owning and controlling under
lease 448,976.32 acres of gas and oil lands,
a large proportion of which are yet un-
developed. The company is officered in
Pittsburg and the vicinity. The local dis-
trict embraces New Castle and Lawrence,
Butler and Mercer Counties, the New
Castle office being in charge of Joseph T.
Campbell, formerly agent for the Fort Pitt
Gas Company. Under his direction the
local service is maintained in a thoroughly
efficient and satisfactory manner, which
makes New Castle an up-to-date city as re-
gards this imi^ortant utility.
The introduction of natural gas and the
electric light proved ruinous to the old gas
companies. The charter of the Lawrence
Gas Company, formerly operating in New
Castle and vicinity, is now owned by the
Pennsylvania and Mahoning Valley Rail-
way Company. The gas plant has not been
operated for some years. The city streets
nre now lighted by "the New Castle Electric
Company, which is controlled by the Ma-
honing & Shenango Railwav & Light Com-
pany. M. A. Pooler, 5i{. South Mill Street,
is superintendent.
NESHANNOCK RAILROAD, COAL AND ORE
COMPANY.
This company was originally chartered
in 1868. The incorporators were D. Craig,
R. H. Peebles, Joshua Rhodes, A. B. Ber-
ger, George Pearson and James Rhodes.
The road was built in 1866 by James
Rhodes. The first cost was about $100,000,
which was subsequently increased to $140,-
000. The company organized with George
Pearson as president, James Rhodes, sec-
retary and treasurer, and the balance of
the incon^orators acting as directors. A
new charter was obtained in 1872, and
a new company organized iinder the name
of the New Castle Railroad and Mining
Company. The new company purchased
the interests of the Neshannock Railroad,
Coal and Ore Company. The road was
constructed to connect the New Castle Rail-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
93
road and Mining Company with the coal
and iron-producing district in Neshan-
nock Township, north of New Castle.
TELEPHOKE SYSTEMS.
The Central District and Printing Tele-
graph Company, operating under tlie Bell
telephone patent, began business in New
Castle in 1881, with about twenty-five or
thirty subscribers. They now have about
3,500 subscribers. They have a modern
battery equipment and emploj' about thir-
ty-five exchange operators.
The American Union Telephone Com-
pany, an independent company, is the suc-
cessor of the Citizens' Telephone Com-
pany: President, David Jameson; treas-
urer, C. H. Aiken; secretary, "W. Scott
Paisley. This company started with 110
subscribers. The business increased to
such an extent that the members of the
company who had other interests found it
inconvenient to give it the required at-
tention and the business was sold to its
present owners. The company has about
1,500 subscribers and employs about nine-
teen operators. C. P. Mebane is the man-
ager, with an office on the second floor of
the Greer Block.
OPERA-HOrSE.
The origin of a popular and up-to-date
place of amusement dates back to March
12, 1866, when a stock company, under the
title of the "New Castle Halland Market
Company" was chartered, with a capital
of $25,000, and authority to increase to
$175,000. The original incorporators were
E. J. Agnew, George Pearson, Jr., George
Conzette, I. N. Phillips, Paul Butz, Adam
Treser, George C. Reis, John Davis, Eze-
kiel Sankey, Joseph Kissick, Christian
Genkinger, James R. Shaw and A. B. Ber-
ger. The contract for the erection of the
buildings was let in May, 1867, to James
M. Mayne, at $25,000, but additional work
brought the total expenditures up to
$38,000. The building was completed in
the autumn of 1867. It is situated on Mer-
cer Street, and is sixty-four feet front by
134 feet deep. It contains on the first floor
two store rooms. The Opera House oc-
cupies the upper portion of the building,
and is finely fitted up with a roomy and
convenient stage, proscenium boxes, gal-
lery, etc., and has ample accommodations
for an audience of 1,000. The best trav-
eling troupes always visit New Castle, and
the entertainments given are equal in every
respect to those of a similar character in
the large cities. The present owner and
proprietor is J. F. Genkinger.
C.A,SCADE PARK.
This park, which was opened by the
New Castle Traction Company, is consid-
ered by many to be the most beautiful
pleasure resort, fi'om the standpoint of
natural scenery, in Western Pennsylvania.
From the site of the terminal depot, up
the rocky stream to the falls, the scenery
is vmdoubtedly grander than can be found
am-where else in this part of the state.
Across the bridges you stand in awe as you
contemplate the sublimity of the Cat Rocks
rising perpendicularly from the bottom of
the gTilch and crowned by a cosy, rustic
house. Advancing, you come to such points
of interest as the boiling spring, the great
waterfall, and the old dam. These are all
in the primeval forest, and, with few
changes, are just as they were when the
Indians made this their favorite camping
ground. Many traces of the red men are
yet to be found in the rude figures on
the rocks, notably the face of an Indian
princess carved on a huge bowlder just
beneath the falls, where tradition says she
met a horrible death by falling over the
cliff. The falls are one of the principal
points of interest — a miniature Niagara.
On either side the walls of the rocky
gulch rise perpendicularly. All the amuse-
ment attractions usually found in such re-
sorts in these days are jDrovided at the
park.
94
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
NUESEKIES AND GREENHOUSES.
The extensive floral business now car-
ried on by Butz Brothers, on Croton Ave-
nue, was originated in October, 1851, by-
Paul Butz, who purchased six acres of land
then in poor condition for cultivation, and
on which there was a one and a half story
frame dwelling, and an old stable. It re-
quired several years of hard, unremitting
labor to get the land in passable condi-
tion for the purposes Mr. Butz had in view.
The first buildhig erected was a small
greenhouse, in 1853, for the cultivation of
plants and flowers. Very little taste had
been developed, at that day, in the cultiva-
tion of flowers among the good people of
New Castle and the adjacent region, and
the proprietor was obliged at first to keep
up his establishment, apparently, as much
for his own gratification as for the ac-
commodation of the public. Mr. Butz was
thoroughly acquainted with the cultivation
of plants and flowers, and also an accom-
plished landscape gardener, before he be-
came a citizen of Lawrence County, having
been employed for upwards of fifteen years
in some of the largest horticultural estab-
lishments and botanical gardens of Europe.
He soon became known, and his sei-\aces
began to be in demand in the laying out
and adorning of private grounds in and
around New Castle. He also introduced
the first young evergreens and shade trees.
For several seasons he pursued the busi-
ness under serious difficulties, due partly
to climatic conditions, as well as to those
above mentioned. But during the years
1855-56 the market for plants and flowers
greatly improved, and Mr. Butz purchased
and added to his place four more acres
of land, which, after getting it in good
order, he planted in strawberries and peach
trees. The same year he planted a yoimg
nursery of evergreens, shade trees and
shrubs. In 1858 he built an addition to his
greenhouse, in order to extend the culti-
vation of plants, and also added about
20,000 young stock plants to his nursery.
such as evergreens, small fruits, grapes,
etc.
In 1859 a severe frost, on the 5th of
June, destroyed nearly everything not pro-
tected by the greenhouses, and just a year
later, after other greenhouses had been
added, a heavy storm, accompanied by a
terrible fall of hail-stones, some of them as
large as hen's eggs, broke all the glass in
the greenhouses and hot-beds, and caused
great damage to all kinds of crops, so that
the season proved very unprofitable. Other
seasons were, however, favorable and the
business began to be profitable. In 1863
another large greenhouse was erected in
place of the first one, and in 1864 Mr.
Butz increased his facilities by the pur-
chase of seventeen additional acres of land.
In 1866 about 5,000 square feet of glass
were added in the way of hot-beds and
cold-frames for forcing early vegetables.
By 1867 Mr. Butz's market had extended
to the neighboring towns of Sharon, Mer-
cer, Greenville, Beaver Falls, Youngstown
and others, and has since been maintained
with a steadily increasing business.
Additions or improvements continued
to be made from year to year, particu-
larly in 1870 and in 1872, with a constant-
ly increasing business, plants, shrubs and
trees being shipped to various points of
Pennsylvania and adjoining states. In 1873
a large hot-house was erected and 35,000
stock plants were added to the nursery.
In 1874 Mr. Butz built two more green-
houses — one large one for the cultivation
of tropical plants, such as ferns palms,
bananas, pineapples, etc., and the other a
propagating house for plants in general.
Both these last are heated with improved
hot water apparatus. During tliis season
large shipments were made to the South
and West as far as New Orleans, and even
to California. Mr. Butz was also engaged
during the season in laying out many fine
private grounds, and furnishing them with
trees and shrubs.
By 1877 Mr. Butz was gi'owing annually
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
97
about 6U,UUU plants, suoh as roses, green-
house, hot-house aud bedding plants, be-
sides large quantities of evergreens, shade
trees, ornamental shrubs, grape-vines, etc.
His shipments were made to various parts
of the United States and to Canada.
The magnificent business thus originated
and carried to a successful issue by Paul
Butz has since been continued with equal
or greater prosperity, since his death, by
his two sons, William T. and Frank P., who
were for years associated with him. Their
vast nurseries and greenhouses, located
at No. 129 Croton Avenue, cover several
acres and they now have a score of glassT
covered conservatories. Thej' have a hand-
some store at No. 11 North Mercer Street,
and as floral artists their fame extends all
over the country. At the Pan-American
Exposition in Buffalo, in 1901, they were
awarded a gold medal for the superior
excellence of their exhibit. The business
is now the most extensive of its kind in
Western Pennsylvania.
NEW CASTLE NURSERY.
This formerly flourishing establishment
was originated and put in operation by
D. F. Balph and James F. McConnell, in
1868. In 1869 a greenhouse was erected,
for forcing vegetables, other greenhouses
being subsequently erected. In the spring
of 1870 J. R. Balph purchased McConnell 's
interest, and the two brothers began the
cultivation of flowers, fruit and ornamental
trees, shrubbery, etc. In 1870 they pur-
chased twelve acres of land, and in 1873
D. F. Balph purchased four and a quarter
additional acres of John Long. Other ex-
tensive improvements were also made, and
the firm did a large and prosi^erous busi-
ness for a number of -years. They subse-
quently met with financial reverses, and
were obliged to give up the business. The
site of their former large establishment is
now covered with dwellings.
CEMETERIES.
There are few cities that have any ad-
vantage over New Castle with respect to
the beauty of its cemeteries. The earliest
public burying-place here was probably the
old ground adjoining Greenwood Ceme-
tery on the southeast, and at present en-
closed within its lines. It was probably
laid out or opened for burial purposes
very soon after the county was first set-
tled — about the year 1800, or soon after.
The original ground, consisting of about
a half acre, was purchased l)y Cornelius
Hendrickson at a very low price. Jesse
Uu Shane, Jared and Robert Irwin, Frank
Ward, and perhaps others, bought out Hen-
drickson afterwards, and opened the
ground to the public.
About 1836 about a half acre was pur-
chased of James D. Wliite and added to
the original lot. It is said to have been
re-surveyed and a new fence built some
time between 1840 and 1845. The Meth-
odist denomination had a small burying-
ground on Jefferson Street, which was
used as early as 1816, but the title was
not made out until 1820. The "Seceders"
also had a burying-place at an early date,
and also a small church, at the north side
of North Street, and facing Beaver Street,
which then extended no farther north than
the limits of the original town plot, as
laid out by Stewart. Wlien the "Seceders"
abandoned their church and burial-ground,
at the head of Beaver Street, they built
the stone church on Pittsburg Street, and
laid out a small triangular burial-ground
adjoining. The old "Seceders" and Meth-
odist burial-grounds, in the original town,
have not been used as places of sepulture
for years. A few of the remains in the
Methodist ground were taken up and re-
interred in the new Greenwood Cemetery.
GREENWOOD CEMETERY.
A large share of the land upon which
Greenwood Cemeterj' is located was origi-
nally owned by Ezekiel Sankey. As nar-
rated by a former historian, "He and
Samuel McCleary owned lands adjoining
and a difficulty arose regarding the boun-
dary line, ^Ir. Sankey claiming that it was
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
a diagonal line, according to the plat of
survey, and Mr. McClearj' claiming it to be
an east and west line. The matter was
finally compromised between them by run-
ning "an east and west line, which gave Mc-
Clearv a part of what :\lr. Sankey claimed,
and also gave Sankey about ten acres off
the south end of McCleary's lot. This ten
acres was the nucleus of the present Green-
wood Cemetery.
"In the spring of 1852 Ezekiel Sankey
went to Harrisburg, and procured a charter
incorporating a cemetery association, with
James D. Clarke, William McClymonds,
Jacob S. Quest, Joseph Kissick and E.
Sankev as incorporators. The act was
passed May 3, 1852. It authorized the
purchase of not exceeding twenty-five
acres. With this charter Mr. Sankey re-
turned home and sold the ten acres, and
transferred the charter to James D.
Clarke, William Dickson and William Mc-
Clj-monds. These parties at once proceed-
ed to purchase additional land, and make
improvements. Mr. McClymonds superin-
tended the work of laying out the grounds
and planting the trees and shrubbery. The
company, however, never organized prop-
erly, and consequently could not make le-
gal" titles to the lots. "... An addi-
tional strip along the south side was sub-
sequentlv purchased of the Crawford
brothers", and also a small triangular strip
along the ravine, at the southeast of Mr.
Fulkerson. . . .
"James D. Clarke died on the 2d of De-
cember, 1854, and his brother, Cyrus, be-
came administrator for his estate. After
his death McClymonds continued the busi-
ness until Mar<?h, 1861. He and Dickson
were partners in the banking business.
Some time previous to the latter date, Sam-
uel D. Clarke, David Sankey, Joseph Dout-
hitt and Cyrus Clarke associated them-
selves together and purchased the interest
of the heirs of James D. Clarke. McCly-
monds and Dickson became involved, and
their interest was eventually sold under
execution, and purchased by David Sankey.
"The association having now obtained
possession of the entire pi'operty, and be-
ing fearful that they could not properly
or legally organize and do business under
the old charter, sent David Sankey to Har-
risburg to procure the passage of a new
incorporation act, or a re-enactment of the
old one, which he accomplished, the new
charter being dated May 1, 1861. Under
this authority an association was organ-
ized, with David Sankey as president, Jo-
seph Douthitt, secretary, and Cyrus
Clarke, treasurer. At a subsequent elec-
tion Mr. Clarke was made secretary and
treasurer. Mr. Sankey continued to fill
the office of president" until September,
1875, when he sold his interest to Mr.
Clarke, and at the same time the entire
property was transferred to C. B. Lower
and W. "T. Dougherty. . . . R.W.San-
key, son of David Sankey, was superin-
tendent for the greater part of the time
up to the transfer of the stock, in 1875."
At the present time the officers of the
Greenwood Cemetery Company are : C. C.
Dickson, president; C. L. White, secretary;
C. C. Sankey, treasurer, and John Rae, su-
perintendent. This cemetery has a very
picturesque situation, and contains many
fine monuments. An immense ravine cuts
through the southwestern portion, deep-
ening rapidly as it approaches the river,
and affording wild and picturesque scenery
all along the southern border of the ceme-
tery. The grounds are finely and judici-
ously laid out, and ornamented with a great
variety of evergreen and deciduous trees
and shrubs.
One of the most beautiful cemeteries in
New Castle is Oak Park, which was es-
tablished about fifteen years ago, largely
through the efforts of P. J. Watson. The
Oak Park Cemetery Association was in-
coi-jiorated in 1893. This cemetery lies
north of New Castle, overlooking the thriv-
ing city, and commanding an extensive
view of" river, valley and hills. The art of
the landscape gardener has been called
on to enhance its natural beauties, and
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
99
it now pi'esents a pleasing vista of well
kept plots and lawns, intersected by wind-
ing drives and gravelled walks. The ceme-
tery contains many handsome and costly
monuments.
Another beautiful cemetery is Graceland,
also lying north of the city, and contain-
ing about 250 acres. It was established in
19U2 and is conducted by an incorporated
company, of which the president is now
Wells B. Clendenin, the other officers being
J. N. Martin, secretary; H. E. McGoun,
treasurer. C. L. Harrah is the efficient su-
perintendent.
Valley View Cemetery is another ceme-
tery having a favorable location, it being
laid out on high grounds in the Seventh
Ward, overlooking the valley of the Ma-
honing River. It is owned by a private
corporation.
PRIVATE BUKIAL-GEOUNDS.
At different times there have also been
several small or private burial grounds,
that of the Crawford Brothers adjoining
Greenwood Cemetery on the southeast be-
ing one of the most picturesque. There
were formerly -a few abandoned graves
south of the residence of Joseph S. Wliite,
on the bank of the ravine, one of which
bore the inscription, "In memorj' of Han-
nah Robinson, who departed this life Sep-
tember 4, 1830, aged thirty-two years."
CATHOLIC CEMETERIES.
The first buryiug-ground in the vicinity
of New Castle, belonging to the Catholics,
exclusively, was opened in the year 1852,
on the north side of Washington Street, in
West New Castle. It consisted of about
one acre of ground, and was used imtil
October, 1873. In 1873 a new cemeteiy
was located on the Crawford Kiefer farm,
about a mile and a half from the center
of the city, where the church purchased
sixty acres of land, devoting a portion to
cemeterj^ purposes and cultivating the re-
mainder. The remains were taken from
the old ground and re-interred in the new.
The laudable and systematic efforts of the
Catholics to provide consecrated burial
places for their own dead have resulted in
the present beautiful cemeteries of St.
Mary's and St. Josej^h's, which are a credit
to those who have been instrumental in
developing them into their present degree
of beauty and completeness. The former
is the earlier of the two cemeteries. It
has ten acres in use for burial purposes,
with a quantity of reserved land that will
be used later. St. Joseph's was estab-
lished by Rev. F. J. Eger, the first inter-
ment being on June 16, 1896. This ceme-
tery contains seven acres, located on the
extension of the Wilmington Road known
as the Moore farm. It lies on a gradual
slope, the rear portion of the land being
covered by a grove. The cemetery is en-
closed by a hedge row and laid out with
gravel walks. There had been 933 inter-
ments up to October 5, 1908.
St. Vitus ' Cemetery, located beyond Cas-
cade Park, in Shenango Township, was es-
tablished by Rev. Nicholas DeMita in Jan-
uary, 1906. It contains about four acres,
and there have been about 300 interments
here up to the present time.
FRATERNAL, ORDERS.
There are at the present time the fol-
lowing secret societies and fraternal or-
ganizations located in the city of New
Castle:
Mahoning Lodge, No. 243, F. & A. M.
Lodge of the Craft, No. 433, F. & A. M.
New Castle Lodge, No. 642, F. & A. M.
Delta Chapter, No. 170, R. A. M.
Hiram Council, No. 45, R. & S. M.
Lawrence Commandery, No. 62, K. T.
Victoria Lodge, No. 60 (colored), F. &
A. M.
Alma Lodge, No. 63 (colored), F. & A.
Progress Chapter, No. 27 (colored), R.
A. M.
Hiram Commanderv, No. 17 (colored)
K. T. ' ^ h
Nora Court, No. 4 (colored).
100
HISTOEY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
Leasine Court. No. 3440, ludependeut
Order of Foresters.
New Castle Court, No. 206, Foresters of
America.
New Castle Tent, No. 230, K. 0. T. M.
New Castle Hive, No. 89, L. 0. T. M.
Shenango Lodge, No. 195, 1. 0. 0. F.
New Castle Lodge, No. 1118. 1. 0. O. F.
Lawrence Encampment, No. 86, U. E.
I. 0. O. F.
Eachel Lodge, No. 40, D. of E.
New Castle Lodge, No. 3725, Grand
United Order of Odd Fellows.
Melrose Lodge 11. of B., No. 2564, Grand
United Order of Odd Fellows.
Western Star Lodge, No. 160, Knights
of Pythias.
Fidelis Lodge, No. 460, K. P.
Eobert Blum Lodge, No. 466, K. P.
New Castle Lodge, No. 404, K. P.
Amazon Lodge, No. 336, K. P.
Uniformed Eank, No. 36, K. P.
Castle Assembly, No. 19, Pythian Sis-
ters.
New Castle Lodge, No. 69, Benevolent
Protective Order of Elks.
Shenango Council, No. 180, Order of In-
dependent Americans.
Lawrence Castle, No. 494, Knights of
the Golden Eagle.
Neshannock Commandery, No. 12,
Knights of the Golden Eagle.
Mary Lincoln Temple, K. of G. E.
New Castle Camp, No. 5269, Modern
Woodmen of America.
New Castle Camp, No. 2550, Eoyal
Neighbors of America.
Hancock Council, No. 46, Order of
Americus.
Star of Wales Lodge, No. 6(1. True Ivor-
ites of America.
Penna Council, No. 78, Home Guards of
America.
Lawrence Jjodge. Xo. 2231, Knights and
Ladies of Honor.
New Castle Aerie. No. 455. Fraternal
Order of Eagles.
Eucalyptus Cam]i. No. 6, Woodmen of
the World.
Rigel Court, No. 9, Order of Ben Hur.
Lawrence Ruling, No. 718, Fraternal
Mystic Circle.
New Castle Circle, No. 5, Protected
Home Circle.
Excelsior Circle, No. 121, Protected
Home Circle.
James M. Evans Circle, No. 506, Pro-
tected Home Circle.
New Castle Lodge, No. 981, Knights of
Honor.
Pemi Council, No. 420, Eoyal Arcanum.
Earnest Americans, Eoyal Aicanura
Lawrence Lodge, No. 18 (colored), Elks.
Germania Lodge, No. 123, Ancient Or-
der United Workmen.
Order of Sous of Herman.
New Castle Division, No. 1, Ancient Or-
der of Hibernians.
New Castle Conclave, No. 229, Improved
Order of Heptasophs.
Willard Council, No. 46, Daughters of
America.
Washington Union Council, No. 43, In-
dependent Order of Puritans.
Martha Washington Lodge, No. 24,
Orangemen.
Abraham Lincoln Lodge, No. 44,
Orangemen.
l.,ily Lodge, No. 76, Orangemen.
Eoyal Black Preceptory, No. 57, Orange-
men.
Young Americans, No. 15, Orangemen.
New Castle Chapter, No. 971, National
Protective Legion.
Gibson Delight, Order of True Eeform-
ers.
Loyola Council, No. 551, Young Men's
Institute.
New Castle Circle, No. 21, Knights and
Ladies of the Eed Cross.
New Castle Branch, No. 59, Catholic Mu-
tual Benefit Association.
New Castle Branch, No. 555, Catholic
Knights of America.
Branch, No. 70, Knights of St. George
New Castle Lodge, No. 2. The Path
finder.
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS"
101
New Castle Council, No. 'J2. American
Fraternal Insurance.
St. Mary's Council. No. oVJ, Knights of
Columbus.
Branch, No. 411, of Polish National Al-
liance, Volunteers of Kosciusko.
New Castle Post, No. KM). Grand Army
of the Republic.
Mead Circle, No. 28, Ladies of the G.
A. R.
Encampment No. 9, Union Veteran
Legion.
Auxiliary, No. 40, U. V. L.
0. L. Jackson Camp, No. 249, Sons of
Veterans.
New Castle Chapter, Sons of the Ameri-
can Revolution.
Col. Daniel Leasure Camp, No. 23, Unit-
ed Spanish War Veterans.
ALMIKA HOME.
The Almira Home for Aged Women, at
New Castle, Pa., was organized in August,
1893. The need of an institution of this
kind had long been felt, but effort to es-
tablish a home had never got beyond the
discussion stage, owing to the expense in-
volved in such an undertaking and to the
fact that no source of income seemed avail-
able. The first definite step was taken
when Mrs. Jennie Gilliland, Mrs. Henrietta
E. Butler and Mrs. Samuel Gibson re-
quested Capt. M. S. Marquis to give them
an abandoned blacksmith shop on Butler
Avem;e, to be fitted as a home for an aged
woman. The request was granted, but the
shop was never converted into a home;
instead, the small sum of money con-
tributed for that purpose became the nu-
cleus of the fund which made the present
splendid institution possible. At that time
the work was entirely in the hands of Mrs.
Butler and ^Mrs. Gibson, who spent the
winter of 1892-93 in an ahnost continuous
canvass from hoiise to house and among
the business men. Finally they aroused
sufficient interest to justify them in issuing
a call for a public meeting of citizens, to
be held in the Y. M. C. A. chapel. Many
ladies attended, and ]^Irs. 1). S. Morris was
chosen chairman and Miss Irene Maitland,
secretary- of the meeting. The object ot
the gathering was stated by Mrs. Butler to
be to devise ways and means to secure
money for the erection, in New Castle, of
an old ladies' home. At a meeting in Au-
gust, 1893, Mrs. Butler presented a draft
of a charter for an association, and an
organization Avas perfected with the fol-
lowing officers: Mx-s. Henrietta E. But-
ler, president; Mrs. E. F. Palmer, vice-
president; Miss Margaret Young, secre-
tary, and Mrs. Samuel Gibson, treasurer.
The present name of the home was
adopted in honor of Mrs. Almira Martin,
who had been the first to suggest the in-
stitution. The following board of trustees
was elected: Mrs. 0. N. Swisher, Mrs.
T. J. Blackwood, Mrs. Nellie Dean; Miss
Irene Maitland, Mrs. Samuel Gibson, Mrs.
Frank Felton, Mrs. John Blevins, Mrs.
Frank Davidson, and Mrs. II. E. Butler.
;\Irs. Butler soon after resigned from the
presidency and was succeeded by Mrs. D.
S. Morris.
The Almira Home is controlled by the
Almira Home Association, a corporation
chartered by the Court of Lawrence Coun-
ty in October, 1894. The management is
vested in a board of trustees, composed of
nine members elected annually from each
of the following counties — Lawrence, "fier-
cer, Butler, Beaver and Venango. Mem-
berships and supplies are solicited from
each of these coimties, from which also
inmates are received into the home. Per-
sons admitted to the home as permanent
inmates must be of good character, above
sixty years of age, of sound mind, and
free from contagious or aggravated, in-
curable diseases; and are subject to cer-
tain other restrictions, as to length of resi-
dence within the district before mentioned.
The entrance fee is $300, to be paid at the
time of admission into the home.
The executive committee for Lawrence
County is at present composed of the fol-
lowing members: Mrs. Mary A. David-
102
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
son, president; Mrs. A. D. Mornes, vice-
president; Airs. David Jameson, corre-
sponding secretary; Mrs. B. F. Butler, re-
cording secretary; Mrs. Ciiarles Hege,
treasurer; Mrs. J. B. Love, chairman of
house committee; Mrs. J. L. Stratton,
chairman of the committee of religious in-
struction; Mrs. David Jameson, chairman
of committee on inmates; Mrs. Mary A.
Davidson, chairman of committee on real-
estate, building and investments; Mrs. A.
D. Mornes, chairman of the committee on
membership, and Mrs. Adda Davidson. Tiie
committee superintends the management of
the home during the interval between board
meetings, arranges all matters that require
special and immediate attention and thai
are not within t^jf, jurisdiction of any
standing committee.
The present substantial and commodi-
ous building was completed in June, 1907,
was dedicated on the 26th day of that
month, and occupied the following month.
It is three stories and a half, with base-
ment, and contains forty-nine furnished
rooms, is lighted with gas, and equipped
with a hot water heating plant and other
modern conveniences. More than one-half
of the rooms were furnished by fraternal
and benevolent societies and individual cit-
izens. The lot has a frontage of 100 feet
on Pittsburg Street and 300 feet on Almira
Street, the total value of the property be-
ing estimated at $50,000. The list of em-
ployees comprises a matron, janitor, cook,
nurse and general helper. At the present
time there are twenty-four inmates.
In 1903 the State Legislature of Penn-
svlvania appropriated $4,000 for building
purposes and $2,000 for maintenance, and
the institution now receives aid from the
state to the extent of $3,600 per annum,
which sum will doubtless be increased from
time to time, as the need arises. Besides
this money and the admission fees, the
home derives an income from membership
fees, donations and bequests ; the member-
ship totals 385, and the income derived
therefrom amounts to $420. Miss Mary
Hamilton advanced the money for the first
pajTuent on the home, without which gen-
erosity the purchase of the property would
have been difficult. The present building
was made possible mainly by legacies of
Mrs. Elizabeth Hardaker Bolton and Miss
Sadie Dunlai). If space would permit,
much more could be told of the elforts
made and assistance given by many noble
men and women in the district, which bene-
fits by this grand and benevolent institu-
tion. They are the people who typify ideal
citizenship, and it is such benefactions as
this which instills in the American breast
a feeling of patriotism and a pride in the
country and its people.
SHENANGO VALLEY HOSPITAL.
Conceived in necessity, fostered by a
generous and public-spirited people, in
whose hearts dwell a tender feeling for
the suffering, injured and afflicted, this
grand institution is one in which New
Castle and Lawrence County take a just
pride. With the wonderful growth in this
vicinity of industrial institutions, in which
lurk dangers to life and limb, which can-
not be eliminated, it became apparent that
some steps should be taken for the proper
care of the injured. It was recognized as
a problem the people must deal with in con-
certed action with the employers and the
medical profession ; and, looking backward,
it is seen that without the co-operation of
these forces failure must have resulted.
Most active spirits in the movement, origi-
nally, were William Patterson, Thomas W.
Phillips, A. W. Thompson, and other em-
ployers of large industrial forces who gave
freely of their time and means to the
furtherance of the project, and subsequent-
ly to the maintenance of the institution.
As long ago as 1887 efforts were made,
through Dr. Silas Stevenson and Henry
Edwards, who represented this district in
the State Legislature, to get a bill passed
appropriating funds for a hospital. They
were unsuccessful and upon returning from
Harrisburg reported that an appropriation
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
103
could not be secured unless the local peo-
ple would contribute. A charter was pro-
cured January 19, 1891, and that year the
Legislature appropriated $10,000 for a
building and $7,500 for furnishings, on con-
dition that the citizens of New Castle
raised $10,000. A. W. Thompson started
out with a subscription paper, and the fol-
lowing were among the first and largest
contributors, of which there have since been
too many to mention : William Patterson,
$1,000; Thomas W. Phillips, $1,500; Craw-
ford Iron & Steel Company, $1,000; New
Castle Wire Nail Company, $1,000 ; Aetna
Iron Works, Ltd., $1,000; R. W. Cunning-
ham, $1,000; G. W. Johnson, $500; Raney
& Berger Iron Company, $500 ; J. P. With-
erow, $1,000; William G. Dunn, $100; Mrs.
A. L. Crawford, $200; Brown, Thompson
& Co., $100; Stritmater Brothers, $100; Of-
futt & Co., $100; 0. L. Jackson, $100;
Knox, Foltz & Co., $175; Lawrence Glass
Company, $75 ; C. J. Kirk, $100 ; M. S. Mar-
quis, $250; William Alexander, $100;
Brown & Hamilton, $100; I. N. Phillips'
heirs, $200; Dillworth Paper ComiDany,
$100; D. Jameson, $100; J. N. Fallis, $100,
and Rev. J. F. Gallagher, $100. In 1894
the subscription list had reached a total
of 438 names, and to date approximately
$40,000 has been contributed to this in-
stitution by citizens of New Castle.
In the fall of 1891, about one and a half
acres of groimd were i^urchased from the
estate of I. N. Phillips at the corner of
North Beaver Street and Lincoln Avenue,
and, during the winter following, plans for
the building, drawn by Architect C. C.
Thayer, were adopted. On January 11,
1892, the following were elected to consti-
tute the board of directors : Thomas W.
Phillips, William Patterson, David Dickey,
L. F. Hoyt, W. E. Reis, M. S. Marquis,
J. P. H. Cunningham, George B. Berger
and A. W. Thompson. At a meeting of the
board on January 23 of the same year, the
following officers were elected : William
Patterson, president; David Dickey, vice-
president ; C. J. Kirk, treasurer, and A. W.
Thompson, secretary. The following March
a building committee was appointed to con-
sist of the following members : E. I. Phil-
lips, chairman; W. E. Reis, J. P. H. Cun-
ningham, L. Raney, R. C. Patterson and
A. W. Thompson. During that mouth the
contract was let for grading the lot, and
June 29, 1892, the contract for the build-
ing, exclusive of heating, excavating and
concreting, was let to William Barnet, of
New Castle, for $14,679. The building was
completed and i-eady for occupancy in
April, 1893, and a part of the furnishings
were in it, but as yet it was unoccupied ex-
cept by a watchman, when on the 8th day
of that month, at 10:30 p. m., an alarm
was sounded summoning the people to
fight the flames which enveloped the mag-
nificent structure. A valiant fight was
made, but to no avail, the building being
almost completely destroyed; it was in-
sured to the extent of $12,500. To see
the work of the past years thus undone in
a few hours was discouraging, but the
work of clearing away the clebris and re-
building was started before the embers
were fairly cold. The new building was
a reproduction of the old plans, but was
made more substantial in order to avoid a
similar catastrophe, by the building of sev-
eral fire-walls. The accident delayed the
opening of the hospital until the spring of
1894. Shortly after, in the interest of the
institution, a fair and benefit perfomiance
was given at the opera house, from which
about $1,200 were received. A "loan en-
tertainment," at the old Allen Rink, was
given by the ladies of New Castle, which
netted the hospital approximately $3,000.
Early in May, 1894, the institution was
dedicated, the services in the afternoon be-
ing followed by a charity ball in the even-
ing; many notable peojjle were in at-
tendance, among them being Governor Pat-
terson. The Masons kindly gave the use
of their lodge room for the services, and
William G. Dimn gave the use of his ball-
room in the same building.
"When opened, the hospital contained five
104
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
wards, a well equipped operating room,
seven private rooms, six bathrooms, din-
ing-room, parlor and an office, and was
provided with a heating plant and other
modern equipment. It was not many years
before the growth of the city rendered the
hospital too small to accommodate the in-
creased number of patients who sought
admission. In 1899, an addition to the
north wing was built, which more than
doubled the capacity of two wards and
added three private rooms, also giving
better accomnaodation to the nurses. By
1903 the capacity was again overtaxed and
it was decided to erect an addition to the
west wing, which would practically double
its capacity. These improvements were
made at a cost of about $43,000, of which
between .$20,000 and $25,000 was raised
by local subscription. In 1905 there was
left an indebtedness of $17,000, and in that
year the Legislature made an appropria-
tion of that sum, but the governor reduced
it to $7,000. There was still left an in-
debtedness of $10,000, and the sum was
again appropriated by the Legislature in
1906, and the appropriation reduced to
$G,000 by the governor. This leaves a bal-
ance of $4,000 unpaid, which is the only
indebtedness of the institution. The report
on its condition, made December 1, 1907.
reveals the following interesting facts :
Total value of property $98,767.62
Indebtedness 4,000.00
Income 33,887.61
Expenses 35,771.21
In. patients 938
Gratuitous patients 178
Partially gratuitous 40
Average cost of patient per week $13.37
Average daily number of patients 51
The hospital now has about two and one-
half acres fronting on Lincoln Avenue, ex-
tending from Beaver Street to Shenango
Street. Since its inception $90,826.68 has
been received from the state for mainte-
nance, and $45,000 for building purposes.
The present income from patients is about
$12,000 annually, and a like sum is re-
ceived from the state. The hospital origi-
nally had a capacity of thirty patients, and
now accommodates 120. The rooms of the
institution have been beautifully furnished
by the societies and benevolent private citi-
zens of New Castle. The first patient
entered the hospital November 10, 1893,
since which time 7,766 patients have been
treated and cared for.
The original board of directors lias con-
tinued to the present time, except for the
following changes made necessary through
death or resignation. At the second elec-
tion, January 9, 1893, John L. Crawford
was elected to take the place of David Dick-
ey, resigned; January 8, 1894. Elmer I.
Phillips was elected to the place of John
L. Crawford, who had removed from the
city, and J. N. Fallis succeeded S. M. Mar-
quis, resigned. A few days later George
B. Berger was elected to fill the vacancy as
vice-president, caused by the resignation
of David Dickey, and E. I. Phillips suc-
ceeded Mr. Kirk as treasurer. The same
officers and trustees then served without
change until the death of William Pat-
terson in August, 1905, when his son, R. C.
Patterson, was elected to the presidency.
Shortly after, D. Jameson was chosen to
fill the place left vacant by the death of
George B. Berger.
It is fitting that we here make mention of
the unselfish efforts and devotion of the
late William Patterson to the successful
operation of this institution. A man of
national prominence as a financier and one
of the captains of industry in this country,
the demands of his own interests on his
time, were such that to give daily atten-
tion to the business of the hospital, which
he did from the time he was elected presi-
dent at its organization until his demise,
must have been a great personal sacrifice.
But his heart was in the work and of all
his masterly achievements there was none
in which he took so much pride as in his
connection with the Shenango Valley Hos-
pital and the grand work it was accom-
plishing.
The staff of the Shenango Valley Hos-
RESIDENCE OF HON. THOMAS AV. I'lilLL
NEW CASTLE.
ALMIRA HOME, NEW CASTLE.
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
pital is c'ouipu.sed of pliysieiaus selected
by file Lawrence County Medical Society,
subject to the approval of the Board of
Trustees. They serve without pay, and to
them is due a large measure of the suc-
cess of the institution; the present staff,
and the quarter of the year to which its
members are assigned, is as follows : First
quarter — Drs. T. J. Blackwood, A. M.
Cook, L. 0. Phillips, H. W. McKee, and
Samuel W. Perry, assistant; second quar-
ter — Drs. Harry Wilson, H. E. Zerner, C.
A. Reed, R. G. Miles, and W. C. Kissinger,
assistant; third quarter — Drs. J. M. Popp,
C. F. McDowell, M. Linville, John Foster,
and John Tucker, assistant; fourth quar-
ter— Drs. R. A. Wallace, E. C. McComb,
L. W. Wilson, E. A. Donnan, and A. W.
Urmson, assistant. Dr. D. C. Lindley is
the staff specialist on the eye and ear. The
first sviperintendent was Miss Eliza Nelson,
who served until March, 1895, when she
was succeeded by Miss R. F. Johnson, who
in turn was succeeded by Mrs. Harriet A.
Cochran in April, 1896. The last named
has served continuously in that position
since, and with marked ability. At its
inception the hospital had a matron, two
nurses, a cook, a laundress and a janitor.
The present force consists of the super-
intendent, a clerk in charge of the office,
an assistant superintendent, a night super-
intendent, two internes, twenty-two nurses,
two orderlies, one laundress with three
assistants, one cook with two assistants,
one dietitian and an assistant, a janitor, an
elevator operator and six maids.
The Shenango Valley Hospital Training
School for Nurses was established and
incorporated in 1896, and at first had a
two years' course, the change to a three-
year course being made in 1899. It started
with an enrolment of two pupils, and now
has twenty, who have come from various
parts of the country to avail themselves of
exceptional advantages. The number of
graduates is thirty-seven. During the first
two years the training was by lectures de-
livered by members of the hospital staff.
and since then the faculty ha.s been com-
posed of Drs. R. Cx. Miles, A. W. Urmson,
W. H. Hay, E. C. McComb, H. W. Mc-
Kee, John Foster, H. E. Zerner, W. L.
Campbell, W. C. Kissinger, C. F. McDow-
ell, together with Mrs. Harriet A. Cochran,
the superintendent, and her assistant. Miss
Austa Whitmore, and the resident phy-
sicians of each year. The executive com-
mittee of the hospital, consisting of the
officers and trustees, serves in a similar ca-
pacity for the training school.
FRANCISCAN HOSPITAL.
In November of the present year (1908)
there will be opened a new hospital, yet
unnamed, to be conducted by the Francis-
can sisters of Pittsburg. The hospital is
to be located in the old Phillips mansion,
in the Fifth Ward. The grounds of this
property contain about six acres, bounded
on the north by Lutton Street, on the east
by South Mill Street, on the west by South
Jefferson Street, and on the south by Phil-
lips Street. The building is three and a
half stories and basement. When the re-
pairs and alterations now being done are
completed the institution will be able to
take care of from thirty-five to forty pa-
tients. The improvements are to cost about
$10,000, and will make the hospital a thor-
oughly up-to-date institution. While the
sisters in control and the nurses will be
members of the Franciscan order, the hos-
pital will be non-sectarian with respect to
the admission of patients. Sister Cecelia
of Butler has been appointed the Mother
Superior.
HOLY FAMILY CHILDREN'S HOME.
This institution was established in New
Castle September 10, 1903, by Margaret
L. Henery, who came here as the repre-
sentative of the Society of the Holy Fam-
ily, of Cleveland, Ohio. During the first
six months of its existence the home oc-
cupied quarters on Lincoln Avenue, being
then moved to its present location, at the
corner of Cunningham Lane and East Di-
108
HISTOEY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
vision Street. Two years ago the property
was purchased. Tlie society is Roman
Catholic, but the home. is not under any
church control and is open to needy chil-
dren of any denomination. It depends en-
tirely upon the public benevolence for its
support and aims to provide the children
with a home in the real sense of the word.
There are now twenty children being cared
for in the institution.
This place so named from William Crow,
its first settler who came from Bucks Coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, about 1826. He was a
soldier during the War of 1812, and his
father, Abram Crow, had served in the
American Army during the Revolution.
William Crow had the warrant which his
father had drawn for his services in the
army, which he located where Croton now
stands. His two brothers, George and
Moses, settled at Croton about a year later.
It is probable that the three brothers di-
vided between them the land located by
their father's warrant. The place was for
a long time called "Crow-town," in honor
of the first settlers. The name was by
some means changed to Croton about the
time the glass works were located there
in 1847. William Crow died May 12, 1836.
He granted to Neshannock Township the
ground on which the Croton School Build-
ing (now within the limits of New Castle)
now stands.
Moses Crow sold his propertj^ lying on'
the south side of the "Scrub-Grass," alias,
Harlansburg Road, to Dr. ^^^lippo. Among
those who had to do with lajang out the
land into lots were Isaac P. Rose, Samuel
Pearson, William Becker and E. and P.
Hoover, the last mentioned making a small
addition of lots to the place about 1870-71,
on the east side of Vine Street.
Among early settlers were Isaac P. Rose,
James Vogan, Alexander Roderick and
William Bennett.
On the erection of the glass works by
Henderson and Morris in 1847, the 'place
enlarged its borders, and began to put on
the airs of a town. The first attempt at
manufacturing was in the shape of a pot-
tery for the manufacture of common earth-
enware, put in operation by Isaac Rose on
a piece of land purchased of George Crow.
Mr. Rose carried on the business for sev-
eral years. There was also at an early
day a small stoneware manufactory, put
up by Ferdman Aye, a German, who op-
erated it for some eight or ten years.
Bricks were manufactured by William
Crow, David Shaffer and John Tidball, and
later by John Hammett and John G. Ray.
A grocery store was opened by David Em-
ery as early as 1846. Among the earliest
physicians were Drs. Searles and Fish.
Iron ore is quite abundant in the vicinity,
and stone for building purposes has been
quite extensively quarried. A description
of the large nursery and greenhouses of
the Butz Brothers is given elsewhere in
the chapter on New Castle.
The village of Croton, formerly a sub-
urb of New Castle, now forms a part of the
city. It is situated on high ground and
lies northeast from the Courthouse, and
about a mile distant. There are many
desirable residence localities in its vicinity,
and manufacturing and other interests give
employment to a large number of men.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
About 1847-48 a Methodist class was or-
ganized in this place, and a church build-
ing erected about 1850. Since that date a
very fine church has been constructed.
Among the prominent members at the date
of organization were T. P. Bittner, Isaac
Cline, John Rhodes, J. C. Young, Daniel
Bittner and James Emery, with their fam-
ilies. The first pastors (previous to the
erection of a church building) were Revs.
Crum and Hubbard. The first preaching
was in the schoolhouse. The first regular
pastor in charge was Rev. John Graham,
who preached for a number of years, and
dedicated the new church. The records of
the society for the early years are scat-
AND BEPBESENTATIVE CITIZENS
109
tered or imperfect, so cannot be given in
detail, but among Mr. Graham's successors
up to 1877 were Revs. Tliompson, Bennett,
Merchant, Johnson, Morris, Wick, Ward,
Darrow and J. C. Rhodes. From 1877
to 1880 there is no record, but beginning
with 1880, the pastors were (first of the
Greenwood Charge, which included Cro-
ton) : 1880-81, S. K. Paden; 1881-82, C. W.
Reeves, supply; 1882-84, F. R. Peters;
1884-85, A. 0. Stone; 1885-86, J. C. Gil-
lett; 1886-90, C. M. Morse; 1890-95, C. W.
Foulke; 1895-98, L. W. Elkins; 1898-01,
W. S. Sheppard; 1901-04, S. A. Smith;
1904-05, S. L. Mills; 1905, J. L. Stratton,
who is still pastor. In 1886 the name of
the church was changed to Shenango M. E.
Church. In 1893 a negro church was built
on Croton Avenue, New Castle, at which
time Croton Churcli became a station and
the name was changed to Croton Avenue
M. E. Church, which name it has since
borne. Probably in 1899 Savannah was
annexed to Croton Avenue, but this year
(1908) it has been taken off and Croton
Avenue is again a station. When it became
a station there were 120 members, includ-
ing ten i^robationers ; now there are nearly
300 members, including probationers, not-
withstanding the heavy losses the churcli
has sustained. Croton Avenue is now a
well organized up-to-date church and has
a graded, well organized Sabbath school.
During the past three years the church has
prospered in every way. Each year of the
three there has been a revival with a num-
ber of accessions to the church, with fre-
quent accessions during the entire period.
The number of members in the Sabbath
school (main school), is 312; in Home De-
partment, 150; in Cradle Roll, 77; grand
total, 539.
The church officers : Stewards — W. H.
Locke, F. H. Rohlf (rec. stewd.), Fred
Rowland, I. E. George (dist. stewd.), G.
M. Gibson, A. C. Allen, Mrs. D. T. MeCon-
ahy, Mrs. John Reitz and Mrs. N. J. Black-
stone. Trustees — J. S. Campbell, William
Hunter, W. H. Locke, P. K. Fike, E. E.
Hilliard, A. L. Burlette, H. 0. Allen, 0. A.
Rodgers, Rev. C. W. Foulke and T. C. Arm-
strong. Class leader, with twenty as-
sistants, I. E. George. Local preacher, I.
E. George. Sabbath school superinten-
dent, Mrs. J. L. Stratton. Exhorter, C. L.
Keagy.
FREE-WILL BAPTIST CHURCH.
A society of this denomination was or-
ganized in Croton, about 1855. Among
those prominently connected with it were
Thomas Blake and family, the Carrs,
James and Douglass Ray, David and
Joshua Pierce, Almond, John and David
Miller, and their families. The first
preacher was Elder William Ray. Among
those who afterwards officiated were
Elders Manning, Bumpus, Ring, Morford,
Har\'ey and Clary. John Kelty was also
an ordained elder at one time, and preached
occasionally. In the prosperous days of
this society the congregation was quite
large.
ARE.V AND ADDITIONS.
The original town plot of New Castle
was laid out by John Carlysle Stewart,
in April, 1798.
James Gillespie made an addition iu
1811.
James D. White, two additions in 1832
and 1837.
Ezekiel Sankev laid out W^est New
Castle, 1836.
Thomas Falls made an addition at an
early aate.
John Crawford ^Vliite, an addition in
1846 or 1847.
Dr. C. T. "Wliippo, an addition in 1850.
John T. Phillips, an addition in 1867.
Henry F. Falls, an addition in 1867.
David ^Miite, or his heirs, an addition,
date unknown.
Phillips and Du Shane, addition to West
New Castle, 1868.
And there have been several other addi-
tions, not all of which, however, have been
placed upon record.
110
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
The present area within the city limits
will not vary materially, from ten square
miles or 6,400 acres, a large proportion
of which is very thickly settled.
• SITUATION.
New Castle is romantically and pic-
turesquely situated at the confluence of the
Neshannock Creek and Shenango River.
Big Run, a considerable stream, also dis-
charges its waters into the Shenango with-
in the city limits, and there are a num-
ber of smaller streams which also traverse
various portions of its territory. "Along
the Neshannock Creek the bluffs rise very
abruptly to the height of a hundred feet
or more; in places precipitous, and show-
ing bold and rugged rock escarpments. The
scenery along the Neshannock is quite wild
and picturesque, and tlie minor streams
present some rare and beautiful retreats,
particularly is this the case upon a small
creek which discharges into the Neshan-
nock, near the crossing of the Coal rail-
road, and also on a small run below Croton
Village; and there is a picturesque gorge
or ravine just south of Greenwood Ceme-
tery. Along the Shenango, from about
opposite the west end of North Street, to
a point in the southeastern part of Union
Township, the hill rises abruptly from the
stream, and the sandstone crops out in per-
pendicular cliffs. The bluffs are very bold
and commanding in the northern part of
the city, and aiford many fine building
sites, which have been greatly improved
by the hand of art. On the east side of
the Neshannock, from a point near the
Courthouse, to the southeastern limits of
the city, the hills rise more gradually, at-
taining a height of about 300 feet, at the
distance of about ten miles from the creek.
The valley of the Shenango, in the north-
western part is beautiful; skirted on the
west by a fine level bottom, and on the
east overhung by wooded heights. South
of Big Run the hills rise grandly to the
height of over 300 feet from the Shenango,
and the valley of Big Run opens a charm-
ing vista towards the southeast.
"In the southern part of the city, a
little north of Big Run, is a curious freak
of nature, in the form of an oblong hill,
lying parallel with the valley of the Run,
rising some fifty feet above the level bot-
tom, by which it is surrounded. It is the
property of Hon. Thomas W. Phillips,
whose residence crowns its summit, em-
bowered amid the foliage of a few pri-
meval forest trees, and a most beautiful
arrangement of deciduous and evergreen
trees, planted and arranged in the most
artistic manner. This is one of the very
finest residence locations in the city. The
mound itself was undoubtedly formed by
the action of counter-currents of swift-
flowing waters, in the days when the vast
continental glacial system was melting
away under the rays of the sun. From
whatever direction New Castle is ap-
proached, the views are beautiful, always
excepting the murky atmosphere that per-
petually overhangs the valley, from its
smoking factories."
Including its numerous suburbs, the city
contains an estimated population of from
40,000 to 50,000 people. Three lines of rail-
way center or make connections with New
Castle — the Erie and Pittsburg, the New
Castle and Franklin, and the Ashtabula,
Yoimgstown and Pittsburg. Another,
called the Pittsburg, New Castle and Erie
Railway, is in contemplation, with fair
prospects of being put in operation at an
early day.
A large amount of capital, amounting in
the aggregate to several million dollars, is
invested in extensive and varied manufac-
tures, which give the city prominence, the
principal among which are the various and
complicated iron industries, the products
of which, from pig-iron down through all
the multiform variations of "T" rail, bar
and sheet-iron, spikes and nails, mill-gear-
ing, water-wheels, flat, round, plate, band-
iron and nail-rods, find their market in all
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
111
the great centers of trade throngliout the
land.
Large quantities of flour and feed, paper
and sacks, glass, tin plate, pottery, car-
riages, etc., are also manufactured and ex-
ported to various points. A very large
mercantile business is transacted in New
Castle in the various departments of dry
goods, groceries, clothing, drugs, paints,
oils, medicines, jewelry, hardware, crock-
ery and furniture, the number of business
houses amounting to several hundred.
The principal thoroughfares are substan-
tially paved, and the city has a number of
fine and substantial bridges. The iron
bridge on Washington Street, over the
Shenango, is a splendid and most substan-
tial structure. Its total leng-th is about
210 feet and its width fifty feet, with two
carriage-ways and sidewalks on either side.
It is built upon the arched truss pvincii^le,
somewhat modified, and is very firm, ^he
heaviest traffic making no perceptible vi-
bration. Another iron bridge spans the
Shenango at Grant Street. It is about
the same length as the Washington Street
bridge, and a solid and satisfactory struc-
ture. It is similar to the "Howe truss."
A substantial wooden bridge spans the She-
nango at the "point," just above the mouth
of the Nesliannock, constructed upon the
arched truss principle and covered. On
the Nesliannock there are three iron
bridges of the King pattern, built at Cleve-
land, Ohio, and one wooden foot-bridge,
the latter opposite the upper portion of the
"Shenango Iron Works." In addition to
these there are four railway bridges within
the city limits ; two over the Shenango and
two over the Neshannock.
The water-power within the city is all
situated on the Neshannock Creek, there
being three substantial dams upon the
stream. There was formerly a very fair
water-power on Big Eun, but a flood swept
it awav and the dam has not since been re-
built. ■
The city contains thirty-two church edi-
fices, the most conspicuous being those of
the Christian denomination, the First Pres-
byterian, Episcopalian, First Methodist
and First United Presbyterian.
There are within the city fourteen school
buildings, not including the large and flour-
ishing Catholic denominational school. In
addition to what has been already de-
scribed the city contains numerous and
important manufactories, two flourishing
commercial colleges, three weekly and two
daily newspapers, seventeen hotels, two
gas companies, a company of the National
Guard (troop cavalry), a fine military
band, an opera and market house, besides
several job printing houses, and many fine,
tasteful and costly residences. There ai-e
about fifty resident clergymen, sixty-one
practicing physicians, and about sixty-
seven attorneys.
GROWTH OF NEW CASTLE.
During the ten years from 1890 to 19U0
New Castle's percentage of growth, ac-
cording to the United States census de-
partment, was greater than that of any
other city in the United States. The pop-
ulation in 1890 was 11,600; in 1900, 28,-
329. This growth was due to the fact that
New Castle lies in a fertile region, en-
riched with inexhaustible veins of coal and
limestone, and enjoys exceptional advan-
tages for manufacturing pig iron as well
as the finished material. The city is lo-
cated on five railroad systems — the Pitts-
burg & Western, the iPittsburg & Lake
Erie, the Pennsylvania, the Erie, and the
Buffalo, Rochester & Pittsburg.
Much of the coal used in manufacture is
mined in Lawrence County.
From figures prepared by A. M. North,
of the Erie Eailroad, a few years ago, but
the latest available, we quote the follow-
ing:
Tonnage of blast furnaces, 1,500,000 tons
annually.
Yearly tonnage of limestone quarries
near the city, 935,000.
Various coal banks, 400,000.
112
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Slienango Valley Steel Mill, daily out-
put, 800 tons; sold or made up here, 250
tons.
Iron consiuned daily, 1,000 tons.
Tonnage of other industrial plants runs
the total year tonnage up to 3,908,600.
The men employed to handle this vast
amount of mineral, which is constantly in-
creasing, is one cause of New Castle's
growth. But the factor which has been
most instrumental in stimulating indus-
trial enterprise in New Castle is the tin
plate industry. Its development here has
been due largely to the enterprise of Geo.
Greer. In 1892 a company was organized,
with Geo. Greer, president; Charles Greer,
secretary, and W. S. Foltz, treasurer, for
the purpose of erecting a tin plate plant.
They began in a small way by erecting a
four-mill plant with a bar mill in connec-
tion.
The company met with many discour-
agements, but as the business became bet-
ter understood and new machines were in-
vented the plant enlarged until it contained
twenty mills. It was then the largest plant
in the world. Later the company was en-
larged and another mill, the Slienango,
was completed, containing thirty mills.
Thus New Castle has fifty mills, employ-
ing 3,500 men and paying out $200,000
monthly in wages. Two thousand three
himdred tons of black plate are made every
week when the mills are in operation.
The Slienango Valley Steel Mill, which
later became tlie property of the National
Steel Companv, was established in 1891
with a capital" of $2,500,000. Its officers
were: W. E. Reis, president; William Pat-
terson, vice-president; John Stevenson,
Jr., general superintendent; James W.
Reis, superintendent of furnace depart-
ment. Geo. E. Berger was secretary.
A blast furnace, having an annual capac-
ity of 120,000 tons, later liecame a feature
of the plant.
The Bessemer steel department, a ca-
pacity of 30,000 tons of steel billets per
month, also had a bar mill. The erection
of the tin and steel mills led to the estab-
lishment of half a dozen large machine
shops, and previous to the inauguration of
these enterprises New Castle was well sup-
plied with industries, so there is little
cause for wonder at the phenomenal
growth of the city during the 1890-1900
decade.
The city has brick works that employ
about 200 men and pay about $8,000 a
mouth in wages. There is also a paper mill
at New Castle. The breweries employ
more than 100 men_ There are also flour
mills and other industries.
In the year 1899 over 700 new houses
were built.
In four vears the assessed valuation
jumped from $7,000,000 to $12,000,000.
The greatest improvement was in the
southern part of the city. For the in-
crease in valuation in the suburbs and the
upbuilding of the same the city has been
largely indebted to the New Castle. Trac-
tion Company, which spent over $500,000
in construction of its lines.
The assessed valuation of New Castle is
about $15,000,000. The levy for all pur-
poses does not in any year exceed 15 mills,
and residence and business property is as-
sessed at only from two-thirds to three-
fourths of its real value. Manufacturing
property is only nominally valued, it being
the policy of the city to assist and encour-
age its industries.
CHAPTER VII
MANUFACTURERS
Grist and Saw Mills — Distilleries and Breweries — Tanneries — Hat Manufacture — Lin-
seed Oil — Carding Works, etc. — Shenango Iron Works — Aetna Iron Works — Brad-
ley, Reis S Co. — New Castle Manufacturing Co. — Neshannock Iron Co. — Crowther
Iron Co. — Elliott-Blair Steel Co. — American Sheet and Tin Plate Co. — Pennsyl-
vania Engineering Works — Foundries, Machine Shops, etc. — Lawrence Foundry
and Machine Shop — New Castle Agricultural Works — Neiv Castle Stamping Co. —
Standard Wire Co. — New Castle Forge <& Bolt Co. — American Car and Ship Hard-
ivare Manufacturing Co. — Frank C. Douds & Co. — Neiv Castle Asphalt Block Co.
— New Castle Ice & Storage Co. — Carriage and Wagon Manufacture — Furniture —
Woolen Manufacture — Paper — Planing Mills — Neiv Castle Box Co. — Gailey Fiber
Plaster Co. — New Castle Elastic Pxdp Plaster Co. — Glass Manufacture — Pottery —
Shenango Pottery Co. — Universal Sanitary Manufacturing Co. — Neiv Castle Port-
land Cement Co. — Other Incorporated Companies, etc.
It is chiefly to the extraordinary devel-
opment of her manufacturing industries
that New Castle owes the great degree of
prosperity and fame she now enjoys.
Most of this has been the growth of the
last twenty-five years. A quarter of a cen-
tury ago the arc light and electric trolley
car were unknown, but one street was
paved and that with cobble, the city was
poorly lighted, there were no modern office
buildings or business blocks, but one mod-
ern church and one schoolhouse of credit-
able appearance, while the principal manu-
facturing industries consisted of two small
rolling-mills, two window glass factories,
four blast furnaces of minor importance, a
wire-mill, rod-mill and nail-mill, none of
which enjoyed more than what would be
now regarded a very moderate degree of
prosperity. There were a number of other
miscellaneous enterprises of comparatively
small magnitude and importance. Her
buildings were generally antiquated, her
newspapers scarcely equal to the average
country weekly of today, while there were
no public parks and a very imperfect sew-
age system. The total population of the
city at that time (1884) was about 10,000.
Twenty years later the population of the
city jumped to 35,000, placing New Castle
third among the cities of the United States
in point of increase during that period ; the
assessed valuation had been trebled ; miles
of streets were paved ; a complete arc light-
ing system had been introduced; the city
perfectly sewered ; eleven new and modern
school buildings, together with a dozen
handsome and costly churches, and scores
of imposing brick and stone business blocks
had been erected; efficient police and fire
departments oi-ganized ; while five railway
trunk lines joined to give New Castle the
distinction of having the heaviest freight
traffic of any city of its size in the world.
Most of this was the direct result of the
phenomenal increase in the extent and im-
114
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
portance of her mauufacturing interests.
Today New Castle manufactories compel
the admiration of the world. She has the
largest tin plate mills and the largest pro-
duction of limestone; while the great Car-
negie steel works, operating four large
blast furnaces, the Republic Iron and Steel
Company, and the Elliott-Blair Steel Com-
pany, form another leading factor in her
industrial prosperity. In addition to these,
there are important and flourishing manu-
factories of window glass, brick, flour,
enamel ware, paint and varnish, lumber,
cement, and various products of the coun-
try, besides other minor industries.
GBISX AND SAW-MILLS.
All this vast amount of wealth-producing
activity along manufacturing lines had a
humble beginning. The necessities of life
were the first consideration of the early
settler. Consequently we find the grist-mill
standing as the pioneer manufacturing en-
terprise in this, as well as most other sec-
tions of the country. Probably the first of
these mills in the vicinity of New Castle
was the one erected by John Elliott on
Neshannoek Creek, at the foot of Shaw's
Hill. It is said to have been erected about
the year 1800, and was, no doubt, a prim-
itive affair. Being partially destroyed
soon after, it was rebuilt and refitted in
1803 by Nicholas Vaneman. At that early
day there was very little grain to grind,
the first being corn, which, of course, was
not bolted. When the settlers began to
raise wheat it became necessary to have a
bolt, which Vaneman procured and put in
operation. It seems to have been worked
by turning a crank by hand, probably be-
cause there was not sufficient power in the
rude machinery and wheels to run the
whole establishment by water.
In 1803 or 1804 John Carlysle Stewart,
the original proprietor of the town, in com-
pany with James Reynolds, and also, pos-
sibly, Joseph Townsend, built a grist and
saw-mill at the head of the Narrows on the
east side of the Neshannoek. These mills
were run by the above-named firm, or by
Stewart & Reynolds, until about 1810-11,
when Reynolds sold out either to Stewart
or one Wilkins (who became a partner with
Stewart), and went up the creek about
three miles farther to Eastbrook, where he
built another mill. After Reynolds sold
out, the machinery was taken out and the
grist-mill transformed into a forge for the
manufacture of hammered iron, which in-
dustry, however, after being carried on for
several years by different parties, was
abandoned as unprofitable. About 1816
a portion of the works was carried away
by flood, and subsequently successive floods
swept away the last vestige of the first iron
manufactory in northwestern Pennsylva-
nia. Previous to the erection of the grist-
mills before spoken of, all the grain in
this region was either floated down the
Beaver River to Beaver Falls in canoes
and brought back in the same way, or
taken on horseback to one Allen's mill on
the Slippery Rock Creek, near the south-
eastern border of the county.
"Among the earlier mills in New Castle
were a grist and saw-mill, erected by Craw-
ford White, about 1818. They were both
frame buildings, and stood on or near the
groimd now occupied by Raney's mill. Mr.
\Vhite died about 1834, and his oldest son,
James D., soon after rebuilt the mills. The
grist-mill was of brick, three stories in
height. James D. AVliite died in 1840, and
in 1841 the mills, along with other prop-
erty, were sold to Crawford Brothers and
Ritter. In 1844 Joseph Kissick, who had
settled here from Westmoreland County ia
1831, purchased the property, and soon
after raised the upper story from a hip-
roof to a full store, and improved the mill
to the amount of $5,500. It was destroyed
by fire in 1851, and with it 10,000 bushels
of wheat. Mr. Kissick 's loss was very
heavy, but he rebuilt the mill the same
year, and continued the business until 1865,
when he sold the property to the late I^ean-
der Rainey, who operated it until 1873,
when the late William Gordon purchased
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
115
an interest, and the firm was known as
Rainey & Gordon. Considerable additions
and improvements were made by Mr. Rai-
ney and Gordon, and tbe mill was an ex-
cellent one and did a large business. It
contained five run of stone and had a ca-
pacity for grinding about 350 bushels of
grain per day. They did both merchant
and custom work."
At an early day Joseph T. Boyd and
John AVilson built a brush dam and
erected a saw-mill on the site subsequently
occupied by the dam and mill of Pearson,
Clapp & Co. They afterwards, about 1845,
sold to Peebles & McCormick, who made
preparations to erect iron works. They
collected considerable material on the
ground, in the shape of timber, etc., but
finally went into the business with the Ori-
zaba Iron Works Company. The property
was sold to Henry Pearson, who built a
new dam and grist-mill in 185-1, which he
operated until 1868, when the mill and
water-power became the property of his
sons Bevan and Warner Pearson, and liis
son-in-law, Capt. J. ]\I. Clapp, who oper-
ated the mill under the firm name of Pear-
son, Clapp & Co. This was a fine mill,
containing four run of stone, and did an
extensive business in both merchant and
custom work.
In 1833 Heniy Pearson built a dam and
in the following year erected a saw-mill on
the site subsequently occui^ied by the paper
mills. This property he operated until
1868, when he sold to J. Harvey & Co.,
who erected mills for the manufacture of
paper.
About 1842 Benjamin White, Henry Wil-
liams and William Clark erected a build-
ing at the lower end of Mill Street, near
the Neshannock pool, on the west side of
the street. In this building were included
a grist-mill, with one run of stone; a card-
ing-mill, with two sets of machinery, trans-
ferred from the mill sold to the Crawfords,
previously referred to, and two or three
turning-lathes, for turning out various de-
scriptions of wood work. This establish-
ment was destroyed by fire in the latter
part of 1844, and never rebuilt. Williams
went into the employ of Crawfords & Co.
as engineer in the nail factory, and con-
tinued until about 1854, when he removed
to Lawrence, Kansas.
There have been various eoncei'ns at dif-
ferent times engaged in the manufacture
of flour and feed in New Castle, and our
space will not permit us to give the history
of all of them. There are now at least
three establishments of the kind — the Cas-
cade Roller Mills, of which the Alborn
brothers are propi-ietors, and of which a
full account may be found in their bio-
graphical .sketch published elsewhere in
this volume; the Shenango Roller Mills, at
No. 348 E. Cherrj' Street, which are con-
ducted by Raney & Co.. and that of Mrs.
E. G. Veach at No. 57 S. Croton Avenue.
All these are up-to-date establislmients and
turn out a high quality of product. There
are also some six or. seven retail dealers in
flour and feed exclusively, aside from the
firms engaged in the grocery trade.
DISTILLERIES, BREWERIES, ETC.
In the estimation of our pioneer ances-
tors, whiskey was regarded as one of the
chief necessaries of life. A grist-mill was
built as early as 1811 by David ~\^^ute, a
brother of Crawford White, in the south
central part of the to«Ti, lying east of the
Neshannock Creek. It was erected prin-
cipally for the purpose of grinding grain
for his distillery, which was erected about
the same time, the two being run together
until about 1814 or 1815.
Crawford Whhe also had a small dis-
tiller}-, erected about 1810-11, very near
the residence of the late John T. Phillips.
He used the water from the spring on Mr.
White's premises. This distillery was run
until about 1813. Another distillery was
owned by William ]\Ioorhead, and"^ built
about the same time as the others, on his
farm a mile below New Castle, and now in
Taylor Township.
In those days whiskey was almost the
116
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
only commodity which would bring, at all
times, ready money, and consequently there
was a large number of small distilleries
in operation in various parts of the coun-
try. The whiskey made in the vicinity of
New Castle was mostly consumed in the
neighborhood. Its manufacture was con-
sidered a legitimate and honorable busi-
ness, and was then perhaps more lucrative
than any other. At one time there were no
less than sixteen distilleries in North
Beaver Township.
There are now two brewing companies
in New Castle — the Standard Brewing
Company and the New Castle Brewing
Company.
The Standard Brewing Company, whose
plant is located at No. 100 Sampson Street,
was incorporated in 1898, with a capital of
$300,000. It had its real origin in a con-
cern established in 1850 by Adam Treser
and Jacob Genkinger, which, however, was
not a success. Early- in the nineties the
plant was purchased by George D. Lamoree
and Louis Eschallier. The latter retired
in 1897 and the companv was then incorpo-
rated with a capital of $100,000. In 1898
the company was reorganized with a capi-
tal of $300,000, as above noted, the present
brewery being built in that year. The out-
put amounts to about 65,000 barrels per
year and thirty men are given employment.
The present officers are as follows: Geo.
W. Lamoree, president; H. Grotefend,
vice-president; E. 0. Haun, secretary; M.
Feuchtwanger, treasurer.
The New Castle Brewing Company was
incorporated in 1896 with $75,000 capital.
It owns a large and thoroughly up-to-date
brewery on West South Street, opposite
the covered bridge, and which, with the
bottling works, covers about two acres of
ground. The capacity of the brewery is
about 22,000 barrels aimually. The presi-
dent of the company is Louis Preisel, Sr.,
W. S. Mears being secretary and treasurer.
TANNERIES.
Another early industry was tanning, the
first establishment of the kind in New Castle
being started, it is said, by Joseph Town-
send, Jr., as early as 1805. In 1808 it be-
came the property of William Dickson, who
had emigrated from near Chambersburg,
Pa., and settled in New Castle that year.
Mr. Dickson operated it until about the
time of his death, in 1831. His son Isaac
continued the business until 1866, when it
had become unin-ofitable, and was aban-
doned. These works contained twenty-one
vats, and manufactured annually about
1,000 pieces of leather of various kinds. In
1857 Mr. Dickson opened a leather store in
connection with his tannery, and continued
it until the tannery was abandoned, when
he engaged in the hardware business.
The second tannery in the place was put
in operation by John Tidball about 1820.
It stood in what was for a long time known
as " Reynoldstown, " on the Pittsburg
road, near the Court House. About 1840
he sold the property to Robert Reynolds,
who continued the business until about
1868-69.
A third one was put in operation by
Thomas Falls somewhere between the
years 1820 and 1825, on a lot lying east of
Mr. Dickson, near Mercer Street. Mr.
Falls continued the business until the time
of his death, about in 1865-66. Subse-
quently his son, Wilson Falls, continued it
until about 1870, when it was abandoned.
William ]\roore established a small tan-
nery in what is called West New Castle,
about 1850, and carried it on for a few
years.
Robert Patterson established another
small tannery in South New Castle, about
1852-53, and operated it until 1873-74, when
it was discontinued.
In early times throughout this section
the tanning business was carried on by nu-
merous small establishments, located in
nearly every town and hamlet in the coun-
try. Sometimes there were four or five in
operation at the same time in a small town,
and often the business was to be found
away from the towns, at cross-roads, or
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
117
upon some faiTQer's premises. At first oak
bark was used exclusively, but at a later
period hemlock bark largely took its place,
though oak was still used to some extent.
The oak bark was obtained in the neigh-
borhood of each tannery, but the hemlock
was brought from Crawford and Erie
Counties. Hemlock was not much used
until after the completion of the canal,
when it was brought down the canal in
boats.
HAT MANUFACTURE.
Isaac Jones was probably the first to
commence the manufacture of hats in New
Castle. He opened a shop about the year
1805 and continued the business until
1816, when he removed to Somerset
County, Pa. Eeturning to New Castle in
1819, he carried on tlie business subse-
quently until his death. John and Isaac
Townsend, sons of Joseph Townsend, Sr.,
opened the second hatters' shop about
1807-8. James Dunlap established himself
in the business about 1810-11, and contin-
ued it until near his death, in 1830. Joseph
Justice, "White McMillen, and perhaps oth-
ers, learned the trade of Mr. Jones, and
afterwards carried on business for them-
selves. Mr. Justice opened a shop in 1819
and continued the business until LS.^l, when
he retired.
William Cox, who learned the trade from
Joseph Justice, opened a shop about 1825
and worked at the business some twelve
or fourteen vears. He died in New Castle
in the fall of 1876.
White McMillen commenced Inisiness for
himself about 1830, on Jefferson Street,
south of the "Diamond," and continued
it for about twenty years. About three
years after quitting the business of manu-
facturing he opened a hat, cajo and fur
store. In good times Mr. McMillen em-
ployed three hands besides himself. The
market was principally at home, but dur-
ing the winter months they sometimes man-
ufactured a stock of wool hats for export
to Pittsburg and other large towns.
LINSEED OIL.
About 1811-42 E. C. and G. 0. Griswold
established the first oil-mill in New Castle,
on ground east of Washington Street, near
the bank of the Neshannock Creek. About
1850 they sold to Robert Wallace, who con-
tinued the business for some time. The
first-named gentlemen took a large share
of the machinery to Warren, Ohio, where
they established works.
Another oil-mill was erected by James
Hamilton, about 1842-43, on the east side
of the Neshannock, near R. W. Cimning-
ham's foundry. James Hamilton and Alex-
ander Newell operated this mill until about
1846, when J. N. and S. C. Euwer pur-
chased a half interest in the concern, and
at the same time Mr. Newell retired. Busi-
ness was continued under the firm name of
Euwer, Hamilton & Co., until about 1856,
when the firm purchased an interest in a
mill in Allegheny City and removed most
of the machinery. Since that date the
business of manufacturing linseed oil has
been abandoned in New Castle.
CAEDING WORKS, ETC.
About 1837 James D. White erected a
two-story frame building in the upper
story of which were two carding machines,
operated by one Benjamin White, a rela-
tive. In the lower story Ezra Perry had
an establishment for the manufacture of
bass and snare drums. It is said he made
the best goods in the market, and they were
sold in various places throughout the
United States. He carried on the business
until about 1841. The carding machines
were also running until about the same
date. This factory was built on the ground
subsequently occupied by the keg factory
of the Aetna Iron AVorks.
An addition was made to it about
1838-39, in wliich a manufactory of shov-
els was carried on for J. D. White, or his
estate. Some time after "Wliite's death the
property was sold to the Crawford broth-
ers, who converted the building into a
118
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
blast house, fur l)lowing a refinery for
smelting iron.
SHENANGO IKON WORKS.
This institution, in former times the es-
pecial pride of the people of New Castle,
was established in 1845 by Joseph H.
Brown, Joseph Higgs and Edward
Thomas, who formed a co-partnership, for
the purpose of building a mill for the man-
ufacture of iron. The ground was pur-
chased of Isaiah and James White, and
buildings erected. During the first year
the company had no boiling furnaces, and
purchased their "muck bar" of Messrs.
Crawford & Co., of the "Cosalo" Iron
Works, later known as the Aetna Iron
Works. In 1846 Robert H. Peebles and
Pollard McCormick were added to the com-
pany and the finn became McCormick, Pee-
bles, Brown & Co., and the works being
christened the "Orizaba" Iron Works. The
new firm immediately added to the works a
mill for the nuniufacture of merchant bar-
iron, nails and muck l)ai\ The works were
successfully carried on until July, 1847,
when they were entirely destroyed by fire.
They were rebuilt the same year and a
nail factory, with twenty-four machines,
and a keg factory were added. In 1848
four additional boiling furnaces were put
in operation and a "Burden squeezer"
took the place of the trip-hammer.
In 1850 the firm changed to Peebles &
Co., and in 1852 Mr. P. McCormick be-
came the sole proprietor. In 1853 Mr. Mc-
Cormick erected tlie "Sophia" furnace,
and operated the entire establishment until
1855, when the works became the property
of Knapp, Wilkins & Co., who continued
tlie business until 1859. During this period
four additional boiling furnaces and seven
nail machines were added to the works.
The establishment was idle from 1859 to
1863, and the various buildings and ma-
chinery became more or less injured and
decayed. The suspension of such ex-
tensive works caused great depression in
business and values in and around New
Castle, and many people removed to other
localities. During these four years of idle-
ness many efforts were made to dispose of
the works, but without effect. The prin-
cipal reasons operating against a sale were
the want of facilities for procuring coal,
which had to be hauled a distance of four
miles in wagons, and the fact that the only
means of shipment was by canal, which
was closed for a considerable portion of
the year. Finally, in 1863, a sale was ef-
fected to Messrs. Reis, Richards & Berger,
who at once rebuilt and enlarged the works
and changed the name to Shenango Iron
Works. The rolling-mill was ])ut in oper-
ation on the 16th of June, 1863; the nail
factor}' on the 6tli of July, and the furnace
on the l24th of October. During the next
year the New Castle and Beaver Valley
Railway was put in operation, and soon
after it the Erie and Pittsburg Railway.
In July, 1864, Mr. Richards retired from
the firin and Mr. W. H. Brown, of Pitts-
burg, took his place, the firm then becoming
Reis, Brown & Berger. In 1864 the com-
pany purchased the Hanging Rock Iron
Works, in Ohio, the machinery of which
was brought to New Castle, and a sheet-
mill, 113x139 feet, erected, in which the
sheet-rolls and nail-plate rolls removed
from the volling-mills were set uj). Three
extensive fire-bi-ick kilns were also built,
having the capacity of 50,000 bricks each.
In the spring of 1865 the firm commenced
the manufacture of red brick, not only fur-
nishing for their own use, but for the gen-
eral market. In 1868 a large and commo-
dious brick warehouse, for the storage of
nails and sheet iron, was erected. During
the season of 1866 Mr. James Rhodes built
a railway from his extensive coal mines,
four miles north of New Castle, to the
mills. In the spring of 1870 a branch rail-
wa.v was built, connecting the works with
both the New Castle and Beaver Valley
and the Erie and Pittsburg railways, and
in the same year many other improvements
and additions were made.
November 6, 1871, the stave factory con-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
119
nected with the keg works was destroyei
by fire, but was immediately relnult. [ii
the fall of the same year the "Moffatt fur-
nace" was purchased, enlarged and added
to the works. The name was changed to
"Little Pet."
In 1872 extensive fire-brick works were
erected, having a capacity of 20,000 bricks
per week. In this same year, also, the com-
pany purchased all that part of the canal
lying between the south line of the city
and the Neshannock Creek.
The erection of the " Rosena Furnace,"
22x77 feet, was also commenced about the
same date, and rapidly pushed to comple-
tion. It was "blown in" on the 3d of
June, 1873, and has continued in blast till
the present time, being now a part of the
Camegie Steel Company's plant, and the
only part of tbe old Shenango Iron Works
that is now in existence.
In 1874 the old (stone stack) "Sophia
Furnace" was entirely remodeled and en-
larged, after having been in blast six years
upon the same lining.
In December, 1876, the "Shenango Iron
Works" occupied about twenty acres of
ground, located in the Fourth Ward of the
city of New Castle, and consisting of tbree
blast-furnaces, with a capacity for pro-
ducing 50,000 tons of pig-metal per annum ;
two rolling-mills, with twenty-seven boiling
and eleven heating furnaces ; five trains of
rolls; a nail factory, with fifty -five ma-
chines, and a capacity of 10,000 kegs of
nails per month; a spike-factory, with
three machines ; nine steam and three blow-
ing engines ; eleven hot-blasts ; eight steam-
pumps ; twenty steam-boilers ; five power,
and one steam-shears; a stave and keg
manufactory, with a capacity for making
300,000 nail-kegs per annum; two fire-brick
yards, with a capacity of 1,000,000 bricks
annually, and a red-brick yard, which
manufactured yearly several million
bricks. The firm also owned and operated
about four miles of railway tracks for the
delivering of stock and the removal of
products.
About 700 men were directly employed,
when the works were in full operation. In-
directly about 300 more were employed in
mining coal, iron, limestone, etc., making
an aggregate of about 1,000 men, and rep-
resenting a population of at least 3,000
people deriving their livelihood from the
Shenango Iron Works. The pay roll of the
concern frequently reached $45,000 per
month, without taking into consideration
the large sums paid out for stock and ma-
terial of various kinds — coal, iron, lime-
stone, lumber, etc. Mr. George C. Reis,
since deceased, had charge of the financial
department.
Subsequently the business began to grow
unprofitable, and after the death of Wil-
liam H. Brown, who was perhaps its prin-
cipal and heaviest stockholder, the plant,
except the Rosena furnace before men-
tioned, was dismantled and sold. There
was no insolvency; every creditor was paid,
the business being closed out simply for
the reason above mentioned. Its place has
since been more than filled, in the indus-
trial life of New Castle, by the extensive
concerns now in operation.
AETNA lEON WOKKS.
