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Historical and Biographical Annals
OF
Columbia and Montour
Counties
PENNSYLVANIA
r^
Containing
A Concise History of the Two Counties and a
Genealogical and Biographical Record
of Representative Families
IN TWO VOLUMES
ILLUSTRATED
VOLUME I
CHICAGO
J. H. BEERS & CO.
1915
THE JiEV/ VOf>K
PUBLIC LIBRARY
783455
j ASTOR, LENOX AHD
P »9|7
PREFACE
In the preparation of this history of Cohimbia and Montour counties the
pubHshers have been guided by several factors, the principal one being to record
facts. In this vicinity of quaint legend and marvelous incident it is perhaps quite
natural that writers of the past should have yielded much to the temptation to
romantic narrative. Pains have been taken to revert to the unimpeachable
records of the early times, which are still available to investigators, and for
verification of the statements in the present work we direct attention to files of
newspapers of the period in question, and other records to be found now in the
Bloomsburg and Danville public libraries and the courthouses of the two coun-
ties, as well as in the archives of the Columbia County Historical Society and
in private homes.
An important feature of this work, in which appear items of history which
would be preserved in no other way, is the genealogical record of many of the
families of this section whose ancestry were instrtmiental in the building of the
Commonwealth and this portion of it in the days of settlement and trial. The
utmost care has been exercised in the compilation of these family records, and
in nearly every instance the biographical sketches were submitted to those imme-
diately interested, thus affording ample opportunity for revision and correction.
In compiling data for the history the publishers have had the assistance and
supervision of the following residents of this division of the Keystone State:
In the history of Columbia county proper the matter prepared by a represen-
tative of the publishers has been reviewed by George E. Elwell, of Bloomsburg,
who also supplied the Bench and Bar chapter; the Bloomsburg chapter, includ-
ing the industries, churches, organizations and the first account in permanent book
form of the Bloomsburg Centennial; and much other matter that has been used
in the proper places through the body of the work.
The detailed and authoritative account of the electric trolley and lighting sys-
tems which cover both counties was supplied by A. W. Duy, Esq., of Blooms-
burg. The story of the building of the Catawissa railroad was written by Charles
E. Randall, of the Catawissa Nczi.<s Item. The interesting narration of the
founding and development of the great car works at Berwick was written by the
district manager of the American Car and Foundry Company, William F. Lowry.
The article on the establishment of the tirst Methodist congregation in this sec-
tion of the State, the history of the Berwick Water Company, Berwick Store
Company, and of the Y. M. C. A. of Berwick, are from the pen of F. A.
Witman, of Berwick.
The material for the chapter upon the medical profession of Columbia
county was supplied by Dr. L. B. Kline, of Catawissa. The matter for the
article on the highways and roads of the counties was furnished by Arthur M.
Clay, district superintendent of the State Highway Commission, stationed at
Bloomsburg. Credit should be given to Miss Martha E. Robison for the his-
tory of the origin and work of the Columbia County Sabbath School Associa-
tion, to which organization she has devoted many years of her life.
The entire history of Montour county has been reviewed by Hon. H. M.
Hinckley, of Danville, who has written the greater part, devoting much time to
the history of the religious denominations of the county, and to the correct
description of the founding, development and growth of the town of Danville
and the industries, improvements and historical occurrences brought about or
participated in by the present and past residents of this division of the State of
Pennsylvania.
The publishers also acknowledge their indebtedness to Col. J. G. Freeze's
early history of Columbia county ; gratitude to F. M. Gotwalds, of Danville, and
Percy Brewington, of Benton, for aid in the progress of the work; Boyd Tres-
cott, of Millville, and S. N. Walker, of Bloomsburg, for assistance rendered;
to Daniel N. Dieffenbacher, of Danville, and William W. Evans, of Blooms-
burg, for data for school history; and to Miss Edith Patterson and Miss Jennie
Bird, librarians at Bloomsburg and Danville, respectively, for courtesies ex-
tended.
In behalf of the various writers of this work, cordial thanks are expressed to
the officials of the counties, the members of the press, the clergy, and all others
who have assisted in making this an exhaustive and accurate treatise on the
region which has been its province.
THE PUBLISHERS.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
COLUMBIA COUNTY HISTORY
CHAPTER I CHAPTER XDC
PAGE PAGE
The Indians 1 Benton Township — Benton Borough 210
CHAPTER II CHAPTER XX
Founding of Pennsylvania 13 Briarcreek Township 218
CHAPTER m CHAPTER XXI
Topography and Geology— Iron— Coal 19 Centre Township 221
CHAPTER IV CHAPTER XXII
Agriculture 28 Locust and Oeveland Townships 224
CHAPTER V CHAPTER XXIII
Transportation Facilities— Lighting— Roads, Turn- Fishingcreek Township— Stillwater Borough 228
^'^^^ ^^ CHAPTER XXIV
CHAPTER VI Franklin Township 231
Religious Denominations 57 CHAPTER XXV
CHAPTER VII Greenwood Township— Millville Borough 232
Bench and Bar 65 CHAPTER XXVI
CHAPTER Vin Hemlock Township 238
The Medical Profession of Columbia County.... 74 _t,_^„_
CHAPTER IX Jackson Township 241
War Records of the Counties 77 CHAPTER XXVIII
CHAPTER X Madison Township 343
County Formation 82 CHAPTER XXDC
CHAPTER XI Main Township 246
Columbia County After 1850 84 CHAPTER XXX
CHAPTER Xn Mifflin Township — Mifflinville 248
Educational Growth 94 CHAPTER XXXI
CHAPTER XTTT Montour Township 252
The Press 99 CHAPTER XXXH
„„ _ Mount Pleasant Township 255
CHAPTER XIV ^
Bloomsburg 104 CHAPTER XXXin
Orange Township — Orangeville Borough 256
CHAPTER XV
Berwick and West Berwick 149 CHAPTER XXXIV
Pine Township 261
r. * ■ ^ CHAPTER XVI CHAPTER XXXV
Catawissa Borough^Catawissa Township 188 Roaringcreek Township 262
CHAPTER XVH CHAPTER XXX\T:
Centralia Borough— Conyngham Township 201 gpott Township 264
CHAPTER X\ail CHAPTER XXXVH
Beaver Township 208 Sugarloaf Township 269
V
MONTOUR COUNTY HISTORY
CHAPTER I CHAPTER XI
PAGE PAGE
Early History — County Organization, etc 273 Anthony Township 386
CHAPTER II CHAPTER XII
Some of the Early Families 277 Cooper Township 390
«^^T=^ ™ CHAPTER Xin i
Internal Improvements 293
Derry Township — Washingtonville Borough 391
CHAPTER IV
Military Record 296 CHAPTER XIV j
CHAPTER V ^'^^'^^ Township 394
Schools of Montour County 303 CHAPTER XV
CHAPTER VI Limestone Township 396 ,
Bench and Bar 311 CHAPTER X%T ;
CHAPTER VII Mahoning Township 397 j
Physicians 32 1
CHAPTER XYil '
CHAPTER Mil '.
Officials 325 ^^^J^'"y Township 398 ;
CHAPTER IX CHAPTER XVIH ■
Danville 327 Valley Township ...400
CHAPTER X CHAPTER XIX j
Township Formation 386 West Hemlock Township 402 ,
BIOGRAPHICAL SECTION *^^
■n
HISTORICAL INDEX
COLUMBIA COUNTY
Aborigines - 2
African il. E. Church 146
Aggi-essions, Indian.. 13, 188, 248
Agricultural Associations ... 31
Agriculture 28
Indian 5
Alton (Almcdia) 367
AiKman, Alexander 331, 628
Ahnedia 267
American Car and Foundry
Co.—
Ber\vick 161, 163
Berwick Rolling Mill Co.,
1873 (View) 161
Berwick Store Co. (View) . 165
Bloomsburg 113
Jackson & Woodin First
Store (ViewO 168
Jackson & Woodin JIfg. Co.,
1873 (View) 161
Lower Works (View) 163
Steel Car Department
(View) 165
Upper Works (View) 163
Amusement Houses —
Bloomsburg 147
Anthony, Judge Joseph B. 66, 313
Anthracite 26
Apple Orchards 39
Area of Pennsylvania 12
Aristes ("Montana") 206
Assessment and Valuation.. . 91
Assessors, Township and Bor-
ough 88
Associate Judges 71
Athletic Park 134
Attorneys, District 87
Baldy, Edward H 317, 576
Baldy Guards 81, 398
Baldy, William J 318, 576
Bands —
Benton 218
Berwick 184
Bloomsburg 148
Catawissa 193
Banks 18
Benton 315
Berwick 155
Bloomsburg ■ 121
Catawissa 193
Centralia 303
Millville 334
Baptists
63, 144, 176, 233, 337, 343, 245
Bar, Members of Columbia
County 71
Barkley," Charles G 127
Bear Kun (Mordansville) . . . . 355
Beaver Township 208
Beaver Valley (Sliuman-
town) 308
Bench and Bar 65
Benton Borough 310
Benton Township 210
Berwick Borough 149
Berwick Bridge 53
Site of Steamboat Acci-
dent (View) 56
Berwick Circuit 60, 171
Berwick Guards 184
Berwick Hospital 186
View 186
Berwick Schools 1159
Berwick Store Company 165
Department Store (View) . 165
Billheimer, Michael 17
Bloom Township 108
Bloomsburg 104
Bloomsburg, County Bridge at 54
View 56
Bloomsburg Hospital 119
View 186
Bloomsburg Soldiers' Monu-
ment 193
View 120
Bloomsburg State Normal
School 124
View 124
Agricultural Department... 28
Bloomsburg, Town Fountain. 113
Bloomsburg, Town Hall 113
Boatyards 266
Boone. Samuel 17, 104
Boroughs —
Benton 210
Berwick 149
Catawissa 188
Centralia 301
Millville 332
Orangeville 256
Stillwater 338
West Berwick 158
Bosley, Fort 11
Boundaries. Pennsylvania ... 13
Bowman, Bishop Thomas.... 59
vii
Boy Scouts Troop 181
Boyle's (Brady's) Fort 392
Briar Creek 219
Briarcreek Township 218
Bridges 53-56
(See also Borough and
Township Chapters.)
Berwick ( View) 56
County Bridge at Blooms-
burg (View) 56
Bricn. William 150, 151
Brobst, Christian. .. .44, 189, 197
Buck Mountain 19, 209
Buckhorn 239
Buckwheat 28, 34
Business Establishments —
(See Borough and Town-
ship Chapters.)
Byrnesville 207
Campbell (Central) 271
Canal Trade 42, 43
Canalboats 43, 107, 266
Passenger Boat, 1868
(View) 168
Canby 255
Car Works, Berwick 163
Views 163, 165
Carver, Prof. Henry 126
Catawissa Borough 188
Catawissa Bridge 54
Catawissa Guards 81
Cataw-issa Friends Meeting
House 196
View 168
Catawissa Mountain 19, 246
Catawissa Soldiers' Monument 193
View 120
Catawissa Township 188
Catholics —
(See Greek and Roman
Catholics.)
Cattle Epidemic 30
Cemeteries
57, 147, 186, 301, 340, 251, 267
Centennial Celebration,
Bloomsburg 135
Central 271
Centralia Borough 201
Centre Township 231
Centerville (Centralia) ■ 303
Centre ville (Lime Ridge) .... 223
Chapman, Hon. Seth 65, 311
vni
HISTORICAL INDEX
Cherrington Family 263
Christian Denomination. . .63,
14G, 177, 216, 230, 236, 242, 272
Churches 57
(See also Borough and
Township Chapters.)
Circuits, M. E 60, 171
Civil War 78
Columbia County in the .... 80
Drafts 79
Clayton, Thomas 104, 105
Cleared Land, Acreage 92
Clerks, County 87
Cleveland Township 224
Qubs, Literary and Social —
Berwick 182
Bloomsburg 132
Catawissa 201
Coal 19, 20
Dredging 27
Mining 26
Coal Mines, 26, gOS, 206, 207, 209
Cole Family 269
Cole's, Billy 271
Cole's Creek 269, 271
Collieries 26
Columbia County, History of 1
Columbia County, Organiza-
tion 82, 273
Columbia County after 1850. 84
Columbia County Agricul-
tural, Horticultural and
Mechanical Association ... 31
Columbia County Bar Asso-
ciation 71
Columbia County Medical So-
ciety 75
Columbia County Courthouse 84
Views 84, 277
Columbia County Historical
Society 134
Columbia County Jail 85
. View 120
Columbia County OflTicials... 87
Columliia Park 222
Columbia County Poorhouses 86
Columbia County Sabbath
School Association 63
Columbia Guards 78, 81, 297
Commissioners' Clerks 88
Common School Law 94
Conestoga Wagons 36
Congressional Districts 89
Congressmen 89
Conner Implement Works... 258
Connecticut Claims 13, 14, 104
Conviigham, Judge John N . .
. ." 66, 312
Conyngham Township 201
Cooper (Bloomsburg Pioneer) 104
Copper Ciaze 27, 270
County Bridge, Bloomsburg. . 53
View 56
County Commissioners 88
County Fairs 31
County Jail 85
View 120
County Seat Contest. 83, 373, 275
County Treasurers 88
Courthouses at Bloomsburg,
Old and Present (Views) . . 84
At Danville (Views) 277
Crawford, Capt. Jack 203
Creasy 350
Creeks 19
Creveling Grape 39, 268
Cumberland Pike 36
Dens 242
District Attorneys 87
Districts —
Congressional 89
Judicial 65, 70
Legislative 89, 90
Doan, John 17, 104
Donnel, Hon. Cliarles G...66, 312
"Durham'' Boats 43
Early Physicians 74
Eaton, Frederick H 163, 513
Educational Growth 94
Jlodern Development 95
Statistics 95, 97, 98
(See also Borough and
Township Chapters.)
Election Districts 86
Electric Ligliting 50, 111, 316
Electric Railways 48, 50, 203
Elk Grove 271
Elwell, Judge William
66, 313, 673
Ent Post, G. A. R 133
Episcopal (Protestant) De-
nomination
63, 139, 174, 300, 304, 244, 271
Espy 366
Esther Furnace 23, 235
Evangelical Denomination. . . .
63, 145,
176, 177, 179, 209, 217, 319,
320, 323, 237, 242, 251, 354, 368
Evans, Judge Charles C
70, 314, 433
Evans, William W 135, 577
Evansville 219
Eves, .John 17, 233
Explosion on River Steamboat
(1826) 43, 153
Eyer, Ludwig 105
Eyer's Grove 335
Eyerstaedtel (Bloomsburg) . . 105
Fairs, County 31
Farmers, Prominent 30
Fernville 149
Fire Companies
Ill, 160, 193, 316
First Settlers 15
(See also Borough' and
Township Chapters.)
Fisheries 264, 271
Fishing Creek 229
Fishingcreek Township 228
Floods 53-56
Foot and Mouth Disease .... 30
Forks 230
Formation of County 82, 373
Forts. Frontier. . .9, 104, 221, 393
Fort McClure Chapter, D. A. R.
11. 104, 134
Founding of Pennsylvania... 12
Foundry ville 151, 230
Fowlerville 222
Franklin Township 231
Fraternal Organizations —
Aristes 306
Benton 318
Berwick 185
Bloomsburg 128
Buckhom 240
Catawissa 194
Centralia 304
Centre Township 323
Espy 26T
lola 236
Millville 235
Numidia 225
Orangeville 358
Friends, Society of 57,
58, 150, 170, 188, 196, 326, 236
Friends' Meeting House, Cata-
wissa 196
View 168
Frontier Forts... 9, 104, 231, 393
Fruit Raising 39
l'\iniaces. Anthracite and
Charcoal 23
Columbia County
23, 230, 235, 246, 264
Montour County 24
Abandoned 35
Furry Family . . . .' 188
Galena Ore 30, 27
Gas Lighting 48
Geology and Topography,
Iron, Coal 19
(See also Borough and
Township Chapters.)
Germantown 307
Glen City (Scotch Valley) ... 309
Grange, Patrons of Husbandry 30
(See also Borough and
Township Chapters.)
Grassmere Park 271
Gravel Picker, for Buckwheat 34
Greek Catholics 63, 179, 206
Greenwood Township 232
Gristmills, Old... 32, 189, 208,
319, 235, 229, 333, 235, 239,
347, 248, 354, 257, 363, 365, 369
Guava 371
Harrison (Sugarloaf) Town-
ship 269
Hemlock Township 338
Herring, .Judge Grant 70, 313
Hinckley, Hon. Henry M. . . .
68. "313, 318, 448
Historical Society, Columbia
County 134
Horse Breeding 30
Homes, Pioneer 15
Hopkins, Rev. Caleb. 62, 139, 244
Hospitals —
Berwick 186
Bloomsburg 119
Views 186
Hughesburg (Catawissa) . . . 189
Hurley Guards 81
Ikeler, Judge Elijah R
69, 313, 420
Indians. The 1
HISTORICAL INDEX
IX
Indian Aggressions 13, 188
Costumes 6
Customs 5
Feasts and Sports 7
Fishing and Hunting 8
Government 7
Names 3, 20, 188
Origin and Local Tribes . . 2, 188
Patlis and Trails 3
Religion 7
Treaties 13
Villages and Settlements . . 4
Wars and Forays 8
Inns, Old... 38, 105, 150, 202,
206 211, 222, 224, 226, 240, 257
lola 336
Iron 19, 20, 230
Industry 23, 238
Mills ^- 24
"Iron Guards" 79, 80
Jackson, Col. Clarence G
161, 184, 464
Jackson Guards 184
Jackson, Mordecai W 161, 416
Jackson Township 241
Jackson & Woodin Mfg. Co.. 101
First Store, 1865 (View).. '168
Works, 1873 (View) 161
Jail, Columbia County 85
View 130
Jamison City 270
Jenkins, Fort 10, 221
Jerseytown 243
John Family 246
Jonestown 229
Judges-
Associate 71
President 71
Biographies 65-70
Judicial Districts. 65, 70, 311, 312
Karkaase 17, 328
Kernsville 325
Kline Family 256
Knob Mountain 19, 256
Lead Ore 20,27
Legislative Districts 89, 90
Lesher, Prof. Albert U 169
Lewis, Judge Ellis 66, 311
Libraries, Public —
Berwick 166, 180
Bloomsburg 119
Life Story of a Great Indus-
try 161
Light Street 265
Lighting, Gas 48
Electric 49
Lime Ridge (Centreville) 222
Limestone 20, 222, 239, 254
Literary and Social Clubs —
Bloomsburg 132
Berwick 182
Little, Judge Robert R
69, 313, 418
Locks, Canal 43, 154
Locust Township 224
Locustdale 207
Lodges, Indian 5
Lutherans 61,
141, 147, 173, 177, 178, 197,
198, 206, 209, 219, 220, 223,
226, 236, 240, 245, 247, 250,
251, 254, 256, 260, 262, 267, 268
Lyon, Robert 104
McAuley, Alexander . . 17, 208, 224
ilcAuley Mountain 19, 209
McClure, Fort 11, 104
McClure, James 11, 17, 104
McHenry, Daniel 17
McHenry, John G 212
McWilliams, Robert 16
Madison Township 243
Magee Carpet Company 114
.JIail Routes, etc 17, 38
Mail Service, Ancient and
Modern 17, 39, 152
Main Township 246
Mainville 247
JIallery, Garrick 162, 461
Martzville 219
Masonic Fraternity, Blooms-
burg 128
(See also Borough and Town-
sliip Chapters.)
Maus Family
17, 274, 282, 400, 407, 445
Medical Profession 74
Medical Societies —
Columbia County 75
Montour County 75
Methodist Church and Acad-
emy, Berwick 168
Me'w. 1840 168
Metliodist Episcopal Denomi-
nation
59, 143, 146, 171, 179, 200,
204, 209, 219, 223, 227, 230,
232, 236, 240, 245, 247, 251,
254, 256, 261, 262, 263, 267, 272
Methodist Episcopal Circuits —
Berwick 60, 171
Bloomsburg 60
Northumberland 60, 171
Methodist Protestant Denomi-
nation 63, 179, 217
Mifflin Bridge 55
Mifflin Crossroads 209
Mifflin Township 248-
Mifflinville 248
Military 77, 132, 184
Mill Grove 263
Millertown (Canby) 255
MiUville Borough 232
Mineral Products 19-27
Mines, Coal. .26, 203. 206, 207, 209
"Mollie Maguires." Trial 72
Montana or Aristes 206
Montgomeiy, William 17
(See also Montour County.)
Montour County Agricultural
Society 32
Montour County Medical So-
ciety 75
Montour. "Madame 4, 373
Montour Township 252
Monuments —
Soldiers', Catawissa 193
Soldiers' and S a i 1 o r s',
Bloomsburg 120
Views , 120
Mordansville 255
Moses Van Campen Chapter,
D. A. R 182
Mount Pleasant Township . . . 255
jM u n i c i p a 1 Improvements,
Bloomsburg 110
National Road 36
Nationality of Early Settlers 14
Newlin 225
New Media (Numidia) 225
Newspapers 99, 218, 235
North Branch Canal
42, 153, 250, 253
North Mountain 19
Northumberland Circuit,
Methodist 60, 171
Northumberland Presbytery. . 59
Numidia 225
Oak Grove 123
Officials—
Benton 216
Berwick 158
Bloomsburg 108
Catawissa 190
Columbia County 87
MiUville 234
Orangeville 258
West Berwick 158
Old Gristmills 32
Old Inns 38, 105, 150, 202,
206, 211, 222, 224, 226, 240, 257
Orange Township 256
Orangeville Academy 259
Orangeville Borough 256
Orchards 29
Organization of County... 82, 273
Orphanage, Mifflinville 251
Ostricli Farm 268
Owen, Evan
..17, 35, 104, 105, 149. 150, 155
Owensville (Berwick) 150
Oyertown (Bloomsburg) .... 105
Paper Mills 191, 265
Paradise 270
Passenger Boat, Pennsylvania
Canal (View) 168
Patrons of Husbandry ....... 30
(See also Borough and
Township Cliapters.)
Peat 266
Peckham, Hon. Aaron K. . . . 66
Penn. William 12
Pennsylvania Canal 43
PassengerBoat. 1868 (View) 168
Pennsylvania, Founding of . . 12
Area 12
Boundaries 12
Pensyl (Willowvale) 232
Pentecostal Denomination .63, 146
Physicians, Early 74
Physicians, Registered 76
Pine Summit 262
Pine Township 261
Pioneers 16
(See also Borough and
Township Cliapters.)
Pioneer Station 270
Polkville (Waller) 241, 242
Pollock, Judge James 66, 312
HISTORICAL INDEX
I'oimlatiou —
(See Borough and Town-
ship Chapters.)
Post Offices 38
List of 40
Postal Rates 17, 39
Postal Service. ..38, 152, 317, 234
Postmasters —
(See Borough and Town-
ship Cliapters.)
Postriders 38, 152, 217
Presbyterians
58, 142, 174, 179,
206, 216, 223, 236, 260, 3G7, 372
Presbytery, Northumberland. 59
President Judges, List 71
Press, The 99
Benton 218
Benvick 102
Bloomsburg 99
Catawissa 102
Centralia 103
Millville 101, 235
Protestant Episcopal Denomi-
nation
. .63. 139, 174, 200, 204, 244, 271
Prothonotaries 87
Purchase Line 334
Quakers 57,
58. 150. 170. 188, 196, 326, 236
Quaker Meeting House, Cata-
wissa 196
View 168
Quarries 20, 222, 239, 267
Railroads 44, 154,
Railway JLul Service
Ratti, Josepli 114,
Raven Creek
Rea, Alexander W...73, 302,
Recorders, County
Reformed Denomination
61, 141, 178, 300, 210, 220.
233. 336, 231. 245, 247, 350,
Registers, County
Religious Denominations
Reminiscences
Rhoadstown
Roads
Catawissa
Cumberland Pike
Indian
State-aided
Roaring Creek
Roaringcreek
Roaringcreek Township
Roberts. Moses
Rohrsburg
Roman Catholics
63, 145, 178, 204, 207,
Rosemont Cemetery
Rupert
Rupert Grove
Rupert, Leonard
Rupert. Old Aqueduct
Rural Free Delivery 39,
Ruthenian Greek Catholic
Church
190
39
119
218
307
87
360
87
57
17
236
35
193
36
3
43
225
225
262
17
335
227
147
252
123
17
43
152
179
Salmon. Joseph 321, 256
Salvation Army 178
Schools 94
Buildings 96
State is'ormal, Bloomsburg 124
State Normal (View) 128
Summer 98
(See also Borough and
Township Chapters.)
School Superintendents 99
Scotch \alley (Glen City) ... 209
Scott Township 364
Secret and Fraternal Socie-
ties —
Aristes 306
Benton 218
Berwick 185
Bloomsburg 128
Buekhorn 240
Catawissa 194
Centralia 304
Centre Township 233
Espv 267
Ligl'it Street 265
Millville 235
Numidia 225
Orangeville 259
Sereno 261
Settlers, Early 15
Homes 15
Nationality 14
(See also Borough and
TowiLship Chapters.)
Settlements, Indian 4
Shawnee Park 322
Sheep 30
Sheriffs 87
Sliuman 208
Shumantown 208
Slabtown 224
Slate 20, 27, 339
Smith, Frederick B 192, 595
Societies, Secret and Fraternal
138, 185, 194, 304, 206. 218.
223, 225, 235. 340, 359, 365, 367
Societies, Literary and So-
cial —
Berwick 183
Bloomsburg 133
Catawissa 301
Society of Fi-iends 57,
58, 150, 170, 188, 196, 336, 336
Old Meeting House at Cata-
wissa (View) 168
Soldiers' Monuments 130, 193
Views 130
Stagecoach Days 35, 37
State-aided Roads 43
State Highway Department . . 40
State Highways in Counties
41, 193
State Representatives. 90
State Senators 89
Statistics —
Agricultural 33
Church 59, 64
Land 92
Military 82
INIinerai 27
Mines 26
Population
(See also Borough and
Township Chapters.)
Property Values 91
Roads 41
School 95, 97, 98
(See also Borough and
Township Chapters.)
Stock 93
Taxables 93
Taxes 92, 93
Stillwater Borough 228
Stock Raising 29
Sugarloaf (Cole's CYeek).269, 271
Sugarloaf Township 369
Summer Hill 219
Susquehanna River 8, 42
Bridges 53
Floods 53-56
Susquehanna River Fisheries. 264
•'Susquehanna," Steamboat
Explosion 42, 152
Site of Accident (View)... 56
Talmar 261
Tamenund 3
Taurus 218
Taverns, Old.. 38, 105, 150, 203,
306, 211, 233, 334, 336, 340, 357
Taylor, John H 166, 168, 864
Topogi-aphy and Geology,
Iron, Coal 19
( See also Borough and
Township Chapters.)
Townships, Formation and
List of 86
Beaver 208
Benton 210
Bloom 108
Briarcreek 218
Catawissa 188
Centre 221
Cleveland 224
Conyngham 201
Fishingereek 228
Franklin 231
Greenwood 333
Hemlock 338
Jackson 241
Locust 224
Madison 243
Main 246
Mifflin 248
Montour 252
Mount Pleasant 355
Orange 256
Pine 361
Roaringcreek 262
Scott 264
Sugarloaf 369
Trails, Indian 3
Transportation Facilities.... 35
Treaties 13
Turnpikes 35
United Brethren . 63, 306, 337. 264
United Evangelical Denomi-
nation 63, 145,
176, 177, 179, 209, 217, 319,
220, 223, 237, 342, 251, 354, 268
Van Camp 230
Van Campen, Moses 10, 221
Chapter. D. A. R 182
Villages, Indian 4
HISTORICAL INDEX
XI
Waller 242
Waller, Rev. D. J 59, 135, 175
Waller, Rev. D. J., Jr
137, 143, 566
Walter, Mary Emma 196, 648
War Footing, Columbia Coun-
ty 83
War Records of the Counties 77
Waterworks —
Benton 215
Berwick 158
Bloomsburg 110
Catawissa 193
Centralia 203
Millville 234
Welliver. Daniel 17
Welliversville 255
Welsh, Judson P., Ph. D 137
West Berwick Borough .. 149, 158
Wheeler, Fort 10
Whitmire 223
Wigwams 4
Wilburton 40
Williamsburg (Light Street) . 365
Williams Grove 330
Willow Grove 223, 233
WilloAV Springs 333
Willowvale 233
Wirt, Paul E 116
Woodin, Clemuel R 163, 489
Woodin, William H 161, 488
Woodward, Hon. Warren J. . 66
Wyoming Valley, Geology ... 20
Young Jilen's Cliristian Asso-
ciation 146, 166, 179
Young Women's Christian As-
sociation 146
MONTOUR COUNTY
Academy, Danville 307
View, 1S80 362
African M. E. Church 355
Agricultui'al Societies, Mon-
tour County 33
Amerman, Dr. Alonzo 322
Amerman, Charles V 320
Ammerman, R. Scott 319, 688
Angle, F. C 319, 60g
Anthony, Judge Joseph B. .66, 312
Anthony Township 386
Associate Judges 314, 326
Attorneys 314
Attorneys, District 326
Baldy, Edward H 317, 576
Baldy Guards 81, 298
Baldy, Peter, Sr
287, 328, 329, 347, 576
Baldy, William J 318, 576
Banks, Danville 375
Exchange 388
Baptists 352, 355, 389
Bare, Harry C 320
Beaver, Thomas 364,384,406
Beaver, Thomas, Free Library 362
View 362
Bench and Bar 311
Best, Valentine 276, 325, 336, 373
Biddle, William 291
Billmeyer Family 394, 482
Billmeyer's Park 393
Bitler, Di-. Benjamin E. . .333, 679
B'nai Zion Synagogue 355
Borouglis —
Danville 327
Washingtonville 391
Borough Officials, Danville... 372
Bosley Mill and Fort 11, 393
Boundarv Lines 376
Boyd, John C 286, 423
Boyle's (Brady's) Fort 392
Brickyards 336
Bridges — •
Danville. . .53, 330 (View), 369
Liberty Township 395
Bright, Peter 288, 457
Brower, D. H. B., Recollec-
tions 382
Brown, George B 290, 384, 563
Butler, George D 317
Canal, North Branch
Catholics 356,
Cattle Epidemic
Cemeteries 57, 398, 399,
Centre Turnpike
Oialfant, Charles
Chalfant, Thomas 291,
Chapman, Judge Seth 65,
Churches (See Under Denom-
inations)
Circuits, Methodist Episcopal
60,
Civil War, Montour County
Soldiers 298
Civil War, Roster 298
Clark, Col. Robert
Clark's Tavern 284,
Cleaver Family 398,
Clerks, Countv
Coal .■
Cock Robin Mill, Danville . . .
Columbia Guards 78,
Columbia Seminary
Conily
Comly Family
Comly, Joshua W
Commissioners, County
Company Store, Old, Danville
View
Congregationalists, Welsh . . .
Congressional Districts. . . .89,
Congressmen 89,
Continental Fire Company . . .
Conyngham, Judge John N.
66,
Cooper, John
Cooper Township
Co-operative Iron and Steel
Works
Cornelison, .Joseph 292,
County Buildings, Montour —
Original
Present
County Fairs
County Officials
County Organization 273,
County Seat Contest.. 83, 273,
County Superintendents,
School
Courthouse 274,
294
390
30
403
293
320
326
311
343
-304
■304
386
358
399
337
19
333
297
394
388
315
315
326
384
330
355
325
325
376
312
314
390
332
480
274
377
33
325
276
275
310
277
Courthouses, Old and Present
(Views) —
At Bloomsburg 84
At Danville 277
Creeks 19
Cross Keys Tavern 358
Curry, Dr. Edwin A 323, 452
Curry Family 394, 400
Dam, Roaring Creek 399
Danville Academy 307
View 363
Danville Blues 396
Danville Borough 273, 327
Danville Bridge 53, 369
View 330
Danville Female Seminary. . 307
Danville Fencibles 299
Danville Foundry & Machine
Co 334
Danville High School 310
Danville Institute 307
Danville Light Horse Com-
pany 296
Danville Iron Foundry 334
Danville Iron Works 333
Danville Militia 297
Danville Milling Company. •• 336
Danville Nail & Mfg. Co". ... 334
Danville Post Office 368
Danville Stove & Mfg. Co... 333
Danville Structural Tubing
Co 331
Deen. John, Sr 284, 557
Delaware. Lackawanna &
Western Railroad 294
Derry Church 388
Deri-y Township 391
District Attorneys 326
Districts —
Congressional 89, 325
.Tudicial 70, 311
Legislative 89, 90. 326
Donnel, .Judge Charles J. . .66, 312
Earlv Families, Montour
County 277
Earlv History, Montour
Countv 373
East End Mission 357
Eckman, Col. Charles W.398. 454
HISTORICAL INDEX
Electric Light. Danville. . .50, 371
Electric Railroads 50, 295
Elwell, Judge William
66, 312, 673
Emmet, John 284
Enterprise Foundry & Ma-
chine Works 334
Episcopalians (Protestant)..
346, 389
Evangelical Denomination . .
354, 390
Evans, Judge Charles C
70, 314, 432
Exchange 387
Exchange Hall 390
Fairs, County 32
Famine 392
Farmers, Prominent 30
Finney, Robert 394
Fire Companies, Danville... 376
Floods 53, 369
Foot and Mouth Disease .... 30
Formation of Townships ... . 386
Forts, Pioneer.. ..9. 104. 321, 392
Foundries. Early, Danville. 25, 328
Franklin Court 35S
Frazer, Daniel 282
Frazer, John, Recollections. . . 376
Free Schools 308
Frick, A. J 317
Frick, Arthur W 317
Frick, Dr. Clarence H 321
Frick, George A 314
Friendship Fire Company. . . . 376
Frontier Forts... 9, 104^ 231. 393
Fruitstown (Wiite Hall)... 387
Furnace, Valley 401
Furnaces 19. 24. 395
Galbraith, Thomas J 318
Gas Light. Danville 371
Gaskins, Thomas 284
Gearhart, Charles P 320
Gearhart, Edward S 319
Gearhart Families
398, 449, 455, 517. 638
Geisinger, George F 368, 481
Geisinger, George F., Memo-
rial Hospital 365
Views 365. 366, 368
Geisinger, Mrs. George F.365, 480
Birthplace and Home
(Views) 480
Geology 22
Gibson Family 396
Gibson, Schoolmaster 305
Glendower Iron Works 332
Good Will Hose Company... 376
Goodman, Philip ". . . . 358
Grangers 30
Grier Families 283, 317. 412
Grier. Rev. Isaac 283, 338. 412
Grier, I. X 317, 412
Grier. Hon. Robert C 314
Gristmills, Old 33
View 328
Grovania 390
Grove Furnaces 333
Gulics, John C 282
Harpel, Dr. Francis E...333, 549
Hartman. \\'illiam 282
Ha user. Dr. Raymond J. .324, 938
Hebrew Synagogue 355
Herring, -Judge Grant 70, 313
High School, Danville 374
Hinckley, Judge Henry M . . .
68, 313, 318, 448
Hoax. 1860 383
Hoffa, Dr. Jacob P 322
Hospitals —
For Insane 360
Views 360
George F. Geisinger 365
Views 365, 366, 368
Hotels. Danville 358
Howe & Samuel Steel Plant. 335
Howellville 398
Hughes. Ellis 282, 306
Hutchinsons 392
Ikeler, Judge Elijah R
69, 313, 420
Insane. State Hospital for,
Danville 360
Views 360
Institutes, Teachers' 310
Institutions, Philanthropic,
Danville 360
Internal Improvements —
Countv 293
Danville 295, 369
Internal Improvement Sys-
tem, State 294
Iron 19
Iron Jlills 24
Iron Mines 398
.Tack. Rev. Alexander B 341
.lapanese Embassy Hoax.... 383
.Tolmston, William C 317
.Jordan. .Judge Alexander. . . . 312
Judges —
Associate 314, 326
President 311
Judicial Districts . 65, 70, 311, 312
Karkaase 17, 328
Kase, Simon P 289, 329
Kelso, Prof. .John M 307
Kirk. Rev. James W., D. D.
341, 550
Kirkham. Samuel 282, 306
Kisner. Ralph 320, 880
Knitting Mills, Danville 335
Laundries. Danville 336
Legislative Districts. .80, 90, 326
Leidv. Paul 317
Lewis. .Tudge Ellis 66, 311
Libertv Furnace 395
Liberty Township 394
Librarv, Thomas Beaver Free 362
View 362
Lightner. Rev. Edwin N 347
Limestone Quarries 20, 390
Limestone Township 396
Limestoneville 396
Limestoneville Institute. .307. 397
Little, Judge Robert R
69, 313. 418
Lundy. John 286
Lundv. Rev. .John P 286
Lutherans 344, 353,
354, 391, 393, 395, 399, 401, 402
McClure, Capt. William M.
298, 299
McCormick. James 292
McHenry. B. Frances 320
McHenry, Dr. Montraville , . .
322, 1161
McNeal. Ann 583
McWilliams Familv 394, 583
Magill. Dr. William H
287, 321, 372
Mahoning Presbyterian
Church 338
Mahoning Township 397
Mahoning Township, Old Tax
List 397
Market Square Park. Danville 372
Marr, Alem 314, 325
Martin Family 583
Maus Family
17, 274, 282, 400. 407, 445
Maus, Phillip 281
Mausdale 401
Mausdale Gristmill, Built in
1800 401
View 328
Mayberry Township 398
Mechanicsville 397
Memorial Park. Danville.... 372
Meredith, Dr. Hugh B
322, 362, 544
Metal & Machine Co 328, 335
Metal Engineering Company
328, 335
Methodist Episcopal Denom-
ination. . . .343. 353. 355, 357.
394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399. 403
Circuits 60. 343
Methodists, Primitive 390
Mexican War, Montour County
Soldiers 297
Military Record 296
Montgomery, Gen. Daniel. . . .
". . . .274. 280, 327, 360
Montgomery Family 17, 278
Montgoniei-y. .John C 318
Montgomery. -lohn G 316
Montgomery. Gen. William..
■. 278, 337
Home at Danville (View) . 328
Montgomery. .Judge William. 281
Montgomery. Rev. William B. 284
Montour County, History of. 273
Montour County Agricultural
Society 32
Montour County Medical So-
ciety 75
Montour. Madame 4, 273
ifontour Rifles 298
Monument, Soldiers' 372
View 277
ilooresburg 395
IMourer, L. K 321
Muster Rolls, Chapter IV .. . 296
National Guard 304
National Iron Company. .331, 334
Newbaker. Dr. Philip C. .333, 640
New Columbia 402
Newspapers. Danville 336
HISTORICAL INDEX
Xlll
North Branch Canal 394
Northern Montour Agricul-
tural Society 32
Northumberland M. E. Cir-
cuit 60, 342
Officials, County 335
Officials, Danville 373
Oglesbv, Dr. James 323, 498
Oglesby, William V 330, 499
Old Gristmills 33
View 328
Old Taverns, Danville 358
Oldest House in County
(View) 338
Organization^ Momtour County
273, 276
Ottawa 39G
Pants Factory, Danville 336
Parks. Danville —
Market Square 378
Memorial 373
River Front 372
Patrons of Husbandry 30
Patten, Dr. EoDert S 325, 855
Patterson, Rev. John B
339, 388, 393
Paules, Dr. William R . . 324, 1008
Pennsylvania Railroad. . .294, 295
Petrikin. Dr. David. .321, 325, 328
Philadelphia & Reading Rail-
road 394
Philanthropic Institutions,
Danville 360
Physicians 331
Planing Mills. Danville 330
Pollock, Judge James 66. 312
Poor Farm 397, 401
Postmasters. Danville 368
Postmasters, ^^^lite Hall 387
Postmasters. Exchange 387
Post Office, Danville 368
Post Offices, List of County. 40
Presbyterians
338. 349. 357. 388, 393, 395, 402
Presbyteries 339
President .Tudges 311
Primitive itethodists 390
Prominent Farmers 30
Protestant Episcopal Denom-
ination 346, 389
Prothonotaries 327
Purscl, Dr. Isaac 323
Quarries 390
Railroads 294
Rank, Daniel W 318, 854
Rank, Isaac 288
Reading Iron Company . .329. 334
Recorders. County 327
Red Horse Hotel 387
Reformed Denomination) ....
351, 391, 393, 397, 401, 402
Reminiscences, Danville .... 376
Representatives —
Congressional 89, 325
State 326
Republican Rally 383
Rescue Fire Company 376
Rhodes. B. K 317
Rhodes. -John 293
Ridgeville 391
River Front Park, Danville . . 372
Roads, Turnpike 293
Roaring Creek 398
Roaring Creek Furnace. . .24, 399
Robbins, Dr. James E . . . 324, 547
Rockefeller. Judge William M. 312
Roman Catholics 356, 390
Sandel, Dr. .1. H 333, 694
Scarlet, James 318, 440
Schools 305
(See also Borough and
Township Chapters.)
Danville 374
Schools, Free 308
School Superintendents,
County 310
Danville 374
Schultz. Dr. Solomon S
322, 361, 429
Sechler, H. B. D 288
Sechler, .Jacob 285
Seidel, Arren E 393, 859
Senators, State 326
Settlers, Early 274, 277
(See also Borough and
Township Chapters.)
Sharp Ridge 398
Shelhart, Jacob 289
Sheriffs 327
Shoop, Gideon M 289
Shreeve, Capt. .loseph E . . 299, 303
Shultz. Dr. Benjamin F..390, 323
Silk Mill, Danville 335
Simington. Dr. R. S 332
Smack. Daniel 396
Soldiers' Monument, Danville 372
View 277
Spanish-American War, Mon-
tour County Soldiers 304
State Hospital for Insane,
Danville 360
Views 360
State Senators 335
State Representatives 326
Steel Plant. Danville 335
Strawberry Ridge 393
Strawbridge. Dr. .James D... 321
Strawbridgc, Ool. Thomas... 394
Stver's Corners 402
Surveyors 327
Suspender Factories, Danville 336
Susquehanna River.. 293, 369, 398
Swenoda 402
Taverns. Old 387
Danville 358
Taxables. List of, 1798 (Ma-
honing Tp.) 397
Teachers' Institutes 310
Telephones 295
Toll Rates, 1828 370
Topography and Geology .... 19
Township Formation 386
Townships —
Anthony 386
Cooper 390
Derry 391
Liberty 394
Limestone 396
Mahoning 397
Mayberry 398
Valley ." 400
West Hemlock 403
Tradesmen, Early, Danville.. 380
Training School, Geisinger
Hospital 367
View 368
Treasurers, County 326
Turnpikes ". 293
Valley Furnace 401
Valley Township 400
Van Alen, T. 390
van Fossen, George W 321
Vastine, Dr. Jacob H 322, 444
Vincent, Henry 318
Voris, James 287, 725
Walker, Robert 392
War of 1812, Montour County
Soldiers 296
Washington Fire Company. . 376
Washingtonville Borough . . . 391
Washingtonville. Fort 393
Waterman & Beaver Store,
Danville 384
View 330
Waterworks. Danville 370
Welsh, Thomas C 320, 683
West, William K 319, 492
West Hemlock Township .... 402
White Hall 387
AVhite Hall Hotel 38, 387
Wilson. Capt. John S 397
Wilson, Nathaniel 282
Yeomans, Rev. Dr. John W.. 340
Yorks Family 292, 683
Young, Dr. Benjamin F 282
Young Men's Cliristian Asso-
ciation 365
View 362
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Abiams, Abiam 1000
Abrams, Isaac B 1000
Achy, Epliraim 1202
Achy, iXabery 1202
Acor Family 897
Acor, Joseph S 897
Adams, Charles 647
Adams, Charles E 633
Adams, Emerson A 851
Adams Families
633, 646, 851, 890, 921, 963, 1192
Adams, Miss Frances M 932
Adams, Jacob W 1192
Adams, John K 647
Adams, Peter J 921
Adams, Samuel W 963
Adams, Ulysses K 890
Ahlers, William 987
Aikman Family 628
Aikman, James E 629
Aikman, John H 628
Albeck Family 935
Albertson, Bartley 1234
Albertson, Edward 1234
Alexander, Miss Harriet J... 582
Alexander. Samuel D 582
Alleger Family 1088
Altmiller, Cliarles F., M. D. . . 612
Altmiller Family 612
Amerman, Dr. Alonzo 322
Amerman, Charles V 320
Amcsbury, Arthur 904
Aniesbury Family 904
Amnierman, Bernard 919
Ammerman. .John B 793
Ammerman, K. Scott 319, 688
Andy, John 776
Andy. AVilHam H 776
Angell Family 1312
Angell, Richard B 1312
Angle Family COS
Angle. Frank C 319, 608
Angle. Theodore R 609
Anthony. Judge Joseph B..66, 312
Appleman, Eli 879
Appleman Family 879
Armes, John ..." 871
Armes. William J 871
Armstrong. Alfred H 1130
Arnhold Family 1063
Artley Family" 1227
Artlcy, William H . 1237
Artman, Clark D 123S
Artman Family 1238
Ash Family . .". 745
Ash. Stewart A 745
Aten Family 690
Auten Family 899
Auten, Robert C 899
Averill, Archer 805
Averill, Mrs. Margaret 805
Baker, Charles W 1328
Baker Families. 943, 950, 983, 1228
Baker, Dr. Frank 983
Baker, George G 950
Baker, Samuel W 943
Baldy, Edward H 317, 576
Baldy Family 576
Baldy, Peter, Sr 287, 576
Baldy, William J 318, 576
Bare, Harry G 320
Barger, aiarles C 504
Barger Familj' 504
Barkley Family 523
Barnard Family 1059
Barnard, Orrin'H 1059
Barton Families. . .568, 762, 1069
Barton, Harry S 762
Barton, Henry C 1069
Bates Family' 1190
Bates. Richa'rd 1190
Baueher Family 816
Bauman, Elias F 1065
Bauman Family 1065
Beach Family ' 1218
Beaver Family 406
Beaver, Henry P 758
Beaver, Thomas 364, 384, 406
Beck. Daniel B 660
Beck Family 660
Belles Families 830, 999
Belles, Henderson F 829
Belles. Jonatlian M 999
Berninger, Aaron 818
Bei-ninger, Arias J 818
Berninger Family 706
Beniinger, .Jonas 662
Beyer Family 726
Beyer, Levi "V 726
Bibby, Mrs. Julia W 1077
Bibby, Matthew A 1076
Biddle Families 291, 644
Biddle. Dr. John W 644
Biddle, William 291
Billig, Cliarles 1160
Billig. Martin L 1160
Billmej'er, Alexander 482
Billmeyer Families 394, 483
Billmeyer. Harry 483
Bird Family . . '. 635
Bitlcr. Benjamin E., M. D.323. 679
Bitler Families 679, 907
Bitler, Dr. Sherman E 90S
xiv
Bittner, Archible G 523
Bittner Family 523
Black, Alfred B 478
Black Famih- 479
Blank Famil'y 946
Blee Families 587, 727
Blee, Frank G 587
Blee, Robert E 727
Bloss Family 966
Bloss, Frank E 731
Bloss, John K 731
Bloss, Nelson W 966
Blue Family 715
Blue, Horace C 715
Bogart, Aaron 1124
Bomboy Families 770, 890
Bomboy, Frank 770
Bomboy, Leonard E 770
Boody "Family 572
Boody, Lincoln H 573
Boon'e Family 1113
Boudman Family 835
Boudman, .J. Roland 825
Bower, Bruce H 732
Bower, Clemuel R 1033
Bower, Edward F 1250
Bower Families ....598, 613,
732, 796. 827, 838, 1129, 1250
Bower, George M 598
Bower, Hiram R 613
Bower, Hiram VC 828
Bower, Oscar M . . •. 838
Bower. R. Orval 796
Bower. Solomon 1033
Boyd, Daniel M 422
Boyd Family 423
Boyd, John "C 286, 423
Boyer Families 681, 689
Boyer, .Jacob 895
Boyer. Jacob H 689
Boyer, Reuben 894
Boyer. William E 681
Boyles Family 843
Boyles. Josluia 185, 842
Brannen Family 430
Brannen. James L 430
Bredbenner Family 831
Bredbcnner, Mrs. Lydia A... 805
Bredbenner, Miles S 832
Bredbenner, Wm. M 831
Breisch, Ernest E 1177
Breiseh Families ..588, 1110, 1177
Breisch. George 1177
Breisch. Hannon M 588
Breisch. .John E 1110
Brewington, Percy 621
Bright, Hon. Dennis 456
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
XV
Bright Families 288, 456
Brjgiit, Mrs. Lucy M 458
Briglit, Tfter 388, 457
Brink Family 975
Brink, Harry S 975
Britt Family 1033
Brittain Family 951
Brittain, William C 951
Brobst Families 1017, 1060
Brobst, Thomas B 1066
Brock way Family 1088
Brockway, Roland O 1088
Brower Family 476
Brower, William H 476
Brown, Benton B 561
Brown, Edward J 1103
Brown Families
473, 474, 561, 1103, 1164
Brown, George B...390, 384, 563
Brown, James C 473
Brown, John J., M. D 474
Brown, W. Earle 1164
Brown, William G 563
Bruder, Miss Gussie A 1059
Bnuler, John A 1059
Brugler Family 894
Bruner Family 508
Bruner, John W., M. D 508
Brunner Family 825
Brunstetter, George 1343
Bryan Family 693
BrVan. John " G ,693
Bucci Family '778
Bucci, Giovanni (John Bush) 778-
Bucher, Charles E 1113
Bueher Family 1113
Buck Family 798
Buck, Thomas R 798
Buckalew, Hon. Charles R 403
Buckaiew Families 403, 630
Buckalew, Capt. John M 406
Buckalew, Louis W 502
Buckingham Family 743
Buckingham, George A 743
Burhard, Rev. Edward A.... 824
Burket Family 786
Bush Family 981
Bush, Frederick W 981
Bush. John (Giovanni Bucci) 778
Butler, George D 317
Butler. Kent A 1047
Butler, Thomas 1047
Butt Family 517
Butt, William A 517
Cadman, Enoch 1247
Cadman. John 1346
Campbell. Charles H 1142
Campbell Families 665, 1137, 1142
Canouse, David M 1130
Canouse Family 1130
Canouse, Mrs. Parah C 1129
Carrathers Family 802
Carrathers, John A 802
Carsc Family 666
Carse, Robert A 666
Catterall Families 808, 945
Catterall, George H 945
Catterall, .Toseph H 808
Chalfant, Cliarles 320
Chalfant, Thomas 291
Chamberlain Family 735
Chamberlain, Isadora F 735
Chapman, Judge tSeth 65, 311
Childs Family 915
Childs, William F. P 915
Chrisman Family 713
Chrisman, Hon. William 713
Clapp, Henry C 1353
Clapp, Mrs. Mary E 1353
Clark, David 451
Clark Families 769, 1077
Clark, Frank R., M. D 769
Clay, Arthur S 581
Chiy Family 581
Clcwell Families 707, 1019
Clewell, Laurence 1 767
Cloud, Charles G 865
Cloud, William J 865
Cohen, Joseph, M. D 802
Cohen, Lewis 802
Coira Family 1053
Coira, Henry L 1052
Cole, Jacob H 928
Cole, Thomas 928
Coliey Family 730
Colley, Richard F 730
Comly Family 315
Comly, Joshua W 315
Conner, John 974
Conner, Samuel J 974
Conner. Theodore F 737
Conyngham, Judge John N. .
.." 66, 312
Cook, Charles W 1119
-Cook Family 1119 .
Cooper, John 314
Cornelison Families .480, 991, 1231
Cornelison, James 1253
Cornelison, Joseph 392, 480
Cornelison, Robert 1231
Cotner Family 697
Cotner, George P 697
Cotner, Hiram E 697
Crawford, Clinton 1091
Crawford Family 1091
Creasy Families
...614, 620, 652, 676, 982, 1004
Creasy, Francis P 614
Creasy. Dr. George E 620
Cioasy, Harvey Lewis 982
Creasy, Joseph A 052
Creasy, William E 1004
Creasy, Hon. William T 676
Creveiing, Daniel H 773
Creveling Families 774, 984
Creveiing, Herman G 1210
Crispell, Chester F 978
CVispell Family 978
Ci'ispin, Hon. IBenjamin 533
Crispin, Benjamin F., Jr 534
Ci'ispin, Clarence G 536
Ciispin Family 528
Crispin, M. Jackson 535
Croop, Allen B 1064
Croop Family 1176
Croop, George 1063
Croop. Milton H 1176
Crosslev, Daniel F 708
Ci'ossley Families. .708, 1069, 1232
Crosslev, Robert 1069
Culp, Cliarles 819
Gulp, Reuben 819
Cummings Family 713
Cummings, John W 713
Currin Family , 767
Currin, Percival C 767
Curry, Daniel M 453
Curry, Edwin A,, M. D. . .323, 453
Curry Families. .394, 400, 453, 792
Ciury, John R. M 7U3
Daniel, L. H 1080
Daniel, L. L 1080
Davenport Family 734
Davenport, Ray H 734
Davis Families... .583, 1054, 1175
Davis, John J 1054
Davis, William T 1175
Davis, William W 712
Dean Families 701, 991
Dean, Joseph 991
Dean, Mrs. ilargaret B 991
Deen Familj' 557
Deen. John, Sr 284. 557
Deily Family 1219
Deil'y, John 1319
Deitrick, Elmer F 815
Deitrick, William 815
Delanty Family 853
Delay, Emmanuel 1115
Delay Family 1115
Delay, Mrs. Mary 1115
DeLong Families. . .592, 668, 1233
DeLong, Frank E 592
DeLong, .lerome B 668
DeLong, Perry 668
"De Mott. Cyrus 740
De Mott Family 740
Dengler Family 848
Dentler Family 955
Dentler, Frank D 955
Depew, Jonathan 1244
Derr, Cliarles F 1098
Derr Families. .554, 753, 863, 1098
Derr, F. C 554
Derr, J. Miles 753
Derr, Mont 863
Deutsch Family 920
Deutsch, AVilliam L 919
Dewald, John B 787
DeWitt Families 641, 1003
DeWitt. William 641
Dice Family 1144
Dice, .Joseph C 1144
Dickson, Clark L 845
Dickson, Conway W 579
Dickson, David C 580
Dickson Families 580, 845
Dickson, Sterling W 579
Dieffenbach Family 833
Dieffenbach. Hervey E 833
Diefl'enbacher, Benjamin S...1116
Dieffenbacher, Daniel N 545
Diefl'enbacher Families. .545. 1116
Diehh Charles H 1058
Diehl Family 1058
Dietrich Families 866, 1185
Dietrich, Karl L 1185
Dietrich, Peter M 866
Dietterick, Bruce C 1074
Dictterick Family 1074
Dietz Family . ." 733
Dietz, John'H 732
Dildinc, Charles H 1053
Dildine Families 1005, 1053
XVI
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Dildine, John A
Dillon. Jolni L
Dirk, iliss Clara Belle
Dirk, William J
Divel Family
Divel, Judge Henry
Dixon Family
Doan Family
Dodson, Boyd H
Dodson Familj'
Dodson, John
Donnel, Judge Charles G. . .G6,
Doster, Jacob
Doster, John
Doster, .John, .Jr
Doster, Theodore
Dreibelbis, Amos W
Dreibelbis Families 81S,
Dreisbach, Benjamin F
Dreisbach Families 749,
Drinker, Edward R
Drinker Family
Drinker, Jliss Lydia W
Duggan, .John J
Dutt Family . . .
Dutt, Nelson S.
Duy, Albert W.
Duy Family . . .
East Family
East, Harry R
Eaton, Clark D
Eaton Family
Eaton. Frederick H 162.
Eck. Miss Anna E .'
Eck Family
Eck, Reese M
Eckman, Col. Charles W. .298,
Eckman, ilrs. Sophia G
Eckroth Family
Edgar Family
Edgar, Thomas
Edmondson Family
Edmondson. George D
Edwards Families ...
654, 821, 1182,
Edwards, Henry J
Edwards. .James S
Edwards, Jesse
Edwards. Thomas E
Eisenhauer Family
Eisenhauer. John H
Elliott. .Tohii F
Elliott. Samuel
Ellis, Mrs. Annie E
Ellis Families 565, 591,
Ellis, James F
Ellis, .James .J
Ellis. John D
Elmes Family
Elmes, William E
Elwell Family
Elwell. George Edward
Elwell, George Edward. .Jr. . .
Elwell. .Judge William
66, 312
Emmet. .John
Emmett, Andrew .1
Emmett Family
Ent, Charles B
Ent. Edwin H
1005
728
1065
1064
548
548
748
626
462
462
1134
313
1185
1184
1184
1185
818
1239
1060
1060
596
596
597
1218
1218
1058
1058
760
760
1198
1198
680
512
, 512
812
811
812
, 454
455
1021
1085
1085
490
490
1187
821
654
1187
1182
797
797
HOG
1106
886
, 886
591
885
565
816
816
673
675
676
, 673
284
1095
1095
536
1073
Ent Families 536, 1073, 1254
Ent, Gen. Wellington H 426
Enterline Family 898
Enterline, W. G 898
Ervin, Barton E 1090
Ervin, Stephen 1090
Eshleman, Benjamin L 948
Eshleman Families 948, 1096
Eshleman, Harold 949
Evans, Andrew J 742
Evans, Judge Charles C
70, 314, 432
Evans, David 875
Evans Families 432,
574, 578, 742, 983, 1151, 1155
Evans, James L 574
Evans, John D 875
Evans, John W 1151
Evans, Oliver E 983
Evans, Mrs. Sarah E 743
Evans, William W 135, 577
Everett, Edward, M. D 587
Everett Family 587
Evert Family ' 1099
Evert, George H 1099
Eves, C. Scott 553
Eves, E. Tmman 758
Eves Families. .553, 733, 759, 1047
Eves, Joseph C 733
Eves, John Emery 1047
Eyer, Luther 594
Ever, Rev. William J 594, 619
Fahringer Family
Fahringer, Harry
Fairchild Family
Fail-child. Wesley B
Fallon, Ed. F
Fallon Family
Fallon, William
Farley Family
Farley, Robert M
Faiver Family
Farver. George
Faus Family
Faus, Frank
Faust Families 937,
Fedorco Family
Fedorco, .John
Fegley, Daniel E
Fegley Family
Fensteniaker Family
Fenstemaker. George C
Fensterraacher Family
Fenstermacher, Grant
Fenstermacher, Michael W. . .