In the fall of 1838 a rolling-mill and nail
factory were built by James D. White, the
contractors being James H. Brown, late of
the firm of Brown, Bonnell & Co., of
Youngstown, Ohio, and Mr. S. AVilder, a
gentleman formerly extensively connected
with the manufacturing business of this
vicinity. The establishment, when com-
pleted, included one train of rolls run by
water-power, two heating furnaces and
eight nail machines. The nail plates were
rolled from blooms manufactured in Juni-
ata County, Pa. There were at that date
no blast furnaces in this region. Mr. "Wliite
operated these works until the fall of 1839,
when his failing health led him to visit St.
Thomas, in the West Indies, but without
any beneficial results ; he died at St. Croix
after a short sojourn, and was buried there.
After his death the works remained idle
120
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
until the autumn of 1840, when Mr. White's
administrators leased them to Messrs.
Brown, Higgs & Wilder, who operated
them for a little more than a j'ear, when
they were sold to Crawford Brothers &
Eitter. The new fimi were men of exten-
sive means, but had little experience in
practical manufacturing. Messrs. Brown
& Wilder being experienced in the busi-
ness, a co-i5artnership was soon after
formed between them and the late purchas-
ers, and the tirm became Crawfords & Co.
This arrangement continued until 1848,
when Mr. Wilder purchased Brown's in-
terest, the latter gentleman taking an in-
terest in the Shenango Iron Works, then
known as the "Orizaba Iron Works."
About 1842 the firm had abandoned water-
power, mostly, and substituted steam, put-
ting in a fine large engine. In 1846 a new
nail-factory, of stone and brick, was
erected, and the number of machines in-
creased from eight to thirty; and the firm
also added a bar and guide-mill. About
the j'ear 1845 a charcoal blast-furnace was
erected near New Wilmington by Craw-
ford, Powers & Co. The Crawfords sub-
sequenth' bought out Powers and put it in
as stock, and it was operated in connection
with the works in New Castle. The firm
also pui-chased the "Mahoning Furnace,"
at Lowellville, Ohio, built bv Wilkinson,
Wilkes & Co., of Buffalo, N. Y., about 1847.
It is claimed that this furnace was the first
to use raw coal for smelting purposes in
this region.
In 1850 a chartered stock company was
formed under the name of the "Cosalo
Iron Company," of which A. L. Crawford
was president and William P. Reynolds,
secretary (afterwards succeeded by James
Crawford). This firm continued to do
business until the latter part of 1857, when
the stock company was dissolved. In 1856
the company made a contract with the
Cleveland and Columbus Railway to fur-
nish 10,000 tons of compound rail, and the
Lowellville furnace was i)urchased with a
view to manufacturing the pig-iron for the
job. "Wliile filling this contract the nail
business was suspended and the machinery
was sold to the Sharon Iron Company.
After the completion of this large con-
tract the company built thirty new nail ma-
chines and again commenced the manufac-
ture of nails, spikes and bar iron, and con-
tinued the business until about 1858, when,
as stated before, the stock company was
dissolved, and the works were purchased
by the Crawford brothers, including the
Lowellville furnace. Mr. Wilder took the
New Wilmington furnace, but it proved un-
profitable and was abandoned about 1860.
Mr. Wilder soon after removed to Cleve-
land, Ohio, where he spent two years, sub-
sequently returning to New Castle. The
Crawford brothers continued business until
1864, when they disposed of the works to
Dithridge & Co., of Pittsburg, who rechris-
tened the establishment the "Lawrence
Iron Works." In 1872 Dithridge & Co.
sold the works to a firm from Syracuse,
N. Y., who called them the "Onondaga Iron
and Nail Works." During their proprie-
torship several new nail machines, a num-
ber of trains of rolls and a new engine were
added, and the factory was also enlarged.
In March, 1874, the works were leased by
Kimberly and Carnes, of Sharon, and soon
after the two comjaanies were consolidated.
The Aetna furnaces, two in number, were
erected by the "Lawrence Ii'on Company"
about 1867. Their capacity was about forty
tons each per day. They were run by the
company until 1872, when Mr. Samuel
Kimberly purchased and oi^erated them
until the consolidation with the Syracuse
Company, after which they were run in
connection with the "Aetna Iron Works."
They are the only part of the old Aetna
plant now in operation, being owned and
operated by the Republic Iron Works.
The Aetna works consisted of two blast
furnaces, twenty-one boiling furnaces, five
heating furnaces, a muck-bar mill, a nail-
phite mill, a merchant-bar mill, a guide mill
and fifty-three nail machines with sufficient
rolls for all sizes of iron and nails. The firm
AND BEPRESEXTATIVE CITIZENS
121
employed in the aggregate, when in full
rnnning order, about 300 hands. The busi-
ness was finally abandoned because of im-
provements and changes in modern manu-
facturing methods, and is now remembered
only as among the notable enterprises of
former days.
BRADLEY, KEIS & CO.
In 1873 a stock company, of which R. W.
Cunningham was president, and William
Patterson secretary and treasurer, estab-
lished what was known as the New Castle
Iron Works. Mr. S. Wilder, a heavy stock-
holder, superintended the erection of the
buildings, but did not continue long as a
partner, disposing of his stock in the fall
of the same year in which the works were
erected. In July, 1875, Messrs. Bradley,
Eeis & Co. purchased the works, and, in
1876, erected a mill for the manufacture of
cold-rolled iron. The works consisted of
one blast furnace, and a plate and sheet-
iron mill, with three trains of rolls. The
average j^roduct of the works was about
twenty tons of muck-bar iron per day,
which was all manufactured into merchant
iron on the premises. In 1878 the firm ex-
perienced financial reverses, but made an
arrangement with their creditors and con-
tinued business until 1883, when an ex-
pensive accident to their furnace threw
them again into difficulties, and the busi-
ness was closed out, the works being pur-
chased by Geo. W. Johnson.
The following, taken from a past issue
of a local paper, refers directly to this
matter: "Bradley, Eeis & Co., iron manu-
facturers, went into bankruj^tcy on August
IB, 1878, and badly crippled "the Neslian-
nock Iron Company, owned by the Eeis
brothers and Peter L. and German A. Kim-
berly. The account of the failure from
which we make this report does not give
the assets or liabilities of the company.
The secured creditors were forty-five work-
men, whose claims ranged from $3 to $45 ;
treasurer of Lawrence County, $1,400;
Mrs. Lucinda Taylor, $12,490 ; First Na-
tional Bank of New Castle, $16,796 ; Patter-
son 's bank, securities, $60,600, and $12,400
in notes. The unsecured creditors were
very numerous. The collapse of the Nesh-
annock and the Bradley & Eeis Company
was sorely felt by nearly all our business
men, who had assisted the manufacturers
in keeping the works in operation. E'ol-
lowing the above, George C. Eeis, who had
indorsed commercial paper to the amount
of $400,000, also went into bankruptcy, and
turned over all his property to pay debts,
but it was not sufficient to meet the de-
mands. ' '
NEW CASTLE MANUFACTURING CO.
The original of this extensive establish-
ment was put in operation about the year
1866 as a Ijolt and nut factory, with An-
drew B. Berger as president. After a
short experience, finding the business did
not come up to their anticipations, the
works were metamorphosed into a foun-
dry and machine-shop. A large foundry
building was erected in 1868, the machine-
shop was enlarged, and most of the nut
and bolt machinery taken out, and about
1871 the change had become complete.
The works were subsequently enlarged
from time to time, until they were among
the most extensive in the country. The
business was mostly confined to the manu-
facture of machinery for rolling-mills and
blast-furnaces. The works had a capacity,
when in full running order, for the employ-
ment of about 300 men.
NESHANNOCK IRON COMPANY.
This formerly prosperous concern was
put in operation in 1872 by a company con-
sisting of George L. Eeis, W. E. Eeis," P. L.
Kimberly and G. A. Kimberly, for the
manufacture of pig-iron exclusively. The
capacity of the works, when in full run-
ning order, was 18,000 tons per annimi,
Lake Superior ores being exclusively used.
This company was disastrously affected by
the failure of Bradley, Eeis & Co., as pre-
viously referred to, and subsequently dis-
122
HISTORY OP LAWRENCE COUNTY
continued business. The furnace, com-
monly known as the "Red Jacket," is now
owned and operated by the Carnegie Steel
Company.
CROWTHEB IRON COMPANY.
These works were put in operation in
August, 1873, the buildings being erected
in June, 1872. The manufacture was con-
fined to common pig iron and Bessemer
steel metal. The capacity was about the
same as that of the Neshannock Iron Com-
pany, or 18,000 tons per annum. The com-
pany was imsuccessful and went into bank-
ruptcy in August, 1878. In the final set-
tlement of the case the creditors received
10 per cent of their claims.
ELLIOTT-BLAIK STEEL COMPANY.
This company had its origin in 1891,
when George and Noah "W. Elliott, prac-
tical steel manufacturers, established in
New Castle the Elliott Bros.' Cold Rolled
Steel Plant, the business being continued
under the name of Elliott Bros, for several
years. Subsequently, when T. C. Elliott
became interested in the concern, the ca-
pacity of the plant was increased, and in
1898 the present company was formed.
The company employ 100 men and are en-
gaged in the manufacture of fine cold rolled
steel, bicycle, sewing-machine and general
work, their annual capacity being 7,000
tons. They have an adequate and well-
equipped plant at the corner of Taylor and
Mercer Streets, and are one of the repre-
sentative manufacturing institutions of the
city. The president and general manager
is George D. Blair; N. W. Elliott is gen-
eral superintendent; George Elliott, super-
intendent of the rolling department, and T.
C. Elliott, superintendent of the annealing
department.
AMERICAN SHEET AND TIN PLATE COMPANY.
The establishment of this giant industry
in New Castle was due in chief measure to
the enterprise and personal exertions of
Mr. George Greer, the present district
manager. The fact that New Castle from
1890 to 1900 increased in population from
11,200 to almost 29,000, and subsequently
to that of a city of 40,000 or more, is
largely due to its tin industries. The
growth of this company has been already
briefly alluded to at the beginning of this
chapter. The New Castle enterprise had
its origin in 1892, a company being then
organized with George Greer, president;
Charles Greer, secretary, and W. S. Foltz,
treasurer, for the purpose of erecting a
tin i^late plant. They first ei'ected a four-
mill plant with a bar-mill in connection.
The works were put in operation October
26, 1893. This company was known as the
New Castle Steel and Tin Plate Company,
and the mill was sometimes known as
■"Greer's Tin Mill," Mr. Greer being the
leading spirit of the enterprise. In 1897
the Shenango Mill, which is the largest mill
of its kind in the world, was erected by cer-
tain gentlemen representing the Shenango
Valley Steel Company, namely, William
Patterson, John Stevenson, W. E. Reis and
others.
Before the Shenango Mill was completed
the New Castle works were purchased by
the American Tin Plate Company, organ-
ized in 1898. They took possession imme-
diately, placing Mr. Greer in charge both
of the New Castle and Shenango works,
with instructions to complete the work on
the latter, effect an organization and put
the mill in operation. This was accom-
plished in May, 1899, since which time,
with the exception of a few brief shut-
downs for repairs or other reasons, they
have continued in successful operation.
In spite of initial discouragements the
New Castle plant was enlarged until it
included twenty mills. The Shenango works
when completed contained thirty mills.
Thus there are now in New Castle fifty
mills engaged in this important industry,
employing an army of 3,500 men, and pay-
ing out $200,000 monthly in wages. Both
works are equipped with the latest and
most improved machinery for the produc-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
tion of the best quality of tmished tin plate.
The New Castle works occupy about four-
teen acres of land, while the Shenango
works are located on a tract of forty-four
acres. The storage capacity at both works
is over 500,000. Two thousand three hun-
dred tons of black plate are made every
week when the mills are in operation. Mr.
Greer has succeeded in building up a very
superior district organization, keeping in
close touch with all the superintendents,
foremen and emj^loyees of the different
mills, and being acquainted with all tlie
numerous details of manufacturing, finish-
ing and shipping, as well as with the state
of the world's markets with respect to the
demand for the various brands of tin plate
A gratifying degree of harmony exists be-
tween the officials and employees from the
superintendent down, which has helped to
attract a superior class of workmen, and
the two plants taken together are not only
tlie pride of New Castle, but are among the
largest and most important institutions of
the kind in the entire country.
PENNSYLVANIA ENGINEERING WORKS.
This extensive concern was incorporated
in November, 1899, with a capital of $500,-
000. It is engaged in blast furnace and
steel plant construction, general machine
and plate work, the manufacture of ma-
chinery and castings, boilers, etc., its two
foimdries having an annual capacity of
35,000 tons, in addition to which the com-
pany buys about 2,000 tons of product.
The capacity of its boiler works is 4,000
tons, the total annual capacity being 41,000
tons. When the concern was first estab-
lished in New Castle it took possession of
the old James P. Witherow works, which
were subsequently enlarged to about dou-
ble their former capacity. It is now one
of the three or four largest plants in New
Castle. The machine shop is a steel build-
ing 82 feet wide by 280 feet long, and the
entire plant, which is one of the finest of
its kind in America, covers over six acres.
The foundry is 350 feet long by 60 feet
wide. The Engineering works makes a
feature of heavy castings, their loam cast-
ings having a high reputation. Another
specialty is the manufacture of all kinds
of caustic pots and pans, linings for cinder
cars, long plungers and cylinders, together
with bells, hoppers, etc. The iron is sup-
plied from three cupolas of twenty, eight
and five tons respectively, and the stock
yard is large enough to accommodate about
5,000 tons of pig iron. The boiler shop is
a steel building, the main part of which
is 60x300 feet. In it are two 15-ton trav-
eling cranes, together with a variety of
other powerful and modern machinery.
The riveting tower near by has two hy-
draulic riveters for pipe and ladle work.
There is also a steel building 73 feet wide
by 125 feet long, equipped with horizontal
pimches, where the structural and flanging
work is done. The forging depart-
ment is 73 feet wide by 60 feet
long, and is equipped with two steam
hammers and ten forge fires, together
with jib cranes, heating furnaces, etc.
The boiler plant is located across the
street from the operating department and
consists of 500 H. P. of boilers and one
generator of 150 K. W. capacity and an-
other of 75 K. W. capacity. Here also are
located the air compressors which serve
the pneumatic tools in the boiler shop and
other departments. The various depart-
ments are connected by narrow-gauge
tracks, while spurs from the various trunk
lines furnish independent shipping facili-
ties to all. In the engineering department
some fifteen to twenty skilled engineers
and draughtsmen are employed.
The company has done some notable
work, not only in western Pennsylvania
and eastern Ohio, but also in many more
distant points throughout the country.
They have constructed a number of blast
furnaces, besides doing a large amount of
other extensive and important construction
work of various kinds. The present offi-
cers of the company are: Edward King,
president and treasurer; E. N. Ohl, vice-
126
HISTOEY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
president; C. L. Baldwin, secretary; E. W.
Bedel, general manager; W. H. Simpler,
general superintendent; J. K. Furst, en-
gineer. The office and works are at the
corner of Jefferson and Nutt Streets.
FOUNDRIES, MACHINE-SHOPS, ETC.
E. W. Cunningham, a former New Castle
merchant, erected a frame building, and
put an iron-foundry in operation in 1839,
which was quite an extensive establish-
ment. A general foundry business was
transacted, and the works turned out large
numbers of plows, stoves and a great
amount of mill-gearing. A machine-shop
was added in 1847. Mr. Cunningham also
had a warehouse situated on the slackwater
of the Neshannock, opposite his foundry,
where he did a large forwarding, commis-
sion, freighting and general produce busi-
ness. The grain business in those days
was quite extensive, and in the best year
(about 1841-42), as many as 1,000 bushels
were received daily and shipped princi-
pally to Cleveland, Ohio, by canal. The
firm was E. W. Cunningham up to about
1844, and from that date to 1853 George
W. Jackson, of Pittsburg, had an interest,
under the tirm name of E. W. Cunningham
& Co. From 1853 to 1865 Mr. Cunningham
conducted the entire business in his own
name. In the last-named year several of
the employees became partners, after
which the firm was Cunningham & Co. In
connection with the forwarding business,
the firm handled large amounts of ground
plaster. A mill for grinding the raw ma-
terial, wliich was obtained mostly from
Canada, was erected by the new firm in
1844-45, and from that date the plaster was
purchased in the lump by the cargo at
Erie, brought to New Castle by canal and
manufactured liei'e. This business was
continued for a number of years until the
steadily diminishing demand for the ma-
terial caused its abandonment. The part-
nership was dissolved after Mr. Cunning-
ham's death and the machine shop disman-
tled and sold. The real estate is still owned
by some of the Cunningham heirs.
LAWRENCE FOUNDRY AND MACHINE SHOP.
In 1848 a small foundry was started by
Messrs. Pearson, McConnell & Co., who
carried on a general business for about
two years. The firm then became Quest,
McConnell & Co., who operated the estab-
lishment until 1855. During their occu-
pancy a large brick machine-shoj) was
built. In 1855 the finn again changed to
Quest, Westerman & Co. This firm car-
ried on business until 1857, when another
change took place, and it became Quest,
Shaw & Co. This firm continued the busi-
ness for about ten years, when the name
was changed to Quest & Shaw, who contin-
ued it until 1872, when the business was
subsequently continued for some years by
Shaw, Waddington & Co. The works were
conveniently located between the old canal
and the Neshannock Creek.
NEW CASTLE AGRICULTURAL WORKS.
An establishment, under the above name,
was put in operation by a stock company,
consisting of Luther Woods, the Phillips
brothers, John Elder and A. B. Smith &
Son, in 1869-70, the original capital being
$40,000. The works were located in Union
Township, opposite the northwest portion
of New Castle. The entire establishment
was fitted up with the latest and most ap-
proved machinery, calculated for an exten-
sive business. Manufacturing was com-
menced in the spring of 1870 and carried
on for about two years, with every prospect
of ultimate success, when, in the month of
February, 1872, the entire works and ma-
chinery were destroyed by fire, entailing a
loss of about $60,000, on which there was
an insurance in various companies of $20,-
000. The firm manufactured mowing and
reaping machines, and sulky horse-rakes.
The original capital of the company was
all absorbed in the buildings and machin-
eiy, and the loss fell so heavily upon them
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
127
that the works were not rebuilt. Among
the best machines manufactured by the finn
was the "Lawrence Mower," invented and
patented by A. B. Smith, of Rochester,
Beaver County, Pa.
NEW CASTLE STAMPING COMPANY.
This large concern — one of the most im-
portant in New Castle — is engaged in the
manufacture of high-grade enamel ware
and now commands an extensive trade. The
company was incorporated in 1901 with a
capital of $200,000. Its president is Mr.
George L. Patterson, who is also vice-pres-
ident of the National Bank of Lawrence
and an active member of the Chamber of
Commerce. Mr. J. C. Kirk, the vice-pres-
ident, is also president and manager of the
New Castle Forge and Bolt Company and
is prominently connected with the Chamber
of Commerce and with various local inter-
ests. Lee M. Raney is secretary and T. F.
Morehead treasurer — both prominent busi-
ness men of New Castle, connected with
various important local enterprises. The
company has one of the best equipped fac-
tories in the world, their large plant being
located at the foot of Swansea Avenue, in
the Seventh Ward, and occupying six and
a half acres on the line of the Buffalo,
Rochester and Pittsburg, Pittsburg & Lake
Erie, and Pennsylvania systems. It con-
sists of two large buildings, with a score
of smaller ones constructed of brick and
iron. The enamel is made according to
thoroughly tested German receipts and is
applied by the most up-to-date American
methods. About 200 or more skilled work-
men are employed. This industry, since
its establishment, has grown to large pro-
portions, and is now an important factor
in the sum total of New Castle's industrial
activities.
STANDARD WIRE COMPANY.
The Standard Wire Company, wbose
works are located at No. 135 South Mill
Street, was incorporated in 1906, with a
capital of $300,000. It is engaged in the
production of steel wire mats, coat hang-
ers, jumping ropes, pot lifters, carpet and
upholstery beaters, folding nursery fend-
ers, elevator enclosure work, bank and of-
fice railings, etc. The annual capacity of
the plant is about 150 tons, and sixteen
nien are employed. The president is Jonas
Kaufman, with John E. Norris vice-presi-
dent and manager, and Hugh M. Marquis,
secretary and treasurer.
NEW CASTLE FORGE AND BOLT COMPANY.
The New Castle Forge and Bolt Com-
pany, with plant at 243 Elm Street, was
incorporated in 1901, with a capital of
$75,000. Within less than a year the vol-
ume of business on hand necessitated an
increase of capital to $300,000, and it was
so capitalized in Januarj', 1903, new build-
ings being then erected and installed with
the most modern and expensive machinery.
Included in the plant are one large brick
and steel building 342x80 feet, one steel
building 374x60 feet, a chain shop 48x80,
machine shop 80x30, power plant 84x80,
and gas producer house 75x25 feet. All the
departments have switches connecting
with the Pennsylvania, Buffalo, Rochester
& Pittsburg R. E. systems. The plant is
devoted to the manufacture of forgings,
chains, bolts, nuts, rivets and heavy hard-
ware, the annual capacity, not counting car
forgings, being 500,000 pounds. About 150
men are employed. The officers of the con-
cern are C. J. Kirk, president and general
manager; J. F. Donahue, secretary; E. E.
Whitaker, treasurer, and M. E. McCombs,
superintendent.
AMERICAN CAR AND SHIP H.iRDWARE MFG. CO.
The American Car and Ship Hardware
Manufacturing Company, brass founders,
was incorporated in 1901 and is engaged
in the manufacture of push-buttons, car
trimmings, trolley work, fuse boxes, ship
lights, etc., 100 men being employed in the
works, which are located at the corner of
Mill and Mechanic Street. C. H. Johnson
is president of the concern, with Charles
128
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
Matthews, secretary; T. H. Hartman,
treasurer, and J. W. Patterson, general
manager.
FRANK C. DOUDS & CO.
Frank C. Douds & Co., founders and ma-
chinists, are engaged in the manufacture
of iron and brass castings, engines and en-
gine supplies, boiler injectors, jet pumps,
etc., the factory being located at No. 214-
230 South Mill Street. The firm is com-
posed of Frank C, Smith H. and Ralph A.
Douds. They employ about fifteen men
and are doing a good business.
NEW CASTLE ASPHALT BLOCK COMPANY.
The New Castle Asphalt Block Company
is a prosperous concern engaged in the
manufacture of compressed asphalt blocks
for street paving and other similar work.
It has a capacity of 2,500,000 blocks annu-
ally and gives employment to aboiat fifty
men. The superintendent is H. E. Warden
and the office and works are located near
Big Run bridge.
NEW CASTLE ICE AND STORAGE COMPANY.
The New Castle Ice and Cold Storage
Company, located at No. Ill South Beaver
Street, was incorporated in 1901. The con-
cern manufactures 130 tons of artificial ice
daily, giving emplojTnent to eight men.
J. D. Drum is superintendent.
CARRIAGE AND WAGON MANUFACTURE.
This branch of industry is now repre-
sented in New Castle by some half dozen
concerns. About the first establishment of
the kind was that founded by Pearson &
Co. in 1868. They first established on She-
nango Street, near the river, a shop for
the manufacture of agricultural imple-
ments, but after a few years, not being suf-
ficiently successful in that line, they
changed their business to carriage and
wagon-making, and so continued until
June, 1873, when they sold out the busi-
ness to T. W. Smith, of Mercer, who car-
ried it on for about two j'ears. On his
death, which took place soon after, the
stock and tools were sold to A. R. Har-
desty.
Since then various firms have been en-
gaged in the business, some quite success-
fully. Those now conducting operations in
New Castle are L. D. Baughman, at No. 60
E. South Street; Henry Drescher, 316 N.
Liberty; C. Gr. Gaston, 20 N. Shenango
Street; J. B. McClaren, 1 White Street;
Adam Onstott, 119 S. Cochran, and J. J.
Sayre, 20 E. South Street.
FURNITURE.
Manufacture of furniture was started by
James Mitchell and Calvin Miller, about
1869, in the building formerly occupied by
Euwer's oil works, and continued until the
fall of 1871, when Miller sold out to Mitch-
ell. Subsequently Wilson Mitchell, a
brother of James, took an interest in the
business, the firm becoming Mitchell & Co.,
which co-partnership continued until the
fall of 1873, or the beginning of 1874, when
the brothers dissolved and sold out to
Samuel Dunn, who took his son into part-
nership. The firm manufactured all de-
scriptions of furniture, making a specialty,
however, of extension and breakfast tables.
The lumber was purchased principally in
Lawrence, Crawford and Mercer Counties,
and consisted of mostly black walnut and
cherry.
This industry, like some others that were
formerly scattered, is now chiefly concen-
trated in certain cities, like Cincinnati, In-
dianapolis, Chicago and Grand Rapids,
Michigan, where all the facilities in the
way of large capital, cheap and abundant
material, and a steady market are found
par excellence.
WOOLEN MANUFACTURE.
About 1886 McKarns & Love erected a
mill in New Castle for the manufacture of
woolen goods. When first put in operation
it contained only one set of machinery, but
a second set was afterwards added. The
firm carried on the business until 1873,
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
129
when McKarns sold his interest to Love,
who took his sons into partnership, and
continued it under the style of H. Love
& Sons.
PAPER MANUFACTURE.
In 1868 Job and William H. Harvey es-
tablished a paper mill in a stone building
on Neshannock Creek, within the present
limits of the city of New Castle, and en-
gaged in the manufacture of sack paper.
Job Harvey operated it one year, when he
associated, as a partner in the business,
Mr. Alfred McKarns. A brick factory,
35x30 feet, was erected in 1876, and de-
voted to the exclusive manufacture of flour
sack paper, twelve men being employed.
The daily production, when the works were
running, was 1,800 pounds, 3,500 pounds
of old rope being consumed daily in the
manufacture.
The mill was burned in 1883 and was re-
built in 1885 by the Standard Paper Com-
pany of New Castle.
In 1887 the Dilworth Paper Company, of
Pittsburg, bought the plant and water-
power privileges from the Standard Com-
pany and have since conducted the busi-
ness. The capacity of the mill is now 4,000
to 16,000 pounds per twenty-four hour day.
The product is sugar bags, glazed hard-
ware wrapping paper, and manila papers.
In May, 1908, the storage shed for raw
materials was completely destroyed by
fire, but is now being replaced by a struc-
ture 45x154 feet. The mill has a battery
of three boilers of 200 horse-power each;
a Corliss 300-horse-power engine, and a
150-horse-power Erie slide valve engine.
It has also three water wheels. The di-
rectors and officers of the mill are all Pitts-
burg people.
PLANING MILLS AND LUMBER ESTABLISH-
MENTS.
The earliest lumber business in New
Castle was started by Dr. Pollock and his
son-in-law, Joseph S. White, about 1840.
The doctor's son, Hiram, afterwards pur-
chased his father's interest, and in connec-
tion with Mr. White carried on the busi-
ness. It subsequently passed through a
number of different hands, and was contin-
ued successfully for many years.
G. W. Crawford & Son also did an ex-
tensive business in lumber, doors, sash,
blinds, and all kinds of building material,
the beginning of this establishment being
a barrel factory started by Joseph Kissick
about 1864. Mr. Kissick sold to Richard-
son & Gorley in October, 1865. This firm
changed the business to a planing-mill, and
about three months subsequently Richard-
son sold out to G. W. Crawford his in-
terest in the business, which was conducted
imder the firm name of Gorley & Crawford
until 1871, when Gorley sold to Crawford,
who took his son into partnership and the
firm was afterwards for many years G. W.
Crawford & Son. About the year 1900
the business was purchased by G. Jameson
and H. S. McGown and it is now conducted
under the style of Jameson & McGown. It
is now in a flourishing condition.
The Mahoning Valley Lumber Company
is one of the most extensive establishments
of this kind now existing in New Castle.
The company was incorporated in 1898
with a capital of $15,000. Its extensive
plant is located at the corner of Wayne
Street and Swansea Avenue, occupying 120
feet frontage and being 208 feet in depth.
It embraces a large planing-mill, fitted up
with the most modern machinery and ap-
pliances. The officers of the concern are
gentlemen well known throughout business
and manufacturing circles in this section.
Mr. G. D. Duff is president and A. E. Kerr
secretary and manager.
Another up-to-date concern of this kind
is the New Castle Lumber & Construction
Company, whose office, mill and yard are
located at 55-75 S. Mercer Street. The
firm gives employment to seventy-five or
more skilled hands. They manufacture all
kinds of mill work and every description
of building material. The company was es-
tablished about 1894, and is now under the
130
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
control of Andrew Dietterle, Henn- Coo-
per and J. Cam Liebendorfer. Contracts
are taken for all kinds of roofing, spouting,
plastering and the construction of build-
ings. The firm is a prominent factor in
the building trade in this vicinity.
The Shenango Lumber Company also
stands high in the list of New Castle's im-
portant industries. Its plant is situated at
the comer of ^Miite and Neal Streets, the
present members of the firm being James
Cunningham, who has been with it for
about nine years, and H. M. Moore. They
have a well-equipped planing-mill, handle
all kinds of lumber, and manufacture
every description of builders' supplies.
The Kline Lumber and Construction
Company was incorporated in 1901 with
a capital of $15,000. Mr. Harry Kline, the
president and treasurer of the company,
is one of New Castle's best known and
most influential manufacturers. The plant
of the concern, located at ^\1iite and Neal
Streets, covers more than three acres, and
comprises a well-equipped planing-mill,
store houses and sheds, and ample yard fa-
cilities connected with the Pennsylvania
tracks by switches. The company also has
a branch yard and store at West Pittsburg.
They handle all kinds of lumber, sewer
pipe, lime, cement, building tile, slate and
tin roofing, and builders' supplies gener-
ally. They are also general contractors
and builders, plumbers, and roofers. The
company has had a very successful career
since its establishment seven years ago.
The Acme Lumber Company is one of
the old established concerns in this line of
business in New Castle. Under its present
title it was established about seven years
ago by E. W. Henderson and J. M. Eng-
lish, they buying out the interests of E. M.
Hamilton, who for nearly a score of years
had conducted an extensive and successful
business at this location. The company
does a large wholesale and retail trade in
the handling of coal, lumber and builders'
supplies. They have an adequate and well
appointed plant, including a large planing-
mill. The company is at present composed
of John M. English, Jesse M. Smith and
Walter S. Taylor.
The Lawrence County Lumber Com-
pany, a large concern, was originally or-
ganized in 3898, but in 1901 was reorgan-
ized, the new officers being C. S. Paisley
president, and J. W. Hays, secretary-treas-
urer and manager. The company are gen-
eral contractors and builders, deal in and
manufacture all kinds of lumber and mill
work, do slate and tin roofing, and sell hard
and soft coal, paints, oils, glass, plaster,
and all kinds of builders' hardware.
The concern of Wallace Bros, was
started about 1887, by Mr. W. E. Wallace,
who erected lumber yards and conducted
the plant for a number of years. He then
took into partnership his son, M. Louis
Wallace, the firm becoming W. E. Wallace
& Son. In 1900 he retired and the firm be-
came Wallace Brothers, the members being
Messrs. Frank W. and M. Louis Wallace.
The mill and hunber yards of the firm are
located at the west end of Wabash Avenue,
and cover about two acres or more. The
mill is fitted with improved wood-working
machinery and is connected bj' switch with
the B. & 0. Railroad. The firm deal in and
manufacture all kinds of lumber, lath, shin-
gles and cabinet mantels and all kinds of
contractors and builders ' supplies.
Another prominent firm engaged in the
lumber business is that of McConahy, Mar-
tin & Co. They are extensive dealers in
lumber, stone and builders' supplies and
have been engaged in business under their
present style about four years, being suc-
cessors to William McConahy. Their yard
is located at No. 100 Croton Avenue.
In addition to the above mentioned
firms, the R. W. Henderson Lumber and
Coal Company, composed of Robert W.
Henderson and M. E. Sewell, carries on a
prosperous business in lumber and coal at
167 Grove Street, while there are three
flourishing wholesale concerns — the Gailey
Lumber Company, G. G. Stitzinger & Co..
and M. A. McLure — engaged in the distri-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
131
bution of white pine, Norway spruce, oak,
poplar, c}T)ress, red cedar and other kinds
of timber used by the builder, carpenter or
cabinet-maker. W. H. Cox & Co., located
in the Wallace Block, are also doing a suc-
cessful business in hardwood lumber.
NEW CASTLE BOX COMPAXY.
The plant of the New Castle Box Com-
pany, Limited, is located at No. 900 N.
Cedar Street, on the Pennsjdvania Rail-
road tracks in the Seventh Ward, covering
about six and a half acres of ground. This
concern furnished the boxes in which is
packed the tin plate made at the American
Sheet and Tin Plate Company's works. It
also supplies the lumber and crating for
the pottery and glass factories at New Cas-
tle. This is now one of the most flourish-
ing manufacturing concerns of tlie city.
The factory has a large capacity and the
company pay out more than $50,000 a year
in wages. Mr. H. P. Mcllwraith is the ef-
ficient manager for the company.
GAILEY FIBEK PLASTER COMPANY.
The Gailey Fiber Plaster Company,
whose plant is located at Nos. 161-16.5
Grove Street, is one of the important con-
cerns in this line of business in this section.
It was organized in 1903 and is composed
of Messrs. John A. and Robert C. Gailey.
The plaster manufactured by the company
is made of wood fibre and is used exten-
sively by the leading builders and contract-
ore. The members of the company are well
known in the business circles of New Castle
and are thoroughly practical men in their
line of manufacturing.
LIMESTONE.
The extensive quai'ries of limestone in
the vicinity of New Castle, situated about
one mile southeast of the Court House,
were first opened for extensive operations
in 1866 by Messrs. Green & Marquis, who
worked them for about two years, when
the firm changed to Green, Marquis & Co.
This latter company worked them until
1873, when the firm name was changed to
Green, Marquis & Johnson. Later Mar-
quis purchased Johnson's interest and he
is the present proprietor.
This stone is of two varieties : the upper
fourteen feet, or graj' limestone, is all that
is considered valuable. Below this stratum
is one of blue stone, from three to five feet
in thickness, which sometimes furnishes a
fair quality of building stone. The work-
able stone is extensively quarried and is
used mainly for fluxing purposes in blast-
furnaces. It averages 90 per cent, car-
bonate of lime. Lying immediately under
the limestone is a thin stratum of coal,
about one foot in thickness. Sixty feet be-
low this vein of coal is another, averaging
about eighteen inches in thickness, and be-
low this is a bed of fire-clay, twelve feet
thick. Sixteen feet below tlie clay is an-
other vein of coal, about four feet thick.
These coal veins are not, howevei*, valuable
enough to repay the labor of working them
in this immediate vicinitv.
LIMESTONE COMPANY.
The Bessemer Limestone Company, of
Bessemer. Lawrence County, now has the
largest crushing plant in western Pennsyl-
vania or eastern Ohio. They are engaged
in the production of crushed and screened
limestone of all sizes for flux, macadam,
ballast and concreting, daily capacity of
the concern being 2,500 tons of broken
stone. The largest branch of the business
is the shipping of fluxing stone for blast
furnace use. The main office is in Youngs-
town, Ohio.
NEW CASTLE ELASTIC PULP PLASTER COMPANY.
The New Castle Elastic Pulp Plaster
Company, whose place of business is at No.
153 Grove Street, was incorporated in 1900
with a capital of .$100,000. The concern
employs eight men and has an annual ca-
pacity of 3,390 tons. It is in a prosperous
condition. L. M. Uber is president and
R. L. McNab, secretary, treasurer and gen-
eral manager.
132
HISTOEY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
GLASS MANUFACTURE.
A small establishment for the manufac-
ture of glass was p^^t in operation in Sep-
tember, 1848, by Messrs. Henderson & Mor-
ris, the works having been commenced in
the fall of 1847. The original works were
operated in the primitive way, only one
furnace being used for melting and blowing
purposes. They were confined exclusively
to the manufacture of American window-
glass. Messrs. Henderson & Morris car-
ried on the business until July or August,
1851, doing a prosperous business. The
sand-rock was obtained on the premises,
and the clay for manufacturing the melt-
ing pots was imported from Germany.
In 1851 a company was organized under
the name of the "Croton Glass Company."
The original proprietors were stockholders
and members of the new company. This
company continued the business until about
1860, when it was dissolved, and the works
were operated in the interest of the New
Castle Savings Bank (which had purchased
them), by Crowther, Watson & Co., until
1863, when Mr. A. Arbogast purchased the
property. He operated the works until
1867, when they became the property of
C. Ihmsen & Sons, of Pittsburg, and the
business was carried on by this firm until
July, 1868, when Mr. 0. C. Ihmsen became
sole proprietor, and continued the business
until his death, in September, 1869. The
business was carried on in his name until
January, 1870, when his brother, C. Ihm-
sen, Jr., leased the works, and operated
them until October 28, 1870, when they
were totally destroyed by fire. They were
rebuilt in the spring of 1871 by the admin-
istrators of the Ihmsen estate, and oper-
ated until August, 1875, by C. Ihmsen, Jr.,
after which they were idle until April 1,
1876, when they were leased to Mr. Forbes
Holton. About 900 boxes of finished win-
dow glass, of all sizes, from 6x8 up to 40x60
inches, were produced weekly, about eighty
hands being directly or indirectly em-
ployed. The plant is not now in operation.
In March, 1866, a stock company was
formed for the manufacture of glass, works
being erected on the west side of the Shen-
ango Eiver in Union Township. Business
was commenced in August following, and
was carried on until the last of December,
1868, when a large portion, including the
buildings for flattening, finishing and pack-
ing, the office, etc., were destroyed by fire.
Several of the stockholders were opera-
tives, and difficulties sprang up among the
interested parties, which eventually caused
the abandonment of the business. The
plant passed into other hands and was
changed and successfully operated for a
few years. The concern manufactured
American window glass exclusively, 100
hands being employed, and about 1,000
boxes of an excellent quality of glass
being turned out per day. The works sub-
sequently went out of operation.
The glass manufacturing industry is now
well represented in New Castle by the
American Window Glass Company, which
is engaged in operating the Shenaugo and
Lawrence factories. The concern has an
annual output of 30,000 boxes of 100 feet of
glass each. About 400 men are employed in
the works.
POTTERY.
About the year 1862 an establishment for
the manufacture of stoneware was started
in New Castle by Messrs. Hill and Harmon.
It was thus operated for about seven years,
when William Hill became sole proprietor
and continued the business until 1882, when
he closed it out. The principal articles
manufactured by Mr. Hill were stone crock-
ery, terra cotta, stone pumps, piping, chim-
ney-tops and flower-pots.
NEW CASTLE POTTERY CO.
The New Castle Pottery Company was
organized about 1901 and incorporated,
with D. C. Wallace, president, F. E. Da\ds,
secretary and treasurer. A plant was
erected near Grant street and the Erie and
Pittsburg Railroad and consisted of six
kilns. The company manufactured vitrified
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
133
hotel ware and employed several hundred
men. They got into financial straits, how-
ever, and the concern went into tlie liands
of a receiver. Every creditor was paid. The
l^lant was purchased by a syndicate of the
original stockholders, but no further steps
have as yet been taken to reopen it.
SHENANGO POTTERY COMPANY.
In 1901 the Shenango China Company
was incorporated, the stock being taken by
local cajjitalists. A plant was estalilished
at Emery Street and the Erie & Pittsburg
Railroad, having a frontage of 500 feet
along the railroad and 130 feet in width.
The company engaged in the manufacture
of semi-vitreous china, both plain and dec-
orated, about 150 skilled hands being em-
ployed. Among those prominently connect-
ed with the concern as officers or otherwise
were Eugene N. Baer, W. G. Dunn, Andrew
Fleckeustein, and D. T. McCarron, the last
mentioned being entrusted with the active
management of the business.
Subsequently, in January, 1905. owing to
financial embarrassments, a receiver was
appointed, and in the same year the, com-
pany was reorganized and incorporated
under the name of the Shenango Pottery,
with a capital of $150,000, the officers being
E. N. Baer, president; Edwin F. Norris,
vice president; J. E. Whittaker, secretary,
and E. E. McGill, treasurer. Directors, E.
N. Baer, E. F. Norris, E. E. McGill,
Andrew Fleckenstein, M. S. Marquis, and
W. E. Wallace. The company has since en-
joyed a prosperous career. They have a
six-kiln plant with a capacity of $225,000
worth of plain and decorated vitrified
china. About four hundred people are
given employment in the works, and the
];roduct is shipped to all parts of the coun-
try. The present officers of the concern are
]\I. S. Marquis, president. C. C. Robingson,
vice president, W. E. Wallace, treasurer,
J. E. Wallace, secretary'; and Andrew
Fleckenstein, E. E. McGill, E. P. Norris
and E. I. Phillips, directors.
UNIVERSAL SANITARY MANUFACTURING COM-
PANY.
Another large and important concern is
the Universal Sanitary Manufacturing
Company, which was incorporated in 1901,
with a capital of $100,000, and with the fol-
lowing officers and directors : C. J. Kirk,
president; Edward King, vice president;
J. W. Knox, treasurer; T. F. Morehead,
secretary ; and James Simpson, Geo. Greer,
and John Reis, directors. In 1907 R. C.
Patterson was elected in place of Mr. King
and at the same time Mr. John H. Clappin
in the place of Mr. Greer. Its immense
plant located at New Castle Junction, a
picture of which may be found on another
page of this volume, covers more than eight
acres of ground, and consists of five kilns
and several buildings, all of which are
fitted up with the most modern machinery,
making it one of the best equipped fac-
tories in the United States. The company
manufactures a full line of vitreous china,
closets and lavatories in all styles and
shapes, together with basins, plumbers'
earthenware, etc. One hundred people are
employed, and the product turned out in-
cludes the very latest patterns, embodying
all practical improvements, some of the
sets and pieces being the invention of Mr.
James Simpson, the highly capable super-
intendent of the works. The company's
trade extends to almost every part of the
United States and Canada.
NEW CASTLE PORTLAND CEMENT COMPANY.
This extensive concern was incorporated
in 1901, with a capital of $800,000,
and is engaged in the manufacture of fire
brick, red and paving brick, ground fire
clay, crushed limestone for flux, concrete
and ballast. They are also wholesale and
retail coal dealers. The works have a ca-
pacity of 2,500 tons of limestone, 500 tons
of fire clay and 100,000 tons of brick. The
company's business offices are in the Law-
rence Savings and Trust Building, while
they have a yard office at No. 236 South
134
HISTOEY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Mill Street. This company is the successor
to the Marquis Limestone and Clay Com-
pany, and is doing an extensive and pros-
perous business. Edwin N. Ohl is presi-
dent, Charles G-reer, vice-president, and
Edwin F. Norris, secretary and treasurer.
OTHEE INCORPORATED COMPANIES.
The following is a brief mention of some
of the prominent incorporated companies
now doing business in New Castle and the
vicinity, in addition to those of whom
sketches have been given herein :
American Co-operative Association, 7
Pearson Building; incorporated, 1906; cap-
ital, $500,000.
Brown & Hamilton Company ; dry goods,
etc. ; incorporated, 1907 ; capital, $150,000.
Croton Limestone & Brick Company; S.
D. Pearson, president; incorporated,
1902; capital, $30,000.
Dollar Savings Association (Building
and Loan); John H. Prescott, president;
J. P. Cunningham, vice-president; J. Gr.
Northdurft, secretary; H. L. Alley, treas-
urer ; incorporated in 1898 ; capital, $6,000,-
000.
Frew Furniture Company. J. H. Frew,
president; Milton Frew, secretary and
treasurer; No. 79 E. Washington Street;
incorporated, 1901; capital, $30,000.
Horton & Whitten Hardware Company;
117 East Washington Street ; incorporated,
1900; capital, $30,000.
Jamestown Veneer Door Company, 79
East Washington Street; incorporated,
1902 ; capital, $50,000.
Charles T. Metzler Company, 205 East
Washington Street; incorporated, 1905;
capital, $20,000.
Neshannock Brick & Tile Company; W.
S. Mears, president; J. E. Sankey (Vo-
lant), vice-president; W. S. Rice, secre-
tary ; J. W. Neff , treasurer ; 71 West Wash-
ington Street; incorporated, 1905; capital,
$17,000.
New Castle Concrete Company; L. G.
Emery, president; J. M. Gardner, secre-
tary and treasurer; 1361/2 East Washing-
ton Street and 56 East Long Avenue; in-
corporated, 1907; capital, $10,000.
New Castle Contracting Company, 22
Dean Block ; A. W. Woods, president ; J. A.
DeNormandie, secretary; W. Lakey, treas-
urer; incorporated, 1907; capital, $20,000.
New Castle & Eastern Railroad Com-
pany; E. N. Ohl, president; E. F. Norris,
secretary and treasurer; incorporated,
1903; capital, $100,000.
New Castle Notion Company, comer Mill
and Croton Avenue; W. M. White, presi-
dent; J. B. Offutt, vice-president; W. H.
Grove, secretary; R. D. McKinney, treas-
urer and manager; importers and jobbers
of notions and manufacturers of overalls,
shirts and pants ; incorporated, 1901 ; cap-
ital, $75,000.
New Castle Paint & Varnish Company;
George Greer, president; D. H. Amsbary,
vice-president ; Chester W. Wallace, secre-
tary, treasurer and manager ; manufactur-
ers of paints for bridges, roofs, stacks and
all metal surfaces; also house paints and
paint specialties; office, 72 Pittsburg
Street ; factory, Neal Street.
New Castle Real Estate Company, 201
East Washington Street; incorporated,
1903; capital, $100,000.
Osgood Hardware Company, 22 North
Mill Street: incorporated, 1906; capital,
$10,000.
Shenango Coal Company; Lawrence
Savings and Trust Building; incorporated,
1902; capita], $30,000.
Smith, Hutton & Kirk Company ; whole-
sale and retail hardware, house furnish-
ings, buggies, wagons, mine and mill sup-
plies, plumbing, etc.; J. M. Smith, presi-
dent and treasurer ; H. M. Kirk, vice-presi-
dent; J. W. Hutton, secretary; incorpo-
rated, 1903 ; capital, $55,000.
Thompson Run Coal Company, 10 West
Washington Street ; L. S. Hoyt, president ;
E. H. Douthitt, vice-president ; A. C. Hoyt,
secretary; capital, $50,000.
B. U. Young & Company, 54-56 Cunning-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
135
liam Street; wholesale green fruits, pro-
duce, etc. ; incorporated, 1900 ; capital, $20,-
000.
There are in all about seventy-five in-
corporated companies doing business in
New Castle, besides numerous other busi-
ness firms and unincorporated companies,
engaged in the usual lines of commerce
found in every thriving community. Most
of them are in a flourishing condition, par-
taking of and contributing to the general
business prosperity that New Castle has en-
joyed in recent years. Limited space pre-
vents us from mentioning all by name, but
enough have been here given to epitomize
the industrial history of the city, and to
exhibit in sketchy outline its present-
day manufacturing and commercial impor-
tance.
CHAPTER VIII
BANKS AND BANKING
First Bank in Neiv Castle — National Bank of Lawrence County — First National Bank
of New Castle — People's Savings Bank — Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank — Citi-
zens' National Bank — The Lawrence Savings and Trust Company — Home Trust
Company — Union National Bank — Neiv Castle Savings and Trust Co.
In the financial world New Castle holds
a high position, as might be exiDected of
a city of its extensive business interests.
Her bank deposits, loan investments and
interest-drawing moneys aggregate a total
which, if divided among the entire popu-
lation, would mean an average of about
$277. The per capita circulation of the
tlnited States is but $35. The banks and
trust companies of New Castle are among
the soundest, most substantial and care-
fully managed of any fiduciary institutions
in the country. Two of the national banks
are roll of honor institutions, their sur-
plus being in excess of their capital stock.
All are institutions of which New Castle
is justly proud and in which her citizens
have the utmost confidence.
The first banking institution in New
Castle was a private bank, opened by Will-
iam Dickson and William McClymonds,
about 1851. It continued in business until
December, 1854, when it became so much
involved as to be obliged to wind up its
affairs.
NATIONAL BANK OF LAWRENCE COUNTY.
Tills institution had its origin in the
Bank of New Castle, which was organized
in 1855, the act of incorporation being
dated March 30th. Tlie original incorpo-
rators were A. L. Crawford, E. W. Cun-
ningliam, Joseph Kissick, Thomas Wilson,
Ezekiel Sankey, William Dickson, John N.
Euwer, Cyrus Clarke, Charles T. AVhippo,
L. L. McGruffin, Thomas Falls, James A.
McClaughey, Hon. John Ferguson, James
Leslie, and William H. Reynolds. Its nomi-
nal capital was $150,000.
After about two years of varying for-
tunes, this institution suspended. Being
reorganized under the name of the "Bank
of Lawrence County," it did business until
1865, when it took up the state circula-
tion and organized as the "National Bank
of Lawrence Countv," with a capital of
$150,000. Its circulation is now $150,000 ;
its surplus, $1,000,000. It is doing a suc-
cessful general banking business. Its pres-
ent officers are: Edward King, president;
Charles Matthews, first vice-president ; Ru-
fus C. Patterson and George L. Patterson,
vice-presidents; Charles F. Montgomery,
cashier; John Elder, Jr., assistant cashier.
A private bank was organized by Dick-
son, Watson and William Patterson in
1855. Watson sold out and withdrew in
1858, and Mr. Patterson conducted the
business in his own name until about 1872,
when the name was changed to "Patter-
son's Bank."
FARMERS AND MECHANICS' BANK.
A bank under the above title was organ-
AND KEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
137
ized as a stock company about 1858, with
William Watson as president, I). H. W^al-
lace as cashier, and Mannaseh Heulein as
vice-president. When Colonel Wallace en-
tered the army, in 1861, it was merged into
a private banking house by William A\'at-
son, who continued business about four
years, when it was discontinued.
FIEST NATIONAL BANK OF NEW CASTLE.
This bank was organized in 1864, with a
capital of $150,000. Articles of associa-
tion were signed October 4, 1864, and the
following were the original officers : I. N.
Phillips, president; E. I. Agnew, cashier.
The surplus fund of the bank is $500,000.
The circulation is $200,000.
The record of the First National Bank
has been one of unbroken success, due to
prudent, conservative methods, liberal
dealings and the watchful care exercised
over the interests of its patrons. Its of-
ficers are all men of high standing in the
community and recognized leaders in the
commercial and financial world. It has
ever been a great reservoir of monetary
strength, relieving congestion, restoring
the currents of business activity, averting
threatened disaster, and keeping in motion
the wheels of productive energy. Its pres-
ent officers are AVilliam S. Foltz, president ;
George Greer, vice-president; Samuel
Foltz, cashier. Directors : John W. Knox,
J. F. Genkinger, E. N. Ohl, J. P. H. Cun-
ningham, S. W. Cunningham, and C. S.
Clark.
people's savings bank.
This institution was chartered in 1868,
with a capital of $100,000, and authority
to increase to $500,000. It never organized
under the charter. It ceased doing busi-
ness in 1884.
The banking house of Foltz & Sons was
organized September 23, 1873. The officers
were Samuel Foltz, president ; W. S. Foltz,
cashier; L. S. Foltz, bookkeeper. The
senior partner, Samuel Foltz, was also
president of the First National Bank. The
firm for some time did a general bank-
ing business, but is no longer in existence.
The Citizens' National Bank was incor-
porated under the national banking laws,
in 1891, with a capital of $200,000. Its
first officers were Thomas W. Phillips,
president; Lewis S. Hoyt, vice-president,
and David Jameson, cashier. These of-
ficers, together with the following gentle-
men, constituted the board of directors :
Samuel McCreary, J. Norman Martin, Ed-
ward T. Kurtz, John Sword, Joseph K.
Pearson, George L. Herr, William W. Eich-
baum, and George B. Berger. Their pres-
ent three-story brick building was pur-
chased at that time and thoroughly remod-
eled. The bank uses the first floor, while
the remainder of the building is rented for
office purposes. The bank has earned and
paid dividends every year since it was
started, and now has undivided earnings
of about $250,000. It is conducted on con-
servative lines, and during all the years
of its history has never for a minute been
under its legal reserve. It has never bor-
rowed a dollar nor re-discounted a note.
The statement of the bank for May 14,
1908, shows, in addition to the capital stock
of $200,000, a surplus and profits of $236,-
985.95. The officers are : Thomas W. Phil-
lips, president; Lewis S. Hoyt, vice-presi-
dent; David Jameson, cashier; John H.
Lamb, assistant cashier. Directors :
Thomas W. Phillips, M. II. Henderson,
Lewis S. Hoyt, Charles H. Andrews, Sam-
uel McCreary, .J. P. H. Cunningham, Da-
vid Jameson, J. Norman Martin, E. N.
Baer, John H. Preston and Edward T.
Kurtz.
LAWKENCE SAVINGS AND TEUST COMPANY.
The Lawrence Savings and Trust Com-
pany was incorporated in March, 1901, with
a capital stock of $300,000, since which
time it has enjoyed a rapid and steady
growth. The bank is splendidly equipped
in every department and is conducted on
strictly business principles. Its financial
condition is in the highest degree satis-
138
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
factory. It is a legal depositary for all
court and trust funds, issues savings books
and receives deposits in amounts from $1
up. It has a fine safe deposit vault, with
fire, burglar and bomb-proof guards
against loss. The home of the bank is at
No. 125 East Washington Street, in one
of the finest structures in Western Penn-
sylvania, its seven stories being built of
polished granite, cut stone and red pressed
brick. Its interior is most beautiful in
design and finish and it is fitted with every
modern contrivance for the accommodation
of customers and the transaction of busi-
ness. Its officers are G. W. Johnson, presi-
dent; P. L. Craig and H. M. Henderson,
vice-presidents; E. E. McGill, secretary
and treasurer; F. A. Shultz, assistant sec-
retary.
HOME TRUST COMPANY.
The Home Trust Company is one of the
more recent of Lawrence County's finan-
cial institutions, as it is also one of the
most up-to-date. It was iucorpo rated in
1902, with a paid up capital of $125,000.
It has in the present year (1908) undivided
profits of $32,000. Its quarters, at 53
Pittsburg Street, are fitted up with every
convenience, while its safes and vaults are
absolutely fire and burglar-proof. A gen-
eral banking business is done and it is the
authorized depositary for estate funds, and
acts in any trust capacity. The officers of
the company are men who are prominently
identified with the commercial and finan-
cial interests of New Castle, and have
the full confidence of the business com-
munity. They are S. M. Marquis, presi-
dent; R. A. McKinney, secretary, and W.
S. Grove, treasurer.
UNION NATIONAL BANK.
A still younger institution than the one
just mentioned is the Union National Bank,
which was organized by W. W. Eichbaum,
L. M. Buchanan and Ij. M. Weber, and
opened for business in a rented room on
South Mill Street, on January 8, 1907. The
bank's present fine structure of brick and
terra cotta was completed and opened for
business November 1, 1907. The building
and lot are worth about $20,000, including
the latest equipment. The bank's state-
ment, issued in May, 1908, showed paid-in
capital stock, $100,000; undivided profits
(less expenses and taxes paid), $1,509.10;
individual deposits, subject to check, $51,-
796.68. The officers are : W. W. Eichbaum,
president ; L. M. Buchanan, first vice-presi-
dent ; Calvin Smith, second vice-president ;
J. E. Aiken, cashier (succeeded C. F.
Wlieeler). The directors are: W. W.
Eichbaum, L. M. Buchanan, Calvin Smith,
J. E. Aiken, James A. George, Jere
Blucher, M. L. Cukerbrauni, U. G. Eckles,
L. M. Uber, W. S. Rejmolds, Samuel Hoff-
meister, M. L. Wallace, A. W. Reynolds,
J. W. Neff and L. G. Emery. The original
board was the same as the present, with
the exception of Messrs. Hotfmeister and
Wallace, who became members during the
present year.
NEW CASTLE SAVINGS AND TRUST COMPANY.
This companv was incorporated March
27, 1903, with a capital stock of $300,000,
divided into 3,000 shares of $100 each.
The plan of organization was a popular
one, the original subscription being limited
to fifty shares. When the stock had been
all subscribed for, it was found that there
were 270 stockholders, citizens of almost
every township being interested.
The company purchased the Flecken-
stein property, at No. 15 East Washington
Street, remodeled the building and fitted
up the premises for banking purposes. It
opened for business on June 1, 1903. Will-
iam G. Dunn was elected president, and
J. S. Taylor, secretary and treasurer. With
its large number of stockholders as a basis,
the business of the institution increased
rapidly and at the close of 1906 it had
more than 3,000 depositors. Its total de-
posits at this time exceeded $600,000.
In January, 1907, the State Banking
Commissioner, on information that $175,-
000 of coal bonds held by it were not good
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
141
securi ty, cited the officials to aiDpeai- before
him to show cause why the company should
not be declared insolvent, in the meantime
sending one of his examiners to New
Castle. At the hearing, the coal bonds
were shown to be secured by a first
mortgage on coal property worth at least
twice the face of the bonds and the solvency
of the trust company otherwise established,
but the action of the banking department
had become known and, to avoid a run by
depositors, the bank was closed and a re-
ceiver appointed to wind up its affairs.
At this writing the depositors have all been
paid in full and there are sufficient assets
to give back to the stockholders all their
money. All parties now concede that it was
a mistake to close the institution, as it
was entirelv solvent.
CHAPTER IX
THE PRESS
Newspapers and Editors of the Past and of the Present.
The early history of journalism in New
Castle, as in most towns of its size, is
largely a record of ups and downs, with
a very liberal proportion of "downs," but
with the growth of the city during the last
quarter of a century there has come a cor-
responding security of foundation for
newspaper enterprises, in the large in-
crease in population and in the various
manufacturing, commercial and social in-
terests that spring up and are naturally
evolved from the advancing prosperity of
any considerable community included with-
in the limits of civilization. All, or some,
of these various interests, in some degree,
enter into the life of each individual in the
communit}% as forming a part of his daily
environment ; or, perhaps, in a closer rela-
tionship, as affording him his means of
subsistence, and it behooves him, therefore,
to keep in touch with passing events. The
daily newspaper is the mirror in which
one sees reflected all the kaleidescopic pan-
orama of contemporaneous human life. It
is the most universally read of all litera-
ture and the most universally appreciated.
Each individual finds within its columns
the latest news on the subject which in-
terests him the most. The election of a
president, the discovery of a new comet, or
the downfall of a pugilistic champion are
there all recorded with the utmost impar-
tiality, and generally within an hour or
two of the actual occurrence. It records
not only that which is doing or has been
done, but that which is to be done; and
one sees foreshadowed within its pages
many of the things or events to be in the
near or distant future, from the proposed
organization of a new fraternal society to
next spring's fashions in millinery. Truly,
were all men to be asked what modern
convenience of life they would surrender
with the greatest reluctance, not a few
would reply, "The daily paper."
It is not our intention in this article to
enter into a long, detailed history of all
the newspapers that at one time or an-
other have flourished in New Castle for a
longer or briefer period, but simply to give
an outline sketch of the early growth of
journalism in the city, with a few words in
regard to its present status, as exhibited in
the admirable papers, which, in this first
decade of the twentieth century, minister
to the perpetual thirst for information
characteristic of the up-to-date citizen, here
as elsewhere. Much, if not all, of the in-
formation herein given has appeared, at
different times, in previous histories or in
the local press, but doubtless it will be
acceptable to the reader in its i^resent
form.
The first paper published in New Castle
made its debut in the early part of De-
cember, 1826. The exact date of the first
number is not known. It was called the
New Castle Register, and was published
by David Crawford, who formerly lived in
Mercer. It was a five-column folio, issued
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
143
once a week, the subscription price being $2
a year. Having no column rules, the col-
umns were separated from each other by
blank lines nearly a quarter of an inch in
width. The office of the Register was situ-
ated near the west end of North Street, on
the first floor of a log house standing on
or near the present site of James A. Ste-
venson's residence. The paper was printed
on a Ramage press, the woodwork of which
was made by Joseph Emery. Like other
presses of the kind, it had a wooden platen
with metal face. The bed of the press was
of stone, and is still in existence, serving
as a hearthstone in a Third AVard dwell-
ing. The impression was made by turning
a screw, which required two pulls for every
impression. When run by a good pressman
it would print five or six quires an hour.
No file of this paper is in existence, and
only here and there can a copy of it be
found. But as it was almost totally devoid
of local news, there is little to regret that
so few copies have been preserved. After
being published for about two years, it was
discontinued, and Mr. Crawford left New
Castle and returned to Mercer, where he
lived until 1831, when he came back to
New Castle, bringing his family with him.
George P. Shaw, a brother to the late Col.
William H. Shaw, was editor of the Reg-
ister.
About eight years after the suspension
of the Register, a successor appeared in the
New Castle Intelligencer, which was owned
by a joint stock company, of which Major
Ezekiel Sankey and Judge Robert W. Stew-
art were two of the principal members. It
was published by John W. Cunningham,
who resided in New Castle until his death,
which occurred in December, 1864.
The editor of the paper was a young
man named Henry E. Wallace, who came
here in the summer of 1836 and opened the
first law office in this place. After the In-
telligencer suspended, Mr. Wallace went to
Philadelphia, where he became a promi-
nent lawyer, and was for many years editor
of the Legal Intelligencer. Michael Wey-
and, for many years editor and pro-
prietor of the Beaver Times, officiated
in the capacity of "printer's devil"
in the New Castle Intelligencer office.
The first number was issued on Au-
gust 18, 1836. It was a five-column folio
and was printed on imperial paper. The
columns were two and three-fourths inches
wide. The short columns were sixteen and
three-quarters inches in length and the long
ones eighteen inches. The first and sec-
ond pages consisted exclusively of reading
matter, while the third and fourth pages
were made up chiefly of advertisements,
both home and foreign. The head of the
paper was composed of heavy black-faced
letters about a half inch in height. The
office was situated on the northeast corner
of Washington and Beaver Streets, over
Thomas McCleary & Co.'s store. After the
lapse of about two years the publication
of the Intelligencer was discontinued.
What became of the press and tj-pe is not
known, but it is not at all improbable that
they were both used in printing the West-
ern Sentinel and the Mercer and Beaver
Democrat.
The publication of the Western Sentinel
was commenced in August, 1837, and dis-
continued in December, 1838, making the
period of its existence about sixteen
months. It was a small four-page paper,
with six columns to the page, and was
edited hj 0. C. Lockhart, an elderly gentle-
man, who afterwards resided on a farm
near the town of Pulaski, this county. In
politics it supported the Whig party.
From December, 1839, to August, of
1839, there was no paper published here.
Since the latter date the people of New
Castle have never known what it is to do
without a local paper. The first number
of the Mercer and Beaver Democrat, a five-
column folio, was published on Wednesday,
August 14, 1839. Notwithstanding its
name, it was a "Wliig paper and was pub-
lished at $2 a year. The advertising rates
were $1 per square for the first three in-
sertions and 25 cents for each subsequent
144
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
insertion. The original proprietor of the
paper was John Speer, who, after dis-
posing of his interest to John B. Early, re-
moved to Arkansas. ^Yhen this change of
proprietors was made we cannot say, but
it is well known that Mr. Early was pro-
prietor in September, 1840. 0. C. Lock-
hart, whom we have already mentioned as
editor and publisher of the Western Sen-
tinel, worked as a compositor on the
Democrat. One of the principal writers
on the Democrat was "Zip" Allison, who
formerly lived in Beaver. "Zip" was an
excellent writer and a young man of su-
perior ability, but unfortunately he was ad-
dicted to strong drink. In regard to re-
ligion he was what is coromonly called a
"free thinker." The Democrat was dis-
continued soon after the election of 1840,
only sixty niunbers having been published.
We must not omit to relate the singular
fact that William D. C. Greene, one of the
editors of the Democrat, after making a
will and bequeathing his library to George
D. Prentice, committed suicide by taking
an overdose of laudanum. He died at the
Washington House, on Washington Street,
near Mill. He was a young man of consid-
erable literary talent, and was unmarried
at the time of his death. His rash act was
probably due to intemperance, a vice more
common in those days even than now.
The Mercer and Beaver Democrat was
succeeded by the New Castle Gazette, the
first number of which appeared on Friday,
October 15, 1841. It was published by H.
A. McCullough and William H. Shaw. The
ofBce was on the northeast corner of Wash-
ington and Mill Streets. The Gazette was
a four-page paper, with five wide columns
to the page, and was published at $2 a
year. About two months after it was
started McCullough sold his interest to
John S. Winter. Shaw & Winter published
it about one year, when Winter sold his
interest to Shaw and went home to his
father, Dr. John AVinter, of Sharon. So
unprofitable had been their business dur-
ing the year that it was agreed that Win-
ter should receive for his year's labor only
$2, and he should receive that sum from
his father, who owed a year's subscrip-
tion to the Gazette. Mr. Shaw published
the paper until 1845, when he sold his in-
terest to Alexander Cameron. About the
beginning of 1845 the Gazette was fur-
nished with a new head and was changed to
a six-column paper, without enlarging its
size. The office from which it was issued
was then on East Street. The publication
day was Wednesday. The firm name was
W. H. Shaw & A. Cameron. In the spring
of 1846 the firm name was Cameron & Shaw
and the publication day was Thursday.
Some time during the summer or autumn
of 1846 Mr. Cameron sold his interest to
George P. Shaw, brother to William H.
Shaw. The finn name then became W. H.
& G. P. Shaw, and continued so until 1858,
when George P. Shaw sold his interest to
his brother and retired from connection
with the paper.
On the 23d of August, 1849, the Gazette
appeared in an entire new dress and en-
larged to seven columns wide. The new
head was in length equal to the width of
five columns. Just prior to the publication
of this issue the office had been removed
to Crawford & Co.'s new building on the
southwest corner of Jefferson Street and
the "Diamond," over the postoffice and
telegraph office.
In 1849 James M. Kuester came here
from Pittsburg, and during the same year
began the publication of a Democratic
paper called the Laivrence Journal, and
continued to own it until about the year
1862, then selling it to his son, G. D.
Kuester, and Joseph Miller. The paper,
having changed its politics to Republican,
had a hard time to exist and finally died
for lack of patronage about 1870. We find
a mention of it suspending publication Sep-
tember 1, 1861.
David Craig, who for a time had been
associated with the Shaw brothers in pub-
lishing the Gazette, severed his connection
in October, 1851. On Julv 1, 1852, the
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
145
Gazette appeared in mourning for the
death of Henry Clay, all the column rules
of the second and third pages being turned.
The summer of 1852 seems to have
formed the brightest and happiest period
in the history of local journalism, judging
from the number of pound cakes and bou-
quets presented to the editors.
The first number of the Cosmopolite ap-
peared on November 25, 1853, H. P. W.
Bay & Co. being the editors and propri-
etors. But three numbers were printed.
The issues were made periodically, as three
months intervened between the first and
second number. This paper was super-
seded by the Coal City Item on January 5,
1856, with J. Sell Jennings as editor ancl
proprietor. According to announcement
in the paper, M. B. Glenn became associate
editor in June, 1858. The Item was pub-
lished weekly until early in 1860. The of-
fice was located in the second story of the
building on the southeast corner of Wash-
ington and Mill Streets. George Hender-
son occupied the first floor as a diy goods
and general store. In 1860 the stock of the
Item was taken by Dr. Daniel Leasure, J.
Sell Jennings, M. B. Speer and William
M. Hunter, and a new company organized
to publish the Coal City Chronicle. This
paper was a semi-weekly and was issued
from the "Old Stone Corner." In July of
the same year, Mr. Hunter retired from
the firm, his intei'est having been bought
by Oscar 0. Sutherland. In the same
month J. Sell Jennings sold his interest in
the concern to J. Walter Vincent, of New
Wilmington, who remained with the com-
pany until April, 1861, when the publica-
tion of the paper was suspended, after the
entire force of the office had enlisted for
the war.
The first cylinder press to be operated
in this city was brought here by J. M.
Blanchard in 1853, and was used in print-
ing the Promulgator, an Abolition paper.
Some time during the next year Mr. Blan-
chard sold the paper to William F. Clark,
of Mercer. He changed the name of the
publication to the American Freeman. In
1857 E. S. Durban, who had been pub-
lishing a Democratic paper in Franklin,
bought the office from Mr. Clark. He
changed the name of the paper to the New
Castle Courant and continued as editor and
proprietor until about 1876, when the of-
fice was bought by J. H. Douglass. After
publishing the paper a few years the latter
turned the paper over to Mr. Durban, who
continued in charge of the business until
early in the eighties, when Corson & Pryor
bought the office. The Courant and Guar-
dian, the latter then owned by a stock
company, were consolidated and issued
under the name of the C our ant-Guardian.
The office was afterward sold to a stock
company, who enlarged and improved the
plant and continued the publication under
the name of the Herald until nearly three
years ago, when the present owner, A. C.
Dickinson, bought the plant.
On the 24th of August, 1854, the Gazette
appeared for the second time in an entire
new dress. From then imtil 1862 nothing
worthy of particular notice took place in
regard to the Gazette. On August 7, 1862,
it suspended publication in consequence
of its editor. Col. W. H. Shaw, having
enter the military service of the United
States. It was revived on May 18, 1864,
appearing in a new dress. It was published
as a Eepnblican paper until about the mid-
dle of September, being then sold to a Dem-
ocratic stock company for $1,500. Some
of the principal stockliolders were David
S. Morris, D. M. Courtney, Lewis Taylor
and S. W. Dana. Under this management
the Gazette was edited bv D. S. Morris until
William S. Black, of Philadelphia, took
charge of it in March, 1865. At the time
that Mr. Morris served as editor Thomas
J. McCleary had charge of the mechanical
department. The latter was succeeded by
his brother, Joseph B., who continued as
foreman as long as it remained in exist-
ence.
The Gazette and Democrat, one of the
best newspapers ever published in New
146
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Castle, was forced to suspend publication
about the middle of September, 1875, be-
cause the editor, William S. Black, could
not collect money due him on subscrip-
tion.
On the 3d of February, 1855, the Deiv-
drop, published by 0. 0. Sutherland and
J. H. Gilliland and printed in the Gazette
office, made its appearance. It lived but
three months at the subscription price of
25 cents. It was intended for a humorous
publication, but got into trouble on ac-
coimt of the too free i;se of a business
man's name, and after the young editors
had had an experience at court the publica-
tion suspended.
Thomp Burton was associated with Mr.
Black in publishing the Gazette from Jan-
uary 1, 1867, until the next November. At
intervals in 1868 and 1869 R. Gregor Mc-
Gregor had charge of the editorial depart-
ment, being succeeded by John F. Brown,
who continued on the Gazette until Julv,
1872. On July 15, 1872, George W. Penn
became connected with it as editor, and
remained in that eapacitj' until it sus-
pended, on September 10, 1875. We must
not omit to mention that in the beginning
of January, 1867, the Gazette appeared
in an entire new dress, and enlarged one
column to each page. From this brief
sketch it can be seen that the Gazette had
a most eventful existence, being published
first as a "Whig paper, then a Republican
paper, and lastly as a Democratic paper.
It began as a five-column and died as an
eight-column paper, aged thirty-four years.
In the latter part of 1867 or early in 1868
Thomp Burton started a paper called the
Champion, in a room near the Washing-
ton Street bridge in the interest of Dan
Rice, the showman, then a candidate for
the presidential nomination. Owing to the
bad health of the editor and the weakness
of the candidate, the paper ceased to exist
in a few months.
In 1867 David Sankey published the
Journal, and during his ownership of sev-
eral years wielded considerable power. Mr.
Sankey was a forcible writer and was care-
less where the shots hit.
David Sankey & Co., publishers of the
Lawrence Journal, suspended the publica-
tion about the first of June, 1874, because
the owners were unable to secure a proper
person to manage the paper. The sub-
scribers who had paid in advance were
given the Gazette and Democrat imtil their
subscription had expired.
In 1870 Capt. R. G. Dill and William
Piatt began the publication of the Lawrence
Guardian. After a few years of successful
management they sold the paper to Dr.
J. J. Wallace and G. W. McCracken, who
continued its publication until it was sold
to a company of politicians, who owned
the office when the Guardian and Courant
consolidated.
The Signal was first issued on the 15th
of January, 1875, and suspended February
4, 1876. William H. Gault was its founder
and editor.
The Neic Era, a prohibition paper, was
started September 21, 1875, by James K.
Frew, and its editor was James A. Gard-
ner. The office was afterwards sold to
Thomp Burton, who began the publication
of the Paragraph.
In 1875 George W. Penn and E. C. Stone
began publishing the Lawrence Paragraph
in a room in the Henderson Block, and
continued its publication until 1881, when
Major AVilliam Gordon bought Mr. Stone's
interest. The name of the paper was
changed to the New Castle Democrat, the
same as it is today. Mr. Gordon, in Sep-
tember of 1881, sold his interest in tlie
paper to T. J. McCleary, the present editor
and publisher. The latter bought Mr.
Penn's interest in 1883, giving him the full
control.
The first number of the Daily Index, a
paper advocating the temperance cause,
with William P. Miller and William J.
Bannan as editors and proprietors, ap-
peared on May 21, 1879, and existed until
December 31st of the same year. A weekly
edition of the same paper was published,
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS 147
the first number of which was issued May ownership of George E. Treadwell and
19th, and ceased to exist December 8, 1880. William J. Bannan. The Daily City News
The owners and publishers of the latter was subsequently started and is still issued
were: T. J. Gleason and William J. Ban- regularly under the management of Fred
nan. The first issue of the Weekly Neivs L. Rentz, who has been connected with the
appeared on December 15, 1880, under the paper many years.
CHAPTER X
LAWRENCE COUNTY BENCH AND BAR
Early Courts — Famous Judges — Leading Laivyen
Lawrence County, erected out of parts
of Beaver and Butler Counties by act ap-
proved March 20, 1849, lay within the jur-
isdiction of the Seventeenth Judicial Dis-
trict of Pennsylvania, which had been
formed in 1831, with John Bredin as pre-
siding judge under appointment by the
Governor, made April 1, 1831. At the first
sitting of court in Lawrence County, the
following attorneys from the county were
admitted and sworn: Jonathan Ayres, J.
K. Boyd, David Craig, David C. Cossett,
John M. Crawford, John Hoffman, James
W. Johnston, Davis B. Kurtz, L. L. Mc-
Guffin, John N. McGuffin, James Pollock,
Lewis Taylor and George W. Watson. Dan-
iel Ag-new, Thomas Cunningham, B. B.
Chamberlin, S. P. Fetterman and John R.
Shannon were admitted from Beaver
County. John Negley and C. C. Sullivan,
from Butler County, were admitted, and
also William Maxell, William M. Stewart,
William Stevenson and Johnston Pearson,
of Mercer County.
The following, regarding the history of
the judiciary of Lawrence County, is taken
almost verbatim from a paper read by S.
W. Dana, now Nestor of the Lawrence
County Bar, at the celebration of the semi-
centennial of the holding of the first court
in the county:
"Upon the formation of the Seventeenth
District, John Bredin, of Butler, was ap-
pointed by Governor George Wolf, presid-
ing judge, and he was commissioned dur-
ing good behavior. By the amended consti-
tution of 1838, his term of office was re-
duced from good behavior to ten years, and
his term made to expire on February 27,
1842. He was re-appointed by Governor
David R. Porter in 1842, and his term
would have expired, under the amendment
of the constitution of 1851, on the 1st day
of December, 1852. He died suddenly on
May 21, 1851.
"It appears by the record of the court
here that a meeting of this bar was held
upon the occasion of his death, the minutes
of which were at the next sitting of the
court, presented, and after an eloquent
eulogj^ upon the deceased by L. L. McGuf-
fin, ordered by the court to be enrolled. It
is here recorded that the bar united in their
tribute of affectionate regard for him, who
had so long and with so distinguished abil-
ity, presided in the district. The minutes
further say of him that he had a strong
discriminating mind, a retentive memory,
indefatigable industry and unwearied at-
tention; that he was frank, generous and
kind, always willing to suffer personal in-
convenience for the benefit of a friend. ' '
At the time Judge Bredin put on the
robes of his high office, his successor was a
mere youth, just admitted to the bar of
Beaver County. He had barely passed his
majority. He was the son of an eminent
physician who had long practiced his pro-
fession in the city of Pittsburg ; was grad-
uated from the Western University of
AND REPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
149
Pennsylvania; was a law student under
Walter Forward, and upon his admission
to the bar in 1829, entered upon the profes-
sion at Beaver. This was Daniel Agnew,
who, twenty-two years afterwards, was ap-
pointed by Grovernor William F. Johnston
president in the district in the place of
John Bredin, deceased.
"He was elected at the next annual elec-
tion. At the end of his term in 1861, he
was re-elected by the unanimous vote of all
parties. Two years afterwards he was
elected one of the judges of the Supreme
Court. For almost thirteen years, from the
spring of 1851 to December, 1863, he ad-
ministered the law within his jurisdiction.
There were no railroads connecting the
places where the courts were held. He
passed the long distances from Beaver to
Butler, and thence to Mercer, and thence to
New Castle, over the roughest roads, in all
sorts of weather, riding or driving his own
horse. He had a physical constitution of
great vigor and endurance. His mind, nat-
urally quick and acute, had by long train-
ing in the law, so mastered its principles,
and become so familiar with statutes, rules
and precedents, that the most difficult and
complicated cases were easily resolved, and
were presented by him so plainly and clear-
ly that both parties were satisfied. Rarely
were appeals taken from his decisions.
"In February, 1854, he had completed
with great care the rules of practice for
the district, and they have been continued,
with but slight alterations, to the present
time. When the oldest of us commenced
practice, many of our clients had been his
clients, and we know with what confidence
they relied upon his opinion. The com-
munity felt the same confidence in his ju-
dicial sentences.
"I will not attempt to follow him during
his career of fifteen years on the Supreme
bench. It is a part of the judicial history
of the State. His lucid opinions are con-
tained in forty-three volumes of the State
reports, from 46 to 88, inclusive. Tliere
thev will ever remain, like the fixed stars,
lighting the way of the generations of our
profession who come after us.
"Lawrence L. McGuffin, of the Lawrence
County Bar, was appointed upon the resig-
nation of Daniel Agnew by Governor
Andrew G. Curtin, to fill the vacancy imtil
next annual election. He was elected in
1864 and his term would have expired in
December, 1874, but was prolonged by the
new constitution of 1873, to the first Mon-
day of January, 1875. After the judicial
appointment in April, 1874, providing an
additional law judge for the Seventeenth
District, Charles McCandless, of Butler,
was appointed by Governor J. F. Hartraft
and held the office, with L. L. McGuffin as
president judge, until the first Monday of
January following.
"At the annual election in 1874, Eb-
enezer McJunkin and James Bredin, both
of Butler, were elected, and upon lots cast,
McJunkin became president judge and
Bredin additional law judge. James Bredin
was the son of John Bredin, the first presi-
dent of the district. In 1884, John Mc-
Michael and Aaron L. Hazen, both of the
Lawrence bar, were elected, and, by lot,
Hazen drew the presidency and McMichael
the additional judgeship.
"Judge McMichael died on April 17,
1892. J. Norman Martin, of the Lawrence
bar, was appointed to the vacancy by Gov-
ernor Robert E. Pattison. At the annual
election of the same year, John M. Greer,
of Butler, was elected and was commis-
sioned for a full term, from the first Mon-
day of January, 1893, an additional law
judge.
"By the act of April 28, 1893, making
Lawrence County a separate district, the
Fifty-first, Judge Hazen became its pres-
ident judge, and Judge Greer the president
judge of Butler County. Judge Hazen con-
tinued president judge here until the ex-
piration of his commission on the first
Monday of Januarj^, 1895, when he was
succeeded by William D. Wallace.
"Judge McMichael was admitted hei'e in
December, 1861, and thence to his eleva-
150
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
tion to the bench received his culture and
training exclusively within this court, and
under the influence of this bar. He was
upon the bench here only seven years ; and
in this short period, he came to be justly
regarded as one of the ablest judges in
this part of the State.
"Judge McGufQn was a student of John
D. Pearson, afterwards the distinguished
judge of the Dauphin County district. He
was admitted to the bar in 1843, and was
in practice at New Castle for ten years be-
fore the new coimty was formed. He was
one of the most zealous and enthusiastic
promoters of the project. The day we cele-
brate, the day of the first court at New
Castle, what a glorious day it must have
been to him ! He became the leader of the
new bar and continued such until his ele-
vation to the bench. He magnified our pro-
fession ; he magnified the judicial office. He
took great pleasure and pride in the suc-
cess of us all. His ambition to attain suc-
cess as a lawyer and judge was unbound-
ed. He would attain to it by industry and
high endeavor. But long before the end of
his judicial term, his health began to de-
cline and he gave us a high example of
patience and fortitude. Looking back to
that first court, it would seem to me that
the most prominent personage there was
Lawrence L. McGufifin."
William D. Wallace was succeeded as
president judge by William Ellis Porter,
who was selected in November, 1904, and
is the present incumbent of that high office.
Below appear a few facts concerning
many of those who have graced the Law-
rence County bar:
Hon. William D. Wallace, attorney-at-
law of New Castle and formerly judge of
the Fifty-first Judicial District of Pennsyl-
vania, was born in New Castle, May 15,
1857. After graduation from Westminster
College in 1881, he studied law under the
direction and in the office of Dana & Long
at New Castle. It was largely through his
activity that Lawrence County was set
aside as a separate judicial district, and as
recognition of his services in that direc-
tion he was elected to the judgeship thus
created, on November 6, 1894. Since leav-
ing the bench he has engaged in active
practice in his native city.
Hon. William Ellis Porter, president
judge of the Fifty-third Judicial District of
Pennsylvania, was born in Wilmington
Township, Mercer County, December 15,
1867. He graduated from Westminster
College in 1889, then after teaching two
years, read law under the preceptorship of
James A. Gardner and James M. Martin.
He was admitted to the bar of Lawrence
County, January 23, 1893, and immediately
opened an office for practice in New Castle.
He was secretary of the People's Mutual
Building and Loan Association of New
Castle, from 1894 until 1904; member of
the City Council from the Third Ward,
from 1900 to 1904, serving two j^ears as
president of that body; and in November,
1904, was elected president judge of the
Fifty-third Judicial District, in which ca-
pacity he now serves.
C. W. Fenton, of New Castle, has been
engaged in the practice of law in this city
since 1898. He was born in Lawrence
County in 1870, and received his educa-
tional training in the public schools of New
Castle, Slippery Rock State Normal and
Hiram College, graduating from the last
named in 1892. He then engaged in teach-
ing for six years and in the meantime
prosecuted the study of law; in 1898, he
was graduated from the law department
of the Ohio Northern University at xlda,
Ohio. During the Spanish-American War
he served one year as a member of Com-
pany E, Fifteenth P. V. I., with the rank of
corporal. After his return from the front
he was admitted to the bar of Lawrence
County, and became associated in practice
with Charles H. Young, now prosecuting
attorney.
W. K. HuGus has been engaged in the
practice of law at New Castle since 1896.
He was born in Venango County, Pennsyl-
vania, in October, 1868; was graduated
from Grove City College in 1893, and from
the law department of the University of
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
151
Michigau in 1895. He was admitted to the
bar of Lawrence County the following
year.
Chaeles H. Young, prosecuting attorney
of Lawrence County, was born in Beaver
Township January 16, 1876. He attended
the district schools and later engaged as
an instructor some four years. He read
law under the tutelage of Judge Martin, of
New Castle, and attended Slippery Rock
NoiTnal School, graduating in the law de-
partment in October, 1897. He was admit-
ted to the bar in that year, and has since
been in continuous practice at New Castle
since, except for the period he sei-ved in
the army during the Spanish-American
War. He bore the rank of sergeant. Mr.
Young has been very active in Republican
politics.
S. Jjvmes Call.4han, secretary of the
Chamber of Commerce of New Castle, has
been engaged in the practice of law in this
city since his admission to the bar in April,
1907. He was born in Lycoming County,
Pennsylvania, in 1868; was educated in
Wellsboro High School, Cook Academy
and Hillsdale College, after which he
taught school for a time. He acquired a
knowledge of shorthand and typewriting
in Pratt's College at Williamsport, after
which he read law in the office of C. E.
Sprout, of Williamsport, in the meantime
acting as general agent for the Connecticut
Mutual Insurance Company for that dis-
trict. He continued with that company for
six years after his removal to New Castle,
then became general agent for the New
York Life, a position he now fills. At New
Castle he continued the study of law under
the direction of xUtorney McCaslin, and
was admitted to the bar in 1907. He is a
member of the Lawrence County Bar Asso-
ciation.
A. Maetin Graham has been in practice
of the law at New Castle since 1897. He
was born in Washington Township, Law-
lence County, in 1873, and received his
education in Volant Academy, Scio Col-
lege and Mt. Union University. Then, af-
ter teaching school several years he read
law under the direction of his uncle, Hon.
J. Norman Martin, and was admitted to the
bar in 1897. During the Spanish-Ameri-
can War he was in the sei'vice as a mem-
ber of Company B. Sixteenth Regiment, P.
V. I., and participated in the Porto Rico
campaign. He is a member of the Law-
rence County Bar Association ; he has been
secretary of the Democratic County Com-
mittee throughout his residence in New
Castle.
Capt. J. V. Cunningham, a member of
the bar of New Castle, and captain of Cav-
alry Troop F, N. Gr. P., was born in Wayne
Townshija, Lawrence County, Pennsyl-
vania. After receiving a thorough classical
education in different collegiate institu-
tions, he took a law course at Ohio North-
ern University of Ada, Ohio, graduating in
1895 ; he then read law in the office of Dana
& Long, in New Castle, one year, and in
1896 was admitted to the bar of Lawrence
County. He has since engaged in practice
in this city except for such periods as his
military duties called him from home. In
1898 he was elected captain of Company
B, Sixteenth Regiment, P. V. I., and was
in command of his company throughout the
campaign in Porto Rico. In 1899 he was
appointed by President McKinley as cap-
tain of Companj^ F, Forty-second Regi-
ment, U. S. Volunteers, and served in tlae
Philippine Islands until 1901. He was
made captain of Troop F, N. G. P., May
11, 1904. He was elected district attorney
of Lawrence County, serving from 1903 tQ<
1906.
Robert L. Wallace has been engaged in
the practice of law in New York continu-
ously since his admission to the bar, De-
cember 2, 1902. He was born in Pulaski
Township, Lawrence County, in 1876, and
received his educational training in the old
seminary at Poland, Ohio, and Grove City
College, from which he was graduated in
1899. He then taught one year in Griers-
ville Academy, and a like period in Enon
Valley High School, after which he read
law under the preceptorship of Judge Mar-
tin of New Castle. He is at present Repub-
152
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
lican nominee for the State Legislature.
Wylie McCaslin lias been in practice in
New Castle for a period of fourteen years.
He was born in Scott Township, Lawrence
County, in 1869; was graduated from
GroveCity College in 1892; read law imder
the direction of Hon. J. Norman Martin,
and was admitted to the bar in 1894. He
is a member of the Lawrence County Bar
Association.
Hon. J. Norman Martin, a prominent
member of the bar of Lawrence County,
was born at Neshannock Palls, Lawrence
County, Pennsylvania, October 30, 1859.
After graduation from Westminster Col-
lege in 1881, he went west to Leavenworth,
Kansas, and there read law in the office of
Hon. Lucius Baker, a member of the Unit-
ed States Senate. On account of ill health,
he returned East and continued his legal
studies while also tilling the chair of mathe-
matics in the McElaine Institute. He com-
pleted his legal prej^aration in the office of
D. B. and E. T. Kurtz, of New Castle, and
was admitted to the bar in 1863. He was
then for three years senior member of the
firm of Martin & McCracken, since which
time he has practiced alone. He was ap-
pointed to the bench in 1892, to till the
vacancy caused by the death of Judge John
McMichael. He served as a member of the
City Council from 1885 to 1889, and of the
Select Council from 1890 to 1892. _ He was
a stockholder in the first electric light com-
pany of the city, and is a director of the
Citizens' National Bank and of the Na-
tional Bank of Lawrence County.
Scott D. Long has been engaged in the
practice of his profession in New Castle
continuously since 1869. He was bom on a
farm near iSTew Castle Pebruary 27, 1847,
and received his educational training in the
public schools of this city and in the State
Normal School. He read law in an office in
New Castle and was admitted to the bar in
May, 1869. Pie formed a partnershiiJ with
Mr. S. W. Dana, which continued until
1907, and was recognized as one of the
strongest law firms in this section of the
State. Mr. Long is now practicing alone
and maintains offices at No. 36 North Hill
street.
S. L. McCracken has been a resident of
New Castle since 1881. He was born in
Mercer County, Pennsylvania, in 1856, and
received his intellectual training in the
school at Edinburg, and in Grove City Col-
lege. He engaged in teaching for sevei'al
years in Lawrence and Mercer Counties,
then read law in the office of D. B. & E. P.
Kurtz, of New Castle. After his admis-
sion to the bar in September, 1883, he en-
gaged in practice as a partner to J. Nor-
man Martin, with whom he continued un-
til 1886. He was in the fall of 1885 elected
to the office of district attorney of Law-
rence County, in which capacity he served
one term. He is an active member of the
Lawrence County Bar Association.
William J. Moffatt, whose law offices
are in the Lawrence Savings and Trust
Building, New Castle, was born in Hickory
Township, Lawrence County, Pennsyl-
vania, January 18, 1867, but was practical-
ly reared in New Castle, where he attended
the graded and high schools. He attended
Wooster University for a time, then stud-
ied law in the office of Dana & Long; he
was admitted to the bar in March, 1894,
and has been in active practice in New Cas-
tle since. He was elected to a three-year
term as City Controller in Pebruary, 1896,
but in January, 1898, resigned that office
to enter upon the duties of district attor-
ney, having been elected as such on the
Republican ticket in 1897. At the expira-
tion of one term he resumed private prac-
tice. He is a member and vice-president
of the Lawrence County Bar Association.
William Wilbert Stevenson, a member
of the bar of Lawrence County, with office
in the Dean Building, at New Castle, was
born in Scott Township, Lawrence County,
July 25, 1867. His early education was ob-
tained in the Old Port schoolhouse, and
supplemented by courses in Rose Point
Academy, Slippery Rock State Normal
School, and Grove City College. He began
teaching in 1889, and continued that pro-
fession a number of years. He read law
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
153
under the preceptorsliip of H. K. Gregory,
and in July, 1900, was admitted to the bar
of the county. He has since been in active
practice.
J. M. Martin, who has been in practice in
New Castle for a period of forty-one years,
was born in Lawrence County in 1843. He
attended Witherspoon Institute at Butler
and the State Normal School at Edinboro,
after which he taught school one term. In
November, 1861, he enlisted in Company
E, Fifty-seventh Eegiment, P. V. I., and
during his service of three years was with
the Army of the Potomac. He was taken
jarisoner at Fredericksburg, but was pa-
roled after one month of imprisonment. In
1866 he entered the Ohio State and Union
Law College, and was graduated in 1867,
being admitted to the bar in September
following. He has been in continuous prac-
tice in New Castle since. Mr. Martin is a
member of the Lawrence County Bar As-
sociation.
Clyde Gibson, attorney-at-law of New
Castle, was born in Wilmington Township,
Lawrence Coimty, Pennsylvania; was
graduated from Westminster College in
1902, and then attended lectures in the law
department of the University of Pennsyl-
vania one year. He continued his prejiara-
tion for his profession under the preceptor-
ship of Judge Hazen, and was admitted to
the bar on July 2, 1906. He has since prac-
ticed in New Castle and has an office in the
Lawrence Savings and Trust Building. He
is a member of the Lawrence County Bar
Association.
Hon. William M. Brown, formerly lieu-
tenant-governor of Pennsylvania, and for
some years a prominent member of the
State Senate, is a lawyer by training and
engaged in practice dui'ing earlier years,
but since his retirement from public life
has given his time largely to electric rail-
road contracting. He was born at Green-
ville, Mercer County, Pennsylvania, in
1850. He read law under Judge John Mc-
Michael, and after his admission to the bar
in 1876, engaged in practice. He was elect-
ed to the State Senate in 1896, and in 1902
to the office of lieutenant-governor. Mr.
Brown is a director of the Lawrence Sav-
ings & Trust Company of New Castle.
Edwin M. Underwood, attorney-at-law
and referee in bankruptcy at New Castle,
was born in the eastern part of the State
of North Carolina, in 1868 ; he was educat-
ed in the schools of his native State, and
at Swarthmore College, of which he is a
graduate. He was admitted to the bar in
Pennsylvania in 1893, and in Ohio in 1894.
Since 1900 he has filled the office of referee
in bankrutcy. Mr. Underwood is a mem-
ber of the Lawrence County Bar Associa-
tion.
James A. Chambers, who has been in
practice at New Castle since 1903, is a
member of the firm of Akens, Wilkison,
Lockhart & Chambers. He was born in
Lawrence County in 1877; was graduated
from Westminster College in 1900, and
then prepared himself for his profession
in the office of Judge A. L. Hazen. He was
admitted to the bar in 1903, and, for a few
months retained his desk in the office of
Judge Hazen, then accepted the office of
secretary of the Chamber of Commerce, the
duties of which he discharged in connec-
tion with his practice for one year. He
subseciuently was associated with Mr. W.
Moffatt for two years, at the end of which
time he became a member of the firm of
which he is now a member. He is a mem-
ber of the Lawrence County Bar Associa-
tion.
C. H. Akens, senior member of the law
firm of Akens, Wilkison, Lockhart &
Chambers, was born in Crawford County,
Pennsylvania, in September, 1855; was
graduated from the State Normal at Edin-
burg in 1880 ; read law under B. A. Winter-
nitz and John G. McConahy, and was ad-
mitted to the bar on May 4, 1884. He en-
gaged in practice at New Castle and con-
tinued alone until April, 1907, when he
formed his present connection. He is a
member of the Lawrence County Bar As-
sociation.
H. A. Wilkison, of the well known firm
of Akens, Wilkison, Lockhart & Chambers,
154
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
was born iu Shenango Township, Law-
rence County, Pennsylvania, in 1872. He
attended Volant Academy and SliiDpery
Rock State Normal School, and subse-
quently entered upon the study of law in
the office of his uncle, C. H. Akens. He was
admitted to the bar in March, 1898, and
has since engaged in practice.
Robert K. Aiken, who has been in prac-
tice at New Castle since 1891, was born at
Portersville, Butler County, Pennsylvania.
After graduation from Westminster Col-
lege he read law in the office of Mr. D. S.
Morris, and was admitted to the bar in
1891. He was elected district attorney in
1894, and served efficiently as such for
three years. He was a member of the
Select Council of New Castle from 1898 to
1902, and in 1906 was the candidate of his
party for member of Congress. He is a
member of the Lawrence County and Penn-
sylvania State Bar Associations.
Chakles E. Mehard, with office at No. 9
in the Dean Block, has been in the practice
of law in New Castle since December, 1893,
at which time he was admitted to the bar.
He was born in New Wilmington, Law-
rence County, May 30, 1868; was graduat-
ed from Westminster College, from which
he received the degree of A. B. in 1889, and
read law in New Castle. In January, 1901,
he was elected district attorney and served
as such three years.
John P. Lockhakt, of the prominent
law firm of Akens, Wilkison, Lockhart &
Chambers, was born in Hickory Township,
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, in 1877;
he attended an academy at Alliance three
years and Westminster College four years,
graduating from the latter in 1899. He
read law under the direction of Judge
Hazen at New Castle, and was admitted to
the bar on September 1, 1902. He prac-
ticed alone until April, 1907, when the firm
of which he is now a member was formed.
He is a member of the Lawrence County
Bar Association.
L. M. Uber was admitted to the bar of
Lawrence County August 16, 1895, and has
since engaged in practice at New Castle,
being now member of the firm of Uber &
McKinley. He was born in Mercer Coun-
ty, Ohio, in 1870; was graduated from
Grove City College, and then studied law
in the office of Judge J. N. Martin. He prac-
ticed alone until 1907, when he formed a
partnership with Rufus Cole McKinley and
W. J. Uber. He is a director and stock-
holder in the Standard Wire Company and
the Union National Bank.
Thomas F. Dickey, a member of the firm
of Gregory & Dickey, with offices in the
Lawrence Savings and Trust Building, in.
New Castle, was born in this city, Novem-
ber 6, 1877. He was graduated from the
New Castle High School in 1897, and dur-
ing the two years following attended the
law department of the University of Penn-
sylvania. He finished his studies with At-
torney Gregory, and was admitted to the
bar in January, 1902. He then formed a
partnership with Harry K. Gregory, un-
der the name and style of Gregory &
Dickey. He is a member of the Lawrence
County Bar Association.
Clyde V. Ailey', of the Lawrence County
bar, has been in practice in New Castle
since December, 1901, at which time he was
admitted to the bar. He was born in Big
Beaver Township, Lawrence County, in
1874, and in 1899 was graduated from
Grove City College. He read law in the
office of Col. 0. L. Jackson. He is a mem-
ber of the Lawrence County Bar Associa-
tion.
Charles G. Martin, whose entire profes-
sional career thus far has been spent in
New Castle, was born in North Beaver
Township, Lawrence County, in 1867. He
attended Grove City College, and Ohio
Northern University, from which he grad-
uated in 1890, and then read law under At-
torneys Winternitz and McConahy. He was
admitted to the bar in 1895, and is a mem-
ber of the Lawrence County Bar Associa-
tion.
Samuel P. Emery, who has been in the
practice of law in New Castle for nearly a
score of years, was born in this city Sep-
tember 30, 1864. He was graduated from
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
157
Geneva College at Beaver Falls in 1887,
then read law with the firm of Dana and
Long. He was admitted to the bar in June,
1889, and has since been in active practice.
He served one term of three years as dis-
trict attorney, and has also served the city
as a member of the council.
James A. Gardner, city attorney of New
Castle, was born in Butler County, Penn-
sylvania, just across the Lawrence County
line. He enlisted July 21, 1861, as a pri-
vate in Battery B., First Regiment of Ar-
tillery, Pennsylvania Reserve Volunteer
Corps, known as Cooper's Battery. He
served with distinction until June 9, 1865,
when he was mustered out with the rank of
first lieutenant. Upon his return from the
front, he engaged in mercantile Ijusiness
at Princeton, Pa., six years, and in the
meantime served as justice of the peace. In
1871 he entered the study of law under
Judge John McMichael and J. M. Martin at
New Castle, and was admitted to the bar in
1876. He was elected city attornev in 1883,
and was re-elected in 1884, 1885,' in 1896,
and at every succeeding election since the
last date mentioned. He served eight years
on the school board, and was president of
that body four years.
David S. Mokeis has been engaged in the
practice of law since 1854, and has achieved
success also in various branches of busi-
ness. He was born at Meadville, Craw-
ford County, Pennsylvania, in 1824; was
graduated from Allegheny College in 1845,
and was then variously engaged iintil he
entered the legal profession. In 1847 he
organized the Croton glass manufacturing
business at New Castle, the first plant of
the kind in the city.
Joseph William Humphrey, of the Law-
rence County bar, has been in practice in
Ellwood City since 1896; he was born in
Butler County, Pennsylvania, July 31,
1868. He was graduated from Grove City
College in 1893, after which he was in-
structor in the Butler High School one
year. He then entered upon the study of
law in the office of John Marshall at Butler,
and in the spring of 1896 was admitted
to the bar in Butler and Lawrence Coun-
ties. He located at Ellwood City in that
year.
Hon. Elmer I. Phillips, president of the
New Castle Dollar Bank, is a member of
the bar of Lawrence County. He was born
in this city in 1861, and in 1884 was grad-
uated from the university at Butler, Ind.
He returned to New Castle, and in 1885
was admitted to the bar; he practiced here
for some ten years. In 1896 he was elect-
ed to the State Senate from the district
then made up of Lawrence and Butler
Counties and served one term. He was for
some years an official of the Norris Glass
Company, and in 1897 became secretary
and general sales agent of the American
Glass Company; in 1899 he became identi-
fied with the American Window Glass Com-
pany, in the same capacity. He is a mem-
ber of the board of directors of the Law-
rence Savings & Trust Company.
CoL. Robert B. McComb, wlio died at
Sandy Lake, Pa., September 22, 1907, in
his eighty-seventh year, was a distin-
guished member of the bar of Lawrence
County, to which he was admitted in 1853.
He was in that year elected to the State
Legislature, and re-elected in 1855 and in
1856. In 1862 he went to the front as
colonel of the Fourteenth Regiment, Penn-
sylvania Volunteer Infantry, and later was
commissioned colonel of "the Fifty-fifth
Regiment. He was a personal friend of
Governor Pollock, and served as a member
of his staff.
Harry Knight Gregory, ]\r. A., of the
law firm of Gregory & Dickey, New Castle,
was born December 4, 1865, in Selimsgrove,
Snyder County, Pennsylvania. He was edu-
cated in the public schools and at Mission-
ary Institute, Selimsgrove. He subse-
quently obtained his M. A. degree from
Muhlenburg College at Allentown, Pa. He
then taught school in Selimsgrove and at
Rouse's Point, N. Y. He read law in the
office of A. C. Sampson & Son. of Selims-
grove and completed his legal studies in
the office of Charles P. Ulrich, of that place.
He was admitted to the Snvder Countv
158
HISTOEY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
bar in September, 1892, and to the bar of
Lawrence County, upon the motion of D. B.
Kurtz, in December, 1892. Mr. Gregory
practiced his profession alone until Jan-
uary, 1892, when he formed his present
partnership with Thomas AV. Dickey, which
has proved a winning combination of legal
talent. He is a member of the Lawrence
County Bar Association, of which he has
sei'ved as president.
Archie AV. Gakdnek, county solicitor of
Lawrence County, was born in Slippery
Rock Township, of that county, August 6,
1861 ; he was educated in the public schools
and at Grove City College, after which he
read law with the firm of Martin & Gard-
ner, being admitted to the bar November
10, 1890. He was citv solicitor of New
Castle one term, 1894-1896, and in 1902 was
elected county solicitor, being now on his
second term.
Hon. W. S. Reynolds, who has served
two terms in tlie Pennsylvania State Legis-
lature and is at the present time Repub-
lican nominee for that office, was born in
Lawrence County, and received his educa-
tional training in Grove City College. He
was admitted to the bar on September 8,
1896.
James W. Rhodes, a native of Lawrence
County, was admitted to the bar here on
October 3, 1904.
William J. TJber, of the firm of Uber &
McKinley, at New Castle, was admitted to
the bar of Lawrence County on Jiily 10,
1907.
Benjamin A. Winternitz was born in
New Castle, and after completing the pre-
scribed course in the public schools at-
tended a commercial college in Pittsburg.
He read law with Hon. John McMichael,
and was admitted to practice January 10,
1873.
Chester W. Wallace was admitted to
the bar of Lawrence County on December
19, 1892.
Hon. George T. Weingartner, one of the
best representatives Lawrence County has
ever had in the State Legislature, is a
native of tlie county. He read law with
Robert K. Aiken and was admitted to the
bar here March 15, 1899. He served two
terms in the State Legislature, and was
nominated for the State Senate by the Re-
publican party in 1908.
Robert S. Breckenridge, deceased, who
practiced before the courts of Lawrence
County some years, was educated in the
common schools of Shenango Township,
Lawrence County, and in Beaver Academy.
He was admitted to the bar on February
10, 1868.
Frank A. Blackstone, who was ad-
mitted to the Lawrence bar on June 18,
1883, was a native of Mercer County, Penn-
sylvania. He was graduated from West-
minster College, and read law imder the
preceptorship of Oscar L. Jackson, of New
Castle.
AViLLiAM T. Burns was admitted to the
bar of Lawrence County June 18, 1883,
and engaged in practice in New Castle for
a time.
E. N. Baer, a member of the Lawrence
County bar, was born in Edinburg, Law-
rence County, and received his professional
training in the law department of the Uni-
versity of Michigan. He was admitted to
the bar in 1885, and is a member of the
Lawrence County Bar Association.
John H. Bittner, who was admitted to
the bar of the county on June 8, 1897, was
educated at Volant, receiving a common
school and academic education.
J. Smith DuShane, who is now retired
from the practice of law, was a merhber of
the One Hundredth Regiment, Pennsyl-
vania Volunteer Infantiy, during the Civil
War, and was seriously wounded at James
Island, S. C. After his admission to the
bar of the county, he served one term as
district attorney.
Samuel W. Dana, Nestor of the bar of
Lawrence County and a man who has at-
tained high distinction in the profession,
was born in the state of Massachusetts.
He graduated from Harvard University
with the class of 1847, and read law with
Hon. Samuel P. Johnston, of Warren. Pa.
He was admitted to the bar on September
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
159
5, 1853, and immediately after formed a
partnership with Maj. James W. Jolmstou.
The firm of Johnston & Dana continued
until 1862, when tlie senior member of the
firm was appointed pajonaster in the
United States Arm5^ Mr. Dana then con-
tinued alone imtil he became associated
with Mr. Scott D. Long, under the firm
name of Dana & Long, a firm which en-
joyed an enviable prestige throughout this
part of Pennsylvania. The partnership
was dissolved in 1907, and Mr. Dana
formed a partnership with his son, Richard
Falls Dana.
Richard Falls Dana, son of Samuel W.
Dana, with whom he is associated in prac-
tice, was born in the city of New Castle.
After completing his common school edu-
cation, he entered Harvard University, of
which he is a graduate. With his father,
he formed the firm of Dana & Dana in
1907.
J. Alvin Ewek, deceased, was born in
what is now Lawrence County, and was
graduated from Jefferson College with the
class of 1854. He read law with Hon. John
McMichael, and was admitted to the bar
of Lawrence County on September 12,
1865.
Samuel Plummek Emery, of the Law-
rence bar, was born in Lawrence County,
and received his education in Geneva Col-
lege at Beaver Falls. He was admitted
to the bar Jime 3, 1889, and served one
term as district attorney of Lawrence
County.
Wallace H. Falls, of New Castle, was
born in Lawrence County, and received a
preliminary education in the schools of this
city. He attended Lafayette College, after
which he took up the study of law under
Hon. John McMichael. He was admitted
to the bar on August 4, 1879.
Robert Gilliland, a native of Lawrence
County, was admitted to the bar and en-
gaged in practice here several years prior
to the Civil War.
A. W. Gardner, a member of the Law-
rence bar and a practitioner at New Castle,
was born in Lawrence County.
H. WoRTHiNGTON GsiGSBY, who repre-
sented Lawrence County one term in the
State Legislature of Pennsylvania, died in
Colorado. He was bom in Lawrence Coun-
ty, educated in the public schools and Beth-
any College, in West Virginia. He was
admitted to the bar of Lawrence County
March 3, 1897.
Leech A. Grove, an attorney, located at
EUwood Citv, was admitted to the bar Jan-
uary 2, 1900.
Justus Clyde Gilfillan, an attorney of
New Castle, is a native of Lawrence Coun-
tv and was admitted to the bar February
25, 1907.
Hon. Aaron L. H.\zen, formerly judge
of the Fifty-first Judicial District of Penn-
sylvania, was born in Shenango Township,
of what is now Lawrence County; he re-
ceived his education in the district schools,
the public schools of New Castle, Beaver
Academy and Jefferson College, gradu-
ating from that institution in 1861. He
was admitted to tlie bar Seiatember 12,
1865. He was elected and served two
terms as district attorney of Lawrence
Covmty, one tei'm as city solicitor, and was
president judge for ten years, having been
elected to that office in 1884.
Frank S. Hill, who is not now in prac-
tice, was admitted to the bar of the county
July 6, 1887. He is a native of Lawrence
County.
Frank L. A. Hoover, a native of Law-
rence County, was admitted to the bar on
March 18, 1894.
William C. Haus, deceased, was a native
of Lawrence County, and was admitted to
practice June 15, 1874.
Edwin F. G. Harper, a native of Butler,
Pa., was admitted to the Lawrence bar in
1897.
Roy Watson Hazen, of the law fii*m of
Hazen & Jamison, at New Castle, was born
in Bradford County, Pennsylvania, but has
spent most of his life thus far in Lawrence
County. He is a graduate of Allegheny
College at Meadville, and read law under
Aaron L. Hazen. He was admitted to the
bar July 10, 1907.
160
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Roy Mills Jamison, of the firm of Hazen
& Jamison, was born in Lawrence County,
Pensylvania, and was there admitted to the
bar on July 10, 1907.
James Joseph Igoe, a native of Law-
rence County, received a common school
education, then read law under D. B. Kurtz.
He was admitted to practice on September
6, 1899.
OscAK L. Jackson, a lawyer of promi-
nence at New Castle, was reared in what
is now Lawrence County; he is a man of
educational attainments, and has been a
member of the Lawrence bar since Decem-
ber, 1866.
David Jameson, cashier of the Citizens'
National Bank of New Castle, was admitted
to the bar of Lawrence County November
7, 1883, and engaged in practice for a time.
Edward T. Kurtz was admitted to the
bar of Lawrence County in May, 1865, and
for a number of years was in partnership
with his brother, Davis B. Kurtz. He be-
came one of the leading members of the bar
here.
Davis B. Kurtz, for many years re-
garded as Nestor of the Lawrence County
bar and one of the most prominent men
of the profession in this part of Pennsyl-
vania, was admitted January 7, 1850, the
first day court was held in Lawrence Coun-
ty. He was identified on one side or the
other in much of the important litigation
in the courts here, in his day.
Lewis Taylor Kurtz, deceased, was born
in New Castle, and was a son of Davis
B. Kurtz; he was educated in the public
schools and the University of New York.
He read law with his father, and after ad-
mission to the bar, September 16, 1886,
formed a partnership with him. They were
associated in practice, and with a high
degree of success, until the death of Lewis
T. Kurtz, who was then in the prime of
life.
David M. Keast, who was admitted to
the bar of Lawrence Coimty January 22,
1891, was born in Lawrence County.
Thomas B. Morgan, deceased, was born
in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, and
was engaged in practice in the courts of
Lawrence County for many years.
George C. Morgan, deceased, was a son
of Thomas B. Morgan, and was admitted to
practice in Lawrence County January 19,
1891. He was a native of New Castle.
John Law Morgan, deceased, also a na-
tive of New Castle and a son of Thomas
B. Morgan, was admitted to the bar May
4, 1891.
Harvey E. Mabtin was admitted to prac-
tice in Lawrence County December 7, 1898.
Hon. John McMichael, deceased, was
elected to the bench in the Seventeenth
Judicial District in 1884, and commis-
sioned additional law judge. He served
with characteristic ability imtil his death
in April, 1892. Judge McMichael was born
in Crawford County, Pennsylvania, and
was educated at Westminster College at
New Wilmington. He read law with H. A.
Richmond, of Meadville, and was admitted
to the bar of Lawi-ence County December
18, 1861.
John G. McConahy, deceased, was a na-
tive of Lawrence County, and was admit-
ted to the bar on September 18, 1872.
Malcolm McConnell, deceased, who
ranked among the foremost practitioners
at the bar of Lawrence County, was reared
in the county and educated in the common
schools. He read law with his uncle, R.
B. McComb, and was admitted to the bar
December 14, 1874. He served one term
as district attorney of Lawrence County,
and represented his district two terms m
the Pennsylvania Legislature.
John L. McClelland, who is now em-
ployed in Panama, on work connected with
the Panama Canal, was born in Lawrence
County ; read law with Col. R. B. McComb,
and was admitted to the bar September 27,
1883.
RuFus Cole McKinley, of the firm of
Uber & McKinley, at New Castle, was edu-
cated in Westminster College, and was
admitted to the bar on July 1, 1894.
William Elwee, Jr., was born in New
Wilmington, Lawrence County, and was
admitted to the bar September 4, 1905.
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
161
James C. Norkis, a native of Lawrence
County, was educated in the public schools
of New Castle, after which he read law
and was admitted to practice March 4,
1895. He has made rapid advancement in
the profession.
A. L. Porter, a native of Lawrence
County, was admitted to the bar January
22, 1885, and served one term as district
attorney of the county.
NAMES OF THOSE PERSONS WHO HAVE BEEN
ADMITTED TO THE BAR OF LAWRENCE
COUNTY PENNSYLVANIA.
Agnew, Hon. Daniel, January 7, 1850;
Avres, Jonathan, January 7, 1850; Akens,
C. H., April 15, 1884; Aiken, Robert K.,
September 7, 1891 ; Allsworth, B. W., Sep-
tember, 1874; Ailey, Clyde V., December
23, 1901; Bovd, J. K., January 7, 1850;
Blair, Hon. John P., 1858; Blackstone,
Frank A.; Brown, William M., January
18, 1883; Breckenridge, Robert S., Febru-
ary, 1868; Buchanan, William P.; Bates,
Arthur L., June 14, 1900; Brown, F. N.,
October 13, 1888; Baer, E. N., September
16, 1888 ; Butler, J. T., 1875 ; Bitner, John
H., June 8, 1897 ; Burnes, W. T. ; Cossitt, D.
C, January 7, 1850 ; Chamberlain, Hon. B.
B., January 7, 1850; Craig, Hon. David,
January 7, 1850; Crawford, John M., Jan-
uary 7, 1850; Cunningham, Hon. Thomas.,
January 7, 1850; Cunningham, S. W., Sep-
tember, 1875 ; Cunningham, J. V., January
9, 1897 ; Chambers, James A., 1893 ; Coch-
ran, W. W. ; Dana, Samuel W., September
5, 1853; DuShane, J. Smith, September,
1864; Drake, Homer C; Dana, Richard F.,
June 9, 1897 ; Dickey, Thomas W., January
6, 1902; Davis, Charles R., January 17,
1902; Dalzell, Hon. John; Ewer, J. Alvin,
September 12, 1865; Emery, Samuel P.,
June 3, 1889 ; Elliott, James G. ; Fetterman,
N. L., January 7, 1855; Foltz, Samuel,
1872; Falls, Wallace H., August 4, 1879;
Fenton, Clifford W., July 1, 1889; Gilli-
land, Robert, January 7, 1850; Gardner,
James A., December 16, 1876; Gordon,
Quincy A., April 24, 1889 ; Gardner, A. W.,
November 10, 1890; Graham, A. Martin,
September 10, 1899; Gregory, H. K., March
3, 1897 ; Grove, Leach A., January 2, 1900 ;
Gardner, John M., July 1, 1899; Garfield,
Hon. James A. ; Hoffman, John, January
7, 1850 ; Hazen, Hon. Aaron L., September
12, 1865; Harbison, Albert W.; Hegdenk,
Hon. Charles ; Henry, Maj. Thomas ; Hole-
stine, Samuel, January 7, 1850; Haus, W.
C, June 15, 1874; Humphrey, Joseph W.,
June 3, 1896; Hugus, W. K., April 6, 1896;
Harper, E. F. G., March 6, 1896; Hoover,
Frank A., March 19, 1894; Igo, James J.,
September 6, 1899; Johnston, Maj. James
W., January 7, 1850; Jackson, Col. Oscar
L., 1866; Jamison, David, November 7,
1883; Jones, Hon. Asa W., February 24,
1897; Kurtz, Davis B., January 7, 1850;
Kissinger, D. M., 1869; Kurtz, E. T., May,
1865; Kurtz, Lewis T., September 16,
.1886; Keast, David N., January 22, 1891;
Kinston, Gilbert D., 1870; Lee, Hon. J. W. ;
Long, Scott D., May 7, 1869; Lowrv, Porter
W., May 7, 1891; Love, W. H., November
17, 1894; Lockhart, John P., September 1,
1902; Maxwell, Col. William, January 7,
1850 ; Morgan, Hon. Thomas B., 1856 ; Mar-
tin, James M., September 11, 1867; Mor-
ris, David S. ; Morrison, Hon. Ellis ; Mar-
tin, Hon. J. Norman, September 27, 1883;
Morgan, George C, January 19, 1891;
Morgan, John Law, May 4, 1891 ; Mehard,
Charles E., December 13, 1893; Motfatt,
William J., March 12, 1894; Marshall,
Hon. Thomas M. ; Markwood, Robert, 1875 ;
Martin, Charles G., March 4, 1893; Miller,
Hon. Samuel ; Muse, George W., December
9, 1897; Martin, Harry E., December 7,
1898; McGuffin, Hon. L. L., January 7,
1850; McGuffin, John; McMichael, Hon.
John, December 18, 1861; McGlathery,
Hon. Milo ; McClain, George B., 1884 ; Me-
Kinley, J. W., September 27, 1883; Mc-
Clelland, John L., September 27, 1883;
MeCrackin, L. S., September 27, 1883 ; Mc-
Kean, H. W., December 30, 1884; McClel-
land, W. B., July 2, 1886 ; McCaslin, Wvlie,
November 17, 1894; McComb, Hon. Rob-
ert B., February 15, 1853 ; McConnell, Hon.
Malcom, December 14, 1874; McConahy,
John G., September 18, 1872; McElrath,
162
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
A. H., September 15, 1899; McCandless,
Hon. Charles; McDennott, Hon. Arcus;
Negley, Hon. John H., January 7, 1850;
Norris, James C, March 4, 1899; Nelson,
John W., December 6, 1897; Pollack,
James, January 7, 1850; Pearson, Johns-
ton, January 7,"' 1850; Pickett, B. B., 1850;
Phillips, Hon. E. E., Noyember 10, 1886;
Porter, A. L., January 22, 1885; Porter,
W. E., January 23, 1893; Richmond, Hon.
A. B. ; Reis, James W., September 3, 1888 ;
Reynolds, Hon. W. S., September 8, 1896 ;
Sanderson, Col. Thomas W. ; Stewart, Hon.
William, January 7, 1850 ; Steyenson, Will-
iam, January 7, 1850; Sword, James M.,
September 16, 1886; Sulliyan Hon. C. C,
January 7, 1852; Shannon, Hon. John R. ;
Stranahan, James A. ; Tayloi-, Lewis, Jan-
uary 7, 1850; Treadwell, George E., 1869;
Uber, L. M., August 12, 1895 ; Underwood,
E. M. June 4, 1884; AVilson, Samuel B.,
January 7, 1850 ; Watson, George W., Jan-
uary 7, 1850; Winternitz, Benjamin A.,
January 10, 1873; Wallace, J. K., 1872;
Wallace, Cliester W. ; Wallace, Hon. Will-
iam D., September 25, 1882 ; Wliitta, James
P., Noyember 11, 1890; Wasson, H. G.,
January 25, 1892; Williams, Hon. A. W.,
December 9, 1892; Wilkison, W. A., June
3, 1898; Wintergartner, Hon. George T.,
March 15, 1899; Wigand, Edwin S., Decem-
ber 9, 1899; Wallace, Robert S., December
1, 1902 ; White, J. G., 1878 ; Young, Charles
H., July 1, 1899.
Besides the lawyers of whom mention
has already been made, there were others
who flourished for a longer or shorter
period in New Castle preyious to the or-
ganization of the county, or soon after,
and of whom it is imnecessary to make
special or extended mention. The first
to practice in New Castle was George P.
Shaw, who was for a time engaged in the
publication of a newspaper in association
with Da\dd Crawford. This was about
1826 or 1827. He was followed soon after
by others, many of whom remained here
but a short time and then removed to other
localities, while some among them, after
practicing law a while, took up other oc-
cupations. Most of them have long since
passed away, and they are remembered
now only by a few of the older members
of the bar.
Among the more prominent members
were Jonathan Ayres and Lewis Taylor,
who were associated in practice from 1850,
under the style of Ayres & Taylor, and
who were able and successful lawyers; J.
Naff McGuffin, admitted in 1847, who was
associated with his brother, L. L. McGuf-
fin; Dayid Craig, who came to New Castle
in 1849, who was elected district attorney,
and was twice elected to the Legislature,
and who died in 1873, while serving as a
delegate to the Constitutional Convention;
Davis B. Kurtz, who came to New Castle
in 1849, in which year he was admitted to
the bar in Union County, and who enjoyed
a long and honorable career at the Law-
rence County bar; Samuel Holstein, who
was admitted to the bar of Lawrence
County at its organization, having pre-
viously been a member of the Mercer bar ;
Samuel W. Dana, a native of Massachu-
setts, who came to New Castle in the early
fifties and practiced in partnership with
J. W. Johnston and afterwards with
Scott D. Long; George E. Treadwell, who
came to New Castle in 1869 and established
a good reputation ; and Samuel Foltz, who
commenced practice here in 1872 in part-
nership with George Treadwell.
CHAPTER XI
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION
Prominent Pltysicians of the Past and of the Present.
The first to practice the healing art in
New Castle was Cornelius Hendrickson,
who settled here about 1798 or 1799. He
was not a regular physician, but was al-
ways known as Dr. Hendrickson. He dealt
in herbs and simples, and doubtless in the
absence of any higher medical authority
accomplished much good by his superior
knowledge of domestic remedies.
'rue first regular practitioner of medi
cine who settled in New Castle and, we
believe, in Lawrence County, who prac-
ticed medicine as a means of a livelihood
and to whom the title of M. D. was due,
was Dr. John Dickey, who practiced here
successfully until the War of 1812, when
he entered the army and died in the serv-
ice in the year 1813.
His immediate successor was Dr. Alex-
ander Gilfillan, a native of Ireland, who
settled in New Castle in 1813. Before com-
ing here he was a surgeon in the United
States regular army. After practicing
his profession here for about two years he
was accidentally drowned while seining in
the Neshaunock Creek, June 17, 1815.
Soon after we hear of a Dr. Quimby,
who was followed by a Dr. Stevenson and
Dr. Cribble, none of whom, however, re
mained here for more than a short time,
departing for other and more promising
fields.
One of the earliest and at the same time
one of the most successful physicians of
the county was Dr. \Yilliam H. Shaw. He
was born in Troy, N. Y., in 1790. He re-
ceived a regular collegiate education, and
choosing medicine as a profession, gradu-
ated in the city of New York. He took
part in the War of 1812, first as a volun-
teer, subsequently as a surgeon. He first
settled in Jamestown, N. Y., but left there
finally with the intention of locating at
some eligible point in the West or South-
west. His library he shij^jDed by boat, in-
tending to intercept it at some point on
the Ohio Eiver, while he came overland.
Upon arriving at New Castle he put up at
a tavern kept by Alexander Hawthorne.
He then had no intention of settling in
New Castle, but, on account of high water
in the streams, he was compelled to stop,
as he thought for only a few days, but the
fact becoming known that he was a physi-
cian, his services were requested in sev-
eral cases, and it finally resulted in his
making New Castle a place of permanent
residence. He never heard afterwards of
his library which he had shipped by boat.
Dk. a. W. Cowden was one of the early
practitioners of the county, and a very
successful one. He settled in New Castle
in the year 1829, and followed his profes-
sion in this vicinity until 1865, when he re-
moved to Princeton, where he died Decem-
ber 6, 1875. Dr. Cowden was not a regular
graduate of medicine, but he was a close
observer of disease, and an excellent diag-
nostician, rivaling many who had the su-
perior advantage of an early medical edu-
cation. As a man, he was genial and whole-
souled; always cheerful, always affable,
164
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
but with these qualities somewhat sullied
with his jealousy of new doctors, or "new
f angled" ideas of medicine. Unfortunate-
ly, like many physicians, especially those
of the earlier days, he was a poor collector,
and after practicing arduously for more
than forty years, was little better off,
financially, than when he commenced his
career; for in those times a load of refuse
hay or straw was considered sufficient to
pay for a whole year's "doctoring."
De. Pollock settled about four miles
south of New Castle, in 1826. He was born
in the year 1788, and finished his collegiate
course in 1808. In 1810 he commenced
the practice of medicine in Washington
County, near Monongahela City. Dr. Pol-
lock was known, not only for his medical
abilities, but was recognized as one of the
leading men in the western part of the
state, and was a frequent contributor to
various periodicals, on many questions
that were of interest to the public. Many
of his articles are used as historical data
to this day. He died on the 6th of Octo-
ber, 1856.
About the year 1830, De. James A. Cos-
siTT settled in New Castle, having come
here from Mercer. After remaining here
a few years, he again changed his loca-
tion, removing to the state of Illinois. He
remained there about two years, and re-
turned to New Castle, in which place he
settled permanently, and followed his pro-
fession until within a few years of his
death, which occurred in 1875. Dr. Cossitt
was born in Hartford, Conn., in the year
1795. He served in the War of 1812 as
assistant surgeon, settling afterwards in
Mercer. The doctor was a perfect model
of a true gentleman of the "old school,"
polite, affable, and courteous in the ex-
treme, but tempered with a great deal of
dignity. He had a high opinion of the
honor pertaining to the profession, and
of the code of ethics which should govern
professional brethren.
De. A. Andeews, settled in New Castle in
1834. He practiced here for some years,
when he finally removed to Mahoningtown,
where he shortly afterwards died. He was
known as a zealous churchman, and left
the greater part of his property to the
Episcopal Church in this city. He was
followed by De. Baelow, who opened a
drug store in connection with his practice.
De. William Woods practiced in Pulaski
at an early date, and successfully through
a long period of years, and enjoyed, in a
marked degree, the confidence of the com-
munity in which he resided. He died in
1862.
De. Isaac Cowden practiced for many
years in New Wilmington; in fact, the
name of Cowden may be called a medical
one in this and adjoining counties, and has
furnished more physicians, if we except
the name of Cunningham, who afterwards
removed to New Brighton, Beaver County.
De. Seth Popino, a student of Dr. Cow-
den's, graduated at Cleveland, and settled
in New Wilmington, where he remained
practicing his profession successfully until
his death, which occurred during the win-
ter of 1875-6. He was universally respect-
ed, apart from his medical abilities, as a
man of honor, and his word was known lit-
erally to be as good as his bond. He was
always to be found at his post, rarely ab-
senting himself, even for a day, from the
duties of his profession.
De. William Smith removed from
Beaver County to the lower part of Law-
rence County in 1853, and settled near
Moravia. He at one time represented the
former county in the State Legislature. He
soon enjoyed all the advantages and dis-
advantages of a large country practice, and
rode extensively all over the lower part of
the county. He changed his location to
Enon Valley in 1872, but shortly after-
wards his health began to give way, and
he died in the latter place, July 5, 1873.
Dr. Smith was a man universally liked and
respected for his many good qualities and
his genial, whole-souled manner.
De. J. B. Reinholdt was born in Law-
rence County in the year 1837. He gradu-
ated from Jefferson College, Philadelphia,
in the year 1862. He immediately entered
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
165
the army as voliinteei" surgeon, and re-
mained until the close of the rebellion. He
then settled in Muscatine, Iowa ; but in
1868 returned to his native county and re-
sumed the practice of his profession. He
practiced with honor, and attained success
chiefly as a surgeon, but his health failing,
he took a trip to Minnesota, in the hope
that a complete change of climate would
etfect a cure, but returned in the fall with
his health still impaired, and wholly unfit
to resume the practice of his profession,
and, in spite of all medical treatment, con-
tinued to fail until death came to his re-
lief. He died March 31, 1873, at the early
age of thirty-six years.
Db. Wilcox practiced for some years in
Mount Jackson. His health giving way
under the arduous duties of his profession,
he opened a drug store in New Castle, but
shortly afterwards removed to California.
De. Gemmil, a contemporary with Doc-
tors Shaw, Cowdeu, Woods and Cossitt,
practiced most successfully in New Castle
for a long period of years, and rode from
one end of the county to the other, being
at the same time in the drug business. He
afterwards removed to Cincinnati, but re-
turned in a few years. After practicing
in this part of the coimty for some time,
he became interested in the oil business in
Slippery Eock, and, it is said, met with
some success, long after the business had
been given up by everybody else as a fail-
ure.
Dr. Daniel Leasuke graduated at Jef-
ferson Medical College in 1846. He set-
tled in New Castle in 1849, and practiced
in the city successfully until the breaking
out of the rebellion, when he organized two
military companies in the vicinity. He
was shortly afterwards i^romoted to a
colonelcy, and served with distinction dur-
ing the entire war, at the close of which he
was breveted brigadier-general. He then
practiced a few years in this city, remov-
ing, in 1870, to Allegheny City.
De. J. H. M. Peebles graduated at Jef-
ferson College in 1850, and immediately
afterwards settled in New Castle. He soon
took a front rank among the physicians of
the county, and practiced successfully until
1860, when he removed to Cleveland, Ohio,
remaining there but a short time. He re-
turned to New Castle and resumed the
practice of his profession in the latter
place. During the war he was appointed
examining surgeon of the county, and in
1877 was president of the Select Council
of the city.
De. J. M. Wallace graduated at Jeffer-
son Medical College in 1846. He practiced
a few years in Darlington, Beaver County,
but settled in New Castle in 1850. He was
elected to Congress in 1860, and took part
in that Congress which directed the move-
ments of the war. After serving his term,
he was appointed paymaster, which posi-
tion he held until 1865, when he returned
to New Castle and resumed the duties of
his profession. In 1874 he was re-elected
to Congress.
Dk. James J. Wallace graduated at Jef-
ferson Medical College in 1851, and the
same year settled in New Castle, where he
met with marked success. He was a great
favorite throughout the rural districts, his
practice extending over the whole county.
De. E. D. Wallace graduated in the
Cleveland Medical College in the year
1853, after which he joined the tide of
emigration westward and settled in Cali-
fornia. He returned to the East in 1856,
and settled in New Castle the same year.
De. E. M. Barker graduated at the
Cleveland Medical College, and subse-
quently attended a course of lectures at
the University of Pennsylvania. He set-
tled in New Wilmington in 1859, and prac-
ticed his profession there until 1861, when
he returned to New Castle.
De. ]\Iitchletree practiced for a series
of years in Edenburg, and had a large and
successful business in that part of the
county.
De. E. Brugh graduated at the Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania in 1851, and for a
short time was resident physician to the
166
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Philadelphia Hospital. He practiced for
a while in Steubenville, Ohio, but located
in Wilmington in 1861.
De. John Woods, a graduate of the
Cleveland Medical College, first settled in
Greenfield, Mercer County, but subse-
quently located in New Wilmington. Re-
maining there a short time, he returned to
New Castle (and, after practicing here for
some years, again settled in New Wilming-
ton.
De. Silas Stevenson practiced for some
years in Bedford, locating there upon the
departure of Dr. Alex. McClure.
De. C. K. Riley settled in Pulaski in
1861, at the earnest solicitation of Dr.
William Woods, whose health at that time
was failing. He was appointed contract
surgeon during the rebellion, but having
to abandon the ser\dce on account of ill
health, he again settled in Pulaski.
De. D. Cunningham, a graduate of Jef-
ferson Medical College, after serving as
assistant surgeon in the army during the
Civil War, settled in Wurtemburg, where
he continued in the successful practice of
his profession for a number of years.
Dr. Thomas Mehaed, a graduate of
Cleveland Medical College, settled in
Wampum in the early seventies. He took
a prominent rank among the physicians in
the county and succeeded to an extensive
practice.
De. Hall practiced for a number of
years in Harlansburg, carrying on a drug
store in connection with his profession.
De. M. p. Robinson, a graduate of Jef-
ferson Medical College, first settled in the
northern part of the county, but in a short
time moved to Mahoningtown, where he
soon gained the confidence of the commu-
nity and established himself in a good
practice.
De. John C. McKee graduated at Miami
Medical College in 1873. He located in
Princeton, where he rapidly became
known as a successful physician.
Dr. H. p. Peebles, also a graduate of
Miami College, in 1873, settled in New
Castle and practiced for some time with
his father. Dr. J. H. M. Peebles.
De. David P. Jackson graduated at
Miami Medical College in 1871 and in the
same year settled in New Castle. He was
a specialist in ophthalmology.
De. W. D. Smith, a graduate of Jeffer-
son Medical College, settled in Eastbrook
in 1876, where he established himself in a
large practice.
I. A. WiNTEENiTz, M. D., now deceased,
was born in New Castle in 1860. He was
a member of the class of 1882 of Miami
Medical College, in Cincinnati, and there-
after practiced in New Castle until 1888.
He at that time went West to Hoxie, Kan.,
and is now deceased.
Howard E. Campbell, M. D., formerly a
practicing physician of New Castle, was
born in Lawrence County in 1858. He
graduated from the medical department
of the University of New York in 1890,
and located in practice at New Castle. He
left this city in 1895.
John A. Blaie, M. D., who is now living
in retirement near Greenville, was born
in Mercer County, Pennsylvania, in 1855;
attended Edinboro Normal School and
Jefferson Medical College, from which he
graduated in 1890. He located in New
Castle in 1891, and was a specialist on the
eye and ear.
Arthur Poster, M. D., formerly a prac-
titioner of New Castle, was born in 1868,
and was educated at Grove City College;
he graduated from the Toledo Medical
College in 1890, and during 1891 was in
practice at New Castle for a few months.
He is not now in practice.
Frederick G. Feeshkoen, M. D., a grad-
uate of the Western University of Penn-
sylvania, was located at New Castle a short
time, then moved to Pittsburg.
Paeis Shoaff, M. D., a graduate of
Western Pennsvlvania Medical College in
1892, practiced "^ from that date until 1894
in New Castle, then moved to ]\Iahoning-
town, where he subsequently died.
Joseph R. Lutton, M. D., began prac-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
167
tice in New Castle in 1896, remained about
one year, then located at Rose Point, where
he still continues.
IMaek F. Toner, M. D., was born in
Westmoreland County in 1867, graduated
from Jefferson Medical College in 1893,
and then practiced a few years in New
Castle. lie is now deceased.
We have thus sketched briefly above the
records of some of the more prominent
among the early physicians in New Castle
and the county generally. There were a
number of others, both of the regular and
homeopathic schools, who practiced for
a longer or shorter period, but of whom
we have been unable to obtain a reliable
account. As they have mostly passed away
or have removed to other localities, we
shall devote the remainder of this chap-
ter to sketches of physicians now practic-
ing in the city or county.
Edwin C. McComb, M. D., was born in
Alliance, Ohio, September 3, 1870, and
was two years old when his parents moved
to New Castle. He was educated in the
public schools and at Grove City College,
after which he taught for five years in the
public schools of Lawrence County. In
the meantime he read medicine under Dr.
R. A. Wallace, of New Castle, and in 1898
was graduated from the medical depart-
ment of Western Reserve University. He
was resident physician of the Shenango
Valley Hospital one year, since which time
he has engaged in general practice. He
is a member of the medical staff of that
institution at the present time. He belongs
to the Lawrence County Medical Society,
the State Medical Society, and the Ameri-
can Medical Association.
AValter C. Kissinger, M. D., of New
Castle, was born in that city October 13,
1879, and was reared in Sharon, Pa., where
he attended the high school and Hall In-
stitute. After graduating from Jefferson
Medical College in 1903 he was resident
physician of the Shenango Valley Hos-
pital one year, then engaged in general
practice in New Castle. He is a member
of the Lawrence County Medical Society,
the State Medical Society, and the Ameri-
can Medical Association.
John Charles Hoye, M. D., who has
been in practice at New Castle since 1901.
He was born in Venango County, Pennsyl-
vania, November 28, 1863; was educated
in the public schools and Grove City Col-
lege. He read medicine under the direc-
tion of Dr. A. A. Cunningham, who at that
time was located at Volant, but is now of
Denver, Colo. He was graduated from
the medical department of Western Re-
serve University of Cleveland, and first
engaged in practice in West Middlesex.
Four years later he located at Volant and
there practiced nine years, coming to New
Castle June 15, 1901. He engaged in gen-
eral practice until the summer of 1908,
then pursued post-graduate courses in the
New York Polyclinic and the New York
Post-Graduate College. He makes a spe-
cialty of diseases of children and skin dis-
eases. He is a member of the Lawrence
County Medical Society, the State Medical
Society, and the American Medical Asso-
ciation.
Henry Reed Wilson, M. D., of New Cas-
tle, was born in New Wilmington, Pa.,
March 4, 1852, and received an educational
training in the public schools and at W^est-
minster College. He read medicine under
Dr. M. P. Barker, of New Castle, and in
1873 received his degree from Miami Med-
ical College, of Cincinnati, Ohio. He lo-
cated at Porterville, Butler County, where
he resided for a period of twenty-eight
years, but was not in practice during the
last year and a half of that time. In 1901
he began practice in New Castle, and spe-
cializes on diseases of the stomach. He is
a member of the Lawrence County Medical
Society, the State Medical Society, and the
American Medical Association.
Robert G. Miles, M. D., has been en-
gaged in practice in New Castle since 1895,
in which year he was graduated from Jef-
ferson Medical College. He came from
Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. He is a
168
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
member of the Lawrence County Medical
Society and the New Castle Physicians'
Club.
Samuel R. W. McCune, M. D., of New
Castle, was born in Wilkinsburg, Pa., July
8, 1875, and there received a preliminary
education in the public schools. He then
attended Geneva College at Beaver Falls,
after which he read medicine under Dr. Jo-
seph Z. Dickson, a leading surgeon of
Pittsburg, continuing with him for eight
years. He attended the medical depart
ment of the Western University of Penn-
sylvania two years and a like period in
Jefferson Medical College, graduating
from that institution in 1906. During va-
cations he spent much time in Pasavant
Hospital in Pittsburg. He began practice
in New Castle in November, 1906, and has
made a specialty of surgery. He is a mem-
ber of the Lawrence County Medical So-
ciety and the State Medical Society.
M. LuTHEE Ross, Ph. J3., M. D., was born
in Newburg, N. Y., February 7, 1869 ; was
graduated from Bucknell University in
1899, and from the medical department of
the University of Pennsylvania in 1902.
He was interne in St. Francis Hospital at
Jersey City for six months, then located in
practice at Kaylor, Armstrong County,
Pa. In August, 1907, he moved to New
Castle, where he has since been in prac-
tice. He is a member of the Lawrence
County Medical Society.
Samuel John Britton, M. D., special-
ist on skin diseases, has been a resident of
New Castle since 1896. He was born in
Darlington, Beaver County, Pa., Novem-
ber 19, 1850; was educated in Darlington
Academy, and after leaving that institu-
tion read medicine with Dr. W. H. Grim,
of Beaver Falls, three years. He was
graduated in 1875 from the medical de-
partment of Western Reserve at Cleve-
land. He engaged in practice at Moravia,
Pa., for twenty years, then in 1896 moved
to New Castle.
R. G. BoAK, M. D., of New Castle, was
born in Slippery Rock Township, Law-
rence County, Pennsylvania, March 16,
1865, and received his educational training
in the public schools and Edinboro State
Normal School. After graduating from
that institution he engaged in teaching for
seven years. He read medicine under Dr.
Charles Hunt, of Princeton, and attended
Baltimore Medical College one year, and
the medical department of the University
of Pennsylvania two years, graduating
from the last named in 1896. The follow-
ing year he pursued a post-graduate
course in gynecology and surgery at the
Philadelphia Polyclinic. He practiced his
profession at Eastbrook until 1900, then
removed to New Castle. He is a member
of the Lawrence County Medical Society,
the State Medical Society, and the Amer-
ican Medical Association.
Albert ]\Iereitt Cook, M. D., was born
in Jamestown, N. Y., September 15, 1854.
After finishing his high school course he
attended Cornell University at Ithaca,
N. Y. He taught school for a time and
during 1876 and 1877 engaged in the drug
business at Jamestown. He read medicine
under Dr. William Whitney, of that place,
and also under Dr. Whippo, of New Castle.
He graduated from the University of Buf-
falo in 1880, and from Bellevue Hospital
Medical College in 1883. He engaged in
practice in New Castle immediately there-
after, and has since continued there in
general practice. He is a member of the
Lawrence County Medical Society and of
the State Medical Society.
Allan W. Urmson, M. D., of New Cas-
tle, was born in Sharon, Pa., January 16,
1871, and was in infancy when his parents
moved to New Castle. He attended the
public schools and Washington and Jeffer-
son College, after which he read medicine
under Dr. E. A. Donnan. He was gradu-
ated from Jefferson Medical College in
1897, then for one year was resident physi-
cian of the Shenango Valley Hospital. He
then turned his attention to general prac-
tice, at which he has since continued. He
is local surgeon for the Carnegie Steel
Works. He is a member of the Baltimore
&• Ohio Railroad Surgeons' Society, the
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
169
Erie Railroad Surgeons' Society, the
Army and Navy Surgeons' Society, and
of the American Medical Association.
D. P. Jackson, M. D., an eye and ear spe-
cialist, who moved from New Castle to
New Jersey in 1892, was born in Lawrence
County in 1852. He practiced in this city
continuously from his graduation from
medical college in 1874 until his departure.
Joseph I. McKee, M. D., a native of
Lawrence County, was graduated from
Miami Medical College in 1876, and twice
within a few years located in New Castle
and engaged in practice, then moved to
Penn, Westmoreland County, Pa.
S^ E. McCre.\by, M. D., who graduated
from Miami Medical College in 1880, en-
gaged in practice in New Castle for seven
years, then went West.
John D. Wood, M. D., the oldest prac-
ticing physician in New Castle, was born
in Franklin, Pa., and received an educa-
tional training in the public schools and in
Allegheny College. He read medicine for
two years under Dr. John W. Wallace, of
New Castle, and attended Cleveland Medi-
cal College and the University of Penn-
sylvania. He has engaged in continuous
practice in New Castle since 1868. He
was one of the founders of the Lawrence
County j\Iedieal Society, of which he served
as secretary off and on for about sixteen
years. He also was president of that body
one year.
William Gkey Miller, M. D., specialist
on the eye, ear, nose and throat at New
Castle, was born in this city December 25,
1873. After completing the prescribed
course in the high school, he read medicine
under Dr. E. A. Donnau, and attended the
medical department of Western University
of Pennsylvania, from which he was grad-
uated in 1898. He was then resident phy-
sician at the Shenango Valley Hospital one
year, and took a post-graduate course at
Johns Hopkins University in 1899. He also
completed a post-graduate course in Lon-
don Royal Ophthalmic Hospital and at
Westminster Ophthalmic Hospital, receiv-
ing a certificate from each institution. He
spent a year at study in these schools in
London, and four mouths in the University
of Vienna, where he pursued a course on
the ear, followed by three months in the
Wiedener Ear Hospital in Vienna. Dr.
Miller was assistant surgeon of the Four-
teenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry, during the Spanish-American
War, and after six months of service was
mustered out with the rank of major sur-
geon, In 1899, he went into the United
States Army as captain assistant surgeon
and served six years in the Philippines,
leaving the army with the rank of captain.
He is a member of the Lawrence County
Medical Society, the State Medical Soci-
ety, the American Medical Association, and
the Association of Military Surgeons of
the LTnited States. He opened an office
for practice in New Castle, Ap-ril 1, 1908.
John Foster, M. D., of New Castle, was
born at Rossville, Pa., December 13, 1872;
attended the public schools of Venango
County, New Castle High School, and the
medical department of the Western Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania, graduating in
1894. He has practiced in New Castle
throughout his professional career. He is
a member of the Lawrence County Medical
Society, the American Medical Association
and the Physicians' Club of New Castle.
He is on the surgical staff of Shenango
Valley Hospital.
Harry AV. McKee, A. M., M. D., of New
Castle, was born May 16, 1862; attended
the public schools, Washington and Jeffer-
son College, and Jefferson Medical Col-
lege, graduating from the last named in-
stitution in 1887. He pursued a post-grad-
uate course in New York Polyclinic in
1895, and in the Post-Graduate College of
New York City, in 1898. He first prac-
ticed in Glenshaw, Allegheny County,
where he continued until 1898, then lo-
cated in New Castle. He is on the staff of
surgeons of the Shenango Valley Hospital.
He belongs to the Lawrence County Medi-
cal Society.
Lenora Hamilton G.4.geby, M. D., of New
Castle, was born in Johnstown. Pa.; at-
170
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
tended New Castle High School and then
the Women's Medical College of Pennsyl-
vania, at Philadelphia, graduating there-
from in 1901. She pursued a post-grad-
uate course in the New England Hospital
at Boston, then opened an office for prac-
tice in New Castle, making a specialty of
diseases of women and children. She is a
member of the Lawrence County Medical
Society and the American Medical Asso-
ciation.
E. Hunter Perky, M. D., of New Castle,
was born in Townville, Crawford County,
Pennsylvania, March 20, 1878; attended
the public schools, LeBouf Academy, at
Waterford, Pa., and Allegheny College. He
read medicine under Dr. T. C. Whitney, of
Frewsburg, N. Y., and was graduated from
the Medico-Chirurgical College of Phila-
delphia, in 1902. He practiced one year
at McKean, Pa., four years at Salisbury,
Somerset County, and, in December, 1906,
began practice in New Castle, where he has
since continued. He is a member of the
Physicians' Club of New Castle, the Law-
rence County Medical Society, the State
Medical Society and the American Medical
Association.
Lewis 0. Phillips, M. D., has been en-
gaged in practice in New Castle since 1891.
He was born at Edinburg, Lawrence Coun-
ty, in 1862 ; attended the public schools and
Butler University at Irvington, Ind. He
read medicine under Dr. M. Linville, of
New Castle, and attended the Jefferson
Medical College, from which he was grad-
uated with the class of 1885. He located
in New Castle in 1891, and has since been
in practice here.
David R. Harris, M. D., of New Castle,
was born in Dowlais, South Wales, in 1854,
and was eight years old when brought by
his parents to America. He was educated
in the public schools of Pittsburg and
Western University of Pennsylvania. He
began his preparation for the profession
under Dr. J. H. Buffum, of Pittsburg, and
continued his studies in the Hahnemann
Medical College of Philadelphia, from
which he was graduated March 11, 1878.
He came to New Castle in July of that
year, and has practiced here since. He is
a member of the Lawrence County Medical
Society, the State Homeopathic Medical
Society and the American Institute of
Homeopathy.
W^iLLiAM H. Lee, M. D., of New Castle,
was born in Addison, Somerset County,
Pennsylvania, March 8, 1862, and is a son
of Dr. Charles H. Lee, of New Castle ; after
completing a preliminary educational
training in the public schools and Taren-
tum Academy, he read medicine under his
father and attended Hahnemann Medical
College of Chicago, from which he grad-
uated in 1886. He practiced in New Castle
several years, then pursued a post-grad-
uate course on the eye, eai', nose and
throat in the Hospital Ophthalmic College,
of New York, graduating therefrom in
1891. In 1894 he completed a course on the
eye, ear, nose and throat in the New York
Post-Graduate College. In his practice he
specializes on these branches.
Charles H. Lee, M. D., who has been
in practice in New Castle since 1880, was
born in Allegheny City, Pa., May 31, 1840;
was educated in the public schools and in
a private school in his natal city ; then read
medicine under Dr. John Cooper, of Al-
legheny. He was graduated from the
Hahnemann Medical College in 1864, then
for one year was resident physician of the
Pittsburg Homeopathic Hospital. He went
from there to Tarentum, where he re-
mained ten years, being out of practice
one year; then spent one year in Butler
prior to coming to New Castle. He com-
pleted a post-graduate course on diseases
of the chest, nose and throat in the New
York Post-Graduate College.
John D. Tucker, M. D., of New Castle,
was born in Beaver County, Pennsylvania,
August 14, 1873, and was young when
brought by his parents to New Castle. He
was educated in the high school, and took
his medical course in Jefferson Medical
College, from which he graduated in 1900.
He was for a time house physician of the
Shenango Valley Hospital. He is a mem-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
171
ber of the Lawrence Countv Medical So-
ciety, the State Medical Society, the Amer-
ican Medical Association and tlie Physi-
cians' Club of New Castle.
Anna M. Jack, M. E., M. D., has been
in the practice of her profession in New
Castle since 1899. She was born in Alex-
andria, Westmoreland County, Pa., and re-
ceived an educational training in the public
schools, and in the Indiana State Normal
School, from which she was graduated in
1890 with the degree of M. E. She engaged
in teaching two years, then entered the
Woman's Medical College of Pennsylvania,
at Philadelphia, graduating in 1897. She
did post-graduate work at Johns Hopkins
University. She practiced one year in
Wilkinsburg, then in 1899 located in New
Castle. She is a member of the Lawrence
County Medical Society and the State Med-
ical Society.
C. Fenwick McDowell, M. D., of New
Castle, was born in Shenango County,
Pennsylvania, February 14, 1874 ; was edu-
cated in the public schools and Grove City
College. After teaching in the schools for
two or three years he entered the medical
department of the University of Michigan,
from which he was graduated in 1899. He
served one year as resident physician at
Shenango Valley Hospital, and has since
been in jjractice at New Castle. He is a
member of the Physicians' Club, the Law-
rence County Medical Society, the State
Medical Society and the American Medical
Association.
Don C. Lindley, M. D., eye, ear, nose
and throat specialist, of New Castle, was
born in Washington County, Pennsylvania,
April 23, 1876; he was graduated in the
grade and high schools, and the California
State Normal School. He read medicine
under Dr. E. H. Cary, of Prosperity, Pa.,
and was graduated from Jefferson Medi-
cal College in 1901. He pursued a post-
graduate course in the same institution on
the ej'e, ear, nose and throat, and also in
the Philadelphia Polyclinic, from which he
graduated in 1903. He, in the meantime,
had been engaged in general practice at
New Wilmington for two years, and in
1904 located in New Castle. He is a mem-
ber of the Lawrence Medical Society, the
State Medical Society and the American
Medical Association.
Edmund Akthur Donnan, A. M., M. D.,
has been in active practice in New Castle
since 1881. He was born in Hickory, Wash-
ington County, Pa., February 22, 1858;
he attended Jefferson Academy at Canons-
burg and the high school at Washington,
after which he entered Washington and
Jetferson College. He was graduated with
the degree of A. B., in 1877, and several
years later that institution conferred upon
him the degree of A. M. He read medi-
cine in Pittsburg, with a cousin, Dr. Ing.
Donnan, and was graduated from Jeffer-
son Medical College in 1880. He was visit-
ing surgeon for the Charity Hospital in
Philadelphia six months, then in 1881 lo-
cated in New Castle, where he has since
continued. He is a member of the Law-
rence County Medical Society, and the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society.
Louis P. Knoll, Ph. G-., M. D., a spe-
cialist on the eye, ear, nose and throat,
who is engaged in practice in New Castle,
was born in Buffalo, N. Y., March 7, 1877.
After graduating from Buffalo High
School, he took a two years' course in bi-
ology in the University of Maryland. He
read medicine mider his brother. Dr. John
G. W. Knoll, of Buffalo, and was grad-
uated from the University of Maryland
School of Medicine in 1904. He spent six
months in the German Deaconess' Hos-
pital, at Buffalo, then moved to New Castle,
where he has since continued. The degree
of Ph. G. was received by him from the
University of the State of New York. Dur-
ing the Spanish-American War, he enlist-
ed as hospital steward, and was fii-st as-
signed to the Norfolk Naval Hospital, and
later to the Monitor Puritan, and the Gun-
boat Mangrove. He is a member of the
Lawrence County Medical Society, the
State ]\Iedical Society and the American
Aledical Association.
Elizabeth McLaughrey, A. B., M. D.,
172
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
of New Castle, was hbvn in New Wilming-
ton, Pa., and received a classical educa-
tion in Westminster College, from which
she graduated in 1887. After teaching
three years in the high school at Braddock,
Pa., she entered the Woman's Medical Col-
lege of Pennsylvania, located at Philadel-
phia, and was graduated in 189-1. She
spent one year at the New England Hos-
pital in Boston, then located in New Castle
in 1895. She has taken two post-graduate
courses at Johns Hopkins University, in
gjTiecology and diseases of children; spent
two months in Great Ormond St. Hospital,
London, on diseases of children, and a like
period on gA-neeology and obstetrics in Al-
geminen Krankenhause, at Vienna. She
is a member of the Lawrence County Medi-
cal Societv and the State Medical Society.
HoLLis G. Deax, M. D., of New Castle,
was bom in Mercer County, Pennsylvania,
June 23, 1865; was educated in McElwain
Institute in New Lebanon, and then read
medicine under Dr. J. M. Douds, of Mer-
cer. He graduated from the Chicago Ho-
meopathic College in 1891, then engaged in
practice at Franklin, Pa., and in Oil City,
until his removal to New Castle some seven
years later. He took post-graduate work
in New York Post-Graduate School and
Hospital, in 1907, especially on diseases of
the stomach. He is a member of the Penn-
sylvania State Homeopathic Medical Soci-
ety, the American Institute of Homeop-
athy, the Lawrence C-ounty Medical Soci-
ety and the American Medical Association.
Jesse R. De.\n, M. D., has been in prac-
tice in New Castle since 1894. He was
born near Portersville, in Butler County,
September 24, 1871; was educated in the
public schools and Grove City College, and
attended the medical department of West-
ern University of Pennsylvania, from
which he was graduated in 1894. For
nearly a year he was in attendance at St.
Thomas Hospital, London, tlien located in
New Castle. He is a member of the Law-
rence County Medical Society, the State
Medical Society, the American Medical As-
sociation and the Phvsicians' Club of New
Castle.
Edward Baenes, M. D., specialist on
chronic diseases, at New Castle, was born
in Sandy Lake, Mercer County, Pa.. No-
vember 30, 1856 ; was educated in the com-
mon schools and Edinboro State Normal
School, and read medicine under Drs. M.
R. Boyd and J. R. Borland, of Franklin.
He graduated from the Eclectic Medical
College of Indianapolis, in 1882, and first
located for practice in Westmoreland
County. He was in ill health for about
fifteen years and did little practice. In
1899 he located in New Castle and as a
specialist has since been in active prac-
tice. He is a member of the Pennsyl-
vania Eclectic Medical Association and the
Eclectic National Medical Association. In
1889 he pursued a post-graduate course
in the New York Post-Graduate School.
He has served as a member of the Com-
mon Council of New Castle, and, in 1903,
was city physician. He is a member of the
staiT of the Shenango Vallev Hospital.
James M. Popp, M. D., of New Castle,
was born in Allegheny City February 11,
1863; was educated in the public schools,
and read medicine under Dr. Charles Clif-
ford, of Braddock, Pa. He was graduated
from tlie medical department of Western
University of Pennsylvania, March 25,
1897, then took an additional year of post-
graduate work in that institution. He was
then for a time interne in the Western
Pennsylvania Hospital, and in 1898 located
in New Castle. He is a member of the
Physicians' Club, of the Lawrence County
Medical Society, the State Medical Society
and the American Medical Association. He
has specialized somewhat in surgery.
William Alexander Womer, A. B.,
M. D., became established in practice in
New Castle in 1905. He was born at Mer-
cer, Pa., February 26, 1881; attended the
public schools and ]\lcElwain Institute at
New Lebanon, and in 1896 was graduated
from the academic department and in
music, at Allegheny College, from whioh
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
173
he was graduated in 19(10. with tlie degree
of A. B. Jhiring tliis time he was for a year
principal of the commercial department,
and during the last year was assistant to
the professor of biology. He graduated
from the medical department of Western
University of Pennsylvania in 1905, and be-
gan practice in New Castle. He is a mem-
ber of the Physicians' Club of New Castle,
the Lawrence ^ledical Society, of which he
is secretary; the State Medical Society and
the x\merican Medical Association. He is
author of a volume entitled, "(Jennan for
Physicians."
WiLMAM Gilbert Wilson. M. U., has
been in practice in New Castle since 1893.
He was born in Wilmington Township,
Lawrence County, January 27, 1850, and
attended the public schools and West-
minster College. He then engaged in
teaching for eight years in the public
schools of Lawrence and Mercer Counties,
and in the meantime read medicine under
Dr. A. C. Pettitt, of New Wilmington. He
attended Cleveland Medical College one
term, then the Cincinnati College of Medi-
cine and SuT'gery, from which he was grad-
uated in 1876. July 19, 1876, he opened
an office for practice at Pulaski, where he
continued until his removal to New Castle,
May, 1893. He is a member of the Law-
rence County Medical Society.
James K. Pollock, M. D., was born in
New "Castle April 19, 1845, and was edu-
cated in the public schools. He read medi-
cine under the direction of Dr. M. P. Bark-
er and was graduated from Miami Medical
College of Cincinnati in 1873. He has prac-
ticed in New Castle continuously since that
time. He is a member of the Lawrence
County Medical Society and the American
]\Iedical Association.
Walter Lowrie Campbell, B. S., M. D.,
of New Castle, was born in Moniteau, But-
ler County, March 4, 1876, and was edu-
cated in Grove City High School and Grove
City College, graduating from the latter
in 1900. He graduated from Jefferson
Medical College in 1903, and after prac-
ticing two years in Mobile, located in New
Castle on April 1, 1905. He is a member
of the Physicians' Club of New Castle, the
Lawrence County Medical Society, the
State Medical Societv and the American
Medical Association. "
Samuel Wak.xki;, M. D., of New Castle,
was born at West Newton, Pa., March 27,
1876; was educated in the public schools
and a commercial college. He was grad-
uated from Cleveland Homeopathic Medi-
cal College in 1899, doing hospital work
during the last two years of his college
course. He has practiced in New Castle
since that time.
Thomas F. Collins, A. B., M. D., was
born at Volant, Lawrence County, Pa., Feb-
ruary 14, 1878; graduated from Volant
College, and in 1904 from the Eclectic Med-
ical College of Cincinnati. He practiced at
Jackson Center for less than a year, then
in Volant three years, and, in March, 1908,
located in New Castle. He is a member
of the Alumnal Association of the Eclectic
Medical Institute of Cincinnati.
John W. Covert, M. D., of New Castle,
was born at Covert Station, Lawrence
County, July 18, 1837, and is a son of Dr.
William Covert, who was a native of Law-
rence County and practiced in that and
Mercer Counties for many years, living
near Edinburg. John W. Covert was edu-
cated in the high school at New Lebanon,
and read medicine under Dr. S. A. Boyn-
ton, of Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from
the Cleveland Homeopathic Medical Col-
lege in 1879, and immediately after located
in New Castle. During the Civil War he
served one year in the One Hundredth
(Roundhead) Regiment, Pennsylvania Vol-
unteer Infantry, and two vears in Battery
H., Third Light Artillery of Pennsyl-
vania.
Jesse D. Moore, A. B., M. D., who has
been in active practice of his profession in
New Castle since 1885, making a specialty
of the eye, was born in Neshannock Town-
ship, Lawrence County, July 2, 1859. He
was educated in the district schools, the
public schools of New Castle and what was
known as "the one studv" school, after-
174
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
wards called New Castle College, and m
Westminster College, from which he grad-
uated in 1882. He read medicine under
Dr. R. D. Wallace, and attended the medi-
cal department of the University of the
Citv of New York, graduating in the sprmg
of 1885. He has since done post-graduate
work in the New York Polyclinic, and the
University of New York. He is medical
inspector for Lawrence County, chief clinic
of the dispensary for tuberculosis for the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and is a
member of the International Congress on
Tuberculosis. He is a member of the Law-
rence County Medical Society and has
served as delegate to the State Medical So-
cietv.