Fenstermacher. Scott E
Fergerson Family
Ferris, Courtney E
Ferris Families. . .736, 1034,
Ferris, Olaf F
Fettorman, David F
Fetterman Family
Field Family
Field. Henry P
Field. Mrs. Katharine J
Fielding Family
Fielding. Wilfred G
Fiester Family
Fiester, Henry A
Fitield, Benjamin P
Fifield Family
1189
1189
847
847
688
687
688
906
906
1077
1077
849
849
1087
1256
1256
1213
1213
1158
1158
993
1234
993
992
1115
1034
1241
736
1043
1043
579
579
.579
1108
1108
1114
1114
1112
1112
Finnigan, .James C 877
Finnigan, William 877
Fisher, Charles J 495
Fisher Families
: . ..464, 495, 756, 1083
Fisher, George A 465
Fisher, Horace M 465
Fisher, John L 466
Fisher, William C 466
Fisher, William H 756
Fisher, William S 464
Fister Family 1135
Fister, Ranslo 1125
Fleckenstine Family 616
Flick Families 709, 727, 931
Forney Family 907
Fornwald, Cliarles S 964
Foinwald Family 964
Foniwald, George A 965
Fortner Family 1251
Foster Family 695
Foster, John G 695
Foulk, Benjamin F 889
Foulk, Charles L 868
Foulk Family 889
Foust Family 915
Foust, Philip H 915
Fowler Families
569, 1104, 1159, 1208
Fowler, Jeremiah R 569
Fowler, Lillian D 569
Fowler, Theodore B 1104
Fowler. Willard G 1208
Fox, Charles S. W 499
Fox Families 428, 499
Fox, Dr. James T 428
Fox. Dr. .John C 429
Frank, John 1047
Frazer, Daniel 282
Frazier, Daniel H 718
Frazier Family 718
Freas, Barton D 503
Freas Families 503, 1074
Freas, Rush T 1074
Freeze, Col. John G 424
Freeze Family 425
Frey Families 788, 1196, 1212
Frey, Freeman W 788
Frey. Henry 1196
Frick, A. J 317
Flick, Arthur W 317
Frick, Dr. Clarence H 321
Frick. George A 314
Fritz. Hon. Andrew L 513
Fritz Families 513, 822
Fritz, Rush M 823
Fritz. Verner E 822
Fry Family 1200
Fry. George A 1300
Funk, Rev. Henry 466
Funk, Nevin U 467
Furman. Chester S 521
Furman Family 521
Furman, Miss Julia H 522
Gaertner, Emil 942
Galbraith, Thomas J 318
Gallagher, Michael 1128
Gallagher, Miss Rose A 1128
Garrett. William H 851
Garrison, Aaron 810
Garrison, Calvin D 959
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
xvu
Garrison Families
539, 752, 810, 1087, 1251
Garrison, Mrs. Lydia S 959
Garrison, William 752
Gaskins, Thomas 284
Gearhart, Bonliam R., Jr.... 519
Gearhart, Cliarles P 320
Gearhart, Mrs. Cordelia E. . . . 451
Gearhart, Edward S 319
Gearhart Families
449, 455, 517, 638
Gearhart, George M 449
Gearhart, M. Grier 638
Gearhart, Robert Y 517
Geisinger, Mrs. Abigail A. . . 480
Geisinger, Mrs. Abigail A.,
Birthplace and Home
(Views) 480
Geisinger, David 1211
Geisinger, George F 481
Geisinger, Mrs. Margaret R..1210
George Family 1029
George, William J 1029
Gernert, John H 925
Gibson Families ...396,544,901
Giger Family 775
Giger, Josiah H 775
Gilbert Family 468
Gilbert, Rev. Richard H 583
Gilds, Charles J 747
Gilmore Family 989
Gilmore, W'illi'am H 989
Girton Families 599, 667
Girton, Prof. Maurice J 667
Girvan Family 1023
Girvan, John A 1022
Glenn, Edwin A., M. D 1072
Glenn Family 1072
Gordner, Jonathan R 1217
Gotshall Family 1101
Gotshall, Heniy 1101
Gotwalds. Francis M 692
Graham Families 611, 1229
Graham. Marks 611
Gresh Family 1236
Gresh, Joseph D 1236
Grier Family 412
Grier, Rev. Isaac ...383, 338, 412
Grier, Isaac X 317, 412
Grier, Rev. John B 413
Grier. Hon. Robert C 314
Grotz Family 664
Grotz, John K 664
Grove Family 540
Grove, Herbert S 540
Grozier Family 764
Grozier, Prof. "Harry .... 184, 764
Gruber, David L 1081
Gniber Family 1081
Guest, David" L 918
Guest Family 919
Guie, Edwin B 1097
Guie. James 1097
Gulics, John C 283
Gulliver Family 994
Gulliver, James H 994
Hagenbuch. Charles W 1188
Hagenbuch. Emory D 1190
Hagenbuch Families
749, 1036, 1150. 1188, 1190
Hagenbuch, Frank W 1087
Hagenbuch, Franklin W 1150
Hagenbuch, Frederick 749
Hagenbuch, Mrs. Sarah K...1189
Hagenbuch, Miss Sarah M... 752
Hagenbuch, William A 1026
Hager Family 656
Hager, William M 656
Hagerman Family 935
Hagerman, Joshua 935
Hall, Horace A 575
Hancock, Charles P 410
Hancock Family 410
Harder, Charles M 765
Harder, Clark F 581
Harder Families
581, 589, 765, 1230
Harder, Mrs. Sarah B 582
Harder, Thomas E 589
Harder, Thomas R 1320
Harding Family 737
Haring, David E 564
Haring Family 564
Harman Families 435, 514
Harman, James Lee 435
Harman, Samuel H 514
Harmon Family 794
Harpel, Francis E., M. D.322, 549
Harris Families 961, 1209
Harris, Levi 888
Harris, William J 888
Harter Family 976
Harter, Theodore C, M. D... 976
Hartjine, Prof. Daniel S 872
Hartline Family 872
Hartman, Charles L 772
Hartman Families
771, 995. 1030, 1035, 1072, 1123
Hartman. Frank S 1123
Hartman, Frederick B 772
Hartman, George A 1020
Hartman, John F 1035
Hartman, Nelson C 995
Hartman, William 283
Hartman, William E 1020
Hartzell, John B 853
Hassert Family 471
Hassert. George E 471
Hauck, Charles E 461
Hauck Families 461, 1259
Hauck, William H 1259
Haupt, Clarence E 516
Hauser, Dr. Raymond J.. 334, 938
Hayden Family 916
Hayden, .James 918
Hayden, Nicholas 916
Hayman Families 1038, 1094
Hayman, James P 1038
Hayman. William H 1094
Heacock Family 1243
Heacock, Jeremiah R 1243
Heim, Joseph 719
Helm. .Julius 719
Heller Family 1174
Heller, Samuel K 1174
Helwig Family 781
Helwig, Noah" 781
Hendershott. Mrs. Mary M. . . 664
Hendershott. Norman J 663
Hendricks Family 1311
Hendricks. George M 1211
Hendrickson Family 881
Hendrickson, John F 881
Henkel, Rev. David M 618
Henkel Family 618
Henkel, Mrs. Susan E 619
Henkelman Family 1005
Henkelman, George 1005
Heurie Family 635
Henrie, William H 635
Henry Family 986
Herr Family 543
Herr, John N 543
Herring, Alexander B 584
Herring Families 506, 584
Herring, George A 506
Herring, Judge Grant 70, 313
Herrington Family 690
Herrington, Frank M 691
Hertz Family 836
Hertz, William J 836
Hess, Bruce A 1174
Hess, Charles M 1243
Hess Families . . . 437, 600, 803,
957, 971, 975, 1173, 1193, 1243
Hess, Hany F 971
Hess, Harvey W 438
Hess, Isaiah J 1173
Hess, .John 1 920
Hess, Leslie E 930
Hess, Dr. Milton J 436
Hess, Orion M 1193
Hess, Reuben H 1244
Hess, William H 600
Hetler Family 1024
Hetler, Mahlon C 1024
Hicks Families
636, 648, 812; 1257
Hicks, Joseph S 636
Hicks, Millard W 1357
Hidlay Families 751, 1153
Hidlav. William J 1153
Hildebrand. Camden W 1049
Hildebrand Family 1049
Hile Family ". 1136
Hile, William H 1136
Hill Family 750
Hinckley, .judge Henry M...
■ 68, 313, 318, 448
Hine, Daniel E .' . . .1133
Hine Family 1123
Hixson, John F 870
Hock Family 1304
Hock, Michael B 1304
Hockman Family 1172
Hoffa Family 892
Hoffman Family 747
Hoffman, Lewis 700
Hoffman, Simon K 747
Holdren Family 876
Holdren, Phineas 876
Hollingshead, William 546
Holly, Daniel W 822
Holly Family 822
Hoppes. Clarence .J 1216
Hoppes, Elias 967
Hoppes Families 1157, 1217
Hoppes, George T 1157
Hortman Family 1199
Hosier Family '. 1138
Hosier. Georg'e B. W 1139
Houck Family 1143
Housenick Family 953
Houtz F.amily . . ". 839
Houtz, 0. V 839
XVlll
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Hove Family 923
Howe, Fred \V 923
Hower, Charles E 52-t
Hower Families. . .534, 1045, 1106
Hower, Hiester V., M. D HOG
Hower, Dr. Hiram C 1090
Hughe.*, Chester K 630
Hughes, Ellis 282
Hughes Families
768, 910, 1169, 11T6
Hughes, George M 768
Hughes, Mrs. Harriet 630
Hughes, Walter A 1169
Hull, Charles E 823
Hull Family 823
Hunsinger Family 103T
Hunsiuger, .Josiah F 1037
Hunt, George W 873
Hunt, John H 873
Hyde Family 896
Hyde, Thomas E 896
Hyssong, Austin L 973
Hyssong, Elisha B 973
Ikeler, Judge Elijah R.69, 313, 420
Ikeler Families 421, 958, 990
Ikeler, Frank A 422
Ikeler, Fred T 419
Ikeler, Mrs. Helena 422
Ikeler, Roland R 958
Ikeler, Samuel W 990
lies Family 852
lies, William 853
Irland, James M 459
Ivey, Edward W 590
Ivey Families 590, 1185
Ivey, George A 1185
Ivey, Ricliard 590
Jackson, Col. Clarence G
161, 184, 464
Jackson Families 416, 1168
Jackson, Frank R 456
Jackson. Mordecai W....161, 416
Jackson, Jlorrison E 624
Jacobs Families 541, 1152
Jacobs, George B 1152
Jacobs, John R 1153
Jacobs, William F 541
Jacoby Family 643
Jacoby, Guy 643
Jaeoby, John G 819
Jacoby, Legrand S 819
James, B. J 916
James Family 916
Jarrard, Clemuel L 1021
Jarrard Families 1021, 1147
Jan-ard, Merton L 824
Jarrard, William E 1147
Jayne, Samuel C 696
John Families
346, 632, 833, 1040, 1354
John, J. Stacey, M. D 1040
John, Ralph R 632
Johnson, Bartlett H 527
Johnson Families
527, 744, 807, 936
Johnson, George W 807
.Johnson, James 1123
Johnson, .Joseph R 744
Johnson, Dr. Ralph E 324
Johnson, Reagan B 999
.Johnson, Samuel B
Johnson, Stephen C
•Johnson, William S
.Johnston, Charles M
.Johnston Family
.Johnston, William C
Jones, Mrs. Catherine (Maus)
.lones, Evan
.Jones, Horatio C
.Jones, John L
Jordan, Judge Alexander. . . .
.Jordan, Francis
Jordan, Mrs. Jennie B
998
998
936
860
860
317
447
939
448
939
312
903
903
Karchner, Charles Franklin. . 1016
Karchner Families ....1016, 1018
Karchner, George E 1018
Kase. Simon P 289
Kaufman, Mrs. Anna M 905
Kaufman, Oliver 1 905
Keck Families 1027, 1213
Keck, Henry S 1313
Keifeit Family 1118
Keifer, Henry H 1118
Keiner, .Jolm F 997
Keiner, William 997
Kelchner Family 1113
Kelchner. John 1113
Keller Family 1126
Keller, William 1126
Kellev. Bruce C 559
Kelley Families 559, 1062
Kelley, James 1062
Kellogg Family 1034
Kepner, Bruce A 974
Kepner Families
974, 997, 1203, 1355
Kepner, John A 1255
Kepner, Samuel F 1303
Kerswell Family 733
Kerswell. Thomas F 731
Kester, Benjamin F 663
Kester, E. Ross 1113
Kester Families 663, 1113
Ivile Family 1333
Kile. George B 1223
Kimble Family 1124
Kimble, Frank 1124
Kindig Family 1181
Kindig, Michael E 1181
Kingsbury, Adelbert R 996
King.sbury Family 996
Kirk Family 550
Kirk, Rev. James W 341, 550
Kirkendall Family 1026
Kirkham, Samuel 383, 306
Kisner Families. . .880, 1199, 1303
Kisner, Ralph 330, 880
Kisner, Samuel 703
Kistler, Benjamin 1080
Kitchen Family 775
Kitchen, Frank R 775
Klase Family 699
Klase, Jesse 699
Kline, Abraham 813
Kline, Cliarles B 1235
Kline, Cliarles S 467
Kline, Edgar E 1107
Kline Families. .415, 438, 467.
631, 705, 813, 962, 1107, 1225
Kline, Harry H 962
Kline, Isaac 813
Kline, Jacob L 705
Kline, John J 1064
Kline, John L. C 622
Kline, Luther B., M. D 415
Kline, Riley L 438
Klinetoh, Dr. Dalbys B 652
Klinetob, David G 1186
Klinetob Families 651, 1186
Klinetob, Harvey L 651
Kling Family 1086
Klinger, Elmer 1209
Klinger, Gideon 1309
Knapp, Christian F 741
Knecht, Jacob 817
Kiieeht, Mrs. Martlia E 817
Knepper Family 1147
Knittle, Daniel F 665
Knittle, Miss Ella 645
Knittle Families 645, 665
Knittle, .Joseph B 645
Knorr Families 786, 793, 985
Knorr, Harvey E 785
Knorr, Henry T 793
Knorr, Samuel M 985
Knouse, Ehvood 1107
Knouse F.amily 1107
ICoeher, Edwin M ] 001
Kocher Families
867, 1001, 1038, 1057
Kocher, Thomas C 1038
Koons Family 779
Koons, Julius C 779
Kostenbauder Families
1011, 1100
Kostenbauder, Jesse J 1011
Kostenbauder, Oscar P 1100
Kramni Family 905
Krebs Family 413
Kreischer Family 1204
Kreischer, William H 1204
Kreisher, Clarence E 660
Kreisher Family 660
Kressler Family 1014
Kressler, Samuel P 1014
Krumm Family 1206
Kuhn, Isaac S 848
Kuhn, Mrs. Susan 848
Kunkel, Charles 1163
Kunkel Family 1163
Kurtz Family 720
Kurtz, Hon. .Jennings U..121, 720
Landis, David E 571
Landis, John B 571
Laiib Families 757, 1117
Laub. George A 757
Laub, Jacob A 1117
Daubach Fam.ilies 552, 1031
Lazarus, Charles E 940
Lazarus Families 940, 958
Lazarus, Henry 959
Learn, Alexander J 844
Learn Family 844
Lechleitner Family 804
Lechner, .Joseph F 868
Le Due, Emile J 870
I^e Due Family 870
Lee Families 911, 1101, 1177
Lee, George S 1101
Lee, Isaac C 911
Lee. James 1177
Lee, Thomas M 1224
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
XIX
Lefller, Mrs. Carrie (Russell) .1259
Legien Family 1214
Legien, Herman R 1214
Lehmau Family 942
Lehman, Frank 942
Leiby Family 1114
Leiby, Simon 1114
Leidy Family 933
Leidy, John H 933
Leidy, Paul 317
Lemon, Michael 842
Lemon, William M 842
Lenhart, C. Fred 526
Lenliart Family 526
Lenhart, George W 988
Letteer Family 1255
Letteer, Oscar E 1255
Levan, CD 878
Levan (Le Van) Families. 501, 878
Levan, Joseph 1078
Levan, Wilson 1078
Lewis, Judge Ellis 66, 311
Litchard Family 655
Litcliard, James H 655
Little, Mrs. Deborah T 419
Little Family 418
Little, Judge Robert R
69, 313, 418
Livziey, Harvey C 930
Livziey, William 930
Lockard Family 1030
Lockard, James S 1030
Lockhart, Charles C 1143
Lockhart Family 1143
Long, Charles C 846
Long Families 707, 952
Long, Jolin F 952
Longenberger Family 1260
Loreman Family 962
Loreman. .Jonathan 962
Lormer Familv 1128
Lormer. Scth C 1128
Lovett, William 997
Lovett, William T 997
Lowry, William F. ._ 162, 744
Lundy, John 286
Lundy, Rev. John P 286
Lutz, Charles B 754
Lutz Family 754
Lyman Family 486
McAnall, Charles K 1031
McAnall, John 1030
McAnall, John R 1030
McBride. Charles G 1080
McBride Family 1089
McBride, Hugh' D 1080
McBride, .James D 717
McBride, Miss L. Rachel 1090
McBride, Oscar E 10S9
McCollum, Alfred F 1096
McConnell Family 593
McConnell. George 593
McCormick, James 292
McHenry, Abram L 1148
McHenry, B. Frances 320
McHenry Families
657, 814, 1148, 1160, 1194, 1235
McHenry, Ira R 1160
McHenry, James B 1235
McHenry, John G 212, 657
JIcHenry, Dr. Montraville ....
322, 1161
JXcHeniy, Oliver S 814
iloKiUip, Harvey A 573
Mcilahan I'amily 1225
JlcMahan, Capt. James 1161
McJlichael, James 1149
McMichael, William F 1149
McNeal, Ann 583
McVicker F'amily 655
McWilliams Families ...583, 864
MaoCrea, Alexander B., M. D. 516
MacCrea Family 516
ilacdonald Families. 609, 668, 1156
lAlacdonald, John T., M. D...1156
Jlacdonald, John L 609
Maclntyre Family 668
Madden Family 693
Madden, William T 692
Magill, Dr. William H
287, 321, 372
Magreevy Family 1241
aUllery, Garrick 162, 461
Maloney Family 1241
Jlanning Family 1039
Manning, William H 1039
Mansfield Family 1131
Mansfield, William J 1131
Jlarkle, Daniel R 1169
Markle Families . 1043, 1140, 1170
Marks Family 634
Marks, Robert L 634
Marr. Alem 314, 325
Martin Family 583
Martin, James 941
Martin, Patrick 941
Martz, Ambrose 925
Martz. Charles N 1062
Martz, David B. F 1042
Martz, Edward S 1154
Martz Families 810,
908. 924, 1042, 1050, 1002, 1154
Martz, Henrv 924
Martz, Jacob 90S
Martz, Jacob W 929
Martz. Jolm 924
Masteller Families 478, 1097
Masteller, William 1097
Masters Family 619
ilasters, Francis P 619
Masters, Mrs. Orpha L 620
Maus Families
17, 274, 282, 400, 407, 445
Maus, Philip E 407
Mauser, Alonzo A 1191
JIauser, David 1305
Mauser Families. .938, 1191, 1305
JIauser, Jlrs. Sarah J 1306
Jlelick, Henrv W 1082
Jlelick Families 1055, 1082
Mensch Families
586, 630, 781, 1224
Menseh, Frank 1324
Mensch. John S 586
Mensch, Lewis C 630
Mensch, William 781
Jleredith Familv 544
Meredith, Hugh'B., M. D
323, 363, 544
IMericle. Theodore 815
Merkel Familv 1071
Mcrkel. William A 1071
Messersmith Family 787
Messersmith, Jesse B.... ... 787
Michael Families. .511, 1139, 1215
Micliael, Obediah 1140
Milheim Family 1179
milliard Family 521
Millard, William H 520
Miller, Daniel H 801
Miller, David M 1125
Miller Families
801, 1084, 1125, 1163
Miller, George W 1084
Miller, Harry D 801
Miller, James N 776
Miller, Reuben J 1163
Mills Family 684
Mills, .Samuel A 684
Milnes F-amily loiQ
Molyueaux Family iiys
Molyneaux, Walter R 1195
Monroe, William R 491
Montgomery, Ditniel 280
Montgomery, Gen. Daniel
274, 280, 337, 360
Montgomery Families 17, 278
Montgomery, John C 318
Montgomery, John G 310
Montgomery, Gen. William . .
378, 327
Montgomery, Judge William. 281
Montgomery, Rev. William B. 284
Moomey Familj- 849
Moomey. George iS 849
Moore, Evan B 1141
Moore Families
525, 631, 1141, 1194
Moore, John E 631
Moore, William H 1194
ilordan Family 1166
Mordan, Harman L 1166
Morgan Family 989
Morgan. John L 989
Jloser Family 682
ilourcr, L. K 321
Mowery Family 1105
Mowery, George 1105
Mowrei-, Mrs. Annie S 867
Mowrer, .John 867
Mowrer, William K 867
Jlowrey, Mrs. Eleanora 1216
Mowrey Family 1216
Mowrey, George Y 1316
Mowrey, Isaac 1216
Munson, David 1122
Munson Family 1123
Munson, ilrs. Louisa 1132
Murray, David E . 658
Murry Family 1307
Muriy, Miles 1207
Musselman, Beverly W., Sr.. 855
Musselman, Beverly W., .Jr.. 719
Musselman, Mis.-B Elizabeth L. 850
Musselman. Miss Sarah C. . . 856
Myerley. George W 850
Myerlcy, Mrs. Harriet S 851
Myers Families 976, 1025
Newbaker Family 640
Newbaker. Dr. Philip C..332, 640
Xewman Family 777
Newman. -lohn H 777
Xevhard Familv 840
XX
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Neyhard, Samuel 110, 840
Noss Family 1037
Nuss Family 1032(
Nuss, Jeremiah B 1032
Oglesby Family 498
Oglesby, George 498
Oglesby, Dr. James 333, 498
Oglesby, William V 330, 499
Ohl, Boyd T 1007
Ohl Families 1007, 1111
Ohl, Michael T 1111
Oliver Family 1166
Oliver, William 1166
Oman Family 1110
Oman, Thomas C 1110
Orth, William H 869
Oswald, Mrs. Anne 6 634
Oswald Family 636
Owen, Hudson 955
Oxley Family 1332
Oxley, Lewis 1322
Oyster Family 887
Oyster, George N 887
Paden, Claud C 994
Paden, David F 995
Parker Family 1244
Parker, Theodore 1344
Patrick Family 1347
Patrick, Gus 1247
Patten, Robert S., M. D. .325, 855
Paules Family 1008
Paules, William R., M. D . . .
324, 1008
Peckham, Aaron K 66
Pentz, E. D 1259
Peters, Edward W 542
Petrovits Family 603
Petrovits, Rev. Joseph J. C. . 602
Petty Family 945
Pfahler Family 600
Pfahler, James F 599
Pfahler, John E 1059
Pliillips Families 788, 1353
Phillips, Lewis S 788
Phillips, Ralph G 1353
Ploch. Frederick 831
Poe Family 615
Pohe Family 1120
Pohe, Stephen C 1120
Polk Family 414
Polk, Rufus K 414
Pollock Family 700
Pollock, Judge James 66, 312
Pollock, James B 700
Price Families 496, 947
Price, Thomas J 496
Price, William R 947
Purpur, Edward 459
Purpur Family ■ 459
Pursel Families 433,
505, 555, 560, 820, 1079, 1109
Pursel, Frank P 432
Pursel, Henry J 1079
Pursel, Jasper N 555
Pursel, Jonathan 1109
Pursel, Norman S 505
Pursel, William G 560
Pursell Family 738
Quick Family 783
Quick, John G 783
Quick, William G 783
Quigg, Thomas 678
Quigg, William 678
Randall, Charles E 585
Randall Family 585
Rank, Daniel VV 318, 854
Rank Family 854
Rank, Isaac 288
Raseley, Charles A 573
Raseley Family 573
Raup, Abraliam L 1061
Raup Family 1061-
Rcagan, George L., M. D 597
Reagan, Mrs. Tillie E 598
Rebman, Samuel C 871
Reed Families 691, 1083
Reed, Guy A 1083
Reed, J. Orville 941
Reed}', Daniel 791
Reedy Family 791
Reese, Charles R 809
Reese Family 809
Reifsnyder Family 789
Reifsnydcr, Karl P 789
Reiter, Augustus 1183
Reiter Family 1183
Remley, David 1036
Renilcy Family 1180
Reynolds Family 927
Reynolds, Theodore 926
Rhawn Family 481
Rhawn, William H 481
Rhinard Family 1226
Rlioads Family 834
Rhodes, B. K 317
Rhodes, .John 393
Riciiard. Frederick J 493
Richard, Jacob F 494
Richardson Family 483
Richardson, John L 483
Richie, C. W 1127
Rieketts, Edward 930
Ricketts, George E 930
Rider, Lloyd T 537
Rinard, Abraham L 608
Rinard Family 607
Rinard, Joseph H 607
Ringrose. Aaron 971
Ringrose, William R 971
Rishel, Dorance R 434
Rishel Family 434
Rishel, James P 863
Rishel, John R 862
Rittenhouse Family 1171
Rittenhouse, MarkE 1171
Ritter Family 1337
Ritter, FoiTcst N 1237
Robbins Family 547
Robbins, James E., M. D. .334, 547
Robinson, Edwin H 1132
Robinson Family 1132
Robinson, .John M 1133
Robinson, .Joseph J 1134
Robinson, Thomas C 902
Robinson, William M 1132
Robinson. William R 902
Robison Family 566
Robison, .James B 566
Robison. Miss Martha E 568
Rockefeller, .Judge William M. 313
Rodenhoffer Family 943
Rodenhoffer, George 943
Roderick, David M 883
Roderick Family 883
Rogers, David J 1230
Rogers, Thomas J 694
Rogers, William J 694
Roiirbach Family 1315
Rohrbach, Lorenzo D 1215
Rook Family 1028
Rote Family 551
Rote, George L 551
Roup Family 1144
Roup, William 1144
Rowe Family 869
Rowe, George L S69
Rowe, John 790
Rowe, Riciiard W 790
Rowe, Mrs. Sarah 790
Ruch Families 843, 1090
Ruch. Henry 574
Ruch. William F 574
Ruhl, Robert J 602
Runyan, Mrs. Ann Maria 1189
Runyan, Elmer W 1189
Rupert Family 506
Russell Family 1258
Russell, William M. C 1258
Rutter Family 441
Rutter, John C, Jr 441
Ryan Family 871
Ryan, James 871
Sandel, ,John H., M. D. . .323, 694
Sands Family 1122
Sands. William E 1121
Savage Family 1045
Savage, George N 1045
Savidge Family 1221
Savidge, Ralph A 1331
Scarlet Family 440
Scarlet. James 318, 440
Schlee, Frederick 1063
Schlee, Peter 1063
Schott Family 1237
Schott, Thomas A 1336,
Schram Family 784
Schram, Martin H 784
Schultz Family 439
Schultz, Dr. Solomon S. . .333, 429
Schweppenheiser, Abram.806, 817
Sehweppenheiser Families . . .
805, 817, 1337
Schweppenheiser, William C. .1237
Sechler Families .... 717, 867, 870
Sechler, H. B. D 288
Sechler, Jacob 385
Sechler, Mrs. Mary C 582
Sechler, M. De La'fayette 717
Sechler, Mrs. Rosanna 716
Sechler, Samuel 582
Sechler, William A 718
Seely, Col. Andrew D 856
Seely Families 739, 856
Seely, S. Britt 739
Seidel, Alfred F 858
Seidel. Arren E 393, 859
Seidel, Clarence W 859
Seidel Families 714, S5S
Seidel, Joseph B 714
Seidel, Mrs. I^ucy C 859
Seiple Family 1085
Seiple, Stephen C 1085
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
XXI
Seybert Family 1189
Shaffer, Alfred C 1186
Shaffer, Hon. Charles A 704
Shaffer, Edward 1210
Shaffer Families
704, 1186, 1210, 1246
Shaffer, Rev. Theodore B 1246
Shalter, Edmond H 893
Shalter Family 891
Shalter, John 891
Shambach, Jesse Y 643
Shannon, Qark W 1093
Shannon Families 760, 1093
Shannon, Hun. William W.. . 760
Sharpk'ss, Arthur W 835
Sharpless, Benjamin F 970
Sharpless Families 835, 969
Sharpless, George H 970
Shelhart, Jacob 289
Sheriff, John W 858
Sheriff, Mrs. Matilda A 858
Sherman, Nathan 1167
Shew Family 791
Shew, John'W. E 791
Shires, Charles E 874
Shires Family 874
Shive Family 842
Shoemaker, David C 1100
Shoemaker Families
834, 888, 1075, 1100
Shoemaker, William 1258
Shoop, Gideon M 289
Shugars Family 1135
Shugars, Jolm H 1135
Shnltz, B. F., M. D 290, 333
Shultz, Charles W 724
Shultz Families 662,
734, 830, 903, 936, 1065, 1093
Shultz, Glen L 1065
Shultz, Philip G 663
Shultz, R. M 1092
Shuman, Ambrose, M. D 512
Shuman, Mrs. Angeline 511
Shuman, Cliarles S 541
Shuman Families
509, 541, 1077, 1245
Shuman, Franklin L 510
Shuman, John T 512
Shuman, .John W 1345
Shuman, Paris H 511
Sidler, Emanuel 548
Sidlcr Families 548, 686, 875
Sidlor, William L 686
Sidler, William S 875
Simington, Dr. R. S 333
Sitler, aiarles E 1016
Sitler Families 648, 796.
972, 1016, 1032, 1161, 1175, 1182
Sitler, .James W 1161
Sitler, Reuben H 796
Smethers, Miss Amy B 957
Smethers, Edward H 985
Smethers Families
957, 961, 985, 1243
Smethers, Hurley K 1242
Smethers, Jacob C 957
Smethers, John A 1343
Smethers, John H 1301
Smethers, Miss Katlierine. . .1242
Smethers, Philip McClellan.. 961
Smith, Adam 1103
Smith, Allen E 1104
Smith, Charles H 790
Smith, David 933
Smith Families
520, 804, 932, 934,
944, 1081, 1103, 1118, 1165, 1249
Smith, Fred K 1248
Smith, Frederick B 193, 595
Smith, George W 790
Smitli, H. Montgomery 520
Smith, James E 944
Smith, John B 936
Smith, Joseph 925
Smith, Lloyd E 1081
Smith, Miles W 934
Smith, Robert M 1165
Smith, Stephen 926
Smith. Theodore L 804
Smithers, Benjamin F 932
Smithers Family 922
Snyder, Allen L 1052
Snyder, Charles W 1096
Snyder Families . . . .614, 687,
761, S85, 909, 1052, 1096, 1322
Snyder, H. Alfred 885
Snyder, Prof. Harlan R 761
Snyder, John 755
Snyder, Joseph H 909
Snyder, Mrs. Sarah M 615
Snyder, Stephen E 687
Snyder, William H 614
Snyder, W. L 755
Sober Family 711
Sober, Dr. Harry M 711
Sones Family 1146
Sponenberg, Edward J 807
Sponenberg Families . 646, 807, 987
Sponenberg, James E 987
Sponenberg, Philip 646
Stackhouse Family 637
Stackhouse, Milton E 637
Startzel Family 560
Startzel, William B 559
Stees, Harry R 748
Steinman, Andrew J 681
Steinman Family 683
Sterner Families 463, 832
Sterner, Harry 463
Sterner, Prof. Lloyd P 833
Stifnagle, Philip 784
Stifnagle, William 784
Stiles, .John J 1188
Still. Adoniram J 556
Still Family 556
Stine Family 1111
Stine, Michael E 1111
Stock, George A., M. D 684
Stone Family 610
Stout, Mrs. Elleretta 1086
Stout Families 761, 1025
Stout, Sheridan W 1087
Stout. William T 1025
Strawbridge, Dr. James D... 331
Stuart Family 1205
Stver, Cyrus F 893
Stver Family 893
Suit, Alonzo ■ J 1010
Suit Families 1010, 1094, 1197
Suit, Headley 1094
Siilt, .Jacob N 1197
Suplee (Supplee) Families...
740, 1033
Sutliff Family 850
Swank Families
504, 685, 853, 1208
Swank, Joseph G 504
Swank, Thomas J 853
Sweutek, Mrs. Amelia 939
Swentek, Paul P 940
Sweppenheiser, Dr. Claude E. 949
Sweppenheiser Family 949
Taylor Families 864, 927, 950
Taylor, Frank M 950
Taylor, John H 166, 168, S64
Taylor, William H 937
Teple Family 477
Teplc, James E 477
Tewksbury, Eugene D 632
Tewksbury Family 622
Thomas Families. 1040, 1164, 1250
Thomas, Martin L 1164
Thomas, Miss Mary il 1153
Thomas, Samuel R 1151
Thompson Family 960
Thompson, Hugh 960
Tliornton Family 913
Tilley, Rodman E 1061
Tilloy, William 1061
Tooey, James 933
Tooey, John 933
Tooley, John 683
Tooley, John F 683
Townsend, Mrs, Elizabeth. . .1057
Town.scnd Families 1056, 1102
Townsend, John R 468
Townsend, Jonah H 1103
Townsend, Louis J 1056
Traugh Family 773
Traugh, Henry F 773
Trego Family 839
Trego, William H 829
Trescott, Boyd 508
Trescott Family 508
Trowbridge, Harry M 1046
Trumbower, Mrs. Mary S . . . . 870
Trumbower. Samuel M 870
Tubbs Family 1027
Tubbs, William E 1027
Turner, William 938
Turner, William G 938
Umstead, David M 1133
Um.stead Family 790
Umstead, Mrs. Harriet E 1133
Unangst Family 826
Unangst, George B 836
Updegraff Family 1149
Utt Family 1093
Utt, William S 1092
Van Alen, T.
390
Vanderslice, Charles T
497
Vanderslice Family . .
498
van Fossen. George W.
321
Van Horn Families . . . .
.780,
1082
Van Horn. Robert W. .
1082
Vannan Family
453
Vannan, Forbes H....
453
Vannan. Irvin, Sr
1348
Van Natta Family ....
741
Van Natta, Sade
741
Vastine Families
..443
, 603
Vastine, George H., M.
D.. .
444
Vastine, Dr. Jacob H.
. .322
. 444
XXll
BIOGRAPHICAL INDEX
Vastino, Jacob M, M. D 445
Vastine. William 60C
Vastine, William M 445
Vincent Familiesi 659, 9G8
Vincent, Henry 31S
Vincent, Thomas G 9GS
Vincent, Walter J 659
Voris, Charles E 725
Voris Family 725
Voris, James 2S7, 725
Vought Families 594, 1029
Vought, Peter H 594
Vought, William C 1029
W^agenseller Family 1067
Wagenseller, George 1067
Wagner Family 938
Wagner, Harvey G 938
W^alker, Silas N 731
Waller, Eev. David J., Jr . . . .
127, 143, 560
Walp, Charles 1' 826
Walp Family 826
W'alter Family 895
Walter, Mary Emma 196, 648
Walton Fami'lies 539, 837
W'alton, Harry E 837
Walton, Rev. Morris 539
Waters, Dennis 858
Waters Family 1206
Waters, George W 1206
Watson Family 879
Watson, John F 949
Watters Family 984
Watters. William A 984
Watts Family 698
Watts, James S 698
Weikert Family 903
Weller, John " 910
Welliver. Charles E 538
Welliver Families
539, 1001, 1015, 1057, 1078
Welliver, George W 1001
Welliver, John E 1078
Welliver, Samuel J 458
Welliver, Warren W 459
Welliver, Wilbur C 1057
Wells, Mrs. Lemuel E 407
Welsh, Abner 954
^V'elsh, Isaac 954
Welsh, James 682
^^'elsh, Jayne G 955
Welsh, Robert G 1041
Welsh, Thomas C 320, 682
Weniier Familv 1002
Weiiner, Frank E 1002
Wertnian Familv 923
Wertmaii. Felix P 923
W'ertman, Henry D 929
West Family . .■" 492
West, Isaac "D 493
West, William Kase 319, 492
W'halen, Daniel J 1240
Whalen Family 1240
Wheeler, Edward 1041
Wheeler, H. C 1041
White, Alem B 967
White, Bruce M 795
White, Jbs. Esther E 967
White Families 469,
795, 967, 1009, 1068, 1192, 1229
White. Frank B 1229
White, Harry E 1009
White, Hiest'er V 409
W'hite, John P 1068
White. Leslie H 1192
Whitmire Families ....1162, 1179
Whitmire, Morris J 1179
\Vigfall Family 423
Wigfall, Samuel 423
Williams, David C 545
Williams Families
666, 912, 982, 988, 995
Williams, George C 546
Williams, Guy 988
Williams, J. J 1128
Williams. William E 912
W"illits Familv 623
Wnilits, Isaiah W^, M. D 623
W^ilson Family 1108
W'ilson, Nathaniel 382
Wilson, W. P 1108
Wintersteen, Andrew J 900
Wintersteen Families
702, 882, 900
Wintersteen, Henry 702
\Vintersteen, Joseph H 1232
Witman, Rev. Edwin H 460
Witman, Franklin A 768
Wolf Families 617, 1127
Wuodin, Clemuel R 162, 489
Woodin Family 488
Wuodin, William H. (de-
ceased) 161, 488
Woodin, William H 489
Woodward, \Varren J 66
Wyatt Family 913
Yagel, Charles J 1053
Yagel Family 1053
Yerrick, John 863
Yorrick, Rush 863
Yetter, Clyde C 753
Yocum Family 623, 1137
Yorks Family 292, 683
Yorks, Miss "M. Ida 684
Yorks, William 683
Y'ost Family 1201
Yost, Isaac'E 1201
Young, A. Philip 570
Young, Dr. Benjamin F 282
Young Families
570, 935, 1051, 1168
Young, Herman T 1051
Young, Jeremiah W 1168
Young, Dr. Jesse B 417
Young, Mrs. Mary B 1168
Young, Omer F 935
Youngman, Maj. John C. . . . 449
Y"oungman, M. Grier 448
Zarr Family 956
Zarr, Frank P 956
Zarr, Robert R 956
Zehnder. Cliarles H 162, 460
Zehner Family 800
Zehner. William P 800
Zerbe Family 799
HISTORY OF
COLUMBIA COUNTY
CHAPTER I
THE INDIANS
Civilization struck the native savages of this
continent hke a bhght. The great and pop-
ulous tribes and their strong bands of war-
riors and hunters, fiercer than any wild beast
and as untamable as the eagle of the crags,
have faded away, and the remnants of the once
powerful and warlike nations are now huddled
upon reservations, and in stupid squalor are
the paupers of our nation, begging a pitiful
crust of bread, or in cold and hunger awaiting
the allowances doled out by the government
for their support. The swiftness with which
they are approaching ultimate extinction, the
stoicism with which they see and feel the in-
evitable darkness and destiny closing upon
them and their fate, forms one of the most
tragic epics in history. Soon their memory
will be only a fading tradition. To real history
they will give no completed chapter, because
they did nothing and were nothing as factors
in the grand march of civilizing forces. They
gave the world no thought, no invention, no
idea that will live or that deserves to be classed
with the few things born of the human brain
that live and go on forever. As a race they
had no inherent powers of self -development
or advancement. Like the wild animal they
had reached the limits of their capacity, and
had they been left here undisturbed by the
white race they would have gone on indefi-
nitely in the same circle — savages breeding
savages.
Such are nature's resistless laws that the
march of beneficent civilization is over a great
highway paved with the bodies and broken
bones of laggard nations, nations who pause
within the boundary line separating the ig-
norant savage from intelligent progress.
Nature tolerates none of this sentimental stuff
of "Lo, the poor Indian." It wastes no time
in futile tears over the suft'erings of ignorance
and filth, but "removes" them and lets the
fittest survive, and to them belong the earth
and the good things thereof. And yet even
the poor Indian had rights that civilization
should have been bound to respect; and civili-
zation had it within her power to help rather
than rob the red men of the forest.
The one characteristic that will ever redeem
the memory of the Indian race from contempt
is his intense love for his wild liberty and his
unconquerable resolution never to be enslaved
— a menial, drawing the wood and water and
receiving the blows of the lash from a mas-
ter's hand. He would sing his death song and
die like the greatest of stoics, but he would not
be yoked. When penned up as a criminal, he
beat against the iron bars like the caged eagle
and slowly perished, but died like an Indian
brave, and rejoicing that thus he could escape
the further tortures that to him were far be-
yond death itself.
The treatment of the red men by the govern-
ment has not been wise and often unjust. Not
only were they cruelly robbed of their lands at
times, but government traders swindled them
of their pelts, furs and game, and gave them
the worst evils of our civilization — whiskey,
powder, lying, deceit and hypocrisy. Govern-
ment agent.= and missionaries preached and
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
enjoined upon them our splendid Cliristian
code of morals, but the busy traffickers robbed,
swindled and debauched and murdered them
without hindrance or rebuke.
William Penn and Lord Baltimore were
more than a century ahead of their age. Their
treatment of the Indians is the fairest page in
the history of American settlement. In their
dealings with the savages they leaned to the
side of charity and paid them their own price
for the lands purchased, respecting their rights
and keeping the compacts made with them. In
this respect they earned the unfaltering regard
and trust of the natives, the only injuries ever
done to the members of the Society of Friends
being perpetrated by the renegade allies of the
French.
ORIGIN OF THE INDIANS
It is probable that the aboriginal inhabitants
of the territory within the limits of this county
belonged mainly to the Lenni Lenape, who
held that they were the original people and of
Western origin. The Delawares claimed that
their ancestors lived, many hundred years ago,
in the far distant wilds of the West, and were
the progenitors of forty other tribes ; that after
many years of emigration towards the rising
sun, they reached the Mississippi river, where
they met the Mengwe, who came from a very
distant region and had reached that river high-
er up towards its source; that they found a
powerful nation east of the Mississippi, who
were called Alligewi, and from whom origi-
nated the name of the Allegheny mountains;
that the Lenape wished to settle near the Alli-
gewi, which the latter refused, but allowed
them to cross the river and proceed farther to
the East; that when the Alligewi discovered
how multitudinous the Lenape were, they
feared their numerical strength and slew the
portion that had crossed the river, and threat-
ened to destroy the rest if they should attempt
to cross ; that the Lenape and Mengwe united
their forces against the Allegewi, and con-
quered and drove them out of that part of
the country ; that the Lenape and Mengwe lived
together in peace and harmony for many years.
Their tradition relates further that some of
the Lenape hunters crossed the Allegheny
mountains, the Susquehanna and Delaware
rivers, and advanced to the Hudson, which
they called the Mohicannituck river; that on
their return to their people they represented
the country which they had discovered so far
towards the rising sun to be without people,
but abounding in hsh, game, fowls and fruits ;
that thus the Lenape were induced to emigrate
eastward along the Lenape-zvhittuck, the river
of the Lenapes, also called Mack-er-isk-iskan,
which the English named the Delaware, in hon-
or of Lord de la Ware, who entered Delaware
bay in 1610 and was governor of the Colony of
Virginia from about that time until 1618. The
Dutch and Swedes called it the South river
to distinguish it from the North river, which
bears the name of Hudson.
That such was the tradition preserved by the
Delawares is truthfully stated by Rev. John
Heckewelder, a Moravian missionary, in his
"Account of the History, Manners and Cus-
toms of the Indian Nations who once Inhab-
ited Pennsylvania and the Neighboring States,"
published, in 1819, under the auspices of the
historical and literary committee of the Ameri-
can Philosophical Society. The passing re-
mark may here be made that Indian laws and
historical events were not preserved on parch-
ment, paper or in books, but were handed
down by tradition from one generation to an-
other.
DIFFERENT TRIBES
The Iroquois have a tradition that the val-
ley of the Susquehanna was first inhabited by
the Andastes, a branch of the Lenni Lenape,
whose local tribal name was Susquehannocks.
These the Iroquois drove out and possessed
themselves of the lands.
The Shawnees were driven out of Georgia
and South Carolina, and came to the mouth of
the Conestoga, within the present limits of Lan-
caster county, Pa., about 1677, and spread
thence over what was afterwards Cumberland
county, along the west branch of the Susque-
hanna, in the Wyoming valley, and thence
to the Ohio. As early as (if not earlier than)
1719 Delaware and Shawnee Indians were
settled on the Allegheny. About 1724, says
Bancroft, the Delaware Indians, for the con-
venience of game, emigrated from the Dela-
ware and Susquehanna rivers to the branches
of the Ohio; in 1728 the Shawnees gradually
followed them, and they were soon met by
Canadian traders, and loncaire, an adopted
citizen of the Seneca tribe, used his eloquence
to win them to the side of the French.
Over the whole country watered by the
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
Susquehanna the Six Nations, composed of
the Mohawks, Oneidas, Cayugas, Onondagas
and Senecas, and later the Tuscarora Indians,
claimed the right of conquerors and reigned
supreme, and with them all of the treaties
between the whites and red men were nego-
tiated. To these savages we owe the musical
and romantic names borne by the diiTerent
streams and sections of these two counties.
Here was the home of the famous chief,
Tamenund, whose name is perpetuated in the
Society of Tammany in New York and by a
county in the State of Louisiana.
The names of Indian origin in Columbia
and Montour counties are Susquehanna, mean-
ing river of the winding shore ; Chillisquaque,
derived from "Chilisuagi," an Indian word
meaning a place frequented by snowbirds
(Conrad Weiser crossed it March 8, 1737;
he called it "Zilly Squache" in his diary) ;
Muncy, from the Monsey tribe; Wyoming,
Maughwauwama — large plains ; Catawese,
pure water; Loyalsock, middle fork; Mahon-
ing. The Indian name for Briar creek was
Kawanishoning, for Pine creek, Tiadaghton
and for Roaring creek, Popemetung. William
Penn was called Miquon by the Indians with
whom he had dealings.
INDIAN P.^THS OR TR.MLS
The valley of the Susquehanna was at one
time thickly populated by the Indians and the
remains of many villages and burying grounds
have been uncovered in the last centurj-. The
most important legacy from these savage
predecessors is the foundation they laid for
subsequent exploration and development by
means of the numerous trails or paths they
made through an otherwise trackless wilder-
ness. Through the dense forest, over the hills
and amidst the morasses ran these trails,
scarcely fifteen inches wide, but worn to the
depth of a foot by their constant use from
the feet of generations of savages and savage
beasts, and patted to the density of rock by
this soft yet resistless pressure.
The Shamokin path began at Sunbury and
continued up the West Branch to the mouth
of Warrior run, where an Indian town was
located, and thence through the gap to the
town of Muncy, the home of the Monseys.
The Wyoming path left Muncy on the West
Branch, ran up Glade run, thence through a
gap in the hills to Fishing creek and across
the creek, passing into Luzerne county through
the Nescopeck gap, and up the North Branch
to Wyoming.
The Wyalusing path was traced up Muncy
creek to near where the Berwick road crosses,
then to Dushore, thence to the Wyalusing
flats.
The Sheshequin path ran up Bowser's run,
thence to Lycoming creek, near the mouth of
Mill creek, thence up the Lycoming to the
Beaver dams, thence down Towanda creek
to the Susquehanna river, thence up the river
to the Sheshequin flats.
The Fishing Creek path started on the flats
near Bloomsburg, ran up Fishing creek through
Rosemont cemetery to Orangeville, on to or
near Long pond, thence across to Tunkhan-
nock creek. It was on this path that Moses
\'anCampen was captured.
One of the most frequently traveled trails
passing through the county was that leading
from Wyoming to Aluncy. It followed the
river from Wilkes-Barre to Shickshinny;
thence through the notch at the eastern end
of Knob mountain and along the northern
base of that ridge, entering Columbia county
near Jonestown, in Fishingcreek township,
following thence down Huntington creek to
the Forks and down Fishing creek to near the
mouth of Green creek ; thence up that creek
to a point below Rohrsburg; thence along
the northern base of the Mt. Pleasant hills to
Little Fishing creek at a point between Mill-
ville and Eyer's Grove ; thence over the divide
between the waters of Fishing creek and the
Chillisquaque, and thence northwestward un-
til it joined the path up Glade nm from
Muncy. It must have been a prominent path
or trail, as frequent mention is made of it in
the old surveys of 1769 which cover the west-
ern part of Columbia and the northern part
of Montour county. It made a short and
direct route from the North Branch to the
West Branch and was -free from any steep
hills, in fact, the grades were so easy that
when the time came to locate the Wilkes-
Barre & Western railroad, from near Wash-
ingtonville to Shickshinny, there was no place
in a distance of nearly twenty-five miles
where this railroad was more than a half mile
from this old trail over which the Indian
traveled ages before. Near the mouth of
Green creek above Orangeville this trail joined
the trail from Nescopeck to the Great Island,
which was at what is now Jersey Shore, in
Lycoming county.
All these trails found their outlet towards
the settlements by way of Shamokin and the
river, and when first seen by the whites bore
evidence of constant use. There was only one
important trail to the southeastern settlements
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
—the one from Wyoming to the forks of the
Delaware, at Easton. To all other pomts the
trail along the Susquehanna was not only the
great Indian thoroughfare for the natives of
the valley, but for the whole Iroquois con-
federacy.
MADAME MONTOUR
From authentic sources the story of Madame
Montour is as follows : She was the daughter
of a French gentleman named Montour and
an Indian woman of the tribe at that time
inhabiting Canada. Her first marriage was
to an Indian of the Seneca tribe. She was
at Albany in 171 1 and acted as interpreter.
In 1744 she again acted as interpreter m a
treaty held at Lancaster, Pa. Her second hus-
band was Carondawana, a chief of the Unei-
das and she had altogether four sons and two
daughters, but by which union they were born
is not positively known. She seems to have
been a friend of the proprietaries, for large
erants were given to her sons, Andrew, Henry,
Robert and Lewis, on the Chillisquaque, near
Montoursville and at Shade Gap, in Hunting-
don county. In 1745 she resided at Shamokin,
where she died, but the date is not known.
Madame Montour's daughter Margaret had
several children, three of them daughters. She
it was who was termed "French Margaret
One of her daughters, Esther, married Ech-
eohund, a chief of the Mousey clan. She was
accused of complicity in the Wyoming mas-
sacre although no direct evidence could be
cxathered to prove the fact. Tradition ascribes
to another daughter of Margaret the founding
of the famous Catherinestown, the home and
temple of the sorcerers of the Cat Clan ot
the Senecas, who were the enemies alike of
the whites and the other tribes of Indians.
INDIAN VILLAGES AND SETTLEMENTS
Any attempt to locate the sites of Indian
villages in this part of Pennsylvania must de-
pend entirelv upon tradition. It is accepted
as fact that the sites of Bloomsburg, Berwick,
Catawissa and Danville were at one time oc-
cupied bv large Indian settlements, as the
remains and relics continually found at these
points indicate the presence in the remote past
of large and thriving communities. Most ot
the first settlers encountered these natives on
their arrival and were for some time after-
wards frequently terrorized by the return of
occasional bands of Indians who camped on
the sites which had from time immemorial
bee;i their favorite stopping places.
The nearest large village of which accurate
record has been left us, in this portion of the
State, is that of Shamokin, now the site of Sun-
bury, Northumberland county. In 1728 Shi-
kellamy, a prominent Cayuga chieftain, was
governor of the village, which was populated
principally by the Delawares. He governed in
a wise and judicial manner until his death in
1749. The natives after that date were gradu-
ally forced out by the whites, who in 1756 built
the fort called Augusta at this point. From
this nucleus grew up the present town of Sun-
bury.
More than a century and a half has passed
since the withdrawal of the Indians from the
territory of Columbia and Montour counties,
and the history of the Indian customs and
habits would soon be lost if not revived by the
historian of each decade. It is well, therefore,
to review in brief the manner of life of our
aboriginal predecessors as a reminder of the
contrasts between those days and the present
age of wonders and achievement.
The towns and villages of the Indians in-
habiting the valley of the Susquehanna and its
tributaries were located immediately upon the
banks of the streams, on ground high enough
to be out of reach of floods. But little atten-
tion was paid to location for defensive pur-
poses, except that a spot free of timber and
usually on a point jutting out into the stream
was selected, in order that canoes could be
easily landed and the squaws have ready access
to the water.
Wigwams were constructed in a substantial
manner to resist wind and storm, and to keep
the inmates comfortable during the winter.
Some were nearly twenty feet in diameter,
large and roomv, while others were smaller;
mott of them either oval or round in shape;
of bark or matting laid over a framework of
poles stuck in the ground, bunched together
at the top and tied with thongs. _ The winter
wigwams were covered with skins, with an
opening at the top to allow the escape of smoke,
and flaps at different points arranged to be
used for entrance, according to the direction
of the wind. Even in 'these modern days it
is quite an art to erect a "tepee" that will be
weatherproof and at the same time not suf-
focate the occupants with the smoke of the
fire. In winter these wigwams were lined with
matting, woven of rushes, grasses and reeds ;
bunks were built of poles, with skins and furs
for bedding. The clay cooking pots were hung
from the center over the ever-burning fire.
In the larger settlements the Indians built
loo- cabins, roofed with bark and sod, a hole
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
being left in the center to let out the smoke.
These were often fitted up in a very comfort-
able manner, and formed the model after which
the white settlers built their first habitations.
The whites, however, far exceeded the savages
in craftsmanship and design, and their homes
were fitted with that highest evidence of
superior civilization — the chimney.
Many persons have read of the Indian
"lodge," yet few are familiar with its construc-
tion. Lodges were not used for permanent
habitation, but mostly for camping and war
purposes. Saplings were stuck in the ground
in the form of a bow, something like a series
of croquet hoops set in a row, only about five
feet in height. A "lodge-pole" was lashed
along the tops of the hoops and over all were
thrown skins or matting, thus forming a long
hut, in which the sleepers lay. Cooking was
done outside at the camp fire.
The agricultural operations of the savages
were crude and their tools still more primitive.
Hoes were made from sharpened sticks and
the earth was simply scratched to receive the
seed. Corn, beans, pumpkins and tobacco
were the crops, and the tilled spots remained
unfenced, the horses being pastured at a dis-
tance to prevent depredations. After the
coming of the whites seeds were purchased
from the traders and the -variety of crops was
more extensive, some fruit trees being also
set out and tended. The rude implements
were replaced by others better fitted for the
cultivation of the soil, and better tools were
introduced into the wigwams. Steel traps
took the place of "deadfalls" and pits ; muskets
replaced the bow and arrow ; awls and needles
made from the bones of birds and animals
were no longer used in sewing the skin cloth-
ing and fitting together the matting coverings
of the wigwam; and the iron hoe made culti-
vation easier for the overburdened squaw.
Before the introduction of the pots and pans
of civilization food was prepared by roasting
on twigs stuck over the fire or, in the absence
of clay pots, boiled in skin kettles, heated by
dropping hot stones in them.
MANNERS AND CUSTOMS OF THE INDIANS
The squaws bore the burden and toil of life
in an Indian camp. There was no "sufifragette"
propaganda then. While the male members of
the village hunted, fished, went on foraging
and warlike expeditions, or slumbered before
the fire, the females did the heaviest and most
degrading labor. They cut poles and built the
wigwams and cabins, performed all the vil-
lage drudgery and cooking, cared for the
ponies, gathered fuel, cultivated the soil,
planted the seed and harvested the crops, cut
up and preserved the meat brought in by the
hunters, tanned the skins and made the cloth-
ing for the entire family, bore and nursed the
children, and when on a journey carried great
bundles of camp equipage. They were un-
demonstrative and patient, bearing up under
their eternal burdens with much fortitude,
and when in the pain of childbirth uttered not
a sound. The squaw who cried or groaned
was forever disgraced. It was believed that
her sons would grow up to be cowards. Not-
withstanding all these hardships the squaws
were loyal and divorces were unknow-n, while
the custom was for a warrior to have but one
wife, except in rare cases.
The warrior was the head of the wigwam;
his wishes were obeyed without question and
his word was law. The papooses were taught
from infancy to be quiet and scarcely ever
cried. The only occasion in which the writer
ever heard an Indian baby cry was when he
as a child wandered down to the river and
found half a dozen papooses suspended on
boards from the branches of a tree. They
were facing each other and making a queer
cooing sound, but as soon as they caught sight
of the strange white face they set up a chorus
of howls that quickly brought the squaws to
the spot. They set upon the trespasser with
canes and chased him crying from the vicinity.
In the winter the babies were allowed to
roll around over the dirt floor of the wigwam,
and in summer along the lanes between the
tepees. When carried they were lashed to a
forked stick or rough hewn board, with ample
wrappings of skins and blankets. When a halt
was made they were sometimes suspended
from a tree if the parents were likely to be
absent, thus protecting them from animals :
but if the stop was short the tightly bound
infant was simply stood against a convenient
tree, and not always in the shade; yet the little
one would blink in the glaring sun without a
whimper.
As they grew older the children were given
all the training that would fit them for their
savage life. The boys were early turned over
to the men, who gave them instructions in
fishing, hunting and woodcraft, while the girls
were soon forced into the dreary routine of
the squaw's life of drudgery. The young of
both sexes developed early; at the age of
fifteen the boys were free to come and go
without restraint ; two years before that the
girls had budded into womanhood, and it was
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
a rare thing for a maiden to reach the age of
fifteen without being appropriated by some
buck.
Courtship and marriage were not attended
with much ceremony or delay. When a buck
cast his eye on a maiden he went to the father
and offered a price for her, usually in ponies.
The main ceremony consisted in the settlement
of her value between the contracting parties,
the after-ceremonies of the medicine man
being brief and simple. Yet these unions were
seldom broken except by death.
In moving from place to place the squaws,
as usual, had all the work to do. The wig-
wams and household goods were made into
large bundles and packed on the backs of the
ponies, or on "sweeps" made of poles lashed
to each side of the animal and connected be-
hind with crosspieces. The squaws also car-
ried some of the burdens, while the bucks
stalked ahead smoking their pipes. When a
halt was made for meals the ponies were not
unloaded, except at night. Sometimes there
were spare ponies enough to permit the squaws
to ride, but only after the bucks had been pro-
vided with a mount. Riding or walking, the
squaws carried the papooses on their backs.
All rode astride, with but a blanket beneath,
and no bridle was used, the animals being
guided by slaps on the side of the head or by
words.
On arrival at a suitable location it was the
duty of the squaws to unload, erect the wig-
wams, cut the firewood and perform all the
heavy work without assistance. When their
work was over they retired to the depths of
their skin robes, simply removing their clothing,
with the exception of the skirt, while the war-
riors retained only the breechclout.
COSTUMES
Indian dress in the earlier times was ex-
clusively made of skins. Great taste was
shown in the manufacture of these costumes,
which were trimmed with fur, and ornaments
made of fish scales, shells, beads, colored
grasses and feathers. The designs were beau-
tiful and artistic, and the material thoroughly
finished. Indian tanned skins have always,
even to the present day, commanded high
prices.
After the coming of the whites cloth began
to be used by the squaws in the manufacture
of clothing; the brighter the colors the more
popular the pattern — red being a favorite. The
squaws dressed in the gayest costumes their
tastes could devise ; beautifully worked and
beaded moccasins, soft deerskin leggings, rich-
ly decorated and fringed with the brightest
colored beads, ornaments and pendants ; and
their plump busts and arms were almost
covered with the many strings of ornaments,
shells, beads and stone pendants. In winter
an e.xtra skirt was worn, and furs wrapped
around the'neck and head.