Robert A. Wallace, M. D., was born m
New Castle July 29, 1855, and is a son
of Dr. James J. Wallace, now deceased.
He was educated in the public schools and
read medicine under his father. He was
graduated from Miami .Sledical College of
Cincinnati, in 1877, and was thereafter as-
sociated in practice with his father until
the latter 's death in 1887; since that time
he has practiced alone. He is a member
of the Lawrence County Medical Society,
the State Medical Society and the Ameri-
can Medical Association.
James J. Wallace, M. D., who was one
of the original members of the Lawrence
County Medical Society and for many
years a practitioner of New Castle, was
born in Beaver Coimty, Pennsylvania, Sep-
tember 29, 1824, and died December 19,
1887. He was educated at Darlington
Academy and Meadville College, and read
medicine with Dr. Frazier, of Darlington.
He also read for a time with his brother.
Dr. John AV. Wallace, and then entered
Jefferson Medical College, from wliich he
was graduated in 1850. He immediately
after began ])ractiee in New Castle, where
he continued without interrui^tion until his
death.
J. W. Wallace, M. D., one of the early
physicians and surgeons in New Castle,
was bom in Beaver County, in 1817, and
died in 1889. He was graduated from the
old Darlington Academy, and aftenvard
served as an instructor there. In the mean-
time, he prosecuted the study of medicine
with Dr. Frazier, a man of advanced ideas,
far ahead of his time. Dr. Wallace grad-
uated from Jefferson College in 1848, and
in that year began practice in New Castle.
He was twice a member of Congress from
his district and one of the foremost men of
his day. He was a member of the old Law-
rence Count}' Medical Society.
J. R. Cox, M. D., coroner of Lawrence
County, began the practice of his profes-
sion in New Castle in 1898. He was born
in Pulaski Township, Lawrence County,
Pennsylvania, received his early educa-
tional training in the district schools and
Grove City College, and his professional
training in the Cleveland Medical College,
from which he was graduated in 1896.
After practicing two years at Edinburg,
he removed to New Castle, where he has
since continued. He has served iive years
as coroner of Lawrence County. Dr. Cox is
a member of the Lawrence County Medical
Society.
Elmer Patterson Norris, M. D., with
offices in the Henderson Block, at New Cas-
tle, has been engaged in practice in that
city since 1902. He was born in New Cas-
tle October 28, 1871, attended the public
schools and Edinburg State Normal
School, and in 1892 matriculated in Jeffer-
son Medical College, at Philadelphia; he
graduated from that institution in 1856,
having also, in the meantime, pursued spe-
cial courses under Drs. Kyle and DaCosta,
eminent specialists connected with St.
Agnes', Lockley and Jefferson Hospitals.
He spent one year in hospital work in
Philadelphia prior to engaging in private
practice. Dr. Norris was located in prac-
tice at Hillsville three years, then in 1902
moved to New Castle.
Brant E. San key, M. D., of New Castle,
was born in Pittsburg, Pa., iu 1873, and
was educated in the public schools of New
Castle, whither his parents had moved
when he was young. He entered Cleveland
Medical College, and after his graduation
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
175
with the class of 1895, began practice iu
New Castle. He is affiliated with the Law-
rence County Medical Society, the Physi-
cians' Club, the State Homeopathic Med-
ical Society and the American Institute of
Homeopathy.
Wai^ter E. Millek, M. D., who, in addi-
tion to the practice of medicine in New
Castle is proprietor of the Avenue Hotel,
was born in that city in 1871. After com-
pleting the prescribed course in the public
schools he attended Oberlin College for
two years. He attended medical lectures
at the Western University of Pennsylva-
nia and was graduated in 1894. He has
since practiced in his natal city. He is a
member of the Lawrence County Medical
Society.
D. E. Evans, M. D., a member of the
firm of Evans & "Williams, medical prac-
titioners of New Castle, was born in Wales
in 1852 and was about sixteen years of
age when he became a resident of this
country. He attended the College of Phy-
sicians and Surgeons at Baltimore, Md.,
and received his degree from Baltimore
University in 1892. He located in practice
in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania, where
he continued until 1899, in which year he
became associated with Dr. T. V. Williams
in New Castle.
_ T. V. W^iLLiAMS, M. D., of the medical
firm of Evans & Williams, was born in
Wales, where he received a preliminary
education and began preparation for the
medical profession. He came to the Unit-
ed States in his twenty-eighth year, and
completed his j^rofessional training in the
College of Physicians and Surgeons at
Baltimore, graduating in 1892. Prior to
locating in New Castle he practiced for
some time at Antioch, Pa.
S. W. Perry, M. D., of New Castle, was
born in that city in 1874, and there re-
ceived his early schooling. He began the
study of medicine under a preceptor and
subsequently entered the medical depart-
ment of the University of Michigan. He
later entered Washington and Jefferson
College and was graduated in 1899, imme-
diately thereafter engaging in practice in
New Castle. He is a member of the Physi-
cians' Club, the Lawrence County Medical
Society, the State Medical Society, and the
American Medical Association.
Loyal, Wilbur Wilson, M. D., of New
Castle, was born in Beaver Township,
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, March
25, 1866. He attended the public schools
and pursued a special course in Latin and
Greek under Professor Roup, of the West-
ern University of Pennsylvania. He sub-
sequently attended the medical depart-
ment of that institution and was gradu-
ated in 1891. Some years later, in 1898,
he took a course in the Post-Graduate Col-
lege of New York City. Dr. Wilson was
an interne at St. Francis Hospital, Pitts-
burg, in 1891, and later in the same j-ear
began practice at Wampum, Lawrence
County; he continued there until Febru-
ary, 1898, then located at Alahoningtown,
where he practiced until 1904, the year in
wliich he moved to New Castle.
Chaeles a. Reed, M. D., with office at
No. 26 North Mercer Street, New Castle,
was born in Shenango Townshii?, Law-
rence County, Pennsylvania, September
18, 1858. He attended the district schools
of his native township, and subsequently
the New Castle High School and Edinboro
Academy. He read medicine several years
prior to entering ^liami Medical College
at Cincinnati in 1882, from which institu-
tion he was graduated in 1885. He served
as resident physician in Western Pennsyl-
vania Hospital at Pittsburg for a short
time, then, in July, 1886, began practice at
New Castle, where he has been located
continuously since.
Montgomery Linville, M. D., who has
been continuously engaged in the practice
of medicine in New Castle since 1873, was
born in Washington Countv, Pennsylvania,
March 9, 1854. He graduated from Beth-
any College in West Virginia, and subse-
quently from Jefferson Medical College,
Philadelphia, in 1873, being then nineteen
years of age. He shortly thereafter em-
barked in practice in New Castle. He is a
176
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
member of the Lawrence County Medical
Society, State Association of Physicians
and Surgeons and the National Associa-
tion of Railway Surgeons.
Edwin S. Coopek, M. D., whose residence
and office are located at No. 74 North Mill
Street, New Castle, was born in Taylor
Township, Lawrence County, Pennsylva-
nia, January 3, 1872. He attended the pub-
lic schools of New Castle and Grove City
College. In 1892 he entered upon the
study of medicine under the direction of
his brother. Dr. Joseph L. Cooper, now
deceased, and subsequently attended West-
ern Pennsylvania Medical College, from
which he was graduated March 25, 1896.
He then practiced in partnersliip with his
brother in New Castle until the latter 's
death, since which time he has continued
alone. He is a member of the Lawrence
County Medical Society, the State Medical
Society and other fraternal organizations.
Thomas J. Blackwood, M. D., has been
engaged in the practice of his profession
in New Castle for a period of more than
thirty-four years. He was born in Slip
pery Rock Township, Lawrence County,
Pennsylvania, January 13, 1844; he at-
tended the district schools and Beaver
Academy at Beaver Falls, after which he
entered Jefferson Medical College of Phil-
adelphia. He was graduated from that in-
stitution in 1866, and thereafter practiced
in Butler County imtil his removal to New
Castle in 1873.
James M. Blackwood, M. D., of New
Castle, is engaged in practice in associa-
tion with his father. Dr. Thomas J. Black-
wood. He is a graduate of Beaver Falls
College and Jefferson Medical College of
Philadelphia.
Feakklin Wheeler Guy, M. D., of Ma-
honingtowu, was born in Chewton, Law-
rence County, Pa., July 28, 1870. His edu-
cational training was received in the dis-
trict schools of Lawrence, Morgan (Ohio)
and Beaver Counties, and in the Beaver
Falls High School. After his graduation
from the last named school in 1889 he en-
gaged in teaching for seven years in
Beaver and Lawrence Counties. In 1902
he matriculated in the medical department
of the Western University of Pennsylva-
nia and was graduated in 1906. He has
since practiced in Mahoningtown. He is
a member of the Lawrence County Medi-
cal Society.
William L. Steen, M. D., is located in
practice at Mahoningtown and maintains
offices in the Postoffice Block. He was born
in Clarion County, Pennsylvania, AprU
21, 1874, and received his early schooling
in the graded and high schools of New
Castle. After leaving the latter he was for
seven years postal clerk on the Pennsyl-
vania Railroad. In the meantime he had
begun preparation for the medical profes-
sion, and in 1901 he entered the medicdl
department of the Western University of
Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in
1905. He is a member of Lawrence County
Medical Society.
Frank Forrest Ubey, M. D., of Mahon-
ingtown, with office at No. 208 North Lib-
erty Street, was born at Sandy Lake, Mer-
cer County, Pa., August 16, 1872. He at-
tended the district schools, McElaine In-
stitute at New Lebanon, and Slippery, Rock
Normal School, after which he engaged in
teaching for five years. In 1894 he entered
the drug business at Wampiun and con-
tinued at various points in Northwestern
Pennsylvania at different times, becoming
a licensed pharmacist. In September,
1896, he entered the medical department
of the Western University of Pennsylva-
nia and was graduated in 1900 ; he then en-
gaged in hospital work in Shenaugo Valley
one year, and June 1, 1901, began practice
at Wampum, where he was located until
his removal to Mahoningtown. Prior to
1906 he was for some time a partner in a
drug store at Wampum. He is a member
of the Lawrence County Medical Society,
the State IMedical Society and the Ameri-
can Medical Association.
Charles W. Davis, M. D., of ]\Iahoning-
town, was born in Shenango Township,
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, Septem-
ber 29, 1866, and has been engaged in prac-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
17^
tice in this village since 1895. He was
reared on a farm and attended the district
schools, and subsequently the State Nor-
mal at Edinburg four years, graduating
therefrom in 1890 ; in the meantime he had
taught school winter terms, and continued
two years after graduation. In 1892 he
entered Western Pennsylvania Medical
College, from which institution he received
his degree in 1895. He pursued a post-
graduate course at the New York Poly
clinic in New York City. His only field
of practice has been at Mahoningtowu.
He is a member of the Lawrence County
Medical Society.
Edwin D. Jackson, M. D., whose office
is at No. 207 North Cedar Street, has been
engaged in practice in Mahoningtown since
June 15, 1904. He was born in Wayne
Township, Lawrence County, July 3, 1874,
and in his younger days attended the pub-
lie schools of Chewton. He attended Grove
City College five terms and also Slippery
Rock Normal, after which he took up the
study of medicine. He graduated from
the medical department of Western Uni-
versity of Pennsylvania in May, 1889. He
was successively engaged in practice at
Allenport, Washington County, in Fayette
County, in Edinburg, Lawrence County,
and at West Pittsburg, prior to his resi-
dence in Mahoningtown. He is a member
of Lawrence County Medical Society and
State Medical Society.
H. E. Zimmerman, M. D., has been in the
practice of his profession at Mt. Jackson,
Lawrence County, since 1865. He was born
in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania, June 11,
1831 ; he attended Greenville Academy and
studied medicine under the direction of
Dr. F. H. Judd, of Greenville. He began
practice July 13, 1854, near Fredonia,
Mercer County; moved to Clarksville in
the fall of the same year ; in 1858 moved to
Middletown, Mahoning County, Ohio;
June 1, 1862, located at Mt. Jackson; in
March, 1863, returned to Clarksville, and
in 1865 returned to Mt. Jackson, where
he has been located continuouslj' since.
Hon. Silas Stevenson, M. D., who has
been in practice at EUwood City since
1891, was formerly a representative from
Lawrence County in the Pennsylvania Leg-
islature. He was born in this county Feb-
ruary 18, 1845 ; was a soldier in Company
K, 100th Regiment, Pennsylvania Volun-
teer Infantry, during the Civil War; in
1865 entered Western Reserve Medical
College at Cleveland, and was graduated
from that institution March 4, 1868. On
April 15, 1868, he began practice at New
Bedford and continued until 1891; in the
meantime he served as postmaster, from
1872 until 1884; was elected to the Legis-
lature in 1884 and re-elected in 1886. He
has been a member of the Pension Board
at New Castle since 1889, except for the
four years of Cleveland's second adminis-
tration. He is a member of the council of
the borough of Ellwood City.
Samuel S. Davidson, M. D., of Ellwood
City, was born at Wampum, Big Beaver
Township, Lawrence County, November
23, 1859 ; was educated at Western Univer-
sity of Pennsylvania and Jefferson Medi-
cal College. After graduation from the
latter in 1882 he spent two years in medi-
cal studies and scientific investigations in
the hospitals of London, Vienna and Ber-
lin. Upon his return to America he began
practice at Mercer, Pa., and continued for
twelve years, five years of which he was
in charge of the State Hospital. He has
been located at Ellwood City some six
years. Dr. Davidson is a member of the
American Medical Association and the
Pennsylvania State Medical Society.
Charles M. Iseman, M. D., a practi-
tioner of Ellwood City since 1895, was
born near Freeport, Armstrong County,
Pa., December 4, 1868. He attended Free-
port Academy and Tell College at Green-
ville, Mercer County, from which he re-
ceived the degree of A. B. in 1891 ; West-
ern Reserve Medical College at Cleveland,
and Western Pennsylvania Medical Col-
lege at Pittsburg, from which he received
the degree of M. D. in 1894. He practiced
in Armstrong County fifteen months, then
moved to Ellwood City, where he has since
178
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
resided. He is a member of the Beaver
County Medical Society, Pennsylvania
State Medical Society and the American
Medical Association.
Oscar Evans Br.u)Ley, M. D., who is en-
gaged in the practice of osteopathy at Ell-
wood City, was born at Memphis, Scot-
land County, Mo., August 30, 1874; at-
tended State Normal at Kirksville, Mo.;
the American School of Osteopathy at
Kirksville, and pursued a post-graduate
course in osteopathy at St. Louis in 1903.
He first practiced at Macomb, 111., and in
October, 1906, located at Ellwood City.
William A. Shannon, M. D., of Ell-
wood City, was born in Mercer, Mercer
County, in 1863; was graduated from
Grove City College with the degree of
A. B. in 1888, and from Jefferson Medical
College in 1892. He has practiced in Ell-
wood City since 1893.
Edwin E. Lamb, M. D., of Ellwood City,
was born in Worth Township, Mercer
County, Pennsylvania, September 30, 1869.
He attended McElaine Institute at Leb-
anon, Grove City College and the Cleve-
land Homeopathic Medical College, from
which he was graduated in 1897. He has
been located at Ellwood City throughout
his professional career.
Joseph Rhodes, M. D., of Chewton, was
born in that village, Wayne Township,
Lawrence County, Pennsylvania, April 23,
1848. He attended New Sewickley Acad-
emy and Muhlenberg College, and in 1871
entered Belleview Hospital Medical Col-
lege, from which he graduated in 1874 ; he
has since practiced in Chewton.
C. B. Hunt, M. D., of Rose Point, Slip-
pery Rock Township, was born in Law-
rence County, March 20, 1867 ; he attended
Sunbury Academy and Grove City Col-
lege,, the Baltimore Medical College, the
Medico-Chirurgical College of Philadel
phia, the Post-Graduate College of New
York, and pursued a special course on the
eye in the New York New Polyclinic. He
engaged in practice at Princeton, Law-
rence County, four years, then for three
years represented an opticianal firm as
commercial traveler. In 1901 he located
at Rose Point.
Charles S. McGeorge, M. D., of Enon
Valley, was born in Darlington Township,
Beaver County, Pennsylvania, May 5,
1875. He attended Slippery Rock College,
and later the medical department of West
ern University of Pennsylvania, from
which he was graduated in 1900. He en-
gaged in practice at Mars, Butler County,
until November, 1906, since which time he
nas been located at Enon.
George H. Mehard, M. D., who has been
in practice at Wampum since 1891, was
born at Wurtemburg, Wayne Township,
September 22, 1857. He was graduated
from Washington and Jefferson College at
W^ashington, Pa., in 1879; from Western
Reserve Medical College in 1881, and from
Jefferson Medical College in 1882. He
engaged at practice in Wurtemburg nine
years, then in 1891 located at Wampum,
where he now lives.
Harry H. Davis, M. D., of Wampum, was
born on a farm near New Castle May 31,
1871 ; he attended the Moravia public
schools and the State Normal at Edinburg,
after which he engaged in teaching four
years. He was graduated from the medi-
cal department of Western University of
Pennsylvania in 1895, but prior to that
time had pursued the study of medicine
under the preceptorship of Dr. Joseph
Cooper, of New Castle. He engaged in
practice in Warren County for six years,
then located at Wampum.
William L. Smith, M. D., who has been
a resident of New Wilmington since 1880,
was born in New Bedford, Pa., January
10, 1846. After completing a course in
Westminster College he studied medicine
at Jefferson Medical College at Philadel-
phia, graduating in 1875. He engaged in
practice at East Brook four years, then
located at New Wilmington in 1880.
Charles E. Trainor, M. D., New Wil-
mington, was born at Vicksburg, Miss.,
June 18, 1876 ; he attended private schools
in Vicksburg, the high school at New Wil-
mington, and obtained his education in
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
179
medical science in Jefferson Medical Col-
lege, from which he graduated in 1902. He
was successful in a competitive examina-
tion which entitled him to a position as
interne in the ]\letliodist Hospital in Phila-
delphia, whicli institution he served for
thirteen months. He then returned to New
Wilmington, where he has since been in
practice.
William A. Claek, Jr., M. D., of New
Wilmington, was born at (xreat Belt, in
Butler County, Pa., April 3, 1879. His
education was obtained in the public
schools and under private instructors. He
came into possession of an electric light
plant at New Wilmington, which had been
installed by his father, and operated that
up until the time he entered Western Re-
serve College at Cleveland, when he sold
out. He had previously pursued a prepar-
atory course at Westminster College,
After one year at Western Reserve he en-
tered Jefferson Medical College and at-
tended one year, then took a special course
of study on diseases of the stomach at Chi-
cago University. He engaged in practice
at Volant, Pa., two years, then located at
New Wilmington.
Heebeet E. Baek, M. D., has engaged in
practice at New Wilmington during his en-
tire professional career. He was born at
Gujoanwalla, India, December 4, 1871.
He is a graduate of Westminster College,
took a special course in Johns Hopkins
University at Baltimore, and was gradu-
ated in medicine at the Jefferson Medical
College at Philadelphia. His practice has
been solely at New Wilmington.
Samuel Wesley Perry, M. 1)., was born
in New Castle May 10, 1874, and was edu-
cated in the high school of the city. He
read medicine under Dr. Montgomery Lin-
ville, attended the medical department of
the University of Michigan two years and
the Jefferson Medical College two years,
graduating from the last named in 1899.
He was resident physician of Shenango
Valley Hospital one year, and then em-
barked in practice. He is a member of the
Physicians' Club of New Castle, Lawrence
County Medical Society, the State Medical
Society and the American Medical Asso-
ciation. He is at present on the surgical
staff of the Shenango Valley Hospital.
II. Elmore Zerner, M. D., who has been
a resident of New Castle since 1893, was
born in Johnstow^i, Pa., July 19, 1872; he
was taken by his parents to Braddock, Pa.,
in 1875, and there received his education
in the common and high schools. He grad-
uated from the medical department of the
Western University of Pennsylvania in
1899, and during the last year was in the
Reinmau Maternity Hospital and Free Dis-
pensary, a privilege accorded to the ten
students having the highest marks. He
engaged in practice in New Castle after
graduation, to which city he had moved in
January, 1893. He is a member of the
Physicians' Club of New Castle, of which
he was one of the organizers; the Law-
rence Coimty Medical Society, the State
Medical Society and the American Medical
Association.
Charles L. Kirkham, D. 0., was born in
Rushville, 111., January 6, 1872; was edu-
cated in the public schools of Gem City and
the State Normal School at Galesburg. He
was graduated from the American School
of Osteopathy, at Kirksville, Mo., in 1902,
and located in October of that year. About
eight months later he went to Niagara
Falls, where he remained about two years;
then, in Januarv, 1906, returned to New
Castle.
Elmer D. Rogers, D. 0., of New Castle,
was born in Brooklyn, Iowa, July 14, 1861,
attended the high school of his native town,
and later the American School of Osteop-
athy, at Kirksville, Mo., graduating there-
from in 1903. He has practiced in New
Castle since that date. He is a member
of the AVestern Pennsylvania Osteopathic
Association, and the American Osteopathic
Association.
Dr. Annie McCaslin, osteopath, at New
Castle, was born in Armstrong County,
Pennsylvania, and educated in the com-
mon schools and Slate Lick Academy. She
took up the profession of nursing, and later
180
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
entered the American School of Oste-
opathy, at Kirksville, Mo., from which she
graduated in 1906. She has since prac-
ticed in New Castle. She is a member of
the Western Pennsylvania Osteopathic As-
sociation and the American Osteopathic
Association.
The Lawrence County Medical Society
was first organized in New Castle on April
19, 1868 (or 1869), and the following of-
ficers were elected : E. D. Wallace, presi-
dent ; Silas Stevenson, vice-president ; John
D. Wood, secretary, and H. P. Peebles,
treasurer. This body passed from ex-
istence in 1876, and thereafter there was
no medical society imtil 1886. In the lat-
ter year, through the activity of Drs. M.
Linville and E. A. Wallace, a new organiza-
tion was effected, and the present Law-
rence County Medical Society came into
being, with Dr. J. W. Wallace as its presi-
dent.
CHAPTER XII
EDUCATION
Puhlic and Parochial Scltools-
-Groivlh and Present Efftciency — Early Educators —
Residts Accomplished.
There is no one thing which .so reflects
the cliaracter of a community, the progres-
sive tendency and the ambitions of its
citizens, as tlie efficiency of the school sys-
tem. Men who are willing to assume the
burdens of increased taxation, in order that
their children be given greater educational
advantages than they themselves had been
favored with, are a most desirable tj'pe,
and where such a condition is met with,
the community is always found to be in
an advanced state of progress, socially,
morally and in the realms of business. The
pioneers of the territory now embraced
within Lawrence County, in tlie early days,
recognized it as a duty to educate the chil-
dren, and saw to the establishment of
schools of the rude type, characteristic of
that period. From that day to this, the
schools here have been maintained at a
high standard, and have been unexcelled
by those of any other county in the state.
The first school was opened in New
Castle about the year of 1804, in a log
building, about 18x18 feet in dimensions,
standing above what is now North Street,
at a little distance west of the spring at the
foot of Shaw's Hill. It was heated by
means of an old-fashioned fireplace, which
was supplied with "back-logs" and "fore-
stick" by the large boys who attended the
school. In the winter time, when it was
necessary to keep the door shut, the room
must have been anything but comfortable
and inviting. It was rather dimly lighted.
owing to the fact that the windows, instead
of being made of glass, were of greased
paper, through which but few rays of sun-
shine could struggle. The long benches on
which the pupils sat while conning their
lessons were made by splitting small logs
in two, and then taking the halves, smooth-
ing the flat side of each of them with an
axe, and attaching legs to the round side.
The first schoolmaster in the little town
was Robert Dickey, and other of the early
instructors were, successively : John Dick-
ey, Richard Shearer, Joseph Thornton, Al-
exander Duncan, Miss Sarah DeWolf (the
first lady teacher in the city), and Matthew
Calvin.
In 1851 the Union schoolhouse, which is
now in service as the Martin Gantz school,
and is in very good condition, was erected
at a cost of $7,000. If the same structure
was built, the cost would be at least ten
times as much, if erected under the existing
conditions. The architect was J. U. Borr,
who made the plans and superintended
the construction, for $50. The builders
n-ere Richard Craven and Samuel T. Sippy.
The directors at that time were William
Watson, James W. Jolmston, Alexander L.
Crawford, William Book, J. N. Euwer and
Jacob S. Quest.
In 1854 the office of county superin-
tendent of schools was created by act of
legislature, and Thomas Berry was elected
first superintendent of schools in Lawrence
County. In his report, dated November
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
182
18, 1855, occurs a paragraph^ with regard
to the New Castle schools, which we quote :
"New Castle. This district has one school divided
into seven grades, taught five months; 48o scholars;
average attendance, 404. Two male and seven female
teachers. Average salary of males, $57 per month;
females, $21.42. Cost of teaching each pupil per
month, .55V> cents. The school and school buildings are
in excellent condition. All the branches of a thorough
English education are taught and taught right. It is
probable that no public school in the State west of
Pittsburg affords equal facilities for receiving a good
education. A regular course in this school would be a
good preparation for entering college, or after having
graduated at college, a course of instruction here m
orthography, reading, geography and English gramniar
might not be amiss, especially for such as wish to be-
come teachers of common schools. Although the taxes
are higher in this than in any other district in the
countv, the people do not complain. They seem to
be aware that good schools, instead of impoverishing
a district, greatly increase its prosperity, wealth and-
happiness. ' '
New Castle takes pride in her public
schools; the most advanced methods are
employed in teaching, and, while school-
room results are intangible, they have been
most satisfactory. Fourteen buildings, all
large and convenient and nearly all mag-
nificent modern structures, are so scattered
about the city as to place all parts of the
various districts within easy reach of a
school. The cost of the various buildings
follows: Highland Avenue, $45,000; Lin-
coln and Garfield, $40,000; Thaddeus Ste-
vens, $40,000; Terrace Avenue, $40,848;
West New Castle, $38,000; High School,
$30,000; High School Annex, $16,621; Law-
rence, $25,566 ; Mahoning, $18,000 ; Central,
$20,000 ; Oak Street, $31,249 ; Croton, $24,-
944, and Martin Gantz, $28,000. The total
amounts to $398,228. Ten of the buildings
have been erected since 1880, and all the
newer buildings are of pressed brick and
stone, and are provided with modern heat-
ing and ventilating apparatus. The sani-
tation could not easily be improved. The
Board of School Controllers consists of
the following well known citizens, from the
wards designated: First Ward, Archie
Gordon and W. J. Chain; Second Ward,
G. G. Stitzinger and R. C. G. Wliite; Third
Ward, A. E. Kerr and Charles G. Martin;
Fourth Ward, W. G. Carlon and T. W.
Johns ; Fifth Ward, Thomas Edwards and
Thomas Sadler; Sixth Ward, George W.
Heckart and C. N. Lockhart, and Seventh
Ward, S. A. Barnes and R. W. Hamilton.
The offieers of the board are : G. G. Stitz-
inger, president; W. J. Chain, secretary;
Charles C. Duff, treasurer, and Miss Helen
L. Moseley, librarian and clerk. Mr. T. A.
Kimes has been superintendent of New
Castle schools since 1905. The following
interesting facts concerning the schools of
the city for the year 1907-08 are here
given: * Total number of pupils, 5,323; to-
tal numljer of teachers, 154 ; length of term,
nine months; school levy, eight mills; to-
tal amount of taxes levied, $141,608.16;
state appropriations for June, 1908, $21,-
503.74; total expenditures, $206,396.67.
More than 100 schoolhouses have been
erected in Lawrence County during the
past thirty years. The State Legislature,
by act of 1895, made it possible for any
district that established a high school to
receive an appropriation from the state
according to the grade of school estab-
lished. Schools of the first grade, having
a four-year course, would receive $800; of
the second grade, having a three-year
course, $600, and of the third grade, having
a two-year course, $400. In 1907 the act
was so" changed that the appropriations be
distributed on the following basis: one-
third on course of study, one-third on num-
ber of teachers employed, and one-third
on number of pupils enrolled in the school.
Since the act of 1895, the high schools have
been established in five townships, with
the following grades: First grade. North
Beaver Township; second grade. Hickory,
Scott and Sli]i])ery Rock Townships, and
third grade, Pulaski Township. Ellwood
City has a first grade high school, and
C. W. Cubbison is superintendent of the
borough schools. New Wilmington and the
boroughs of Enon Valley have established
second grade high schools.
Following are the names of the county
superintendents since the establishment of
that office, together with the dui'ation of
their service: Thomas Berry, 1854-1860;
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
183
Stephen Morrison, 1860-1866; George W.
McCraeken, 1866-1869; W. N. Aiken, 1869-
1878; D. F. Balph, 1878-1884; J. R. Sher-
rard, 1884-1890; J. M. Watson, 1890-1896;
Thomas M. Stewart, 1896-1902; R. G. Al-
len, 1902-1907; W. Lee Gilmore was ap-
pointed June 1, 1907, and was elected for
three years, his terra beginning .lune 1,
1908.
The following extract from the report
of Coimty Superintendent W. Lee Gilmore
for the year 1907-]9()8, which will be pub-
lished in the 1908 report of the Superin-
tendent of Public Instruction of Pennsyl-
vania will be of interest: "I believe the
year just closed has been one of success
and profit to the schools. The interest
manifested by patrons, directors and teach-
ers has been of the nature which shows per-
fect harmony existing among all educa-
tional workers. The recent minimum sal-
ary law, which increases the pay of the
teachers, has had a tendency to bring older
and better teachers l^ack into tlie service.
I believe the teaching force in Lawrence
County shows a decided improvement this
year over what it has previously been. The
faithfulness to duty and desire for im-
provement are pleasing indications of ad-
vancement.
"During the past year there were in the
county eighty-three teachers holding pro-
visional certificates, sixty-eight holding
professional certificates, eighteen holding
permanent certificates, twenty-six normal
graduates, forty-five having no previous
experience, and sixty-five who had taught
five or more years. There are 195 teach-
ers in the county presiding over school
rooms.
"The fifty-fifth annual teachers' insti-
tute was held in the First Baptist Church,
New Castle, Pa., October 7-11, 1907. Of a
total of 348 teachers in the city and coun-
ty, 344 were enrolled at the institute.
"The township high schools showed
marked improvement during the past year,
the results lieing highly commended," and
reflecting much credit upon those who had
their management in charge."
TOWNSHIP STATISTICS.
The following statistics exhibit in brief
form the present status of the schools in
the different townships and boroughs :
Big Beaveb. — Number of schools, 8;
nmnber of teachers, 8 ; average niunber of
months taught, 7; niunber of pupils, 324;
nmnber of mills on the dollar levied, 3% ;
amount levied for school purposes,
$2,113.68; amount received from state ap-
propriation, $1,247.94; amount paid teach-
ers, $2,561; for school supplies and text
books, $171.35; total expenditures, $3,-
411.59; estimated value of school prop-
eray, $7,000.
Little Beaver — Number of schools, 6;
average number of months taught, 7 ; num-
ber of teachers, 6 ; number of pupils, 121 ;
number of mills on the dollar levied, 4;
amount levied for school purposes,
$1,585.75; amount received from state ap-
propriation, $621.02; amount paid teach-
ers, $1,885; for school supplies and text
books, $261.03; total expenditures, $3,-
302.24 ; estimated value of school property,
$6,000.
North Beaver — Nimiber of schools, 16;
average number of months taught, 7 ; num-
ber of teachers, 17 ; niunber of pupils, 373 ;
number of mills on the dollar levied, 31/0;
amount levied for school purposes, $4,-
996.13 ; amount received from state appro-
priation, $2,432.16; amount paid teachers,
$5,910 ; for school supplies and text books,
$377.34; total expenditures, $7,902.57; esti-
mated value of school property, $15,000.
Chewton (Independent) — Number of
schools, 3; average number of months
taught, 7; number of teachers, 3; number
of pupils, 159 ; nmnber of mills on the dol-
lar levied, 6 ; amount levied for school pur-
poses, $1,033.76; amount received from
state appropriation, $619.22; amount paid
teachers, $1,010; for school supplies and
text books, $172.02 ; total expenditures, $1,-
498.12 ; estimated value of school property.
$3,000.
Ellwood City Borough — Number of
schools, 2; average number of months
taught, 9 ; number of teachers, 16 ; number
184
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
of pupils, 590 ; number of mills on the dol-
lar levied, 91/2; amount levied for school
purposes, $18,173.32; amount received
from state appropriation, $2,151.70;
amount paid teachers, $10,302.06; for
school supplies and text books, $982.17;
total expenditures, $18,806.05; estimated
value of school property, $70,000.
Enon Valley Bobough — Number of
schools, 3; average nmnber of months
taught, 7; nmnber of teachers, 3; number
of pupils, 90 ; number of mills on the dollar
levied, 9; amount levied for school pur-
poses, $1,209.83; amount received from
state appropriation, $382.10 ; amount paid
teachers, $1,220; for school supplies and
text books, $72.07 ; total expenditures, $1,-
693.19 ; estimated value of school property,
$3,000.
Hazel Dell — Number of schools, 5 ; av-
erage number of months taught, 7 ; number
of teachers, 5 ; number of pupils, 210 ; num-
ber of mills on the dollar levied, 8; amount
levied for school purposes, $1,317.45;
amount received from state appropriation,
$671.78 ; amount paid teachers, $1,565 ; for
school supplies and text books, $275.27;
total expenditures, $2,915.39; estimated
value of school property, $4,500.
HicKOEY — Number of schools, 7; aver-
age number of months taught, 7; number
of teachers, 7 ; number of pupils, 169 ; num-
ber of mills on the dollar levied, 21/2;
amount levied for school purposes, $1,-
765.97 ; amount received from state appro-
priation, $1,074.90; amount paid teachers,
$2,448 ; for school supplies and text books,
$153.75; total expenditures, $3,452.23 ; esti-
mated value of school property, $6,000.
IVIahoning — Number of schools, 14; av-
erage number of months taught, 7; num-
ber of teachers, 14; number of pupils, 445;
number of mills on the dollar levied, 31/0 ;
amount levied for school purposes, $4,-
312.27 ; amount received from state appro-
priation, $2,049.80; amount paid teachers,
$4,520 ; for school supplies and text books,
$301.77 ; total expenditures, $6,657.91 ; esti-
mated value of school property, $14,000.
Neshannock — Number of schools, 7; av-
erage number of months taught, 7 ; number
of teachers, 7 ; number of pupils, 338 ; num-
ber of mills on the dollar levied, 3 ; amount
levied for school purposes, $1,814.21;
amount received from state appropriation,
$995.82 ; amount paid teachers, $2,310 ; for
school supplies and text books, $482.94;
total expenditures, $4,078.61; estimated
value of school property, $7,000.
New Wilmington — Number of schools,
4; average number of months taught, 8;
number of teachers, 5; number of pupils,
161 ; number of mills on the dollar levied,
6; amount levied for school purposes, $1,-
783.66 ; amount received from state appro-
priation, $6,250.20; amount paid teachers,
$1,970.16; for school supplies and text
books, $252.16; total expenditures, $2,-
757.58 ; estimated value of school property,
$5,000.
Plain Geove — Number of schools, 7 ; av-
erage number of months taught, 7 ; number
of teachers, 7 ; number of pupils, 156 ; num-
ber of mills on the dollar levied, 5 ; amount
levied for school purposes, $1,723.47;
amount received from state appropriation,
$708.74 ; amount paid teachers, $2,310 ; for
school supplies and text books, $179.47;
total expenditures, $3,008.59; estimated
value of school property, $7,000.
Perey — Number of schools, 5; average
number of months taught, 7; number of
teachers, 5 ; number of pupils, 128 ; number
of mills on the dollar levied, 5; amount
levied for school purposes, $1,145.09;
amount received from state appropriation,
$647.14; amount paid teachers, $1,364.50;
for school supplies and text books, $64.44 ;
total expenditures, $2,139.28; estimated
value of school property, $3,750.
Pulaski — Number of schools, 12; aver-
age number of months taught, 7; number
of teachers, 12; number of pupils, 261;
number of mills on the dollar levied, 3;
amount leaded for school purposes, $2,-
863.06 ; amount received from state appro-
priation, $1,794.30; amount paid teachers,
$4,182 ; for school supplies and text books,
$285.04 ; total expenditures, $5,319.13 ; esti-
mated value of school property, $12,000.
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
185
Scott — Number of schools, 8; average
mimbei" of months taught, 7 ; number ol
teachers, 8 ; number of pupils, 145 ; number
of mills on the dollar levied, 41/2 ; amount
levied for school purposes, $1,952.17;
amount received from state appropriation,
$1,154.98; amount paid teachers, $2,572;
for school supplies and text books, $224.19 ;
total expenditures, $3,407.94; estimated
value of school property, $6,500.
Shenango — Number of schools, 17; av-
erage number of months taught, 7; num-
ber of teachers, 17 ; number of pupils, 395 ;
number of mills on the dollar levied, 7;
amount levied for school purposes, $5,-
112.63 ; amount received from state appro-
priation, $1,939.16; amount paid teachers,
$5,624 ; for school supplies and text books.
$299.27 ; total expenditures, $8,315.81 ; esti-
mated value of school property, $20,000.
Slippery Rock — Number of schools, 11 ;
average number of months taught, 7 ; num-
ber of teachers, 11; number of pupils, 310;
number of mills on the dollar levied, 6;
amount levied for school purposes, $3,-
975.82 ; amount received from state appro-
priation, $1,590.54; amount paid teachers,
$3,453 ; for school supplies and text books,
$418.92 ; total expenditures, $7,398.55 ; esti-
mated value of school property, $15,700.
South New Castle Borough — Number
of schools, 3; average number of months
taught, 8 ; number of teachers, 3 ; number
of pupils, 150 ; niunber of mills on the dol-
lar leaded, 24; amount levied for school
purposes, $1,698.96 ; amount received from
state appropriation, $539.88; amount paid
teachers, $1,307.50; for school purposes
and text books, $109.46 ; total expenditures,
$2,364.79; estimated value of school prop-
erty, $9,000.
Taylor — Number of schools, 3; average
number of months taught, 7; number of
teachers, 3 ; number of pupils, 113 ; number
of mills on the dollar levied, 8; amount
levied for school purposes, $3,585.06;
amount received from state appropriation,
$575.08; amount paid teachers. $1,076; for
school supplies and text books, $208.15;
;total expenditures, $11,197.39; estimated
value of school property, $18,000.
Union — Number of schools, 9; average
uimiber of months taught, 8; number of
teachers, 9; number of pupils, 261; num-
ber of mills on the dollar levied, 31/2;
amount levied for school purposes, $2,-
417.88 ; amount received from state appro-
priation, $1,530.60; amount paid teachers,
$3,540 ; for school supplies and text books,
$502.46 ; total expenditures, $4,894.03 ; esti-
mated value of school property, $20,000.
Volant — Number of schools, 1 ; average
number of months taught, 7; number of
teachers, 1 ; number of pupils, 44 ; number
of mills on the dollar levied, 51/2 ; amount
levied for school purposes, $300.51 ; amount
received from state appropriation, $164.92 ;
amount paid teachers, $360 ; for school sup-
plies and text books, $51; total expendi-
tures, $486.64; school property rented.
Wampum — Niunber of schools, 4; aver-
age nmnber of months taught, 8 ; number
of teachers, 4; number of pupils, 176; num-
ber of mills on the dollar le\ded, 6; amount
levied for school purposes, $1,614.95;
amount received from state appropriation,
$654.10; amount paid teachers, $1,788; for
school supplies and text books, $165.63;
total expenditures, $2,421.30; estimated
value of school property, $4,000.
Washington Township — Number of
schools, 5; average number of months
taught, 7; number of teachers, 5; number
of pupils, 102; number of mills on the dol-
lar levied, 4i^ ; amount le\'ied for school
purposes, $1,482.24 ; amount received from
state appropriation, $540.30; amount paid
teachers, $1,520; for school supplies and
text books, $134.82 ; total expenditures, $2,
067.59 ; estimated value of school property,
$5,000.
Wayne — Number of schools, 9; average
number of months taught, 7; number of
teachers, 9; number of pupils, 276; number
of mills on the dollar levied, 6; amount
levied for school purposes, $2,720.95;
amount received from state appropriation,
$1,307.76; amount paid teachers, $2,750;
186
HISTOEY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
for school supplies aud text books, $457.15 ;
total expenditures, $3,825.31; estimated
value of school property, $10,000.
Wilmington — Number of schools, 7 ; av-
erage number of mouths taught, 7 ; number
of teachers, 7 ; number of pupils, 179 ; num-
ber of mills on the dollar levied, 2%;
amount levied for school purposes, $1,-
664.12 ; amount received from state appro-
priation, $920.84; amount paid teachers,
$2,240 ; for school supplies and text books,
$143; total expenditures, $3,187.44; esti-
mated value of school property, $10,500.
WuKTEMBXTEG (Independent) — Number
of schools, 2; average number of months
taught, 7; number of teachers, 2; number
of pupils, 94; number of mills on the dol-
lar levied, 6 ; amount levied for school pur-
poses, $517.47 ; amount received from state
appropriation, $328.40 ; amount paid teach-
ers, $650; for school supplies and text
books, $8 ; total expenditures, $828.57 ; esti-
mated school property, $1,600.
PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS.
Probably no better parochial schools, in
point of thoroughness of instruction and
efficiency in training, can be found in the
State, than those of New Castle. The first
Catholic school in Lawrence County 'was
opened in a frame church in West New
Castle by Rev. Father Hays in 1871. In
1872, the school was removed to the old
Cunningham Block, near the Diamond, and
in 1875 an elegant three-story brick school
was built at a cost of $8,000. It is tasteful
in design, thoroughly furnished and
equipped, and compares favorably with the
other schools of the city. The attendance
in the new building was at first about 200
children, taught by the Sisters of St. Mary,
and now the capacity of the building is
taxed, the enrollment being 440. The cost
of instructing these children is about
$4,000 a year, this sum being raised by tri-
ennial collections taken in the church. In
1879, Rev. Father Gallagher was appointed
pastor and became director of the school.
Eev. Father F. F. O'Shea looks after the
welfare of the institution at the present
time. In addition to the usual common
school branches, the following subjects are
taught: Bookkeeping, algebra, telegraphy,
typewriting, shorthand, Latin, and vocal
and instrumental music. The girls are also
taught fine needle work. The German lan-
guage is employed largely in the school
work, but English is by no means neg-
lected.
St. Joseph's Parochial School, which is
under the care of Rev. Father F. J. Eger,
was Oldened in March, 1889, in the lecture
hall of the church, with an attendance of
more than fifty children, under the man-
agement of Miss M. V. Kankowsky; she
taught with success, though the school was
growing I'apidly, until Father Eger di-
vided the school into two rooms, in Janu-
ary, 1890, and placed them in charge of
the Sisters of the Divine Providence. After
the beginning of the institution, school was
held in Fleckenstein's Hall until the new.
church building was completed ; the rooms
now occupied in the building are large and
comfortable, and there is an attendance of
about 130 children. '
St. Vitus Parochial School, of St. Vitus'
Roman Catholic Church, was started by
Rev. Nichola DeJMita, the pastor who now
has charge of it. It is conducted at the
present in the basement of the church, by
the Missionary Franciscan Sisters of the
Immaculate Conception of Rome, Italy.
About 260 pupils cover the work of the pri-
mary and grammar grades, and both Eng-
lish and Italian languages are used in the
school work. There are four instructors
in the school.
St. Mary's Polish Parochial School was
started in September, 1905, by Rev. John
Andrzejewski, in what was the old parson-
age. A lay teacher is in charge and there
is an attendance of about sixty pupils. The
school is located on the corner of Oakland
and Maple streets.
WESTMINSTER COLLEGE.
Foundation — Presidents — Faculty — Rela-
tion to Lawrence County.
Westminster College came into existence
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
189
in 1852. To the Rev. George C. Viuceut,
D. D., then a pastor in Mercer, and in
charge of an academy there, the credit of
projecting it is given; the equal honor may
be given to Rev. I). H. A. McLean, D. D.,
then a pastor in Greenville, and also in
charge of a local academy, and to William
H. Dickey, Esq., an Elder in Greenville
congregation, on whom rested the burden
of securing funds for the new enterprise.
The project was brought before the As-
sociate Presbytery of Shenango at its
meeting in New "Wilmington early in the
year 1852, and approved. When a charter
was secured April 27, 1852, it provided for
a Board of Trustees composed of twelve
persons, to be chosen by the Associate
Presbyteries of Ohio and Shenango, six by
each Presbytery. In 1859 the Board was
enlarged, and the appointment of its twen-
ty-four members was committed to the
First Synod of the West of the United
Presbyterian Church, which came into ex-
istence the previous year. In 1872 the
Synod of Pittsburgh became associated
with the First Synod of the West in the
oversight of the College, it being arranged
that twelve members of the Board should
be appointed by each synod. Within re-
cent years the Alumni have been given
representation in the Board by eight mem-
bers additional, and the Board itself has
been given power to add eight more, mak-
ing now a total membership of forty in the
Board of Control.
LOCATION.
The location of the college was competed
for by several towns and villages, Mercer,
Green\dlle, New Bedford, New Wilming-
ton and others. The prompt action of A.
P. Moore, Esq., in offering $1,500 and five
acres of ground as a site for the college,
won the victory for New W^ilmington. Al-
though the effort has several times been
made to change the location of the college,
it has always settled back on the old foun-
dations, and may be regarded as firmly
and finally established where it first start-
ed on its useful career.
Within the last two years the plant has
been enlarged by the purchase of 200 acres
of land, thus affording room for expansion,
as the needs and resources of the college
may warrant. A trolley line will ere long
connect the college community with New
Castle, the county seat, and each will gain
much from the other by means of the bet-
ter facilities for travel thus afforded.
Beautiful for situation, central to the vast
and growing population that stretches be-
tween V irginia and the Lakes, separated
from the bustle of commercial and indus-
trial life, within easy reach of the world
without, and with the physical basis for
unbounded growth, the location is an ideal
one for a seat of learning.
BUILDINGS.
The first building, cimipleted in 1856,
was burned to the ground on February 3,
1861. A new one was built and occupied in
the fall of 1862. This, the present Admin-
istration Building, having been changed
somewhat in 1884, and completely renewed
within and enlarged by an important ad-
dition in 1907, is now admirably adapted
for college work.
"The Hillside," a dormitory for girls, is
situated south of the village, and has a fine
view of the valley below and the hills in the
distance. It was first occupied in January,
1885, and in 1907 was added to on all sides,
transformed and adorned, so that it is now
one of the most attractive and commodious
homes for young women to be found in
any college conununity.
The Mary Thompson Science Hall was
built in 1894 and the W. A. Clark Chem-
ical Laboratory in 1896. The former was
erected by Prof. S. R. Thompson and his
wife in memory of a beloved daughter, and
the latter was secured through the gener-
osity of General Clark. The scientific
equipment of the college is adequate to all
the demands of a modern institution.
In 1908 "The College of Music" came
into special prominence in the erection of a
new building, containing thirty-six rooms
for concert, studio and practice purposes.
190
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
The building is unexcelled in arrangement
and conveniences. The equijiment of this
department is always maintained at the
highest point of efficiency, nothing but high
grade instruments being used, and these
always having the- merit of newness.
Three other buildings of the college plant
are worthy of notice. The Home of the
President, originally occupied by A. P.
Moore, Esq., the first benefactor of the col-
lege, is a spacious building fitted with all
modern improvements and admirably
adapted as a social center of college life.
Two cottages, adjacent to the Hillside
Dormitory, are adapted to rooming pur-
poses for young women who in all other
respects share the dormitory life. The
programme of progress embraces the erec-
tion of new college buildings upon the hill,
and the laying out of the gi'ounds for col-
lege settlement in accordance with the elab-
orate plans prepared by Olmsted Broth-
ers, Brookline, Mass., thus permitting the
present plant to meet the needs of an en-
larging Preparatory School with commer-
cial and agricultural features. The grow-
ing interest in New Wilmington as a cen-
ter for summer conferences also demands
the erection of a commodious auditorium.
THE PRESIDENTS.
The first president of the college was the
Rev. James Patterson, D. D., his term of
service being from 1854 to 1866. The sec-
ond was the Rev. Robert Audley Brown,
D. D., who served from 1867 to 1870. The
third was the Rev. E. T. Jeffers, D. D., who
served from 1872 to 1883. The fourth was
the Rev. R. G. Ferguson, D. D., LL. D., who
served from 1884 to 1906. fhe term of the
fifth president, the Rev. R M. Russell, D.
D., LL. D., began in June 1906. During
the year 1883-84 the Rev. J K. McClurkin,
D. D., then professor of Greek, was acting
president.
THE FACULTY.
The faculty has always included in its
number able, earnest and scholarly men
and women. A few names of those who
have passed away will support the above
assertion: Prof. W. A. Mehard, D. D. ;
Prof. J. B. Cummings, Ph. D.; Prof. An-
drew M. Black, A. M.; Prof. John Edgar,
A. M., D. D. ; Prof. S. R. Thompson, Ph. D. ;
Prof. John Mitchell, A. M.; Prof. Oella J.
Patterson, A. M.
At the period now noted the faculty con-
sists of the following professors and in-
structors :
Robert McWatty Russell, D. D., LL. D.,
President and Professor of Christian
Evidences.
Robert Gracey Ferguson, D. D., LL. D.,
Professor of Biblical Literature and
Ethics.
John James McElree, A. M.,
Professor of Latin.
Charles Freeman, Ph. D.,
Dean and Professor of Chemistry.
John Abram Shott, A. M.,
Professor of Phj'sics and Department
Instructor in Psychology and Educa-
tion.
James Oscar Campbell, A. M., D. D.,
Professor of History and Political
Science.
James McAllister Shaffer, A. M.,
Professor of Mathematics.
William Templeton Hewetson, A. M.,
Professor of English.
James Dwerelle Barr, A. M.,
Professor of Greek.
Anna Heyberger, A. M.,
Professor of German and French.
William W. Troup, A. M.,
Associate Professor of Latin and Greek.
Sara A. Pratt, A. B., Dean of Women.
Benjamin William Bridgman, A. M.,
Associate Professor of Physics and
Mathematics.
Owen ^y. Mills, A. M.,
Professor of Biology and Geology.
Elizabeth Lawrence Randall, B. 0.,
Professor of Oratory.
Alta Aileen Robinson, A. M.,
Assistant Professor of English
AND EEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
191
Bertlie Miiller,
Assistant Professor of Freiu'li and Ger-
man.
Mabel ]\[cCoy Henderson, A. jM.,
Instructor in English.
Bess Stnart, A. B., Instructor in Greek.
William Wilson Campbell, A. ^\.,
Director of Music, Pianoforte and Vocal
Culture.
Nona Yantis, B.^ S.,
Instructor in Pianoforte and Harmony.
Edward French Hearn,
Instructor in Pianoforte.
Mona Downs,
Instructor in Vocal Culture and En-
semble.
Lucie M. Manley, Director of Art.
J. H. Veazey, A. M.,
Registrar and Local Treasurer.
Isabel B. Stuart,
President's Secretary and Assistant
Registrar.
William Templeton Hewetson, A. M.,
Librarian.
Mabel McCoy Henderson, A. M.,
Bess Stuart, A. B.,
Assistant Librarians.
KELATION TO LAWRENCE COUNTY.
Westminster has done much for Law-
rence County. Its influence has reached
to all its parts from which its patrons have
come. Many of its graduates, and many
more who have taken partial courses, have
raised the standard of intelligence and
morality in the community in which they
reside. It has prepared many for positions
of usefulness in education, law and medi-
cine, as well as in the ministrj'. It has sent
W. A. Aiken into the superintendency of
public schools, George W. McCracken and
others into the editor's chair, R. K. Aiken
and others into the district attorney's of-
fice, scores into the practice of law. Four
judges of the County Court have been
graduates of Westminster, the Hon. John
McMichael, class of 1857; the Hon. J. Nor-
man Martin, class of 1881; the Hon. Will-
iam D. Wallace, class of 1881, and the Hon.
William E. Porter, class of 1889.
Westminster, though under the special
care of the United Presbyterian Church, is
pre-eminently the college of Lawrence
County. Her doors are open to students
of all varieties of religious belief, or to
those who have none. Her policy is liberal,
aiming to furnish education along all lines
for professional and practical life, yet
striving to have the whole college influence
permeated with Christian morality, so that
her students may be trained not only for
the "making of a living but for the making
of a life. ' ' The citizens of Lawrence Coun-
ty should make Westminster the object of
their hearty benefieence.
CHAPTER XIII
MILITARY HISTORY
The Territory and Couniy in Five Wars.
War has its glories, and, no less, its
tragedies ; its surviving heroes and its mar-
tyrs. The history of the city of New Cas-
tle and of Lawrence County teems with the
names of men who went forth valiantly to
fight their country's battles in the cause of
right and justice, some to return as heroes
with records of distinction in service, oth-
ers to give their lives in the cause they
espoused. The pioneer history records the
coming of not a few brave men who had
seen service in the Colonial Army during
the Eevolution, and to whom many of the
citizens of today trace their lineage. By
the time of the second war with England,
that territory now comprising Lawrence
County had made rapid strides in its de-
velopment, and was populated by a hardy
class whose patriotism carried many to the
front. Others were drafted into the serv-
ice. Two companies were raised in the vi-
cinity of New Castle, one captained by
John Fisher and the other by James Ham-
ilton, and were rendezvoused at Mercer.
The service of the men from this commun-
ity was in various companies and brigades,
and their course during the war can not be
followed. Some were called to Erie at dif-
ferent periods during the war, a number of
them going as often as three times. A por-
tion of them were with General Cook's Bri-
gade, which went from Pittsburg in the fall
of 1812, and joined General Harrison's
Army on the Sandusky and Miami Rivers,
in Ohio. During this struggle, the people
along the frontier were in constant fear of
invasion by the British and Indians, and
numerous block houses were erected as
places of refuge in case of attack; one of
them was built, in 1813, in the city of New
Castle, between Mercer Street and Apple
Alley, on the north side of Washington
Street. It was a very substantial stnicture,
constructed of logs, and stood for many
years.
Believing that in time of peace we should
prepare for war, there have at various
periods in the history of the community
been military organizations in which the
citizens were trained and drilled in militarj'
tactics. About the year 1820 there was a
battalion of five uniformed companies in
the vicinity of New Castle, each company
with a distinctive style of dress. James
Cubbison was captain of the Pumpkintown
Wliite Coats, so called from the color of
their coats, which were of white flannel;
Captain James Rigby commanded a rifle
company from the neighborhood of Mt.
Jackson ; the New Castle Guards were com-
manded by Capt. Nathaniel McElevy; the
Parkstown Company, northwest of New
Castle, was commanded by Capt. Andrew
Robinson; a company in the neighborhood
of East Brook was commanded by Capt.
John Budd, and Capt. William Young com-
manded a company iip the Shenango, north
of New Castle. In 1821. Capt. James Wil-
son commanded a company in Shenango
Township. It was the custom for these
various companies, for some years, to meet
annually and participate in dress parade,
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
193
drills and sham battles. These were sceues
of great jollification, feasting and drinking,
being regarded as a gala day and attended
by the people from far and near.
No companies were organized in Law-
rence County for service in the war with
Mexico, but quite a few are known to have
served in companies organized elsewhere.
It was in the War of the Rebellion the
citizens of Lawrence County made a record
which shines with the greatest lustre. With
a population far less than many of the
other counties of the State, it sent from the
various walks of life some 4,000 in enlisted
and drafted men, of whom nearly five hun-
dred never lived to survive the war. Others
returned maimed and injured and illy pre-
pared to take up life's battles in the busi-
ness world, but proud to have rendered
their country a service in the hour of its
greatest need.
Within a few hours after the arrival of
news concerning the capture of Fort Sum-
ter by the Confederates, a company of
young men was recruited in New Castle,
and shortly went by canal to Pittsburg,
where the Twelfth Regiment was being re-
cruited. The New Castle men were organ-
ized into two companies, F and H, with
Capt. Edward O'Brien in command of the
former and Capt. Daniel Leasure in com-
mand of the latter. Leaving Pittsburg
April 24:, 1861, the Twelfth Regiment ar-
riA^ed in Harrisburg the next day, were re-
viewed by Governor Curtin and mustered
into the United States service. They went
into camp immediately at Camp Scott, near
York, Pa., and were drilled for several
weeks. May 19 the regiment was clothed
and given accoutrements, and on May 25
was ordered to move and take possession
of the Baltimore & Harrisburg Railway,
from the State line to the city of Baltimore,
which it did, maintaining headquarters at
Cockeysville. The regiment was mustered
out of service at Harrisburg, August 5,
1861, its work having been performed with-
out strife or bloodshed. Many of the men
of Company F and Company H afterward
re-entered the army, Captain Leasure go-
ing out as colonel of the famous lOOtli, or
Roimdhead, Regiment, and Captain
O'Brien becoming colonel of the 134th
Regiment of Pennsylvania.
Company K, of the Thirty-ninth Regi-
ment (Tenth Reserves), was partially from
Lawrence County and was recruited for the
three years' service, the organization being
effected late in June, 1861. The regiment
was mustered in at Harrisburg July 21,
1861, and went by rail to Baltimore, thence
to Washington; it was finally assigned to
the Third Brigade, and on" October 10,
1861, moved into Virginia and took po.si-
tion in line with the army. Their first en-
gagement took place December 10. with
the entire brigade in action, and was a vic-
tory. About the middle of June, 1862, they
were ordered to the Peninsula to re-enforce
McClellan, and June 26, 1862, participated
in the battle of Mechanicsville. It after-
wards engaged in the battles of Gaines'
^lill, White Oak Swamp, Bull Run (second
battle). South Mountain, Antietam, Fred-
erickslnirg, Gettysburg, New Hope Church
and the Wilderness. Those who survived
the stirring action through which they had
been were mustered out at Pittsburg June
11, 1864, many of them re-enlisting as vet-
erans.
Battery B, Forty-third Regiment, First
Artillery, of Pennsylvania, joined the
Pennsylvania Reserves at Tenallytown,
August 14, 1861, and was assigned to the
First Brigade. It was in the thickest of
the fight in many of the most important
battles of the war, namely at Mechanics-
ville, Bull Run (second battle). South
Mountain. Antietam, Fredericksburg, Get-
tysburg, the Wilderness, Spottsylvania
Courthouse and Cold Harbor. Many of
the men had re-enlisted at the expiration
of their service, others returned home, and
in all during the four years there were 334
men connected with Battery B. In that
time, 11,200 roimds of ammunition were
expended. The batterv was mustered out
at Harrisburg June 9, 1865.
Company A of the Seventy-sixth Regi-
ment was recruited in Lawrence Countv,
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
194
and Company G, of that regiment, in Law-
rence and Westmoreland counties. The
regiment was organized for three years'
service in August, 1861, with D. H. Wallace,
of New Castle, as lieutenant-colonel. No-
vember 18, 1861, at Camp Cameron, at
Harrisburg, it received its colors from the
Governor, and the following day proceeded
to Fortress Monroe. On the 8th of Decem-
ber they arrived at Hilton Head, South
Carolina, where it was armed and equipped
and assigned to General Wright's brigade.
A part of the regiment participated in the
taking of Fort Pulaski at the mouth of the
Savannah River, Company A and Com-
pany F being left at Hilton Head. June
16, 1862, they made an attack on the city
of Charleston, but were repulsed. October
22, 1862, they formed a part of an expedi-
tion to sever communication between
Charleston and Savannah, by destroying
the bridges across the Pocotaligo, and in
this undertaking the Seventy-sixth Regi-
ment lost seventy-five officers and men in
killed and wounded. July 10, 1863, an at-
tack was made on Fort Wagner, and on
the day following the Seventy-sixth partici-
pated in a charge on the fort in the face of
a withering fire; they were repulsed with
terrible losses. The number of killed and
wounded from this regiment alone totaled
187, of whom fifty-three were killed. An-
other assault was made on the fort on the
18th of July, in which the Seventy-sixth
lost seventeen in killed and wounded. In
May, 1864, the Tenth corps was attached
to the Army of the James in Virginia;
early in that month they forced the Con-
federates back from the Weldon Railroad
to Drury's Bluff, and in this action the
Seventy-sixth sustained a loss of sixty-five
in killed and wounded. They sustained a
heavy loss in a three days' battle at Cold
Harbor. June 23, 1864, they proceeded to
Petersburg, where they performed picket
duty on the front line of works ; they later
were in engagements at Chapin's Fanii and
Hather's Run, and on January 6, 1865,
joined an expedition against Fort Fisher,
in North Carolina, which was surrendered
on January 15. They next took Wilming-
ton and Raleigh, at the latter place being
detached for provost-guard duty. They
were mustered out at Raleigh on July 18,
1865, and paid off at Harrisburg, Pa., on
July 23, when they disbanded.
The One Hundredth Regiment of Penn-
sylvania, which is known in history as the
Roundhead Regiment (so called because
the territory from which it was recruited
was settled by the Covenanters who had
followed Cromwell), had more Lawrence
County men enrolled in its ranks than any
other regiment. It was recruited by Capt.
Daniel Leasure, whom we have previously
mentioned in connection with the Twelfth
Regiment, by authority of the Secretary of
War, under date of August 6, 1861. Com-
panies B, E, F, H, I and K were recruited
in Lawrence County, and on September 2,
1861, the regiment, consisting of twelve
companies, proceeded to Washington and
encamped at Kalorama Heights. Upon
organization, Daniel Leasure was commis-
sioned colonel of the regiment. The regi-
ment was brigaded October 7, 1861, with
the Eighth Michigan and the Fiftieth Penn-
sylvania, with Colonel Leasure as ranking
officer in command. It joined the command
of Gen. W. T. Sherman, at Annapolis,
destined for the coast of South Carolina.
On request of Colonel Leasure to the Sec-
retary of War, the Seventy-ninth New
York was assigned to his brigade, and on
October 12, 1861, Gen. Isaac I. Stevens was
assigned to its command. October 19 they
set sail for Fortress Monroe, thence under
sealed orders for Port Royal Entrance;
they arrived on November 5, and on the
7th the gunboats advanced to the attack on
Forts Walker and Beauregard, driving the
enemy from the works. The troops were
landed and .took possession of the forts,
and Hilton Head and Lady's Island. For-
tifications were erected, and General Stev-
ens' brigade was here stationed for one
month, then proceeded further inland to
the town of Beaufort. General Hunter,
who had relieved General Sherman in this
department, undertook the reduction of
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
195
Charleston. With this object iu view, on
June 1, 1862, General Stevens moved with
his brigade through Stony Inlet to James
Island, took possession of the village of
Legareville and moved into the interior of
the island. They erected forts and per-
formed guard duty, and during their stay
were under almost constant fire from the
enemy's forts. June 16, they made an at-
tack on Tower Fort, near Secessionville,
which was heid by a large force and com-
manded the approaches to Charleston by
the James Island causeway. The attack
was repelled with heavy losses, and the
operations against Charleston were sus-
pended. July 4 the brigade returned to
Hilton Head, and on July 13 to Beaufort,
thence on the Merrimac, which was on a
trial trip, to Virginia, going into camp at
Newport News. It participated in the sec-
ond battle of Bull Run, August 29 and 30,
and fought gloriously, but at an awful sac-
rifice of lives. On the second day they fell
back before overwhelming numbers to Cen-
terville, and on September 1 took part in
a hotly contested battle at Chantilly, in
which the Union Army triumphed.
The One Hmidredth Regiment partici-
pated in the battle of South Mountain, Sep-
tember 14th, but having lost nearly all its
line ofScers was not engaged actively at
Antietam on September 17th, being held
in reserve. Colonel Leasure, who had his
horse shot from under him on the second
day at Bull Run, and had himself been se-
verely wounded, returned from the hospi-
tal to the front in October, and was sent by
General Burnside to bring up the absentees
and convalescents of the Ninth Corps, as-
sembled in camp near Washington. About
4,000 were thus added to the strength of
the corps, 200 of whom were members of
the One Hundredth Pennsylvania. During
the progress of the battle of Fredericks-
burg, December 13, 1862, this regiment,
with its division, was held in reserve, and
on December 15th was deployed as skir-
mishers to cover the retreat of General
Sumner's forces. In June, 1863, the Ninth
Corps was ordered to the support of Gen-
eral Grant at Vicksburg, and was there
placed to guard the fords of the Big Black
River, remaining imtil the surrender of
Pemberton, July 4th. After the fall of
Vicksburg it was with Sherman's Army
on the expedition against Jackson. They
were then sent to East Tennessee, going
by boat to Cairo, thence by rail to Cincin-
nati, thence to Camp Nelson, in Kentucky.
Owing to the ravages of disease, due to
poor water in the south, hot weather and
hardships, their ranks were greatly de-
pleted when they left Camp Nelson on Sep-
tember 25th, fully one-fourth of the One
Hundredth Regiment being left in hospi-
tals. The regiment got into action about
Knoxville, and on January 1, 1864, not-
withstanding their hardships and priva-
tions, the entire regiment, with the excep-
tion of twenty-seven, re-enlisted for a sec-
ond term of three years. They returned
home on veteran furlough, and on March
8th rendezvoused at Camp Copeland, near
Pittsburg, with a sufficient number of re-
cri;its to raise the regiment to a strength
of 977 men. It proceeded to Annapolis,
where it was brigaded with the Twenty-
first Massachusetts and Third Maryland,
forming the Second Brigade, First Divi-
sion, with Colonel Leasure in command.
They participated in the battle of the Wil-
derness, at Spottsylvania Court House,
North Anna River, Cold Harbor, a series
of battles before Petersburg, in the en-
gagement along the Weldon Railroad, Pop-
lar Springs Church, Hatcher's Run, Fort
Steadman, and the final assault upon Pe-
tersburg. The regiment was mustered out
at Washington, D. C, July 24, 1865.
Company D, of the One Hundred and
First Regiment of Pennsylvania, was
largely from Lawrence County, and with
the regiment participated in the battles of
Williamsburg, Virginia; Fair Oaks, where
fully one-third of their number were killed
or wounded ; White Oak Swamp ; Kinston,
North Carolina ; and in numerous sorties
about Newbern and Plymouth. At the last
named place the entire regiment, except
tnose absent on furlough or detached duty,
196
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
was cajjlured, and marched under a strong
guard to Tarboro. They were from there
conveyed by rail to Andersonville, where
the enlisted men were incarcerated, the
officers being taken to Macon and held. All
of the officers of the regiment at one time
or another made escape, some of them mak-
ing the Union lines, and others, less for-
tunate, being recaptured. They were
moved from Macon to Savannah, then suc-
cessively to Charleston and Charlotte, be-
ing finally exchanged at Wilmington, in
March, 1865. Most of the enlisted men
were taken from Andersonville, some to
Millin and others to Savannah, where a
limited number were exchanged. All were
exchanged in the spring of 1865 at Wil-
mington, North Carolina, except those left
at Andersonville, they being sent north
afterwards, hj way of the Mississippi. The
regiment was mustered out of service at
Newbern, North Carolina, June 25, 1865.
The number of deaths in the regiment dur-
ing its imprisonment, and the enfeebled
condition of the survivors, was appalling.
Company D, of the One Hundred and
Ninth Regiment of Pennsylvania, was re-
cruited in Lawrence County, in December,
1861, and was commanded by Capt. John
Young, Jr., of New Castle. It was under
General Banks in the operations about
Harper's Ferry, took part in the battle of
Cedar Mountain, and was on hand at An-
tietam, although not actively engaged.
After taking part in the battles of Chan-
cellorsville and Gettysburg, it was sent
with the Eleventh and Twelfth Corps, un-
der General Hooker, to the relief of Rose-
crans at Chattanooga. It was with Sher-
man's Army through the Atlanta cam-
paign, participating in the engagements
around Resaca, Dallas, Lost Mountain and
Kenesaw Mountain. It accompanied the
army in its march to the sea, arriving in
Savannah December 21, 1864. It later was
in action at Averysboro, Bentonville and
Goldsboro, and after the surrender of
Johnston, March 26, 1865, made its way
northward with Sherman's army to Wash-
ington, where it was mustered out on the
19th of July.
Companies A, B, D, and H, of the One
Hundred and Thirty-Fourth Regiment of
Pennsylvania, in compliance with a call is-
sued in July, 1862, by Governor Curtin, for
troops for nine months' service, were
raised in Lawrence County, and Com-
pany I of the same regiment was raised in
Lawrence and Beaver Counties. It ren-
dezvoused at Camp Curtin and was or-
dered away before its organization was
effected. It moved on to AVashington Au-
gust 20, 1862, and was attached to a pro-
visional corps commanded by General Ca-
sey at Arlington Heights. There the or-
ganization was effected with Matthew S.
Quay as Colonel, and Edward O'Brien of
Lawrence C'ounty, as Lieutenant-Colonel.
It was brigaded with the Ninety-First, One
Hundred and Twenty-Sixth and One Hun-
dred and Twenty-Ninth Pennsylvania regi-
ments, and the brigade placed in command
of General E. B. Tyler. They got into
stirring action in the last struggle of the
battle of Fredericksburg, and in the brief
space in which they were in the conflict lost
fourteen killed, 106 wounded and sixteen
missing. In this engagement, in addition
to facing the tire of the enemy in front,
they had the misfortune of being fired
upon from the rear. In the spring of 1863,
the brigade participated in the movement
against Lee, which ended with the defeat
at Chancellorsville, in which Colonel
O'Brien and his men made a brave stand
imtil their ammunition gave out. After
this battle, the regiment was shortly mus-
tered out at Havrisburg, May 26, 1863, its
term of enlistment having expired.
The One Hundred and Fifty-Ninth Regi-
ment of Pennsylvania (Fourteenth Cav-
alry) contained many men from Lawrence
County, scattered through its various com-
panies. It was organized at Pittsburg,
and equipped at Hagerstown, Maryland.
It performed picket-duty for some time at
Charlestown, West Virginia, during the
winter of 1862-1863; and for several
\'l KOfKP, TASCADE PARK.
VIEWS IX NEW CASTLE AND \'1C1N1TY.
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
199
months during 1863 did duty in Western
Mrginia, being attached to the command
of General Averell. After the battle of
Gettysburg, the regiment, which had been
transferred to Maryland, crossed into Vir-
ginia, and took up the pursuit of Lee, be-
ing actively engaged with Averell's com-
mand in the vicinity of the Potomac, at
Falling Waters, about Manchester, and
White Sulphur Springs. It was in the
movements in Western and Southern Vir-
ginia during the winter of 1863-1864, fight-
ing at Droop Moimtain and destroying the
Virginia and Tennessee railway and sup-
plies of the rebel army to the extent of
more than $3,000,000. During these raids
the Fourteenth Cavalry lost about fifty
men in killed, wounded and missing. It
continued with Averill's command in their
raid through West Virginia and lost many
in killed and wounded, particularly at Core
Gap. It participated in General Huster's
operations on the James River, and was
with him when Early, with an entire corps
from Lee's Army, eomiielled him to retreat
toward the Ohio River. The march was
a severe one and a number of the men died
of hunger. From Parkersburg, it returned
by rail to Martinsburg. July 20th, Averell
attacked Early at Winchester and defeated
him, but on the 24th the fortunes of war
were reversed when the entire command of
Early attacked the conmiands of Crook and
Averell. The commands fell back to the
Potomac, contesting every inch of ground,
and finally withdrew to Hagerstown,
Maryland. The enemy under McCausland,
burned the town of Chambersburg, Penn-
sylvania, and was followed by Averell
from that town to Moorfield, on the Po-
tomac. Averell 's command there defeated
the combined forces of McCausland, John-
son, Gilmore and McNeill, with heavy loss,
and in this engagement the Fourteenth
Cavalry lost ten killed and twenty-five
wounded. The regiment was afterward in
all the engagements with Sheridan, which
resulted in the destruction of Early's
Army. They participated with the divi-
sion under General Powell at Front Royal,
when McCausland was made to retreat,
with the loss of his guns and supply trains.
During the winter of 1864-1865, they were
in engagements at Millwood, and at Ash-
by 's Gap, and April 18, 1865, was present
at the surrender of General Moseby. April
29, it moved on to Washington and partici-
pated in the grand review in May, and in
June was ordered to Kansas. They were
mustered out at Fort Leavenworth, Au-
gust 24, 1865, and returned to Pittsburg,
where they disbanded.
Company A, known as the "Pollock
Guards, ' ' of the Fourteenth Regiment, was
organized in East New Castle, then Pol-
lock township, and was captained by A. L.
Hazen. At the time Lee threatened Penn-
sylvania, the company tendered its serv-
ices to Governor Curtin in defense of the
State, which were accepted September 15,
1862. They arrived in Harrisburg on the
16th, and on that day the Fourteenth Regi-
ment was organized with R. B. McComb, a
private in the Pollock Guards, as Colonel,
and Forbes Holton, of the same company,
as Adjutant. They were ordered on to
Chambersburg, and as the battle of Antie-
tam was then in progress, it was their be-
lief they were to be rushed forward to par-
ticipate in that engagement. They crossed
the line from Chambersburg while the men
were asleep, and when they awoke to find
themselves beyond the line they emitted
cheer after cheer. They arrived in Ha-
gersto-«T3, Maryland, on the 17th, the regi-
ment was formed and moved out about
four miles on the Sharpsburg road, where
it encamped and remained until the follow-
ing day. It was ordered out on the Wil-
liamsburg road, and on Sunday ordered
back to Green Castle. They remained in
camp several days, then returned to Har-
risburg and were discharged. The day
after the battle of Antietam they had been
within two miles of Lee's lines, in advance
of any of the other emergency regiments
of Pennsylvania, and were disappointed at
not being able to get into action.
In June, 1863, when Governor Curtin
called out the volunteer militia of the
200
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
State, three companies from Lawrence
Comity responded. They were the one un-
der Capt. Joseph Moorhead, the Wilming-
ton Company under Capt. G. C. Vincent,
a professor of AVestminster College, and
one under Capt. T. G. Christy. They ar-
rived in Pittsburg on July 1, 1863, and the
first night slept in the woods at Camp
Howe. July 4th, the Fifty- Fifth Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteer JMilitia, was or-
ganized with R. B. McComb as Colonel, and
included these three companies. They went
into camp near Homewood Station on the
Pennsylvania Railroad, and upon receipt
of a dispatch from the Secretary of War
asking for volunteers to go to Western
Virginia, the Fifty-Fifth Regiment was
the first to volunteer, and immediately re-
ceived orders to jiroceed to Parkersburg
and report to General Kelly. July 11, the
regiment started and arrived at Parkers-
burg on the 13th, when Colonel McComb
took command of the post, which was the
most important in West Virginia, it being
the point where supplies were collected
and distributed. A dispatch was received
from General Burnside, notifying them of
the approach of Morgan and 3,000 raiders.
Colonel McComb ordered all steamboats
and other craft removed from the Ohio
side of the river, and took every precau-
tion to prevent Morgan from effecting a
crossing near Parkersburg. He sent Cap-
tain Moorhead, with Company A, down
the river to reconnoitre. July 18th, Colonel
Wallace arrived from General Kelly's
headquarters, with four guns, and at the
same time 400 discharged prisoners ar-
rived under Major Showalter. On the 19th,
Colonel Wallace moved down the river
with the whole force to intercept Morgan
and prevent his crossing the river. On the
following day the attempt was made at
Point Pleasant, but repulsed by the Con-
nesteag, a gunboat. Morgan, believing es-
cape impossible, proposed capitulation;
Basil Duke was sent to arrange the terms
of surrender, and while he was so doing,
Morgan and 400 men made their escape up
the Muskingum. Duke and 1,400 men sur-
rendered. The Fifty-B'ifth Regiment re-
mained in camp at Parkersburg until the
expiration of their term of service.
A part of a comjDany of cavalry was
raised in New Castle by Capt. R. W. Stew-
art, and went to Cleveland, where he
united with the Second Ohio Cavalry.
Company E, of the One Hundred and
Ninety-Third Regiment of Pennsylvania,
was raised in and around New Castle for
the one hundred days' service, and was
captained by John C. Euwer. The regi-
ment was organized at Pittsburg on the
19th of July, and proceeded to Baltimore,
where it encamped with Colonel Nagle's
brigade. August 10, Company B was de-
tached for provost duty at Wilmington,
Delaware, and the remaining companies
were stationed at the bridges on the Phila-
delphia, Wilmington and Baltimore Rail-
road, with headquarters at Havre-de-
Grace. Colonel Clark, three weeks later,
with Companies A, F, D and I, moved to
Wilmington and assumed command of the
post and district. The regiment was mus-
tered out at the close of its term of service,
but many of the men re-entered the service.
There were many Lawrence County men
in the Two Hundred and Fifth Regiment,
Fifth Artillery, of Pennsylvania, scattered
through its various companies. It was re-
cruited in August, 1864, and rendezvoused
at Camp Reynolds, near Pittsburg, where
it was organized on September 10th. It
was soon ordered to Wasliington and as-
signed to the fortifications north of the
city. September 28, 1864, it was sent out
to cover the construction trains engaged
in opening the Manassas Gap Railroad, the
government proposing to make this the
line of supply for Sheridan's Army in the
Shenandoah Valley. The First battalion,
imder command of Major Morton, was at-
tacked at Salem, on October 8, by Moseby
with a superior force of cavalry and artil-
lery, and retired to Rectortown in good or-
der, there joining the other battalions un-
der Lieutenant-Colonel Browne. By sharp
maneuvering, Moseby was defeated in all
his plans. After the battle of Cedar Creek,
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
201
the regiment was again stationed in the
forts north of Washington for a short time,
then returned to Virginia, where the win-
ter was spent in building blockhouses and
stockades, and in drill and picket duty. In
the spring of 1865, expeditions repaired to
the Bull Eim battle ground, to inter the
dead who had lain on the ground from the
time of the second battle there, fought in
August, 1863. Nearly 2,000 were buried,
and monuments erected over them. The
regiment was mustered out at Pittsburg,
June 20, 1865.
The Two Hundred and Twelfth Regi-
ment, Sixth Artillery, of Pennsylvania,
also contained many men in its ranks who
had their residence in Lawrence County.
It was organized at Camp Reynolds, near
Pittsburg, September 15, 1864, with
Charles Barnes as Colonel, and two days
later was ordered to Washington and as-
signed to the Second brigade of DeRussy's
division, which was garrisoning the de-
fenses of the capital. September 29th, the
regiment was detached and ordered to
duty in guarding the Orange and Alexan-
dria Railway between Alexandria and
Manassas, with headquarters at Fairfax
Court House. In November, the regiment
returned to Washington and stationed at
Forts Marcy, Ward, Craig, Reno, Albany,
Lyon and others. Here it was drilled for
heavy artillery service, and remained dur-
ing the winter. June 13, 1865, it was mus-
tered out at Fort Ethan Allen, and on
June 17th disbanded at Camp Reynolds.
Company H, of the Seventy-Seventh
Regiment, captained by Paul F. Rohrback-
er, was recruited from Lawrence and
Beaver Counties, and joined its regiment
in East Tennessee, March 13, 1865. The
regiment had gone out in August, 1861, but
contained no Lawrence County men until
Company H was recruited. April 25, 1865,
the regiment returned to Nashville and
was assigned to the First Brigade, First
Division of the Fourth Corps, with Colonel
Rose in command of the brigade. The regi-
ment with others was ordered to Texas,
and arrived at Indianola, in that state.