Warriors, old and young, were most particu-
lar as to their appearance. Their hair was
pulled out by the roots after the age of pu-
berty had been reached, and but a "scalplock"
was allowed to grow. To this was fastened
a plume of feathers or horsehair. Nose and
ears were pierced for rings ; the bodies were
left bare to the waist, with many handsome
belts of wampum thrown across the shoulder.
The face and body were profusely painted with
colors made from clays and simple woodland
flowers, and a belt around the waist bore the
knife, warbag of charms, and other tools of
the chase or warfare, and served to hold the
leggings up. Through this belt was passed
the ends of the breechclout, made of linen or
other cloth, in early times of skin. It was
eight or nine inches wide and nearly a yard
long, and the manner of wrapping it around
the body denoted the clan or tribe to which
the wearer belonged.
Moccasins of many kinds were worn, and
in all cases the ankles were covered to protect
the feet from snakebites and thorns. On long
expeditions a fringed skirt was worn to protect
the body from bushes and briars, the leggings
being then exceptionally heavy. The differ-
ence between the hunters and the warriors on
the warpath consisted in the lack of paint on
the faces of the former and the lack of cloth-
ing of the latter. On marauding expeditions
the warrior greased himself all over to make
the hold of his adversary insecure.
There was general pride in the skill of the
hunters and the achievements of the warriors.
The taking of the first scalp by a young war-
rior was an occasion of special excitement and
rejoicing. The return of a party from the
warpath or a hunting expedition was always
attended with a public reception in the village ;
but after the expedition ended the lazy life of
the heroes began, and when winter set in they
had nothing to do but lie around until the
spring should come, smoke their pipes and
relate their deeds of prowess. On bright days
they sometimes got up a little excitement over
a game of football or a footrace ; occasionally
there was a dance or a feast, but as a rule the
winters were passed in idleness. Smoking was
their chief comfort under all conditions,
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
whether half asleep in the wigwams, or loll-
ing in the sunshine outside. Their pipes were
made of corncobs, clay, stone or wood, and
upon them were expended all their taste and
capacity for decoration.
GOVERNMENT
The Indian government was distinctly social-
istic in character. In the wigwams and vil-
lages, with the warriors and hunters, between
the young and old, in all situations of life,
there was perfect equality; in their character
and conduct were seen a strong sense of inde-
pendence, a great aversion to anything that
savored of caste or subjugation. They gloried
in their native liberty, and for one to show a
feeling of superiority was an effective barrier
to all further success. A chief being asked if
his tribe were free, replied: "Why not, since
I myself am free, although their chief?" The
chief of a tribe was not a ruler but a coun-
selor; he could neither make peace nor war,
and except as others were guided by his ex-
ample he had no control of tribal affairs.
A brave was chosen war chief upon his own
merit as a warrior, after having demonstrated
exceptional bravery or skill ; the village chief
was selected as one possessing administrative
ability, commanding address and great elo-
quence, and well versed in the traditions of
the tribe and their relations to neighboring
tribes. Possessing these distinguishing traits
of character and influence enough to be chosen
leader, it was equally necessary for each to
maintain his standing as a hunter and warrior.
For purposes of consultation, and as a place
to assemble the chiefs and braves, a council
house was usually built near the center of the
village. There all met on an equal footing to
determine questions of common interest ; the
calumets or pipes of peace and war were placed
side Ijy side, the choice of each to be made by
the signal taps of the war club. There the
Indian warriors gave vent to bursts of native
eloquence, for which they were so justly fa-
mous. Although an Indian seldom spoke
under ordinary circumstances, when he did
break the silence he said something of import.
It was at these councils that opportunity was
afforded to acquire that popularity and influ-
ence which would promote the speaker to posi-
tion and authority.
RELIGION
Personal pride was the controlling influence
in the Indian's religion. He believed that the
Great Spirit was ruler over all, and that spirit
was an Indian. Manitou was the name most
generally given the Great Spirit. The Indians
believed that they were the first of the human
race created; that they sprang from the brain
of the Great Spirit; that they possessed all
knowledge, and were under the special care of
their creator. Their traditions were vague, but
their religious sentiments were clear. They
had no fixed days or manner of worship.
They believed in a future state of reward and
punishment in the "happy hunting grounds"
beyond the grave; that all who did well would
be happy, but all who did ill would be mis-
erable ; they justified their barbarous outrages
and savage warfare, their cruel torture of men,
women and children, upon the precept of
"blood for blood," and among themselves, as
one of their famous chieftains said, they let
each individual "paddle his own canoe."
What principles of religion they had they
followed closely. They believed in a good
spirit and an evil one, and a number of lesser
deities that were active in managing the affairs
of the universe. To these they made sacrifices
to avert calamity, to secure blessings and suc-
cess, and in the way of thanksgiving for bene-
fits received. They also believed firmly in pun-
ishment and reward in this life.
Their medicine men, who had the care of
the sick and were in charge of all religious
feasts and observances, were held in great re-
spect as possessors of supernatural powers.
By the practice of their magical arts they
were supposed to have close relations with
the Great Spirit. Their medicines, made from
roots and herbs, were in their use surrounded
with all mystery possible, and all the arts of
the conjurer were solemnly practiced.
Indian burials were conducted with as much
form as any of their ceremonies. In the grave
with the corpse were buried the rifle and trap-
pings of the warrior or hunter, his pipe and
tobacco, and sufficient provisions and parched
corn to last him on his journey to the happy
hunting grounds of the future life. There was
no common place of burial, each grave being
located in the forest or on the hills, to suit
tlie wishes of the surviving friends. When
an Indian or his squaw died the survivors
would remain in mourning for a year, being
afterwards at liberty to marry again.
FE.\STS AND SPORTS
The regular times for feasts were when the
green corn could be first used, when the first
game of the season was killed, and when a vie-
8
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
tory was celebrated. Notices of these feasts
were sent to the wigwams and to the friendly
tribes by means of a runner, who bore small
pieces of painted wood. He would give the
date and program verbally. When the feast
occurred the bucks, squaws and young Indians
would sit around the fires, on which were boil-
ing the kettles of green corn, juicy venison,
bear meat, fat coon and hominy. Warriors
and squaws dressed in their best, and the occa-
sion was one of vast ceremonial. Each was
provided with a wooden bowl and a spoon of
bone or metal, and they helped themselves
whenever the food had been cooked to their
notion.
None but the warriors participated in the
wild excitement of the war dance, but the
youths were allowed to look on in order to
prepare for their later initiation, which was
severe and nerve-testing. There were other
dances in which the young and old joined with
loud shoutings, the clangor of tomtoms and
other rude instruments ; winding dances with
intricate figures ; wild square dances, in which
the maiden might show her preference for the
favorite hunter ; and these dances often were
continued all night by the light of the blazing
camp fires.
The sports and pastimes of the savages were
in character more in the way of preparation
for and incentive to the objects and pursuits
of their life, and consisted of running and
canoe races, jumping, wrestling, shooting,
throwing the tomahawk, and, in the days be-
fore the introduction of firearms, of practice
with the bow and arrow. Football was a very"
popular game, the excitement lasting some-
times for days and involving the entire village
in the sport.
FISHING .^ND HUNTINn
The Susquehanna and the streams flowing
into it were the favorite spawning and feeding
waters for the choice varieties of the different
fishes native to this section, and during the
cool months the Indians speared them and
trapped them in wicker baskets and nets. The
younger people had great sport in following
the larger fish in the shoals and rapids and
killing them with spears and arrows; and in
winter they cut holes in the ice and through
them speared the finny denizens of the stream.
Trapping of animals was the most profitable
pursuit followed. It was a good school for
the youths, furnished employment for the old
or disabled men, and gave the braves the means
wherewith to supply themselves with neces-
saries and finery from the traders. It some-
times happened, when the season was favorable
and game was plenty, that the whole tribe
would devote the winter to the traps, which
were located at all favorable points along the
trails and streams, sometimes occupying a ter-
ritory of thirty miles in circumference. Bea-
ver, otter and bear skins were the most val-
uable, but the skins of muskrats, mink, weasels
and other small game also were not rejected.
The great abundance of game in the woods,
the rich soil of the valleys in which were
located the villages, provided an unfailing
source of supply to the savages. Knowledge
of woodcraft and of the habits of the birds
and beasts of the forest was the first requi-
site for existence in savage life, and in this
the Indians excelled. They had expedients
for every emergency. One great accomplish-
ment was the ability to imitate the notes and
calls of the birds and the cries of the beasts
of the forest. Warriors used these calls in
their forays, and the first white settlers soon
learned to suspect the cry of a bird if sounded
at an unusual time.
WARS AND FORAYS
The war party was the most carefully organ-
ized band that left a village, the numbers of
which it was composed depending upon the
character of the expedition. One or two
braves might start on a bushwhacking or
scalping expedition of their own, or a band
of five or six might start out to destroy some
isolated cabins and massacre the inmates.
Larger parties were made up to attack the
settlements. When starting out all the braves
donned the warpaint and oiled their bodies,
then formed into a single line and marched
through the village singing war songs. Just
before leaving the limits of the village a salute
would be fired, but from that time until the
attack was made not a sound broke the still-
ness of the forest. A war party of Indians
could pass within a few feet of the camp of
the whites or the cabins of the settlers and
make not a sound or leave a single trace of
their passage.
The Indians' method of fighting, which has
survived even to the present day, vvas a sys-
tem of rapid attacks and retreats. They would
lie in wait for the enemy and after a sudden
attack would fall back to some other ad-
vantageous point. In the fight the whole force
was formed in an irregular line, covered by
anything that the topography of the country
afforded. Thev seldom met the enemv in a
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
stand-up fight, but would strike suddenly and
retreat, yet there was not a drop of cowardly
blood in an Indian. When parties were sent
out on a raid it was customary to send as sup-
port in case of reverses a band of hunters, with
squaws and camp equipage, to locate an ad-
vanced supply camp not far from the scene
of battle. From this center the hunters would
go out after game and act as a rear guard,
awaiting the retreat of the war party.
The return of the successful warriors was
the occasion of much rejoicing and excitement.
They came in with shouts of victory, waving
the bloody scalps and driving before them the
captured victims that had been preserved for
the sacrifice, their hands tied behind them and
their faces blackened as a sign that they were
to be burned at the stake. First the victims
were made to run the gauntlet. Indians of
all ages, squaws and children, stood in a long
double line, between which the prisoner was
compelled to run, sometimes blindfolded and
bound. The savages were armed with any
weapons that came to hand, sticks, clubs,
switches, whips, knives and tomahawks, with
which the unfortunate was struck and slashed,
often to death. Sometimes sand was thrown
in the eyes to impede progress. In most in-
stances the captive was allowed to live long
enough to be lashed to the stake and burned.
The hardy pioneers of this country became
inured to these acts of rapine and reprisal
and in many instances returned the debt with
interest. It would be impossible to overdraw
the horrible pictures of death and torture that
were the experiences of many of the pioneer
settlers of this country. An Indian would not
hesitate to dash out the brains of a family of
children in the presence of the father and
mother, and then scalp the parents and burn
the home. In return, there was no quarter
given the savages when captured. No prison-
ers were taken by either side in the latter days
of the warfare between the whites and In-
dians. A good Indian was usually a dead
one. Chapter after chapter could be filled
with the stories of the hardships and cruelties
suffered by our forefathers, but space will not
permit their repetition.
It sometimes happened that prisoners were
spared by the Indians through superstition or
intent, and in these cases the captive was care-
fully guarded against escape while being in-
itiated into the life of the savage. Some of
the captives married squaws, became satisfied
with the mode of life and remained with the
Indians. Children sometimes were preserved
from death and adopted into the tribe, in later
years becoming as much attached to their
foster parents as if they had been born into the
life. These seldom were reclaimed to a life of
civilization. Interpreters for the tribes were
usually selected from these captives, and it
was often found they had grown to like the
savage existence and attained positions of trust
and responsibility. However, some of the
white men who voluntarily entered the Indian
tribes became more fiendish and inhuman than
the natives themselves. With the names of
Butler and Brandt are associated all that the
human mind can conceive that was cruel and
devilish. They seemed to revel in carnage
and blood.
As a contrast to this, instances are to be
found where the native sense of honor of the
Indian caused him to withhold his hand from
the destruction of those who had befriended
him and to warn them of the attacks of other
tribes. In this respect the Quakers were
singularly exempt from attack and murder,
through their fixed policy of dealing in a just
manner with the Indians. Few instances are
recorded where a member of the Society of
Friends suiifered from the depredations of the
savages, who had learned of their high sense
of humanity and justice.
FRONTIER FORTS, COLUMBI.\ .XND MONTOUR
COUNTIES
The treaty and purchase of 1754 between the
Penns and the representatives of the Six
Nations caused great dissatisfaction among
the Shawanese, Delawares and Monseys, who
considered that they had been defrauded of
their lands, which had been guaranteed to
them by the Iroquois. They therefore pro-
ceeded to go on the warpath, and the settle-
ments were raided, the settlers scalped and
their homes destroyed.
This being brought to the attention of the
proprietaries, preparations were made for the
protection of the settlers, and Benjamin
Franklin ordered the construction of Fort
Augusta, at what is now the site of Sunbury.
This was followed by the erection of many
other forts along the valleys of the North and
West Branches of the Susquehanna, viz. :
Fort Jenkins, in Briarcreek township, Colum-
bia county; Fort Wheeler, on Fishing creek,
about three miles above its mouth; Fort Mc-
Clure, on the Susquehanna within the limits
of the present town of Bloomsburg; Fort
Rice, on the headwaters of Chillisquaque
creek, thirteen miles from Sunbury; Mont-
gomery's Fort, twelve miles below Muncy on
10
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
the West Branch; Bosley's Mills, on the
Chillisquaque, now the site of VVashington-
ville, Montour county; Fort Freeland, on
Warrior run, four miles above its mouth ; Fort
Meninger, at the mouth of Warrior run;
Boone's Mill, seven miles from Fort Freeland,
at the mouth of Muddy run; and Fort Swartz,
about one mile above Milton.
These old forts were mainly designed to
afford temporary shelter to the settlers from
the raids of the Indians. In time of war they
were regularly garrisoned by rangers. One
of the methods of defense, which had been
brought to America by natives of Europe, and
formerly one of the weapons of the Romans,
was the use of the "caltrop" or "crowsfoot,"
an iron instrument having four barbed points,
which projected in all directions, so that when
thrown on the ground at least one point stood
upright. These implements were a great
deterrent to the barefooted or moccasin-clad
savage, and the unfortunate who stepped on
one of them soon gave evidence of his pres-
ence. After the cessation of hostilities the
settlers frequently complained of the presence
of these barbs in their pastures, where cattle
would get them fastened in their feet, the rusty
iron often causing inflammation and death.
It is unnecessary to describe the forts out-
side of Columbia and Montour counties, as
they have little bearing on local history, so
we will simply detail the origin, history and
ultimate fate of the forts which were erected
within the present limits of the two counties.
In relating the history of these forts the nar-
rative would be incomplete without a brief
sketch of Moses Van Campen, the builder of
two of them. He grew to manhood and first
came into prominence as a member of Col.
John Kelly's command on Big Isle, on the
West Branch of the Susquehanna, in 1777. In
177S he had been promoted from orderly' ser-
geant to lieutenant, and in that year built Fort
Wheeler. In 1779 he did scouting duty for
Sullivan's army near Tioga. In 1780 he was
captured by Indians, his father, brother and
uncle killed, and he, Peter Pence and Abram
Pike carried into captivity. One night they
rose, and after killing nine of their captors
and wounding the remaining one made their
escape. In 1781 Van Campen spent the sum-
mer in scouting and the winter in guarding
British prisoners. In 1782 he marched with
Robinson's rangers, of which he was a lieu-
tenant, back to Northumberland, and after a
few days' rest was ordered to build Fort
Muncy. Later he was sent to Big Isle, where
he was attacked by a large body of Indians
and captured. He was sold to the English
and remained in captivity for some time, but
at last exchanged, returned home to recuper-
ate, and then was sent to Wilkes-Barre, where
he remained until the close of the war. He
removed to New York State in 1795, and
there, after an active life as surveyor and
engineer, he died at the advanced age of ninety-
two.
FORT JENKINS
This fort was erected in the fall of 1777, or
during the winter and the early spring of 1778,
and was simply a stockade around the home of
a Mr. Jenkins, one of the first settlers. Its
size was 60 by 80 feet and it stood on the
North Branch of the Susquehanna in Centre
township, midway between Berwick and
Bloomsburg. The old canal passes between
its site and the river. A heavily wooded island
stood in the river directly opposite, but re-
peated floods have long ago destroyed it.
Soon after the building of the stockade the
fort was garrisoned by thirty men, under
Colonel Hartley. Col. Adam Hubley, who
succeeded him, marched the garrison away,
and County Lieutenant Colonel Hunter fur-
nished sufficient men to hold the fort until the
arrival of Col. Ludwig Weltner and the Ger-
man battalion. The latter held the post until
1780, when they departed to assist in the de-
fense of Forts Rice and Augusta. Soon after-
wards a party of Tories and Indians came by
way of Knob mountain, and finding the fort
deserted set fire to it and the surrounding
buildings.
After peace had been declared Mr. Jenkins
sold the land on which the fort had stood to
James Wilson, one of the signers of the Decla-
ration of Independence, who sold it to Capt.
Frederick Hill. The latter moved onto it,
built a dwelling on the site of the fort and
kept a tavern there, calling it the "Fort
Jenkins Inn." His son Jacob succeeded him
and conducted the tavern for a time, but was
converted at a Methodist revival and aban-
doned the sale of liquor to take up farming.
Charles F. Hill, the son, followed as owner.
Charles S. Yorks is the owner of Fort Jenkins
in 1914.
FORT WHEELER
In April, 1778, Lieut. Moses Van Campen
began the building of Fort Wheeler, on the
farm of Isaiah Wheeler, on the banks of Fish-
ing creek, about three miles above the present
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
11
town of Bloomsburg, on the Bloomsburg &
Sullivan railroad, in Scott township, near the
site of the Paper Mill. It was built of logs
and surrounded by a stockade sufficiently large
to accommodate the families of the neighbor-
hood. They had hardly completed the fort
before the Indians arrived and attacked it,
but the defenders soon put them to flight.
Van Campen made this fort his headquarters
when not engaged in scouting. One of the
attractions to him was the daughter of Wheeler,
for whose hand Van Campen and Col. Joseph
Salmon, another scout, were rivals. Salmon
finally married the girl. Van Campen's father
also for a time lived near the fort.
Fort Wheeler was the only one of the long
line of defenses in this section of the State
that was never abandoned or destroyed by
hostile hands. Time alone did the work of
disintegration. Peter Melick, one of the com-
mittee of safety for Wyoming township, lived
near here. The old graveyard where the
soldiers were buried is still recognizable,
and the spring that supplied the fort with
water is still running. The land is now owned
by the Creveling family. John Crawford,
grandfather of Joseph Crawford, an old citi-
zen of Orangeville, was the second child born
in this section, his birth taking place inside
the stockade of the fort soon after its com-
pletion, in 1778. No vestiges of the fort are
now to be seen, but the site is known to most
of the residents of that section.
FORT MCCLURE
At the time of the destruction of Fort Jen-
kins there was a line of forts reaching from
the West Branch to the North Branch of the
Susquehanna, comprising Forts Muncy, Free-
land, Montgomery, Bosley's Mills, Wheeler
and Jenkins. The loss of the latter fort left
the right flank exposed to the marauders, so
on Van Campen's return from captivity he
stockaded the home of Mrs. James McClure,
on the bank of the Susquehanna, one mile
above the mouth of Fishing creek, and on the
later site of the house of Douglas Hughes, be-
low Bloomsburg. This fortihcation took the
name of Fort McClure, and became the head-
quarters for stores and expeditions as long as
the defense of the frontier was necessary.
This fort was never seriously attacked, though
the near residents often fled to it for security.
It was never more than a stockade and further
fortifications were not built. A residence now
stands on the site. A marker has been placed
here by the Fort McClure Chapter, Daughters
of the American Revolution, Bloomsburg.
FORT BOSLEY
This only fortified work in Montour county
was really the stockaded stone mill of a Mr.
Bosley, in the forks of the Chillisquaque, at
Washingtonville, Derry township. The mill
was built in 1773, and stockaded in 1777. When
the Indians became troublesome it was gar-
risoned by about twenty men and became a
place of importance in the lines of defense.
Captain Kemplon was in command here in
1780, and assisted in repelling many attacks of
the savages.
The site of the old mill is easily recogniza-
ble by the race and dam at the lower end of the
town of to-day. The headrace has been con-
tinued across the road, and the old dam site
has been used as a location for the more mod-
ern mill of Snyder Brothers.
The land on which the fort or mill stood was
the property in past years of Jacob Hartman
and Jesse Umstead.
CHAPTER II
FOUNDING OF PENNSYLVANIA
Two hundred and seventy years ago was
born in the city of London the subsequent
founder of the Province of Pennsylvania. He
was the son of WiUiam Penn, of the County of
Wilts, a vice admiral in the time of Cromwell,
whom Charles II knighted for his successful
naval services against the Dutch. The son,
William, was a studious youth, and receiving
religious impressions in his twelfth year was
converted to the tenets of the Society of
Friends by the preaching of Thomas Lowe, a
Quaker leader. While in Oxford College he
continued his religious practices, which the
authorities condemned and for which they
finally expelled him.
Young Penn's father vainly endeavored to
turn him from his views on religion, hoping to
persuade him to follow the profession of arms,
but finding him obdurate gave him a severe
beating and turned him from his home. His
mother prevailed on the father to reinstate him
and he later took up the study of law, gradu-
ated, and under the Duke of Ormond served as
military aide in Ireland. There occurred the
turning point of his life. He again came under
the influence of Thomas Lowe, joined the
Quakers, and was imprisoned for attending
their meetings.
Again he disagreed with his father, the
cause being his refusal to remain uncovered
in the presence of the king and others. This
rupture was permanent until just before the
father's death, when they became completely
reconciled. The entire estate being left to the
son he was now in position to devote his life
to the cause of the persecuted sect, and such
was his influence with the king that he obtained
the patent for the Province of Pennsylvania,
in consideration of his father's services and a
debt of f 16,000 due the estate from the crown.
After a long and searching course of proceed-
ings, lasting from June 14, 1680, till March 4,
1681, the charter was granted, in which the
boundaries of the Province are thus prescribed :
"Bounded on the east by Delaware River, from
twelve miles distance northward of New Castle
town (Del.) unto the three and fortieth degree
of northern latitude, if the said river doth ex-
tend so far northward, but if the said river
shall not extend so far northward, then by the
said river so far as it doth extend ; and from
the head of said river the eastern bounds are to
be determined by a meridian line, to be drawn
from the head of said river unto the said forty-
third degree. The said land to extend west-
ward five degrees in longitude, to be computed
from the said eastern bounds, and the said
lands to be bounded on the north by the begin-
ning of the three and fortieth degree of north-
em latitude, and on the south by a circle drawn
at twelve miles distance from New Castle,
northward and westward, unto the beginning
of the fortieth degree of northern latitude, and
then by a straight line westward to the limits
of longitude above mentioned."
By a calculation of the contents of those
charter boundaries the Province contained
35-361,600 acres. The present area of the
State of Pennsylvania, according to the census
of 1910, is 45,126 square miles, or 28,880,640
acres. The area was diminished by the sub-
sequent adjustment of the boundaries between
this and the States of Maryland, Virginia and
New York. The impossible southern line, men-
tioned in the charter, caused much dispute be-
tween Penn and Lord Baltimore, which was at
length permanently fixed by Mason and Dixon,
who were eminent mathematicians and astrono-
mers, between 1763 and 1766.
In December, 1774, the boundary line be-
tween Pennsylvania and New York was ascer-
tained and fixed by David Rittenhouse on the
part of the former, and Samuel Holland on the
part of the latter, to be north latitude
42°, with a variation of 4° 20'. (This was the
declination in 1790. It is now about 10°. ) The
forty-third parallel of north latitude, men-
tioned in the charter, extends through central
New York. Messrs. Rittenhouse and Holland
placed a stone on a small island in the western
12
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
13
branch of the Delaware river as a monument
on the northeast corner of Pennsylvania, vkfith
the words and figures New York, 1774, and
the above-mentioned latitude and variation
cut upon the top. They also placed another
stone, four perches due west from the former,
cutting on the top thereof the word Pennsyl-
vania and the same latitude and variation as
on the other. The extension of that line
farther west was postponed until 1786-87, when
it was completed by Andrew EUicott, on the
part of Pennsylvania, and James Clinton and
Simeon Dewitt on the part of New York.
By act of March 27, 1790, ^300 were granted
to Reading Howell for delineating on his map
all the lines of this State, as established by
law or otherwise ascertained.
Penn sailed in the ship "Welcome" Aug. 30,
1682, for his newly acquired province. He
arrived after a long passage at New Castle,
Del., where the colonists, English, Dutch and
Swedes, assembled to welcome him as their
beloved proprietor. He wished the province
to be called New Wales, but the king persisted
in naming it "Pensilvania." In reference
thereto Penn wrote to his friend, Robert Tur-
ner, on the 5th of January : 'T proposed, when
the secretary, a Welshman, refused to have it
called New Wales, Sylvaiiia, and they added
Penn to it, and though I much opposed it, and
went to the king to have it struck out and al-
tered, he said it was past and would take it
upon him ; nor could twenty guineas move the
under-secretaries to vary the name ; for I
feared lest it should be looked on as a vanity
in me, and not as a respect in the king, as it
truly was, to my father, whom he often men-
tions with praise."
Notwithstanding his rights under that char-
ter, Penn, with his characteristic sense of jus-
tice, purchased the territory from the Indians
at a fair price. It is sad to relate that later
owners of land in the State did not follow in
his footsteps in their dealings with the natives
and settlers.
Before leaving England Penn drafted what
he called the "Fundamental Law and Frame of
Government of Pennsylvania," from which we
cite the thirty-fifth section : "All persons liv-
ing in this province who confess and acknowl-
edge the one Almightv and Eternal God to be
the Creator, L^pholder and Ruler of the world,
and that hold themselves obliged in conscience
to live peaceably and justly in civil society,
shall in noways be molested or prejudiced for
their religious persuasion or practice in mat-
ters of faith and worship, place or ministry
whatever." Herein was granted a greater de-
gree of religious liberty than had been allowed
elsewhere in the colonies.
INUI.AN TREATIES AND AGGRESSIONS
More than a hundred and fifty years elapsed
from the date of the settlement of Jamestown,
Va., ere the more venturesome of the pioneers
came to the portion of the Commonwealth in-
cluded in the boundaries of Columbia and Mon-
tour counties, and eighty-six years had elapsed
since William Penn made his first bargain with
the Indians. Before detailing the settlement
of this section we will review the diflierent in-
cidents which occurred previous to that time
which had tlieir effect upon the history of the
counties of Columbia and Montour.
The first treaty between Penn and the In-
dians took place in July, 1682, at Shackamaxon,
and was negotiated by William Markham, the
former's representative. In the following
November Penn arrived with a party of col-
onists and cemented the former treaty, proba-
blv also making another one. Various other
purchases were made by the Penns in the years
1696, 1700, 1718, 1732 and 1736. The pur-
chase of 1749 came to within a few miles of the
territory now included in the counties of
Columbia and Montour.
At that time few of the white leaders had
any idea of the vast extent of the country, and
the Indians could eive them no definite descrip-
tion of the boundaries or extent of the tracts
that they had disposed of. Connecticut at this
time was seeking to enlarge its boundaries, and
cast envious eyes on the rich Wyoming valley,
part of which is located in the northern end of
Columbia county. In a conference held with
the Indians at Albany in 1754, the Connecticut
delegates made a large purchase of land in this
valley and formed the Susquehanna Company,
to promote the settlement of the lands. The
proprietaries of the State of Pennsylvania had
also made a purchase of these identical lands
at an earlier date, the savages having little re-
gard for the letter of their obligations and be-
ing actuallv ignorant in many instances of the
real location of the several tracts sold. The
Connecticut company at once began to sell the
lands thus purchased, and a few venturesome
settlers came to the portion now included in
Fishingcreek township.
The success of the French in 1754 and Brad-
dock's defeat in the following year brought the
Indian war into this section and it resulted in
the depopulation of the country in 1763. It
was not until the purchase of 1768 that the
country was finally permanently opened to set-
14
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
tlement. As soon as the Connecticut authori-
ties heard of the Penn purchase they sent a
small party of settlers to reoccupy the lands
abandoned in 1763. This brought on a bitter
controversy between the two parties who
claimed the land. Forts and blockhouses were
erected bv both sides, and some blood was shed.
The dispute was taken to the London Coun-
cil, which decided against the Penns. In 1775
the matter was brought before the Continental
Congress, who also decided in favor of Con-
necticut. This decision was rejected by the
Pennsylvania Assembly, and it was not till
1802 that Congress finally gave the titles to the
Penns.
Settlers from Connecticut had come to
what is now the eastern part of Columbia
county and entered upon the land under the
Connecticut claim, and the grantees from the
Penns came to the same region and made claim
to the lands under surveys made in 1769 and
1772. This led to much friction between the
settlers and it was finally settled by the Decree
of Trenton, which awarded all the lands in
the "Seventeen townships of Luzerne county"
to the Connecticut claimants and all outside
of Luzerne county to the Penns, with a pro-
viso that any lands in the seventeen townships
which had been sold by the Penns to settlers
should be ceded to the State and the purchase
money refunded. From that time on the rival
claimants lived in peace with their neighbors.
The Penn treaty made with the savages in
1768, at Fort Stanwix, was the primal incen-
tive to the settlement of the land of which this
history is written. The whites, secure in a
clear title to the country, took peaceable pos-
session of their purchases and the Indians re-
treated to the fastnesses of the hills, but few
remaining in their old villages of Nescopeck,
Catawissa, and the one on the Mahoning creek,
the site of Danville.
The Revolutionary war brought with it a
renewed fear of the savages, and after many
forays and minor attacks the terrible massacre
of Wyoming occurred, July 3, 1778. This
caused a general flight of all the settlers in this
section, most of them taking refuge at Sunbury
and Northumberland.
The authorities took prompt measures to pro-
tect the settlers. Colonel Hartley and a regi-
ment of the line were at once sent to the scene,
built a fort at the home of a settler named Jen-
kins, six miles below Nescopeck falls, pursued
the Indians and drove them from that sec-
tion. That winter the savages were not active,
owing to the extreme cold. The following
April they attacked the fort, but were repulsed.
the whites losing three and having four
wounded. Again in May the Indians attacked
a party of settlers at Mittlinville, killing and
scalping four of a family. These ravages con-
tinued through the entire year, the troops being
too few to make adequate return. In 1779 the
campaign of the whites was begun in earnest,
and by the end of the year the country was in
a more tranquil state. This resulted in the
withdrawal of some of the soldiers, and in 1780
most of the defense of the frontiers devolved
on the poorly equipped and hard-worked
militia. In that year the savages made a con-
certed attack on Fort Jenkins and destroyed
it, carrying off the stock and burning the stores
of grain. The garrison had got wind of the
attack and retreated.
The following June a company of rangers
was organized, with Thomas Robinson as cap-
tain and Moses Van Campen as ensign. Later
Van Campen was made lieutenant, the com-
mand devolving on him, as Robinson was not
experienced in scouting. In the spring of 1781
this company built a fort on the plantation of
the Widow McClure, the farm now included
in the limits of Bloomsburg, and there stored
their supplies.
The close of the Revolution brought about
a cessation of hostilities, and the treaty of
1784 removed the last barrier to settlement.
NATIONALITY OF THE IMMIGRANTS ,
The first settlement in Columbia county was
made by an Irish Quaker. Next came the
Diitch, from the Minisinks; the Welsh, from
Uwchland; the Germans, from Berks county;
and the Scotch-Irish, from New Jersey. The
available lines of travel had much to do in
determining the location of the pioneers, who
followed the line of the Susquehanna and its
tributaries.
The Quakers settled at Catawissa and Green-
wood, but the poor character of the soil at the
former place caused these thrifty farmers to
pass on to Ohio and Canada. Those at Green-
wood, finding the soil satisfactory', remained,
and their descendants are scattered through-
out the county.
The German immigration set in about 1788,
these people coming mostly from Berks county,
although many were from the Fatherland.
They were more persistent and plodding than
the Quakers, and most of them remained in
their adopted homes. This nationality forms
the greater part of the present population.
The New Jersey immigrants were mostly
English dissenters. They occupied the coun-
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
15
try north of the river and their posterity com-
prises the bulk of the population in the northern
townships. There are also a large number of
the descendants of the Connecticut settlers to
be found in that locality.
In Locust township a considerable portion
of the population is of Welsh descent, and they
are among the best of the farmers of the
county. In Conyngham township there is a
large population of foreigners of many nation-
alities, the predominating race being Slavonic.
These are employed principally in the coal
mines.
FIRST SETTLERS OF THE COUNTY
The evolution of the present prosperous com-
munity from the raw material of the past is a
story of romantic and enthralling interest. The
casualties in the founding of an empire by war
are not more numerous than those endured by
the founders of a community in the wilderness,
peopled by savages and wild beasts.
The different members of Columbia county's
piSneer society came from widely separated
localities ; they were led to emigrate by a vari-
ety of motives, and they differed as much in
social prejudices, habits and conditions as in
nationality. The common object of all was
the planting of a new home, where patient,
persevering toil would gain a moderate compe-
tence for old age and provide greater advan-
tages for the growing families. There was no
established rule for success in this venture,
and the unbroken forest contained enough dif-
ficulties to develop the individuality of the pio-
neer to the fullest.
The selection of a home site was determined
largely by accident. The chance acquaintance
with a speculator, or the story of a friend or
relative who had emigrated to the new pur-
chase, led to the removal of the listener to the
same section. Very often, as is the case in
present days, the purchase was made before
examination ; in some cases a careful tour of
inspection was made ; while in other instances
the fever of immigration to new territory
seized the head of the family, and without ade-
quate preparation the household was broken
up, property sold at a loss, the few portable
household goods placed on the backs of horses,
and the trip begun without definite aim or des-
tination.
With the difficulties of travel, the amount of
goods brought narrowed down to only the nec-
essaries that were easily carried. Carts and
wagons were taken only as far as Sunbury.
Beyond there, and in other routes into the
county, the packhorse was the only means of
transporting goods. Sometimes oxen and
cows were taken, and their ownership was an
evidence of wealth. One man was offered all
the land he could see from a considerable emi-
nence for one cow, but refused to make the
deal.
The locations were determined by the con-
dition of the ground and the class of trees upon
it, and its nearness to water. Many grievous
mistakes were thus made, as the forest growth
in this vast empire of the west bears little rela-
tion to the character of the soil. Some of the
best land in the county was left to the wild
denizens of the forest, while poorer soil in
apparently better locations was eagerly seized
upon. The location once settled upon the fam-
ily was to be provided with shelter, and for
this the abundant timber supplied the materi-
als ready to hand. But the hewing and shap-
ing of the trees into the form of a home was
the work of men, and few of the present gen-
eration would voluntarily take up the labor of
constructing a log house with the crude and
simple implements of their pioneer ancestors.
Each family was a company of architects in
itself, and but little aid was needed to erect the
first rude home. When more pretentious struc-
tures came into being they were the result of
the united labors of the entire neighborhood,
expended during one of the famous old "log
rollings." With willing hands to assist the
house was built one day and occupied the ne.xt.
"Setting to rights" was not a laborious process.
A few wooden pegs driven into the logs suf-
ficed to hang a scanty wardrobe, and two larger
ones over the fireplace supported the rifle and
powder horn. A puncheon floor — a later lux-
ury — and a loft were deemed unnecessary until
the long winter evenings and stormy days pre-
vented outdoor labor.
The most important part of the home was
the ample chimney of stone, which in this cli-
mate was placed at the end of the house, with
a broad mouth surmounted by a wide mantel,
upon which accumulated most of the visible
treasures of the household. This great wide
fireplace was found in every home, some of the
more pretentious having one at each end of
the house. In it were hung the pot-hooks and
hangers, and the "spit" of the old country
would sometimes be found there also. Upon
the massive and ofttimes artistic "firedogs"
rested the heavy logs that threw out a glorious
blaze and served for both warmth and light.
Here stood the "tin oven" and the older "Dutch
oven," within which were baked the corn pone
and johnnycake. In the ashes were put the
16
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
potatoes and roasting ears, and while the meat
was trying in tlie skillet the cottee pot sim-
mered among tne coals, is there a picture of
comfort more alluring in these days of restau-
rants and fiats ?
Cooking stoves did not make their appear-
ance until 1835, the old "ten-plate ' stove serv-
ing as a lieater, if such a luxury could be af-
forded.
The careful housewife had brought with her
from their former home the homespun bed-
ticks, as well as bedclothing, and until the hrst
crop of corn supplied the "shucks" the forest
was resorted to for dried leaves for the bed-
ding. The simple methods of transit precluded
the carrying of furniture, so this lack was sup-
plied from the forest also. The ax and the
drawing-knife were all the tools at hand, but
with these the pioneer fashioned the needed
articles. Rough benches with sapling legs sup-
plied the seats and tables, but the bedstead
literally had but one leg to stand on. The head
and one side were the walls of the cabin,
while the poles forming the other sides were
supported by a post set into the ground at the
proper distance. Cords or deerskin thongs
were laced across from the walls to the side
pieces, supporting the shuck-filled tick.
It was not an uncommon thing to find a fam-
ily consisting of father, mother and six or more
children living in a house about twenty-two
feet square, with two rooms, and a loft reached
by a ladder. In the bedroom were two beds
(not counting the "trundle-bed," which slid
under the larger one), a "chest of drawers," a
table and a chair or two. In the kitchen were
the beds of the older children, surrounded with
boxes, barrels and the many bins of grain and
sacks of necessaries. Yet limited as the space
was, there was room for all.
But little support could be expected from the
land at first, so dependence was had upon the
surplus stores of the neighbors who had come
previously, and in instances where the family
were the pioneers there was much suft'ering
until the fields had yielded their harvests. For-
tunately the wild game and fish were abundant,
and there was never recorded a case of actual
starvation.
There was no opportunity for the pioneers,
even had they the knowledge, to carry on "in-
tensive" farming. The land had to be cleared,
and the newcomer devoted all of his energies
to this end. The more industrious families
worked far into the night burning the logs and
brush heaps. The soil was filled with unde-
cayed roots of the herbage, so that the rude
plows simply tickled the land ; and it laughed
forth abundantl)- in response. Except for a
lew simple vegetables, corn alone was culti-
vated, and supplied all the wants of man and
beast. Every part served some useful purpose.
As the resources of the land were gradually
developed the support of the family became
a less serious problem. The stock found sup-
port in the forest and scarcely needed the fod-
der stored in the log barns. Hogs fattened in
the forests upon the abundant mast. With
milk, pork, meal, game, fish and wild berries
there was small chance of famine in the house-
holds. A patch of flax was sown after a time,
spinning wheels and looms fashioned, and each
home soon became a factory which turned out
clothing for the whole family. Buckskin formed
the wear of the men, but the women's chief de-
pendence was upon "linsey-woolsey," a combi-
nation of flax and wool, in the manufacture of
which much skill and taste were employed. In
those days there was no thought of the "high
cost of living," neither was there any struggle
for the cost of high living. Most of the wants
of the household could be supplied from ma-
terials at hand, and the outside world was
almost a sealed book to them.
In those days amusements were few and
were allied closely to some useful occupation,
the result of a night's frolic being an addition
to the store of clothing or food. The women
organized woolpickings, quilting and spinning
bees, while the men reveled in log-rollings,
house raisings and husking bees. The lack of
quick communication caused these affairs to
be strictly local, and the isolated settlements
of the past were really farther apart than com-
munities now separated by thousands of miles.
The religious sects of the time formed their
own communities and developed customs of
their homes in the "old country" into many of
the habits that are now ingrained in their de-
scendants. The influence of these customs was
on the whole beneficial, and the religious en-
thusiasm of the immigrants was slowly modi-
fied by contact with others of dififerent views
than those of the communities in which they
had been born. This mixture of nationalities
is one of the wonderful causes of the develop-
ment of the present great American nation —
a nation without racial or religious prejudice.
ADVENTUROUS PIONEERS OF THE PAST
As far as can be ascertained the first actual
white settler in the territory comprised within
Columbia and Montour counties was Robert
McWilliams, who with three sons, Hugh, John,
and Robert, and a daughter, Jane, wife of
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
17
Robert Curry, came from Ireland in 1771 and
settled in that part of this section now known
as Liberty township, Montour county. His
complete history, as well as that of the other
pioneers mentioned further on in this chap-
ter, will be given in the separate sketches of
the diiTerent divisions.
James McClure, a Scotch-Irishman from
Lancaster county, Pa., settled in 1772 near
where the town of Bloomsburg is now located.
About the same time Evan Owen (founder of
Berwick) and John Doan bought land and
located near him. Another later settler here
was Samuel Boone, a Quaker, in 1775.
Moses Roberts, the builder of the first house
at Catawissa, is next in order of coming. He
was a Quaker, from Maiden-creek, Berks
county.
John Eves, the famous Quaker ancestor of
all the members of that name in this section,
locateil permanently at Millville in 1774. The
same year Alexander AIcAuley, whose mysteri-
ous disappearance later on aroused the entire
community, settled temporarily in Beaver town-
ship, on Scotch run.
In the year 1775 Michael Billheimer and
Daniel Welliver, both from New Jersey, lo-
cated amid the headwaters of Chillisquaque
creek, now in Madison township, Columbia
county.
On Nov. 26, 1774, William Montgomery pur-
chased from J. Simpson 180 acres of land on
Mahoning creek, on the north bank of the east
branch of the Susquehanna, called "Karkaase,"
and on which the town of Danville was laid out
in 1792 by his son Daniel Montgomery. In the
fall of 1776, or early in the spring of 1777,
William Montgomery moved his family to this
section and occupied their recently built stone
house. There, Oct. 8, 1777, was born his
youngest son, Alexander. This house still
stands in the town of Danville and is occupied
by the descendants of William Montgomery in
1914. It is still in a good state of repair.
The year after the settlement of the Mont-
gomerys was not one of general exodus to this
section, owing to Indian depredations, but in
1779 an unfortunate family, whose name is un-
known, were exterminated by the savages soon
after they arrived at the site of Mifflinville.
Valley township, Montour county, was the
next scene of new arrivals, in the persons of
Philip Maus and family, who came in 1782.
The year following was the date of the settle-
ment of the county above Orangeville, the
leader of the party being Daniel McHenry.
Abraham Kline, whose name is a household
word in that section, came from Germany in
1785 to establish himself and his large family
on Fishing creek, around Orangeville. Three
years later Leonard Rupert established his
home at the mouth of Fishing creek and fixed
upon that point a name which will forever cling
to it.
These were the leaders of the immigration
to this county and their names will stand forth
upon the pages of history beside those of others
of this great nation who have made smooth the
way of the present generation by conquering
the wilderness and the savages who shared its
sovereignty with the wild beasts.
REMINISCENCES
The conditions of society, the modes of liv-
ing and the methods of business in Columbia
county a hundred years ago and for twenty-
five years thereafter were quite different
from those of this brisk and prosperous
age. Mr. I. W. Hartman, a former mer-
chant of Bloomsburg, living in 1914, re-
called many interesting things by which
comparison may be made of the past with
the present. Mr. Hartman said that if the
average merchant of today was obliged to do
business handicapped as they were in those
days he would consider it almost an impossibil-
ity. When the everpresent commercial drum-
mer was an unknown quantity, the only means
the merchant had of replenishing his stock was
by personally going to Philadelphia, which he
did semi-annually, spring and fall. And as
there was no railroad nearer than Pottsville
the trip was not only costly but consumed a
great deal of time. In those days there was
only little cash business, all goods being sold on
six months' time. Prior to his going to Phila-
delphia to purchase the stock the merchant
would call upon his customers, collect from
them what was coming, and taking the money
with him would pay for the goods he had pur-
chased six months previously. This was re-
peated twice a year, yet notwithstanding this
crude financiering many of them amassed what
in those days was considered an ample fortune.
Of course a few goods were purchased in the
interim, but owing to the cost of transporta-
tion and the time consumed in their delivery
this was the exception.
The mailing facilities were as crude as
others. There was a mail route from Williams-
port to this place passing through Jerseytown.
The mail was usually carried by a man on
horseback, but in inclement weather he used a
covered wagon. The postage at that time was
five cents and subsequently reduced to three
18
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
cents, at which sum it remained for many
years, until within the recollection of many
it was reduced to two cents.
The only bank in this section of the State was
at Northumberland, and William McKelvy, a
resident of Bloomsburg, who was one of
the directors, drove down every Monday morn-
ing to attend a meeting of the board. Mr. Hart-
man remembers going down on horseback one
time and making a deposit of $500 for his em-
ployers, Eyer & Heffley, returning the same
day. The merchants did but little bank busi-
ness — scarcely any at all. The principal busi-
ness was the making of deposits for safe
keeping.
In the "good old days of the past" few of
the present conveniences were even dreamed
of. As a rebuttal to the claims of the surviv-
ors of those times that the old days were the
best, let us review some of the details of life
in those times.
In the good old times of the early years of
the eighteenth century every gentleman wore
a queue and powdered his hair. His clothes
were more elaborate than now, more unsan-
itary, and of brilliant colors which often faded
badly. There was only one hat factory in
America, and that made "cocked" hats. Dry
goods consisted of "men's stuff" and "women's
stuff," and was limited in character and
quality.
Stoves were unknown and all cooking was
done before open fireplaces. China plates were
a great luxury, and were generally objected
to because they dulled the knives. It seems
that the only habit left us from the past is the
one prevalent in some classes of society of
eating with the knife. A girl was not permitted
to marry till she could bake a loaf of bread and
cut it while warm into even slices. When a
person had enough tea the spoon was placed
across the cup. Pewter spoons and steel knives
were highly prized and were handed down
from one generation to the other. Wooden
bowls, platters and trenchers were the usual
table utensils.
Books were very expensive, many small vol-
umes costing $15 each. There was not a pub-
lic library in America, and most of the books
in private libraries came from Europe.
Virginia contained one fifth of the popula-
tion of the United States, and the Mississippi
valley was not as well known as the heart of
Africa is now. Two stagecoaches bore all of
the travel between New York and Boston, and
the trip required six days. Two days were
occupied in the trip from New York to Phila-
delphia, while the journey from New York to
Charleston by land occupied twenty days.
In those good old days there was no regu-
lar post office department, all letters being car-
ried by private post, the cost of the letter vary-
ing from one to three shillings. There was not
a mile of railroad in the country, no steamboats,
no street cars, no telephones, no telegraph lines,
and the news in the papers was usually about
ninety days old when it was printed.
There were then no kerosene lamps, no elec-
tric lights, and the chief method of illumination
was by tallow candles. Matches had not come
into general use, so flint and steel were car-
ried by all who went on a journey, while the
housekeeper kept a coal of fire lit all the time.
Sometimes when the fire went out it would be
necessary to mount a horse and go to the near-
est neighbor for a light, the coals being carried
in a wooden bucket filled with ashes.
The church collections were taken by means
of a bag on the end of a pole, with a bell at-
tached to awaken the sleepers whom the par-
son's prosy and long-drawn-out sermons had
lulled into slumber. If the sermon did not
suit the hearer he dare not criticise it lest he
be heavily fined.
Imprisonment for debt was a common prac-
tice, and the whipping post and pillory were
means of punishment. An old copper mine in
Connecticut was then used as a prison, and
many of the inmates died from the effects of
their incarceration in it. Yes, these were the
"good old days" we sometimes hear about.
Another important event in those days was
court week. The county seat was at Danville,
subsequently removed to Bloomsburg, and peo-
ple from ail over the county attended. The
hotels for days were busy making preparations
for the entertainment of the crowd, and as
newspapers were scarce it was a time when
information was exchanged as well as the busi-
ness which brought them transacted. Mr. I. W.
Hartman frequently saw men walking from
the upper end of the county at the present loca-
tion of Jamison City, to Danville to attend
court. The first day they would walk as far as
Orangeville, stay over night, and finish their
walk the next day. This was necessary, as
there was no other way of getting there except
by driving down and many did not keep a horse.
There were no bridges to cross the river and
the only one along Fishing creek was at the
site of the present double bridge at the Lazarus
farm below town. At that time it was a single
track affair and very primitive in its construc-
tion. There was a foot bridge over the creek
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
19
at the red rock on which people crossed in going
to and from the Foulk mill.
Going to Catawissa in those days was not an
easy matter by any means. The only way of
getting there was by going around by what is
now the Aqueduct mill and fording the river
at the site of the Rupert railroad bridge, or
being pushed in a flat, there being no rope
ferries at that time. Or one could go down the
valley to the Deimer farm, then over the hill
and cross the river at Catawissa in the same
CHAPTER III
TOPOGRAPHY AND GEOLOGY— IRON— COAL
Separated from the earlier settled portion
of Pennsylvania by the Kittatinny range of
hills, and defended from the storms of the
northwest by the AUeghenies, the portion of
the State in which lie the counties of Columbia
and Montour is particularly blessed in the
possession of both natural beauty and mineral
wealth. Few of the elevations reach the dig-
nity of mountains, although they rise in grace-
ful curves to the height of over 1,500 feet in
some instances. From their summits may be
obtained a view of the beautiful and fertile
valleys, clear streams and gently rolling hills
of as fair a land as that written of by the Irish
poet, who said :
Bounteous nature loves all lands, beauty wanders
everywhere.
Footprints leaves on many sands, but her home is
surely there.
The community in general is distinctly agri-
cultural. On every hand are to be seen the re-
sults of men's efforts to gain a support from
the willing soil. Upon the basis of the pro-
ductiveness of the land is built the success of
the two counties, and almost every man of
affairs can trace back to three generations of
agricultural progenitors.
Montour county bears in her center the pro-
ductive Limestone ridge, from which much of
the ore and stone of the past have been taken.
On her southern boundary is the famous Mon-
tour ridge, like a wall between it and North-
umberland county. In the eastern end is the
first rise of Catawissa mountain, which passes
down through Columbia county, forming the
division between Main and Locust town-
ships. At Catawissa the Susquehanna has
forced a passage through the range, showing
all the strata of the rocks of this section in all
their odd and interesting forms. Dividing
Locust and Conyngham townships is Little
mountain, with a parallel ridge south of it,
separating the fertile regions from the anthra-
cite coal fields, the only evidence of whose
existence is the black waters of Catawissa
creek.
Between Mifflin and Beaver townships lies
Nescopeck mountain, which extends from the
Luzerne county line to Mainville. McAuley
and Buck mountains, with their small deposits
of hard coal now almost worked out, complete
the list of elevations in the southern part.
North of the Susquehanna the most impor-
tant elevation is Knob mountain, at the site of
C)rangeville, a clear cut, green-clad elevation
of great scenic beauty. Eastwardly this ridge
is called Huntington and Lee mountains, after
a division at the edge of the county. The most
picturesque portion of the county lies in the
extreme northern part, where a spur of the
AUeghenies forms the lofty North mountain,
the source of Fishing creek and its branches.
This is the home of the trout and the paradise
of the summer boarder.
Elsewhere in the counties the surface is
constantly broken by a succession of hills of
varying height, the fertile slopes of which are
cultivated entirely to the top. Around these
hills meander the numerous streams of this
well watered country.
Fishing creek and its tributaries afford the
sole drainage of that section of Columbia
county north of the river, with the exception of
a small portion in the extreme east drained by
Briar creek. On the south of the river the
country is drained by Catawissa creek. Roar-
ing creek and Ten-Mile run.
Montour county is drained almost entirely
by Chillisquaque creek and its many branches.
This stream flows through Northumberland
county and empties into the West Branch of
the Susquehanna. The portion of the county
around Danville is drained by Mahoning creek.
20
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
GEOLOGY OF THE WYOMING VALLEY
Columbia and Montour counties lie wholly
within the Wilkes-Barre and Scranton basins
of the anthracite region, known as the Wyo-
ming Valley. This section was part of the ter-
ritory claimed by Connecticut and afterwards
awarded to Pennsylvania. It gains the name of
Wyoming from the Indian title of Maughwau-
wama, a Delaware word, meaning large plains.
Although broken by lofty hills, the term applies
very appropriately to this section of the State,
owing to the broad and comparatively level
valleys that lie between the hills. Few of these
hills attain the dignity of mountains, the high-
est being but i ,600 feet, but they afford charm-
ingly varied views of a prosperous and pictur-
esque country from their different summits.
The general geological structure of the rocks
of these counties includes the Pocono or Potts-
ville Conglomerates in the higher elevations,
the Catskill and Chemung rocks in the lower
hills, and in the valleys the outcrops of the
Hamilton, Lower Helderberg and Salina for-
mations. These rocks are only included in the
Older Secondary system and comprise the vari-
ous strata Nos. \' to XI, inclusive, classihed by
the second geological survey of the State.
Columbia and Montour counties are just
outside of the mining region of the anthracite
fields, although many mines have been opened
and operated continuously for years in the ex-
treme southeastern part of Columbia county.
The anthracite veins are usually above the high-
est layers of rock on the summits of the hills of
these counties, therefore "out of sight" in this
immediate section, but to the east and south of
the borders of Columbia the coal veins sink to
points where they can be profitably mined. The
soft coal strata of the western part of the State,
which have made the fortunes of thousands,
are here completelv eroded away and are the-
oretically at .IvOOO feet in the air above us.
The rocks of this section are not only com-
pressed and twisted into strange forms, but thev
are forced up into steep ridges and basins, but
for which the operations of the miner would
be more difficult and hazardous. This uplift
has forced many of the strata into the light and
greatly assisted in the work of mineral research
and exploitation, besides adding to the pictur-
esnue beauty of the cliffs and valleys.
In addition to the action of the subterranean
forces of past ages the more recent (compara-
tively) erosion of the glaciers has further di-
versified the surface of these regions. The end
of the sreat glaciers or sea of ice that covered
all of New York State and extended to the
Susquehanna was marked by a terminal
moraine, or ridge, of boulders and debris left
by the melting of the ice. This moraine was
l^ter torn apart and scattered in places over
the land by the immense streams of water that
arose from the rapidly melting ice fields, so
causing the deep beds of sand and gravel all
over this section. The glacial rivers also cut
the deep clefts in the strata to be seen where
the rivers and creeks force their way through
Montour ridge and other elevations.
The mineral products of these counties are
few, agriculture leading as a source of wealth.
However, in the past the iron ores were of great
industrial importance, atid supplied the raw
material for furnaces at Bloomsburg and Dan-
\ille. These veins of ore have been worked
out in the last twenty years, or have been found
to descend to such depths as to make exploi-
tation unprofitable. The iron ores of the Lake
Superior region can be mined and shipped to
this point for less than it takes to produce the
native ores, and the old methods of smelting
being replaced by the more simple modern ones
caused the abandonment of the furnaces in this
region.
The quarrying of slate for mantels and roof-
ing purposes was prosecuted in Hemlock town-
ship, Columbia county, but through lack of
knowledge of the business and deficiency of
funds the enterprise was abandoned some years
ago. The raw material is still there and, with
modern machines and a cultivated market,
would probably make it well worth while to
revive the industry.
The mining of limestone for Ijurning pur-
poses was at one time the leafling industry of
both counties, but at present the plants in use
are found only in the vicinity of Lime Ridge,
in Columbia county, along the line of Montour
ridge, south of Frostv Valley and as far west
as Limestoneville, in Montour county. At
Lime Ridge and west of there two firms are
quarrying the limestones for ballast and burn-
ing purposes, producing a fine grade of
hydrated lime and some small quantities of
building stone. Near Espy, Rhone Trescott
has a quarry in the Bossardville limestones
which contains a thin vein of galena, from
which he obtains several carloads of ore per
year, yielding a high percentage of lead. This
is jirobably the source of the lead brought to
the Fishing creek neighborhood by the Indians
during their occupation of the section of
country near Orangeville. At that time the
owners of the land believed that the lead was
obtained at a nearer point.
The onlv mines of anthracite coal in this sec-
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
21
tioii are to be found in Beaver and Conyngham
townships, Columbia county, although it was
formerly thought that coal could be developed
in Briarcreek township, while in 19 1 4 discover-
ies of coal have been made in the vicinity of
Exchange, Ivlontour county. The mines are
treated m the separate sketches of these town-
ships.
GEOLOGY OF THE DIFFERENT DIVISIONS
Following are short reviews of the charac-
teristic formation and elevations of the town-
ships and boroughs of Columbia and Montour
counties, Columbia being the tirst in order of
description.
Columbia County
Scott — Most of the strata of the Clinton and
Helderberg formations are exposed in this
township along Montour ridge. Fossil iron
ore was formerly extensively mined at several
points, but is now exhausted. Several quar-
ries were at one time operated along the ridge
for lime burning, but are now abandoned. The
highest elevation of Montour ridge in this
township is 900 feet.
Centre — Most of the formations character-
istic of this part of the State are shown in this
township, along Montour ridge and Hunting-
ton mountain. The Bossardville and Lower
Helderberg limestones are extensively mined
for lime burning and cement purposes, while
the Bastard limestone between, which caused so
much trouble in the past to quarrymen by rea-
son of its hardness and awkward location, is
now broken into a fine quality of road material.
Lead and zinc were found in granular state in
small pockets in the Upper Salina limestone
beds, and were supposed to warrant exploita-
tion, but although thousands of dollars were
spent in investigation there were no tangible
results. The entire valley of this township
south of Lime Ridge is covered with boulders
and gravel, deposited in the past by glacial
and alluvial action. The highest point of the
Huntington mountain in the township is about
1,500 feet.
Briarcreek — Here the Montour axis passes
under the tow-n of Berwick, while Hamilton
and Knob mountains pass almost entirely across
the area of the township. Both elevations are
about 1,500 feet above the sea. Glacial action
cut the valley between these mountains and re-
mains of ice deposits of boulders and trash are
to be abundantly found. These were the ac-
cumulations from the great terminal moraine
of the glacier that at one time covered the State
of New York and extended as far south as
Berwick.
Mifflin — The rocks of this township extend
from the Pocono beds in the summit of Nesco-
peck mountain to the Lower Helderberg lime-
stone in the bed of the Susquehanna opposite
Mifflinville. The glacier that came as far south
as Berwick did not cross the river to this town-
ship, but poured its melting ice streams into the
Susquehanna. Later stream action caused the
deposits of rounded boulders and gravel to
cover the surface of this section. The crest
of Nescopeck mountain, which forms the
southern border of the township, is 1,625 feet
above sea level.