July 27 ; from there they marched to Green
Lake, then ten days later to Camp Stanley,
on the Guadaloupe River, four miles above
Victoria. There it remained until October
1st, then moved into Victoria. December
5, 1865, orders were received to return
home. Breaking camp, they marched a
distance of fifty miles to Indianola, where
it embarked for PMladelphia. They ar-
rived in that city January 16, 1866, and
were there mustered out of service.
SPANISH-AMERICAN WAR.
The Spanish-American War witnessed
the going to the front of many young men
from Lawrence County, most of them from
New Castle. They were imbued with the
same spirit of patriotism and loyalty to
the country that characterized the fathers
of many of them in the great battles of
the Rebellion. Company B, of the Six-
teenth Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteer
Infantry, was made up almost exclusively
of sons of veterans of the Civil War. Be-
fore war with Spain was declared, Oscar
L. Jackson Camp, No. 249, Sons of Veter-
ans, Division of Pennsylvania, volunteered
its services to the State, and to the Federal
Government on April 9, 1898. This organ-
ization was the nucleus of Company B, of
the Sixteenth Pennsylvania.
The Sixteenth Regiment, National
Guards of Pennsylvania, was composed of
eight companies, located in the counties of
Erie, McKean, Venango, Elk, Warren and
Crawford. On order of the Governor, it
went to Mt. Gretna, Pa., arriving April 28,
1898, and was there reviewed by him on
^lay 3. The officers and men were imme-
diately given an opportunity to enlist, and
every man present responded affimiatively.
May 10, the regiment was mustered into the
United States service as the Sixteenth Reg-
iment, Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry,
and on the 15th of that month proceeded
to Chickamauga; arriving there on the
17th, it was assigned to the Third Brigade,
First Division, First Army Corps. July
2, 1898, Lieutenant-Colonei Richards was
ordered to Pennsylvania to recruit four ad-
202
HISTORY OP LAWRENCE COUNTY
ditional companies to form the Third Bat-
talion of the regiment ; they were recruited
as follows: Company B at New Castle,
Company G at Kittaning, Company L at
Punxsiitawuey, and Company M at Jean-
nette. The Third Battalion did not reach
the regiment until October 11, 1898. July
21, 1898, it went forward to Chickamauga,
and on the 25th orders were received to re-
port at the railroad station at Rossville,
eight miles distant, on the following morn-
ing. They there boarded a train for New-
port News, Virginia, whither they arrived
on the morning of the 27th. They received
orders from Brigadier General Grant to
embark on the steamship Rio Grande, but
orders were later received delaying the
movement. In the meantime, General
Grant embarked, leaving orders that the
detachment of the Sixteenth Pennsylvania
was to embark the day following. Instead
of going to Porto Rico, as contemplated,
they were ordered to Camp Meade, Penn-
svlvania, to which point thev moved, Au-
gust 18, 1898. On September 13 they left
Camp Meade for New York City, and in
the evening of the following day embarked
on the steamship Obdaur for Ponce, where
they arrived at 8 o'clock A. M. on the 22d.
They were detained on board until Sunday,
September 25, then went into camp about
six miles from Ponce. October 10 they re-
ceived orders to return with their regiment
to the United States. The Third Battalion
joined the Sixteenth Regiment at Playa de
Ponce, on October 11, and that day sailed
for home, arriving in New York City Oc-
tober 17. Thev were mustered out of serv-
ice December 28, 1898. A roster of Com-
pany B is here given: Capt. Joseph V.
Cunningham, First Lieutenant William
Hamilton Dunlap, Second Lieutenant
James W. Cook, First Sergeant Charles N.
Clark, Quartermaster Sergeant Edward
M. Bryant, Sergeants Charles H. Young,
James R. A. Pattison, Frank G. Dunlap
and Clarence E. Brown ; Corporals Mahlon
S. Clark, Frank II. Strohecker, William
Rogers, Frank S. Nessle, Jr., Lee C. Fish-
er, Frank J. Andrews, Rufus W. Bell.
Frank A. Zinn, Charles L. Daniels, Patrick
J. Muldoon, Roy F. Sippy and Alfred
Williams; Musicians Fred S. Emery and
John A. Seifert; artificer, John W. Allen;
wagoner, Daniel F. McCall; clerk, Charles
Clark; Privates Truman D. Allen, John C.
Ault, Charles H. Baldwin, Charles E. Bart-
ley, Curtis V. Brown, Edward H. Burke,
Garve M. Burke, Charles E. Christy, James
G. Crum, Frederick W. Davidson, William
F. Dickson, Thomas Doyle, Homer C.
Drake, Charles H. Durant, David J. Eich-
inger, Edward W. Filer, George E. Ford,
Max A. Geiger, John F. Genkinger, George
T. Gilmore, Archie M. Graham, John F.
Greer, Lee Guildoo, Albert B. Haid, John
M. Hannon, W^illiam E. Harman, Oscar J.
Hall, Howard C. Harper, John C. Hennon,
James H. Hoover, Louis M. Holt, Matthew
J. Howard, Joseph G. Hunter, Lewis R.
Jay, Frederick H. Kay, James M. Kincaid,
Alioert F. Leathers, Andrew B. Mallory,
Erasmus H. Martin, David A. McBride,
Harry E. McCaskey, John S. McCay, Eb-
enezer B. McDonough, John J. McDowell,
Matthew J. McMahon, Roj- W. Mershimer,
Edwin L. Mitchell, Clinton K. Myers,
George W. Patterson. Frank W. Reed,
Henry J. Scott, Theudius C. Scott, George
H. Shallenberger, John B. Shelar, Matthew
H. Shelly, Charles A. Snyder, Henry
Spahn, Thomas A. Spence, Harvey F.
Steinbrink, Bert E. Stevenson, Lawrence
W. Stevenson, Herbert C. Stockman, John
A. Stimkard, Elmer J. Suber, Robert W.
Taggart, James B. Taylor, Harry L. Tel-
mosse, Percy Tetlow, William C. Thomp-
son, George E. Tobey, Frederick G. Urm-
son, John E. Urmson, James W. Vance, Jo-
seph A. VanGorder, Charles R. Walker,
John S. Walters, Lewis C. Warnock, Will-
iam E. mite, Harry E. Williams, Robert
L. Wylie, Charles Henry Young, Floyd
W. Young and Charles E. Zerner.
The Fifteenth Regiment of Pennsylvania
National Guards was composed of eight
companies from the counties of Erie, Craw-
ford, Clarion. Butler and Mercer, and scat-
tered through these companies were many
from New Castle. The regiment reported
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
203
at Mt. (Iretua, Pa., April 28, 1898, was re-
viewed by the Governor on May 3, and im-
mediately after given an opportunity to
volunteer. The various companies were
recruited to seventy-tive enlisted men, and
on May 10 Companies A, B, C, G and K
were mustered into United States service,
followed on the 11th by Companies D, E
and F, and Regimental Headquarters. It
was mustered in as the Fifteenth Regiment,
Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, with a
total strength of thirty-six officers and 605
enlisted men. It remained at ^It. Gretna
until June 11, when it proceeded to stations
at Sheridan Point, Va., and Fort Washing-
ton, Md. Regimental Headquarters and
Companies A, B, D, F, G and K arrived
at Sheridan Point on June 12, and the same
day Companies C and E arrived at Fort
Washington. June 23, Companies A and
G were transferred to Fort Washington.
Company E was assigned to the care, pres-
ervation and drill of Emplacement C, hav-
ing two 10-ineh gims on disappearing car-
riages to handle ; Company C was assigned
to the 10-inch Barbette gun and the water
battery, one 15-inch M. L. S. B. smooth
bore. The men of the entire command con-
tinued regular infantry, company and bat-
talion drills. September 9, 1898, the regi-
ment went to Camp George G. Meade, in
Pennsylvania, and arrived in Middletown
on the 10th, being there assigned to the
First Brigade, Second Division, Second
Army Corps. September 17, the regiment
was ordered on provost duty at the camp,
and was relieved on October 2. It partici-
pated in the Peace Jubilee Celebration in
Philadelphia on October 27, 1898, and was
finally mustered out on January 31, 1899,
at Athens, Ga. The following is a list of
those from Lawrence County who served
in the Fifteenth Regiment, and the com-
panies to which they belonged : Harry D.
Baldwin, Company A; John D. Barrett,
Company G; George Beveridge, Company
F; Adam Black, Company D; Harry H.
Boston, Company E ; Archie K. Campbell,
Company B ; David F. Campbell, Company
B; George Davies, Company D; Robert S.
Davis, Company K; Wallace Earl, Com-
pany G; Harry E. Eckelbergen, Company
D; Thomas Evans, Company K; Clifford
W. Fenton, Company E; DeWeese For-
rest, Company F; Cowden D. Hetrick,
Company A; Abner D. Hood, Company C;
Norman McL. Hunter, Company K; Ed-
ward M. Kerr, Company C; Fergus F.
Knowles, Company D ; John T. McDonald,
Company F; Michael L. McDonald, Com-
pany A; John T. McHenry, Company C;
Robert J. McMullen, Company F; John
Meredith, Company K; John Mulcahy,
Company D; Lorenzo G. Nail, hospital
steward of the First Regiment; George A.
Rae, Company E; Walter S. Reynold,
Company E; James Robinson, Company
G ; Charles E. Sankey, Company E ; Calvin
A. Shaffer, Company G ; Edward Shatzer,
Company G ; Frank J. Smith, Company G ;
Sheridan W. Smith, Company C; George
Sperry, Company G; Edward F. Thomas,
Company E ; John E. Thompson, Company
A; Milton S. Tyler, Company E; Walter
B. Tyler, Company E; Daniel Waters,
Company G; Earl JE. Williams, Company
D, and Thomas L. Woodling, Company G.
There may have been others in the regi-
ment from Lawrence County; if so their
names were not ascertainable.
Of those who saw service in the Philip-
pines, we find the names of James Robin-
son, of New Castle, who was a member of
the Fourteenth Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry; George Muse, an at-
torney of New Castle, and Creighton Lo-
gan, members of the Tenth Pennsylvania
Volunteer Infantry, and James B. Taylor,
who went to the Philippines as member of
the Forty-second U. S. V. I., and is now
lieutenant in an artillery corps, U. S. A.,
stationed in New York Harbor.
Those from New Castle, whose names we
could secure, who served in the Fourth
Heavy Artillery during the Spanish-Amer-
ican War, are as follows : Charles W. John-
son, James J. Dugan, W. E. Jones, James
A. Miguel, Nathan C. Patton, Fred D. Rea-
her, William Watt, George E. AUard, John
Graham, C. H. Lusk, Ira S. Rudolph, Mar-
204
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
tin E. Reno, Harry Cassady, R. B. Barrett,
Robert McComb Kerr, H. G. Walker, Van
Horn, Charles Black, Charles Watt,
Charles 0. Stevenson, J. W. McWilliams
and Ed. Neal.
The city of New Castle, at the present
time, is possessed of a military company
in which the people take a just pride,
Troop F, Pennsylvania Cavalry, National
Guards. It is officered as follows: J. V.
Cunningham, Captain; Thomas Arm-
strong, First Lieutenant ; William H. Dun-
lap, Second Lieutenant; Ralph M. Camp-
bell, Lieutenant Quartermaster; Allen W.
Urmson, Lieutenant Surgeon. A hall is
rented at No. 107 East Washington street
for an armory.
CHAPTER XIV
RELIGIOUS DEVELOPMENT
Fir.it Churches and Pioneer Clergy — General Histori/ of UeUgious Organizations.
Churches and Clergy of Today.
One hundred and forty-one years ago
there came to the Indian town of Gosch-
gosch-kunk, at the mouth of the Tionesta
Creek, where it debouches into the Alle-
gheny River, in what is now Forest
County, Pennsylvania, a solitary German,
a minister of the Gospel in the Unit as Fra-
trum church, usually called Moravians.
Accompanied by two converted Indians, he
had set out from the Cliristian Indian town
of I'riedenshutten. on the north branch of
the Susquehanna, which stood near to the
present town of AVyalusing.. Traversing
the unbroken and dense forests of North-
ern Pennsylvania and Southern New York
on foot, with but a single pack-horse to
carry their baggage, after many dangers
and liardships they arrived at Gosch-gosch-
kimk, at the mouth of the Tionesta, on the
16th day of October, 1767. The village
was only two years old, having been
founded after the close of Pontiac's war.
Soon after, the missionary was joined by
his wife, and by John Senseman and his
wife, and a band of Christian Indians from
the Susquehanna, and they attemjited to
establish a mission at that point.
The results were not altogether satisfac-
tory; owing to the opposition of the na-
tives, the poorness of the land, and other
causes, they made but few converts, and a
change of location soon became necessary.
They accordingly moved across the Alle-
River and built a mission town in
what is now the heart of the Oil Creek oil
region. The oil was sought for even then,
both by the missionaries and Indians, who
made use of it for medicinal purposes.
Soon after this the way of the mission-
aries was made smoother by the conver-
sion of Glik-kik-an, the principal sub-chief
and counsellor of the Delawares, or Lenni
Lenapi — a man noted for his eloquence,
and ju-eviously for his opposition to the
missionaries. Subsequently receiving an
invitation from Pack-an-ke, the principal
<'liie:, to settle on the banks of the Beaver,
on a tract of land that should be reserved
for tlie use of the mission, Zeisberger, the
missionary, after obtaining the consent of
the Moravian Board at Bethlehem, ac-
cepted it, and the migration was effected
as soon as the necessary arrangements
could be made.
Before they left the oil region the Lord
cheered them with some fruits of their toil.
Early in Deceinber, 1769, the first Protes-
tant baptism in the valley of the Allegheny
took place at Lawunakhanneck. Luke and
Paulina were then baptized, and Alemani
at Cliristmas; and in the beginning of 1770
several other converts were added.
On their way x\\) the Beaver they arrived
at an Indian town on the west bank of the
rivei-. a little north of where Newport now
stands. Here they found a community of
Indian women, all single, and pledged
never to marry — an uncloistered nunnery.
206
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Though few similar iustauees, we believe,
have been recorded, if any, it is hardly sur-
prising, upon reflection, that such commu-
nities should have existed here and there,
in view of the degradation and unallevi-
ated drudgery that is the lot of married
women in most savage or half-civilized
communities.
After proceeding a little farther up, they
made an encampment and sent an embassy
to Pack-an-ke, whose capital then stood on
or near the present site of New Castle<
They found the Indians making prepara-
tion's to celebrate a great feast, but on re-
ceiving a statement of tlie religious prin-
ciples of his visitors, Pack-an-ke. though
it was contrary to Indian etiquette that vis-
itors should retire without taking part in
the feast, refused to detain them, but dis-
missed them with his promise of protec-
tion, thus setting an example of religious
toleration that has not always been exhib-
ited by those who profess the mild and
beneficent doctrines of Christianity. King
Pack-an-ke, however, reproached Glik-
kik-an with having embraced the doctrines
of the Christian teachers. The sub-chief
perished a few years later in the wanton
and bloody massacre of Moravian Indians
perpetrated by the expedition under the
command of Col. David Williams.
White traders had early introduced
whiskey among the pagan Indians and the
curse of intemperance grew rapidly among
them. Thus early in the history of the
county atrocities were committed that
sprung solely from the rum traffic and from
that day down to the present atrocities
from the same cause have never ceased in
our beloved valley.
PRESBYTERIANISM.
Western Pennsylvania was largely set-
tled by the Scotch-Irish, who were adher-
ents of the Presbyterian faith. Thus the
oldest organizations in the county belong
to the two prominent branches of this sect
—the Old School and the United Presby-
terian, both of which were introduced
about the year 1800. Their earliest church
organizations were (Presbyterian), Hope-
well and Neshannock, in 1800; Slippery
Rock in 1801-2, and New Castle (called
Lower Neshannock) and Westfield in 1803.
The earliest United Presbyterian churches
(theu kiKiwu as .Associate or "Seceder"
and Assdcintc b't'lnniUMl), were the Deer
Creek, about l^tlll, and the one known as
Mahoning Church, about 1799 or 1800, and
in New Castle about 1808.
Among the first ministers of the gospel
who visited this region was Thomas Edgar
Hughes, who settled at Greersburg, now
called Darlington. He was the first settled
pastoi' noi-th of the Ohio. He was of Welsh
an(■(■^try and a native of Pennsylvania,
born in York County, in 1769. Licensed
by the Presbytery of Ohio (now Pittsburg)
in 1798, he was ordained and installed over
the churches of New Salem and Mount
Pleasant, August 28, 1796.
Another noteworthy pastor was the Rev.
William Wick, who came soon after Mr.
Hughes. Born on Long Island, New York,
in 1768, he removed to Washington County,
Pennsylvania, in 1790. He studied theol-
ogy at Dr. McMillan's log cabin college,
was licensed August 28, 1799, and was in- .
stalled over the congregations at Neshan-
nock and Hopewell, September 3, 1800. He
afterwards served the congregation of
Youngstown, his labors being largely
blessed. His death took place in March,
The Rev. Samuel Tait was another early
minister in this section. He was a native
of Shippensburg, Pa., was converted under
the influence of a conversation with the
Rev. Elisha MeCurdy, studied under Dr.
Meridian, and was licensed in June, 1800.
In the same year he was ordained over
Cool Spring and Upper Salem. In 1806 he
relincpiished this charge and organized a
congregation at Mercer, in the pastorate
of which he continued until his death in
June, 18-tl.
Rev. William Wood, a native of York
County, studied at Cannonsburg Academy
AND EEPEESEXTATIVE CITIZENS
207
aud at Dr. MoMillau's log semiuaiy. He
was licensed October 29, 1801, aud was in-
stalled over the congregations of Plain
Grove and Center, November 3, 1802. He
was afterwards — from 1816 — pastor of
Nesiiannoek and Hopewell, where he la-
bored eleven years. He died at Utica, Ohio,
in July, 1839.
Among other prominent pastors, whose
labors here or in this vicinity form a part
of the history of the denomination, were
the Rev. Joseph Badger, Joseph Stockton,
Robert Lee, James Satterheld, William
AVylie, John, James and Abraham Boyd,
Robert Johnston and Timothy Alden, to
whom this brief mention only can here be
made.
FIRST PEESBYTEEIAN CHUBCH.
The First Presbyterian Church was orig-
inalh' known as the Lower Neshanuock.
The exact date of its organization is not
known, but it was probably about 1801. In
the following years it was reported as able,
in connection with Slippery Rock, to sup-
port a pastor. Its first pastor was the
Rev. Alexander Cook, who was installed
in June, 1803. He had been licensed in
1802, and commissioned as a missionary
to the Indians, with whom he had labored
for a few months near Sandusky, in com-
pany with Joseph Patterson ; but not meet-
ing with a favorable reception, they had
returned. He was followed by the Rev.
Robert Sample, who was ordained over
the congregations of New Castle and Slip-
pery Rock, April 10, 1811. He served the
church at New Castle twenty-seven years,
and that of Slippery Rock twenty-four
years. At the time of his accession to the
pastoral office Crawford White was clerk
of the session, the other ruling elders be-
ing William Moorehead, Joseph Pollock,
William Raney, James McKee and Samuel
Wilson.
]\Ir. Sample's successor was Rev. Wells
Bushnell, who had been a missionary to
the Wea Indians in Kansas, then a remote
post, which he had been obliged to leave
on account of failing health. He was in-
stalled in the church at New Castle in
April, 1839, and labored there for fifteen
years and a half. Toward the close of his
pastorate troubles arose in the congrega-
tion owing to the dissatisfaction of some
of the brethren with the attitude of the
General Assembly on the subject of slav-
ery, and a part of the membership with-
drew and organized Ww Free Church, one
of the cairu'si r,,ii,o iv-atious of which af-
terwards bcraiiH' the .Second Church. With
this organization Mr. Bushnell united and
was afterwards pastor of its eliurches at
Mt. Jackson and New Bedford, until the
close of his earthly labors, July 16, 1863.
He was succeeded by Rev. Elliott E. Swift,
who was installed September 27, 185-i, and
who continued in charge until February,
1861, when he was called to the co-pastor-
ate of the First Church at Allegheny. He
was succeeded by Rev. Joseph S. Grimes,
a native of Ohio, and, it is believed, a grad-
uate of Franklin College, who was in-
stalled July 9, 1861, and who was pastor
until September 27, 1865. He was a man
of earnestness and ability, and his labors
were attended with valuable results. He
was i)astor, however, during the troublous
times of the Civil War, aud the dissensions
which then arose among the congregation
resulted finally in his resignation. In May,
1866, he was followed by the Rev. David
X. Juukin, who was not installed, how-
ever, until the 13th of September. The
church has since enjoyed a prosperous ex-
istence, and under subse(|nent pastors has
taken a leading iiart in })r(>niotiug the king-
dom of God and His righteousness.
SECOND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
This church was organized as the "Free
Presbyterian Church of New Castle," on
the 15th day of February, 1851. In the
P^ree Church organization, it was connect-
ed with the Presbytery of Mahoning and
the S>Tiod of Cincinnati. The Free Pres-
byterian Church owed its origin to the agi-
tation of the slavery question. As the Re-
208
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
publican party was a political, so the Free
Clmrcli was a religious protest against the
iniquities of American slavery. As the
early records of the church plainly indi-
cate, there was no little dissatisfaction
among the Presbyterians of New Castle
with the decision of the Assembly of 1845,
"that slave-holding is no bar to commun-
ion. ' ' But when President Fillmore signed
the Fugitive Slave Bill, in September,
1850, the attitude of Church and State to-
wards the slave-holding power seemed no
longer tolerable. Opposition to slavery
was greatly intensified. Action was imme-
diately taken looking to the organization
of a Free Church in New Castle, which ob-
ject was accomplished only a few months
after the Fugitive Slave Bill became a law.
Twenty-nine persons united in the organ-
ization.
The growth of the church was quite
moderate for the two and one-half years
following the organization.
Preaching services were held at irreg-
ular times and in different places. In Feb-
ruary, 1854, Eev. A. B. Bradford accepted
a call to this church, and his relations with
it continued (with the exception of one
year, during which he was United States
consul in China), until the summer of
1867. During his ministration a commo-
dious church edifice was erected, and the
membership increased to near two hun-
dred. The last important act of Mr. Brad-
ford's administration was the withdrawal
of the congregation from the Free Church
organization, and its union with the New
School branch of the Presbyterian Church.
Immediately after his resignation, the
congregation extended a call to Rev. W. T.
Wylie, of the Covenant Church of New
Castle, organized by Rev. Josiah Hutch-
man, in 1847, expecting him to bring his
congregation with him. This expectation
was realized, and Mr. Wylie remained pas-
tor of the united congregations until Sep-
tember, 1869. In 1871 Rev. B. M. Kerr
accepted a call to this church, and was in-
stalled June 14 of that year. Mr. Kerr's
pastorate was brief, but during his admin-
istration this church passed through an-
other change of ecclesiastical relation in
the union of the "Old" and "New School"
bodies. Thus, inside of twenty-five years,
the original members of this church had
come back where they started from, and
that without change in their principles on
the subject for which they went out from
the "Old Style" church. In the abolition
of slavery their principles had been justi-
fied before the world.
Mr. Kerr resigned his charge at the end
of one year and six months, leaving a mem-
bership of about two hundred. In about
one year from the date of his resignation,
Rev. M. H. Calkins was installed, in July,
1873. Under subsequent pastors this
church continued in earnest Christian
work and has taken a prominent place
among the religious organizations of the
city.
THE UNITED PRESBYTERIAN (POEMEELY ASSO-
CIATE reformed) CONGREGATION,
OF NEW CASTLE.
The history of the United Presbyterian
Church includes, in the first instance, a
union so early as 1782, and during the
Revolutionary War, of certain Presbyte-
rians in the United States, intensely loyal,
who had belonged to two distinct offshoots
from the Established Church of Scotland,
the one being the Associate or "Seceder,"
and the other the Reformed Presbyterian
or "Covenanter," both of which bodies
had resisted governmental intrusions in
their native land in their church affairs,
and therefore refused to remain in "the
establishment." The body formed in the
United States in 1782 took both names,
and became the "Associate Reformed
Church," but failed to embrace the whole
of either church. The more general, if not
absolute, union was, however, affected by
the formation of the United Presbyterian
Church in 1858, including almost the en-
tire forces of the Associate and Associate
Reformed churches.
AND BEPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
209
At first, and foi- years, the hamlet of
New Castle was itself only an inconsider-
able part, ecclesiatically, of the territory
of the Associate Reformed Church of She-
nango. No Associate Reformed congi-ega-
tion was organized in New Castle till 1849,
when the town had become a manufactur-
ing center, included a population of 2,500
persons, and was soon to be erected into
a county-seat. The Presbyterian, Asso-
ciate and Methodist churches had, how-
ever, long occupied the place, and, more
lately, the Reformed Presbyterian and
Baptist. The Associate Reformed people
had an occasional sermon from the pastor
of Shenango, or from passing ministers,
on Sabbath or week-day evenings.
In 1814 or 1815 Rev. James Galloway
preached in the house of Dr. Alexander
Gillfillan, on Jefferson Street, and admin-
istered baptism in the family of John
Frazier, justice of the peace. Both these
citizens were members of Shenango
Church.
In 1823-4, during a space of six months,
Rev. James Ferguson, pastor at Harmony
and Center, took in New Castle as a
preaching-station for a small portion of
his time, but at the end of this period his
pastorate and service ended, and no fur-
ther regular jDreaching was had until Rev.
J. M. Galloway was settled, in 1837, in She-
nango Church as his sole charge. New
Castle was once more made a preaching
station for a part of the time. By cour-
tesy of the Associate Congregation the
stone church was temporarily granted Mr.
Galloway and his people ; and, so encourag-
ing were the prospects of forming a con-
gregation, that Joseph Kissick and Ezekiel
Sankey purchased for its use a lot of three
acres, lying between the residence of R. M.
Allen and^he Shenango, the consideration
for the three acres being $300. But Mr.
Galloway resig-ned his charge and removed
in August, 18^38. The project was aban-
doned and the land returned to the former
owner.
Rev. Thomas Mehard, pastor of She-
nango, Eastbrook and Beulah, located in
the borough in 1844, but his time was as
yet too fully occupied for him to assume
any new labors, and he suddenly died, July
16, 1845, before any new work was attempt-
ed at this point. Rev. Robert A. Browne
succeeded him in Shenango and Eastbrook,
taking up his residence at New Castle. Un-
der his ministry, within a few years, three
new organizations were formed inside his
pastoral charge — one in New Castle in
1849, one about the same time in New Wil-
mington, and, two years later, one at the
Harbor.
In December, 1848, when there were as
yet but twelve members in the town belong-
ing to Mr. Browne's charge, a si;bscription
was started by which the sum of $832 was
raised on the spot for the erection of a
church. A few days before the same per-
sons had subscribed $600 to buy the lot
h-ing on the east side of Jefferson Street,
180 feet north of the public square. The
first stone was laid in the following May
in the presence only of the pastor and el-
der. The building was a plain brick, 50
by 65 feet, with a basement containing a
lecture room and three smaller rooms. The
first cost of the church in 1849-50 was
$4,609, but it was worth much more, Mr.
Kissick 's judicious supervision being of
great, value, and the work being well done
by the contractors. Of the amount men-
tioned, needed to be paid before the infant
congregation had an unincumbered title to
their property, more than one-half was
contributed by Mr. Kissick. His object was
to have a jilace of worship convenient for
his old age, for himself and others. The
other devoted men and women who shared
in the service deseiwe remembrance by
those who come after, but none more than
Joseph Kissick and Margaret Kissick, his
wife.
The Presbytery of the Lakes granted an
organization for the congregation, and the
appointment was carried into effect on
Christmas Day, 1849, thirty-two members
being enrolled. Joseph Kissick and James
210
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
D. Brysou were elected elders. James Gil-
liland, Thomas Alford and Samuel F.
Cooke were elected elders April 17 follow-
ing. Mr. Gilliland declined to serve. Mr.
Cooke soon removed and afterwai'ds Mr.
Alford, both to Illinois. These were the
elders who served at the first communion.
Early in 1850 the new congregation ex-
tended a call to the Rev. Robert A. Browne,
who began his formal pastorate April 1,
from which time he was released from the
charge of Eastbrook entire, one fourtli
only of his time being given to Sheuango,
while New Castle engaged him for one-
half, but really received from the first
three-fourths of the pastoral service. In
April, 1857, the arrangement with She-
nango ceased, and all Mr. Browne's time
was given to New Castle.
In the eleventh year of his pastorate he
obtained a temporary leave of absence
from his congregation, during which time
he was for twenty-eight months chaplain
of the One Hundredth or "Round Head"
Regiment, Pennsylvania Volunteers. From
this service, he returned, partly disabled
by disease, January, 1864. In the sessions
of 1866-67 he was a member of the Penn-
sylvania Senate. Except during his brief
visits home, the congregation was at these
periods served by supplies, engaged by the
pastor and session. In September, 1867,
Mr. Browne resigned the charge of the con-
gregation and became president of West-
minster College. He was succeeded as pas-
tor by Rev. John W. Bain, who was in-
stalled November 16, 1868. Mr. Bain had
graduated at Westminster ten years be-
fore this, and had been ordained pastor of
the United Presl)yterian Church at Can-
Qonsburgh, in September, 1861, but at the
time of his call to New Castle, and for a
year or two previous, liad been pastor of
the United Presbyterian Church of Sidney,
Ohio. He resigned the charge of New Cas-
tle April 15, 1873. Shortly after his re-
lease from New Castle the congregation
made out a new call for Mr. Browne, who
was then engaged in pastoral work in
Titusville. The call was accepted and on
the 1st of November, 1873, Mr. Browne en-
tered anew upon the charge of the New
Castle congregation. Pie subsequently re-
mained in the pastorate until his death in
1902. Rev. James M. Ferguson was or-
dained and installed June 24, 1902, and will
continue as pastor until November 1, 1908.
The present church stiiicture was dedi-
cated June 29, 1902. The church member-
ship numbers 375. The officers of the
church are at present as follows : Pastor,
Rev. James M. Ferguson; elders, George
A. Carutliers, Samuel Hanna, J. Frank
Edgar, Frank Geiger, George W. Hart-
man (clerk), S. C. McCreary, Samuel D.
Robinson and M. E. Miller; board of trus-
tees, J. Lee McFate, president ; George
Loudon, Clyde Lockhart, J. Fred W^ar-
rock, John Moore and W. J. Ewing; offi-
cers of the Sabbath-school, J. Clyde Gil-
fillan, superintendent; Miss Hattie Smith,
secretary.
THIRD I^XITED PRE-iBVTERIAX CHURCH.
Tlie Third United Presliyterian Church
was organized July 13, 1899, l)y a commis-
sion appointed by Beacon A'alley Presby-
tery, and held its first meetings in a store
room on Lathrop Street. There were six-
teen charter members received August 8,
1899, and W. R. McCIaren, H. L. Palmer
and W. J. Kildoo were elected trustees.
W. S. Taylor was api)ointed treasurer. On
February 8, 1900, the first building was
dedicated. On accoimt of rajud growth an
auditorium was built in 1906, seating about
400. The Rev. T. L. Rose canvassed the
field and after the organization became its
first ijastor, and so continued until his
death, which occurred October 7, 1905.
On December 7th of the same year J.
Elmer Campbell was called and began
work on the first Sabbath of January,
190('. and is the present pastor. The con-
gregation now numbers about 420 mem-
bers, with a Sabbath school of almost 300.
It has the largest "W. M. S." in the Pres-
bytery, with Mrs. J. Elmer Campbell as
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
I'll
president, aud the "Y. P. C. U." is second
in numbers in the Beaver Valley Presby-
tery.
There are four adult Bible classes fully
organized, and the A\'ednesday evening
prayer-meeting is one of the largest in the
city. During the last ecclesiastical year
153 persons were received into member-
ship, and the future is bright for great
work for the Master aud his cause. The
present session consists of W. J. Kildoo,
clerk- Major L. C. Brinton, AVilliam E.
Reed. A. L. Black, Thomas J. Gordon and
A. M. McConaghey.
FOURTH PEESBYTEEIAX CHURCH.
This church, situated at the corner of
South Jefferson and Chartes Streets, was
organized on the 14th of October, 1902.
The committee of the Shenaugo Presby-
terv to organize was Rev. H. S. Jordan,
D. b.. Rev. H. C. Foster, Rev. M. W. Keith,
P. J. Watson and J. L. Welch. The first
elders were A. E. Yoho, James Yoho and
J. A. McCay. The first trustees, Ralph
Swisher, William Yoho and Sidney j\rcC'ay.
The first treasurer was Mrs. Agues Ever-
ett ; the first secretary, Mrs. Ida McCreary.
The organization was made possible by
the labors of W. G. McConuell, of Lees-
burg, Pa. During the spring of 1902 a
Conuuittee of Presbvtery, composed of Dr.
H. S. Jordan, Rev. M. W. Keith and Rev.
H. C. Foster, appointed to look over the
field, secured the ser-vdces of W. G. McCon-
nell. who had completed one year's work
in tiie Western Theological Seminary at
Alleghenv, Pa. Taking charge of the work
on the 2ist day of May, 1902, he laljored
under the appointment of Presbytery for
three months. The nucleus from which the
church grew was a small Sunday school
conducted in the Gaston school house in
Shenango Township. Here Mr. McConnell
preached each Sunday afternoon at the
conclusion of the Sunday school until his
commission from Presbvtery expired on
the 21st dav of August, 1902.
Conscious of the needs of the many boys
and girls who had never heard of the Gos-
pel, of the men and women who had no
church home, those most interested shoul-
dered their responsibility and engaged .Mr.
McConnell 's service for an indefinite pe-
riod, assuming the responsibility of his sal-
ary. At the September meeting of Pres-
bytery these petitioned for an organiza-
tion. The petition wa-s received by Pres-
byteiy with favorable action. A conunit-
tee composed of Dr. H. S. Jordan, Rev.
H. C. Foster, Rev. M. W. Keith, J. L.
Welch and P. J . Watson met for organiza-
tion October U, 1902, at 8 P. M. At the
conclusion of a sermon by Dr. Jordan the
church was organized with the following
members: Mr. John A. McCav, Mrs. Mary
E. .AlcCay, Mr. Albert E. Yoho, Mrs. Ida
Yoho, Mrs. Agnes Everett, Mrs. Alice
Bluciier, Mr. Sidney McCay, Mrs. Nannie
McCay, :\Irs. Martha (histon, Mr. James
Yoho, Airs. Christina Yoho, Mrs. Ella Ab-
lett. Having no regularly appointed place
of worship the next step was to secure a
place of worship. At a congregational
meeting held November 10, 1902, plans
were ado])ted for a new building and the
conuuittee in "harge instructed to proceed
with the work. A new place of worship
was dedicated to the service of God on Oc-
tober IS, 1903, at a cost of $7,367, not in-
cluding the work of the congregation. At
the close of his Avork in the seminary Rev.
W. G. McComiell, who had labored among
this people for two years while a student
in the seminary, received a unanimous call
to l)ecome the pastor of this church. The
call was accepted and he continues to be
the pastor of this ])eople. In the six years
of its organization the church has in-
creased in membership to 135, with an en-
rollment in the Sunday school of 210. On
the l-lfh of October, 1906, a mortgage on
the i)roperty was burned and the church
cleared of all its indebtedness. The ])res-
ent elders are: A. E. Yoho, James Yoho,
D. M.-Bell aud A. R. Kerr.
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
KEFORMED PRESBYTERIAX CHURCH.
As early as 1825 a little band of "So-
ciety People," or "Covenanters," met in
houses in the vicinity of New Castle. In
1834 the Rev. James Blackwood became
their pastor or spiritual overseer in con-
nection with the pastoi'ate of neighboring
similar organizations.
In 1852, shortly after the death of the
Rev. Mr. Blackwood, the Rev. Thomas
Hanna became their pastor and continued
so for nine years. In 1863 the Rev. J. Cal-
vin Smith jjecame their pastor. In 1871,
while under the pastoral care of Mr. Smith,
they were organized into a separate con-
gregation — January 9, 1871. The member-
ship then was forty-one.
The Rev. S. J. Crowe, now D. D., was in-
stalled the first pastor of the new and in-
dependent organization — the first organi-
zation as a church or congregation — in
1872 and resigned in 1881. Rev. J. M.
Wylie, now IJ. D., was installed in 1883,
and resigned in 1887. He began with a
membership o]' 101 and left 109. Rev. W.
R. Laird was installed in 1888 and left in
1892, leaving a membership of 131. Rev.
J. S. Martin was ordained and installed in
1893, and is still pastor, with a member-
ship of 220. The present Sabbath attend-
ance is 200.
Present officers : Elders — Robert Speer,
T. J. Blackwood, M. W. Leslie, William
McClelland, T. E. Smith, J. R. Speer and
0. C. Orr. Deacons— William Allen, I. C.
Allen. Samuel Saklem, 1). A. Bvers, R. T.
Galbraith, R. I. Orr. W. C. McCawn,
Thomas Pattison, Mrs. D. C. Pattison, Mrs.
J. R. Speer.
In 1900 a new $25,000 church building
was erected, having a seating capacity of
400. The congregation is in good working
order, with a junior and a senior "Y. P. S.
C. E.," a Jimior and a Senior Ladies' Mis-
sionary Society, and a Men's Christian
Organization.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL.
(Taken in part from an article by Hon. David Sankey.)
' ' Methodism was planted, so to speak, in
this section of country, as it has been in
every rural district on this continent, by
pioneer settlers. Its first appearance in
the Erie Conference was in Mercer
County, in the Leach settlement, in 1798.
A class was formed there by two local
preachers, Thomas McClelland and Jacob
Gurwell, both natives of Ireland, of such
persons as had come to that neighborhood
and brought letters of membership with
them. A settlement had been commenced
there two years before by Robert R. Rob-
erts (the father of Methodism in this part
of Pennsylvania), and others. These local
preachers labored in word and doctrine, in
the rude log-cabins, in groves, and wher-
ever a little group could be collected to-
gether. Soon after the formation of the
class in the summer of 1798, a second class
was formed, a little south of the first (of
which R. R. Roberts was leader). Thomas
McClelland was a member of the class first
formed, and Jacob Gurwell of the second,
which latter was joined by John Leach, Sr.,
and wife, who arrived in that settlement
in 1802. The two local preachers named
above took the entire watch-care of these
classes and supplied them regularly with
preaching for several years before the reg-
ular itinerant preachers reached them.
"In 1800 the Baltimore Conference ap-
pointed Rev. P. B. Davis to the Shenango
circuit; he did not, however, embrace the
classes in the Roberts neighborhood within
his circuit, but left them still under the
care of the two local ijreachers residing in
the ])lace. There were eight annual con-
ferences held in the year 1800, but there
were no fixed boundary lines between them,
and each ju'eacher being at liberty to do so,
attached himself to the Conference most
convenient to his work.
"In 1801 the Baltimore Conference ap-
pointed Thornton Fleming to the Pittsburg
district, and Joseph Shaw to Shenango
Circuit. Asa Shinn was appointed to the
Sheiiango Circuit in 1802. He will be re-
membered as a leader in the secession
AXl; RKPRESEXTATIVE CITIZF.XS
213
movemeut from the M. E. Clmicli, out of
whicli grew the Protestant Methodist
Church, in 1828. George Askin was ap-
pointed in 1803, Joseph Hall in 1804, and
E. K. Roberts in 1805. The latter, by per-
mission of his elder, exchanged circuits
with David West, in charge of the Erie Cir-
cuit, for the reason that the appointments
immediately around the old log cabin built
liy Mr. Roberts in 1796, and into which he
had taken his family and goods, were con-
nected with the Erie Conference. Mr. Rob-
erts had made arrangements to erect a
grist-mill the next year near his rustic log
farm-house, and it was on this account that
he was this year sent to the Shenaugo Cir-
cuit. In 1806 James Reed was on the She-
naugo Circuit. In 1807 James Watt and
Thomas Church were in charge. In 1808
James Cliarles. In 1809 Jacob Do well and
Eli Towne. In 1810 James Watt was ap-
pointed, he being the first preacher who
extended his labors thus far south on this
(nrcuit, where the first class was formed by
him that year."
"This country, as far north as Lake
Erie, was embraced in the Baltimore Con-
ference. A district of country, bounded on
the east by the Allegheny ^lountains, on
the south by the Greenbrier Mcnintains of
Mrginia, on tlie west by the limits of the
wliite settlements in what is now the State
of Ohio, and on the north by Lake Erie,
constituted the Monongahela District."
In 1804 William Richards, a member and
licensed eshorter of the M. E. Church,
moved liis family from Center County,
Pennsylvania, and settled them on a farm
near "King's Chapel," some three miles
north of New Castle, and commenced hold-
ing religious meetings in his own house,
where, soon after, a class was formed com-
posed of William Richards and wife, Rob-
ert Simonton and wife, Arthur Chenowith
and wife, Mary Ray, Rachel Fisher, John
Burns and wife, Michael Carman and wife,
William Underwood and wife, Robert Wal-
lace and wife, Philip Painter and wife, and
Rebecca Carroll. This is believed to have
been the first Methodist class organized in
the neighborhood of New Castle. William
Richards was its first leader. At that time
there were but two circuits in what is now
the Erie Conference — Erie and Shenango
— the former with a membership of 349,
and the latter with 206 — making a total of
555. The first class organized within the
territory comprising the present Erie Con-
ference was the one already mentioned at
the Roberts or Leach settlement, in Mercer
County, by Jacob Gurwell and Thomas Mc-
Clelland, in 1798, of which Robert R. Rob-
erts was the class-leader. The itinerant
ministers wer*^ first introduced here in
1800.
The Pittsburg district of the Baltimore
Conference thou embraced the settled por-
tions of West Virginia and what are now
the Pittsburg and Erie Conferences; and
the Ei'ie and Shenango Circuits embraced
all the country west of the Allegheny River
and from the Chio to Lake Erie.
There was but one quarterly meeting
held on the Shenango Circuit in 1801, at
which Robert R. Roberts was licensed as
an exhorter, and the next year the Quar-
terly Conference gave him a license to
preach, and he was received on trial by the
Baltimore Conference, which convened in
Baltimore April 1, 1802. From 1800 to
1816 the amiual salary of a traveling-
preacher was $80 and traveling expenses,
and the annual allowance of the wife $80;
each child, until seventeen years of age, an
annual allowance of $16 ; those from seven
to fourteen years, $24; and no support
from the Church in any other way. In 1802
the membership on the Shenango Circuit
was sixty-five. No trace can be found of
an organized Methodist society in New
Castle prior to 1810. In that year Jacob
Gruber was appointed presiding elder in
the Monongahela District, and James Watt
the preacher on the Shenango Circuit, who
during that year formed the first class in
New Castle, the members of which were
Michael Carman and wife, John Bevins
and wife, James Squier and wife, and
21-t
HISTORY OF LAAVEENCE COUNTY
XaiKv Wallace, with Michael Carman as
leader. At that time there was not a Meth-
odist meeting-house in the territory em-
braced by the Erie Conference, except a
small one built of round logs and covered
with clap-boards, called "Bruch's Meeting-
ing-house," in West Springfield Township,
Erie County.
The time when the first ^Methodist meet-
ing-house was built cannot now be ascer-
tained with certainty, but it is lielieved to
have been in 1815 or 1816.
New Castle was made a preaching ap-
pointment on the Shenango circuit in 1810,
by Rev. James Watt, the preacher on the
circuit, and who organized the first class,
as before mentioned.
In 1811, Abel Robison was appointed to
Shenango circuit by the Baltimore Confer-
ence, at its session March 20, 1811. Jacob
Gruber was presiding elder.
In 1812 the districts were changed, and
this section of country was embraced in
the Ohio District (named after the Ohio
River), Jacob Young presiding elder, and
William Knox appointed to Shenango Cir-
cuit, in which Xew Castle was an appoint-
ment.
The General Conference, which met in
May of that year, transferred the Ohio
District to the Ohio Conference with its
incumbents.
In 1817 the Shenango Circuit was divid-
ed between the Erie and Beaver Circuits,
and the name no more appears in the Min-
utes of the Conference. The Minutes do
not show whether the New Castle appoint-
ment was on the Erie or Beaver Circuit
from LS17 to 1821, in which latter year the
New Castle Circuit was formed.
In May, 1824, the General Conference,
which met at Baltimore, formed the Pitts-
burgh Conference out of portions of Balti-
more, Ohio and Genesee Conferences.
In 1832 the Meadville District was
formed, and Zerah H. Gaston appointed
presiding elder and D. C. Richie and Ahab
Keller to New Castle Circuit. In 1833 Al-
fred Brunson was elder in the Meadville
District, and Thomas Thompson sent to
New Castle. (At the session of 1833 of
the Pittsburg Conference the Allegheny
College was placed iinder the control of
the Conference, and opened in September
of that year).
In 1834 the Warren District was formed,
and Wilder B. Mack appointed elder, and
R. B. Gardner, and one to be supplied, to
New Castle. In 1835 the Ravenna District
was formed, and William Stevens appoint-
ed presiding elder, and William Carroll
and Thomas Thompson preachers on the
New Castle Circuit.
The General Conference, at its session
in Cincinnati, in 1836, formed the Erie
Conference, which held its first session in
Meadville, Augugt 17, 1836. The session
was composed of fifty-five members, of
which Joseph S. Barris was appointed pre-
siding elder on the Meadville District, and
E. B. Hill and Thomas Graham to the New
Castle Circuit.
In 1840 Warren District embraced New
Castle Circuit, with Hiram Kinsley pre-
siding elder, and T. Stubbs and D. W.
Vorce on the New Castle Circuit.
We have been unable to obtain a com-
plete historical sketch of the First M. E.
Church. The society now has a fine edi-
fice, at the corner of Jefferson and North
Streets, and is one of the active religious
organizations of the city. The present
pastor is Rev. E. E. Higley.
GRACE M. E. CHURCH.
Grace M. E. Church of New Castle was
organized in December, 1899, by Rev. A. 0.
Stone of the Erie Conference, who was
assigned to this work by Rev. J. C. Scho-
field, who was at that time presiding elder
by the New Castle District. During the
first three years of its existence services
were held in a small building rented from
the Welch Congregational Church. During
his pastorate a lot was purchased at the
corner of Reynolds and Agnew Streets.
Rev. Stone was succeeded by the Rev.
C. AV. Foulke, in September, ' 1900, who
11
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a
^^
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
217
served the church one year. In the autumn
of 1902 Rev. J. C. A. Borland was appoint-
ed pastor. During his pastorate the pres-
ent church was completed and dedicated,
the dedication services being held on Feb-
ruary 8, 1903. The church — a substantial
buff brick structure containing an audi-
torium, lecture room, parlor and class
rooms — was erected at a cost of $15,000.
Mr. Borland continued as pastor for three
years, when he was succeeded by Rev. H.
M. Burns, who also sei"\'ed three years,
closing his pastorate in September, 1908.
when G. S. W. Phillips took charge. The
present membership of the church is 135,
with a Sabbath-school enrollment of 150.
The officers for 1908 are as follows :
Trustees : Thomas A. Long, H. W. Cas-
tle, W. T. Etter, L. M. Buchanan, H. T.
Thompson, C. F. Shoenfeld, Dr. E. H.
Perry.
Stewards: Dr. W. A. Womer, William
Lang, J. F. Greer, Charles Fletcher, J. C.
Pherson, George Pearson, ]\Irs. L. V. Car-
son, Mrs. J. H. Nelson.
Class .leaders: J. H. Reed, Thomas
Francis, John McGaughey, J. H. Nelson,
Mrs. T. A. Long. Sunday-school superin-
tendent, Thomas Francis. Ef)worth
League president, Scott Greer. Ladies'
Aid president, Mrs. C. T. Schoenfeld.
MAHONING M. E. SEVENTH WARD CHURCH.
This church was organized in 1867, the
first pastor being J. H. Bennett, who served
two years. Succeeding pastors have been
as follows : D. A. Cowell, two years ; B.
F. Johnson, one year; J. H. Crawford,
three years; Richard Baer, John Crum,
W. S. Shepherd, John Eckels, two years;
J. K. Mendenhall, two years ; J. C. Rhodes,
five years; J. M. Foster, two years; F. R.
Peters, five years; C. AV. Foulke, three
years ; J. F. Black, four years ; T. W. Doug-
las, two years; J. B. Espy, one-half year
(died suddenlv while serving the church,
April 23, 1907); R. N. Merrill, one and
one-half years.
The present membership of the church
is 375 ; membership of Sabbath-school, 250.
Trustees, J. Y. Sheehy, S. A. Barnes,
F. Patterson, F. F. Smith, Charles Art-
man, Joseph Clark, Joseph Gilmore; stew-
ards, Roy Miller, Mrs. John Waddell, Mrs.
P. F. Smith, Mrs. Sadie Smith, E. H.
Grace, John Loner, I. R. Zahniser, Mrs. C.
H. Thompson, ,J. H. Kelly; superintendent
of Sunday-school, I. R. Zahniser. The
building now in use was erected in 1894.
PRIMITIVE METHODIST CHURCH.
The Primitive Methodist began in this
city about forty-one years ago with a few
members. When the church was organ-
ized there were only about six members.
A small church was erected at a cost of
$1,300. During the erection of the church
the services were held in the home of Mr.
William Nightengale, and the members
were Thomas Kimberly, Henry Blues.
William Blues, Charles Boals, Samuel Si-
mon and Bryan Teech. A Sabbath-school
was organized and the work started out.
The church was built on the corner of
South Jefferson Street. It was a two-story
structure and built of brick. It was consid-
ered one of the best two-story structures
in the city at that time. The congregation
worshiped in this bviilding for many years
and then decided to erect another new and
beautiful church, which was done in the
year 1901. From the little frame build-
ing the church has advanced until they
have one of the prettiest church structures
in the city.
The pastors have been as follows: Rev.
Thomas Dodds, Rev. B. Barar, Rev. T.
Bateman, Rev. R. Forthgill, Rev. C. R.
Roscamp, Rev. S. Penglase, Rev. G. Lees,
Rev. H. J. Buckingham, Rev. G. J. Jeffries,
Rev. R. W. Wilson, Rev. W. Bently, Rev.
G. J. Jeffries (second term). The present
membership is 275; Sabbath-school, 200.
The officers are : Rev. Jeffries, pastor ; T.
Kimberly, D. Pitzer, T. Morseley, B. Dy-
son, C. Ashton, W. Reck, A. Sands, J. Bath
and D. Williams.
218
IIISTUEY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
BAPTIST CHURCHES.
The first resident Baptist in this town
was Mary Craven, of New Jersey, wlio, at
an advanced age, "came," as she said, "to
visit her son and to bnild a Baptist church
in New Castle." In a short time William
and Ann Book, members of the Zion
Church, Butler County, removed to this
place, and these were soon aided by Ed-
ward Griswold, Giles 0. Griswold, and
Maria Griswold, of Connecticut, who had
emigrated to Ohio. A prayer-meeting was
commenced, and here prayer was offered
to God for the outpouring of the Spirit and
for success iu their efforts to build up a
Baptist church. These six were afterwards
joined by John C. Davis and Jane, his wife,
of Philadelphia. The prayer-meetings were
first held in an old log-house iu which Rich-
ard Craven then resided. This house was
on North Street, a few doors west of East,
and it is worthy of remark that the meet-
ing-house, located at the comer of North
and East Streets, is but one-half a square
from the place where the first prayer-
meeting was held. The first sermons were
preached by Eees Davis and John Winter,
and these ministers were followed by Will-
iam B. Barris and George I. Miles. The
church was constituted November 27, 1843.
Eees Davis and John Winter, invited by
those about to organize, were present.
They numbered seven at their organiza-
tion. Their first meetings for the preach-
ing of the Gospel were held in vacated
shops and "upper-rooms," and occasion-
ally in other houses of worship. When the
Protestant Methodist house was built, the
Baptists furnished a small capital, and af-
ter this used at times that building. They
had a claim on that house until 1848, at
which time A. G. Kirk removed to the place
and preached in a school-house on North
Street. During the summer of 1848 their
house of worship was begun, and dedicated
the fourth Sabbath of February, 1849.
The first religious interest was in a
series of meetings held by George I. Miles.
The church being revived and strengthened
by the addition of converts, then called Ed-
ward Miles as their pastor for one-half his
time. He remained as pastor from 1845
until 1847, residing at Freeport, Pa. In
1848 A. G. Kirk was called as the first resi-
dent pastor; he remained eleven years. In
1859 Jesse B. Williams became pastor;
he remained three years. D. W. C.
Hervey was their nest pastor, who
remained three years. Since that time
William Cowden, Samuel Williams, Will-
iam Leet and George G. Craft and others
have been pastors. Intervals between the
resignation of one pastor and the settle-
ment of another were filled by A. G. Kirk
in 1863 and 1875, and by John Parker in
1868.
Since those days the denomination has
made good progress and there are now
five Baptist churches in New Castle, name-
ly: First Baptist Church, corner of East
and North Streets, Eev. John Snape, pas-
tor; Second Baptist Church, 258 West
Falls, Eev. A. M. Patterson, pastor; Em-
manuel Baptist Church, corner of Jeffer-
son and Reynolds Streets, Eev. W. J. John,
pastor; Union Baptist Church, 71 West
Lawrence, Eev. Pleasant Tucker, pastor;
Himgarian German Baptist Mission, 600
Moravia. John Leber, pastor.
CATHOLIC CHURCHES.
About 1831-32 Catholic priests began to
visit New Castle, where they ministered to
the wants of a few scattered families. One
of the first Catholics in the county was
probably a Mr. Doran, who was buried
near Bedford before 1810. Nicholas
Brian, another adherent of the Catholic
faith, was also in the county at an early
date. It is said that he came to America
with Lafayette during the Eevolutionary
War. The date of his settlement in the
county is not known. James Mooney lived
about one mile north of Mount Jackson and
the old man Brian used to attend mass at
Mr. Mooney 's whenever a priest visited
the vicinity.
Lawrence O'Connor, who lived on the
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
219
Malioniug- in Union Towushij), had four
sons and six daughters baptized by Father
Rafferty, during one of his visits to this
region. A colored man named "William
Arms, who lived in Union Townshiii, a
mile above Mahoningtown, had all his chil-
dren baptized by Father Gibhs al)(Uit 1840.
Among the sponsors were James Moouey,
Walter Flinn and Charles Kelly. The par-
ents of AVilliam Arms always attended
mass as opportunity afforded at Mrs.
O'Brien's. They were formerly slaves of
Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Md., who
manumitted them before his death. When
the canal was put under contract from Bea-
ver to New Castle, there was naturally a
great increase in the Catholic population
of Lawrence County, more particularly in
and around New Castle.
The following are the names of the
priests who ^dsited New Castle and vicin-
ity in early days, with the dates of such
visits, so far as known: Rev. Father Raf-
fertv in 1834, or perhaps a few years ear-
lier; Father Garland about 1837; Father
Gibbs, 1810; Father McCullough, 1813;
Father Reed, 1845; Father Garvev, 1854;
Father O'Farrell, 1856; Father Farren,
I860; Father Welch, 1862; Father Carua-
han, 1863.
ST. Mary's catholic church.
The Catholics erected their first church
in New Castle in 1852. It was a frame
church located west of the town, and was
erected by Father Reid, one of the pioneer
priests. Father Reid was succeeded in
1854 by Rev. Peter McGarvey, who was
the first resident pastor. In June, 1855,
the latter was succeeded by Rev. Thomas
O'Farrell, who continued to minister to
the congregation and missions until Aug-
ust, 1859. He was followed by Rev. Jt>hn
C. Farren, and after the latter 's witli-
drawal, in 1862, the congregation was vis-
ited monthly by Rev. Thomas Walsh, of
Brady's Bend,' Armstrong County. The
next resident pastor was Rev. James Cane-
vin, and it was during his incumbency that.
on account of the development of the iron
industries of this section and the conse-
quent settlement here of laborers from
other points, many of whom were Catho-
lics, a new church was found to be an abso-
lute necessity. Accordingly Father Cane-
vin purchased a lot situated on the corner
of Beaver and North Streets, and began
the erection of a church which was com-
pleted in 1871. It is a brick structure, 110
feet in length by 45 feet in width ; it has a
well proportioned tower in the center in
front and is of a modified Gothic style of
architecture.
Father Canevin was succeeded by
Father Hayes, who in April, 1871, opened
a school, and in the following mouth pur-
chased a large frame building for a pas-
toral residence. The affairs of the church
and parish went on thenceforward in a
prosperous manner until the panic of 1873
affected the iron industries of New Castle,
and many of the employees of the great
works were forced to seek employment in
other sections. This threw many unex-
pected burdens on the members of St.
Mary's, but under the guidance of wise
priests the congregation weathered all
storms.
Father Hayes was succeeded on Feb-
ruary 8, 1879, by Rev. Joseph Gallagher,
who served faithfully and well until his
death, which took place August 11, 1906.
On October 31, 1907, Rev. Florence F.
O-'Shea was appointed rector of St. Mary's
and took charge on the 15th of November
following.
The first Catholic school in New Castle
was opened by the sisters from the Sisters
of Mary Orphan School near New Bedford,
in the frame church in West New Castle,
about 1871. In 1876 the present school
building was erected. During 1907 Father
O'Shea built additions to the school build-
ing, which was necessitated by the lai-ge
number of students, there being at present
475 on the roll. The school is under the
charge of eight sisters of the order of Sis-
ters of St. Joseph, and their convent ad-
220
HISTOEY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
joins the pastoral residence on North and
Beaver Streets. The work of the school
includes, in addition to the subjects taught
in the primary grades of the public
schools, a complete course in stenography,
tjqsewriting, bookkeeping and two years of
instruction in Latin. Father O'Shea has
under his spiritual care 550 families, com-
prising 3,000 souls.
ST. Joseph's church.
For many years St. Mary's Church was
the only Catholic place of worship in New
Castle. With the city's increase of popu-
lation there was a corresponding influx of
Catholics from other points, and the ac-
commodations afforded by the old church
were discovered to be totally inadequate.
The German Catholics in particular began
an agitation for the erection of a new
church. After giving the matter careful
consideration. Bishop Phelan approved of
the plan, and selected Father Francis J.
Eger, formerly assistant priest of the Ger-
man Catholic Church at Allegheny City, to
take charge of the organization. After
looking over the groimd. Father Phelan
purchased for the sum of $4,000 the First
Methodist Episcopal Church property.
Under his direction the building was put in
order and was dedicated December, 1888,
by Bishop Phelan. Services were estab-
lished, a school was founded, and the little
congregation had made a fair start, with
plan under consideration for further im-
provements, when, on April 29, 1892, the
church was totally destroyed by tire. This
discouraging circumstance, however, was
not sufficient to dampen the ardor of
Father Eger and the congregation under
his spiritual guidance, but rather inspired
them to greater efforts. Immediate action
was taken towards the erection of a new
building, and after a large amount of ener-
getic labor on his part and theirs, it became
an accomplished fact, and it now stands as
one of the handsomest church edifices in
the city. It has a seating capacity for 600
people. The interior is tinished in Wiscon-
sin oak, the altars, the choir loft and con-
fessionals are of beautiful architecture and
tine finish, while a subdued light falls softly
upon the worshipi^ers through the beauti-
ful stained glass windows, which represent
the offerings of piety and self-sacrifice on
the part of members of the congregation
and of the Sunday-school. The church is
also provided with a fine pipe organ, said
to be the largest in this section of the state.
The school attached to St. Joseph's is
under the charge of three sisters of the
order of Divine Providence, and they have
160 pupils, 125 of these being residents.
ST. Vitus' chuech.
This church, which provides for the spir-
itual wants of the Italian citizens of New
Castle, is under the charge of Rev. Nicho-
las DeMita, and was dedicated August 15,
1907, by Bishop Reges. • It is a fine brick
structure and was erected at a cost of $70,-
000, the corner stone being laid August 15,
1906. School accommodations are provided
in the basement for 400 pupils, under sis-
ters of a Catholic order, and the church has
a seating ca]ia(ity ol' 7()(). It is of a taste-
ful style of aicliitccture and finish, and is
an ornament to the city. The pastor, Rev.
Father DeMita, is a native of Italy, and
was educated to the priesthood in his na-
tive land, whei-e he first assumed the duties
of the pastoral office. After coming to
America he located in Pittsbui-g, where he
organized the Italian mission, which he
conducted for eighteen months, showing
courage in braving the threats of a certain
class of his countrymen who were opposed
to anytlung like moral or religious re-
straint. He originated the Catholic Anti-
Black Hand Society, which now has a mem-
bership of 300 or more, including many
prominent Italian citizens. Father l^eMita
was appointed pastor of St. Vitus in Sep-
tember, 1905, and now has 400 families
rmder his spiritual direction.
ST. maey's polish catholic chuech.
This church, which has been established
AND REPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
221
a few years, is situated on Maple Street
and is now under the care of the Rev. John
Andrzejewski, who has had charge of the
parish since 1905, liaving under his care
250 families or about 1,100 souls. In con-
nection with the church there is a prosper-
ing parish school, which has an enrollment
of sixty pupils. Father Andrzejewski was
born in ]Milwaukee of Polish parents. He
was ordained to the priesthood liy Hi shop
Ireland, at St. Paul University, and ln'fore
coming to New Castle was assistant pastor
of Butler parish, in Butler County, Penn-
sylvania.
GEEMAN LUTHERAN.
The first society of this denomination in
New Castle was organized by Rev. C.
Brown on the 28th of August, 'l818, with
twenty-seven members. Mr. Brown was
located at Beaver and preached the first
Lutheran sermon in New Castle on the
10th of September of the same year. The
first services of the congregation were held
in the "West schoolhouse. The first church
officers were elected October 8, 1848, and
installed November 5th following. The first
celebration of the Lord's Supper in the
German language was on the 5th of No-
vember, 1848.
On the 1st of January, 1849, a constitu-
tion was adopted, and on the same day
Rev. C. Brown was elected as pastor for
the ensuing year. On the 28th of January,
1849, a Sabbath school was organized and
superintending officers appointed. The first
meeting of the Church Council was held
on the 29th of January, 1849. The first
meeting of the congregation was held De-
cember 2.3, 1849, to take action iipon the
resignation of Rev. C. Brown. At the
meeting of the Church Council on the 22d
of ]\Iarch, 1851, it was resolved to build a
church, the dimensions of which should be
40 feet in length, 30 feet in width, and 18
feet in height. The second pastor next fol-
lowing Mr. Brown was Rev. H. Manz. Fol^
lowing him was Rev. H. C. Kahler, who
continued until 1857. At a meeting of the
congregation, held on the 15th of February,
1857, Rev. W. (irobel was elected as pas-
tor ; and by the same authority, at a meet-
ing held on the first of March, it was re-
solved that divine service should be held
every alternate Sabbath at 10:30 o'clock
in the forenoon and 3 o'clock in the after-
noon. At a meeting on the 28th of Feb-
ruary, 1858, it was resolved that the pas-
tor's salary should be $250 for the year, to
be paid Cjuarterly, and that every person
on becoming a member shall pay an initia-
tion fee of three dollars. Those who are
already members and have paid nothing
toward the pastor's salary shall harve their
names stricken from the church rolls. At
a congregation meeting held on the 3d of
April, 1859, Rev. F. Zimmerman was
elected pastor for the ensuing year.
At a meeting held on the 24th of Feb-
ruary, 1861, it was resolved that the pastor
should live in New Castle, and that he
should receive a salary of $300 per annum.
Rev. J. H. C. Schierenbeck succeeded Mr.
Zimmerman. On the 5th of May, Messrs.
A. Treser, C. Reiber and J. Merkel were
constituted a committee to purchase a
dwelling for the pastor. In the spring of
1867 Rev. C. Jaekel succeeded Mr. Schier-
enbeck as ijastor, and filled the office ac-
ceptably until May 26, 1875, when he re-
signed.
At a church meeting held August 4, 1867,
it was resolved to permit the pastor to hold
divine service at the "Bethlehem" church,
in Wurtemburg, every fourth Sunday.
At a meeting of the Church Council, Jan-
uary 10, 1869, it was resolved that the pas-
tor should baptize no child of parents who
pay nothing for the support of the church
in New Castle, or who do not contribute
towards the salary of the jiastor.
At a meeting of the congregation, No-
vember 6, 1870, it was ordered that the pas-
tor should liold ser^^ces alternately in New
Castle and Corry, Erie County, Pennsyl-
vania, the latter as a missionary station;
and his salary was fixed at $300 per an-
num.
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
On the liith of September, 1871, this ar-
rangement was modified, and the pastor
was relieved from holding services at
Corry, and gave his whole time to New
Castle.
After the resignation of Rev. Mr. Jaekel,
the congregation was without a pastor
until October 1, 1875, when Rev. J. Fritz
was elected for three years, in accordance
with the provisions of the constitution.
The further history of this church has
not been furnished us, but we append a
brief account of other Lutheran churches,
now active in the religious work of New
Castle.
BETHANY LUTHERAN CHUECH.
The Rev. S. T. Nicholas, missionary su-
perintendent of the Pittsburg Synod, Gr. S.,
canvassed New Castle in the summer of
1904 and effected the organization of this
church, which was accomplished on De-
cember 4 of that year, with thirty-one char-
ter members. The Rev. L. P. Young be-
came the first pastor, his service extending
to July 1, 1906. The membership, after
i-unning up to fifty-four, fluctuated and on
account of heavy removals and losses was
reduced to twenty-five in November, 1906.
C. Gr. Leatherman began work November
15, 1906, and has continued to date as the
pastor. The membership of the church is
now forty-two, with a Sunday-school en-
rollment of forty. A new church building
is just being completed, to be dedicated
early in November (1908). The edifice is
of buff brick, with a seating capacity of
200, and cost, with lot, $6,000. The pres-
ent officers of the church are: Pastor,
Rev. C. G. Leatherman; elders, John C.
Sontag and J. C. Overmoyer; deacons,
Jacob Sontag and C.M.Wilson; trustees,
Scott Heasley and W. C. Burchfield.
ST. John's evangelical, lxjtheran.
On the twenty-third day of June, 1895,
eleven Lutherans assembled in the Y. M.
C. A. Chapel, and at 11 a. m.. Rev. N.
Schaffer, then of Greenville, Pa., conduct-
ed services. This was the beginning of
what developed into the present St. John's
Evangelical Lutheran Church. Until the
following spring the Rev. Schaffer con-
ducted services once every fortnight. On
June 17, 1896, Rev. J. H. Miller having
been called, took charge of the mission and
preached to the congregation for the first
time June 21, 1896. On June 21, 1908, the
congregation observed the thirteenth anni-
versary of the congregation and the twelfth
anniversary of the Rev. J. H. Miller, Ph.
D., the first and only called pastor in the
history of St. John's congregation. The
congregation has a membership of 250, and
the Sunday-school has enrolled 200 mem-
bers. The church is located on North
Street and Neshannock Avenue, the prop-
erty being valued at $20,000, with a small
indebtedness. The congregation is noted
for its liberality and activity in all lines
of benevolence. Officers : Rev. J. H. Mil-
ler, Ph. D., pastor; deacons, A. W. Alls-
house, George Miles, F. J. Rowle, Henry
Eisie, Harrison Ziegler and Frank Alborn.
SWEDISH LUTHERAN ZION CHURCH.
The above named congi-egation was or-
ganized on the 27th day of February, 1894,
and its present church building on Craw-
ford Avenue was erected the following
year. Owing mainly to the fact that the
Swedish population of the city is compara-
tively small, the membership from the
start was necessarily very small and is so
yet. At present there are only something
over forty communicant members and
about an equal number of children, mak-
ing the total number about eighty.
This church has never had a resident
pastor, but its pulpit has been supplied by
pastors or theological students from the
nearest sister church at Youngstown,
Ohio. Services are held only every other
Sunday, but the little Sunday school, which
has been maintained most of the time,
meets every Sabbath. There are two ladies'
societies and a Yoimg People's Society, all
working in the interest of the church. • Fi-
AXn REPRESENTATIVE CTTIZEXS
223
nancially the t'lmioli is iu a very good eou-
dition, there being uo iueumlirauce ou the
church propert}'; the running expenses are
met regularly and without difficulty.
The present officers are as follows : Dea-
cons, Messrs. N. J. Carlson, Cleas Nelson
and P. J. Nelson; trustees, ^Messrs. Chris-
topher Nelson, Beruhard Svenson and H.
J. Bengtson; secretary, Carl ■]. Carlson;
cashier, Beruhard Svenson; collector, Da-
vid Nelson; organist, Miss Jennie Benson;
pastor, John A. Johansson. The follow-
ing pastors, all of them residing at
Youngstown, Ohio, have given part of their
service to this cliurch : A. G. Olson, ISD-t-
97; Edward Stark, 1900-04; Axel C. An-
derson, 1905-06; J. A. Johansson, 1907—.
TRINITY EPISCOPAL CHURCH.
The first Protestant Episcopal services
were held in New Castle in IS-l-o, at the
liome of Dr. A. Andrews, who had settled
here in 1834, by the Rev. Dr. White, of
Butler. The parish was organized in 1848,
on Easter Monday, the Eev. Richard Smith
being the first rector. The first vestry-
men were: J. M. Crawford, Jouathan
Ayres, Esq., Hon. L. L. McGuffin, G. A.
Scroggs, Esq., J. Hamilton, Dv. A. An-
drews, George Sloan, J. H. Brown and \V.
P. Reynolds. The Rev. Mr. Smith was an
earnest worker and hrmted up all the Epis-
copal families in Lawrence County and
brought many others into the church. Old
Trinity Clrarch on Neshaunock Avenue
was built in 1856, the corner stone being
laid by Bishop Potter. The present hand-
some churcli building was erected in 1902.
and is the onlv stone church in the city.
Of all the rectors of Trinity Church there
are onlv five now living, namelv: The Rev.
W. S. Havward. the Rev. J. D."Herron, the
Rev. H. H. Barber, the Rev. C. W. Tyler,
Ph. D., and the present rector, the Rev. J.
E. Reilly, D. D. The present membership
of the church is 800; Simday-schools, 250.
The parish maintains a flourishing mission
in the south end of the city, known as St.
Andrew's Mission.
THE P.\RK CHURCH (UISCIPLES OF CHRISt).
The congregation of the Disciples in New
Castle was organized in 1855 with twenty-
four members. Thej' first met with the
Covenanter Church. Afterwai-ds they
built a house 18x28 feet on a lot donated by
Seth Rigby, ou North Street, where the
residence of Dr. McLaughrey now stands.
The little house was afterwards moved to
Elm Street and is now used as a tenement.
Sulisequently they occupied \\'hite Hall un-
til the present house was built.
The old minutes show that ou entering
White Hall a new organization was deter-
mined uiion on Deceml)er 10. 1864, at a
meeting- attended l»y twenty-four members,
presided over l)y Alex. C. .McKeever and
served as clerk by J. B. Xicklin, the fol-
lowing officers were chosen: As elders, E.
I. Agnew and Thomas W. Pliillips; as dea-
cons, Charles M. Pliillii)s. W. C. Harman
and J. B. Nicklin. An adequate church
building was needed, and through the gen-
erosity of the Phillips Brothers the pres-
ent structure was erected. On the 14th of
February. 1868, it was formally opened by
the late Isaac Errett, editor of the Chris-
tian Si an (lard. The first pastor was B. J.
Pinkerton, of Kentucky, who remained one
year. He was succeeded in September,
1871, bv William F. Cowden, who served
until May, 1881. I. A. Thayer was called
and took charge July 1, 1881, i-emaining
until October 1, 1887, when he resigned to
take the pastorate at Worcester, ]Mass. On
September 1, 1888, Frank Talmage was
called to the pulpit, which he occupied un-
til November 30, 1889. On the 1st of May,
1890, I. A. Thayer was recalled and con-
tinued to serve the church till January,
1900. He was succeeded by Earl Wilfley,
who served four years. Next came W. L,
Fisher, who remained three years. The
present pastor, C. S. Brooks, came in Sep-
tember. 1907. The present membership of
the church is 1,040; that of the Sunday-
school, 400.
The needs of South New Castle led the
church to establish a mission in that part
224
HISTOEY OF LAAVEENCE COUNTY
of the city, and on October 12, 1891, a lot
^^as purchased and preparations made for
building. On January 12, 1892, the house
having been simply inclosed, a Sunday-
school was organized. On the following
July, W. H. Hanna was employed as as-
sistant pastor with the Long Avenue Mis-
sion as his special work. He remaiaed un-
til September, 1893, when he resigned to
take the pastorate at Carnegie, Pa.
CENTRAL CHEISTIAN CHUECH.
The Central Christian Church was or-
ganized first as a mission Sunday-school
of the First Christian Church, in 1894. In
1896 the church was organized and I. H.
Durfee was called to be the first minister.
His pastorate extended over a period of
seven years. He was succeeded by W. D.
Trumbull, who ministered to the congre-
gation for two years. He was succeeded
by P. M. Biddle, who remained pastor for
three years. The present minister, A. H.
Jordan, began his work May 1, 1908. The
church has a membership of 350 and a
Sunday-school of more than two himdred
average attendance. The present officers
are: Elders, Thomas Sadler, T. L. Lewis,
K. E. Smith ; deacons, A. W. Bauman, John
Spoyde, J. W. Walls, John Bo^Tiham,
Charles Walls, M. H. Eichards, Thomas
Johns, C. P. Smith, A. Kildoo and C. E.
Sturdevant; clerk, A. W. Bauman; treas-
urer, Mrs. Samuel Perry.
YOUXG men's christian ASSOCIATION.
"The Young Men's Christian Associa-
tion is the strongest Christian club in the
world. Its membership now numbers a
half million and is distrilnited among thir-
ty-four nations. From its very inception
it has stood for one thing — the all-around
development of man — mind, spirit, body."
— Views and I)ifuvmatlon, Y. M. C. A.
There were two unsuccessful attempts
to establish a branch of the "Y. M. C. A."
in New Castle, the organization going to
pieces each time for lack of interest and
support. A meeting was finally held in
what is now the Central Presbyterian
Church by the then state secretary of the
"Y. M. C. A.," a Mr. Taggart, now de-
ceased, and Messrs. Orr and Jennings from
the Pittsburg "Y. M. C. A.," and an or-
ganization effected. Ira D. Sankey, the
world famous gospel singer and evangelist,
was present at that meeting. He bought
the lot now occupied by the Association
with the intention of erecting a building
suited to its needs. In 1885 he built the
present three-story and basement building
at a cost of $40,000, Mr. Sankey realizing
the money from the sale of his "Gospel
HjTims." It comprises a well appointed
gjTnnasium, bath-rooms, and library, be-
sides the usual class, club, and reception
rooms, all well and handsomely furnished.
There is a night school carried on in con-
nection with the work, classes being held
in mathematics, arithmetic, reading, writ-
ing and spelling, mechanical drawing,
stenography and bookkeeping, English for
foreign-speaking men, German, and ele-
mentary physics and chemistry. The li-
lirary contains about eighteen hundred well
selected volumes, and in connection there-
with there is a pleasant and cozy reading
room. In addition to the regular classes
for Bible study, there are practical talks
and lectures on various subjects at spe-
cially announced dates. A debating club
also is now being organized, as well as an
Association orchestra. Other branches of
the society's work include an information
bureau, a boarding-house register, for the
benefit of young men coming to the city as
strangers, a committee for the visitation
of the sick, etc. There is also a ladies'
auxiliary, whose work is of inestimable
value to the institution.
YOUNG WOMEN 's CHRISTIAN ASSOCIATION.
This institution during its short exist-
ence in New Castle has accomplished much
for the welfare of the young women of the
community. It had its inception in the
minds of some of the city's benevolent and
public-spirited women, who relentlessly
AND REPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
225
pushed lOrtii their plans and saw them de-
velop into a thriving organization, in
which the people take a great pride. The
prime movers in the project, originally,
were Mrs. I. B. Griffith and Miss May
AVhite, and among those who soon became
active in the work were Mrs. George Greer,
Mrs. Charles Greer and Mrs. C. H. John-
son.
The first public step taken was a meeting
held in the Coliseum, October IS, 1907,
when a temporary organization was ef-
fected with the following officers : ]\Iis8
Carrie L. Jeftery, president; Mrs. T. A.
Kimes, secretary, and Mrs. I. B. Griffith,
treasurer. At this meeting 220 pledged
themselves to become members. At a later
meeting a constitution was adopted and a
board of directors elected with the fol-
lowing personnel : Mrs. I. B. Griffith, ]klrs.
J. C. Norris, Mrs. E. A. Donnan, Mrs. A.
M. Leohner, Mrs. George Greer, Mrs. E. I.
Phillips, Mrs. J. D. F. Newell, Mrs. Ed-
ward Ward, Dr. Elizabeth McLaughrv,
Mrs. J. 0. Eoberts, Mrs. AV. J. Eroe, :\[rs.
Charles G. Long, Miss May White, Mrs. J.
S. Martin, and Miss Carrie L. Jeffery.
One-third of these officers were to retire
each year, and their places filled by elec-
tion. The first permanent officers were:
Mrs. J. S. Martin, president; Mrs. I. B.
Griffith, first vice-president; ]^Irs. George
Greer, second vice-president ; Mrs. J. C.
Norris, third vice-president; Dr. Elizabeth
McLaughry, fourth vice-president; ]^Iiss
Carrie L. Jeffery, secretary, and Mrs. A.
M. Leohner, treasurer. Their term of of-
fice ran until May, 1908, when at the regu-
lar annual meeting the present officers
were elected, namely: Mrs. I. B. Griffith,
president; Mrs. George Greer, first vice-
president; Mrs. J. S. ^fartin, second vice-
president; Mrs. J. C. Norris, third vice-
president ; Mrs. E. A. Donnan, fourth vice-
president; Miss Carrie L. Jeffery, secre-
tary, and Dr. Elizabeth McLaughry, treas-
urer. At that meeting Mrs. George Ingham
was elected to the Board of Directors to
succeed Mrs. J. Q. Roberts, who had re-
signed, and Mrs. Annie Robinson was
elected to succeed Mrs. Eroe. The original-
Board of Trustees included such well
known citizens and business men of New
Castle as follows : Percy L. Craig, A. C.
Dickinson, J. J. Dean, George Greer, ^I. S.
Marquis, J. G. Nothdurff, T. W. Phillips,
G. G. Stitzinger and P. J. AVatson.
The maintenance of the association de-
pends upon such donations as are received
and its membership fees, it now having
an enrollment of 1,200 members. During
the winter of 1907-1908, the Board of Di-
rectors resolved itself into a committee of
finance, with three additional members,
each member to secure ten ladies who
would agree to collect $10.00 each; it was
the aim to collect $1,500 to be used in fur-
nishing the rooms. Miss Grace L. Erhardt
was elected secretary of the association
on November 25, 1907, assuming charge
on January 1, 1908 ; Miss Christine Amoss
was elected manager of the cafetera, Feb-
ruary 27, 1908, and Miss Grace Erby has
been elected to take charge of the g}Tn-
nasium, which will open in the fall of 1908,
and in which the German and Swedish
gymnastic systems will be employed. In
April, 1908, the present rooms of the asso-
ciation, on the second floor of the Wood
Block, on North Mill Street, were opened
with a reception which taxed the capacity
of the rooms. Many of the ladies and the
business firms of the city contributed lib-
erally towards the furnishing of the quar-
ters. The cafetera has been self-suj^port-
ing ever since it was started. A splendid
reading room has been provided and is
furnished by the State Library, with a
traveling library of fifty volumes, ten cur-
rent magazines subscribed for by the as-
sociation, and about the same number do-
nated by individuals. The educational
course consists of classes in French, Ger-
man, Italian, Higher English, English for
foreign girls and Bible study. There are
prospective classes in sewing, millinery
and home nursing. There is a four years'
course outlined, and diplomas will be given
226
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
those who complete it. The object of the
association is to give j'oung women an op-
portunity to round out their characters, re-
ligiously, educationally and socially, and
to provide the proper physical training.
In closing the chapter on Religious De-
velopment it is proper to state that such
omissions as may be noticed therein by the
reader are due to our not receiving solic-
ited information in time to be used before
the chapter went to press. Enough infor-
mation has been given, however, to serve
as a fairly accurate sketch of the religious
history of the city, and to show that New
Castle is not behind in the work of uphold-
ing those influences that have to do with
developing the moral and spiritual nature
of man.
CHAPTER XV
TOWNSHIPS AND TOWNS
Big Beaver — Little Beaver — Hickory — Mahoning — Neshannock — North Beaver -
Perry — Plaingrove — Pulaski — Scott — Shenango — Slippery Rock — Taylor -
Union — Washington — Wayne — Wilmington.
Big Beaver was one of the origiual town-
ships of Lawrence County. It lias an area
of about ten thousand acres, being one of
the smaller townships of the county. Big-
Beaver River forms its eastern boundary
and receives numerous small branches,
which have their sources in the township.
The Erie & Pittsburg and the Pittsburg
& Lake Erie Railways traverse the town-
ship in a north and south direction, keep-
ing close along the river. The Pittsburg,
Fort Wayne & Chicago Railway crosses
the southwest corner, and besides these
are numerous tracks running to the lime-
stone quarries and coal banks in the east-
ern part of the township. The township
contains the villages of Newport and Clin-
ton, and the borough of Wampum, which
latter was incorporated on the 19th of
February, 1876. Wampum and Clinton
contain a large proportion of miners and
men who work in the limestone quarries
and coal mines.
EARLY SETTLEMENT.
The first settlers were John and Robert
Davidson, who left Ireland in the year
1791, and came to America, landing at
Philadelphia. Robert went to Cincinnati,
Ohio, where he bought some property, and
afterwards returned east to Pittsburg. In
the early part of the year 1796, the two
men came to the spot where Wampum now
stands, and settled a two-hundred acre
tract. Their mother, with four other sons,
left Ireland in 1793, and for three years
after landing in the United States staid in
the eastern part of Pennsylvania. In
March, 1796, they came to Lawi'ence Coun-
ty. The land in the vicinity of where they
settled was surveyed into tracts of 200
acres each, and any person locating on one
of these tracts was entitled to one-half for
settling, and by paying $100 could get the
other hundred acres. Thomas Davidson
came out a year or two after the rest ar-
rived. The seven boys were John, Isaac,
Robert, Charles, James, Andrew and
Thomas. They settled from one hundred
to three hundred acres each, along the Big
Beaver River, and part of the farms are
still occupied by their descendants. Their
lands extended into what is now Beaver
County, the farm of James Davidson
reaching a short distance across the line.
Robert Davidson was, for a short time,
agent for Benjamin Chew, who controlled
a large quantity of land in Big Beaver,
Wa^iTie, Shenango, Perry and Slippery
Rock Townships. He was also the first
postmaster when the office of Wampum
(called Irish Ripj^le Postoffice, from the
rapids in the river) was established.
The farm of John Davidson, Esq., was
probably settled, about 1798 or 1800, by
John Somei'ville, and included 200 acres.
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Andrew Davidson traded his 100 acres to
Somerville for the farm. The first house
built on the place was a small log cabin,
which stood in an orchard on the east side
of the road, opposite John Davidson's
residence. John Somerville, who settled
this farm, was cousin to the John Somer-
ville who afterwards became a ^lethodist
preacher. To distinguish them apart,
when mentioning them, they were nick-
named "Big" and "Little" John.
James Davidson was married to Eliza-
beth Somerville about 1805, and his was
the first marriage in the Davidson family
after they settled.
Alexander Wright came, soon after
1800, and purchased 100 acres south of the
Somerville or Andrew Davidson farm.
This tract was Population Company's land
and extended north to the Chew land.
Jesse Lightner bought the hundred acres
next east of Wright's and running to the
river.
Most of the Davidsons became extensive
landholders, it being among the best in the
township, and afterwards valuable owing
to. its location on a well-traveled highway
and the coal it contains.
A tract of land was surveyed in pursu-
ance of a warrant issued April 14, 1792,
and granted by the Commonwealth to
Charles Massey. The Pennsylvania Popu-
lation Company became possessed of this
tract, among others which they held in the
county, and it was transferred to the
Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank by Will-
iam Griffith and wife, and John B. Wallace
and wife, December 1, 1818. William
Grimshaw was the banking company's at-
torney and sold it to David Crawford,
September 19, 1833. From him it was pur-
chased by James Cochran.
On the dissolution of the Pennsylvania
Population Comjiany many of the lands
in the neighborhood became the property
of William Griffith and John B. Wallace,
The title was vested in Griffith, in trust
for an undivided moiety for Wallace.
Maurice and William Wurtz, of Philadel-
phia, also had a claim, and their attorney
was H. J. Huidekoi^er, who sold a portion
of the land to James Davidson. The first
improvements on the place now or lately
owned by Mr. Cochran, which includes
portions of the Davidson and Crawford
land, were made by a squatter, who staid
only a short time on the fann. Mr. Craw-
ford was, however, the first actual settler.
David and Robert Ramsey came, orig-
inally, from Ireland, with their father, who
settled first near the site of Youngstown,
Ohio, some time previous to 1812. They
afterwards removed to Little Beaver
Township.
William Whan came from Westmore-
land County, Pennsylvania, about 1808-9,
with his wife and two children — a son and
a daughter — and settled 200 acres.
Samuel Naugle came about 1800 and
settled near the site of the village of New-
port.
Robert Paden came to the township
about 1800 and settled in the northwest
part, where members of the family still
reside.
James McCandless was an early settler
in the same neighborhood, but, possibly,
came after Mr. Paden.
James Patterson came from County Ar-
magh, Ireland, and in 1822 located on a
farm subsequently owned by his son, Rob-
ert Patterson. The tract originally in-
cluded 400 acres, and was patented by
George^ Leslie, in 1795 or 1796. The place
occupiexl by Robert Patterson was first im-
proved by William McKim, about 1832.
The New Castle & Darlington Railway
was intended to intersect the Pittsburg,
Fort Wayne & Chicago road at New Gal-
ilee, Beaver County, and, about 1858-59,
was graded from New Castle to within a
mile and a half or two miles of that point.
Owing to the fact that much of the grad-
ing was paid for in calico, the road was
called the "Calico road." It was, how-
ever, never completed.
The Beaver Valley Railway was opened
for travel in the fall o'f 1863, and now
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
2:29
forms a part of the Erie & Pittsburg Rail-
way. It was built from New Castle to
Homewood, Beaver County, where it con-
nected with the Pittsburg, Fort Wayne &
Chicago Railway, and, for four or five
miles out from New Castle used the old
grade of the New Castle & Darlington
Railway.
The Beaver and New Castle wagon road
was laid out by the State, being surveyed
about 1801. It was sixty-six feet wide, and
was called the State road. In 1839 it was
re-surveyed and the route graded tlirough.
MHiITAEY.
Among the early settlers of Big Beaver
who served in the War of 1812 were the
following :
Andrew Davidson, who came in 1796;
was out a short time at Erie.
David Ramsey went to Erie from
Yonugstown, Ohio, where he was living at
the time. He afterwards removed to Little
Beaver Township, Lawrence County,
Pennsylvania.
John Whan was married in the fall or
winter of 1813, and was out two months
at Erie immediately afterwards. He
served in Capt. Wilson Kildoo's company.
James Paden went to Erie, and prob-
ably his brother Hugh, also. The Padens
lived in the western part of the township.
Militia organizations were kept up after
the war was over, and held regular drills
and musters under the militia law of the
State. The annual review days were
looked upon as grand holidays; whisky
flowed in unlimited quantities, and the
song and merry shout resounded on every
such occasion.
During the War of the Rebellion, Big
Beaver was represented by many a gal-
lant son who fought in the ranks of the
Union army. More on this subject may
be found in the chapter devoted to the
military history of the county.
SCHOOLS.
The first school in what is now Big Bea-
ver Township was kept in a vacated log
cabin, which stood on the Balder farm, just
in the edge of the present county line.
Richard Johnston was the teacher. The
first building erected s]iccially for school
pi;rposes stood ahdiii twenty rods north
of where the Methodist Church at Clinton
now stands. It was built of very large,
round logs, about the year 1820. A "one-
eyed, cross old man," named Robert
Creighton, first taught in it. Before this
schoolhouse was Ijuilt, Creighton taught in
JauiLs J Davidson's old log weaving shop,
the loom having been removed to make
room. Just below the old log schoolhouse
was a s^Dring, where the pupils went to
drink.
MANUFACTUEEES.
In 1876 an establishment was built on
the hill just south of the limits of Wam-
pum borough, for the manufacture of ce-
ment, the company being known as the
Wampum Cement and Lime Company.
The article manufactured is said to be
superior to any other cement known. It
took the first prize at the Centennial Ex-
position at Philadelphia. The man em-
ployed to make it was a German, named
William Pucall. The company was organ-
ized about 1869-70, as the "Wampum Min-
ing and Manufacturing Company." The
principal ingredients used in the manu-
factui'e of this cement are limestone and
blue clay. The limestone is quarried in
the hill above the works, and the clay is
taken out in the valley below. In the proc-
ess of making, the limestone is first ground
to flour and bolted, after which it is mixed
in certain proportions with the clay and
put into a "dry-kiln" and dried. It is then
]3aked in another kiln and finally crushed,
ground and bolted, when it becomes ready
for use.
WAMPUM BOEOUGH.
This borough was first settled by two
brothers, Robert and John Davidson, who
came from Ireland, in 1791, landing at
230
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
Philadelphia. Eobert first went to Cin-
cinnati, where he purchased property; he
subsequently returned to Pittsburg, and
thence he aiid his brother John proceeded
to the tract covering the site of Wampum
Borough, in ^ilarcli, 1796. Their mother,
with the rest of the family, left Ireland in
1793, and remained in the eastern part of
Pennsylvania until her sons had made a
settlement at Wampum, when they joined
them. Thomas Davidson, a half brother,
joined the settlement a year or two later.
They settled on a two hundred-acre tract,
of which they received half for settling,
and afterwards purchased the balance for
$100. The family consisted of seven sons,
all of whom settled in the vicinity, along
the Beaver River. Robert Davidson erect-
ed a grist-mill on the site of the mill after-
wards owned by Edward Key, about the
year 1830. It was run by water from
springs, and contained two run of stone.
Mr. Davidson died in 18-16. His heirs ran
the mill about four years, or until 1850,
when it came into possession of Captain
Archibald Reed. It afterwards passed
through several other hands and was at
different times enlarged and improved.
The people of the borough of Wampum
are extensively engaged in mining and
manufacturing.
BL.^i^T FURNACE.
The first furnace was built in 1856 by
Porter R. Friend & Co., of Pittsburg, who
operated it for a number of years, but the
business was so unprofitable that the prop-
erty was finally sold at assignee's sale,
Aug-ust 1, 1866. Samuel Kimberly pur-
chased the establishment on behalf of the
"Eagle Iron Company," of Cleveland,
Ohio, though the latter company never
really owned it. The name was changed
to "Wampum Furnace Company." Its
capacity was about twenty tons of metal,
daily, or about seven thousand tons per
annum.
The works were employed in the manu-
facture of pig-iron exclusively, using Lake
Superior ores mostly. A small proportion
of the red limestone ore found in She-
nango and Wayne Townships was used in
connection with the red ores. The com-
pany owned, in connection with their fur-
nace, extensive coal and limestone depos-
its. The amount of coal taken out of their
mines being annually from 40,000 to 50,000
tons. The capital invested in the furnace
property, in coal mines, stone quarries,
cars, coal-chutes, etc., was fully $250,000.
This business was discontinued and the
works dismantled many years ago.
The coal business at W^ampum is quite
extensive. The firm of Davidson, Green &
Co. formerly handled annually from thirty
to forty thousand tons. Captain 0. H. P.
Green, of this firm, claimect to have been
the first man to export the Beaver Valley
gas coal to Erie, which was in 1852. The
captain invested several thousand dollars
in the business, in which he continued some
two years by himself, when he took in, as
partners, Abner C. Fenton and Henry
Manning, of Youngstown, Ohio. In 1854,
he sold his interest in the business to Jona-
than Warner, of Youngstown, Ohio. Cap-
tain Green had commenced industrial life
as a common laborer when fifteen years of
age, near Greenville, Mercer County.
"\Mien the canal was completed, he had
gone into the boating business, in which he
continued imtil he engaged in coal-mining
and shipping. After he sold out his inter-
est in the coal business, he returned to his
old occupation on the canal. In partner-
ship with Captain M. S. ]\Iarquis, he
owned and operated as many as twelve
boats at one time. In 1857 he removed to
the vicinity of Edenburg, where he pur-
chased at various times several farms, on
one. of which is situated the famous pre-
historic mound, near the site of the old
Indian town of Kush-kush-kee. (See his-
tory of Mahoning Township.) He contin-
ued to do business on the canal until about
1869. In 1867 Capt. Green removed to
New Castle.
In addition to the coal business at this
AND EEPKE8EXTATIVE C'lTIZEXS
231
point, there has been a considerable trade
carried on in quarrying and burning lime-
stone. Large quantities of cement are also
manufactured from the lower stratum of
limestone, familiarly known as the "blue-
stone." The coal of this valley is bitumi-
nous, and has excellent coke and gas-pro-
ducing qaulities.
Wampum was erected into a borough by
the Court of Quarter Sessions, February
19,1876. Edward Kay was the first burgess.
The first post-office was established at
AYampiun about 1832, by the name of
"Irish Ei^jple," so called from the rapids
in the Beaver Eiver. It was moved back
and forth between Wampum and Newport
until about the year 1868, when the people
of the former place had the name changed
to "Wampum," since which it has re-
mained there. The name "Wampum" is
said to have been derived from a tribe of
Indians who formerly dwelt there, and
who wore the wampum belt. The town is
picturesquely situated on the Beaver
River, nine miles below New Castle.
The American Cement Tile Manufactur-
ing Company is a prosperous concern en-
gaged in the manufacture of a fine grade
of tile without wire reinforcement. They
are practically without competition in
their line of business. The president of the
company is Isadore Meyers; vice-presi-
dent, Joseph Freimd; superintendent,
James H. Stewart. The plant covers about
twelve acres of ground, the main building
being 565x65 feet, and there are about
sixty people employed.
A successful milling business was estab-
lished in Wampum in 1883, by John J. Mil-
ler and Jacob Pitts. They purchased a mill
near the railroad and started the milling
enterprise which has since developed into
the Wampum Milling Company. The part-
nership lasted until 1900, when Mr. :Miller
died. The property and business are now
owned and conducted successfully by Mrs.
Sarah J. Miller and her sons— Charles W.
and William J.
Wampum has two comfortable hostel ries
which offer shelter to the passing trav-
eler :
The Arlington Hotel was purchased by
its present proprietor, Kasper N. Trunk,
of its former proprietor, James Stewart,
in Ma}', 1902, and is Ijeing conducted by
him with success.
The Wampum Hotel is conducted by
John H. Conn, who i)urchased it of Charles
Stapf in March, 1907. Mr. Stapf had been
its proprietor for about eighteen years, its
former owner having been Jacob Hyle.
The Wampum Hardware Company is a
thriving concern of its kind, carrying a
large stock of general hardware and explo-
sives for mming purposes. Besides its
main store building it has a storage room
across the street and another in the vicin-
ity of the railroad tracks. The business
was purchased in February, 1905, by F. M.
Davis & Brother, Dr. Charles Davis, who
are carrying it on very successfully.
The firm of Miles & Aley are also en-
in the hardware business here.
A general store is carried on by Frank
P. Mapr, while David M. Marshall is en-
gaged in business as funeral director and
furniture dealer.
William W. Yoho carries on a black-
smith shop.
The financial needs of the borough and
the vicinity are accommodated by the First
National Bank.
The first meeting to organize this bank
was held December 29, 1902, and the bank
was organized March 10, 1903, with the
following officers : W. H. Marshall, presi-
dent ; W. II. Braby, vice president ; W. H.
Grove, cashier; directors — W. H. Mar-
shall, W. H. Brabv, S. P. Major, Joseph
Stiglitz, F. M. Davis, Geo. H. Mehard. W.
H. Grove, J. H. Stewart, W. H. Phillips,
F. M. Withrow, M. S. Marquis, T. D. Wil-
son, and Joseph Freund. The capital stock
was placed at $25,000. W. H. Grove acted
as cashier until November 1, 1906, when
C. C. Johnston succeeded him and still
holds office. The joresident and vice-presi-
dent are still the same. Tlie hank is located
232
HISTOEY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
on Main street, the intention, however, be-
ing to build a modern bank structure on
property owned by the bank just across
the street. In January, 1907, H. E. Mar-
shall, son of the president, was elected as-
sistant cashier, which position he stUl
holds.
A fine school building was erected in
1877. The borough has several religious
societies.
There are two convenient hotels, and the
usual stores of various kinds, blacksmith
shops, wagon shop, etc.
Of secret orders, there are a lodge of
Odd Fellows, one lodge of the Ancient Or-
der of United Workmen, one lodge Order
of United American Mechanics, and one
grange Patrons of Husbandry.
The Beaver River at this point is
spanned bv a fine iron bridge built bv T.
B. White & Sons, of Beaver Falls. It is
about four hundred feet in length, and cost
some $30,000.
The Pittsburg and Erie and Pittsburg
and Lake Erie railways pass through the
l^lace. A narrow-gauge railway connects
Wampum with the iron ore beds, in Wayne
and Sheuango Townships, extending a dis-
tance of about four miles. This was built
to facilitate the shipment of ore to various
points in Pennsylvania and Ohio.
METHODIST EPISCOPAL CHUECH.
The Methodist Episcopal Church of
Wampum was organized May 15, 1871,
with six members, who formed a class.
William Thompson organized a Sabbath-
school in 1869, with about ten scholars,
which number was soon increased to twen-
ty-two. The Rev. J. E. Johnston was the
first pastor and preached for about six
months. He was succeeded in 1872 by the
Rev. N. Morris, and he by the Rev. J. E.
Johnston, who continued for two years.
Subsequent pastors were Rev. C. F. Ed-
monds, Rev. George H. Brown, and Rev.
John Perry.
A churcii was erected in 1871 at a cost
of about $4,000, of which :\Ir. Edward Kev
contributed about $3,000. Of the present
membership a portion resides in Chewton,
on the opposite side of the river. The so-
ciety supports a Sabbath-school with some
ten or more officers and teachers, and six-
ty-five or seventy scholars. The school has
a well selected library.
UA^ITED PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH.
The United Presbyterians of Wampmn
asked the Beaver Valley Presbyterians to
grant an organization at Wampum.
Accordingly, permission having been ob-
tained, about the latter part of August,
1875, a lot was selected on Beaver Street,
and on the second Sabbath of November
following, there was preaching in the new
house. The building is of brick, 40 by 60
feet in size and of a capacity to comfort-
ably seat 300 people. The total cost was
$3,i40.
On the 7th of October, 1875, the session
appointed by the Beaver Valley Presby-
tery to organize a congregation at Wam-
pum, met at the house of W. H. Wither-
spoon.
The members present were : Rev. J. I.
Frazier (Moderator), Robert Mehard, A.
M. Barbout and A. D. Gilliland. A sermon
was delivered by Rev. J. I. Frazier, from
Matthew 16-18, after which the following
persons presented certificates of member-
ship: Mrs. Margaret Davidson, William
McMillen, Mrs. Eleanor McMillen, W. H.
Witherspoon, Mrs. Christine Witherspoon,
W. W. Davidson, Mrs. Nancy Davidson,
Mr. Asa Eckles, Mrs. Elizabeth Eckles,
Alice Minor, Mrs. Mary Whan, Miss Bell
Whan, Mrs. Matilda Davidson, William
Witherspoon, Mrs. Emily Witherspoon.
An election for elders, by ballot, was then
held, resulting in the choice of Asa Eckles
and William Witherspoon.
On the 1st of July, 1876, an invitation
was extended to Rev. J. J. Imbrie, to be-
come pastor of this congregation, which
was accepted, and Mr. Imbrie took charge
and subsequently labored with a good de-
gree of success. The congregation at this
AND BEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
233
(vritiug (January, 1908) numbers one hun-
dred persons.
WAMPUM PRESBYTEEIAN CHURCH.
Tlie Newport church was moved to
Wampum in 1889, and from that time it
was called the Wampimi Presbyterian
Church. Eev. George S. Rice was the pas-
tor of the church here for a few months
after it was dedicated, resigning some time
late in 1889. He was pastor for several
years at Newport. Eev. J. C. Pickens was
installed pastor on December 23, 1890, and
remained until February. 1902, when he re-
signed. Rev. B. J. Long was installed and
ordained pastor in May, 1902, and re-
mained until December, 1906. He was suc-
ceeded by the present pastor, Edgar R.
Tait, who was installed December 17, 1907.
The elders of the church are Thomas Wil-
son, Abner Gibson. D. M. Marshall, C. M.
Kirkbrige. John ^Marshall, Edward Coch
ran and Dr. H. H. Davis.
C. M. Kirkbrige is the superintendent
of Sabbath-school and has been for seven
years. The church has a membership of
160; the Sabbath-school of 175. The
church was united under one pastorate
with Moravia Presb^-terian Church until
December, 1907, when, having become self-
supporting, they called the present pastor.
VILLAGE OF NEWPORT.
The tract of land upon which the village
of Newport now stands was settled about
the year 1800 by Conrad Coon, who came,
with his wife and three children, from
Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and lo-
cated on the place.
John Coon laid out forty acres of land
in 1833. A number of small log houses
were built soon afterwards, James Morri-
son probabh" erecting the first one.
James Morrison and John Naugle built
the first frame houses, in the upper part
of town, near the bank of the river.
The first general store was opened in
a frame building by Cyrus Szvers, very
soon after the town was laid out. Samuel
Smith opened the second store. A store
owned bv Joseph Aley was burned down
in 1876.'
Aaron Reed opened the first blacksmith
shop. He finally removed to Wampum
and started a shop there. Joshua Pierce
built the first wagon shop. Mr. Pierce
died, and Edward Yoho afterward opened
one. His was the second one in the place,
William McClosky opened a tailor shop,
which he carried on for a number of years.
The Newport Presbyterian Church was
organized in 184(1 or 1847 by Rev. Samuel
Henderson, who became its first pastor.
The church was mainly organized through
the efforts of Benoni Wilkinson, who lived
on a farm just west of town. Starting
with thirty members, the congregation in
a comparatively short time increased to
about eighty. The first meetings were
held in a large house which was built by
John Jackson, and afterward left vacant
by him. A portion of the time meetings
were held in the school-house. The pres-
ent commodious frame church was built
about 1848, on land donated for that pur-
pose by Robert Davidson. A Sabbath-
school has been held in connection with the
Newport Church from the time it was or-
ganized, and generally has a large attend-
ance. Its first superintendent was David
S. Pollock.
The postoffice was originally established
at Wampum, and took its name "Irish
Ripple," from the rapids in the Beaver
River at that place, and the nationality of
the settlers who located there. The office
was established through the efforts of Ben-
jamin Chew, Jr., of Philadelphia, who was
out attending to his business in the neigh-
borhood, and at that time there was no
postofiice nearer than New Castle, nine
miles away. The first postmaster was Rob-
ert Davidson, about 1832-34. The office
was afterward removed to Newport, where
it was kept until 1856, when it was again
taken to AVampum. From that time it went
234
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
back and forth between the two places un-
til the name was changed to Wampum, and
the office located permanently at that
place. After this Newjaort petitioned for
an office, and finally secured one, giving
it the old name of "Irisb Ripple."
COAL, LIMESTONE, ETC.
Limestone is abundant in the township,
and besides that manufactured into ce-
ment, large quantities are quarried for use
at the iron furnaces in different places.
Sandstone is also quarried in various
places. It was formerly worked quite ex-
tensively at and below Thompson's Sid-
ing, just above Rock Point Station.
Coal was discovered in the township by
John Stockman, a blacksmith, as early as
1810. Stockman settled in what is now
Beaver County in 1804. In partnership
with an Irishman named McMuUen, he
had a blacksmith sho^j a mile and a half
south of the present line between Lawrence
and Beaver Counties. Previous to his dis-
covery of coal, they had used charcoal for
fuel. After discovering the coal, Mr.
Stockman dug along the hill and took of
the outcrop only, carrying it down on a
horse in a sack. This discovery was made
in "Possum Hollow," on the James Dav-
idson farm, just within the present limits
of Lawrence County. Coal has since been
worked extensively in the township, the
principal mines being in the vicinity of
Clinton.
CLINTON.
This village was laid out by James Dav-
idson about 1829-30, his house being the
first one in the place.
A crockery manufactory was established
by Sanger & Nesbit, and afterward became
the property of Andrew Davidson. It was
only carried on for two years. There was
also a store and a blacksmith shop.
A Methodist Episcopal Church was or-
ganized about 1823-24, by Rev. John Som-
erville, an itinerant preacher, who became
its first pastor, locating afterward in the
neighborhood. Some of the original mem-
bers of this church were Mrs. James Dav-
idson, Andrew Davidson and wife, John
Davidson and wife, and Charles Wilson
and wife. At the time the church was
organized, it was a missionary station
called the "Beaver Creek Mission." and
afterward changed to the Petersburg,
Ohio, circuit, and subsecpiently to the Enon
Valley circuit. Mr. Somerville preached
until the age of disability obliged him to
stop, and afterward frequently substituted
for the regular pastors. ^leetings were at
first held in Mr. Somerville 's, and possibly,
in Robert Davidson's house, also often in
barns and groves during warm weather.
The frame church now standing was built
about 1834, on land taken from the James
Davidson farm. The graveyard was laid
out about the same time and at the same
place. When the Enon Valley circuit was
established two ministers were placed in
charge. Afterward some of the appoint-
ments were discontinued and but one min-
ister appointed. A Sabbath-school was or-
ganized about the time the church was
built, by Rev. J. K. Miller, with John Som-
erville as first superintendent.
The Clinton Coal Company was organ-
ized and a track commenced in 1865, and
in 1866 mining was begun on an extensive
scale. In one year this company took out
37,000 tons of coal, which was principally
purchased by the Pennsylvania Railway
Company.
Scott, Tait & Co. commenced mining on
a large scale in "Possum Hollow" in 1853,
having previously begun work in 1851, in
"Beaver Hollow." They built a tram road
from their mine to the river, where the
coal was loaded into canal boats and ship-
ped. William Fruit, the Reeds of Erie,
and others afterward bought the "Possum
Hollow" mine and worked it for some
time, finally disposing of it to John Wil-
son. Wilson in turn sold to Wilson, Lee
& Co. It afterwards came into the pos-
session of Lee & Co., or Lee & Patterson.
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
235
LITTLE BEAVER TOWNSHIP.
This township, one of the thirteen orig-
inal townships of Lawrence County, has
an area of about 11,400 acres, and is one
of the most prosperous in the county. The
soil is well adapted to agriculture, being
fertile and productive, while the mineral
resources of the township are extensive
and valuable. There are numerous streams
at¥ording abimdant water-power, the prin-
cipal of which are the Little Beaver Creek,
with the branch joining it just above old
Enon Village, and Beaver Dam Run, which
flows through the northeastern portion of
the township, and joins the Little Beaver
near the line of Big Beaver Township-
The power on the Little Beaver is quite
extensive, and mills were built upon it very
soon after the first settlements.
Little Beaver Township was originally
timbered with a magnificent growth of oak,
hickory, maple, poplar, and various kinds
of valuable forest trees. Much of it has
been destroyed, and seemingly in a wan-
ton and careless manner, as if the sup-
ply were supposed to be inexhaustible. The
need of it is now felt in many portions,
although the township still contains a fair
acreage of timber, at present most valu-
able to its inhabitants.
The stream called Beaver Dam Run was
so named because the beavers had built
dams across it. These animals were plenti-
ful when the first settlements were made,
and the Indians and whites trapped large
numliers of them, but they soon disap-
peared before the advance of the settlers.
Little Beaver contains the two villages
of Enon Valley (old and new) and the old
town of Newburg. During the days of
stage-coach travel. Old Enon and New-
burg were thriving villages, but owing to
the changes wrought by steam have not
fulfilled their earlv promise.
The Pittsburg, Fort Wayne and Chicago
Railway, formerly the Ohio and Pennsyl-
vania Railway, was completed to Enon
Valley about 1850-51. and is now the great
transportation line of the country.
EARLY SETTLEMENTS.
The Pennsylvania Population Company
early got possession of the land in this
township, and each settler was entitled to
one-half the tract upon which he settled,
free of cost.
The first actual settlement by whites in
the township was made early in 1796, by a
company of men who had been out the
year previous and made improvements.
Some of them now have descendants liv-
ing on the old homesteads. They chose
the finest sites in the township, generally
in the valley of the Little Beaver Creek.
They called themselves the "Settlers of
'96." Among the men forming this com-
pany were John and Samuel Sprott, John
Beer, James McCowin and William Rob-
ison, and possibly Phillip Aughenbaugh,
Andrew ^loore and others, in all about
twelve or fifteen men.
The Sprotts were from Allegheny Coun-
ty, Pennsylvania.' Samuel Sprott settled
on a farm in the northwest part of the
township, where some of his descendants
are yet living. John Sprott settled on the
farm where Robert and Thomas Sprott
now, or recently, lived, on the 17th day of
February, 1796. Mr. Sprott brought his
wife with him, and their son Robert was
born on the place on the 18th of July,
1796, he being the first white child born in
the township. He lived on the old farm all
his life, and was never farther away from
home than Pittsburg. John Sprott was a
military officer of western Pennsylvania
during the Indian troubles after the Rev-
olution. His principal duty was to supply
the different military stations on the Ohio,
from Logstown down, with men. At the
first militia muster at which he ever
served, he was elected major, and after-
wards lieutenant-colonel, and served until
he was beyond the regulation military age.
He died in the fall of 1839, aged seventy-
nine vears and ten months.
"In 1798 Mr. Sprott built a grist-mill on
his place on Little Beaver Creek. This
was the first mill in the township, and
236
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
was a structure of round logs and con-
tained one run of stone. He procured a
number of pine boards on Brady's Run,
several miles away, and with them made
a bolting-chest. Mr. Sprott was not able
to keep up his dam, and the old mill was
run but a comparatively short time. It
has long been torn away. While it was
running, the principal grain ground in
it was corn, and people came all the way
from Rochester, Beaver County, to this
mill. After it was abandoned, no other
was ever built upon the site and nothing
now remains of it."
John and Samuel Sprott reared each a
family of twelve children. John and Sam-
uel were old hunters, and had hunted all
over the county some ten years before they
settled in it. They kept up their excur-
sions, which extended into Ohio also, un-
til the Indian troubles broke out, and Gen-
eral Anthony Waviie went through with
his army. Wild turkeys were so thick they
could kill them with clubs, and deer were
also extremely plentiful. Of the latter,
John Sprott killed as many as sixty dur-
ing one autumn hunt.
John Beer, another of the "settlers of
'96," settled on the farm adjoining John
Sprott 's on the north, and lived and died
upon it.
William Robison, one of the same party,
settled in the eastern part of the town-
ship.
David Clark, John Savers, James Stev-
enson and Robert Johnston came to the
township about 1797-98. John Wilson
came in 1796, and settled in the neighbor-
hood on the farm later owned by John
Taylor.
Pliillip Aughenbaugh came from West-
moreland County, Pennsylvania, and in
the spring of 1796 settled on the farm
where his son George subsequently resid-
ed. He brought with him his wife and five
children — three boys and two girls. He
reared eleven children altogether. The
birth of the first child born after the fam-
ily settled took place in the latter part of
the year 1797. None of the children born
after they settled lived to maturity, except
the youngest, Mary Ann, who was born in
March, 1805. Mr. Aughenbaugh died in
1844, aged eighty-four years. His wife
had died a number of years previously.
Thomas and Joseph Smith were among
the early settlers of the township, and lo-
cated in the northeastern portion.
"The settlers passed through many ex-
citing adventures, and had many hair-
breadth escapes from the wild beasts of
the forest, but no instance is given of any
person ever losing his life by them. The
greatest pests were the gray wolves, which
roamed in packs through the woods, and
ever and anon made descents on the sheep
folds and pig pens of the settlers and de-
prived them of their woolly and porcine in-
habitants, without the least scruple. Close
watch was kept over the children, lest they
might fall a prey to their ravenous appe-
tites; and it was also necessary for the
men themselves to keep their rifles in or-
der, and always with them, carrying them
even to church."
John Marshall, originally from Ireland,
came from Washington County, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1796 or 1797, with his wife and
one son, to Little Beaver Township, and
settled north of the old village of Enon
Valley. He died about 1853 or 1854, aged
eighty-seven or eighty-eight years. George
]\IeKean came about 1800, and settled
on a farm a mile southwest of old
Enon Valley, where his son, Porter,
subsequently resided. David McCarter
and Patrick Wallace also came early.
James Marshall came out in 1818, and
located on the farm subsequently oc-
cupied by William Porter. He bought the
land of James Stevenson, who had set-
tled it in 1797-98. Mr. Marshall's daugh-
ter was afterward married to William Por-
ter, who came from Ireland and located
on the place in 1824. William Madden
came from Columbia County, Pennsyl-
vania, about 1815. Thomas Silliman came
about 1820, and settled in the eastern part
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
of it, where numbers of the Silliman fam-
ih' are yet living
Rattlesnakes were so numerous in early
days that the settlers were obliged to wear
leggings, in order to protect their limbs
from their fangs. Frequently large num-
bers of them were killed in one locality in
a single day. Their hiding places were
among the loose rocks, and in getting out
stone for chimnej^s, or working among the
rocks in any way, the hideous and dan-
gerous reptiles were very often found.
Charles Long came from Rockbridge
County, Virginia, about 1804-05, bringing
two children with him, to a place in Co-
lumbiana County, Ohio. A child was bom
somewhere in the mountain while Mr
Long was on his way wdth his family, and
his wife was left behind, he subsequently
going back after her. He had been here
about 1801-02, and entered the land on
which he settled, paying two dollars per
acre, and purchasing an entire section. His
son, Charles, lived on a portion of the old
farm. The farm now, or recently, owned
by Israel Long, in Little Beaver, was pur-
chased by his father, of the Pennsylvania
Population Company's agent, Enoch Mar-
vin, that is, one hundred acres of it. The
other hundred Mr. Long purchased of a
man named Andrew Johnston, who had
probably settled it. The location is ex-
ceedingly fine, being on a gradually slop-
ing hill, and commanding a fine view of the
territory around, in every direction, ex-
cept toward the west, where a belt of tim-
ber along the State line shuts it off. Mr.
Long improved the place into a fine prop-
erty.
Ezekiel Creighton came from the Valley
of Turtle Creek, in Allegheny County,
Pennsylvania, about 1810 and located on
the property later owned by Mr. Wurtzel.
He served three months as a volunteer
during the ^Miisky Insurrection of 1794.
, Robert Andrews, Charles Rainey and
William Miller were early settlers in the
township. Miller settled on a liranch of
the Little Beaver, and built a mill. An-
drews had a farm north of the one settled
by Samuel Sprott. Rainey 's farm was
next north of Andrews' and Miller's next
north of Rainey 's. These were all in the
northwestern part of the township.
"James McCowin came originally from
Maryland and located in Washington
County, Pennsylvania. In 1795 he was out
with the Sprotts and others, making im-
provements on claims, and in 179G he came
again, this time bringing his family, con-
sisting of his wife and two children. In
the first place he stopped below Darling-
ton, Beaver County, where he stayed a
year or two, and then came to the farm in
Little Beaver Township, Lawrence Coun-
ty — the old homestead now being owned
by his descendants. The old house, built
on the place in 1795, stood at the west end
of William McCowin 's present residence.
It was a hewed-log structure, two stories
high, originally roofed with clapboards,
which afterwards gave place to shingles.
This was the first house on the place. Mr.
McCowin had four hundred acres in his
farm, located a mile east of the present
station of Enon Valley. He was the father
of eleven children."
A man named Williams, popularly
known as "Onion" Williams, built a grist
mill on the Little Beaver Creek, near the
old village of Eno.n Valley, about 1801-2.
It was a log mill, had two run of stone,
and was the second mill in the township.
Some time afterward a man named
Woodrut¥ built a grist mill on the same
stream, some distance east of Enon Val-
ley, and Jacob Shoop built one about a
mile east of town, also on the Little Bea-
ver. Nothmg is left of any of these old
mills.
Samuel Andrews came ori.ginally from
Ireland, and settled first in Center Coun-
ty, Pennsylvania, where he lived some
thirty years. About 1820 he came to Bea-
ver County, and located on a farm about
two miles from Enon Valley, Lawrence
County, lately owned by Arthur Bradford,
and still within the limits of Beaver Coun-
238
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
ty. His son, John, married Elizabeth Har-
nit in 1822. Her father, Samuel Hamit,
was the first settler on the ground where
Enon Valley Station now stands.
SCHOOLS.
A schoolhouse was built of round logs,
in the year 1800, on the piece of land sub-
sequently owned by John Scott. John
Boyles was probably the first teacher.
Other log-cabin schoolhouses were erected
in the neighborhood, and used until 1834,
when the free school law was passed, and
new buildings erected.
A schoolhouse of roimd logs was built
in the southwest part of the township as
early as 1807-08, Joshua Hartshorn being
probably the first teacher. "Master and
pupils all played ball, the old-fashioned
game, in which, in order to put a person
out who was running bases, he must be
"patched" or struck, with the ball while
between bases. In those days buckskin
pants were worn, and they retained the
marks made by the ball for some time.
Some of them were fairly mottled by the
numerous 'patches' they had received, and
a person whose buckskins showed the least
number of spots was considered the best
player. It took an active person to dodge
the ball, for they were all practical in the
art of throwing, and seldom missed their
mark. They were not particular, either,
about 'sending the ball in' slowly."
The number of schools in Little Beaver
Township in 1908 was six, with an enroll-
ment of 121 pupils. The total expenditures
for the year for school purposes were
$3,302.24, of which $1,885 was paid to
eight teachers, for an average term of
seven months taught.
NEWBURG.
The pioneer settler in this place was
Bryce McGeehan, who came to the town-
ship about 1798-99, and occupied the tract
which was afterward the farm of John
Sampson. In 1799 Mr. McCreehan planted a
few apple trees, which Major Edward
Wright had given him. Major Wright set-
tled in iSTorth Beaver Township. Mr. Mc-
Geehan was a prominent man among the
early settlers. He took an active part in
organizing the Bethel United Presbyterian
Church, of North Beaver Township, and
was one of its first elders.
Mr. McGeehan 's son, James, laid out a
few lots and called the place McGeehans-
burg, but it was afterwai'ds changed to
Newburg, which name it still retains. This
town was on the old stage route, and was
at one time a lively place, but its glory has
long departed. "The long band of iron
which connects the East with the West,
and passes through the southern portion
of the township, proved a deadly enemy to
stage coach travel, and with the decline
of the stage line, Newburg saw her sun set,
and her bright future flicker and go out in
darkness, and transfer itself to the rising
station of Enon Valley. Where erst the
crack of the driver's lash resounded, and
the merry notes of the horn were heard,
are seen no more the well-filled coaches,
spanking teams, and the bustle attendant
upon the 'arrivals' and 'departures' and
'changes' which were so common fifty or
more years ago."
James Mountain, who had the only shoe
shop in 1877, came with his uncle, David
Eitchie, to the neighborhood about 1820.
His father went out from Allegheny Coun-
ty during the War of 1812, and died while
in the service.
William Murphy, John Powell and
others have carried on blacksmith shops at
different periods.
In the fall of 1855 a postofifice, called
"Marvin," was established here, the first
postmaster being Joseph S. Williams. At
present there is no postoffice at the place.
Newburg is located in the northern por-
tion of the township, in the midst of a fine
farming country, and all around it are ex-
cellent improvements. "The land is high
and rolling, and the country around af-
fords a beautiful panoramic spectacle,
with its hills and vallevs, neat residences
AXl) R?]PKESEXTATIVE CITIZENS
239
and comfortable outbuildiugs, tiue groves,
silver streams, and well-kept fields, and in
the summer season must be ti'uly a pleas-
ing picture to look upon. Western Penn-
sj'lvania is remarkable for beautiful sce-
nery, and Little Beaver Township, though
possessing little of the rugged outline
found in other parts of the country, still
has its beautiful peculiarities in every sec-
tion."
EN ox V.U.LEY (OLD TOWN).
This village was laid out into lots in
1838 by Enoch Marvin, who was the agent
of the Pennsylvania Population Comapny.
Mr. Mars'in had cousideral)le property in
the neighborhood, including the site of the
village and the farm lately owned by
Thomas G. Dalzell. The brick house on
Mr. Dalzell 's place was built by Marvin,
who died there in 1840.
Just north of the village the two
branches of Little Beaver Creek unite, and
from this circumstance the town is said to
derive its name. Josiah M. C. Caskey
named the place, the name interpreted
meaning the "Valley of Many Waters."
There are other versions as to the origin
of the name, but this is the most plausible.
The first lot was purchased by John Mar-
tin, who built a frame house upon it.
Mr. Marvin sold the lots in order to in-
duce mechanics to settle at the place. He
furnished the necessary logs to be used in
building, and Robert Sprott sawed them
into lumber at his mill, and thus the vil-
lage was gradually built up.
The first store was opened by the Taylor
brothers, before there was anj-'village, and
John S. McCoy built the next one, which
is still standing. William P. Alcorn had
a store in the same building after McCoy
had left it.
John Growl was the first blacksmith.
Philip N. Guy, a native of Wayne Town-
ship, is now conducting a blacksmith shop
here, and is very popular. James A. Mc-
Cowin, also of an old county family, is
successfully engaged in this business. Sam-
uel King, David Smith and others former-
ly had wagon shops, while Robert Moore
owned the first shoe shop. John Roof kept
the first tailor shop, and Frank McLean
and others worked at the business also.
John Martin had a cabinet shop at an
early day. Harness and saddle shops have
also been carried on, William Imboden be-
ing now engaged in that business here.
His brother, ^lichael Imlioden, is now pro-
prietor of a shoe store on ^lain Street, and
also of a large general store on Vine
Street. Andrew K. Robertson also keeps
a good general store. His parents were
natives of Scotland. Another prosperous
general store is kept bv ]\IcNees & W^olf
(Elmer E. McNees and Milton J. Wolf),
they purchasing the business from N. S.
Nicely. Barney T. Gealy has a lumber
yard and planing mill and is doing a pros-
l)erous business. He purchased the plant
in ]893. The American Hotel is a popular
hostelrv, kept bv H. G. Gilbert, who pur-
chased "it of Philip Fisher in 1903. Under
his callable management it has largely in-
creased its prestige. The Mt. Air Elgin
Butter Company is a prosperous concern
turning out 400 pounds of butter per day.
Emmet W. Dungan is manager. The Enon
^'alley Teleplione Company, of which 0. I
Iiiddh- is president and manager, fui--
nished good local service in this now im-
portant branch of public utilities. Mr.
Riddle lias been at the head of the con-
cern since it was organized in 1906.
A postofifice was established here in 1830,
before the town was laid out, J. M. C.
Caskey being the first postmaster. This
office was established on the old stage line
between Beaver, Pa., and Cleveland, Ohio,
running through Petersburg and Youngs-
town. Old Enon was a changing-station
on the line, and was well known to travel-
ers over it. Previous to the War of 1812
this was made a postal route, and the mail
was carried over it on horseback until the
stage line went into operation. At that
time the nearest postoffice was at Darling-
ton, Beaver County, five miles away. In
240
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
order to accommodate the settlers about
Enon, John Beer made a bos and set it
upon a post near his house, and made ar-
rangements with the postmaster at Dar-
lington to have the carrier drop the mail
into it for the families living in the neigh-
borhood, and that was done, thus saving
a five-mile trip to the postoffice.
The Little Beaver Presbyterian Church
was organized about 1834-35, and a brick
edifice built, which has since been torn
down. The members had previously held
meetings in connection with the congrega-
tion at Darlington, which was organized at
a very early day. A frame church was
built in the summer of 1873. The ground
on whicli the old church stood was donated
by Enoch Marvin, and that occupied by
the cemetery was given by John Beer,
Esq., whose wife was the first person
buried in it, her death occurring in the fall
of 1797. The first regular pastor who had
charge of this congregation was Rev. Rob-
until nearly the time of his death, which
occurred about 1869-70. The next pastor
was Rev. Mr. Miller, who stayed three or
four years. After him came the Rev. Rob-
ert S. Morton.
Li July, 1873, a portion of the congre-
gation went to Enon Valley Station and
organized a church there. Since the Little
Beaver church was organized, a Sabbath-
school has been kept up most of the time
during the summers.
ENON VALLEY (nEW TOWn).
This place was first settled by Samuel
Harnit, who came from near McKeesport,
ui Allegheny County, Pennsylvania, first
to what is now Beaver County, and in 1800
to the site of Enon, where he took up one
himdred acres of Population land. Mr.
Harnit brought his wife and three children
— two sons and one daughter — with him.
He built a log house, which stood on the
site of the present town hall. Two chil-
ert Dilworth, who continued to minister
dren were born in the family after they
came to the township— a daughter, Eliza-
beth, January 21, 1802, and a son, Samuel,
Februaiy 9,* 1804. A grandson of Mrs,
Harnit, also named Samuel, went to Illi-
nois, and was for a number of years ward-
en of the State penitentiary at Joliet. His
brother, Joseph, went also to that State,
and engaged in the practice of medicine.
Elizabeth Harnit was married to Jolm An-
drews, and they took up their residence
at Enon. Mr. Harnit was killed in 1804
by the caving in of a coal bank at which
he was in the habit of procuring coal. He
was a blacksmith, and built a shop near his
house, which stood until the town plat was
surveyed.
The first blacksmitli in the new town
was Patrick Morgan, who worked in a shop
which stood on Henry Wolf's property.
David Smith built a house, and in one end
of it had the first wagon shop in the place.
Before the town was laid out, the only
houses standing on the land were Samuel
Harnit 's old log house, then occupied by
his widow, Mrs. Barbara Harnit, a frame
house close by, occupied by her son, Na-
thaniel Harnit, and a frame house occu-
pied by Samuel Harnit, the latter build-
ing on the south side of the railroad track.
The first house after the town was laid
out was built by John Spear, in one part
of which he opened afterward the second
store in the place.
The Pittsburg, Fort Wajme and Chicago
Railway was finished to Enon about the
fali of 1851, and during that fall and the
ensuing spring the station building, the St.
Lawrence Hotel, and Ramage & McQuis-
ton's store — the first one in the town —
were built.
Samuel Harnit and William McGeorge
owned the land on which the town plat was
laid out, and Mr. Harnit sold a quantity of
it to H. P. Mueller, who laid out the first
lots, probably the next summer after the
road was built.
R. C. Moore built and opened the first
shoe shop. William McKean was prob-
ably the first tailor.
H. P. Mueller built a sawmill about
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
241
1853 on the south side of the track, and
operated it until 1855, when it was burned
down.
A distillery was built about 1858-59, and
run by Joseph Worley. The building is
yet standing, but the machinery has long
since been sold and removed.
A planing-mill was started by David
Preston & Bro., about 1870, and a saw-
mill, built by the same parties, about 1869.
A steam grist mill was built by Miller &
AVIiitmire. Among the industrial activi-
ties are the round-house and repair shops
for the eastern division and branches of
the P., Ft. W. & C. Railway, which employ
about twenty or more hands.
A brickj^ard was worked at one tune
near the Preston sawmill, bv AVilson,
Herr & Co.
The population of the place is about 500,
including a large proportion of Germans.
For some years after the place was laid
out, a brick schoolhouse, which stood be-
tween the two towns, was attended by pu-
pils from both. In 1857-58, the frame build-
ing occupied by William Reed & Co. for a
store-room, was built for a schoolhouse,
and used for a number of years. A brick,
two-story schoolhouse was built about
1870, and, owing to the increasing nimiber
of pupils, became inadequate for the pur-
pose for which it was designed. There are
now three schools in the borough, and the
niunber of school children in attendance
in 1908 was ninety. There were three
teachers employed, at a cost of $1,220, and
the amount expended for school purposes
was $1,693.19. The average number of
months taught is seven.
About a year after the town was laid
out, the postoffice was removed to it from
the old town, and John Spear appointed
the first postmaster.
The first physician in the place was Dr.
A. P. Dutcher, who lived between the two
towns. Dr. McPherson afterward had an
office in the new town, and lived where Dr.
Dutcher had resided. Other members of
the profession have since practiced here.
Enon Lodge No. 916, I. 0. O. F., was or-
ganized November 9, 1875, with a member-
siiip of twenty-seven, which has since
largely increased. The first officers were :
John 0. Caskey, N. G. ; John Sloan, V. G. ;
R. P. McCurley, secretary; E. Herwig,
treasurer. The lodge room is in the large
building in the north part of the town, in
which are located the town hall and two
store rooms.
The Christian Church of Enon was com-
pleted March 11, 1873, and dedicated the
22nd of the same month. An organization
of this society was completed as early as
1831, with William McCready, Ephraim
Phillips, Euphemia Nicely, Nathaniel Har-
nit, John McCready, John Taylor and Jo-
siah M. C. Caskey, as members. Rev. Mr.
Van Horn preached to them about that
time, also Rev. Mr. Applegate and others.
A few years later the society disbanded,
and had no organization subsequently un-
til 1859, when a reorganization was effect-
ed by Rev. Mr. Winfield. He was followed
by Rev. William Hillock, and next came
the Rev. John Phillips, who stayed two or
three years. Since then, Revs. Ephraim
Phillips, S. B. Teegarden, and others, have
liad charge. Rev. J. M. David was the first
pastor after the church was built.
Enon Presbyterian Church was organ-
ized . about the 1st of July, 1873, with
eighty-one members. It was formed from
a portion of the Little Beaver congrega-
tion at old Enon Valley. Rev. D. H. Lav-
erty was installed as its first pastor, in
August, 1874. A Sabbath-school was or-
ganized in March, 1874; its first superin-
tendent was Captain E. L. Gillespie. The
church, a neat, commodious frame build-
ing, was erected in 1873. In December of
that year a 750-pound Meneeley liell was
placed in the belfry.
The Methodist Episcopal Church at
Enon was organized in 1857-58, with about
forty members. Before this meetings had
been held in the schoolhouse, which stood
between the two towns. The church was
built before an organization was com-
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE OOITNTY
pleted, and Rev. Samuel Krause (or
Crouse) preached occasionally to them.
The tirst pastor after the church was built
was Rev. William H. Tibbals. A Sabbath-
school has been kept up since the organi-
zation of the church. Its tirst superin-
tendent was probably George Adams.
HICKORY TOWNSHIP
This township, formerly a part of Mer-
cer County, was erected from the eastern
part of Neshannock Township during the
winter of 1859-60. It comprises an area
of about 9,800 acres, and is rich in both
agricultural and mineral resources. It is
watered by the Big Neshannock Creek and
its tributaries, on all of which there is ex-
tensive water power. The principal branch
of the Neshannock in the township is East
Brook, or what was formely known as Hut-
tebaugh or Hettenbaugh Run. On this
stream there are a number of dams, lo-
cated within a comparatively short dis-
tance of each other.
The surface of the township is more or
less hilly and broken, owing to the many
streams which flow through it, and the
summits of the highest hills or ridges are
probably 300 feet above the Neshannock
Creek. The creek forms the boundary be-
tween the townships of Hickory and Nes-
hannock. The New Castle and Franklin
Railway, now operated by the Pennsyl-
vania Company, passes along the left bank
of the creek, until it reaches East Brook
Station, where it crosses to the other bank.
"Along the creek is found some most ro-
mantic scenery. In places the channel is
narrowed down to a rocky gorge, with pre-
cipitous overhanging piles oi sandstone
frowning upon the valley, their sides and
summits covered with a dense growth of
hemlock, and an occasional gloomy-look-
ing ravine, affording greater solemnity
and loneliness, which is hardly surpassed
in its effect am^where. The rock is sand-
stone, and generally piled up in thin and
broken strata, caused by some mighty up-
heaval, although in a few localities the
strata are thicker and afford very good
building stone. They rest usually on a
lower stratum of shale, or slaty fragments,
approaching the coal measures.
"Springs are numerous and constant;
timber is abundant; desirable building
sites are found in almost every locality ; the
lover of the beautiful in nature can have,
his most exquisite taste gratified; the
manufacturer finds every facility for pro-
moting his business in its various
branches; the health of the commimity is
excellent ; schools and churches of the laest
character serve to immense advantage in
furthering the social, moral and intellect-
ual standing of an already prosperous and
refined people; numerous and costly im-
provements evince the taste and refine-
ment of the inhabitants ; the student of ge-
ology and history finds his research amply
rewarded; and, taking into consideration
these manifold advantages, with others we
have not space to mention, the to\vnship
may be classed as one of the first in the
county.
Coal of an excellent quality has been
found in the townshijj, but the vein is quite
thin, and on that account chiefly, not much
worked. Some, however, is mined for local
use, and a considerable quantity has been
taken to New Castle, the glassworks at
Croton formerly making use of it. This
was obtained from a bank just outside the
city limits on the Harlansburg road.
Iron ore of a good quality has been
found in paying quantities along the Ne-
shannock Creek, but the same disadvan-
tages attend its development which are
met with in opening the coal veins, or at
least some of them. It lies generally close
to the surface, and in taking it out the land
is broken to a greater or less extent, ren-
dering it unfit for agricultural purposes.
On account of these drawbacks, compara-
tively little has been done toward bring-
ing out in full the resources of the town-
ship in this line.
The township contains the village of
Eastbrook, and the station of the same
AND HKPKESENTATIVE CITIZENS
243
name ou the New Castle aud Frauklin
Eailwaj'. The railwaj' was completed in
1874, and affords ample facilities for ship-
ping the products of the neighborhood,
both agricultural and mineral.
In a few localities limestone is (quarried,
but is not of sufficiently good quality to be
used as a building stone. A lime kiln was
put in operation a munber of years ago,
a short distance from the city limits of
New Castle, on the Harlansburg road. The
stone has a bluish cast, and is by no means
equal to that found in greater quantities
in other portions of the United States. It
has been used for fluxing j)urposes in blast
furnaces.
Sandstone is found largely throughout
the township, and is utilized for building-
purposes, and also ground up and used
in the manufacture of window glass. The
sandstone deposit forms the principal geo-
logic foundation of Hickory Township.
The first coal-bank opened in the vicin-
ity was worked about 1830. A coal-bank
was opened on the Harlansburg road, by
Michael Eyan in 1870, on land belonging
to Anthony Henderson. The vein aver-
aged about two feet in thickness, and was
largely used by the Croton Glass Works.
A considerable number of persons have
been engaged in the business, and a few
banks have been worked out. The coal
veins increase in thickness as they trend
northward, and reach the maximum thick-
ness somewhere in the neighborhood of
Stoneboro, Mercer County. They also dip
to the south on about the same grade as
the beds of the different streams.
E.tRLY SETTLEMENTS.
In the year 1798, Eobert Gormley, an
immigrant from Ireland, settled on the
fann now owned by John H. Gormley. He
had first worked for a while east of the
mountains. Wliile in the eastern part of
the State, he witnessed a transaction be-
tween a Eevolutionary soldier and a per-
son to whom the soldier sold a tract of
land, donated him by the State for his
services during the war. The price paid
for the land was a quart of whisky, the
hero of Eevolutionary fields considering
that worth more than the land, which he
said was ' ' somewhere out West, but didn 't
know exactl_Y where." The tract thus
cheaply disposed of embraced 500 acres.
Mr. Gormley also purchased 500 acres,
which was divided among his brothers,
John and Thomas, who had followed him
from Ireland, William Patton, and him-
self — making 120 acres each. The price
paid was fifty cents per acre. Schoolhouse
No. 5 is located on a part of the tract. Mr.
Gormley built a hewed log house, 20 by 22
feet, in 1804, and it was considered a very
remarkablv fine house for the time. It
stood until the fall of 1869.
Eobert Gormley was married in 1807-08,
to Sarah Hammond, of Washington Coun-
ty, and John Gormley married her sister,
Elizabeth. The first birth in the Gormley
family was probably that of Martha,
daughter of John Gormley, about 1809.
The first deaths were also in that family,
two sons and a daughter dving during the
year 1822.
The first road through the neighborhood
was what is known as the Harlansburg
road. Previous to its being laid out, the
only highways were zig-zag paths through
the woods, following the best route they
could around hills and across streams —
the latter always being forded. Grain
was carried to mill on pack-saddles, and
Mr. Gormley often "packed" corn from
Beavertown, where he paid a dollar a
bushel for it. AVheat could not be raised
to any extent for some time, on account of
the great nmnber of squirrels, deer,
"groimd hogs," and other animals which
came into the fields and destroyed the
crops.
Deer were so tame that they would come
into a wheat field in broad daylight, and
had to be repeatedly driven off. Wild tur-
keys were also exceedingly plentiful, and
in the fall of the year created sad havoc
among the fields of buckwheat.
244
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Agrioultui-e was carried on according
to somewhat primitive metliods. Tlie first
metal plow in tlie neighborhood was owned
by Francis Irvin (or Irwin), and Robert
Gormley had the second one. The plows
in use before these had wooden mould-
boards, and a paddle was carried to clean
the plow at the end of every furrow. The
harrows also had wooden teeth, and both
plows and harrows were rude and clumsy
affairs, compared with the vastly im-
proved implements of the present, al-
though they answered their purpose and
their owners were content, knowing of no
better ones.
Robert Gormley died March 26, 1858, at
the ripe old age of eighty-six years, and
sleeps by the side of Sarah, his wife, in
the old Neshannock graveyard, his wife
having died on the 18th of June, 1853, at
the age of sixty-five years. Though six-
teen years her husband's junior', she made
him a loving and exemplary wife for
forty-four years. John Gormley died De-
cember 27, 1848, aged seventy-nine years,
and his wife, Elizabeth, followed him
March 27, 1858, aged seventy-four.
William Patton was originally from Ire-
land, and settled first in Center County,
Pennsylvania. From there he came to
Lawrence (then Mercer) County, and set-
tled on a portion of the Robert Gormley
tract. When he came from Center County,
he had a horse and an ox harnessed to-
gether to haul his goods. Mr. Patton and
the Gomileys afterward donated ten acres
each to Thomas Speer, in order to get him
to settle near them. Mr. Speer was from
South Carolina, and came to Hickory
Township about 1805-6. He lived to a
very old age, and died within a few years
past.
"Some time during the year 1802 Sam-
uel McCreary came from the Buffalo Val-
ley, in Union County, in the eastern part
of the State, and located on the east side
of Neshannock Creek, about two miles
northwest of the present village of East-
brook. He was the first settler on the
place, and made the first improvements.
He built a round log house, and lived in it
with his wife and one child, Enoch Mc-
Creary, who was but two years of age
when his father came to the county. Mr.
McCreary 's brother, Thomas, accompa-
nied him, and they each took up a tract of
one hundred acres. Shortly after their
settlement Thomas McCreary died, and
his was consequently one of the first
deaths in the neighborhood. Samuel ^Ic-
Crearv was out several times to Erie dur-
ing tlie War of 1812-15. He eventually
became the owner of some 600 acres of land
in the vicinity of the place where he set-
tled, chiefly lying along the Neshannock
Creek. He died shortly before the break-
ing out of the Southern rebellion. The
McCrearys were originally from Ireland,
emigrating from that country at some pe-
riod subsequent to the War for Independ-
ence between the American Colonies and
Great Britain. He was the father of ten
children. The first birth in his family
after he came to Lawrence County was
that of his daughter, Betsey, about 1804.
In 1806, another daughter, Sarah, was
born, and in 1808, a son, Thomas.
Robert Simonton, who lived for a num-
ber of years in Hickory Township, settled
originally on the Shenango River, in Ne-
shannock Township. He was out during
the War of 1812, and went to Erie. He
died about 1853-54, at an advanced age.
John C. Wallace, also a soldier of 1812,
having served as captain of militia at that
time, was an early settler in the southeast
part of Hickory Township.
' Jacob Baker settled near Mr. AVallaee,
in the southeast part of Hickory Town-
ship, and was a soldier of 1814. He lived
in the county in the neighborhood of fifty
years, a part of which time he resided in
New Castle.
Abel McDowell came from Westmore-
land County early, and lived for several
years with his uncle, Thomas Fisher. He
afterwards located in the northwest part
of Hickory Township.
AND REPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
245
About 1812-15, George Hinkson came
from Chester County, and located in
AVashington County, where he stayed un-
til about 1817, when he removed to Bel-
mont County, Ohio. There he lived for
eleven years, or until 1828, when he again
packed up his worldly goods and came
back to the Keystone State, this time lo-
cating in Hickory Township, on a 500-aci"e
tract, later owned by his son, Aaron Hink-
son, and others.
All the lands in the township are "do-
nation lands," and the fact that the terri-
tory was not settled imtil a comparatively
late day is attributable to that circum-
stance. But few of the original patentees
ever located in the county, and the land
at that time was deemed too far away to
be reached. It was not, however, until the
completion of the Erie Extension Canal
that the growth of any part of the western
portion of the State became marked; but
since that time the development has stead-
ily and generally gone forward.
Samuel Casteel, a veteran of the second
war with Great Britain, came from Alle-
gheny County in 1816, and located near the
Neshannock Creek, southeast of the pres-
ent Eastbrook Station. By his industry
and frugality he amassed considerable
property, and when over eighty years of
age. the sound of martial music, or the
strains produced by a more pretentious
band of l^rass instruments, would awaken
the old military fire within him, and recall
to his mind the scenes and incidents dur-
ing the strife of more than sixty years be-
fore.
Thomas Glass, John McKnight and John
Stunkard came from near Pittsburg in the
year 1825, and purchased a 500-aere tract.
The McKnights and Stunkards still reside
on the old homestead. These persons were
the first actual settlers on the tract, al-
though two or three squatters had been
there before them. One of these squat-
ters was a roving character named Chair,
who did little else than hunt.
CHURCHES.
The Covenanters or Reformed Presby-
terians organized about 1818, and held
their first meeting in William Patton's
barn. Eev. William Gibson presided at
the organization, and also took charge of
the congregation as its first pastor. After
the first meeting in the barn, they held
"tent meetings" in a rude structure made
of corner posts and roof, and fit only for
warm weather worship. The "tent" was
put up principally for the use of the min-
ister, while the congregation occupied log
seats in front of it. Their first church was
a rude log building, about 22 by 24 feet in
dimensions, and covered with a shingle
roof, being about the first roof of the kind
in the neighborhood.
About 1833 a frame church was com-
menced near the site of the old one, and
finished some two years later. This build-
ing was l)urned down in April, 1867. A
))uil(ling committee was at one appointed,
and work was immediately begun on a new
structure — the fine brick church now
standing. Just one year from the day the
old church was burned, or April 14, 1868,
the first sermon in the new building was
preached by Rev. Mr. Martin. In the fall
of 1868 or 1869, owing to considerable
trouble having been previously experi-
enced in, securing preachers, the church
changed to a United Presbyterian congre-
gation.
TJie Associate Presbyterians built a
church east of Eastbrook, aboiat 1840-41.
The building, a roomy frame structure, is
still standing. The denomination is now
United Presbyterian. The fiist pastor was
Rev. William A. Mehard, and the second
Rev. R. Audley Browne. The building oc-
cupies a pleasant situation in a grove, on
the hill which rises on the south side of
Hettenbaugh Run, or Eastbrook.
A Methodist Episcopal society was or-
ganized in 1847, and meetings held in
schoolhouse "number two," a mile north-
west of Eastbrook. It is not definitely
246
HISTORY OP LAWEENCE COUNTY
known how many members there were in
the original congregation. On the 17th of
March, 1851, an acre and fourteen perches
of ground were purchased of Eobert Rea
and wife, and the frame church erected,
which is still standing. The trustees, at
that time (1851), were Samuel Black, Cor-
nelius Miller, Robert Rea, Enoch Mc-
Creary and William Rea. A graveyard
occupies a portion of the ground pur-
chased.
About 1815-16 a round log schoolhouse
was built near the south line of what is
now Hickory Township, on the road run-
ning south from Neshannock United Pres-
byterian Church. A hewed log schoolhouse
was put up in the corner of the graveyard,
near the old Neshannock Church, about
1828-29. This was the only hewed log
schoolhouse in this part of the country,
and the first teaclier was a man named
John Tidball.
There are at present seven schools in
the township. The total value of school
property for 1908 is about $6,000. The
number of pupils enrolled for 1908 was
169. The total expenditure for school pur-
poses in 1908 was $3,452.23, of which
amount $2,448 was paid to seven teachers.
For many years subsequent to the set-
tlement of the township there were no
grist-mills erected, and the nearest one in
the early times was to the south, in the
present Shenango Township.
About 1825 Henry Reynolds built a
grist-mill on Hettenbaugh Run, a mile east
of the village of Eastbrook, and operated
it until 1837, when he sold out to William
Adams and went West. This mill was the
first one erected within the present limits
of the township, and became very popular,
the work done being excellent. The supply
of water in the run is usually large enough
so that no inconvenience is experienced
with a low stage. It is fed almost entirely
by springs.
The "Eastbrook Mills" were built orig-
inally by John Fisher, in 1836, and rebuilt
in 1859. The mill is a fine, large building,
containing three run of stone.
About 1816-17 Thomas and John Fisher
built a sawmill near the site of the grist-
mill. Two have since been erected at the
same place, the last one is still standing,
though imused and much dilapidated.
A woolen mill was built east of East-
brook about 1830-32, by Lot Moffatt, who
sold out in the spring of 1837 to Joseph
Burnley & Company. These parties oper-
ated it until about 1840, when they in turn
sold to James Glover. Glover died and the
mill became the property of his daughter,
Mrs. J. B. Hardaker, and it was after-
wards carried on for some time by Mr.
Hardaker, though doing but a small busi-
ness.
About 1872 John Hickson built a shop
on the south branch of Eastbrook (Hetten-
baugh Run) for the manufactui'e of prun-
ing shears, using an engine which had been
used since 1861 in a saw-mill on the same
site.
VILLAGE or EASTBEOOK.
About 1816-17 some members of the
Reynolds family put a man named Buck-
master as a tenant on the tract of land near
where Eastbrook now stands in order to
hold their claim. Thomas Fisher, having
an eye on the same tract, kept a close
watcii, and when Buekmaster left it for a
time he put a man on the place and kept
him there till he became entitled to the
land by settler's right. Buekmaster after-
wards settled elsewhere and the Reyn-
oldses also.
A man named Terry was a very early
settler in the neighborhood, and located on
the farm now owned by John McCreary,
northwest of Eastbrook. A part of the
tract is owned by James Patton.
John Fisher was a soldier of the War of
1812, and came from the Lie-onier Valley
in Westmoreland County. He settled the
tract, including the site of Eastbrook,
about 1819; this was the third tract he had
ANP KEPKESENTATIVP] CITIZENS
247
located upon, tlie lirst being in 1809. His
brother, Thomas Fisher, came afterwards.
Thomas Fisher (the first) came to the
county in 1802, and located in the present
limits of Neshaunock Township, on the
Shenango Eiver, where he put up a carding
machine, said to have been the first one in
the State west of the Alleghenies. About
1817 Thomas and John Fisher built a
woolen-mill in Eastbrook, above the site of
their saw-mill.
John McCartney also built a woolen-mill
about 1850, and operated it for some time.
It was afterwards bought by David Stew-
art, and still later by James Craig. The
mill was in operation the greater portion
of the time, for many years, and its capac-
ity was often taxed to the utmost to supply
the demand for the products, but little if
any manufacturing is now done tbere. The
manufactures were stocking yarn, woolen
blankets and liarred flannel.
The saw-mills built along the brook since
the country was settled have been almost
without number, and we have merel}' men-
tioned the first ones and not taken the trou-
ble to hunt up all of them. Many of the old
frames are yet standing.
The first store at Eastbrook was kept by
John Fisher, aliout 18;)5-(i. It was a gen-
eral store and still stands at the west end
of the bridge. Another store the same
class was opened in 1838 by T. H. Harrah,
who afterward built another, which he and
J. B. Hardaker operated together. James
McFarlane & Co. also kept a store for a
year and a half or two years subsequent to
1844, the firm afterward being changed to
Dickey & McFarlane. McFarlane finally
removed to Morris, Grundy County, Illi-
nois, and Hardaker & Harrah continued
the business. Hardaker & Simonton were
in it from 1852 to 1856. In the spring of
1860 John Waddington went into the firm,
which was known for a time thereafter as
J. B. Hardaker & Co., then it was again
changed to John Waddington & Co.
The first postoffice was established in
1837, the petition being circulated by John
Waddington. The candidates for the posi-
tion of postmaster were T. H. Harrah and
John Fisher; the latter was the successful
man. after Harrah had done most of the
work to get the office established. However,
Harrah afterwards had his ambition satis-
fied, and obtained the office after its af-
fairs had been administered by Fisher and
Alexander Carpenter.
The first shoe-shop was opened by Oliver
Bascom, about 1840; after him Carson
Campbell had a shop; Samuel Douglas
opened one about 1841-3.
The first blacksmith-shop was ojiened bv
Phillip Crowl, in 1832. He has had quite a
number of successors.
John McNickel had the fii-st wagon shop
in 1840, and it afterwards became the pi'op-
erty of his son, John M. McXickel.
The village and postoffice take their name
from the stream which flows through the
place. The stream was named by Thomas
Fisher (the first), the spot on its banks
upon which he located being just five miles
directly east of the place where he first set-
fled on the Shenango.
The first schoolhou.se in the village was
built in the neighborhood of 1825.
"About 1843 a volunteer rifle company,
known as the 'Eastbrook Rangers,' was
organized, and drill was kept uji for seven
years. . The officers were : Captain, Andrew
Buchanan; first lieutenant, Alexander Car-
penter; second lieutenant, John Staton;
orderly sergeant, William McConahy. The
company numbered about 100 members and
was uniformed with white pants, blue coats
and red sash, and a hat trimmed with cord
and green feather. They were armed with
common rifles, in the use of which they
were very exjiert. The officers held com-
missions from the Governor of the State.
"Another company was partially organ-
ized in 1860, just before the rebellion broke
out, but when the war came on they consoli-
dated with a small company from Prince-
ton, in Slijipery Rock Township, and the
two were mustered in as Company F, of the
100th (Roundhead) Regiment, which after-
248
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
ward saw much hard service in the Caro-
linas, A^irginia and elsewhere."
EASTBROOK STATION.
This place was established at the comple-
tion of the New Castle and Franklin Rail-
way. Thomas Walton opened a grocery
store soon after and a number of dwellings
were erected, a short sidetrack laid, and a
tine iron and wooden truss wagon-bridge
built across Neshannock Creek, wliich
stream here makes an extensive and beau-
tiful bend, receiving just east of the sta-
tion the waters of East Brook or Hetten-
baugh Run.
"Part of an extensive colony of German
Mennonites, or Amisli, occupies a consider-
able portion of the north and west part of
the township, the remainder of them being
in Wilmington, Neshannock and Pulaski
townships. They came principally from
]\fiSlin County, Pennsylvania, and have
schools, and a church of their own, the
church building being in Wilmington
Township. They are a quiet, industrious
class of people, keep their farms in good
order, and but two or three of the original
families have left the township since they
came into it."
MAHONING TOWNSHIP.
Mahoning is one of the original town-
ships of Lawrence County. It was erected
when the territory was within the limits
of Mercer County, some time between the
third Monday of November, 1805, and the
third Monday of February, 1806. It orig-
inally comprised a part of the old Pyma-
tuning township, erected in February,
1804, when the first court was held in Mer-
cer County.
The Mahoning, from which the township
derives its name, and numerous smaller
streams, afford abundant water facilities,
and are noted for their beautiful scenery.
The surface of the township is mostly a
table-land, only those portions along the
streams being broken to any considerable
degree. The soil is rich and productive,
and the improvements throughout the
township are of a high order.
The townshi]) has an area of about twen-
ty-six square miles, or 16,640 acres. The
old bed of the Cross-cut Canal lies along
the foot of the hills, on the north side of
the river, and on the south side is built the
Ashtabula, Youngstown and Pittsburg rail-
way, operated by the Pennsylvania Com-
pany; and on the north side is built the
Pittsburg and Eastern Railway, operated
by the Baltimore and Ohio Railway, and
also the Pittsburg and Lake Erie Railway.
Coal exists throughout the township, and
compares favorably in quality with that
mined in other parts of the county.
Iron ore also exists in some places, but
has never been worked to a great extent.
Limestone has been quarried in a num-
ber of localities, -and shipped principally
to the furnaces at Youngstown, Ohio. It
is also manufactured into lime in a few
places. Along the south side of the Ma-
honing, at Hillsville Station and vicinity,
large quantities of the stone have been
quarried.
EARLY SETTLEMENT OF THE TOWNSHIP.
The first actual white settlers, after the
Moravians brought their families into
what is now Lawrence County, located in
Mahoning Township, as early as 1793. In
June of that year a party of about forty-
five persons left Allegheny City and
started for the valley of the Mahoning, in-
tending to settle on the north side of the
river, accompanied by a surveyor named
xVrthur (iardner. They came down the
Ohio to the mouth of the Beaver, and then
proceeded up tliat stream on the east side.
Somewhere about the mouth of Conoquen-
essing Creek stood a block house, garri-
soned by a small company of men com-
manded by a lieutenant. Here they were
cautioned against Indians, who were
prowling around, but they proceeded on
their way and, happily, were not molested.
About where the city of New Castle now
stands they forded the Shenango and went
AND EEPKESENTATIVE CITIZENS
249
to the westward. In some iiianiier they
passed the State line, and brought up on
the spot where Youngstown, Ohio, now
stands. At this time many of the ])arty
became dissatisfied and returned to Alle-
glieny. Tlie rest, some seventeen in num-
ber, fame back into Pennsylvania and
finally settled farms on both sides of the
Mahoning, instead of adhering to the plan
of settling on the north side only.
Among those forming this party were
Francis ^IcFarland, James, John and
George McWilliams, John Small, Henry
Robinson, Alexander McCoy, P]dward
Wright and Arthur Gardner; the latter
was the surveyor and probably made no
claim. They all settled (except Gardner)
in what is now Mahoning Townshi}) In
1793 they made "deadening," built cabins,
planted apple and peach seeds, and made
other arrangements necessary for their
future comfort. x\fter completing their
improvements they returned to Pittsburg,
and in 1794 most of them l)rought out their
families. Francis ^IcP'arland afterward
removed to what is now Pulaski Township,
and located on the farm where his son,
J. C. McFarland, now or recently lived.
Michael Book was possibly one of the
men who came out in 1793, together with
his brother, George. The two settled a
400-acre tract, now partially owned by
Michael Book's son, Jacob. They came
from Washington county, Pa., where
Michael was married shortly before leav-
ing. He brought his wife out with him,
and in 1798 or '99 their iirst child, Mar-
garet, was boi-n.
William Rowland came from Beaver
County, Pennsylvania, and located on the
farm afterwards owned bv his son, J. K.
Rowland, about the 1st of April, 1829. He
made the first improvements on the place,
and also built a saw-mill on Coffee Run.
Mr. Rowland carried on the saw-mill lousi-
ness for a number of years. Coffee Run
was so named from the fact that the fam-
ilies who settled along it were great coffee-
drinkers.
William Morrison was born in Ireland in
17(il, and came to America in 1777. He
located afterwards in Washington County,
Pennsylvania, and in 1796 came with his
wife and several children to what is now
Mahoning Township, Lawrence County,
and settled on a 400-acre tract belonging
to Judge Alexander Wright, getting 100
acres for settling. Some years ago the
homestead was owned by James Morrison,
and Patterson and Alexander Wright.
Another son, Hugh, was probably born on
the 2)lace after his joarents settled. Soon
after he came Mr. Morrison planted an or-
chard of apple, peach and pear trees. Mrs.
Morrison, whose maiden name was Sherer,
had two brothers killed by the Indians
while living in Washington County. Her
father was taken prisoner by the Indians
and taken to Sandusky, Ohio.
Alexander Wright came originally from
Ireland. About 1794-6 he came from
Washington County, Pennsylvania, where
he had been living, with his wife and five
children, to what is now Mahoning Town-
ship, and purchased several tracts of land,
which is equal to any within its limits.
Mr. Wright died in 1838, aged ninety-two
years. Numbers of the family occupy
farms in the neighborhood where their
grandfather settled.
Samuel McBride came originally from
Ireland and settled in Washington Coun-
ty, Pennsylvania. He possibly visited Law-
rence County with the party who came in
1793, but probably not until about 1796.
He brought his wife and six children with
him, and settled some six hundred acres.
Joseph Ashton came to the township
previous to the War of 1812, and settled
on the farm lying just above Edenburg,
now, or a few years ago, owned bv the heirs
of James Park. The farm is situated on
both sides of the river. Mr. Ashton came
from ^lanchester, Allegheny Coimty, Penn-
sylvania, now a part of Pittsburg.
Andrew Patterson came early to the
township and settled near the present site
of the town of Hillsville.
250
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
About the year 1806 John McComb, then
twenty-six years old. from Washington
County, Pennsylvania, settled one mile
above Edenburg, where he lived for some
ten years, afterwards removing to a farm
in Union Township, one mile below Eden-
burg, on which he resided until his death
in November, 1866.
Arney Biddle came from near Salem
City, N. J., in June, 1806, with his wife and
three boys. He settled on the south side
of the Mahoning, about a mile northwest
of the present town of Edenburg, and af-
terwards bought laud south of Edenburg.
He reared a family of twelve children, six
of whom were living in 1876. His father
was killed at the battle of Brandywine,
September 11, 1777. ^Mr. Biddle die'd Au-
gust 22, 1825, aged sixty-three years; his
wife died October 10, 1869, at the age of
ninety-eight.
AViJliam Park and family (three sons —
John, James and William), from Berkley
Coimty, Vii-ginia, settled in the fall of
1800 at "Parkstown," in what is now
Union Township. The Parks afterwards
became prominent men in the neighbor-
hood of Edenburg.
Joseph Brown came with the Parks and
settled with them at Parkstown.' but after-
wards removed to Mahoning Township,
and rented the old Ashton farm about
1816-17. He later removed to the Martin
farm, on the north side of the river, where
he lived four or live years, and again re-
moved to the farm in Pulaski Township,
now owned by Messrs. Miller and Pej'ton.
He finally came back to Mahoning Town-
ship.
Tn 1823, William Brown, who had
learned the mason's trade with Joshua
Chenowith, at Parkstown, went to Cumber-
land County and commenced business for
himself. In 1832 he was married in Cum-
berland County to Miss Latsa Davidson,
daughter of George Davidson, of Moimt
Rock Spring, who was elder of the Pres-
byterian Church at Carlisle for some thir-
ty years. After Mr. Brown was married
he came back to Lawrence County and re-
sided here imtil his death. We have not
the date of that event, but he was living in
1876. His farm originally contained 375
acres.