Sugarloaf — The rocks of this township be-
long to the Catskill formation, with the excep-
tion of a narrow belt of Pocono which forms
the summit of North mountain. Drift heaps
and gravel beds cover most of the area. The
highest elevation in this township is 1,275 f^^t^-
Benton — The Catskill and Chemung rocks
predominate here. Drift and gravel beds pre-
dominate. The greatest altitude in this town-
ship is 850 feet.
Jackson — Catskill and Chemung red sand-
stones are found here, with many boulder beds.
Glacial remains abound. The greatest altitude
is 1,280 feet.
Pine — Chemung, Catskill and Hamilton for-
mations predominate in this section. Genesee
shales and Tully limestones are also found. The
greatest elevation is 1,315 feet.
Greemvood — Chemung and Hamilton rocks
here predominate. There are also found areas
of Genesee black shale. In the Chemung sand-
stones a quarry was once operated near the
Mount Pleasant township line, furnishing
rough building stone. This township is prac-
tically free from boulders. The land is gener-
ally free from stones, and the rocks are of the
black shale. The highest elevation is near
Millville— 825 feet.
Fishingcreek — Pocono, Catskill, Chemung,
Genesee and Hamilton rocks are here exposed.
Glacial deposits form the great plain along
Huntington creek. The highest point is Hunt-
ington mountain, 1,500 feet above sea level.
Orange — The rocks in this township run
from the Pocono to the base of the Chemung
formation. Great heaps of rounded boulders
are scattered over the hill summits and give
evidence of the sea having covered this section
of the State in past ages. From the summit of
Knob mountain an extensive view is had of the
counties of Montour and Columbia. This alti-
tude is 1,430 feet.
22
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
Mount Pleasant — The Chemung, Lower Hel-
derberg and Salina formations predominate
here. The limestones are shghtly magnesian
and would make good Portland cement. Others
can be burned for lime. At the forks of the
road near Little Fishing creek the highest point
above the sea, just above Mordansville, is 535
feet.
Hemlock — Almost a complete section from
the Catskill formation down to the basal beds
of the Clinton is found in this township along
the banks of Fishing creek. A large quarry
was formerly operated in the Hamilton shales,
from which a hne grade of slate for mantels
and tables was sawn, by the Thomas Slate Com-
pany. At this quarry the Marcellus slates were
also mined for roofing and school slates. The
Lower Helderberg limestone was mined at
this place for the Bloomsburg furnaces, also
about a mile east of Buckhorn. The Blooms-
burg Iron Company and William Neal & Sons
quarried the fossil iron ore in the Montour
ridge. The highest elevation in this township
is 975 feet.
Montour — Catskill, Chemung and Genesee
shales are the range of rocks in this township,
covering a section of 4,784 feet. Between
Catawissa bridge and Rupert the exposures
along the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western
railroad, at the end of Montour ridge, are the
most complete in the county. A student of
geology will find much of value to observe here,
and the lover of the picturesque will be gratified
by the varied scenery to be found at this spot.
Indications are found here that the Susque-
hanna once flowed in a channel directly west-
ward to Danville through the valley north of
Montour ridge. The Bossardville limestone
has been quarried for agricultural uses by sev-
eral persons in this vicinity, but was found too
impure for building uses. The fossil iron ore
was also at one time mined about a mile and a
half west of Fishing creek. The highest point
of Montour ridge in this township is 755 feet.
Bloornsbnrg — The Clinton, Salina, Lower
Helderberg and Hamilton formations are ex-
posed along the banks of Fishing creek beside
the Bloomsburg & Sullivan railroad tracks. At
many places outcroppings of fossil iron ore are
found and have been almost completely mined
out in the past. The town of Bloomsburg is
located on three terraces composed of deposits
from streams in the past. The highest terrace
in Bloomsburg is on Second street, where the
altitude is 571; feet.
Main — Cutting through Nescopeck moun-
tain, Catawissa creek here exposes all of the
Pocono and Catskill formations. The Catskill
sandstones here were at one time quarried for
building purposes. About 1,500 feet is the
height of the mountain at this point.
Catawissa — All of the diflferent formations
characteristic of this county are shown along
the Susquehanna from Catawissa to the
Bloomsburg bridge, along the bluffs of Cata-
wissa (or Nescopeck) mountain. None of the
limestones here have been commercially
worked. The height of Catawissa mountain is
estimated at 1,600 feet.
Franklin — Only a few of the characteristic
formations of this county are exposed in this
township. A dividing ridge, part of Catawissa
mountain, separates the Susquehanna from
Roaring creek in the central part of the town-
ship. Elevations range from 900 to 1,400 feet
above sea level.
Locust — Little mountain, along the southern
border of this township, has an elevation of
1,040 feet, and exposes the Pocono formation
to some extent. Other strata are shown at
various gaps in the hills and mountain, made
by the branches of Roaring creek.
Montour County
Cooper — In the tunnel cut to drain the old
quarry of Grove Brothers, at Grovania, the ex-
posures of Catskill and Chemung rocks are
very complete. The Lower Helderberg lime-
stone is the one quarried here now for lime, as
it was for furnace uses in the past. Some fos-
siliferous iron ore was also mined in the past,
but is now exhausted. The ancient valley of
the Susquehanna, through vvhich that river
once flowed before it carved its way through
the Montour axis, is shown in the center of
this township, and forms the basis of the best
farms in this vicinity. The elevation of the
ridge here is about 760 feet.
Mahoning — The formations characteristic of
Montour ridge are to be found in this township.
A number of limestone quarries were formerly
operated in this township to supply the fur-
naces at Danville, but are now idle. Iron ore
was also extensively mined, but has long since
been exhausted. About 700 feet is the height
of the ridge here.
Liberty — The lowest beds of the Clinton
slates form Montour ridge here, while the
Oriskany chert and the Lower Helderberg lime-
stone make Lime Ridge in the northern border
of the township. The Hamilton and Bossard-
ville limestones have here been extensively
quarried. Montour ridge stands 900 feet above
sea level, while Lime Ridge is about 100 feet
lower.
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
23
Valley — Most of the rocks in this township
are of the Chemung-Catskill formations. The
Clinton iron ore has been extensively mined
along the sides of Montour ridge, being fol-
lowed to great depths by means of drifts, the
dip being about 30 degrees. Limestone quar-
ries were numerous in the days of iron work-
ing, but now have passed into disuse. About
800 feet is the greatest elevation in this town-
ship, on Montour ridge.
PVest Hemlock — As is the case in the adjoin-
ing townships, the Chemung-Catskill forma-
tions here predominate. The Hamilton beds
are too deeply buried to make profitable work-
ing here. The greatest elevation in this town-
ship is almost 1,000 feet above the sea.
berry — The Hamilton, Helderberg and Che-
mung rocks are here to be seen. A large quarry
was formerly operated near Washingtonville,
the product being lime and building stone. The
greatest elevation in this township is 900 feet
above the sea.
Limestone — Limestone ridge, the southern
boundary, is composed of the Oriskany sand-
stones and the Helderberg limestones. Many
limestone quarries were operated in this sec-
tion, getting their product from the Bossard-
ville and Stormville beds.. The greatest eleva-
tion is 780 feet, on Limestone ridge.
Anthony — This township was once a vast
valley filled with a mighty stream, remains of
whose action are shown in the boulder heaps
that strew the surface. The only rocks that
here appear above the horizon are the Hamil-
ton and Chemung. In the highlands of the
north the greatest elevation is 1,200 feet.
Mayberry — The formations in this township
are of similar character to those in Franklin
township, Columbia county, adjoining. No
quarries have been opened here, although the
rocks have been used for building purposes
locally. Sharp ridge, running through the
center of the township, is about 300 feet above
sea level.
THE IRON INDUSTRY
The mineral productions of Columbia county
are of considerable value and form one of the
sources of wealth for the people, but the yearly
output is only a fraction of that of the past.
During the operation of the iron furnaces at
Bloomsburg and other points the production of
this metal was the most important business in
the county. All of the ore came from the sides
of Montour ridge and was of a fossiliferous
character. Near the surface the ore was like
loose soil, but below the layers became harder
and filled with limestone and many fossils.
Below the fossiliferous horizon the ore is poor
and the cost of working it prohibitive. For this
reason the mines of the county were gradually
abandoned as fast as the upper layers of ore
became exhausted.
The discovery of iron ore in Columbia county
was made in 1822 by Robert Green, a farm
laborer employed by Henry Young of Hem-
lock township, while plowing a field near the
end of Montour ridge, on the bank of Fishing
creek. He opened a drift and demonstrated
the value of the vein. For twenty years this
ore was mined and transported to the Esther
and Penn furnaces, across the Susquehanna.
Columbia County Furnaces
Before the discovery of ore in the northern
part of the county the Catawissa furnace was
built in Main township on Furnace run, near
Catawissa creek, by John Hauck, in 181 5. He
had the advantage of proximity to the road to
Reading and abundant wood for charcoal. The
ore was at first procured from the neighbor-
hood of Bloomsburg, but after the discovery
of the deposits in Hemlock township most of
the raw material came from the latter source.
For several years this was the only furnace
in the county. The product was sent to Read-
ing to be forged and the finished iron returned
for home consumption. This was changed by
the construction in 1824 of a forge near the fur-
nace by Harley & Evans and the double han-
dling done away with. Both furnace and forge
were operated until 1883, when the distance
from the mines and the cost of fuel caused
their abandonment. The introduction of the
anthracite process of smelting also made the
furnace obsolete, as it was of the old charcoal,
hot-blast design. A crumbling wall, overgrown
with bushes, now marks the site of this once
famous iron works.
The grading of the stage road to Reading
through Locust township in 181 7 caused the
construction of the Esther furnace by Michael
and Samuel Bittler. It was located on land
originally patented to Samuel Shakespeare in
1773, on Roaring creek, nineteen miles from
Fort Augusta (now Sunbury). David Shake-
speare inherited the land and his executors
deeded it to Jacob Yocum, from whom it passed
to the Bittler family.
There was neither iron nor limestone near,
but an abundance of wood. Most of the ore
came from the Fishing creek region after the
opening of the mines there. After various en-
largements the furnace was leased successively
24
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
to John and Samuel Trego, and Fincher &
Thomas. In 1845 Samuel Uiemer became les-
see. Later owners were John Richards, John
Thomas, D. J. Waller, Sr., Casper Thomas,
Jacob Schuyler and J. B. Robison. The open-
ing of the canal along the Susquehanna in 1832
made Catawissa the main shipping point of the
county and the furnace was abandoned.
The Irondale furnaces were built by the
Bloomsburg Railroad & Iron Company in 1844
and were lined-up and blown-in in 1845 by
James Ralston, a native of Glasgow, Scotland.
A railroad was built around the hill along Fish-
ing creek to connect the furnaces with the
canal. At that time iron ore was found in
great quantities in the hills all around the
town and the canal offered a cheap means of
transporting the coal and finished product.
During the Civil war there was a mint of
money in the iron business and the furnaces
were kept running constantly, turning out
about thirty tons of pig iron a day, the price
going at one time to $40 a ton.
The plant in 1886 consisted of two furnaces,
a waterpower house and a steampower house,
a large store, a mansion house, twenty-three
tenement houses comprising the settlement
known as Morgantown, and a narrow-gauge
railroad from the furnaces to the Lackawanna
& Bloomsburg railroad. The company also
had leases on many thousands of acres of ore
lands in the county.
C. R. Paxton was president of the company
and resided in the mansion near the furnaces.
On his removal to Virginia, about 1874, E. R.
Drinker became superintendent. But the iron
trade had declined, and the ore beds in this
section were worked out, necessitating the
transportation of most of the ore used from
Snyder county (Pa.) and Maryland, thus in-
creasing the cost of production.
In 1889 the stock of the Bloomsburg Iron
Company was purchased by Col. S. Knorr and
L. S. Wintersteen, and the management
changed. But iron continued to decline in
price, and Colonel Knorr's death occurring soon
after, the furnaces were shut down. In 1893
the Bloomsburg Iron Company, through its
president, L. S. Wintersteen, sold the property
to H. C. Pease, who tore down the furnaces
and began the erection of a stone building in-
tended for manufacturing purposes. This
operation was stayed by injunction, and the
executrix of Colonel Knorr's estate, desiring
an accounting, petitioned the court for the ap-
pointment of a receiver, which was granted,
H. A. McKillip being the appointee. After
proceedings in court. Pease reconveyed the
property to H. A. McKillip, receiver, and the
property was sold by him at public sale to the
Bloomsburg Water Company, the title pass-
ing on June 11, 1896. So passed out of exist-
ence what had for many years been the leading
industry of Bloomsburg. The store building
has been unoccupied for years, the Paxton
mansion, whose occupants were so long among
the social leaders of the town, is now a tene-
ment house, and every vestige of the furnaces
has disappeared. The waterpower house has
passed into the ownership of the Irondale Elec-
tric Light Company, and been rebuilt, and is
a well kept property.
In 1852 an agreement was entered into by
William McKelvey, William Neal and Jacob
Melick to erect and operate an anthracite iron
furnace, taking the ore from the farm of the
latter, east of Fishing creek. In 1853 seventeen
acres were purchased from Daniel Snyder and
Joseph W. Hendershott on the canal, east of
the town of Bloomsburg, and in April, 1854,
the "Bloom" furnace was blown-in. In 1873
the firm name was changed from McKelvey,
Neal & Co. to William Neal & Sons. Up to
1875 the gross product of this furnace was
17,968 tons, but later the yearly product was
greatly increased. By 18S3 the ore deposits
near Bloomsburg were exhausted and the fur-
naces in the vicinity were supplied from mines
in New Jersey.
All of these furnaces were abandoned in
1892, the property sold and the furnaces torn
down. The site is now occupied by the power-
house and car barn of the North Branch Tran-
sit Company, the only visible remains of the
furnace being the brick water reservoir and the
slag heaps along the abandoned bed of the
canal. The slag is now broken up and used
to ballast the streets of Bloomsburg.
Two other furnaces were built at Light
Street between 1844 and 1850 by Gen. Matthew
McDowell and Samuel Bettle. Both were
shortlived, their greater rivals at Bloomsburg
getting the advantage in shipping and receiv-
ing facilities. One of these furnaces was oper-
ated by Peter Ent and stood just above the
upper mill. The B. & S. railroad runs through
the center of the slag heap. The other fur-
nace stood at the lower end of the town. Both
are completely gone.
Montour County Furnaces and Mills
The first charcoal furnace was built by Eli
Trego in 1837, near the crossing of the Read-
ing railroad at Mill street, Danville.
The first anthracite iron furnace in
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
25
Montour county was built by Burd Pat-
terson near the mouth of Roaring creek,
in Mayberry township, in 1839. After
passing through successive hands it came
into the possession of Simon P. Kase, of
Danville, in 1857, who ran it for a short
time and then abandoned it. The ore was ob-
tained from Montour ridge and carried across
the river on flats.
In 1838 Patterson built a charcoal furnace
at the site of the present Lackawanna railroad
crossing in the eastern part of Danville. This
he operated for a short time, but the intro-
duction of anthracite coal soon made the fur-
nace obsolete, and it was therefore abandoned.
Later Patterson built a nail factory near it,
but this also was a failure.
Michael and John Grove were the first suc-
cessful furnacenien, after anthracite coal was
adopted. They built two furnaces, one in 1840
and the other in 1859, on Mahoning street, Dan-
ville. A 400-horsepowcr engine ran the blast
and about seventy-five men were employed.
They closed down in 1880.
Chambers & Biddle built two furnaces in
1840, and another in 1845. A rolling mill was
added in 1844, and the plant took the name of
Montour Iron Works. Here the first T rails
in the East were made, U rails having been
previously the chief product. A foundry and
machine shop were added in 1852, and in 1857
a new rail mill was added. This foundry dur-
ing the Civil war cast many of the cannon and
mortars used by the Union forces. It had cast
in 1842 the first cannon in the United States
made of anthracite iron.
In 1880 the works came into the hands of the
Philadelphia & Reading Iron Company, which
now operates them.
The last furnace built in Montour county
was the Chulasky furnace, on the line of North-
umberland county, in 1846. Its capacity was
6,500 tons of soft gray forge pig iron per an-
num. It was idle after 1893.
Besides the plants mentioned, Danville has
had numerous other iron foundries and mills,
among them being these old ones : Enterprise
Foundry. Danville Iron Foundry, National
Iron Foundry, Co-operative Iron & Steel
Works, Glendower Iron Works, National Iron
Company's Works and the Danville Stove
Works. The present plants are the Readmg
Iron Works, the Danville Stove Works, the
Danville Steel Works, the Tube Mill and the
Danville Foundry & Machine Works.
At present Danville is the only strictly iron-
making town in the two counties. The Ameri-
can Car & Foundry Company, at Berwick, have
a pipe works and a rolling mill, but only for
their own use. There are two large foundries
at the car plants, a general machine shop, and
a small foundry for the manufacture of sash
weights, at Bloomsburg. This completes the
list for the two counties in 19 14.
Furnaces Abandoned
At present there are no furnaces in operation
in either Columbia or Montour counties, most
of the iron works consisting of foundries and
rolling mills, which obtain their raw material
from the furnaces around Pittsburg. Those
who have no knowledge of the old charcoal
furnaces and their operation will find a descrip-
tion of the methods then used interesting.
The early furnaces averaged twenty-five feet
in height by seven feet across the "bosch," or
widest part of the interior. The fuel was
strictly charcoal and the blast was cold, being
driven by leather bellows through a "tuyere"
into the mass of charcoal and ore. Later on
wooden "tubs" were used to create the blast,
somewhat like short cylinders, with a piston
working horizontally, the power coming from
a water wheel in the nearest stream. These
"tubs" were used as late as 1878, even after the
introduction of anthracite coal as fuel.
The product of these charcoal furnaces was
from ten to twenty-five tons of pig iron per
week, which sold at the furnace at fifteen dol-
lars a ton. Some of the furnaces in later years
produced stoves, pots and plows.
After the charcoal furnaces were abandoned
and the process of smelting by anthracite in-
troduced the highest period of development in
the iron industry ensued. It was the most im-
portant source of wealth to the people and
gave employment to thousands. Owing to
its success the growth of Danville and Blooms-
burg from 1844 to 1890 was due, but the clos-
ing of the mines and the abandonment of the
furnaces did not seriously affect the prosperity
of these places, for the wealth gathered from
the earth was not of an evanescent character
and the people had made use of their opportun-
ity to establish the towns on a permanent foun-
dation.
In filling the old anthracite furnaces, alter-
nate layers of ore, coal and limestone were
used, about three tons of ore making a ton of
pig iron. The furnaces were run continuously,
being filled from the top as fast as the iron
was drawn from the bottom. Casting was
done twice a day. Not only did the local foun-
dries use the product, but" it was in great de-
mand by the foundries all over the eastern
half of the State.
During the years when the iron mines of the
26
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
two counties were in operation the annual
production was an average of 20,000 tons. For
each ton of pig iron were required 3.25 tons
of ore, 2.05 tons of coal and 1.59 tons of lime-
stone.
COAL MINING
Practically all the anthracite coal produced
in the world comes from an area of 484 square
miles in northeastern Pennsylvania. In this
region 87 per cent of the total acreage of coal
lands is owned by eleven railroad corporations.
The Philadelphia & Reading Railroad Com-
pany controls 63 per cent of all the anthracite
coal in the United States, and more than half
of the mines in Columbia county. These rail-
roads own the mines, the rails and rolling stock,
the yards and pockets in the cities, operate the
wholesaling companies and control the retail-
ers. Thus they fix the price of coal to the
consumer.
The cost of mining a ton of coal in the
Schuylkill region is Si. 80. The roads owning
the mines charge $1.50 a ton freight for house-
hold sizes of coal transported to tidewater.
This is 30 per cent more than the rate for gen-
eral merchandise. Coal at the mine mouth is
$3.75 per ton. The freight charge is $1.50;
the railroad's wholesaling branch charges
twenty-five cents for handling, and the retailer
adds $1.25 more, making the cost of a ton of
coal to the householder $6.75 in New York.
The United States government owns and
operates a coal mine at Williston, N. Dak.,
where the cost of mining a tori is $1.78. This
includes all charges except transportation.
Although within the coal region of the east-
em part of Pennsylvania, Columbia county has
few mines of that precious mineral. These are
located in Beaver and Conyngham townships,
the latter being the only ones profitably
worked.
There is a great difference in the soft and
hard coal mining regions. In the former the
beds lie low down in the strata and are regu-
lar in character and easily mined. But anthra-
cite coal beds are contorted, turned over and
jammed into strange and irregular forms.
Squeezed by enormous pressure in past ages,
they disappear in one spot only to expand
Name Location Operator — 1882 Tons
Bast Big Mine run P. & R. Coal & Iron Co 90,161
Potts Locustdale P. & R. Coal & Iron Co 83,941
Hazel Dell Centralia L. A. Riley & Co 7,638
Continental Centralia Lehigh Valley Coal Co 16,542
into thick layers in another. They plunge to
a depth of two thousand feet in one place
below water level, and in a short distance
rise more than a thousand feet above the sea.
In the Pottsville region, of which Columbia
beds are a part, the coal lies in long, narrow
basins under the valleys of the streams, the
edges of which rise to the tops of the moun-
tains and the centers sink several hundred
feet below the surface.
Most of the mining is done by "stripping"
off the upper layers of conglomerate rock
which are characteristic of the hard coal re-
gions, and as the stratum of coal sinks slopes
are run in the same direction until the bottom
of the basin is reached. The coal is hauled
to the "breakers" and there broken, sorted and
freed from slate. Vast piles of refuse or
"culm" have accumulated in years around
these breakers and render the scene gloomy
and desolate.
Coal was discovered in Beaver township in
1826, but not till 1854 was any attempt made
to mine it. The Columbia Coal & Iron Com-
pany was formed in 1864 by Simon P. Kase,
of Danville, and a railroad built to McCauley
mountain. In 1867 shipments of the coal be-
gan and in 1869 the mines were exhausted and
the railroad removed. The mines are now
operated by the Beaver Valley Coal Company,
and produced 4,000 tons in 1913. None of the
companies here have ever made more than
bare operating expenses, as the coal is on the
extreme tops of McCauley and Buck moun-
tains, in shallow strata and difficult of access.
The mines in Conyngham were opened be-
tween 1854 and 1867. Most of them are lo-
cated on the lands of the Girard estate and
leased by the Reading and Lehigh \'alley Rail-
road Companies. The principal mines now
open are the Continental and Repellier col-
lieries at Centralia ; the Midvalley collieries
at Aristes ; and the Morris Ridge and North
Ashland collieries, below Centralia.
According to the figures published by the
State Geological Commission in 1882 the total
production of the mines then in operation in
Columbia county was 722,114 tons. Follow-
ing are the names of the mines, location and
operators :
Monroe Montana
Logan Centralia
Centralia Centralia
A. H. Church 35,8S4
L. A. Riley & Co 231,169
L. A. Riley & Co 88,283
Bear City Centralia John Q. Williams 2,000
Morris Ridge Centralia May & Co SS.490
North Ashland Centralia P. & R. Coal & Iron Co 111,036
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
27
The Bast, Monroe and Bear City collieries
have been abandoned. With the exception of
the colliery at Locustdale, all the mines are
now under the control of the Lehigh Valley
Railroad Company. Three mines have been
opened since the above table was published, the
Repellier and the Midvalley Nos. i and 2.
From the mines in Conyngham and Beaver
townships during 1913 there were produced
1,078,481 tons of anthracite coal. Based on
the average wholesale selling price of $2.38
per ton, tiie value of this coal was $2,566,-
784.78, or almost one and three tenths per
cent of the total production of hard coal in
the State. The average cost of mining was
$2.07 per ton.
Although the early ironmasters of Danville
often prospected for coal in various parts of
Montour county their efforts were never re-
warded by success. It remained for the
drouth of 1914 to reveal the hidden veins of
anthracite to two farmers of the vicinity of
Exchange, who were seeking deeper veins
of water for their stock.
For many years Judge J. L. Brannen of
Exchange had noticed in the bed of the Chil-
lisquaque rounded fragments of coal, but he
did not seek to ascertain their source. In
October of 1914 P. C. Dennen and William
Houghton, farmers of the neighborhood of
Exchange, about the same date dug new wells,
both going to a depth of over seventy feet.
At that depth they simultaneously struck a
stratum of anthracite coal, measuring from
three to four feet in thickness, which on test-
ing proved to be of similar character to the
best product of the hard coal regions. The
coal lies in the usual basin-shaped form so
characteristic of this grade of fuel, and will
be worked by "stripping" and shafts. The
quantity and extent of the deposit have not yet
been demonstrated.
Along the Susquehanna river are a number
of dredges, which operate in low stages of
water, bringing up from the river bed the coal
which has "drifted down in flood time. This
coal, unlike the soft variety, will not disinte-
grate. During 19 13 these dredges washed
out 133,986 tons of salable coal.
The coal is washed into the river from
the culm banks, where the slate sinks into the
crevices, while the coal floats down slowly
and steadily, year by year, until it is lifted
to the surface by the dredges. Most of the
coal taken out has been in the water at least
thirty years, as its rounded shape would indi-
cate. The dredges are simple and their cost
is low, about $200 covering engine and boat.
OTHER MINERALS
No estimate can be had regarding the pro-
duction of lime and limestone, or cement.
There are a number of large and small plants
in both counties, most of which cater to the
local trade.
At one time the slate mines near Buckhorn
were a source of profit to their owners, but
they have been abandoned for many years.
The production of galena or lead ore is so
small as to be of little interest to the reader,
the greatest quantity being insufficient to war-
rant exploitation. It is obtained in connec-
tion with the limestone at mines near Lime
Ridge and Espy.
In this connection reference may be made
to the copper deposits of Sugarloaf township,
which are of no real value, but were consid-
ered valuable by the promoters of the company
who built the smelter near Central and sank
a large sum of money in the vain endeavor
to reduce the ore commercially.
STATE REPORTS
According to the reports received by the
State Geological Survey the mineral produc-
tion of Columbia and Montour counties
showed a decline in 1913 of over $125,000,
as compared with 1912. This is in marked
contrast with most of the counties of the
State and to the State as a whole, which
showed a very distinct increase in value.
The products reported were brick and tile,
anthracite coal, sand and gravel, pottery, lime-
stone and lime. It is impossible to give the
details of production, without itemizing the
individual output.
CHAPTER IV
AGRICULTURE
Owing to the lack of complete reports from
the agricultural department of the State, no
reliable statistics are to be had regarding the
agricultural productions and stock raising
possibilities of Columbia and Montour coun-
ties at present. The principal products of
these counties now, as in the past, are wheat,
buckwheat, oats, corn, rye, potatoes, and other
farm products of lesser importance. Probably
most of the available land in both counties is
now under cultivation, and the crops will bear
comparison in quality and quantity with those
of the other States of the Union.
Among the grain producing States Pennsyl-
vania ranks first in buckwheat, fourth in rye,
eleventh in wheat, twelfth in oats, and four-
teenth in corn. In the production of wheat
this section of the State stands second, but in
buckwheat it is at the top. One of the famous
products of Columbia county at one time was
an Amber wheat, developed and introduced
throughout the United States by William J.
Martin, of Catawissa. The numerous grist-
mills of the two counties, described at length
in another chapter, are an evidence of the im-
portance of the growing of grain in this sec-
tion. Among them is the Millville mill, which
ranks among the largest buckwheat mills of
the Union.
In early times buckwheat was the chief crop
of this section, as it will grow on new and
partially reclaimed land, so the pioneer farm-
ers depended on it principally. This estab-
lished the fame of the region for buckwheat,
and the years have seen but little diminution
of the product. Most of the buckwheat of
these years is grown around Millville, Benton,
Orangeville and Washingtonville, although
quantities are also grown in other parts of
both counties. The rapid growth of this grain
is one of the reasons for its continued popu-
larity, only ninety days being required for
planting, growth and harvesting, in compari-
son with the 270 days needed for a crop of
wheat.
The flour from buckwheat is used chiefly
for griddle cakes, one of the prominent hotels
of New York City making a specialty of serv-
ing cakes made from Fishingcreek buckwheat.
A small amount of the flour is used to make
"scrapple" by butchers, while in Holland it
is extensively used in the manufacture of gin.
In 1904, when wet weather damaged the crop,
quantities of buckwheat were exported to Hol-
land from Columbia and Montour counties.
In the matter of wheat but little can be
ascertained, although there are many mills
equipped with the modern roller process,
which grind the grain for the local markets.
Little wheat is exported from this section,
the crop being about sufficient to supply all
demands of the mills, with a small surplus.
A comparison of the agricultural methods of
the past and present is unnecessary. It can
be said, however, that our farmers are sup-
plied with all the implements that modern sci-
ence can devise for the harvesting and working
of farm crops. In addition the Bloomsburg
State Normal School has a department of agri-
culture, under the charge of Professor Hart-
line, which devotes considerable time to lab-
oratory and field work of a practical character.
A comparison of values in early times with
those of the present will be of interest to the
reader. From an old copy of the Danville
Observer we learn that in 1824 wheat sold in
the open market at 65 cents a bushel, rye at 28
cents, corn at 25 cents, oats at 15 cents, flax-
seed at 55 cents, buckwheat at 20 cents, bees-
wax at 28 cents a pound, pork at 4 cents, but-
ter at 10 cents, and lard at 6 cents.
In 1914 wheat sold at 90 cents a bushel,
rye was not in the market, corn sold at 85
cents, oats at 40 cents, flaxseed was not in the
market, buckwheat was 65 cents a bushel, bees-
wax 25 cents a pound, pork 13 cents, butter
30 cents, and lard 12 cents.
It is interesting to note that the price of
beeswax has scarcely changed over three cents
on the pound for more than one hundred
28
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
29
years. It is a natural product that man has
never been able to imitate successfully.
■ Among the famous products of this section
was the Creveling grape, propagated by Mrs.
Charity Creveling. wife of John Creveling, a
member of the Society of Friends, residing
near Espy. The first vine, from which cuttings
were sent all over the Union, ran over a large
pear tree beside the residence of Mr. Crevel-
ing.
Catawissa, which gave a variety of wheat to
the world, was also the home of two fruits of
national fame, which has not been dimmed
even in this modern and rapid age. The
Catawissa monthlv raspberry was propagated
from a single plant discovered in the Friends'
burial ground there and is noted from the fact
that blossoms and berries appear at the same
time from July to October. The Sharpless
seedling strawberry was originated in 1872
by J. K. Sharpless, of Catawissa, and extens-
ively exploited by J. L. Dillon, of Blooms-
burg.
One of the industries of these counties
wiiich has lapsed into the realm of memory is
the production of maple sugar. In early days
maple syrup and sugar were staple commo-
dities, one townshiji — Sugarloaf — being named
from the chief of its products. The sugar sea-
son was as anxiously anticipated as the wheat
harvest, and was more sure and lucrative. In
the present time the loss of the noble maples,
devastated by the woodman's axe, has caused
an almost entire abandonment of this once
famous industry.
APPLE ORCHARDS
Pennsylvania is third in the list of apple
producing States, and has practically driven
the western apple from the home market, be-
cause a better apple can be produced here at
a lower cost. This is true also of Columbia
and Montour counties, where several varieties
of apples have originated, among them being
the Fornwald. Priestlv and Pennock varieties.
Some of the best apples exhibited at recent
State fairs have been from these counties and
have received honorable mention.
The pioneer commercial orchardist in Col-
umbia countv is "Farmer" Creasy, master of
the State Grange, who has developed to per-
fection several varieties of apples on his farm,
east of Catawissa. J. L. John, of Millville. in
an old orchard that had been declared unpro-
ductive, produced hundreds of bushels of
marketable apples. .\. G. Everett of Pine
township took Inold of an old orchard that had
never given him a profitable crop, and in the
tirst year sold over three hundred bushels of
good apples. The next year he sold almost
six hundred bushels of a better quality, and
in the fourth year he harvested nearly twelve
hundred bushels.
Another instance is the experience of Ira
Cherrington, of Roaringcreek township,
Columbia county. He put brains, hard work
and attention into an old orchard, and the
first year after he began experimenting harv-
ested a larger crop than ever before in its
history. The following year he picked from
the old trees a crop of 1,800 bushels of mar-
ketable apples.
Instances of this kind are occurring all over
the two counties, and will be multiplied in the
coming years, after the intelligent care now
being bestowed on the orchards brings forth
fruit. Some of these farmers have received
over a dollar a bushel for their fruit in the
local markets, but at less prices the industry
is still very remunerative. If the counties
continue to progress in this way during the
coming vears Adams county, now the foremost
fruit raising county in the State, will have
to put forth renewed efforts to retain the prize
medal.
Aside from the big apple crops that are
raised in Columbia and Montour counties there
are a multitude of smaller fruits that, while
singly insignificant, together form an aggre-
gate of no mean volume, and are a source of
considerable revenue to the farmer and his
family. Each farm has a number of cherry,
peach, quince, pear and other fruit trees, bear-
ing a more or less valuable burden each year.
There are one or two large peach orchards, but
most of the farmers content themselves with
raising only enough for local trade. Nor are
the cultivated fruits the onlv profitable prod-
ucts. The crabapple. huckleberry, elderberry,
chestnut, walnut and hickorynut are plentiful
and afford a source of spending money for
the younger generation that is not of inconsid-
erable importance. When taken altogether
the financial value of these fruits and nuts
assumes proportions that makes them count
in the statistics of the counties.
SWINE RAISING
It is taken for granted that the average
farmer will raise enoueh pork for his own use,
and that is true of Columbia and Montour
counties, but in addition enough hogs are
raised to make the industry quite a lucrative
one to the shippers supplying outside markets.
30
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
The most popular breeds are the Berkshire,
Chester- White, Duroc-Jersey and Poland-
China, all of the fat or lard type of swine. It
is not possible to designate the particular
breed that is in the lead, neither can we state
the number of animals shipped. Sufficient to
say that the industry is a thriving one and in
the future will be of considerable importance
in this section of the State.
SHEEP
Only enough sheep are raised in Columbia
and Montour counties to supply the local
butchers, the wool being a side issue, and of
little importance in a monetary way. There
are many reasons for the decline of this in-
dustry here. First come the many useless
dogs, which soon develop a fondness for
sheep killing. Then the fences are rapidly
being taken down on the farms, and sheep are
death to crops. Third, the farmers of the
West are in a better position to raise sheep at
lower prices than in the East. Lastly, the con-
stant care required by this most defenceless
animal makes the industry an unprofitable one
to the farmer, who can utilize his energies in
more lucrative employment.
HORSE BREEDING
Before the Civil war the breeding of horses
was one of the chief of the side lines of the
farmer in these counties, but in later years the
Western horses came into the market at prices
that made home-raised stock unprofitable.
There was a time when a good Western team
could be bought for $300, but the prices are
slowly increasing as the Western ranches are
cut up into farms, and the local horse breeding
industry is regaining some of its lost prestige.
A number of farsighted farmers are enter-
ing this field, but still the local market cannot
be supplied by local breeders, and from six to
ten carloads of Western horses are each year
brought in by dealers, who hold frequent sales
at prominent points in both of the counties.
CATTLE EPIDEMIC IN MONTOUR COUNTY
Montour county has been unfortunate in
having been the point in central Pennsylvania
from which the aphthous fever, or foot and
mouth disease of cattle, originated. The first
discovery of this disease was made on Nov.
9, 1908, on the farm of Jacob Shultz, of
Cooper township. Almost at the same time
it broke out among the cattle of Edward
Shultz, of Boyd's Station, on the south side
of the Susquehanna river, opposite Danville.
It also infected the herds of the town. The
first germs came from cattle shipped here from
Buft'alo, N. Y., in that year.
About the first of November, 1914, there
was an outbreak of the aphthous fever, or
foot and mouth disease, among the cattle of
Columbia and Montour counties. It was
brought to this section in shipments of cattle
from Buft'alo and Lancaster. Several fine
herds were found to be infected and prompt
measures were taken by the State Livestock
Sanitary Board to stamp out the disease. At
the farm of Henry Cooper in Limestone
township, Montour county, over thirty head
of cattle and several hogs were killed by the
State ; at the farm of Calvin Cooper in Madi-
son township, Columbia county, about the
same number \vere killed ; and on the fann of
Charles Umstead, near Washingtonville, ten
cows and a lot of hogs were killed. The in-
fection of all of these came from one ship-
ment from Buffalo. At Danville two herds
were found to be diseased and promptly killed.
They were in the stock-yards of William
Mourey and at the farm connected with the
Danville Hospital for the Insane. At the
latter place over one hundred head of cattle
and sixty hogs were killed. The infection
here came from a shipment from Lancaster
PROMINENT F.'^RMERS
Among the prominent farmers of Montour
county are Dr. W. R. Paules, whose large
farm is near Washingtonville ; D. R. Roth-
rock, owner of Pleasant Hill farm; Alexander
Billmeyer, who owns fifteen farms, aggregat-
ing a thousand acres, near Washingtonville ;
George W. Watson, owner of Buttonwood
Spring farm; and William L. Satteson, who
operates Wilmshurst farm, near Exchange.
T. E. Hyde, a stock raiser and extensive
fanner, has a farm called Edgemont, on the
edge of the two counties, near Grovania, that
is a model in its methods of operation. An-
other enterprise is the Guernseydale Stock
Farms, near Rupert, owned by a corporation
of considerable size, with still another farm
near Catawissa.
GRANGERS, OR PATRONS OF HUSBANDRY
One of the strongest orders in Columbia
and Montour counties is that of the Patrons
of Husbandry, or Grangers, as they are gen-
erally called. They have existed in Pennsyl-
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
31
vania for forty-two years and nearly every
township in these two counties has an organ-
ization in thriving condition, the members in
many cases owning their hall and conducting
a cooperative insurance association. Colum-
bia county has fifteen granges, and Montour
county, six. Every county in the State has
a number, the total being 820, with a member-
ship of 75,000. Columbia county has the most
prosperous insurance association, the Briar
Creek Mutual Fire Insurance Company, car-
rying $14,000,000 of insurance.
The Master of the State Grange and editor-
in-chief of the "Pennsylvania Grange News,"
Hon. William T. Creasy, is a resident of Cata-
wissa township, directly opposite Bloomsburg,
where he has one of the finest farms in the
county.
The platform of the Grange calls for equal-
ization of taxation, the initiative, referendum
and recall in State matters, and on national
issues the organization has favored a grad-
uated income tax, the parcel post, election of
senators by direct vote, conservation of
natural resources and waterpower, and opposed
a ship subsidy, a centralized bank, and the
sale of American goods at lower prices abroad
than at home. All of these but the last have
been accomplished, partly through the efforts
of the Grange.
In matters of legislation the Grange counts
many victories. Through its efforts the agri-
cultural colleges of the country now teach
agriculture. Before the Grange turned its
attention to them they were agricultural only
in name. It was a Grange demand that de-
feated the bill to reissue the patents on sewing
machines and almost immediately machines
that could not be bought for less than $100 sold
for less than $25. The Grange secured the
important and far-reaching decision from the
courts that the creature is not greater than the
creator, and that as railroads must come to the
people for their charters or rights to be, they
are amenable to the will of the people. The
Grange made possible the Hatch act for the
establishment of experiment stations. The
agricultural departments at Washington and
Harrisburg owe their existence to the Grange.
The Inter-State Commerce Commission came
into being as a result of the interest taken by
the Grange in the transportation question. It
was a persistent Grange demand that started
the rural free mail carrier on his daily rounds
over country roads. National and State oleo-
margarine and pure food laws have saved the
dairy business and have done much to preserve
the public health. They are on our statute
books only because of the persistent demands
of the Grange. Recently the Grange took a
leading part in securing from Congress the
denatured alcohol bill.
COUNTY FAIRS
The first steps for the exhibition to the pub-
lic of the products of the ground in Columbia
county were made by Dr. John Ramsay, B. F.
Hartman, Caleb Barton, William Neal and
I. W. Hartman, under the suggestion of Dr.
John Taggart, who had visited a successful
county fair in the northern part of the State
in 1855. The exhibition was held in Mr. Bar-
ton's field, at the foot of Second street,
Bloomsburg, the grounds being inclosed by a
rail fence and almost the entire gate receipts
at ten cents a person being expended in police
protection. There was enough left to pay
two dollars to B. F. Hartman as premium on
a driving horse, the only one entered. A few
specimens of grain and vegetables and a
second-hand grain drill completed the "ex-
hibits."
The following year a fair was held in the
Sloan field, on the south side of Si.xth and
west side of Market streets, which was char-
acterized by a marked improvement in the
number and character of the exhibits. The
third fair was held in grounds situated on
Fifth, between Market and East streets, and
the fourth on the grounds now in use by the
present organization.
During the first three years of this move-
ment each person worked upon his own plan.
Lumber dealers in the town loaned the ma-
terial for the sheds, etc., which were torn down
after each exhibition, but after the organiza-
tion in 1858 some discipline was introduced
into the methods. In that year a charter was
granted to the "Columbia County Agricultural,
Horticultural and Mechanical Association" on
the application of B. F. Hartman, James
Masters, \Villiam G. Shoemaker, Caleb Bar-
ton, Matthias Hartman, Jacob Harris, J. H.
Ikeler, A. J. Sloan, Palemon John, E. R.
Ikeler, C. G. Barkley, Joshua Fetterman,
Thomas Creveling, Joseph P. Conner and John
Taggart. After a number of annual meet-
ings the charter was amended in 1885 to pro-
vide for perpetual membership and remove
restrictions against the holding of real estate.
Before completing the history of this asso-
ciation we will refer briefly to other societies
which were at one time or other in existence
in the county. The "Northern Columbia and
Southern Luzerne Agricultural Association"
32
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
was chartered Feb. i6, 1884, and held its first
fair near Berwick in September of that year.
After five annual exhibitions the association
dissolved and the grounds were sold, being
now a part of West Berwick.
The "Benton Agricultural Association" re-
ceived its charter on Oct. 3, 1885, held five
annual fairs, and then closed for lack of finan-
cial support.
Since 1886 the Columbia County Agricultural
Association has added more land to its hold-
ings, doubled the capacity of the grand stand,
and developed its fair into one of the largest
in the State. The association is conducted
on strictly business principles. It neither pays
dividends nor levies assessments, the surplus
going to make improvements to the grounds
and buildings, and to increase the premiums.
The officers in 1886 were: Samuel Camp,
president; William Shaffer, J. M. DeWitt,
Baltis Sterling, Jere Kostenbauder, vice presi-
dents ; J. C. Brown, treasurer; H. V. White,
secretary ; Thomas Webb, librarian ; James P.
Freas, John Appleman, Dr. A. P. Heller, ex-
ecutive committee ; K. C. Ent, J. P. Sands,
George Conner, auditors; Capt. U. H. Ent,
chief marshal.
The present officers are : E. D. Hagen-
buch, president; A. N. Yost, secretary;
Jacob H. Maust. treasurer; Harry S. Barton,
librarian ; Ellis Ringrose, A. R. Henrie, A. V.
Kressler, H. J. Pursel, vice presidents; E. W.
Hagenbuch, H. B. Correll, Elliott Adams, ex-
ecutive committee; Austin Ohl, J. C. Cryder,
Guy Mensch, auditors.
Montour's f.mrs
The Montour County Agricultural Society
was organized Feb. 18, 1856, with the follow-
ing officers : Thomas R. Hull, president ;
Philip F. Maus, C. Garrettson, Robert Patter-
son, P. Wagner, D. Wilson, E. E. Haas, J.
Sheep, G. Shick, William McNinch, Jacob
Sechler, vice presidents ; James McCormick,
secretary; Dr. C. H. Frick, corresponding
secretary; B. K. Rhodes, librarian; and D. M.
Boyd, treasurer. The board of managers
were : John Best, George Smith, James G.
McKee, James McMahan, Jr., A. B. Cum-
mings, Jacob Sheeo. A. F. Russell, Stephen
Roberts. William McHenry. William Yorks,
Jacob Cornelison, Edward Morrison, J. M.
Best, Mavberrv Gearhart, Joseph Fevers, John
Hibler, .Samuel D. Alexander, Robert Blee,
William Snyder. E. Wilson.
The fair of that year was held at the mouth
of Mahoning creek, and the annual fair was
later held at Washingtonville. In the course
of time a difference arose between the repre-
sentatives from the town and country and the
society divided, the Northern Montour Agri-
cultural Society being organized. The head-
quarters of the latter are at Washingtonville,
where the annual fairs were held. The Mon-
tour County Agricultural Society held annual
fairs in Danville. At present there are no
fairs held in Montour county, most of the
people attending the Bloomsburg fair.
ST.XTISTICS
Working out the averages of the State, to
Columbia county, it is ascertained that farm
laborers in this section work nine hours and
forty-five minutes each day. There are 148,-
000 farm laborers in the State and their
average monthly compensation is $20.60 with
board and $32 if the laborer boards himself.
Forty-two out of every one thousand hogs
die in this county, a decrease of one from the
figures of 1913. There are 1,130,000 head of
hogs in the State, and they are valued at
$15,594,000, or at the rate of $13.80 a head.
The Columbia county horse has an average
value of $139. There are 584,000 horses doing
work on the farms of the State, which are
valued at over $81,000,000. Last year they
were only worth an average of $133.
THE OLD GRISTMILLS
Grain feeds the world and in the history of
any nation the grinding of it into flour is
found to be the first industry to be established.
Handmills were known to the Chinese, the
Egyptians, the lesser civilized nomads of
Asia, and to the barbarians of Europe. The
development of the handmill into the mill
driven by animal power, and the subsequent
application of waterpower to this work, is a
matter that has been treated by many writers
of the past. We will describe only the advent
of the pioneer millers into the valley of the
North Branch of the Susquehanna.
When the Quakers and their immediate
successors, the Germans, came id this section
of the State they at once noted the ample
waterpower of the streams, and set to work
to harness it to the millstone. The early
settlers in Columbia county had to ride to
.Sunburv to get their grist ground until the
first mill in the county was built in 1774 on
Catawissa creek. It was a crude affair, run
by the only undershot wheel ever used in the
county, and was so often out of repair that
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
33
the settlers gave it little work to do. This
mill was later rebuilt by Christian Brobst.
Jonathan Shoemaker built another mill on the
creek here in 1789, which was afterwards
converted into a paper mill.
The next oldest mill was the Brown mill,
on Ten-mile run, in Mifflin township, operated
for years by successive Browns, ancestors of
former Postmaster Brown of Bloomsburg,
and now in the hands of P. A. Fetterolf. it
is unique in having a wooden flume entering
its second story, which operated a 22-foot
wooden overshot wheel. Other mills on this
stream where the Yohe and Nungesser mills,
both long since gone.
In point of age the next is the Jacob Cleaver
mill, built in 1785 on Roaring creek, near its
mouth, in Mayberry township. This mill had
a fine fall of water and a dam bolted to the
solid ledge of rock above the rock cut forebay.
It now has a concrete dam and forebay.
The mill at Slabtown, on Roaring creek,
in Locust township, was one of the best of
the efforts of that old-time millwright, Samuel
Cherrington. This mill had a good fall of
water and was only once frozen up in winter.
That freeze caused its destruction, for the
proprietor sought to thaw it out with straw
and set it on fire. On this creek were also
built the Mendenhall, Snyder, Hughes and
Mourey mills, some of which are still in
operation.
Other mills on Catawissa creek were built
at Mainville and Shumantown. Some are
modern in fittings, while others are operated
by the old methods.
The oldest mill on the north side of the
river was the Pepper mill on Hemlock creek,
in Hemlock township. It is now abandoned.
The old McKelvey mill below Eyer's Grove
was last operated by John Betz in 1878. The
Beagle mill in Hemlock township was aban-
doned in 1903.
The first flouring mill was built in Millville
by John Eves, and has undergone so many
changes that the former owner would not
recognize the present structure as the suc-
cessor of the first. This mill is one of the
largest buckwheat mills in America and
produces more flour of that kind than any
other mill in Pennsylvania.
The Ever's Grove mill, in Greenwood town-
ship, is the only brick one in the two counties,
and bears a strong resemblance to a church.
It was built in i860 by Jacob Ever, son of the
founder of PSloomsburg. The lola mill in the
same township, was built in 1828, and those at
Sereno, Pine township, and Mordansville,
Mt. Pleasant township, a little later.
The Cole mill and the Swartwout mill, on
Fishing creek, in Sugarloaf township, were
both old-timers and famous for buckwheat
flour. There are also the Edson and Thomas
mills on this creek, the former destroyed by
fire some years ago. Both are now running
and have modern ecjuipment.
The Red and the White mills, on Hemlock
creek, near Bloomsburg, were both built by
members of the Barton family, and are still
in good condition, both having modern equip-
ment. The Aqueduct mill, at the mouth of
Fishing creek, has a flume running under the
old North Branch canal bed, and has the dis-
tinction of never being out of water. It is a
finely fitted up mill, grinding a high grade of
wheat flour.
The Mather mill at Benton was at first a
planing mill. It now has a fine concrete dam
and is modern in every respect. The site of
the Stillwater mill is now occupied by a paper
mill, as is also that of the Trench mill, just
above Bloomsburg.
The mill at Jonestown, built by the family
of that name who founded the town, is now
operated by H. C. Gruver. The Herring mill
at Orangeville has been superseded by an
electric light plant.
The McDowefl and Bettle mills at Light
Street are both still running, as are Ikeler's
and Shuitz's mills, near Rohrsburg.
On Briar creek only one mill remains of the
several of former years — the Ash mill, near
the mouth of the stream. The others were
the Rittenhouse, Hughes, Traugh and Hoff-
man mills, all in Briarcreek township.
Bowman's mill, west of Orangeville, has
remained in the family for several generations,
and still turns out a high grade of buckwheat
and excellent wheat flour also. It has modern
machinery.
The mills of the White Milling Company
and R. R. Ikeler at Bloomsburg, the mill at
Jerseytown owned by Mrs. R. G. Greenly and
operated by Rohm Brothers, and the mill of
J. C. Chrisman at Berwick, are steam mills
with modern equipment and all do a thriving
business.
The oldest mill in Montour county is the
Bosley mill, built in 1788, at Washingtonville,
on the site of the fortified one of early times,
called Boyle's or Brady's Fort, on the banks
of the Chillisriuaque. The present mill is a
modern one and built of stone.
The first mill built in the county was that
of William Montgomery, the founder of the
34
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
settlement at the mouth of Mahoning creek,
which later became the site of Danville.
Montgomer\-'s mill was probably built about
1778. It stood until 1S63 and then was razed
to make way for modern establishments.
The Crownover mill at Exchange has been
replaced by a more modern structure, operated
by Charles J. Yagel. The mill in Liberty
township, built in 1814 by John Auten, has
long since passed away, as has also the Simp-
son mill in \'alley township.
The mill built by Philip ]Maus at the site
of Mausdale, in 1793, was quite a pretentious
structure. The millrace was dug by Irish
laborers, part of them Protestants and part
Catholics. Eleven barrels of whiskey were
consumed in the course of the work, and Mr.
Maus had frequently to jump in and disarm
the two factions when a division occurred on
religious lines.
There were many other small mills in dif-
ferent parts of Montour county, along the
Chillisquaque and its branches, but they have
long passed away or relapsed into ruin, their
memories not even being preserved by the old-
est inhabitants. The comparatively level
topography of Montour and the absence of
many streams of sufficient size to aflford
power deterred the old settlers from building
mills, and not until the advent of steam did
the gristmills begin to appear outside of the
larger towns.
At present the principal mills of the county
are located at Danville, Washingtonville,
Mausdale, Mooresburg and in Limestone town-
ship. All of them are operated either par-
tially or entirely by steampower, and most of
them are fitted with the modern roller process.
The great majority of these mills began with
a primitive equipment consisting of a pair
of grinding stones, many of which were shaped
from boulders found near at hand and a round
reel covered with silk cloth. The "system"
was very short, comprising but two processes,
namely, crushing or grinding the grain between
the upper and nether millstones, and separat-
ing or bolting the mass from the stone on the
long reel, thus obtaining the good old-fashioned
flour and the equally good old-fashioned
"shorts" and bran.
With the advent of competition came the
demand for white flour — and more of it from
a bushel of wheat. Many of the mills put in
additional "runs" of buhrs and more bolting
reels, and thus, by first breaking the wheat, and
scalping off the bran, they were in a position
to handle the flour-yielding portion to much
better advantage. The Fowler mill at Espy
reached the highest state of perfection, hav-
ing had several runs of large French buhrs
and a long line of scalping and finishing reels.
The modern roller mill with its intricate
system and machinery brought the milling
business to a scientific basis and the mill own-
er who did not bring his mill up to date in
equipment soon found himself with only
neighborhood custom trade, that yielded little
or no profit.
To think of a kernel of wheat traveling over
a mile and a quarter from the time it entered
the stock bin until the finished product reached
the flour sack and feed bag, was beyond the
ability of the average miller. The man who
studied the system until he could follow the
twenty or more reductions and separations,
and knew when each one was right, and
changed his mill until all were producing the
best results, became the successful miller.
Such men were not plentiful in Columbia
county, with the result that only a very few
mills are in position to turn out a "fancy
patent" flour that will compete successfully
in the market.
Quite fittingly, the "gravel picker," which
has revolutionized the milling of buckwheat
all over the United States, is the invention of
a Columbia county man, Charles FoUmer, of
Benton. Through the inventor's failure to
patent his machine, which is used today every-
where buckwheat is milled, it has brought him
no financial return.
When the buckwheat heads are harvested,
it is almost impossible to keep gravel from
mixing with them. Then, when the seeds are
ground into flour, the tiny bits of rocks are
ground with them, and produce gritty flour.
For years this difficulty could not be over-
come. Plnally Follmer devised a system of
three pipes through which air currents were
drawn. Beneath them the buckwheat was
passed, the seeds being drawn up, while the
gravel was left.
Manufacturers quickly seized upon the in-
genious device, which Follmer thought too
simple to be worth patenting. So successful
was it that on one occasion a car of buck-
wheat flour sent from the White Mills to the
South soon after the "picker" had been pro-
duced was refused. The Southern purchaser
insisted that the buckwheat flour was too white
to be pure buckwheat, and could not be con-
vinced that no wheat flour had been mixed
with it. Buckwheat under the old system had
been of dark color on account of the ground
stone which it contained.
CHAPTER V
TRANSPORTATION FACILITIES— LIGHTING— ROADS, TURNPIKES
During the period of early settlement this
portion of Pennsylvania was a country of
"magnificent distances." The means of com-
munication with distant points was slow, te-
dious and inadequate. As the population in-
creased and the people gained in wealth the
urgent necessity for easier means of com-
munication with the more densely settled por-
tions of the Commonwealth became apparent.
The Lancaster turnpike, the first of that class
of roads in the State, was built in 1795, at a
cost of $7,516 a mile, and this aroused the
people of this section to the possibilities of
road building.
In 1787 Evan Owen, the founder of Ber-
wick, was commissioned to superintend the
construction of a road by the State from Easton
to the Nescopeck falls, and two years later
the Indian trail which was part of the route
was improved sufficiently to permit the passage
of wheeled vehicles. On March 19, 1804, the
Susquehanna & Lehigh Turnpike & Road
Company was incorporated, and in the fol-
lowing year graded and completed the road
at an enormous expense for those times.
In 1806 the Susquehanna & Tioga Turnpike
Road Company was chartered, and by 18 18
the road was completed from Berwick to
Newtown on the Tioga river, in New York
State. After the completion of the bridge at
Berwick in 1814 a connecting line of roads
extended from Towanda to Easton. John M.
Buckalew, one of the prominent citizens of
Columbia county, was a stockholder in the
company and graded a mile of the turnpike for
the sum of $350. This company has never
forfeited its charter, and in the annual state-
ments of the treasurer of the State an item
of some thousands of dollars appears as an
asset, consisting of shares in the Susque-
hanna & Tioga Turnpike Company.
"Centre" turnpike, so called from being al-
most in the center of the State, was begun in
1808, and ran from Reading to Northumber-
land, passing tlirough the township of Conyng-
ham, Columbia county. The chief promoter of
this road was Gen. William Montgomery, of
Danville. In 1814 a branch turnpike was
built from Danville to connect with this main
road, and formed one of the important routes
from Montour county. In 1788 the Reading
road was laid out from Catawissa to Ashland,
Schuylkill county, where it connected with the
"Centre" turnpike. In 1810 it was made a
State road and partially rebuilt. About 1817
a sum of money was appropriated to regrade
it, and in 1825 a line of stagecoaches was
established by Joseph Weaver. In 1839 Ben-
jamin Potts started an opposition line, both
changing horses at the famous Yeager tavern
at Slabtown. It was the most important road
on the south side of the river and bore an
immense amount of traffic. Great covered
Conestoga wagons slowly wound their way
over the tortuous route across the mountains,
their limit of loading being twenty bushels of
grain for two horses. The journey to Read-
ing required eight or ten days then. Now
an automobile can make it in three hours to
Ashland, and about the same time to Reading
from the latter place. This road is now route
No. 183 of the State highways.
The second Reading road was opened in
1812 through Roaringcreek township, Colum-
bia county, and for a time bore a part of the
stagecoach traffic, but the superior attractions
of the older road caused a decline after a short
time. This road is now the chief route for the
farmers to the mining towns of Schuylkill
county.
The turnpike from Bloomsburg to Muncy,
by way of Jerseytown, Whitehall and Ex-
change, was established in 1817, and for many
vears was a prominent road for travelers to
that section, until abandoned in favor of the
railroads. The road from Berwick to Milton
also passed through Jerseytown, making that
town a prominent point in the days of the
stagecoach.
The road from Benton to Unityville, Ly-
35
36
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
coming county, was built in 1S28, and made
a mail route at the same time. It bore its
share of the traffic of the coaching era.
In 1856 the State Legislature made an ap-
propriation for the construction of a road
through the valley of Little I-'ishing creek from
Bloomsburg to Laporte, Sullivan county.
THE NATIONAL ROAD
This article would be incomplete without a
description of the great National Road, or
Cumberland Pike, as it was sometimes called.
Passing as it does through a considerable por-
tion of Pennsylvania, and built at the time of
the commencement of the coaching era, it is
of vast historical importance in the present
age, when good roads are being demanded by
all the parties and the people.
This road was proposed in Congress in 1797,
an act for its construction was passed nine
years later, and the first coach carrying the
United States mail passed over it in August,
1818. It was a splendid road, sixty feet wide,
built of broken stone over bedstones of enor-
mous size, with a covering of gravel, rolled
by an iron roller. Mordecai Cochran was the
contractor for the section from Cumberland,
Md., to Wheeling, W. Va., through the south-
ern part of Pennsylvania, and he employed
over a thousand Irishmen to build that route
of 130 miles.
The intention was to build the road clear
through to Alton, 111., but it was completed
only as far as Vandalia, 111., although the route
was laid out the rest of the way. Over this
road passed most of the prominent persons of
the days before the railroads, and for years
there was a constant stream of vehicles of all
kinds traveling along this fine route towards
the West. Since the Highway Commission
has been established in this State the Nation-
al Road has been improved greatly. So well
was the work of the original contractor done
that in many places the old foundations are
still in place.