Among the other early settlers of Ma-
honing Township were the following:
William McFate and George Kelso came
from Washington County, Pennsylvania,
about 1801-2. Thomas Matthews settled
about 1800. The Whitings— John, Adam
and the Doctor, came as early as 1800, and
possibly earlier.
John Onstott and Alexander Thompson
also settled early. These persons was on
the north side of Mahoning River princi-
pally, and most of them have descendants
yet living in the township.
The tirst school in the township was kept
near Quakertown, on the north side of the
Mahoning.
Subsequent to this, about 1806-7, a
school-house was built near the present
site of the Mahoning United Presbyterian
Churcii. The first teacher was a man
named Ramsey. Probably other school-
houses were built in the township, and
schools were taught at an early day, also,
where the villages of Edenburg, Hillsville
and Quakertown now stand.
The nimiber of schools in the township,
in 1908, was fourteen, with an enrollment
of 445 pupils. Fourteen teachers are em-
ployed, to whom is paid the sum of $2,-
049.80 annually. The average number of
months taught is seven.
The school-buildings of the township are
all substantial, warm and commodious.
The schools themselves are well conducted,
and reflect credit on the enterprise of the
citizens and managers. The bulk of the
attendance is, of course, at Edenburg and
Hillsville.
The Cross-cut Canal was finished in the
summer of 1838. The canal was aban-
doned between Youngstown and the mouth
of the Mahoning in 1872. The portion
AND KEPRE8EXTATIVE C'lTIZEXS
251
above Youngstowu had beeu aliandoned
some time before. The old bridges are
fallen down or taken away. The power on
the canal was utilized for manufacturing
purposes, but after it was abandoned the
mills became useless and were also aban-
doned or removed.
A large frame grist-mill was built on
the canal, three-fourths of a mile above
Edenburg, in 1843, by James and John
Raney, but was not operated after the
canal was abandoned.
John Angel built a grist-mill about 1825,
on a small run which empties into the Ma-
honing, one-and-a-half miles above Eden-
burg. He also had a distillery a short dis-
tance above, on the same side of the river.
William Walters afterwards owned the
mill.
A grist-mill was built at a very early
day by some of the McWilliams family,
near the mouth of Coffee Run. After 1837
it was abandoned.
TOWN OF EDENBUEG.
The first settler on the land where Eden-
burg now stands was probably Jacob Cre-
mer. He sold the land to James Park.
Crawford White laid out the town in Au-
gust, 1824, and sold the lots at auction.
There has been some dispute over the
name of the town, and we give both stories
as to its origin as they are told. One is
that William McFate, who bought the first
lot in the place, had the privilege, for so
doing, of naming the town, and called it
"Edinburg," after his native city in Scot-
land. The other is that it was named
"Edenburg" by Mr. 'NMiite, when he laid
it out, owing to its fancied resemblance to
the "Garden of Eden," with its rich soil
and beautiful location. The latter is by
far the most pi'obable reason, and was no
doubt the origin of the name, as the man
who laid it out would be most apt to give
it a name. Therefore, we write it "Eden-
burg," although the other form is in fre-
quent use to this day.
James Park lived in a log house which
stood just back of the spot occupied by
the brick house owned some years ago by
Hiram Park. In 1825 his brother, John
Park, built a brick house on the spot later
occupied by that of Hiram Park. This
was afterwards torn away and the present
residence erected.
John Park went to Illinois, resided for
some time in Chicago, and finally died at
Joliet, Ills., near which city he was living
on a farm.
In 1849 Mr. Park's son-in-law, James
Raney, purchased the grist-mill erected by
him on the Mahoning about 1831. He built
a dam. also a saw-mill. The grist-mill con-
tained three run of stone. Mr. Raney
built a warehouse on the canal, and also
erected two dwellings. In 1852 he sold the
whole property to Samuel and Matthew
Park, and it aftei-wards passed through
various hands and for many years did a
large custom business.
Thomas Covert opened the first store in
the place. It stood near the corner of the
"Diamond," and was a frame building,
part of it being occupied by him as a
dwelling. He afterwards built a fine brick
residence, with a store in one part, and
for a time owned a foundry in the village.
This building and the old one were burned
down and the foundry long ago abandoned.
John Park started the first shoe-shop,
working in the brick house which he built
in 1825. He afterwards moved several
times, and finally erected a large building,
80x30 feet, on the main street, in which he
carried on quite an extensive business.
John Welch was the first blacksmith.
Gr. McMullen probably kept the first ho-
tel. Like most of the early hotels, its prin-
cipal soui'ce of profit was from its bar.
James Park started the first broom-fac-
tory. The business has since been carried
on by Jolm D. Raney, William Hoover and
others. Mr. Hoover's father, John Hoov-
er, came from Franklin County, Pennsyl-
vania, in 1817, and located a little south-
west of what is now Edenburg. He lived
there until 1868, when he removed to San-
252
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
dusky County, Ohio, where he afterwards
died.
The first school in Edenburg was taught
by John Davis, in the Methodist Episcopal
Church, about 1830. Before that the near-
est schools were at Mount Jackson, "Hill
Town," and other places, several miles
away.
A post-office was established here about
1840. The first postmaster was Samuel
Richards. Dr. Cotton held it nest, and
Arney Biddle third. Mr. Biddle had op-
ened a general store in the village, and
when he was appointed (April 2, 1844) he
kept the post-office in his store.
A few oil wells were formerly worked
along the river on both sides, but never
proved verj^ profitable.
THE METHODIST EPISCOPAl, CHl'RCH
of Edenburg was organized about 1822,
and their first church, a brick edifice, built
in 1826. This building was afterwards
abandoned and torn down, and the present
neat edifice erected. During the past year
some $1,500 have been expended in repairs
and the church now is one of the finest in
the neighborhood. The first Methodist
class was composed of Henry Zuver and
Peggy, his wife, and his daughters, Nancy,
Katy and Betsey. Phillip Lamb and Han-
nah, his wife, William and John Lamb, his
sons, and Maria and Susan, his daughters ;
Jane Biddle (wife of Arney Biddle), John
Hoover and Polly, his wife, and "Mother"
Warner.
One of the first preachers was Bilious
0. Plympton, who traveled the circuit and
preached only four or five times a year in
a place. A man named Luccock also
preached to them early, and was a prom-
inent man among the Methodists.
A Sabbath-school was organized about
1825, and has been kept up most of the
time since.
The following have held the pastorate
of this church since 1877 : Nathan Morris,
1877-1878; D. W. Wampler, 1878-1880; J.
K. Mendenhall, 1880-1882; J. L. Mechlin,
1882-1885; R. A. Buzza, 1885-1890; S. E.
Winger, 1890-1892; Washington Hollister,
1892-1893; W. A. Merriam, who came in
1893 and died during the same year ; S. L.
Mills, who finished the year 1893; H. H.
Bair, 1894-1896; M. B. Rilev, 1896-1900;
A. C. Locke, 1900-1905, and R. W. Skinner,
the present pastor. The church member-
ship is now about 154, and the Sabbath-
school abovit 150. The official members are
Z. T. Robinson, William Laudis, C. S. Mc-
Cullough, S. C. Wagoner, Holland Shaffer,
Wayne Lamm, F. S. Webb, Charles Rob-
inson, Joseph Baskline, B. W. Cover, S. 0.
Cover, D. M. Hoffmaster and Myron
Simon.
"In the vicinity have been picked up
gun-flints, oxydized bullets, flattened and
battered; old gun-locks and grm-barrels,
bayonets, etc., which would seem to indi-
cate that severe fighting occurred here at
some period. Many bones have also been
found. Near the town was a burial
ground, containing among other relics an
interesting mound, originally some fifty
feet in circiunference, and about six feet
high. This mound was examined some
years since and found to contain several
layers of human skeletons. Flag-stones
were placed in regular order around the
bodies, and the whole covered with earth.
Near by were quite a large number of
bodies buried separately. Large numbers
of flint chips and arrow-heads have been
picked up in the vicinity. The location of
the village was on the south side of the
Mahoning, the principal part being below
the present village of Edenburg and close
to the river."
Christian Frederick Post, the Moravian
missionary, who visited this region in
1758, in advance of Forbes' army, says
the town contained at that time ninety
houses and 200 able warriors. Post per-
suaded the principal chief, Pak-au-ke, or
King Beaver, to visit the "Forks," now
Pittsburg, where a great conference was
held on the ground where Allegheny City
now stands. Twelve years later, in 1770,
at the request of Pak-an-ke, the Moravians
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
253
removed from their settlement at Lan-
uunak-hamiuk, on the Allegheny River,
and settled on the Big- Beaver, five miles
below New Castle, near the present site of
Moravia Station. Further reference to
their labors may be found in tlie chapter
on Religious Development.
OLD INDIAN VILLAGE OF KUSH-KUSH-KKE.
Some authorities have located this vil-
lage at the mouth of the Mahoning, on the
Big Beaver, and others still farther down,
between that and Moravia. But the evi-
dence points strongly to the site of Eden-
burg, as the location of this once famous
Indian town. It is at least certain there
was a village where Edenburg stands,
which was divided into two parts, one a
short distance farther up the river than
the other, and in the memory of the "old-
est inhabitants," the Indians who lived
here were called " Kush-kush-kians. " Lo-
cal residents can still remember when the
old war-post stood near the village of
Edenburg, or in the edge of it, with the
marks of the tomahawks still upon it, look-
ing almost as fi'esh as when the Indians
first circled around it and performed their
grotesque war-dances.
The Indians did not all leave their beau-
tiful home until some time after the coun-
tiy was settled by the whites, and the won-
der is not great, because Kush-kush-kee,
with its beautiful valley and silvery
stream, together with the "hills piled on
hills," and the grand old forest, had long
been their abiding place.
HILLSVILLE.
A man named Donot was probably the
first settler on the ground where Hillsville
now stands. He sold the land to Peter or
Abraham Hoover, and finally it became the
property of John Hill, who laid out the
town. October 15, 1824, and called it Hills-
burgh, which name has since been changed
1)y use or otherwise to Hillsville. It is
generally called "Hill Town." Mr. Hill
was a tailor and kept the first tailor shop
in the i^lace.
The first house built on the new town
plat was put up by one McGowan. It was
a frame building and stood at the cross-
roads in the southern part of the town.
McGowan kept a store in his house, it be-
ing the first one in town. A man named
Moss kept the second one in the same
house.
Some time before the town was laid out,
a log schoolhouse was built half a mile
south. The first blacksmith shop in the
place was started by Christopher Rummel.
The first wagon shop was opened by
George Sell, about 1830-32. David Stev-
ens was the first shoemaker.
A post-office was established soon after
the town was laid out, and David Stevens
was probably the first postmaster. After
him came James Caldwell, David Mc-
Bride, David McCreary, AVilliam Duff,
William Mitchell, Chauncey Meeker, Ja-
cob Burke and others. William Gilmore
is at the present time postmaster and lead-
ing general merchant.
The Methodist Ej^iscopal Societj" organ-
ized originally about 1820, and a church
was built of logs about the time the town
was laid out (1824). It stood on a lot
given by John Zuver. The first preacher
was probably Rev. Bilious 0. Plympton,
who preached also at Edenburg. About
1855, meetings under the old organization
were suspended. May 19, 1867, a new
class was organized by Rev. J. F. Hill,
then in charge of the Mount Jackson cir-
cuit. A frame church was built in 1869.
Hillsville is situated in the midst of a
comparatively level country, covered with
fine improvements, and populated by a
wealthy, intelligent and progressive class
of people. Around it are extensive quar-
ries of limestone, which is and has been
extensively used in smelting. There are
three limestone companies in operation at
Hillsville, namely: Gilmore & Johnson;
Union Limestone Company, and the Lake
Erie Limestone Company. George W
Van Fleet, of New Bedford, is secretary
of the two last mentioned. Clarence M.
254
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Duff is local superintendent of the Union
Limestone Company.
Hillsville has alwaj's been noted for the
enterprise of its citizens and is equal in
that respect to any town of its size in the
country. The timber around has been
nearly all cut away, however, and the want
of it will at no distant day be felt.
The Zoar Baptist Church of Hillsville,
in Mahoning Township, was organized
January 17, 1842, with thirteen members,
as follows: John Faddis, Isaac Faddis,
Sarah Faddis, Hannah Faddis, William
Henderson, Sarah Henderson, Isabel Ir-
win, Rachel S. Kincaid, William Williams,
Benjamin Williams, Mary Williams, Ed-
ward Wright, Abagail Wright.
Its first pastor was Rev. Rees Davis,
who commenced his labors in 1842 and
served until 1851, being succeeded by Rev.
D. C. Clouse. From its organization, in
1842, the congregation worshiped for some
three years in various places— in private
houses, at one time in a barn, at another
in a wagon shop, in a schoolhouse, and in
an old church near Hillsville, as oppor-
tunity afforded or convenience dictated. In
1845 the society erected a church edifice
at a cost of about two thousand dollars.
The church has had an interesting history
under its various pastors and has done its
full share in the development of the
county.
The Harbor United Presb>i;erian
Church was organized either in 1851 or
1852, probably 1852, in the fall, by Rev.
R. A. Browne, D. D. The original congre-
gation had in the neighborhood of forty
members. A frame building was erected
in 1854, on ground obtained from John Mc-
Fate, who gave a lease for twenty-five
years. His heirs renewed the lease in 1876,
to last as long as the land shall be used
for church purposes. A part of the lot is
occupied by the graveyard. The first reg-
ular pastor was Rev. William G. Reed,
who was installed about 1853, previous to
the erection of the church, and preached
in the schoolhouse until the church was
built. His pastorate continued for several
years, and, after he left the church was
supplied by A. M. Black, of New Wilming-
ton, and others. Rev. T. W. Winter was
installed as second pastor about 1860, and
remained till near the close of the war.
Subsequently the church was supplied by
various pastors.
The Christian Church was organized by
Rev. Abraham Sanders some time between
1828 and 1832. Their first meetings were
held in John Park's house at Edenburg.
A frame church on the hill north of Eden-
burg was built in 1850-51, principally
through the efforts of John D. Raney and
David Stanley. After Rev. Mr. Sanders
left, a minister named John Henry came
from Youngstown, Ohio, and ijreached;
also another one named Flick. Among the
early pastors were Revs. Thomas Mun-
nell, Finney, Applegate, Perky and others.
The original congregation was made up of
the Stanleys, Raneys, Parks, Baldwins,
Carpenters, and others, and numbered
from thirty to forty people altogether.
MAHONING UNITED PRESBYTERIAN CONGREGA-
TION— 1799-1876.
This congregation, with their church, lo-
cated about two miles northeast of Lowell,
Ohio, and in Mahoning Township, Law-
rence County, Pennsylvania, was organ-
ized about 1799 — certainly not later than
1800. The settlements out of which it
sprung were made in the year 1893, and
soon after. They were composed of both
branches (Associate and Associate Re-
formed) of the Bible Psalmody Presby-
terians. For a number of years prior to
the organization of the congregation, pray-
er meetings were held from house to house
throughout the community. The first ser-
mon preached in the boimds of the congre-
gation by an Associate minister was de-
livered on the old Captain Thompson
farm.
On the day fixed for the Presbyterian
family to meet and organize and call a
pastor, the Associates, mustering their
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
forces from a greater distance than did
their Associate Eeforuied bretliren, and
therefore outnumbering them, it was or-
ganized an Associate congregation, and an
Associate minister was called. However,
in or about the year 1808, the Associate
members removed their place of worship
to the present site of Deer Creek United
Presbyterian Church, near New Bedford,
Pa., when the Associate Reformed mem-
bers took possession of Mahoning Church,
and held it until the union of the two
branches in 1858, since which time it has
stood in the ranks of the United Presby-
terians.
Rev. W. T. McConnell served as pastor
of Alahouing United Presbyterian Church
from 1873 to 1883; Rev. A. P. Hutchinson,
1885 to 1892 ; Rev. J. W. Birnley, 1893 to
1899, and Rev. M. B. Patterson from 1901
to the present time. The present member-
ship of the church is ninety-seven; of the
Sabbath-school, 102; Young People's
Christian Union, thirty-two; Ladies' Mis-
sionary Society, fourteen, and Junior ilis-
sionary Society, about twenty. The church
elders' are: J. B. Moore, W. H. McCall
and T. J. Carlisle. James J. Lowiy, who
died a short time ago, was an elder in the
church for about forty years.
QUAKERTOWN.
The first settler on the ground where
Quaker town now stands was probably
Septimus Cadwallader, who came from
near Brownsville, Pa., somewhere in the
neighborhood of 1800, possibly not until
1804. He settled on a 400-acre tract, and
built a frame house very near where the
present stone house stands on the old
place, at the foot of the hill, on the bank
of the river. Mr. Cadwallader had worked
at the milling business at his old home, and
when he arrived in Mahoning Township he
built a grist-mill on the Mahoning, a short
distance north of his house. The mill was
a frame structure, and was afterward
moved away from the river and set on the
stream which he called "Falling Spring"
run, near the falls now known as Quaker-
town Falls. After moving the mill he put
in a carding machine, which he operated
for some time. Mr. Cadwallader, Ben-
jamin Sharpless and Talbot Townsend, all
three of wliom settled here, were Quakers,
and from this circumstance the place be-
came known as Quakertown. Mr. Sharp-
less came in 1808, and Mr. Townsend prob-
ably shortly before.
John Shearer was also one tif the early
comers, and had a fulling-mill on the brow
of the hill, on the run, and afterwards
moved it to another location a little south-
east. Mr. Cadwallader had a linseed-oil
mill, and some other parties built a grist-
mill on the run at the foot of the hill, and
Mr. Cadwallader probably built a saw-mill
also. An old grist-mill is now standing
at the top of the hill, probably built by
Cadwallader and his son-in-law. Sharp-
less. It is now abandoned and falling to
pieces, as are all the others. The wheel
in this is twenty-eight feet in diameter. A
mile up the stream one or two other grist-
mills and saw-mills were built.
Mr. Cadwallader 's son, Septimus, Jr.,
built a tannery early, and about 1830 an-
other one was started by Mifflin Cadwalla-
der, who, after running it a year or two,
took in George W. Jackson, of Pittsburg,
as a partner. These are the only tanneries
ever located in the place. Nothing is now
left of any of the mills or tanneries, ex-
cei^t, in a few instances, old decaying
frames.
A bridge was built across the Mahoning,
nearly opposite the Cadwallader stone-
house, about 1832, but it had too many
piers, and the ice gorged and carried it
away the next winter.
In the War of 1812 the following resi-
dents of Mahoning Township served:
Stewart, Alexander Wright, out three
months at Erie; John, and probably David
and Nathaniel McBride; John was taken
sick on the way to Erie, and was obliged
256
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
to return ; Joseph Asliton served as major.
Joseph Brown was Adjutant of Militia be-
fore the war, and, during it, went to Erie,
as did also Joseph Cadwallader.
A volunteer ritie company was organized
at Edenburg, about 1838-9. Alexander
Miller, Thomas Covert and John D. Raney
served at different times as captains of
the company, which had at one time in the
neighborhood of one hundred members.
The imiform was white pants, red sash,
red and white plume. They were armed
with common rifles.
Another rifle company was organized at
Hillsville, and drilled under the militia
law of the State for several years ; was or-
ganized about 1835 to 1840.
During the rebellion Mahoning Town-
ship furnished her share of troops for the
grand army which marched to the "sunny
South," and left so many of its members
in death's embrace, on gory fields where
they fought and fell, that the Union they
loved might remain unbroken.
NESHANNOCK TOWNSHIP.
This township forms a part of what was
one of the original townships of Mercer
County, of the same name, in 1805. The
territory at that time included at least
three of the present townships in both Mer-
cer and Lawrence Counties, embracing
over one hundred square miles. It was
one of the thirteen original townships of
Lawrence County, and then included the
whole of Hickory Township, with portions
of Union and Pollock Townships, the latter
now included in the city of New Castle.
The present township includes an area of
about eighteen square miles, or 11,520
acres. It is bounded on the north by Wil-
mington and Pulaski Townships; on the
west by Pulaski, ^lalioniiig and Union; on
the east by Hickory Township, and on the
south by the city of New Castle and Union
Township. It is comparatively level in the
central and northern portions, but more
broken and abrupt as it approaches the
Shenango and Neshannock Rivers. There
are no streams of much magnitude. On
the west side of the township are Fisher's
and Caiiqi ruus, and on the east are two
small creeks flowing into the Neshannock.
There are considerable bottom-lands on the
Shenango and Neshannock Rivers, which
are rich and productive. Numerous
springs abound in all parts of the town-
ship, and the water is excellent. Of miner-
als it has a large share. The greater por-
tion of the township is underlaid with coal,
which has been extensively mined in the
central portions, particularly. in the neigh-
borhood of Coal Centre. Fisher's Run
rises in the coal region, and its waters are
colored red l)y oxydes from its source to its
mouth.
Potter's clay abounds, and on the Wat-
son property a pottery was successfully
worked for many years. Sandstone is
very abundant along the valleys of the two
rivers, and a stratum of limestone is found
in the southern portion of the township.
Iron ore is also abundant. Brick clay is
found in many places. The workable coal
lies about fifty feet below the surface, and
is about four feet in thickness. The north-
ern margin of the coal lies under a stratum
of slate rock about twenty feet thick, while
the south end of the basin underlies a
stratum of sandstone of about the same
thickness.
A second stratum of coal lies about sixty
feet below the first, and has a thickness of
some three feet. This has been worked
very little. Lying between the two is a
very pure vein of coal, but only about
eighteen inches in thickness.
The limestone formation lies at about
the same elevation as the coal. A thin
stratiun of this stone at the bottom under-
lies the iron ore.
The coal lies in a nearly horizontal posi-
tion with a slight declination to the south-
west. The bottom of the workable vein is
somewhat undulating. A narrow-gauge
railway for the transportation of coal runs
from New Castle into the center of this
township. The township also produces
AND EEPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
257
the iron kuowu as '"blue ore," the vein
being from six to eighteen inches in thick-
ness.
There is line water-power up the Neshan-
'nock at Jordan's mills, perhaps the best on
that stream. There are no towns or vil-
lages of any considerable importance, with
the exception of the mining town of Coal
Centre, of which notice will be found on
another page.
The improvements are generally good,
and there are some very fine residences.
Two of the main roads from New Castle
to ]\Iercer pass through this township ; one
by way of the Old Sheuango Church and
New Wilmington, and the other a mile and
a half east, passing through the village of
Fayetteville, in Wilmington township. The
last mentioned was the first one o])ened,
and was traveled extensively until the
other was opened, which, being somewhat
shorter, took off much of the travel.
EARLY SETTLERS.
One of the first settlers in Neshannock
Township was Thomas Fisher, who came
from Westmoi'eland County, according to
the statements of Eev. Thomas Greer, in
November, 1798, in company with David
Riley, a young man then living with Fisher.
Each man had a gun and an axe, and a
couple of dogs accompanied them. They
encamped the first night in the present
Lawrence County, at a point about four
miles above where New Castle now stands,
on Camp Run, near the Shenango River.
They constructed a cabin of poles, and
built a fire outside, using the cabin to sleep
in, for fear of the wolves, which were so
plenty thej^ were obliged to take their dogs
inside to save them from destruction by
the ravenous beasts. It would appear that
after selecting lands in the neighborhood,
Fisher and Riley returned to Westmore-
land County, where they staid over winter,
and in the spring of 1799 removed to the
valley of the Shenango. They came by
way of the Youhiogheny, Monongahela and
Ohio Rivers, and thence up the Beaver
River in canoes, bringing a few effects with
them. Mr. Fisher was married, but had
no children. A young woman by the name
of Rebecca Carroll lived with the family,
and came with them. ^Ir. Fisher also had
a sister, who either came at the same time
or some time afterwards, and remained
with them until her death. Mr. Fisher
Ijurchased several farms in the vicinity,
and improved them more or less, raising
several croj^s without fencing. He brought
along quite a number of fruit trees, which
he planted. The Indians were quite plenty
in those days, but were peaceable and dis-
turbed no one. About 1808 or 1810 Mr.
Fisher sold his property on "Camp Run,"
where he first settled, to Rev. William
Young, and purchased land about three
miles above New Castle, on a small stream
now known as "Fisher's Run," and
erected a saw-mill, and afterwards a grist-
mill, about forty rods from the Shenango
River, at the place where the "Harbor"
road crosses tlie run. The exact date of
the building of these mills is not known,
but it was somewhere from 1806 to 1810.
Some years after their settlement Mr.
Fisher and his wife started on a journey to
visit friends in Westmoreland county, and
Mrs. Fisher died suddenly on the road.
They were alone, and Mr. Fisher "waked"
the cori^se in a waste-house by the road-
side all night. After his wife's death two
nieces kept house for him. Their names
were McDowell. He lived on this place
until his death, which occurred February
28, 1848, at the age of eighty-four years.
He was found dead in his bed and was
buried in the little cemetery at King's
Chapel. He was a very pleasant and af-
fable man, and a general favorite in the
community. Before his death he gave
David Riley and Rebecca Carroll, the lat-
ter of whom afterwards married Samuel
Farrer, each one hundred acres of land.
John Fisher, a nephew of Thomas, was
born at Ligouier, Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania, in 1788. In 1809 he removed
to what is now Lawrence Countv. He took
258
HTSTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
cliai-ge of his miele's saw-mill, aud oper-
ated'it for some years. His son, Thomas
Fisher, the 3d, named for his grand-uncle,
was born at the mills in 1809,' a short time
after he came. Mr. Fisher was a practical
surveyor, and had set his compass and
planted his "Jacob's staff" in all parts of
Lawrence County. John Fisher raised a
company and took it to the field during the
war of '1812-15. About the year 1817 he
and his uncle Thomas erected" a fuliug and
carding-mill at Eastbrook, now in Hickory
Township, on the "Hettenbaugh Eun,"
which was operated until about 1827. Cap-
tain John Fisher lived at Eastbrook until
his death in 1841.
The Pearsons were early settlers in this
township. The family is a very extensive
one, and were originally Quakers, who
came over from England with the cele-
brated William Penn in 1682. John Pear-
son, grandfather of James, Thomas,
Charles, Johnson and Geoi'ge Pearson, to-
gether with his son George made a visit to
the West in the fall of 1803, coming all the
way from Darby, seven miles from Phila-
delphia, in Delaware County, where they
resided, on horseback, through Washing-
ton, Beaver aud Mercer Counties, and re-
turning by way of Pittsburg. The old gen-
tleman purchased altogether, in what is
now Neshannoek Township, about one
thousand acres of land. It was most prob-
ably during this visit that the old gentle-
man donated about two acres of land for
church and burial purposes where the
United Presbyterian Church stands. He
granted the land upon conditions that it
should be well kept and substantially
fenced. The old gentleman never resided
in Ivawrence County, but made frequent
visits to his lands, which included the coal
lands on the Peebles' farm aud a two-hun-
dred-acre tract some two miles farther
north, where Bevan Pearson first settled
about 1804. The latter afterwards re-
moved to Mercer, where he held several of-
fices in the new county. George Pearson
afterwards settled on two hundred acres
of his father's land. He soon afterwards
purchased a tract containing one hundred
acres of one McClaren, and soon after pur-
chased another tract of the same amount
of another McClaren. The McClarens
were from Ireland, and settled here at an
early day.
Subsequently, George Pearson left this
section and lived in Charleston, S. C, for
several years. After his return he mar-
ried Miss Sarah Reynolds, daughter of
James Reynolds, who was also a Quaker.
It is customary among these people to pub-
lish the intentions of a couple wishing to
marry in the "meeting" for some time
previous to the marriage. In this instance
there was no Quaker "meeting" within
many miles, and the only roads were bridle
paths, and so the young couple made a
virtue of necessity and employed Ezekiel
Sankey, Esq., father of Ezekiel and Daniel
Sankey, to perform the ceremony, without
waiting for preliminaries, and the neces-
sary arrangements were soon made and
the "twain were made one flesh" at the
house of Jesse Du Shane, in New Castle.
This was about the year 1810. The
Quakers in the eastern part of the State,
hearing of this violation of their rules, sent
a depnitation to the new settlement to per-
suade them that they had done a great
wrong, and must confess before "meet-
ing" and have the ceremony performed a
second time, according to Quaker usage.
But the young people concluded they had
committed no great fault and so refused to
comply. They were accordingly solemnly
read out of the society.
Mr. Pearson lived on his farm in this
township until about 1855, when he came
to New Castle, where he afterwards died
at the age of ninety-three years. He was
a soldier in the War of 1812, and was out
in Captain John Junkin's Company —
"Mercer Blues" — who were with Harrison
on the ]\raumee and Sandusky Rivers.
After his return he was twice called out to
Erie. It is not known whether he held a
commission or not, but it is probable. He
AND REPRESEXTATIVE ('ITIZEXS
159
weut ouee as a substitute for his l)i-other
Thomas. He afterward received a laud-
warrant for his ser\aces, which he located
in Hancock County, Illinois.
Marinus King and his familj', from
Bellefonte, Centre County, Pennsylvania,
settled in the Fisher neighborhood about
1803. "King's Chapel" was named in his
honor, he being one of the prominent mem-
bers. He raised a family of seven sous
and two daughters.
David Eiley, heretofore spoken of, lived
with Thomas Fisher until 1807, when he
married Sarah Bichards, and improved the
farm adjoining Fisher's.
Mr. Riley raised two children — a son
and daughter. The latter afterwards be-
came the wife of Rev. Thomas Green. Mr.
Riley died September 18, 1870, aged eighty-
five years, and Mrs. Riley on the 20th of
February, 1872. aged ninety-one years.
They had lived together sixty-three years.
In their old age they were taken care of by
their son-in-law, Mr. Greer.
Samuel Ferver came to this location
from Beaver Falls in 1806. He was a mill-
wright by trade, and erected one or both
of Thomas Fisher's mills. He married Re-
liecca Carroll in 1808, and lived on the
farm adjoining those of David Riley and
Thomas Fisher until his death, March 15,
1862. His wife was a member of the
Methodist Episcopal Church for over tifty
years. They raised a family of seven
children — six boys and a girl. Rev. Wil-
liam Young came at an early day, probably
about 1806-7. He was a native of Irelaucl,
and came from Centre County to this town-
ship. He was a great preacher of the
Methodist Episcopal Church, a man of
talent and a very acceptable minister
among the people. He died in 1829, aged
seventy-four years. Robert McGeary,
from ^''irginia. settled in the township
about 1803, and remained until his death,
at the age of ninety- two years. He left a
large and respectable family.
Lot and William Watson, brothers, came
from Centre County. Pennsylvania, and
settled in this townshij) about 1806-08, ou
lots numbers 1804 and 1855. William built
the large stone house about 1810-12, and
Lot put up a good brick residence some
years later upon his farm adjoining on the
south. For some years after their arrival
they lived in log cabins. They were both
out in the War of 1812. Lot Watson, sou
of ^\"illiam, held a State appointment on
the Philadeli)]iia and Columl;)ia Railwav in
1856. Both the AVatsons raised large and
respectable families. William Richards,
before mentioned, came, according to Mr.
Green, in 1802, from Centre County, Penn-
sylvania, with his family, consisting of his
wife and seven children, three sons and
four daughters, and two sons-in-law, and
located in the King's Chapel neighborhood,
wjiere the family settled near each other.
Mr. Richards was a Revolutionary sol-
dier, and an exhorter in the Methodist
Episcopal Chui-cli. He was a large and
commanding-looking man, and possessed
of more than ordinary talent. lie died in
1839. His wife survived him only a short
time. They are lioth buried in the King's
Chapel cemetery. His son-in-law, Robert
Simouton, came with him and lived in the
township some twentj' years, when he re-
moved to Xeshannock Falls, now in Wil-
mington Townshi]), or near there, where
he lived until his death, at the age of about
eighty years. He raised a family of live
children.
John Rea, another son-in-law of Mi-.
Richards, who also came with him, was a
blacksmith by trade, and settled in the
neighborhood, where he reared the ])re-
mium family of twenty children, nd died
at the age of eighty years.
Hance Greer, father of Rev. Thomas and
John Greer, came originally from County
Fermanagh, Ireland, to America in 180-1,
and first settled at Noblestown, Allegheny
County, about twelve miles from Pittsburg,
on Chartier's Creek. In 1810 he removed
to Sewicklev Bottom, where he resided
260
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
until 1826, when he again removed to
Zelieuople, Butler County, Pennsylvania,
where he died in 18-t8.
Jolm Greer, his second son, settled in
Neshannock Township in the fall of 1821,
with his wife and two children. He built a
house and moved into it in March, 1822.
Mr. Greer, being a man of good ability
and an energetic business man, acquired a
handsome property. He was quite a prom-
inent member of the Methodist Episcopal
Church, and he filled the office of steward
at King's Chajiel for many years. He
lived with his son, William Y. Greer, a
well-known citizen and business man. His
daughter, Mrs. William Ferver, lived near
him. She raised a family of six children,
four sons and two daughters.
Thomas Greer, the youngest son, came
in 1830, and settled on a small farm near
his brother. He was a blacksmith by trade,
and a man of energy and great industry,
and very successful in acquiring property.
His children, three daughters and one son,
settled around him. He held several po-
sitions of honor and trust in the Methodist
Episcopal Church — was one of the early
class leaders, and was local preacher for
twenty-seven years.
Frederick Rheinholt, from Germany,
settled in the township in 1828. He was a
shrewd son of the "Fatherland" and ac-
cumulated propertv with the proverbial
thrift of tlie Teuton. He died March 30,
1874, aged seventy-four years. He raised
a family of three sons and five daughters.
James Stackhouse and family, accom-
panied by his son-in-law, Andrus Chapin
and wife, settled in the township in 1834.
They were all members of the Methodist
p]piscopal Church. Mr. Stackhouse died
in 1868, affed ninety-five years. His wife
died a short time before. They, like many
other of the early settlers, are buried at
King's Chapel. Mr. Chapin died Septem-
ber 24, 1870, aged sixty-six years. He was
twice married, and reared a large family
of children. William Hunt settled in 1830,
bringing his aged mother with him. He
raised a family of four sons and two
daughters, and gathered a handsome prop-
erty around him. He died in 1851, and is
buried at King's Chapel. His family were
members of the Methodist Episcopal
Church.
Ebenezer Donaldson settled in the town-
ship in March, 1819, just after the "big
snow" of that winter (1818-19). His
cousin, Isaac Donaldson, came some time
i:)revious to the War of 1812 and was out
at Erie during that war. Both the Don-
aldsons were from Westmoreland County,
Pennsylvania.
Robert Reynolds, from near Hagers-
town, Md., came to what is now Taylor
Township, Lawrence county, in 1804, and
located near what is now Lawrence Junc-
tion, where he remained about one year,
when he removed to Neshannock Township,
and settled on the Neshannock Creek, about
four miles above New Castle, in 1805. He
bought a claim of 200 acres. Some time
previous to 181 1 he purchased the 200-acre
tract where the village of Eastbrook now
is, and about 1813 sold it to Thomas Fisher,
1st. He served in the War of 1812, most
})robably in Captain John Fisher's com
pany. He returned from the army in
feeble health. About 1819 he purchased a
farm on the old county line, two miles east
of New Castle, and removed his family to
it. Here he died in 1873, at the age of
ninety years, surviving his wife about five
years. This couple reared twelve children
— eight sons and four daughters. When
Mr. Reynolds left the old place in Neshan-
nock Township he rented it for a few years,
and then his sons, John F. and William F.,
purchased it, paying the old gentleman
$10 per acre for it. John F. Reynolds
built a "still-house" about 1824, and car-
ried on the business for six or seven years.
He afterwards, about 1835, sold his inter-
est in the property to his brother, and re-
moved to New Castle, and engaged in the
business of tanning with his brother Rob-
ert, but after a short partnership, finding
it less profitable than he anticipated, he
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
263
sold to Robert and purchased a farm of
ninety-four acres, then in Shenango Town-
ship, afterwards in Pollock Township, and
now in the Fifth Ward of the city of New
Castle. Joseph B. always lived in New
Castle, where he held the office of Justice
of the Peace. He died several years ago.
Isaac lived on his father's place, east of
New Castle, until his death. Michael, the
twin brother of Joseph, also lived in New
Castle until his death. Peter studied medi-
cine and practiced on the eastern shore of
Maryland. The sisters, Nancy, Mary, Ann
and Christy Ann, are all dead.
John Moore, from near New Castle, in
the State of Delaware, settled on a portion
of tract No. 1859 about the year 1804. He
had a wife and two children at the time of
Ms settlement. Altogether he raised a
family of seven children — three sons and
four daughters. John Moore was a Revo-
lutionary soldier in the American army.
He was a drummer, and had a brother in
the service who was a fifer. Their father
was also an officer in the army, and served
through the war. The sons received war-
rants for their service, and John sold his
warrant and located his brother's on the
land where he settled. He lived on the
place until his death, August 15, 1842. He
went with Captain John Fisher's company
to Erie during the War of 1812, and re-
ceived a land warrant of one hundred and
sixty acres for his services. The land
where he located in 1804 was a fine tract,
gently sloping towards the southwest, well
timbered, and having a great number of
copious springs in various parts of it.
Alexander Hawthorne purchased the
tract No. 1825, next north of Mr. Moore,
about 1805-6. He lived for some years at
New Castle, but built a house and barn on
the land and put on a tenant. Some years
later he removed to his farm and lived
upon it until his death, in 1864.
David Adams settled on tract No. 1852,
about 1825. He had purchased the tract
some time before, and leased it to one Rob-
ert Sankey. Adams sold and removed to
the neighborhood of Petersburg, Ohio,
somewhere between 1835 and 1840.
Martin Hardin, from the Eastern Shore,
Maryland, settled on tract No. 1836, about
1811-12, and made the first improvements,
though he never owned the land. One S.
R. Smith was the owner, and he allowed
Hardin to cultivate it and make what he
could, provided he kept ujj repairs and
paid the taxes. Hardin was industrious
and succeeded in accumulating tlie where-
with to purchase a farm, to which he re-
moved, and remained upon it until his
death.
John Maitland, from east of the moun-
tains, came into the townshii) at an early
day, and leased or rented land for several
years. He finally bought tract No. 1870,
which had been occupied by one "Billy"
Hosier, a sort of squatter for a number of
years. "Billy" had put up a cabin and
' ' destroyed considerable timber. ' ' Mait-
land moved upon the tract about 1830, and
remained there until his death, about 1865.
Henry Falls purchased the two tracts,
Nos. 1854 and 1855, at a very early daie,
and afterwards, about 1806-8, sold them
to the Watson brothers, William and Lot,
the latter 1854 and William 1855.
John Young settled on tract No. 1863
as early as 1810. The east half of this
tract was owned by Dr. William Shaw, of
New Castle. Young sold out afterwards
and removed to Hickory Township.
James Mitchell, from Franklin Coimty,
Pennsylvania, settled with his family in
this township about one mile north of. the
old Associate Reformed Church, in 1806.
He had three sons, William, Peter and
Thomas. William was married before he
came here. Both the old gentleman and
his son, William, died soon after they set-
tled. The old gentleman i^urchased a farm
for each of his sons, and they settled near
him. Peter, the second son, was married
about 1815 to Sarah Wilson, daughter of
Samuel Wilson, who settled near .New
Wilmington, about 1806. Peter lived on
his place imtil his death, in 1843. He was
264
HISTOEY OF LAWEExNCE COUNTY
a prominent member of the United Pres-
byterian Church, and filled several town-
ship offices. He had four sons, James,
Wilson, William and John.
Thomas, third son of James, lived and
died on a farm in the township, where his
family still reside. James (the old gentle-
man) owned and operated a distillery
when he lived in Franklin Coimty, and
wagoned his liquor to Baltimore, where he
sold it for gold. Traveling was sometimes
dangerous in those days, and lie took the
precaution to bore an auger hole in his
wagon-axle, into which he put his gold,
and then j^lugged up the hole.
John Pomeroy, father of the late Judge
Pomeroy, from Derry Township, West-
moreland Countv, settled in the township
in 1815.
The McGearys, McCrearys, and Gibsons
were all early settlers.
William, the oldest son of James
Mitchell, had three sons, Wilson, James
and Joseph. Wilson and James lived in
New Castle. Joseph died on the old farm
about 1870. Wilson and James are also
death
Peter Mitchell built his second house of
hewed logs about 1826. It had the first,
or one of the first, shingle roofs in the
township. All others were made of clap-
boards.
EARLY MILLS.
James Reynolds, who had been connect-
ed with Joseph Townsend in the erection
of a grist-mill at the Narrows, on the Ne-
shannock, as early as 1803, sold his in-
terest to John Carlyle Stewart, about 1811,
and removed to the place now occupied by
Jordan's mill, on the Neshannock Creek,
where he purchased a tract of 200 acres,
covering the water power, it being a part
of Donation tracts Nos. 1897 and 1898—-
patented by the State, October 18, 1786, to
John Sullivan, a soldier of the Revolution-
ary army, who assigned his patent to Rich-
ard North, in September, 1795. North
deeded to James RejTiolds, March 31, 1812.
At this point, which is probably the finest
water power on the creek, Reynolds erect-
ed a grist and saw-mill. The gearing was
mostly of wood. The grist-mill contained
two run of stone, made from material
found in the vicinity. The bolt was a primi-
tive affair, and was turned by hand by
means of a crank. The mill was driven by
a large breast-wheel.
Mr. Reynolds carried on the milling
business until his death, which took place
about 1831-32. His heirs, by different
deeds dated from 1833 to 1839, transferred
the property to Frederick Zeigler, who
tore away the old grist-mill and built a
new one, still standing. He also built the
large stone house on the hill, now, or late-
ly, owned by George RejTiolds. The new
grist-mill contained three run of burrs.
In addition to his other work, Zeigler built
a distillery, which was in operation a good
many years, in connection with the grist
mill. The business was finally abandoned
about 1855-56. Zeigler sold the property,
September 3, 1850, to William F. Rejm-
olds, who built a new dam and tore down
and rebnilt the saw-mill in 1857. In May,
1868, he sold to John G. and Peter Reyn-
olds the mills and water power and forty-
four acres of land. These parties deeded
the property to James Robinson, Ajjril 3,
1871. This transfer probably included
about seven acres of land, and the total
consideration was about $5,200. Henry
Jordan purchased the property of Robin-
son, May 1, 1875. Mr. Jordan rebuilt the
dam in a most substantial manner, and
made extensive alterations and improve-
ments in the grist and saw-mills at an ex-
pense of over $2,000. The mill is now one
of the best in the country, and has long
done a good business in both merchant and
custom work.
The New Castle & Franklin Railway
crosses the creek at this place (where the
company has a station), on a truss bridge
constructed of wood and iron, and the
creek is also spanned by a fine iron road-
bridge near the mills. The creek flows here
AND E:EPRP:SENTATIVE CITIZEXS
265
iu a deep, licurow gorge worn through the
rock, whose precipitous cliffs are over-
liung by a dense growth of hemlock and
other trees, making a most picturesque and
enchanting locality.
Johnston AVatsou, sou of AVilliam Wat-
son, started a potteiy on his farm near the
United Presbj'ferian Church about 1825,
before his marriage. He had learned the
potter's trade of one White in Mercer
County, and had also worked at the busi-
ness in Beaver County. The clay was
found on Isaac Gibson's place. The "slip
clay" was brought from near Pulaski.
A coal mine was opened on Thomas
Falls' land as early as 1845. Several other
mines have been worked out in this vicin-
ity.
A small mining town called Coal Center
sprung up around the shafts of the New
Castle Railroad & Mining Company. It
has one or more churches, a justice of the
peace, two or three groceries, several
blacksmith and wagon shops, and some
fifty or sixty dwellings.
SCHOOLS.
Some of the earliest .schools in the town-
ship were taught on the Watson and Baker
farms, most probably in the dwellings,
from 1812 to 1815. The first teacher was
Miss Sarah De Wolf, who taught in many
parts of the country, and was very popu-
lar, if we may judge from her record. Miss
Tidball was also one of the earliest teach-
ers. A school was afterwards opened in
an empty house on the King fai-m, now
owned by Thomas Greer. This was taught
by John Galbreath, in the years 1816-17-19.
A man named Andrews succeeded Gal-
breath, and taught in the vears 1820, 1821
and 1822.
A school building was erected on the
Barker fann, about forty rods east of
King's Chapel, where a school was taught
by Samuel Richards in the years 1823,
1824 and 1825. This building was unfor-
tunately burned, but the people soon man-
aged to build another, in which James
Watson taught in lS2(i, and John Maitland
in 1827. Mrs. Mary I\Iaitland taught a
select school for young ladies, where they
learned needle work in addition to other
things. She was a very successful teacher.
About 1829-30, the school building near by
was moved upon the church lot at King's
Chapel, where one Gilles]»ic taught in 1831
and 1332. In 1833 and 1834 William Lock-
hart was the teacher, and .lohn .Mitchell
also taught. A school was taught in the
Pomeroy neighborhood about 1820, by
Thomas Gillespie, whom the scholars of
those days remember as a terrible fellow
with the rod. One Holloway and Robert
Madge were also early teachers. About
1810-12 a log school-house was built in the
eastern part of the township, near where
John Graham now lives. The first teacher
was a man named Stoops.
At this time (1908) there are seven
schools in the township, all good, substan-
tial buildings of brick and stone, costing
an average of $1,000 each. The total num-
ber of scholars is 338. Total expenditures,
$4,078.61.
king's chapel.
The Methodist Episcopal Society, known
as "King's Chapel," claims the honor of
having been the first organization of this
denomination iu T^awreuce Country. In
1802 William Ki.'liards came with his fam-
ily from Center County, Pennsylvania, ac-
comjianied by John Rea and Robert Si-
monton, his son-in-law, and their wives,
and settled in the neighborhood of "King's
Chapel." Mr. Richards was a soldier in
the American army during the Revolu-
tionary War. At the close of the war he
had engaged in the iron business at Belle-
fonte. He had been licensed as an exhor-
ter in the church previous to settlement in
what is now the county of Lawrence, and
soon after his settlement commenced hold-
ing religious meetings in his own house.
At that time Rev. Asa Shinn was the
preacher on Shenango circuit, and often
l)reached in Mr. Richard's cabin. In 1803,
266
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
George Askin was on the circuit, and un-
der liis superintendence a class was
formed in the Richards neighborhood, con-
sisting of William Richards and wife, Mary
Rea, Robert Simonton and wife, Rachel
Fisher, Rebecca Carroll (afterwards Mrs.
Ferver), and Mrs. Warner. Several per-
sons from Edenburg joined the class, and,
according to Hon. David Sankey, several
others from New Castle. A class was soon
after formed by Mr. Richards at New Cas-
tle, and meetings were held alternately at
that place and at King's Chapel. The first
of these meetings were held in New Castle
about 1810. The following are the names
of those constituting the class in New Cas-
tle, according to Rev. Thomas Greer : Ar-
thur Chenowith and wife, John Bevin and
wife, William Underwood and wife, Rob-
ert Wallace and wife, and Phillip Painter
and wife. Soon after they were joined by
Michael Carman and wife, and Mr. Car-
man was appointed leader.
Marinus King and family, from Center
County, settled at King's Chapel in 1804,
and joined the class. The meetings were
held both at the house of Richards and of
Mr. King, in 1806 and 1807.
William Young and family joined the
settlement at an early day and united with
the church. Mr. Young was also a licensed
preacher and a man of more than ordinary
talents. Others came to the settlement, and
soon quite a large community were gath-
ered here. The meetings were now held at
three places — Rev. Young's, Richards' and
King's.
In 1821 Jolm Greer and wife joined the
settlement, from Sewiekley, Allegheny
County. Mr. Greer had married a daugh-
ter of Rev. William Young. He was ap-
pointed steward soon after his arrival, and
his house was made a preaching station
alternately with the first three mentioned.
Some time afterwards a small building
was erected on the ground where King's
Chapel now stands, which was used both
for church and school purposes.
Thomas Greer and wife came to this lo-
cality from Zelienople, Butler County, in
1830. They had certificates from the
church at that place, and were received into
the church at their new home. Mr. Greer
was soon after appointed class-leader and
exhorter, which he held with great success
until 1852, when he was licensed as a local
preacher. He also held the office of or-
dained local elder for some years.
In 1835 a new and neat frame church
was erected in the place of the old one,
30x40 feet in size, which was occupied until
1856. During this period of twenty-one
years the church experienced a revival of
religion every year, with one or two ex-
ceptions. During the first session of the
Erie Conference, Rev. Bishop Hamlin
preached at King's Chapel. The session
was held in New Castle, and Major Eze-
kiel Sankey brought the Bishop out in a
two-horse carriage, accompanied by quite
a number of the brethren from New Castle.
A large number were added to the
church during the period between 1835 and
1856, and the house became too small to
accommodate the wants of the society. In
1856 the frame church was removed, and a
brick structure erected in its stead, 40x50
in dimensions. It was in this house that
Ira D. Sankey, the famous Gospel singer,
recently deceased, made a public confes-
sion of the Christian religion, and united'
with the society. Mr. Sankey was con-
verted under the labors of Rev. J. T.
Boyles.
The congregation of King's Chapel re-
placed the church which had been built in
1856, at a cost of $3,000, with a new one,
more commodious and modern, in 1899,
containing an audience room and an apart-
ment for Sabbath School at a cost of about
$5,000. The names of the pastors since
1877 are as follows: Nathaniel Morris,
J. K. Mendenhall, D. W. Wampler, J. L.
Mechlin, C. M. Morse, C. AV. Foulk, H. H.
Blair, Frederic Fair, S. L. Mills, J. C. A.
Borland, H. W. Hunter, F. R. Yates and
A. B. Smith, the present pastor. The
names of the church officers at present are :
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
267
Trustees, W. McQuiston, Frauk B. Chapin,
George Greer, F. W. Hutchinson, Andrew
McKay, Harry Green, David B. Reynolds,
Miller Kegrise and David R. Greer; stew-
ards. J. R. Shearer, Harry Green, Eugene
Robinson, William McQuiston and I). R.
Greer. James R. Shearer is superintend-
ent of the Sabbath School, which has about
sixty members. The number of church
members is about 120.
A Methodist Episcopal church was built
about 188-1: or 1885, in what is usually
called Coal Center, on the eastern border
of the township, and Rev. A. B. Smith is
pastor of this as well as King's Chapel.
The Free Methodist Church, in the center
of the township, was built about 1891 or
1892, and of this Rev. J. Grill is pastor.
PEIMITryE METHODIST CHURCH.
The Primitive Methodists first began to
have meetings at Coal Centre about 1866.
The first local preachers were "William
Borle, Henry Blews, Edward Blews, Jr.,
and Samuel Simon. The original society
consisted, of about ten members. Rev.
Thomas Dodd was the first itinerant who
preached here, about 1870. He staid only
a short time. The second itinerant
preacher was Benjamin Barrar, who staid
with the society for two years, when he
was succeeded by Rev. Thomas Bateman,
who preached at Coal Centre once a month.
The society at one time numbered as high
as twenty members, but hard times and the
consequent removal of some of the people
to other localities reduced it to a very small
number. There is now no organization in
the township, the former members attend-
ing at New Castle.
SHENANGO CHURCH (UNITED PRESBYTERIAN).
The history of Shenango congregation
was for about a quarter of a century the
history of almost the entire Associate Re-
formed Presbyterian Church in the boun-
daries of what is now Lawrence County.
To most of the churches of this denomina-
tion Shenango stood in the relation of a
mother church.
The white frame-house of worship stands
three and a quarter miles north of New
Castle, on the road to Mercer via New
Wilmington. Around it stand primeval
oaks, and behind it slumber many of the
dead that once worshiped witliin its walls.
The lot was donated for church and burial
purposes by John Pearson, of the Society
of Friends, who had obtained titles among
the earliest to a large tract of land lying
between Shenango and Neshaunock Creeks.
Of those who organized Shenango
Church and constituted its early member-
ship none, perhaps, settled in the wilder-
ness earlier than 1805-6. The names of
James ^litchell, Hugh Braham, John Cud
ningham. William S. Rankin (afterwards
of Mercer), Jean Sankey (wife of Ezekiel
Sankey, and grandmother of Ira D. San-
key, Mr. D. L. Moody's celebrated evan-
gelistic co-laborer), George Kelso, Dr. Al-
exander Gillfillan (settled in New Castle in
1813), Robert McGeary, Mrs. Jane Cubbi-
son, wife of James Cubbison, with others,
seem to have settled in 1806, or soon after,
and to have been from the first supporters,
and then, or soon after, communicants in
the new organization. An occasional min-
ister of the Monongahela Presbytery, from
the neighborhood of Fort Pitt, as the new
borough of Pittsburg was still called
throughout the country, rode through these
and other opening settlements in North-
west Pennsylvania, giving them an occa-
sional Sabbath's or week-day's preaching.
Among these were Rev. John Riddell,
D. D., and Rev. Mungo Dick, who were
men of great ability and learning. But it
was not till 1811 that this community of
Associated Reform people received a pas-
tor, and then his labors were divided
equally with Mercer and Mahoning congre-
gations. How long before this date the con-
gregation was regularly organized, is not
known. Their first pastor, James Galloway,
first preached to them and other new sta-
HISTORY OF LAWBENCE COUNTY
tions in the Northwest, in the summer of
1810. His first records extant show that in
1813 the session consisted of Hugh Bra-
ham, John Cunningham and "William S.
Eanldn; but James Mitchell, who died in
1812, had been an elder in Franklin Coun-
ty before his arrival, in 1806, and was from
the first, an earnest friend of the Shenango
enterprise. The next record of the elder-
ship shows that in 1821, Rev. J. L. Dinwid-
dle, ordained as elders, Peter Mitchell, son
of James Mitchell, and Walter Oliver, who
had immigrated some years before to She-
nango Valley.
James Galloway, the first pastor, and the
earliest Associate Reformed minister set-
tled in Northwestern Pennsylvania, was
born August 4th, 1786. His family removed
that year from Big. Cove, Bedford County,
to Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland County.
He was born in the latter place. He had
graduated at JetTerson College in 1805, had
entered for a legal course in Greensburg,
but, upon the death of his legal preceptor,
had placed hiitiself as a candidate for the
ministry under the Monongahela Presby-
tery, and afterwards had enjoyed the ex-
cellent training for four years of that dis-
tinguished theologian and pulpit orator,
John M. Mason, D. D., in the Associate Re-
formed Seminary in New York City. Ho
was licensed to preach, June 28th, 1810. He
was eminently social in his qualities, of
lively wit, of tender sensibilities; in the
pulpit earnest, grave and edifying. His
visit to the new settlements was most ac-
ceptable. December 17th, a call was made
out for him by the three congregations of
Mercer, Shenango and Mahoning. The
Presbj'tery placed it in his hands February,
1811. An appointment was made for his
ordination and installation for April 10th,
in the Shenango settlement. There was as
yet no church The preaching had mostly
been conducted hitherto in Peter Mitchell's
house or barn, which was already crowded
with people, many of the audience being
from Mercer, fourteen miles north, and
Mahoning, thirteen miles west. Thus was
ordained the first of a long line of pastors
in the Associate Reformed Church of this
region, and placed officially by the Pres-
bytery over their people in what now com-
prises territorially the two entire counties
of Mercer and Lawrence.
Under Mr. Galloway's ministry, the lot
donated by John Pearson was occupied by
a small, log building, put up by the sturdy
settlers in the spring of 1812, and first
used for worship before it was yet floored.
On this ground, in that year, the Lord's
Supper was first dispensed. The corners of
this log building were four large boulders,
which can still be seen just north of the
present church. When the latter was erect-
ed the logs were removed to the northeast
corner of the lot, and did hmnbler service
for years as a schoolhouse, which at last
fell in disuse and decay.
Mr. Galloway had hard service in so ex-
tensive a charge. He had to fill his ap-
pointments often by crossing the Neshan-
nock, Shenango and other streams when
they were swollen with rains ; and not un-
frequently did his horse swim the Shen-
ango, while his master, seated in a canoe,
held the bridle-reins. A deep-seated cold
followed his preaching in wet clothes upon
one occasion after such exposure. He
never got well, though he continued his
labors for months while gradually growing
worse, till, in April, 1818, he resigned his
charge. The 21st of May he died. His
home had been in Mercer, and there he
lies buried. His wife was Agnes Junkin,
whose father, Joseph Junkin, was one of
the earliest members of his Mercer congre-
gation. They were married March 12, 1812,
by his brother-in-law, Rev. George Buchan-
an, Associate Reformed pastor in Steuben-
ville, Ohio. They had three sons, two of
whom survived him, and one of whom,
nineteen years later, succeeded him in the
pastorate of Shenango. Mrs. Buchanan
and Mrs. Galloway were sisters of Dr. D.
X. Junkin, once pastor of the First Pres-
byterian Church of New Castle.
The second pastor. Rev. James L. Din-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
269
widdie, D. D., was ordained and installed
over the Sheuango and Mercer congrega-
tions, at Mercer, November 22, 1820. He
was born in Adams Count}', February 23,
1796, and had pursued his college studies,
but without being graduated, at Washing-
ton College. After Dr. Matthew Brown,
President of Washington, became presi-
dent of Jefferson College, the board of the
latter conferred the honorary degree of
A. B. upon him, and at a later date the de-
gree of D. D. These honors were well be-
stowed. He was one of the most tinished
scholars of his church. He was a man of
brilliant mind, of perfect address socially,
and in the pulpit eloquent. It was a sad
day in Shenango Church when, after a
ministry of thirteen and a half years, he
preached his last sermon, preparatory to
the acceptance of a call in Philadelphia
(Sixth Presbyterian Church). This Phila-
delphia charge he resigned seven years af-
terwards, rejoined the Presbytery in
which he was ordained, and became pastor
of the Second Associate Reformed Church,
of Pittsburg, and professor of Biblical Lit-
erature and Sacred Criticism in the Theo-
logical Seminary, Allegheny. His pastorate
in Pittsburg, after a term of two years,
was relinquished in April, 1844. to devote
himself more entirely to his professorship,
to which he had been elected September 13,
1843. In the midst of liis labors, when he
was just fifty years of age, he was struck
with paralysis of the brain, February,
1848. He never recovered his splendid
powers. He died in Baltimore suddenly,
from a second stroke, January 11, 1849.
Mr. Galloway's pastorate in Shenango
ended in 1818, and Mr. Dinwiddle's in
1834. Important changes had meanwhile
taken place in the northwest. The country
had greatly developed and the churches
had gained by this growth. The Associate
Reformed Church as well as the others had
made decided progress. A pastor had been
settled in Erie, in 1812— Rev. Robert Reed,
— who died in that city after a pastorate of
thirty-two years.
In Butler, Rev. Isaiah Niblock, D. D.,
had commenced in 1819 a long pastorate of
forty-five years. In 1820 two congregations
were formed on the borders of Shenango :
one at Mount Jackson, five miles southwest
of New Castle ; thef other at Slippery Rock,
now called Center, five miles southeast. At
Center and Harmony, a pastor was settled
— Rev. James Ferguson — and an arrange-
ment was made for him to preach part of
his time in New Castle, but his pastorate
only lasted from September, 1823, to April,
1824. Rev. David Norwood was afterwards
settled as pastor over Center, Mount Jack-
son and Mahoning. He resigned his charge,
October 16, 1833. In Crawford County,
Rev. S. F. Smith had been settled as pastor,
in 1828, over the congregations of Sugar
Creek and Crooked Creek, a relation which
continued till his death, March 10, 1846.
Out of these five pastorates, with sev-
eral other congregations (the whole num-
ber being fourteen), a new Presbytery was
formed. It was constituted in Mercer on
the first Wednesday of January, 1829,
called the Presbytery of the Lakes, and
territorially occupied six counties. Of all
the original congregations in these bounds
not one has been the mother-church of so
many new congregations as Shenango. Up
till the union of 1858, seven congregations
had been formed on its borders or within
its original territory. In addition to Cen-
ter and Mount Jackson, already mentioned,
in the year 1840, Eastbrook was organized
to accommodate those members who lived
across the Neshannock, and in the same
year was also formed the Deer Creek or
Beulah congregation, west of the Shenan-
go, from which locality attendance at She-
nango Church had become very difficult,
owing to the fact that the completion of
the Erie Extension canal had, by means
of the dam at New Castle, made a pool
or level extending for seven miles up the
stream, that destroyed all the original
fords for this distance.
Later, namely, 1849-51, during the pas-
torate of Rev. R. A. Browne, D. D., three
270
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
more congregations — New Castle, New Wil-
mington and the Harbor, — were also struck
off from Sheuango, as will be seen further
on in this article. And so far had the
church grown in these six counties of the
northwest that in 1852 an act of Synod pro-
vided for the erection of two more new
Presbyteries, called the Presbyteries of
Lawrence and Butler. The Presbytery of
Lawrence was organized in New Castle, in
the Associate Reformed Church, on Jeffer-
son Street, April 20, 185.3. Rev. John Neil,
pastor of Mount Jackson and Center,
preached the opening sermon from Heb.
xiii, 17, and constituted the Presbytery
with prayer. Mr. Neil was elected mod-
erator, and Mr. Browne, clerk. Three other
ministers, with these, constituted the Pres-
bytery, namely: Robert William Oliver,
pastor of Beulah and Bethel (Mercer Coun-
ty) ; William A. Mehard, pastor of East-
brook and New Wilmington, and John P.
Chambers, without charge. The Presby-
tery included thirteen congregations, four
of which, however, were located outside of
the city. At the union of 1858 the Law-
rence Presbytery was merged into the
L^nited Presbj'teriau Presbytery of Mer-
cer; and still later, Sheuango and all the
congregations south of that latitude to the
Ohio River, were merged again in a new
Presbytery called Beaver Valley, wliich
was erected November 7, 1871.
This episode gives a brief view of the
history of Sheuango Church in its sur-
roundings and relations. What remains
to add has reference to its own special
history. From the resignation of Rev.
James L. Dinwiddle, 1834, till 1841, with
the exception of one brief pastorate of a
year and a half — that of Rev. John Mason
Galloway — the congregation of Sheuango
was a vacancy, its pulpit filled only by
sup])lies from the Presbytery of the Lakes.
Rev. Mr. Galloway was succeeded by
Rev. Thomas Mehard, who was ordained
and installed June 30, 1841, in Shenango,
Eastbrook and Beulah, the two latter, as
already stated, having been organized the
pre\ious year. Beulah was first known
as Deer Creek. Some years later the con-
gregation decided to change their place of
worship to West Middlesex, three miles
distant; but a portion of the members re-
mained to worship in the old building, and
are now the Reformed Presbyterian Con-
gregation of Beulah. Mr. Mehard was a
graduate of the Western University, Pitts-
burg, and of the Associate Reformed Theo-
logical Seminary, Allegheny. He was genial
in his disposition, agreeable in his address,
and pleasing and edifying in the pulpit.
His ministry was full of labors and fruits,
with large promise of future usefulness,
when, suddenly, at the close of his fourth
year of pastoral duty, he was called away
by death. The stroke startled the entire
community as well as his congregations
and his wife, who was left with two infant
daughters to mourn his loss. He died at
his home in New Castle July 16, 1845, at
the age of twenty-nine years.
The fifth pastor of Shenango, succeed-
ing Mr. Mehard a year after his death,
was Robert Audley IBrowne. Mr. Browne
was born in Steubenville, Ohio, December
3, 1821 ; was graduated at the Westei-n Uni-
versity, 1839, and the Associate Reformed
Seminary, Allegheny, 1843; licensed by the
Monongahela Presbytery in his twenty-first
year, and ordained without charge by the
same Presbytery, December 31, 1844. He
was at that time stated supply in the Sec-
ond Reformed, now Third United Presby-
terian Church, of Pittsburg. He visited
the congregations of Eastbrook and She-
nango in July, 1846; was at once called,
and was settled over these congregations
in September following. He was pastor
of Eastbrook three and a half years, and
of Shenango over thirteen years, demitting
tliat congregation to the Presbytery, Jan-
uary 9, 1859. The last ten of these years
his pastoral charge included the congre-
gation of New Castle, in which he still
continued to be pastor, and in which, after
an interval of absence, he remained pastor
until his death. When he entered on his
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
271
pastoral work in this part of what was
then Mercer County, it was evident that
the growth of population and change of
its business centers had left the Associ-
ate Reformed Church without organiza-
tions at several desirable points. Of these,
New Castle, a growing town, was the most
important. An organization was etTected
here by order of the Presbytery (Lakes),
December 25, 1849. The same winter one
was similarly formed in New Wilmington.
By these organizations the session of She-
nango was reduced to two elders, and its
membershii) diminished from over 100 to
forty-nine. From one-half of their pas-
tor's time they were able to retain him
only for one-fourth. They were still fur-
ther weakened, about 1874-75, later by the
organization of the Harbor congregation,
four miles distant, on the other side of the
Shenango pool or slackwater, though in
general their number dm-ing the years be-
fore 1859 ranged at about tifty communi-
cants.
Tlie union of the Associate and Associ-
ate Reformed Presbyterian Churches
agreed upon in 1858, occurred during Mr.
Browne's pastorate. It brought Shenan-
go into closer relations with a number of
Associate congregations in this region,
though it added but little strength to the
membership.
The sixth pastor was Rev. William Find-
ley, D. D., born in Mercer, and reared
under tlie ministry of Rev. James Gallo-
way and Rev. James L. Dinwiddle. He
was a graduate of Jefferson College and'
of the Associate Reformed Seminary, Al-
legheny; was licensed by the Lakes Pres-
bytery May 16, 1832, and, after visiting
the churches in South Carolina and else-
where, was ordained by the same Presby-
tery, and installed pastor over "White Oak
Spring and Prospect congregations in But-
ler County, at White Oak Spring Church,
May 25, 1837. In 1857 he became Profes-
sor of Latin Literature in Westminster
College, and resigned his charge and re-
moved to New Wilmington. In 1867 he
was transferred to the office of general
agent of the college. This office he re-
signed in 1871, and after supplying the
churches by Presbyterial appointment for
some years settled, in 1876, at Chesley,
Ontario, where a new and active congrega-
tion in the United Presbyterian Presbytery
in Samford erected for him a church and
parsonage. He was in vigorous use of
his powers, clear and forcible as a thinker
and reasoner, and strong as an expounder
of the Scriptures.
During his term as professor in West-
minster College, he held for over six years,
conjointly, the pastorate of Shenango con-
gregation, namelv, from July, 1859, till
April, 1866.
He was followed in the pastorate by
Rev. R. T. McCrea, a student of West-
minster College, from Blacklick Station,
Indiana County, Pa., who graduated from
the college in 1868, and from the United
Presbyterian Seminary, AUeghen}-, in
1866. He was ordained by the United Pres-
byterian Presbytery of Mercer, at She-
nango Church, and installed pastor of She-
nango and Lebanon congregation Novem-
ber 9, 1869. He i-esided near his Lebanon
Church, Worth, fiercer County. August
26, 1873, he resigned his Shenango congre-
gation, and afterwards Lebanon also, and
was subsequently laboring in the ministry
in Iowa. He was a young man in the
vigor of his powers. During his pastorate
of four years, the roll of Shenango was
increased to seventj' members.
In July, 1875, the congregation secured
and retained for some time in connection
with the Harbor, the services of Rev. A.
Y. Houston. Mr. Houston was a man of
experience, prudence and iidelity. He was
ordained and installed in his first pastor-
ate, that of Peter's Creek, Allegheny
County, February 17, 1858. After that he
was pastor successively of the United con-
gregations of Palestine and Clarkson,Ohio,
and of Rygate, Vt. He was succeeded at
Shenango by Rev. J. J. Imbrie in 1880,
Rev, R. A. Brown in 1885, Rev. R. W. Mc-
272
HISTOEY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
Granahan in 1892, Eev. J. W. Brinley in
1900, Rev. W. V. Grove in 1904, and Eev.
L. S. Clark in 1907.
The history of the first church edifice
has already been given. The second was
built in 1826, in the midst of Mr. Diawid-
die's ministry. The contract, as illustra-
tive of the hardships of the times and the
scarcity of money, provided that the build-
er for enclosing and flooring the house, 42
by 53 feet square, was to receive in pay-
ment "good and sufficient subscription
lists" to the amount of $518, and that, in-
stead of cash, wheat at 66 2-3 cents per
bushel, and other products of the country
at proportionate rates, should be a legal
tender. This building, thus contracted and
paid for, had its pulpit located in front,
between the doors, a style of church archi-
tecture preferred by Mr. Dinwiddle, but
not always by his hearers, who, if they en-
tered late, were thus forced to face all who
were in their seats before them. This was
afterward changed, however, and the seats
were faced about. The contract for build-
ing did not include the pews, and there-
fore, at the opening for service, families
provided their own seats according to their
preferences as to style and material, and
without regard to uniformity, which made
the interior present an odd appearance
until one became accustomed to it. In
one case the head of a household, who had
located his seat well up toward the pulpit,
and furnished it with legs too long for con-
venient range of vision to those who sat
behind him, afforded some amusement to
his fellow-worshipers by his change of
countenance when he entered the meeting-
house one JSabbath morning and found his
seat had been lowered to a level with its
neighbors. To many, near and far, who
have worshiped there in the quiet Sab-
baths of more than half a century, pleas-
ant and sacred memories cluster around
the old church.
NOETH BEAVEE TOWNSHIP.
This is the largest subdivision of Law-
rence County, and was one of its original
townships. In area it is about 26,800 acres.
The surface is varied, being in places
much broken by hills and ravines, and in
others approaching nearer to a level. The
latter is the case in the southern and west-
em poi'tions. For agricultural purposes
the township is not excelled in Lawrence
County. The finest varieties of fruit are
also grown, and the crop is nearly always
a certainty. Numerous streams abound,
affording the necessary water facilities,
and on some of them there is excellent
power. The principal streams are the Ma-
honing and Beaver Rivers and Hickory
Creek.
The northeast corner of the township is
crossed by the old Lawrence Railway, now
the Ashtabula, Youngstown and Pittsburg
division of the Pennsylvania Railway.
The Beaver Valley division of the Erie
and Pittsburg Railway crosses the Mahon-
ing near its mouth, and follows the valley
of the Beaver River the remaining dis-
tance across the township. The only sta-
tion on this road in North Beaver is Mo-
ravia, where a small village has sprung
up since the road was built. The most im-
portant village in the township is Mount
Jackson, and, aside from these two, the
inhabitants are almost exclusively en-
gaged in agricultural pursuits.
EAELY SETTLEKS.
Asa Adams came from Washington
County, Pennsylvania, some time previous
to the War of 1812, and settled a mile from
the State line, in the western part of the
township.
Major Edward Wright came from Alle-
gheny County, Pennsylvania, in the spring
of 1797, and settled on the farm now or
was lately owned by his grandson, William
Williams. He was originally from New
Jersey, and while living there, before he
was married, he had bought the 200-acre
tract on which he afterward settled, for a
horse, bridle and saddle, and was soundly
berrated by his mother for so doing. The
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
273
investment, however, proved to be a good
one, and the farm is now among the best
in western Pennsylvania. Major Wright
built the fourth house that was erected
within the limits of North Beaver Town-
ship. It was 16 by 18 feet in dimensions,
was built of roimd logs, and was located
near a spring just west of Mr. Williams'
residence. It had a common bed-spread or
quilt hung up for a door, and a hole left in
one corner of the roof through which the
smoke could pass. He died on this farm
May 7, 1849, at the age of eighty years.
Major Wright brought to the township
the first apple trees that were set out with-
in it. He hauled forty-live of them from
Washington County in 1799, on a "slide
car," made of poles. He set out forty of
the trees on his own place, gave two of
them to a neighbor (Jonathan Leslie, aft-
erwards a Presbyterian minister), two
miles west, and three to Bryce McGeehan,
living near what is now Newburg, in Little
Beaver Township. Mr. Wright's only
child, Sarah, was married to John Will-
iams, in September, 1805, a few months
before she was fifteen years old. Mr. Will-
iams came from near the Warm Springs,
in Vii'ginia, and settled on a farm which
his father, Thomas Williams had bought
for him some time before, and which lay
a mile west of the Wright place. After his
marriage he lived for some time with his
father-in-law. Major Wright. He moved
to his own farm in the spring of 1812. His
brother, Thomas, settled, in 1802, on a
farm northeast of Wright's and h^ing
partly in Mahoning Township. Thomas
Williams, Sr., never settled in the county.
The farms all along the old county line,
now the boundary between North Beaver
and Mahoning Townships, lie partly on
each side of the line.
Thomas Cloud settled on the farm later
owned by Matthew Davidson, and built
one of the first four houses in the town-
ship.
Walter Clarke came to the farm after-
wards owned by Joseph and Sarah McCol-
lum, on the 20th day of October, 1802. He
came from near what is now Lewisburg,
Snyder County, Pennsylvania, with two
unmarried daughters, and others of his
children and grandchildren, and his son-
in-law. He bought 450 acres of land, and
divided it among them. His son, John,
was married, and had two children; and
one daugliter was also married and had
two children. Her husband's name was
Benjamin Wells. There were also two or-
phan grandchildren, and thus the party
was quite large. John Clarke's son, Sam-
uel D. Clarke, lived on a part of the old
farm, west of Mount Jackson. The por-
tion later owned by the McCoUum estate
became the property of Walter Clarke's
granddaughter, Eunice Shearer, who was
married to William Adair. Ephraim Phil-
lips owned it next, and Mr. McCollum's
wife was one of Mr. Phillips' daughters,
and the place became her share of the
propertv. It is familiarlv known as the
"Old Phillips farm."
In 1803 John Clarke left his father's
house and settled for himself on the por-
tion of the 450 acres now or recently owned
by his son, Samuel D. Clarke.
One of Walter Clarke's daughters mar-
ried John Nesbit, who was the first set-
tler on the land now occupied by the vil-
lage of Mount Jackson, and who laid out
the town.
William Woods settled just west of
Mount Jackson in 1801. He came from
Ireland with his brother in 1798, and first
located in Westmoreland Coimty. He was
married in 1801, after he came to North
Beaver, to ]\Iiss Elizabeth Davidson, who
was living with her relatives where the
borougl^ of Wampum now stands. Mr.
Woods' son, William, born in 1808, lived
near Westfield Presbyterian Church,
southwest of Mount Jackson. He held the
rank of major in the "cornstalk" militia
of the township. William Woods, Sr., built
a carding mill on his place on Hickory
Creek (at that time called Sugar Creek,
owing to the great number of "sugar
274
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
trees" which grew along it), in 1813; a
fulling mill in 1817, and a distillery in
1821. The carding machine and fulling
mill were run imtil about 1840.
James Kiddoo was an early settler east
of Moimt Jackson. He owned a distillery
on Hickoiy Creek, and also had a small
mill for grinding the grain he used.
William ^JcCord came originally from
Ireland, and, after the Revolution, settled
in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania. About
1805-6 he came to what is now North Bea-
ver Township, and settled on a 250-aere
tract of "donation land."
Francis Nesbit came, with his family, in
1802, and 'settled on Hickory Creek, south
of Mount Jackson. The family consisted
of his wife, five sons, and two daughters.
The sons were John, Francis, William,
James and Allen ; and the daughters, Eliz-
abeth and Anna. They came from Cum-
berland County, Pennsylvania, although
the Nesbits were originally from Scotland.
William Espy, who married Elizabeth
Nesbit, settled in 1801. His son, Thomas
Espy, afterward went to North Carolina,
and died there. A daughter of his after-
ward married Governor Vance, of that
State. Wiliam Espy liad made arrange-
ments to build a milf, and Mr. Nesbit, who
had also been out in 1801, brought out the
mill gearing with him in 1802, and he and
Espy built the mill. They located on Do-
nation tract, number 1786, supposed to
contain 400 acres, but a survey showed
that it contained over 500. Mr. Nesbit sold
his interest in the mill to Espv, and took
all but 100 acres of the land. "Mr. Nesbit
died in September. 1802, and was the first
person ever buried in the cemetery at
Westfield Presbyterian Church. A man
named Charles Clarke was the second per-
son buried in it. He was killed while help-
ing John Hunter raise a "still-house" in
1805, near the church. Francis Nesbit di-
vided his land up among his sons before
he died. His wife died in 1823. Allen
Nesbit, the youngest, bom in 1796, was
given the old homestead. He finallv be-
came a physician of the botanic or Thomp-
sonian school, and got his medical educa-
tion principally from his sister's library.
She married a Presbyterian preacher, who
afterward died. Dr. Nesbit, in later life,
lived with his grandchildren, on the old
place. John Nesbit, the eldest son of Fran-
cis, died in 1869, and left his share of the
place to his son, James, who afterward
sold it and went to Missouri.
Francis Nesbit, Jr., died on the farm, in
1816. William Nesbit lived on his place
until his death, which occurred in 1847.
During his life he was a prominent man.
He was a Presbj'terian elder, a justice of
the peace for a long time, and afterward
one of the associate judges of Beaver
Covmty.
After William Espy became sole pro-
prietor of the grist mill mentioned, he trad-
ed it for a farm, about 1806, to a man
named Wylie. who owned it about four
years, and traded it to a man named James
Boyes. Boyes kept it some eight years,
and sold it finally to Elder John Edgar,
from Westmoreland County, who had pre-
viously started a distillery near West-
field Church. Edgar also put a still in op-
eration, in connection with the mill, and
was at one time collector of the excise
tax. He sent a large lot of whisky to Erie,
Pa., for sale, and finally shipped it on a
vessel to Canada. The vessel was lost,
and Edgar was broken up in consequence,
and sold out by the sheriff — the whole
property (100 acres of land, the mill, dis-
tillerv and all) being purchased by James
Wallace for $800.
The Nesbit family, as before stated,
came originally from Scotland. They were
followers of John Knox, and, like other
dissenters, suffered persecution from the
English Clmrch. ' Portions of the old fam-
ilies went to Belfast, Ireland. John Nes-
bit, the father of Francis, was born in Rox-
burghshire, in 1702, and came to Philadel-
phia, previous to the American Revolu-
tion, finally settling in Cumberland Coun-
ty.
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
275
Francis Nesbit had four brothers — John,
James, Allen and William — and all served
more or less during the Revolutionary
War, in the American army.
"At the time when the Nesbits came
here, there were but two houses (log ones)
in Darlington, one of them a tavern partly
chinked and daubed. There was then but
one house between Darlington and Mount
Jackson, and not a dozen families in the
bounds of what is now North Beaver, and
a part of them were ' squatters, ' who soon
moved away. But during the next two
or three years twenty or thirty families
came in, principally from Cumberland
County.
"The load of 'moving' which the Nes-
bits brought with them consisted princi-
pally of the iron and other fixings for a
grist and sawmill, a barrel of salt, and one
of flour, two sets of china cups and saucers,
two sets of pewter plates, two pewter
dishes and a pewter mush-basin, a cedar
churn and a tub. In affectionate memory
of the olden time, they brought with them
a singularly-built arm chair, that had been
brought from Scotland about seventy
years before. They soon began to build
mills, having to give $18 per barrel for
flour, at Beaver Falls, twenty cents for
meat, and $1.25 per gallon for the whisky,
that seems to have been one of the things
indispensable at that day, and that was
furnished to the hands with the regularity
of the bread and meat.
"A bill of fare for breakfast then em-
braced bread, butter and coffee, a small
allowance of pork and of presei-ved wild
plums or crab apples, pone or Johnny
cake, milk, butter, and perhaps a wild tur-
key, or leg of venison, or chunk of bear's
meat, or a roasted raccoon, for dinner;
and corn meal mush, out of that pewter
Ijasin. with Initter and milk, for supiier.