Not only was this road macadamized, but
stone bridges were built over the rivers and
creeks, the distances indexed by iron mileposts,
and the tollhouses supplied with strong iron
gates.
THE "cONESTOGa" WAGON
The first appearance of this wagon in his-
tory was at the time of Braddock's expedi-
tion in I7S,S> when Benjamin Franklin issued
an advertisement for 150 four-horse wagons
and 1,500 saddle or pack horses for the army's
use. He agreed to pay fifteen shillings for
the use of the wagons each day, and to com-
pensate the owners if the wagons were lost or
damaged. This oft'er later on was almost the
cause of Franklin's bankruptcy, as the battle
resulted in the capture by the English of almost
all the wagons and stock.
At the time of Braddock's expedition the
pack horse was the most common means of
transporting goods, but after that date the
roads were widened and the wagons entered
the field, much to the disgust of the pack driv-
ers, who fiercely resisted the invasion.
Pennsylvania may rightly be proud of the
Dutchman who designed the Conestoga wagon,
for even in this day it is the ideal wagon for
the transportation of goods over the roads. It
gained its name from the township in Lan-
caster county where the first vehicle of the
kind was made. These wagons had a boat-
shaped body with a curved canoe-shaped bot-
tom which fitted them especially for mountain
use ; for in them freight remained firmly in
place at whatever angle the body might be.
The body of the wagon was arched over with
six or eight hickory bows, of which the center
ones were the lowest, covered with a strong
white hempen cloth, corded strongly down at
the sides and ends. Underneath hung the
tar-lodel or greasepot, and the water pail. At
the rear was the great feed box, with a wood-
en cover, slanted to shed the rain. On the
sides were the long tool box and storage box.
The wheels had broad tires, often a foot wide,
many of the turnpike companies giving re-
bates to the teamsters who had wide tires on
their wagons.
Sleek, powerful horses to the number of six
to ten drew these heavy wagons, which could
be loaded to the top of the cover with a mis-
cellaneous freight of from four to si.x tons.
The horses were clad in handsome harness of
fine leather, bore bells, and were driven mostly
by word of mouth. The drivers rode some-
times on the "near wheeler," who bore a sad-
dle, or on the "lazy board," a seat inserted on
the left side, but it was more often the case
that the driver walked alongside his team.
The number of these wagons on the main
roads was vast. At one time over 3,000 ran
constantly out of Philadelphia to the surround-
ing towns. Most of the teamsters made
freighting their regular vocation, and lived on
the road with their teams. They carried their
own "grub" as well as feed for the horses, and
also a long mattress for their use in the tav-
erns or on the road, sleeping usually on the
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
37
lap-ioom floor, paying a small fee for the privi-
lege. JJefore rcLiring many potations were in-
dulged in, and from the resulting battles the
old "wagon inns" gained their hard names.
These wagons after the development of rail-
roads in this State became the "prairie schoon-
ers" of the West, and bore many an emigrant
and his household to the far distant home-
steads of that portion of our country.
STAGECOACH DAYS
The first coach was made in England in
1555 by Walter Rippen for the Earl of Rut-
land. Eight years later he made one for
Queen Elizabeth. The early English stage-
coaches were clumsy things, without windows
or seats, but necessity soon developed them
into the hne vehicles of later years. These
vehicles were imported into the Colonies in
1737, but the colonists were compelled from
the nature of the country to develop their own
conveyances.
In 1795 a stage line ran from Philadelphia
to New York, the fare being four dollars. The
vehicle had four benches, without backs or
cushions, placed across the interior, the pas-
sengers being compelled to climb over each
other to get to the back seat, the coveted one,
owing to the opportunity to rest the back
against the rear of the coach. Leather cur-
tains covered the top, and the passengers had
to stow their baggage under the seats, where
it shifted at every move of the lumbering
coach. Having no springs, this vehicle was
one to create terror in the heart of the unfor-
tunate traveler who had a long journey before
him.
The coaches of 18 18 had "thoroughbraces"
fitted to them, which made the motion much
easier. These were leather straps, by which
the body of the coach was suspended from
hickory bows. At this date the coach also had
a seat for the driver, with a footboard, and
had a trunk-rack bolted to the rear. Many
other modifications were from time to time
made in the coaches, all of which were super-
seded by the famous Concord coach, first built
in Concord, N. H., in 1827. This famous
coach is still the model for vehicles of its
class at the present time.
The word "stagecoach" strictly applies to
a vehicle for the transportation of passengers
over a route at different stages of which the
horses are changed, and the word "omnibus"
indicates a coach used for short distances. The
first stages from Philadelphia to New York
made the trip in three days, but later the trip
was made in much shorter time. The National
Road was a famous coaching route, at one time
four lines of coaches being run upon it.
The coaches in this section of the State
were of similar character to those elsewhere,
l)ut the roads were not as good and the hills
more steep. The rivalry between the different
lines was great and in many instances the war-
ring drivers cut the rates to almost nothing
in order to drive their rivals out of business.
Upon the patronage of these stage lines and
their passengers depended the prosperity of
many of the towns of Columbia and Montour
counties. The village of New Columbus
(just over the line in Luzerne county) was
founded especially to cater to the coaching
traffic, but failed almost in birth, owing to
the advent of the railroads.
The journey by stagecoach was a mixture
of pleasure and pain. The autumn was prob-
ably the best time to travel, for then the roads
had settled to their best condition. In summer
the dust so covered the passengers that some-
times one could not tell the color of their gar-
ments. In winter and spring the coaches sank
to the hubs in the soft soil of the poor roads,
or bumped over the loose stones of the turn-
pikes. It seemed to be adding insult to injury
to demand toll from the passengers for a
journey over such highways. And the toll-
gates seemed to appear at remarkably frequent
intervals.
There was one curious and most depressing
condition of stage travel. It seemed no mat-
ter how little or how long the journey was,
nor where the destination, the coach always
started at daybreak, or before. The traveler
had to rise in the dark, dress by the feeble
illumination of a tallow dip, and start out in
the cold, depressing gloom of the early dawn,
without breakfast. As most deaths occur in
the early hours before dawn, it is surprising
that the poor travelers of those days did not
gladly shuffle off this mortal coil to evade the
terrors of the journey before them. Some-
time later in the morning the breakfast post
would be reached, and something warm taken
within, just as the victim had almost de-
spaired of keeping alive the vital spark. It
was no unusual thing for the coach to make
ten miles ere the travelers were given their
breakfast. From three to five in the morning
were the starting hours of the coaches, and
the journey often lasted until eight at night.
In such a journey many miles could be aovered
in a day.
38
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
OLD INNS
The history of Pennsylvania shows that the
taverns of this State were many and good,
especially after the Revolution. These taverns
or inns were generally kept by the most prom-
inent citizen of the town and were not simply
drinking places, but the center of social life
for the inhabitants. The better class of
taverns usually had a parlor for the women,
with an open fireplace, from which the roaring
fire cast grateful warmth and cheerful illumi-
nation. Most of these parlors were well fur-
nished and served as a place of resort for the
family of the innkeeper as well as the traveler's
wife or daughter.
The taproom was usually the largest room
of the inn, had a bar, a great fireplace, and was
furnished with wooden benches and tables.
Often there was a rude writing desk for the
accommodation of the early traveling sales-
man or lawyer. One of the furnishings of
the fireplace was a pair of smoking tongs, to
pull a coal of fire from the embers for the
pipes of the habitues. Of the drinks that were
served here and the meals partaken much has
been written by others, so we will pass over
that part and give a brief list of the prominent
taverns or inns of Columbia and Montour
counties.
One of the first inns was that of Frederick
Hill, who built on the site of Fort Jenkins,
east of Bloomsburg on the road to Berwick.
He and his son ran it for many years. When
the stagecoaches came into constant use in
1/99 Abram Miller built the "Half-Way
House," where horses were changed on the
journey between -the two towns.
Probably the oldest tavern on the south side
of the Susquehanna was the Red Tavern, built
in 1804 by John Rhodenberger on the crest of
Locust mountain. For almost a decade he
catered to the immense traffic along the old
Reading road. An inn still stands on the site
in 1914, more than a hundred years later.
Another inn was built about the same time at
the foot of Buck mountain on the other Read-
ing road, by Adam Michael.
^^^^en this Reading road was in its high
tide of prosperity there were two inns located
on it that were famous all over this section.
One was the hostelry of John Yeager, at Slab-
town, and the other Casper Rhoads' tavern, at
Rhoadstown.
An inn stood on the road from Bloomsburg
to Danville at the spot now called Grovania
(then bearing the title of Ridgeville), but the
name of the proprietor has passed away with
the building. In 1838, when the coaches ran
to every point out of Danville, there were
four inns at Washingtonville, all of which did
a rushing business.
Probably the most interesting of the old inns
now remaining in this part of the State is
the one from which the village of White Hall
gained its name. The first inn here was the Red
Horse Inn, built in 1810 by Andrew Schooley,
but it was razed some years later to make way
for a storeroom. White Hall Inn was built
in 1818 by Capt. John F. Derr, and rebuilt
in 1849 by Ferdinand Ritter, who had the
ambition to make it a famous resort for
travelers. It is probably the most elaborately
carved building in this section of Pennsyl-
vania, the work being done by Samuel Brugler
of Jerseytown. Over the wide porch is a
panel of some length, depicting an eagle hold-
ing two American flags and standing upon two
cannon. Above the door is a large piece of
scrollwork, while on each side are fantastic
animal heads. The panels of the door are
also hand-carved, as are also the capitals of
the fine Corinthian columns. When in its
prime, and with a coat of pure white paint
upon it, this inn must have presented an im-
posing appearance to the arriving traveler.
Even in its last days of decay and neglect it
has an impressive dignity that makes it over-
shadow the more modem structures around
it. The well from which many a traveler
watered his weary horse is still in use by the
side of the road in front of the old hotel,
which is now owned and occupied by John
O. McWilliams.
In the larger towns there were many inns
of more or less repute, chief among them being
the Cross Keys and Golden Lamb, at Berwick ;
the Forks Inn and Chamberlain's Hotel, at
Bloomsburg; the Susquehanna House, still
standing at Catawissa ; and the Ferry Tavern,
the Jackson Tavern, the Cross Keys Inn, and
the Rising Sun Inn, at Danville.
POSTRIDERS POST OFFICES
Before the establishment of post offices and
mail routes the public had to depend on the
casual traveler to communicate in writing with
friends and relatives in other parts of the
State. The first postriders were men who
embarked in the carrying of mail for their
own gain, and many different rates were
charged, according to distance and condition
of the roads. In 1773 Hugh Finlay was made
postal surveyor by the English government
over the territorv from Canada to Florida,
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
39
the penny post having been established in
1753. He found many abuses in force, but
failed to correct them.
In 181 1 the United States government
ordered a topographical survey of the post
road from Passamaquoddy to St. Mary's, in
Massachusetts, and in 1815 published a list
of the post towns of the country, their dis-
tances apart and the charges for letters de-
livered. To make this information more avail-
able to the people the report was printed on
linen handkerchiefs and sold at a low rate.
Some of these unique records are still in a
good state of preservation.
According to this table a single letter was
conveyed for a distance of 10 miles or less
for 6 cents ; up to 60 miles, 8 cents ; 100 miles,
10 cents; up to 250 miles, 17 cents; and for
450 miles a fee of 25 cents was charged.
The first post office route was established in
Pennsylvania in 1683 by William Penn, be-
tween Philadelphia and New Castle, Del. The
first postmaster of Philadelphia was Benjamin
Franklin, in 1737. In 1753 he was made post-
master for the Colonies, and in 1775 was ap-
pointed postmaster general by the Continental
Congress.
The rates on letters in this State remained
the same as in the above table until 1842. All
letters had to be prepaid, postage averaging
12 cents each, and the postmaster was obliged
to give the sender a receipt and then forward
a description of the letter, the amount of post-
age paid, the date of sending and other neces-
sary information to the department at Wash-
ington. Fortunately for the old postmasters
there were few letters transmitted in those
days.
The high rates, the poor service and other
causes broug'ht into existence many private
expresses, which carried letters in defiance of
the law for much less than that charged by
the government.
Berwick first appears as a post village in
1797. Three years later Jonathan Hancock
carried the mail over the route from Wilkes-
Barre.
A pony mail was established in 1806 from
Danville to Sunbury, the round trip being
made in a week. It took two weeks for an
answer to be received from Philadelphia. The
route from Sunbury to Painted Post was
awarded in 181 1 to Conrad Teter, who sublet
the route from Wilkes-Barre to Miller Hor-
ton. The route from Shickshinny to Jersey-
town, through the Fishing Creek post office,
was established in 1815.
A mail route from Fairmount Springs,
Luzerne county, to Taneyville, Lycoming
county, by way of Cole's Creek, Campbell and
Division, was operated on contract by James
N. Park, his son Orrin being the carrier. All
mail was carried on foot over the rough and
almost pathless country, and it was not till
1848 that the amount of mail matter war-
ranted the use of a horse.
in 1856 Capt. John Derr ran the tri-weekly
mail coach from the Exchange Hotel at
Bloomsburg to the White Hall Hotel at White-
hall. In 1857 the route was extended to
Turbotville.
The post office department reduced the rates
in 1845 to 5 cents for a half ounce, over a
radius of 300 miles ; a greater distance cost-
ing 10 cents. As usual, the letters had to be
prepaid. In 1847 stamps were first introduced,
but did not come into general use until 1855.
Rates were reduced to 3 cents in 1863, and
again in 1883 to 2 cents for each half ounce.
Free delivery of letters over a restricted
route in large cities took effect in 1863. In
1865 it was extended to cover small cities, and
in 1873, and then in 1887, the delivery system
was made applicable to small towns and vil-
lages.
In 1896 the rural free delivery, which has
caused the abolition of so many small post
offices, was tested in different sections with
such success that it was greatly extended in
1904 and later years. At present the rural
routes are being extended as fast as condi-
tions warrant into every part of the Union.
Two of the latest additions to the conven-
iences of the post office, which have in a short
time become absolute necessities, are the postal
savings banks and the parcel post. The latter
was declared but a few years ago by inter-
ested parties to be impossible of establishment,
yet in the two years of its existence it has
demonstrated its great value and almost put
the great express companies out of business.
R.XILWAY M.\IL SERVICE
The first railway mail car was given an offi-
cial test in 1864. Two mice were responsible
for the introduction of the traveling post
office. Before that date the mail was dis-
tributed according to the addresses at certain
designated post offices, which usually were
the distributing points of whole States. It
was slow and laborious work. At one of these
distributing points. Green Bay, Wis., a pair
40
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
of mice made their home in a pouch that had
lain in the post office for several days. When
Jhe pouch finally reached its destination, near
the upper shores of Lake Superior, the receiv-
ing postmaster found not only the rodent
homeseekers, but also a larger family of little
mice. They had made beds of chewed-up let-
ters. The postmaster reported the matter to
the Chicago office and sent along the mice as
an exhibit, which was received by George B.
Armstrong, the assistant postmaster. To pre-
vent the repetition of such an occurrence Arm-
strong sought to speed up the mail service, and
finally evolved the idea of having the mail dis-
tributed on the trains while in transit. The
plan was ridiculed. One man declared : "The
government will have to employ a regiment of
men to follow the trains to pick up the letters
that would be blown out of the cars."
However, the first postal car, an ordinary
baggage car equipped with racks and pigeon-
holes, made its initial run from Chicago to
Clinton, Iowa, over fifty years ago, and today
every nation in the civilized world is dis-
tributing a large part of its mail matter in
railway mail cars. In the United States over
eighteen thousand railway mail clerks are
separating over ninety per cent of all the mail
originating in this country and a large volume
coming from foreign lands. They have sepa-
rated in a single year nearly twenty-three bil-
lion pieces of mail matter, not including reg-
istered mail. They travel an aggregate dis-
tance of five hundred million miles every year
on the twenty-seven thousand domestic trans-
portation routes having a combined mileage of
four hundred and fifty thousand miles.
The service has been raised to the highest
point of efficiency to-day and the present ratio
of errors in distribution has been reduced to
one in ten thousand pieces of mail. The clerks
are expected to distribute the mail so that there
will be no rehandling in the post offices of large
cities, and to separate it into packages corres-
ponding with each mail carrier's route in the
cities. In the case of the largest cities they
must separate it according to sections or sub-
stations. Considering the speed at which the
clerks sort the mail, the swaying of the train
plunging along at fifty miles an hour, and the
thousands of railway connecting points, the
locations of over sixty thousand post offices
in the United States and the frequent illegi-
bility of the hand written addresses, it becomes
a marvel how the railway mail clerk can work
without a greater proportion of errors.
Post Offices in Columbia County, ipi4
Almedia
Aristes
Beaver Valley-
Benton — 6
Berwick — 3
Bloomsburg — 5
Briar Creek
Buckhorn
Catawissa — 5
Central
Centralia
Elk Grove
Espy
Eyer's Grove
l<"ishing Creek
Forks — I
lola (discontinued July ist)
Jamison City — i
Jerseytown — 2
Light Street — i
Lime Ridge
Mainville — i
Mifflinville
Millville — 3
Numidia
Orangeville — 2
Pine Summit
Roaring Creek — i
Rolirsburg — i
Rupert
Stillwater — i
Wilburton
Post Offices ill Montour County, 1(^14
Ottawa
Strawberry Ridge
Washingtonville
White Hall
Danville — 7
Exchange
Grovania
Mausdale
Mooresburg
* The Hgure after the name of the office indicates
the number of rural routes emanating therefrom.
STATE HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
For many years Pennsylvania has stood
almost at the bottom of the list of States in
the matter of good roads. Except in a few
isolated instances, very little aid has been given
in the past to the builders of roads here by
the State. The first act for the establishment
of a Highway Department was that of 1903,
which was supplemented by the acts of 1905
and 1907. The act under which the present
State Highway Department is operated is
commonly known as the "Sproul Road Act,"
enacted by the 191 1 session of the Legislature,
and approved in May of that year by Gov.
John K. Tener.
This act called for a reorganization of the
existing State Highway Department, and pro-
vided for the taking over as State highways
the roads comprising 296 specified routes,
forming connecting links between county seats
and the principal cities and towns, and in ad-
dition forming trunk lines extending from one
end of the State to the other. The act pro-
vided that the new department should have
full charge of maintaining and constructing
these routes after June i, 1912; carry on ex-
isting State-aid contracts; and further pro-
vided for the iiuprovement of township roads
to the extent of two million dollars, fifty per
cent of which was to be supplied by the State,
and the other fifty per cent by the county or
township applying for aid.
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
41
The department was organized in July,
191 1, and the State divided into fourteen dis-
tricts, District No. 3 consisting of Columbia,
Luzerne, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder
and Union counties, with headquarters at
Bloomsburg. The State Highway head-
quarters is at Harrisburg, the officers consist-
ing of Edward M. Bigelow, State highway
commissioner ; Joseph W. Hunter, first dep-
uty State highway commissioner; E. A. Jones,
second deputy State highway commissioner ;
Samuel D. Foster, chief engineer; Howard W.
Fry, chief clerk ; and W. R. D. Hall, statisti-
cian. The field work is under the direction of
a bridge engineer, fifteen assistant engineers,
and fifty superintendents. The auditing de-
partment is under the charge of a certified ac-
countant, and the maintenance department is
under the direction of a competent engineer.
In addition to the work done in the counties
of Columbia and Montour, considerable work
was done upon the historic highway in the
southern part of the State, known as the "Na-
tional Road" or "Cumberland Turnpike."
This road was built by the United States gov-
ernment in the years 1804 to 1814, and con-
nected Baltimore, Md., with Alton, 111. The
highway department has improved almost the
entire length of this road through Pennsyl-
vania, and intends to make it a model road of
modern construction. The great width of this
road is a standing rebuke to the "skimpy"
methods of the road builders of the past in
this State.
The funds expended by the highway depart-
ment in the years 1912-13 were derived from
the following sources :
State highway fund appropriation $3,000,000
Automobile tax receipts appropriated 1,800,000
State-aid appropriation 1,000,000
Balance State-aid appropriation, 1907-1909. 660,642
State-aid funds returned by counties and
townships 410,950
National Road appropriation 300,000
Experiments and tests fund appropriation. . 50,000
Traveling fund appropriation 88,000
Contingent fund appropriation 79.000
Expense fund, automobile division 100.000
The roads placed under the care of the State
highway commission aggregated 8,827 miles,
and the different classes of construction are
as follows : Brick, asphaltic-concrete, asphalt-
ic-macadam, waterbound-macadam, and con-
crete. There were 296 main State highway
routes and 306 alternate lines, the averaa:e cost
of surveying per mile being $47.87, plotting
$11.36 per mile, and checking and tracing
$7.96 per mile. In addition to surveying the
State highways, 35,512 miles of country roads
were surveyed and maps prepared showing
the roads, towns, villages and other important
places in the districts.
The average expense for maintenance of
approximately 6,000 miles of roads in 1912-13
was $169 per mile. The following 'numbered
routes of the State highways are those passing
through Columbia and Montour counties:
Route No. 2, Sunbury to Danville; No. 3, Dan-
ville to Bloomsburg; No. 4, Bloomsburg to
Wilkes-Barre via Berwick; No. 16, Blooms-
burg to Laporte via Benton; No. 161, Potts-
ville to Sunbury via Centralia; No. 183,
Bloomsburg to Pottsville via Catawissa and
Centralia; No. 185, Laporte to Wilkes-Barre
via Benton ; No. 239, Bloomsburg to Williams-
port via Millville and Sereno; No. 240, Wil-
liamsport to Danville via Washingtonville ;
No. 249, Bloomsburg to Lock Haven via Still-
water, Rohrsburg, Millville, Jerseytown,
White Hall and Exchange ; No. 259, Danville
to Lewisburg via Mooresbtirg; No. 283,
Bloomsburg to Sunbury via Catawissa and
Pensyl's Mill ; No. 303, lola to Muncy via
Pine Summit; No. 321, Laporte to Benton,
and over route No. 16 to Bloomsburg ; No.
327, Bloomsburg to Berwick via Almedia,
Espy, Lime Ridge and Briar Creek.
Under the provisions of the act of 1909 the
revenues derived from the registration of
motor vehicles and operators' licenses were
set aside for the improvement of the State
roads. From Jan. i, 1910, to June i, 1913, the
receipts from this source were $2,031,921. It
is estimated that the annual receipts from this
source will be over a million dollars a year
hereafter.
During the period above referred to the
length of routes in' the two counties under
discussion was 127.24 miles, and the total
expended for maintenance upon them was
$13,659. The work of surveying tlie town-
ship roads was in progress, but the completed
maps had not been placed in the hands of the
printer.
The commission is given power to divert or
rebuild any State roads, when necessary, to
purchase and free of charges all toll roads, re-
build all bridges where necessary, take over all
roads running through towns or boroughs
where it is necessary to comolete the improve-
ment of a route, to aid to the extent of fifty
per cent of the cost of the construction of a
road through a borough when petitioned, and
to make regulations regarding the laying of
railroad tracks and pines or conduits upon
and under the said roads.
42
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
The State-aid roads are built by the higli-
way department and maintained by them, one
half of the cost of building and maintenance
being borne by the State and the other half
by the county and township. These roads are
built to conform with the State standards and
are under the supervision of the highway de-
partment.
. In 1914 a section of State-aided roadway
8,555 fsst in length was built in the boroughs
of Berwick and West Berwick, under the
supervision of the State highway department.
The base w^as concrete and the road was sur-
faced with Watsontown brick, laid in. tar.
The contract price of the work was $31,265.33.
A strip on each side of the street, including
the gutter and curbing, was added by the two
boroughs and laid under the supen-ision of the
State engineers ; this additional strip was paid
for by the boroughs alone. Its length was
3,200 feet, and extended as far as the settled
portion of the town of West Berwick.
The present completed State-aid roads are
located in Catawissa, Berwick, Danville and
a stretch north and south of Benton. The
road from Bloomsburg to Danville and
through ^Montour county to Northumberland
is macadamized and kept in a fine state of
repair, while in other parts of both counties
work is proceeding on the roads as rapidly
as the amount of funds on hand held by the
highway department will justify.
NORTH BR.\NCH CANAL
The Susquehanna was declared a navigable
highway by the Provincial Assembly of 1771
and a sum set aside to improve it. "Durham"
boats, so named from a town below Easton,
where they were built, were the first to navi-
gate the river. They were sixty feet long,
eight feet wide and two feet deep, and drew
twenty inches of water when loaded with
fifteen tons of merchandise. Four men, with
setting poles, moved them against the current
at the rate of two miles an hour.
Many attempts were made to increase their
speed mechanically before the invention of
steam. Isaac A. Chapman, in 1824, built a
boat at Nescopeck designed to be operated by
horsepower, but it failed after repeated trials.
It was fittingly named the "Experiment."
Farmers and merchants of these counties re-
sorted to the use of "arks," rafts and flats for
the transportation of their merchandise, but
they often lost the results of months of labor
in a few moments in the rapids and eddies of
the treacherous stream. According to the
Danville Watchman of that year the trade on
the Susquehanna in 1824, by means of "arks"
and rafts, from Columbia county, was 100,000
bushels of wheat, 3,000 bushels of clover seed,
3,000 barrels of whiskey, 250 tons of pork, and
a small amount of lumber. It seems that the
forests were then beginning to be completely
exhausted along the watercourses.
In April, 1826, the "Codorus," a steamer
built at Vork Haven and commanded by Cap-
tain Elger, passed Berwick on its way to
Wilkes-Barre and Binghamton. The follow-
ing month Captain Collins, in the "Susque-
hanna," a larger boat, attempted to pass the
falls of Nescopeck, opposite Berwick, and in
the attempt the boiler exploded, killing four
and wounding a large number of the passen-
gers. This settled the fate of navigation in
the river, and steps were at once taken for
the construction of a canal.
Propositions had been made to build a series
of dams across the river, but never went beyond
the discussion stage. The North Branch
canal, which was an extension of the Penn-
sylvania State canal system, was begun in
1826, the first excavation being celebrated at
Berwick by a military parade and salutes from
the cannon. Alexander Jameson drove the
oxen and Nathan Beach held the plow handles
as the first furrows were turned.
The North Branch canal began at North-
umberland and extended to the New York
State line, there connecting with a canal to
Elmira ; thence boats were towed down Seneca
lake to the branch of the Erie canal, through
which either the Atlantic or the Great Lakes
could be easily reached. The canal was opened
as far as Nanticoke falls in September, 1831 ;
the W'yoming extension to Pittston, seventeen
miles, was completed in 1834; the Tioga
branch, to connect w-ith the New York canal
system, was begun in 1836; also the line from
Pittston to Athens ; the Tunkhannock line was
begun in 1838.
The North Branch Canal Company was in-
corporated in 1843 and took over the unfin-
ished portion between the Lackawanna river
and the New York State line, but did not
carry out the contract, and in 1848 the State
regained control of that part. The entire
canal and its branches was finally completed
in 1853, but not fully opened until 1856, when
the "Tonawanda" passed up from Pittston to
Elmira with a cargo of coal. The total cost
of the North Branch canal and its branches
was $1,598,379.35.
The length of the canal through the counties
of Columbia and Montour was about twenty-
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
43
four miles. In this section there were five
locks, located at Berwick, Bloomsburg, Rupert
and Lime Ridge and one near Danville. These
locks were twenty feet wide, twenty feet deep,
with three sets of gates at distances of ninety
feet. They were very substantially built of
earth, lined with stone, covered with a wooden
sheathing fastened to the stones by iron rods
and wedges. The capstones along the walls
were of Pottsville conglomerate, fastened to-
gether with iron staples sunk in holes previ-
ously filled with melted lead. Some of these
locks could easily be used at present, while
others have been destroyed by fire and flood.
The most important monument in Columbia
county to the ability of the old canal builders
is the aqueduct at Rupert, which is now used
by the electric railroad as a bridge. The stone
piers are in excellent shape and the timbers
are still in fair condition after eighty-three
years of use.
In 1830 the first canalboat — the '"Wyom-
ing"^-built at Northumberland passed Ber-
wick in the river, the canal being still un-
completed. The following year the "Luzerne"
came up the canal. In 1835 the first boats
built exclusively for passenger trade, the
"Denison" and the "Gertrude," constructed
by Miller Horton and A. H. Cahoon, were
launched at Northumberland for the trade
between that town and Wilkes-Barre. They
were drawn by six horses. For a period of
some years before the advent of the railroads
the canal was a favorite route for passenger
traffic, as the stagecoaches were barely com-
fortable and more expensive. Although the
progress on the canal was slow — about six
miles an hour — the scenery was beautiful, the
accommodations excellent, and the food could
be eaten in peace and at leisure. Many picnic
and excursion parties were made up and the
practice continued even down to the last years
of the life of the canal system, when small
light-draft steamers were used for the pur-
pose.
Boatyards were established at Northumber-
land, Espy and Wilkes-Barre, where the boats
were built and repaired. The canal company
in later years operated its own boats, but any
person could carry on a freight business by
paying the regular tolls and complying with the
rules. In winter the canal was emptied of
water and all the necessary repairs were then
made. In the spring it was necessary to mow
the long grass in the canal bed before the
water was let in, as it greatly interfered with
rapid transit.
For some years the business done by the
canal was immense. It was the main avenue to
the seaboard and coal could be profitably sent
through it to Philadelphia for one dollar a ton
from Wilkes-Barre. The railroad rate is now
nearly double that. Canalboats were on an
average eighty-five feet long and drew two
feet when loaded. The average depth of the
canal was five feet. The largest cargo ever
shipped in one boat was a mixed one of 285
tons.
The entire canal system in this section of
the State was sold in 1858 to the Sunbury &
Erie Railroad Company and by them to the
North Branch Canal Company. In 1869 it
was sold to the Pennsylvania Railroad Com-
pany, who formed the subsidiary company
which for some years operated it under the
name of the Pennsylvania Canal Company.
In 1880 the traffic on the canal began to de-
cline and in ten years after that it became
apparent that the canal would have to be
abandoned. The unprecedented freshets of
1889 had destroyed the Juniata division, from
Newton Hamilton to Rope Ferry, a distance of
fifty-six miles, and the West Branch canal was
also damaged, all that portion west of the
Loyalsock being almost totally obliterated.
Having no connection below Northumberland,
the canal became almost useless and was finally
abandoned in 1891. The Pennsylvania Rail-
road Company sold it to the Delaware, Lacka-
wanna &• Western Railroad Company, the pres-
ent owners, later on.
The Pennsylvania Canal Company operated
the section of the canal from Northumberland
to Wilkes-Barre, a distance of sixty-five miles,
but owned altogether about 338 miles of canals.
Their capital stock was fixed at $5,000,000 and
the officers were all Philadelphians, stockhold-
ers of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
The locaP superintendents in this section were
Hugh D. Quick of Rupert and Hudson Owen
of Berwick. The chief engineer was Thomas
H. Wierman of Harrisburg.
In this year of 1914 there is little evidence
in sight of the past glory of the canal, although
but a few years have elapsed since its abandon-
ment. Nature has done her best to obliterate
the work of the past and man has assisted her
by tearing down the embankments and de-
stroying the stone work. The authorities at
Danville have almost entirely filled up the bed
of the canal, but in Bloomsburg and Berwick
and along most of the intervening space it re-
mains open, filled in places with stagnant water,
a menace to the health of the public. The locks
at Rupert and Bloomsburg are still visible,
44
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
but those at Dainille and Berwick are covered
up under tons of earth.
The Delaware, Lackawanna & Western Rail-
road Company has placed metal signs along the
line of the canal, warning the public against
trespassing. Many persons object to this pro-
hibition, but in a way it is a blessing to the peo-
ple. It prevents adjacent landowners from
shutting off the river from the public use and
has permitted the growth of trees to continue
unrestricted, thus converting many parts of
the canal towpath into a veritable "lovers' lane,"
embowered with foliage and affording a shady
walk for miles along the beautiful Susque-
hanna. The canal could be easily converted
into a level and permanent highway at but
moderate expense, if the railroad could be in-
duced to turn it over to the State Highway
Commission.
RAILROADS
The honor of being the first to promote and
construct a railroad in this section of Pennsyl-
vania belongs to citizens of Catawissa, the
head of the project, and for a time the only
advocate of the plan, being Christian Brobst.
The story of the building of this road is an
interesting and romantic one, and has been
compiled in the follovving accurate narrative
by Charles E. Randall, editor of the Catawissa
News Item and vice president of the Columbia
County Historical Society.
In the issue of Jan. 20, 1825, Danville
Watchman, appeared a letter from Christian
Brobst, Catawissa, dated Jan. 15th. At that
time water transportation was considered the
solution of the problem of communication be-
tween the great manufacturing centers, the
State canal being partially completed. A route
for water communication was sought between
the Schuylkill river and the North Branch of
the Susquehanna.
In his letter to the Watchman Mr. Brobst,
who was one of Catawissa's "live wires," a
merchant miller, owning the upper mil! at that
place, the farm now owned by Harman Breisch,
and a number of other properties in this sec-
tion, advocated a route between the two rivers
by way of the Little Schuylkill river and Cata-
wissa creek. He claimed the route was prac-
tical and that he was acquainted with every
foot of the way. His plan was to come up the
Schuylkill river, then up the Little Schuylkill
to its headwaters ; cross over to the headwaters
of Catawissa creek, "a distance of three miles,
part of the way through a small mountain" ;
then down Catawissa creek to the North Branch
of the Susquehanna; "the levels showing that
every foot of the waterways could be made
navigable."
"This could be made a part of a route from
Philadelphia to the lakes," he stated, "by going
down the North Branch and up the West
Branch to Sinnemahoning creek, 100 miles; up
the Sinnemahoning to Toby's (or Sandy) creek,
40 miles ; down Toby's creek to Allegheny river,
Oo miles ; up the Allegheny to French creek,
25 miles; up French creek to Waterford, 28
miles; then by canal 14 miles across country
to Erie." This route, he claimed, would neces-
sitate the construction of but thirty miles of
canals. Flis idea was that the streams could
all be made navigable by a series of dams.
Nothing ever came of this project, and it
was not until 1829 that the transportation
question came up again. This time it was the
railroad project. Mr. Brobst had been elected
to the Legislature from Columbia county, and
kept hammering at the State authorities for
transportation between the Schuylkill and the
North Branch. Fortified by the survey he had
made on the waterway project, he succeeded
in getting the Legislature, in 1828, to pass an
act authorizing the Pennsylvania Canal Com-
mission to "employ a competent engineer to
make surveys and examinations between a
point on the Schuylkill canal near Pottsville,
and a point on the Susquehanna river between
the towns of Catawissa and Sunbury," as to
the feasibility of building a railroad between
those points.
The waterway levels taken by Mr. Brobst
were by means of a "Jacob's staff" and a home-
made water level, made by himself, and they
were so accurate that in surveys in later years
by professional engineers the levels varied only
about six feet in the entire distance between
Catawissa and what is now Lofty. An engi-
neer named Robinson was employed by the
canal board to make the surveys, three terminal
points on the North Branch of the Susque-
hanna river being considered — Catawissa,
Danville and Sunbury. The engineer elimi-
nated Danville on account of "insurmountable
natural obstacles," and after a lengthy survey
reported to the commissioners in favor of a
route through the Ouakake and Catawissa val-
levs with Catawissa as the terminal, saving
that this route was "adapted to locomotive en-
gines." while the route with Sunburv as a
terminus was "adapted to horse nower only
for the greater part of the route." Besides,
"the Catawissa route would p^ive three distribu-
tive points — Pottsville. Little Schuvlkill and
the Lehigh."
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
45
In spite of the engineer's report the canal
commissioners favored the Sunbury terminus,
one of their number, Gen. Daniel Montgomery,
being particularly active in Sunbury's support.
On February 7, 1829, a meeting was held at
the home of Christian A. Brobst (a son of
Christian Brobst), Catawissa, to "protest
against the activity of said Gen. Daniel Mont-
gomery, he being a canal commissioner, in
furthering Sunbury's claims as a terminal
against the report of the engineer in favor of
Catawissa." Mr. Brobst was chosen presi-
dent of the meeting and Joseph Paxton and
Dr. Isaac Pickering, secretaries. A committee
was appointed to see that the Catawissa route
got a fair show, the committee to attend the
meeting of the canal commission at Harris-
burg. The committee was as follows : Col.
Joseph Paxton, William McKelvy, Joseph
liroljst (a son of Christian), Dr. Harnian Gear-
hart and Dr. Isaac Pickering.
The project of the State building the rail-
road fell through, but the Catawissians did not
give up the idea, but turned to Philadelphia
capitalists and business men with whom they
had business connections. Two years later
they succeeded in interesting Philadelphia capi-
tal and the Little Schuylkill & Susquehanna
Railroad Company was formed.
In the charter granted by the Legislature
on March 21, 1831, Charles Sidney Coxe,
George Troutman, Thomas Reeves, Jr., Rob-
ert Earp, Nathan Smith and George W. Tryon,
of Philadelphia ; George DeB. Keim and
Mathias S. Richards, of Reading, Berks
county; William Audenreid, Burd Patterson,
of Pottsville, Schuylkill county ; Christian
Brobst and Joseph Paxton, of Catawissa,
Columbia county; and Wm. McElwy (Mc-
Kelvy) and Ebenezer Daniel, of Bloomsburg,
Columbia county, were appointed commission-
ers to open books for stock subscriptions.
By 1S35 sufficient money had been raised by
stock subscriptions and the financial support
of a Philadelphia bank (either the Bank of
North America or the Bank of the United
States) to start the work.
One provision of the charter was "that the
said road shall not be more than four rods
wide, and shall not pass through any burying-
ground, or place of public worship, or any
dwelling-house, without the consent of the
owner thereof, or any outbuildings of the value
of three hundred dollars, without such con-
sent."
Edward Miller was appointed chief engineer
and he came to Catawissa early in 1835 and
started the survey. The first right of way
secured was of John Fortner, whose farm
(i'ranklin township), now owned and tenanted
by his granddaughter, Miss Alvaretta Fortner,
extended down to Catawissa creek. The sur-
vey began at the west line of the Fortner prop-
erty.
Chief Engineer Miller built the house known
as the "Monroe house" at the corner of Sec-
ond and South streets, and the office of the
company was located there. The property is
now owned by Oliver Miller, of Aristes.
The work continued during 1835-36-37-38,
the right of way being secured, the grading
completed and the bridges erected, the line
enduig at what was later known as the Lehigh
Valley switchback, below Ryan's tunnel, at the
foot of an inclined plane starting midway be-
tween Lofty and Ryan's tunnel and ending half
a mile below in the Quakake valley, where the
Wilkes-Barre turnpike crosses the Little
Schuylkill river. It was the intention to con-
tinue the line through the Quakake valley to
Philadelphia. The grade of the plane was 10
feet 9 inches, to the one hundred feet.
The bridges were wooden lattice-work, the
timber being sawed by sawmills set up on the
ground. Not a bolt or spike was used in any
of the bridges, the framework being put to-
gether with wooden pins.
Not a rail was laid on the right of way, how-
ever, though a quantity had been prepared and
stored at the foot of the inclined plane. The
stringers were sawed out of logs to a suitable
size and a strap rail of iron nailed on the top.
The old plane, graded in 1838, is plainly tracea-
ble today from the trains passing that point
on the Reading.
A locomotive was built in England for the
Little Schuylkill & Susquehanna Railroad Com-
pany, but was never used as no track had been
laid. It was stored at Philadelphia until the
Catawissa, Williamsport & Erie Railroad was
built. It weighed about fifteen tons and was
called the "Catawissa," and was about the
size of one of the little "dinkeys" used in later
years by superintendents. It was never run
practically, except on the C. W. & E. Railroad,
where it was used for a short time to haul the
officials over the road, having been first over-
hauled by Harry Clayton, of Tamaqua, master
mechanic of the Little Schuylkill railroad.
In 1838 the bank that had financed the road
failed and the work stopped, not to be re-
sumed until 1853, when it was taken up by a
new corporation, the Catawissa, Williamsport
& Erie Railroad Company, chartered in 1850,
which took over the property of the Little
Schuvlkill & Susquehanna Railroad Company,
46
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
and was authorized to extend the road to
WiUiamsport. This company surveyed a new
route from the head of the old inchned plane,
abandoning that route, going to Tamanend,
where it connected with the Little Schuylkill
Navigation & Railroad Company, which was
built irom Port Clinton to meet them.
The contractors from Catawissa to Taman-
end were Alexander Christy and a man named
Malcom, both Scotchmen. They tore down
the old lattice-work bridges and erected trestles,
except at Alainville, Fisher's, Aline Gap and
Long Hollow, where Burr arch bridges were
erected. The old bed graded by the original
company was repaired and used. The road
was completed to Rupert in 1854.
Beyond Rupert to Milton, where it joined
the P. & E. railroad, Thomas Emmet was chief
engineer and contractor, and he was permitted
to make out his own estimates. He must have
been an honest man, as no charges of graft
were ever made against him. The road was
completed to Milton in the fall of 1854.
The first locomotive used on the line, the
one used in track-laying and ballasting, was
the "Massachusetts." It was built in that State
by Hinkly & Drury, and was delivered at
Columbia, Pa., from where it was brought to
Catawissa on a canal flat in 1853. It was un-
loaded at a point opposite the head of the
"cove" below town, run over a cribbed-up track
to the river bank, where it was loaded upon a
large flat and ferried across the river to a
point near the dwelling house that used to stand
just below the Pennsylvania junction. From
that point it was hauled up a temporary track
to an engine house that had been erected near
the old Nick Fisher home, the end of the grad-
ing then. The rails used were made at Dan-
ville, weighed 56 pounds to the yard, and were
delivered across the river and hauled over the
bridge by teams, being stored at the engine
house and at the paper mill crossing.
The "Massachusetts," afterwards known as
No. 2, weighed about twenty-five tons, was a
wood-burner, and had Samuel Carpenter as
engineer and Frank Wright as fireman, both
from Columbia. Joseph Shuman, of Beaver
Valley, was night watchman at the enginehouse
and engine wiper.
In 1853 a line was run from the old grading
at the Fortner line down the river to Danville,
crossing the river at Boyd's. Colonel Paxton,
one of the promoters of the company, owned
the farm at the mouth of Fishing creek (now
the Boody farm) and wanted the railroad to
go to Danville by way of his farm. He suc-
ceeded in getting passed a supplement to the
act of the Legislature incorporating the Cata-
wissa, WiUiamsport & Erie Railroad Co., ex-
tending the line to WiUiamsport, "Provided,
That any road located under authority of this
section shall not diverge more than one mile
distant from the mouth of Fishing creek." The
road was built by way of Fishing creek and
the town of Rupert resulted.
Another line was run from Rupert through
Millville and Aluncy to WiUiamsport, but noth-
ing was ever done with this route.
The Catawissa-Tamanend end of the road
was completed first and mixed trains were run
between Port Clinton and Catawissa, the first
one on the i6th or 17th of July, 1854, the C. W.
& E. having trackage rights over the Little
Schuylkill to Port Clinton, where they con-
nected with the Reading main line. The creek
bridge had been completed and the Catawissa
station was located on the present site. The
yard comprised the home of Isaac S. Monroe,
who sold to the company and purchased the
home built by Chief Engineer Miller at the
corner of Second and South streets. The old
Monroe homestead was moved down opposite
the station and was for many years used as
offices, being torn down a few years ago.
The first through train from Port Clinton to
Milton (with connections through from Phil-
adelphia) was run in September or October,
1854. The first scheduled train started from
Catawissa to Port Clinton on Monday in July.
It came up from Tamaqua on Sunday, the i6th
or 17th, to be here ready for Monday's start.
There were two trains running from opposite
ends of the line. The engineer of the first reg-
ular train out of Catawissa was John Johnson,
afterwards a machinist in the shops here, and
the fireman was his brother-in-law, a man
named Coe. The conductor's name was Du-
Bois. That Sunday was a gala day in Cata-
wissa, thousands of people coming from all
over this section to see the train come in. W.
G. Yetter, then sixteen years of age, saw the
train arrive that afternoon. The first station
agent at Catawissa was George Hughes, father
of Mrs. Sarah Vastine. The first at Rupert
was George S. Gilbert, a member of the en-
gineer corps.
The locomotive was turned at this place by
means of a Y, that extended out to the river
bank from the old station and back to Roberts'
run (now Corn run).
The C. W. & E. was built at a uniform grade
of 33 feet to the mile from Catawissa to Lofty.
The maximum curvature was 12 degrees, ex-
cept at "Nigger Hollow," where it was I2>4.
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
47
From Lofty to Tamanend the descending grade
was 66 feet to the mile.
The Catawissa railroad had seven wooden
trestle bridges (the largest being that at Dark
Run, which was 546 feet high and 574 feet
long) and about as many tunnels. The bridge
at Mainville was 115 feet high and 727 feet
long. It was the only one in Columbia county.
A fine steel bridge now occupies its place, the
old piers of the first one still remaining. All
the others have been replaced by steel.
The Catawissa' shops were built in 1864, the
repair work before that time being done at
Tamaqua. The first master mechanic was
George H. Prescott, and his brother, "Andy"
Prescott, was foreman.
The Catawissa railroad was extended from
Milton to Williamsport in 1871, under George
Webb, superintendent and chief engineer, with
W. G. Yetter as assistant engineer. In 1882
W. G. Yetter, resident engineer, laid out and
built the extension from Williamsport to New-
berry. The extension from Milton to Wil-
liamsport cost $1,200,000, the estimate hav-
ing been $1,000,000.
The Catawissa, Williamsport & Erie had a
strenuous time and in i860 gave up the ghost.
The property was purchased at public sale by
the Catawissa Railroad Company, a corpora-
tion formed for that purpose. In 1872 the
road was taken over by the Philadelphia &
Reading Railway Company under a lease,
under which the latter company still holds con-
trol and operates the road.
The officers of the road have been: Presi-
dents—William D. Lewis, T. H. Dupey, M. P.
Hutchinson and Franklin B. Gowen (after the
Reading took charge in 1872) ; superintendents
— Thomas M. McKissock; Henry Fondy ;
Stanley H. Goodwin, who resigned in May,
1863 ; followed by George Webb, who resigned
in 1872 ; succeeded by Daniel Reinhard until
March 17, 1887, when W. G. Yetter was ap-
pointed until June, 1893, when the Catawissa
railroad was consolidated with the Shamokin
Branch of the P. & R. under Mr. Bertolet as
superintendent, until he was succeeded by A.
T. Dice, who was followed by J. E. Turk, the
present superintendent.
The second railroad built through this sec-
tion of the county was the Lackawanna &
Bloomsburg road, projected by citizens of
Wilkes-Barre, who had no means of reaching
Philadelphia but the circuitous route through
Scranton and New York City. This road was
completed in 1857 to Rupert, connecting there
with the Catawissa road, and the first train
passed Bloomsburg on Jan. i, 1858. Two years
later the road was extended to Northumber-
land. At first but two trains, one passenger
and one freight, were in service, but addi-
tions of two trains were made every ten years
until 1881, when it came into the control of
the famous Lackawanna, "The Road of An-
thracite," which now operates the line. At
present four passenger trains are run daily
each way, and an equal number of freights.
The line is equipped with automatic block sig-
nals and is one of the finest in the State.
The North & West Branch railroad was con-
ceived in the mind of Rev. D. J. Waller, of
Bloomsburg, who reasoned that the logical
route for a railroad was along the southern
bank of the Susquehanna. This route had
previously been the one selected by Simon P.
Kase as the one for his telegraph line, but
was abandoned in favor of the Hazleton route.
Mr. Waller wrote the charter for the new road,
and Hon. C. R. Buckalew had it passed by the
Legislature in 1871. It was ten years, how-
ever, before the road was completed to Wilkes-
Barre from Catawissa. J. C. Brown was chief
engineer, and Samuel Neyhard, assistant. The
charter of the company provided that a bridge
be built over the Susquehanna, with a wagon
way beside the tracks, the county to pay two-
fifths of the cost. That bridge was never built,
but the road was constructed under the name
of North & West Branch Railroad Company,
with almost unlimited powers to construct
branches, etc. It came into the control of
the Pennsylvania system in 1886. At the pres-
ent time the road is in a prosperous condition.
Six passenger trains and numerous freights
are run daily through Catawissa.
In 1870 the Danville, Hazleton & Wilkes-
Barre road was built by the efforts of Simon
P. Kase, of Danville. It, also, is now in the
control of the Pennsylvania. It follows the
east bank of the Catawissa creek, passing
through Main and Beaver townships, connect-
ing Catawissa with Hazleton and the hard coal
region.
The Bloomsburg & Sullivan Railroad Com-
pany received its original charter from the
State in 1883, and was completed in 1888. The
first ground was broken at the bridge a short
distance north of Orangeville, in August, 1886,
the road was completed and operated to Benton
the following year, and to Jamison City in 1888.
The promoters of the road were: Hon. C. R.
Buckalew and Col. John Jamison, of Blooms-
burg, and the constructing engineer was John
A. Wilson, of Philadelphia. James C. Brown,
a former postmaster of Bloomsburg, was
the surveyor of the line. The entire right of
48
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
way was secured through the efforts of Capt.
H. J. Conner and Silas McHenry. John Bush
(Giovanni Bucci), of Bloomsburg, was the
contractor. The road is twenty-nine miles
long, its route being through the beautiful and
historic Fishingcreek valley, where at many
points are located the camps and cottages of
the summer residents from Bloomsburg, Cata-
wissa, Berwick and the adjoining towns in the
county. There are many highly productive
farms along the line, which passes through
Light Street, Orangeville, Forks, Stillwater,
Benton, Coles Creek, Central and Jamison City.
Connection is made at Bloomsburg with the
Lackawanna and the Reading, and at Paper
Mill with the Susquehanna, Bloomsburg &
Berwick roads. The road operates six pas-
senger trains each day, and several freights,
although the trade has fallen off since the re-
moval of the sawmills at Jamison City. An
extension was projected northward to connect
with the Lehigh Valley road, and a route was
once surveyed, but nothing further has cul-
minated.
The present officers of the road are : Samuel
Wigfall, president; H. T. Dechert, vice presi-
dent ; \V. C. Snyder, superintendent and treas-
urer ; George A. Ritter, secretary and auditor ;
W. C. Fortune, supervisor. About fifty men
are employed by the company.
The Wilkes-Barre & Western railroad was
commenced in 1885, ran the first train from
Watsontown to Millville in 1887, and in 1891
was completed to Orangeville. Subsequently
the management changed hands, the name was
changed to the Susquehanna, Bloomsburg &
Berwick Railroad Company, the line to Orange-
ville abandoned, the route made through Light
Street and the line completed to Berwick in
1903. Over this road most of the cars manu-
factured by the American Car & Foundry Com-
pany, of Berwick, are forwarded to their
owners.
The line traverses a picturesque region of
hills and deep valleys, passing through Light
Street, Paper Mill, Jerseytown, Eyer's Grove
and Mordansville, with a branch to Millville.
The terminus of the road is at Watsontown, on
the west branch of the Susquehanna. Samuel
B. Haupt, president of the road, died in Sep-
tember, 1913, from injuries received when his
private car was struck by a switch engine in
the Berwick yards. Since his death the road
has come into the control of the Pennsylvania
system.
ELECTRIC R.'MLWAYS — LIGHTING
For the following concise and correct his-
tory of the development of gas and electricity
in the counties of Columbia and Montour we
are indebted to A. W. Duy, a prominent attor-
ney of Bloomsburg, who is personally associ-
ated with these companies.
Gas Lighting
The first gas company to be incorporated and
begin operations in Bloomsburg was the Blooms-
burg Gas Company, which corporation received
its charter from the court of Common Pleas
of Columbia county on May 9, 1874. The au-
thorized capitalization was $30,000 (Deed
Book 27, page 433), and the promoters of this
enterprise were as follows : H. J. Clark, John
La Wall, Freas Brown, D. A. Beckley, Samuel
Knorr, H. H. Grotz, E. R. Ikeler, Enos Jacoby,
A. L. Turner, J. C. Brown, J. K. Grotz, A. C.
Smith, C. Bittenbender, C. F. Knapp, J. H.
Maize, Ed. M. Warden, Jacob Schuyler, C. G.
Barkley, D. J. Waller, William Peacock, J. J.
Brower, I. W. Hartman, Robert F. Clark,
John A. Funston, C. W. Neal, Joshua Fetter-
man, W. M. Reber, D. Lowenberg, M. C.
Woodward, J. S. Sterner, E. H. Little, Louis
Bernhard, Wm. B. Koons, Isaiah Hagenbuch,
W. F. Sloan, H. L. Dieffenbach, C. W. Miller.
These gentlemen after receiving their char-
ter purchased the tract of land at the intersec-
tion of Seventh and Market streets in the town
of Bloomsburg, there constructed a gas plant
and laid mains throughout the main portion
of the town, and conducted a very prosperous
business until Sept. 2, 1899, when the company
leased its property, rights and franchises for
a period of nine hundred and ninety-nine years
(Misc. Book 6, page 454) to the American Gas
Light Company of Bloomsburg, a corporation
formed under the act of 1874, for the purpose
of taking over the property, rights and fran-
chises of the old Bloomsburg Gas Company.
The American Gas Light Company of
Bloomsburg received its charter Aug. 25, 1899
(Misc. Book 8, page 665), its authorized capi-
talization being $40,000, together with an issue
of bonds of equal amount, and the incorpora-
tors of the company were: William D. Boyer,
John B. Russel, Grant Pelton, George W. Rey-
nolds, P. R. Bevan, all of Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
It continued in business until Nov. 16, 1906,
when by virtue of an agreement of merger and
consolidation between it and the American
Electric Light Company, the property, rights
and franchises of the company became vested
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
49
in the United Gas and Electric Company of
Bloomsburg, the incorporators of the last
named company being E. li. Tustin, John B.
Russel, P. R. Bevan, Harry S. Barton, A. W.
Duy. The gas business in Bloomsburg was
conducted under the management of this com-
pany until Feb. 7, 191 1, when by another agree-
ment of merger and consolidation it was
merged with twenty-two other gas and electric
companies, covering the territory between the
borough of Nescopeck in Luzerne county, and
the borough of Riverside in Northumberland
county, both inclusive, forming the Columbia
Gas and Electric Company, the details of whose
consolidation are referred to later on.
The Columbia Gas and Electric Company
sold and conveyed all of its property, rights
and franchises to the Columbia and Montour
Electric Company in March, 1913, and the gas
business is now being conducted under the
management of that company and is keeping
pace with the rapid strides in the general in-
dustrial development of Bloomsburg.
The Danville Gas Company was created by
special act of Assembly, approved the 8th day
of May, 1854 (P. L. 1855, page 710). This
company purchased the lot of land where the
present gas and electric plant is located and
erected a gas plant, constructed mains through-
out the borough of Danville and proceeded to
engage in the business of furnishing gas to the
citizens of that borough. The property of the
Danville Gas Company was next acquired by
the Consumers Gas Company, a corporation
which was created under the act of 1874, on
Nov. 8, 1882, and this company conveyed by
lease for the term of nine hundred and ninety-
nine years, its property, rights and franchises
to the Standard Gas Company (Deed Book 19,
page 606).
Electric Lighting
The pioneers in the electric lighting business
in Columbia county were the following gentle-
men and firms : W. R. Tubbs, Harman & Has-
sert, Robbins & Peacock, W. H. Brower, C. M.
Creveling, L. S. Wintersteen, B. F. Sharpless,
T. L. Gunton, Isaac S. Kuhn, J. R. Schuyler,
J. C. Brown, I. W. Willits, Frank P. Billmeyer,
C. W. Miller, N. U. Funk, E. V. Hartman, H.
V. White, L. T. Sharpless, C. A. Kleim, A. G.
Briggs, J. E. Wilson, J. M. Robbins. Mathias
Geist, R. W. Oswald, James McCloskey, H. P.
Chamberlain, L. N. Moyer, D. W. Kitchen,
W. R. Kocher, H. J. Clark & Son, Freas
Brown, Charles G. Barkley, Paul E. Wirt,
George Rosenstock, David Hensinger, Frank
P. Drinker, M. G. Hughes, John Appleman,
James Magee, J. H. Mercer, William Chris-
man, L. E. Waller, John A. Funston, B. F.
Gardner, William Krickbaum, H. W. McRey-
nolds, L. Gross, John L. Moyer, C. W. Neal,
John B. Casey, J. H. Maize.
On Dec. 11, 1889, the above gentlemen, all
of whom were prominent in the affairs of the
county, received a charter from the governor,
effected an organization under the name of
Bloomsburg Electric Light and Power Com-
pany (Misc. Book 3, page 440), purchased a
lot at the northeast corner of tlie intersection
of Eighth and Catharine streets, Bloomsburg,
and there erected an electric light plant, the
original equipment consisting of two small
Keeler boilers ; two fifty horsepower Taylor-
Beck engines; two fifty kilowatt Thompson-
Houston alternating generators, one fifty light
direct current Thompson-Houston arc gener-
ator, and a wooden panel switchboard.
A contract for lighting the streets of Blooms-
burg was secured from the town council, pole
lines and wires were erected throughout the
built up portion of the town, arc lights placed
at the intersection of the principal thorough-
fares and electric light turned on about the
1st of April, 1 89 1, a truly historic event in the
advancement of Bloomsburg.
This company on Sept. 2, 1899 (Misc. Book
6, page 451), leased its property, rights and
franchises to the American Electric Light Com-
pany, a corporation which was formed for the
purpose of taking over the old company, hav-
ing received its charter Aug. 21, 1899 (Misc.
Book 8, page 664), of which company the in-
corporators were William D. Beyer, Grant Pel-
ton, G. W. Reynolds, P. R. Bevan, all of
Wilkes-Barre. This company conducted the
plant until the i6th of November, 1906, when
it entered into an agreement of merger and
consolidation with the American Gas Light
Company of Bloomsburg, forming the United
Gas and Electric Company of Bloomsburg
(Misc. Book 9, page 17).
The Irondale Electric Light, Heat & Power
Company was incorporated on April 7, 1902
(Misc. i3ook 7, page 503), the incorporators
being C. M. Creveling, W. S. Moyer, Dr. W.
M. Reber, Charles W. Runyon, N. U. Funk,
Grant Herring, H. A. M'Killip, J. N. Thomp-
son, C. A. Kleim, J. C. Brown, Dr. J. J. Brown.
The Irondale Electric Light, Heat and Power
Company acquired by purchase the dam, mill
race, wheel house, and water rights of the
Bloomsburg Iron Company, and in the year
1902 erected and equipped at Irondale a hydro-
electric plant, receiving its waterpower from
50
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
Fishing creek, the water being conveyed from
the old Irondale dam by way of the headrace
and developing about two hundred horsepower.
For a number of years the Irondale Electric
Light, Heat and Power Company and the
Bloomsburg Electric Light and Power Com-
pany were both engaged in the furnishing of
electricity to the community, developing a spir-
ited competition, resulting in a rate which while
beneficial to the citizens produced disastrous
results to those having investment in the enter-
prise.