"Then there were no meeting houses,
no preaching, and no graveyard. Francis
Nesbit died six or seven months after he
came to the county, and was buried in the
then woods, where the Westfield graveyard
now is. Perhaps this was the first funeral
in the township. Near that spot a small
log meeting house was soon built, and in it
there was occasional preaching.
"The appearance of the country was
truly beautiful. The rich, loamy appear-
ance of the soil, the density of the forests
and thickets, the wonderful multiplicity,
variety and gorgeousness of the blossoms
and flowers, the exhilarating perfume they
sent forth, the continual singing of the
birds, the chattering of the many squir-
rels, the beautiful plumage of the vast
flocks of turkeys, and the nimble skipping
of the deer and fox, produced a sublimity
and a grandeur far beyond anything we
have now in the cleared fields and mead-
ows into which these forests have been
transformed.
"Ere long came the vast profusion of
wild fruits. Leading the van came the
service-berry, growing luxuriantly on bot-
toms, flats and hills, and on the shelving
banks small bushes bending to the ground
with their loads of fruit. Men, birds and
animals were fully supplied, and a great
many left. Then the strawberrj-, plum,
huckleberry, haw, cherry and grape, each
added its share to the richness that nature
afforded, together with the vast amounts
of delicious nuts. The woods aboimded in
native (crab) apple, said by the Econo-
mites to be the best fruit for wine on this
continent."
There was a wonderful variety of me-
dicinal herbs, many of whose virtues in
curing disease were not well known, neither
are they now appreciated as they ought
to be. Then, in thick and broad patches,
with its beautiful flower of every con-
ceivable color, and moccasin shape, stood
the admirable CypripecVmm Puhescens of
Linnaeus, known to the people then by the
name of "ladies' slipper," and by the In-
dians "moccasin flower." There, too, was
the Verticillati (golden seal), with Vir-
ginia snake-root, ginseng, and many others
of greater or less medicinal value.
For a few years the settlers in the
276
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
northern part of Beaver County were prin-
cipally from Eastern Pennsylvania, and
some from Allegheny and Washington
Counties, mostly of Scotch and Irish ex-
traction.
Soon, however, people came in from Vir-
ginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey,
and from different countries of Europe,
most of whom were respectable, while
some were ignorant and degraded, and not
calculated to improve society.
In 1802 there were twenty-four families
li^^ng in the township, and the first town-
ship election was held that year.
Among those who came to North Beaver
in 1801 were William Barnet, Robert Lusk,
William Espy, William Mercy, Nicholas
Bryant, Leonard Dobbins, William Woods,
Joseph Pollock, John Dunnon, James Ap-
plegate, Samuel Semple, John Clelland,
James McKinley, Joseph Jackson and Will-
iam Ritchie. Of these, the last five fam-
ilies were Finns, and were all related to
each other. They formed a kind of clan,
and came out together. Jackson was a
stone mason, and built chimneys, and Sem-
ple carried a case of lancets and did bleed-
ing for the settlers whenever his services
were called for.
All the tragical deaths which have oc-
curred in the township were purely acci-
dental, and not a murder has ever been
committed within its limits — the whites
coming after the Indians were mostly gone.
A distillery was built by Lawrence Dob-
bins in 1801, in the northeast corner of
the township. As early as 1817 there were
upward of a dozen distilleries in the town-
ship. Nothing in that business has been
done for more than eighty years, and for
nearly that length of time there has been
no place for selling liquor in the limits
of the township.
In 1876 there was a population of
2,500, with 750 church members and four
congregations and thirteen schools.
"\^'illiam Carson came from Virginia in
the fall of 1799, and stayed that winter
in Allegheny Couhty, Pennsylvania. In
the spring of 1800 he brought his family,
consisting of his wife and ten children, to
the farm in North Beaver Township, now
owned by John Alexander. He had liired
a hand in Pittsburg to help him, and they
built a cabin and made other improve-
ments. The youngest child, James, was
born after they came out, in 1802.
James Bowles came in 1796, and settled
on the Beaver River, on what was after-
ward known as the Zeigler farm. He left
the country previous to the War of 1812.
Joseph Pollock came to the township
in 1800, and located on one of two farms
near where Westfleld Presbyterian Church
now stands. He afterwards moved across
the Beaver River into what is now Tay-
lor Township. When he removed from
North Beaver, he cut his own road through
the woods, and the track he made was
afterwards called "Pollock's road."
John Dunnon settled the tract next
south of the old Pollock (Wood's) place,
in 1801.
John Coleman settled on a tract south
of Mount Jackson, in 1801 or 1802. His
land laid next north of a tract settled by
John Patterson. Mr. Coleman lived to be
about 100 years old, and was buried "with
the honors of war" in the United F'res-
byterian graveyard at Mount Jackson. He
had been in one or two skirmishes in the
Revolutionary War, and had taken the no-
tion that he must be buried with the honors
of war, and accordingly his whim was grat-
ified.
But two men settled in North Beaver
Township on land they had served for in
the Revolution. They were Jacob Justice
and Jeremiah Bannon, the latter settled
on a place in the northeast part of the
township.
The Justice family was originally from
Wurtemburg, Germany, from which coun-
try John Justice came to America, at some
period prior to the American Revolution,
and settled probably in Franklin County, .
Pennsylvania. Jacob Justice was one of .six
brothers, sons of John Justice. He was
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
277
born in Eranklin County, in 1757. He
enlisted in the Sixth Pennsylvania Bat-
talion of the Continental Line on January
20, 1776 (he being then nineteen years of
age), and served until the close of the
war with England. After the independence
of the Colonies was established, he re-
turned to his home in Franklin County
and lemained there until 1797, when he re-
moved West, with the intention of set-
tling in what is now Lawrence County ; but
on account of Indian troubles he stopped in
Washington County for about two years,
and in 1799 carried out his original design,
and settled in the southeastern part of
North Beaver Township, on land which he
drew for liis services as a Revolutionary
soldier. His family consisted of his wife
and seven cliildren, six sons and one daugh-
ter — James, John, Joseph, George, Mat-
thew, Scott and Eliza.
James Justice married Esther Hopper,
a daughter of Robert Hopper, who came
to North Beaver Township fi-om Ireland
in 1797. Mr. Justice died in 1815, leav-
ing a wife and three daughters, Margaret,
Elizabeth and Esther. His wife, although
but twenty-eight years old at the time of
his death, remained true to his memory
until her demise in 1870, having been a
widow fifty-five years.
In 1813 Joseph Justice went to the new
town of New Castle, and became promi-
nently identified with the early history of
that place.
George Justice married a Miss Douglass,
and, with his wife, went West, where he
lived to a ripe old age. Scott Justice, the
youngest son, met his death by being kicked
by a horse.
Jacob Justice lived on his farm in North
Beaver Township until his death, which oc-
curred in April, 1829, he being seventy-two
years old. He was buried in the grave-
yard of the Westfield Presbyterian Church.
Nicholas Bryant, who came to the town-
ship in 1801, settled on a farm in the north-
western part now owned by the heirs of
Alexander Steele. Mr. Bryant's son,
Stephen, is said to have been the first white
child ever born in North Beaver Town-
ship.
Robert, James and Ebenezer McGowan
(sometimes spelled McGoun) came about
1806-08, and Robert and James bought a
200-acre tract of land northeast of the pres-
ent site of Mount Jackson. Ebenezer lo-
cated on a farm still farther north, lying
partly in what is now Mahoning Town-
ship, at that time in Mercer County.
Nathaniel "Wliite came from Washington
County, Pennsylvania, about 1804^07, and
settled on the farm now owned by his
grandson, James White, who lives on the
old homestead. Mr. White had nine chil-
dren in his family altogether, of whom two
are yet living — Samuel and Elizabeth, the
latter in Ohio. He originally settled 200
acres.
Richard Shearer settled early in the
northwestern part of the township. The
^Maittenbergers also came early and lo-
cated in the western part. Hugh McKib-
ben came about 1805-06, and purchased
several hundred acres of land in the south-
western part of the township. He was
quite an old man when he settled, and di-
vided his farm up among his children.
James Davidson was also among the early
settlers. He located on a farm which had
been frequented so much by wild pigeons
that it had been styled "pigeon roost."
The Pitts family came early, and Will-
iam, Jacob and John bought 479 acres of
land.
William McWatty came about 1824-25,
and located on land in the western part of
the township, purchasing it of James Al-
corn. One of the McWattys, Rev. Robert,
n-as pastor of the Second United Presby-
terian Church, at Mercer County, in 1876.
Elijah Lower came from Center Coimty,
Pennsylvania, about 1822-23, and located
on a farm west of the Martin farm. Mr.
I>ower bought the land of a man named
Painter, who had had some improvements
made upon it. The first man on the farm
was a squatter, one Shuman, who had no
278
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
title. Elijah Lower was born in Philadel-
phia, and lived to be a little more than
100 years of age.
Hugh Martin came from the Buffalo Val-
ley, in Union County, Pennsylvania, to
North Beaver Township, in 1829, and lo-
cated on the farm later owned by David
and Catherine Martin, his children. He
had visited the country in 1805. After
he settled, he lived on the place until his
death, which occurred about 1865, when
he had reached the age of eighty-two years.
The first actual settler on the farm was
William ]\IcCrearv, who came in the neigh-
borhood of 1810. '
Samuel Poak r-ame about 1804, and set-
tled on the farm subsequently owned by
Robert Brewster. He afterwards owned
several hundred acres of land in the vi-
cinity. He came from Lancaster County,
Pennsylvania, and brought with him his
sister, his wife and two children (twins), a
boy and a girl. Thirteen children were
born altogether. Robert Brewster's house
stands a few rods northeast of where Mr.
Poak's old dwelling stood. Mr. Poak had
the first title, and was the first actual
settler, although a squatter had been on
the place and built a small shanty, which
was standing when Mr. Poak came.
Henry Weon owned a tavern on what is
now called the Mount Jackson (or Pitzer's)
Hill. This place seems to have been largely
patronized.
Dr. Alexander Gillfillan was born in Ire-
land in 1784. His grandfather Gillfillan
was one of the many driven from Scot-
land by religious persecution. The doc-"
tor's father, James Gillfillan, came to
America with three sons and two brothers,
Alexander and Thomas, and settled in Al-
legheny County, Pennsylvania, in 1788. Al-
exander Gillfillan, Sr., remained there, and
Thomas went South. James moved to Mer-
cer County. Afterward, Alexander Gill-
fillan, Jr., went back to Allegheny County,
to his imcle Alexander's, and while living
there received his education under Dr.
Peter Mowry, of Pittsburg. Dr. Gillfillan
began to practice in Franklin, Venango
County, Pa., and in 1812 came to New
Castle, being the second regular physician
who located at that place. The doctor be-
came a popular man, and was very success-
ful in his profession. When quite young
he united with the Associate Reformed
Presbyterian Church. He purchased the
lot in New Castle upon which the First
United Presbyterian Church now stands,
and lived upon it during his life in that
place. October 21, 1813, he was married
to Elizabeth Patterson, of North Beaver
Township, and their first child, a son,
James Harvey Gillfillan, was born August
3, 1814. The child only lived three months,
dying of croup. December 2, 1815, a
daughter was born. She married Samuel
R. Vance, of North Beaver.
Her oldest daughter became the wife
of Robert Brewster, living east of Mount
Jackson. The second daughter was mar-
ried to Rev. J. D. Brownlee, September 4,
1866, and died Mavcli 21, 1873, of pneu-
monia, leaving three children, two boys
and a girl. The third daughter married
J. E. Nevin, of Allegheny City. Two of
Mrs. Vance's children, both girls, died dur-
ing one summer with diphtheria.
Dr. Gillfillan went out as surgeon to
Black Rock, during the War of 1812. A
fever broke out among the soldiers, which
was known as the "Black Rock Fever,"
and proved fatal in almost every case,
imtil Dr. Gillfillan, by hard study night
and day, discovered a cure and a prevent-
ive. He furnished the prescription to all
the leading surgeons in the army, without
receiving any comjiensation therefor. Many
of the men who had contracted the dis-
ease in the army took it home, and their
families were attacked with it also. Hear-
ing of Dr. Gillfillan 's great success in the
treatment of it, they sent for him "from
far and near."
Dr. Gillfillan was drowned in the Neshan-
nock Creek, at New Castle, just below
Raney's mill, June 17, 1815, while helping
haul a fishing seine. A number of the lead-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
279
ing men in tlie place were also in the
party. The late Joseph Justice nearly
lost his life on the same occasion, while
endeavoring to rescue the doctor. His
death was deeply mourned by all who knew
him, and those who were then living and
were acquainted with him fondly cherished
his memory. His widow, in 1821, was mar-
ried to Benjamin Blackburn, who lived in
Ohio, and the couple lived together fifty-
four years. Mr. Blackburn died in 1875.
His widow lived to be almost ninety years
of age. In her life she had seen seven
generations in the family.
John Patterson, a wheelwright by trade,
came to the township in 1801, and settled
south of what is now Mount Jackson, on
the farm now owned by the heirs of the
late Major James Patterson. One of his
daughters, Elizabeth, as before mentioned,
married Dr. Gillfillan. Mr. Patterson,
after some time, put up a blacksmith shop.
No coal was then known, but finally a bank
was discovered near Lindsay Robinson's
place, and not knowing there was coal in
his own neighborhood, Mr. Patterson took
a bag and went after coal to that bank,
bringing it home on horseback.
The first chimney he built was of logs,
and only extended a few feet from the
ground. Nearby the coal bank was a sand-
stone quarry, and there Mr. Patterson pro-
cured stone, and hired a man named
Thompson to build a second chimney for
him.
The first table the Patterson family had
was an old chest, which was used for some
time, and finally "Sir. Patterson procured
a couple of walnut boards, and with them
made a table. He also made some chairs,
some of which were in use not many years
ago. Their first floor was simply the con-
venient one of earth, and their bedstead
made of split chestnut timber, with feet
in. Finally, a puncheon floor was laid, a
table and a cupboard manufactured, and
other improvements made as fast as he
could get to them.
Robert Brewster came originally from
Ireland and settled in Washington County,
Pennsylvania, where he was married. In
the neighborhood of 1800, he came to what
is now Little Beaver Township, Lawrence
County, and stayed there until about
1806-08, when he removed to North Beav-
er, and located on 100 acres of land which
he bought. When Mr. Brewster was ' ' com-
ing through the wilderness," he slept on
the frosty ground, and exposed himself to
such a degree that he contracted rheu-
matism which was finally the cause of his
death. He died October 22, 1850, in his
eightieth year.
The farm now, or formerly, owned by
S. R. Vance was originally improved by
Caleb Jones, who had squatted on it, think-
ing it was a vacant tract, which it finally
proved not to be. Jones had a grist mill
on the place, which he built previous to
1812, and operated for a number of years,
doing a large business. The mill was a
log structure. Before Jones found out that
he was not on a vacant tract (which was
not till the summer of 1838) he had made
arrangements to build another mill, and
had commenced to tunnel the point of the
hill, intending to put a mill-race through.
The tunnel would have been some ten or
fifteen rods long, and he would have had
a powerful fall of nearly eighty feet. He
was obliged, however, to quit the place, as
an owner had been found. Mr. Vance pur-
chased a portion of the tract in 1839, in-
cluding the mill site. He took the ma-
chinery out of the mill and put in a set of
cards, and operated the carding-mill for
about seven years.
Mr. Vance's grandfather, Robert Vance,
was a major in the Revolutionary Army,
and served seven years. He at one time
raised a company during the Revolution,
and from their uniform they were called
"Bucktails." From that circumstance it
is said that the Pennsylvania regiment
known as the "Bucktails" during the re-
bellion, took its name. Robert Vance set-
•280
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
tied in Allegheny Countj^ after the revolu-
tion, probably about 1790, and was from
the Shenandoah Valley, in Virginia.
Major Vance's son, David Vance, was
one of the notable rivermen of early times,
and operated a keel-boat line between Pitts-
burg and "Limestone" — now Maysville,
Kj'. — making occasional trips to Cincin-
nati, Louis\'ille, New Orleans and other
points on the rivers. His cousin, Aaron
Hart, was his jjartner in business. Hart's
brother, John Hart, of New Jersey, was
one of the signers of the Declaration of In-
dependence. Major Robert Vance com-
manded a battery at the battle of Brandy-
wine, September 11, 1777.
Robert Hopper, a weaver, and his wife,
Margaret (Watson) Hopper, with a large
family of children, came from County
Down, Ireland, about 1790, and settled in
Westmoreland County. About 1797-98 they
moved to Hickory Creek, near Mount Jack-
son, North Beaver Township, and began
clearing 200 acres of virgin forest land.
He built as his residence a double log
house, with a chimney in the middle, which
structure stood for years as a landmark.
He reared a large family, all of whom
were bom in Ireland with the exception of
the two youngest. Of his children, Esther
became the wife of James Justice, son of
Jacob Justice, who settled near Moravia;
Martha married George Leslie, and Jane,
the third daughter, was the wife of Sam-
uel D. Clarke; John married Anne Hamil-
ton, and James married Maria Wilson.
The last named, James, was proprietor of
a general store at Pulaski, Lawrence
County. About 1835-36 he started East
to buy goods for his store, and was never
again heard of. It was supposed he had
met with foul play, as he carried money.
James Fullerton came from Cumber-
land County, Pennsylvania, with his wife
and a colored girl, in the spring of 1801,
and settled the farm whei-e his son, the
later Robert Fullerton, lived imtil his
death. Mr. Fullerton had been here in
1800, and built a cabin. The first child
born in the family was a daughter, Mary,
whose birth occurred in the latter part of
the year 1801. In 1802, Mr. and Mrs. Ful-
lerton went horseback across the moun-
tains on a visit, and the jaunt was so hard
on the babe, which they carried with them,
that it did not grow any for a year or
more, and was always delicate afterward.
John Sterrett bought seven acres of land
of James Fullerton, about 1812-15, and
started a tannery, but never made it profit-
able. Several others tried it, with a like
result, until 1834, when Mr. Fullerton 's
son, Robert, took it, and, with the excep-
tion of the time from about 1859 to 1865,
ran it successfully until his death.
John and George Douglass came not
long after Mr. Fullerton, and settled on a
farm north of him. John Douglass after-
ward went to Petersburg, Mahoning Coun-
ty, Ohio, and opened a tavern. James
Hope settled south of the Fullerton farm
about 1799 or 1800.
COAL, IKON OKE, LIMESTONE.
These mineral products, with fire clay,
and oil, are found in the township, also
occasional floating quantities of galena or
lead ore. The latter does not abound in
large quantities, so far as discovered. Coal
has also been found and worked to some
extent. The iron ore is found in several
veins, and of three ditferent qualities —
the red, blue and honeycomb. Petroleum
is known to exist, in greater or less quan-
tities, in the Hickory Creek region.
Previous to the time roads were cut
through, the only paths were trails through
the forest, or tracks along which the trees
were blazed so the people might not lose
their way. These were especially the kind
the children had to follow in going to and
coming from school, sometimes two or
three miles away.
EAELY EOADS.
The oldest road in the townshiiD which
was put through by white people — the New
Castle and Beaver road, commonly called
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
281
the "Beaver road" — was opened as early
as 1800, and ran along the bottom lands on
the west side of the river.
What is known as the "Small's Ferry-
road" was laid out very early, and was the
first one in that part of the township. It
was opened by Major Edward Wright,
Bryce McGeehan and others of the people
then living, and crossed the Mahoning
River at Small's Feriy, which gave it its
name. This was previous to the War of
1812. People passing between Youngs-
town and Beavertown traveled the road,
which was very crooked, and laid to ac-
commodate the settlers along the route.
SCHOOLS.
A log schoolhouse was built in 1802 or
1803, just across the line in Ohio, opposite
the southwest corner of what is now Ma-
honing Township. A Methodist preacher
named Ross taught in it. On the same
ground a second house, also of logs, was
built about 1818, and afterward another
one, which was a frame building, and used
until about 1840, when the location was
abandoned for school purposes.
A log schoolhouse was built on the Als-
worth tract, the land now owned by Mrs.
Hannah, about 1805-6. The first teacher
was James Leslie.
In 1802 a log schoolhouse was built in
the Mount Jackson neighborhood, near the
site of the Westfield Church. Bears were
so thick that some of the families would
not allow their children to attend after the
first week, for fear some prowling beast
might come upon them.
A schoolhouse was built on John Pat-
terson's place about 1805-6, also of logs.
Peter Boss, who boarded with Mr. Patter-
son, was the first teacher.
About 1810-12 a schoolhouse was built
of round logs on what was some years ago
the Daniel Davidson property. The build-
ing was erected by the McCrearys, who be-
fore this had schools in their own houses.
McCreary had a still house near by, and
during intermissions the teachers in the
old schoolhouse were accustomed to go to
the still and take their regular drams, a
custom which happily does not prevail
nowadays.
Another schoolhouse was built of hewed
logs in the same vicinity, and taught by
James White. It was heated by a "ten-
plate stove," one of the first in the vi-
cinity.
A log schoolhouse was built about 1806-
7, near the Bethel United Presbyterian
Church, and was probably used afterward
as a "session house" by the Bethel con-
gregation.
Another log schoolhouse was built on
the farm then owned by John and Archi-
bald Stewart, and afterwards by Robert
Fullerton. This was built about 1804-5,
and a man named Hassan taught in it.
In 1908 there were sixteen schools in the
township, with an enrollment of 373, and
seventeen instructors were employed, at a
cost of $5,910. The total expenditure for
school purposes was $7,902.57. The av-
erage number of months taught is seven.
Westfield Pi"esbyterian Church is lo-
cated in North Beaver Township, one
mile and a half west of ]\Iount Jackson. It
is the oldest church in the township. It
was organized in the spring of 1803, by
a committee of the Presbytery of Erie.
At its organization it consisted of twenty-
two members, including thirteen families.
The forming of a church in this commu-
nit}' was first ' ' talked over at a log-rolling,
or the raising of a log house." The ground
upon which the church building now stands
was donated for church and burial pur-
poses in the year 1802, bv Messrs. Charles
and Walter Clark.
HOUSES OF WOESHn>.
There had been erected on this ground,
and near the same spot, no less than six
different houses or places of worship. The
first was a round-log cabin, 20 bv 24 feet.
The fathers built this in the year 1803-4.
It was covered with clapboards, had
puncheons for floor and seats, and was
282
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
without either fireplace or stove. Before
long the log church was too contracted to
hold the congregation. This led the peo-
ple at an early date to ei'ect what was
called "The Tent." This was a structure
constructed of lumber, sufficiently large
to protect the ministers from the sun and
storms, while the congregation sat on logs
under the trees.
In 1817 or 1818 steps were taken toward
the building of a frame church. This
house was not finished until 1823. Its di-
mensions were 36 by 40 feet. It was heated
with a ten-plate stove, and was quite com-
fortable in its arrangements, for that day.
Money was exceedingly scarce about this
time, and all the subscriptions for com-
pleting the house were either so many feet
of boards, so many bushels of wheat, corn
or rye, or so many gallons of whisky.
The congregation increased, the frame
building was soon too small to contain the
worshipers. In the year 1829 it was re-
solved to build a new and more commodi-
ous house. After three years of toil and
difficulties and drawbacks, a large brick
church, 45 by 70 feet, was completed. This
was at that time considered one of the
finest houses of worship in this section of
the country. But after thirty years it be-
came somewhat dilapidated.
In 1862 a frame church of more modern
style was erected. This church was dedi-
cated the 8th of January, 1863, and on the
8th of January, 1872, just one year to the
day, after the burning of the former house,
and just ten years, to the day, after its
dedication, the present house was dedi-
cated to the worship and service of the
living God. Its dimensions are 45 by 85
feet. It is a frame building, and finished
inside with natural woods. It is Gothic
in architecture, has stained glass windows,
and is lieated by furnaces. It has a spire
and Meneely bell, contains two vestibules,
and a lecture and session room. It is bet-
ter arranged, more commodious, and much
more handsome than any of its numerous
predecessors.
The first pastor of the Westfield Pres-
byterian Church was the Rev. Nicholas
Pittinger. He labored in this church one-
half of his time, from October 24, 1804,
until September 13, 1805. The Rev. James
Wright, the second pastor, began his la-
bors, for half the time, June 26, 1816. In
1831 he gave up Poland congregation, his
other charge, and gave Westfield all his
time. His health failing, he resigned Jan-
uary 12, 1842, after a pastorate of nearly
twentv-six vears. His death took place
in the" following year— March 30, 1843. The
next pastor was the Rev. Algernon Syd-
ney McMastei-. His pastorate continued
from April 12, 1843, until November 9,
1854. The Rev. Thomas B. Scott was pas-
tor from September 8,. 1857, until June 19,
1860. He is at present preaching near
Galesburg, 111. The fifth pastor was
the Rev. William M. Taylor. He was or-
dained and installed by the Presbytery of
Beaver (now Shenango) June 12, 1861.
His was the longest pastorate, he continu-
ing in charge until his death, January 1,
1903, at an advanced age. He was fol-
lowed by the Rev. Albert Joseph McCart-
ney, who served until the present pastor.
Rev. Robert E. Porter, assumed the duties
of the pastorate in the present year, 1908.
The present roll of session (1908) con-
sists of A. M. Hope, James Nesbit, Elihu
Ruthrauff (clerk), R. N. Gibson, John B.
Woods, J. R, Miller, William H. Martin,
William J. Duff and Laurence Nesbit.
Board of deacons: Milton Fullerton,
James Adams, George W. Gibson, William
H. Wilev, James Hayes, William A.
Clarke, William H. Gilmore, Charles R.
Sherer, Gilbert A. ^NlcCreary.
During the pastorate of Rev. Albert
Joseph ^IcCartney Westfield congregation
celebrated the one hundredth anniversary
of the founding of their church. At this
celebration, a memorial tablet to the mem-
ory of the Rev. William M. Taylor was
unveiled.
The church has also grown in her benev-
olent contribution and spiritual activities.
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
283
The pastor is liberally supported, and
hundreds of dollars are given each year
to aid in various missionary operations.
Besides a flourishing Sunday-school, there
are at present connected with the church,
a Young Men's Christian Association, a
Young People's Christian Endeavor So-
ciety, and Ladies' Missionary Society, and
eight regular prayer meetings.
BETHEL COKGREGATION UNITED PRESBYTE-
RIAN CHURCH.
The congregation of Bethel was organ-
ized by Charities Presbytery under the
name of Little Beaver in the year 1798.
There is no record of the number of mem-
bers when organized. The people were
mostly of Scotch-Irish descent. The eld-
ers chosen at the time of organization were
Thomas Hogg, Boyce McGeelian and
Charles Morrow. Their successors in the
session were William Miller, Nathaniel
Hamill, Samuel Hopper, Robert Ramsey
and Thomas Dungan, these persons being
probably chosen and ordained at ditferent
times in the progress of the church Will-
iam Miller subsequently — about 1823 or
1824 — joined the Associate Reformed
Church of Mt. Jackson (now United Pres-
byterian) at its organization. In 1848 we
find that Robert Ramsey was enjoined to
stop keeping tavern, in accordance with a
minute on the church records which states
that "No church member can keep a tav-
ern or public house consistent with his pro-
fession and his duties to God." Subse-
quently we find the word "Removed"
marked against his name. Thomas Dun-
gan was one of the leading spirits in the
session in those early days. He was active
and benevolent beyond his means, and in
his old age he had lost none of his en-
thusiasm, and his heart was wholly de-
voted to his Master's service. His death
is recorded July 10, 1873. It will be un-
necessary to enter into a detailed history
of the session and it would be impossible
to do so as for thirty-six years there were
no records. We find the names of Robert
Sherer, Robert Galley and David Forbes
as ordained in 1844. Elder Galley subse-
quently united with the New Castle con-
gregation. In 1852, Joseph Hope, David
Ramsey and Samuel Mayne were chosen
elders ; William H. Leslie and James Bres-
ter, in 1857; Duncan McGeehan, AVilliam
F. Davidson and William Carson in 1861.
The first pastor of Bethel Congregation,
then Little Beaver, was Rev. James Dun-
can, who was a prominent member of the
Associate Presbytery of Ohio, and who
was moderator at the organization of
Charities Presbytery in 1801. He was re-
leased in 1804 and was succeeded by Rev.
David Imbrie, who was installed Septem-
ber 3, 1806, his charge including Little Bea-
ver, Brush Run and Big Beaver. His pas-
torate in these two first named charges
lasted for thirty-six years and was produc-
tive of a goodly harvest of souls. He died
suddenly on June 13, 1842.
It was not until two years later that Mr.
Imbrie 's successor, Rev. John W. Harsha,
assumed the duties of the pastorate. He
resigned the charge in 1852 to teach in
Westminster College, but there overstudy
brought on nervous prostration and re-
duced him to the condition of a helpless
invalid. In April, 1855, Rev. Samuel Alex-
ander accepted a call from Little Bethel
and Avas ordained and installed pastor Au-
gust 21 of that year. He was a man of
decided convictions and vigorous mind and
a good teacher, but was not at all times in
full accord with all the members of the
congregation. Owing to this lack of agree-
ment he was not fully sustained and the
work consequently was not carried on in a
thorough and hearty spirit. He resigned
February 20, 1872, the congregation, in
spite of accessions, being then much dimin-
ished in numbers. He died in 1895 after
seven years' lingering illness.
The congregation was vacant two years
when a call was moderated September 29,
1873, for Mr. J. S. Dice, a licentiate, of
Mercer Presbytery, which he accepted at
New Galilee. February 17, 1874. Mr. Dice
284
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
has remained the faithful and capable pas-
tor of Little Bethel up to the present time.
An interesting sketch of his life may be
found in the biographical portion of this
work. The present membership of the
church (1908) is forty-six families, 145
members. Robert S. Clark, W. P. Kelso
and William McCalla are the ruling elders.
The trustees are Albert J. Gwin, William
E. Patterson and George L. Stewart. The
superintendent of the Sabbath-school is
Fred W. Dixon ; Grace Paden is secretary ;
Thomas Cover, treasurer. The school
membership is seventy-five.
MOUNT JACKSON.
This village was laid out by John Nesbit,
on his share of the old farm, about 1815.
It was named in honor of General Andrew
Jackson, who had, on the 8th of January
of that year, gained a signal victory over
the British troops under General Packen-
ham, at New Orleans, in which battle the
British leader was killed. The first house
on the town plat was built by William
Henry, who had been living on Hickory
Creek, west of the place where Dr. Allen
Nesbit afterwards lived. When the town
was laid out, he removed to it, built a
house, and opened a store in it.
George Eccles began blacksmithing soon
aftetuard, and was the first blacksmith in
the village. Joseph Hughes probably had
the first wagon shop, and Robert McCand-
less opened the next one.
Benjamin Wells started the shoemaking
business, and Samuel Lane (a descendant
of the Finns, who, in company with the
Swedes, settled in Delaware in 1638) came
at nearly the same time. Lane was a tall,
slim man, and exceedingly polite.
The second house in town was built by
Matthew A. Calvin, who opened a tavern
there. He was a lame man and had been
teaching school previous to this, in New
Castle. After keeping the tavern for about
twenty years, he removed to Mercer Coun-
ty, where he had a son who was a physi-
cian.
' ' All the early taverns kept bars ; and a
well known gentleman, who at one time
had a tavern in the place, agreed to sign
the pledge, and quit selling liquor at his
house, if the people would buy the stock
he had on hand, and pay him for it. This
they did, and emptied the liquor out on the
snow, and tried to burn it. It was fire-
proof, however, and the boys who were
fond of their sups came and ate the snow
to get the whisky out of it."
Robert Tait came to Mount Jackson
about 1831 and in 1835 opened a tavern;
he also carried on the hatting business.
Before he came, William Miller had a shop
also, and worked at the hatting business,
but finally discontinued it. Mr. Tait car-
ried it on a number of years, making sev-
eral varieties of hats, from fur to silk.
Journeymen hatters were always kept at
work. For one year David McConahy
worked at the business with Mr. Tait.
Mr. Tait's father, Samuel Tait, came
from Ireland, and in 1809 or 1810 located
on the farm now owned by Joseph Dick-
son. Mr. Tait was the first settler on the
place.
A postoffice was established at Mount
Jackson about 1817, with William Henry
as the first postmaster. Before the office
was established it was necessary to go to
New Castle, five miles distant, for mail.
Mount Jackson was laid out purposely to
secure a postoffice. John Ferguson held
the office of postmaster after Henry.
The first physician in the place was. a
mineral doctor named Robert Smith. Fol-
lowing him came Dr. Robert McClelland,
also a mineral doctor. Dr. McClelland was
an old schoolmate of Dr. Allen Nesbit, and
was persuaded by him to come to the place.
Dr. Nesbit began practicing on the Botanic
or Thompsoniau system, while Dr. Mc-
Clelland was at the place, and kept up his
practice until about 1865.
Thomas Ferguson, a brother of John
Ferguson, came from Steubenville about
1828-30 and conducted a shoe shop until
1885.
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
285
About 1822 John Justice built the first
lannery iu the vicinity, it being located
about a mile south of the town. He after-
ward removed to Ohio. Another tannery
was built about 1832 by William Alcorn.
A log schoolhouse was built about
1815-16, where Louis Etter's wagon shop
formerly stood, and was the first one in
the town. The ground was reserved by
John Nesbit for school purposes when he
laid out the town.
In 1875 John L. Camblin built a plan-
ing mill a short distance east of town.
Mount Jackson is located on the summit
of one of the highest hills in the neighbor-
hood, having a steep descent on the west
and south towards Hickory Creek, and
stretching oft' on a comparative plane to-
wards the east and north. The place con-
tains several stores, and has some neat
and cosy residences and a substantial
school building. Until the present two-
story school building was constructed, the
house originally erected by the members
of the Free Presbyterian Church was used
as a school building and was located at the
forks of the road where the John ^McGin-
ness residence has since been built.
The United Presbyterian Church, at
Mount Jackson, was organized about the
year 1820 or 1822 by a number of persons
who had elsewhere been members or ad-
herents of what was then called the "As-
sociate Reformed Presbyterian Church of
North America." These persons occasion-
ally secured the services of itinerant min-
isters, who would preach a day or two
at a time in a barn or private house to
those who were disposed to attend. From
such small beginnings, in the course of
two or three years, a congregation of per-
haps twenty-five members was organized.
About 1825 the services of a missionary —
one John Norwood — recently from Ireland,
were secured for one-third of his time.
After serving for one year in this capacity,
lie was settled as permanent pastor for
one-third of his time. There were then
about thirty or tliirty-five members, among
them being the Millers, Chambers, Kyles,
Hammils, Davidsons, Alcorns and Black-
burns.
During the summer of 1825 the first
church building was erected. It was a
frame structure. Mr. Norwood resigned
his charge in 1833, and for four years
subsequently the congregation was without
a pastor. In October, 1837, John Neil,
a young man from Washington County,
Pennsylvania, who had just finished his
theological studies, became pastor and re-
mained until 1860. Under his pastoral
care the congregation increased from thir-
ty-five members to 140, and became able to
support a pastor for his whole time.
In 1857 a new frame church building, 40
by 50, was erected at a cost of between
by 50 feet, was erected at a cost of between
$2,000 or $3,000. In the year 1858, at the
consummation of the union between the As-
sociate and Associate Reformed Presby-
terian Churches, this congregation, in com-
mon with all others in the Associate Re-
formed Church, became a United Presby-
terian Church.
After Mr. Neil gave up the charge, the
congregation was without a pastor for over
a year, when the Rev. Cyrus Cummins
became pastor, and for eight years faith-
fully performed the duties devolving upon
him. He then resigned, and was followed,
after an interval of about one year, by
the Rev. Hugh R. McClelland, who took
charge of the congregation in October,
1870. He has been followed by other pas-
tors, and although the congregation has
suffered much at different times from
death and removals it has increased in
numbers and good works. The church edi-
fice is located half a mile south of the cal-
lage, on the south side of Hickory Creek.
The Free Presbyterian Church was or-
ganized in 1846 by the members of the
Presbyterian Church at Westfield. The
new organization numbered about fifty
members in full communion. The Civil
War which followed the secession of the
Southern States, having resulted in the
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
abolition of slavery, and the action of the
general assemblies of the Presbyterian
Church, which met in 1864, 1865 and 1866,
having, in some measure, removed the
causes of the separation, the members of
the Free Church almost unanimously re-
solved to dissolve their organization and
unite with other sister churches. The
above resolution was adopted in June,
1866, after having maintained their organi-
zation for nearly twenty years. Nearly all
the members went back to the church from
which they had separated.
Methodist Episcopal Church. — The
pioneer Methodist, at Mount Jackson, was
Jacob Bear, who came from Northumber-
land County, Pennsylvania, with his fam-
ily in 1825. Mr. Bear was born in the Buf-
falo Valley, in Union County. Through
Mr. Bear's efforts, a class was organized
at Mount Jackson about 1838, by Eev. Ru-
fus Parker. Previous to its organization
meetings were held as early as 1828 at Mr.
Bear's house. Mr. Bear was one of the
first associate judges of Lawrence County,
the other being Charles T. Whippo. When
the Methodist class was organized, its first
leader was Richard M. Bear, and William
Marrs was the second. The class was or-
ganized some three or four years before
the church was built. A Sabbath- school
was organized early, and has been kept up
most of the time since.
The church, a frame building, was erect-
ed about 1842, on land purchased from
John Nesbit, who laid out the town. Tt has
since been repaired and remodeled, and is
yet standing.
MORAVIA.
This ])]ace is the site of the old Moravian
missions, founded in 1770, and originally
located on the broad bottomland on the
east side of the river. It is said that when
the missionaries and their converts were
coming up the Beaver they passed, near
where Newport now stands, a village of
Indian maidens who were all single, and
pledged never to marry. The village was
moved from the east to the west side of
the river, because the former locality was
too low and unhealthy. The western town
stood a short distance north of the pres-
ent Moravia station, and there the Mora-
vians stayed until 1773, when they removed
to the Tuscarawas Valley, in Ohio. Long
after the Christian Indians had left the
locality, and after subsequent Indian
troubles, the region was again settled by
whites, and this time permanently.
About 1798 William Forbes settled just
below the present village, and soon after
built a grist mill and a sawmill on the
Beaver River. The dam was nearly half
a mile above the mill, and the construction
of it and the digging of the mill-race must
have required an immense amount of labor.
Mr. Forbes held the office of justice of the
peace and died some time before the War
of 1812.
James Alsworth came from Franklin
County, Pennsylvania, in November, 1804,
with his wife and six children. Three chil-
dren were born in the family after they ar-
rived. The youngest of the six children
who came with their parents was William
Alsworth. James Alsworth settled a 200-
acre tract and made the first improvements
upon it.
The village of Moravia was laid out by
David W. 1). Freeman, about 1863-64, soon
after the New Castle and Beaver Railway
was ojiened for travel.
The town has a fine location on the hill
above the river, commanding a view both
up and down the stream and across the
fertile "bottoms" on the eastern shore.
The Erie & Pittsburg Railway affords
shipping and traveling facilities, and the
town, though yet small, has a wide future
before it, in which to become equal in im-
portance to its sister towns in the coimty.
PERRY TOWNSHIP.
This was one of the thirteen original
townships of Lawrence County, its posi-
tion being the southeast corner, on the east
side of Slippery Rock Creek. Owing to
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
287
the creek being the boimdary line, the
township is somewhat triangular in shape.
The surface is generally uneven, the hills
rising to a height of several hundred feet
above the waters of the Slippery Rock, and
the 'Valleys between them are usually nar-
row.
The soil is generally fertile, and the
different grains and fruits which tiie coun-
try produces are here grown in profusion.
The township is watered by numerous
streams, most of which are branches of
Slipper}' Rock Creek. The most impor-
tant of the smaller streams is Camp Run,
which flows in a southerly direction
through the eastern portion of the town-
ship, and enters the Conoquenessing
Creek in Franklin Township, Beaver Coun-
ty, Pennsylvania. The stream affords con-
siderable ])ower. It takes its name from
the fact that the settlers along it had a
great many "sugar camps," the "sugar
trees" standing very thick in the valley.
Hickory timber was also plenty, and the
name "Hickory Run" would have been
just as applicable.
Along all the streams are rugged and
precipitous banks, and in many i)laces the
scenery partakes of a wildness and gran-
deur beyond description. "Along Slip-
pery Rock Creek the frowning bluffs rise
to a height of 400 feet, their sides covered
with huge fragmentary masses of sand-
rock and a dense growth of hemlock.
Away down below, the waters of the stream
rush impetuously over a rock bed. and oc-
casionally foam and dash down a steep and
narrow rapid, or tumble with angry com-
motion over a low ledge, each particular
drop of water seemingly furiously strug-
gling with its might to become first among
its sisters whirling onward to the sea. In
every spot along the Slippery Rock the
scenery is delightful, and it is by no means
necessary for the inhabitants of the land
to go beyond its banks to find a grand cul-
mination of nature's beauties. The gray
old sandstone, with its mossy surface, oc-
casionally shelving and forming a gloomy
recess underneath, the ragged fragments,
piled in reckless confusion, the somber
hemlocks and humbler, though not less
beautiful, laurel, the occasional dripping
brooklets, their waters falling carelessly
over the rocky banks, the larger stream,
with its swift rushing waters dashing mad-
ly down the deep and narrow gorge, com-
bined, make a picture worthy the pencil
or brush of the artist, and one that, once
seen and appreciated, is not easily for-
gotten. ' '
Much of the territory along Slippery
Rock Creek was leased by oil companies,
and a number of wells bored, the result
not always realizing expectations, how-
ever.
An Armstrong iron bridge, manufac-
tured at New Brighton, Beaver Comity,
Pennsylvania, was built across the creek,
at the wells, about 1870, and is a strong,
substantial structure.
Coal abounds throughout the township,
and except where the vein approaches
Slippery Rock Creek, is of an exceedingly
fine quality. The upper vein averages
about four feet in thickness, except as it
approaches the creek, where it becomes
thinner. It has been worked in a number
of places to good advantage.
Iron ore is also found, in quality very
rich. Below the upper coal vein is a vein
of fire clay, averaging some three feet in
thickness, and below that both bog and
kidney ore are found.
Limestone also abounds, but owing to its
lying next the iron, and being more or les3
impregnated with and gradually merged
into it, is worth but little for burning, and
is valueless for building purposes.
A large proportion of the lands in Per-
ry Township are in what was known orig-
inally as the "Chew district." Benjamin
Chew, of Philadelphia, had secured a tract
of land in the southern part of what is
now Lawrence County, including portions
of Big Beaver, Waj-ne, Shenango, Slip-
pery Rock and Perry Townships. It was
surveyed into 400-acre tracts, and each
HISTORY OF LAWEENCE COUNTY
settler on a tract was entitled to half for
settling. The balance was sold at a small
price and in quantities to suit purchasers.
The Chew tract was four or five roiles in
width and some eight or ten miles in
length.
When the territory in western Penn-
sylvania was first surveyed, a body con-
sisting of eight tracts of 400 acres each —
two tracts north and south, and four east
and west — was put down on the survey-
or's map as "depreciated lands," or lands
not fit for settling. These became known
as the "eight tracts," a narae they still
retain, and were located principally in the
northern part of what is now Perry Town-
ship. As these lands are equal, if not su-
perior, to any in the township, it is pos-
sible that the surveyors, with an instinc-
tive knowledge of their future value, re-
ported them in the manner they did in or-
der to deceive settlers, and some time set-
tle on or speculate in the tracts themselves.
But if such were their designs they were
speedily fn.;strated when the settlers be-
gan to come in and choose those tracts
first of all. It is a fact that the earliest
settlements in the township were made on
these same "depreciated lands," and some
of the best improvements today are in this
locality.
EAKLY SETTLEMEKTS AND SETTLEES.
About the year 1796 Matthew Murray
settled on Tract Number Four, 200 acres,
and was the first settler on the place. Mr.
Murray came from Maryland, with his
wife and seven children. Five children
were born after he made his settlement,
the first one, Thomas, very soon after they
came, said to have been the first white
child born on Slippery Eock Creek. Mr.
Murray served in the Eevolution, and was
in the Light Horse under "Light Horse
Harry Lee." Two of Mr. Murray's sons,
Matthew and William, were out at Black
Eock during the War of 1812, and two
others, James and John, were with Gen-
eral Harrison, at Fort Meigs and vicinity.
Matthew Murray, Sr., died in 1827; his
wife died in 1812 or 1813.
During the years 1797 and 1798 a num-
ber of settlers came in, and after that the
filling up of the township proceeded mor'e
rapidly.
James Stewart, Robert Young, William
Scott, Thomas and Marvin Christy, and
Eobert Stewart, came during the two years
above mentioned, and settled in the same
neighborhood. The Christeys and Eobert
Stewart settled just across in Butler Coun-
ty, and the others in what is now Perry
Township, Lawrence County.
James Stewart came in 1798. He was
originally from what was then Adams
County, Pennsylvania, and for a while
stopped in the valley of Pigeon Creek,
Washington County. When he came to
Lawrence County he located on a farm in
the northern part of Perry Township. Mr.
Stewart was a tall, athletic man, and could
stand and jump over "anything he could
lay his chin over." His father, Matthew
Stewart, had served in the Eevolutionary
War, and though not as tall as his son,
was fully as active and very quick. James
Stewart's daughter, Joanna, born April
24, 1801, was the wife of William Gealey,
Sr., who lived in Plain Grove Township,
Lawrence County.
Eobert Yoimg was from Ireland, and he
and William Scott made a settlement on
the same tract. For a long time there was
considerable strife between them as to
which one the tract belonged to. They
finally settled the dispute by dividing it,
and afterwards lived amicably as neigh-
bors. Young had made improvements near
the center of the tract, and when the divi-
sion was made, Scott took a strip off each
side in order to allow Young to keep his
improvements.
William Scott's oldest son, John, served
in the War of 1812.
A peddler, named John Fulton, came in
1797, and settled on the east side of Slip-
pery Eock Creek, at the spot where the
stream is crossed by what is known a;s
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
289
"Harris' Ford." Fiilton was in some way
connected with the Harris faniilj-, from
whom the ford derives its name.
James Stewart, a different personage
from the man already mentioned, came
from Peter's Creek Valley, Allegheny
County, Pennsylvania, and settled on the
farm recently owned by Andrew Powell,
in 1796 or 1797. He came with his father
and mother. His father, John Stewart,
served in the Continental Army during the
Revolutionary War, and fought in the bat-
tle of Brandywine, September 11, 1777.
James Stewart was not married wjien he
came with his parents, but some time pre-
vious to the War of 1812, he married
Nancy Morrison, whose parents lived on
Camp Run. John Stewart lived a num-
ber of years after the settlement, and died
aged over seventy years. James Stewart
served as captain in the War of 1812. He
was a great hunter, and took extreme de-
light in the sports of the chase. He had
a rifle which he called "Old Danger,"
which carried a ball weighing nearly an
ounce.
A man named Hawkins was the original
settler of the farm afterwards owned by
Andrew Elliott, and later by William Cur-
ry, of Pittsburg. Hawkins must have been
out previous to the year 1800. He made
the first improvements on the place, sold
it to Elliott, and left the eountrv before
1812. Mr. Elliott located on the place the
2nd day of May, 1807, and in 1812 taught
school in a log schoolhouse which was
built on his place. The original tract, as
settled by Hawkins, consisted of 200 acres.
Among the first settlers in the southern
portion of the township were Charles
Dobbs, William Morton, and others, who
located along the line at present dividing
the two counties of Beaver and Lawrence.
Job Randolph settled on Camp Run
about 1805. He was at that time a young
man, and was married after he came to
the township. He, with his parents, when
but eight years of age, came from near
Princeton, N. J., the family settling first
in Washington County, Pennsylvania, and
afterwards removing to Beaver, now Law-
rence County. His son, John Randolph,
laid out the town of Princeton, naming it
after the old dwelling place of the family.
John Randolph was one of the first com-
missioners of Lawrence Coimty.
Some time previous to the War of 1812-
15, probably about 1810, Amos Pyle came
with his family from Peter's Creek Val-
ley, Allegheny Coimty, Pennsylvania. The
family consisted of himself, his wife and
six children, and four more children were
born after his settlement, making ten in
all. Mr. Pyle had been here about 1807-8,
and made some improvements on the place,
and also built a sawmill on Camp Run.
After he brought his family, he built a log
grist mill on the run, on the site of the mill
then owned by Caleb Pyle. Mr. Pyle's
brother. Caleb Pyle, Sr., came with him,
and served as a lieutenant in the War of
1812. The Pyles were originally from
England, and settled first in Chester Coun-
ty, Pennsylvania. Amos Pyle's wife was
an eye-witness of the battle of Bunker
Hill, and her father, William Wright, was
in the ranks of the Americans that day,
fighting manfully for "Liberty and Inde-
pendence. ' '
Edward White came early to the town-
ship, and settled on a -iOO-acre tract. White
built a couple of small cabins and a barn,
all of logs, on the tract, and then left it.
A colored man, named Ca'sar Mercy, then
got a man named Sturgeon, living in Pitts-
burg, to go and make further and better
improvements. White returned and tried
to hold the place by virtue of the improve-
ments he had made, but Mercy's (or Stur-
geon's) improvements were superior, and
Wliite had no show for at least a part of
the tract.
In 1825 John Weller purchased 200
acres of Mrs. Sturgeon, and located on
the land. The balance of the 400-acre tract
is now, or was formerlj^ owned by George
H. Magee, William Weller, James Bran-
don and J. H. Mitchell.
290
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
George H. Magee, owning a part of this
tract, came to the township about 1837,
and purchased 200 acres of Robert Aiken,
locating and residing upon it until his
death. He had previously lived on the
Conoquenessing Creek, in Butler County.
Robert Aiken came from the Youghio-
gheny Valley, seven miles above McKees-
port, in April, 1804, bringing four children
with him. Purchasing land of Edward
White, he located upon it, near where the
present residence of George H. Magee
stands. Mr. Aiken raised four children
after he came to the township, viz. : Rob-
ert, Margaret, Jolm and Eliza Jane. The
other children were Ann, born in 1798, at
the old home on the "Yough"; James,
Andrew and William. Mrs. Aiken died in
1835, aged sixty-six years, and Mr. Aiken
in 1850, at the age of eighty.
Jacob Van Gorder came from New Jer-
sey about 1806, and settled on Slippery
Rock Creek. He built a sawmill some time
after he came, and some time between
1845 and 1850 erected a grist mill, which
was later operated by his sons.
Elias Van Gorder, brother to Jacob,
came in 1808, and settled on a farm owned
by Smith, Collins & Co., a Philadelphia
oil firm. He brought three or four chil-
dren with him. He went to Erie in Cap-
tain Kildoo 's company, during the War of
1812, and died there. This company was
raised in the neighborhood, and had mem-
bers from Perry, Slippery Rock, Wayne,
and other townships, and probably some
from Butler County.
ROADS.
The first road in the township was one
which was intended to run through old
Harmony Y'illage, in Butler County. Its
route was from the spot where the iron
bridge at the oil well now stands, through
to the old Freeman farm, at the Butler
County line, thence on to Harmony. It
was cut through Perry Township to the
county line, but was never met from the
other side, and consequently was never fin-
ished. Trade went in those days almost
exclusively to Harmony, and when a road
was opened it was well traveled, but finally
business took a start in New Castle, and
was pushed so briskly that Harmony lost
much of its custom, which went to New
Castle, and the old road grew up to brush.
A petition was afterwards circulated for a
State road, which was finally viewed from
New Castle to Zelienople, Butler Coimty,
and partially cut through, on a part of
the same track the old road followed.
Another State road was located on near-
ly the same line, varying a little from it
in some places, but a petition was gotten
up, and the road annulled and vacated,
and a road laid running from the oil works
down along the hollow, up the hill past the
site of the old Covenanter Church, and on
to Zelienople.
The Wurtemberg and Portersville State
road was laid out about the time the coun-
ty of Lawrence was created, 1849-50.
Matthew Stewart built a grist mill on
the "run" which flowed through his farm,
very early, and a road was laid south and
southwest from it, probably intended to go
through to Beaver town. Part of the road
is still in the "Eight Tract settlement."
The old mill contained one run of stone,
and succumbed to the ravages of time
years ago.
MILITARY RECORD.
The earlj'^ comers to the township had
among their number several veterans of
the Revolution — those who fought to keep
alive the spark of that liberty which had
been so boldly asserted as the rightful
possession of the colonists — and their chil-
dren roused themselves to action, and pre-
served the honor of their country and the
fame of their sires when the English ag-
gressions brought on the struggle of 1812-
15.
After that war was over and peace once
more "spread her wings 'neath the banner
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
291
of stars," militia organizations and volun-
teer rifle companies were kept up for sev-
eral years.
About 1820 a rifle company called the
"Rifle Hornets," or "Hornet Rifles," was
organized under the law which exempted
the members from further military duty
after a continuous service of seven years.
The company had a membership of from
forty to fifty men, anned with common
rifles, each furnishing his own uniform
and arms. The uniform was a blue capote,
or frock, with red facings and white fringe,
red sash, citizen's hat with white plume,
and white pants. Alexander Morrison and
J. H. Van Gorder were at one time officers
of this company, the former ranking as
captain and the latter as second-lieuten-
ant. The company was made up of men
from the immediate vicinity.
During the "War of the Rebellion, the
township was largely represented. In this
war of a nation's children — a war between
brothers — many who entered the service
from Perry were maimed for life, and
others await today the final trump from
the grassy graves on Southern fields, when
they shall gather once more with the dear
ones who mourn them.
SCHOOLS.
In the fall of 1805 a sehoolhouse was
built of round logs just across the line in
Beaver County, on land owned by Will-
iam Thomi^son. Tliis was the first school-
house in the neighborhood, but, owing to
some dispute, it was burned down before
it was ever occupied.
Another one was built immediately on
the same site, also of round logs, and
stood for a number of years. The first
teacher was John Ker (or Kerr), who was
living on the Sturgeon place with his
mother, and owned no land. He was of
Irish descent, and was not very popular,
though a good-hearted man. Owing to
the scarcity of teachers he was welcomed,
however. His greatest fault was gross
mi spronunciation.
A sehoolhouse was built, about 1812,
on land then owned by Andrew Elliott,
who was the first teacher in the building.
The settlers in the neighborhood had two
sites picked out for the location of the
sehoolhouse, and it was agreed among them
that the one that had the most pupils sub-
scribed should be the place to build it.
Robert Aiken settled the matter when it
came his turn to subscribe, by putting
down five pupils for the Elliott location,
and there the sehoolhouse was built. The
children who attended this school were
dressed in blue linsev, and were familiarlv
called the "Eight-tracts Blues." Mr.
Aiken was as good as his word, and sent
five children.
Some time previous to the year 1808 a
house was built on land owned by Samuel
McElwain. It was built for a dwelling,
and used for school purposes, about
1809-10. The first teacher was an Irish-
man named Samuel Sterrett. School was
only kept in this building two or three
terms.
At an early date a sehoolhouse was built
on the west side of Camp Run, in the south-
ern part of the township. A man named
John Hines was probably the first teacher.
Another one was built of logs on the old
Robert White farm. This was later, about
1825-26. James H. Van Gorder taught in
it six months, and others taught both be-
fore and after him. It was used until
18.34, when the law establishing free
schools was passed, and it was abandoned.
After the school law came in force,
schoolhouses were built twenty feet square,
the first one being north of the old James
]\Iorton farm. Teachers at that time were
scarce, and but few of them were com-
petent, and people hired what they could
get, from sheer necessity.
The second sehoolhouse, under the school
law, was built about 1836-37, on the State
road leading from Wurtemburg to Por-
tersville, about two and one-half miles
from Wurtemburg. It was built "on the
292
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
bounds of the road," and no land was
leased or bought upon which to erect it.
The next one was built on the Armstrong
fai*m, but was moved to a more central
location, on the Andrew Elliott land, where
the present schoolhouse stands. The house
is now known as the "Elliott schoolhouse."
Another was built on the southeast side
of the creek, at "W'urtemburg, one on Camp
Run, and another in the northeastern part
of the township.
In 1908 there are five schools in the
township, with the same number of teach-
ers, and an enrollment of 128 pupils. Total
expenditures, $2,139.28; estimated value
of school property, $3,750.
CHURCHES.
Mountville United Presbyterian Church
was organized as an Associate or Seceder
Church, in 1808 or 1810, probably by Rev.
McClintock, who had preached in the neigh-
borhood as early as 1798. After this, As-
sociate Reformed preachers occasionally
held forth in the neighborhood also, and
the early meetings were held at private
houses— at Mv. Young's, Mr. Scott's and
other places, and, during warm weather,
in barns. Anioug the founders of the As-
sociate congregation were Robert Young,
William Scott, Thomas Christy, Robert
Ai-ken, John Frew, Job Randolph, James
Stewart and James Vance, who were all
pioneers in the settlement of the neighbor-
hood.
About 1810 a small church was built
of round logs, on land subsequently owned
by Daniel Thomas, which was the farm
next adjoining the John Fulton place.
The log church was used until 1822, when
a frame church was erected. A more com-
modious edifice was erected in 1840, on
the hill west of the residence of James
Aiken. The ground was donated by Rob-
ert Aiken, and included four acres. Addi-
tional ground for burial purposes was sub-
sequently purchased by the society.
The first settled pastor was Rev. Alex-
ander Murray, who preached as early as
1809, but was probably not settled until
a later date. Rev. Mr. McClintock pos-
sibly preached a few times in the old log
church, as an assistant to Mr. Murray.
The latter preached to the congregation
until 1845, when he died, in the thirty-sev-
enth year of his ministry. He was buried
in the present graveyard.
After Mr. Murray died, the church was
sup])lied by different ministers, until Rev.
Joseph McClintock was settled, which was
in 1847-48. He stayed nine years, and
after him came Rev. Andrew Irons, who
became unable to preach soon after he was
settled, through failing health. Mr. Irons
came in the spring or summer of 1857, and
after his health failed had the church sup-
plied for a while out of his own wages.
He died near the close of December, 1863.
Rev. John Donaldson was the next pas-
tor; he came in June, 1865, and ceased
his labors with the congregation in 1869.
After this the church was supplied until
the summer of 1874, when Rev. John Pat-
terson was called, under whose charge the
church flourished. Rev. J. J. Ralston be-
came i^astor in 1889, and served with great
devotion for seventeen years, when he re-
signed, June 26, 1906. This congregation
has now been without a regular pastor for
more than a year. The church has sixty-
five members and the Sabbath-school an
enrollment of sixty-eight. The church was
named "Mountville," by Rev. Alexander
Murray, soon after it was built. It had
pre\dously been known as the "Eight
Tracts Church."
About 1840 a Covenanter, or Reformed
Presbyterian Church was built, the first
pastor of which was probably Rev. Thomas
Guthrie. In 1859 this congregation re-
moved to Wurtemburg, in Wayne Town-
ship, and organized as a United Presby-
terian Society, wliich is still continued.
Part of the village of Wurtemburg lies
in Perry Township, and the postofBce has,
at different times, been kept on this side
also, but is now in that portion of the vil-
lage which lies in Wayne Township. Some
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
293
fine residences and one store are located
in "South Wurtemburg."
The bluff on the south side of Slippery
Rock Creek, at the bend opposite Wurtem-
burg, is 390 feet high, and very steep.
PLAINGROVE TOWNSHIP.
There was in each of the original coun-
ties of Beaver and Mercer, a township
called Slippery Rock. These two town-
ships adjoined each other, and as long as
they were in separate counties they were
known by the county in which each was
located. On the division of Mercer and
Beaver counties, and the creation there-
from of Lawrence County, these two town-
ships were brought together in the same
county. To distinguish them apart one
was called Slippery Rock and the other
North Slippery Rock. But, finally. North
Slippery Rock was divided east and west
through the center, on the 13th day of
April, 1854, and two new townships formed
from it, North Slippery Rock no longer
being retained as the name of the town-
ship or any part of it. The new organiza-
tions were called Washington and Scott,
the former being the northern half of the
old township and the latter the southern.
This order was maintained until Febru-
ary 14, 1855, when the eastern portions
of Washington and Scott were erected into
a new township called Plain Grove, or, as it
is now generally written, Plaingrove. On
the 15th of February, 1859, Washington
Township was enlarged by the addition of
a strip three-fourths of a mile in width
taken from Scott, leaving the three town-
ships in the shai^e they now are. This
was from territory originally in the county
of Mercer. Old Slippery Rock (or North
Slippery Rock) township was erected some
time between the third Monday of Novem-
ber, 1805, and the third Monday of Feb-
ruary, 1806.
The surface of Plaingrove is less broken
than most of those in Lawrence County.
The soil is generally fertile and produc-
tive. The area of the township is about
11,800 acres. The improvements in many
parts are excellent, and as an agricultural
township Plaingrove is not beliind any in
the county in most respects. It is well
watered and possesses a considerable
amount of timber.
Two streams of some size head near the
northern boundary of the township and
flow in a southerly course, discharging
their waters into Slippery Rock Creek.
These streams are Taylor's and Jamison's
runs. The power on each has been utilized,
and since a very early date mills have been
operated on their banks. Each has a num-
ber of small tributaries.
Originally there extended through near-
ly the center of the township, east and
west, a strip of pine timber, reaching
across into both Mercer and Butler Coim-
ties. This strip was about a quarter of
a mile wide, and at one time contained
some valuable timber, but it has been
largely culled out. The strip is not con-
tinuous, as in places narrow belts of land,
covered with other varieties of timber,
cross it. There were in Plaingrove Town-
ship several hundred acres of this timber
originally.
The coal resources of Plaingrove are ex-
tensive, and in nimaerous places mines are,
or have been, worked. The first banks in
the township were opened in the neighbor-
hood of the year 1840. The oldest banks
were those opened by John and Isaac Low-
ry and Joseph Totten. The thickness of
the veins in the township will average
about three feet, the coal being of a good
quality.
In 1860 a niunber of test-wells were
bored for oil in the township, owing to
the strong excitement raised by the dis-
covery of oil in great quantities in the
newly opened oil regions of Butler and
Venango Counties. On the farm of W. H.
H. Miles a well was put down about 125
feet, passing through fine beds of coal at
the depths of thirty, sixty and ninety feet.
The excitement in the main oil regions
tended largely toward stopping the work
294
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
in this part of Lawrence County, and it
was finalh' abandoned altogether. An-
other well was bored on the farm of Jo-
seph ]\Ioore, just in the edge of Butler
County. Mr. Moore's residence was in
Lawrence County. This was also aban-
doned. In both the Miles and Moore wells
a fine stream of water was tapped.
Iron ore is also found in the township,
and generally of a fair quality. Along
Slippery Rock Creek the "blue ore"
abounds, but it is much harder to work
than the "red ore," and does not pay
as well ; consequently, it is not much used.
About 1853-55 the'"Myra Furnace" was
built by Emery & Culbertson, and operated
by those parties until 1870. Mr. Culbert-
son died just before the institution broke
up. Of itself it was a paying establish-
ment, but the proprietors became interest-
ed in numerous other furnaces, and, owing
to the heavy strain, were obliged to close
up their business. The ore they used was
taken out in the immediate vicinity, to-
gether with the other necessary articles
for their use, limestone and coal. The ore
was of the red quality, generally easily
worked. Most of it could be shoveled up
readily, wliile with some of it the use of
the pick and blast became necessary.
Of the land in Plaingrove, as well as in
other parts of the county, much was not
patented for several years after it was set-
tled, and other tracts were never patented,
and were finally sold for taxes. In many
cases the original surveys were produc-
tive of considerable litigation on account
of inaccuracies in description.
Among the early patents are the fol-
lowing :
The farm now, or formerly, owned by
J. M. Lawrence, Esq., was patented by
Benjamin Pearson, January 31, 1806, in
pursuance of a warrant issued in 1805.
The original tract was called "Hope," and
consisted of 400 acres. It was probably
settled by Mr. Pearson.
On the 18th of December, 1818, a patent
was issued to William George for 258
acres, including the place more recently
occupied by David George.
John Gealey's patent was granted Oc-
tober 6, 1810; warrant issued May 31,
1806. The amount of land was 394 acres
and sixty-four perches, and was patented
as "Gay Lodge," and described as lying
in "Slippery Rock Township, Mercer
County," which it then was, the township
having been erected about the beginning of
that year.
Michael Brown's patent was dated
March 23, 1807. The land described is lo-
cated partly in Plaingrove Township and
partly in Washington.
A patent for 392 acres was granted to
Joshua Miles, April 29, 1812.
James, Thomas, John and Robert Mc-
Coinmon were granted a patent April 18,
1815, to 407 acres and 131 perches. The
survey was made November 15, 1815.
A patent was issued to Marmaduke
Jamison on the 13th of April, 1814. The
land has since passed through various
hands.
Samuel Allen and James Blair received
a patent dated October 2, 1818.
James George and Martha Newell — pat-
ent dated Julv 16, 1807; warrant issued
April 8, 1805.'
John Offutt bought 165 acres of Ben-
jamin Pearson, the deed being dated May
31,1806.
Hugh McKee received a patent for 397
acres on the 21st of March, 1809.
These are but a portion of earlier is-
siies of patents, as far as we have been
able to obtain them, and in almost every
case the settlement was made a number
of years before the patent was given.
SETTLEMENT.
Some time in the summer of 1798 Adam
McCracken, who was originally from Ire-
land, settled on the farm more recently
owned by Alexander ]\IcCracken. He set-
tled 400 acres, getting half for settling.
Henry Hagan came the same fall, and
made a small clearing, and Infill a cabin
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
295
on the adjoining 400-acre tract. The fol-
lowing year (1799) he brought his family,
having gone back after them when he had
completed his improvements. Air. Ilagan
had seven children. His son, John, was
the oldest; of his daughters, Rachel was
liorn in Chester Count}', Pennsylvania, in
April, 1787, and Margaret in Allegheny,
in June, 1799. Her father had moved
from Chester County, and lived a year
there before coming to Lawrence. He was
originally from Ireland. In 1818 Rachel
Hagan was married to James McCracken,
and lived to be over ninety vears of age.
A son of Mr. Hagan died in 1805 or 1806.
His name was Henry. Mr. Hagen himself
died in 1840, and his wife in 1843. For a
year or two after these families came, they
had all their provisions to "pack" from
Pittsburg. A mill was not long after put
up by Jonathan Harlan, where the village
of Harlansburg now stands, and after this
the settlers were not obliged to go as far.
A few other families were living in the
neighborhood, who had come out in 1798,
the year previous to the Hagan settlement,
consequently, neighbors were compara-
tively plenty.
Among those who settled in the immedi-
ate neighborhood was James McCommon
(sometimes spelled McCalmot). He was
born in Scotland, and when young went to
Ireland. From Ireland he emigrated to
Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsyl-
vania, thence to Westmoreland County,
and finally, in 1798, came to what is now
Plaingrove Township, Lawrence County,
and settled on a 400-acre tract. The fam-
ily, when he settled, consisted of himself,
wife and seven children. Mr. McCommon
died about 1804-6. He planted an orchard
about 1800, and the orchards of the Hagan,
McCracken, Wallace and other farms in
the neighborhood were planted about the
same time.
Another neighbor was George Rogers,
who came from County Armagh, Ireland,
about 1790, and settled first in Washing-
ton County, Pennsylvania. About 1798 he
came to Plaingrove Township, and located
on a farm now owned by David Blair and
others, Mr. Blair occupying the old home-
stead. Mr. Rogers' son, William, married
a girl named Hathaway (!), living near
Harlansburg, and in 1800 George W. Rog-
ers was born on the old place. Betsey
Rogers, a sister to William, was married
to Alexander McCracken, and her husband
afterwards — about 1800 or 1801 — went to
Alabama, and died on his way back. His
wife died soon after she learned of his
death, and hers was one of the first deaths
in the neighborhood, the first being that of
a child of James Denniston, and the second
that of Henry Hagan, Jr., before men-
tioned. At that time there was no grave-
yard, and the bodies were interred in a
field belonging to Mr. Denniston, now in
the limits of Mercer County. This land
has ever since been used for burial pur-
poses. It is but a short distance across in
Mercer County, near the property owned
by John Stephenson.
Andrew Denniston located in the north-
west part of what is now Plaingrove Town-
ship, about the time the other families
came to the neighborhood, in 1798-9. Some
of the same name were among the first set-
tlers in what is now Springfield Township,
Mercer County.
After the Rogers family came, they
"packed" flour from Westmoreland Coun-
ty for some time, probably ceasing to do
so after Harlan's mill was built. Wlien
this family settled, the children were gen-
erallj' grown, and some of them were mar-
ried.
Charles Blair and Samuel Allen settled
in the same neighborhood with those al-
readv mentioned, the two coming together
in 1799.
Michael Brown, William and Andrew
Wallace and John Green also came early.
None of them are now in the township.
The Wallaces settled a tract adjoining
the Hagan farm, and Browm and Green
were a mile to the south of them, adjoining
each other.
296
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
Andrew Wallace died and left his prop-
erty to his brother, William, who sold the
whole tract in 1811 to James Burns.
James Burns was bom near Florence
Court, County Fermanagh, Ireland, June
5, 1778, and about June, 1794-95, he emi-
grated to America, and settled in Carlisle,
Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. He
stayed there a few years, and in 1803 came
to Brownsville, Fayette County, where he
lived three years and a half, and after-
wards removed to a farm on "Ginger
Hill," near Bentleysville, Washington
County. In 1810 he was married to Mary
Morrow, of Washington County, and in
April, 1812, he came with his wife and one
child, Thomas H. Burns, to the Wallace
farm, which he had purchased the year
previous. He brought his family and
goods on the backs of three horses. Mrs.
Biirns rode one horse, carrying her child
on her knee. Eight children were born in
the family, four boys and four girls, seven
of whom lived to a ripe old age. Mr.
Burns lived on the old place until 1864,
when he died, in his eighty-seventh year.
The orchard on the hill east of Alexan-
der McCracken's house was planted in the
neighborhood of 1800, and bears evidence
of having withstood the blasts of more
than a centurj^.
The farm of 100 acres, now or lately
owned by Alexander McCracken, was
owned by his father, Thomas McCracken,
a son of Adam McCracken, and a soldier
of the War of 1812. Its location is in a
fine portion of the township, as are indeed
all that were settled in the neighborhood,
the settlers evincing good judgment in se-
lecting this locality wherein to build their
homes.
Jonathan Williams came about 1798.
He was from Chester County, Penn-
sylvania, and came about the same time
with the Glenns and Cunninghams, who
settled in the same neighborhood, partially
in the present county of Mercer. The Cun-
ninghams located where the present town
of Grove City, Mercer County, stands, and
built a grist and sawmill on Wolf Creek,
at that place, some of the family after-
wards laying out the town of Grove City.
The farm Mr. Williams settled consisted
of 200 acres.
William Elliott, a surveyor and civil en-
gineer, came from the neighborhood of
East Liberty, of the "Bullock Pens," near
Pittsburg, about 1793-94, and surveyed
land which he was interested in as a " land
jobber." He had control of several thou-
sand acres in different localities, lying
largely in what are now Lawrence and
Butler Counties. In 1799, soon after he
was married, he made a settlement on land
lying partly in each of these counties. In
this immediate vicinity he had eight or
nine hundred acres. He kept "bachelor's
hall" for a while, and finallv went back
after his wife. About 1803-4 he built a
log grist mill on the site of the frame mill
later owned by his son, the late J. P. El-
liott. In the old mill Mr. Elliott had a
bolting chest, and did considerable work
for that time. The present mill was built
by J. P. Elliott in 1844, and stands on the
site of the old one on Jamison's Run, very
near its junction with Slippery Rock
Creek.
Jamison's Run was so named from a
man who settled early on its banks. James
P. Elliott was born February 4, 1800, and
his was the first birth in the southern part
of the township, and possibly throughout
its entire extent. William Elliott died in
1813, aged thirty-eight years.
Robert Jamison came originally from
Ireland, and on his arrival in Pennsyl-
vania located on Kiskeminetas Creek,
where he stayed for some time, and finally
came on and procured land of William El-
liott, settling on a 400-acre tract, of which
he received half for so doing. Jamison
sold the property to Archibald Armstrong,
who came in 1825, but did not locate on the
place before 1831.
About the year 1800, William George
came to the township. He was originally
from Ireland, and, when he first arrived.
AND REPEESENTATIVE CITIZENS
299
lived with Ms bi'other, James George,
near North Liberty, Mercer County. Soon
afterwards he went to work on the farm
now or lately owned by J. P. Elliott, and
also stayed part of the time about Harris-
ville, Butler County. About 1805 or ISOG
he was married to Phoebe Sawyer, who ar-
rived before him, and was living at Will-
iam Elliott's. Soon after his marriage he
settled the farm now owned by his chil-
dren, David, Mary and Eleanor, the place
being called Georgetown. In 1833-34 he
built a log house on that place, and in 1835
erected a log grist mill, containing a pair
of burrs and a pair of "coimtry stone"
(two run of stone). The wheel, gearing,
and nearly everything about the mill were
made of wood.
About the year 1798, James Eamsey
came from the Chartier's Valley, in Wash-
ington County, Pennsylvania, and settled
on the farm now owned by John Lowry.
The tract originally contained something
over 300 acres. He built a log cabin on
the place and made other improvements.
The cabin was burned soon after his mar-
riage, which occurred in 1801, to Sarah
Taylor. Mr. Ramsey's father settled in
Beaver County, and never located in Law-
rence. He may possibly have been a
soldier during the Revolution, but the fact
it not known positively. James Ramsey's
first child, a daughter named Avis, was
born in 1802.
About 1795-96, Thomas Taylor came
from the Ligonier Valley, in Westmore-
land County, Pennsylvania, and settled on
the farm now owned by Joseph Totteu, his
cabin standing on the hill just across from
the present location of Mr. Totten's resi-
dence. Mr. Taylor's daughter, Sarah,
who came with him, is said to have been
the first white woman who ever crossed
Slippery Rock Creek.
In the month of November, 1798, John
Gealey came with his family from Wash-
ington County, Pennsylvania, where they
lived on the bank of Peter's Creek. At
the time Mr. Gealey settled, his family con-
sisted of his wife and eight children, but
only part of them came with him. He had
been out in 1797, and made improvements,
bringing with him his daughter, Margaret,
who did the cooking for him while he was
busy getting the place in shape to receive
his familv. After finishing their work for
that fall,"they went back, and in 1798 Mr.
Gealey again came out, bringing with him
this time his oldest daughter and his son,
William, the latter about six years old at
the time. Mr. Gealey left his children
alone in the wilderness for a while, and
went back after his wife and the rest of
his family. The two children had not seen
their mother for about a year, and when
she came, in 1799, the meeting between
her and her children can better be im-
agined than described. The children who
came with their mother in 1799 were Ren-
wick and Sarah. Mr. Gealey and his son,
Harry, each settled a 400-acre tract. In
1800 the oldest son, James Gealey, was
married to ]\Iary ^I. Smith, who was living
with Charles Blair, in the northern part of
the township. As before stated, Blair set-
tled in 1799, in companv with Samuel
Allen.
TMien ]\[r. Gealey first came, in 1797, he
raised a log cabin, made a small clearing,
and raised some corn. He brought his
goods with him in a wagon, which was
probably the first one in the townsliip. A
road had to be cut ahead in order to get
the wagon through, and they advanced but
slowly. The old homestead subsequently
came into possession of the youngest son,
Renwick Gealey. William Gealey lived to
be over eighty-five years old. His wife,
Joanna, was a daughter of James Stewart,
who settled in 1798 in what is now Perry
Township, coming from what was then
Adams County, Pennsylvania. His father,
Matthew Stewart, had served in the Revo-
lution. The Gealey family descended from
James Gealey, who came from Ireland
when a young man, probably about 1745.
The land which John Gealey settled was
settled under Elliott & Denniston, "land
300
HISTORY OF LAWRENCE COUNTY
jobbers," Mr. Gealey, although having
served in the Revolution, not choosing to
settle on "donation" land.
John Gealey 's wife was Mary Renwick,
a descendant of James Renwick, of Scot-
land. Her brother, William Renwick,
died at Black Rock, N. Y., while serving
as a soldier in the War of 1812. The Geal-
eys oceuiay excellent farms, and the family
has become numerous in the neighborhood
where John Gealey first settled.
James McCuue came about 1800 to 1802,
from what was then Huntingdon, now Blair
County, and partially improved a farm
now owned by James C. Shaw. About 1810
he removed to the farm later owned by his
son, David McCune, Esq., purchasing it
from Hugh Hamilton, the original settler.
The first farm upon which he located he
purchased at $2 per acre, from Robert
Cochran, a ' ' land jobber, ' ' who owned con-
siderable land in the neighborhood, and
had settled about 1795-96, just east of
Plaingrove.
James McCune was captain of the mi-
litia in old Slippery Rock Township, when
it was in Mercer County, and was out twice
at Erie during the War of 1812-15.
The country south of Plaingrove Church
was originally a plain, with no timber upon
it larger than scrubby brush, and when
Mr. McCune first came he drove his wagon
through it withoi;t paying any attention
to the best way, as the path was equally
good anywhere.
Hugh McKee came from Ireland in the
year 1788, and afterwards, about 1796-98,
came to what is now Plaingrove Township,
and settled. His patent, bearing date of
March 21, 1809, calls for 397 acres.
Most of the lands in the township are
"warrant lands," and were extensively
operated in by "land jobbers."
On Taylor's Run, above where William
Gealey now lives, there was formerly a
beaver dam, and both beaver and otter
were quite plentiful. The Indians came
all the way from their villages in Mercer
County to trap them, and the noted Indian
Harth-e-gig, with his squaw and three or
four dogs, wintered occasionally in a su-
gar camp near by.
Nathan Offutt had a sawmill early, and
Robert Ramsey another one still earlier.
The orchard of Esquire David McCune 's
place was planted by his father, James
McCune, about the time he came to the
farm (1810), and the trees, or a few of
them, are yet standing.
A store house was built near Plaingrove
Church about 1832-33, by H. Bovard. It
was a two-story frame building, contain-
ing a general stock, such as is usually
foimd in country stores. Mr. Bovard con-
tinued the business until the spring of
1868, when A. McKinney assumed control.
A postoffice was established at Plain-
grove some time during the stay of Mr. Bo-
vard, who was the first ]>ostniaster. Dur-
ing Buchanan's administration it was re-
moved to the crossroads, one mile north,
and kept by Alexander McBride, who came
from Harlansburg, and had a store for
about a year at the corners. The office
was afterwards transferred to Mr. Bovard,
and, with the exception of McBride 's short
occupation of it, Mr. Bovard held it from
the first until Mr". McKinney took it, in
1868. The office is named Plaingrove.
MILITARY EECORD.
Eevolutionary War. — John Gealey, who
came to the township first in 1797, had
served with his brother, William, during
the Revolution.
The father of James Ramsey located in
Beaver County, and had possibly been a
soldier of the Revolution, but those of
his descendants now living in the township
are not certain of the fact.
War of 1812-15. — Those who served in
this war from Plaingrove were quite nu-
merous. They generally went to Erie.
Among the names we find James, John
and Thomas McCommon, who came to the
township with their father, James McCom-
mon, in 1798. Thomas and James Mc-
Cracken came with their father, Adam Mc-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS
301
Cracken, the same year with the McCom-
mons, and also served in the war.
James Burns, who came in 1811, was
out in Captain Denniston's company of the
One Hundred and Thirty-fourth Regiment,
commanded hy Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas
Hosack a 
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