The Berwick Electric Light Company was
incorporated on Aug. 4, 1892 (Misc. Book 4,
page 70), the following gentlemen being in-
terested in the enterprise at that time: F. H.
Eaton, C. D. Eaton, W. F. Lowry, C. C. Evans,
F. W. Brockway, W. E. Elmes. They subse-
quently incorporated the West Berwick Elec-
tric Light Company, which was a company
subsidiary to the Berwick Electric Light Com-
pany, furnishing electric current in the borough
of West Berwick. These two companies later
joined the merger and consolidation forming
the Columbia Gas and Electric Company.
The first electric light company to be incor-
porated in the borough of Danville, Montour
county, was the Standard Electric Light Com-
pany, which received its letters patent from
the Commonwealth on Oct. 6, 1899 (Deed Book
21, page 435), the incorporators being John
B. Russel, W. D. Boyer, G. W. Reynolds, Grant
Pelton, P. R. Bevan, and this company took
over by purchase the electric light business in
Danville which had formerly been conducted
by John R. Bennett, as an individual.
ELECTRIC RAILWAYS
The first electric railway company organized
in Columbia county was the Bloomsburg Elec-
tric Street Railway Company, which was in-
corporated on June i, 1892, under the act of
1889 (Misc. Book 4, page 41), by J. L. Dillon,
L. E. Waller, C. C. Peacock, I. W. Willits, W.
R. Tubbs, C. W. Miller, for the purpose of
constructing two miles of road in the town of
Bloomsburg. This enterprise was subse-
quently abandoned, as the traffic was not
deemed sufficient to support it.
The Bloomsburg and Berwick Electric Rail-
way Company was incorporated Feb. 9, 1899
(Misc. Book 6. page 265), by R. Steen Martin,
Franklin Ingraham, J. M. Emery, L. E. Waller,
F. E. Miller, C. W. "Miller, with its route from
Bloomsburg to Berwick. This road was com-
pletely financed through the efforts of Mr. C.
W. Miller, but owing to the inability of the
company to procure all of the rights of way
from abutting property owners, the subscribers
temporarily abandoned the construction of the
road.
The North Susquehanna Transit Company
was incorporated Aug. i, 1895 (Misc. Book
7, page 449), by the following named gentle-
men : E. S. Whitney, Robert E. Wright, Allen-
town, Pa. ; Wilson M. Gearhart, James Scar-
let, R. S. Ammerman, John K. Geisinger, Dan-
ville, Pa. ; E. R. Sponsler, J. M. Fitzgerald,
Harrisburg, Pa. ; all of whom constituted the
first board of directors. The charter route of
this company extended from the borough of
Danville in Montour county through the town
of Bloomsburg to the village of Espy in Colum-
bia county.
On Oct. 31, 1899, the Bloomsburg and Ber-
wick Electric Railway Company and the North
Susquehanna Transit Company entered into
an agreement of merger and consolidation,
forming the Columbia and Montour Electric
Railway Company, with an authorized capital-
ization of $375,000; bonds were issued in the
sum of $375,000 secured by a first lien mort-
gage to the Commonwealth Trust Company of
Harrisburg, as trustee, the company secured a
tract of land, the site of the old Neal furnace,
where they erected a powerhouse and car barn,
and the first electric railway in the history of
Columbia county was constructed and com-
pleted between the borough of Berwick and
the town of Bloomsburg, with a branch four
miles extending from the town of Bloomsburg
to the borough of Catawissa. The road was
opened for traffic in October, 1901.
The Danville and Bloomsburg Street Rail-
way Company was incorporated on Sept. i,
1903 (Alisc. Book 8, page 259), with an
authorized capitalization of $250,000. The in-
corporators were R. H. Koch, W. C. Billman,
Frank C. Angle, Charles P. Hancock, W. F.
Pascoe. Bonds in the sum of $250,000 were
issued secured by a first lien mortgage to the
Easton Trust Company, of Easton, Pa. They
secured a site at the village of Grovania, half
way between Danville and Bloomsburg, and
there erected a powerhouse and car barn, and
constructed the road between Danville and
Bloomsburg.
A number of charters for other electric
railways to be constructed with terminus at
Bloomsburg have been granted, but up to 1914
none of them went further than the projected
stage. The exception was the Bloomsburg &
Millville Railway Company, incorporated in
1901. A route from Millville to Bloomsburg
was partially graded and about two miles of
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
51
track laid. The cgmpany was then reorgan-
ized as the Bloomsburg, Millville & Northern
Railway Company and preparations were made
to equip the line with storage battery cars, but
nothing detinite was accomplished. The offi-
cials and promoters of this road in 1913 were:
D. O. Coughlin, president, Wilkes-Barre ;
Walter Hughes, treasurer, West Berwick; W.
P. Zehner, secretary, Bloomsburg; directors,
William Masters and Ellis Eves, Millville;
Walter Hughes, C. W. Miller, J. C. Brown,
James Magee, W. P. Zehner, Bloomsburg; J.
B. Kester, Mainville; L. E. Waller, Wilkes-
Barre.
In passing it seems well to observe that in all
of the foregoing enterprises, which have con-
tributed so much to the development of Colum-
bia county, Mr. C. W. Miller, a member of
the Columbia county bar, was the pioneer, and
to his indefatigable energy and farsightedness
the community is largely indebted for the prog-
ress which it has made, not only in the de-
velopment of public service corporations, but
many manufacturing industries as well.
In the fall of 1908, at a time when the de-
velopment of the electrical industry in the
nation was beginning to assume that position
in the economic scheme which it is one day
destined to attain ; and when science had dem-
onstrated the fact that electrical energy might
be profitably transmitted for long distances,
certain gentlemen affiliated with the Pardee
coal interests, at Hazleton, conceived the idea
of establishing a gigantic electric power plant
adjacent to the vast culm banks at the Har-
wood Mines, and a corporation w'as formed
known as the Harwood Electric Company,
who there erected a modern electric plant at
a cost of over a million dollars, with capacity
to furnish electric energy and distribute it for
hundreds of miles.
Recognizing the possibilities which this en-
terprise offered, Mr. A. W. Duy, of Blooms-
burg, at that time counsel for the electric rail-
way company and the gas and electric com-
panies, together with Mr. E. R. Sponsler, of
Harrisburg, Pa., the president of the Colum-
bia and Montour Electric Railway Company,
conceived the idea of amalgamating all of the
electric light, gas and electric railway com-
panies in Columbia and Montour counties, and
a corporation was formed by them under the
laws of Delaware, known as the Columbia
Power, Light and Railways Company, with an
authorized capitalization of $850,000, and an
authorized bond issue of like amount. The
incorporators of this company were E. R.
Sponsler, Harrisburg; A. W. Duy, Blooms-
burg; W. F. Lowry, Berwick; Myron I. Low,
Lime Ridge; C. M. Creveling, Almedia; R. H.
Koch, Pottsville; W. C. Billman, Reading; P.
R. Bevan, Wilkes-Barre; M. F. D. Scanlon,
St. Davids; B. F. Meyers, Harrisburg; W. M.
Pyle, Wilmington, Del. ; R. Scott Ammerman,
Danville, Pennsylvania.
This company acquired by purchase a con-
trolling interest and in some instances all of
the capital stock, a majority of the bonds, and
in some cases all of the bonds, of the follow-
ing companies : Berwick Electric Light Com-
pany of Berwick; West Berwick Electric
Light, Heat and Power Company, of West
Berwick ; United Gas and Electric Company
of Bloomsburg; Irondale Electric Light, Heat
and Power Company of Bloomsburg; Standard
Gas Light Company of Danville ; Danville
Electric Light Company of Danville; Nesco-
peck Light, Heat and Power Company of
Nescopeck ; Columbia and Montour Electric
Railway, and Danville and Bloomsburg Street
Railway Companies.
In order that the territory of operation of
the company might be legally organized and
the light, heat and power furnished by any one
of the subsidiary or operated companies man-
aged by the company and as required by the
statutes of the Commonwealth, the company
procured to be organized and purchased all of
tlie capital stock of the following named light,
heat and power companies : Briar Creek Elec-
tric Company, Catawissa Electric Company,
Centre Township Electric Company, Cooper
Electric Company, Gearhart Electric Company,
Hemlock Electric Company, Mahoning Elec-
tric Company, Miftlin Township Electric Com-
pany, Montour Electric Company, Riverside
Electric Company, Salem Electric Company,
Scott Township Electric Company, Shickshin-
ny Electric Company, Valley Township Elec-
tric Company. West Hemlock Electric Com-
pany — $5,000 each, the total being $75,000.
It was the ultimate purpose of the company,
as the sole or principal stockholder of the re-
spective subsidiary or operated companies, to
cause the merger of the railway companies
into one company and all of the light, heat and
power companies into one company, so that
the subsidiary or operated companies should
consist of one transportation company and one
light, heat and power company. This was
accomplished bv agreements of merger and
consolidation dated Feb. 7, 191 1, forming the
Columbia and Montour Electric Railway Com-
pany and the Columbia Gas and Electric Com-
pany, and all the territory operated by the
company through its subsidiary companies in
52
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
the counties of Luzerne, Columbia and Mon-
tour brought under the requirements of the
statutes of the State relative to tlie supply
of light, heat and power within the territory
of the franchise and to persons and companies
in the territory contiguous thereto.
In undertaking the work of the operation
of the various subsidiary companies, the neces-
sity of a change in the power for operation
was early felt. Each of the respective operated
companies was producing its own motive
power, with a multiplicity of engines, gen-
erators and machinery, and each with its force
of employees. Indeed it was one of the pri-
mary conceptions in the economic operation of
these companies to secure either a common
center of power within the territory, or a
power from a distance outside of the terri-
tory from which all the subsidiary companies
might be operated from a common source or
by the manipulation of a single unit. In con-
summation of this design the company, through
the Nescopeck Light, Heat and Power Com-
pany, on the 5th day of June, 1909, caused the
execution of a contract for the supply of
power with the Harwood Electric Company,
by which the latter named company agreed
to furnish by the ist of January, 1910, suffi-
cient common power to operate the transporta-
tion companies and all of the light, heat and
power companies, to the maximum amount of
five thousand kilowatts.
The plant of the Harwood Electric Company
is located at Harwood Mines, in Luzerne coun-
ty. Pa., distant some sixteen miles southeast
of Berwick. The steampower for the genera-
tion of electricity is produced by the consum])-
tion of the refuse of the mining operations of
the Pardee Estate extending over a period of
some forty years, which, having been produced
in mining operations when only the choicest
coal was sent into commerce, contains vast de-
posits of washable and commercial coal as
used in modern economics, amounting to mil-
lions of tons, which under the present rate of
consumption will not be consumed in half a
century. In addition to this, vast deposits of
virgin coal owned by the estate may be con-
sidered supplementary or additional to the
capacity of this vast concern.
The plant proper constitutes one of the
finest, if not the finest, plants for the produc-
tion of electricitv known to modern engineer-
ing. It has been recently constructed, with
the most approved and latest appliances, at an
expenditure of several millions of dollars, and
has a present contemplated maximum capacity
of some twenty-five thousand kilowatts, now
operating 9,000 kilowatts and supplying an ex-
tensive territory in the immediate location of
the plant, besides the power furnisned to our
local companies. The current is transmitted
by a douDie line of triple wires or cables, con-
stituting two units of transmission, so that
an accident to one line may be overcome by
the use of its alternate.
Under the contract, the power is delivered
at a point in Nescopeck township, Luzerne
county, on the south bank of the Susquehanna
river and is carried thence over the river by
cables suspended upon steel abutments or
towers, clearing the entire water space by one
span, the length of which is 2,300 feet. Tlience
it is carried to Berwick, where it is measured
by a system of meters and reduced and divided
to the uses of the respective operated com-
panies. This is accomplished by a line of
cables extending from Berwick to Danville,
erected proportionately by each of the respec-
tive power companies the territory of which is
invaded by the line, each company using such
part of the current as its necessities may re-
quire. The transportation companies use the
current after a transmutation from alternat-
ing current to direct current, by efficient gen-
erators employed by these companies.
As an auxiliary and additional power, the
plant of the Irondale Light, Heat and Power
Company has been equipped to develop its
waterpower to a potentiality of eight hundred
horsepower, with an equal alternate or auxil-
iary steampower, which under the Harwood
contract may be used singly or doubly, at the
pleasure of that company. The powerhouse
at Irondale has consequently been remodeled
and new and effective machinery installed for
this general purpose. The primary purpose of
the Irondale equipment is to act as a governor
and reduce the peak of the load, and in opera-
tion not only does this, but reduces the general
consumption of the Harwood current. This
effects the most approved engineering scheme
for the reduction of the cost of power under
the contract with the Harwood Electric Com-
pany and in effect produces in the operation of
both plants a constant, unfluctuating and effi-
cient current, which is surpassed at no plant
in the United States.
All of the various subsidiary companies were
operated by the Columbia Power, Light and
Railways Company as a holding company un-
til May 26, 191 1, when the gentlemen inter-
ested in the company, believing that its securi-
ties would find a more ready market if each
company were operated direct, rather than
through the medium of a holding company.
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
53
caused to be incorporated the Columhia and
Montour Electric Company.
The incorporators ot this company were E.
R. Sponsler, \V. F. Lowry, Myron I. Low,
C. M. Crevehng, A. W. L)uy, the company
having an authorized capital of $525,000 and
an authorized bond issue of $525,000. This
company subsequently purchased outright
from the holding company and from the
various subsidiary companies all the right,
property and franchises of the gas, electric
light and power companies, and they are now
being operated by the Columbia and Montour
Electric Company, which company also ac-
quired ninety-hve per cent of the capital stock
of the Columbia and Montour Electric Railway
Company, and controls the management and
operation of that corporation.
In 1913, the name of the Columbia and
Montour Electric Railway Company, because
of its similarity to the name of the power
company, was changed by appropriate action
and is now the North Branch Transit Com-
pany. Since June i, 1913, both the power
company and the transit company have been
under the management of H. D. Walbridge &
Company, No. 14 Wall street. New York.
Nearly all of the original local incorporators
retained an interest in the two companies.
Through the firm of H. D. Walbridge &
Company the local companies are affiliated with
the Northern Central Company and the North-
umberland County Gas and Electric Company,
and supply w^ith gas and electricity the follow-
ing territory : Nescopeck, in Luzerne county ;
Berwick, West Berwick, Bloomsburg, Cata-
wissa and intermediate villages, in Columbia
county; Danville, in Montour county; Selins-
grove and Lewisburg, in Union county; Sun-
bury, Northumlierland, Milton, Watsontown
and Turbotville, in Northumberland county.
BRIDGES
BERWICK
The first bridge across the Susquehanna at
Berwick was authorized by the Legislature in
1807, and an organization was made five years
later, with Abraham Miller as president; John
Brown, treasurer, and Silas Engle, Thomas
Bowman and Elisha Barton as managers. This
bridge was completed in 1814 by Theodore
Burr at a cost of $=^2,000. Its length was 1,260
feet and it rested on timber piers, boxed in
with heavy planks. In the winter of 1835-36
it was carried away by the ice. The follow-
ing year Jesse Bowman, Josiah T. Black,
Samuel F. Headley, A. B. Wilson and Robert
McCurdy secured an appropriation of $10,000
from the Legislature and erected the second
bridge. This was a covered wooden arch
bridge, and was operated for some years as a
toll bridge by the company. It was made a
free county bridge by proceedings in court in-
stituted by a petition of citizens of Berwick
and Nescopeck filed May I, 1899. A. J. Derr,
J. C. Brown and G. W. Keiter were appointed
viewers, and on Sept. 25, 1899, they reported
in favor of a free bridge, and assessed the
damages to be paid to the bridge company at
$25,349, which action was approved by the
grand jury. After some delay caused by a
motion for time to file an appeal by the bridge
company, the court made an order on Feb. 5,
1900, declaring this bridge a free county
bridge. This being a bridge between Colum-
bia and Luzerne counties similar action had
been taken in the Luzerne County court, and
a similar order made. The Luzerne county
viewers were George J. Llewellyn, W. H.
Sturdevant and C. A. Shea, who with the
Columbia county viewers had met and con-
sidered the matter, and had made their joint
report in favor of the bridge and assessing
the damages on July 21, 1899. This bridge
was destroyed by the flood of March, 1904.
Proceedings were at once started to have it
replaced by the State in April, 1904. The
report being favorable, the contract was let
on June 13, 1905, to the York Bridge Company
for $209,500, and an iron and steel bridge
was erected and completed in 1906. It is
one of the finest structures that crosses the
river anywhere. A free ferrv was maintained
by the two counties during its construction.
DANVILLE
The Danville Bridge Company was chartered
Jan. 2, 1S28, the officers of the company being:
Daniel Monts'oinerv, president ; James Long-
head, treasurer; John Cooper, secretary; John
C. Boyd, William Colt, Peter Baldy, Sr., Wil-
lifim Boyd, Andrew McReynolds, Robert C.
Grier, managers. On the 3d of March of that
year a contract was made with John P. Schuy-
ler and James Fletcher for the construction of
the first bridge. The work on the foundations
began in that month, and in January, 1829,
the bridge was completed, the company accept-
ing it the following month. The State held a
small amount of stock in this bridge. Daniel
HofTman was appointed the first toll collector,
at a salary of $65 a year.
On Alarch 14, 1846, the bridge was swept
54
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
away by a flood, Daniel Blizzard being carried
down with it and rescued with great difficulty
near the old stone house. The company until
then had declared eleven dividends, but it was
not till 1863 that another was declared. After
the destruction of the bridge the company
made a contract with Chester Evans and David
N. Kownover to rebuild it. Evans disposed
of his share in the contract, and his partner
completed it.
The second bridge stood the storms and
floods for many seasons, until 1S75, when it
too was swept away by the terrific impact of
the Catawissa bridge, which was borne down
upon it by a tremendous flood on St. Patrick's
day of that year. The following year the
bridge was rebuilt, H. F. Hawke & Co. doing
the stone work, and the Smith Iron Bridge
Company, of Ohio, the framework and super-
structure. This was also a toll bridge and
the toil keepers at different dates were : Daniel
Hoffman, Rudolph Sechler, E. Mellon, Isaiah
S. Thornton and Joseph Hunter. The bridge
was a fourth of a mile in length, with a
covered footway on each side, shut entirely off
from the central roadway.
The officers of the company in 1886 were :
A. J. Frick, president; J. C. Grove, secretary
and treasurer; W. H. Magill, A. J. Frick, Isaac
X. Grier, Wilson Metter, G. M. Shoop, B. R.
Gearhart, Amos Vastine, managers.
This bridge was replaced in 1904 by a steel
structure of truss construction, by the State
and county authorities of Montour and North-
umberland, and was made a free bridge by
order of court. Henry R. Leonard was the
engineer for the State, and the contractors
were the King Bridge Company, of Cleveland,
Ohio.
CATAV/ISSA
The necessity for a bridge across the river at
Catawissa induced citizens of that town to pe-
tition the Legislature as early as 1816 to
authorize the opening of subscription books
for that purpose. Although some stock was
subscribed for, the project languished for
twelve years. Then the near completion of
the North Branch canal caused renewed inter-
est and an appropriation of $5,000 was obtained
from the State. Subscriptions were obtained
with more ease and a committee, consisting of
George Taylor, Jacob Alter, Philip Rebsome,
George Keim, John Rebsome, George Getz,
Henry Foster. John C. Appelman. Samuel
Brooke, Benjamin Beaver, Peter Schmick,
George H. Willets, Stacy Margerum, John
Barton, William McKelvey, reorganized the
company on a firm financial basis and erected
a bridge at a cost of $26,000. It was opened
for travel Jan. 15, 1833.
The location was changed from that first
selected, at the mouth of Fishing creek, to the
site of the present bridge. This bridge suf-
fered several times from freshets and ice. In
1846 five spans were destroyed, but were re-
built the following year. In 1875 the entire
superstructure was swept away, and a truss
bridge was built to replace it the same year.
All of these bridges were operated on the toll
plan.
When proceedings were started for a free
county bridge at Bloomsburg, the stockholders
of the Catawissa toll bridge became fearful
that their property would be depreciated there-
by, and so they and other citizens filed a peti-
tion in court in December, 1892, asking the
appointment of viewers to report on the ex-
pediency of making the Catawissa bridge a free
county bridge. H. H. Hulme, J. W. Hoffman,
White Snyder, Joseph Sponenberg, A. K.
Smith and P. Hippensteel were appointed
viewers, and filed their report in September,
1893, in favor of the proposition, fixing the
price to be paid by the county at $34,000. On
the same day the grand jury approved the re-
port. Exceptions were filed, and after a hear-
ing and numerous delays the court ordered the
bridge made free of tolls on Nov. 9, 1893. The
same day the commissioners approved of this
action, and tolls ceased at 2 :30 p. m. on Friday,
Nov. II, 1893.
In September, 1896, the bridge was lifted off
the piers from end to end and thrown over into
the river by a windstorm. The commission-
ers, acting under the law of 1895, providing
that the State shall rebuild county bridges that
are destroyed by stonn or fire, took the prop-
er legal steps to have the State replace the
bridge. The contract for an iron and steel
bridge was let to the Penn Bridge Company,
for $124,900. It was completed and accepted,
and used until March 9, 1904, when the ice
flood carried away two spans. Again the State
rebuilt it, putting up an entirely new struc-
ture, much better than the first one. This
was opened for travel in May, 1908. During
the intervals when these bridges were build-
ing the county maintained a free ferry at this
point.
BLOOMSBURG
On Aug. 23, 1S92, a petition was presented
to the court by citizens asking for a free county
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
55
bridge across the Susquehanna river at Blooms-
burg, and on the same day the court appointed
C. H. Moore, M. C. Vance and Simon Hons
viewers to report on the same. On Sept. 21st
a petition was presented by citizens of Cata-
wissa to stay the proceedings. An answer was
filed and depositions taken, and Judge Savidge
of Sunbury was called in by Judge Ikeler to
hear and decide the case. The latter petition
was dismissed by Judge Savidge, and to this
action exceptions were filed, and also a peti-
tion for reviewers, the first viewers having re-
ported in favor of a bridge. After some
skirmishing between the parties, C. W. Eves,
W. S. Fisher and G. B. Hendershott were ap-
pointed, and on May i, 1893, they reported in
favor of a bridge; this report was laid before
the grand jury on May 3d and approved by
them with the recommendation that the bridge
be erected at the expense of the county.
On May 4th more exceptions were filed by
opponents of the bridge, and the matter
dragged along from time to time until Nov.
9th, when the court made the following order:
"And now, November 9, 1893, all excep-
tions having been withdrawn in open court and
all adverse proceedings abandoned, the report
of the reviewers and Grand Jury is approved,
and it is adjudged that the said bridge is neces-
sary as a county bridge, and that the same is
too expensive for the township of Catawissa
and tile Town of Bloomsburg to bear, and upon
the concurrent approval of the same by the
county commissioners the said bridge is ordered
to be entered of record as a county bridge."
The commissioners concurred, and on Nov.
25th they had a letting, and after due consid-
eration awarded the contract for the super-
structure to the King Bridge Company, and
for the masonry and other work to Joseph
Hendler. J. C. Brown was employed by the
commissioners to prepare the plans and speci-
fications, and to make an estimate of cost, and
also to be the supervising engineer of the work.
The estimated cost was $69,256. Jesse Rit-
tenhouse, B. F. Edgar and C. L. Sands were
the county commissioners at the time. The
bridge is iron and steel, and is 1,150 feet long,
with six spans. The cost of the superstruc-
ture was $35,500; of the substructure $35,-
415.46, and the riprapping and filling $2,384.21,
making the total cost $73,299.67.
MIFFLIN
Feeling the necessity for a bridge across the
river at Mifflinville, citizens of Mifflin and
Centre township presented a petition to the
court on January 7, 1901, asking for the ap-
pointment of viewers. T. H. B. Davis, J. P.
Fry and J. C. Brown were appointed. On
Feb. 4th the viewers reported in favor of a
bridge, and on the same day the grand jury ap-
proved it. Then came exceptions and a peti-
tion for reviewers, but this finally resulted in
an order of the court in favor of the bridge
on July 7, 1902, and the same day the commis-
sioners approved the same. On July 26th the
commissioners adopted plans, specifications
and estimates submitted by J. C. Brown at their
request, he having been selected as supervis-
ing engineer. The estimated cost was $96,547.
The contract was awarded to C. H. Reimard
for $93,985, who sublet the superstructure to
the King Bridge Company for $56,600. The
work was well under way, and three spans
were completed when the flood of 1904 de-
stroyed the bridge. It looked then as if the
bridge would never be rebuilt by the county.
In 1905 a bill passed the Legislature which
authorized the State to build uncompleted
bridges exceeding 1,000 feet in length over any
river, whenever any portions of said bridge
already erected have been destroyed by floods
before final completion thereof, and where it
appears that over half of the contract price has
already been paid before such destruction.
The bill was drawn by Hon. Fred Ikeler while
a member, and was passed largely through
his influence. Proceeding under this law, a
petition was filed in the Dauphin County court
asking for the appointment of viewers in the
matter of rebuilding the bridge across the Sus-
quehanna river at Mifflinville. W. H. Eyer,
C. A. Small and E. C. Hummer were appointed,
and filed their report on June 25, 1905, in favor
of the bridge. The report was approved by
the court, and the bridge ordered to be built
by the State. Exceptions were filed and after
some delay by litigation the contract was
awarded to the York Bridge Company for the
superstructure.
The work was progressing and the second
span was just completed when, Dec. 10, 1907,
as the workmen were fastening it to the pier,
the false work underneath was carried away
by the flood in the river at the time, and the
entire span went down, carrying with it forty
men, all but seven of whom were rescued.
The bodies of the latter excepting two were
recovered down the river at various points,
some a long distance away. The loss to the
builders was about $10,000. The bridge was
completed and opened for travel in 1908. A
long delay was caused by litigation with the
Pennsylvania Railroad Company, the latter
56
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
objecting to a grade crossing. The litigation
ended by a decision of the Supreme court that
an overhead crossing must be provided, and
this was accordingly done. This bridge is
1,226 feet long, with six spans, and is a fine
structure of iron and steel.
Prior to the building of the Mifflin and
Bloom bridges ferries were operated at Mifflin-
ville. Lime Ridge, Espy and Bloomsburg.
In 1914 Columbia county has over two hun-
dred bridges to keep in repair. Most of the
smaller bridges are being replaced by con-
crete structures, which will last for ages with
no repairs. The one at Slabtown, over Roar-
ing creek, built in 1913, is as fine an example
of this class of bridge as can be found in the
State.
BRIDGES AND THE FLOOD OF I9O4
The Susquehanna valley was visited by a
flood in January, 1904, which surpassed in ex-
tent any previous flood in this section. The
river was gorged with ice, and the rapid rise
of the water turned it from the channel out
on the low lands all along the course of the
river. The lower portions of Bloomsburg,
Catawissa, Rupert, Espy, and all along the line,
were submerged, and the trolley and railroads
were unable to operate for three days. Great
damage was done to property, but no lives
were lost. The flood subsided without carry-
ing away any of the river bridges, but the ice
gorge still remained.
Only two weeks later the waters rose again,
causing the greatest flood in the history of the
valley. The first movement in the ice gorge
was observed at Berwick on Tuesday, Feb.
9th, and the Berwick bridge was soon torn
from the piers and toppled over into the rag-
ing flood. One span was carried down stream
on the ice to Mifflinville, where it jammed into
the uncompleted iron bridge, and carried of? a
span. The remaining spans soon followed.
Of the other spans of the Berwick bridge, one
lodged near the Berwick falls and the others
were carried downstream to a point near
Briar Creek. The commissioners of Luzerne
and Columbia counties at once decided to burn
these spans to prevent their being carried down
stream to do damage to the bridges below, and
this was accordingly done.
For two weeks the flood conditions im-
proved. There were warm rains which gave
rise to the hope that this would rot the ice, so
that it would break up and pass off without
gorging. And then came a third flood, more
disastrous than the first two, the water ris-
ing more than forty-one feet above the low
water mark. When it is stated that in some
places icebergs weighing many tons were left
in fields a half mile away from the regular
channel of the river, the extent of the flood
may be more fully realized. All the railroads
except the Bloomsburg & Sullivan were again
out of commission, and great damage was
done from one end of the valley to the other.
The Bloomsburg bridge seemed doomed, as
the ice was up to the floor, but it escaped with
only the west end being sprung out of place
about three feet, and when the ice passed
away it settled back into place.
The Catawissa bridge did not fare so well.
Two of the spans were carried ofT, and lay
bent and twisted about one hundred yards be-
low. The covered wooden bridge at the paper
mill over Catawissa creek was swept away
and lodged up against the Pennsylvania rail-
road bridge. By an agreement with the com-
missioners the railroad company was permitted
to destroy it to save its own. Many other
county bridges were also destroyed by this
flood.
As previously stated, the Catawissa bridge
was again erected by the State, and completed
in 1908.
County Bridge at Bloomsdl'kg, Pa.
Berwick Bridge — Where Steamboat Accident Occurred
CHAPTER VI
RELIGIOUS DENOMINATIONS
The earliest influence tending to bind to-
gether the colonists in Columbia and Montour
counties was a religious one. Most of the
pioneers had strongly cherished religious
affiliations, and were thus brought togetlier
in the practice of their individual form of
worship of the Creator. These bonds of
sympatuy compacted the community and
eventually led to some more permanent form
of organization in a religious way. By this
means the various denominations in early
times established the foundations of their
churches which have since been most faith-
fully preserved and deepened, until in 1914
the strength of religious convictions has be-
come so firmly fixed in the two counties as
to be a part of the life and well-being of the
entire community.
Fifty years ago it was no uncommon thing
for a country minister to travel twenty miles
on a Sunday to serve three congregations.
Now, in 19 14, the automobile has made travel
so much easier that even the little country
parsonage has a garage attached to it and the
parson may often be seen speeding along the
highways to visit a parishioner or hold Sab-
bath services. The auto has also proved an
important factor in the reduction of the coun-
try church attendance. Farmers can now at-
tend the larger churches in the towns and
mingle with the urban worshipers there, often
causing such a dwindling of attendance at the
little village church that it is finally forced to
close. Many of the wayside temples are now
abandoned, while others are opened only at
irregular and infrequent periods. The final
abandonment of many of them has been de-
layed by the associations of the old burying
grounds beside them, where fathers and grand-
fathers, mothers and grandmothers are laid at
rest. Manv of these cemeteries are over a hun-
dred years old — for example, Hidlay in Scott
township, the Quaker burying grounds at
Catawipsa. Millville, Roaringcreek and Green-
wood, Columbia county, and the old cemeteries
at New Columbia (Swenoda), Derry, VVash-
ingtonville and Danville, Montour county.
These ancient places of sepulture will always
be tenderly cared for, and the old churches
near will be preserved as monuments to the
piety of the past.
In this year of 1914 the work of country
ministers is difticult and poorly paid. Most
of them serve several charges, which means
holding service in one church in the morning,
another in the afternoon, and a final service
in the evening. The salary of the pastor is
seldom large enough to warrant the purchase
of an auto, but many of the ministers of
Columbia and Montour counties have been
compelled to draw upon their meager stipend
for this purpose. Still, as in the past, these
faithful pastors jog along the country roads,
chatting with the farmers, cheering the down-
hearted, comforting the disconsolate, settling
petty quarrels, praying with their parishioners,
marrying them, baptizing the little ones, mak-
ing their wills, and finally burying them and
giving consolation to the mourning family.
Rev. A. Houtz, of Orangeville, is one of
these old-time pastors carried on into the mod-
ern days, and now retired from active work.
He says that the labors of the country pastor
are as hard as in the early days of the churches,
but the compensation is still the same. How-
ever, he says the congregations in the country
churches are more appreciative — they seem
almost to hunger for the services.
The growth of the churches here has been
steadily upward, as may be seen from the de-
tailed descriptions which follow. The oldest
sect, the Societv of Friends, which was at one
time the most important in the State, has
dwindled in numbers greatly during the years
that have elapsed since the first monthly meet-
ing was established, but though the tendency
of the present day for more worldly methods
of worship has diminished the numbers of the
Quakers, their deeds and records of the past,
all of a beneficial and substantial character,
57
58
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
religious and material, will always remain
'interwoven in the fibre of the history of Penn-
sylvania, and brighten its pages for all time.
Were it not for the custom of the Quakers
to care for the education of the children, but
few of the settlers of other sects could have
gained a knowledge of the necessary rudiments
of the English language. And still more cred-
itable to the admirable system of the Quakers
was the fact that any could attend these schools
without attempts being made to influence their
religious belief.
SOCIETY OF FRIENDS, OR QUAKERS
In the absence of regular ministers the
Society of Friends was best equipped for
establishing public worship, and the presence
of a considerable number of this sect at Cata-
wissa led to the founding of a meeting there
in 1787. For twenty years it continued to be
the rallying point for the denomination in this
region. A monthly meeting was established
here in 1796, but in 1808 this was removed to
Muncy on account of extensive emigration of
the sect from Catawissa.
In 1795 a meeting was established in Green-
wood township, and a year later another was
established in Locust. In 1S14 a monthly
meeting was established at the latter place
and is still continued. A monthly meeting was
also established at Berwick in 1800, which con-
tinued with gradually diminishing strength un-
til about 1865, when it ceased to e.xist.
The society was more firmly established in
Greenwood township, where many members
of the sect have resided continuously since the
first settlement. In 1834 the different meet-
ings of the sect were associated in a half-yearly
meeting here, and in 1856 the Muncy meeting
was transferred here also. Although the
name is retained and occasional meetings held
in Locust and Catawissa, the chief activity of
this denomination is confined to Greenwood,
where there are two well supported meetings.
PRESBYTERIAN
The Scotch-Irish were an important element
in the pioneer life of this State and gave early
prominence to the Presbyterian denomination,
to which they generally belonged. James Mc-
Clure, who came to the region of Bloomsburg
in 1772, was probably the first representative
of this sect in Columbia county, but it was
some years later before any organized effort
was made to propagate its tenets here.
In 1789 this region is mentioned under the
name ot ' Fishingcreek, in connection with
Mahoning, Chilhsquaque and neighboring
localities, as in the Presbytery of Carlisle. This
Presbytery had been formed three years be-
fore, but this region probably remained un-
occupied until 1792, when Rev. Mr. Wilson,
a licentiate of the Synod of New York, and a
Mr. Henry were appointed to cultivate the
field. Two years later Rev. John Bryson was
sent to this region and became pastor at War-
rior's Run and Chilhsquaque, where he con-
tinued to serve for nearly half a century. In
the following year Rev. John Porter was com-
missioned to start from Fishing creek and
missionize up the river to Wyoming and Tioga
Point. The names of Rev. Benjamin Judd,
Ira Condit and William Spear, the latter a
licentiate, appear also as appointed to mission-
ize at this period along the east branch of the
Susquehanna. Revs. Andrews and Gray also
did more or less missionary labor in this field.
The first church of this denomination, known
then as "Briarcreek" and at present as "Hid-
lay" Church, was organized about 1796 in
Centre township, the house of worship being
built in that year. In 181 7 a second church
was organized in Bloomsburg with three mem-
bers, who immediately set about erecting a
commodious building. A third organization
was eft'ected at Berwick in 1827; another in
Orange township in 1842 ; in Greenwood the
following year; in Scott in 1853; in Sugarloaf
in 1858; and in Centralia in 1867. The Sugar-
loaf church was later removed to Benton.
The first pastor to reside permanently in this
section was Rev. Asa Dunham, whose home
was near Buckhorn. He was a soldier of the
Revolution, having served directly under
Washington. In 1799 he was appointed to
serve in the counties of Luzerne and North-
umberland, the latter then including Columbia
county, and for many years served the churches
at Briar Creek and Fishing Creek, traveling
through the entire region and preaching
wherever a class could be assembled.
After 1817 Rev. John B. Patterson and Rev.
Samtiel Henderson were engaged in the work
in these counties, the former at Bloomsburg
and the latter at Briar Creek. From 1824 to
1830 the pastors who labored in this field were
Revs. John Niblock, James Levs'ers, Crosby,
Matthew B. Patterson, Robert Bryson, Robert
Dunlap and Ezra S. Ely.
In 1832 Rev. John P. Hudson, a Virginian,
was appointed stated supply for the churches
at Bloomsburg, Briar Creek and New Colum-
bia. He always rode a blooded horse, famous
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
59
for speed, which served him well in the many
and lengthy trips around the circuit.
The succeeding pastor to this charge was
Rev. M. Tobey, who remained but a short time.
Rev. Daniel M. Barber, who had established a
school for young ladies near Washingtonville,
ne.xt took the New Columbia charge. At the
same date Rev. D. M. Halliday was pastor at
Danville.
Next in 1838 came Rev. D. J. Waller, Sr.,
whose life work in both the religious and
material field has left a permanent impress on
the history of Columbia county. His charge
embraced all the country from the mouth of
Roaring creek to Little mountain, and along
the Susquehanna to Nanticoke, with North
mountain for the upper boundary, a territory
nearly forty miles square. One sermon a fort-
night was all that could be allotted to Blooms-
burg and Berwick, while other points were
restricted to services once a month.
At first the residence of the pastor was at
Espy, as the most central point, but later, when
Berwick was set ofif as a separate charge, Cata-
wissa offered better inducements for a time.
Among the early pastors in this section may
be mentioned Revs. Daniel M. Barber, A. H.
Hand, S. S. Shedden, George W. Thompson,
Charles Williamson and James J. Hamilton,
in Columbia county ; and Revs. John Bryson,
Halliday, Yeomans, John B. Patterson, Dun-
ham, William Smith, Nicholas Patterson,
Isaac Grier, Hood and Ijams, in Montour
county.
Detailed histories of the different churches
of both counties will be found in the chapters
devoted to the separate divisions. The list of
pastors, location of churches, and other statis-
tics for 1914 are here presented :
Sunday
Pastor Members School
William Gemmill, Millville
J. Horner Kerr, Orangeville 70 72
John B. Grier, Danville
James W. Kirk, Mahoning 337 27s
William R. Mather, Raven Creek
Spencer C. Dickson, Bloomsburg 443 440
Edward A. Lou.x, Berwick 499 361
Robert P. Howie, Mooresburg 92 132
Arturo D'Albergo, West Berwick
G. A. Lenkel, Centralia 48 60
All of the above churches are in the Presby-
tery of Northumberland. The following
churches are vacant, the pulpits being occa-
sionally filled by request : Briar Creek, New
Columbia, Washingtonville, Benton, Derry and
Rohrsburg.
METHODIST
The introduction of Methodism into Colum-
bia county was made probably through the in-
strumentality of Bishop Asbury, the founder
of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Ameri-
ca. It was under his preaching in Northamp-
ton county that the Bowmans were converted.
They subsequently removed to Berwick, and
it was probably through their representations
that the Bishop was led to come here. At that
time he ordained these men who subsequently
became such a power for good. Other itin-
erants who came here on missionary tours were
Revs. William Colbert, James Paynter, Morris
Howe and Robert Burch, but they did not seem
to etfect any permanent organization.
In the valley of Briar creek, four miles dis-
tant from Berwick, near the present village of
that name, resided the Bowmans, Thomas and
Christopher, both ministers of the Methodist
Church. In order that the neighborhood could
have regular religious services, Thomas Bow-
man fitted up the third story of his rather
pretentious stone house as a place of worship,
and invited the Methodists to hold services
therein. This house was used for religious
purposes for many years and stood in a fair
state of repair until 1912. It is now only a'
ruin. Rev. Thomas Bowman later became
the celebrated and eloquent Bishop Bowman,
whose death occurred in 191 4.
In the year 1805, under the joint ministry
of Revs. James Paynter and Joseph Carson, a
great revival was held, the country for forty
miles around feeling the impulse. As a direct
result a class was formed at Berwick, and this
point was made a regular appointment of the
Wyoming circuit, which extended from North-
umberland to Tioga Point. In 1806 it was
attached to the Northumberland circuit, with
which it. was associated until 1831, when the
church work had so increased that the Ber-
wick circuit was formed, embracing twenty-
eight preaching places, of which the following
were in Columbia county : Benton, Berwick,
Bloomsburg, Buckhorn, Espy, Jerseytown,
Light Street, Mififlinville and Orangeville.
In 1886 there were forty-two churches in
Columbia county of the Methodist denomina-
tion, and in Montour county there were eight.
Since that date the denomination has grown
steadily in strength and numbers and in the
year 19 14 is the strongest religious denomina-
tion in both of these counties.
The first regular conference appointments
for the different stations in Columbia county
were made in 1791, when it was in the North-
60
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
uniberland circuit, which extended from that
town up the North Branch to the Wyoming
valley, and up the West Branch to Great Island.
The distance traveled by the circuit rider
in making his rounds was three hundred miles,
which was accomplished in six weeks. When
the nature of the country and roads, and the
pittance allowed the ministers of those times,
are taken into consideration it may well be
admitted that their labors were distinctly un-
selfish, and the results of their efforts re-
markable.
This territory was for many years supplied
by only two ministers and included the pres-
ent circuits and stations of W'illiamsport,
Newbury, Muncy, Milton, Northumberland,
Mifflinburg, Lewisburg, Catawissa, Blooms-
burg, Berwick. Bloomingdale, Orangeville,
Sunbury and Bellefonte. Previous to 1804
Danville circuit belonged to the Philadelphia
conference, but in that year was transferred to
the Baltimore conference. In 1807 it was re-
turned to the Philadelphia conference, in 1810
it was included in the Genesee conference, and
in 1S20 it was reassigned to the Baltimore con-
ference.
The preachers who labored in the old North-
umberland circuit were :
1791 — Richard Parrott. Lewis Browning.
1792 — James Campbell. William Colbert.
1793 — James Campbell, James Paynter.
1794 — Robert Manley. Jolm Broadhead.
1795 — James Ward. Stephen Timmons.
1796 — John Seward, Richard Sneath.
1797 — John Lackey, Jolm Higby.
179S — John Lackey, John Lead.
1799 — James Moore, Benjamin Bidlack, David
Stephens.
1800 — Ephraim Chambers, Edward Larkin, Asa
Smith.
1801 — Johnston Dimham, Gilbert Carpenter.
1802 — .^nning Owen, James .'\ikins.
1803 — Daniel Ryan, James Ridgeway.
1804 — Thomas .\dams. Gideon Draper.
1805 — Christopher Prey. James Saunders.
1806 — Robert Burch. John Swartzwelder.
1807 — Nicholas Willis. Joel Smith.
1808 — Thomas Curren, John Rhodes,
1809 — Timothy Lee, Loring Grant.
1810 — .Abraham Dawson, Isaac Puffer,
l8n— B. G. Paddock, J. H. Baker. R. Lanning.
1812 — George Thomas, Ebenezer Doolittle,
1813 — Joseph Kincaid, Joseph Chambcrlayne.
1814 — John Haggard. Abraham Dawson.
1815— Reynolds M. Everts, I, B. Cook.
1816 — John Thomas. Alpheus Davis.
1817 — Benjamin Bidlack, Peter Baker.
1818 — Gideon Lanning, Abraham Dawson.
1819 — John Rhodes. Darius Williams.
1820 — John Rhodes. Israel B. Cook.
1821 — Marmaduke Pearce, John Thomas.
1822 — John Thomas, Mordecai Barry.
1823 — Jacob B. Shephard, Mordecai Barry.
1824 — Robert Cadden. F. McCartney.
1825 — Robert Cadden, Richard Bond.
1826 — John Thomas, George Hildt.
1827 — John Thomas, David Shaver.
1828 — Charles Kalbfus, William James.
1829 — James W. Donahay, Josiah Forrest.
1830 — James W. Etonahay, A, A, Eskridge.
Berwick circuit was formed in 183 1, Dan-
ville remaining in the old Northumberland cir-
cuit until 1836. The pastors of the Danville
circuit were :
1831 — David Shaw.
1832 — Marmaduke Pearce. James Forrest.
1833 — Josiah Forrest, James Reed.
1S34 — Henry Tarring, Oliver Ege.
1835 — Henry Tarring. Jolm Guyer, R. Beers, Thomas
Meyers.
1836— Joseph S. Lee, R. W. H. Brent.
1837 — Samuel Ellis. Stephen Hildebrand.
183S— Robert T. Nixon, William Hirst.
1839 — Robert T. Nixon. J. W. Houghewent.
1840 — George Bergstresser, Joseph A. Ross.
1841 — George Bergstresser, George Guyer.
1842 — Tohn Ball, Tames Guyer.
1843— John Ball, S. G. Hare.
1844 — James Ewing, George A. Coffey.
1845 — James Ewing, B. ¥. Brooks.
Pastors of the Berwick circuit were :
1831 — William Prettyman, Wesley Howe.
1832 — William Prettyman, Oliver Ege.
1833 — Marmaduke Pearce. Alem Brittain.
1834-35 — John Rhodes, J. H. Young.
1836— J. Sanks, J. Hall.
1837 — J. Sanks, George Guyer.
1838— Charles Kalbfus, J. Hall.
1S39 — Charles Kalbfus. Penfield Doll.
1840 — James Ewing. William R. Mills.
1841 — James Ewing, W. F. D. Clemm.
1842 — Thomas Taneyhill, Joseph A. Ross.
1843 — Thomas Taneyhill, Thomas Bowman.
1844 — Francis N. Mills, W, L. Spottswood.
1845 — John Bowen, W. F. Pentz.
1846— John Bowen, J. W. Bull.
The Bloomsburg circuit was formed in 1847,
and the pastors in charge were :
1847 — S. L. M. Couser. J. Turner.
184S— G. H. Dav, J. W. Elliott.
1849— John W. Gere. G. H. Dav.
1850— J. S. Lee, E, H. Waring.
1851— J. S. Lee, T. M. Goodfellow.
1852 — Thomas Taneyhill, W, E, Buckingham.
1853 — Thomas Taneyhill. J. A. DeMoyer.
1854— J. A. Ross, A. W. Guyer.
1855 — J. Moorhead, F. M. Slusser.
1856 — George Warren, S. Barnes.
1857 — George Warren. N. W. Colburn.
1858-59 — J. Guyer, T. Sherlock.
i860— F. Gearhart, A. R. Riley.
After 1862 the Bloomsburg circuit was di-
vided and Bloomsburg was made a station.
The following are the circuits and stations
of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Colum-
bia and Montour counties, together with the
number of members, value of church property
and the names of the pastors in charge in 1914 :
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
61
Station or Circuit Members I'aluation Pastor
Benton circuit 335 $21,000 H. W. Newman
Berwick station •. 1,094 68,000 J. H. Ake
West Berwick station 148 10,200 J. E. Beard
Buckhorn circuit 136 6,000 George Martin
Catawissa station 304 21,500 R. H. Stine
Centralia station 185 8,000 Charles W. Bryner
Conyngham circuit 230 17,000 H. E. Crow
Danville station— St. Paul's 384 33.5oo C. H. Witman
Danville station— Trinity 312 27,500 Alexander Scott
Elysburg circuit 313 19.050 T. F. Ripple
Espy — Lime Ridge circuit 306 3.000 Edmund J . Symons
Jamison City circuit 251 9,ooo J. N. Diehl
Jonestown circuit 177 8,000 Philip Thomas
Mifflinville circuit 240 6,500 J. W. McAlarney
Millville circuit 332 IS.7S0 William Faus
Orangeville circuit 268 12,800 Ariel R. Turner
Roaring Creek circuit 179 8,600 John H. Greenwalt
Rohrsburg circuit 106 7,000 William Shannon
Washingtonville circuit 80 3.900 L. A. Remley
REFORMED AND LUTHERAN creek, Miftlin and occasionally Fishingcreek
townships. His missionary labors extended
Most of the German immigrants to this all over both Columbia and Montour counties,
section were members of either the Lutheran and througii him the church was placed on a
or Reformed Churches, and they brought their firm basis. In 1822 lie removed to Espy and
religious books with them. These they read continued there to preach until his death in
and discussed constantly, in the effort to pre- 1824. He devoted himself so completely to
serve their religious convictions, hoping when the work of the church that he acquired con-
the time was propitious to be able to have the sumption and brought to an untimely close a
benefits of the ministration of leaders of their career whose importance to the community
sects. They were not long without the service was just beginning to get appreciable results,
of their pastors. Among the first of the Luth- He was a fine singer, and he preached ex-
eran missionaries who came to this section clusively in the German language,
were Revs. Seeley, Sharretts, Plitt, Pauls, Kra- In 1829 Rev. Daniel S. Tobias took charge
mer and Baughey, who organized churches — of the Bloomsburg congregation, and in 1844
in 1795 at Catawissa ; 1805 in Briarcreek ; 1808 he was assisted by Rev. Henry Funk, who held
in Locust; 1809 in Mifflin; 1810 in Hemlock; services in the English language. In 1854
and 1812 in Orange townships. In 1886 the Rev. W. Goodrich succeeded them, serving
Lutherans had eighteen churches in Columbia his people for half a century. At the close of
county and ten in Montour county. his ininistry the charge consisted of six con-
The denominational lines between the Luth- gregations, and by his advice the Orangeville
erans and the adherents of the Reformed charge was formed, consisting of the Orange-
Church were not very strictly regarded in ville, Zion and St. James congregations, while
pioneer times, the first churches built by the the remainder included the Bloomsburg, Heller
German settlers being used by both denomina- and Catawissa churches. In 1886 there were
tions, alternately, all the people usually attend- twelve Reformed churches in Columbia county
ing both services. This custom of having and three in Montour county. In most in-
union churches has continued until the present stances the congregations were cooperating
time in almost every instance, the occasional with the Lutherans in the use of a single
exceptions being due to local disagreements, church building. This is also the case in some
The schism in the Lutheran Church has about instances at the present time, although in the
equally divided. the denomination in these two ^ ^^^^^^ ^^^ denominations are separated,
counties but there is a lack of the rancor be- j^ ^,^^ Susquehanna is the dividing line
tween the members sometimes met with m , ^ ^ i, ^ . „, . , „ />„
other parts of the State. ^^^^V^^" the Wyoming Classis and East Sus-
The first minister of the Reformed Church quehanna Classis, both of which take in parts
in this section was Rev. Jacob Dieffenbach. of the counties of Columbia and Montour.
He came to Bloomsburg "in 1815, when he There are sixteen churches of the Reformed
was in the prime of life, "and preached in that denomination in the two coiinties, details of
town as well as in Mahoning, Catawissa, Briar- which are given in the following table:
62
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
No. of
Church Members
Mainville — Emmanuel 138
Mifflinville— St. Matthew 36
Numidia — St. Paul 300
Bear Gap — Grace 164
Briarcreek — St. Peter 32
St. James 164
Zion 69
Orangeville 75
Hidlay 49
Bloomsburg 249
Danville — Shiloh 432
Danville— St. John 114
St. James 114
Strawberry Ridge — Trinity 225
Emanuel 93
Berwick — Salem 10
Rev. W. S. Gerhard was succeeded in October, 1914, by Rev. J
Sunday
School
Pastor
45
R. Ira Gass
R. Ira Gass
234
John F. Bair
John F. Bair
64
J. K. Adams
175
W. S. Gerhard
124
W. S. Gerhard
126
W. S. Gerhard
140
W. S. Gerhard
330
P. H. Hoover
325
J. N. Bauman
126
F. W. Brown
152
F. W. Brown
17s
A. F. Dreisbach
85
A. F. Dreisbach
25
J. K. Adams
M. Shaffner
PROTESTANT EPISCOPAL
Among the New Jersey immigrants to this
section were many who adhered to the Estab-
lished Church of England, the American
branch of which was the Protestant Episcopal
denomination. Rev. Caleb Hopkins was chief-
ly instrumental in establishing the church at
Bloomsburg in 1793, and in 1812 at Sugarloaf.
A third organization was effected at Jersey-
town at an early date, but no records what-
ever are available regarding it. In i860 Rev.
E. A. Lightner began services in Catawissa
which resulted in the founding of a church
there, and in 1866 Rev. M. Washburn did a
similar work in Centralia. These were the
only churches in Columbia county in 1868, and
in 1914 the number has been increased to five,
the church at Berwick having been founded in
1903.
The Episcopal Church in Montour county
came into being at Danville in 1828, under the
ministrations of Rev. James Depew, of Blooms-
burg. St. James' Church at Exchange was
erected in 1848. Services had been held there
by Rev. Edwin Lightner from 1843, how-
ever. In 1914 the number of Episcopal
churches in Montour county was two.
BAPTISTS
This denomination was chiefly recruited
from the English settlers of the county. The
first church in Columbia county was organ-
ized in Madison township, through the efforts
of Revs. Wolverton, Smiley and Coombs. Two
years later Revs. Joel Rogers and Elias Dod-
son organized another one in Jackson town-
ship, and about 1841 other churches were
founded in Berwick and Bloomsburg. In 1851
an organization of thirtv members was inade
in Centre township, and in 1886 another of
twelve members was effected in Centralia.
The first Baptist services in Montour county
were held in the courthouse at Danville in
1841, Rev. J. S. Miller being the leader at
that period. Services were also held at that
date in the schoolhouse at Exchange. The
Danville church was built in 1844. Rev. An-
drew F. Shanafelt assisted in the organiza-
tion of the church at Whitehall in 1858, and
the same year the first building there was
erected.
At present there are five Baptist churches in
Columljia county, and three in Montour
county.
ROMAN CATHOLIC
Although one of the latest of the religious
denominations to establish themselves in this
section, the Roman Catholics have within re-
cent years attained considerable prominence
and are possessed of valuable property in
various parts of the two counties, while the
congregations have shown a steady and
healthy growth.
The sacrament of the Mass was celebrated
in Bloomsburg as early as 1829, by Father
Fitzpatrick of Milton, but there is no record
of other services liere until 1844, when Father
Fitzsimmons held services on several occa-
sions in a private house. The first regular
services in a building of their own were held
by the members of this denomination in 1874.
The organization of the church at Centralia
was made in 1869 by Father D. J. McDermott,
and the cornerstone of the church there was
laid in the same year. The church at Berwick
was established in 1899, under the ministra-
tions of Father J. R. Murphy, of Bloomsburg.
The mission of Father J. P. Hannigan, in
1847, resulted in the establishment of St.
Joseph's Church at Danville. The first church
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
63
there was built the same year, while the pres-
ent one was built in 1869. St. Hubert's church
was built at Danville in 1862. St. James' Ro-
man Catholic Church at Exchange was estab-
lished many years ago, and in 1910 the old
church on the hill was abandoned and a splen-
did new one built in the village. These repre-
sent the number in Montour county in 1914.
In Columbia county there are two churches in
Berwick, one in Bloomsburg, one in Centralia,
one in the edge of the county at Mount Car-
mel, and one in Locust township, just com-
pleted in 1914.
EVANGELICAL
This denomination came to Columbia county
in 1848, and to Montour county in 1858. In
1886 it had three churches in Scott township,
one at Mifflinville, two in Jackson township,
two in Centre township, two in Briarcreek
township, one in Beaver township, and one in
Bloomsburg. In the same year there was one
church in Danville, and two in other parts of
Montour county. The present number of
churches in Columbia coiinty is thirteen. In
Montour county there are now three churches.
OTHER DENOMINATIONS
The Methodist Protestant, United Brethren,
Christian, Pentecostal and Greek Catholic de-
nominations are represented in the two counties
by organizations which are mentioned in the
sketches of the different sections in which
they are located.
The following table will convey some idea
of the relative standing of the different de-
nominations in both counties. It might be in-
ferred that the Methodists have lost in num-
bers in both counties, but such is not the case,
the only loss being in the number of the
churches, caused by the removal of the mem-
bers to the cities and towns. In fact, the
majority of the denominations have gained in
numbers steadily, the exceptions being the
Quakers and the Methodist Protestant sects.
Columbia Montour
Co. Co.
. Denomination 1886 1914 1S86 1914
Methodist 42 36 10 9
Lutheran 18 21 10 10
Evangelical 13 13 I 3
Reformed 12 12 3 5
Presbyterian 8 10 5 5
Baptist 6 5 3 3
. Episcopal 4 5 2 2
Roman Catholic 2 S 2 3
Christian 6 5
United Brethren S 3
Greek Catholic 2 4
Pentecostal I
Society of Friends (Quakers) 3 3
Methodist Protestant 2
COLUMBIA COUNTY SABBATH SCHOOL
ASSOCIATION
was organized at Bloomsburg in 1868, and in-
cludes all Protestant evangelical Sunday
schools in the county. It is an auxiliary of
State and national organizations of similar
names, and has held many annual conventions
since its formation. Rev. Alfred Taylor, of
New York, was the conductor of the first meet-
ing and was probably the organizer.
The second convention was held in 1870 at
Bloomsburg, but no records are to be had re-
garding it. In 187 1 the third convention was
held at Espy, and here J. B. Robison was
elected president. He was succeeded after
one year's service by a series of presidents, all
ministers, well known in the county, among
them being Revs. Stuart Mitchell, A. Houtz,
N. Spear, F. P. Manhart and U. Myers. This
continued until 1889, conventions having been
held each year to the present since 1873. ex-
cept in the year 1879, when the records merely
state that the secretary had died.
In 1889 H. R. Bower, of Berwick, was
elected president and served three years, when
he was succeeded by Myron I. Low, who has
served ever since, making a record for con-
tinuous and efficient service unequaled in the
State.
At the first convention of which we have a
record there were eighteen delegates from the
local schools and twenty-five from outside the
county, representing in all sixteen schools.
This does not convey, however, an idea of the
number of Sabbath schools in the organization
at the time, since every Protestant evangelical
school in the county became automatically a
part of the association.
In 1880 the executive committee was di-
rected to effect the township organization, and
at the 1882 convention district or township vice
presidents were appointed, within a few years
every township or borough in the county
being represented by an organization. This
system prevailed until a redistricting along less
cumbersome lines was authorized by the con-
vention of 191 1, and before the 1912 conven-
tion was held the county had been subdivided
into thirteen districts, all of which are actively
at work.
About 1900 departmental organization was
begun, and at present there are at work in the
county superintendents of elementary, second-
ary, adult, teacher training, home, temperance,
mission and rural departments, with a com-
plete corresponding organization extending
throughout the districts.
In 1907 the State Association erected a
64
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
high standard of organization for its counties,
and Columbia was one of the first two coun-
ties to attain this standard, maintaining and
passing beyond it year by year until 1913, when
a still higher standard was set by the State,
and again Columbia was one of the first to
attain it.
Some idea of the growth of the work in the
county may be had by the statement that for
some years less than forty dollars was the
amount of annual receipts, and this was not
all used at first. In 1913 the county expenses
were over four hundred dollars, the amount
being contributed by the schools and indi-
viduals interested in the work.
Besides what is accomplished by volunteer
helpers, the county organization during the
years 1906-1907 maintained its own field secre-
tary, Miss Martha Robison, who gave her en-
tire time to the work, relinquishing the posi-
tion in 1908 to take a similar one with the
State Association. Since that time the work
has been carried on by the corps of county
officers, now nvmibering almost twenty.
At present there are in the county, and there-
fore a part of the association, 135 Protestant
evangelical Sundav schools, with a total en-
rollment of over 22,000, and reporting in
19 1 3 over 2,000 accessions. Twenty-five per
cent of these schools reported a complete or-
ganization, almost all had "Cradle Rolls," and
the other departments of the work were main-
tained in the same proportion. One of the
sources of strength of the association was the
continuous service of manv of the officers, who
were familiar with the county and therefore
able to do the most efficient work. In 1877
A. W. Spear became treasurer of the organiza-
tion, and served until i88s, when he was made
corresponding secretary, which office he still
holds. Mrs. Anna McHenry has served as
treasurer since 1800. while other officers also
have rendered valuable and extended service.
The present officers are: Myron I. Low,
president : H. R. Bower, Thomas Ash, C. A.
Shaflfer, L. C. Mensch, M. E. Stackhouse.
Peter Wills, vice presidents ; Miss Martha
Robison. field and statistical secretary ; Miss
Ethel Creasy, assistant secretary ; Mrs. C. E.
Kesty, recording secretary ; A. W. Spear, cor-
responding secretary ; Fred Holmes, financial
secretary ; Mrs. Anna McHenry, treasurer.
The department superintendents are : Miss
Mabel Moyer, elementary ; O. H. Bakeless,
teacher training; Mrs. C. E. Trescott, home;
Rev. C. E. Miller, O. A. B. C; R. L. KHne,
temperance; Rev. W. J. Dice, missions; Rev.
P. H. Hoover, secondary ; N. Beishline, rural.
A summary of the statistical report for 1913
is as follows: District No. i, Berwick and
vicinity, total enrollment, 4,870; church acces-
sions, 745 ; increase in enrollment, 768. Dis-
trict No. 2, West Berwick and vicinity, enroll-
ment, 1,971; church accessions, 107; increase
in enrollment, 226. District No. 3, Centre
and part of Briarcreek townships, enrollment,
1,137; increase in enrollment, 190; church ac-
cessions, 180. District No. 4, Bloomsburg,
Catawissa, Montour townships. Espy and Al-
media, enrollment, 6,250; increase in enroll-
ment, 317; church accessions, 456. District
No. 5, Orangeville and Light Street and vicin-
ity, enrollment, 977 ; increase in enrollment,
17; church accessions, 6. "District No. 7, Ben-
ton and vicinity, enrollment, 1,002; increase,
75 ; church accessions, 55. District No. 8,
Sugarloaf township, enrollment, 492; decrease
in attendance, 78. District No. 6, Benton and
Fishingcreek townships, enrollment, 760; de-
crease, 75 ; accessions, 43. District No. 9, Mill-
ville and vicinity, enrollment, 840 ; increase, 76 ;
accessions, 11. District No. 10, Hemlock and
Madison townships, enrollment, 671 ; increase,
43; accessions, 33. District No. 11, Cleveland,
Locust, Roaringcreek, Franklin and Cata.wissa
townships, enrollment, 1.002; increase, 75;
accessions, q8. District No. 12 (last year's
figures, partly), Conyngham and Centralia,
enrollment, 835 ; accessions. 140. District No.
13, enrollment, 446; increase, 69; accessions,
18. Totals, enrollment for county, 21,770;
church accessions for county, 1,923.
CHAPTER VII
BENCH AND BAR
In entering into the history of the Bench
and Bar of this district it may not be out of
place to compare the present with the past.
The lawyers of eighty years ago in the rural
districts found all their surroundings, as well
as the legal procedure, very different from
those of to-day. The country was compara-
tively new, the facilities for travel by public
conveyance most meager. Carriages with el-
liptic springs had not yet been invented. The
judges and members of the bar usually trav-
eled on horseback, sometimes riding fifty miles
in a day to reach a distant county seat. The
districts were then much larger than now. The
courthouses were not of the present style of
architecture, the accommodations often being
of the most primitive character. A wood
stove furnished heat for the usually small
room, and the work at evening was done by
the light of tallow candles. Court was con-
vened by the sound of a dinner horn blown
by the crier at the door. Trials were long-
drawn-out owing to the necessity of writing
down all the testimony of witnesses and other
proceedings, by the judge and counsel. Ste-
nographers were then unknown, their intro-
duction in the courts not having become gen-
eral until within the last forty years, and the
innovation has enabled the courts to transact
in one day what formerly required three or
four.
Splendid courthouses, some of them palaces,
with all the conveniences of modern inven-
tion, have taken the place of the old-time seats
of justice, and with these changes have come
changes in legal procedure intended to facili-
tate the dispatch of public business, though
in regard to the latter there lingers in the
minds of the laity a belief that there is still
room for improvement. While the transac-
tion of business has thus been expedited, there
still remains the delay and uncertainty in the
administration of justice, by reason of the
fact that able lawyers, inspired by a large re-
tainer on either side, differ in their interpreta-
^ 65
tion of the law where the facts are not dis-
puted. The court below may differ with both,
and the higher courts may differ with the
court below — frequently bringing on a new
trial, with a repetition of the costs and worry.
While it is generally agreed that a remedy
for this condition is desirable, no one has ever
been able to suggest an acceptable one, and
probably no one will ever be able to do so
until the time shall come when all men are of
one mind, a situation that is not likely to oc-
cur before the millennium.
During his administration it was no un-
common experience for Judge Elwell to see
practicing before him in Columbia county
many of the ablest lawyers of the State, some
of whom — previously or subsequently — held
prominent public positions. Among them may
be mentioned Judge Jeremiah S. Black, Chief
Justice George W. Woodward, Judge John W.
Maynard, Hon. F. B. Gowen, Judge James
Ryan, Gov. Henry M. Hoyt, Judge Edward
O. Parry, Judge F. Carroll Brewster, Attorney
General Henry W. Palmer, Judge W. A. Marr,
Hon. George F. Baer, Hon. John B. Packer,
Hon. Francis W. Hughes, Hon. S. P. Wolver-
ton, as well as many other gifted men.
From 1814 to 185 1 Columbia and North-
umberland counties formed the Eighth judicial
district with Lycoming and Union counties.
Hon. Seth Chapman, the first judge of
this district, held court in January at Dan-
ville, which was then the county seat of Co-
lumbia county, court convening in the sec-
ond story of a log house on the river bank,
a few doors east of Mill street. Gen. Wil-
liam Montgomery and Hon. Leonard Rupert
were his associates. Henry Alward, of Mil-
ton, was the first sheriff. The first prothono-
tary was George A. Frick, who later became a
prominent attorney of Danville.
Of those who came to the court at Dan-
ville to practice law were Charles Hall,
Charles Maus of Berlin, Hugh Bellas of Sun-
bury, Samuel Hepburn of Rlilton, Bradford
66
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
and George Porter of Center county, James
Carson of Philadelphia, and Ebenezer Green-
ough of Sunbury. Judge Thomas Duncan
and Judge Charles Huston came here from
Center county to attend court. They were
both afterwards members of the Supreme
court. William G. Hurley, of Bloomsburg,
James Pleasants of Catawissa, Alexander
Jordan and Charles G. Donnel, of Sunbury,
attended court in Danville regularly.
Judge Ellis Lewis, who succeeded to the
bench in 1833, was a native of Lewisburg,
Pa. He began life as a printer, subsequently
occupied the editorial chair, studied law, and
was admitted to the bar at the age of twenty-
five. Two years later he was appointed dep-
uty attorney general for Lycoming county ;
in 1832 was elected to the Legislature; in
1833 was appointed attorney general for the
Commonwealth, and the same year appointed
as successor to Judge Chapman. After ten
years of service here he was transferred to
the Second district^ later elevated to the Su-
preme court, in 1851, and became chief justice
in 1855. Subsequently he was appointed one
of a committee of three to revise the criminal
code. He died March 19, 1871.
Charles G. Donnel, of Northumber-
land county, was appointed to the vacancy on
the bench of the Eighth district Jan. 14, 1843,
and held his first term in April of that year.
He died the following year, before he could
accomplish his work, but held high in the
respect and esteem of those who had known
him and admired his attainments.
Judge Joseph B. Anthony, who suc-
ceeded to the bench in 1844, was the first to
hold court at Bloomsburg after the removal
of the county seat from Danville. His first
session there was held in January, 1848. Judge
Anthony was a native of Williamsport. In
1830 he was elected to the State Senate, and
in 1834 to Congress, and reelected two years
later. In 1843 he was appointed judge of
the court for the adjustment of the Nichol-
son claims, and in March, 1844, to the bench
of the Eighth judicial circuit. He died in
185 1, nine months before the expiration of
his term.
Judge James Pollock was born in Milton
and studied law under Judge Anthony. He
graduated from Princeton and was admitted
to the bar in 1833. Two years later he was
appointed district attorney, and in 1844 was
elected to Congress from the Thirteenth dis-
trict. In 1851 he was appointed to the bench
to succeed Judge Anthony, and held the place
until the judges were made elective, in 1851,
when he refused to be a candidate. In 1854
he was elected governor; in i860 appointed a
delegate to the peace congress at Washington ;
in 1861 appointed director of the mint at
Philadelphia; resigning the otSce under the
administration of Johnson, he was reappointed
by Grant in 1869, held the position until 1882,
and was then made collector of internal rev-
enue. He is the originator of the motto on
American coins, "In God We Trust." He
died April 19, 1890.
John Nesbit Conyngham succeeded Judge
Pollock on the bench in 1851.- He went
upon the bench of the Luzerne district
in 1839 by appointment of the governor, and
when Columbia was put in that district Judge
Conyngham became the president judge here,
and so continued until the formation of the
Twenty-sixth district, in 1856, composed of
Columbia, Sullivan and Wyoming counties,
which took Columbia out of his jurisdiction.
He was one of Pennsylvania's most eminent
jurists, and presided in the Luzerne district
for thirty years, until 1870, when he resigned.
In 1871 he met with a railroad accident which
resulted in his death. He was beloved and
respected by all who knew him.
Warren J. Woodward was appointed judge
in May, 1856, and in October following was
elected for a term of ten years. He served
until December, 1861, when he resigned to
accept election as president judge of Berks
county, and moved to Reading. At the expira-
tion of this term he was reelected for a second,
and served until 1874, when he was elected a
justice of the Supreme court, which position
he occupied until his death, in 1879. Judge
Woodward was born in Bethany, Wayne
county, and received an academic education
in Wilkes-Barre. He taught school, learned
the printer's trade, and later studied law at
Wilkes-Barre, where he became the leader of
the bar. He was a hard student, a conscien-
tious and upright judge, and a man of intel-
lectual power. He was considered one of the
ablest Supreme justices of his time.
Aaron K. Peckham was appointed to fill
the unexpired term of Judge Woodward, De-
cember. 1861, after which he declined to be
a candidate for election to the position, and
resumed his practice at Tunkhannock, where
he remained until his death.
William Elwell was elected president
judge of the Twenty-sixth district in 1862, ac-
cepting the nomination at the request of a com-
mittee of the bar. He had no opposition at
the first election, and none at the time of his
reelection in 1872. In May, 1874, Wyoming
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
67
and Sulli\an counties were placed in the
Forty-fourth district, and Columbia and
Montour made the Twenty-sixth, which is the
condition in 1914. On the expiration of Judge
Elwell's second term the bar of the district
unanimously requested him to accept a third
term, to which he consented, was later nomi-
nated on the tickets of both leading parties,
and at the following election was unanimously
given the office. Afterwards, at different
times, he was urged to become a candidate
for the Supreme bench, but declined. He
also refused to have his name used in the
canvass for the office of governor, although
warmly urged.
In 1871 Judge Elwell was chosen to um-
pire the difficulties between the miners and
the operators in the coal regions, which he
did to the satisfaction of both sides. Later
the Mollie JMaguires case, a description of
which is given at the end of this chapter, was
tried before him. His decision in this case
was affirmed by the Supreme court.
It is believed that Judge Elwell tried more
cases than any other judge upon the bench
of the State, as many important cases were
certified to Columbia county from other dis-
tricts and tried before him. It is worthy of
mention that of all the cases tried in the courts
of Oyer and Terminer, Quarter Sessions and
the (Drphans' court, not a single one from this
county was reversed during the more than
twenty-six years he was upon the bench, and
very few in the Common Pleas court.
It may not be out of place here to record
the fact that a tribute was publicly paid to
Judge Elwell during his lifetime that does not
often fall to the lot even of distinguished citi-
zens. It is almost the universal custom to
wait until after the cold clods have rattled
upon the casket before public appreciation of
a man's life and character is expressed. When
such action is taken during a man's life-
time it is a matter of great gratifica-
tion to him who receives the recognition, and
it is also highly creditable to those who are
responsible for its expression. As the inci-
dent here referred to has appeared in print
only in the newspapers, the files of which are
accessible to but few people, and as the mat-
ter is a part of the history of the court of
Columbia county, it is deemed proper for it
to be here recorded in full, so that it may be
preserved in permanent form.
On Monday morning, Sept. 2.^, 1889, when
court opened, the room was filled with an
audience including many ladies, who had been
drawn there by the report that proceedings of
an unusual character would transpire at that
time. The president judge, Hon. E. R. Ikeler,
and Hons. C. B. McHenry and C. G. Murphy
were upon the bench. Court Crier D. R. Coft-
man opened the session by the usual proclama-
tion, and then B. F. Zarr, Esq., soHcitor to
the county commissioners, W. G. Girton,
Jesse Rittenhouse and Ezra Stephens, ad-
dressed the Bench in the following words :
"If Your Honors please, before the court
proceeds with its regular business, I wish to
bring to your attention a matter in which we
all feel a lively interest.
"There presided in these courts for a period
of more than twenty-five years a jurist dis-
tinguished for his legal knowledge, high moral
character, courteous treatment of the bar, uni-
form kindness and impartiality to all — the
Honorable William Elwell. The best years
of his life were spent here, and he is to-day
a venerable citizen of the county, one whom
the people delight to honor.
"Appreciation of the qualities that endear
a man to his countrymen is testified not more
by the rearing of imposing monuments than
by giving fitting expression to the sentiment
in their hearts. There may be in all the
walks of life great men, but great only when
by their acts they have signally benefited man-
kind. The preacher becomes great only when,
by his power and p>ersuasiveness, he causes
men to reverence and to obey the laws of God.
The soldier becomes great when, by his con-
quests over the enemies of liberty, he gives to
the people liberty and a home ; the statesman,
when by his wise economy he secures to them
prosperity ; the philanthropist, when he has
alleviated human suffering; the judge, when
he has faithfully administered the laws. True
greatness is always recognized and honored
by the people, and the man who makes it his
life work to labor for the good of the race is
entitled to such recognition and honor .
"The citizens of Columbia county hold in
the highest estimation the ability and integrity
of Judge Elwell. His reputation as an able
and conscientious administrator of the law
is not confined to the limits of the county, but
extends throughout the length and breadth of
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and even
beyond her borders. His opinions and rulings
are cited with confidence by the pleader in
the courts, and are received by the highest
tribunals as authority of weight.
"The countv commissioners, joining with
other citizens in their just estimate of the
distinguished services rendered to the Com-
monwealth by Judge Elwell, have deemed it
68
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
eminently proper to cause to be prepared this
portrait" (here Prothonotary W. H. Snyder
withdrew a green cloth hanging on the wall
behind the Judges, disclosing a lifesize bust
portrait in handsome gilt frame) "of the Hon-
orable William Elwell, and to place it in this
temple of justice, not so much as a monument
to the past as a testimonial to the future, and
as an offering by which he himself may learn
the kindly feeling of our hearts. ... It
is my privilege, and I assure you my pleasure,
on behalf of the commissioners of the county,
to present to the court, to the bar, and to the
citizens, this portrait of His Honor, Judge
Elwell."
Judge Ikeler made the following response :
"In behalf of the bench, the bar, and the
citizens of the county, we accept this portrait
of Judge Elwell, as an appropriate memento
of him and of his honorable judicial career.
It cannot fail to be a constant reminder to us
who have been intimately associated with him,
to follow so far as possible in his footsteps.
Of the present commissioners of Columbia
county, a majority reside at a distance from
the county seat. Their act is undoubtedly
prompted and sustained by the public senti-
ment of respect, admiration and love for Judge
Elwell, which permeates the county _ to its
remotest bounds, but which, great as it is, is
only an index of our appreciation of his merits.
We, the members of the bar, who have been
closely associated with him in the administra-
tion of justice, though ours has been the fo-
rensic strife about a question of property, of
liberty, or of life, while it has been his office
well fulfilled to hold the seat of Justice with
her* sword and scales, conducting before him
unawed, unruffled and unswayed our legal
struggles, we have been taught by his rulings,
led by his learning, instructed as to manhood
by his dignified bearing. The perpetual pres-
ence here of this portrait, reminding us of
him and of his character, will be to us a con-
tinued incentive to diligence in our calling, and
to the cultivation of all manly graces. It will
stimulate the young men in training for the
bar ; they will learn the history of the eminent
jurist whom this portrait represents, and they
will be stirred with emulation of his great at-
tainments in legal lore, and of his surpassing
virtues as judge, and they will be infused with
new energy in working for the highest ideal
of achievement, and to usefulness in their
day and generation.
"If any of us should be so fortunate as to
arrive at the advanced age that Judge Elwell
has already reached, he will be happy if he
is able to look back upon a life's work as well
done as his — upon every duty as scrupulously
and zealously performed as it was by him
whose likeness hangs upon this wall."
In this connection it should be noted that
after the death of Judge Ikeler his portrait
was presented to the county. Of all the judges
who have presided over the courts of Co-
lumbia county, the likenesses of these two
jurists are the only ones that hang upon the
walls of the court room.
In November, 1887, Judge Elwell con-
tracted a cold which resulted in chronic
catarrh, and so affected his hearing and his
general health that he tendered his resigna-
tion to the governor, to take effect on July 31,
1888. From that time he led a retired life
until his death, which occurred on Oct. 15,
1895, when he was aged eighty-seven years.
A more complete story of the life of this great
judge appears among the biographies.
Judge Elwell's resignation left a vacancy to
be filled at the November election, with an ap-
pointment by the governor of a president
judge to serve until January, 1889. Henry M.
Hinckley of Danville received the appoint-
ment.
Judge Henry M. Hinckley was born June
2, 1850, in Harrisburg, Pa., where he received
his early education, and was graduated at
Princeton College in 1874. Having pursued
the study of law during his college course, he
was admitted to the bar of Montour county in
1875, and to the Supreme court in 1878. He
has long been recognized as one of the ablest
attorneys in this section of the State. He was
nominated for president judge by the Repub-
lican party in the district to succeed himself,
but the district being strongly Democratic he
was not elected. During the brief period of
his incumbency he discharged all his duties
with fidelity and marked ability. Since his
retirement from the bench he has devoted him-
self to his profession, and has a large prac-
tice, not only in Montour and Columbia coun-
ties, but in other counties outside of the dis-
trict. Before his appointment to the bench
he was for some years associated with I. X.
Grier, Esq., of Danville, in law business.
For the first time in the history of this ju-
dicial district, after Judge Elwell resigned
there were opposing aspirants for the nomina-
tion for president judge on the Democratic
ticket, Elijah R. Ikeler and Charles G. Bark-
ley, both of Bloomsburg, being the candidates.
An active and energetic canvass was made,
resulting in the nomination of Mr. Ikeler in
both counties, and he was elected in Novem-
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
69
ber, 1888, entering upon his duties in January,
1889, and serving until Aug. i, 1898, when the
hand of death was laid upon him. He con-
tracted a cold which resulted in pneumonia,
and after only a week's illness passed away.
Elijah R. Ikeler was a self-made man.
His studious and industrious habits enabled
him to obtain sufficient education at Green-
wood Seminary to enter upon the study of
law, which he took up after being engaged in
the milling business for a number of years.
He moved from Millville to Bloomsburg and
registered as a law student with Colonel
Freeze in 1864, and was admitted to the bar
in May, 1867. He soon forged ahead, and be-
came one of the leading practitioners of the
county. As a judge he was patient and care-
ful, always evincing a desire to do right ac-
cording to his best judgment.
At the time of his death Judge Ikeler was
a candidate for renomination, his opponent
being Robert R. Little — both Democrats. The
county conventions of both counties had been
held, Montour county instructing its conferees
for Ikeler, and Columbia county for Little.
The death of Judge Ikeler brought about a
complication in the judicial situation, such as
had probably never before occurred in the his-
tory of the State. On Aug. 10, 1898, Gov-
ernor Hastings appointed Grant Herring as
president judge to serve until January, 1899.
Robert R. Little was the Democratic candidate
in Columbia county for election for the full
term. What the situation was in Montour
county no one seemed to know, as Judge Ike-
ler had named his conferees in that county,
but they had not yet accepted. It was also
doubted whether their appointment would
stand after his death. There were also com-
plications in the Republican party on the
judgeship, Montour county having instructed
for James Scarlet and the Columbia conferees
favoring Charles C. Evans, Scarlet being
afterwards made the nominee.
•Appreciating the necessity of taking some
action in the matter, a call was issued for a
meeting of the Columbia bar on Aug. 17, 1898,
which was signed by thirty-eight members.
The call stated that "impressed by the convic-
tion that the selection of a president judge is
of transcendent importance to the public, and
observing that the ordinary agencies for the
nomination of a candidate do not in this in-
stance promise to succeed in giving to the
people harmonious and desirable results, we
do agree to confer together upon the selection
of a judge who shall be competent, inde-
pendent, and impartial, who shall be free from
faction, without friends to reward or enemies
to punish, and, if possible, wholly unconnected
in position or interest with past or present con-
troversy or dispute upon the question of the
judgeship, and take such action as the major-
ity of those present shall judge to be advisable,
prudent, wise, and necessary, to secure or aid
in securing, the selection of a president judge."
But eighteen of the signers were present at
the meeting. Hon. C. R. Buckalew was
chosen chairman, and a resolution was adopted
for the appointment of a committee, "to act
for and represent us in the conference which
must take place and enable us to present for
endorsement by the people of this district a
man competent and eminently fitted to serve
as president judge." Nothing ever came of
this action, however, mainly for the reason
that no lawyer from outside the district could
be found who was willing to enter the con-
test as a candidate, where there were so many
local aspirants, and where he would be a com-
parative stranger.
Meanwhile the fencing for advantage went
on. On Aug. 10 Mr. Little and conferees went
to Exchange, Montour county, and there met
the conferees appointed by Judge Ikeler, and
a judicial conference was organized, resulting
after several ballots in Mr. Little's nomina-
tion. The next day the Democratic standing
committee met at Danville. Judge Herring
claimed that the conference at Exchange was
void, for the reason that the conferees named
by Judge Ikeler had no authority to act, as it
ceased when Judge Ikeler died. The com-
mittee took this view of it and proceeded to
name a new candidate for Montour county,
Judge Herring being their choice. Judge Her-
ring then carried the matter to the Dauphin
county court to settle the question as to whose
name should be printed on the ballots as the
regular nominee. After hearing, the court
decided that the Exchange conference was a
nullity, as the evidence showed that the Ikeler
conferees had not been appointed in fact.
Judge Herring then appointed conferees for
"Montour, and after several meetings Herring
withdrew and Little was unanimously nomi-
nated, and was elected in November, 1898, de-
feating James Scarlet, the Republican nomi-
nee. He served until Feb. 26, 1906, when his
death occurred, after a protracted illness.
Judge Robert R. Little was born in Ber-
wick in May, 1852, and was the son of E. H.
Little, who was for many years a prominent
attorney of Columbia county. He graduated
at the Normal School in 1871, and subse-
quently attended the University of Rochester,
70
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
and Hamilton College, New York, after which
he read law with his father, and was admitted
to the bar on Sept. 4, 1874. He was elected
district attorney in 1878 and again in 1881,
filling the office with much ability. He was
possessed of an even temperament and quick
perception, and was considered a safe and
careful counsellor.
The death of Judge Little again made a
vacancy on the bench of the district to be
filled by an appointment by the governor.
There were a number of aspirants among the
Republican members of the bar, and strong
influences were brought to bear. On March
30th Governor Pennypacker appointed Charles
C. Evans, Esq., of Berwick, as president
judge, to serve until January, 1907. He was
nominated by the Republican conventions of
both counties to serve for a full term. In the
Democratic party the candidates for the nomi-
nation were John G. Harman and Grant
Herring, both of Bloomsburg. The Montour
county primaries were held first, resulting in
a vote of 1,030 for Herring and 528 for
Harman, giving the former twenty-three dele-
gates in the convention, and the latter five.
The following week the Columbia county pri-
maries were held, when Harman received
2,484 votes and Herring 1,912, thus giving
the conferees to Harman. This resulted in
a deadlock, and in September the case was
carried to the Democratic State executive
committee by Mr. Harman, after every effort
to secure an agreement by the conferees had
failed. The committee after several hear-
ings decided that they had jurisdiction, and
nominated Mr. Harman, to which Mr. Her-
ring filed exceptions in the Dauphin county
court, and after hearing the court decided that
Harman's nomination was invalid, thus leav-
ing the Democrats without a nominee. Both
candidates filed nomination papers. This
made a three-cornered fight, which resulted
in the election of Judge Evans, the Repub-
lican and Prohibition candidate, by a plural-
ity of 241 votes in the district, Evans receiv-
ing 4,474 votes, 3,325 in Columbia county and
1,149 in Montour; Harman, 4,233, 3,578 in
Columbia and 655 in Montour; Herring,
2,936, 1,964 in Columbia and 972 in Montour.
Thus for the first time in its history has
the district had a Republican president judge
elected for a full term. Judge Evans's term
will expire in January, 1917.
Judge Grant Herring, who served from
August, 1898, to January, 1899, was a son of
George A. Herring, and was born in Centre
township, Columbia county. He graduated
at the Bloomsburg Normal School in 1879,
and at Lafayette College in 1883. He read
law with E. R. Ikeler, Esq., and was admitted
to the bar in February, 1885, entering into
partnership with his preceptor at once, and
so continuing until Mr. Ikeler's elevation to
the bench. He served four years as collector
of internal revenue of this district during
President Cleveland's administration, and as
State senator from 1890 to 1894. A man of
strong personality, a brilliant speaker, and an
able lawyer, he acquired a large clientele. In
1907 he moved from Bloomsburg to Sunbury,
and entered into a law partnership with Hon.
S. P. Wolverton which continued for several
years, when it was dissolved, and Judge Her-
ring engaged in practice by himself. In 191 1
his health began to fail, and in 1912 he went
to Europe to visit his daughter, who was
studying music in Berlin, and to seek medical
assistance. While in Germany an attack of
his old complaint resulted fatally, and at his
own request he was buried there. His death
occurred on Aug. 4, 1912, in Berchtesgaden,
Bavaria.
Judge Charles C. Evans was bom in
Briarcreek township, Columbia county, Jan.
10, 1858. He graduated at the State Normal
School at Bloomsburg in 1877, ^"d ^t Lafay-
ette College in 1881. He immediately entered
the law office of Hon. Simon P. Wolverton,
at Sunbury, and July 14, 1883, was admitted
to the bar of Northumberland county. In
August. 1883, he commenced the practice of
law at Berwick, where he continued to prac-
tice until his appointment to the bench.
Judge Evans has made a good record on
the bench. He is careful and conscientious,
of even temperament, and his opinions show
that he makes exhaustive research in arriving
at legal conclusions. Like all judges, he has
had some of his decisions reversed by the
higher courts, but in this respect his record
will compare favorably with most of the judges
of the State. He has been called a number of
times to hold court in Wilkes-Barre, Scranton,
Philadelphia, and other places.
JUDICIAL DISTRICT
The territory now embraced in Columbia
county was formerly a part of Northumber-
land county, and was included in the Eighth
judicial district, composed of Northumber-
land, Union and Luzerne. Later on it was
placed in the Eleventh judicial district with
Montour, Luzerne and Wyoming, and again
with Sullivan and Wyoming in the Twenty-
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
71
sixth. In 1872 Columbia and Montour be-
came the Twenty-sixth district, and have so
remained until the present (1914).
Herewith we give a list of the president
judges who have presided over the courts in
this territory since 1813, with the dates of
their appointment or election. The first court
held in Bloomsburg, after the change of the
county seat from Danville, was in January,
1848, Judge Joseph B. Anthony presiding.
Col. John G. Freeze, at the time of his death,
July 8, 1913, the oldest member of the Co-
lumbia county bar, personally knew all of
these judges from Judge Anthony to the pres-
ent incumbent.
President Judges
Seth Chapman, appointed July 11, 181 1, re-
signed Oct. 10, 1833 ; Ellis Lewis, appointed
Oct. 14, 1833, served until Jan. 14, 1843;
Charles G. Donnel, appointed Jan. 14, 1843,
died March 18, 1844; Joseph B. Anthony, ap-
pointed in March, 1844, died Jan. 10, 1851 ;
James Pollock, appointed Jan. 16, 1851, com-
mission expired Nov. 5, 1851; John N.
Conyngham, appointed Nov. 15, 1851, district
changed; Warren J. Woodward, appointed
May 19, 1856, resigned Dec. 10, 1861 ; Aaron
K. Peckham, appointed Dec. 10, 1861, com-
mission expired Nov. 3, 1862 ; William Elwell,
elected Nov. 3, 1862, commission expired in
January, 1873; re-elected Nov. 6, 1872, com-
mission expired in January, 1883; re-elected
Nov. 7, 1882, resigned July 31, 1888; Henry
M. Hinckley, appointed Aug. i, 1888, com-
mission expired ]an. i, 1889; E. R. Ikeler,
elected Nov. 6, 1888, died Aug. i, 1898; Grant
Herring, appointed Aug. 10, 1898, commission
expired Jan. i, 1899; R. R. Little, elected Nov.
8, 1898, died Feb. 26, 1906; Charles C. Evans,
appointed March 30, 1906, commission ex-
pired in January, 1907; elected Nov. 6, 1906,
commission expires in January, 191 7.
Associate Judges
John Murray, appointed Oct. 11, 1813;
William Montgomery, appointed Aug. 5, 1815;
Leonard Rupert, appointed June 27, 1816;
William Donaldson, appointed March 26,
1840; George Mack, appointed March 27,
1840; Samuel Oakes, appointed March 6,
1845; Stephen Baldy, appointed March 11,
1845; George H. Willits, appointed March 12,
1850; John Covanhoven, appointed March
12, 1850; Leonard B. Rupert, elected Nov. 10,
185 1 ; George H. Willits, elected Nov. 10,
1 851; Peter Kline, elected Nov. 12, 1856;
Jacob Evans, elected Nov. 12, 1856; Stephen
Baldy, appointed Jan. 12, 1861, elected Nov.
23, 1861 ; John McReynolds, elected Nov. 23,
1861 ; Peter K. Herbein, elected Nov. 8, 1866,
died in office April i, 1869; Iram Derr, elected
Nov. 8, 1866; James Kester, appointed April
23, 1869 ; Charles F. Mann, elected Nov. 26,
1869, died in office Jan. 24, 1870; Isaac S.
Monroe, appointed Feb. i, 1870; Iram Derr,
elected Nov. 17, 1871 ; George Scott, elected
in November, 1875, died in office April 10,
1876; Mayberry G. Hughes, appointed April
26, 1876; Franklin L. Shuman, elected in
November, 1876; Isaac K. Krickbaum, elected
in November, 1876; Franklin L. Shuman,
elected in November, 1S81 ; James Lake,
elected in November, 1881 ; Charles G. Mur-
phy, elected Nov. 2, 1886 ; James Lake, elected
Nov. 2, 1886, died in office Jan. 4, 1887; Cyrus
B. McHenry, appointed Jan. 8, 1887; elected
in November, 1887, died in office Jan. 8, 1890
Mordecai W. Jackson, appointed Feb. 3, 1890
Charles G. Murphy, elected Nov. 3, 1891
Mordecai Millard, elected Nov. 4, 1890, and
Nov. 5, 1895; James T. Fox, elected Nov. 3,
1896, and Nov. 5, 1901 ; J. U. Kurtz, elected
Nov. 3, 1896; William Krickbaum, elected
Nov. 4, 1902, and Nov. 5, 1907; E. C. Yeager,
elected Nov. 6, 1906; Charles E. Houck,
elected in November, 191 1; M. H. Rhoads,
appointed in January, 1913, elected in Novem-
ber, 1913.
The Columbia County Bar Association was
organized Dec. 3, 1878. Morrison E. Jackson,
of Berwick, was the first president ; Col. J. G.
Freeze, vice president ; George E. Elwell, sec-
retary; and C. G. Barkley, treasurer. Mr.
Jackson died in July, 1879, and Colonel Freeze
was elected president, which position he held
up to the time of his death in July, 1913, Mr.
Elwell continuing as secretary up to that time.
The present officers (1914) are: A. W. Duy,
president ; C. C. Yetter, vice president ; H.
Mont. Smith, secretary; H. R. Stees, treas-
urer.
Members of the Bar *
Robert C. Grier,
William G. Hurley,
James Pleasants,
Samuel F. Headley,
Morrison E. Jackson,
LeGrand Bancroft,
B. K. Rhodes,
Charles R. Buckalew,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Catawissa.
Berwick,
Berwick,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
deceased,
deceased,
deceased,
deceased,
deceased,
deceased,
deceased,
deceased.
* Names listed in order of admission.
72
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
Robert F. Clark,
Reuben W. Weaver,
John G. Freeze,
Robert S. Howell,
Elisha C. Thompson,
Franklin Stewart,
Ephraim H. Little,
Alexander J. Frick,
Oliver C. Kahler,
Wesley Wirt,
Agib Ricketts,
W. A. Peck,
Charles G. Barkley,
Samuel Knorr,
Hervey H. Grotz,
William H. Abbott,
Chas. B. Brockway,
Wellington H. Ent,
M. M. Traugh,
James K. Brugler,
Peter S. Rishel,
Michael Whitmoyer,
M. M. LaVelle,
Russel R. Pealer,
Elijah R. Ikeler,
Charles W. Miller,
George S. Coleman,
James B. Robison,
J. H. James,
M. E. Walker,
O. B. Mellick,
James Bryson,
Milton Stiles,
LeRoy Thompson,
John M. Clark,
B. Frank Zarr,
A. C. Smith,
Hervey E. Smith,
John A. Opp,
Warren J. Buckalew,
George E. Elwell,
Robert R. Little,
Nevin U. Funk,
William L. Eyerly,
Charles B. Jackson,
Frank P. Billmeyer,
Levi E. Waller,
T. J. Vanderslice,
H. C. Bittenbender,
W. H. Rhawn,
William Brvson,
Paul E. Wirt.
Robert Buckingham,
L. S. Wintersteen,
Andrew L. Fritz.
Andrew K. Oswald,
Jacob H. Maize.
C. C. Peacock,
Hiester V. White.
A. E. Chapin,
John C. Yocum.
David Leche,
Guy Jacoby.
William Chrisman.
W. H. Snyder.
William E. Smith,
Grant Herring,
A. N. Yost,
C. E. Geyer,
S. P. Hanley,
Sterling W. Dickson,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Espy,
Bloomsburg,
Berwick,
Bloomsburg,
Danville,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Wilkes-Barre,
Berwick,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Catawissa,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Berwick,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg.
Centralia.
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg,
Centralia,
Shickshinny,
Bloomsburg,
Centralia.
Berwick.
Berwick.
Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Plymouth.
Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg,
Berwick,
Montclair, N.J.
Wilkes-Barre.
Bloomsburg.
Lincoln. Nebr.
Catawissa.
Centralia.
Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg.
New York,
Bloomsburg.
Berwick.
Bloomsburg.
Wilkes-Barre.
Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg.
Catawissa.
Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg.
Bloomsburg.
Orangeville.
Berwick.
Sunbury.
Bloomsburg.
Catawissa,
Berwick,
Berwick,
deceased.
deceased.
deceased.
deceased.
deceased.
deceased.
deceased.
not practicing.
deceased.
deceased.
practicing.
deceased.
deceased.
deceased.
deceased.
left the county.
deceased.
deceased.
deceased.
left the county.
left the county.
left the county.
deceased.
left the county.
deceased.
practicing.
deceased.
deceased.
deceased.
deceased,
deceased.
deceased.
not practicing.
deceased.
deceased.
deceased.
practicing.
deceased.
not practicing.
deceased.
practicing.
deceased.
deceased.
practicing,
practicing.
practicing.
deceased.
not practicing.
deceased.
deceased,
deceased,
practicing.
not practicing.
left the county.
deceased.
deceased.
practicing.
practicing.
deceased.
deceased.
deceased.
practicing.
practicing.
deceased.
practicing.
James M. Fritz,
William Leverett,
A. M. Freas.
James A. Rohrbach,
William D. Beckley,
E. H. Guie,
J. Simpson Kline,
H. A. McKillip,
Fred Ikeler,
Thomas B. Hanley,
James L. Evans,
Charles H. Weaver,
John R. Sharpless,
R. Rush Zarr,
Wilson A. Everet,
John G. Harman,
George M. Tustin,
Charles H. Bates,
Christian A. Small,
Frank Ikeler,
Edward J. Flynn,
Ralph R. John,
G. M. Quick,
H. J. Patterson,
B. F. McHenry,
D. Sylvester Pensyl,
Albert W. Duy,
Clemuel R. Weiss,
Harry M. Hamlin,
C. J. Fisher.
Wm. C. Johnston,
Clyde C. Yetter.
Clinton Herring,
J. Alexis Guie,
Harry R. Stees,
Harry M. Persing.
C. H. Marks,
C. E. Kreisher.
R. O. Brockway,
J. G. Jayne,
L. C. Mensch,
Boyd F. Maize,
H. Mont Smith.
William E. Elmes.
Alex. C. Jackson,
Charles S. Kline,
A. J. Robbins,
Warren S. Sharpless,
Neil Chrisman,
John A. Moran,
Conway W. Dickson.
Clark Dickson.
G. W. Moon,
Wilkes-Barre,
Philadelphia,
Wilkes-Barre.
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Seattle, Wash.,
Sunbury,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
New Y'k City.
Berwick,
Hazleton,
Kingston,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Centralia,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Williamsport,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Catawissa,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Seattle, Wash.,
Bloomsburg,
Shickshinny,
Catawissa,
Berwick.
Berwick.
Catawissa,
Bloomsburg,
Bloomsburg,
Berwick,
Berwick.
Catawissa,
Wilkes-Barre.
Berwick,
Wilkes-Barre,
Centralia.
Berwick.
Berwick,
Bloomsburg,
practicmg.
not practicing.
left the county.
not practicing.
practicing.
practicing.
practicing.
practicing.
practicing.
left the county.
practicing.
not practicing.
left the county.
practicing.
practicing.
left the county.
practicing.
not practicing.
practicing.
practicing.
left the county.
practicing.
left the .county.
left the county.
practicing.
left the county.
practicing,
practicing,
practicing,
practicing,
practicing,
practicing,
not practicing.
practicing.
practicing.
practicing.
practicing.
not practicing.
practicing.
practicing.
practicing.
practicing.
practicing,
practicing,
practicing,
practicing,
practicing,
practicing.
TRIAL OF THE "mOLLIE MAGUIRES"
The most important criminal case which
ever came up before the courts of Cohtmbia
county was the trial of the "MolHe Maguires"
in 1869. This case was the beginning of a
series of incidents which became of almost
national fame, and finally resulted in a second
trial, in 1877, which closed the matter for all
time.
On Sunday, Oct. 18. 1868, the body of Alex-
ander W. Rea, agent for the Locust Mountain
Coal & Iron Company, of Centralia, was
found in the bushes on the road from Cen-
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
73
tralia to Mount Carmel, riddled with bullets.
On Nov. 17, 1868, John Duffy, Michael Prior
and Thomas Donohue were arrested for the
murder, and lodged in the Pottsville jail.
Later they were sent to Bloomsburg to await
trial. Suspicion also fastened upon Patrick
Hester, who had hastily decamped to Illinois,
and he later on returned to Bloomsburg and
surrendered. At the December session of
court a bill was found against Donohue, Duffy
and Prior, and at the February session, 1869,
a similar bill was returned against Hester.
The case was called by the district attorney
on Feb. 2, 1869, Judge Elwell presiding, and
separate trials granted the prisoners. The
Commonwealth was represented by District
Attorney E. R. Ikeler, Linn Bartholomew,
Robert F. Clark, Edward H. Baldy and M. M.
LaVelle. The prisoners were defended by
John W. Ryon, John G. Freeze, Myer Strouse,
S. P. Wolverton and W. A. Marr.
The theory of the prosecution was that,
Saturday being a general pay day in the coal
regions, a party of assassins concealed them-
selves at the point where the body was found
in the hope of securing the large sum of
money which Rea would carry. It was his
custom, however, to pay off the men on Fri-
day, a practice well known to all residents of
the vicinity. This caused the prosecution to
infer that the murder was committed by
some persons unfamiliar with the locality.
Donohue was tried and acquitted on Feb.
II, 1869; on the nth of May the case against
Hester was dismissed from lack of evidence,
and on the same date Duffy was tried and
acquitted. Prior also was tried and acquitted.
Seven years then passed and no further clews
to the murder were discovered.
Made bold by the release of the accused
miners, some laborers fn the hard coal regions
developed an organization for purposes of in-
timidation which soon absolutely controlled
the community and caused a complete reign
of terror over all of the southern part of
Columbia county and a great part of Schuyl-
kill and Carbon counties.
A common method of intimidating the
better class of coal miners was for a gang of
ten or more toughs to sweep through the min-
ing camps, forcing every man to join them,
the gradually increasing numbers overawing
any inclined to resist. On June 3, 1875, 0"^
thousand men stopped work at several mines
near Mahanoy City, and a similar band did
the same at Shenandoah. The same night a
breaker at Mount Carmel was burned, and a
few days later two contractors at the Oakdale
mine were shot.
Depredations became so common that every
passenger train passing through the affected
section had to be preceded by a locomotive
carrying an armed posse. Watchmen and
station agents were beaten, loaded cars put
upon the main line, switches misplaced, ware-
houses plundered, and bosses particularly
hated by the malcontents were served with
notices to leave, under pain of death. Such
threats were almost invariably executed.
The chief source of these atrocities was an
organization formed by the lawless element
and christened the "Mollie Maguires." They
terrorized the entire coal region from 1865 to
1875, had signs and passwords, and developed
such strength that not a man could be hired
unless he was approved by the society.
In exposing and suppressing this society the
president of the Philadelphia & Reading Coal
& Iron Company, Franklin B. Gowen, em-
ployed James McParlan, of the Pinkerton De-
tective Agency. McParlan posed as a miner,
joined the order, became one of the leaders,
and finally brought most of them to justice.
Nine of the "Mollies" were sentenced to death
in Schuylkill county, two in Carbon, and some
others were imprisoned for long terms.
At this time there was a man named Daniel
Kelly, an abandoned criminal, confined in the
Schuylkill county jail on the charge of larceny.
Suspicion having been directed against him as
having some knowledge of the murder of
Alexander W. Rea, he became frightened and
offered to turn State's evidence if allowed to
go free. Accordingly, on his testimony, Peter
McHugh and Patrick Tully were arrested in
the fall of 1876 as participants in the murder,
and Patrick Hester was again arrested as ac-
cessory before the fact. They were first
lodged in the Pottsville jail, but later brought
to Bloomsburg for trial.
On Feb. 7, 1877, the trial began, Messrs.
Hughes, Buckalew and District Attorney John
M. Clark appearing for the Commonwealth,
while Messrs. Ryon, Wolverton, Freeze,
Brockway, Mahan and George E. Elwell ap-
peared for the defense. All the accused
pleaded "not guilty" and were arraigned to-
gether. Daniel Kelly, pardoned by the gov-
ernor, was made the chief witness against
them. The trial lasted three weeks, when the
jury brought in a verdict of guilty, and the
prisoners were sentenced to hang. New trials
were refused them and the governor and
board of pardons would not interfere, so on
Aug. 9, 1877, Tully, McHugh and Hester
74
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
were executed upon a gallows at Bloomsburg,
borrowed from the authorities of Carbon
county. Two weeks before the execution
Tully confessed to Attorney Elwell that he
was guilty and corroborated the evidence of
Kelly. Hester and McHugh did not confess
their guilt in a public manner, although they
had the ministrations of a priest on the morn-
ing of their death. What they told the father
confessor is not known, as the secrets of the
confessional are kept inviolate by the Roman
Catholic Church, but the priest saw Tully's
confession and approved of its publication.
The informer, Kelly, was subsequently
made a witness in a similar trial at Wilkes-
Barre, where he confessed to an appaUing
series of crimes. His evidence was there
given without stipulated immunity, but as his
punishment would have prevented the bring-
ing of others to justice through similar con-
fessions of witnesses, he was allowed to go
free. He left this section, and what subse-
quently became of him is not known.
CHAPTER VIII
THE MEDICAL PROFESSION OF COLUMBIA COUNTY
(By Luther B. Kline, M. D., Catawissa, Pa.)
The noble profession of medicine has had
many representatives in the past who have left
their impress upon the history of Columbia
county. Doctors have always been the inti-
mate counselors and true friends of the peo-
ple, and in this county there are many who
have a warm spot in their hearts when the
family physician is discussed. To the pioneers
of this section of Pennsylvania the old-time
country doctor was one of the welcome visitors
at their isolated homes. In those days the
practice of medicine required good horseman-
ship, rugged health and all the courage and
endurance that the physician could command,
for the roads were often mere muddy trails,
the homes far apart, and the dangers of the
forests and morasses were added to by the
terrors of wild beasts and still more ferocious
savages.
All of the earlier physicians were obliged to
keep at least three good horses on hand at all
times, for often when the doctor had ridden
home from a twenty-mile trip he would have to
retrace his tracks without sufficient time to
make a change of garments. And besides the
hardships of the constant and long rides, the
old physicians were expected to wait for their
pay for an indefinite time. In the days of lack
of currency and trading there was some excuse
for this, but at the present time the physician
is still a waiter, and usually a good one. Most
everyone gets his money before the doctor is
paid, yet there is seldom a complaint from the
long-sufifering medico.
The first doctor who came to Columbia
county is supposed to have been Dr. E. B.
Bacon, who hailed from Connecticut, by way
of Kingston. At that time his practice ex-
tended from Catawissa to the headwaters of
Fishing creek. He removed to Wellsboro in
1817 and engaged in farming.
Drs. Townsend and Krider were the next
arrivals, and they located in Bloomsburg. The
former remained but a short time, but the lat-
ter practiced in the town until his death.
About 1818 Dr. Roe came, and divided his time
between healing and teaching school. He then
removed up Fishing creek and went to farming.
Dr. Ebenezer Daniels came to Catawissa
about 1822, and was followed the next year
by Dr. Harmon Gearhart, whom he highly
recommended to the people of the town. Dr.
Daniels sold his practice in 1834 to Dr. John
Ramsay, and removed to Indianapolis. Dr.
Gearhart died in 1833.
Dr. Ramsay removed to Bloomsburg and
took a leading part in the affairs of the town.
He was especially active in the paths of educa-
tion. He died suddenly in 1863.
Dr. William Petrikin came to Bloomsburg in
1834. He was a son of the famous Dr. David
Petrikin, of Danville, and had all of his fa-
ther's energy and brilliancy, but death carried
him off in 1842.
Dr. David N. Scott came to Bloomsburg in
1842 and resided in the part of town nick-
named "Scottown" from the fact that the
Doctor laid it out into lots, and built the first
house there. He removed to Kansas some
years later.
Dr. Thomas Vastine came to Bloomsburg in
1833, but soon left for Williamsport. Later
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
75
he located permanently in St. Louis. Dr. Ed-
ward Hawkins also came to the town for a
short time and then went to Michigan, after
1848. Drs. George Hill and Thomas Butler
were residents of Bloomsburg for a few years
after 1846, the former going to Muncy.
Dr. J. B. McKelvey came to Bloomsburg in
1851. He had previously located at Mifflin-
ville, in 1849, from there going to Graysville,
Ky., and Arkadelphia, Ark. He continued to
reside in Bloomsburg until his death. During
1914, while some workmen were excavating in
the alley beside his house on Main street, they
uncovered some human bones, which had prob-
ably been buried there after use in demonstra-
tion work. For a few hours all sorts of rumors
were current, until the true explanation was
found. The Doctor had a wide circle of
friends, and his death was a matter of regret
to all.
Mifflinville had few doctors at any period of
its history. One of the first was Dr. F. C.
Harrison, who located there in 1855. He
afterwards went to Lewisburg and became a
banker, a much more profitable occupation.
After his departure Dr. Wells, of Wilkes-
Barre, located there for a short time.
In 1855 Dr. William H. Bradley came to
Bloomsburg to practice, but soon after began to
edit a weekly paper. In 1868 Dr. William M.
Reber arrived in Bloomsburg. He had been a
surgeon in the navy and was a man of much
ability.
In 1874 Dr. Benjamin F. Gardner came to
Bloomsburg from Tennessee. He had been a
surgeon of high rank in the Confederate serv-
ice, and his change of location proved a wise
one. He found more opportunities and
speedier payment for his services in the North
than in the impoverished South. He is still
living, and is much respected by all the towns-
people.
Dr. Hugh McReynolds, another of the older
physicians, came to Bloomsburg from Buck-
horn, where he had practiced for some years
previous to 1872.
COLUMBIA COUNTY MEDICAL SOCIETY
This society had its origin in 1858. On
July 31st of that year a number of physicians
of Columbia and Montour counties formed an
organization for mutual protection and inter-
change of experiences. Dr. John Ramsay pre-
sided. In the following month it was decided
to become auxiliary to the State society, and
to invite the members of the profession in
Northumberland county to unite with them.
The name was changed to Susquehanna Union
Medical Society in 1859, but in 1864 it was
changed to Columbia and Montour Medical
Society. Still later the name was restored
to its first form.
By the act of June 18, 1881, all members of
the profession were required to register with
the State authorities. All who had been in
practice from 187 1 were permitted to continue,
even if not graduates of a medical school.
Others must produce certificates of graduation
to continue in the profession.
The years following organization were in-
teresting ones for the members of the society.
Many papers were read at the meetings and
much done to elevate the standards of the pro-
fession. So pleasant were the relations be-
tween the members from the two counties that
no thought of separation was held until June
16, 1874. Then the members from Montour
county, having quietly nominated only Co-
lumbia county men for all the offices and suc-
ceeded in getting them elected, stated their
intention of organizing the Montour County
Medical Society. The separation took place
without a particle of friction, and the two
societies still interchange ideas and visits.
At present the Columbia county society
meets in rotation at Berwick, Bloomsburg and
Catawissa the second Thursday of every
month, except in July, when the meeting is
held at Benton. A paper called "The Roster"
is issued monthly, edited by Dr. Luther B.
Kline, of Catawissa, and contains reviews of
the past work, programs of the future, and
articles of special interest to the members. It
has a circulation of 125 copies. The meetings
are well attended and are taken up with dis-
cussions of matters of value to the medical
profession. The society has forty-four active
members and one honorary member. Dr. John
C. Rutter.
The officers and committees for 1914 are:
President, Dr. Joseph Cohen, Berwick; first
vice president, Dr. Benjamin F. Gardner,
Bloomsburg; second vice president, Dr. John
M. Gemmell, Millville ; secretary and treasurer,
Dr. Luther B. Kline, Catawissa; librarians —
Dr. John W. Bruner and Dr. James R. Mont-
gomery, Bloomsburg. Censors — Dr. J. Elmer
Shuman, Bloomsburg; Dr. John H. Bowman,
Berwick ; Dr. Charles K. Albertson, Fairmount
Springs. Committee on Public Policy and
Legislation — Dr. B. Frank Sharpless, Cata-
wissa; Dr. John W. Bruner, Bloomsburg; Dr.
Charles T. Steck, Berwick. Scientific Pro-
gram — Dr. J. Brooks Follmer, Berwick; Dr.
William C. Hensyl, Berwick; Dr. Edwin A.
Glenn, Berwick.
76
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
REGISTERED PHYSICIANS PRACTICING IN COLUMBIA COUNTY SINCE ACT OF 1881 BECAME A LAW
Institution
Jefferson Medical College
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania Medical College
Homeopathic Medical
Jefferson Medical College
Medical College of Virginia
Jefferson Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
Bellevue Hospital Medical College
Long Island Hospital
University of Vermont
Jefferson Medical College
Hahnemann Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia College
Philadelphia University
University of Pennsylvania
Jefferson Medical College
Eclectic Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
University of Pennsylvania
Eclectic Medical College
University of Pennsylvania
Jefferson Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
Pennsylvania Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
Hahnemann Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
University of Pennsylvania
Jefferson Medical College
Castleton Medical, Vermont
Jefferson Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pennsylvania
Medico-Chirurgical
Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore
Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore
Medico-Chirurgical
Medico-Chirurgical
Medico-Chirurgical
Jefferson Medical College
Hahnemann Medical College
Jefferson Medical College
University of Baltimore
Medico-Chirurgical
Jefferson Medical College
Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore
University of Pennsylvania
Jefferson Medical College
Name
Residence
Diploma
♦John K. Robbins
Catawissa
March lo,
1842
*J. B. McKelvey
Bloomsburg
April 8,
1848
*H. W. McReynolds
Bloomsburg
April 8,
1848
♦Jacob Schuyler
Bloomsburg
March 7,
1843
John C. Rutter
Bloomsburg
March 3,
1855
♦William M. Reber
Bloomsburg
March 10,
1863
B. F. Gardner
Bloomsburg
March 11,
1861
Isaiah W. Willits
Bloomsburg
March 11,
1875
Luther B. Kline
Catawissa
March 9,
1867
♦Thomas J. Swisher
Jerseytown
March 10,
1862
Alexander B. McCrea
Berwick
June I,
i86s
♦George L. Reagan
Berwick
June,
1865
tF. W. Redeker
Espy
March 12,
1878
Alfred P. Stoddard
Orangeville
March 12,
1850
J. Jordan Brown
Bloomsburg
March 12,
1870
♦Thomas C. McHenry
Benton
March 30,
1870
tRalph M. Lashell
Centralia
♦D. H. Montgomery
Mifflinville
March 10,
1852
♦John B. Patton
MiUville
Feb. 23,
1869
♦Josiah Smith
Berwick
April I,
I8S4
J. R. Montgomery
Bloomsburg
March 13,
1880
♦Abia P. Heller
MillviUe
Feb. 22,
1854
♦Pius Zimmerman
Numidia
April 2,
1883
♦J. H. Vastine
Catawissa
March,
1858
♦Charles C. Willits
Catawissa
March 30,
1882
tjohn W. Carothers
Berwick
April 13,
1883
♦L. A. Shattuck
Bloomsburg
May 6,
1869
Charles T. Steck
Berwick
March 28,
1878
♦John G. Schaller
Rohrsburg
♦Samuel A. Gibson
Berwick
George L. Jolly
Orangeville
March i,
1883
J. C. Wintersteen
Numidia
April 2,
1886
N. J. Hendershott
Bloomsburg
Isaac L. Edwards
Benton
March 11,
1870
Isaac E. Patterson
Benton
March 12,
1869
♦William B. Robbins
Catawissa
March 12,
1873
David E. Krebs
Light Street
March 3,
i8S7
♦Frank P. Hill
Berwick
March 14,
1876
tEverett W. Rutter
Berwick
March 6,
1874
J. R. Gordner
Berwick
B. F. Sharpless
Catawissa
March 23,
1880
tChristian Leuker
Buckhorn
March 12,
1877
♦J.'R. M. Evans
Bloomsburg
March 5,
1859
♦0. A. Megargell
Orangeville
June 15,
1859
♦Louis J. Adams
Evansville
March 10,
1877
♦John C. Fruit
Jerseytown
March 7,
i8S7
Honora A. Robbins
Bloomsburg
Ambrose Shuman
Catawissa
June 7,
1894
John H. Bowman
Berwick
May I,
1888
Ralph E. Miller
Bloomsburg
June 15,
1904
C. F. Altmiller
Bloomsburg
May 25,
1901
Delbert M. Hess
Rohrsburg
April 29,
1902
J. B. Follmer
Berwick
March 4,
1884
John S. Hoffa
Benton
May 23,
1903
Allen V. Carl
Numidia
June 8,
1909
E. A. Alleman
Berwick
May,
1890
J. S. Lazarus
Bloomsburg
March,
1868
Frank R. Clark
Berwick
April 7,
1891
Jesse W. Gordner
Jerseytown
June,
1909
George F. Drum
Mifflinville
April 14,
1900
♦Irving C. Breece
Bloomsburg
Samuel B. Arment
Bloomsburg
March 10,
1877
Howard S. Christian
Millville
March 15,
1887
J. F. Pfahler
Berwick
J. Stacy John
Bloomsburg
June,
1896
L R. Wolfe
Espy
♦ Deceased.
t Removed.
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
77
REGISTERED PHYSICIANS PRACTICING
Name
tAndrew Graydon
tGeorge A. Poust
tRuth Tustin
Clifton Z. Robbins
tjohn Rhodes
tThomas C. Kutter
tj. K. Levan
tReuben O. Davis
*Montraville McHenry
tCarl H. Senn
tDavid A. Hart
■(■Frederick E. Ward
tjames C. Davis
tWalter C. Shew
*George H. Vastine
John T. MacDonald
Edward L. Davis
John M. Gemmell
Theodore C. iriarter
Edwin A. Glenn
Henry Bierman
tjacob A. Baer
Joseph Cohen
George E. Follmer
John VV. Bruner
Wilham T. Vanee
tH. V. Hower
J. E. Shuman
William C. Hensyl
tJ. F. Gardner
J. M. Vastine
Residence
Bloomsburg
Millville
Bloomsburg
Bloomsburg
Numidia
Berwick
Berwick
Berwick
Benton
Millville
Mainville
Berwick
Berwick
Jamison City
Catawissa
Bloomsburg
Berwick
Millville
Bloomsburg
Berwick
Bloomsburg
Berwick
Berwick
Orangeville
Bloomsburg
Orangeville
Mifflinville
Bloomsburg
Berwick
Millville
Catawissa
The following physicians are residents of
Columbia county, but are not members of the
local society, being either retired or connected
Lewis R. Davis Centralia
Howard C. Fortner Centralia
J. Bruce Hess Benton
Charles B. Yost Bloomsburg
IN COLUMBIA COUNTY SINCE ACT OF 1881 BECAME A LAW — Cotlt.
Diploma Institution
1902 Jefferson Medical College
1900 University of Pennsylvania
1906 University of New York
1890 Jefferson Medical College
1868 University of Vermont
1901 Medico-Chirurgical
igi3 Baltimore Medical College
1906 Medico-Chirurgical
1909 Jefferson Medical College
1906 Jefferson Medical College
1891 University of Pennsylvania
1910 Medico-Chirurgical
1899 University of Pennsylvania
1906 Maryland Medical College
1881 College of Physicians and Surgeons
1904 Hahnemann Medical College
1888 Hahnemann Medical College
1901 College of Physicians and Surgeons
1906 University of Pennsylvania
1907 Jefferson Medical College
1890 Jefferson Medical College
1881 University of Maryland
1887 College of Physicians and Surgeons
1891 University of Pennsylvania
1904 Jefferson Medical College
1900 Medico-Chirurgical
with other societies (Dr. Everett is a member
of the Lycoming county society) :
Edward Everett Millville
Honora C. Grimes Bloomsburg
George L. Jolly Orangeville
Thomas Kealy Centralia
May
29,
June
15,
June,
May,
March
May
28,
May
12,
June
I,
June
7.
June
I,
June,
June
6.
June,
June,
May,
April
6,
April
29.
June,
June
4.
April,
March
4.
March
1'=;,
May
I,
May
27,
June,
CHAPTER IX
WAR RECORDS OF THE COUNTIES
The border troubles kept the military spirit
of the pioneers of Columbia and Montour
counties alive until the second war with Eng-
land. Then followed the Black Hawk war,
the Seminole war, the Mexican war, and lastly
the Civil war. In these conflicts the two coun-
ties took part to the extent of furnishing men
and munitions of war, principally during the
Civil war. During the period between that
memorable conflict and the Indian times sev-
eral companies were organized in Danville,
Bloomsburg and Berwick, mention of which
is made in the chapters devoted to those
towns.
During the war of 1812 the scene of hos-
tilities was too far away to affect this sec-
tion directly. When the British threatened to
attack Baltimore, Governor Snyder ordered
the militia of Northumberland, Luzerne and
Columbia counties to rendezvous at Danville,
under Major Post. For a few weeks they re-
mained in camp, but the battle of New Orleans
and the termination of the war caused the
camp to be abandoned.
The requirements of the militia system were
at this time so simple that the military spirit
of the county became quiescent until the out-
break of the Mexican war caused its sudden
revival.
78
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
COLUMBIA GUARDS
This military company, belonging especially
to Danville, but famous all over Columbia
county by its service in two wars, was organ-
ized at Danville in 1817. At the breaking out
of the Mexican war it was under the com-
mand of Capt. John S. Wilson, and its offer
of assistance being accepted was mustered
into the United States service Dec. 28, 1846.
A number of citizens of the county escorted
the Guards as far as Pittsburgh, on their way
to the seat of war, and all along the journey
they met with a continuous ovation. They
were placed in the 2d Regiment, Pennsyl-
vania Volunteers, then commanded by Colo-
nel Wyncoop, and later under Colonel Geary,
afterwards governor of Pennsylvania.
Captain Wilson died at Vera Cruz on April
10, 1847, and the command devolved upon
Dr. C. H. Frick, who gallantly led the Guards
during the campaign. Their first engagement
was at the storming of \ era Cruz, and the
second at Cerro Gordo, where they lost one
man, John Smith. At the battle of Chapul-
tepec they lost two men, William Dietrich
and John Snyder. On approaching the City
of Mexico, the defense of San Angelo, with
all of the militarj' stores, was committed to
the Guards, and on the 13th of September,
1847, they were among the first to enter the
City of Mexico in triumph.
The Guards returned to Danville on July
28, 1849, and the whole town turned out to
welcome them. Hundreds of persons from
all over the county thronged the streets, and
such a demonstration as was then made has
never been seen in Danville before or since.
The Guards kept their organization until
the opening of the Civil war, when they
entered the service under Capt. Oscar Ephlin.
On the expiration of their term they were
honorably discharged, and the company then
disbanded.
The following is the muster roll of the
Guards soon after their organization (see
Chapter IV, IMontour county, for list of those
in Mexican war).
John S. Wilson, captain ; Clarence H. Frick,
first lieutenant: Edward E. LaClerc, second
lieutenant; William Brindle, second heuten-
ant; George S. Kline, first sergeant; James D.
Slater, second sergeant; Robert Clark, third
sergeant; Charles Evans, fourth sergeant;
John Adams, first corporal ; James Oliver, sec-
ond corporal; John Smith, third corporal;
Arthur Gearhart, fourth corporal ; Thomas
Clark, drummer; Jesse G. Clark, fifer.
The private soldiers were : Charles W.
Adams, Alvin M. Allen, Jacob App, George
W. Armstrong, Frederick Brandt, Samuel
Bums, Flam B. Bonham, William Banghart,
John Birkenbine, Samuel D. Baker, Francis
Bower, Francis B. Best, William Brunner,
William H. Birchfield, Randolph Ball, Peter
Brobst, Abram B. Carley, Michael Corrigan,
Wm. Dieterich (Dietrich), Wm. Erie, Daniel
S. Follmer, Charles W. Fortner, Robert H.
Forster, Sewell Gibbs, Edward Grove, George
Garner, Thomas Graham, Shepherd W. Girton,
Samuel Huntingdon, Adam Heisler, Henry
Hemcastle, Oliver Helme, William S. Kertz,
William King, Jerome Konkle, Charles Lytle,
Ira Lownsberry, Robert Lyon, John A. Low-
ery, Benjamin Laform, Benjamin J. Martin,
Jasper Musselman, Edward McGonnel, George
?^Iiller, William Moser, Archibald Mooney,
Mahlon K. Manly, John G. Mellon, Alex.
McDonald, Daniel Martial, Richard H. Mc-
Kean, Charles Moynthan, Robert McAlmont,
Hugh AIcFadden, James AlcClelland, Nor-
man B. Mack, William McDonald, Casper
Oatenwelder, Daniel Poorman, Peter S. Reed,
Philip Rake, James A. Stewart, Peter M.
Space, Jona R. Sanders, Oliver C. Stevens,
Daniel Snyder, Edward Seler, Peter Seig-
fried, John C. Snyder, John N. Scofield. Wil-
liam Swartz, Joseph Stratton, William W.
Sawaney, John A. Sarvey, Benjamin Tumble-
ton, Adam Wray, William White, George
Wagner, Jacob Willet, Jerome Walker, George
Wingar, Peter W. Yamell.
CIVIL WAR
Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated Presi-
dent of the United States Alarch 4, 1861. Fort
Sumter was fired on April 12th, and on the
15th of that month the President called on
the loyal States for 75,000 men. Calls and
orders were subsequently issued, under dates
of May 3d, July 22d and July 25th, for an
aggregate of 500,000 men. On the 2d of
July, 1862, there was another call for 500,-
000 men. and on the 4th of August one for
300,000.
On Sept. 5, 1862, the Confederates invaded
Maryland, and a levy en masse was called in
Pennsylvania. On Sept. 15th a large number
of "emergency men" left Bloomsburg, and on
the 17th the battle of Antietam was fought.
On the 1 8th the Confederates evacuated
Sharpsburg and recrossed the Potomac, and
on the 22d more "emergency men" left
Bloomsburg.
On June 15, 1863, a proclamation was made
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
79
for the militia. On Oct. 15th there was a
call for 300,000 men, and on Feb. i, 1864, the
President ordered a draft for 500,000 to be
made on the loth of March. On the 14th
there was a call for 200,000 more, on the
1 8th of July one for 500,000, and on the igth
of December one for 300,000. Besides these
there were a lot of "ninety-day militia" and
other irregular musters. These various calls
were filled by enlistments, volunteering and
drafts.
There were four drafts made in Columbia
and Montour counties — one by the State
authorities for the militia; one Sept. 17, 1863,
to fill previous calls; one on June 3, 1864; and
one on April 14, 1865. Lee having surrendered
April 9th, the men liable for service under the
last were released. The last battle of the war
was fought May 12, 1865, and the surrender
of the last of the Confederates, under Kirby
Smith, occurred on May 26th of the same
year.
During the war there were for Pennsyl-
vania two great emergencies, the first in Sep-
tember, 1862, relieved by McClellan's victory
at Antietam. At that time Governor Curtin
called for 50,000 men, and Columbia county
responded by sending four companies, and
Montour sent two. The second emergency
was in June, 1863, when the President called
for 100,000 men. Of the number required,
Columbia county sent five companies, and
Montour two.
The first company in Columbia county to en-
list for the Civil war was the "Iron Guards,"
under Col. W. W. Ricketts, from Orangeville,
and the first man to enlist from the county
was C. B. Brockway. Ricketts was a West
Point cadet, and he soon had his company
completed. He ofl:'ered it to the government,
but was rejected. Not daunted, the members
chartered canalboats and went to Harrisburg,
where they were finally accepted.
THE DRAFTS
At the beginning of the Civil war the mi-
litia of Pennsylvania existed practically only
on paper. There was a form of military
organization, and a tax was levied on each
voter liable to duty save those in volunteer
companies, but there were few companies in
a complete state of organization.
In 1862 an enrollment was ordered, and
the number subject to military duty in Colum-
bia county was found to be 4,587 ; the quota,
under all calls, was 1,447 ; the number in serv-
ice, 626; leaving a balance of 821 men to be
supplied by draft or otherwise. The draft
was ordered by the State to fill the ranks.
The townships of Catawissa and Pine, and
the borough of Berwick, filled their quota
with volunteers, but in the other divisions of
the county a total of 696 men were drawn.
Bloom supplied 45; Briarcreek, 49; Beaver,
40; Benton, 27; Conyngham, 60; Centre, 54;
Fishingcreek, 50 ; Franklin, 5 ; Greenwood, 45 ;
Hemlock, 25; Jackson, 19; Locust, 40; Mon-
tour, 24; Main, 18; Mount Pleasant, 27; Mif-
flin, 46; Madison, 48; Orange, 9; Scott, 36;
Sugarloaf, 29.
No opposition was manifested to this draft,
in fact it had the effect of stimulating enlist-
ments in the national service. The later drafts
on the part of the national government, how-
ever, were not received with equal unconcern.
The first was drawn at Troy, Pa., Sept. 17,
1863, and called for 634 men from Columbia
county. There was considerable opposition,
particularly in Fishingcreek, Benton, Sugar-
loaf, Jackson and Pine townships, and the
neighboring portions of Luzerne and Sullivan
counties. A series of semi-public meetings
was held in the disafifected sections for the
purpose of discussing the situation, at which
the usual windy oratory prevailed, but no
definite plans were made to meet the ques-
tion at hand. Some advocated resistance to
the draft, others suggested the hiring of sub-
stitutes, but all finally acted on their own sug-
gestions, individually. There were a number
who refused to report for duty, and, as is cus-
tomary in wartime, they were declared to be
deserters by the military authorities. This
angered the people greatly and many wild
threats were made by individuals, who after-
wards regretted their sudden ebullition of tem-
per. The culmination of the trouble came
when, in August, 1864, Lieutenant Robinson
of Luzerne county was shot and fatally
wounded by a party of citizens whom he had
challenged on the road near Raven Creek
post office. It has since been established that
Robinson had no official authority to appre-
hend deserters.
In the same month a detachment of United
States troops arrived in Bloomsburg and
camped at the Fair Grounds, ostensibly for
the purpose of enforcing the draft. This
force was increased later until it included
almost a thousand men, a company under Colo-
nel Lambert, part of the Keystone Battery
from Philadelphia, under Lieutenant Roberts,
a battalion of infantry under Lieutenant Colo-
nel Stewart, and a battalion of the Veteran
Reser^-e Corps. On Aug. i6th Major Gen-
80
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
eral Couch, commanding the Department of
the Susquehanna, arrived and conferred with
leading citizens. He was assured of the non-
resistant character of the inhabitants of the
affected townships, so he offered to remit the
charge of desertion if the drafted men would
report themselves before noon of the follow-
ing Saturday. He returned to Harrisburg be-
fore the time set, and the recalcitrants not hav-
ing reported Colonel Stewart proceeded with
a body of troops to Benton on Aug. iSth. On
the 28th Major General Cadwallader arrived
in Bloomsburg from Philadelphia, assumed
command, and followed the first troop to Ben-
ton. On the 31st about a hundred arrests
were made and the prisoners brought to Ben-
ton, where a preliminary examination was
made. Of the number, forty-four were dis-
patched under guard to Harrisburg. The sur-
rounding country was explored for alleged
"forts" and other evidences of resistance, but
none was found. General Cadwallader re-
turned to Philadelphia and the larger number
of the troops were withdrawn, but some re-
mained and arrests were made from time to
time. The aggrieved parties and their friends
took legal steps to release the prisoners and
to test the legality of the arrests. On Oct. 17,
1864, twenty-one of the prisoners were granted
conditional release. Of these five had been
previously discharged owing to illness and one
had died in prison. On the same date the
trials of the remaining twenty-three were be-
gun before a military commission at Harris-
burg. Seven were convicted and sentenced
to terms ranging from six months to two
years. One prisoner paid a fine of $500, one
was pardoned by President Lincoln and five
by President Johnson, several were acquitted,
and the charge against the rest was later with-
drawn.
Among the citizens of Columbia county even
at this late day there are conflicting opinions
regarding these troubles, their origin and the
results of the trials. One side claims that
there was an organized and armed opposition
to the drafts, that threats were made against
the authorities, that peaceable citizens were
threatened by violent sympathizers, and that
the military occupation was necessary to re-
store order and safety. The other side claims
that dishonest enrollment was made, that there
was no organized resistance, that no threats
were made, military interference was unnec-
essary, that the soldiers were guilty of many
outrages, that many innocent men were im-
prisoned without warrant of law, and that the
main object was to intimidate Democratic
voters in the presidential election of 1864.
These are matters that will in time work
out to a definite series of facts of history, and
the trouble will be looked upon with the same
lenience with which the old veterans of the
Civil war now view the deplorable conflict in
which they participated.
COMPANIES AND REGIMENTS
Notwithstanding the draft troubles, Colum-
bia county was well represented at the front
of battle in the war. One of the first com-
panies to see service was the "Iron Guards,"
mentioned previously. As members of the
35th Regiment, 6th Reserves, they were mus-
tered in July 27, 1861, participated in many
battles and skirmishes all through the war,
and were finally mustered out June 11, 1864,
at Harrisburg.
The 178th Regiment, drafted militia, was re-
cruited in Columbia, Montour, Lancaster and
Luzerne counties. Companies A, H and I
were from Columbia county, and F and G
mostly from Montour county. They were
mustered in Oct. 30, 1862, and mustered out
July 27, 1863, at Harrisburg. They were in
several skirmishes, but no important actions.
Company H, i ith Regiment, was from Mon-
tour county and served for three months, be-
ing in the engagement at Falling Waters, Md.,
against the redoubtable "Stonewall" Jack-
son.
Company C, 14th Regiment, was also from
Montour county, but did not see much service,
being on guard duty near Washington. On
the termination of the three months' service
many reenlisted in other regiments.
Company C, i6th Regiment, from Berwick,
was mustered in April 30, 1861, for three
months' service, and saw much fighting in
Virginia. Many of the company re-enlisted
after their first term ended.
Company C, 193d Regiment, was from Mon-
tour county, was mustered in July 17, 1864,
and mustered out Nov. 5, 1864. They served
as guards along the Baltimore & Ohio railroad
and on scout duty, but were never in any bat-
tles or skirmishes.
Company A, I32d Regiment, from Montour
county, was mustered in Aug. 15, 1862. It
had a first-class war record, being in the bat-
tles of South Mountain, Antietam, Fredericks-
burg and Chancellorsville, and was mustered
out May 24, 1863. Clinton W. Neal, of
Bloomsburg, was quartermaster of the regi-
ment. Company E of this regiment was com-
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
81
posed of the "Columbia Guards," recruited in
Bloomsburg. Company H, mustered in at
the same date, was the "Catawissa Guards,"
recruited entirely from that town.
Company I, 136th Regiment, was from Co-
lumbia county and first formed part of the
defense of Washington. Later it went through
a number of engagements, the regiment at the
battle of Fredericksburg losing 140 men. It
was mustered out May 29, 1863, at Harris-
burg.
Company A, 74th Regiment, was recruited
mostly in Columbia county, for one year's
service, in March, 1865, did guard duty along
the Baltimore & Ohio railroad, and was mus-
tered out at Clarksburg, Va., Aug. 29, 1865.
Company B, 103d Regiment, coming mostly
from Bloomsburg, was mustered into service
in the early part of 1865, and mustered out at
Newbem, N. C, June 25, 1865, after a few
skirmishes and lots of guard duty.
Company E, 209th Regiment, was recruited
in Columbia county in 1864 and sent to the
front at once, but saw little fighting except at
Forts Steadman and Sedgwick, which latter
they captured. After railroad work and scout-
ing they were mustered out May 31, 1865, at
Alexandria, Virginia.
Company E, 35th Regiment, 6th Reserves,
was recruited in Montour county. May 14,
1861, and saw service at South Mountain,
Fredericksburg, Gettysburg and Spottsylvania
Court House. They were mustered out June
II, 1864, with an unstained military record.
Battery F, ist Artillery, 43d Regiment, was
recruited in Columbia and Montour counties
in 1 86 1 and participated in the engagements
at Winchester, Bull Run, Chantilly, Antietam,
Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg,
Bristoe Station, Mine Run, Wilderness, Spott-
sylvania, Cold Harbor and Petersburg. It
remained in service till the close of the war.
Company G, 52d Regiment, was recruited
in Columbia county in 1861, being among the
first in the field and the last out. They saw
service in the advance on Richmond, in the
battles of Fair Oaks and Mechanicsville, the
assault on Port Royal, S. C, the attacks on
Forts Johnson and Sumter, and were at Ral-
eigh when Johnston surrendered. They were
mustered out at Harrisburg July 12, 1865.
Company D, 84th Regiment, also known as
the "Hurley Guards," was recruited in Co-
lumbia and Montour counties, a few men be-
ing later received from other points. They
reached Hancock, Md., Jan. 2, 1862, and were
in the battles of Winchester and Port Re-
public. They were also in the battles of Fred-
ericksburg and Chancellorsville, and the cam-
paign in the Wilderness, down to Petersburg.
In 1862 they were mustered out, but many of
them entered the 57th Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers, serving until June 29, 1865. Sam-
uel M. Bowman of Columbia county was colo-
nel of the 84th Regiment.
Company H, 93d Regiment, was composed
of the "Baldy Guards," recruited in Dan-
ville and named from one of the town's prom-
inent citizens. It saw much and arduous serv-
ice, many of its members being killed and
wounded. They were in the following en-
gagements : Yorktown, Williamsburg, Fair
Oaks, Malvern Hill, Fredericksburg, Marye's
Heights, Salem Heights, Gettysburg, Wilder-
ness, Spottsylvania, Cold Harbor, Petersburg,
Opequan, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek. On
Jan. 25, 1865, they were mustered out. Col.
Charles W. Eckman, of Montour county, rose
to the command of the regiment.
Company B, 184th Regiment, was recruited
in Montour county and joined the Army of the
Potomac as it crossed the Pamunky river. May
28, 1864. The next day they were in the bat-
tle of Tolopotomy creek. At the battle of
Cold Harbor they lost heavily, and in constant
service in the assaults lost 350 men in twenty-
six days. They were continuously in battles
and skirmishes until the surrender at Appo-
mattox Court House, and then participated in
the grand review at Washington.
Company C, 187th Regiment, was formerly
Company D, 1st Battalion, organized for six
months' service and mustered out Jan. 9, 1864.
Upon reenlistment they went to Cold Harbor,
arriving there during the battle. Later they
were in all the heavy fighting before Peters-
burg. They headed the procession^ at the
burial of Lincoln, and were mustered out Aug.
2, 1865, at Harrisburg.
Battery F, 2d Artillery, 112th Regiment,
was recruited in Columbia and Montour coun-
ties. They garrisoned Washington for some
time and" then participated in the battles of
the Wilderness, Cold Harbor and Petersburg,
losing heavily at the famous mine explosion.
At Fort Harrison they lost 200 killed and
wounded. They remained in Virginia after
the evacuation of Petersburg until the end of
the war, being discharged at Philadelphia.
Company A, 52d Regiment, Pennsylvania
Volunteers, contained many Columbia county
men. It was in the Peninsular campaign, the
movement against Richmond, the taking of
Charleston, and its flag was the first that
floated over recaptured Fort Sumter. A num-
82
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
ber of Columbia county men were also in Com-
pany H of this regiment.
The 7th Cavalry, 80th Regiment, contained
a number of men from both of these counties,
to be found on the rolls of Companies D and
H. They saw long and severe service under
Buell in Kentucky and Tennessee, being dis-
charged Aug. 23, 1865.
COLUMBIA county's WAR FOOTING
With the world at war in 1914, it is inter-
esting to read the report of the assessors of
that year to the adjutant general at Harris-
burg, showing the number of men in this
county, between the ages of twenty-one and
forty-five, subject to military duty. The total
is 4,572, and in addition there are many who
would volunteer in case of war, thus making
a very respectable showing. The number by
districts is as follows :
Beaver 81
Benton Borough 82
Benton Township 82
Berwick 525
Bloomsburg, East 375
Bloomsburg, West 354
Briarcreek 1 56
Catawissa Township 56
Catawissa Borough 225
Centraha, ist 167
Centralia, 2d 180
Centre 143
Cleveland 73
Conyngham 210
Fishingcreek 60
Franklin 62
Greenwood 136
Hemlock 144
Jackson 53
Locust 90
Madison 123
Main 80
Mifflin 120
Millville 59
Montour 79
Mount Pleasant 26
Orange Township 52
OrangeviUe Borough 23
Pine 74
Roaringcreek 57
Scott 45
Sugarloaf 102
Stillwater Borough 8
West Berwick, ist 146
West Berwick, 2d 325
CHAPTER X
COUNTY FORMATION
The three original counties laid out by the
immortal founder of Pennsylvania were Bucks,
Philadelphia and Chester. Though the Prov-
ince was divided in 1682 into the three men-
tioned counties, their boundaries were not
distinctly ascertained until several years there-
after.
In 1729 the extension of the settlements and
the purchases from the Indians led to the estab-
lishment of Lancaster county. At that time
the Susquehanna marked the western limit of
the Province, but the purchase of 1736 opened
a triangular area west of the river, which was
attached to Lancaster county until the increase
of settlements demanded the erection in 1749
of York county, and in the following year of
Cumberland. The Indian boundary line of
the Kittatinny range marked the northern lim-
it of these counties. In 1752 the counties of
Berks and Northampton further divided this
section.
In 1771 Bedford county was erected, and
in 1772 the county of Northumberland, from
the territory of which Columbia and Montour
counties have since been formed, came into
being. It included an area now covered by
twenty-six counties and originally extended to
the border line of New York. It was organ-
ized March 27, 1772, and took in all the valley
of the West Branch of the Susquehanna, and,
with a small exception, the whole of the north-
ern part of the State. It contained 28,922
square miles, a territory larger than Connecti-
cut, Delaware, Massachusetts and New Jersey
combined.
At the first court held in that county, on
April 9, 1772, the county was divided into the
townships of Penn, Augusta, Turbut, Buffalo,
Bald Eagle, Muncy and Wyoming. Columbia
and several other counties were included with-
in the three townships of Augusta, Turbut and
Wyoming, the other four townships being cut
off from Northumberland in 1786 and included
in Luzerne county.
The territory of Northumberland was again
curtailed in 1789 by the formation of Mifflin
county; by Lycoming in 1795 ; Center in 1800;
Union and Columbia in 1813 ; and Montour in
1850. The townships also were gradually cut
up. Turbut township was bereft of territory
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
83
in 1775 to form Mahoning, and in 1786 another
portion was removed to torm Derry township.
The same year Chillisquaque was formed from
Mahoning. In 1785 "Catawassa" was formed
from Augusta, the name of that township grad-
ually being changed in spelling to "Catawese,"
"Catawessa," and finally remaining as "Cata-
wissa." This latter township was again re-
duced by the erection of Ralpho or Shamokin
township in 1788, and by Mifiiin township in
1797-
In 1786 the county of Luzerne took away
part of Wyoming township and the remainder
was named Fishingcreek. In 1797 this area
was again abbreviated by the formation of
Green Briarcreek township, and the following
year the township of Bloom was erected. In
1799 Greenwood was formed from Fishing-
creek, and in 1812 Harrison or Sugarloaf was
formed from the latter.
Columbia county was taken from North-
umberland and separately organized in 1813,
by an act of Assembly of March 226, and in-
cluded the townships of Chillisquaque and
Turbut. Danville was named in the report of
the commissioners appointed by the governor
to lay out the county and select a county seat.
In 181 5 the two townships of Chillisquaque
and Turbott (or Turbut, as it is now spelled)
were returned to Northumberland. This
prompt return of the townships after the loca-
tion of the county seat was construed by many
to be a trick to give Danville preference over
Bloomsburg, and for years thereafter a con-
tinual controversy raged between the rival
towns as to the location of the courthouse.
In 1816 the Assembly restored a portion of
the two townships to Columbia county, the
parts annexed being now Liberty and Lime-
stone townships in Montour county. Again
in 1818 another legislative act cut off a large
part of the eastern side of Columbia and gave
it to Schuylkill county. This dismemberment
of the county did not satisfy any of the rival
claimants for the county seat. Repeated ap-
plications were made to the Legislature to re-
move the seat of government to Bloomsburg,
and finally in 1845 the act was passed to author-
ize a vote on the question. The result was a
decisive one, the majority for removal being
1,334 out of a total of 4,492 votes. The
county buildings being completed, the records
were removed from Danville in November,
1847. 'ind the first session of court was held
in Bloomsburg in January, 1848.
But the location of the county seat at
Bloomsburg created another complaint from
those who now had to travel a great distance
to reach the courts and officials, and the case
was as bad as before, except that now Danville
was the sufferer. So by an act approved May
3, 1850, the county of Montour was created,
including the townships of Franklin, Mahon-
ing, Valley, Liberty, Limestone, Derry, An-
thony, and the borough of Danville.
The wrangling was not over, however, and
complaints were made that too much territory
had been taken from Columbia, so finally in
1853 the division line between the two counties
was established as it is at present. By the
same act, what was Madison township in
Columbia county was renamed Pine, and the
parts of Madison township which had been
set off to Mount Pleasant and Hemlock were
reannexed to the old territory in Columbia
county.
The division line as named in the act was as
follows : Beginning at the Northumberland
county line, at or near the house of Samuel
Reader, thence a direct course to the center
of Roaring creek in Franklin township, twenty
rods above a point in said creek opposite the
house of John Vought, thence from the middle
of said creek to the Susquehanna river, thence
up the center of the same to a point opposite
where the present county line of Columbia and
Montour strikes the north bank of the river,
thence to the said north bank, thence to the
schoolhouse near the residence of David Smith,
thence to a point near the residence of Daniel
Smith, thence to the bridge over Deerlick run
on the line between Derry and Madison town-
ships, thence by the line between said town-
ship of Madison and the townships of Derry
and Anthonv to the line of Lycoming county.
The township of Roaringcreek and parts of
the townships of Franklin, Madison and West
Hemlock were also taken from Montour and
reannexed to Columbia. As at present consti-
tuted, Columbia countv contains an area of a
little over 400 square miles, and a population of
48,467 persons.
The division line of 1850 so dismembered
the townships of Madison, Hemlock and Mon-
tour that some readjustment of the lines be-
came necessarv, so in 1852 what remained of
Madison south of Millville was attached in
part to Mount Pleasant and part to Hemlock,
the old name adhering to that portion which
extended alonsf the coimty line northwest of
Greenwood. By the act of 1853 the latter was
renamed Pine, and the restored portion, with
those attached to Hemlock and Mount Pleas-
ant, formed into a township under the old
name.
The division effected in the township of
84
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
Roaringcreek by the act of 1850 was subse-
quently made permanent, the restored portion
being named Scott. This was found to con-
flict with a township north of the river, then
under the advisement of the court, and a
month later the name of the southern township
was changed to Locust. Scott township was
formed the same year at the same session of
court, from the township of Bloom, which
had become too unwieldy for the election
commissioners.
A petition was laid before the court in 1855
stating that the township of Locust was from
twelve to fourteen miles long and from eight
to ten miles wide, and that the southern end
was chiefly a mining district, while the north-
ern end was devoted to farming, and asking
for the formation of a new township from
part of it. The commissioners reported
favorably, the court confirmed the report, and
the new township was named Conyngham,
after the judge of that date.
Finally, to complete the division of Colum-
bia county, the township of Cleveland was
formed from Locust in 1893, and named after
the president who had just been elected on
the Democratic ticket.
CHAPTER XI
COLUMBIA COUNTY AFTER 1850
The year 1850 fixed the date of the new
dispensation for Columbia county and the
birth of Montour county. At that date the
population of Columbia was 17,700. From
then until the present year of 1914 Columbia
county has steadily gained in population and
prosperity. Although the townships and some
of the smaller towns have lost somewhat, this
is only due to the modern tendency to concen-
trate in the places of greatest size and attrac-
tions. However, it is believed that the coming
years will show another exodus to the land
and give to this county the agricultural stimu-
lus which is all that is needed to make it an
earthly Eden.
The population of Columbia in i860, accord-
ing to government census figures, was 25,065 ;
in 1870 it was 28.766; 1880, 32,439; 1890,
36,832 ; 1900, 39.896 : 1910, 48,467. The total
area of the county is a little over four hundred
square miles.
COLUMBIA COUNTY COURTHOUSE
The first courthouse, which was used dur-
ing the time that this county also included
the territory of Montour county, is described
in the annals of the latter county in another
part of this volume, as its history has always
been a part of the history of Danville and it
was later again used for the business of the
new county of Montour.
One of the arguments of the opponents of
the removal of the county seat from Danville
to Bloomsburg was that the cost of the erec-
tion of the necessary public buildings would be
a severe burden upon the Bloomsburg people.
The act removing the county seat provided
that within three years thereafter the citizens
of Bloomsburg should erect at their own ex-
pense suitable buildings of brick or stone of
the most approved plans, and that the old pub-
lic grounds and buildings at Danville should
be disposed of, to pay the original subscribers
thereto, the surplus, if any, to revert to the
county treasury.
The Bloomsburg people met all these argu-
ments with the offer to donate the ground and
erect the buildings at their own expense, and
in carrying out these engagements they acted
in no niggardly spirit. William McKelvey
and Daniel Snyder were the prime movers in
this matter, and as soon as the question of re-
moval was settled entered actively upon the
work of erecting the courthouse and jail.
Elisha H. Biggs, who had made a liberal sub-
scription to the fund for erection, bought the
lot opposite the "Exchange Hotel," which he
at that time owned, and offered this as the site
of the courthouse. William Robison, who
owned the lot on the upper side, also donated
sufficient land, so that after the alleys on each
side were laid out the building site contained
about ninety feet front. Mr. Snyder con-
tributed two lots fronting on Center street, and
extending back to the upper line of the court-
house lot, for a jail site, which was accepted.
At this time the Presbyterian Church was plan-
ning for a new house of worship, and Rev.
D. J. Waller, Sr., went to Philadelphia to
secure approved plans for the two structures.
These plans were drawn by Napoleon Le Brun,
Old Courthouse, Bloomsburg, Pa.
Columbia County Courthouse, Bloomsburg, Pa.
i
A
!
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
85
and were scrupulously followed by the con-
tractors.
The new courthouse was constructed of
brick, burned by Daniel Snyder himself, and
was of the pure Ionic order of architecture.
It was 40 by 60 feet in size, with the county
offices below and the court and jury rooms
above. The cupola was fitted with a bell and
clock, the former put up in 1848, at a cost of
$400, and the latter provided by private sub-
scription. In 1868 the courthouse was ex-
tended by the addition of a 25-foot building,
the upper story for the law library and the
use of the judges and juries, and the lower
for the court records. The roof was also
raised at this time, which destroyed the true
architectural proportions. In 1882 a new clock
was installed in the cupola, and a year later
steam heating was introduced into the build-
ing.
At the September session of court, 1890, a
petition, signed by a large number of taxpayers,
was presented, asking for some changes and
improvements to the courthouse. This was
referred to the grand jury, who recommended
that an addition be built to the front of the
old building. In accordance with this the
county commissioners inspected plans sub-
mitted by architects, adopting those of A. S.
Wagner, of Williamsport. Bids were invited,
and the contract awarded on Nov. 19, 1890,
to Matthias Shaffer, for $21,600, that being
the lowest responsible bid. There was some
opposition to the expenditure of this money,
as there always is to public improvements, and
a move was made to procure an injunction to
prevent Shaffer from beginning the job, but
before this could be done he was at work with
his men early in the morning, and had the stone
steps and part of the porch at the front of the
building torn away. There was no injunction
asked for. While the work was in progress
Mr. Shaffer died, and the contract was com-
pleted by his son. Barton Shaffer, as adpiin-
istrator. The work was finished, and ac-
cepted by the county commissioners on Feb.
29, 1892.
The board of commissioners at the time the
contract was made was composed of William
G. Girton, Jesse Rittenhouse, and Ezra
Stephens, with J. D. Bodine as clerk. In
January, 1892, a new board went in office,
consisting of Jesse Rittenhouse, B. F. Edgar
and C. L. Sands. C. M. Terwilliger was
elected clerk.
This addition to the courthouse is 70 feet
on Main street and 40 feet deep to where it
joins on the old building, and is three stories
high, with a large square tower and a portico.
In the new part are the offices of the prothono-
tary and commissioners, on the first floor. On
the second floor are the judge's office, county
superintendent's office, jury rooms, and a re-
tirnig and rest room for women. A second
courtroom, 26 by 44 feet, is located on the third
floor, where is also a room occupied by the
Historical Society. The other county offices
remain as before. The building is heated by
steam and well supplied with all modern con-
veniences. The material in the addition is
brick, with brownstone trimmings. It pre-
sents an imposing appearance.
COUNTY JAIL
The first jail was constructed of brick and
stone, and combined the usual features of
jailer's residence and prison. It served the
county well for thirty years, although its in-
security in later years caused considerable
complaint. For a number of years successive
grand juries recommended the erection of a
new jail, but the opposition of the people pre-
vented any action. Finally the county com-
missioners made it known that if another jury
recommended action it would be taken. The
fourth grand jury sanctioned the report of its
predecessors, and in 1877 the county commis-
sioners began measures for the construction of
a new jail. For various reasons it was decided
to abandon the old site, and the Pursel lot, on
Market street, below Third, was conditionally
purchased for $4,000. These moves gave rise
to severe criticism of the commissioners'
plans.
The plans for the new prison were drawn
by a Mr. Wetzel, and on April 21, 1877, the
contract was awarded to Charles Krug. This
action intensified the dissatisfaction of the
critics, who rapidly included a large propor-
tion of the population in their ranks. It ap-
pears that there had been ten proposals, rang-
ing from $41,075 to $119,025, and that the
award was made to the second lowest bidder,
at a price $5,900 higher than the lowest one.
It was at once charged that these were grave
reasons for suspecting jobbery on the part of
the architect. The commissioners were urged
to dismiss him, abandon the new, expensive,
"mud-bottom" location, and either order a new
letting or promptly accept the lowest bid. The
commissioners refused, and on April 27th an
injunction was applied for to restrain the
authorities from building on the Pursel lot
and from entering into a contract with Krug.
The hearing developed that the lot was too
86
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
narrow, and would require changes in the plans
that were radical, therefore the court granted
a temporary injunction.
In the meantime Rev. D. J. Waller, Sr., had
offered a lot on Iron street, between Seventh
and Eighth, and in July the commissioners
abandoned the former location and accepted
Mr. Waller's donation. The new site was
open to some of the objections of the first one,
but the commissioners adhered to their final
decision. In the construction of the building
they evaded the order of the court by grantmg
contracts for the different parts of the struc-
ture to various contractors, some of whom
were smiply hirelings of Krug. Another com-
plaint was made that the cost had been in-
creased from the contract price of $56,975, to
$70,000.
The prison is a picturesque stone structure,
surrounded by bearing fruit trees and well
kept lawns. It has a high basement, and two
stories above, with a square tower on the
middle front. An oblong extension in the
rear contains the cells, which are arranged in
two tiers on either side of a corridor, lighted
by skylights in the arched roof. In the base-
ment are the workshops, steam heating plant
and the dungeons. Baths, closets, ventilation,
lighting and heating are all well provided for,
and the cells are reasonably secure, being lined
with metal and having two doors, of steel and
wood.
POORHOUSES
The only other public buildings in the county
are the several district poorhouses. In early
years the poor were "farmed out" to outsiders,
a most unsatisfactory method. In 1866 an act
was passed authorizing a county poorhouse,
but when the question was submitted to a vote
it was found that only Bloom, Greenwood and
Hemlock townships supported the project. In
1869 an act was passed authorizing the erec-
tion of a poorhouse in Bloom township and
providing that the application of ten taxables
in any other township should cause an election
to be held to decide whether that township
should unite with Bloom to form a poor dis-
trict. Under this act the townships of Scott,
Greenwood and Sugarloaf united with Bloom.
A farm of 100 acres on Fishingcreek was
purchased, in Mount Pleasant township, hav-
ing thereon a brick and a frame house, the
inmates being housed in the former. Other
additions and imnrovements have since been
made. In later years the borough of Millville
has united with the Bloom poor district.
In 1869 the township of Conyngham and
the borough of Centraha organized a district,
and a farm of seventy-five acres was pur-
chased, together with suitable buildings, all
of which were exempted from taxation. In
1872 Madison township also formed a poor
district and bought a farm of 100 acres, upon
which its poor are comfortably provided for.
The county itself has never had a poor farm,
and apparently it is not greatly needed, for
paupers are scarce in this thrifty section of the
State.
TOWNSHIPS
The several townships of Columbia county
and the dates of their erection are as follows:
Catawissa 1785
Fishingcreek 1789
Briarcreek 1797
Bloom 1798
Greenwood 1799
Mifflin 1799
Hemlock 1801
Sugarloaf 1812
Madison 1817
Mount Pleasant 1818
Roaringcreek 1832
Montour 1837
Jackson 1838
Orange 1839
Franklin 1843
Centre 1844
Main 1844
Beaver 1845
Benton 1850
Locust 1853
Pine 1853
Scott 1853
Conyngham 1856
Cleveland 1893
Scott, Pine, Locust, Conyngham and Cleve-
land townships were formed after the erection
of Montour county.
There are fifty-five election districts in
Columbia county in 19 14, their names being as
follows:
Beaver, Benton borough, Benton township,
Berwick northeast, Berwick southeast, Ber-
wick northwest, Berwick southwest, Bloom
first. Bloom second, Bloom third, Bloom
fourth, Briarcreek east, Briarcreek south,
Briarcreek west, Catawissa township, Cata-
wissa borough, Centralia first, Centralia
second, Centre north, Centre south, Cleveland,
Conyngham east-north, Conyngham west-
north, Conyngham west No. i, Conyngham
west No. 2, Convngham southwest, Conyng-
ham southeast, Fishinecreek east, Fishing-
creek west, Franklin, Greenwood east, Green-
wood west. Hemlock north, Hemlock south.
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
87
Jackson, Locust north, Locust south, Madison,
Main, Mifflin, Millville, Montour, Mount
Pleasant, Orange township, Orangeville bor-
ough. Pine north. Pine south, Roaringcreek,
Scott east, Scott west, Sugarloaf north,
Sugarloaf south, Stillwater borough. West
Berwick No. i, West Berwick No. 2.
COUNTY OFFICIALS
In the smaller counties the offices of protho-
notary and clerk, and register and recorder,
are consolidated. Under the constitution of
1790 the county officers, with the exception of
the sheriff and coroner, were appointed by the
governor, but in 1838 it was provided that they
be elected. The old constitution provided that
the people elect two candidates each for the
offices of sheriff and coroner, and that the gov-
ernor appoint one of them. By the amend-
ment of 1838 the people were permitted to
select these officers themselves, the governor to
commission them. The various offices have
been filled as follows :
Prothonotaries and Clerks
George A. Frick, appointed 1813; David
Petrikin, appointed March 15, 1821 ; John Rus-
sell, appointed Jan. 14, 1824; Jacob Eyerly,
appointed Jan. ly, 1830; James Donaldson, ap-
pointed Jan. 8, 1836, May i, 1838, and Jan. 10,
1839; Valentine Best, appointed Jan. 18, 1839;
Jacob Eyerly, elected in 1839; Jesse Coleman,
elected 1863; Wellington H. Ent, elected
1869, died Nov. 5, 1871 ; R. H. Ringler, ap-
pointed 1871; B. F. Zarr, elected 1872, and
1875; William Krickbaum, elected 1878, and
1881 ; William H. Snyder, elected 1884, and
Nov. 8, 1887; G. M. Quick, elected Nov. 4,
1890, and Nov., 1893 ; W. H. Henrie, elected
Nov. 3, 1896, and Nov. 3, 1899; C. M. Terwil-
Hger, elected Nov. 4, 1902, and Nov., 1905 ;
Freeze Quick, elected in November, 1908, and
again in 191 1.
Registers and Recorders
Josiah McClure, appointed in 1814; Ellis
Hughes, appointed 1821 ; Rudolph Sechler, ap-
pointed 1824; John Cooper, appointed 1830;
Alexander Best, appointed 1836; Philip Bill-
meyer, appointed Jan. 18, 1839, and elected in
the fall of 1839; Charles Conner, elected in
1842 and 1S45 ; Jesse G. Clark, elected in 1848
and 185 1 ; Daniel Lee, elected 1854, and re-
elected twice ; John G. Freeze, elected 1863
and 1866; Williamson H. Jacoby, elected 1869,
and reelected three times; George W. Sterner,
elected 1881 and 1884; Charles H. Campbell,
elected 1S87 and 1890; Charles B. Ent, elected
1893 and 1896; John C. Rutter, Jr., elected
1899 and 1902; Frank W. Miller, elected 1905
and 1908; James H. Mercer, elected 1911.
District Attorneys
District attorneys were first elected in 1854.
Up to that time the duties were performed by
a deputy attorney general appointed for each
county. The following persons have held the
office of district attorney since it became elec'
tive :
Robert F. Clark, 1854 to 1857; E. H. Little,
1857 to 1868; E. R. Ikeler, 1868 to 1871 ; James
Bryson, elected in 1871, resigned 1874; John
M. Clark, appointed Dec. 7, 1874 (to fill Bry-
son's unexpired term, his own term com-
mencing in January) ; John M. Clark,
elected in 1874; Robert R. Little, 1877
to 1883; Robert Buckingham, elected in 1883,
resigned 1885 ; F. P. Billmeyer, appointed in
1885; F. P. Billmeyer, elected in November,
1885, and in 1888, resigned in 1890; William
Ciirisman, appointed in April, 1890, elected in
November, 1890; Thomas B. Hanley, elected
in November, 1893, resigned June 27, 1896;
John G. Harman, appointed July 11, 1896;
John G. Harman, elected in November, 1896,
and in November, 1899; A. W. Duy, elected in
November, 1902 ; C. A. Small, elected in 1905,
reelected in 1908 and 191 1.
Sheriffs
The constitution of 1790 provided that sher-
iffs and coroners shall be chosen by the people
at the regular election ; two persons were
chosen for each office, one of whom respec-
tively was appointed by the governor. They
held office for three years or during good be-
havior, and until a successor was qualified,
but the sheriff could hold office only one term
in any period of six years. This was amended
by the constitution of 1838, so that only one
person could be chosen for each office. The
following persons have filled the office of
sheriff since the organization of the county :
Henry Alward, commissioned Jan. 13, 1814;
Joseph Prutzman, commissioned Oct. 10, 1816;
John Underwood, commissioned Oct. 8, 1819,
died in office; William Robison, appointed to
fill vacancy, Sept. 16, 1822 ; Andrew McRey-
nolds, commissioned Oct. 14, 1822 ; John
Rhoads, commissioned Oct. 22, 1821; ; William
Kitchen, commissioned Oct. 22, 1828; Isaiah
88
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
Reed, commissioned Oct. 24, 1831 ; Isaiah Sal-
mon, commissioned Oct. 25, 1834; William
Kitchen, commissioned Oct. 18, 1837; John
Fruit, commissioned Oct. 30, 1840; Iram Derr,
commissioned 1843; Benjamin Hay man, com-
missioned Nov. 5, 1846; Peter Billmeyer, com-
missioned Oct. 24, 1849; John Snyder, com-
missioned 1852; Stephen H. Miller, commis-
sioned 1855 ; John Snyder, commissioned 1S58;
Josiah H. Furman, commissioned 1861 ; Sam-
uel Snyder, commissioned 1864; Mordecai Mil-
lard, commissioned 1867; Aaron Smith, com-
missioned 1870; Michael Gruver, commis-
sioned 1873, <i'^d in office; Charles G. Murphy,
coroner, was sworn in April 5, 1876, and served
until May 5, 1876; Charles S. Fornwald, ap-
pointed by the governor May 5, 1876, served
until January, 1877 ; John W. Hoffman, elected
fall of 1876; Uzal H. Ent, elected fall of 1879;
John Mourey, elected fall of 1882 ; Samuel
Smith, elected fall of 1885 ; John B. Casey,
elected fall of 1888; John Mourey, elected fall
of 1891; J. B. McHenry, elected fall of 1894;
W. W. Black, elected fall of 1897; Daniel
Knorr, elected fall of 1900; W. W. Black,
elected fall of 1903 ; Charles B. Ent, elected
fall of 1906; W. P. Zehner, elected fall of
1909; B. F. Rice, elected fall of 1913.
County Commissioners
The following persons have served as county
commissioners in the years mentioned, since
1866. From that date until 1875 °^^ person
was elected each year for a term of two years.
After that three commissioners were elected
every three years.
1866 — Montgomery Cole, Allen Mann, John
F. Fowler. 1867 — David Yeager, John F.
Fowler, Montgomery Cole. 1868— W. Grier
Quick, Montgomery Cole, David Yeager. 1869
— David Yeager, W. G. Quick, Cyrus Robbins.
1870 — W. G. Quick, Cyrus Robbins, H. J.
Reeder. 1871 — William Shaffer, Cyrus Rob-
bins, H. J. Reeder. 1872 — William Lawton,
H. J. Reeder, William Shaffer. 1873— Wil-
liam Shaffer, William Lawton, John Herner.
1874 — William Lawton, John Herner, John
Ent. 1875 — Silas W. McHenry, John Herner,
Joseph E. Sands. 1878 — Stephen Pohe,
Charles Reichert, A. B. Herring. 1881 —
Charles Reichert, B. F. Edgar, Joshua Fetter-
man. 1884 — Stephen Pohe, Washington Parr,
Theodore Mendenhall. 1887— W. G. Girton,
Jesse Rittenhouse, Ezra Stephens. 1890 —
Jesse Rittenhouse, B. F. Edgar. C. L. Sands.
1893— G. M. Ikeler. J. G. Swank. W. H. Utt.
1896 — John N. Gordon, William Krickbaum,
N. Kitchen. 1899— W. H. Fisher, William
Krickbaum, N. Kitchen. 1902 — W. H. Fisher,
William Bogart, G. W. Sterner. 1905 — C. L.
Pohe, J. A. Hess, Elisha Ringrose. 1908 — C.
L. Pohe, J. A. Hess, C. F. Lenhart. 191 1 —
G. S. Fleckenstine, C. E. Welliver, C. F. Len-
hart.
Commissioners' Clerks
Since 1866 the clerks to the county commis-
sioners have been : Robert C. Fruit, William
Krickbaum, John B. Casey, J. D. Bodine, C.
M. Terwilliger, D. Z. Mensch, R. F. Vander-
slice, J. W. Hidlay, A. B. Black, Charles E.
Smith.
County Treasurers
This list shows the incumbents of this office
during the terms in the years before their
names, prior to 1870; from and after that time
the dates show when they began their terms :
1816, James Langhead; 1818, Josiah Mc-
Clure; 1820, 1822, William Wilson; 1826, 1828,
Andrew McReynolds; ' 1830, Hugh McWil-
Hams; 1832, 1834, John Fruit; 1836, 1838,
Hugh McWilliams; 1842, Leonard B. Rupert;
1844, David Clark; 1846, Charles F. Mann;
1S48, Emanuel Lazarus; 1850, Amandus Lev-
ers; 1852, Samuel Creasy; 1854, John Doak;
1856, Jacob Harris ; 1858, James S. McNinch ;
i860, John A. Funston ; 1862, James S. Mc-
Ninch ; 1864, Daniel McHenry; 1866, John J.
Stiles; 1868, Jacob Yohe ; 1870, David Lowen-
berg; 1873, John Snyder; 1876, H. W. McRey-
nolds ; 1879, H. A. Sweppenheiser ; 1882, A. M.
Johnson; 1885, P. A. Evans; 1888, George A.
Herring; 1891, John L. Kline ; 1894, J. R. Fow-
ler; 1897, G. S. Fleckenstine; 1900, Jeremiah
Snyder ; 1903, A. B. Croop ; 1906, M. H.
Rhodes; 1909, John Mourey; 1912, I. L. Rabb.
Toivnship and Borough Assessors
The township and borough assessors for
1914 are as follows : Beaver — Emanuel Har-
ger ; Benton borough — O. E. Sutton ; Benton
Tp. — John Ipher ; Berwick — Cyrus Smith ;
Blooni, W.— W. C. Sloan; Bloom, E,— P. B.
Heddens ; Briarcreek — William Ash ; Cata-
wissa Tp. — James Bibby ; Catawissa borough —
O. D. L. Kostenbauder ; Centralia, ist — M. W.
Brennan ; Centralia, 2d — A. T. Conway ; Cen-
tre — Frank Harris ; Cleveland — F. P. Small ;
Conyngham — Peter J. McHale ; Fishingcreek
— H. W. Hess; Franklin— D. M. Reeder;
Greenwood — W. L. Kelchner; Hemlock — •
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
89
Chas. L. Hartman; Jackson — M. O. Everhart;
Locust — D. C. Yocum; Madison — John J.
Kreamer; Main — Jerry Kelchner; Mifflin — P.
C. Glodfelter; Millville— Tillman Stadler;
Montour — Albert Newman ; Mt. Pleasant —
R. M. Creasy; Orange Tp. — Elmer Kline;
Orangeville borough — VV. W. Allabach ; Pine
— B. F. Karshner; Roaringcreek — C. M.
Yocum ; Scott — Harry Deiterick ; Sugarloaf —
Jesse Fritz; Stillwater borough — George
Dresher; W. Berwick, ist — William Croft;
W. Berwick, 2d— L. M. Pettit.
Representatives in Congress
Columbia county has been joined with a
number of other counties at dili'erent times in
the formation of a Congressional district. It
was originally placed in the Tenth district,
which included the counties of Northumber-
land, Union, Lycoming, Luzerne, Bradford,
Potter, Susquehanna and Tioga, with two Con-
gressmen, and was represented by the follow-
ing persons : William Wilson and Jared Irwin,
elected 1814; William Wilson and David
Scott, elected 1816. In 1817 Mr. Scott was
elected a judge and resigned, and John Murray
was elected to fill the vacancy. John Murray
and George Dennison were elected in 1818;
George Dennison and W. C. Ellis in 1820. In
1 82 1 Ellis resigned, and Thomas Murray, Jr.,
was elected to fill the vacancy.
In 1822 Columbia was put in the Ninth dis-
trict, with Union, Northumberland, Luzerne,
Susquehanna, Bradford, Lycoming, Potter,
Tioga and McKean, having three members, as
follows : W. C. Ellis, Samuel McKean, George
Kreamer, elected 1822 ; Samuel McKean,
George Kreamer, Espy Van Horn, elected
1824 and 1826 ; Philander Stevens, James Ford,
Allen Marr, elected 1828; Lewis Dewart, Phi-
lander Stevens, James Ford, elected 1830.
In 1832 Columbia was placed with Luzerne
as the Fifteenth district, with one member.
Andrew Beaumont was elected in 1832 and
1834; David Petrikin in 1836 and 1838; B. A.
Bidlock in 1840 and 1842.
In 1843 Wyoming was joined to Columbia
and Luzerne, forming the Eleventh district.
Owen D. Leib was elected in 1844 and 1846;
Chester Butler in 1848; Hendrick B. Wright
in 1850.
In 1852 Columbia was in the Twelfth dis-
trict with Luzerne. Montour and Wyoming.
Hendrick B. Wright was elected in 1852;
Henry M. Fuller in 1854 ; John G. Montgomery
in 1856 (he died before taking his seat, and
in 1857 Paul Leidy was elected) ; George W.
Scranton in 1858 and i860 (he died in March,
1861, and at a special election in June, H. B.
Wright was elected).
In 1861 Columbia was joined with Bradford,
Montour, Sullivan, Wyoming and all of North-
umberland, except Lower Mahoning township,
in the Twelfth district. Northumberland was
transferred to another district in 1862, and the
remaining counties elected Henry W. Tracy in
1862; Ulysses Mercur in 1864, 1866, 1868 and
1870; Dr. J. D. Strawbridge in 1872. Mercur
resigned in 1872, having been elected to the
Supreme bench, and at a special election, in
December, Frank Bunnell was chosen for the
short term.
In 1S73 Columbia was put in the Eleventh
district with Montour, Carbon, Monroe and
Pike counties ; the townships of Nescopeck,
Blackcreek, Sugarloaf, Butler, Hazel, Foster,
Bearcreek, Buck, Salem, Hollenback, Hunting-
ton, in Luzerne county; Fairmount, Roaring
Brook, Spring Brook, and that part of Scran-
ton south of Roaring Brook creek and east of
the Lackawanna river, in Lackawanna county ;
and the boroughs of Dunmore, New Columbus,
Gouldsboro, White Haven, Jeddo, and Hazle-
ton, in Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. It
was known as the "Shoestring" district. F. P.
Collins was elected in 1874 and 1876; Robert
Klotz in 1878 and 1880; John B. Storm in
1882 and 1884; C. R. Buckalew in 1886 and
1888.
In 1890 the Sixteenth Congressional district
was made up of Columbia, Montour, Northum-
berland and Sullivan counties, and so remains
in 1914. S. P. Wolverton was elected in 1890
and 1892; M. H. Kulp, 1894 and 1896; Rufus
K. Polk, 1898 and 1900 (died in office, and
Alexander Billmeyer was elected to fill the un-
expired term) ; Charles H. Dickerman, 1902;
E. W. Samuels, 1904; John G. McHenry, 1906,
1908 and 1910 (died shortly before the expi-
ration of his third term, and the vacancy was
not filled) ; John V. Lesher, 1912 and 1914.
State Senators
Columbia county was first placed in a Sena-
torial district with Luzerne, Susquehanna and
Union, Columbia and Union being added upon
the formation of the counties. This district
elected two senators, Thomas Murray, Jr., and
William Ross, Murray being reelected in 1814,
the first election for senator in which Columbia
participated.
In 181 5 the Ninth Senatorial district was
formed, and included Northumberland, Colum-
bia, Union, Luzerne and Susquehanna, with
90
COLUMBIA AND MONTOUR COUNTIES
two senators, chosen alternately, the term being
four years. Charles Frazier was elected in
1816; Simon Snyder, 1818; a special election
was lield in i8iy to till the vacancy caused by
the death of Simon Snyder, and Kobert Wil-
lett was elected. In 1820 Redmond Conyng-
ham was elected.
In 1822 the Tenth Senatorial district was
formed of Luzerne and Columbia, with one
member. In 1824 Robert Moore was elected.
The term was then changed to three years.
In 1827 Moore was reelected; Jacob Urum-
heller, 1830; Uzal Hopkins, 1833.
Another change of district took place in 1830,
when Columbia and Schuylkill were made the
Ninth district, with one senator. Charles
Fraley was elected in 1837; Samuel F. Head-
ley, 1840.
In 1843 Columbia and Luzerne were again
put together, as the Thirteenth district. Wil-
liam S. Ross was elected in 1844; Valentine
Best, 1847.
In 1850 Montour was added to these two
counties, and the district became the Sixteenth.
Charles R. Buckalew was elected in 1850 and
reelected in 1853; George P. Steele, 1856.
In 1857 Columbia, Montour, Northumber-
land and Snyder formed the Thirteenth dis-
trict, and C. R. Buckalew was elected senator,
but resigned at the end of one session. Reuben
Keller was elected in 1858 to fill the vacancy,
and reelected in i860. D. B. Montgomery was
elected in 1863.
In 1864 Sullivan was substituted for Snyder,
and the district was changed to the Fifteenth.
George D. Jackson was elected in 1866, and
C. R. Buckalew in 1869.
In 1871 Lycoming was substituted for North-
umberland, and Thomas Chalfant was elected
in 1872.
In 1874 the State was redistricted, no change
occurring in this district except the change of
the number to the Twenty-fourth. In 1874
and again in 1876 Robert P. Allen was elected ;
George D. Jackson, 1878, died in office, and
E. J. McHenry was elected in 1880 to fill the
vacancy; W. W. Hart, 1882; Verus H. Metz-
ger, 1886; Grant Herring, 1890; J. Henry
Cochran, 1894. 1898, 1902 and 1906; Charles
W. Sones. 1910 and 1914. No change has
been made in the formation of the district
from 1871 to the present (1914).
Members of General Assembly
By the Eighth section of the act creating
Columbia county in 1813 it was provided "that
the inhabitants of the counties of Northum-
berland, Union and Columbia shall jointly elect
four representatives" to the General Assembly.
Samuel Bound, Leonard Rupert, Thomas
Murray, Jr., and George Kreamer were elected
in 1813; David E. Owen, Robert Willett,
Joseph Hutchison and Henry Shaffer in 1814.
In 1815 Columbia was made a separate dis-
trict, with one member, and James McClure
was elected in that year; Samuel Bond, in
1816, 1817 and 1818; James McClure, 1819;
John Snyder, 1820; John Clark, 1821.
In 1822 the county was given two members,
and William McBride and Alexander Colley
were elected, and reelected in 1823; John Mc-
Reynolds and Eli Thornton, 1824; John
McReynolds and William McBride, 1826; John
McReynolds and Christian Bropst, 1827; John
McReynolds and John Robinson, 1828.
The representation was reduced to one mem-
ber in 1829, and John Robinson was elected;
Uzal Hopkins, 1830 and 1831 ; Isaac Kline,
1832 and 1833; John F. Derr, 1834 and 1835;
Evan O. Jackson, 1836; John Bowman, 1837;
William Colt, 1838 and 1839; Daniel Snyder,
1840, 1841, 1842, 1843; Thomas A. Funston,
1844 and 1845 ; Stewart Pierce, 1846, 1847,
1848; Benjamin P. Fortner, 1849.
In 1850 Columbia and Montour were joined
in a district, and John McReynolds was elected ;
M. E. Jackson in 1851; George Scott, 1852
and 1853; James G. Maxwell, 1854; John G.
Montgomery, 1855; Peter Ent, 1856.
In 1857 Columbia, Montour, Sullivan and
Wyoming were put together, with two mem-
bers, and Peter Ent and John V. Smith were
elected ; George A. Jackson and — ■ —
Oakes, 1858 and 1859 ; H. R. Kline and
Osterhaut, i860; Levi L. Tate and
Tutton, 1861 ; G. D. Jackson and J. C. Ellis,
1862 and 1863.
In 1864 Columbia and Montour were made
a district, and W. H. Jacoby was elected that
year and 1865; Thomas Ch 
